FUNCTIONAL MODULE FOR COMMERCIAL OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Abstract

The functional furniture module (1) intended to equip a utility or leisure vehicle, is formed by an assembly of walls and is notable in particular in that at least one of its walls (10) is rigid and constitutes a support structure and that it includes a transfer assembly (2) which is formed of a first transfer unit (20) permanently fixed to said rigid wall (10), a second transfer unit (21), mobile, adapted to support both the first transfer unit and said module, said second transfer unit (21) comprising means (210) for ground movement, and the two said transfer units, (20, 21) comprising means for mutual coupling to each other that are lockable, unlockable, formed of at least one male coupling means (30) and at least one female coupling means (31), capable of cooperating together by interlocking form.

Description

Title of the invention: FUNCTIONAL MODULE FOR UTILITY OR LEISURE VEHICLES Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of furniture fitted to converted vehicles such as utility vehicles or leisure vehicles such as, for example, camper vans and vans and relates more particularly to a functional, portable furniture module equipped with a means of movement outside the vehicle. State of the prior art

[0002] The furniture fitted to utility vehicles or recreational vehicles used for example for camping is often composed of one or more functional modules installed in the body of the vehicle. These functional modules are usually specialized and are designed and equipped accordingly. In the case of vehicles of the camper van type, such modules are designed for sleeping, cooking, storage, etc.

[0003] These modules are usually installed fixedly in the vehicle body, but sometimes they are removably secured there. In the latter case, such modules are designed to be able to be removed from the vehicle, then reinstalled, quickly. Some functional modules can even slide to be partially removed from the vehicle, in order to make their access possible from the outside while still remaining secured to the vehicle body.

[0004] As these are modules fitted to motorhomes, this latter, most practical, feature, however, requires users to travel back and forth between the dining table and the living area placed at a certain distance from the vehicle, and the kitchen and storage units remaining in the vehicle. As a result, it is not very comfortable to choose a dining and living area too far from the vehicle, as this increases the distance of the back and forth.

[0005] Furthermore, when not in use, the removable furniture mentioned above is often impractical and bulky when stored outside or inside the vehicle. This is explained by the difficulty of storing the functional modules in the least bulky position possible, for example, the vertical position, for elongated modules. Statement of the invention

[0006] The furniture and the module(s) mentioned are considered in relation to a vehicle. Thus, when reference is made to the "front" of an element, this refers to the part of the element located towards the front of the vehicle and vice versa for the rear. The left of an element is to the left of the vehicle, when looking from the back to the front (looking in the same direction as the vehicle's progress).

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a functional module for a utility or leisure vehicle which can be completely detached from the vehicle and be placed easily and without significant effort away from the latter, for use or storage. The specialized modules concerned are a priori large in size, in order to be able to include the equipment necessary for their use. In the case of recreational vehicles of the camper van type, the module(s) concerned may be equipped with kitchen and storage elements. They can be moved, in the vehicle, in a rectilinear direction, most often parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Also, the removable functional module can be stored vertically when not in use, which reduces its footprint.

[0008] Thus, the functional furniture module according to the invention, intended to equip a utility or leisure vehicle, is essentially characterized in that at least one of its walls is rigid and constitutes a support structure and that it comprises a transfer assembly, which is formed of a first transfer unit permanently fixed to said rigid wall, a second transfer unit, mobile, adapted to support both the first transfer unit and said module, said second transfer unit comprising means for moving on the ground, the two said transfer units, comprising mutual coupling means to each other, lockable, unlockable, formed of at least one male coupling means and at least one female coupling means, capable of cooperating together by interlocking, said coupling means allowing the second transfer unit to be fixed to the first and their separation.

[0009] Locking the coupling means makes it possible to secure the two transfer units to one another, while unlocking the coupling means makes it possible to separate the second transfer unit from the first unit and the associated functional module.

[0010] Thus, the functional module can be partially extracted from the vehicle and coupled by the first transfer unit to the second transfer unit so that it can be completely extracted from the vehicle and transported at a distance from the latter, without risk of falling, for example for use or storage. The second unit can remain coupled to the first unit while the module is being used or stored, but after unlocking the coupling means, it can be separated from it for separate storage or for use in moving another module equipped with another first transfer unit. Thus, as we understand, thanks to the connection between the module and the second transfer unit, it is possible to make the module "nomadic" by being able to place it wherever access is possible for the second transfer unit, and to store vertically the assembly formed by the module and the two transfer units linked to each other, which takes up much less space.

[0011] Preferably, according to another characteristic of the invention, the or each female coupling means is carried by one of the two transfer units, and the or each male coupling means is carried by the other transfer unit. Alternatively, according to another characteristic of the invention, each transfer unit comprises at least one male coupling means and at least one female coupling means capable of cooperating by form fitting, respectively with the female coupling means and the male coupling means of the other transfer unit.

[0012] According to another characteristic of the invention, the first transfer unit is provided with supports to be supported, with the associated module, by the second transfer unit and said second transfer unit comprises support means capable of receiving the supports of the first transfer unit.

[0013] According to another characteristic of the invention, the first transfer unit is constituted by two parallel side members extending from the front to the rear of the associated functional module, said side members each having a horizontal flat lower support surface in coplanar relation with the lower surface of the other side member, the two said surfaces forming a support plane, said side members and their lower surface forming the supports that said first transfer unit comprises.

[0014] According to another characteristic of the invention, the first transfer unit is provided with at least one female coupling means, which is formed by a hollow shape made in one of the two side members constituting said first transfer unit.

[0015] According to another characteristic of the invention, the second transfer unit comprises a lower chassis provided with ground movement means and a lifting, support structure installed on the lower chassis, said lifting structure forming the support means that said second transfer unit comprises.

[0016] According to another characteristic of the invention, the lifting structure is formed of two pairs of arms arranged in a scissor configuration, and of an actuator acting on each scissor configuration in order to deploy or retract the lifting structure, one of the arms of at least one of the scissors comprising at the upper end a male coupling means while the other arm comprising at the upper end a support member provided to receive in support the lower support surface that comprises the corresponding side member of the first transfer unit, this support member, in the form of a roller or sliding pad, being capable of facilitating the engagement of the first transfer unit and the associated module on the second transfer unit.

[0017] According to another characteristic of the invention, the second transfer unit is provided with at least one tilting member forming a seat. By means of such a tilting member, the functional module and its transfer assembly can be easily tilted from a horizontal position, rolling on the ground, to a vertical position, this tilting movement being carried out by support and movement on the ground of the or each tilting member. During this tilting movement, each male coupling means and the associated female coupling means are in particular at the end of the movement in a higher position relative to the center of gravity of the functional module and the first transfer unit. This arrangement prevents any pivoting movement of the box and the first transfer unit relative to the second unit.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the invention, the transfer unit comprises two tilting members fixed to the two side members of the lower chassis in the extension of the latter.

[0019] According to another characteristic of the invention, each tilting member is formed of an upwardly arched hoop, fixed at the end of the corresponding spar and determining in combination with the other hoop a geometric support envelope occupying a frontal position relative to the module.

[0020] According to another characteristic of the invention, the arched shape is such that the projection on the ground of the center of gravity of the assembly formed by the module and the two transfer units is 200 mm at most from the point of tangency between the arches and the ground.

[0021] According to another characteristic of the invention, each tilting member is provided with at least one crutch designed to be brought to bear on the ground in the vertical position of the functional module and its transfer assembly, said crutch, in the aforementioned position, forming with the hoops a multi-pod base.

[0022] Thanks to the connection between the module and the second transfer unit, it is possible to make the module "nomadic" by being able to place it wherever access is possible for the second transfer unit, and to store the module and the transfer assembly vertically, which takes up much less space. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of the module according to the invention equipped with its transfer set,

[0025] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the second transfer unit,

[0026] [Fig.3] is a rear view of a utility or recreational vehicle equipped with a module functional according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.4] is a perspective view showing a module according to the invention partly extracted of the vehicle that accommodates it,

[0028] [Fig.5] is a side view of the module according to the invention partly extracted from the vehicle. who welcomes him,

[0029] [Fig.6] is a view illustrating the installation of the second transfer unit under the first transfer unit and under the module which it carries, the latter being only partially extracted from the vehicle which accommodates it,

[0030] [Fig.7] is a view of a module completely extracted from the vehicle which accommodates it in place on the second transfer unit,

[0031] [Fig.8] is a view of a module in the position for use remotely from the vehicle,

[0032] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the second transfer unit equipped with organs of rocking,

[0033] [Fig. 10] is a view showing a first stage of tilting the module and its transfer assembly to a vertical position,

[0034] [Fig. 11], is a view showing a subsequent step of tilting the module and its transfer assembly to a vertical position,

[0035] [Fig. 12] is a view showing the final stage of tilting the module and its transfer assembly, the latter being in a vertical position.

[0036] Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0037] As shown, the functional module 1, according to the invention, of furniture, is intended to equip a utility or leisure vehicle 5 and is removably mounted in the body of this vehicle, on the floor 50 of this body. As can be seen in particular in [Fig.3], the body of this vehicle is accessible for example by a rear opening associated with a closing door not shown.

[0038] This functional module 1, for example of parallelepiped shape, used in a horizontal position, is formed by assembling walls of which at least one, the wall 10, is rigid and is configured to absorb loads without deforming or breaking. This rigid wall 10 can occupy a lower position and develop substantially horizontally or a lateral position and develop substantially vertically.

[0039] This functional module 1 comprises a transfer assembly 2 capable of allowing and facilitating its movement between the vehicle in which it is installed and a place of use or storage and vice versa. This transfer assembly 2 is formed of a first transfer unit 20 permanently fixed to said module and more specifically to the rigid wall 10 of this module, a second transfer unit 21, mobile, adapted to support the first transfer unit 20 and the associated functional module 1 as well than to be temporarily fixed to the first unit 20 and to be separated therefrom. For this purpose, the two transfer units, 20, 21 comprise mutual coupling means to each other, lockable, unlockable, formed of male coupling means 30 and female coupling means 31, capable of cooperating together by form fitting. As understood, the second transfer unit 21 is separable from the first transfer unit 20 after unlocking the coupling means. Likewise, this second transfer unit 21 can be secured to the first unit 20 by locking the coupling means.

[0040] According to the preferred embodiment, the female coupling means 31 are carried by the first transfer unit 20 while the male coupling means 30 are carried by the second transfer unit 21.

[0041] As can be seen, the second transfer unit 21 comprises ground movement means preferably constituted by wheels 210. According to the embodiment as illustrated in the attached figures, the second transfer unit 21 is designed to come under the first transfer unit 20 to receive the latter and the associated functional module 1. For this purpose, the first transfer unit 20 is provided with supports 201 to be supported with its module 1 by the second transfer unit 21 and this second transfer unit 21 comprises support members 217a capable of receiving the supports 201 of the first transfer unit.

[0042] According to a practical embodiment, the first transfer unit 20 is constituted by two horizontal parallel longitudinal members 200, fixed to the horizontal lower wall of the associated functional module 1, this horizontal wall constituting the rigid wall 10. These longitudinal members extend from the front to the rear of this module 1, preferably along the longitudinal edges of this lower wall 10. As can be seen in particular in [Fig.l], each longitudinal member 200 has a horizontal flat lower face. Each longitudinal member and this flat lower face form one of the supports 201 that the first transfer unit 20 comprises. The lower face 201 of each longitudinal member is in coplanar relation with the flat lower face 201 of the other longitudinal member 200, in order to determine with the latter a horizontal support plane intended to rest on the support members that the second transfer unit 21 comprises.

[0043] Advantageously, the first transfer unit 20 is provided with rolling members 202 designed to roll on the floor of the vehicle body or in parallel guide rails 51, fixed to the floor of this body 50. As can be seen, these rails 51 extend perpendicular to the rear opening of the vehicle, that is to say parallel to the direction of movement of this vehicle. These rolling members 202, in the form of rollers, are mounted in rotation on horizontal journals perpendicular to the side members 200 and fixed to the latter. This arrangement facilitates the movement of the first unit and the associated module 1 on the vehicle floor or in the rails 51.

[0044] According to a practical embodiment, three pairs of rolling members 202 are provided, two of which are mounted at the front and rear of the first transfer unit 20 and the third of which is fixed to the first third of the length of said unit, from the front. This arrangement allows a partial exit of the module 1 and its first transfer unit 20 from the vehicle body, the module then being cantilevered above the ground as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this situation, the second transfer unit 21 can then be engaged under the first transfer unit 20 ([Fig. 6]) and be locked to the latter. The functional module 1 and the two transfer units 20, 21 can then be moved to a place of use ([Fig. 8]) or to a storage location ([Fig. 12]).

[0045] The second transfer unit 21 comprises a lower chassis provided with the wheels 210 and a lifting, supporting structure installed on the lower chassis, said lifting structure forming the supporting means that said second transfer unit 21 comprises.

[0046] According to a practical embodiment, the lower chassis of the second transfer unit 21 is formed of two substantially horizontal parallel side members 211, braced on the one hand by two horizontal front 212 and rear 214 axles and, on the other hand, by a horizontal central cross member 213. The front and rear axles as well as the central cross member are fixed to the two side members 211. The front and rear axles receive the wheels 210.

[0047] According to a practical embodiment, the front 212 and rear 214 axles and the central cross member 213 are each formed by a cylindrical axis and extend perpendicularly to the side members 211. The front 212 and rear 214 axles, by their terminal zones, project laterally relative to the side members 211 in order to form the spindles on which the wheels 210 are rotatably mounted. Alternatively, the second transfer unit 21 will no longer be equipped with wheels mounted on the axle, but with pivoting wheels each rotatably mounted in a yoke linked by a ball bearing to a fixing plate on the lower chassis.

[0048] According to a practical embodiment, the lifting structure is formed of two pairs of arms arranged in scissors and an actuator 215 acting on at least one of the scissors, formed in order to deploy or retract said lifting structure. The two pairs of arms are parallel to each other and each pair of arms develops along a vertical geometric plane preferably parallel to the side members 211.

[0049] Each pair of arms comprises a first arm 216 and a second arm 217 articulated to each other at a distance from their two ends, and this along a horizontal geometric axis perpendicular to the geometric plane along which the scissors develop. formed. Advantageously, the geometric axis of articulation of the two arms 216, 217 connecting them to each other is materialized by a cylindrical axis 22 common to the two pairs of arms and forming a connecting spacer between these two pairs of arms.

[0050] The first arm 216 has a U-shaped cross-section while the second arm 217, formed by a tube, has a rectangular cross-section.

[0051] The first arm 216, by its lower end, is articulated to one of the front or rear axles, while the second arm 217 by its lower end is fixed to a horizontal guide axis 218 common to the two pairs of arms, secured by its two end zones to the two side members 211. More precisely, the guide axis 218 extends perpendicularly to the two side members 211 and each side member 211 is provided with a horizontal oblong slot 219 in which the corresponding end zone of the guide axis 218 is engaged in radial sliding.

[0052] One of the arms of each pair of arms, for example, the arm 217 is provided at the upper end with a support member 217a provided to receive in support the support surface 201 of the corresponding spar 200 of the first transfer unit 20. This support member, in the form of a roller or sliding pad, being capable of facilitating the engagement of the first transfer unit 20 and the associated module 1 on the second transfer unit 21, each support surface 201 then forming a rolling or sliding path. The other arm 216 of each formed scissor, at the upper end, comprises a male coupling means 30.

[0053] The lifting structure as described is dimensioned and configured so as to ensure a vertical displacement and of the same amplitude of the male coupling means 30 and the support members 217a, this displacement being carried out by action of the actuator 215 on each scissor formed by each pair of arms 216, 217. The action of the actuator results in a modification of the angle of inclination of each arm relative to the horizontal.

[0054] According to a practical embodiment, each male coupling means 30 is formed by a cylindrical finger 300, with operating handle 300a, slidably engaged in a horizontal through bore 301 made at the end of the corresponding arm 216 along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the chisel formed while each female coupling means 31 is constituted by a hollow shape, formed in one of the two side members 200 constituting the first transfer unit 20. The handle 300a is also provided to be engaged in a slot 216a made in the arm 216. This arrangement ensures the removable attachment of the male coupling means 30 to both the arm 216 and the female coupling means 31 as can be seen in [Fig.l]. The hollow shape constituting the female coupling means 31 is preferably in the form of a cylindrical through perforation, with a horizontal geometric axis, perpendicular to the side member 200 in which it is formed. Advantageously, each side member 200 is equipped with several female coupling means 31, judiciously distributed along its length. These female coupling means 31 are arranged in pairs, one of the female coupling means 31 of each pair being formed on one of the side members 200, the other female coupling means 31 on the other side member. One of the pairs of female coupling means 31 is reserved for use of the module outside, in the use position, i.e. in a horizontal position, another pair is reserved for storing the module in a vertical position.

[0055] The actuator 215 is positioned between the two pairs of arms 216, 217 and is secured on the one hand to the central spacer 213 and on the other hand to the articulation axis 22, the latter being located substantially above the spacer 213. The deployment or retraction of the actuator results, as understood, in the deployment or retraction of the lifting structure and the raising or lowering relative to the ground of the male coupling means 30 and the support members 21a.

[0056] According to a practical embodiment, the actuator 215 is formed by a diamond jack. Such a lifting device is widely known and is in common use.

[0057] Advantageously, the second transfer unit 20 is provided with at least one tilting member 4 arranged to come to bear on the ground and allow the tilting of the assembly formed by the functional module 1 and the two transfer units 20, 21, from a transfer or use position, to a storage position. This tilting movement is carried out by applying a tilting force to the aforementioned assembly, this tilting movement being carried out by support and movement on the ground of the tilting member. As can be seen in the transfer or use position, the ground movement members 210 are in support on the ground and the module and the transfer assembly occupy a horizontal position, while in the storage position, the movement members 210 are clear of the ground and the module 1 and the transfer assembly occupy a vertical position.

[0058] Preferably, the second transfer unit 21 is provided with two tilting members 4 arranged in the extension of the side members 211. As can be seen in [Fig.9], the tilting members 4 extend the front ends of the side members 211, but it goes without saying that they can extend their rear end. These tilting members 4 are preferably removably fixed by bolting to the side members 211, but alternatively, they can be secured to these side members 211 by a hinge so that they can be folded along the latter.

[0059] According to a practical embodiment, each tilting member 4 is constituted by an arch having a shape 40 arched upwards, the arched shape 40 being such that the projection on the ground of the center of gravity of the assembly formed by the module and the two transfer units is at most 200 mm from the point of tangency between the arches and the ground, preferably 100 mm behind this point, considering the lifting direction. Thus, the manual lifting effort remains low. In addition, the free end of each tilting member 4, when the module 1 and the transfer units 20, 21 are horizontal, that is to say in the use or transfer position, is located at a height level higher than that of said module 1. EACH tilting member is formed of an upwardly arched hoop, fixed at the end of the corresponding side member and determining in combination with the other hoop a geometric support envelope occupying a frontal position relative to the module 1.

[0060] Advantageously, the arcuate shape 40 of each rocking member 4 is extended towards the free end of said arch by a flat shape 41 capable of interrupting the fluidity of the rocking movement and thus forming a stop.

[0061] Each tilting member 4 is provided with at least one crutch 45 intended to be brought into contact with the ground when the functional module and the associated transfer assembly are in a vertical position, said crutch 45, in the ground-supporting position, forming a multi-legged base with the hoops ([Fig. 12]).

[0062] According to a practical embodiment, the stand 45 that each rocking member 4 comprises is articulated to the latter along a horizontal geometric axis perpendicular to said rocking member 4. The stand 45 can occupy a retracted position along the rocking member 4 or a deployed position resting on the ground in which it forms an acute angle with said rocking member 4.

[0063] According to a practical embodiment, the geometric axis of articulation of the stand 45 to the corresponding rocking member 4 is materialized by a screw with nut. The stand 45 comprises an oblong slot in which is engaged a stop screw secured to the rocking member. The slot develops along an arc of the circumference of a circle centered on the geometric axis of articulation, said slot and said stop screw forming a stop means capable of limiting the movement of the stand 45 between the deployed position and the retracted position. The amplitude of the pivoting of the stand between its retracted position and its deployed position is determined by the value of the arc along which the slot develops.

[0064] During the tilting movement of the functional module and the transfer assembly 2, each male coupling means 30 and the associated female coupling means 31 must be, in particular at the end of the movement, in a higher position relative to the center of gravity of the functional module 1 and the transfer assembly 2 so as to prevent any pivoting movement of the module 1 and the first transfer unit 20 relative to the second transfer unit 21. For this purpose, the male coupling means 30 are carried by the upper ends of those of the arms, secured to the axle arranged as close as possible to the tilting members 4. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the male assembly means 30 are carried by the arms 216 due to the fact that the tilting members 4 are fixed to the front end side members 211. In the case where the rocking members 4 are fixed at the rear end of the side members 211, the male coupling means 30 would be carried by the arms 217.

[0065] The procedure for making module 1 usable outside vehicle 5 is as described below.

[0066] Initially ([Fig.4]), the operator pulls the module 1 from the rear of the vehicle 5, until the overhang is sufficient ([Fig.5]). The rear wheels 202 are in the air, but the two pairs of front wheels 202 are still held by the rails 51 ([Fig.4]), which prevents the module 1 from falling.

[0067] Then ([Fig.6]), the operator places the second transfer unit 21 under the first unit 20 and the associated module 1, and adjusts the height and the position of the upper ends of the arms 216, 217 by actuating the actuator 215, in order to place the male coupling means 30 respectively opposite the chosen female coupling means 31, in order to be able to lock these said male means to said female means and consequently fix the second transfer unit 21 to the first transfer unit 20 and consequently to the module 1.

[0068] Then, using the actuator 215 ([Fig.7]), the operator continues the lifting, the support members 217a being in contact with the rolling paths constituting the supports 201. The lifting transfers the mass of the module 1 from the vehicle 5 to the second transfer unit 21. Thus, by pulling the module and transfer unit assembly backwards, the module can be removed from the vehicle 5. Released from the vehicle 5 ([Fig.8]), the module is then lowered, using the actuator 215, to a suitable height for outdoor use (approximately 1 m), and can be placed at the location chosen by the user.

[0069] When the operator has chosen the storage function, he removes the module 1 from the vehicle and lowers it as described above, but has chosen to use the female coupling means 31 dedicated to this function ([Fig. 10]). Indeed, the center of gravity of the module 1 is then moved forward, which reduces the effort required for the rest of the operation.

[0070] Once the trolley-module assembly has been removed from the vehicle, the operator fixes the two hoops 4 equipped with their crutch 45 to the chassis ([Fig. 10]).

[0071] Then, the operator lifts the trolley-module assembly from the rear ([Fig. 11]).

[0072] When the assembly consisting of module 1 and transfer units 20, 21 reaches the end of tilting ([Fig. 12]), the flat and elongated shape of the hoops 4 blocks the pivoting movement, and the operator only has to deploy the crutches 45 with his foot, to stabilize the assembly.

[0073] To facilitate the movement of the module and its transfer assembly 2, when they are in a vertical position, a caster, not shown, possibly equipped with a brake, will be fixed to the flat shape of each tilting member 4.

[0074] The module as described is intended to equip both recreational vehicles such as camper vans and others, as well as utility vehicles.

[0075] It goes without saying that the present invention can receive all arrangements and variants from the field of technical equivalents without departing from the scope of the present patent as defined by the claims below.

Claims

Claims

1. Functional furniture module (1) intended to equip a utility or leisure vehicle (5), and to be removably mounted in the body of this vehicle, said module being able to be completely detached from the vehicle and be placed far from the latter, for use or storage and said module being formed by assembling walls, characterized in that at least one of its walls is rigid and constitutes a support structure and that it comprises a transfer assembly (2) which is formed of a first transfer unit (20) permanently fixed to said rigid wall (10), of a second transfer unit (21), mobile, adapted to support the first transfer unit (20), said second transfer unit (21) comprising members (210) for movement on the ground, and the two said transfer units, (20, 21) comprising means for mutual coupling to each other which are lockable, unlockable,formed of at least one male coupling means (30) and at least one female coupling means (31), capable of cooperating together by interlocking, said coupling means allowing the second transfer unit to be fixed to the first and their separation.,

2. Functional module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the or each female coupling means (31) is carried by the first transfer unit (20) while the or each male coupling means (30) is carried by the second transfer unit (21).

3. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first transfer unit (20) is provided with supports (201) to be supported by the second transfer unit (21) and said second transfer unit (21) comprises support means (217a) capable of receiving the supports (201) of the first transfer unit (20) in order to support the latter.

4. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transfer unit (20) is constituted by two parallel horizontal longitudinal members (200) extending from the front to the rear of said module, said longitudinal members (200) each having a horizontal flat lower support surface in coplanar relation with the lower surface of the other longitudinal member (200), the two said lower surfaces forming the supports (201) that said first transfer unit comprises and that the or each female means (31) coupling is formed by a hollow shape made in one of the two side members (200) constituting said first transfer unit (20).

5. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transfer unit (21) comprises a lower chassis provided with ground movement members and a lifting support structure, installed on the lower chassis, said lifting structure forming the support means that said second transfer unit (21) comprises.

6. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower chassis of the second transfer unit (21) is formed of two parallel cross-braced longitudinal members (211), that the lifting structure is formed of two pairs of arms (216, 217), arranged in scissors, and an actuator (215) acting on each scissor formed, in order to deploy or retract the lifting structure, that one of the arms (216, 217) of at least one of the scissors comprises at its upper end a male coupling means (30) and that the other arm (216, 217) at its upper end comprises a support means (217a) provided to receive in support the lower support surface (201) that comprises the corresponding longitudinal member (200) of the first transfer unit (20), this support means (217a) being capable of facilitating the engagement of the first unit transfer unit (20) on the second transfer unit (21) and that the or each male coupling means (30) is formed by a cylindrical finger (300),with operating handle, slidingly engaged in a horizontal through bore (301) made at the end of the corresponding arm.,

7. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transfer unit (21) is provided with at least one tilting member (4) arranged to come to bear on the ground and allow the tilting of the assembly formed by the functional module (1) and the two transfer units (20, 21) from a horizontal position of use, to a vertical storage position.

8. Module (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second transfer unit (21) comprises two tilting members (4) fixed to the two side members (211) of the lower chassis of the second transfer unit (21) in the extension of the latter.

9. Module (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that each tilting member (4) is formed of a hoop having a shape (40) arched upwards, fixed at the end of the corresponding side member (211), the free end of each hoop (4), when said module and the transfer units (20, 21) are in the position of use, being located at a height level higher than that of said module.

10. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arcuate shape that each rocking member (4) has is extended towards the free end of said hoop by a flat shape (41) and that the or each rocking member (4) is provided with at least one stand (45) intended to be brought into contact with the ground when said module and the transfer assembly are in the storage position, said stand (45), in the ground-supporting position, forming a multi-legged base with the hoops.

11. Module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that each side member (200) is equipped with several female coupling means (31) distributed along its length, that the female coupling means (31) are arranged in pairs, one of the female means 31 of each pair being formed on one of the side members (200), the other female means on the other side member, that one of the pairs of female coupling means (1) is reserved for use outdoors, in a horizontal position, and that another pair is reserved for storage in a vertical position.

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