AU2014273831A1

AU2014273831A1 - A mounting base for an air conditioner condenser

Info

Publication number: AU2014273831A1
Application number: AU2014273831A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jim Harrison; David Miller; William Trevor THREADGOLD
Original assignee: AIR DIFFUSION AGENCIES Pty Ltd
Current assignee: AIR DIFFUSION AGENCIES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-27
Filing date: 2014-05-27
Publication date: 2015-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-27
Also published as: WO2014190377A1; 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

WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 1 A MOUNTING BASE FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER PRIORITY DOCUMENT 100011 The present application claims priority from: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013901.884 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 10002] 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 [00031 Split system air conditioning systems comprise an "outdoor unit" or condenser which is physically separated from a functionally related "indoor unit". 100041 Currently there are a number of methods coanventionally used for mounting an outdoor unit. 100051 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. 100061 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 frequently used. There are 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 dril and masonry anchors, which may cause the slabs to crack, [0008 1 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. [00091 It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 2 100101 Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. SUMMARY 100.111 According to a first aspect, there is providedza base of plastic material for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system, the base comprising a generally elongate body of adjustable length. 100121 In one form, the base comprises a plurality of resilient mounts. [0013] in a further aspect, the 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, here at least one of the mounts is positionable. 10014] In one form, each of the mounts is positionable. 10015] -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 a head portion and a neck portion. [00181 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. 100191 In one form, the head part comprises a pair of oppositely directed wings extending outwardly from the neck portion. 10020 In one form, each head part comprises 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. 100221 In one form, each mount is adapted to travel along a track. 10023]1 In one form, each mount is made of an elastomeric material or comprises an elastomerie portion which engages the track WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 3 100241 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. 100251 In one form, the mount is made of a resilient material, or at the least comprises a resilient portion. 10026] 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 opposing side faces. 10027] In one form, both pairs of slots are offset toward one of the end faces. [0028] 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 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 positionable, where each track extends transverse to the direction of elongation of the body, and wherein each resilient mount comprises means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit. 10029] 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 of 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. 100310] I one form, the means for adj sting spacing comprises tracks for the mounts along which the mounts can slide. 100311 In one form, in an alternative, the means for adjusting spacing comprises telescoping body portions, 100321 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 a generally cuboid body having four side faces, a first end face, a second end fhce, 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. [0033] in one form, the mount further conprises 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 WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 4 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 100341 Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 100351 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base according to a first embodiment; 100361 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a base according to a second embodiment; 10037] Figure 3 is a plan view of an end part for the base of Figure I; [00381 Figure 4 is a plan view of an end part for the base of Figure 2; [00391 Figure 5 is a plan view of an alternate end part for a base; [0040] Figure 6 is a detail view of a bridging portion for a base; and 100411 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 [00431 Referring now to Figure 1, where there is illustrated a base I for supporting an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning system (not illustrated) upon a ground or floor surface, 100441 The base I comprises first and second end parts 2, and a bridging part 4 for bridging 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. 10045] 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.

WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 5 100461 Each end 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 Sa on the neck portion 8 is slidably received in a groove 4a in a sidewall of the bridging part 4 to enable the neck portion 8 to telescope over the bridging part 4. 100471 The head portion 6 comprises a pair of oppositely directed wings 6a extending outwardly from the neck portion 8, and an outwardly 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 its length, this being namely a generally inverted 'T shape. In other words, track 10 comprises an elongate channel having an uppermost opening which is narrowed by inwardly extending and oppositely directed lips I1. 10049] Slidably engaged in each track 10 is a resilient mount 20 for the outdoor unit. Each mount 20 comprises a portion shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the 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 elastomeric material such as rubber. In this way each mount 20 provides vibration and noise dampening, 100511 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. [00 5 2]1 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. 100531 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 in one of the tracks 10.

WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 6 100541 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. [00551 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 40 they will then Ise, 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. [0056] A conventional outdoor unit comprises an elongate body provided with four feet, which arc arranged into two pairs positioned at or towards opposing ends of the unit. 10057] In use then, the distance between the first and second end parts 2 of the base I can be adjusted (by telescoping these over bridging portion 4) to match the length of the outdoor unit to be mounted. The spacing between the mounts 20 at each end of the base I 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 I by way of a bolt passing through a hole in each foot of the outdoor unit, and screwing this bolt into one of the mounts 20. 100581 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. [00591 Although the foregoing description has been in respect of a base for an outdoor unit of an air conditioning system, other applications are envisaged for this invention. For example, the base could be used for pumps, motors or other appliances that require anti vibration and support levelling. [0060] Throughout the specification 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 integer or group of integers. 10061] 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 conmon general knowledge.

WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 7 100621 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention 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 noE limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous arrangements, 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 comprising 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 positionable, 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 a 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 trck 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 composes one of the tracks 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.

11. 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 WO 2014/190377 PCT/AU2014/000553 9 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 II 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 wherein each resilient mount comprises means for adjusting a height of a support level for the outdoor unit

15. A mount for an outdoor unit of an 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 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.