COMPACT MODULAR HOUSING UNIT

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a compact modular housing unit (1) for housing a user (8). The modular housing unit (1) comprises a box-shaped structure (2), which encloses an inner chamber (20), and a bed or the like (3), which is positioned in the inner chamber (20). The box-shaped structure (2) has an access opening (26) to the inner chamber (20). The bed (3) is mounted on guides (4) and is adapted to perform a translational movement with respect to the box-shaped structure (2) along said guides (4): the bed (3) is movable between a first position, in which the bed (3) is completely inside the inner chamber (20), and a second position, in which the bed (3) protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber (20) through said access opening (26). The modular housing unit (1) is configured to allow a user (8) to lie in the bed (3) when the bed (3) is in the first position inside the inner chamber (20). The movability of the bed (3) between the first position and the second position, and vice versa, allows the user (8) to exit from/enter the inner chamber (20) while remaining lying in the bed (3). In particular, the translational movement of the bed (3) is along a translational axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis (300) of the bed, corresponding to a head-feet direction of the user (8). According to an embodiment, the modular housing unit (1) is further configured to float on water (97): at least a bottom region (207) of the box-shaped structure (2) is watertight and the modular housing unit (1) in the floating condition is a survival cell for the user (8) when in a condition of danger due to a surrounding water environment.

Description

The present disclosure relates in general to the sector of housing and/or sheltering of persons. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a modular housing unit of the compact type, which is adapted to provide housing or shelter for a person (or if necessary several persons). More specifically, the compact housing unit is useful for providing a room or compartment in which the person may stay, sleep safely and/or be protected from external agents for example in the case of an emergency, also following a natural disaster.

According to the state of the art, capsule-type modular housing units, which may be used as a bedroom in a hotel or rural environments, or as a temporary housing in emergency situations, are already known. These modular housing units have a compact small-size shape and are suitable essentially for a single person in a lying-down position (or at best in a sitting position) and contain a bed generally consisting of a simple mattress or the like, on which the person may sleep.

Examples of these known housing units are described in US patent application No. US 2010/01075511 A1 and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,347.

A drawback of these known housing units is related with the limited comfort which they offer and the difficulty of using them. These housing units in fact extend substantially in a horizontal direction and have dimensions slightly bigger than the bed contained in them; moreover, the doors or access openings for entering into the housing unit have small dimensions. Consequently, for a user, the entry into the housing unit and the exit therefrom are difficult and awkward operations owing to the limited amount of space and the need to pass from a standing position into a lying-down position (or vice versa) when entering (or leaving) the housing unit. In fact, in these known housing units, the user must basically crouch down and crawl inside the housing unit.

Also, a prolonged stay inside the housing unit is uncomfortable since the only position which is allowed by the dimensions of the housing unit is a position lying on the bed or, at best, a position sat on the bed with the legs extended. This gives rise to both physical and psychological discomfort in the case of prolonged stays.

In some cases, in an attempt to overcome this drawback, the dimensions of the housing unit have been increased considerably, thereby obtaining, however, a housing unit which is much more bulky and no longer with the advantage of being compact.

Patent application No. JP2000051006 describes a safety bed for protection against earthquakes, in which a metal structure has a space for receiving the bed. The bed is laterally movable so as to protrude from a long side of the metal structure. It should be noted that this safety bed is not a modular housing unit comprising a box-like structure, but is instead a bed with a canopy-like protective structure that is very high in relation to the bed. In particular, the side of the structure from which the bed protrudes is a face that is open and completely devoid of protection.

Another drawback of the known housing units is related with a certain lack of intrinsic safety; this aspect has been generally neglected or its importance underestimated, also because of the fact that the known housing units are usually intended to be positioned in closed locations or in any case in protected locations. In particular, the known housing units are not suitable for providing effective and reliable protection in the case where the housing unit is situated in water, for example following a flood or after slipping into the sea. Moreover, the known housing units are not usually able to provide effective protection against attempted break-ins or against the impact of foreign bodies of considerable weight.

Some documents from the prior art, such as WO2013/018872A1, CN202104575U, U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,038 and WO2013/059890A1, describe units which are able to float. However, none of the units described in these documents appears to be suitable for ensuring a safe and stable condition both on the ground during normal use and when floating in water. In particular, none of these documents appears to deal with the technical problem of preventing overturning of the unit when floating.

The present disclosure is therefore based in the technical problem of providing a modular housing unit which is able to overcome at least one of the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art and/or to achieve further advantages.

This is obtained by providing a modular housing unit for housing a user according to independent claim 1. Another solution is obtained by providing a modular housing unit according to independent claim 13. Particular embodiments of the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The modular housing unit according to the present disclosure may find an application in external environmental situations which are very different from each other. For example, it may be used: in a domestic environment; for increasing the capacity of hotels or private homes; in place of tents or bungalows in campsites or encampments; as a protective unit for persons operating on land-based worksites; as an emergency shelter in the case of natural catastrophes; for military applications as a field shelter; as an emergency shelter on sea platforms; as a medical hospitalization unit; or as an emergency facility by local authorities for meeting temporary needs, such as providing accommodation for non-resident persons in transit.

The term “modular” is understood as meaning that the housing unit is an assembly or module which is per se autonomous and complete for fulfilling its function of housing a user. The housing unit is modular also in the sense that a plurality of housing units may be arranged next to each other so as to form a housing nucleus. Moreover, the housing unit may be modular in the sense that it is composed by parts which can be assembled to compose housing units with dimensions different from each other.

The modular housing unit is of the compact type, i.e. it has small dimensions. For example, the housing unit, in its individual configuration, is of a size suitable for receiving a single person and has a length and a width which are slightly bigger than the dimensions of a single bed. The modular housing unit has a small height, but nevertheless is big enough to allow a user to remain lying inside it and, in particular, to remain also seated inside it. For example, the modular housing unit has an elongated tubular shape with a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the head-feet direction of a user lying therein. The compactness of the housing unit is useful for managing in an optimum manner the transportation and positioning of the housing unit itself.

A first aspect forming the basis of the solution proposed by the present disclosure is that of providing a modular housing unit comprising a box-shaped structure (in particular a tubular structure), which encloses an inner chamber, and a relaxation device (basically a bed or the like, which may also be formed by a kind of reclinable armchair or an adjustable bed) which is arranged inside the inner chamber, i.e. inside the box-shaped structure.

In the context of the present disclosure, the expression “box-shaped structure” refers to a substantially rigid structure or casing with a more or less regular shape which is not necessarily a parallelepiped. For example, the box-shaped structure has a cylindrical shape and has a circular or elliptical cross-section; alternatively, it may have a prismatic shape and have a square, rectangular or polygonal cross-section.

The box-shaped structure has at least one access opening to the inner chamber and the relaxation device (below referred to in short simply as “bed”) is mounted on guides which allow a translational movement of the bed with respect to the box-shaped structure. This translational movement has a stroke such that the bed is movable between a first position, in which the bed is completely inside the inner chamber, and a second position, in which the bed projects or protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber through the access opening.

When the bed is in the first position inside the inner chamber, the user may remain on the bed and is completely protected by the surrounding box-shaped structure. When the bed is in the second partially-projecting position, for the user it is easier to lie down on the bed, get on or off it; in fact, at least along the portion projecting outside of the inner chamber, the user is not hindered by the narrowness of the access opening and by the box-shaped structure.

In other words, the user sits or lies down on the bed in the second position and then, remaining seated or lying flat on the bed, the user is able to slide the bed so that it enters completely inside the inner chamber. The user may perform these actions in reverse in order to exit from the housing unit and get off the bed.

Owing to this first aspect, the housing unit according to the present disclosure is useful for simplifying the entry/exit of the user into/from of the inner chamber, without having to crouch down and crawl inside the housing unit, this being necessary instead in the case of the known housing units mentioned above.

The housing unit according to the present disclosure is easy-to-use for the user: instead of the user having to crawl along the bed in order to enter or exit into/from the inner chamber (as instead occurs in the housing units according to the prior art), it is the bed itself with the user on top which moves with respect to the inner chamber.

In particular, the direction of sliding of the bed is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed, i.e. to the head-feet direction of the user. This is advantageous also because it allows the user to arrange the bed in a position where a part of the user's body (for example the feet and/or the legs, or the head) remain outside of the inner chamber, for example in order to increase the comfort or receive medical assistance.

In one embodiment, the part of the bed which is closer to the access opening, and which therefore passes first through the access opening when the bed is displaced outwards toward the second position, is the region which is intended for the feet/shins of the user. In particular, the part of the bed which projects outside the access opening when the bed is in the second position is the region intended for the user's legs. Therefore, in order to enter into the housing unit, the user may sit on the projecting part when the bed is in the second position, with his/her back towards the access opening; then, while remaining sitting or lying on the bed, the user slides the bed until it reaches the first position inside the housing unit, for example by applying force along a special handrail arranged inside the inner chamber.

In order to exit from the housing unit, the user performs the opposite movements and therefore moves outside of the inner chamber while remaining for example in the sitting position on the bed.

The sitting position may be made particularly comfortable by providing the possibility of lowering (and/or hingeably closing) the region of the bed intended for the user's shins.

In one embodiment, the housing unit has a second access opening which is arranged on an opposite side of the inner chamber with respect to the (first) access opening mentioned above. The bed is movable also towards a third position in which the bed projects or protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber through the second access opening. Therefore, the bed may be slid out on one side or the opposite side, depending on the need. In particular, with a sliding direction of the bed which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed, the user may decide to remain outside of the inner chamber with the bottom part of the body (i.e. with the feet and/or legs), leaving the bed partially projecting from the first access opening, or with the top part of the body (i.e. head and/or trunk), leaving the bed partially projecting from the second access opening. The user may assume a plurality of positions, projecting more or less from the inner chamber, depending on the need and the activity to be performed (sleeping, relaxation, reading, sun-bathing, medical treatment, etc.).

In one embodiment, the bed has a frame which is articulated and therefore has at least one first section which is angularly displaceable with respect to a second section.

For example, the bed comprises a raisable backrest, for allowing the user to remain seated and have a support for the back.

For example, the bed comprises a section supporting the shins, or leg-rest, which can be lowered with respect to the section supporting the thighs/pelvis. This allows the user to remain seated with the knees bent and the feet lower than the pelvis, and therefore in a comfortable position.

The characteristic feature of having a bed with an articulated frame is useful for allowing the user to assume a plurality of comfortable positions, depending on his/her requirements in any one moment, reducing to a minimum the discomfort caused by remaining in a confined space for a long period of time.

A second aspect forming the basis of the solution proposed by the present disclosure is that of providing a modular housing unit which is configured to float in the case where the modular housing unit is situated in water for any reason (for example during a flood or after slipping off a sea platform) or is deliberately placed in the water (for example when used as a rescue unit following an accident at sea). In other words, the housing unit may float in the manner of a boat and form a survival cell for the user, offering him/her protection in a danger condition due to the surrounding water environment as occurs in the situations described above.

For this purpose, the modular housing unit is watertight at least in its bottom portion which is intended to be kept under the water level when floating. In other words, the bottom portion of the housing unit behaves in a manner similar to a hull, preventing the infiltration of water into the inner chamber.

Owing to said second aspect, the housing unit according to the present disclosure is useful for providing effective and reliable protection for a user in the case where the housing unit is situated in water, allowing the user to be protected from the surrounding dangers while waiting for help.

In particular, the housing unit comprises at least one movable member which in normal conditions forms a base for resting on the ground and, when the housing unit is floating on water, can be positioned in a fin-like or fin-keel-like configuration for preventing overturning of the housing unit.

The modular housing unit may further comprise inflatable members or rings which are arranged on the outside of the box-shaped structure. These members or rings are adapted to be inflated by a gas (for example air or nitrogen, supplied from a special cylinder) so as to increase the Archimedes' thrust and therefore the floating capacity in water of the housing unit. In addition or alternatively, the housing unit may comprise rigid elements with an internal cavity, which are mounted on the outside of the box-shaped structure and have essentially the function of floats.

These inflatable members or rings and/or rigid floating elements are useful for preventing sinking of the housing unit in the event of it taking in water for any reason.

A modular housing unit according to the present disclosure may include only the first aspect (namely the movable and extractable relaxation device), only the second aspect (namely the floating capacity), or both aspects.

Further advantages, characteristic features and modes of use of the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of an example of embodiment thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example.

It is evident, however, that each embodiment of the subject of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed.

Reference will be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure, in a first condition;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the housing unit according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the housing unit according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the housing unit according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the inside of the housing unit according to FIG. 1, from which some parts have been removed;

FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of the inside of the housing unit according to FIG. 1, from which some parts have been removed;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show respectively a perspective view and a side view of the housing unit according to FIG. 1 in a position where used by a user;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, show perspective views of the housing unit according to FIG. 1 in other positions used by a user;

FIGS. 12 to 18 show side views of the inside of the housing unit according to FIG. 1, from which some parts have been removed, in a plurality of positions for use by a user;

FIG. 19 shows a front view of the housing unit according to FIG. 1, with parts detached;

FIGS. 20 and 21 show respectively a front view and a side view of the housing unit according to FIG. 1, in a second condition;

FIG. 22 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure, in a first condition;

FIGS. 23 and 24 show respectively a front view and a side view of the housing unit according to FIG. 22, in a second condition;

FIGS. 25 and 26 show, in front views, two intermediate conditions of the housing unit according to FIG. 22 during transition towards the second condition;

FIG. 27 shows a partially cross-sectioned perspective view of a third embodiment of a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure, in a first condition;

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the housing unit according to FIG. 27, in a second condition;

FIGS. 29 and 30 show front views of a fourth embodiment of a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure in a first condition and a second condition, respectively;

FIGS. 31 and 32 show perspective views of a fifth embodiment of a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure in a first condition and a second condition, respectively;

FIGS. 33 and 34 show front views of a sixth embodiment of a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure in a first condition and a second condition, respectively;

FIGS. 35 to 37 show respective examples of use of modular housing units according to the present disclosure.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a modular housing unit according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference number 1.

The housing unit 1 is useful for providing accommodation, hospitality and/or shelter for a user 8, in particular in order to stay, pass time and/or sleep in a closed environment protected against external agents. In other words, it is a housing of “compact” type which may be used both in normal conditions and in emergency conditions.

The housing unit 1 comprises a box-shaped structure 2 or shell, which encloses an inner chamber 20 adapted to house the user 8. Basically, the inner chamber 20 is a space or volume which is bounded by the walls of the box-shaped structure 2 and forms said closed environment protected against external agents.

The box-shaped structure 2 has a substantially tubular shape extending along a longitudinal axis 200; it has a longitudinal side wall 23, a first transverse wall 21, a second transverse wall 22 opposite to the first transverse wall 21. In the embodiment shown, the box-shaped structure 2 has a cylindrical shape and has a cylindrical side wall 23, a first circular end wall 21, a second circular end wall 22 situated opposite to the first end wall 21. Alternatively, the box-shaped structure 2 may have an elliptical, square, rectangular or polygonal cross-section.

The box-shaped structure 2, which also has a load-bearing function, is made for example of sheet metal (for example stainless steel or aluminium) or resin. The box-shaped structure 2 may also comprise a frame or trelliswork which forms a strong skeleton structure on which the parts which form the walls are mounted, as in an aircraft fuselage.

The side wall 23 of the box-shaped structure 2 may consist of one piece or may be formed by several parts assembled together. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the box-shaped structure 2 comprises a central structure 205 which is provided with roof 206 and base 207 and on which a right-hand wall 208 and left-hand wall 209 are mounted. The right-hand wall 208 and the left-hand wall 209 may be disassembled so as to allow several central structures 205 to be joined together in a modular manner and obtain a larger housing unit 1.

The box-shaped structure 2 may also comprise an outer lining and/or an inner lining, for example in order to increase the mechanical strength thereof, the sound-proofing and/or the heat resistance. In one embodiment, the box-shaped structure 2 has an outer layer and an inner layer, between which there is a gap filled with an insulating material such as mineral wool.

The box-shaped structure 2 may be designed to withstand intrusion, break-ins and fire.

The box-shaped structure 2 has at least one access opening 26 to the inner chamber 20. The user 8 may enter and exit into/from the inner chamber 20 through the access opening 26, which in particular is formed in the first end wall 21. The access opening 26 is provided with a door 28 which allows the access opening 26 to be closed. For example, the door 28 may be provided with an opening/closing system of the hinged, concertina or sliding-shutter type; it may be opened outwards, inwards or both ways,

The housing unit 1 further comprises a bed 3 which is positioned in the inner chamber 20. The bed 3 is, in general, a relaxation device on which the user 8 is able to sit or lie down in order to sleep, rest, read, relax, lounge or perform other activities. The term “bed” is therefore understood as having a broad meaning, and not just that of a device designed exclusively for sleeping. The expression “bed or the like” must also be understood as having this broader meaning, i.e. in the sense of a “relaxation device”. Basically, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 18, the bed 3 is a kind of reclinable armchair or adjustable bed.

In particular, the bed 3 comprises a frame 35, for example a surrounding structure with wire mesh or slats which support a mattress 30 or the like; alternatively, the bed 3 may comprise a mattress with a framework inside it or a mattress which is sufficiently strong not to require a wire mesh or slat support structure.

The housing unit 1 further comprises guides 4 or rails or similar guide means which are also arranged in the inner chamber 20. The guides 4 are connected to the box-shaped structure 2 such as to define a guiding path; in particular the guides 4 are fixed to the box-shaped structure 2. The bed 3 is mounted slidably on these guides 4 and is adapted to perform a translational movement with respect to the box-shaped structure 2 along the guides 4 which therefore guide the movement of the bed 3.

In particular, the guides 4 are directed parallel to the longitudinal axis 200 of the box-shaped structure 2 and are directed towards the access opening 26.

The bed 3 is movable, along said guides 4, between a first position, in which the bed 3 is completely inside the inner chamber 20, and a second position, in which the bed 3 protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber 20 through the access opening 26.

In particular, the bed 3 has an elongated form along a longitudinal axis 300 which corresponds to a head-feet direction of the user 8 lying on the bed 3 in normal conditions of use. The translational movement of the bed 3 along the guides 4 takes place along a translational axis (in the specific case, parallel to the longitudinal axis 200 of the box-shaped structure 2) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis 300 of the bed 3: the bed 3 protrudes from the access opening 26 with its short side (namely with a side perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 300 of the bed 3) and with part of its two longitudinal sides (namely the sides parallel to the longitudinal axis 300).

More specifically, the bed 3 has a region 31 intended to support the trunk of the user 8, a region 32 intended to support the thighs/hips of the user, and a region 33 intended to support the legs/shins of the user 8.

The bed 3 is oriented in such a way that the shin region 33 is closer to the access opening 26 than the trunk region 31, when the bed 3 is in the first position inside the inner chamber 20. In other words, the shin region 33 is close to the first end wall 21 and the trunk region 31 is close to the second end wall 22. When the bed 3 is displaced into the second position, the shin region 33 protrudes from the access opening 26 and projects from the inner chamber 20.

In particular, when the bed 3 is in the second position also the thigh region 32 is situated outside of the inner chamber 20, while the trunk region 31 remains, entirely or partly (also depending on any raised condition of a backrest section 36 of the bed 3), inside the inner chamber 20.

The housing unit 1 is installed horizontally, i.e. the longitudinal axis 200 of the box-shaped structure 2 and the bed 3 are substantially horizontal.

The housing unit 1 comprises a supporting base 5 which is mounted underneath the box-shaped structure 2 and allows the housing unit 1 to rest stably on ground 90, soil, flat area or similar installation surface, during a condition of normal use as a housing for the user 8. The supporting base 5 prevents the housing unit 1 from overturning.

In particular, the supporting base 5 comprises two support feet 50a, 50b which are positioned symmetrically and extend from opposite sides with respect to a vertical centre plane. Each support foot 50a, 50b extends longitudinally over a length approximately equal to the length of the longitudinal side wall 23 and extends laterally over a section sufficient to keep the housing unit 1 stable. For example, this section is equal to the radius of the cylindrical box-shaped structure 2. The support feet 50a, 50b therefore form a supporting base 5 having a large contact area with the ground 90 or with the installation surface, thus favouring the stability. Moreover, each support foot 50a, 50b has an upper surface 51 with a concave shape which complements a portion of the longitudinal side wall 23 (in particular, the base or bottom 207 of the box-shaped structure 2) with which it is in contact. In other words, the support feet 50a, 50b define, with their upper surfaces 51, a seat inside which the bottom of the box-shaped structure 2 is stably housed.

The housing unit 1 is configured to allow a user 8 to lie in the bed 3 also when the bed 3 is in the first position, i.e. inside the inner chamber 20. The box-shaped structure 2 therefore has a length L2 and a diameter D2 which are sufficient for this purpose, at least when the user 8 is in a lying-down position. In the example shown, the housing unit 1 is designed as an individual unit for a single person.

For example, the box-shaped structure 2 has a length L2 of between 1.5 and 3.5 metres and a diameter D2 of between 1 and 3.5 metres. The bed 3 has a width P3 of between 50 cm and 1 metre and a length L3 of between 1 and 3 metres. The length L3 and the width P3 of the bed 3 are smaller than, respectively, the length L2 and the diameter D2 of the box-shaped structure 2, such that the bed 3 can be completely housed inside the inner chamber 20.

When the bed 3 is in the first position, the user 8 may remain or sleep inside the inner chamber 20 and is enclosed and protected by the box-shaped structure 2.

In the embodiment shown, the housing unit 1 is configured with dimensions such as to allow the user 8 to remain sitting on the bed 3 even when the bed 3 is in the first position.

The movability of the bed 3 between the first position and the second position, and vice versa, allows the user 8 to exit from/enter into the inner chamber 20 while remaining lying on the bed 3. In order to enter into the inner chamber 20, the user 8 slides the bed 3 as far as the second position where the bed 3 projects from the access opening 23 and protrudes from the inner chamber 20. Being situated at least partially outside of the confined environment of the inner chamber 20, for the user 8 it is easier to sit or lie on the bed 3 when the latter is in the second position. In particular, in the second position the bed 3 protrudes with the entire thigh region 32 and shin region 33 so that the user 8 may easily sit on it.

After getting onto the bed 3, the user 8 slides the bed 3 as far as the first position inside the inner chamber 20. During this movement the user 8 enters into the inner chamber 20 together with the bed 3, without the need for the user 8 to crawl through the access opening 26. In order to come out of the inner chamber 20, the user 8 performs the opposite movements: remaining on the bed 3, the user 8 slides the bed 3 as far as the second position and then gets out off the bed 3. Obviously, if desired, the user may enter and leave the inner chamber 20 without moving the bed 3, although this is generally more awkward.

In order to facilitate the movement of the bed 3 by the user 8, the housing unit 1 may also comprise at least one handrail 49 positioned in the inner chamber 20. The handrail 49 is substantially parallel to the guides 4 and can be gripped with the hands by the user 8 who is lying on the bed 3: by using the arms to apply force onto the handrail 49 (which is fixed with respect to the box-shaped structure 2), the user 8 manages to cause the bed 3 (on which he/she is lying) to slide with respect to the box-shaped structure 2, thus obtaining the translational movement for entry/exit. In particular, two handrails 49 are arranged parallel to the bed 3 on opposite sides thereof, each handrail 49 being able to be gripped by a respective hand of the user 8.

If necessary, the movement of the bed 3 may be motor-driven and performed using electromechanical systems.

In the embodiment shown, the housing unit 1 has, in addition to the first access opening 26 formed in the first end wall 21, also a second access opening 27 formed in the second end wall 22, namely on the opposite side of the inner chamber 20. The second access opening 27 is also provided with a respective door 29 which allows said access opening 27 to be closed. The guides 4 are also directed towards the second access opening 27: owing to the possibility of sliding along the guides 4, the bed 3 is movable also between the first position and a third position in which the bed 3 protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber 20 through the second access opening 27.

Therefore, the bed 3 may protrude both from a first side of the inner chamber 20 (second position) and from a second side opposite to the first side (third position). The first position, in which the bed 3 is entirely situated inside the inner chamber 20, is situated between the second position and the third position, in which the bed 3 projects from one side or the opposite side.

In the third position, the bed 3 protrudes from the second access opening 27 with the trunk region 31, namely the trunk region 31 projects at least partly outside of the inner chamber 20.

Basically, the first access opening 26 (or front opening) is a main access via which the user 8 enters into/exits from the inner chamber 8; the second access opening 27 (or rear opening) is a secondary opening with a comfort function or an emergency exit function should the first access opening 26 be obstructed or blocked.

In particular, in order to facilitate the movement of the bed 3 and allow it to protrude by a considerable amount, the bed 3 is mounted on the guides or rails 4 by means of a guide system which, in the embodiment shown, comprises a first slide 41 and a second slide 42, which form essentially a telescopic system. The first slide 41, which is a bottom slide, is mounted slidably on the guides 4 and can travel along them. The second slide 42, or top slide, is mounted slidably on the first slide 41. For example, the first slide 41 comprises in turn its own guides which are engaged by the second slide 42. The second slide 42 supports the bed 3, namely supports the frame 35 which in turn supports the mattress 30 or the like; alternatively, the second slide 42 may coincide with the frame 35 and therefore be a part of the bed 3.

In a variation of embodiment, the guide system may be positioned differently, for example the guides 4 may be fixed laterally to the bed 3 so as not to get in the way of the user 8 when he/she is in the sitting position.

The translational movement of the bed 3 with respect to the inner chamber 20 is a combination of the translation of the first slide 41 with respect to the guides 4 and the translation of the second slide 42 with respect to the first slide 41. The bed 3 and the first slide 41 are movable independently of each other, allowing a multiplicity of positions.

Releasable quick-locking means are provided for locking the slides 41, 42 and the bed 3 in a position chosen by the user and for allowing more rapid release when displacement to another position is required.

End-of-travel stops are provided for preventing the bed 3 from being accidentally pulled out completely from the inner chamber 20 and/or becoming disconnected from the guides 4.

The second slide 42 is constrained to the first slide 41 by means of an easily releasable connection system so as to allow the total removal of the bed 3 when necessary, for example in order to use the bed 3 as a transportable stretcher or facilitate cleaning of the inner chamber 20.

Basically, in normal conditions, the bed 3 may protrude from the first access opening 26 only with the section situated between the buttocks and the feet; in order to allow the back section to protrude and remove the bed 3 completely, the connection system must be released.

The slides 41, 42 travel along linear guides of the type chosen as required, for example ball, recirculating ball, roller, needle roller, telescopic, ball bearing or frictional type. The guides and/or the slides may be made of metal, steel, aluminium alloy, plastic or wood materials.

The stroke of the movement of the bed 3 may be made different in the two directions by suitably limiting the movements of the slides 41, 42. For example, starting from the first position of the bed 3, the second slide 42 may slide only towards the first access opening 26, and not towards the second access opening 27; the bed 3 may be made to protrude from the second access opening 27 only by sliding the first slide 41 along the guides 4, while the bed 3 may be made to protrude from the first access opening 26 by sliding both the slides 41, 42; therefore the bed 3 may protrude from the second opening 27 by an amount smaller than that by which it may protrude from the first opening 26.

Alternatively, if necessary it is possible to adjust the movements of the slides 41, 42 so that the bed 3 is able to protrude from the two openings 26, 27 with sections of the same length, therefore eliminating said difference.

Moreover, the guide system of the bed 3 allowing translation may be designed in a different way from the system of slides 41, 42 described above.

In order to increase the comfort of the user, the frame 35 of the bed 3 is articulated, i.e. it comprises at least one first section which is angularly displaceable with respect to a second section. This allows the user 8 to assume both a lying position and a comfortable sitting position.

In particular, the frame 35 comprises a backrest section 36, a thigh section 37 and a shin section 38. The thigh section 37 is situated between the backrest section 36 and the shin section 38. Each section of the frame 35 supports a corresponding region of the mattress or the like intended to support a part of the user's body 8. The backrest section 36 forms part of the region 31 for the trunk of the user 8; the thigh section 37 forms part of the region 32 for the thighs/hips of the user 8; the shin section 38 forms part of the region 33 for the shins/feet of the user 8.

The backrest section 36 is hinged or articulated with respect to the thigh section 37 and is angularly displaceable between a condition aligned with the thigh section 37 and a raised condition. In the aligned condition, the user 8 has a horizontal support on which to lie flat, while in the raised condition the backrest 36 is adapted to support the back of the user 8 sat on the bed 3.

The shin section 38 is hinged or articulated with respect to the thigh section 37 and is angularly displaceable between a condition aligned with the thigh section 37 and a lowered condition. In the aligned condition, the user 8 has a horizontal support also for the shins and the feet, while in the lowered condition the shin section 38 is lower than the thigh section 37 and therefore allows the user 8 on the bed 3 to bend the knees and lower the shins and the feet, in particular so as to assume a sitting position which is more comfortable and healthy, with the knees bent and the feet at a level lower than the buttocks.

This is additionally advantageous because, starting from such a sitting position with the feet already at floor level, for the user 8 it is easier to leave the housing unit 1 rapidly (for example in the case of an emergency) even without moving the bed 3.

Moreover, when the shin section 38 is lowered, the door 28 may be opened towards the inside of the inner chamber 20. The possibility of performing opening inwards is important for allowing the user to open the door 28 and leave the housing unit 1 (for example in the event of an emergency) even when some obstacle prevents opening of the door 28 outwards.

The backrest section 36 and the shin section 38 are angularly displaceable independently of each other. Quick-action releasable locking systems are provided for locking the sections 36, 37, 38 of the frame 35 in relative angular positions as desired by the user and for releasing locking when displacement into another angular position is required.

The shin section 38 may comprise in turn two sub-sections 381, 382 which are hinged together. The two sub-sections 381, 382 are also provided with quick-action releasable locking systems.

The two sub-sections 381, 382 are designed to close up hingeably, i.e. by means of a rotation through 180° relative to each other, when the shin section 38 is in the lowered condition. This is useful for reducing the overall volume of the shin section 38 when it is not used and for allowing complete lowering of the shin section 38 without interference with the floor of the inner chamber 20.

The inner chamber 20, in particular its floor, has moreover a seating or recess 24 which is lowered with respect to the surface of the bed 3 and is in the region facing the first access opening 26. When the bed 3 is in the first position, the recess 24 is located underneath the shin section 38 and is able to receive the shin section 38 in the lowered and closed-up condition, as well as the bent legs of the user 8, in particular the shins and the feet of the user 8. This allows the user 8 to sit on the bed 3 in a very comfortable position and moreover facilitates rapid exit of the user from the housing unit 1 and allows opening of the door 28 inwards. Moreover, when the shin section 38 is closed up, the user 8 may sit on the bed 3 in the second position and slide the bed 3 into the first position while remaining sat, without interference with the floor of the inner chamber 20.

FIGS. 7 to 18 shows a plurality of different positions or configurations of the bed 3, each corresponding to a mode of use. In particular, FIGS. 12 to 18 show in simplified and schematic manner the following conditions of the user 8, respectively: lying down inside, reclined inside, sitting reclined inside, reclined outside on the leg side, reclined outside on the head side, sitting outside on the leg side, sitting inside with the door open inwards.

Basically, the bed 3 inside the inner chamber 20 allows the user 8 to rest, sleep, remain in the lying position or sitting position or reclined position at various angles. The sitting position is made possible also by the hingeable closing system of the shin section 38; owing to the presence of the recess 24 and the sufficient height of the inner chamber 20, the sitting position may also be assumed while remaining comfortably inside the housing unit 1.

The bed 3 is mounted on a sliding structure, as described above, which allows the bed 3 to protrude both at the front (i.e. through the first access opening 26) and at the rear (i.e. through the second access opening 27). This movement of the bed 3 may be performed manually or using electromechanical systems. Movement of the bed 3 may also be performed while remaining inside the housing unit 1, it does not require external maneuvers and allows easy access to and easy exit from the housing unit 1. The bed 3 may be arranged in a position protruding outside also only for leisure purposes or for checking, assistance, treatment or other purposes, for example in a medical base camp situation. When the bed 3 has been completely extracted outside, it may be disengaged and used as an emergency transportation system, i.e. as a stretcher.

The box-shaped structure 2 is provided with glass windows 210, which may be opened. The doors 28, 29 may also be provided with glass windows. The box-shaped structure 2 is also provided with a hatch 220 which may also be fitted with glass and which is positioned at the top of the box-shaped structure 2 and allows the user 8 to leave the inner chamber 20 through said hatch in the event of an emergency.

The housing unit 1 may also have canopies 230 which project from the end walls 21, 22 above the respective access opening 26, 27. The canopies 230 in particular have a curved form which is joined to the cylindrical wall 23 and project by an amount which diminishes in the downwards direction. The canopies 230 are useful for protecting the user 8 from the sun, weather or falling objects when entering into/exiting from the inner chamber 20.

The housing unit 1 may be made using materials and with colours suitable for ensuring an adequate degree of comfort, quality and resistance to wear and the operating environment. The housing unit 1 may be provided with: internal and/or external lighting, an air conditioning system, a system for the filtered recirculation of air, an alarm system, emergency system, audio-visual system, telecommunications systems, electricity generating system such as photovoltaic panels or wind turbines. In particular, the housing unit 1 is configured to ensure a level of anti-intrusion safety equivalent to that of a masonry built bedroom.

For example, the housing unit 1 may be used in a domestic dwelling as a further emergency bed, on a campsite as a comfortable and safe place to sleep, on a land-based worksite instead of hotel room, on a sea platform for sleeping in safe conditions, as an emergency shelter provided by the civil protection authorities in the event of a natural or environmental disaster, in the military sector or in a field hospital as a medical hospitalization facility.

FIG. 35 shows a floating sea platform 91 on which a plurality of housing units 1 have been installed. For example, this is useful for providing a rest area for workers on an open-sea oil rig.

FIG. 36 shows a plurality of housing units 1 which are arranged around a dome 92; the housing units 1 communicate with the dome 92 by means of passages which are each connected to the first access opening 26 of a respective housing unit 1. For example, this is useful for providing a protected area in which the persons may perform a common activity, each person having at his/her disposal moreover a private housing unit 1 for staying and sleeping in at night-time.

In addition to the single-person housing unit 1 it is also possible to provide housing units 1 which are adapted to accommodate several persons. FIGS. 29 to 32 show for example a housing unit 1 composed essentially of two modules (in particular, two central structures 205) which are arranged alongside and communicate with each other as well as being completed by a right-hand wall 208 and a left-hand wall 209. This housing unit 1 is suitable for two persons: two beds 3 are in fact provided, each being movable through a respective access opening 26 in the manners already described.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show a variant of a housing unit 1 for two persons in which a box-shaped communication module 205a is arranged between two central structures 205 so as to provide a further space in which persons may stay. In other words, the housing unit 1 has a main central module 205a, for example provided with a table and shelves for positioning objects, and two symmetrical side modules 205 each provided with a respective bed.

Other combinations are obviously possible, with a greater number of modules 205a and/or central structures 205 which are suitably arranged. In other words, a housing unit 1 with the desired dimensions and features may be assembled in a modular manner as required: by providing a suitable number of parts shown in FIG. 19, these parts may be assembled together so as to obtain the housing unit 1 with the desired configuration and features. The greater the number of parts available, the greater is the number of configurations which may be obtained, with an obvious advantage when constructing the housing unit.

The housing unit 1 is moreover configured to float on water. This is useful in the case where the housing unit 1 is flooded or slips or falls into water, for example during a flood or after slipping off a sea platform into the sea, or if the housing unit 1 has been installed on the bank of a river, a lake or the sea.

The floating capacity is useful also in the case of use as a rescue unit, for example for the passengers of a shipwrecked ship or for workers on a sea oil rig, for example in the event of a fire. In such cases the passengers or workers may take shelter inside the housing units 1 which are then put out to sea and remain floating, so as to provide a survival facility for persons waiting for the rescue services. For example, each housing unit 1 may be provided with a hook 58 at the top for allowing hooking up to a cable 590 let down from a rescue helicopter 59, as shown in FIG. 37. The helicopter 59 may thus raise and transport the housing units 1 to a safe location. In other words, the modular housing unit 1 in the floating condition is a survival cell for the user 8 who is exposed to a danger condition due to the surrounding water environment, in particular the risk of drowning, hypothermia, attack by animals or not being found by the rescuers. The modular housing unit 1 is a survival cell in the sense that it allows the user 8 to remain in a protected environment while waiting for the rescue services.

In order to ensure that the housing unit 1 floats for a long enough period without taking in water, at least the bottom region 207 of the box-shaped structure 2 is watertight in order to prevent the water from entering into the inner chamber 20. In other words, the bottom of the box-shaped structure 2 forms a hull, i.e. acts in a manner similar to a hull, being watertight at least up to a floating line of the housing unit 1 under full load.

The doors 28, 29 may also be hermetically closed in watertight manner so as to prevent the infiltration of water.

In order to assist floating, rings 61 may be arranged externally around the longitudinal side wall 23 of the box-shaped structure 2. The rings 61 are for example made of a material with a density much less than that of water or are inflatable members which are inflated with air or other gas when it is required to increase the Archimedes' thrust and therefore the floating capacity of the housing unit 1 on water. In order to prevent the housing unit 1 from overturning in the water, the housing unit is made so as to have a centre of gravity which is as low as possible. In particular, the housing unit 1 is designed to have a centre of gravity B in a location such that, when the housing unit 1 is floating in the water 97, the centre of gravity B is situated below the surface 98 of the water 97. Consequently, the housing unit 1 in the water has a stable equilibrium condition in the centred horizontal position which it assumes on the ground 90 during the normal condition of use as a housing for the user 8.

Owing to the position of the centre of gravity B, the housing unit 1 returns spontaneously into this centred horizontal position after it has been made unstable by a wave or the wind. The cylindrical form of the box-shaped structure 2 also favours that it maintains this centred horizontal position and returns into said position.

In particular, in order to obtain a centre of gravity B in this position, the supporting base 5 underneath the box-shaped structure has a density greater than the density of the water. The position and the overall weight of the supporting base 5 are such as to determine a centre of gravity B which, when the housing unit 1 is floating in the water 97, is located below the surface 98 of the water.

In particular, the support feet 50a, 50b are heavy and for example made of solid metal or are hollow bodies which are filled with water.

As shown in the figures, the support feet 50a, 50b are movable members which are displaceable between a first condition and a second condition.

In the first condition (shown for example in FIGS. 1 to 11), each movable member 50a, 50b forms the supporting base 5 and therefore acts as a support foot for the housing unit 1. This is the condition normally assumed when the housing unit 1 is on the ground 90 during the condition of normal use as housing for the user 8.

In the second condition, each movable member 50a, 50b extends downwards from the bottom of the box-shaped structure 2 and forms a fin or fin-keel 55 which extends underneath the box-shaped structure 2. This is the condition which each movable member 50a 50b assumes when the housing unit 1 is floating on water. The purpose of the fin 55 is to maintain the centred horizontal position of the housing unit 1, in the manner of the a fin of a sailing boat, and it therefore counteracts or prevents overturning of the housing unit 1 under the action of the waves or the wind.

Moreover, the movement of the movable members 50a, 50b towards the second condition displaces the centre of gravity B downwards, helping to achieve said position in which the centre of gravity B is located underneath the surface 98 of the water 97.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 28, the two movable members/support feet 50a, 50b are arranged symmetrically and in the second condition they make contact with each other, forming a single fin 55. Systems may be provided for coupling together the two movable members 50a, 50b in the second condition in order to ensure that the fin 55 is stable. For example, these coupling systems could be of the magnetic type.

In variations of embodiment, shown for example in FIGS. 29 to 32, the two movable members 50a, 50b are far from each other and each form a respective fin 55.

In another variation of embodiment a single movable member may be provided.

In the embodiments shown for example in FIGS. 1 to 26, each movable member 50a, 50b is pivoted to the box-shaped structure 2, in particular to the bottom of the box-shaped structure 2, along a longitudinal pivoting axis 500. Therefore, the movement of the movable member 50a, 50b between the first condition and the second condition (and vice versa) is a rotation about said longitudinal pivoting axis 500. In particular, the first movable member 50a and the second movable member 50b are pivoted to the box-shaped structure 2 along a same longitudinal pivoting axis 500 such that in the second condition they are arranged against each other and a single fin 55 is easily obtained.

In a variation of embodiment, shown for example in FIGS. 27 and 28, each movable member 50a, 50b is connected to the box-shaped structure 2 by means of at least one articulated arm 57. Therefore, the movement of the movable member 50a, 50b between the first condition and the second condition (and vice versa) is an articulated movement by means of the arm 57.

The movement of the movable members 50a, 50b from the first condition towards the second condition occurs spontaneously when the housing unit 1 is in the water. This is achieved owing to the weight of the movable members 50a, 50b, which have a density greater than that of the water. In fact, each movable member 50a, 50b tends to move downwards owing to its weight, but, since it is constrained by the pivoting system 500 or by the articulated arm 57, the sole movement which it is able to perform is a displacement towards the second condition.

Alternatively or in addition, a mechanical or electromechanical system may be provided for moving the movable members 50a, 50b towards the second condition. This mechanical or electromechanical system may be activated manually or automatically by means of a sensor which detects falling of the housing unit 1 into the water.

In one embodiment, shown for example in FIGS. 22 to 26, the housing unit 1 comprises at least one floating element 53 which is connected to the supporting base 5; in particular, a floating element 53 is envisaged for each movable member 50a, 50b. The floating element 53 has a density less than that of the water and in particular is a hollow body and is watertight. The floating element 53 is essentially a caisson with a floating function.

For example, each floating element 53 extends longitudinally over a length equal to about the length of the longitudinal side wall 23 of the box-shaped structure 2 and the respective movable member 50a, 50b.

The floating elements 53 have the function of favouring floating of the housing unit 1, in particular if water should enter inside the inner chamber 20; in this case, in fact, the floating elements 53 ensure that the housing unit 1 continues in any case to float.

The floating element 53 is hinged with the respective movable member 50a, 50b, in particular to a top side of the latter, along a longitudinal hinge axis 530.

When the movable member 50a, 50b is in the first condition where it acts as a support foot, the floating element 53 is alongside the movable member 50a, 50b and in some cases forms an extension of the supporting base 5 (FIG. 22).

When the housing unit 1 is floating on water, the movable member 50a, 50b tends to move downwards because of its weight, while the floating element 53 is lighter than the water and tends to float. This results in a relative rotation about the longitudinal hinge axis 530 (FIGS. 25 and 26) which causes the floating element 53 to move above the respective movable member 50a, 50b, going to a position between the movable member and the box-shaped structure (FIGS. 23 and 24).

The floating element 53 therefore also allows the position of the fin 55 to be stabilized. In fact, by being positioned between the bottom 207 of the box-shaped structure 2 and the movable member 50a, 50b in the second condition, the floating element 53 prevents the movable member 50a, 50b from returning spontaneously into the first condition.

In order to maximize this stabilization effect, the floating element 53 has a first surface 531 which has a convex shape complementing the upper surface 51 of the movable member 50a, 50b and moreover has a second surface 532 which has a concave shape identical to said upper surface 51.

When the movable member 50a, 50b is in the second condition, the first surface 531 of the floating element 53 is housed in contact with the upper surface 51 of the movable member 50a, 50b, while the second surface 532 of the floating element 53 makes contact with a bottom portion of the lateral longitudinal wall 23 of the box-shaped structure 2.

In other words, the second surface 532 creates a receiving seat for the bottom 207 of the box-shaped structure 2, replacing the surface 51 of the movable member 50a, 50b which performs the same function in the first condition.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the movable members 50a, 50b and the floating elements 53 form a single fin 55 which cannot pivot with respect to the box-shaped structure 2 because it is locked in position by the matching engagement between the parts.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the floating element 53 may in some cases be provided on only one of the movable members 50a, 50b which form the fin 55.

The subject of the present disclosure has been described hitherto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments relating to the same inventive idea may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are illustrated hereinbelow.

Claims

1. A modular housing unit for housing a user, the modular housing unit comprising:

a box-shaped structure which encloses an inner chamber, the box-shaped structure having at least one access opening to the inner chamber; and

a bed or the like positioned in the inner chamber, wherein the bed or the like is mounted on guides connected to the box-shaped structure and is adapted to perform a translational movement with respect to the box-shaped structure along said guides;

the bed or the like being movable between a first position, in which the bed or the like is completely inside the inner chamber, and a second position, in which the bed or the like protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber through said at least one access opening,

the modular housing unit being configured to allow a user to lie in the bed or the like when the bed or the like is in the first position inside the inner chamber,

the movability of the bed or the like between the first position and the second position, and vice versa, allowing the user to exit from/enter the inner chamber while remaining lying in the bed or the like,

the bed or the like having a longitudinal axis corresponding to a head-feet direction of the user, said translational movement being along a translational axis which is parallel to said longitudinal axis of the bed or the like.

2. The modular housing unit according to claim 1, wherein the bed or the like has a trunk region, a thigh region and a shin or foot region, each of these regions being intended to support a corresponding part of the body of the user, the shin or foot region being closer to said at least one access opening than the trunk region when the bed or the like is in the first position inside the inner chamber.

3. The modular housing unit according to claim 2, wherein, when the bed or the like is in the second position, said thigh region and said shin or foot region are outside the inner chamber.

4. The modular housing unit according to claim 1, wherein the box-shaped structure has a first access opening and a second access opening, the second access opening being on an opposite side of the inner chamber with respect to the first access opening, the bed or the like in the second position protruding at least partially from the inner chamber through the first access opening, the bed or the like being further movable between the first position and a third position in which the bed or the like protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber through the second access opening, the first position being situated between the second position and the third position.

5. The modular housing unit according to claim 1, wherein the bed or the like has an articulated frame, the articulated frame comprising at least a first frame section and a second frame section, the first frame section being angularly displaceable with respect to the second frame section.

6. The modular housing unit according to claim 5, wherein said articulated frame comprises a shin section and a thigh section, the shin section being angularly displaceable with respect to the thigh section between a condition aligned with the thigh section and a lowered condition which allows a user on the bed or the like to bend the knees and lower the shins and the feet.

7. The modular housing unit according to claim 6, wherein said shin section comprises two sub-sections hinged together, said two sub-sections being configured to hingeably close up when the shin section is in the lowered condition.

8. The modular housing unit according to claim 6, wherein the inner chamber comprises a seating or recess for receiving the shin section in the lowered condition when the bed or the like is in the first position, said seating or recess being adapted to receive also the shins and the feet of the user.

9. The modular housing unit according to claim 5, wherein said articulated frame comprises a backrest section and a thigh section, the backrest section being angularly displaceable with respect to the thigh section between a condition aligned with the thigh section and a raised condition in which the backrest section is adapted to support the back of a user sitting on the bed or the like.

10. The modular housing unit according to claim 1, wherein the bed or the like is mounted on said guides via a first slide and a second slide, the first slide being slidably mounted on said guides, the second slide being slidably mounted on the first slide and supporting the bed or the like.

11. The modular housing unit according to claim 1, comprising at least one handrail positioned in said inner chamber and fixed to the box-shaped structure, said at least one handrail being substantially parallel to said guides and being able to be gripped by a user lying on the bed or the like.

12. The modular housing unit according to claim 1, wherein the modular housing unit comprises a supporting base for resting the housing unit on a ground or a similar installation surface during a condition of normal use for housing a user,

the modular housing unit being further configured to float in water, at least a bottom region of the box-shaped structure being watertight, the modular housing unit in a floating condition being a survival cell for the user in a danger condition due to a surrounding water environment.

13. A modular housing unit for housing a user, comprising:

a box-shaped structure which encloses an inner chamber;

a bed or the like positioned in the inner chamber; and

a supporting base for resting the housing unit on a ground or a similar installation surface during a condition of normal use for housing a user,

the modular housing unit being further configured to float in water, at least a bottom region of the box-shaped structure being watertight, the modular housing unit in a floating condition being a survival cell for the user in a danger condition due to a surrounding water environment,

wherein the supporting base comprises at least one movable member which is movable between a first condition, in which said at least one movable member forms a supporting base for the modular housing unit, and a second condition, in which said at least one movable member extends downwards from the bottom of the box-shaped structure,

said at least one movable member being able to assume said second condition when the modular housing unit is floating in water, said at least one movable member in the second condition forming a fin which extends underneath the box-shaped structure to counteract overturning of the modular housing unit in the floating condition.

14. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, the supporting base comprising a first movable member and a second movable member which are symmetrically positioned, wherein said first movable member and second movable member in the first condition form support feet which extend from opposite sides, and wherein said first movable member and second movable member in the second condition are in contact with each other to form said fin.

15. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, wherein said at least one movable member is pivoted to the box-shaped structure along a longitudinal pivoting axis, the movement between the first condition and the second condition, and vice versa, being a rotation about said longitudinal pivoting axis.

16. The modular housing unit according to claim 14, wherein the first movable member and the second movable member are pivoted to the box-shaped structure along a same longitudinal pivoting axis, the movement between the first condition and the second condition, and vice versa, being a rotation around said longitudinal pivoting axis.

17. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, wherein said at least one movable member is connected to the box-shaped structure via at least one articulated arm.

18. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, further comprising at least one floating element having a density less than the density of water, said at least one floating element being hinged with a respective movable member along a longitudinal hinge axis, so that said at least one floating element is alongside the respective movable member when the respective movable member is in the first condition, and so that said at least one floating element is above the respective movable member and is positioned between the respective movable member and the box-shaped structure when the respective movable member is in the second condition.

19. The modular housing unit according to claim 18, wherein said at least one floating element is configured to stabilize the position of said fin when the respective movable member is in the second condition, said at least one floating element being positioned between the respective movable member and the box-shaped structure so as to prevent the respective movable member from returning into the first condition.

20. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, wherein the modular housing unit is configured to have a center of gravity in such a location that it is below the surface of the water when the modular housing unit is floating in water.

21. The modular housing unit according to claim 20, wherein said supporting base is positioned underneath the box-shaped structure and has a density greater than the density of water, the position and the overall weight of the supporting base being configured to determine a location of the center of gravity of the modular housing unit, the center of gravity being located below the surface of the water when the modular housing unit is floating in water.

22. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, comprising inflatable members or rings arranged on the outside of the box-shaped structure, said inflatable members or rings being adapted to be inflated by a gas so as to increase the floating capacity of the modular housing unit in water.

23. The modular housing unit according to claim 13, wherein the box-shaped structure has at least one access opening to the inner chamber,

the bed or the like being mounted on guides connected to the box-shaped structure and being adapted to perform a translational movement with respect to the box-shaped structure along said guides,

the bed or the like being movable between a first position, in which the bed or the like is completely inside the inner chamber, and a second position, in which the bed or the like protrudes at least partially from the inner chamber through said at least one access opening,

the modular housing unit being configured to allow a user to lie in the bed or the like when the bed or the like is in the first position inside the inner chamber,

the movability of the bed or the like between the first position and the second position, and vice versa, allowing the user to exit from/enter the inner chamber while remaining lying in the bed or the like.

24. (canceled)