WO2014190377A1

WO2014190377A1 - A mounting base for an air conditioner condenser

Info

Publication number: WO2014190377A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000553
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Trevor THREADGOLD; Jim Harrison; David Miller
Original assignee: Air Diffusion Agencies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-27
Filing date: 2014-05-27
Publication date: 2014-12-04
Also published as: AU2014273831A1; AU2014273831B2; NZ714935A; AU2018101658A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a base (1) for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system. In one form, the base (1) comprises a body and two pairs of resilient mounts (20) for the outdoor unit, wherein the body comprises a means for adjusting a spacing between the two pairs of resilient mounts (20), and a means for adjusting a spacing between both mounts (20) of each pair, and wherein each resilient mount (20) comprises means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

Description

A MOUNTING BASE FOR AN AIM CONDITIONER CONDENSER

PRIORITY DOCUMENT

[0001 ] The present application claims priority front:

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013901884 titled "A MOUNTING BASE FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER" and filed on 27 May 2013. The content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002 J The present invention relates to a base for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, although it is not so limited in application.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Split system air conditioning systems comprise an "outdoor unit" or condenser which is physically separated from a functionally-related "indoor unit".

[0004] Currentl there are a number of methods conventionally used for mounting an outdoor unit.

[00051 For residential applications the outdoor unit is frequently mounted on a steel bracket which is bolted to an outside wall of the building. However, the different brands of outdoor unit vary widely in shape and size, making it difficult to stock a complete range of mounting brackets.

[0006] Another method is to mount the outdoor unit on a concrete plinth, or directly onto a footpath or the like. A footpath is seldom level, sloping away from the building for water run-off, and so often requires uneven packing of the -mounting feet in order to level the unit.

[0007] Precast concrete slabs are also freqitently used. There axe a number of obvious disadvantages in using precast concrete. The slabs are heavy, and they require a level base. The outdoor unit is generally attached to the slab using a hammer drill and masonry anchors, which may cause the slabs to crack.

[0008] The above described methods do not allow for instances where there is no concrete plinth or footpath, and the wall is not suitable for mounting.

[0009] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. [00 0] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent irom the following description, taken in connection with, the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of i llustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[001 1 ] According to a first aspect, there is provided a base of plastic material for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, the base comprising a generally elongate body of adjustable length.

[00121 hi one form, the base comprises a plurality of resilient mounts.

[0 13] In a further aspect, die invention may be said to reside in a base of plastic material for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, the base comprising a plurality of .resilient mounts, where at least one of the mounts is positionahle.

[0014] In one form, each of the mounts is positionable.

[00151 In one form, the base comprises first and second end parts, and a bridging part for bridging the first and second end parts.

[0016] In one form, each of the first and second end parts and the bridging part are made from plastic material.

[0017] In one form, each end part comprises head portion and a neck portion.

[00 8 ] In one form, the neck portion of each end part is adapted to telescope with respect to the bridging part. In this way, the spacing between end parts can be adjusted.

[001 ] In one form, the head part comprises a pair of oppositely directed wings extending outwardly from the neck portion,

[0020] hi one form, each head part compri ses a track for one or more of the mounts.

[0021 ] in one form, each wing of the head part comprises a track for one or more of the mounts.

[00221 In one form, each mount is adapted to travel along a track.

[0023] In one form, each mount is made of an elastomerie material or comprises an elastomeric portion which engages the track. [0024] In a. further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a mount for an outdoor unit of an air- conditioning system, the mount comprising means for adjusting a height of a support level for the unit. j 0025 ] in one form, the mount is made of a resilient material, or at the least comprises resilient portion,

[0026] In one form, the mount comprises a generally cuboid body having four side faces, a first end face, a second end face, a first pair of guide slots extending across a first pair of opposing side faces, a second pair of guide slots extending parallel to the first pair, and across a second pair of opposin side faces. j 0027 ] In one form, both pairs of slots are offset toward one of the end faces.

[0028] In a further aspect, die invention may be said to reside in a base for an outdoor unit of an air- conditioning system, the base comprising an elongate body of adjustable length, the body comprising a p air of ends, the base further c ompri sing a pair of resilient mounts for the outdoor amt at or near each end of the body, the body further comprising a track for each resilient mount or pair of resilient mounts, along which the or each mount is positionable, where each track extends transverse to the direction of elongation of the body, and wherein each resili ent mount comprises means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

[0029] In a further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a base for an outdoor unit of an air- conditioning system, the base comprising a body and. two pairs of resilient mounts for the outdoor unit, wherein the body comprises a means for adjusting a spacing between the two pairs f resilient mounts, and a means for adjusting a spacing between both mounts of each pair, and wherein each resilient mount comprises means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

[0030] In one form, the means for adjusting spacing comprises tracks for the mounts along which the mounts can slide.

[0031 1 In one form, in an alternative, the means for adjusting spacing comprises telescoping body portions,

[0032 [ in a further aspect, the invention may be said to reside in a mount for an outdoor unit of art air- conditioning system, the mount comprising a generally cuboid body having four side faces, a first end face, a second end face, and a threaded bore extending between the first and second end faces for receiving a shank of a bolt via cither bore end, thus making the mount reversible,

[0033 [ In one form, the mount further comprises a first pair of guide slots extending across a first pair of opposing side faces, a second pair of guide slots extending parallel to the first pair, and across a second pair of opposing side faces, and wherein one pair of slots is offset toward one of the end faces, and the other pai of slots is offset toward the other end face.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS j 0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with, reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[00351 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base according to a first embodiment;

[0036 [ Figure 2 is a perspective view of base according to a second embodiment;

[00371 Figure 3 is a plan view of an end part for the base of Figure 1 ;

[0038 ] ^'Figure 4 is a plan view of an end part for the base of Figure 2;

[0039 ] Figure 5 is a plan view of an alterna te end part for a base;

[0040] Figure is a detail view of a bridging portion for a base; and

|0041] Figures 7 and 8 are detail views of a mount for a base.

[0042 ] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043 ] Referring now to Figure 1 , where there is illustrated a base 1 for supporting an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system (not illustrated) upon a ground or floor surface.

[0044] The base I comprises first and second end parts 2, and a bridging part 4 for bridgin the first and second end parts 2. Each of the first and second end parts 2 and the bridging part 4 are made from a plastic material.

[0045] With reference to Figure 6, it can be seen that the bridging part 4 is an elongate part of substantially constant cross-sectional shape, in. this embodiment, this cross-sectional shape is rectangular, with an upright or vertical internal strengthening rib 5 for improving stiffness and resistance to crushing. [0046 ] Each cod part 2 comprises a head portion 6 and a neck portion 8, The neck portion 8 of each end part 2 is adapted to telescope with respect to (ie over) the bridging part 4. In this way, the spacing between end parts 2 can be adjusted. As shown in Figure 1. for example, a locating element or tongue 83 on the neck portion 8 is slidably received in a groove 4a. in a sidewall of the bridging part 4 to enable the neck portio 8 to telescope over the bridging part 4.

[0047] The head portion 6 comprises a pair of oppositely directed wings 6a extending outwardly from the neck portion 8, and an oatwardly extending perimeter flange 9, Holes 9a through, this perimeter flange 9: can be used to bolt the head portion 6 to a slab, or to stake it to the ground where no slab is provided.

[0048] Each wing 6a of the head portion 6 comprises a track 10 which extends outward along its respective wing 6a, each track 10 having a substantially constant cross- sectional shape along sis length, this being namely a generally inverted 'T' shape, in other words, track 10 comprises a elongate channel ^'having an uppermost opening which is narrowed by inwardly extending and oppositely directed lips 11.

[0049] Slidably engaged in each track 10 is a resilient mount 20 for the outdoor unit. Each mount 20 comprises portion shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of t e track 10, and which is sized to slide in the track 10.

[0050] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, where it can be seen how each mount 20 comprises a generally cuboid body 22 of elastoraeric material such as rubber. In this way each mount 20 provides vibration and noise dampening,

[ 00 1 1 The body 22 has four side faces 24a, 24b, a first end face 26, and a second end face 28. A threaded bore for receiving a shank of a bolt 29 extends between the first end face 26 and the second end face 28. Depending on which end face 26 or 28 is uppermost in use, the bolt 29 will be threaded into and extend from this uppermost end face,

[0052 ] Each, resilient mount 20 comprises a first pair of guide slots 30 extending across a first pair of opposing side faces 24a thereof These guide slots 30 are sized to slidably engage the mount 20 in one of the tracks 10.

[0053] Each resilient mount 20 further comprises a second pair of guide slots 40 extending across a second pair of opposing side faces 24b thereof. These guide slots 40 are also sized to slidably engage the mount 20 i one of the tracks 10. [0054] Both sets of guide slots 30 and 40 are offset toward the second end face 28. With the first end face 26 uppermost, the second set of guide slots 40 is located lower on the body 22 than is the first set of guide slots 30.

[0055 ] In use then, an installer has the option of selecting which of the end faces 26 or 28 is to be uppermost, and which of the slots 30 or 4 they will then use, meaning each mount provides four height adjustment settings to assist in levelling the outdoor unit. In this way, each resilient mount 20 comprises means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

[00561 A conventional outdoor unit comprises an elongate body provided with four feet, which are arranged into two pairs positioned at or towards opposing ends of the unit.

[0057] In use then, the distance between the first and second end parts 2 of the base 1 can be adjusted (by telescopin these over bridging portion 4) to match the length of the outdoor unit to be moun ted, The spacing between the mounts 20 at each end of the base 1 can then be adjusted (by sliding mounts 20 in guide tracks 10) to match the position of the feet at each end of the outdoor unit. Then, for each mount 20 the orientation and slot set 30 or 40 for engagement in the track 10 can be selected as necessary to assist in levelling the outdoor unit. Finally, the outdoor unit can be secured to the base 1 by way of a boh passing through a hole in each foot of the outdoor unit, and screwing this bolt into one of the mounts 20.

[00581 With reference to Figures 3 through 5, it can be seen that the end parts 2, 2b and 2c can be produced with wings 6a, 6b and 6c respectively, of differing lengths. Each of wings 6a, 6b and 6c can. be produced in the same die by fitting an insert to shorten the length of the cavity for the wings. j 0059 ] Although, the foregoing descriptio has been in respect of a base for an outdoor unit of an air- conditioning system, other applications arc envisaged for this invention. For example, the base could e used for pumps, motors or oilier appliances that require anti vibration and support levelling.

[0060] Throughout the speeiftcation and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising'^'' and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other i nteger or group of integers.

[0061 ] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an

acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. j 0062 ] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the ttiveiition is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed., but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A base for an. outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, the base compri sing an elongate body of adjustable length, the body comprising a pair of ends, the base further comprising a pair of resilient mounts for the outdoor unit at or near each end of the body, the body further comprising a track for each resilient mount or pair of resilient mounts, along which the or each mount is posi tionable, where each track extends transverse to the direction of elongation of the body, and wherein, each resilient mount comprises a means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

2. The base of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises first and second end parts, and bridging part for bridging the first and second end parts.

3. The base of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second end parts comprise the track or tracks for the pair of resilient mounts.

4. The base of either of claims 2 or 3, wherein each end part comprises a head portion and a neck portion.

5. The base of claim 4, wherein the neck portion of each end part is adapted to telescope with respect to the bridging part.

6. The base of either of claims 4 or 5, wherein the head portion comprises a pair of oppositely directed wings extending outwardly from the neck portion.

7. The base as in any one of claims 4 through 6, wherein each wing of the head portion comprises one of the h acks for the mounts.

8. The base of claim 7. wherein each track comprises a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along its length, this being an inverted 'T' shape.

9. The base as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is made of a plastic material.

10. The base as in any one of claims 2 through 9, wherein the first part, second end part, and the bridging part are all made of a plastic material.

1 1 . The base as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each mount comprises a generally cuboid body ^'having four side faces, a first end face, a second end face, and a threaded bore extending between the first and second end faces for receiving a shank of a bolt via either bore end, thus making the mount reversible, and providing the means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

12. The base of claim 11 , wherein each mount further comprises a first pair of guide slots extending across a first pair of opposing side faces, a second pair of guide slots extending parallel to the first pair, and across a second pair of opposing side faces , and wherein one pair of slots is offset toward one of the end faces, and the other pair of slots is offset toward the other end face, thereby providing additional means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit.

13. The base of either of claims 1 1 or 12, wherein each mount comprises a resilient material.

14. A base for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, the base comprising a body and two pairs of resilient mounts for the outdoor unit, wherein the body comprises a means for adjusting a spacing between the two pairs of resilient mounts, and a means for adjusting a spacing between both mounts of each pair, and wherei n each resilient mount comprises means for adjusting a height of a support le vel for the outdoor unit.

15. A mount for an outdoor unit of an ai^'r-condif toning system, the mount comprising a generally cuboid body having four side faces, a first end face, a second end face, and a threaded bore extending between the first and second end faces for receiving a shank of a bolt via either bore end, thus making the mount reversible.

16. The mount of claim 15, wherein each mount further comprises a first pair of guide slots extending across a first pair of opposing side faces, a second pair of guide slots extending parallel to the first pair, and across a second pair of opposing side faces, and wherein one pair of slots is offset toward one of the end faces, and the other pair of slots is offset toward the other end face.

17. The mount of either of claims 15 or 16, wherein each mount comprises a resilient material.