CN115667807A

CN115667807A - Window frame for air conditioning unit

Info

Publication number: CN115667807A
Application number: CN202180038584.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·比亚索蒂; J·莫伦斯坦; F·亚历山大; R·斐格利亚; M·迈耶; D·玄
Original assignee: Air Laboratory Co
Current assignee: Air Laboratory Co
Priority date: 2020-05-27
Filing date: 2021-05-27
Publication date: 2023-01-31
Also published as: WO2021243010A1; US20230204231A1

Abstract

A method of installing an air conditioning unit into a window frame is disclosed herein. The method comprises the following steps: inserting an air conditioning unit into an opening of a window frame; unfolding the left and right adjustable side curtains until the left and right adjustable side curtains contact the frame of the window frame; recording a left measurement of the extent to which the left adjustable side curtain extends from a left reference point of the air conditioning unit and recording a right measurement of the extent to which the right adjustable side curtain extends from a right reference point of the air conditioning unit; cutting the left and right outer panels by following a cutting line identified by a mark matching the recorded left and right measurement values; and respectively installing the cut left and right outer panels on the frames of the left and right adjustable side curtains in a buckling manner.

Description

Window frame for air conditioning unit

Cross Reference to Related Applications

Priority is given to U.S. patent application serial No.62/030,466, filed on day 27, month 2020, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to window air conditioners and, more particularly, to a customizable window frame for installation within a window as a component of an air conditioning unit, and an air conditioning unit having the customizable window frame installed thereon.

Background

Window air conditioning is one of the most popular types of air conditioning units. It is known that window air conditioning is one of the simpler forms of air conditioning system and is mounted on a window or wall. Window air conditioners have an evaporator side (positioned to face the room to cool the space) and a condenser side (outdoors to dissipate heat). Window air conditioners are single units assembled in a housing in which all components are located.

Conventional window air conditioners have a front panel that is visible to a user from inside the room in which it is installed and have user interface controls that may be electronic or mechanical. Older units are typically of the mechanical control type with knobs to control the temperature and fan speed of the air conditioner. Newer units are configured with electronic control systems in which functions are controlled using a remote control and a touch panel with a digital display. The front panel typically has adjustable horizontal and vertical (model) louvers, wherein the direction of airflow is adjustable to suit the comfort of one or more users.

The indoor side components of a window air conditioner include, but are not limited to, a cooling coil with an air filter mounted thereon. The cooling coil is where heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant in the system and the air in the room. Outdoor side components of a window air conditioner include, but are not limited to, a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, and a condenser coil for discharging heat from the refrigerant to outside air.

Generally, a window type air conditioner is installed using a mounting bracket attached to an outer sidewall and an underside of the window type air conditioner. To fill the open space between the enclosure and the window frame itself, folding panels (folding fill assemblies) are slid onto both sides of the window air conditioner. The window air conditioner is then placed on the mounting bracket. The window is then lowered to the top of the window air conditioner. The folding panels are extended and screwed into place. The gap between the lower sash and the glazing may be filled with a foam weatherstrip. Then the window air conditioner is inserted and opened and operated.

The installation process described above requires multiple parts and tools and involves the hazardous step of balancing a window air conditioner weighing about 50 pounds on a sill. The object of the present invention is to provide an easier and safer alternative installation method of a window type air conditioner using a window frame.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a window air conditioning unit includes an air conditioning housing and an adjustable outer frame coupled to and extending around the air conditioning housing and configured to be inserted into a window. The adjustable outer frame includes a main frame body fixedly attached to the air conditioning case, and a pair of adjustable window side curtains slidably coupled to the main frame body to fill the open window space. Each adjustable side curtain moves between: (1) A retracted position in which the adjustable side curtain is retracted into upper and lower internal channels formed in the main frame body and open along opposite sides of the main frame body, and (2) an extended position in which the adjustable side curtain extends outwardly from a side of the main frame body a distance greater than when the adjustable side curtain is in the retracted position.

Each adjustable side curtain comprises: a window side curtain frame; a collapsible filler member disposed within and carried by the window side curtain; and an exterior panel snap-fittingly coupled to the window side curtain frame and covering the pleated filler component when the adjustable side curtain is in the extended position.

The window side curtain frame and the exterior panel include complementary measurement indicia formed thereon to allow the exterior panel to be cut to size depending upon the distance the respective window side curtain frame extends from the window air conditioner body.

A method of installing an air conditioning unit into a window frame, comprising the steps of:

inserting an air conditioning unit into an opening defined by a window frame;

extending the left adjustable side curtain and the right adjustable side curtain until the left adjustable side curtain and the right adjustable side curtain contact the frame of the window frame;

recording a left measurement of the extent of the left adjustable side curtain from a left reference point of the air conditioning unit and recording a right measurement of the extent of the right adjustable side curtain from a right reference point of the air conditioning unit;

cutting the left outer panel to size by following a cut line identified by a mark matching the recorded left measurement value, and cutting the right outer panel to size by following a cut line identified by a mark matching the recorded right measurement value; and

the cut left outer panel is snap-fit mounted to the frame of the left adjustable side curtain and the cut right outer panel is snap-fit mounted to the frame of the right adjustable side curtain.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of an air conditioning unit with a window frame mounted in a window;

FIG. 2 is a front and side perspective view of an air conditioning unit with a window frame prior to insertion into a window;

FIG. 3 is a front and side perspective view of the air conditioning unit with the window frame showing the window side curtain (window packing set) in an extended position and one of the decorative side covers removed;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioning unit having a window frame;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing one of the window side curtains with the pleated filler component exploded from the movable window side curtain frame;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view showing a window side curtain with a pleated filler piece section installed and an exploded decorative side cover;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view showing a window curtain with a pleated filler component installed and with a decorative side cover partially inserted; and

fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the decorative side cover.

Detailed Description

Window frame for air conditioning unit

Fig. 1-8 illustrate a window frame 100 associated with a window air conditioning unit 50 according to one embodiment. The window frame 100 is attached to the air conditioning unit 50 and is configured to fit into a conventional window as described herein.

Window air conditioning unit 50

It will be appreciated that the window frame 100 may be used with different window air conditioning units and, thus, the window air conditioning unit 50 is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the type of air conditioning unit to which the window frame 100 may be mounted. The window air conditioning unit 50 is shown having a main housing 52 with four rounded corners 54. The window air conditioning unit 50 has a top surface 56, an opposing bottom surface 57, a first side surface 58 and an opposing second side surface 59. Unlike conventional window air conditioning units having right-angled corners, the four corners of the window air conditioning unit 50 are curved (rounded). It should be understood, however, that the air conditioning unit 50 is not limited to this configuration and may have a more conventional rectangular shape.

Window frame 100

The window frame 100 is assembled primarily at the manufacturing site rather than at the point of use. As best shown in the exploded view of fig. 4, the window frame 100 includes a plurality of components that, when assembled to the window air conditioning unit 50, extend around the exterior surface of the window air conditioning unit 50 and around the periphery thereof. The window frame 100 includes a top rail 110, a bottom rail 120, a first side adaptor 130, a second side adaptor 140, and a front frame member 150. It will be appreciated that the frame members referred to above are fixedly attached to the window air conditioning unit 50 using fasteners or the like. These components are completely enclosed and framed in the window air conditioning unit 50.

Head rail 110 is an elongated structure having a front panel 111, the front panel 111 having a curved upper edge 112 that may define a lip. The head rail 110 also has a rear plate 113, the rear plate 113 being coupled to the front plate 111 and spaced apart from the front plate 111 to define a head channel 114. The back plate 113 also includes a curved upper edge 117 (fig. 5) that may define a lip. The front plate 111 and the rear plate 113 are parallel to each other, and the top channel 114 is a longitudinal channel. In this manner, the top rail 110 extends across the top surface 56 of the window air conditioning unit 50 between the side surfaces 58, 59. In other words, the head rail 110 extends across the width of the air conditioning unit 50. Head rail 110 may include openings that receive fasteners for attaching head rail 110 to top surface 56. For example, screws, bolts, or the like may be used. Thus, the head rail 110 is fixedly attached to the air conditioning unit 50.

When the upper sash of the window is closed, it abuts the top edge (on top) of the rear panel 113 of the head rail 110, and the front panel 111 is located in front of the upper sash of the window. More specifically, the upper sash abuts the curved upper edge 117 of the back plate 113. Thus, the top channel 114 is located below the upper sash. The front panel 111 is located in front of the upper sash and may be secured to the upper sash using one or more fasteners (e.g., wood screws/sash security screws).

The bottom rail 120 is an elongated structure having a front plate 121, a rear plate 122, and a connector wall 123 connecting the front plate 121 to the rear plate 122. A bottom channel 125 is defined between the front plate 121, the rear plate 122, and the connector wall 123. The top edges of the front and

rear panels

121, 122 may include a flange or lip 126, with the flange or lip 126 designed to abut the bottom surface 57 of the window air conditioning unit 50. For example, spaced apart openings may be formed through the flange 126 for receiving fasteners that attach the bottom rail 120 to the bottom surface 57 of the air conditioning unit 50. The top of bottom channel 125 is defined by bottom surface 57.

The first side adapter 130 can be considered a left side frame member that is secured to the first side surface 58. The first side adapter 130 includes a curved inner wall 132 that abuts the first side surface 58. Due to the rounded corners of the window air conditioning unit 50, the top and bottom of the curved interior wall 132 are curved to abut the rounded corners. The first side adapter 130 includes a first coupling member 135, which first coupling member 135 may be in the form of a first vertical inner rail. The first coupling member 135 may have a T-shape or other shape for fixation. However, the outer edge of the first side adaptor 130 is a right-angled corner.

The second side adapter 140 can be considered a right side frame member that is secured to the second side surface 59. The second side adapter 140 includes a curved inner wall 142 that abuts the second side surface 59. Due to the rounded corners of the window air conditioning unit 50, the top and bottom of the curved inner wall 142 are curved to abut the rounded corners. The second side adapter 140 includes a second coupling member 145, which second coupling member 145 may be in the form of a first vertical inner rail. Second coupling member 145 may have a T-shape or other shape for fixation. However, the outer edge of the second side adapter 140 is a right angle corner.

The front frame member 150 includes a front panel of the window frame 100 and includes a three-sided structure fixedly attached to the air conditioning unit 50. In particular, front frame member 150 includes a top portion 151, a first side portion 152, and a second side portion 153. The first and

second side portions

152 and 153 intersect the top portion 151 at top ends thereof. The inner edges of the top 151, first side 152 and second side 153 are curved in the area abutting the curved corners of the window air conditioning unit 50. The bottom ends of the first and

second sides

152, 153 have inwardly directed lips 157.

The top 151 is attached to the front plate 111 of the top rail 110 using fasteners or the like. The top 151 has an inwardly directed lip 158 along its top edge, which lip 158 is disposed on the curved upper edge 112.

The outer edges of the front frame member 150 provide a more traditional appearance because the outer edges of the front frame member 150 define right angle corners.

The top rail 110, bottom rail 120, first side adapter 130, second side adapter 140, and front frame member 150 are rigid components and may be formed of metal or plastic.

Window side curtain 160

The window frame 100 also includes a pair of window side curtains 160, which may be formed of metal or plastic or other rigid material. These window side curtains 160 may be considered window fill kits that fill in the space between the sides of the window air conditioning unit 50 and the parallel sides of the window frame.

Each window side curtain 160 includes a folder filler component 170 and a movable (sliding) window side curtain frame 180. As best shown in fig. 5, the pleated filler piece component 170 has a pleated (bellows) shaped main body defined by a first end 173 and a second end 174. A fold in the main body allows the main body in a folded shape to move between a compressed state and an extended state. At the first end 173 there is a first end connector 190 and at the second end 174 there is a second end connector 195. The first end connector 190 includes a slot structure having a T-shaped slot 192 formed therein. One leg of the T-shape provides access to the slot 192. The legs face in the direction of the window air conditioning unit 50. The groove 192 may have other shapes for fixation than the T-shape.

The second end connector 195 has a pair of outwardly extending tangs or catches 197. As described herein, these grippers 197 are used to connect the fanfold filler component 170 to the movable side curtain frame 180 so that the two move in unison. The grippers 197 may be generally triangular.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the side curtain frame 180 is generally U-shaped. The side curtain frame 180 has a head rail 181 and an opposing bottom rail 182, and an end rail 183 connected to and extending between the head rail 181 and the bottom rail 182.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the top rail 181 includes measurement indicia 185, the measurement indicia 185 extending longitudinally along the top rail 181 in a continuous digital format. Consecutive numbers (digital increments) increase in a direction toward the end rail 183. An indicator line is next to each number. The measurement indicia 185 serves to identify to the user the extent to which the window side curtain 160 extends from the side of the window air conditioning unit 50. The measuring indicia 185 may thus be printed indicia, integrally formed by a molding process if the track is plastic, applied as a printed label, or the like.

The two opposite ends of the front frame member 150 may be considered end edges 119, the end edges 119 serving as reference points for determining the extent to which the side curtain frame 180 extends from the air conditioning unit itself. More specifically, as the head rail 110 travels within the upper channel described herein, the measurement indicia 185 is located behind the end edge 119; thus, once the side curtain frame 180 is positioned at the desired location within the window sill, the user looks at the reference point (i.e., end edge 119) and observes which reference line of measurement indicia 185 is aligned with the end edge 119 (reference point). This aligned reference line of the measurement mark 185 is recorded. In the example shown, measurement mark 185 comprises a continuous set of numbers from 1 to 21, where reference lines mark integer and half-number increments. For example, there is a reference line at 1, a reference line at 1.5, a reference line at 2, and so on.

While the measurement indicia 185 may be in the form of consecutive numbers, such as numbers 1 through 21, it should be understood that the indicia may be in the form of consecutive letters or various symbols.

As shown, the top rail 181 may also include left and right markings (printed words) that identify which side curtain frame 180 is to be installed on the left side of the air conditioning unit 50 and which side curtain frame is to be installed on the right side of the air conditioning unit 50. In the left and right sides, consecutive numbers increase in a direction away from the corresponding side wall of the air conditioning unit 50. The left and right indicia may be formed as part of a tab 189 (e.g., a circular tab extending upward from the top rail 181), which tab 189 may include holes to receive fasteners for securing the side curtain frame 180 to the window.

End rail 183 has an inner surface 186. Along the inner surface 186, there are guide and retention tabs 187 formed vertically along the inner surface 186 and spaced apart from one another. Each retention tab 187 is formed by two opposing wall structures 188, the wall structures 188 having inwardly directed lips 189 at their free ends so as to define an enclosed area. In the illustrated embodiment, four (4) retaining tabs 187 are arranged one after the other in a vertical direction at the top thereof.

When the folded filler part 170 is dropped into place and fed vertically into the open, enclosed area of the retention flap 187, the retention flap 187 is designed to interact and engage with the second end connector 195. The catches 197 engage the inwardly directed lip. This engagement securely holds the second end connector 195 in place along the inner surface 186 of the end rail 183, thereby coupling the fanfold filler component 170 to the window side curtain frame 180.

The opposing first end 173 of the pleated filler part 170 is coupled to one of the first and

second side adapters

130, 140 by inserting one of the first and

second coupling members

135, 145 into the T-shaped slot 192 of the first end connector 190. The first end connector 190 thus slides over one of the first coupling member 135 and the second coupling member 145.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the fanfold filler component 170 slides into place and is thus fixedly coupled to both: (1) One of the first side adapter 130 and the second side adapter 140, and (2) a movable window side curtain frame 180. Since each of the first and

second side adapters

130, 140 is secured to the air conditioning unit 50, the first end 173 of the pleated filler piece component 170 is anchored and does not move as the respective window side curtain 160 moves between the retracted and extended positions. However, the second end of the folder filler member 170 is anchored to the movable member (the side curtain frame 180), and thus the second end of the folder filler member 170 moves together with the side curtain frame 180.

The first end connector 190 and the second end connector 195 may be molded structures.

The inner face 186 of the end rail 183 also includes a plurality of closed locking grooves 191. The closed locking groove 191 may be in the form of a hollow rectangular structure that is open along the front edge of the end rail 183. The axis of the groove 191 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end rail 183. In the embodiment shown, there are three closed locking slots 191 spaced from each other. As shown, the retaining tabs 187 are interspersed within the closed locking slots 191 (i.e., the retaining tabs 187 and closed locking slots 191 alternate with one another).

The side curtain frames 180 of each of the pair of window side curtains 160 are designed to slide within the tracks to allow the side curtain frames 180 to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the air conditioning unit 50. The head rail 181 of the side curtain frame 180 is slidingly received within the top channel 114 of the head rail 110 fixedly attached to the top surface of the air conditioning unit 50. Bottom rail 182 of side curtain frame 180 is slidingly received within bottom channel 125 of rail 120.

It is contemplated that the frame 100 is manufactured such that the top rail 110, bottom rail 120, first side adaptor 130 and second side adaptor 140 are fixedly attached to the air conditioning unit 50 prior to delivery to an end user. The window side curtain 160 is also preferably assembled and inserted into corresponding tracks defined within the head rail 110 and the bottom rail 120. The window side curtain 160 may be pushed to its fully retracted position. Alternatively, the window side curtains 160 may be assembled and packaged with the air conditioning unit 50, but then inserted into the respective tracks (channels) by the end user.

Customizable fill panel 200

In another aspect of the present invention, a pair of customizable filler panels 200 are provided to an end user. The customizable filler panel 200 is provided to the user in an oversized form relative to the space to be filled between the air conditioning unit 50 itself and the sides of the window frame, and the user then resizes the customizable filler panel 200 to fit the space under the direction of the measurement indicia 185, as described herein.

As shown, each customizable fill panel 200 includes a main (panel) body 210 having a front surface 212 and an opposing rear surface 214. When installed, the front surface 212 faces outward and is visible to the user and room occupants. The main body 210 may be formed of many different materials so long as a user can cleanly cut the material using a suitable cutting tool (e.g., a knife or scissors). In one embodiment, the main body 210 is formed from a foam board with a front layer coupled to one face of the foam board. The front layer defines a front surface 212. The front layer may be in the form of a film (e.g., a plastic film such as a PP film) coupled to one face of the main body 210.

The customizable fill panel 200 also includes an inner edge 202 and an opposing outer edge 204, as well as a top edge 206 and an opposing bottom edge 208.

Along the rear surface, the main body 210 includes measurement indicia 220 that are complementary to the measurement indicia 185. The measurement indicia 220 may be in the form of consecutive numbers (e.g., numbers 1 through 21) extending across the width of the main body 210. The numbers (digital increments) increase in a direction toward the outer edge 204. Adjacent to each number is an indicator line that may extend from the top edge or substantially from the top edge to the bottom edge (indicator lines may also be provided between numbers to indicate 1/2 increments). The measurement indicia 220 begin at the inner edge 202 of the panel. As with the measurement marks 185, the measurement marks 220 are not limited to consecutive numbers, but may be consecutive letters or other symbols that match the arrangement of the measurement marks 185.

The distance between the measurement mark 185 and the measurement mark 220 is the same. As a result, the measurement indicia 220 correspond to the measurement indicia 185 when the customizable fill panel 200 is disposed over the window side curtain 160 because the inner edges of the customizable fill panel 200 and the inner edges of the top and bottom rails of the side curtain frame 180 overlap when properly assembled. In other words, the starting points of the measurement mark 185 and the measurement mark 220 are the same. Thus, when properly installed, the same incremental numbers (cells) on the customizable filler panel 200 correspond to the same incremental numbers (cells) on the top rail 181 relative to the reference point (end edge 119). In other words, the same incremental numbers of the panel 200 and head rail 181 are aligned with the end edge 119.

In the example shown, measurement mark 185 and measurement mark 220 have the same reference point (i.e., end edge 119). Thus, in the example where the number 5 of the measurement indicia 185 is aligned with the end edge 119, the panel 200 is cut such that when the panel is inserted into position, the number 5 on the rear surface of the panel 200 is aligned with the end edge 119.

Therefore, the measurement mark 220 and the measurement mark 185 are intended to match each other. The recorded incremental numbers from the measurement indicia 185 are then used to cut the main body 210 to form when the side curtain frame 180 is in its extended position. The user simply takes the recorded incremental number and locates the same incremental number along the measurement indicia 220 and then cuts the main body 210 along the line corresponding to the selected incremental number. This matching measurement indicia system allows the user to easily customize the filler panel 200 and ensure that the customizable filler panel 200 has the proper width to fit and fill the space along the side of the air conditioning unit 50. Additional details of mounting the customizable filler panel 200 to the space are discussed herein.

The outer edge 204 includes a trim piece 230, the trim piece 230 being an elongated structure having the same height as the main body 210. The finishing member 230 may be a plastic part attached to the rear surface of the main body 210. The trim piece 230 has a plurality of locking members 240 that can form part of a snap-fit system. The snap-fit system may be a conventional cantilever snap-fit and each locking member 240 includes a plurality of deformable cantilever beams 242, each cantilever beam 242 terminating in a catch 244 (these components together may be considered a deformable prong). In the illustrated embodiment, there are three locking members 240, each locking member 240 having a pair of adjacent upright cantilevered beams 242, each cantilevered beam 242 terminating in a catch 244. The catches 244 are on opposite sides so as to angle inwardly toward each other. As is conventionally known, the gripper 244 includes an inclined insertion face (along the outer surface of the gripper) and a retention face (planar undercut) perpendicular to the beam 242.

A pair of elongated tabs 250 are disposed between the locking members 240 and extend along the height of the garnish 230. The tab 250 does not protrude as far from the rear surface as the locking member 240.

As described herein, each trim piece 230 is snap-fit attached to one respective movable side curtain frame 180, thereby attaching the customizable fill panel 200 to the side curtain frame 180.

The front surface 212 of the main body 210 may be a decorative surface in that the decorative surface may have a different color, a different pattern, and/or contain different indicia.

Measuring/customizing window side curtain 160

Since the top channel 114 of the top rail 110 is located behind the front frame member 150, the top rail 181 and the measurement indicia 185 formed thereon are partially behind the front frame member 150 and are therefore not visible from view. However, the portion of the measurement indicia 185 outside of the front frame member 150 is visible, and as the user pulls the window side curtain 160 outward, more of the measurement indicia (numerical increments) 185 become visible. The measurement indicia 185 are designed such that when the window side curtain 160 is pulled outward and the end rail 183 is seated against the side wall of the window frame itself, one of the measurement indicia 185 (one digital increment) is aligned with the side edge of the front frame member 150 (end 119 (reference point)) to fully occupy the open space between the air conditioning unit 50 and the side wall of the window frame. When the window side curtain 160 is in these desired final (in-use) mounting positions, the user records measurement indicia 185 (in numerical increments) aligned with each opposing respective end edge 119 of the front frame member 150. Thus, the user records the number increments of both the left window curtain 160 and the right window curtain 160. For example, if the air conditioning unit 50 is not completely centered in the window opening or given the size of the window opening itself, the number increments for left and right may not be the same. This recorded measurement data is then used to complete the installation.

As mentioned herein, the main body 210 is trimmed to the appropriate width using the recorded data (quantity increments) present on the head rail of the side curtain frame 180. Once cut to size, the inner edge of the main body 210 may be inserted into a slot defined between the front face of the head rail 181 and the rear portion of the front frame member 150, as shown in fig. 7; or the cut inner edge of the panel 200 may be disposed flush with the end edge 119 (reference point) so as not to be inserted into the slot. With the inner edge of the panel 200 inserted into the slot, the user may be instructed to cut the panel at a cut line adjacent to the cut line corresponding to the recorded measurement mark 185. For example, in the example described herein, where the recorded measurement indicia 185 is 5, then the panel may be cut at a cut line corresponding to indicia 4.5. This additional 1/2 increment is used to compensate for the depth of the slot into which the inner edge of the panel 200 is inserted. Thus, when cut and inserted into a slot in 4.5 increments, the measurement indicia 5 of the panel 200 will be aligned or closely aligned with the reference point (end edge 119).

Thus, the insertion allows calibration (matching alignment) between the measurement mark 185 and the measurement mark 220. The locking member 240 is then aligned with the complementary closed locking groove 191 formed along the end rail 183. The customizable filler panel 200 is then attached to the movable side curtain frame 180 by inserting the locking member 240 into the closed locking slot 191. When the locking member 240 (i.e., the deformable cantilevered beams 242) enter the closed locking slots 191, the catches 244 of the pair of deformable cantilevered beams 242 compress inwardly toward each other. Once the catches 244 clear the rear end of the closed locking slots 191, the stored energy is released and the catches 244 deflect outwardly away from each other. This locking of all locking members 240 preferably occurs simultaneously when panel 200 is inserted into frame 180. The retaining surface of the catch 244 abuts the rear end of the structure that closes the locking groove 191, thereby capturing the locking member 240 in the closing locking groove 191. The snap-fit of the inner edge of the main body 210 into the slot and the outer edge of the main body 210 ensures that the customizable infill panel 200 is secured in place and covers the folded infill component 170.

While the illustrated embodiment discloses that the vertical end rail of each window side curtain frame includes a female locking feature that snap-fits with a male locking feature formed as part of the outer panel 200, it will be understood that this arrangement could be reversed and that the rear of the outer panel 200 could include a female locking feature and the vertical end rail could include a male locking feature.

It will also be appreciated that the snap-fit attachment is preferably of the reversible type, as the user can remove the mounted panel 200 by compressing the locking member 240 to allow removal from the closed locking slot 191. Thus, the frame assembly may be disassembled to allow storage, etc.

It should be understood that like reference numerals in the several figures refer to like elements throughout the several views and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated in connection with the figures are essential to all embodiments or arrangements.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

The above-described subject matter is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A window air conditioning unit comprising:

an air conditioner case;

an adjustable outer frame coupled to and extending around the air conditioning case and configured for insertion into a window, the adjustable outer frame comprising:

a main frame body fixedly attached to the air conditioning case; and

a pair of adjustable window side curtains slidably coupled to the main frame body for filling an open window space; each adjustable side curtain moves between: (1) A retracted position in which the adjustable side curtain is retracted within upper and lower internal channels formed within the main frame body and open along opposite sides of the main frame body, and (2) an extended position in which the adjustable side curtain extends outwardly from a side of the main frame body a distance greater than when the adjustable side curtain is in the retracted position; and

wherein each adjustable side curtain comprises: a window side curtain frame; a pleated filler component disposed within and carried by the window side curtain; and an exterior panel snap-fittingly coupled to the window side curtain frame and covering the pleated filler component when the adjustable side curtain is in the extended position.

2. The window air conditioning unit of claim 1, wherein the air conditioning housing has four rounded corners.

3. The window air conditioning unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said window side curtain frames includes: an upper horizontal rail slidably traveling within an upper interior channel formed along a top of the air conditioning housing; a lower horizontal rail slidably traveling within a lower interior channel formed along a bottom of the air conditioning case; and a vertical end rail extending between and coupled to the upper and lower horizontal rails, wherein a first open space is formed between the upper and lower horizontal supports and the vertical end support, the collapsible filler member being disposed within the first open space.

4. The window air conditioning unit according to claim 3, wherein the inner end of each pleated filler piece member is attached to one of the first and second side adapters secured to the air conditioning case along the respective side wall of the air conditioning case.

5. The window air conditioning unit according to claim 4, wherein the opposite outer end of each pleated filler piece is attached to the vertical end rail of a respective window side curtain frame.

6. The window air conditioning unit of claim 3, wherein each fanfold filler component is slidingly captured within the window side curtain frame.

7. The window air conditioning unit of claim 1, wherein the window side curtain frame includes a first measurement indicia identifying the extent to which the adjustable side curtain extends from the air conditioning housing, and the exterior panel includes a second measurement indicia that matches the first measurement indicia and allows the exterior panel to be cut to an optimal size.

8. The window air conditioning unit of claim 7, wherein the first measurement indicia is formed along an upper horizontal rail of the window side curtain frame and the second measurement indicia is formed along a back surface of the exterior panel.

9. The window air conditioning unit of claim 8, wherein the first and second measurement indicia are calibrated relative to an inner edge of the upper horizontal rail and an inner edge of the outer panel, respectively, and are measured relative to an end edge of the main frame body.

10. The window air conditioning unit of claim 8, wherein the first measurement indicia comprises consecutive numbers spaced apart at a set first interval and the second measurement indicia comprises consecutive numbers spaced apart at the set first interval.

11. The window air conditioning unit of claim 3, wherein the vertical end rail of each window side curtain frame includes a female locking feature that snap-fits with a male locking feature formed as part of the exterior panel.

12. The window air conditioning unit of claim 11, wherein the female locking feature comprises a locking slot facing forward along the vertical end rail, and the male locking feature comprises a plurality of cantilevered beams having catches formed at ends thereof.

13. The window air conditioning unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said main frame body defines a slot within which an inner end of said outer panel is received and captured, and an outer end of said outer panel is snap-fittingly coupled to a respective window side curtain frame.

14. The window air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the main frame body includes a top rail, a bottom rail, a first side adapter and a second side adapter, one pleated filler component of one adjustable side curtain coupled to the first side adapter and another pleated filler component of another adjustable side curtain coupled to the second side adapter.

15. The window air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein the exterior panel comprises a foam body having an exterior decorative film on an exterior surface of the foam body and a trim piece attached to an interior surface of the foam body, the trim piece comprising a first snap-fit member interlockingly mating with a second snap-fit member that is part of the window curtain side frame.

16. A method of installing an air conditioning unit into a window frame, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting an air conditioning unit into an opening defined by the window frame;

extending the left and right adjustable side curtains until the left and right adjustable side curtains contact the jambs of the window frame;

recording a left measurement of the extent to which the left adjustable side curtain extends from a left reference point of the air conditioning unit and recording a right measurement of the extent to which the right adjustable side curtain extends from a right reference point of the air conditioning unit;

sizing each of the left exterior panels by cutting along one of: 1) A first cut line identified by a mark matching the recorded left measurement, and 2) a second cut line immediately adjacent the first cut line and sized to cut the right exterior panel by cutting the line along one of: 1) A third cut line identified by a marker that matches the recorded left measurement, and 2) a fourth cut line immediately adjacent the third cut line; and

snap-fittingly mounting the cut left outer panel to the frame of the left adjustable side curtain and snap-fittingly mounting the cut right outer panel to the frame of the right adjustable side curtain.

17. A window air conditioner frame for mounting on a window air conditioner unit, comprising:

an adjustable outer frame for coupling to and for extending around the window air conditioning unit and configured for insertion into a window, the adjustable outer frame comprising:

a main frame body fixedly attached to the window air conditioning unit; and

wherein each adjustable side curtain comprises: a window side curtain frame; a pleated filler member disposed within and carried by the window side curtain; and an exterior panel snap-fittingly coupled to the window side curtain frame and covering the pleated filler component when the adjustable side curtain is in the extended position.

18. The window air conditioner frame of claim 17, wherein each of the window side curtain frames includes an upper horizontal rail that slidably travels within the upper interior channel; a lower horizontal rail slidably traveling within the lower interior channel; and a vertical end rail extending between and coupled to the upper and lower horizontal rails, a first open space being formed between the upper and lower horizontal supports and the vertical end support, the pleated filler parts being disposed within the first open space, wherein an inner end of each pleated filler part is attached to one of a first side adapter and a second side adapter that are parts of the main frame body and are for fixed attachment to the air conditioning case along respective side walls of the air conditioning case; and wherein the opposite outer end of each fanfold filler component is attached to the vertical end rail of one respective window side curtain frame.

19. The window air conditioner frame of claim 17, wherein the exterior panel includes a foam body having an exterior trim film on an exterior surface of the foam body and a trim piece attached to an interior surface of the foam body, the trim piece including a first snap-fit member interlockingly mating with a second snap-fit member that is part of the window side curtain frame.

20. The window air conditioner frame of claim 17, wherein the window side curtain frame includes a first measurement indicia identifying an extent to which the adjustable side curtain extends from a reference point of the air conditioner housing, and the exterior panel includes a second measurement indicia formed on a rear surface of the exterior panel that matches the first measurement indicia and allows the exterior panel to be cut to an optimal size.