CA3004105A1 - Bed enclosure and multi-functional storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

A multifunctional modular storage unit characterized by its ability to store a bed in its horizontal position in the bottom of the cabinet and utilize the space above the bed to;
conceal a table, house appliances, accommodate counter space and provide the storage capacity in form of closets, shelving, cupboards and drawers in whole or in part or in any combination thereof.

Description

BED ENCLOSURE AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL STORAGE SYSTEM.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to a bed enclosure that is designed to utilize the space over the bed to;
provide conventional storage space, house furniture and appliances and incorporate counter space, or any combination thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Conventional housing designs create separate rooms based on their very specialized function. For example; kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, dens, laundry rooms and bath rooms, as their names imply, are all designed around their intended use. This singular functional design approach has increased the living area required and consequently increased housing costs to the point that many, especially singles both young and old, cannot afford even the most basic accommodation.
It has been long recognized that given cost of land, construction costs, carrying costs and utility costs tremendous savings can be achieved by living in smaller more efficient space. To accomplish this goal single purpose rooms must be transformed into multifunctional space and furniture must also be multifunctional or stored when not in use. Without this transformation unoccupied single purpose rooms become over sized storage compartments for bulky specialized furniture such as beds and tables.
To exploit the advantages of this type of transformation the prior art involves collapsing or folding the furniture so it fits into smaller storage compartments as in the case of folding chairs, collapsible tables and sofa-beds. Although this approach compresses the space required to store these items these so called "solutions" often sacrifices comfort and convenience. There are no better examples of these observations than an examination of sofa-beds and wall beds.
A "Sofa-bed" folds the mattress under the seat of the sofa. The bed tends to be extremely uncomfortable because, out of necessity, the mattress needs to be soft and thin in order to fold and fit into a confined space on top of a collapsible metal support system.
Further, the bed cannot

2 be made up and stored in advance of being used. Other inventions that fold the mattress to conserve space encounter these same issues.
"Murphy Beds" stand the bed up vertically against a wall when not in use and generally employ gas springs to ensure a smooth safe pivotal motion. Unfortunately, like the sofa-bed, the Murphy bed cannot be made up in advance because the linens will not stay in place as the bed moves from its horizontal to vertical position. This forces the person to make up the bed when he or she is tired and wants to go to sleep.
Typical patents related to the sofa beds, cabinet beds and wall beds are illustrated in the following patents:
PATENT IPC INVENTOR DATE
To 1038558 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) LATULIPPE 1978-09-19 N/A
1052055 (A47C 17/52 (2006.01) REPPAS 1979-04-10 N/A
decrea ___________________________________________________________ 1062406 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) ACKER 1979-09-18 N/A
se 1197352 (A47C 17/40 (2006.01) PAKOSH 1985-12-03 CDN
COStS 1256254 (A47C 17/04 (2006.01) CROSTHWAITE 1989-06-27 CDN
1279959 (A47C 17/04 (2006.01) NASSAR 1991-02-12 FRANCE
even 2051744 (A47C 17/04 (2006.01) RASNICK 1994-05-31 USA
furthe 2095159 (A47C 17/00 (2006.01) LECLERC 1993-04-29 CDN
r some 2137988 (A47C 17/04 (2006.01) POKORNY 1994-12-13 USA
2291176 (A47C 17/00 (2006.01) WEISZ 1998-05-22 CDN
develo ___________________________________________________________ 2320735 (A47C 17/04 (2006.01) TROTTIER 2000-09-26 CDN
pers 2424626 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) PAUL 2004-11-30 CDN
2440572 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) BROOKS 2003-09-10 USA
simply ___________________________________________________________ 2445547 (A47C 17/52 (2006.01) VOICU-ROMANESCU 2003-10-17 CDN
reduce 2448744 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) BAREFOOT 2007-08-21 USA
the 2484910 (A47C 17/38 (2006.01) MARTENS 2004-11-15 CDN
2487847 (A47C 17/52 (2006.01) BOKSER 2003-05-30 Brazil size of __________________________________________________________ 2570561 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) BOUDREAU 2012-07-10 CDN
the 2577377 (A47C 17/52 (2006.01) ARASON 2011-04-26 USA
apart 2800414 (A47C 17/38 (2006.01) GOSLING 2016-08-16 CDN
2857823 (A47C 17/52 (2006.01) FLORA 2014-07-24 CDN
ment _____________________________________________________________ 2870748 (A47C 17/38 (2006.01) GRIMOLDI 2013-04-16 Italy creati 2919884 (A47C 17/16 (2006.01) NAULT 2016-01-28 USA
ng 2976801 (A47C 17/38 (2006.01) RUBANO 2016-02-16 CDN
2978802 (A47B 85/00/40 (2006.01) HONARVAR 2017-09-08 CDN

3 When the floor space is reduced too dramatically the result is cramped quarters with limited utility. For example some apartments are so small there is insufficient room to accommodate a table forcing the occupant to eat off a kitchen counter or coffee table.
Developers also reduce the amount of closets and storage capacity to the point that insufficient storage is one of most common complaints concerning micro-apartments.
While multi-functionality of both rooms and furniture is a prerequisite to efficiency these results are not ideal. The optimum design must consider cost in concert with utility, comfort and convenience. The design approach must be holistic if the solution to one problem is not to create new ones.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein stems from the preceding observations and the fact that the space above a conventional bed is not utilized for any purpose. To make use of this space a bed could easily roll along the floor in and out of a cabinet while the space within the cabinet, situated above the bed, could be used for other purposes. For example, the cabinet could easily be designed to also; accommodate a table/desk, incorporate counter space, house appliances and replace conventional storage facilities. This solution addresses the issues related to comfort and convenience encountered with wall, sofa and cabinet beds, provides the ability to accommodate a table and provides much needed storage space. The precise configuration depends on the occupant's priorities but the combinations are virtually endless.
Notwithstanding, the configurations should adhere to conventional norms to ensure both utility and convenience. For example, drawers should be positioned below eye level. Shelving is more appropriate at the higher levels but need to be relatively shallow so the contents are easily seen and retrieved. While these norms create some challenges they also lead to opportunities. For example a table top is normally higher than the top of a bed and a counter is at a higher level than a table top. As a result these items can be effectively stacked in this vertical sequence within the enclosure.
While common modular cupboards can convert much of the otherwise wasted space above the bed into valuable storage space telescopic rails are required to move some of the cabinets in and out in order to access space that could not otherwise be reached.

4 The most efficient means to utilize the space is to access it from all four sides of the bed but if that is not possible the space can still be accessed from three sides. In this situation deeper sliding cabinets are required if the entire available space is to be utilized.
The fact that the storage cavity is above the bed does impose certain limitations. The size of the bed limits the cubic feet of storage and certain items cannot be placed above the bed. For additional storage and to consolidate items that ideally should be in close proximity the size of the cabinet can be expanded to create floor to ceiling cabinetry around three sides of the bed as opposed to just above the bed. Once above the bed the cabinets can begin to penetrate the storage cavity. If all the modern conveniences are desired this larger cabinet can conveniently consolidate most items of necessity and free up floor space. If, on the other hand, some conveniences are not required, i.e. cooking facilities, the smaller configuration may be ideal. Even the smaller version provides additional storage and can also conceal a desk and provide some counter space.
If all of the embodiments described herein are employed the main room can be transformed from a living room to a den, a dining room or a bedroom. The need for additional storage may be totally eliminated and, as an unintended benefit, the bed is no longer the focal point of the micro-apartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In order to describe the advantages and features of the invention in more detail the description that follows makes reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope but describe the invention with additional specificity.
The drawings are presented in the following order:
FIG. 1 is a front corner view of framing to; enclose a bed, define the storage cavity above the bed and support components that will be built into the cabinet above the bed.
FIG. 2 is a back and side corner view of framing, as depicted in Fig. 1.

5 FIG. 3 is a front corner side view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig.
1, after adding interior and exterior cladding.
FIG. 4 is a back corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 3, after adding cladding.
FIG. 5 is front corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 3, after adding closets.
FIG. 6 is a back corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 4, after adding closets.
FIG. 7 is a top down view of the bed enclosure after adding closets, as depicted in Fig. 5 and

6, to illustrate the underutilized storage space.
FIG. 8 is a front corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 5, after replacing one fixed closet with a deeper cabinet on telescopic rails.
FIG. 9 is a top down view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 8, to show the telescopic rails.
FIG. 10 is a top down view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 9, with the retractable cabinet in the closed position.
FIG. 11 illustrates the beginning of a second example. While the first example may have effectively utilized the space above the bed it employed only relatively deep closets and the occupant will most certainly have some other priority storage requirements.
This is a front corner view, as depicted in FIG 3, to which is added a table on telescopic rails and fold down legs.
FIG. 12 is a back corner view of the enclosed base with an added table on telescopic rails.
FIG. 13 is a front corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 12, with the table pulled out and legs folded down.
FIG. 14 is a front corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 13, with table retracted and with an added counter and wall.

FIG. 15 is a front and right side corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 14, with added wall cabinets.
FIG. 16 is a perspective front corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 15, with added mid level drawers.
FIG. 17 is a perspective front corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 16, with added upper enclosed shelving.
FIG. 18 is a back and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 17, to illustrate the remaining space in the storage cavity.
FIG. 19 is a back and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 18, with added linen closets.
FIG. 20 is a back and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 19, with an added retractable shelving unit to use up virtually all of the remaining space over the bed.
FIG. 21 is a back and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 20, with the retractable shelving unit closed to illustrate the little remaining space over the bed.
FIG. 22 is a front and side corner view of the enclosure to illustrate framing for yet another variation.
FIG. 23 is a back and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 22, of the framing.
FIG. 24 is a front view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 22, of the framing after adding telescopic rails to support a table and built in retractable cupboards.
FIG. 25 is a front and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 24, after adding a bed foot board and a retractable table.

7 FIG. 26 is a front view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 25, after adding sides to the table to conceal the table legs and the telescopic rails. Some drawers and electronic equipment has also been added to make use of some of the space behind the back splash.
FIG. 27 is a front view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 26, after adding a back splash.
FIG. 28 is a front and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 27, after adding one of the retractable cupboards.
FIG. 29 is a front and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 28, after adding the remaining retractable cupboards.
FIG. 30 is a front and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 29, after adding the remaining retractable cupboards and fixed wall cabins on the front and side of the enclosure.
FIG. 31 is a view from the back of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, after adding modular based cabinets, a counter top, a backsplash and upper wall cabinets.
FIG. 32 is a view from side 2 of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, to show the utilization of the storage cavity by the various built in components.
FIG. 33 is a side 2 and front 1 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, after adding floor to ceiling cabinets to side 2.
FIG. 34 is a front and side corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, after adding base cabinets to fourth side thereby completing the enclosure.
FIG. 35 is a back view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34.
FIG. 36 is a front corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the bed extended.

8 FIG. 37 is a front corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the desk extended.
FIG. 38 is a front corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the table pulled out.
FIG. 39 is a front corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the one of the retractable cupboards pulled out.
FIG. 40 is a top down view of the completed enclosure after being installed in a small apartment.
FIG. 41 is the view entering the apartment looking down the hall / kitchen 4.
FIG. 42 is the view entering the bath / laundry room.
FIG. 43 is a view of the kitchen and the adjacent main living area.
FIG. 44 is a view of the main living area.
FIG. 45 is a view of the walk in closet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It should be noted that the enclosure may be fabricated in various sizes and configurations to satisfy different functions and priorities. The system may be configured in a variety of ways to include any number of a selection of inter-changeable box shaped modular units, shelving assemblies, shelves, drawers, utility cabinets, beds, tables, counters, electronic devices, appliances in any of various sizes and configurations as the user may wish to configure for individual functions and tastes. The system is meant to be adaptable to change from one configuration to another for use now for one function and again at a later time with different or additional components for another function.

9 It is to be realized the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. For example, it is within the scope of the invention to modify and engineer the components to adapt the system for use with a plurality of sizes of mattresses and beds.
To demonstrate the flexibility of the principles of the invention the diagrams detail three different configurations.
The first example (Fig 1... 10) is the simplest design and, while it utilizes most of the wasted space above the bed, it consists solely of relatively deep closets limiting its utility.
The second configuration (Fig 11... 21) demonstrates how the space above the bed can be utilized for a variety of different purposes.
The third example (Fig 11...39) utilizes the space above the bed in much the same fashion as in the second example but also encloses the bed on three sides with cabinetry intended consolidate the storage requirements and accommodate components that need to rest on the floor.
The final drawings (Fig. 40 ...45) illustrate how the bed enclosure might be used within a small apartment to optimize the available space.
FIG. 1 is a perspective front 1 and side 4 corner view of framing to; enclose a bed 100, define the storage cavity above the bed and support components that will be built into the cabinet above the bed. A plurality of vertical studs 102 support a plurality of horizontal studs 103 that, in turn, will be

10 part of a platform that will support cabinets that will be placed above the bed. The corner posts 104 help define the storage cavity but are not structural in nature unless additional horizontal platforms are required to accommodate additional cabinets higher up within the enclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective back 3 and side 2 corner view of framing to as depicted in Fig. 1. The only difference in the framing from front 1 view is the vertical studs 102 on the back of the enclosure added for additional support. Similar studs 102 cannot be added to the front 1 because the bed 100 extends from that end.
FIG. 3 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 1, after adding cladding 106 over the studs as required.
FIG. 4 is a back 3 and side 2 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 3, after adding cladding 106 over the studs as required. The studding and the cladding totally boxes in the bed above and around the three sides.
FIG. 5 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 3, after adding closets 107 and 110. These closets could contain shelving as in the case of linen closets, have a rod as in the case of clothes closet or be relatively open as in the case of broom closets.
FIG. 6 is a back 3 and side 2 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 5, after adding closets 108 and 109. These closets would have similar attributes to those described in Fig. 4 FIG. 7 is a top down view of the bed enclosure after adding closets, as depicted in Fig. 5 and 6, to illustrate the underutilized storage space. While the closets; 107, 108, 109 and 110 utilize the most of the space above the bed closets of normal depth would still leave a wasted space 111 in the center of the enclosure. The amount of wasted space depends on the depth of the closets and the size of the bed but if closets of conventional depth are employed wasted space will persist.
FIG. 8 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 5, after replacing one fixed closet (110 in Fig. 7) with a deeper cabinet 112 on telescopic rails in order to avoid wasting space in the center of the enclosure. Note the shelving is accessed from the side of the

11 shelving unit when it is extended. Side access permits access without making the cabinet so deep as to make its use impractical.
FIG. 9 is a top down view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 8. In this example the movable closet 112 is extended and is actually an enclosed shelving unit accessed from both sides. The illustration also shows the telescopic rails 113 upon which the shelving unit 112 rests and slides.
FIG. 10 is a top down view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Fig. 8, with the retractable cabinet in the closed position. For illustration purposes the drawing shows the wasted space 111 almost eliminated. In fact, by extending the depth of the cabinet 112 the wasted space 111 can be totally eliminated.
FIG. 11 illustrates the beginning of a second example to accommodate additional priorities and show the flexibility of an above the bed storage approach. This is a front 1 side 4 corner view, as depicted in FIG 3, to which is added a table 114 on telescopic rails 113 and fold down legs 115.
Once the legs 115 are folded down the table top can be released from the telescopic rails and be used independently from the cabinet. Alternatively the table top can stay attached with the legs folded. If partially extended the unit acts conveniently as a desk.
FIG. 12 is a view from the back 3 side 2 corner view of the enclosed base 106 with an added table 114 on telescopic rails 113 as depicted in FIG 11.
FIG. 13 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 12, with the table 114 pulled out and detached from the telescopic rails 113. The table legs 115 are folded down and the table can be moved anywhere within the apartment.
FIG. 14 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 13, with table 116 retracted and with an added counter 117 and backsplash / wall 119. This configuration demonstrates the "stacking" of the bed 100, table 116 and counter top 117 without compromising their conventional heights. In this example the front corner posts 104 are shifted back to support the panel 119 that will act as a wall to which upper wall cabinets will be attached and provide unobstructed space on the counter top 117. Given the front vertical studs have moved back the

12 front vertical studs 102 are heightened to support the counter and cladding is added 118. Sides 116 are added to the table (114 in FIG 11) to conceal the table legs (115 in FIG 11) and the telescopic rails (113 in FIG 11).
FIG. 15 is a perspective front 1 and right 4 side corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 14, with added wall cabinets 120.
FIG. 16 is a perspective front 1 and right 4 side corner view of the bed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 15, with added mid level drawers 121. These drawers 121 are standard depth and still low enough for easy access.
FIG. 17 is front 1 and side 4 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 16, with added upper enclosed shelving 122. These enclosed shelving units or cupboards are similar to the cabinets 120 above the counter 117 but are built into the storage cavity to utilize a portion of that space. This enclosed shelving unit 122 would not be as deep as the drawers 121 situated below.
FIG. 18 is a back 3 and side 2 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 17, to illustrate the remaining space within the storage cavity. Note the storage cavity is no longer a convenient rectangular shape because the table 116 is protrudes into the storage cavity and the drawers 121 are deeper than the shelving unit 122. Notwithstanding, with a little creativity, virtually all the remaining space can be utilized.
FIG. 19 is a back 3 and side 2 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 18, with added storage closets 123. These standard closets 123 are deeper than standard shelving units 122 and consume much of the remaining space within the storage cavity. To demonstrate the versatility of the system shorter closets of the same depth could have replaced the shelving 121. Closets at that height might be used to store shirts or linens. The configuration depends as much on priorities as on the efficient use of space.
FIG. 20 is a back 3 and side 2 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 19, with an added retractable shelving unit 123 to use up virtually all of the remaining space over the bed. This unit

13 slides on a tractable track in the same fashion as the closet 112 in Fig. 9.
Given the depth of the unit's capacity is accessed from the side when the unit is open.
FIG. 21 is a back 1 and side 2 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 20, with the retractable shelving unit 123 closed to illustrate the little remaining unutilized space 125 over the bed. If the drawers 121 and the upper cabinets 122 are of standard dimensions this space is only about six inches wide but fairly deep. Whether one tries to utilize this space really depends on the user's need. If the space is not required it could simply be paneled over or a door could be used to create a storage space for long narrow items e.g. a skate board or a folding chair.
FIG. 22 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the enclosure to illustrate framing for yet another variation. In this embodiment the storage space is not confined to the space over the bed 100.
Base cabinets will surround three sides (2, 3 & 4) of cabinet to consolidate as many necessities or priorities as possible within a confined space. The rationale behind the framing design will become evident as components are added. At this stage, suffice it to say, vertical studs 126 support horizontal platforms 127 which, in turn, will support various components. The only component shown in this illustration is the counter top 130 that is resting on one of the horizontal platforms 127.
FIG. 23 is a front 1 and side 2 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 22, of the framing.
The bottom of the enclosure is not framed in at the end of the bed 100 because base cabinets will abutt the bed and vertical studs 126 and the bed 100 are not considered necessary.
FIG. 24 is a front 1 view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 22, after adding telescopic rails 131 on top of platform 129 to support a retractable table. Higher up within the enclosure additional telescopic rails 132 have been added that will support in retractable cupboards.
FIG. 25 is a front 1 view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 24, after adding a bed foot board 133 and a retractable tab1e134. Still visible is the telescopic rails 131 and the table legs 135 that fold down as required.

14 FIG. 26 is a front 1 view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 25, after adding sides to the table to conceal the table legs (135 in FIG 25) and the telescopic rails (131 in FIG
25) . Some drawers 137 and electronic equipment 138 have also been added to use up some of the space behind the back splash. The backsplash has not been shown in this illustration only to show how these components fit neatly into the storage cavity on top of one of the horizontal platforms 127.
FIG. 27 is a front 1 view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 26, after adding a back splash 139.
The built in drawers and electronic equipment is flush with the backsplash.
FIG. 28 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 27, after adding one the retractable cupboards 140.
When in the closed position the front door of the cupboard opens to reveal the shelving that faces the front 1. When the cupboard is pulled open the back portion to the cupboard is revealed and that shelving is accessed from the side. A modification which would be slightly cheaper to build is a retractable cupboard with the total capacity accessed from the side as opposed to partially from the front.
FIG. 29 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 28, after adding the remaining retractable cupboards 141 & 142. With the addition of these cupboards the front portion of the cabinet is complete. The footboard 133 conceals the bed. The sides of the table 136 conceal the table legs and telescopic rails. Drawers 137 & electronics 138 are built into the backsplash 139 and the retractable cupboards 140, 141 and 142 are situated above the backsplash.
FIG. 30 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 29, after adding the remaining retractable cupboards 142 & 143 and fixed wall cabinets on the front 144 and side 145 of the enclosure. These fixed wall cabinets are the commonly available modular kitchen cabinets with relatively shallow shelving behind the doors. The wall unit 146, in this example, fits a microwave oven 147. A backsplash 148 has also been added with a built in drawer 149.
FIG. 31 is a view from the back 3 of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, after adding modular based cabinets 150, a counter top 151, a backsplash 152 and upper wall cabinets. In this

15 embodiment the cabinets are offset from side 4 because the upper cabinets 146 and the microwave oven 147 are, to a certain extent, built in.
FIG. 32 is a view from side 2 of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, to show the utilization of the storage cavity by the various built in components. In this example the most efficient use of space occurs at the front 1 end of the enclosure. There the space over the bed is occupied by the table 136, the counter top 130, drawers 137 built into the back splash and wall cabinets 141 that not only occupy space above the counter but into the storage cavity. At the other end 3 the cabinet has been extended to accommodate base cabinets 150 which does not utilizes any portion of the space above the bed 100. The counter 151 over the base cabinet 150 does however protrude into the storage cavity as does the upper wall cabinets 153. On the far side the upper cabinets 145 are built in to a certain extent and, like the front 1 there is a drawer 149 built into the back splash.
To the extent there is an underutilization of the storage cavity it occurs in the center of enclosure over the bed 100 between the base cabinet 150 and the table 136. This unoccupied space is virtually impossible to utilize if conventional base cabinets are used on three sides or floor to ceiling cabinets are utilized. One could try to use more of the space above the counter height and below the upper wall cabinets but drawers built into the back splash may be obstructed by articles placed on the counter.
In summary, this example does not utilized every cubic inch of available storage space above the bed but it certainly uses the majority of it. Better space utilization is possible with fewer counters and more retractable cupboards but the best overall configuration depends on the occupant's priorities.
FIG. 33 is a side 2 and front 1 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, after adding floor to ceiling cabinets to side 2. In this illustration the upper cabinets 155, 157 &159 are the same depth as the base cabinets 154 156 & 158. Given their depth these cabinets 155 & 157 are more appropriately used as linen, clothes, or broom closets. Cabinets 155 and 154 could face either side 2 or the back 3 of the enclosure. Cabinets 159 and 158 could face either the front1 or the side 2.

16 In this example cabinet 155 faces the back and envisioned to be a linen closet. The base cabinet 154 is intended to house a clothes washer and dryer.
Cabinets 157 are intended to be clothes closets and the base cabinets would replace a conventional dresser.
Cabinet 158 could easily face either the front 1 or the side 2. If more clothes capacity is required the cabinet would open towards side 2. On the other hand, given the desk 136 is at the front 1 of the enclosure, the cabinet might be required to store office supplies in which case it would open towards the front 1. Alternatively it might open to the front 1 if it is used to store bedding given the bed 133 extends from the front of the cabinet.
Cabinet 159 is intended to house a small refrigerator. Cabinet 160 is really just a filler to bring the height even with the other cabinets. Given the height of this cabinet it would be used to store items that would not be required on a regular basis.
FIG. 34 is a front 1 and side 4 corner view of the enclosure, as depicted in Figure 30, after adding base cabinets to side 4 thereby completing the enclosure. To consolidate cooking necessities into a defined area side 4 replaces a conventional kitchen with a double sink 165 a cook top 166 and a dishwasher 164. Drawers in cabinet 161 and 163 would store utensils, pots and pans while the upper cabinets 145 would hold glasses, plates etc. in much the same fashion as a conventional kitchen layout. The only missing appliance in this arrangement is a conventional oven but modern day microwaves 147 now have the ability to double as an oven.
FIG. 35 is a back 3 view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34 after the completion of side 2 and side 4. The intent of this configuration is to facilitate a laundry facility on the back of the enclosure. The base cabinets 150 and the wall cabinets 153 would provide amble storage for dirty clothes, laundry detergent etc while the counter top 151 provides an area to fold clothes. A
combination washer and dryer 154 is built in and the large upper cabinet 155 could act as a linen closet.

17 Side 3 is separated from side 4 by a wall 169 so the dishwasher 164 the cook top 166 the microwave 147 and the wall cabinet 146 are not visible once one has entered the laundry / bath room.
FIG. 36 is a front 1 side 4 corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the bed 100 complete with foot board 133 extended.
FIG. 37 is a front 1 side 4 corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the desk 136 extended.
FIG. 38 is a front 1 side 4 corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the table 136 pulled out and detached from the enclosure with its legs 135 folded down.
FIG. 39 is a front 1 side 4 corner view of the completed enclosure, as depicted in Figure 34, with the one of the retractable cupboards 141 pulled out.
FIG. 40 is a top down view of the completed enclosure after being installed in a small apartment. In this plan, after entering the apartment the occupant can turn right through the door 169 to enter the bath room / laundry room 3 or go straight down the hall 4, through the kitchen, to enter the main living area 1. On the other side of the enclosure is a walk in closet 2.
To complete the closet a floor to ceiling clothes closet 168 has been added abutting the bathroom 3 wall.
FIG. 41 is the view entering the apartment looking down the hall 4. In this plan, after entering the apartment the occupant can turn right through the door 169 to enter the bath room / laundry room or go straight down the hall 4 to enter the main living area.
The kitchen facilities are exposed and the hallway 4 serves two purposes, both as a hallway and as the kitchen.
FIG. 42 is the view entering the bath / laundry room. To the left is the back of the enclosure as depicted in FIG. 35.

18 The base cabinets 150 and the wall cabinets 153 would provide amble storage for dirty clothes, laundry detergent etc while the counter top 151 provides an area to fold clothes. A combination washer and dryer 154 is built in and the large upper cabinet 155 could act as a linen closet.
The room also has a bath tub/ shower combination 170 sink 171 and, not shown, a toilet. Thus the room doubles as a laundry room and a bath room.
FIG. 43 is a view of the kitchen 4 and the adjacent main living area 1.
FIG. 44 is a view of the main living area 1. The desk, table and bed are in the closed position and not visible. When these components are extended the room is converted from a living room to a den to a dining room and to a bedroom.
The area to the left of the enclosure 2 is a walk in closet and area 4 is the hallway/ kitchen.
FIG. 45 is a view of the walk in closet. The floor to ceiling clothes closet 168 is not part of the enclosure but has been added for additional storage. The upper wall cabinets 157 would probably be used to store shirts or blouses and coupled with the drawers below 156 replaces the need for a dresser.
Cabinet 158 faces the living room 1 but, if more space is required for clothing it could just as easily open up to the side 2. Cabinet 159 that houses the refrigerator faces the living room 1. Cabinet 160 could open in either direction.

Claims (8)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A bed enclosure or cabinet that conceals a bed and includes one or more of the following components - a table, a desk, counters, appliances and modular storage compartments to utilize the space above the bed.

2. The bed enclosure as recited in claim 1 further comprising a bed on casters and easily extended out the enclosure either manually or by motorized means.

3. A bed enclosure as recited in claim 2 further comprising a table that can be partially extended out of the enclosure via telescopic rails so it can act as a desk.

4. A bed enclosure as recited in claim 3 further comprising a table with fold down legs that can be fully extracted from the enclosure and used independently from the enclosure.

5. A bed enclosure, as recited in claim 3, further comprising counters, at conventional heights above the bed and, if employed, any table stored within the enclosure.

6. A bed enclosure as recited in claim 1 further comprising commonly available modular cabinets that can be used to utilize most of the available space above the bed for storage,

7. A bed enclosure as recited in claim 1 further comprising commonly available modular cabinets that can be extended out of the cabinet thereby utilizing space above the bed that could not otherwise be reached using conventional fixed cabinets.

8. The use of conventional stand alone cabinets to surround the bed in order to increase and consolidate the storage requirements within a confined area.