Anti-theft air conditioner enclosure

Abstract

An anti-theft enclosure for protecting an outdoor air conditioning (A/C) unit is made up of an open framework of structural members which surround and protect the A/C unit. Individual steel panels are assembled to form a series of upstanding walls which are covered by a top panels and which together define the quasi-enclosed area surrounding the A/C unit. The tubing which makes up the steel panels is spaced to allow access to the enclosed area by a worker needing to access the A/C unit. The steel panels are joined with connecting and mating elements which facilitate easy and quick disassembling of the enclosure. The upright panels also have adjustable panel legs which can be extended and cemented into the ground for added stability and security.

Claims

1. An anti-theft enclosure for encompassing an outdoor air conditioning unit, the anti-theft enclosure comprising: a pair of opposing side panels spaced apart a selected distance and positionable generally perpendicular to a surface, each side panel having a pair of integral oppositely arranged end posts which are interconnected by a top and bottom rail, respectively, each panel also having a plurality of spaced apart security bars which run vertically between the top and bottom rails; a rear panel connecting and supporting the pair of opposing side panels, the rear panel having integral connecting elements at either of two opposite extents thereof which are engageable with mating elements of each side panel and wherein there are two pairs of connecting elements each having downwardly extending connecting tabs which are received within mating tab receiving pockets provided on each of the opposing side panels for connecting the rear panel to the side panels, at least one pair of the tab receiving pockets being located on a selected oppositely arranged end post below the level of the respective top rail, whereby the rear panel can only be removed from the opposing side panels by lifting the connecting elements out of the mating elements of the side panels and the three panels are prevented from removal by lateral forces; a front panel also having a top and bottom rail and interconnecting vertical security bars there between, the front panel having oppositely arranged downwardly extending connecting tabs which are also received within mating tab receiving pockets on each of the opposing side panels for connecting the front panel to the side panels, thereby defining an initially open top region of the enclosure, the front panel only being removable from the side panels by lifting the connecting tabs from the mating tab receiving pockets so that the three panels are prevented from removal by lateral forces; wherein the pair of opposing side panels are each provided with a plurality of retention flanges which are located at spaced intervals along the respective top rails of the opposing side panels, the retention flanges cooperating to define a partially enclosed track region which runs along each of the respective top rails of the opposing side panels; and a top panel which, when oriented horizontally, is receivable within the track regions of the opposing side panels in sliding fashion to thereby cover the initially open top region of the enclosure and also cover at least selected ones of the engaged connecting elements and mating elements to prevent the front and rear panels from being lifted upwardly when the top panel is in place.

2. The anti-theft enclosure of claim 1, wherein the top panel is also made up of a top and bottom rail which are interconnected by a plurality of spaced apart security bars.

3. The anti-theft enclosure of claim 1, wherein the opposing side panels are also provided with adjustable panel legs which can be varied in height, such that an overall height of the enclosure can be varied to suit varying surfaces.

4. The anti-theft enclosure of claim 1, wherein the security bars which make up the side, front and top panels are constructed of lengths of polygonally shaped metal tubing.

5. The anti-theft enclosure of claim 1, wherein the security bars are made up of lengths of square steel tubing.

6. The anti-theft enclosure of claim 1, wherein one of the front and top panels of the enclosure is provided with a lock plate and the other of the respective front and top panels is provided with a mating lock ring, a selected one of the lock ring and lock plate being provided with a lock hasp, whereby a padlock can be engaged with the lock hasp when the lock plate and lock ring are positioned adjacent one another to secure the top panel to the front panel and thereby form a secured enclosure.

7. The anti-theft enclosure of claim 1, wherein the rear panel of the enclosure is a partial height panel formed by a top rail and a bottom rail which are interconnected by a plurality of security bars, the security bars being of lesser relative height than the security bars present in the opposing side panels and the front panel.

8. An anti-theft enclosure for encompassing an outdoor air conditioning unit, the anti-theft enclosure comprising: a pair of opposing side panels spaced apart a selected distance and positionable generally perpendicular to a surface, each side panel having a pair of integral oppositely arranged end posts which are interconnected by a top and bottom rail, respectively, each panel also having a plurality of spaced apart security bars which run vertically between the top and bottom rails; a rear panel connecting and supporting the pair of opposing side panels, the rear panel having integral connecting elements at either of two opposite extents thereof which are engageable with mating elements of each side panel and wherein there are two pairs of connecting elements each having downwardly extending connecting tabs which are received within mating tab receiving pockets provided on each of the opposing side panels for connecting the rear panel to the side panels, at least one pair of the tab receiving pockets being located on a selected oppositely arranged end post below the level of the respective top rail, whereby the rear panel can only be removed from the opposing side panels by lifting the connecting elements out of the mating elements of the side panels and the three panels are prevented from removal by lateral forces; a front panel also having a top and bottom rail and interconnecting vertical security bars there between, the front panel having oppositely arranged downwardly extending connecting tabs which are also received within mating tab receiving pockets on each of the opposing side panels for connecting the front panel to the side panels, thereby defining an initially open top region of the enclosure, the front panel only being removable from the side panels by lifting the connecting tabs from the mating tab receiving pockets so that the three panels are prevented from removal by lateral forces; wherein the pair of opposing side panels are each provided with a plurality of retention flanges which are located at spaced intervals along the respective top rails of the opposing side panels, the retention flanges cooperating to define a partially enclosed track region which runs along each of the respective top rails of the opposing side panels; a top panel which, when oriented horizontally, is receivable within the track regions of the opposing side panels in sliding fashion to thereby cover the initially open top region of the enclosure and also cover at least selected ones of the engaged connecting elements and mating elements to prevent the front and rear panels from being lifted upwardly when the top panel is in place; wherein one of the front and top panels of the enclosure is provided with a lock plate and the other of the respective front and top panels is provided with a mating lock ring, a selected one of the lock ring and lock plate being provided with a lock hasp, whereby a padlock can be engaged with the lock hasp when the lock plate and lock ring are positioned adjacent one another to secure the top panel to the front panel and thereby form a secured enclosure; and wherein the rear panel of the enclosure is a partial height panel formed by a top rail and a bottom rail which are interconnected by a plurality of security bars, the security bars being of lesser relative height than the security bars present in the opposing side panels and the front panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the anti-theft air conditioning enclosure, showing the assembled panels in place on an air conditioning unit.

(2) FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the anti-theft air conditioning enclosure, without a top panel or a front panel, and showing the rear panel, with its connecting elements, detached from the side panels, the side panels having mating elements and adjustable panel legs.

(3) FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the anti-theft air conditioning enclosure, without a top panel and showing the front panel, with its connecting elements, the front panel being detached from the side panels, and their mating elements.

(4) FIG. 4 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the anti-theft air conditioning enclosure, showing the initial step in installing the top panel onto the remainder of the enclosure, and also showing the locking components of the assembly including a padlock which is shown detached from the remainder of the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) The preferred version of the invention presented in the following written description and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting examples included in the accompanying drawings and as detailed in the description which follows. Descriptions of well-known components and processes and manufacturing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the principle features of the invention as described herein. The examples used in the description which follows are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

(6) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the anti-theft enclosure of the invention, designated generally as 11. The enclosure H is used to enclose a number of different air conditioning (A/C) units, such as A/C unit 10. Such A/C units are well known in the relevant arts and will not be described in detail other than to say that they are typically a component part of an overall HVAC system which may include, for example, a condenser, a compressor, heat transfer coils, piping, and other conventional components, the overall HVAC system being used to control the temperature in a building. The A/C unit shown in FIG. 1 is the compressor/condenser component of the HVAC system, which component is typically mounted exteriorly of the building or structure to be heated or cooled. As will be appreciated from FIG. 1, the protective enclosure 11 encloses the A/C unit 10, at a location external to a building in order to help prevent theft/vandalism or otherwise protect the A/C unit 10 from objects which might be brought into damaging contact with it.

(7) The anti-theft enclosure 11 is made up of an open framework of structural members which define a quasi-enclosed area adapted to surround and protect the A/C unit 23 placed on a surface, such as the ground or a concrete slab. Two or more side panels 13, a rear panel 15 and a front panel 17 are assembled to form a series of upstanding walls, generally perpendicular to the surface. The panels 13, 15, and 17 are covered by a top panel 19, and together define the quasi-enclosed area surrounding the A/C unit 10. The anti-theft enclosure 11 can include adjustable panel legs 30, which can be varied in height, and wherein the adjustable panel legs 30 can be selectively extended or retraced such that an overall height and orientation of the enclosure can be adjusted to surfaces having variable heights. Adjustable panel legs can be cemented or otherwise affixed to the surface to further secure anti-theft enclosure 11 around A/C unit 10. For example, the legs could be provided with feet portions which have openings (such as opening 32 in FIG. 1) for receiving an anchor bolt or screw.

(8) The open framework of structural members is itself comprised of a plurality of individual steel panels, such as panels 13, 15, 17, and 19. Each of the steel panels 13, 15, 17, and 19, is preferably constructed of polygonal lengths of metal tubing, such as the lengths of square steel tubing shown in the drawings. The lengths of square steel tubing which make up the steel panels are spaced a selected distance apart which allows ventilation and access to the quasi-enclosed area by a worker needing to access the A/C unit 10. The panels can be covered with a steel grating, or other covering material, which further restricts access to the A/C unit 10. The steel grating can completely or partially cover each of the panels.

(9) FIG. 2 shows the air conditioner enclosure of the invention in the unassembled state. Each side panel 13 includes a top rail 21, a bottom rail 23, a pair of oppositely arranged end posts 25, and a plurality of security bars 27. Side panel 13 end posts 25 are interconnected by the top rail 21 and the bottom rail 23. The plurality of security bars 27 run vertically between the top rail 21 and the bottom rail 23 of each side panel 13. The pair of opposing side panels 13 are provided with at least one retention flange 29 located at least partially along the respective top rails 21 of the opposing side panels 13. Each side panel 13 includes at least one mating element 31 on each of its two end posts 25. Mating element 31 has a receiving pocket for connecting rear panel 15 to the side panels 13.

(10) Rear panel 15 includes a top rail 21, a bottom rail 23, and a plurality of security bars 27. The plurality of security bars 27 run vertically between the top rail 21 and the bottom rail 23 of rear panel 15. Rear panel 15 is provided with at least one retention flange 29 located at least partially along its top rail 21. Rear panel 15 includes connecting elements 33 at either of two opposite extents thereof, which are engageable with mating elements 31 of each side panel 13. Connecting element 33 has a connecting tab for connecting rear panel 15 to the side panels 13. The height of rear panel 15 is shorter than the height of side panels 13 so that pipes and other transmission lines can be connected to the building to provide temperature control thereto, without needing to run the lines in between the security bars 27 of the rear panel 15. The retention flanges 29 on each of the opposing side panels 13 and rear panel 15 cooperate to define an at least partially-enclosed track region which runs along each of the respective top rails 21 of the opposing side panels 13 and rear panel 15.

(11) In operation, the individual steel panels which make up the perimeter of the anti-theft enclosure 11 are joined together using a plurality of connecting elements 33 and mating elements 31. To assemble the rear panel 15 and the opposing side panels 13 to form three of the walls of the anti-theft enclosure 11, the connecting elements 33 of rear panel 15 slide into the mating elements 31 of side panels 13, to securely connect rear panel 15 to side panels 13. Because the connecting elements 33 slide into the mating elements 31 from the top, rear panel 15 is supported in-place by the connection made between connecting elements 33 and mating elements 31. Accordingly, rear panel 15 can only be removed from side panels 13 by lifting the connecting elements 33 out of the mating elements 31 of side panels 13 and the three panels are prevented from removal by lateral forces.

(12) Referring now to FIG. 3, front panel 13 includes a top rail 21, a bottom rail 23, and a plurality of security bars 27. The plurality of security bars 27 run vertically between the top rail 21 and the bottom rail 23 of front panel 17. Front panel 17 includes oppositely arranged connecting elements 33, which are engageable with mating elements 31 on each of opposing side panels 13 for connecting front panel 17 to side panels 13, thereby defining an initially open top region of anti-theft enclosure 11. Connecting element 33 has a connecting tab for connecting front panel 17 to side panels 13.

(13) To assemble the front panel 17 and the opposing side panels 13 to form the perimeter walls of the anti-theft enclosure 11, the connecting elements 33 of front panel 17 slide into the mating elements 31 of side panels 13, to securely connect front panel 17 to side panels 13. Again, because the connecting elements 33 slide into the mating elements 31 from the top, front panel 17 is supported in-place by the connection made between connecting elements 33 and mating elements 31.

(14) Therefore, front panel 17 can only be removed from side panels 13 by lifting the connecting elements 33 out of the mating elements 31 of side panels 13 and the three panels are prevented from removal by lateral forces.

(15) Referring now to FIG. 4, top panel 19 includes a top rail 21, a bottom rail 23, a pair of oppositely arranged end posts 25, and a plurality of security bars 27. Top panel 19 end posts 25 are interconnected by the top rail 21 and the bottom rail 23. The plurality of security bars 27 run vertically between the top rail 21 and the bottom rail 23 of top panel 19.

(16) As best seen in FIG. 4, by orienting top panel 19 in a horizontal plane with respect to the generally vertical opposing side panels 13 and sliding top panel 19 within the enclosed track regions of opposing side panels 13 to thereby cover the initially open top region of anti-theft enclosure 11. Top panel 19 can be slid bottom-rail-end first into the track region, such that the top rail 21, bottom rail 23, and end posts 25 of top panel 19 rest on the top rails 21 of panels 13, 15, and 17, thereby securing the panels 13, 15, and 17, into position. Since top panel 19 is slid into position such that the retention flanges 29 overhang the front panel on three sides, such that top panel 19 cannot be removed by lifting or sliding it past rear panel 15, but only by sliding top panel 19 back out of the track region in the direction of the front panel. As discussed above, the perimeter panels can only be disassembled from each other by lifting the connecting elements 33 out of the mating elements 31. Accordingly, once the top panel is secured in place by padlock 39, which prevents the top panel from sliding out of the track region, anti-theft enclosure 11 is secure from disassembly by vertical or lateral threes.

(17) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, one of either front panel 17 or top panel 19 of anti-theft enclosure 11 is provided with a lock plate 35 and the other of the respective front and top panels is provided with a mating lock ring 37, a selected one of the lock ring 37 and lock plate 35 being provided with a lock hasp, whereby a padlock 39 can be engaged with the lock hasp when the lock plate 35 and lock ring 37 are positioned adjacent one another to secure the top panel to the front panel and thereby form a secured enclosure. Alternatively, a lock collar can at least partially surround padlock 39 to provide additional security against bolt cutters.

(18) Alternatively, anti-theft enclosure 11 can be customized to meet varying requirements by varying panel height and number. Any perimeter panel of anti-theft enclosure 11 can be a partial height panel formed by a top rail 21 and a bottom rail 23, which are interconnected by a plurality of security bars 27, security bars 27 can be of a lesser relative height than security bars 27 present in the other panels. Additionally, further side panels can be utilized to form anti-theft enclosure 11 with more than four sides. Additional panels can be added with the proper combination of connecting elements 33 and mating elements 31 to facilitate a secure connection between all perimeter panels. Depending on the number of panels utilized, some panels may need to have connecting elements 33 on one side and mating elements 31 on the other side of the same panel, as opposed to one panel having all connecting elements 33 or all mating elements 31 on both its sides.

(19) An invention has been provided with several advantages. The anti-theft enclosure of the invention is relatively simple in design and economical to manufacture. It can be manufactured from readily available materials of the type commonly found in manufacturing operations. The enclosure is extremely sturdy and can withstand impacts of various kinds to protect the enclosed A/C unit. The open nature of the assembly continues to allow workers to access the A/C unit for routine tasks or repairs. Because the enclosure is made up of a series of interlocked panels, it can be easily and completely disassembled and moved to another well site with a minimum of effort. Advantageously, the panels of the present invention can be stacked one-on-top-of-the-other to facilitate ease of shipment and storage and requiring minimal packing material and storage space to maintain inventory. At times it may be necessary to completely remove any enclosure to allow for A/C unit replacement or replacement of larger components. The present invention provides an optimized solution for such situations by providing for quick, complete removal.

(20) While the invention has been shown in one of its forms, it is not thus limited and is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.