CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED CASES
None.
STATEMENT REGULATING FED R&D
None.
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION OF MAIN EMBODIMENT
The apparatus and methods disclosed herein reveal a new windows air conditioning (here after as “window AC”) accessary device and its possible embodiment. This new device and system will allow new ways of insulating and fill the gaps between window AC housing and the windows openings, and it works for both horizontally or vertically opened window.
Firstly, This invention provides a new way to provide a flexible solution to block the opening gap between window AC housing and window, because the size of its covered area is adjustable, the thickness of its covered area is also adjustable.
Secondly, the system and device can allow the coverage area to use materials that has more options to choose. The covered area can use either solid opaque material or clear transparent material, or even with different colors, textures and pattern's combination like mosaic patches of different types. It can be customized.
Thirdly, the system and device provides a customizable solution to use that openings and space. Customer can chose to block it with a solid panel, clear see through panel, an openable small windows with or without screen, to fit in a small window fan, or customizes that to other functional modules, like make it an album, or storage solution like a pencil holders, mailbox, small shelf, a speaker, a phone chargers, a solar rechargeable lights, a Eco globe or fish tanks etc.
Lastly, this invention allows the customers to install and remove functional module easily without the need to take the window AC down. The removable modules also make installation of windows AC safer and easier. It also allows user to change the design or combination of functional modules from time to time. The current invention creates a new ecosystem around window AC, and created a new marketplace for 3rd parties to design more accessary to meet different needs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the field of window AC accessory. When window AC was installed and used, there is always a gap at its sides that need to be filled between the sides of the window AC's housing and the window's frame, due to the difference between the width of window AC and window.
The prior arts use either fixed length hard panels that “sliding” against each other or use expandable soft panel that are “stretched” to different length so to cover certain sized openings. All of the above-mentioned models failed to provide means to establish a flexible, energy efficient, thermo-blocking, and good looking solution to cover this openings and gaps. Neither can those prior arts provide a way to fully use this small space, rather than just try to get rid of it. They are all confronted with at least one or even several of following listed problems:
- 1) Size is not fully adjustable. Some fixed sized panel cannot fit into any window opening or window AC models if it does not match exactly;
- 2) Its material is not transparent, and had blocked the view of the window opening;
- 3) Its panel material is too thin and cannot act as a good thermo blocking barrier, nor as a good noise blocking barrier;
- 4) Its material is too thin and not strong enough to withstand install and removal such as during moving to a new window location, and will be damaged by repeated handling;
- 5) The space between window AC housing and window frame is totally wasted. Windows are usually the focus point of the room, but now become the most ugly place, especially when you need to apply foams, tapes or sponges to fill any small gaps to prevent leaks.
- 6) The window cannot be opened after Window AC was installed, due to safety concerns. So in this case, if that window is the only windows in the room, it forces you to use AC even it is not that hot as a result of lacking of other way to circulate/exchange the air inside the room. It is not environmentally friendly and waste more energy as well as become more costly to operate for its user;
- 7) All prior arts are static. They do not provide the flexibility and versatile uses as the users cannot switch between different material and designs setups without the effort to take down the entire window AC unit and put it back in to windows openings again.
- 8) All prior arts are not convenient and not safe. With flimsy panels attached to both sides of the AC housing, it blocks the view as well as hand access to the housing, thus it is not easy to install and remove the AC unit from window.
To address all of these shortcomings of those prior arts, the present invention disclosed herein has the following objectives and advantages:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This new invention use base modules to be attached to one or more sides of window AC housing. Size of base modules can be adjustable so to fit different sizes of AC housing with interlocking spacers of various sizes. After base modules and spacers are installed, functional modules can be attached to base module. Other functional modules than can further be attached to either the base module or to other functional modules.
Functional modules can be made of different materials and designs. It can be either a solid panel, a clear panel, or with openings for other functional modules to be insert/attached to it at different combinations. With new technology like 3D printing become more popular and accessible to the public, the users can even customize the appearance of the functional module inserts to make their own design at home. The possibility is just endless. Thus the current inventory provided a framework that can actually evolve itself to a small dynamic ecosystem around window AC housing where endless new applications can be created by other third parties.
Objectives & Advantages
The soul of current invention is to provide a simple and effective way to not only cover the gaps between window AC unit's housing and window frames, but also at the same time try to fully utilize those gaps to their full possibility and capacity instead of just to cover those gaps as waste land. At the same time, the objectives and advantages of the current invention are to provide window AC users new solutions and ways to improve the living environment by providing good looking and environmentally friendly ways of room air ventilation as well as saving their electricity bills. Because the functional module can be removed easily thus expose the two openings at both sides of the window AC housing, it also makes install and removing window AC safer and easier.
Our new framework, instead of a fixed-sized boring and ugly panels that blocks the views, it allows the user to use its own creativity to make the place looks nicer and works better as well to operates the window AC at lower cost. The invention will change the ugliest corner of the room into an eye-catching focus point. The current invention would fulfill our goals by:
- 1) Allow perfect match and fully block any gaps between window AC housing and window frame;
- 2) Allow different material, design and setups to be used and combined by end users rather than by the window AC manufactures.
- 3) All users to change their designs easily and frequently without need to removal and reinstall the heavy AC unit. Openings on both sides of AC housing and enforced base modules make install and removal AC units safer and easier. And because those designs are interchangeable, it can be compatible and used on different with AC units.
- 4) It can also be used for portable AC's windows vent piece, or as a standalone device installed without any window AC units, or be installed on other non-window and irregular shaped openings.
- 5) The new invention benefits window AC and portable AC manufactures. By making the installation more safer, easier and user friendly, it will increase the market share of windows AC. As it created a little eco system on window AC/portable AC, it also benefits the associated industries such as designers and accessary manufactures.
- 6) Environmental friendly by saving AC operating cost. It allows a way to circulate and exchange indoor air by a more quieter window fan module without turning on the noisier and power consuming window AC all the time. User can also choose a solar powered charging module to charge their small electronics like cell phone, iPad or earplugs.
DRAWINGS
Total 12 figures (FIG. 1 to FIG. 12) on 12 pages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1. Gaps between window AC housing and window frame.
FIG. 2. Fixed sized Base module attached to AC housing and window frame.
FIG. 3. Base module with adjustable height by adding spacers.
FIG. 4. Base module with adjustable width by sliding into window AC housing and locked at different locations.
FIG. 5. Base module with adjustable width and height.
FIG. 6. Illustration of attaching spacers of different width and heights to the base modules by various interlocking mechanisms.
FIG. 7. Functional module(s) slide into base module, then with more parts attached to it.
FIG. 8. Sample of an fully installed base module, spacers and functional module assembly. The cover plate of the functional module is closed.
FIG. 9. Sample of an installed base module, spacers and functional module assembly. The cover plate of functional module is opened.
FIG. 10. Illustration of a sample application, where the left side of window AC has a window fan module installed, and the right side is a module with clear see-through panel.
FIG. 11. Base module and functional module assembly that is compatible with portable AC's vent connector, or used as standalone device installed on windows without any window AC involved.
FIG. 12. Illustration showing when base modules are installed on window AC housing without functional modules.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1. Illustration of the currently wasted space near existing windows air condition where the gaps between the AC housing 101 and window frames 102 are usually covered with either hard panels or some soft extendable films 103.
FIG. 2. Sample configuration showing a fixed sized base module 202 is attached to window AC housing 201 with screws 203.
FIG. 3. Sample configuration showing a base module with adjustable height. Where end piece 301, end piece 302 and some spacers 303 of various size is connected by blots 304 to get desirable height of the base module. Height refers to the vertical direction along the window AC housing.
FIG. 4. Sample configuration showing a base module with adjustable width. Where base module 401 are slide into window AC housing 201. Slots 402 and screws 403 can be used to attach base module 401 at different locations on AC housing 201 to set the desired width of the base module. Width refers to the horizontal direction along the window AC housing that is parallel to the window's sill.
FIG. 5. Sample configuration showing a base module with adjustable height and adjustable width. Where corner elbows 501 are attached to window AC housing 201 by screws 502. Two end pieces 503 are connected to corner elbows 501, where bolts 504 are used to get needed structure strength. Some spacers 505 of various sizes and styles are used to achieve the desirable height and width of the base module so it can match both the window AC housing 201's height and the gap between AC housing 201 and window frame.
FIG. 6. Illustration showing how to attach spacers to extend the width of base module 401, and how to adjust the opening size for installing functional module by adding vertical spacers 601 and horizontal spacers 602. The openings on base module shall match those of the function modules for easy installation and removal. Coupling connectors can be used to connect to its matched pairs to form connections between spacers and modules, spacers and spacers, or modules and modules, then interlock to each other. The interlocking peg can be designed with specific patterns and symbols 603 so the user can easily find its matching counterpart that could be interlocked to each other.
FIG. 7. Sample configuration showing a base module 401 was attached to window AC housing 201 with screws 403. Spacers 701 of different sizes are used to adjust the size of the opening of base module 401. Functional module 702 can be inserted into this base module openings with a perfect tight fit. It is common that the depth of spacers 701 is usually the same as that of the base module 401, but the depth of functional module 702 does not have to be identical to that of the base module 401. The width and height of its back portion 7021 of the functional module 702 matches those of the opening so it can be easily slide into the opening and get a secure installation and good seal, but its depth can be much larger and extend far into outside of the base module 401. The front portion 7022 of the functional module 702 sometime can be in different sizes and shapes than the opening, as long as it does not prevent the Window AC working properly. The total depth of the front portion 7022 can be further extended by adding spacer 7023 or a face plate 7024 and screws 703.
FIG. 8. Illustration of a fully installed functional module 801 inside a base module 401. Spacers 701 used fill the gap between functional module 801 and window AC housing 201 are not visible in this figure's view as they are behind the functional module 801. Functional module 801 in this figure consists of three parts. The back portion 8011 has same outer dimension as the opening, and it can be inserted into and removed from the opening easily. Its depth can be way larger than the base module 401 thus its back extended to outside of the window. Its middle portion 8012's width and height are larger than the opening. Its width perfectly fits the gaps between the windows AC housing 201 and window frame, its height and depth are the same as the widow AC housing's indoor portion. Further in this illustration, there is another front portion 8013 attached to 8012 by hinge 8014, and it can be rotated opened or closed to expose or cover the middle portion 8012. 8013 can be setup as a picture frame, a white board, a magnetic board, or a display screen. It can be large that even covers part of the AC housing 201's front surface. But it shall not block the window AC 201's vent 2011 or display panel 2012, and it shall leave gap for the AC's air filter to work properly.
FIG. 9. Illustration showing when the functional module 801's front portion 8013 is opened and have then exposed the back portion 8011 and middle portion 8012. The inside of 8011 and 8012 can in this figure are hollow and used a s storage bin, but they can be designed with other functions, like a small soda cooler. The top of 8012 is constructed as a shallow tray 80121 for storing small stuffs like a remote, coins, or key, etc.
FIG. 10. Illustration showing an example of application. On left side of the window AC housing 201, an adjustable sized functional block 401 was attached, and on the right side, a fixed sized base module 202 is attached. A functional module 1001 with a built-in window fan 1002 is inserted in the base module 401 on the left side and window AC housing 201. Another functional module consists of a clear see-through panel 1003 was inserted into the base module 202 on the right side. Other accessary for the window fan module 1001 such as a screen panel 1004 or curtain can be inserted into the functional module 1001's housing through a slot 1005. When windows AC in turned on and the window fan is not in use, then the fan opening shall be blocked to provide better insulation. For example, a circular shaped plug 1006 can be inserted into fan opening, or a circular shaped cap 1007 can be screwed on a extruded rim 1008 on module housing 1001, or a rectangular shaped cap 1009 can be slide on to cover the entire module housing 1001.
FIG. 11. Base module and Functional modules that compatible with portable AC's vent connector module. The base module is used as a standalone device installed on windows without any window AC housing on the window. Two functional modules 1001 with built-in windows fan 1002 are inserted in base module 1101. Three smaller sized functional modules: a tray module 1102, a clock module 1103 and a night light module 1104 are installed the middle section. And another functional module with a vent adaptor 1105 for connecting to portable AC's vent and pipe is on the right side.
FIG. 12. Illustration showing when base modules 401 and 202 are installed on window AC housing 201. Spacer 701 is also installed. Functional modules are not installed yet. The wide openings 1201 and 1202 on both side of window AC housing 201 allow safer and easier installation of the AC unit. Optional enforcement bars 1203 have been added to the upper rail of the base module 401 and 202 by screws 1204 through slots 1205. These bars have extent beyond the edges of window and can rest on the window frames. It had provided extra protection by prevent the window AC accidentally falling out of the window opening. The enforcement bars can also release some pressure from the window's sash. A rotary level footing pad 1206 can be added at the end of both bars, and adjust the positions of base modules by screw different depth into the enforcement bars.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Our invention will utilized the dead spaces between window AC housing and window frame by installing modules blocks with different appearance and functions. Currently, those spaces are wasted (FIG. 1). We will describe in detail below:
Base Modules
Base module is attached to window AC housing and window frame. It is used to create a strong foundation frame for other functional modules to be attached to. The module can be in fixed size if it matches the window AC housing (FIG. 2).
When base module's size does not match the size of opening between AC housing and window frames, spacers can be used to adjust the frame size to get a perfect fit (FIG. 3). Spacers' sizes can be in a series of numbers like 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 1″, 2″, etc. To make the base module structurally strong, spacers and base modules are usually made of hard materials, like metal, wood, PP, etc., Some of the thinner spacers like those 1/16″ and ⅛″ however can be made of material that at softer and can be compressed a little so to achieve a tight seal.
Base module can also be designed to slide in and attached to window AC housing at different locations, and then adjust the size of the openings between AC housing and base module (FIG. 4).
Universal base module can be made where both its width and height can be adjustable to match any windows frames and window AC housing (FIG. 5). When strong structure is needed like the base module, it is suggested to use metal or other hard materials to make them, especially the corner elbow pieces. Also larger bolts are used instead of smaller screws.
Base modules and spacers can have interlocking mechanism on them if needed, so they can be easily locked into each other (FIG. 6). Such interlocking mechanism can be combined with other methods like screw, glue, Velcro, magnetics, etc. together to form secure connections. It is common sense that if any extruded pegs exist on the surface, such interlocking mechanism should stay away from the opening it have created for later mounting of other functional modules.
Functional Modules
Functional modules come in different sizes, materials, appearance and functions (FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10). It can be installed into the opening formed by base module and spacers. Functional modules can be either unpowered or powered. Functional modules can be installed, removed or interchanged without the need to take the window AC housing down. When functional modules are removed, the exposed opening on base module also provide hand access and make handling the window AC installation and removal process easier and safer.
Spacers
Spacers can be used either to extend width and height of the entire base module so to fit AC housing and windows frame, or to adjust the size of the openings on the base module for other functional modules to be installed in. There are spacers used to fill both horizontal and vertical gaps. There are interlocking mechanisms on spacers and modules, so to create tight and secured connections. Spacers can be made in a series of different sizes, like 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 1″, 2″, etc. so they can be combined together to get any sizes needed. Either hard or soft materials can be used to make the spacers to achieve both desired structural strength and tight seal.
Industry Standards
It is recommended that the window AC industry work together and negotiate a set of industrial standards to regulate the types of interlocking mechanism to be used, sizes of window AC housings, sizes of the functional modules' dimension. Ideally, the locations and type of power supply connectors on window AC housing (for draw power from window AC), on the modules and on the spacers can also have industrial standards set up and regulated. By doing these, different parts from different designers and manufactures can be compatible to each other and create a good eco system around window AC.
Then the base module manufactures can provide base modules matching different sized AC housings, and a set of spacers to create different sized opening for different sized functional modules. Base modules can be provided for different types of windows AC units to be mount on different types of windows, respectively.
Meanwhile, functional module's manufactures only need to design functional modules with certain sizes according to industry standards without the need to provide any spacers.
Installation and Removal
First, measure the size difference between window AC's housing and that of the base module. For mounting base modules on both sides of AC housing (for vertically opened windows), they should be in same height to form a tight seal when installed. For mounting base module on top side of AC housing (for horizontally opened windows), they should be in the same width. Spacers are used to adjust the base module's width and height. And bolts maybe used to lock those spacers on base module.
Second, measure the size different between the openings on base module and that of the functional module to be installed, then calculate what sizes of spacers are needed. Install those spacers so the opening formed by base module and spacers exactly matches the width and height of functional module.
Third, if any gap still left between base module and the and windows frames, more spacers maybe added and secured with bolts.
Repeat the above three steps to prepare the other base module for the other side of the AC housing. And then attach the base modules to Window AC′ housing. Double check that the base module and AC housing assembly's size matches that of the window's opening.
Now the base modules have been firmly attached and secured to the window AC's housing, but the functional modules have not been installed yet (FIG. 12). The window AC housing now has on both sides new handles, formed by the newly attached base modules that has openings on them, for easy grip and hand access and handling. This makes it is much safer and easier to install or remove the window AC unit onto window frames. It can provide more safety protection by adding additional enforcement bars that attached to the base modules' top rail and rest on the window frame. Because the bars extend wider than the window openings, it can prevent the window AC housing falling out of window, and also distribute some of the AC's weight to window frames instead of onto window sash as what has been done by the current window AC installations. Further, such pressure can be adjusted by add screw-on footings that rest on window frames at end the enforcement bars.
The next step would be pick and install the functional modules. Functional modules can be simply slide into the openings on base modules whose size perfectly matches the functional module's dimension. Guiding notches can be used to insert functional modules at certain locations on the base module. Other mechanisms like latches, clips, magnets or rubber rings can be used to lock or hold the functional module in place and prevent it from falling out of the base module's openings.
The removal process would be in the reverse order of the installation, which is first by removing the functional modules to expose the openings on both sides of the AC housing, then detached the base module—AC housing assembly from the window frame.
Extension/Advanced Modules
The functional modules could be either unpowered or powered.
Example of unpowered application includes but not limited to categories such as storage solutions, mechanical instruments or home decoration.
Powered application will offer even more possibilities, from lighting, alarms, to even small soda cooler, any electronics that can be fit into that space can be put there. Please noted that the size of functional module is not limited to the openings on the base module, only that back portion of it that is to be inserted into the opening and goes outdoors need to match the opening's width and height. Other portion of the functional module has no limit, as long as the base module and window frames is strong enough to hold it and support its weight.
Power Source, Solar, Etc.
The power source used to power the function module could be either built-in batteries, or from outside Direct Current, Alternative Current power supply, from solar panels or even a wireless power supply. It can also draw power from the window AC unit or other powered functional modules nearby if connectors have been designed and manufactured on those locations.
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT
The invention can by used as a standalone system rather than as window AC's accessary. As illustrated in FIG. 1. Base module can me mounted on window frame directly, without any window AC unit, and provided a foundation for installing MISC functional modules.
Customized base modules can be designed to fit in any sort of openings with the capability to add functional modules to it. For example, a base module used on an irregular shaped opening can be casted with cement or concrete. When concrete are poured, a framework was embedded in the pouring with openings on it that allows some functional module to be attached on or into it.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION
Accordingly, the reader will see that:
- 1) This invention had developed method and system consists of base module and functional modules that utilize the spaces between window AC housing and window frame, or any types of openings.
- 2) This invention makes process of install and remove window AC unit easier and safer.
- 3) This invention developed a method allow users to customize the combination of functional modules around the window AC housing. Users can change their own configuration setup from time to time easily.
- 4) This invention also allows the window AC units to be used less frequently by adding a window fan module to it. It saves the operating cost of the window AC, extends the window AC's life, as well as benefit environment.
- 5) This invention make the room more beautiful, organized and provided extra usable spaces.
The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than only by the examples given.
SEQUENCE LISTING
Not applicable.
Patent Application
20220357055
