US20060223434A1

US20060223434A1 - System and method for mounting a fresh air exchanger to a window frame assembly

Info

Publication number: US20060223434A1
Application number: US11/092,257
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Barker
Original assignee: Holmes Group Inc
Current assignee: JCS THG LLC
Priority date: 2005-03-29
Filing date: 2005-03-29
Publication date: 2006-10-05

Abstract

A window-mounting and sealing system and method for manual installation of a fresh air exchanger is provided. The system features hand-adjustable, snap-fit connectors and fasteners, and accommodates any standard window size by using pre-sized snap-off features for a quick, adaptable, and manual installation. The system includes a mounting frame and two end panels, which include multiple hand-breakable (snap-off) sections for manually adjusting the width of each end panel for a proper fit to the window frame. One or more connectors associated with each end panel connect each end panel to the mounting frame. The connector(s) may be positioned on one or both of the end panel and the mounting frame. In addition, the system includes one or more fasteners to mount the assembled system to a window frame assembly. An insulating layer can be positioned within each panel. The insulating layer may also include detachable sections that can be manually detached to accommodate window of various sizes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a window-mounted fresh air exchanger installation system, and more particularly, to a window-mounting and sealing system for easy installation of an air exchanger in a moveable sash window frame.
The use of window-mounting systems for the installation of fresh air exchangers, such as air conditioners, fans, humidifiers, and energy recovery ventilators, is well-known in the prior art. Such systems typically require attaching some type of bracketing hardware to the fresh air unit itself, as well as semi-permanent installations of end panels for proper weatherproofing, to cover the gap between the air exchanger and the sides of the window frame. The end panels must be sized or pre-cut for the particular window width and sealed with caulking, for example, upon installation. These prior art systems, therefore, require the installation of hardware on the installed units, tools for properly sizing the end panels, and the application of additional sealing or weatherproofing techniques.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,803 to Kong et al., issued Oct. 14, 1975, discloses a window frame mounting arrangement that includes an adjustable top channel assembly that is secured to the top wall of an air conditioner cabinet, and which engages with a permanently installed peg in each opposing window jamb. The arrangement further includes accordion style closure wings to seal off the side openings of the window from the outside air. U.S. Pat. No. 3,476,033 to Appel, issued Nov. 4, 1969, similarly discloses a flexible curtain which attaches at a front edge of the air conditioner casing and expands to cover the gap between the casing and the sides of the window frame. Added weather-proofing is typically provided to seal the edges of the flexible wings or curtain to the window frames. These prior art systems require both the installation of hardware on the installed units, and added measures for proper sealing.
There is a need, therefore, for a window-mounting and sealing system for easy manual installation of a fresh air exchanger in a moveable sash window frame, which easily accommodates a wide variety of standard window sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, which addresses the needs of the prior art, relates to a window-mounting and sealing system for easy manual installation of a fresh air exchanger in a moveable sash window frame assembly, which is manually adjustable to a wide variety of standard window sizes.
The present invention relates to a window-mounting and sealing system for manual installation of a fresh air exchanger in a window frame assembly having a moveable sash, and to the combination of the system with the fresh air exchanger. The system features manually operable, i.e., hand-adjustable, snap-fit connectors and fasteners, and accommodates any standard window size, preferably by using pre-sized snap-off features, for a quick, adaptable, and manual installation.
The system includes a mounting frame for receiving a fresh air exchanger, which has a first end and a second end. Also included are end panels, which include a plurality of detachable sections for manually adjusting a width of each end panel for a proper fit to the window frame. One or more connectors associated with each end panel connect each end panel to the first and second ends of the mounting frame. The connector(s) may be positioned on one or both of a first end, for example, of the mounting frame, and an end panel. In addition, the system includes one or more fasteners for mounting the assembled system to a window frame assembly.
Preferably, the end panels include a front and back side, and the system includes an insulating layer positioned between the front and back side of each end panel.
The window-mounting and sealing system of the present invention may be used to install any fresh air exchanger, such as an air conditioner, a fan, a humidifier, a heater, or an energy recovery ventilator.
The system may also include window sill grips for securing the system to a window sill. Each window sill grip is manually extendable from the mounting frame.
A width of each of the two end panels is manually adjustable by detaching one or more of the detachable sections. In one embodiment, the plurality of detachable sections are hand-breakable sections. The width of each end panel is adjustable by snapping off one or more sections, as needed.
The insulating layer preferably includes a removable block of insulating foam, which is also partitioned into a plurality of hand-breakable sections. The snap-off sections allow for manual adjustment of the removable block to the adjusted width of each end panel.
The detachable sections of the insulating layer and the end panels are preferably equally-spaced, and are preferably about one-inch wide. This manual adjustability for width facilitates installation of the system at least into standard window frames ranging from 24 inches to at least 38 inches wide.
Any combination of manually operable connectors may be used to manually connect each end panel to the mounting frame. One type of connector includes a locking clip on either the mounting frame or the end panel. The locking clip snaps onto a properly positioned protruding edge on the other one of the end panel and mounting frame that does not include the locking clip to manually connect one of the end panels to one of the ends (the first end, e.g.) of the mounting frame.
The one or more connectors of the system may additionally or alternatively include a channel and a tab combination. The channel is preferably on either an end (the first end, e.g.) of the mounting frame or on an inner side of the end panel. The tab is located on whichever one of the mounting frame and end panel that does not include the channel. The channel is sized and positioned for slidably receiving the tab and manually connecting one of the two end panels to one of the ends, e.g., the first end, of the mounting frame.
The one or more fasteners of the system may include at least two retaining clips. Each retaining clip is sized to snap-fit around the front and back side of each end panel to compress an insulating layer, which is positioned between the front and back sides, and pull the front and back sides together, e.g., during installation of the window-mounting system in the window frame.
Preferably, each retaining clip includes a channel. In addition, the back side of each end panel includes a raised rib corresponding to each detachable section. An outermost raised rib that remains after adjusting the width of each end panel is positioned for tightly snap-fitting one of the retaining clips into the channel and around the front side and the back side of each end panel.
The mounting frame of the present invention may further include an interior surface that forms an aperture, which is preferably pre-sized for receiving a particular fresh air exchanger. An optional strip of insulating material on the interior surface compresses upon insertion of a fresh air exchanger, which preferably promotes a better seal. The frame may also include at least one integral fastener to secure a fresh air exchanger to the mounting frame.
The mounting frame of the present invention optionally includes a slidable clamp for manually clamping to a side of a moveable sash when it is in a closed position.
The present invention also relates to a method of installing a fresh air exchanger in a window frame assembly having a moveable sash, using a window-mounting system. The system includes a mounting frame for receiving the fresh air exchanger and two end panels, each having a plurality of detachable sections. The method includes manually adjusting a width of one or both end panels to a selected width by detaching from each (or one) panel one or more of the plurality of detachable sections. The method also includes connecting one panel to a first end and the other to a second end of the mounting frame, fastening the window-mounting system to the window frame assembly, and mounting a fresh air exchanger to the mounting frame.
The act of connecting may further include snapping a locking clip on the first end of the mounting frame to a protruding edge of one of the two end panels. It may also include sliding one or more tabs on one of the panels into one or more channels on the first end of the mounting frame.
The act of manually adjusting may include snapping off an end section of each end panel. The end section may include one or more of the plurality of detachable sections.
The method may include fitting a retaining clip around an outer side of each end panel to compress an insulating layer, which is included between a front and back side of the end panel. The snap-fitting action of the retaining clip also locks the window-mounting system into the window frame upon installation.
As a result, the present invention provides a window-mounting and sealing system for easy manual installation of a fresh air exchanger in a moveable sash window frame, which is also manually adjustable to a wide variety of standard window frame sizes, by incorporating hand-adjustable, snap-fit features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a window-mounting and sealing system for installation of a fresh air exchanger formed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end panel formed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the mounting frame of the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, showing a fresh air exchanger installed and an end view of the mounting frame.
FIG. 4 is a perspective back view of the embodiment of the window-mounting and sealing system shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a manually operable fastener formed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a window-mounting and sealing system for easy installation and sealing of a fresh air exchanger in a window frame having a moveable sash, which incorporates hand-adjustable, snap-fit connectors and fasteners. The system also easily accommodates a wide variety of standard window sizes, without the necessity for additional hardware, materials, or tools, through the use of pre-sized snap-off features for a quick, easy, and properly sealed installation of the fresh air exchanger in a standard window frame.
The fresh air exchanger of the present invention is defined generally as any device for moving, treating, and/or conditioning air, which requires installation in a window.
Referring to FIG. 1, the window-mounting system 10 includes a mounting frame 12, at least two end panels 14, and at least two manually operable connectors. Preferably, the at least two manually operable connectors include a locking clip 15 (see FIG. 4). At least one connector is associated with each end panel 14 for connecting the panel 14 to the mounting frame 12. The system 10 further includes at least two manually operable fasteners to facilitate mounting and sealing the system 10 in the window frame. Preferably, the at least two manually operable fasteners include retaining clips 16.
In addition, the system 10 preferably includes at least one window sill grip 18 for securing the system 10 to a window sill. The at least one window sill grip 18 of the present invention may be adapted to fit any standard window sill. In FIG. 1, a second type of window sill grip 20, is shown, for example, which accommodates thicker window sills. The system 10 may also include an additional strip of insulation material 22, for positioning between adjacent sashes of the window.
Once sized and assembled for the particular window frame which will house the fresh air exchanger, the window-mounting and sealing system of the present invention fits and seals easily into any conventional window frame that has a moveable sash. Preferably, the window-mounting and sealing system of the present invention is adapted for installation in standard-sized vertical sash window openings, ranging in width from about 24 to at least 38 inches.
In one embodiment, the system is fabricated from a light-weight synthetic material. Preferably, the system is fabricated from a plastic material.
The mounting frame 12 of the present invention includes an interior surface 24 that forms an aperture pre-sized for receiving the fresh air exchanger. In the embodiment of the system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the interior surface 24 is pre-sized for receiving an oval-shaped fresh air exchanger. Although the present application refers to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, it is understood that the aperture formed by the interior surface 24 of the mounting frame 12 may be pre-sized to accommodate a variety of shapes, sizes and types of fresh air exchangers, by means well-known to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention, therefore, is not limited to any particular type, size, or shape of fresh air exchanger to be installed.
Referring to FIG. 2, each of the at least two end panels 14 is hand-adjustable in width to fit the desired window frame. Upon assembly with the mounting frame 12, the end panels 14 seal off an opening between the mounting frame 12 and a side of the window. The end panel 14 according to the present invention preferably includes a front side 28, a back side 30, and an inner side 32. Upon assembly of the system 10 into a window frame, the front side 28 of each panel 14 preferably faces an interior of a room in which the window is installed and the back side 30 faces the exterior.
Each end panel 14 includes a plurality of detachable sections 33 for proper sizing of the system 10 in a window frame. Preferably, the detachable sections 33 are hand-breakable and able to be snapped off. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the detachable sections 33 are equally spaced and are formed by a plurality of equally spaced v-shaped indented grooves 34 extending from top to bottom on both the front side 28 and the back side 30 of each end panel 14. For each groove 34 on the front side 28, there is a directly opposing groove 34 on the back side 30, so that the grooves 34 delineate sections 33 of equal width in the front 28 and back sides 30. The sections 33 are pre-sized to accommodate a variety of standard window frame sizes. The width of each end panel 14 is preferably adjustable by snapping off one or more sections 33 at one of the v-shaped grooves 34 on the front side 28 and at a directly opposing groove on the back side 30. Each section 33 may be individually snapped off or preferably, an end section that includes one or more of the detachable sections 33 is snapped off (e.g., at one set of opposing grooves 34) for proper sizing.
Preferably, the detachable sections 33 are equally spaced. In addition, the width of each of the detachable sections 33, e.g., the spacing between the v-shaped grooves 34 in FIG. 2, is preferably about one-inch. If the mounted fresh air exchanger is to remain centered, a minimum of two inches may be removed from the overall width of the installation system by shortening each side of each end panel 14 by an inch. Optionally, an odd number of inches may be removed (for window frames of non-standard size) by shortening each end panel 14 by different amounts.
The system includes at least one manually operable connector associated with each end panel to connect the end panel to the frame. In the preferred embodiment described herein, two types of manually operable connectors are used in concert: a locking clip 15 (see FIGS. 3-4) and an interlocking channel 44/tab 36 combination (see FIGS. 2-3). The intended scope of the present invention is, however, not limited to these particular types of connectors. Any suitable type of hand operable connector, mounted on either or both of the mounting frame and the end panels is considered within the scope of the present invention.
Referring again FIG. 2, the inner side 32 of the end panel 14 preferably includes a manually operable connector, for example, the interlocking channel 44/tab 36 combination, for aiding assembly of the panel 14 to the mounting frame 12. The connector includes at least one tab 36 on the end panel 14, which mates with a reciprocal connector provided on an end of the frame 12. In addition, the back side 30 of the panel 14 preferably extends beyond the inner side 32 to form a protruding edge 38. In this preferred embodiment, a pair of tabs 36 extend from the protruding edge 38, and are positioned opposite each other adjacent the top and bottom edges. Alternatively, of course, the end panel 14 may include the reciprocal connector(s), e.g., channel(s), and the mounting frame 12 may include tab(s).
Each end panel 14 preferably includes an insulating layer 40 (see FIG. 1) positioned between the front side 28 and the back side 30. The insulating layer 40 includes detachable sections 41, preferably of equal width, each section 41 being positioned between adjacent grooves 34. The layer 40 is sized to match the height of the panels 14 and the spacing between the front 28 and back side 30 in order to provide a proper seal once the system 10 is installed in the window frame. (Note that the insulating layers 40 are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 in a vertically displaced position in order to display the breakable sections.) Preferably, the sections 41 are hand-breakable. One or more sections 41 can then be snapped off so that the remaining width of the insulating layer 40 matches the adjusted width of the end panel 14. In this way, the width of the layer 40 can be altered to provide a tight, insulated seal between the end panel 14 and the window frame upon installation.
Preferably, the insulating layer 40 includes a separate, removable block of insulating material. Optionally, the insulating layer may be fixed with, for example, epoxy, to the end panel 14, or otherwise integral to the panel 14.
Once the end panels 14 and insulating layers 40 have been properly sized for the window into which the fresh air exchanger will be installed, the end panels 14, with insulating layers 40 in place, may be attached to the mounting frame 12.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the mounting frame 12, with a fresh air exchanger 43 installed, showing an end view of the mounting frame 12. The mounting frame 12 includes two ends 42. Referring to FIGS. 2-3, during assembly, each end panel 14 attaches to the mounting frame 12 by manually connecting the inner side 32 of the panel 14 to an end 42 of the mounting frame 12. In this preferred embodiment, one of the manually operable connectors includes the tabs 36, located on each end panel 14. The reciprocal connectors on the mounting frame 12 include the channels 44 for slidably receiving each reciprocally positioned tab 36 on the inner side 32 of the end panel 14. The channels 44 (FIG. 3) preferably extend from a protruding stop edge 46, and are positioned opposite each other adjacent the top and bottom edges.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred embodiment, each end 42 additionally includes a second type of manually operable connector, such as the locking clip 15. The locking clip 15 is positioned for snapping onto the protruding edge 38 of the end panel 14 upon installation. To assemble one of the end panels 14 to one of the ends 42 of the mounting frame 12, the tabs 36 on the panel 14 are slipped into open ends 50 of the reciprocal channels 44. The panel 14 is then slid along the end face 42 until a front edge of each tab 36 abuts the protruding stop edge 46 on the end 42 of the mounting frame 12, and the locking clip 15 snaps onto the protruding edge 38 of the end panel 14, thereby locking the panel 14 to the frame 12. Alternatively, of course, the end panel 14 may include a locking clip, which would then snap onto a protruding edge of the mounting frame 12.
Referring to FIGS. 4-5, once assembled, the system is preferably installed in the window frame with the aid of at least two manually operable fasteners, such as the two retaining clips 16 shown. Each retaining clip 16 is sized to snap-fit around the front side 28 and the back side 30 of each end panel 14. The retaining clip 16 compresses the insulating layer 40, pulling the front 28 and back side 30 together during installation of the window-mounting system 10 in the window frame. Upon installation into the window frame, the insulating layer 40 preferably forms at least part of an outer side 47 of each end panel 14, so that the foam insulating layer 40 in each panel 14 seals the window-mounting system 10 to the sides of the window frame.
The snap fit of the retaining clip 16 is facilitated by reciprocal channels and ribs on the clip 16 and panel 14 respectively. Each panel 14 includes a raised rib 48 corresponding to, and positioned parallel to each of the plurality of equally spaced v-shaped indented grooves 34 on the back side 30 (see also FIG. 2). The ribs 48 are also equally spaced, so that an outermost raised rib 49 is in the same position relative to the outer side 47, regardless of the width that is snapped off the end panel 14 at an opposing pair (front 28 and back side 30) of grooves 34.
Referring to FIG. 5, each retaining clip 16 preferably includes an insulating pad 52 facing outwardly from the insulating layer 40 of the panel 14 and a channel 53 positioned in a top inner face of the clip 16 for snapping onto the outermost rib 49. The clip 16 compresses the insulating layer 40 during installation, as the channel 53 is snapped onto the outermost rib 49, until the surface of the pad 52 is substantially in the plane of the outer side 47 (see FIG. 4). An insulating seal is thus maintained between the panel 14 and the window frame upon installation. The clip 16 also preferably includes a forward extension 54, which includes a hook 55 that fixedly latches onto the front side 28 of the panel 14 during installation. The snap-fitting action of the clips 16 also preferably locks the window-mounting system 10 into the window frame by connecting and fixing the outer side 47 of each panel 14 to an interior surface of the window frame assembly upon installation. The snap-fit of the retaining clip 16, therefore, maintains a tight seal between the window-mounting system 10 and the window frame assembly upon installation.
In the preferred embodiment described by FIGS. 1-5, the movable sash is a vertical sash. The vertical sash is closed tightly down on top of the system 10 after installation of the assembled panels 14 and frame 12. As best shown in FIG. 3, the window-mounting and sealing system 10 of the present invention preferably includes a slideable clamp 56 for clamping to a side of the movable sash. The clamp 56 includes a flat inner surface for clamping against the sash and a receptacle 58 for accepting a threaded screw. Preferably, the threaded screw is captive in the clamp 56 and includes a knob for hand-tightening. Optionally, a threaded screw is provided to fasten and tighten the slidable clamp 56 to the sash. A threaded hole 60 (see FIG. 1) is positioned in the mounting frame 12 to threadedly attach the screw to the frame 12, while wedging the sash between the clamp 56 and the frame 12.
Referring to FIG. 4, sealing of the system 10 to the window frame may be further enhanced by including a layer of insulating material 62 on the top of the frame 12, as well as a long layer or block of insulating material along the bottom (not shown). The system I 0 may also include a long strip of insulation material 22 extending the length of the assembled system 10. The long strip 22 is preferably positioned between the lower sash and the upper sash of the window, after installation of the fresh air exchanger.
Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the system of the present invention may also include at least one window sill grip 18 for securing the system 10 to a window sill of the sash. Preferably, at least one window sill grip 18 is adjustably extendable from the mounting frame 12, allowing adaptability to various sizes of window sills. Two different types of grips are shown in FIG. 1. One grip 18 can accommodate a sill having a thickness of not more than ¾ inch. A second grip 20 accommodates a window sill of up to about 1½ inches. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to use with one particular size and type of window sill, and that the window sill grip 18 may be appropriately tailored to any size and shape of sill.
The extendable window sill grip 18 of the present invention is preferably inserted into a slot 66 from the front of the mounting frame 12. The grip 18 is inserted into the slot 66 until the c-shaped grip 18 hooks around the window sill.
The grip 18 preferably includes grooves spaced approximately ⅜″ apart on a top surface of the grip 18, which are oriented perpendicular to the direction of insertion. The grip 18 may be held in position by any securing means. Preferably, the system 10 includes an L-shaped tab 68, which extends from the front of the frame 12, as is best shown in FIG. 1. The short leg of the tab (not shown) snaps down into a groove upon installation to prevent slippage.
An interior surface 24 of the mounting frame includes a strip of insulating material 70 that extends slightly beyond the interior surface 24 forming the aperture. Preferably, the strip 70 is a foam insulating strip. The strip 70 compresses upon insertion of the fresh air exchanger to produce a proper seal. The aperture is pre-sized, and may be designed for any size and shape of fresh air exchanger. The interior surface 24 may also, therefore, be beveled, machined, or otherwise conditioned for installation of a particular apparatus.
In addition, integral fasteners 72 may be included on the interior surface, which snap onto an edge or into a channel on the fresh air exchanger 43 being installed, as shown in FIG. 3.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a Bionic Air Purifier Model BAP 336 (The Holmes Group, Inc., 32B Spur Drive, El Paso, Tex. 79906) may be installed using the window-mounting and sealing system of the present invention.
Any fresh air exchanger may be installed using the window-mounting and sealing system of the present invention. Most commonly, the fresh air exchanger of the present invention includes, but is not limited to any one or combination of: an air conditioner, fan, humidifier, heater and an energy recovery ventilator.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A window-mounting and sealing system for installation of a fresh air exchanger in a window frame assembly having a moveable sash, comprising:

a mounting frame for receiving a fresh air exchanger, the mounting frame having a first end and a second end;

two end panels, each of the two end panels comprising a plurality of detachable sections for manually adjusting a width of each end panel;

one or more connectors for connecting each end panel to the first end and the second end of the mounting frame; and

one or more fasteners for mounting the system to a window frame assembly.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the two end panels comprise a front side, a back side, and an insulating layer positioned between the front side and the back side.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors comprise a locking clip, the locking clip snapping onto a protruding edge positioned for snapping into the locking clip upon installation to manually connect the first end of the mounting frame to one of the two end panels.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of detachable sections are hand-breakable sections, the width of each end panel being adjustable by snapping off one or more of the plurality of hand-breakable sections.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors comprise a channel and a tab in combination, the first end of the mounting frame comprising one of the channel and the tab, and one of the two end panels comprising the other one of the channel and the tab, the channel being sized and positioned for slidably receiving the tab and manually connecting the one of the two end panels to the first end of the mounting frame.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise at least two retaining clips, each retaining clip sized to snap-fit around the front side and the back side of each end panel to compress the insulating layer and pull the front side and back side together.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting frame further comprises an interior surface forming an aperture pre-sized for receiving a fresh air exchanger, and at least one integral fastener on the interior surface for securing a fresh air exchanger from slippage.

8. The system of claim 1, the mounting frame further comprising a top side and a bottom side, a layer of insulating material extending along the bottom side, and a second layer of insulating material extending along the top side of the mounting frame.

9. The system of claim 2, the insulating layer comprising a removable block of insulating foam, the removable block being partitioned into a plurality of hand-breakable sections for manually adjusting the removable block to the manually adjusted width of each end panel.

10. The system of claim 6, the back side of each end panel comprising a raised rib corresponding to each of the plurality of detachable sections, and wherein each retaining clip comprises a channel, an outermost raised rib that remains after adjusting the width of each end panel being positioned for tightly snap-fitting said retaining clip into the channel and around the front side and the back side of each end panel.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one window sill grip for securing the system to a window sill of a window sash, the at least one window sill grip being manually extendable from the mounting frame.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of detachable sections are equally spaced, and wherein each of the equally spaced detachable sections has a width of about one inch.

13. The system of claim 1, the mounting frame further comprising a slidable clamp for manually clamping to a side of a moveable sash in a closed position.

14. In combination:

a fresh air exchanger; and

a window-mounting and sealing system for installation of the fresh air exchanger in a window frame assembly having a moveable sash, the window-mounting and sealing system comprising:

a mounting frame receiving the fresh air exchanger, the mounting frame having a first end and a second end;

one or more fasteners for mounting the system to a window frame assembly.

15. The combination of claim 14, wherein each of the two end panels comprise a front side, a back side, and an insulating layer positioned between the front side and the back side, the insulating layer comprising a plurality of detachable sections for manually adjusting the insulating layer to the manually adjusted width of each end panel.

16. A method of installing a fresh air exchanger in a window frame assembly having a moveable sash using a window-mounting system, the system comprising a mounting frame for receiving a fresh air exchanger and two end panels, each end panel comprising a plurality of detachable sections, the method comprising:

manually adjusting a width of one or both end panels to a selected width by detaching one or more of the plurality of detachable sections from one or both panels;

connecting each end panel to a first end and to a second end of the mounting frame;

fastening the window-mounting system to the window frame assembly; and

mounting a fresh air exchanger to said mounting frame.

17. The method of claim 16, said connecting comprising snapping a locking clip on the first end of the mounting frame to a protruding edge of one of the two end panels.

18. The method of claim 16, said connecting comprising sliding one or more tabs on one of the two end panels into one or more channels on the first end of the mounting frame.

19. The method of claim 16, said act of manually adjusting comprising snapping off an end section of each end panel.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein each end panel comprises a front side and a back side, wherein the system further comprises an insulating layer between the front side and the back side having a plurality of detachable sections, the method further comprising manually adjusting a width of the insulating layer by detaching one or more of the plurality of detachable sections of the insulating layer.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising fitting a retaining clip around an outer side of each end panel to compress the insulating layer and to lock the window-mounting system to the window frame assembly.