APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CLEANING SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONERS

Abstract

An apparatus and method for cleaning split system air conditioning units. The apparatus comprises a shield functioning as a moisture barrier that sits between the wall and the AC unit and which releasably receives a drain pan that interconnects with the bottom of the shield to form a water tight seal. A flexible tube connects the bottom of the drain pan to a collection receptacle. Water and chemical sprayed into the unit to clean the unit drain through the unit, into the drain pan, through the tubing, and are collected by and can be disposed of from the receptacle. After the AC unit is cleaned, the drain pan, tubing and collection receptacle are removed leaving the area clean and dry. Kits comprising the apparatus of the invention can be sold together with new AC units or purchased separately.

Claims

1. An apparatus to facilitate the cleaning with fluids of split system air conditioner indoor units installed on interior walls of enclosed structures comprising: a continuous flat impermeable shield sized to fit behind said indoor unit and extend out from all sides of the unit when the unit is mounted to the wall with said shield sandwiched between said indoor unit and said interior wall; a receptacle having a width at least equal to the width of the bottom of said shield detachably interconnected along the bottom of said shield to form a water tight seal between said shield and said receptacle; wherein said shield forms an impermeable barrier between the indoor unit and the wall, protecting the wall from dirt and moisture during cleaning; and wherein said receptacle, when attached to said shield, collects fluids used during cleaning.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is a plastic sheet.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is a drain pan.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a support means to support said receptacle along the bottom of said shield while said receptacle is interconnected with said shield during cleaning of said air conditioner indoor unit.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a hole with nipple formed in the bottom of said drain pan and a flexible hose that attaches to said nipple and extends downwards therefrom.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a receptacle into which the free end of said flexible hose is inserted, said receptacle positioned beneath said unit and drain pan to collect water and debris during cleaning of the air conditional unit.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield is fabricated of material selection from the group comprising plastic, resins, or plexi-glass.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said support means comprise pins that are inserted through holes formed in the top side edges of said receptacle and bottom side edges of said shield.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said support means comprise a cincture that encircles the top and sides of said shield and attaches to the top side edges of said receptacle.

10. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said support means comprise hangers that extend from the top sides of said shield and attach to the top side edges of said receptacle.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a groove is formed at least along the bottom edge of said shield which groove receives the back top portion of said receptacle to form a watertight seal between said shield and said receptacle.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a groove is formed at least along the bottom and lower aspects of the side edges of said shield which groove receives the back top portion of said receptacle to form a watertight seal between said shield and said receptacle.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein a groove is formed along all edges of said shield, which groove receives the support cincture along the shield's top edge and upper side edges, while receiving the back top portion of said receptacle along its bottom and lower side edges to form a watertight seal between said shield and said receptacle.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising placing within said groove material selected from the group consisting of o-rings, rubber coating, and gaskets, prior to the insertion of the drain pan into said groove, to form a watertight seal between said shield and said receptacle.

15. A method for cleaning split system air conditioner units installed on interior walls of enclosed structures comprising the steps of: (a) securing, during installation of said unit, a flat shield between the unit and the wall, said shield sized to fit behind the unit and extend out from all sides of the unit when the unit is mounted to the wall; (b) mounting to the bottom edge of said shield a receptacle having a width at least equal to the width of the bottom of said shield to form a water tight seal between said shield and said receptacle; (c) cleaning said unit by spraying liquids and cleaning fluids into the internal components of said air conditioning unit which liquids and fluids then drain into and are collected within said receptacle; (d) removing said receptacle from said shield and unit; and (e) disposing of the liquid and fluid in said receptacle.

16. The method for cleaning split system air conditioners of claim 15 further comprising the step of supporting said receptacle along the bottom of said shield using a support means.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of drilling a hole in said flat shield prior to installing said shield between said air conditioning unit and said wall and aligning said hole in said shield with a hole formed in the wall.

18. A kit for cleaning split system air conditioner indoor units installed on interior walls of enclosed structures comprising a continuous flat impermeable shield sized to fit behind the unit and extend out from all sides of the unit when the shield is sandwiched between said indoor unit and interior wall and the unit is mounted to the wall, a receptacle having a width at least equal to the width of the bottom of the shield and adopted to detachably interconnect along the bottom of said shield to form a water tight seal between said shield and said receptacle.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein said receptacle is a drain pan and further comprising a support means to support said drain pan on said shield while interconnected with said shield during cleaning of said air conditioner unit.

20. The kit of claim 19 further comprising a flexible hose and a fluid collection receptacle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a mini split system AC unit employing the apparatus of the subject invention, taken from the top left.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dry shield of the invention showing placement of an AC mounting plate on top of the dry shield and then on the wall in relation to wall studs.

[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B show two embodiments of the drain pan of the subject invention, FIG. 3A being a top left perspective view of a drain pan to be hung with a cincture or hanger, and FIG. 3B being a bottom right perspective view of a drain pan to be hung with support pins.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a left side plan view of a mini split system AC unit employing the apparatus of the subject invention, mounted on a wall, with the drain pan mounted on the bottom of the dry shield and held in place with a cincture.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a mini split system AC unit employing the apparatus of the subject invention as shown in FIG. 4.

[0040] FIG. 6 is an front view a mini split system AC unit employing an alternative embodiment apparatus of the subject invention, wherein the supporting means for the drain pan comprise pins fitted through holes formed in the drain pan and dry shield.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows the elements of a kit of the subject invention.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of a method that employs the apparatus of the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Described in detail, with referenced to the attached drawings, are preferred embodiments of apparatus and method for cleaning split system and mini-split system air conditioning units comprising the subject invention.

[0044] Depicted in FIG. 1, a perspective view taken from the top left (when looking at the AC unit mounted on the wall), is a mini-split system air conditioner unit 10 mounted to a wall 20. A dry shield 30 lies between unit 10 and wall 20. A drain pan 40 is releasably attached to the bottom edge of shield 30 and supported by cincture 34 that lies within a groove 32 formed along the edge of shield 30. At the end of cincture 34 is a cincture hook 35 inserted into a cincture hook hole 33 formed within the top side of drain pan 40. Extending down from the bottom of drain pan 40 is a flexible drain hose 48.

[0045] Illustrated in FIG. 2 in exploded perspective view showing the placement and mounting of an AC mounting plate 12 atop dry shield 30 and wall 20. Dry shield 30 demonstrates a hole 24. Hole 24 would typically but cut on-site and positioned to align with hole in the wall that accommodates the electrical, refrigerant piping and condensate drain that runs from the inside AC unit to the outside AC unit.

[0046] Four screw holes 14 formed in mounting plate 12 receive a plurality of connectors, in this case screws 15, that connect mounting plate 12 to dry shield 30, wall 20 and a plurality of wall studs 22.

[0047] One method for mounting AC unit 10 with dry shield 30 backing to wall 20 and wall studs 22 is as follows. Dry shield 30 with hole 24 already formed is placed on a flat working surface. Mounting plate 12 is centered on top of shield 30 in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Mounting plate 12 is temporarily secured to dry shield 30 using a reversible fastening means such as double side tape, screws, or other small fasteners.

[0048] Next, dry shield 30 with mounting plate 12 affixed thereon is positioned on the wall with due regard for the wall studs and with hole 24 aligned with the wall hole (not shown), and leveled. Dry shield 30 with mounting plate 12 affixed is permanently secured to wall 20 by screwing through screw holes 14, into dry shield 30, into wall 20 and into wall studs 22 that support wall 20.

[0049] While the mounting plate 12 depicted in FIG. 2 demonstrates four screw holes 14, mounting plates 12 can come with more or less than four screw holes 14 (although generally, a minimum of four screws for securement of the inside AC unit would be desirable), and with screw holes 14 positions differently than shown in the mounting plate 12 shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, or in addition, screws can be inserted through dry shield 30 external to mounting plate 12. This can be useful, in particular, where wall studs are only accessible behind that portion of dry shield 30 that extends beyond the outside edge of mounting plate 12.

[0050] Moreover, mounting plates 12 come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending upon the commercial AC unit to be mounted thereupon. Dry shield 30 will conform to the size and shape of mounting plate 12, always extended somewhat beyond the outside edge of mounting plate 12.

[0051] Once mounting plate 12 is mounted onto wall 20 over dry shield 30 and into wall studs 22, AC unit 10 is mounted on mounting plate 12 as shown in FIG. 1 using two mounting brackets 16 that extend out from mounting plate 12.

[0052] Illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B are the details of one embodiment of drain pan 40, FIG. 3A being a top left perspective view of a drain pan 40 supported by a cincture or hander, and FIG. 3B being a bottom right perspective view of a drain pan 40 supported by support pins. Drain pan 40 has a back plate 42 contoured to fit snugly along the bottom groove of dry shield 30 (as illustrated in FIG. 4). The outside top edges of back plate 42 extend upwards to fit along the side grooves of the bottom portion of dry shield 30 (also illustrated in FIG. 4). A drain hole 44 is formed in the bottom of drain pan 40 with a drain nipple 46 extending downward from hole 44. Hose 48, as shown in FIG. 1 for example, attaches to nipple 46. Drain pan 40 also includes a cincture hook hole 33 formed on the top of each side to receive cincture hooks described below, while drain pan 40 has a pin casing 38 formed on the top of each side to receive support pins 36.

[0053] Depicted in FIG. 4, a left side (when facing the AC unit) plan view, is mini split system AC 10 unit employing the apparatus of the subject invention. Split system AC unit 10 is mounted on wall 20 with dry shield 30 sandwiched in between unit 10 and wall 20. According to the depicted embodiment, drain pan 40 is releasably attached to the bottom of shield 30 by inserting back plate 42 into groove 32 running along the bottom edge of shield 30 to form a water tight seal between the bottom of shield 30 and the top edge of back plate 42. The upper side edge (the left side seen in FIG. 4) of back plate 42 sits within the groove formed along the side edge (the left side edge seen in FIG. 4) of shield 30.

[0054] Still referring to FIG. 4, drain pan 40 is supported by cincture 34 that sits inside groove 32 along the top and side edges (the left side edge seen in FIG. 4) of shield 30. At the ends of cincture 34 are cincture hooks 35 that are inserted into cincture hook holes 33 formed at the top sides of back plate 42. A removeable cincture pin 31 holds the top of cincture in place along the top of groove 32 and would typically be in place during cleaning. Extending from the bottom of drain pan 40 is drain nipple 46 that will receive drain hose 48 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0055] The embodiment of the AC cleaning apparatus of the subject invention depicted in FIG. 4 is illustrated from the front in FIG. 5. AC Unit 10 is affixed to and overlays dry shield 30. Drain pan 40 is releasably attached to the bottom of dry shield 30 with back plate 42 of shield 30 sitting inside groove 32 formed along the bottom and lower side edges of shield 30 to form a water tight seal. Drain pan 40 is supported by cincture 34 sitting within groove 32 and ending in cincture hooks 35 that are inserted into hook holes 33. Cincture pin 31 holds cincture 34 in place along groove 32. Drain nipple 46 extends from the bottom of drain pan 40 to receive drain hose 48 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0056] Depicted in FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the subject invention wherein drain pan 40 is supported on the bottom of dry shield 30 by two support pins 36 instead of cincture 34 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 through 5. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, each support pin 36 is inserted through a support pin casing 38 formed in the upper side aspects of back plate 42 and a support pin hole 39 formed the lower side edges of dry shield 30. As with the first described embodiment, AC unit 10 sits atop dry shield 30 and drain nipple 46 extends down from the bottom of drain pan 40.

[0057] The elements of one embodiment of a kit 60 of the subject invention are illustrated in FIG. 7. According to this embodiment, kit 60 comprises dry shield 30 sized to fit the commercial AC unit to be mounted, drain pan 40, cincture 34, flexible hose 48, and bucket 50. Alternative embodiment kits may also contain support pins 36 instead of or in addition to cincture 34 and have drain pans 40 with cincture holes 33 and/or pin casings 38.

[0058] Illustrated in FIG. 8 in schematic format is one embodiment of the steps of the method of the subject invention employing the apparatus of the subject invention. According to the method shown, a step 70 comprises mounting AC unit 10 onto wall 20 with dry shield 30 sandwiched in between. As earlier explained, step 70 details include drilling hole 24 in dry shield 30 to align with the hole drilled in wall 20; temporarily attaching AC mounting plate 12 to dry shield 30 positioned such that dry shield 30 extends out from the edges of plate 12 in all directions; aligning, leveling and permanently attached plate 12 and dry shield 30 onto wall 20 using studs 22 behind wall 20; and mounting AC unit 10 onto mounting plate 12.

[0059] Optional detail for installation step 70 can be described as follows: [0060] dry shield 30 is placed flat upon a suitable, level work surface making sure the top is away from you; [0061] AC mounting plate 12 is positioned on top of dry shield 30; [0062] AC mounting plate 12 is then centered, leveled and secured to the desired position on the dry shield 30 with short screws or two way tape; [0063] after joining AC mounting plate 12 to dry shield 30, hole 24 to route the electrical line, RAC piping and condensation hose is measured and drilled in dry shield 30 using the correct sized hole saw; [0064] the entire assembly is now ready to be installed on the wall space and is centered and leveled on the wall; [0065] multiple screws 15 are used to secure the assembly to the wall; [0066] screws 15 penetrate AC mounting plate 12 first, then through dry shield 30, through the drywall and finally wooden wall studs 22; [0067] once the assembly is leveled and secured, a hole through the drywall and the outdoor wall panel can be made using the same size hole saw used for dry shield 30; [0068] after the hole through the wall is completed, indoor AC unit 10 is positioned and mounted like a standard installation; [0069] the remaining parts of the AC system can then be installed as usual.

[0070] To prepare for cleaning of AC unit 10, a further step 72 comprises mounting drain pan 40 onto the bottom of dry shield 30 by inserting the top of drain pan back plate 42 into groove 32 formed along the bottom edge of shield 30, and implementing a support means. The support means could be cincture 34 placed within the top and side aspects of groove 32 and thereafter attached to the top side edges of back plate 42 using cincture hooks 35; or insertion of support pins 36 through support pin casings 38. Once drain pan 40 is mounted and supported, a water tight seal is formed between dry shield 30 and drain pan 40.

[0071] A further step 74 comprises attaching one end of flexible hose 48 to drain nipple 46 extending from the bottom of drain pan 40, and inserting the other end of flexible hose 48 into bucket 50.

[0072] A further step 76 comprises disassembling AC unit 10 mounted on wall 20, and spraying water and cleaning fluids into AC unit 10 to clean the heat exchanger and other internal parts of AC unit 10. The waste water, containing chemicals and debris, drains through the AC unit to drain pan 40 without soiling wall 20 or the area below AC unit 10. The waste water flows out of drain pan 40 through drain hole 44 and drain nipple 46 into flexible hose 48 and finally collects in bucket 50. When the waste water reaches a certain height, bucket 50 is emptied in an environmentally responsible manner. Bucket 50 is re-positioned below AC unit 10 with the free end of flexible hose 48 again inserted inside and the process continues until AC unit 10 is fully clean.

[0073] A further step 78 comprises removing and emptying bucket 50, removing flexible hose 48 from drain nipple 46, removing the support means that supports drain pan 40 to the bottom of dry shield 30, and removing drain pan 40 from dry shield 30. Finally, AC 10 unit is re-assembled and, once allowed to fully dry, ready to use.

[0074] Optional detail for the servicing steps, 72 through 78, can be described as follows: [0075] once the servicing of AC unit 10 is warranted, turn off all electrical power to AC unit 10; [0076] check to be sure all power is disconnected; [0077] cover the working floor area with a large protective plastic or tarp; [0078] insert drain pan 40 into position on dry shield 30; [0079] secure drain pan 40 to dry shield 30 using a securement means such as pins 36 or cincture 34; [0080] securely attach clear drain hose 48 to nipple 46 extending down from the bottom of drain pan 40; route the other end of drain hose 48 to a suitable bucket or other receptacle 50; [0081] wastewater will constantly be collected into bucket 50 during the servicing procedure and indoor unit 10 can now be prepped by partial disassembly for cleaning; [0082] water and chemicals are sprayed into the AC units fan assembly, coil and drain pan; [0083] specially made long thin nozzles can be used to reach into tight locations; [0084] dry shield 30 protects the wall behind unit 10 from moisture and dirt during servicing; [0085] as water and chemicals are sprayed into unit 10, contaminants will be constantly flowing into drain pan 40, through nipple down 46 down drain hose 48, and collecting in bucket or receptacle 50; [0086] bucket 50 is then emptied when needed; [0087] after the system is cleaned it can be air dried with a hand held hair dryer or air dried; [0088] once drying is completed, drain pan 40, hose 48 and bucket 50 can be disconnected and removed leaving the dry shield 30 in place; [0089] AC unit 10 can then be reassembled and tested.

[0090] As will be appreciated by those engaged in the cleaning of split system AC units, the method steps set forth above can be varied to a considerable degree and still obtain the desired result. By way of example and not limitation, flexible hose 48 can be attached to the underside of drain pan 40 before drain pan 40 is releasably attached to dry shield 30. Similarly, after cleaning, drain pan 40 can be removed from dry shield 30 before hose 48 is removed from drain nipple 46. These and other variations in the described method are within the contemplated scope of the subject invention.

SUMMARY AND SCOPE

[0091] As may be appreciated from the above description and accompanying drawings, the apparatus and method of the subject invention cuts the time for a professional to clean a split-AC unit from approximately 2 hours to as little as a half hour. In addition, there is less clean-up and less chance that the adjacent wall or floor area will be soiled.

[0092] The apparatus and method promotes the cleaning of split system and min-split system AC unit by owners without the need to retain a professional AC service person.

[0093] The dry shield component of the apparatus of the instant invention provides a moisture barrier between the AC unit and the wall behind the AC unit.

[0094] The dry shield component of the apparatus facilitates mounting of the AC unit to wall studs behind the wall.

[0095] In kit form, the invention provides the AC owner the AC professional with convenience of a one stop shopping for equipment needed to quickly and neatly clean split system and mini split system AC units.

[0096] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers, dimensions, materials and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being examples and not limitations, and in any event, not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims.

[0097] The terms a, an, the, and similar references used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claim. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0098] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.

[0099] By way of example and not limitation, the embodiment of the drain pan described and illustrated herein can be varied by substituting other types of receptacles, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. A variety of support means can be utilized to support the drain pan on the dry shield in addition to the cincture, hangers and support pins described herein. The drain pan can have more than one drain and the drain hole can be formed in the bottom side rather than the bottom of the drain pan. Other similar variations in the apparatus and method of the invention will be obvious to those engaged in the art.

[0100] Accordingly, the claims include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is contemplated unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but shall be deemed to include all embodiments, methods and equivalents within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.