US20020194796A1

US20020194796A1 - Modular living enclosure

Info

Publication number: US20020194796A1
Application number: US09/886,965
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell Kress
Original assignee: Ceramal Research and Development Corp
Current assignee: Ceramal Research and Development Corp
Priority date: 2001-06-21
Filing date: 2001-06-21
Publication date: 2002-12-26

Abstract

A modular living enclosure for occupancy by a person comprises a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, a top wall and a door opening when assembled, at least one of said enclosure sections being molded to form bathroom fixtures comprising a toilet communicated to a waste disposal for comminuting toilet waste, a washbasin, shower, and a floor drain. The washbasin and the floor drain communicate to a sump chamber disposed on the enclosure and having a sump pump therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular living enclosure that can be assembled in an existing or new building and connected to building services to support occupancy of a person therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A modular security cell for confining a prisoner in an existing building is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,584. The cell is formed by assembling substantially identical flat wall and ceiling panels on the existing floor of the building. Furniture and bathroom fixtures, such as a toilet and washbasin, are provided separately from the cell and must be placed into the cell as separate components.

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular living enclosure to support occupancy by a person, such as for example a prisoner, for extended time such as days, months or years.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular living enclosure to support occupancy by a person wherein the living enclosure is assembled from multiple molded plastic enclosure sections in an existing or new building and wherein one or more enclosure sections is/are molded to form certain integral features such as for example only bathroom fixtures and/or furniture features on the enclosure to permit occupancy by a person for extended time, such as days, months or years.

The present invention provides in one embodiment a modular living enclosure comprising multiple enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, a top wall and door opening when assembled. The enclosure sections preferably comprise a hard, abrasion resistant inner layer that defines the interior surfaces of the cell and preferably comprises ceramic particulates in a fire retardant synthetic resin. The inner layer is backed by a plurality of fiber reinforced, particulate-filled synthetic resin layers to form a wall thickness of the enclosure sections. One or more the layers behind the hard inner layer can include a pigment to impart a color to the layer(s) that is different from that of the inner layer to warn of any penetration of the gel coat layer by a prisoner in the event the enclosure is used to house a prisoner. For example, the inner layer can have a white color, while one or more fiber reinforced layers can be orange in color.

In another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the enclosure sections are molded to include features that form bathroom fixtures and/or furniture features in the living enclosure when the enclosure sections are assembled for use by a person during extended time. For example, a toilet fixture, washbasin fixture, shower, and floor drain can be molded on one or more other enclosure sections and connected to building water and sewer service lines. A bed surface, seating surface, a desk surface and other furniture features can be molded on one or more of the enclosure sections. In an illustrative embodiment, the washbasin and a shower are supplied with water from building water service lines. The enclosure may include an electrical water heater to provide hot water to the washbasin and shower. The drains of the washbasin and floor drain are communicated to a common sump chamber on the enclosure. The sump chamber is pumped to a building sewer service line. The toilet is connected to a waste disposal device, such as a garbage disposal, that comminutes waste that then is pumped to a building sewer line. A lighting fixture, ventilation fan, monitoring camera as well as temperature control and emergency fire/smoke sprinkler protection devices can be provided on the enclosure and connected to a building electrical service line. A programmable computer control unit can be used to control supply of water to the bathroom fixtures and supply of electrical power to electrical devices on the enclosure.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the molded enclosure sections include cooperating L-shaped flanges by which the sections are assembled. When joined together, the L-shaped flanges form an upstanding surface on which a fascia panel can be fastened to cover one or more sides of the assembled living enclosure or adjacent living enclosures in the event several living enclosures are arranged in a row.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the following drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular living enclosure pursuant to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. [0009]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular living enclosure taken at a different viewing angle. [0010]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the modular living enclosure opened along a central axis to illustrate interior furniture and bathroom features molded on enclosure sections. [0011]
FIG. 4 is a view of the floor of the modular living enclosure. [0012]
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the interior of a front wall, in section, of a modular living enclosure pursuant to another embodiment of the invention. [0013]
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the interior of a side wall, in section, of the modular living enclosure of FIG. 5. [0014]
FIG. 7 is a view of the floor of the modular living enclosure taken along lines [0015] 7-7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a view of a side wall of the modular living enclosure taken along lines [0016] 8-8 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a view of the side wall of the modular living enclosure taken along lines [0017] 9-9 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along lines [0018] 10-10 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10A is an elevational view of [0019] region 10 of FIG. 10.
FIG. 10B is a section view of [0020] region 10B of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 11 is a view taken along lines [0021] 11-11 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 12 is a view taken along lines [0022] 12-12 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view taken along lines [0023] 13-13 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 14 is a partial elevation of the shower drain. [0024]
FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along lines [0025] 15-15 of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a partial elevation of the port hole. [0026]
FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along lines [0027] 17-17 of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lighting fixture. [0028]
FIG. 19 is a transverse sectional view of the lighting fixture. [0029]
FIG. 20 is schematic diagram of multiple living enclosures arranged to form a people housing system. [0030]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of multiple living enclosures arranged in a building.[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. [0032] 1-4, a modular living enclosure 10 for a person pursuant to an illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown to illustrate the invention but not limit the scope of the invention. The living enclosure 10 is especially useful as a prisoner cell to confine a prisoner for extended time, such as days, months or years in self-container manner in that the enclosure includes bathroom fixtures and furniture features that permit a prisoner to live in the enclosure for extended time. The invention is not limited to use as a prisoner living enclosure (prisoner cell) and can be used as a living enclosure in emergency situations such as fire, floods and the like, as a supplemental living enclosure to supplement an existing housing facility, such as a hospital, dormitory, motel, barracks, home and in any other situation where a further living enclosure is needed.
An illustrative modular [0033] living enclosure 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 as comprising a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, 20 e, 20 f that are assembled to define an enclosure floor F, four upright side walls S1, S2, S3, S4, and a top wall T and a door opening DO when assembled. The floor and portions of the side walls are formed by enclosure sections 20 a, 20 b. The remainder of the side walls are formed by sections 20 c, 20 d. The closed top wall of the enclosure 10 is formed by top sections 20 e, 20 f.
The [0034] sections 20 a, 20 b include molded-on feet 20 af, 20 bf that are adapted to rest on the floor FL of an existing or new building B, FIG. 21, and to be attached to floor FL by suitable fasteners or other means. For example, the horizontal flange portion of the L-shaped feet 20 af and 20 bf include drilled holes to receive a respective screw SC or other fastener by which the enclosure 10 is fixed to the floor of the building B. The floor FL of the building typically will be concrete such that the fastener FL is selected of the type for use in fastening to concrete. Other building floor materials may be encountered, and the fasteners FL will be selected accordingly. Support legs LL can be positioned under the outside corners of sections 20 a, 20 b on the building floor FL for further support of the enclosure 10. The support legs can be hinged to the enclosure sections or otherwise attached thereon, or they may separate support legs positioned between the underside of the enclosure and the building floor.
The [0035] section 20 a is illustrated as being molded to include an integral bed surface 31, seat or stool surface 32, and shelf surface 33 for use by the occupant of the enclosure. The section 20 b is illustrated as being molded to include an integral bathroom washbasin fixture 34, toilet 35, floor drain 37, and a shower head (not shown) on the section 20 f above the floor drain 37 to this same end. The floor of the enclosure is designed to slope toward the floor drain 37 so that the inside surfaces of the assembled enclosure 10 can be sprayed or otherwise washed down with water and/or cleaning solution to clean them and drained through the floor drain 37.
The washbasin, toilet, floor drain, and shower are adapted to be connected to a building water service line and a building sewer line as described below with respect to FIGS. [0036] 5-20. Similarly, electrical lighting fixtures and other electrical devices (not shown in FIGS. 1-4) provided on the enclosure as described below with respect to FIGS. 5-20 are adapted to be connected to building electrical service. FIGS. 1-4 are offered merely to illustrate simplified views of one embodiment of the enclosure sections 20 a-20 f preparatory to describing a preferred embodiment of the enclosure sections pursuant to the invention. FIG. 21 illustrates several living enclosures 10 disposed on floor FL in building B having roof RF. The building B can be a warehouse, gymnasium, garage, or any other new or exiting building in which the enclosures can be positioned.
The [0037] sections 20 a, 20 b are molded to include integral molded-on L-shaped flanges 21 a, 21 b and flat flanges 21 aa, 21 bb, FIG. 3, that are abutted during assembly and fastened together as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The flanges 21 a, 21 b are located on the bottom of each of the sections 20 a, 20 b. The flanges 21 a, 21 b can include drilled holes 31, FIG. 3, in registry with one another and through which fasteners (not shown but similar to fasteners 38 described below) such as bolts can be inserted and secured with nuts to join the flanges 21 a, 21 b together. When assembled together, the flanges 21 a, 21 b located on the floor regions of the sections 20 a, 20 b collectively form an intermediate foot between feet 20 af, 20 bf, FIG. 1, for resting on the floor FL of the building. The flanges 21 aa, 21 bb on the rear side wall region include drilled holes and are similarly joined together by fasteners 38. The flanges 21 a, 21 b; 21 aa, 21 bb as well as the other molded-on flanges described below on the enclosure sections alternatively, or in addition, may be clamped or otherwise fastened together. When assembled at the flanges 21 a, 21 b; 21 aa, 21 bb, the sections 20 a, 20 b include a parting line PL1 on the floor F and rear side wall S4 of the enclosure 10. The floor F of the sections 20 a, 20 b can be molded to include a non-slip interior surface, such as a raised diamond pattern (not shown) on the floor F or any other surface features and/or textures, to provide secure footing.
The [0038] sections 20 a, 20 b also include molded-on curvilinear forwardly facing flanges 22 a, 22 b on the front side wall S3. The flanges 22 a, 22 b each include horizontal and upright regions connected by a curved region to form a lower portion of the door opening DO.
The [0039] sections 20 a, 20 b also include molded-on, laterally extending horizontal flanges 23 a, 23 b that face upwardly. These flanges are adapted to receive the enclosure sections 20 c, 20 d thereon.
For example, the [0040] sections 20 c, 20 d include horizontal downwardly facing, laterally extending flanges 24 a, 24 b that rest on upwardly facing flanges 23 a, 23 b. The flanges 23 a, 23 b; 24 a, 24 b extend about the periphery of the enclosure, except for door opening DO, and include drilled holes through which fasteners 38 such as bolts 38 a can be inserted and secured with nuts 38 b as described above.
The [0041] sections 20 c, 20 d also include molded-on forwardly extending, upright flanges 25 a, 25 b on the front side wall S3. The flanges 25 a, 25 b form an intermediate portion of the door opening DO. The sections 20 c, 20 d also include molded-on rearwardly extending, upright flanges 26 a, 26 b on the rear side walls. The flanges 26 a, 26 b include drilled holes through which fasteners 38 can be inserted and secured with nuts 38 b as described above. When assembled, the sections 20 a, 20 b; 20 c, 20 d include therebetween a horizontal parting line PL2 on the lateral and rear side walls S1, S2, S4 and an upright parting line PL3 on the rear side wall S4 of the enclosure 10.
The [0042] sections 20 c, 20 d also include molded on horizontal flanges 27 a, 27 b that face upwardly. These flanges are adapted to receive the enclosure sections 20 e, 20 f thereon.
For example, the [0043] sections 20 e, 20 f include downwardly facing, horizontal flanges 28 a, 28 b that rest on upwardly facing flanges 27 a, 27 b. The flanges 27 a, 27 b; 28 a, 28 b extend about the periphery of the enclosure, except for door opening DO, and include drilled holes in registry with one another and through which fasteners 38 such as bolts 38 a can be inserted and secured with nuts 38 b as described above.
The [0044] sections 20 e, 20 f also include molded-on forwardly extending downwardly facing, horizontal flanges 29 a, 29 b on the front side wall S3. The flanges 29 a, 29 b form an upper portion of the door opening DO.
The [0045] sections 20 e, 20 f also include molded-on upwardly extending, upright flanges 30 a, 30 b on the top wall T. The flanges 30 a, 30 b include registered drilled holes through which fasteners 38 can be inserted and secured as described above. When assembled, the sections 20 c, 20 d; 20 e, 20 f include therebetween a horizontal parting line PL4 on the lateral and rear side walls S1, S2, S4 and a parting line PL5 on the top wall T of the enclosure 10.
When the [0046] enclosure sections 20 a-20 f are assembled as described, living enclosure 10 is formed having enclosure floor F, four upright side walls S1, S2, S3, S4, a top wall T and a door opening DO. A door (not shown) can be hinged or otherwise fastened on the enclosure to close off the opening DO. The door is not shown in FIGS. 1-4 for convenience is illustrating interior features of the enclosure 10. The door can be hinged on the upright jamb surfaces of the flanges 22 a, 22 b and 25 a, 25 b defining the opening DO. The door can be provided with a suitable shape to close off the opening DO and a conventional lock or latch mechanism (not shown) to cooperate with a lock or latch mounted on the enclosure 10.
Although not shown in FIGS. [0047] 1-4, a decorative fascia panel can be attached to the side walls S1, S2, S3, S4 to hide the joined flanges 23 a, 23 b; 24 a, 24 b; etc. and exterior surfaces of the sections 20 a-20 f from view. The flanges 23 a, 23 b; 24 a, 24 b; 27 a, 27 b; 28 a, 28 b; 29 a, 29 b can be molded to have an L-shape as illustrated in FIG. 10A to provide an upright surface to which an upright decorative fascia panel can be readily attached as described below with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 5-20. The fascia panel P can be molded to include layers R1-R4 described below, or it can comprise any suitable panel material.
The [0048] enclosure sections 20 a-20 f each are molded to have a wall W having an inner abrasion resistant, ceramic particulate-filled gel coat layer R1 defining an interior surface of said enclosure, FIGS. 1-2, when the enclosure sections are assembled. Each wall W also is molded to include a plurality of fiber reinforced, particulate-filled resin layers behind the hard inner layer R1.
For example, each [0049] enclosure section 20 a-20 f can be made by spraying a suitable plastic material on a respective master mold (not shown) having a configuration to produce each particular enclosure section 20 a-20 f. For purposes of illustration, each enclosure section can be made by spraying on its master mold in a first step, a first relatively hard, abrasion resistant filled plastic, fire retardant resin inner layer R1 (FIG. 10B) using a filled resin system #1 as described in Table #1 through a commercially available two-chamber spray gun (e.g. PRO Series spray gun from manufacturer, Venus Gusmer Inc.) having a static mixer of sufficient length to thoroughly mix filled resin system #1 with a methyl ethyl ketone peroxide catalyst (e.g. High Point 90 by Witco Corporation) as it is sprayed on the surface of the master mold. This mixture (i.e. resin system #1 and catalyst) is then allowed to polymerize or cure to a relatively high hardness; namely, 65 to 75 Barcol Hardness. The filled resin system #1 (step 1) is sprayed to form inner hard gel coat layer R1 to have a nominal thickness of about 0.030 inch. Although spraying is the preferred method of application, filled resin system #1 can be hand catalyzed, mixed, and then brushed on or poured on the surface of the mold and allowed to polymerized or cure.
A second filled, plastic fire retardant resin layer R[0050] 2 (FIG. 10B) is sprayed on the inner hard layer R1 after it cures using a filled resin system #2 as described in Table #2 through a commercially available two-chamber spray gun (e.g. PRO Series spray gun from manufacturer, Venus Gusmer Inc.) having a static mixer of sufficient length to thoroughly mix filled resin system #2 with a methyl ethyl ketone peroxide catalyst (e.g. High Point 90 by Witco Corporation) as it is sprayed on the surface of the mold. This mixture (i.e. resin system #2 and catalyst) is then allowed to polymerize or cure to a hardness of 50-60 Barcol Hardness. The filled resin system #2 (step 2) is sprayed to form a filled intermediate resin layer R2 to have a nominal thickness of about 0.030 inch. Although spraying is the preferred method of application, filled resin system #2 can be hand catalyzed, mixed, and then brushed on or poured on the surface of the mold and allowed to polymerized or cure.
After the aforementioned mixture forming intermediate filled resin layer R[0051] 2 has cured, a step 3 involves spraying another plastic layer R3 behind the second layer R2. The third layer R3 is formed by spraying the resin system #2 as described above on layer R2 immediately followed by spraying filled resin system #3 as described in Table 3 and chopped fiberglass fibers through a two-chamber gun of the type described above having a static mixer of sufficient length to thoroughly mix filled resin system #3 with the above catalyst as it is sprayed. This spray gun is also be equipped with a conventional chopper head available from the above manufacturer to cut the fiberglass gun roving into 1″ lengths. Both the chopped fibers and the filled resin system #3 are simultaneously sprayed behind the filled resin system #2 at a preferred ratio of 70% by weight of resin and 30% by weight of chopped fiberglass. The mixture is then rolled out and allowed to polymerize or cure to form fiber reinforced filled resin layer R3. Step #3 described above is repeated three more times to form fiber reinforced filled resin layers R4, R5, R6. Each fiber reinforced filled resin layer R3, R4, R5, R6 has a nominal thickness of about 0.090 inch. The total thickness of the wall W of each cell section is about 0.42-0.43 inch, although other wall thicknesses can used in practice of the invention. A cross-section through the wall W of a cell section is shown in FIG. 10B.
The door described above for closing off opening DO is molded in the same manner as described for [0052] sections 20 a-20 f. The door will comprise inner hard layer R1 with additional layers R2-R5 behind the inner layer R1 as described above for the enclosure sections 20 a-20 f, and an additional hard outer layer R1 described above.

Table I

Resin System #1

Filled [0053] resin system #1 is available as KZ Ceramic Gelcoat from Ceramic Technologies Corporation of Rowley, Iowa and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,851, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. An illustrative system comprises a mixture consisting of 25% by weight of a commercially available fire retardant, synthetic plastic resin selected from the polyester or vinyl ester group, (although other thermosetting or other plastic resins may be found suitable), 72% by weight of tabular alumina particles, 2% by weight of wollastonite based product (filler particles) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,604 and sold under the trademark “KZ6” by Ceramic Technologies Corporation of Rowley Iowa, and 1% by weight Titanium Dioxide. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above mixture has been found to be preferred but that deviation from the percents listed or the filler or other constituents used is within the scope of this invention.

Table 2

Resin System #2

Filled [0054] resin system #2 comprises a mixture consisting of 48% by weight of a commercially available fire retardant, synthetic plastic resin selected from the polyester or vinyl ester group, (although other thermosetting or other plastic resins may be found suitable), 48% by weight of wollastonite based product (filler particles) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,604 and sold under the trademark “KZ6” by Ceramic Technologies Corporation of Rowley Iowa, 2% by weight of the mineral Talc, 1% by weight of a hollow microsphere sold under the trademark “Dualite” by Pierce and Stevens Corporation of Buffalo N.Y., and 1% by weight Titanium Dioxide. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above mixture has been found to be preferred but that deviation from the percents listed or the filler or other constituents used is within the scope of this invention.

Table 3

Resin System #3

[0055] Resin system #2 comprises a mixture consisting of 71% by weight of a synthetic plastic resin selected from the polyester or vinyl ester group, (although other thermosetting plastic resins may be found suitable), 25% by weight of wollastonite based product (filler particles) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,604 and sold under the trademark “KZ9” by Ceramic Technologies Corporation of Rowley Iowa, 2% by weight of the mineral Talc, 1% by weight of a hollow microsphere sold under the trademark “Dualite” by Pierce and Stevens Corporation of Buffalo N.Y., and 1% by weight Titanium Dioxide. An optional pigment such as “Moly-Orange” pigment available from HK Research Corporation can be substituted for titanium dioxide in the mixture in the same amount (1% by weight) to impart an orange color to layers R5, R6 as described below. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above mixture has been found to be preferred but that deviation from the percents listed or the filler or other constituents used is within the scope of this invention.
It will be noted that the filled [0056] resin system #1, #2 and #3 each contain the catalyst described above so that the layers forming the enclosure section walls W cure on the mold without the need for heating to this end.
The [0057] resin systems #1, #2 without chopped fibers and resin system #3 with chopped fiberglass fibers as described above are sprayed on a one piece, open-bottom master mold (not shown) shaped to correspond to a respective enclosure section 20 a-20 f. The master mold is fabricated of the same material layers as described above that are sprayed on a respective master wooden pattern. Each fabricated master mold is provided with a draft angle of 1 degree (or other suitable draft angle) to permit removal of each sprayed, cured enclosure section 20 a-20 f vertically from its master mold out of the open bottom of the mold.
If the [0058] enclosure 10 is to be used to house a prisoner (prisoner cell), one or more the layers R2-R5 behind the inner hard layer R1 can include a pigment to impart a color to one or more of the layer(s) R2-R5 that is different from that of the inner layer R1 to warn of any penetration of the inner hard layer R1 by a prisoner. For example only, the layers R1-R4 can have a white color, while an orange (or other color) pigment can be added to resin system #3 used to form the fiber reinforced layers R5, R6 such that those layers have a bright orange color. For example, the above pigment known as “Moly-Orange” pigment available from HK Research Corporation can be substituted for titanium dioxide in the resin system #3 in an amount of 1% by weight to impart an orange color to layers R5, R6 if the enclosure is to be used as a prisoner cell.
Should a prisoner attempt to escape from the [0059] enclosure 10 by abrading and/or cutting away the interior surface, the orange color of layers R5, R6 will visually appear and provide a visual alert of such prisoner activity. The high hardness of the inner gel coat layer R1 will make abrasion and/or cutting of the interior of the enclosure difficult and time consuming by the prisoner.
Referring to FIGS. [0060] 5-20, a preferred living enclosure for use in housing a prisoner is shown for purposes of illustration and not limitation. In FIGS. 5-20, similar reference numerals primed are used to designate similar features of FIGS. 1-4. Each enclosure section 20 a′-20 i′ is made by spraying suitable plastic materials described above on a respective master mold of each enclosure section to form the enclosure configuration having wall W′ including the above inner hard layer R1 forming the interior surfaces of the assembled enclosure backed by layers R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6.
The [0061] enclosure 10′ includes a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections 20 a′, 20 b′, 20 c′, 20 d′, 20 e′, 20 f′, 20 g′, 20 h′, and 20 i′ that are assembled to define an enclosure floor F′, four upright side walls S1′, S2′, S3′, S4′, a top wall T′ and a door opening DO′ when assembled. The floor and portions of the side walls are formed by three lower enclosure sections 20 a′, 20 b′ and 20 g′, FIG. 7, rather than two sections 20 a, 20 b of FIGS. 1-4. The three sections 20 a′, 20 b′, 20 g′ are shown best in FIG. 7 and define parting lines PLlA′ and PLlB′ in the floor and side walls of the enclosure. It is apparent that sections 20 a′, 20 b′ are oriented parallel to one another and the front and rear side walls S3′, S4′ of the enclosure 10′ and perpendicular to section 20 g′. The remainder of the side walls are formed by four sections 20 c′, 20 d′, 20 h′, 20 i′ stacked atop sections 20 a′, 20 b′, 20 g′, respectively. The sections 20 c′, 20 d′, 20 h′, 20 i′ define upright parting lines (e.g. PL3′) between one another and horizontal parting lines (e.g. PL2′, PL4′) with the enclosure sections 20 a′, 20 b′, 20 g′ and 20 e′, 20 f′. The closed top wall of the enclosure 10′ is formed by top sections 20 e′, 20 f′. The top sections 20 e′, 20 f′ are oriented parallel to the front and rear side walls S3′, S4′ of the enclosure 10′ rather than perpendicular thereto as in FIGS. 1-4.
The [0062] sections 20 a′-20 i′ are connected together by molded-on integral L-shaped flanges 121 a′, 121 b′, FIG. 10A, rather than the horizontal flanges 23 a, 23 b; 24 a, 24 b; etc. of FIGS. 1-4. The L-shaped flanges of adjacent enclosure sections nest in one another and are fastened together by fasteners 38′ comprising bolt 38 a′ and nut 38 b′. A silicone or other sealant (not shown) can be applied between the flanges before assembly. The nested flanges 121 a′, 121 b′ define an upright surface 38 c″ on which decorative fascia panel P′, FIG. 12, can be mounted for purposes described above. In FIGS. 5-20, all of the L-shaped flanges on sections 20 a′-20 g′ are designated 121 a′, 121 b′ for convenience.
[0063] Sections 20 a′, 20 b′, 20 g′ can include molded-on feet (not shown) similar to feet 20 af, 20 bf (FIGS. 1-4) that are adapted to rest on floor FL of building B and to be attached thereto by suitable fasteners or other means as described above. Support legs (not shown) similar to legs LL of FIGS. 1-4 can be placed under section 20 g′ and other sections for stability.
The [0064] sections 20 a′, 20 b′ are illustrated as being molded to include an integral bed surface 31′, seat or stool surface 32′ for use by the occupant of the enclosure. Section 20 c′ is illustrated as being molded to form the shelf surface 33′ and desk surface 36′. The section 20 g′ is illustrated as being molded to include an integral bathroom washbasin fixture 34′, toilet 35′, shower 41′, floor drain 37′ to this same end. Section 20 h′ is illustrated as being molded to include shelves 39′. Section 20 f′ is illustrated as being molded to include a shower 41′ formed by integral shower dome or head 41 a′ having drilled holes 41 b′ for water discharge. A dome closure 41 c′ is molded separately and joined to section 20 f′ as described below for sump chamber SP′. The floor of the enclosure is designed to slope toward the floor drain 37′ so that the shower 41′ drains thereto and so that inside surfaces of the assembled enclosure 10′ can be sprayed or otherwise washed down with water and/or cleaning solution to clean them and drained through the floor drain 37′.
The [0065] bathroom fixtures 34′, 35′, 37′, 41′ are adapted to be connected to a building water service line WAT′ and a building sewer line SEW′ shown in FIG. 20 illustrating a plurality of enclosures 10′ arranged as a people (prisoner) housing system.
Cold and hot [0066] water supply pipes 34 a′, 34 b′ extend up the exterior of section 20 g′ each enclosure 10′ to a respective solenoid control valve SO1′ and SO2′ (or other electrical valve actuator) that are electrically connected to and actuated by a respective “cold” pushbutton B1′ and “hot” pushbutton B2′ on shelves 39′ to dispense cold or hot water to the washbasin 34′. That is, pushbutton B1′ actuates solenoid SO1′ to dispense cold water. Pushbutton B2′ actuates solenoid SO2′ to dispense hot water. The pipes 34 a′, 34 b′ are passed from the solenoid control valves through the molded-on shelves 39′ to a conventional water dispensing spigot 34 c′ located above the washbasin 34′. Solenoid control valves SO1′, SO2′ are under control of a computer control unit CPU associated with each enclosure 10′ to provide a programmed “on” time of water flow after either buttons B1′ or B2′ is actuated. The supply pipes 34 a′, 34 b′ are connected to the building water supply line WAT′. A commercially available electrical hot water heater HT′ is disposed on the outside of section 20 g′ and connected to hot water supply pipe 34 b′ to provide hot water at a preset temperature (e.g. 104 degrees F.).
The [0067] washbasin 34′ is connected by a drain pipe 34 d′ to a sump chamber SP′ formed on the bottom of the section 20 g′ below the floor drain 37′, FIG. 12. The sump chamber SP′ is molded of resin layers R1-R4 separately and then joined to the bottom of section 20 g′ by pressing it on the uncured bottom of section 20 g′ during manufacture thereof. The sump chamber can include an access cover (not shown) fastened thereto to provide access for maintenance. In lieu of sump chamber SP′, a larger sump pan (not shown) can be provided under the enclosure 10′ to collect waste water from the washbasin and shower for pumping out periodically by a sump pump.
The [0068] floor drain 37′ drains into the sump chamber SP′ via a perforated drain cover 37 a′ and drain trap 37 b′ shown in more detail in FIGS. 14-15. The drain cover 37 a′ is fastened by fasteners 37 c′ and sealed by annular seal 37 d′ to the drain trap 37 b′. The drain trap 37 b′ includes a side opening 37 e′ that drains water to the sump chamber SP′. A sump pump PP′ is disposed in the sump chamber SP′ to pump the water therein via drain pipe DP′ to the building sewer line SEW′. The discharge water from the washbasin 34′ and shower 41′ is thereby drained from the enclosure 10′.
The [0069] shower 41′ includes shower head 41 a′ formed in the wall of section 20 f′ with a plurality of holes 41 b′ drilled in the wall to form discharge openings to form a shower spray. The shower 41′ is supplied with heated water from hot water pipe 41 d′ connected to the hot water heater HT′ that also supplies hot water to spigot 34 c′. The shower 41′ is actuated by a prisoner pressing a pushbutton B3′ that actuates a solenoid control valve SO3′ connected to pipe 41 d′. The solenoid control valve SO3′ is controlled by the CPU of each enclosure to provide a shower spray for a programmed time after the pushbutton B3′ is pressed.
The [0070] toilet 35′ includes depending tubular toilet drain or discharge section 35 a′ that is connected to an electric garbage disposal 42′ by a commonly used garbage disposal mounting flange (not shown) disposed on the section 35 a′. The garbage disposal 42′ comminutes waste from the toilet 35′ and can be a commercially available industrial size garbage disposal to this end. A water supply pipe 35 b′ is connected to an annular pipe 35 c′ incorporated on the toilet 35′ and drilled to include water discharge holes that provide water to the toilet 35′ for toilet flushing. Pipe 35 b′ is connected to building water supply line WAT′. The water supply pipe 35 b′ includes a solenoid control valve SO4′. The water flushing action is begun by a prisoner pressing pushbutton 24′ connected to solenoid valve SO4′ and controlled by CPU to provide a programmed flush time. The garbage disposal 42′ includes a discharge pipe 42 a′ connected to building sewer line SEW′, FIG. 20.
The [0071] toilet section 35 a′ is molded of resin layers R1-R4 separately and then joined to the bottom of toilet 35′ by pressing it on the uncured bottom of toilet 35′ during manufacture of the enclosure section 20 g′. The pipe 35 c′ is captured on the toilet 35′ during the resin spraying operation for example by placing the pipe 35 c′ on layer R2 and then spraying layers R3-R6 on the pipe. A plurality of holes then are drilled through layers R1, R2 and into the pipe 35 c′ such that flushing water is directed into the toilet 35′ when the solenoid control valve SO4′ is actuated.
Each [0072] enclosure 10′ typically includes its own CPU to control various electrical devices provided thereon as described below and connected to building electrical service. The individual CPU's may communicate with a central management supervisory computer control unit (not shown). Although FIG. 20 illustrates a single CPU for controlling a plurality of enclosures 10′ arranged to provide a people housing system, this showing is provided for sake of convenience only. As mentioned, each enclosure 10′ typically will include its own individual CPU, although a single common computer control unit can be used in practice of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 20 to monitor and control the electrical devices of more than one or all enclosures 10′.
A conventional [0073] fluorescent lighting fixture 44′ having fluorescent light bulb 44 a′ is provided on section 20 f′ to provide interior lighting to enclosure 10′, FIGS. 18-19. Section 20 f′ includes a molded-on fixture support box 20 j′ in which the fixture 44′ is disposed as illustrated in FIG. 19. A transparent Lexan plate 46′ separates the lighting fixture from the interior of the enclosure 10′. A cover plate 47′ is fastened to the top flange of the box 20 j′ by fasteners 48′ and holds side plates 47 a′ fastened by fasteners 45′ on box 20 j′ against the plate 46′ should transparent plate 46′ be pushed upwardly by a prisoner. The lighting fixture 44′ is controlled by CPU to provide light for a pre-programmed times of the day and night.
An [0074] electrical ventilation fan 50′ is provided on section 20 e′, FIG. 11, and typically operates all of the time to ventilate enclosure 10′, except in case of an alarm from thermocouple 52′ and/or smoke detector 53′. Section 20 e′ includes a plurality of holes 51′ drilled in the wall W′ thereof to form air discharge openings for the ventilation fan. A plurality of air inlet openings 51 a′ can be provided from under the desk surface 36′ for inlet air. The temperature of the enclosure 10′ thereby assumes the temperature of the building B in which it is located. A thermocouple 52′ can be provided on enclosure 10′ to detect interior temperature using a thermocouple probe extending through a drilled hole in the adjacent enclosure wall. A smoke detector 53′ can be provided on the enclosure 10′ to detect smoke via one or more drilled holes in the adjacent enclosure wall. The CPU activates a solenoid water control valve SO5′ connected to water sprinkler pipes 54 a′ in turn connected to building water supply line WAT′ in the event interior temperature exceeds a pre-programmed maximum value and/or smoke is detected. Pipes 54 a′ are captured on the tops of sections 20 e′, 20 f′ between layers R2, R3 of each section 20 e′, 20 f′ during spraying by placing each pipe 54 a′ on layer R2 and then spraying layers R3-R6 thereon. The walls of sections 20 e′, 20 f′ include a plurality of holes 55′ drilled therein and then into the pipes 54 a′ such that sprinkler water is directed through openings 55′ into the enclosure 10′ when the solenoid control valve SO5′ is opened by CPU. The floor drain 37′ can drain any sprinkler water from the enclosure.
A [0075] conventional monitoring camera 56′ can be mounted on section 20 e′ to monitor a prisoner in the enclosure 10′. The camera 56′ can mounted on section 20 e′ in a manner as described above used to mount the lighting fixture 44′ on the enclosure. A conventional speaker and microphone (not shown) can be provided on the wall of the enclosure 10′ to allow communication with the prisoner via drilled holes in the adjacent enclosure wall.
An emergency signal switch button BS′ can be mounted on the interior of the [0076] enclosure 10′ and be operable by a prisoner in the event of an emergency situation. The button BS′ can be connected to CPU to alert a guard to the emergency situation.
A door D′ is hingedly mounted by hidden hinges H′ on the enclosure to close off door opening DO′ of each [0077] enclosure 10′. The door opening DO′ is defined between bottom sill 20 s′ and top sill 20 t′, FIG. 13, and left side jamb 20l′ and right side jamb 20 r′ looking at the door from the outside of the enclosure 10′. The door D′ can be molded as described above for the enclosure sections and can have a hard inner layer R1, layers R2-R5, and an additional hard outer layer R7 like hard layer R1. Alternatively, the door can comprise other materials such as metal. The door is provided with a suitable shape to cooperate with the door sills/jambs to close off the opening DO′ and a conventional lock mechanism (not shown) to cooperate with a conventional solenoid-actuated lock (not shown) mounted on side S3′ of enclosure 10′ and controlled by CPU. The door D′ can be provided with a pass-through slot DS′.
The [0078] enclosure 10′ can be provided with a port hole window 60′ on front side wall of section 20 c′, FIG. 5, to permit viewing of the prisoner inside the enclosure 10′. The section 20 c′ can be molded to include a cylindrical flange 20 k′ to receive a window pane 61′ comprising a transparent Lexan plate. The pane 61′ can be trapped between an annular shoulder on the flange 20 k′ and an annular flange 63′ provided on the fascia panel P′, FIGS. 16-17. A similar port hole window can be provided on the door D′, FIG. 5.
FIG. 20 illustrates a people (prisoner) housing system comprising a plurality of individual [0079] modular living enclosures 10′ described above arranged in rows with the fascia panels P′ omitted for convenience. A central CPU is shown for sake of convenience connected to the electrical fixtures and other devices of several enclosures 10′ to control them in programmed manner as described above, although each enclosure 10′ typically includes its own CPU to this end. The CPU of each enclosure 10′ also is connected to the solenoid control valves SO1′-SO5′ of that enclosure 10′ to control water flow in programmed manner as described above. The building water supply line WAT′ and sewer pipe line SEW″ are illustrated connected by “T” pipe sections T1′, T2′ to the water supply pipes and sump pumps/garbage disposals, respectively, of adjacent enclosures 10′ for purposes of illustration. Other enclosures can be similarly connected to lines WAT′ and SEW″. The “T” pipe sections can simply rest on the floor F of the building or catwalks (not shown) can be built over the pipe sections.
Although the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it is not limited thereto and can be modified and changed within the scope of the appended claims. [0080]

Claims

I claim

1. A modular living enclosure for occupancy by a person, comprising a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, and a top wall and a door opening when assembled, said enclosure sections each having a wall with an abrasion resistant, ceramic particulate-filled resin layer defining an interior surface of said enclosure.

2. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said wall also has a plurality of fiber reinforced resin layers behind said resin layer.

3. The enclosure of claim 2 wherein at least one of said fiber reinforced resin layers has a color that is different from that of said ceramic particulate-filled resin layer to warn of any penetration of said ceramic particulate-filled resin layer by a person in said enclosure.

4. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said enclosure sections include cooperating L-shaped flanges integral therewith that are fastened together to assemble said enclosure.

5. The enclosure of claim 4 wherein said cooperating L-shape flanges form an upstanding surface to which a fascia panel is attached.

6. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein at least some of said enclosure sections form an integral furniture feature in said enclosure.

7. The enclosure of claim 6 wherein said furniture feature includes at least one of a bed surface, seat surface, desk surface or shelf surface.

8. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein at least one of said enclosure sections forms an integral bathroom fixture in said enclosure.

9. The enclosure of claim 8 wherein said bathroom fixture includes at least one of a toilet, washbasin, shower, or floor drain.

10. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the enclosure sections forming the floor of said enclosure include integral feet that rest on a floor of the building.

11. A modular living enclosure for occupancy by a person, comprising a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, a top wall and a door opening when assembled, at least one of said enclosure sections being molded to form a bathroom fixture.

12. The enclosure of claim 11 wherein said bathroom fixture comprises a toilet.

13. The enclosure of claim 12 further including a waste disposal communicated to said toilet for comminuting toilet waste.

14. The enclosure of claim 11 wherein said bathroom fixture comprises a washbasin.

15. The enclosure of claim 14 further including a conduit for communicating said washbasin to a sump chamber on said enclosure.

16. The enclosure of claim 11 wherein said bathroom fixture comprises a floor drain in said floor of said enclosure.

17. The enclosure of claim 16 wherein said floor drain is communicated to a sump chamber on said enclosure.

18. A modular living enclosure for occupancy by a person, comprising a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, a top wall and a door opening when assembled, at least one of said enclosure sections being molded to form bathroom fixtures comprising a toilet communicated to a waste disposal for comminuting toilet waste, a washbasin, and a floor drain, said washbasin and said floor drain communicating to a sump chamber disposed on said enclosure and having a sump pump therein.

19. The enclosure of claim 18 wherein said enclosure includes a camera disposed on a top enclosure section.

20. A modular living enclosure for occupancy by a person, comprising a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, a top wall and a door opening when assembled, at least one of said enclosure sections being molded to form a furniture feature.

21. The enclosure of claim 20 wherein said furniture feature comprises a bed surface.

22. The enclosure of claim 20 wherein said furniture feature comprises a seating surface.

23. The enclosure of claim 20 wherein said furniture feature comprises a desk surface.

24. A modular living enclosure for occupancy by a prisoner, comprising a plurality of molded plastic enclosure sections that are assembled to define an enclosure floor, four upright side walls, a top wall and a door opening when assembled, at least some of said enclosure sections being molded to form a bathroom feature and a furniture feature in said enclosure.

25. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure sections each having a wall with an abrasion resistant, ceramic particulate-filled resin layer defining an interior surface of said enclosure.

26. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said bathroom feature is selected from at least one of a toilet, washbasin, shower or floor drain.

27. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said furniture feature is selected from at least one of a bed surface, seat surface, desk surface or shelf surface.

28. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure includes a lighting fixture disposed on a top enclosure section.

29. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure includes a ventilation fan disposed on a top enclosure section.

30. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure includes a monitoring camera disposed on a top enclosure section.

31. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure includes a sprinkler disposed on a top enclosure section.

32. The enclosure of claim 31 wherein said enclosure includes holes in a top section beneath said sprinkler.

33. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure includes a thermostat disposed on a top enclosure section.

34. The enclosure of claim 24 wherein said enclosure includes an emergency signal switch operable by a person therein.

35. A people housing system, comprising a plurality of individual modular living enclosures as set forth in claim 11 each having an electrical actuator to control water flow to a bathroom fixture in said enclosure and a programmable computer control unit connected to said electrical actuators of said enclosures for controlling said electrical actuators in a manner to control water flow to respective individual enclosures in programmed manner.

36. The housing system of claim 35 wherein said computer control unit controls electrical power to a lighting fixture of respective individual enclosures in programmed manner.

37. The housing system of claim 35 wherein said computer control unit controls electrical power to a ventilation fan of respective individual enclosures in programmed manner.

38. The housing system of claim 35 wherein said computer control unit controls electrical power to a sprinkler of respective individual enclosures in response to a temperature or smoke sensor of respective individual enclosures.

39. The housing system of claim 35 wherein said computer control unit controls electrical power to a water heater of respective individual enclosures in programmed manner.

40. The housing system of claim 35 wherein said computer control unit controls electrical power to a sump pump in a sump chamber of respective individual enclosures in programmed manner.

41. Combination of a building and a plurality of modular living enclosures as set forth in any one of claims 1-34 assembled in said building.

42. Combination of a building and a housing system as set forth in any one of claims 35-40 assembled in said building and connected to building water service, sewer service and electrical service.

43. A method of making a living enclosure for occupancy by a molded plastic enclosure sections to define an enclosure floor, four side walls, a top wall and a door opening into said enclosure, at least one of said enclosure sections being molded to form a bathroom fixture, connecting said bathroom fixture to a building water service, connecting a discharge conduit of said bathroom fixture to a building sewer service, and connecting building electrical service to a lighting fixture on said enclosure.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein said building water service is connected to a toilet of said enclosure.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein said building electrical service is connected to a waster disposal connected to said toilet.

46. The method of claim 44 wherein said building water service is connected to a washbasin of said enclosure.

47. The method of claim 44 wherein said building sewer service is connected to a discharge conduit of said toilet.

48. The method of claim 46 wherein said building sewer service is connected to a drain conduit of said washbasin.

49. The method of claim 43 wherein said building electrical service is connected to a ventilation fan on said enclosure.

50. The method of claim 43 wherein said building electrical service is connected to a camera on said enclosure.