WALL VENT FOR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

Abstract

A wall vent comprising an outlet portion and a cover configured to be coupled to the outlet portion. The outlet portion can include a first cylindrical body configured to extend through a wall, a first opening extending through the first cylindrical body, a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body and configured to connect to an exhaust of the air conditioning unit, and a first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body. The cover can include a second cylindrical body and a second plate. When the second cylindrical body is within the first opening of the first cylindrical body, at least a portion of the second cylindrical body extends into the first opening of the first cylindrical body and the second plate covers the first opening extending through the first cylindrical body.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in general, to a wall vent to vent air from an air conditioning unit.

BACKGROUND

Portable air conditioners are often vented out through a window. However, venting a portable air conditioner through a window requires that the window be open during the summer. Special kits or adapters can be placed in the window to prevent air from entering through the window. However, these kits or adapters often require several parts and need to be installed during the summer and uninstalled during the winter. Users of the kits or adapters then need to store the kit or adapter when the kit or adapter is uninstalled from the window during the winter.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wall vent comprising an outlet portion and a cover configured to be coupled to the outlet portion. The outlet portion can include a first cylindrical body configured to extend through a wall, a first opening extending through the first cylindrical body, a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body and configured to connect to an exhaust of the air conditioning unit, and a first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body. The cover can include a second cylindrical body and a second plate. When the second cylindrical body is within the first opening of the first cylindrical body, at least a portion of the second cylindrical body extends into the first opening of the first cylindrical body and the second plate covers the first opening extending through the first cylindrical body.

In various cases, the second cylindrical body comprises a second opening extending through the second cylindrical body, and the second plate is configured to cover the second opening of the second cylindrical body.

In some instances, when the second cylindrical body is received within the first opening of the first cylindrical body, a first surface of the first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body is configured to contact a first surface of the second plate coupled to the first end of the second cylindrical body. In some cases, the second plate is about a same size and about a same shape as the first plate.

In some cases, at least one of the outlet portion of the cover can be formed or comprise two or more layers of printed material. The outlet portion can include at least one of an organic material or non-organic material.

In various embodiments, a sleeve can be coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the second cylindrical body. The sleeve can be configured to insulate a gap formed between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body when the second cylindrical body is within the first opening of the first cylindrical body. The sleeve can include a third cylindrical body having an aperture and the second cylindrical body can be configured to be received in the aperture of the third cylindrical body and the third cylindrical body can extend around an outer surface of the second cylindrical body. As the second end of the second cylindrical body is inserted within the opening of the first cylindrical body, the sleeve can be configured to compress and, when the second end of the second cylindrical body is within the opening of the first cylindrical body, the sleeve can be configured to seal a gap between an inner surface of the first cylindrical body and an outer surface of the second cylindrical body.

In some cases, a perimeter of the first plate or the second plate comprises one or more indentations.

In various instances, the first plate can include a first tab and the second plate can include a second tab. The first tab can be configured to couple to the second tab to couple the outlet portion to the cover. The first tab can be coupled to the second tab via a string or a hinge.

In some cases, the connection port comprises one or more apertures configured to receive one or more prongs of the exhaust. The connection port can further include one or more grooves located on an inner surface of the first cylindrical body, wherein the one or more apertures of the connection port open into the one or more grooves, and wherein, when the one or more prongs are received in the one or more apertures, rotation of the one or more prongs of the exhaust away from the one or more apertures locks the exhaust to the connection port. In some instances, the one or more grooves comprise one groove extending around an entire circumference of the inner surface of the first cylindrical body. In other instances, the one or more grooves comprise two or more grooves, wherein each groove only partially extends around a circumference of the inner surface of the first cylindrical body. In some cases, a first edge opposite a corresponding aperture of each of the two or more grooves is configured to stop rotation of the exhaust. In some instances, at least one of a thickness of each of the two or more grooves decreases towards the first edge of each groove or the first edge is sloped.

In some embodiments, the wall vent can further include a damper configured to be coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body. The damper can include a fourth cylindrical body configured to couple to the second end of the first cylindrical body and a flap configured to open when air is travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body and to close when the air is not travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body.

In another aspect, a method of installing a wall vent for an air conditioning unit can include providing the wall vent comprising an outlet portion and a cover configured to be coupled to the outlet portion. The outlet portion can include a first cylindrical body configured to extend through a wall, a first opening extending through the first cylindrical body, a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body and configured to connect to an exhaust of the air conditioning unit, and a first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body. The cover can include a second cylindrical body and a second plate. When the second cylindrical body is within the first opening of the first cylindrical body, at least a portion of the second cylindrical body extends into the first opening of the first cylindrical body and the second plate covers the first opening extending through the first cylindrical body.

Next, the method can include coupling the first cylindrical body to the wall and inserting the second cylindrical body in the opening of the first cylindrical body.

The method can further include providing a damper configured to be coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body. The damper can include a damper configured to be coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body. The damper can include a fourth cylindrical body configured to couple to the second end of the first cylindrical body and a flap configured to open when air is travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body and to close when the air is not travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body. The method can additionally include coupling the third cylindrical body to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the present disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable air conditioning unit and wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an adapter for a portable air conditioning unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wall vent with an outlet portion and a cover installed on a wall in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wall vent with an outlet portion and an open cover installed on a wall in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a wall vent with an outlet portion, a cover, and a damper in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a wall vent with an outlet portion, a fully open cover, and a damper in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a front to back centerline plane of a wall vent of FIG. 5 with an outlet portion, a cover, and a damper in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a front to back centerline plane of a wall vent of FIG. 5 with an outlet portion, a cover, a damper, and two insulating sleeves, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a wall vent with an outlet portion, a fully open cover, and a damper in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a wall vent with an outlet portion and a fully open cover in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a groove on an inner surface of the outlet portion of the wall vent of FIG. 10 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an outlet portion of a wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of an outlet portion of a wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a back perspective view of a cover of a wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an insulating sleeve of a wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a back perspective view of a damper with a closed flap of a wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a back perspective view of a damper with an open flap of a wall vent in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of a damper of a wall vent installed on an outside wall in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 19 is a method for installing a wall vent of FIGS. 1-18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” “attached,’ and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions or top (or other) positions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations. Further, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” or the like are not limited to any particular order or a particular number of items. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” are intended to merely distinguish between different elements or components unless otherwise specified. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “about” and “approximately,” as used herein with respect to a reference value or ratio, refer to variations from the reference value or ratio of ±20% or less (e.g., ±15, ±10%, ±5%, etc.), inclusive of the endpoints of the range.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Some of the discussion below describes a wall vent that can be used to vent air from an air conditioning unit, a portable air conditioner, or the like. The context and particulars of this discussion are presented as examples only. For example, embodiments of the disclosure can be configured in various ways, including with other shapes and arrangements of elements that are expressly described or illustrated. Similarly, embodiments of the disclosure can be used with arrangements of air conditioning units, portable air conditioners, or other assemblies other than those expressly illustrated or described herein.

Portable air conditioning units are often located inside a room and used to extract hot air from the room. In order to extract hot air from the room, portable air conditioning units need to vent the hot air from the room to outside of the room. Existing vents for portable air conditioning units vent the hot air out through a window using one or more kits or adapters. However, there are several issues that occur when venting hot air through the window. First, the window needs to remain open to vent out the hot air. Additionally, the kits or adapters need to be installed and uninstalled every year in locations that experience both a winter and a summer. Further, when the kits or adapters are uninstalled, a user needs to store the kits or adapters.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can address these or other issues. For example, in some embodiments, a wall vent according to the present disclosure can provide a relatively simple arrangement that can vent hot air from the portable air conditioning unit through a wall to another location (e.g., outdoors, another room, or the like). Additionally, a cover can be provided to cover the wall vent when it is not in use and prevent hot or cold air from entering a room through the air vent. Further, the wall vent only needs to be installed once and does not need to be reinstalled every spring or summer.

FIGS. 1 and 3-10 illustrate a wall vent 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wall vent 100 includes an outlet portion 200, a cover 300, and a damper 400. The wall vent 100 can be configured to vent air from a portable air conditioning unit 500 through a wall 600 (as shown in FIG. 1). In some cases, the outlet portion 200 and the cover 300 can be formed from one or more layers (e.g., stacked layers, vertical layers, or the like) of a printed material (e.g., organic material, non-organic material, polycarbonate material, polylactic acid material (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or the like) deposited by a three-dimensional (3D) printer or other additive manufacturing process. In other cases, the outlet portion 200 and cover 300 can be formed using injection molding or other formation method.

In some cases, the outlet portion 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-13 of the wall vent 100 can be formed from a polycarbonate material. By forming the outlet portion 200 of the wall vent 100 from a polycarbonate material, the melting point of the polycarbonate material is about at least 117 degrees Celsius. Thus, the outlet portion 200 of the wall vent 100 will not melt as hot air is extracted by the portable air conditioning unit 500 and released through the outlet portion 200 of the wall vent 100.

In some cases, the outlet portion 200 of the wall vent 100 includes a first cylindrical body 202. In some cases, the first cylindrical body 202 could be other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, conical, or the like. The first cylindrical body 202 can be configured to at least partially extend through a wall (e.g., wall 600, or the like) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In some cases, the first cylindrical body 202 can have a first end 204 and a second end 206 opposite the first end 204. In various instances, the first cylindrical body 202 can further include an opening 208 extending through first cylindrical body 202 from the first end 204 to the second end 206 of the first cylindrical body. The opening 208 can be configured to direct, send, or release hot air extracted by the portable air conditioning unit 500 to another location (e.g., outside, another room, or the like).

In various embodiments, the outlet portion 200 can further include a connection port 210 located on the first end 204 of the first cylindrical body 202. The connection port 210 can be configured to connect to an exhaust (e.g., an exhaust tube 502, an adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like) of the portable air conditioning unit 500.

In operation, in order to connect an exhaust (e.g., an exhaust tube 502, an adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like) of the portable air conditioning unit 500 to the connection port 210, an exhaust tube 502, an adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like can be inserted into the first end 204 of the first cylindrical body 202. An inner diameter D1 (shown in FIG. 4) of an inner surface 212 of the first cylindrical body 202 might be slight larger than an outer diameter D2 (shown in FIG. 2) of the exhaust tube 502, the adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like such that the exhaust tube 502, the adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like can be inserted or press fit into the opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202.

Alternatively, in some instances, the connection port 210 can include one or more apertures 214a-214c (collectively, apertures 214). The one or more apertures 214 can open into one or more grooves 216 formed on the inner surface 212 of the first end 204 of the first cylindrical body 202. In some cases, the one or more apertures 214a-214c might each have a corresponding groove 216a-216c as shown om FIGS. 10-and 11. In other words, aperture 214a opens into groove 216a, aperture 214b opens into groove 216b, and aperture 214c opens into groove 216c. When the one or more apertures 214 have a corresponding groove 216, the one or more grooves 216 might each only partially extend around an inner circumference of the inner surface 212 of the first cylindrical body 202 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). Alternatively, in other cases, the one or more grooves 216 can be a single groove 216d (shown in FIG. 12). When the one or more grooves 216 are a single groove 216d, the single groove 216d can extend around an entire inner circumference of the inner surface 212 of the first cylindrical body 202.

In operation, in order to connect an exhaust (e.g., an exhaust tube 502, an adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like) of the portable air conditioning unit 500 to the connection port 210, the exhaust tube 502, the adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like might have one or more prongs or protrusions 506 (e.g., prongs 506a-506c) shown in FIG. 2. The one or more apertures 214 can be configured to receive the one or more prongs 506. Once the one or more prongs 506 are inserted into the one or more apertures 214, the exhaust tube 502, the adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like can be rotated such that the one or more prongs 506 are rotated away from the one or more apertures 214 and are locked in the one or more grooves 216. In some cases, an upper surface 218 of the one or more grooves 216 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) prevents or blocks the one or more prongs 506 from leaving the connection port 210.

In some cases, each groove 214a-214c can have a first edge 220 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) that is configured to stop the rotation of the one or more prongs 506 of the exhaust tube 502, the adapter 504 of the exhaust tube 502, or the like. In some cases, the first edge 220 is opposite to an opening of a corresponding aperture 214. In some cases, the first edge 220 is sloped. In some cases, a thickness of the one or more grooves 216a-216c decreases towards the first edge 220 of each groove 216a-216c. Alternatively, in other cases, the first edge 220 is straight or extends about perpendicular from the upper surface 218.

In various embodiments, the outlet portion 200 can further include a first plate 222. The first plate 222 can be coupled to and extend from the first end 204 of the first cylindrical body 202. The opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202 can further extend through the first plate 222. The first plate 222 can be circular, rectangular, triangular, and/or the like. The first plate 222 can include one or more holes 224a-224d (collectively, holes 224) shown in FIG. 12 configured to receive one or more screws 226a-226d (collectively, screws 226) shown in FIG. 4. In some cases, each corner of the first plate 222 might have a corresponding hole 224a-224d. In operation, one or more screws 226 can be inserted into the one or more holes 224 to couple the outlet portion 200 to the wall 600. In some cases, a first surface 228 of the first plate 222 can be configured to contact a first surface 602 (e.g., an inside surface or the like) of the wall 600.

The first plate 222 can further include a tab 230. The tab 230 can be rectangular, circular, a half-circle, triangular, and/or the like. The tab 230 might include an opening 232 configured to receive a string 234. In some cases, the string 234 could be a screw, a nail, or other mechanism configured to couple the first plate 222 to the cover 300.

In some instances, the wall vent 100 further includes the cover 300 shown in FIGS. 3-10 and 14. The cover 300, like the outlet portion 200, can also be formed from a polycarbonate material. However, the cover 300 can also be formed from an organic material, a non-organic material, polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and/or the like.

The cover 300 can be configured to cover a first end 236 of the opening 208 extending through the first plate 222 and the first cylindrical body 202 of the outlet portion 200. In some cases, the cover 300 can include a second cylindrical body 302 having a first end 304 and a second end 306 opposite the first end 304. In some cases, the second cylindrical body 302 could be other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, conical, or the like. In various cases, the shape of the second cylindrical body 302 corresponds to the shape of the first cylindrical body 202 of the outlet portion 200. In other words, the size, and the shape of the second cylindrical body 302 can be about the same size or slightly smaller and the same shape as the size and the shape of the first cylindrical body 202. The second cylindrical body 302 can be configured to at least partially extend through the first cylindrical body 202 of the outlet portion 200.

In various instances, the second cylindrical body 302 can further include an opening 308 extending through second cylindrical body 302 from the second end 306 to the first end 304 or close to the first end of the second cylindrical body 302. By forming the opening 308, less material can be used to form the cover 300. Alternatively, in other cases, the second cylindrical body 302 can be solid without any openings. By making the second cylindrical body 302 solid, noise can be reduced (e.g., from air blowing though the outlet portion 200, or the like).

In some cases, the cover 300 can further include an optional sleeve or pocket 310 (shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8-10, and 15). The sleeve 310 can be an insulating sleeve configured to couple to the second end 306 of the second cylindrical body 302. The sleeve 310 can be configured to insulate a gap 312 that can form between an inner surface 212 of the first cylindrical body 202 and an outer surface 314 of the second cylindrical body 302 when the second cylindrical body 302 is inserted in the opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202. The sleeve 310 can be formed from at least one of foam, rubber, polystyrene, polyurethane, elastomeric materials, and/or any other material or combination of materials configured to block air from traveling through gap 312.

The sleeve 310 can be configured to extend around the outer surface 314 of the second cylindrical body 302. Additionally, in some cases, a bottom portion 316 of the sleeve 310 can be configured to cover the opening 308 of the second cylindrical body 302. In some cases, the sleeve 310 can at least partially extend along a length L1 of the second cylindrical body 302. In other cases, the sleeve 310 can extend substantially along or fully along the length L1 of the second cylindrical body 302.

In some cases, the sleeve 310 includes a third cylindrical body 318 having an aperture 320. In some cases, the second cylindrical body 302 could be other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, conical, or the like. In various cases, the shape of the third cylindrical body 318 corresponds to the shape of the second cylindrical body 302 of the cover 300. In other words, the size, and the shape of the third cylindrical body 318 can be about the same size or slightly larger and the same shape as the size and the shape of the second cylindrical body 302. In various instances, the second end 306 of the second cylindrical body 302 can be received within the aperture 320 of the third cylindrical body 318.

In various embodiments, the cover 300 can further include a second plate 322. The second plate 322 can be coupled to and extend from the first end 304 of the second cylindrical body 302. The opening 308 of the second cylindrical body 302 can be covered by at least partially or entirely covered by the second plate 322. The second plate 322 can be circular, rectangular, triangular, and/or the like. In various cases, the shape of the second plate 322 corresponds to the shape of the first plate 222 of the outlet portion 200. In other words, the size, and the shape of the second plate 322 can be about the same size and the same shape as the size and the shape of the first plate 222. In some cases, the thickness of the two plates 322 and 222 combined can be less than 0.5 inches or less than 0.2 inches so that the two plates sit about flush with wall 600. In this way, a person is less likely to run into the first plate 222 or second plate 322 and the wall vent 100 is more aesthetically pleasing.

The second plate 322 can include one or more indentations or finger pulls 324. In some cases, the one or more indentations 324 might also be located on first plate 222. Alternatively, in other cases, the one or more indentations 324 might only be located on first plate 222. The one or more indentations 324 can be located along a perimeter of the second plate 322 and/or first plate 222. Additionally, in some cases, the second plate 322 can further include a tab 326. The tab 326 might correspond to tab 230 of the first plate 222. The tab 326 can be rectangular, circular, a half-circle, triangular, and/or the like. In various cases, the shape of the tab 326 corresponds to the shape of the 230 of the outlet portion 200. In other words, the size, and the shape of the tab 326 can be about the same size and the same shape as the size and the shape of the tab 230. The tab 326 might include an opening 328 configured to receive a string 234.

In some embodiments, the cover 300 can be coupled to the outlet portion 200 of the wall vent 100 via the tabs 326 and 230, hinges, or other coupling. A string 234 can extend though the opening 328 and the opening 232 to couple the tab 326 to the tab 230. When the cover 300 is not in use, the cover 300 can hang from string 234 or a hinge.

In operation, the cover 300 can be used to cover the opening 208 of the outlet portion 200 of the wall vent 100 when the portable air conditioning unit 500 is not in use to prevent air from another location (e.g., outside, another room, or the like) from entering the location having the first plate 222 installed on wall 600. In a non-limiting example, when the portable air conditioning unit 500 is not in use, the second cylindrical body 302 can be inserted into the opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202 until a first surface 330 of the second plate 322 contacts a second surface 238 of the first plate 222. In some cases, an outer diameter D3 of the second cylindrical body 302 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter D1 of the first cylindrical body 202 such that the second cylindrical body 302 can be inserted or press fit into the first cylindrical body 202. When the first surface 330 of the second plate 322 contacts the second surface 238 of the first plate 222, the first end 236 of the opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202 is covered by the cover 300 and air is prevented or blocked from traveling from another location (e.g., outside, another room, or the like) and entering a room where the first plate 222 of the outlet portion 200 is installed on the wall 600.

In various embodiments, when optional sleeve 310 is coupled to the second end 306 of the second cylindrical body 302 and the second cylindrical body 302 is inserted into the opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202, the sleeve 310 is configured to compress. Additionally, when the second end 306 of the second cylindrical body 302 is within the opening 208 of the first cylindrical body 202, the sleeve 310 is configured to expand and seal a gap 312 between an inner surface 212 of the first cylindrical body 202 and the outer surface 314 of the second cylindrical body 302. By providing the sleeve 310, air (e.g., from the outside or another room or the like) is further prevented or blocked from travelling through gap 312 and entering the location where the first plate 222 is installed on wall 600.

When a user wants to use the portable air conditioning unit 500 and the cover 300 is covering the opening 208 of the outlet portion 200, the user can pull the second cylindrical body 302 out of the first cylindrical body 202 using the one or more indentations or finger pulls 324.

In some embodiments, the wall vent 100 further includes a damper 400 shown in FIGS. 5-9 and 16-18. The damper 400 can include a fourth cylindrical body 402 having a first end 404 and a second end 406 opposite the first end 404. In some cases, the fourth cylindrical body 402 could be other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, conical, or the like. In various cases, the shape of the fourth cylindrical body 402 corresponds to the shape of the first cylindrical body 202 of the outlet portion 200. In other words, the size, and the shape of the fourth cylindrical body 402 can be about the same size or slightly larger and the same shape as the size and the shape of the first cylindrical body 202. The first cylindrical body 202 can be configured to at least partially extend through the fourth cylindrical body 402 of the damper 400.

In some cases, the damper 400 can include an opening 408 configured to receive the first cylindrical body 202 of the outlet portion 200. The damper 400 can also include a flap 410 and a spring 412. The spring 412 can be configured to bias the flap 410 to a closed position shown in FIG. 16 covering the opening 408 of the fourth cylindrical body 402 when air is not flowing through the outlet portion 200. When air is flowing through the opening 208 of the outlet portion 200, the flap 410 can be pushed to an open position shown in FIG. 17 by the flow of air to allow the air to flow out to another location (e.g., outside, another room, or the like).

In various instances, the damper 400 can further include a hood 414 having one or more walls 416 configured to control a direction of the air flow (e.g., up, down, or the like). The hood 414 can be coupled to (e.g., using one or more screws, an adhesive, or the like) a second surface 604 (e.g., an outside surface or the like) of wall 600. In some embodiments, the damper 400 can further include a mesh or critter guard 418 configured to cover an opening 420 of the hood 414 to prevent debris, animals, or the like from entering the damper 400 while still allowing air to flow out the damper 400.

In operation, the first cylindrical body 202 can be inserted into the first end 404 of the fourth cylindrical body 402 of the damper 400. The first cylindrical body 202 can be press fit or inserted into the opening 408 of the fourth cylindrical body 402 of the damper 400.

In some cases, a sleeve 240 shown in FIG. 8 can extend around an outer surface 242 of the first cylindrical body 202 of the outlet portion 200. The sleeve 240 can be an insulating sleeve configured to couple to the second end 206 of the first cylindrical body 202. The sleeve 240 can be configured to insulate a gap 422 formed between the outer surface 242 of the first cylindrical body 202 and an inner surface 424 of the fourth cylindrical body 402 when the first cylindrical body 202 is inserted in the opening 408 of the fourth cylindrical body 402. The sleeve 240 can be formed from at least one of foam, rubber, polystyrene, polyurethane, elastomeric materials, and/or any other material or combination of materials configured to block air from traveling through gap 422.

In various embodiments, when optional sleeve 240 is coupled to the second end 206 of the first cylindrical body 202 and the first cylindrical body 202 is inserted into the opening 408 of the fourth cylindrical body 402, the sleeve 240 is configured to compress. Additionally, when the second end 206 of the first cylindrical body 202 is within the opening 408 of the fourth cylindrical body 402, the sleeve 240 is configured to expand and seal a gap 422 between an inner surface 424 of the fourth cylindrical body 402 and the outer surface 242 of the first cylindrical body 202. By providing the sleeve 240, air (e.g., from the outside or another room or the like) is further prevented or blocked from travelling through gap 422 and entering the location where the first plate 222 is installed on wall 600.

In some examples, a method 1900 might be used to selectively install the wall vent 100 of FIGS. 1-18. The method may, at block (e.g., manual operation) 1902, include providing an outlet portion (e.g., outlet portion 200 of FIGS. 1 and 3-13). Next, the method 1900 might include, at optional block 1904, forming a hole in a wall.

Next, at block 1906, the method can include inserting a first cylindrical body of the outlet portion into the hole in the wall. In some cases, one or more screws, nails, adhesive, or the like can be used to couple the first plate of the outlet portion to an outer surface of the wall. In some cases, a first surface of the first plate contacts or sits flush against a first surface of the wall.

The method can continue at optional block 1908, by coupling a portable air conditioning unit (e.g., portable air conditioning unit 500 of FIG. 1) to a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body. In order to couple the portable air conditioning unit to a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body, an exhaust tube or an adapter of the exhaust tube of the portable air conditioning unit can be inserted into the connection port. In some cases, one or more prongs of the exhaust tube or the adapter of the exhaust tube can be inserted into one or more apertures of the connection port and then the exhaust tube or the adapter of the exhaust tube can be rotated to a locked position so that the exhaust tube or the adapter of the exhaust tube is locked in the connection port of the outlet portion of the wall vent.

In some embodiments, the method can continue, at block 1910, by providing a cover (e.g., cover 300 of FIGS. 3-10 and 14). When the portable air conditioning unit is not in use, the method, at optional block 1912, can include inserting a second cylindrical body of the cover into the first cylindrical body of the outlet portion of the wall vent. By inserting the second cylindrical body of the cover into the first cylindrical body of the outlet portion of the wall vent, air from another location can be blocked or prevented from entering a location with the cover. Additionally, the cover can make the wall vent more aesthetically pleasing to look at within a room.

In some embodiments, the method can continue, at block 1914, by providing a damper of FIGS. 5-9 and 16-18. The damper can then be inserted into the hole in the wall at optional block 1916. Next, at optional block 1918, a second end of the first cylindrical body of the outlet portion of the wall vent can be inserted into a fourth cylindrical body of the damper.

Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved vents for portable air conditioning unites. In some embodiments, wall vents according to the disclosure can substantially reduce the time and labor that may be required during installation and use, such as by configuring the vent to be inserted into a wall instead of a window. Further, configurations of the wall vent allow for easier storage and use of the wall vent for portable air conditioning units. Additionally, the wall vent described can provide an aesthetically pleasing vent for installation in a wall.

In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized or installed using methods embodying aspects of the present disclosure. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features or capabilities of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for intended purposes and of implementing such capabilities. Similarly, express discussion of any method of using a particular device or system, unless otherwise indicated or limited, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the present disclosure, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicates a non-exclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example, a list of “only one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. In contrast, a list preceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list preceded by “a plurality of” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of each of multiple of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, or C” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A wall vent for an air conditioning unit, the wall vent comprising: an outlet portion comprising:a first cylindrical body configured to extend through a wall;a first opening extending through the first cylindrical body;a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body and configured to connect to an exhaust of the air conditioning unit; anda first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body; and

2. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein the second cylindrical body comprises a second opening extending through the second cylindrical body, and wherein the second plate is configured to cover the second opening of the second cylindrical body.

3. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein, when the second cylindrical body is received within the first opening of the first cylindrical body, a first surface of the first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body is configured to contact a first surface of the second plate coupled to the first end of the second cylindrical body.

4. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein at least one of the outlet portion or the cover comprises two or more layers of printed material.

5. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein the outlet portion comprises at least one of an organic material or non-organic material.

6. The wall vent of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the second cylindrical body, wherein the sleeve is configured to insulate a gap formed between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body when the second cylindrical body is within the first opening of the first cylindrical body.

7. The wall vent of claim 6, wherein the sleeve comprises a third cylindrical body having an aperture and wherein the second cylindrical body is configured to be received in the aperture of the third cylindrical body and the third cylindrical body extends around an outer surface of the second cylindrical body.

8. The wall vent of claim 6, wherein, as the second end of the second cylindrical body is inserted within the opening of the first cylindrical body, the sleeve is configured to compress and, when the second end of the second cylindrical body is within the opening of the first cylindrical body, the sleeve is configured to seal a gap between an inner surface of the first cylindrical body and an outer surface of the second cylindrical body.

9. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the first plate or the second plate comprises one or more indentations.

10. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein the first plate has a first tab and the second plate has a second tab, wherein the first tab is configured to couple to the second tab to couple the outlet portion to the cover.

11. The wall vent of claim 10, wherein the first tab is coupled to the second tab via a string.

12. The wall vent of claim 1, wherein the connection port comprises one or more apertures configured to receive one or more prongs of the exhaust.

13. The wall vent of claim 12, wherein the connection port further comprises one or more grooves located on an inner surface of the first cylindrical body, wherein the one or more apertures of the connection port open into the one or more grooves, and wherein, when the one or more prongs are received in the one or more apertures, rotation of the one or more prongs of the exhaust away from the one or more apertures locks the exhaust to the connection port.

14. The wall vent of claim 13, wherein, the one or more grooves comprise one groove extending around an entire circumference of the inner surface of the first cylindrical body.

15. The wall vent of claim 13, wherein, the one or more grooves comprise two or more grooves, wherein each groove only partially extends around a circumference of the inner surface of the first cylindrical body.

16. The wall vent of claim 15, wherein a first edge opposite a corresponding aperture of each of the two or more grooves is configured to stop rotation of the exhaust.

17. The wall vent of claim 16, wherein at least one of a thickness of each of the two or more grooves decreases towards the first edge of each groove or the first edge is sloped.

18. The wall vent of claim 1, further comprising a damper configured to be coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body, the damper comprising: a fourth cylindrical body configured to couple to the second end of the first cylindrical body; anda flap configured to open when air is travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body and to close when the air is not travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body.

19. A method of installing a wall vent for an air conditioning unit, the method comprising: providing the wall vent comprising: an outlet portion comprising: a first cylindrical body configured to extend through a wall, the first cylindrical body comprising:a connection port located on a first end of the first cylindrical body and configured to connect to an exhaust of the air conditioning unit;an opening extending through the first cylindrical body; anda first plate coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body; anda cover configured to be coupled to the first end of the first cylindrical body, the cover comprising: a second cylindrical body configured to be received in the opening of the first cylindrical body, wherein, when the second cylindrical body is received within the opening of the first cylindrical body, at least a portion of the second cylindrical body extends into the opening of the first cylindrical body; anda second plate coupled to a first end of the second cylindrical body, wherein the second plate is configured to cover the opening extending through the first cylindrical body;coupling the first cylindrical body to the wall; andinserting the second cylindrical body in the opening of the first cylindrical body.

20. The method of installing the wall vent of claim 19, further comprising: providing a damper configured to be coupled to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body, the damper comprising: a third cylindrical body configured to couple to the second end of the first cylindrical body; anda flap configured to open when air is travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body and to close when the air is not travelling through the opening of the first cylindrical body; andcoupling the third cylindrical body to a second end opposite the first end of the first cylindrical body.