Appeal No. 2004-0785 Page 5
Application No. 09/252,635
connecting the utility feed of the first unit and the utility feed of the second unit for
supply of utility services to the units.
Teachings of Hopkins
Hopkins' invention is directed to a prefabricated structure of at least two stories
comprised of a vertically stacked modular core and interlocking system of panelized
component room elements erected upon a monolithic concrete slab. The subject
modular core is composed of three units each built upon a base pallet and featuring
pre-finished walls, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, floor coverings and containing an
integrated plumbing, mechanical and electrical system which services the dwelling. The
core modules and plurality of room elements are manufactured utilizing mass
production techniques and transported to the building site. The lower core module
contains a kitchen, central hallway, a portion of the staircase, and powder room
facilities. Panelized room elements appended to the front and rear of the lower core
form a living room and dining/den area. The middle core unit contains a bath with
laundry facilities and corridor for internal circulation between two bedrooms
subsequently formed by panelized room elements appended to the front and rear sides.
The upper core module forms a floored attic area containing heating and
air-conditioning equipment and hot water heater. Access to the upper core module
(attic) is accomplished by means of a pull-down staircase/ladder mounted in the floor.
The concrete slab foundation contains a preformed central depression which branches
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