Method and System to Attach Functional Modules Around Window AC Housing

Abstract

The apparatus and method disclosed herein is a new system that can be used as windows air conditioner's accessary and its possible embodiments.

By first attaching base modules to the window air conditioner's housing and/or window frames, it can create an foundation with opening for attaching other functional modules. The functional modules attached on later are interchangeable and allow a variety of applications and combination of applications.

The invention also makes installing and remove window AC unit more safer and easier.

The invention had built a new ecosystem around the window air conditioner unit. It turns the current wasted spaces around windows AC housing into a unique area where users can design and customize for different functional uses. Because the functional modules are interchangeable, user can switch easily between different modules and designs with different possible combination from time to time to achieve different goals and meet different needs.

TABLE-US-00001  182137 Low profile, high volume, filtered window fan 4248018 Plastic multiple track window with slidable and removeable panes, and elements thereof 4510852 Window-type air conditioner mounting assembly 5035116 Apparatus to adapt a window air conditioning unit to a sliding glass window sill 5341860 Cover seal unit, for an air conditioner having a peripheral frame 5582025 Low obstruction window air conditioner 5979172 Non-drip high efficiency AC system utilizing condensate water for subcooling 6044892 Frame assembly 6354936 Opening-closing structure of an inlet grille in an air conditioner 6767278 Window-mounted air conditioner installation system 7350759 Quick release mounting for a room air conditioner 7992404 Window air conditioner with easy installation method 8167260 Window air conditioner adjustable brace 8584481 Integrated air conditioner

Claims

1. A device consists of base modules and functional modules. It may also contain some spacers connectors. Base modules, functional modules and spacers are bind together by making permanent or temporal connections. The assembly is then attached to window frame and used either as a window AC accessary or as a standalone device.

2. The base modules of claim 1 can be attached to one side or several sides of window AC unit's housing, or to the window frame, or to other types of non-window openings. The base module's size can be either fixed, or adjustable in length and width by using spacers. The base module can be either integrated as part of the AC housing, or it can be attached to the AC housing or window frame, or it can be attached to other openings directly. The attachment can be made by slide in, snap on, clipped on, clamped on, screwed on, stick to, etc.

3. The functional modules of claim 1 can be either attached onto base modules, spacers, other functional modules, or inserted into the matched-sized opening formed by base module, spacers and other functional modules. It can also be attached directly to the window frames, to openings or to window AC housing directly. The attachment can be made by slide in, snap on, clipped on, clamped on, screwed on, stick to, etc.

4. The connections in claim 1 can be either permanent or temporal. Permanent connections can be achieved by means of welding, screw, nail, interlocking mechanism, mortar, glue, tape, Velcro, clamp, magnets, or a combination of above. Temporal connections can be conducted in reversable and interchangeable ways by means of screw, nail, interlocking mechanism, glue, tape, Velcro, clamp, magnets, or a combination of above.

5. The interlocking mechanism used in claim 4 can be groove and tongue structure, mortise and tenon structure, LEGO connector style structure, button, latches, hinge, etc. or the combination of above or the similar. Interlocking mechanism can be used to identify special pairs of part that need to be put together by making the extruded and indented interlocking area unique, such as by using a letter, number, symbol, pattern or combination of such alike. One type of interlocking mechanism can be either used alone or used in combination with other interlocking mechanisms. Interlocking mechanisms can be used alone or together with other means of enforcement connections such as with screws, bolts, or glue.

6. The material used to make the base module, functional module and spacers in claim 1 can be either hard or soft, like metal, wood, glass, ceramic, polycarbonate, plastic, rubber, resin, fabric, or other composite or various of in combinations of any above. If a hard material is used, then any small gaps between modules or between modules and window frames can be filled, padded or sealed with rubble, silicon, tape, fabrics or the like so to provide tight fits thus making a better insulation barrier of heat, dust and sound. Both modules and spacers can be made in different thickness so to provide different levels of insulation barrier depends on customer's needs.

7. The material used to make the base module, functional module and spacers in claim 1 can be of either opaque or clear, or any grade of transparency between. It can be of any color, either in a single color or combination of mixed or mosaic of multiple colors. It can be of any texture, or mixed combination of textures. It can be painted, stained or coated or plain.

8. The functional module in claim 3 can have functions that does not need any power supply. Such as see-through panels, light blocking panels, filter, shade, storage bin, bookshelf, calendar, tissue holder, drawer, tray, photo album, mirror, flower vase, mechanic clock and alarm, thermometer, statue, Eco globes, fish tanks, white board, cup holder, jewelry hanger, room decorations, etc. or any combination of above or such alike.

9. The functional module in claim 3 can have electronic components. It may work passively or it may need power supply to operate.

10. The electronic components in claim 9 may be PCB, switch, motor, LED lights, microphone, display, CPU, RFID chip, memory chip, UV light, heating elements. The module can have functions as a fan, light, cigarette lighter, charger, speaker, radio, weather station, sound machines, security camera, voice recorder, ionizer, air purifier, UV lights, heater, cooler, fragrant/freshener dispenser, clock, alarm, WIFI equipment, phone docking station, telecommunication equipment's like TV receiver, or cellphone signal antenna, etc., or any combinations of above or such alike.

11. The functional module in claim 3 can be connected to external power supply source. The external power source can be either wired power source like a DC power input or AC power input, or wireless power source. The wired power source can be a power supply from battery pack or wall outlets, or it can draw power from the window AC unit's circuit, or from other functional modules that has a power supply output function. The functional modules will have built-in power connectors like male plugs or pins and female sockets to receive power from those wired external power supply sources.

12. The functional module in claim 3 can consist of an internal built-in power supply component. The Built-in power source can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, solar panels, or any combination of above.

13. The base module in claim 2 can be enforced by added extra bars that extend beyond the width of the window opening and rest itself on window frames instead of window sash. The pressure that the base modules and window AC housing had put on window sash can be further adjusted by a leveling footing pad screw onto the enforcement bars at the ends and rest on the window frames.

14. The base module in claim 2 can be attached to window frame or other non-window openings directly as a standalone device, without any window AC units being involved at all. The openings do not have to be rectangular in shape, and can be of any shape, even irregular shapes. The base modules can be customized to match the opening's shape and size, and then have other functional modules to be attached to it.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] FIG. 1. Gaps between window AC housing and window frame.

[0031] FIG. 2. Fixed sized Base module attached to AC housing and window frame.

[0032] FIG. 3. Base module with adjustable height by adding spacers.

[0033] FIG. 4. Base module with adjustable width by sliding into window AC housing and locked at different locations.

[0034] FIG. 5. Base module with adjustable width and height.

[0035] FIG. 6. Illustration of attaching spacers of different width and heights to the base modules by various interlocking mechanisms.

[0036] FIG. 7. Functional module(s) slide into base module, then with more parts attached to it.

[0037] FIG. 8. Sample of an fully installed base module, spacers and functional module assembly. The cover plate of the functional module is closed.

[0038] FIG. 9. Sample of an installed base module, spacers and functional module assembly. The cover plate of functional module is opened.

[0039] FIG. 10. Illustration of a sample application, where the left side of window AC has a window fan module installed, and the right side is a module with clear see-through panel.

[0040] FIG. 11. Base module and functional module assembly that is compatible with portable AC's vent connector, or used as standalone device installed on windows without any window AC involved.

[0041] FIG. 12. Illustration showing when base modules are installed on window AC housing without functional modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042] FIG. 1. Illustration of the currently wasted space near existing windows air condition where the gaps between the AC housing 101 and window frames 102 are usually covered with either hard panels or some soft extendable films 103.

[0043] FIG. 2. Sample configuration showing a fixed sized base module 202 is attached to window AC housing 201 with screws 203.

[0044] FIG. 3. Sample configuration showing a base module with adjustable height. Where end piece 301, end piece 302 and some spacers 303 of various size is connected by blots 304 to get desirable height of the base module. Height refers to the vertical direction along the window AC housing.

[0045] FIG. 4. Sample configuration showing a base module with adjustable width. Where base module 401 are slide into window AC housing 201. Slots 402 and screws 403 can be used to attach base module 401 at different locations on AC housing 201 to set the desired width of the base module. Width refers to the horizontal direction along the window AC housing that is parallel to the window's sill.

[0046] FIG. 5. Sample configuration showing a base module with adjustable height and adjustable width. Where corner elbows 501 are attached to window AC housing 201 by screws 502. Two end pieces 503 are connected to corner elbows 501, where bolts 504 are used to get needed structure strength. Some spacers 505 of various sizes and styles are used to achieve the desirable height and width of the base module so it can match both the window AC housing 201's height and the gap between AC housing 201 and window frame.

[0047] FIG. 6. Illustration showing how to attach spacers to extend the width of base module 401, and how to adjust the opening size for installing functional module by adding vertical spacers 601 and horizontal spacers 602. The openings on base module shall match those of the function modules for easy installation and removal. Coupling connectors can be used to connect to its matched pairs to form connections between spacers and modules, spacers and spacers, or modules and modules, then interlock to each other. The interlocking peg can be designed with specific patterns and symbols 603 so the user can easily find its matching counterpart that could be interlocked to each other.

[0048] FIG. 7. Sample configuration showing a base module 401 was attached to window AC housing 201 with screws 403. Spacers 701 of different sizes are used to adjust the size of the opening of base module 401. Functional module 702 can be inserted into this base module openings with a perfect tight fit. It is common that the depth of spacers 701 is usually the same as that of the base module 401, but the depth of functional module 702 does not have to be identical to that of the base module 401. The width and height of its back portion 7021 of the functional module 702 matches those of the opening so it can be easily slide into the opening and get a secure installation and good seal, but its depth can be much larger and extend far into outside of the base module 401. The front portion 7022 of the functional module 702 sometime can be in different sizes and shapes than the opening, as long as it does not prevent the Window AC working properly. The total depth of the front portion 7022 can be further extended by adding spacer 7023 or a face plate 7024 and screws 703.

[0049] FIG. 8. Illustration of a fully installed functional module 801 inside a base module 401. Spacers 701 used fill the gap between functional module 801 and window AC housing 201 are not visible in this figure's view as they are behind the functional module 801. Functional module 801 in this figure consists of three parts. The back portion 8011 has same outer dimension as the opening, and it can be inserted into and removed from the opening easily. Its depth can be way larger than the base module 401 thus its back extended to outside of the window. Its middle portion 8012's width and height are larger than the opening. Its width perfectly fits the gaps between the windows AC housing 201 and window frame, its height and depth are the same as the widow AC housing's indoor portion. Further in this illustration, there is another front portion 8013 attached to 8012 by hinge 8014, and it can be rotated opened or closed to expose or cover the middle portion 8012. 8013 can be setup as a picture frame, a white board, a magnetic board, or a display screen. It can be large that even covers part of the AC housing 201's front surface. But it shall not block the window AC 201's vent 2011 or display panel 2012, and it shall leave gap for the AC's air filter to work properly.

[0050] FIG. 9. Illustration showing when the functional module 801's front portion 8013 is opened and have then exposed the back portion 8011 and middle portion 8012. The inside of 8011 and 8012 can in this figure are hollow and used a s storage bin, but they can be designed with other functions, like a small soda cooler. The top of 8012 is constructed as a shallow tray 80121 for storing small stuffs like a remote, coins, or key, etc.

[0051] FIG. 10. Illustration showing an example of application. On left side of the window AC housing 201, an adjustable sized functional block 401 was attached, and on the right side, a fixed sized base module 202 is attached. A functional module 1001 with a built-in window fan 1002 is inserted in the base module 401 on the left side and window AC housing 201. Another functional module consists of a clear see-through panel 1003 was inserted into the base module 202 on the right side. Other accessary for the window fan module 1001 such as a screen panel 1004 or curtain can be inserted into the functional module 1001's housing through a slot 1005. When windows AC in turned on and the window fan is not in use, then the fan opening shall be blocked to provide better insulation. For example, a circular shaped plug 1006 can be inserted into fan opening, or a circular shaped cap 1007 can be screwed on a extruded rim 1008 on module housing 1001, or a rectangular shaped cap 1009 can be slide on to cover the entire module housing 1001.

[0052] FIG. 11. Base module and Functional modules that compatible with portable AC's vent connector module. The base module is used as a standalone device installed on windows without any window AC housing on the window. Two functional modules 1001 with built-in windows fan 1002 are inserted in base module 1101. Three smaller sized functional modules: a tray module 1102, a clock module 1103 and a night light module 1104 are installed the middle section. And another functional module with a vent adaptor 1105 for connecting to portable AC's vent and pipe is on the right side.

[0053] FIG. 12. Illustration showing when base modules 401 and 202 are installed on window AC housing 201. Spacer 701 is also installed. Functional modules are not installed yet. The wide openings 1201 and 1202 on both side of window AC housing 201 allow safer and easier installation of the AC unit. Optional enforcement bars 1203 have been added to the upper rail of the base module 401 and 202 by screws 1204 through slots 1205. These bars have extent beyond the edges of window and can rest on the window frames. It had provided extra protection by prevent the window AC accidentally falling out of the window opening. The enforcement bars can also release some pressure from the window's sash. A rotary level footing pad 1206 can be added at the end of both bars, and adjust the positions of base modules by screw different depth into the enforcement bars.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0054] Our invention will utilized the dead spaces between window AC housing and window frame by installing modules blocks with different appearance and functions. Currently, those spaces are wasted (FIG. 1). We will describe in detail below:

Base Modules

[0055] Base module is attached to window AC housing and window frame. It is used to create a strong foundation frame for other functional modules to be attached to. The module can be in fixed size if it matches the window AC housing (FIG. 2).

[0056] When base module's size does not match the size of opening between AC housing and window frames, spacers can be used to adjust the frame size to get a perfect fit (FIG. 3). Spacers' sizes can be in a series of numbers like 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 1″, 2″, etc. To make the base module structurally strong, spacers and base modules are usually made of hard materials, like metal, wood, PP, etc., Some of the thinner spacers like those 1/16″ and ⅛″ however can be made of material that at softer and can be compressed a little so to achieve a tight seal.

[0057] Base module can also be designed to slide in and attached to window AC housing at different locations, and then adjust the size of the openings between AC housing and base module (FIG. 4).

[0058] Universal base module can be made where both its width and height can be adjustable to match any windows frames and window AC housing (FIG. 5). When strong structure is needed like the base module, it is suggested to use metal or other hard materials to make them, especially the corner elbow pieces. Also larger bolts are used instead of smaller screws.

[0059] Base modules and spacers can have interlocking mechanism on them if needed, so they can be easily locked into each other (FIG. 6). Such interlocking mechanism can be combined with other methods like screw, glue, Velcro, magnetics, etc. together to form secure connections. It is common sense that if any extruded pegs exist on the surface, such interlocking mechanism should stay away from the opening it have created for later mounting of other functional modules.

Functional Modules

[0060] Functional modules come in different sizes, materials, appearance and functions (FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10). It can be installed into the opening formed by base module and spacers. Functional modules can be either unpowered or powered. Functional modules can be installed, removed or interchanged without the need to take the window AC housing down. When functional modules are removed, the exposed opening on base module also provide hand access and make handling the window AC installation and removal process easier and safer.

Spacers

[0061] Spacers can be used either to extend width and height of the entire base module so to fit AC housing and windows frame, or to adjust the size of the openings on the base module for other functional modules to be installed in. There are spacers used to fill both horizontal and vertical gaps. There are interlocking mechanisms on spacers and modules, so to create tight and secured connections. Spacers can be made in a series of different sizes, like 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, 1″, 2″, etc. so they can be combined together to get any sizes needed. Either hard or soft materials can be used to make the spacers to achieve both desired structural strength and tight seal.

Industry Standards

[0062] It is recommended that the window AC industry work together and negotiate a set of industrial standards to regulate the types of interlocking mechanism to be used, sizes of window AC housings, sizes of the functional modules' dimension. Ideally, the locations and type of power supply connectors on window AC housing (for draw power from window AC), on the modules and on the spacers can also have industrial standards set up and regulated. By doing these, different parts from different designers and manufactures can be compatible to each other and create a good eco system around window AC.

[0063] Then the base module manufactures can provide base modules matching different sized AC housings, and a set of spacers to create different sized opening for different sized functional modules. Base modules can be provided for different types of windows AC units to be mount on different types of windows, respectively.

[0064] Meanwhile, functional module's manufactures only need to design functional modules with certain sizes according to industry standards without the need to provide any spacers.

Installation and Removal

[0065] First, measure the size difference between window AC's housing and that of the base module. For mounting base modules on both sides of AC housing (for vertically opened windows), they should be in same height to form a tight seal when installed. For mounting base module on top side of AC housing (for horizontally opened windows), they should be in the same width. Spacers are used to adjust the base module's width and height. And bolts maybe used to lock those spacers on base module.

[0066] Second, measure the size different between the openings on base module and that of the functional module to be installed, then calculate what sizes of spacers are needed. Install those spacers so the opening formed by base module and spacers exactly matches the width and height of functional module.

[0067] Third, if any gap still left between base module and the and windows frames, more spacers maybe added and secured with bolts.

[0068] Repeat the above three steps to prepare the other base module for the other side of the AC housing. And then attach the base modules to Window AC′ housing. Double check that the base module and AC housing assembly's size matches that of the window's opening.

[0069] Now the base modules have been firmly attached and secured to the window AC's housing, but the functional modules have not been installed yet (FIG. 12). The window AC housing now has on both sides new handles, formed by the newly attached base modules that has openings on them, for easy grip and hand access and handling. This makes it is much safer and easier to install or remove the window AC unit onto window frames. It can provide more safety protection by adding additional enforcement bars that attached to the base modules' top rail and rest on the window frame. Because the bars extend wider than the window openings, it can prevent the window AC housing falling out of window, and also distribute some of the AC's weight to window frames instead of onto window sash as what has been done by the current window AC installations. Further, such pressure can be adjusted by add screw-on footings that rest on window frames at end the enforcement bars.

[0070] The next step would be pick and install the functional modules. Functional modules can be simply slide into the openings on base modules whose size perfectly matches the functional module's dimension. Guiding notches can be used to insert functional modules at certain locations on the base module. Other mechanisms like latches, clips, magnets or rubber rings can be used to lock or hold the functional module in place and prevent it from falling out of the base module's openings.

[0071] The removal process would be in the reverse order of the installation, which is first by removing the functional modules to expose the openings on both sides of the AC housing, then detached the base module—AC housing assembly from the window frame.

Extension/Advanced Modules

[0072] The functional modules could be either unpowered or powered.

[0073] Example of unpowered application includes but not limited to categories such as storage solutions, mechanical instruments or home decoration.

[0074] Powered application will offer even more possibilities, from lighting, alarms, to even small soda cooler, any electronics that can be fit into that space can be put there. Please noted that the size of functional module is not limited to the openings on the base module, only that back portion of it that is to be inserted into the opening and goes outdoors need to match the opening's width and height. Other portion of the functional module has no limit, as long as the base module and window frames is strong enough to hold it and support its weight.

Power Source, Solar, Etc.

[0075] The power source used to power the function module could be either built-in batteries, or from outside Direct Current, Alternative Current power supply, from solar panels or even a wireless power supply. It can also draw power from the window AC unit or other powered functional modules nearby if connectors have been designed and manufactured on those locations.

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0076] The invention can by used as a standalone system rather than as window AC's accessary. As illustrated in FIG. 1. Base module can me mounted on window frame directly, without any window AC unit, and provided a foundation for installing MISC functional modules.

[0077] Customized base modules can be designed to fit in any sort of openings with the capability to add functional modules to it. For example, a base module used on an irregular shaped opening can be casted with cement or concrete. When concrete are poured, a framework was embedded in the pouring with openings on it that allows some functional module to be attached on or into it.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

[0078] Accordingly, the reader will see that: [0079] 1) This invention had developed method and system consists of base module and functional modules that utilize the spaces between window AC housing and window frame, or any types of openings. [0080] 2) This invention makes process of install and remove window AC unit easier and safer. [0081] 3) This invention developed a method allow users to customize the combination of functional modules around the window AC housing. Users can change their own configuration setup from time to time easily. [0082] 4) This invention also allows the window AC units to be used less frequently by adding a window fan module to it. It saves the operating cost of the window AC, extends the window AC's life, as well as benefit environment. [0083] 5) This invention make the room more beautiful, organized and provided extra usable spaces.

[0084] The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0085] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than only by the examples given.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0086] Not applicable.