WO2022258509A1

WO2022258509A1 - Housing unit

Info

Publication number: WO2022258509A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/065160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armand Fissette
Original assignee: Armand Fissette
Priority date: 2021-06-11
Filing date: 2022-06-03
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: NL2028440B1

Abstract

A housing unit (100) according to the present invention comprises a first compartment (101) configured for providing a living space. A second compartment (106) is provided along a first side (102) of the first compartment. A first piece of furniture (107, 108) is provided and configured for moving along a first direction between a first state of the first piece of furniture, in which the first piece of furniture is stored in the second compartment, and a second state of the first piece of furniture, in which the first piece of furniture is located at least in part outside the second compartment and defines a first using space (112, 113). A third compartment (109) is provided along a second side (103) of the first compartment. A second piece of furniture (110) is provided and configured for moving along a second direction between a first state of the second piece of furniture, in which the second piece of furniture is stored in the third compartment, and a second state of the second piece of furniture, in which the second piece of furniture is located at least in part outside the third compartment and defines a second using space (114). The housing unit is configured such that the first using space and the second using space overlap and such that the second direction comprises a directional component orthogonal to the first direction.

Description

HOUSING UNIT

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing unit.

Background art [0002] Homes in densely populated areas are typically expensive and offer limited living space. Therefore, the private living space may not offer all facilities. The current trend of increasingly smaller homes introduces challenges of providing the basic facilities within the private living space.

Object of the invention [0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the problem of providing basic living facilities in increasingly smaller homes in general and specifically to solve at least one and preferably all of the disadvantages related to the state of the art.

Summary

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is therefore provided a housing unit as set out in the appended claims. A housing unit comprises a first compartment configured for providing a living space, a second compartment provided along a first side of the first compartment, and a third compartment provided along a second side of the first compartment. A first piece of furniture is configured for moving along a first direction between a first state of the first piece of furniture, wherein the first piece of furniture is stored preferably completely in the second compartment, and a second state of the first piece of furniture, wherein the first piece of furniture is at least in part outside the second compartment (e.g. extends from a first side of the second compartment or is moved entirely outside the second compartment) and defines a first using space. A second piece of furniture is configured for moving along a second direction between a first state of the second piece of furniture, wherein the second piece of furniture is stored preferably completely in the third compartment, and a second state of the second piece of furniture, wherein the second piece of furniture is at least in part outside the third compartment (e.g. extends from a first side of the third compartment or is moved entirely outside the third compartment) and defines a second using space. Advantageously, the first using space and the second using space overlap. Preferably, the second direction comprises a directional component orthogonal to the first direction. Such a housing achieves an object of the present invention by providing an internal living space that can be used for providing a first housing requirement, such as a bathroom, a kitchen, a study, a guest bedroom etc., while providing internal compartments for storing multiple pieces of furniture related to at least two other housing requirements to be fulfilled outside of the housing unit in an overlapping usage space. The housing unit therefore has the potential of providing the functionality of at least three different living space functionalities to a single room of a home. Furthermore, providing two compartments for furniture at different locations, wherein the furniture moves along different directions, has the benefit that it is suitable for combining a larger variety of types of furniture than solutions known in the art and therefor offers more flexibility. Additionally, it provides a means for optimizing the space usage and/or reducing the space requirements of the housing unit.

[0005] Preferably, moving at least one of the provided pieces of furniture along the corresponding direction comprises a translational movement, such as a linear movement. For example, moving all provided pieces of furniture along the corresponding direction comprises a (linear) translational movement. Preferably, at least one, possibly two pieces of furniture are configured to be moved exclusively through a linear movement.

[0006] In an advantageous embodiment the first side of the first compartment comprises a bottom of the first compartment, preferably the bottom forms a floor of the first compartment. Preferably, such bottom defines a first plane being a substantially horizontal plane. In such an embodiment the second compartment is located at least in part underneath the first compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the first direction is essentially horizontal or is horizontal.

[0007] Preferably, the housing unit comprises a first sidewall defining the second side of the first compartment. Preferably, such first sidewall defines a second plane being substantially vertical. In such an embodiment the third compartment is located alongside the first compartment, along a horizontal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the second direction is essentially vertical or is vertical.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the first compartment comprises a volume defined by the bottom, the first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, a third sidewall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and a fourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall, and optionally a top possibly provided by the ceiling of a room comprising the housing unit. The first sidewall can extend from the bottom to the top. The bottom can define a first, preferably horizontal plane. The first sidewall can define a second, preferably vertical plane. The second compartment is adjacent to the bottom, preferably underneath the bottom, i.e. at an opposite side of the bottom relative to the first compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the third compartment is adjacent the first sidewall, preferably at an opposite side of the first sidewall relative to the first compartment. The third compartment is advantageously arranged above the bottom and outside a perimeter defined by the bottom.

[0009] The volume defined by the first compartment can be used to provide any type of living space mentioned before. Access to the living space may be provided by an entrance (e.g. opening) in one of the sidewalls, for instance comprising a door. Preferably, the second or third sidewall comprises the entrance, typically dependent on whether the third or second sidewall is intended to be positioned adjacent to a wall of the room comprising the housing unit. Furthermore, a housing unit wherein the third sidewall comprises the entrance may further optimize space usage and/or reduce the space requirements of the housing unit.

[0010] Preferably, the second compartment and the third compartment comprise respective guiding means configured for guiding the respective piece of furniture between the respective first and second state, wherein the piece of furniture is connected to the respective guiding means, preferably wherein the piece of furniture is detachably connected to the respective guiding means. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first and second piece of furniture comprises rolling elements configured for guiding the respective piece of furniture between the first and the second state.

[0011] Preferably, at least one the first and the second piece of furniture is configured to reduce a swept volume in the respective movement between the first state and the second state. Such swept volume may be defined as a volume that is traversed by the respective piece of furniture in moving between the first state and the second state. Reducing a swept volume may for instance be achieved by configuring the respective piece of furniture to move in a direction orthogonal to a projection of the piece of furniture having the lowest surface area or at least not the largest surface area. For instance, a swept volume of a bed may be reduced by moving it (horizontally) in a direction parallel to an axis defined by the foot end and the head end of the bed.

[0012] Advantageously, at least one of the first and the second piece of furniture is configured for transforming between a folded state in the first state of the respective piece of furniture and an unfolded state in the second state of the respective piece of furniture. Such piece of furniture for instance comprises rotatable and/or retractable parts configured to reduce a perimeter and optionally volume of the respective piece of furniture in the folded (storing) state compared to the unfolded (using) state. This allows the respective piece of furniture to be stored in a more compact compartment. Consequently, it may reduce the volume requirements of the housing unit or the room in which the housing unit is provided. Examples of such pieces of furniture are a couch and a table.

[0013] For instance, the at least one of the first and the second piece of furniture comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are rotatably or pivotally connected and configured to rotate and/or translate with respect to one another or to a support when transforming between the folded state and the unfolded state. For example, a couch may comprise a seat and a backrest rotatably or pivotally connected to one another. In another example, a table may comprise a table leg or a plurality of table legs rotatably or pivotally connected to a tabletop.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a housing unit according to the present invention comprises a third piece of furniture. The third piece of furniture may be configured for moving along the first direction between a first state of the third piece of furniture, wherein the third piece of furniture is stored preferably completely in the second compartment, and a second state of the third piece of furniture, wherein the third piece of furniture is moved at least in part outside the second compartment (e.g. extends from the first side of the second compartment or is moved entirely outside the second compartment) and defines a third using space, wherein advantageously the first and third using space may overlap. Preferably, the first, the second and the third using space overlap. The benefit of providing a housing unit comprising such overlapping using spaces is that less using space is required of the room wherein the housing unit is provided. Beneficially, the first and the third piece of furniture in the corresponding first states are configured such that one of the first and the third piece of furniture is received into the other one of the first and the third piece of furniture. Such nesting of one piece of furniture into another piece of furniture may reduce the required volume and/or dimensions of the second compartment. The third piece of furniture may be configured to reduce a swept volume of the third piece of furniture in the movement between the first state and the second state and/or to reduce a perimeter and optionally volume of the respective piece of furniture in a transition from the second state to the first state similarly as was described previously as an option for the first and the second piece of furniture.

[0015] Embodiments of a housing unit according to the invention may be provided without the pieces of furniture, however preferably at least one of the first and the second pieces of furniture or all of the pieces of furniture are provided. Examples of pieces of furniture are: a bed, a chair, a couch, a table, a bath and a closet. Preferably, the first piece of furniture may comprise at least one of a bed and a table. Preferably, the second piece of furniture comprises at least one of a couch , a table (e.g. desk), a closet, a cabinet and a cupboard. Preferably, the third piece of furniture comprises at least one of a table (e.g. dining table) and a bed.

[0016] In an example of an embodiment according to the present invention, the first piece of furniture comprises a bed and the second piece of furniture comprises a couch, such as a foldable couch. A third piece of furniture may be provided, wherein the third piece of furniture comprises a table optionally comprising seats, such as a picnic table that may comprise a foldable table top. Such an embodiment may reduce the swept volume and/or perimeter of the respective pieces of furniture individually and optionally of the respective pieces of furniture jointly.

[0017] Preferably, the first piece of furniture comprises a bed. The bed may be configured to translate substantially in a direction parallel to an axis defined by the foot end and the head end of the bed between the corresponding first state and second state. For instance, for a bed configured to have a substantially horizontal lying surface the first direction may be substantially horizontal. Such horizontal translation is beneficial with respect to the form factor of a bed, in that it may reduce a swept volume of the bed moved between the first and the second state. Preferably, the bed will be configured such that during a translation from the first state to the second state, a foot end of the bed will emerge from the second compartment before a head end of the bed. In the second state, at least a part of the first sidewall may function as a headboard for the bed.

[0018] Preferably, the second piece of furniture comprises a couch. The couch may be configured to translate substantially vertically between the corresponding first state and second state or in other words that the second direction is substantially vertical. For instance, the couch moves substantially downward going from the first state to the second state. The couch may be configured such that a backside of a backrest of the couch in the second state faces the first sidewall of the housing unit. A couch typically comprises a plurality of adjacent seating areas, such couch may be configured such that a main longitudinal axis along the plurality seats of the couch is substantially parallel to the first sidewall and orthogonal to the second direction. This may reduce the swept volume. Furthermore, such a couch may also reduce the torque the second piece of furniture exerts on the housing unit in the first state and optionally the second state. For instance, the backside may be configured to abut the first sidewall. This may also facilitate optimizing the amount of using space required for the couch and may provide additional support for the couch or the backrest of the couch. The couch may be a foldable couch, for instance comprising a first part comprising the seats of the plurality of seating areas of the couch and second part comprising the backrests of the plurality of seating areas, wherein the first part of the couch and the second part of the couch are rotatably or pivotally connected to one another. Such a couch may require limited transformations to reduce the perimeter and/or volume in the folded state with respect to the unfolded state. Furthermore, such couch may reduce the swept volume and it may reduce the torque exerted on the housing. Preferably, such foldable couch is folded in the first state and unfolded in the second state.

[0019] Preferably, the third piece of furniture comprises a table optionally comprising seats. The table may be configured to translate substantially horizontally between the corresponding first state and second state or in other words that the first direction is substantially horizontal. Such horizontal translation is beneficial, because a table typically comprises a main surface such as a table top defining a substantially horizontal plane. In combination with a bed as a first piece of furniture, a table as a third piece of furniture may reduce the volume and/or dimensions of the second compartment in the event that one of the first and the third piece of furniture in the respective first states is configured to be received into the other one of the first and the third piece of furniture. For example, the table may be configured such that the table top is located at an elevated location with respect a lying surface of the bed, such that the horizontal plane defined by the table top is elevated relative to the main surface of the bed. In such embodiments the table top slides over the bed when moving the bed or table along the first direction. Preferably, the horizontal plane defined by the table top is therefore configured substantially co-planar to the main surface of the bed. In the event that the table comprises seats it may be beneficial when the seats are configured at an elevated location with respect to a lying surface of the bed. In such embodiments the seats slide over the bed when moving the bed or table along the first direction.

[0020] In a beneficial embodiment, the third piece of furniture comprises a table, wherein the table may comprise a foldable tabletop. For instance, the tabletop comprises two parts each defining a plane that may be connected (e.g. pivotally or rotatably connected) to one another. In the unfolded state the planes defined by the two parts of the tabletop may be configured to be coplanar, preferably horizontal. In the unfolded state such third piece of furniture may be suitable for use and therefore the unfolded state typically corresponds to the second state of the third piece of furniture.

[0021] In one embodiment of such a table, the pivoting connection may be configured such that the two parts of the tabletop may pivot with respect to one another. In the folded state the planes defined by the two parts of the tabletop may be configured to be non-coplanar, for instance the planes defined by the two parts may be two offset (substantially) vertical planes. In another embodiment, the pivoting connection may comprise a hinge mechanism, for instance connecting each of the table tops to a main body of the table (e.g. a frame that may be rigid), configured to substantially maintain the orientation of the tabletops in the folded and in the unfolded state. The planes defined by the two parts of the tabletop in the folded state may be configured to be (substantially) parallel or preferably co-planar, for instance the planes defined by the two parts may be (substantially) horizontal. Such hinge mechanism may be configured to translate the two parts of the tabletop vertically and/or horizontally. For example, such hinge mechanism may comprise a pair of parallel links or a scissor linkage. Beneficially, each of the two parts of the tabletop are configured to rotate or pivot about an axis of rotation (substantially) parallel to the first direction. Additionally or alternatively, the respective hinge mechanisms comprise an axis of rotation (substantially) parallel to the first direction.

[0022] In the folded state the perimeter and/or volume of the third piece of furniture may be reduced. In the folded state such third piece of furniture may be suitable to be stored and therefore the folded state typically corresponds to the first state of the third piece of furniture. To reduce the swept volume, the table top is preferably unfolded when the third piece of furniture resides in the third using space. The third piece of furniture may further comprise a plurality of seats connected to the table, such as a picnic table. Preferably, seats define a main surface (e.g. a seating surface) being (substantially) horizontal. In combination with a bed as a first piece of furniture, such a third piece of furniture may reduce the volume and/or dimensions of the second compartment in the event that one of the first and the third piece of furniture in the respective first states is configured to be received into the other one of the first and the third piece of furniture. For example, the seats may be configured at an elevated location with respect a lying surface of the bed, such that the horizontal plane defined by the table top is elevated relative to the main surface of the bed. In such embodiments the seats and preferably the seats and table top slide over the bed when moving the first or third piece of furniture along the first direction.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the first piece of furniture comprises a couch, such as a foldable couch, or a plurality of chairs, and the second piece of furniture comprises a table, such as a desk, and the third piece of furniture may comprise a table optionally comprising seats, such as a picnic table that may comprise a foldable table top.

[0024] A housing unit according to the present invention preferably further comprises actuating means configured for actuating the movement between the first and the second state of the corresponding guiding means. A common actuating means may be provided and configured for moving two or three guiding means between the corresponding first and second state. Additionally or alternatively, individual actuating means may be provided and configured for moving one or each guiding means individually between the corresponding first and second state. Such configurations do not require a manual operation and thus provide additional comfort for the user. Furthermore, a control unit may be provided for automatically changing the state of the housing unit, for instance in accordance with a time of day.

[0025] Preferably, a housing unit according to the present invention further comprises a fourth compartment comprising a closet, wherein the fourth compartment is provided along the third sidewall. Such a housing unit provides additional storage space, for instance being accessible from outside the housing unit. Optionally, the housing unit further comprises a fifth compartment comprising a further closet, wherein the fifth compartment is provided along the fourth sidewall.

Brief description of the figures

[0026] Aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein same reference numerals illustrate same features and wherein:

[0027] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a housing unit according to the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 2A-D represents cross-sectional views in perspective of a housing unit according to the present invention in various states;

[0029] Fig. 3A-C represents perspective views of a couch according to the present invention in various states;

[0030] Fig. 4A-C represents perspective views of a picnic table according to the present invention in various states.

Detailed Description

[0031] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A-D, the housing unit 100 comprises a first compartment 101 providing a living space. The first compartment comprises a bottom 102 (e.g. floor), preferably a substantially horizontal bottom, a top (not shown, may be provided by a ceiling of a room housing the housing unit) provided opposite to the bottom 102, and a first 103, a second 104, a third 105 and a fourth (115) sidewall.

[0032] The housing unit 100 further comprises a second compartment 106 (e.g. an inverted T-shaped second compartment) for storing furniture arranged underneath the first compartment 101. Referring to Figs. 2A-D, the second compartment 106 may be configured for storing a first piece of furniture such as a bed 107 in for instance a lower section of the second compartment 106, and a third piece of furniture, such as a table 108, for instance a table in a picnic table configuration comprising seats 108A and a (foldable) tabletop 108B, in for instance an upper section of the second compartment 106.

[0033] The bottom 102 forms a divider between the first compartment 101 and the second compartment 106. Ends 107A and 108C of the bed 107 and the table 108 may be configured to form a first sidewall of the second compartment in extension of the first sidewall 103 when the bed 107 and the table 108 are stored in the second compartment 106. Sections of the second 104, third 105 and fourth (115) sidewall extending from the first compartment may form other sidewalls of the second compartment 106. The sections of the third and fourth sidewall may provide guiding means for guiding the furniture stored in the second compartment from this first state (shown in Fig. 2A and 2B) to a second state (shown in Fig. 2C and 2D), wherein either the bed or the table are located in their respective using space 112, 113 in which they can be used.

[0034] The housing unit 100 further comprises a third compartment 109 for storing furniture adjacent to the first sidewall 103 of the first compartment 101. The third compartment 109 may be configured for storing a second piece of furniture, such as a couch 110, for instance a folding couch. An example of such a couch comprises a seat 110A and a backrest 110B pivotally connected to one another.

[0035] The first sidewall 103 may form a sidewall of the third compartment. Sections of the third 105 and fourth (115) sidewall extending from the first compartment 101 may provide other sidewalls of the third compartment. These other sidewalls may further comprise guiding means 111 (e.g. a linear guide for instance comprising a guide and a slide) for guiding the furniture stored in the third compartment from this first state (shown in Fig. 2A, 2C and 2D) to a second state (shown in Fig. 2B), in which the couch is located in its using space 114 and can be used.

[0036] The third compartment 109 and the second compartment 106 are advantageously arranged at different sides of the overlapping using spaces 112, 113, 114 of the various pieces of furniture 107, 108, 109 respectively. By way of example, the third compartment 109 and the second compartment 106 are arranged at neighboring sides, e.g. sides which share an edge and/or which are oriented substantially perpendicular relative to one another.

[0037] One or multiple additional compartments 116, 117 forming a closet, a cabinet, a cupboard or any other storage means, for instance being accessible from outside the housing unit can be arranged along the third and fourth sidewall of the first compartment 101. [0038] Referring to Fig. 3A-C, an example of a folding couch 300 suitable for use as a piece of furniture for the housing unit may comprise a first part 301 configured to provide a backrest of the couch 300, a second part 302 configured to provide a base of the couch 300 and a third part 303 configured to provide a seat of the couch 300. The first part 301 may be pivotally connected to the second part 302, wherein the second part 302 may be configured to pivot with respect to the first part 301 about a first axis A, wherein the second part may be configured to move along a first trajectory A’ with respect to the first part. In addition, the first part 301 may be pivotally connected to the third part 303, wherein the third part 303 may be configured to pivot with respect to the first part 301 about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The second part 302 may further be connected to the third part 303 and configured to guide the pivoting movement of the third part 303 with respect to the first part 301. For instance, such that a pivoting movement of both the second part 302 and the third part 303 with respect to the first part 301 correspond. In one embodiment, the third part 303 is detachably connected to the first part 301 and/or the second part 302, for instance the third part 303 abuts the first part 301 and/or the second part 302 and may merely be supported by the respective part. The seat of the couch 300 may further comprise one or more seat cushions 304. The third part 303 may also substantially comprise or consist of one or more seat cushions 304. The backrest may comprise one or more back pillows 305.

[0039] Optionally, the couch 300 comprises two arms 306 configured at opposing sides of the couch 300. The arms 306 may each comprise a first part 307 and a second part 308, wherein the first part 307 of the arm 306 may form part of the first part 301 of the couch 300 and wherein the second part 308 of the arm 306 may form part of the second part 302 of the couch 300. The couch 300 may further comprise a pivoting connection for pivotally connecting the first part 301 and the second part 302 of the couch, wherein the pivoting connection is provided between the first 307 and second part 308 of each arm.

[0040] Such a couch 300 may be configured as a stand-alone piece of furniture that can be used separately from a housing unit. It may also be adapted for use in combination with the housing unit of the present invention, as one of the first, second or third pieces of furniture. The couch 300 may be configured to move along a direction being (substantially) vertical or in a direction having a vertical directional component (e.g. the second piece of furniture) between a folded state (see fig. 3A) wherein it may be stored (e.g. first state) and an unfolded state (see Fig 3C) wherein it may be used (e.g. second state). In such case, the first part 301 of the couch 300, optionally the first part 307 of the arm 306, may be configured to be connected to at least one sidewall of the housing unit, such as sections of the third and fourth sidewall, by (linear) guiding means 309. For instance, the couch 300 may be fixedly connected to a slide of the guiding means 309 and a guide may be fixedly connected to the housing unit.

[0041] In the first state, the couch is preferably folded such that it can be stored in a compact form in the respective compartment (e.g. the third compartment). During the movement of the couch 300 along the respective direction (e.g. between the first state and the second state) the couch may remain in the folded state. The couch 300 may be configured to transform between a folded state and an unfolded state when it has reached the respective using space. Alternatively, the couch 300 may be configured to transform between a folded state and an unfolded state during the movement of the couch 300 along the respective direction (e.g. between the first state and the respective using space).

[0042] The couch 300 may further comprise a spring mechanism 310 (e.g. a gas spring) provided between the first 301 and the second302 part of the couch to support the pivoting movement of the second part 302 with respect to the first part 301 of the couch 300. Additionally or alternatively, the couch 300 may comprise one or more furniture legs 311 to support corresponding parts of the couch 300. For instance, the first part 301 of the couch 300 may be configured to be suspended from the guiding means 309 and the second part may comprise at least one furniture leg 311 to support the second part 302 of the couch in the second state. Such at least one furniture leg 311 may be pivotally connected to the second part 302 of the couch 300 and configured to pivot about a third axis B, such that the at least one furniture leg 311 can be stowed in the second part 302 of the couch 300 in the first state 301 of the couch 300. The furniture leg 311 may be operatively connected to the pivoting connection between other parts 301 , 302, 303 of the couch 300, such that they move jointly. Alternatively, the furniture leg 311 may be configured to fold and unfold due to gravity acting on it.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 4A-C, an example of a folding table 400 suitable for use as a piece of furniture for the housing unit may comprise a frame 401 comprising at least one leg 402 for supporting the frame 401 and a first tabletop 403 connected to the frame 401. The table 400 may be configured such that at least a part of the first tabletop 403 is lifted during the transformation from a folded state (see Fig. 4A) wherein it may be stored (e.g. first state) and an unfolded state (see Fig. 4C) wherein it may be used (e.g. second state). Preferably, the folding table 400 comprises a first link assembly 404 configured to pivotally connect the first tabletop 403 to the frame 401. Such first link assembly 404 may be configured to substantially maintain an orientation of the first table top 403. For instance, it may be configured to keep the first tabletop 403 substantially horizontal during the transformation between a folded and an unfolded state, wherein the first tabletop 403 may be configured to travel along a second trajectory C’ with respect to the frame 401. To this end the first link assembly 404 may comprise at least two links 405, 406 configured adjacently and (substantially) in parallel. Preferably, the at least two links 405, 406 are located adjacently along a main direction (e.g. horizontal) of movement of the first tabletop 403 between the folded state and the unfolded state, for instance the main direction corresponds to the direction of movement of the respective piece of furniture. Beneficially, the table 400 comprises a second link assembly 407, wherein the first link assembly 404 is configured at a first side 408 of the table 400 and wherein the second link assembly 407 is configured at a second side 409 of the table 400 opposite to the first side 408. The table may further comprise a spring mechanism (e.g. a gas spring) configured to support the movement of the first tabletop 403 with respect to the frame 403. Such spring mechanism may be provided between the frame 401 and the first tabletop 403. For instance, the spring mechanism may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be resiliently connected to the second end, and wherein the first end and the second end may be connected to the frame 401 and the first tabletop 403, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the spring mechanism may be provided between a first link and a second link of one or each of the link assemblies. For instance, the spring mechanism may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be resiliently connected to the second end, and wherein the first end of the spring mechanism may be connected to a first end of a first link and the second end of the spring mechanism may be connected to a second end of the second link corresponding to a second end of the first link.

[0044] The table 400 may further comprise first seat 410. The first seat 410 may be fixedly connected to the frame 401. Preferably, the table 400 is configured such that the first tabletop 403 approaches the first seat 410 in a transition from an unfolded to a folded state. Preferably, the first tabletop 403 overlaps the first seat 410 in the folded state to an extent larger than in the unfolded state.

[0045] The table may further comprise a second tabletop 411 pivotally connected to the frame 401. The second tabletop 411 may be connected to the frame 401 in a similar way as the first tabletop 403. Preferably, the first 403 and the second 411 tabletop are connected to the frame 401 such that the first tabletop 403 and the second tabletop 411 approach one another in a transformation from the folded state to the unfolded state, wherein the second tabletop 411 may be configured to travel along a trajectory D’ with respect to the frame 401. A first side 412 of the first table top 403 may be configured to face a first side 413 of the second table top 411. The respective first sides 412, 413 may comprise co-operating parts 414, 415 of a locking mechanism configured to align and/or fasten the first 403 and the second 411 tabletop in the unfolded state. The table 400 may comprise a second seat 416 opposite to the first seat 410 that may be fixedly connected to the frame 401, wherein the table 400 is configured such that the second tabletop 411 approaches the second seat 416 in a transition from an unfolded to a folded state. Preferably, the second tabletop 411 overlaps the second seat 416 in the folded state to an extent larger than in the unfolded state.

[0046] In embodiments comprising such a second tabletop 411 , a spring mechanism (e.g. a gas spring) may be provided between the first tabletop 403 and the second tabletop 411. For instance, the spring mechanism may be provided between a link assembly (e.g. comprising two links 405, 406) of the first tabletop 403 and a link assembly (e.g. comprising two links 418, 419) of the second tabletop 411. The link assembly of the first tabletop 403 and the link assembly of the second tabletop 411 may be configured at corresponding first sides of the respective tabletops 403, 411. A further spring mechanism may be provided in a similar way between link assemblies provided at second sides of the respective tabletop, opposite to the first sides. Preferably, each such spring mechanism is provided between corresponding ends of corresponding links, such as between a first end of a first link 405 of the link assembly of the first tabletop 403 and a first end of a first link 418 of the link assembly of the second tabletop 411. The respective first ends may each comprise a pivoting connection with the frame 401.

[0047] Such a table 400 may be configured as a stand-alone piece of furniture and be used separately from the housing unit. It may also be adapted for use in combination with the housing unit of the present invention, as one of the first, second or third pieces of furniture. The table 400 may be configured to move along a direction being (substantially) horizontal or in a direction having a horizontal directional component (e.g. the first or third piece of furniture) between a folded state wherein it may be stored (e.g. first state) and an unfolded state wherein it may be used (e.g. second state). In such case, the at least one leg 402 of the table 400, may be configured to be connected to (linear) guiding means 417 for instance comprising rolling elements for moving along the respective direction. The linear guiding means may be connected to at least one sidewall of the housing unit, such as the third and fourth sidewall.

Claims

1. A housing unit (100), comprising:

A first compartment (101) configured for providing a living space, a second compartment (106) provided along a first side (102) of the first compartment, a first piece of furniture (107, 108) configured for moving along a first direction between a first state of the first piece of furniture, in which the first piece of furniture is stored in the second compartment, and a second state of the first piece of furniture, in which the first piece of furniture is located at least in part outside the second compartment and defines a first using space (112, 113), a third compartment (109) provided along a second side (103) of the first compartment, a second piece of furniture (110) configured for moving along a second direction between a first state of the second piece of furniture, in which the second piece of furniture is stored in the third compartment, and a second state of the second piece of furniture, in which the second piece of furniture is located at least in part outside the third compartment and defines a second using space (114), wherein the first using space and the second using space overlap and wherein the second direction comprises a directional component orthogonal to the first direction.

2. Housing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first side of the first compartment comprises a bottom of the first compartment, preferably wherein the bottom forms a floor of the first compartment.

3. Housing unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first sidewall defining the second side of the first compartment.

4. Housing unit according to claim 2, wherein the first compartment comprises a volume defined by the bottom, a top, a first sidewall defining the second side of the first compartment and extending between the bottom and the top, a second sidewall (104) opposite the first sidewall, a third sidewall (105) extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and a fourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall, wherein the second compartment is adjacent to the bottom, and wherein the third compartment is adjacent to the first sidewall.

5. Housing unit according to claim 4, further comprising a fourth compartment comprising a closet, wherein the fourth compartment is provided along the third sidewall.

6. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first direction is essentially horizontal, preferably wherein the first direction is horizontal.

7. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second direction is essentially vertical, preferably is vertical.

8. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second compartment and the third compartment comprise respective guiding means (105, 111) configured for guiding the respective piece of furniture between the respective first and second state, preferably wherein the first and second piece of furniture is connected to the respective guiding means, preferably wherein the first and second piece of furniture is detachably connected to the respective guiding means.

9. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the first and second piece of furniture comprises rolling elements configured for guiding the respective piece of furniture between the first and the second state.

10. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the first and the second piece of furniture is configured for transforming between a folded state in the first state of the respective piece of furniture and an unfolded state in the second state of the respective piece of furniture.

11. Housing unit according to claim 10, wherein the at least one of the first and the second piece of furniture comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and the second part are pivotally connected and wherein the first part is configured to move with respect to the second part when transforming between the folded state and the unfolded state.

12. Housing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first piece of furniture comprises at least one of a bed and a table, and wherein the second piece of furniture comprises at least one of a couch, a table and a closet

13. Housing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third piece of furniture (107, 108), wherein the third piece of furniture is configured for moving along the first direction between a first state of the third piece of furniture, in which the third piece of furniture is stored in the second compartment, and a second state of the third piece of furniture, in which the third piece of furniture is located at least in part outside the second compartment and defines a third using space, wherein the first and third using space overlap, preferably wherein the first, the second and the third using space overlap, preferably wherein one of the first and the third piece of furniture in the respective first states is configured to be received into the other one of the first and the third piece of furniture.

14. Housing unit according to claim 13, wherein the third piece of furniture comprises at least one of a table and a bed.

15. Housing unit according to claim 13, wherein the first piece of furniture comprises a bed, the second piece of furniture comprises a couch and the third piece of furniture comprises a table.

16. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising actuating means configured for actuating the movement between the first and the second state of at least one of the respective pieces of furniture, preferably all of the respective pieces of furniture.

17. Housing unit according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the respective pieces of furniture is configured to be moved along the corresponding direction through a linear movement, preferably wherein all of the respective pieces of furniture are configured to be moved along the corresponding direction through a linear movement.