Patent Application
20230194123
This application is directed to systems for attaching a window air conditioning unit to a window.
Air conditioning units are in common use to provide cooling to homes and other buildings. In some cases, the air conditioning unit is a permanent installation within the building, including airflow ducts and ventilation openings that pass through floors and walls to convey conditioned air. In other cases, the air conditioning unit is a non-permanent system that is installed into a pre-existing building, and operates separately from integrated airflow ducts and openings (if any) that are already present in the building. There are several varieties of non-permanent air conditioning units, including so-called “window units” that have their operating parts (compressor, evaporator, etc.) contained in one or more housings that are installed to extend through a window opening, and so-called “portable units” that have their operating parts in a housing that is placed inside a room.
In the case of window units, the air conditioner typically has a single housing containing a closed fluid circuit having a condenser, throttle (thermal expansion valve or capillary tube), evaporator, and compressor. The compressor receives cool gaseous refrigerant, pressurizes and heats the refrigerant, and conveys the heated refrigerant to the condenser. The heated refrigerant passes through the condenser, where a fan blows air over the condenser to remove heat. The refrigerant then passes through the throttle, which lowers the refrigerant pressure and temperature. The cooled refrigerant then passes through the evaporator, and another fan blows air over the evaporator to evacuate cooled air into the room being conditioned. The refrigerant then passes back to the compressor to continue the cycle.
A window air conditioning unit typically is installed directly in the window between the window sill and window sash. The unit's center of gravity usually is located outside the window, and the user interface (input controls and output displays) is located inside the window. The cold air outlet is also located inside the window, while the hot air exhaust is located outside the window. The weight of the unit outside the window, together with the window sash and sill, prevent the window unit from moving once it is installed.
A typical window air conditioning unit has a box-shaped housing with smooth sides. The unit may be provided with a window installation system that is attached by the installer to the sides of the unit, and the added structure of the window installation system can make it awkward to grip the unit for installation. A typical window unit is also heavy, and may not be suited for lifting without assistance. Thus, installing a window unit into a window can be a difficult and ergonomically challenging process, particularly for an single person. Furthermore, once the unit is in place in the window opening, the installer must use one hand to hold the unit and the other to close the window sash, which presents a falling hazard. In addition, once the sash is closed, the window installation system typically is secured to the window sash and/or frame using screws, which can void the window warranty.
Various window unit installation systems are known in the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,900,689 shows a window unit installation system that is secured to the window unit before installation to the window, and is intended to be installed without fasteners into the window frame or sash. This system is also intended to secure the window unit independently of the sash by providing an elongated bottom member and an elongated top member that both extend beyond the vertical side jambs of the window. However, this system does not provide any connection to the window that would prevent the window unit from being pulled inwards into the room, and appears to lack support necessary to prevent the bottom member from slipping into the room if the center of gravity of the window unit is located outside the window.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,520,206 shows another window unit installation system, in which side panels are telescopically attached to the window unit. This system is attached to the window unit prior to installation into the window, and appears to require screws to secure the installation system to both the window unit and the window.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,359,212 shows another window unit installation system, which has a clamp with an upward-facing channel to receive the window sash, and a downward-facing channel to receive a top rail of the window unit. The system uses thumbscrews to tighten the clamp onto to both the window unit and the window sash. The opposed upward-facing and downward-facing channels require the sash to be opened as the window unit is inserted into the window opening, and then slid down into the upward-facing channel.
While window unit installation systems are known in the art, there continues to be a need to advance the art of window air conditioning unit installation systems.
This description of the background is provided to assist with an understanding of the following explanations of exemplary embodiments, and is not an admission that any or all of this background information is necessarily prior art.
In a first aspect, there is provided a window installation system for a window air conditioner, the window installation system comprising: a top rail extending in a longitudinal direction from a first top rail end to a second top rail end; a bottom rail extending in the longitudinal direction from a first bottom rail end to a second bottom rail end; a first vertical rail extending in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first vertical rail having a respective top end configured to attach to the top rail at the first top rail end, and a respective bottom end configured to attach to the bottom rail at the first bottom rail end; a second vertical rail extending in the vertical direction, the second vertical rail having a respective top end configured to attach to the top rail at the second top rail end, and a respective bottom end configured to attach to the bottom rail at the second bottom rail end; a clamp fixture connected to the top rail; and a clamp having a clamp face, wherein the clamp is movably mounted on the clamp fixture between a first clamp position in which the clamp face is a first distance from the top rail in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, and a second clamp position in which the clamp face is a second distance from the top rail in the depth direction.
In some aspects, the top rail, bottom rail, first vertical rail, second vertical rail and clamp are configured as separate parts that can be selectively assembled into a single assembly.
In some aspects, the top rail, bottom rail, first vertical rail and second vertical rail are configured to define, when connected together, an opening within the top rail, bottom rail, first vertical rail and second vertical rail, the opening being shaped and dimensioned to receive a window air conditioner therein.
In some aspects, the window installation system is configured to connect to window with the top rail secured to a window sash by the clamp, the bottom rail abutting a lower window sill, the first vertical rail abutting a first vertical window frame portion, and the second vertical rail abutting a second vertical window frame portion, and without a window air conditioner within the opening.
In some aspects, the window installation system is configured to receive a window air conditioner within the opening, and secure the air conditioning unit to the window without fasteners other than the clamp.
In some aspects, the clamp is located on a first side of the top rail with respect to the depth direction, and the opening is dimensioned to allow access to the clamp from a second side of the top rail, opposite the first side of the top rail, when no air conditioning unit is within the opening.
In some aspects, the respective top end of the first vertical rail is configured to slidingly connect to the top rail at the first top rail end, and the respective bottom end of the first vertical rail is configured to slidingly connect to the bottom rail at the first bottom rail end.
In some aspects, the respective top end of the second vertical rail is configured to slidingly connect to the top rail at the second top rail end, and the respective bottom end of the second vertical rail is configured to slidingly connect to the bottom rail at the second bottom rail end.
In some aspects, the first vertical rail comprises a respective vertical portion extending in the vertical direction, a respective top longitudinal portion extending in the longitudinal direction and telescopically connectable to the top rail, and a respective bottom longitudinal portion extending in the longitudinal direction and telescopically connectable to the bottom rail.
In some aspects, the bottom longitudinal portion comprises: a first bottom portion permanently fixed to the vertical portion and extending in the longitudinal direction from the vertical portion to a first bottom portion end; and a second bottom portion selectively connectable to the first bottom portion at the first bottom portion end, and extending in the longitudinal direction from the first bottom portion end to a second bottom portion end.
In some aspects, the window installation system further has a flexible panel connected to the vertical portion at a fixed edge and extending in the longitudinal direction to a free edge, wherein the flexible panel is extendable in the longitudinal direction to move the free edge towards the second vertical rail.
In some aspects, wherein the top longitudinal portion comprises a top channel facing the bottom longitudinal portion, and the bottom longitudinal portion comprises a bottom channel facing the top longitudinal portion, and the flexible panel is captured in the depth direction within the top channel and the bottom channel.
In some aspects, the window installation system further has a connector configured to selectively secure the free edge to a window air conditioner located between the free edge and the second vertical rail.
In some aspects, the window installation system further has at least one magnet located at the free edge.
In some aspects, the flexible panel comprises a folded panel or a flexible sheet mounted on a rotatable spindle.
In some aspects, the clamp fixture comprises a first portion fixed to the top rail, and a second portion selectively mountable to the first portion, and wherein the clamp is movably mounted to the second portion.
In some aspects, the first portion comprises a first track extending from first side of the closure plate in the depth direction, and the second portion comprises a second track configured to slide on the first track.
In some aspects, the second track is configured to slide on the first track in a sliding direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.
In some aspects, one of the first track and the track comprises an external T-track or L-track and the other of the first track and the second track comprises an internal T-track or L-track.
In some aspects, the clamp and the clamp fixture comprise interlocking parts configured to hold the clamp at the second clamp position.
In some aspects, the interlocking parts comprise a one-way ratchet.
Embodiments will now be described, strictly by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the drawings, items identified by multiple reference numbers separated by commas represent alternative parts having the same structure.
The top rail 102 extends in a longitudinal direction L from a first top rail end 102a end to a second top rail end 102b. The bottom rail 104 extends in the longitudinal direction L from a first bottom rail end 104a to a second bottom rail end 104b. The first vertical rail 106 extends in a vertical direction V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, from a first vertical rail top end 106a to a first vertical rail bottom end 106b. The second vertical rail 108 extends in the vertical direction V from a second vertical rail top end 108a to a second vertical rail bottom end 108b. The top end 106a of the first vertical rail 106 is configured to connect to the first top rail end 102a, and the bottom end 106b of the first vertical rail 106 is configured to connect to the first bottom rail end 104a. Similarly, the top end 108a of the second vertical rail 108 is configured to connect to the second top rail end 102b, and the bottom end 108b of the second vertical rail 108 is configured to connect to the second bottom rail end 104b. Thus, the top rail 102, bottom rail 104, first vertical rail 106 and second vertical rail 108 form a generally rectangular or square structure, that surrounds an opening 114.
The clamp fixture 110 and clamp 112 are connected to a first side 116 of the top rail, in relation to a depth direction D that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction D. The clamp 112 has a clamp face 112a that faces an adjacent portion of the top rail 102, to form a space therebetween. The clamp 112 is mounted to the clamp fixture 110 such that the clamp can move between a first clamp position in which a clamp face 112a is a first distance D1 from the top rail 102 in the depth direction D (
The top rail 102, bottom rail 104, first vertical rail 106, second vertical rail 108 and clamp 112 may be provided as separate parts of an installation kit, with instructions directing the user how to assemble them together. This may provide a more convenient package size for shipping and sale of the window installation system. Alternatively, some of all of the parts may be permanently affixed to each other (i.e., fixed in a way that would require destruction of parts, or of fasteners holding the parts together, to separate the parts from each other).
As shown in
In some embodiments, the clamp 112 is the only mechanical connection between the window installation system 100 and the window 2. The remaining retention forces being are provided by simple friction between various parts, as might be generated by pressing the sash 5 down on the top rail 102, or by contact between the window installation system 100 and contours of the window, such as contact between the bottom rail 104 and a window sill ledge 120. The absence of any invasive mechanical connectors (e.g. screws or the like that require modification of the underlying surface to provide attachment) helps facilitate installation, avoids damage to the window, and avoids possible voiding of the window warranty. However, it will be understood that some users may nevertheless elect to add invasive mechanical fasteners as a second layer of protection, or where damage to the window is not a concern (e.g., windows that were previously damaged by prior installations).
The window installation system 100 preferably can be securely and fully installed into the window 2 before the window air conditioner 1 is installed into the opening 114. For example, in the embodiment of
This configuration provides a significant advantage over window installation systems that are attached to the window air conditioning unit before the assembly is installed in the window. For example, this avoids having to hold the assembly in place while lowering the sash 5. Furthermore, with the installation system attached, the window air conditioner can become difficult to handle and cumbersome to move, and so prior assembly of the window installation system 100 to the window eases this burden on the installer.
While it is preferable to install the entire window installation system 100 in the window 2 before installing the window air conditioner 1, some embodiments may include additional parts that are attached to the window air conditioner 1 to enable the window air conditioner 1 to properly fit into the opening 114. For example, if a mounting flange 4 is not provided on the housing 3, a separate mounting flange 4 may be provided for attaching to the housing 3. A variety of flanges 4 or flange extension plates having different heights in the vertical direction V also may be provided to allow the installer to select an appropriate flange for the particular window air conditioner 1 being installed. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.
The bottom rail 104 has a C-shaped profile, with the opening facing upwards towards the top rail 102. The bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e of the vertical rails 106, 108 nest within the C-shaped bottom rail profile. The bottom rail profile 104 also includes protrusions 130 that hold the bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e in the vertical direction. Thus, the bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e are captured against movement in the depth direction D and vertical direction V, and can only slide along the longitudinal direction L.
The top rail 102, bottom rail 104, top longitudinal portions 106d, 108d, and bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, they may be formed as aluminum or plastic extrusions, as folded sheetmetal profiles, as cast parts, and so on. The profile shapes also may be modified in various ways while still providing relative sliding along the longitudinal direction. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.
If desired, mechanisms may be provided to selectively hold the first vertical rail 106 and second vertical rail 108 at particular locations along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the top rail 102 and/or bottom rail 104. For example, the top rail 102 can include one or more friction pads 102c (
One or both of the top longitudinal portions 106d, 108d and the bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e may be formed from multiple parts. In the shown example, bottom longitudinal portion 106e is formed by a first bottom portion 106e′ and a second bottom portion 106e″. The first bottom portion 106e′ is permanently fixed to the vertical portion 106c, and extends in the longitudinal direction L to a first bottom portion end. The second bottom portion 106e″ is connected to the end of the first bottom portion 106e′, and extends therefrom in the longitudinal direction L to a second bottom portion end. The two bottom portions 106e′, 106e″ may be connected by a snap fitting or the like. The second bottom longitudinal portion 108e may have a similar construction with a first bottom portion 108e′ and a second bottom portion 108e″. In operation, the second bottom portions 106e″ 108e″ are telescopically inserted into the bottom rail 104. The first bottom portions 106e′, 108e′ also may be dimensioned to slide into the bottom rail 104.
Forming the bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e from multiple parts can provide certain benefits. For example, with wider window air conditioners 1 (or narrower window openings) the first bottom portions 106e′, 108e′ may be inserted directly in the bottom rail 104, without using the second bottom portions 106e″, 108e″, whereas with narrower window air conditioners 1 (or wider window openings) the second bottom portions 106e″, 108e″ can be added to connect the first bottom portions 106e′, 108e′ to bottom rail 104 to form an air barrier and form a secure structural connection to hold the first and second vertical rails 106, 108 relative to the window air conditioner 1. The parts can also be adjusted or replaced to fit a variety of different window air conditioners. Also, if the installer chooses to attach the bottom rail 104 to the sill 6 with invasive fasteners or adhesives (e.g., a foaming adhesive to provide an improved air seal), the first bottom portions 106e′, 108e′ can be separated from the second bottom portions 106e″, 108e″ to allow the remainder of the window installation system 100 to be removed while the bottom rail 102 and second bottom portions 106e″, 108e″ remain in place.
The window installation system 100 also may include or be modified to include mechanisms to form a seal between the first and second vertical rails 106, 108 and the window air conditioner 1. A simple foam seal or the like may be used, and, if necessary a spacer or closed panel may be provided to extend between one or both of the first and second vertical rails 106, 108 and the window air conditioner 1. Such a spacer or panel can be fabricated at the installation side (e.g. by cutting a plastic panel of the like). More preferably, the window installation system 100 has a first flexible panel 124 extending from the first vertical rail 106, and a second flexible panel 126 extending from the second vertical rail 108. Each flexible panel 124, 126 can be extended in the longitudinal direction L to contact the window air conditioner 1, and thereby close the open space that might otherwise exist. The flexible panels 124, 126 may have any suitable extendable construction. In the shown example, each flexible panel 124, 126 is a flexible plastic sheet that is folded in alternating directions as multiple locations to form an accordion-type expandable panel, as known in the art. On other cases, the flexible panels 124, 126 may comprise overlapping rigid panels that slide relative to each other, flexible sheets provided on spindles and that can be unspooled to a desired length (see, e.g.,
The exemplary flexible panels 124, 126 are permanently secured to the vertical rails 106, 108 by adhesive, snap fittings, fasteners, or the like. Each flexible panel 124, 126 extends to a respective free end 124a, 126a that is movable in the longitudinal direction L to engage the window air conditioner 1. The free ends 124a, 126a may be secured to the window air conditioner 1 using any suitable connection. In the shown example, a first connector 128 is provided to secure the free end 124a of the first flexible panel 124 to one side of the window air conditioner 1, and a second connector 130 is provided to secure the free end 126a of the second flexible panel 126 to an opposite side of the window air conditioner 1. Each connector 128, 130 has clips 128a, 130a that grip the respective free panel end 124a, 126a, and T-shaped ends 128b, 130b that slide along the top longitudinal portions 106d, 108d and bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e of the respective vertical rail 106, 108. Each connector 128, 130 also may have a handle 128c, 130c for adjusting the position of the respective flexible panel 124, 126.
The T-shaped ends 128b, 130b are dimensioned to fit into top channels 106f, 108f formed in the top longitudinal portions 106d, 108d, and bottom channels 106g formed in the bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e (see
The connectors 128, 130 may be held in position against the sides of the window air conditioner 1 by friction between the T-shaped ends 128b, 130b and the top longitudinal portions 106d, 108d and bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e of the respective vertical rail 106, 108. For example, the T-shaped ends 128b, 130b may be slightly oversized within channels or tracks formed in the top longitudinal portions 106d, 108d and bottom longitudinal portions 106e, 108e. In other cases, the connectors 128, 130 may be secured by fasteners or adhesive (e.g., a double-sided foam sealing tape) to the window air conditioner 1. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.
Details of an exemplary clamp fixture 110 and clamp 112 are shown in
In the shown example, the first portion 110a is formed as a first L-shaped exterior track, and the second portion 110b has a corresponding L-shaped interior track 110b′ that slides on the exterior track (i.e., matching L-tracks). The tracks are oriented to allow sliding movement in the longitudinal direction L, but other sliding directions may be used. It will be appreciated that the L-shaped tracks may be replaced by other shapes. For instance, the crossbar of the “L” can be replaced with a circular profile to provide a track having a “lollipop” shape. As another example, the exterior and interior L-tracks may be replaced by exterior and interior T-shaped tracks 110a, 110b′ (i.e., matching T-tracks), as shown in
As noted above, the clamp 112 is movably mounted on the clamp fixture 110. For example, the clamp 112 may be mounted to slide along the clamp fixture 110b in a direction parallel to the depth direction D. In the shown example, the clamp fixture 110 has posts 110c that extend in the depth direction D, and clamp 112 has channels 112b that wrap around respective posts 110c to capture the clamp 112 against movement in the longitudinal direction L and vertical direction V, but allow sliding in the depth direction D.
The clamp 112 optionally may be provided as a separate part that is selectively secured to the clamp fixture 110. For example, the shown clamp 112 can be installed on the clamp fixture 110 by sliding it from the ends of the posts 110c towards the top rail 102. If the clamp fixture 110 includes a separate second part 110b, the clamp 112 may be installed on the second part 110b before the second part 110b is attached to the first part 110a.
The clamp 112 is configured to be selectively secured to the clamp fixture 110 at one or more locations along the depth direction D, to thereby clamp a sash 5 between the clamp face 112a and the top rail 102. In the shown example, the clamp 112 and the clamp fixture 110 have interlocking parts configured to hold the clamp 112 at the second clamp position. These interlocking parts may be formed as one or more first ribs 132 on the clamp 112, which engage one or more second ribs 134 on the clamp fixture 110. The first ribs 132 and second ribs 134 extend perpendicular to the depth direction D (or whatever direction the clamp 112 moves in to clamp against the window sash or the like). The first ribs 132 and second ribs 134 are positioned to overlap each other along the depth direction D. Thus, one or both of the first ribs 132 and the second ribs 134 must be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction D to allow free movement of the clamp 112 relative to the clamp fixture 110.
Selective displacement of the first ribs 132 relative to the second ribs 134 may be provided by mounting one or both of the first ribs 132 and the second ribs 134 on flexible arms 136. In this example, the first ribs 132 are mounted on flexible arms 136, and the flexible arms 136 may be displaced manually by the user (e.g., by squeezing the free ends of the arms 136 together) to disengage the first ribs 132 from the second ribs 134 and allow free movement of the clamp 112 relative to the clamp fixture 110 in the depth direction D. The arms 136 also may be displaced by interaction between the first ribs 132 and the second ribs 134. For example, the first ribs 132 and/or the second ribs 134 may have tapered faces that face each other as the clamp 112 moves towards the second clamp position. The tapered faces act as wedges to drive the flexible arms 136 perpendicular to the depth direction D as a force is applied to move the clamp 112 along the depth direction D. Thus, the first ribs 132 and second ribs 134 can act as a one-way ratchet that allows the clamp 112 to be moved towards the second clamp position without having to manually release the first ribs 132 from the second ribs 134, while preventing movement of the clamp 112 towards the first clamp position until the user manually disengages the first ribs 132 from the second ribs 134. This one-way ratchet arrangement is expected to be particularly useful to allow relatively easy engagement of the clamp 112 with the window sash 5.
Further examples of clamp fixtures 110 and clamps 112 are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/558,962, entitled “Portable Air Conditioning Unit Window Installation System, which is filed concurrently herewith and identified by attorney docket number ABE-319US, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The clamp 112 also may be configured to be readily operated by accessing it through the opening 114 formed by the window mounting system 110. In this example, the clamp 112 is mounted on an outer side 138 of the top rail 102 with respect to the depth direction D, and the opening 114 is dimensioned to allow access to the clamp 112 from the opposite side of the top rail 102 when the window air conditioner is not installed. The clamp 112 also may include a handle portion 112c that faces away from the opening 114 and is shaped and positioned to receive one or more fingers of the hand. In some cases, access to the clamp 112 may be possible with the window air conditioner 1 in place by sliding one of the flexible panels 124, 126 away from the window air conditioner 1 and reaching around the top of the window air conditioner 1.
In still other embodiments, both the first vertical rail 106 and the second vertical rail 108 may also be constructed as non-telescoping members. In addition, the window installation system 100 may be provide with both telescoping and non-telescoping vertical members 106, 108, to allow the installer to decide which vertical members 106, 108 to use at the time of installation. Other alternatives and variations will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.
Embodiments of window installation systems such as the examples provided herein are expected to provide a secure and relatively simple and safe installation for window air conditioners. For example, the window installation system may be installed separately from and before the window air conditioner, which eases the burden to assemble the installation system to the window air conditioner, and then move the assembly into place in the window. This also allows the installer to lower the window sash into place to secure the window installation system before installing the window air conditioner, which eliminates to balance the window air conditioner in the window with one hand while sliding the sash with the other hand. Embodiments also may use a single clamp to hold the window installation system in the window, which eases installation, and the clamp may be located entirely outside the window to reduce the possibility of accidental release. Embodiments may also allow complete installation without using invasive fasteners to secure the parts to the window frame or sash.
While such benefits may be obtained in some embodiments, it will be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to structures that achieve such benefits.
The present disclosure describes a number of inventive features and/or combinations of features that may be used alone or in combination with each other or in combination with other technologies. The embodiments described herein are all exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. It will also be appreciated that the inventions described herein can be modified and adapted in various ways, such as by replacing or adding features from one embodiment with those of another embodiment. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.
