Modular Dwelling Unit Having Vertically Spaced Zones

Abstract

A modular dwelling is disclosed that includes a dwelling unit, a rectangular base, four exterior walls extending from the base to the roof, and at least one entrance through one of the exterior walls. The dwelling unit also includes a utility zone disposed above the base, a residential zone disposed above the utility zone, a storage zone above the dwelling zone, a mechanical zone above the storage zone, and lifting devices in the mechanical zone adapted to raise and lower furnishings between the storage zone and the dwelling zone. Preferably, the modular dwelling includes multiple dwelling units arranged side by side and/or stacked vertically.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular dwelling, comprising:
 a dwelling unit, comprising:
 a rectangular base; 
 four exterior walls extending from the base to the roof; 
 at least one entrance through one of the exterior walls; 
 a utility zone disposed above the base; 
 a residential zone disposed above the utility zone; 
 a storage zone above the dwelling zone; 
 a mechanical zone above the storage zone; and 
 lifting devices in the mechanical zone adapted to raise and lower furnishings between the storage zone and the dwelling zone. 
   
     
     
         2 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , comprising at least two dwelling units attached side-to-side. 
     
     
         3 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , comprising at least two dwelling units attached top-to-bottom. 
     
     
         4 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the dwelling unit comprises at least two modules. 
     
     
         5 . The modular dwelling of  claim 4 , wherein one of the at least two modules is a convertible module adapted for conversion to different configurations. 
     
     
         6 . The modular dwelling of  claim 5 , wherein the convertible module is converted into different configurations by raising or lowering furnishings between the dwelling zone and the storage zone. 
     
     
         7 . The modular dwelling of  claim 6 , wherein the convertible room is converted into a bedroom by lowering a bed into the convertible room. 
     
     
         8 . The modular dwelling of  claim 4 , wherein each of the at least two modules have the same dimensions. 
     
     
         9 . The modular dwelling of  claim 7 , wherein each of the at least two modules are about 8.25 feet wide by 16.5 feet long. 
     
     
         10 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the lifting devices comprise a motor, a spool, and a line. 
     
     
         11 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one entrance is located in an end of the dwelling unit. 
     
     
         12 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one entrance is located in a side of the dwelling unit. 
     
     
         13 . The modular dwelling of  claim 2 , further comprising at least one passage between the at least two dwelling units attached side-to-side. 
     
     
         14 . The modular dwelling of  claim 13 , wherein the passage comprises a panel that is moved to open the passage. 
     
     
         15 . The modular dwelling of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is raised into the storage zone. 
     
     
         16 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the utility zone is about 16 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the dwelling zone is about 95 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the storage zone is about 48 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the mechanical zone is about 9 inches. 
     
     
         20 . The modular dwelling of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the dwelling is about 14 feet.