CA2853428A1 - Air conditioner adjustable support device and method for window air conditioner installation - Google Patents

Description

Air Conditioner Adjustable Support Device and Method for Window Air Conditioner Installation (Description) A device for installation and support of a room air conditioner or the like in a single or double hung window.
Window mounted air conditioners have become a staple addition to many high rise structures such as apartment buildings, co-ops, condos, industrial buildings, schools, homes, trailers and the like. These window mounted air conditioners unfortunately frequently require support in addition to the window sill. Several attempts in the past have been made to meet this need as demonstrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,112,015; 5,636,816; 2,628,052; 1,224,127;
1,627,241; and

2,654,227, among others. While these older devices perform adequately for their purpose, improvements are still sought.
Typically, an air conditioner unit is placed in the window opening and is rested on the window sill. In a double hung window, the lower window is lowered to make contact with the top of the air conditioner unit thus securing the air conditioner in place. Failure to secure the air conditioner unit in this manner could result in the air conditioner falling out the window.
Other problems that remains with the prior art devices is that air conditioners and windows come in a myriad of sizes. While U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,015 is "front-to-back" size adjustable, it fails to provide a means to adjust side to side. Thus, if an air conditioner of inordinate girth is placed thereon, the device will only support a portion of the air conditioner.
An air conditioner is cumbersome to install due to its weight and size. A
substantial portion of the A/C unit extends a horizontal distance outside the building and beyond the window opening and frame. An A/C unit can easily weigh over 100 pounds. They are therefore most difficult to secure within the window frame and when the window is raised, may fall outwardly as well as inwardly. Improperly installed A/C units have been known to fall out of windows causing death and serious injuries.
Thus, with the above mentioned concern, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a window support which adds a means to further support the device by sliding the left and right sill stop arms to accommodate the entire length of the majority of conventional windows adding maximum support to the window frame.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a window support which includes a movable tubular leg.
A still further object of the present system is to provide a window bracket support that is adjustable to fit various window openings, wall widths and numerous exterior wall finishes.
It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a window support which is economical to make.
It is another objective to provide a window support which requires no tools, drilling, fasteners or hardware to install.

It is still another objective to provide a method of installing a window support which is comparatively simple in construction and design.
These and other objectives and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description.
The window air conditioner adjustable support device utilizes the horizontal frame components to support the air conditioner extending to the exterior of structure.
The present invention provides features allowing adjustability for myriad window sizes.
The installation of the window air conditioner adjustable support device is to be done from interior of building unit thus avoiding the use of ladders, scaffolding and hoists, etc., ensuring a safe and secure installation.
The ease of installation is attained by sliding leg into support rail while pressing both spring buttons. The spring buttons only lock into an inner or out hole (Not both).
When adjusting the legs, the snap buttons will alternate and snap into only one hole at a time (Inside or outside).
Offsetting the holes every '/2 inch allows for maximum adjustability.
Continuing the simple installation consists of preparing the still stop wings by sliding wings (Left and right) onto frame.
After placing Air Conditioner Adjustable Support Device in window, extend left and right sill stop wing outward until the steel tabs are securely positioned against the front outer window frame. Lastly, lock each pin to the closest slot on the frame rail for proper positioning.
Proceed to rest Air Conditioner Adjustable Support Device on the bottom window sill to compete installation.
The Window air conditioner adjustable support device precludes the use of drilling, tools, fasteners and hardware resulting in a precise and effective installation while preserving the building integrity and avoiding any damage to the building structure/window sill.
Many older buildings have aging windows, deteriorated masonry and rotten sills thus preventing the drilling or fastening of a window support bracket.
Newer buildings or buildings with new window installations will also benefit using the Air Conditioner Adjustable Support Device since it prevents stress to the window frame.
The window air conditioner adjustable support device provides a means to support an air conditioning unit without placement of various objects such as bricks, blocks and wood on exterior window sill to fill myriad heights/space between the underside of the air conditioning unit and the window sill.
The window air conditioner adjustable support device utilizes methods of adjustment to support an air conditioner unit securely by engaging opposite frames of window and properly distributing the weight of air conditioner unit thus alleviating pressure on window frame.

Another important advantage is the two sill stops (Left & Right) that are affixed to the left and right side of the window air conditioner adjustable support device. The still stops allow engagement of the interior window frame when opened outward to its maximum position on opposite ends securing window air conditioner adjustable support device without the use of drilling, tools, fasteners and hardware or the like.
Attached to the end of each sill stop is a tab that protrudes outward for the purpose of engagement with the outside of window frame. The tabs establish this position after attaining the maximum adjustment of the left and right sill stop resulting in a fixed position.
The function of the left and right sill stops with attached tabs is to provide a stable and secure means from the interior to safely support the window air conditioner adjustable support device in a single or double hung window and that will not shift due to vibration.
The window air conditioner adjustable support device also provides a spring type mechanism to engage tubular legs to lateral sill rail for easy adjustment front to rear.
Left and right sill stops engage the forward sill rail with a pin type device allowing it slide left to right and to lock in position for quick, safe and secure adjustment.
Additional improvement is the provision of a forward sill rail that sits inside the lower window sash thus providing means for the side curtains to rest inside sill rail.
This arrangement allows bottom of side curtains (left and right side) when extended fully in window frame to remain level with top surface of window air conditioner adjustable support device preventing any spaces or voids below the air conditioning unit.
Present invention further produces weather proof fit between air conditioner unit and window frame eliminating the need for weather stripping or the like.
Added means of support include pair of adjustable exterior left and right tube legs that rest against outer structure for stability and permanence.
Tubular legs are movable forward and rearward for adjustment purposes utilizing a spring type mechanism for quick, safe and secure installation.
Another feature of the tubular legs are the attached foot pad to each leg that swivel and contain a flexible material which allows for proper placement on all types of exterior surfaces resulting in universal alignment to outside wall structure.
It is the further object of the window air conditioner adjustable support device to provide additional reinforcement by transmitting downward forces to the outwardly extended legs. Due to the unique angle of the legs, forces applied vertically downward are absorbed by the window air conditioner adjustable support device creating horizontally inward forces against exterior structure attaining proper balance.
The unique tubular leg design provides means to properly tilt window support to allow for drainage of condensate.

Additional benefits of the present invention include the ease of installation which requires no drilling, tools, hardware or fasteners, allowing for prompt and proper placement of the window air conditioner adjustable support device in a single or double hung window.
Other advantages of the window air conditioner adjustable support device provides a means to install a window air conditioning unit in a single or double hung window in a firm, fixed and stable method for a lasting installation.
For safety purposes, window can be raised while window air conditioner adjustable support device remains secured with air conditioner unit in its mounted position.
The window air conditioner adjustable support device may be constructed compromising a metal, a plastic, a rubber, a foam or combination thereof.
The window air conditioner adjustable support device will be used primarily in any building, commercial or residential featuring windows that allow for room air conditioner installations.
Such installations include but not limited to, coop, condos, apartment buildings, industrial buildings, factories, schools, homes and the like.
Renters, co-op, condo or apartment-owners can easily remove the window air conditioner adjustable support device when moving.