DUCTLESS HVAC CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A ductless HVAC containment system is provided, wherein the system is intended to conceal traditional wall hung ductless HVAC components, such as mini split system air handlers. The system may be installed in new construction, retrofits, and during renovations of homes, offices, schools, etc. The system provides an ascetic and functional solution to the growing demand of ductless HVAC units. The system features a cabinet and cover combination engineered to be installed directly into the framing of a wall. The cabinet provides a recess for the air handler and other components that are not in the air handler's housing. The removable cover conceals the cabinet and provides a means to access the components. Vents and baffles positioned on the removable cover enable control of airflow.

Claims

1. A ductless HVAC containment system comprising: a cabinet member configured to be positioned within a wall of a home, wherein the cabinet member includes a top portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion, and a pair of side portions, the cabinet member defining a recess to receive a fan coil unit; and, a cover member configured to cover the cabinet member such that the fan coil unit is concealed from view, wherein the cover member includes a plurality of adjustable vent baffles configured enable air flow in and out of the cabinet member.

2. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting plate configured to be attached to the rear portion of the cabinet member, wherein the fan coil unit is attached to the mounting plate.

3. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet member comprises a plurality of openings configured to allow for electrical and conduit connections of the fan coil unit.

4. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of openings are located at least on the pair of side portions.

5. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet member is constructed from sheet metal.

6. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 1, wherein the cover is removable and configured to retain an air filter.

7. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 1, wherein the fan control unit is a mini-split air handling unit.

8. The ductless HVAC containment system of claim 1, further comprising a service panel within the cabinet member, wherein the service panel is a removable access panel enabling access to various HVAC components for service and maintenance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a ductless HVAC containment system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows various views of a cabinet member of the ductless HVAC containment system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0014] FIG. 3 is a transparent section view showing the HVAC containment system installed within a wall according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a ductless HVAC containment system.

[0016] Referring to any of the accompanying FIGS. 1-3, the ductless HVAC containment system 100 comprises a cover member 102 and cabinet member 112. In some embodiments, the cover member and the cabinet member are primarily constructed from sheet metal, preferably durable, heavy-gauge sheet metal, however it should be understood that other construction materials may be provided. In one embodiment, the cover member 102 comprises a plurality of adjustable vent baffles 104 configured to enable air flow in and out of the cabinet member 112. Advantageously, the cover member, while routing incoming return air and outgoing supply air, also is configured to conceal all the mechanical, electrical, and HVAC components from view. The removable cover member 102 also provides a means for accessing the FCU (fan coil unit) 300 for service and maintenance. For the purpose of this disclosure, the FCU includes all known fan coil units and air handling units, including ductless mini split systems for heating and cooling. Further, the cover member 102 also provides an insulated barrier between supply and return air to prevent air from bypassing FCU. The FCU will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover member 102 allows for the optional installation of a high efficiency air filter (not shown), wherein the air filter improves the air quality and provides longer service intervals of the FCU unit. The air filter may be changed at normal schedules, as well known in the art.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cabinet member 112 comprises a rear portion 112A, a top portion 112B, a bottom portion 112C, and a pair of side portions 112D. The cabinet member 122 is a recessed housing configured to house the HVAC components. In some embodiments, the cabinet member 112 includes a mounting plate 106, wherein the mounting plate 106 is configured to be attached to the rear portion 112A of the cabinet member 112. In one embodiment, the FCU unit is configured to be attached to the mounting plate 106 during installation. The details of the installation process will be described below.

[0019] During installation, best seen in FIG. 3, the cabinet member 12 is configured to be attached to wall framing 205, wherein the inner wall framing 203 is configured to be cut such that an opening is provided, wherein the opening is a size equal to the outer dimensions of the cabinet member 112. Preferably, when the cabinet member 112 is installed within the wall, a front portion of the cabinet member should be flush with the inner wall framing 203. In one embodiment, the cover member 102 is attached to the inner wall 203 via mounting screws 118. Finishing materials, such as sheet rock 207, may be added, or replaced if removed during the installation process. The mounting locations may vary depending on regulations, restrictions, building codes, etc. For example, in one embodiment, the minimum height below the ceiling 201 is 3 inches and the minimum depth of the cutout opening is 9 inches.

[0020] Advantageously, the cabinet's shape ensures proper air flow into and out of the cabinet member 112. Optional dividing members may be installed to separate or contain various components of the HVAC system. For example, in one embodiment, the cabinet contains a means of separation between the low pressure return air and the high pressure supply side of the coil. This ensures high energy efficiency is maintained and air does not bypass the indoor coil. In some embodiments, a service panel 112F provides this function.

[0021] In some embodiments, the exterior of the cabinet member 112 is insulated to help prevent heat transfer through the cabinet member portion components to reduce the possibility of condensation on metal surfaces.

[0022] In some embodiments, the pair of side portions 112D as well as the top portion 112B includes a plurality of openings 116 configured to allow for electrical and conduit connections as well known in the art, such as refrigerant and drain lines. In some embodiments, a number of mounting brackets 110 are provided to assist in the mounting of the HVAC components. Mounting brackets 114 are configured for mounting the service panel 112F, wherein the service panel is a removable access panel enabling access to various HVAC components for service. In some embodiments, the service panel acts as a baffle member to control the airflow in and out of the cabinet member.

[0023] Advantageously, the ductless HVAC containment system of the present invention provides the aesthetics of a traditional central heating and cooling system, i.e. only an air vent is visible to the inhabitants where the system is installed, without any other components of the HVAC system being visible. However, in the present invention, behind the vent (cover member 102) is not ducting like in central heating and cooling systems, but a ductless HVAC air handler (FCU) 300 and other components that do not fit within the FCU housing, including but not limited to, the condensate pump, switches, and valves, as well as other electrical lines and various conduits for operation. Further, these components, like the pump and float switch often create condensate drain problems, so having the cabinet member with optional openings for drain lines as well as insulating material alleviates these concerns.

[0024] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0025] It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0026] In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.