Prefabricated kitchen-bath utility system

• US 4,221,441 A
• Filed: 04/09/1979
• Issued: 09/09/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Wilburtan Trust
• Original Assignee: William J. Bain
• Inventors: Bain, William J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nunberg, Casmir A.
• Application Number:
  US06/028,572
• Time in Patent Office: 519 Days
• Field of Search: 312/209, 312/228, 312/229, 312/237, 312/278, 312/279, 52/36, 52/79.1, 52/173
• US Class Current: 312/228
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 4/00 Combinations of baths, douches, sinks, wash-basins, closets, or urinals, not covered by a single other group of this subclass such combinations when connected to water supply or waste pipe E03C1/01
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/34869 Elements for special technical purposes, e.g. with a sanitary equipment

Abstract

A modular prefabricated kitchen/bath/utility system is disclosed for home or apartment installation. The system is provided with all utility services and may be built in three sections or modules for ease of transportation and introduction into a building or built as a single section. A first module is made up of two open-ended, back-to-back units, one unit supporting a range/oven unit, adjacent under-counter storage and overhead cabinet storage and the other back-to-back unit incorporating a space heating unit and a hot water heating unit. A second module adapted to fit adjacent the first module incorporates space for a refrigerator, under-counter cabinet storage and overhead cabinet storage with a counter and sink unit covering the under-counter cabinet storage units. A third module fits back-to-back against the second module and includes a one-piece molded tub/shower unit, an adjacent lavatory unit and a water closet. Wastewater drainage and water supply means are located in a space between the back wall of the third module and the back wall of the second module. The wastewater drainage system is operatively connected to the tub/shower unit, lavatory, kitchen sink and water closet. The water supply connections are also made so that, when the unit is installed, it can be quickly connected to existing sewer and water supplies. Access to the utility space is provided through a panel behind the water closet.

Claims

1. A prefabricated modular kitchen/bath/utility system ready for installation, the system provided with all utility services, comprising:

a first module made up of two back-to-back units, each unit having a lower supporting floor, sidewalls and a common back wall, one of the units supporting a range/oven and adjacent under-the-counter cabinet storage and overhead cabinet storage, the other unit including a hot water heating unit and a space heating unit covered by a pair of doors closing the open end of the module,

a second open-ended module having a lower supporting floor, back wall and parallel sidewalls with one sidewall adapted to abut the under-the-counter cabinet storage unit of the first module, the second module including space for a refrigerator unit and overhead cabinet storage, a dishwasher unit and under-the-counter cabinet storage,

a finished countertop including a sink unit covering the under-the counter cabinet storage unit of the first and second modules,

a third open-ended module adapted to fit back-to-back against the second module, the third module having a lower supporting floor, back wall and parallel sidewalls, an additional wall positioned forward and substantially parallel to the back wall forming a compartment between the additional wall and back wall of the module for utility services, the third module including a one-piece molded tub/shower unit, an adjacent lavatory unit whose upper portion overlaps the rim of the tub/shower unit and a water closet, and

wastewater drainage and vent means located in the compartment of the third module, the wastewater drainage and vent means operatively connectable to the tub/shower unit, lavatory unit, kitchen sink and water closet.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the back wall of the third module has a jog therein to form a portion of greater depth than the remainder of the module for receiving the tub/shower unit, and wherein the back wall of the second modules abutting the jogged portion of the back wall of the third module includes a corresponding jogged portion forming a portion of lesser depth than the depth of the remainder of the unit of the module receiving the refrigerator unit.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein access to the wastewater drainage and vent means is through an opening in the additional wall of the third module, the opening covered by the water closet.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the wastewater drainage means includes a common drain line connecting with the drain of the kitchen sink, tub/shower unit, lavatory unit and water closet, vent pipes extending vertically from the common drain line and a cleanout for the drain line extending through the back wall of the second and third modules, with access to the drain line being beneath the kitchen sink.