US20080047289A1

US20080047289A1 - Air conditioning unit support pan

Info

Publication number: US20080047289A1
Application number: US11/895,381
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael G. Patrick; James H. Kyle
Original assignee: Pompanette LLC
Current assignee: Pompanette LLC
Priority date: 2006-08-25
Filing date: 2007-08-24
Publication date: 2008-02-28

Abstract

A mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit including a bottom portion having a perimeter and a first flow surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first portal arranged in the sidewall. The air conditioning unit is secured to the bottom portion and the first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the air conditioning unit to the first portal via gravity. The bottom portion may further include a first substantially horizontal mounting surface having a first means for securing the air conditioner unit thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/840,197, filed Aug. 25, 2006, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to air conditioning units. Particularly, it relates to condensation collection pans that support air conditioning units. More specifically, it relates to pans of this type used for marine air conditioning units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air conditioning (AC) units generally include four principle components: a compressor; an evaporator; a condenser; and, a blower. These components may exist in a single, self-contained unit or, in the alternative, may exist as two units working together, wherein a first unit includes the compressor and condenser and a second unit includes the evaporator and blower. This configuration of two units working together is generally referred to as a split system.
Marine AC units, i.e., those used aboard nautical vessels, are generally single, self-contained units, particularly when used aboard vessels less than approximately forty-five feet (45 ft.) in length. Roughly, eighty percent (80%) of the recreational marine market uses this type of AC unit, as it is inexpensive to build and easy to install. The units are usually mounted in close proximity to passengers of the vessel, for example, in a storage area of the living quarters, or under a berth, bunk, or seat, as these areas have the requisite space to house such a unit. They are not normally located in the engine room, because they tend not to be explosion-proof or ignition-proof, which makes them unsafe for mounting in the engine room. Also, AC units require a significant amount of energy to operate, and placing the unit close to the location of the air discharge is more energy efficient. Since the location of the air discharge is distant from the engine room, it follows that the AC unit should also be distant from the engine room.
Marine AC units are often secured to and supported by a pan, which provides a means for collecting condensate produced by the unit. Since the pan must be strong enough to support the AC unit when it is shipped and when it is lowered into position, it is generally made of a sturdy material such as steel, although molded plastic and fiberglass have been used. Prior pans of this type generally have a rectangular shape, with a flat bottom and sidewalls about one and a half inches (1.5 in.) tall.
FIG. 1 shows a typical pan of this type. Pan 10 includes bottom 12 and sidewalls 14, which extend substantially perpendicular from the perimeter of bottom 12 and include drainage portals 16. Condensate passes out of the pan through the portals, normally into drainage hoses which direct it away from the pan. In prior pans of this type, bottom 12 is flat. Since nautical vessels generally do not remain level during operation, condensate often pools and collects in the corners of the pan, e.g., condensate 18, and is unable to pass out of the pan through the drainage portals. Further, drainage portals 16 are usually located a small distance above the juncture of the bottom and the sidewalls, in order to allow room and proper support for drainage hose fittings 20. Consequently, a problem occurs as the condensate collected in the pan cannot drain out of the pan until it reaches a level high enough to pass into openings 22 of drainage hose fittings 20. As shown in FIG. 2, condensate 18 is below the height opening 22 of hose fitting 20 and therefore is unable to drain out of pan 10, leaving a pool of condensate 18 to stagnate. Over time, the stagnant water, i.e., condensate 18, may become fetid and an environmental hazard as bacteria and other species begin to grow in it.
Another problem with marine air conditioners is the vibration produced by the compressors. Compressors are available in many configurations and types, for example, rotary and reciprocal, horizontal or vertical. Regardless of the type, compressors tend to produce an undesirable vibration and noise when they are operating. This problem is exacerbated aboard a nautical vessel where the AC unit is mounted in close proximity to passengers. Since the AC unit must be securely mounted to a substructure, such as, the floor of the vessel, the vibrations of the compressor are transmitted through the substructure, which is then felt and/or heard by the passengers. As boats are typically made of materials that are flat and not very stiff, e.g., fiberglass, plywood, or sheet aluminum, the substructure readily transmits and may even amplify the vibration.
Commonly, a layer of foam about one-eighth of an inch (⅛ in.) thick is included underneath the bottom of a pan, to support the pan uniformly, dampen some of the vibration, and provide a thermal barrier to prevent the sweating of the pan onto the surrounding areas. As shown in FIG. 3, pan 10 rests on layer of foam 24 and is held in place with metal clips 26 that mechanically and directly attach to the sides of the pan. Bolts 28 secure clips 26 to substructure 30. Because pan 10 is completely supported by foam 24, foam 24 only partially absorbs vibration before substructure 30 of the vessel (not shown) begins to vibrate. Additionally, bolts 28 and clips 26 readily transmit vibration down to substructure 30 due to contact between the same at interface 32.
FIG. 4 shows an alternative to the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, wherein pan 10 is secured to platform 34 with clips 26. Platform 34 is separated from substructure 30 and secured to elastic mounts 36 with bolts 38 a. Elastic mounts 36 are secured to substructure 30 with bolts 38 b. Typically, four elastic mounts 36 are employed under the four corners of platform 34. While this alternative arrangement performs better than the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 with respect to dampening the vibration of the compressor, a significant amount of vibration is still transmitted into substructure 30 as mounts 36 have the effect of focusing the force of the vibration at each point of attachment to substructure 30. Additionally, this type of platform assembly may cost as much as fifteen percent (15%) or more of the cost of the complete AC unit, making it quite expensive.
It is important to note, that the vertical height of the unit is critical. There is very little vertical space under a bunk or seating area, typically about thirteen inches (13 in.), and placing a self-contained AC unit on the platform elevates the assembly's position by approximately one and a half inches (1.5 in.), or about ten percent (10%) of the original height. This is usually not possible as the overall height of an AC unit is determined by the commercially available compressors used. This forces the structural pans to be flat in nature in order to keep the top of the compressor as low as possible.
As can be derived from the variety of devices and methods directed at effectively collecting and draining condensate from a marine AC unit, and damping the vibration produced thereby, many means have been contemplated to accomplish the desired end, i.e., flat pans and flat pans elevated on a platform. Heretofore, tradeoffs between space, effective draining and vibration damping were required. Thus, there is a long-felt need for a condensation collection pan for a marine AC unit that can effectively support the AC unit, drain collected condensate, dampen the vibration, and fit within the requisite space.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly includes a pan for supporting an AC unit and for collecting condensate produced by the AC unit. The pan includes a bottom having surfaces at various elevations and angles, which serve to secure an AC unit to the pan and/or direct condensate out of the pan. The particular configuration of the surfaces, in conjunction with mounting rails that separate the pan from the underlying substructure, serve to dampen the vibrations produced by the AC unit and retard their transmission to the underlying substructure.
In one embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises a mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit including a bottom portion having a perimeter, a first flow surface and a first substantially horizontal mounting surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first portal arranged in the sidewall. The first substantially horizontal mounting surface includes a first means for securing the air conditioning unit thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface. The first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the air conditioning unit to the first portal via gravity. In some embodiments, the sidewall extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom portion, while in other embodiments, the sidewall includes a second portal and the first flow surface is angled to direct the liquid condensate to the first and second portals.
In still yet other embodiments, the mounting and collection pan further includes a trough integral to the bottom portion having first and second ends proximate the sidewall, wherein the trough is elevationally lower than the first flow surface, the first flow surface is angled to direct the liquid condensate to the trough, and the trough directs the liquid condensate to the first portal. In some of these embodiments, the bottom portion further includes a second flow surface angled to direct the liquid condensate to the trough, while in others of these embodiments, the trough extends substantially along a centerline of the pan. In still yet others of these embodiments, the first and second ends are elevationally lower than the trough and one of the first and second ends is proximate the first portal. In yet others of these embodiments, the mounting and collection pan includes a second portal arranged in the sidewall, wherein the trough directs the liquid condensate to the first and second portals, and in some of these embodiments, the first and second ends are elevationally lower than the trough and proximate the first and second portals, respectively.
In some embodiments, the first means for securing the air conditioning unit includes at least one opening for receiving bolts. In other embodiments, the bottom portion further includes a second mounting surface substantially coplanar with the first mounting surface, the second mounting surface comprising a second means for securing the air conditioning unit thereto, and in some of these embodiments, the second means for securing the air conditioning unit includes at least one opening for receiving bolts. In yet other embodiments, the mounting and collection pan further includes a flange having means for securing the pan to a substructure, wherein the flange extends substantially perpendicular from the sidewall on an edge of the sidewall distal from the perimeter, and in some of these embodiments, the means for securing the pan to the substructure includes a plurality of openings through the flange, each of the plurality of openings arranged for receiving a bolt therethrough, the bolt extending into the substructure. In still further embodiments, the mounting and collection pan includes a plurality of bushings, wherein each of the plurality of bushings is positioned in one of the plurality of openings and arranged for receiving the bolt therethrough, and in some of these embodiments, each of the plurality of bushings includes a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, the vertical surface arranged to dampen a horizontal vibration of the pan and the horizontal surface arranged to dampen a vertical vibration of the pan.
In yet other embodiments, the mounting and collection pan includes a first rail and a second rail fixedly secured to a lower surface of the bottom portion and arranged to separate the pan from a substructure. In some of these embodiments, the first and second rails are constructed from an elastomer, while in others of these embodiments, the first and second rails each include a linear member.
In still another embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises a mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit including a bottom portion having a perimeter and a first flow surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first portal arranged in the sidewall. The air conditioning unit is secured to the bottom portion and the first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the air conditioning unit to the first portal via gravity. In some embodiments, the bottom portion further includes a first substantially horizontal mounting surface having a first means for securing the air conditioner unit thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface.
In still yet another embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises a mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit including a bottom portion having a perimeter, a first flow surface and a first substantially horizontal mounting surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first portal arranged in the sidewall and elevationally lower than the first flow surface. The first substantially horizontal mounting surface includes a first means for securing the air conditioning unit thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface. The first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the air conditioning unit to the first portal via gravity.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises an air conditioning unit including a blower, an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor. The compressor is arranged in fluid communication the evaporator and condenser, the evaporator is arranged in fluid communication with the condenser and the blower is arranged to exchange a volume of air over the evaporator. The air conditioning unit further includes a mounting and collection pan having a bottom portion which includes a perimeter, a first flow surface and a first substantially horizontal mounting surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first portal arranged in the sidewall. The first substantially horizontal mounting surface includes a first means for securing at least one of the blower, the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface. The first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the blower, the evaporator, the condenser or the compressor to the first portal via gravity.
In still yet another embodiment, the present invention broadly comprises an air conditioning unit including a blower, an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor. The compressor is arranged in fluid communication the evaporator and condenser, the evaporator is arranged in fluid communication with the condenser and the blower is arranged to exchange a volume of air over the evaporator. The air conditioning unit further includes a mounting and collection pan having a bottom portion which includes a perimeter, a first flow surface and a first substantially horizontal mounting surface, a sidewall extending upwardly from the perimeter and a first rail and a second rail fixedly secured to a lower surface of said bottom portion and arranged to separate said pan from a substructure. The air conditioning unit still further includes a first portal arranged in the sidewall and elevationally lower than said first flow surface. The first substantially horizontal mounting surface includes a first means for securing at least one of the blower, the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor thereto and is elevationally higher than the first flow surface. The first flow surface is angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from the blower, the evaporator, the condenser or the compressor to the first portal via gravity.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a condensate collection pan that can support the weight of an air conditioner unit.
It is another general object of the present invention to provide a condensate collection pan that can effectively absorb and disperse vibrations produced by an air conditioner unit.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a condensate collection pan of this type that can effectively drain condensate and/or other liquid accumulated in the pan.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a condensate collection pan having the previously described benefits which does not substantially increase the overall height of an AC unit relative to its mounting location.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art condensate collection pan;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the prior art condensate collection pan having a hose fitting installed therein;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the prior art condensate collection pan fixedly secured to a substructure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art condensate collection pan fixedly secured to a platform above the substructure;

FIG. 5 a is a top plan view of a present invention condensate collection pan having a compressor installed thereon;

FIG. 5 b is a side elevational view of the condensate collection pan and compressor shown in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c is a front elevational view of the condensate collection pan and compressor shown in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 d is a perspective view of the condensate collection pan and compressor shown in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 e is a cross-sectional view of the condensate collection pan and compressor shown in FIG. 5 a taken generally along line 5 e-5 e of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 a is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention condensate collection pan with a hose fitting installed therein;

FIG. 6 b is a cross-sectional view of the condensate collection pan and hose fittings taken generally along line 6 b-6 b of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6 c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the condensate collection pan and hose fittings shown in encircled region 6 c of FIG. 6 b;

FIG. 7 a is a partial top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention condensate collection pan;

FIG. 7 b is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention condensate collection pan fixedly secured to a substructure taken generally along line 7 b-7 b of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7 c is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the condensate collection pan and bushing shown in encircled region 7 c of FIG. 7 b; and,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the condensate collection pan having an air conditioning unit installed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects and embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the figures, FIGS. 5 a through 5 e show an embodiment of pan 50 of the instant invention. Pan 50 may be used under any marine AC unit or sub-assembly that collects liquid condensate and is intended to be self-draining at all moderate angles of heal and running conditions of a nautical vessel. Pan 50 has a generally rectangular shape, however other shapes are also possible and within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, e.g., square, circular, etc. Additionally, pan 50 includes bottom 52 and sidewall 54, which extends approximately perpendicular from perimeter 56 of bottom 52. Drainage portals 58 a and 58 b are arranged in sidewall 54. In the embodiment of the present invention pan shown in the figures, sidewall 54 is a single continuous wall enclosing bottom 52 which has a substantially rectangular shape but with rounded corners. However, sidewall 54 may also exist as discrete sections when bottom 52 has a polygonal shape, i.e., a rectangle.
Bottom 52 includes mounting surfaces 60 a, 60 b, and 60 c and flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c. Mounting surfaces 60 a-c are substantially horizontal and coplanar, are elevationally higher with respect to flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c, and operatively arranged to direct liquid to flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c. Collectively, mounting surfaces 60 a and 60 b form one surface for mounting a compressor of an AC unit, while alternatively, mounting surfaces 60 a and 60 c form another surface for mounting a compressor of an AC unit. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, various arrangements of an AC unit are possible, e.g., a left or right handed unit, and pan 50 is arranged to accommodate a plurality of such configurations. Mounting surfaces 60 a-c may include means for securing an AC unit, or a component thereof, to the pan. It should be appreciated that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 a-5 e, only compressor 66 of an AC unit is shown, as showing the entire AC unit would obstruct the view of pan 50. In these figures, mounting plate 68 of compressor 66 is secured to mounting surfaces 60 a and 60 c by means of bolts 70, which extend through the plate and are secured in openings 72 (see FIGS. 6 a and 7 a) which are arranged through mounting surfaces 60 a-c. As can be ascertained from the drawings and described supra, mounting surfaces 60 a-c are arranged such that components of an AC unit, e.g., compressor 66, may be secured to pan 50 at various positions, as long as the appropriate means for securing the components are provided. For example, compressor 66 could readily be secured on the reverse side of pan 50 were openings 72 provided on the opposite end of mounting surface 60 a as well as 60 b. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, mounting plate 68 may include standoffs 74, which serve to mitigate vibrations produced by compressor 66. It should further be appreciated that although in these embodiments mounting surfaces 60 a-c are shown integral to pan 50, other embodiments are also possible, e.g., pads mounted to the underside of an AC unit components thereby providing means to matingly engage the AC unit with pan 50, and such embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
It has been contemplated that the present invention pan 50 may include only one flow surface, e.g., flow surfaces 62 or collectively flow surfaces 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c, operatively angled to direct liquid condensate from the AC unit to at least a first drainage portal, e.g., portal 58 a or portal 58 b. However, in a preferred embodiment, at least two flow surfaces are included, e.g., flow surfaces 62 and collectively flow surfaces 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c, operatively angled downward toward centerline 76 and terminate at trough 78, which directs liquid condensate to at least one drainage portal, e.g., portal 58 a or portal 58 b, and in a further preferred embodiment, directs liquid condensate to both portal 58 a and portal 58 b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 a through 7 b, flow surface 62 operates as a first flow surface, while collectively flow surfaces 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c operate as a second flow surface. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, drainage portals 58 a and/or 58 b are elevationally lower than flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b and 64 c, and in this instance, “elevationally lower than” is intended to mean that drainage portals 58 a and/or 58 b are below the lowest points or areas of flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b and 64 c. Therefore, liquid condensate flows along flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b and 64 c to their lowest points or areas and subsequently into drainage portals 58 a and/or 58 b. Both flow surfaces are operatively angled toward centerline 76 and direct liquid condensate to trough 78, i.e., a surface elevationally lower than both flow surfaces. Trough 78 extends along centerline 76 and terminates at opposing sections of sidewall 54, i.e., first and second end regions 80 a and 80 b, respectively. Thus, trough 78 includes first end region 80 a and second end region 80 b, and is operatively configured to direct liquid to first end region 80 a and/or second end region 80 b. It should be appreciated that first and second end regions 80 a and 80 b, respectively, are located elevationally lower than trough 78 and therefore liquid condensate flows from trough 78 into first and second end regions 80 a and 80 b, respectively. In this instance, “elevationally lower than” is intended to mean that first and second end regions 80 a and 80 b, respectively, are below the lowest point or area of trough 78. Drainage portals 58 a and 58 b are in fluid communication with end regions 80 a and 80 b, and may include means for securing a hose to the drainage portals, such as, attachment 82, shown in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c.
In view of the foregoing arrangement, effective drainage is provided by the present invention pan 50. As a liquid, such as, condensate, is produced by an AC unit, the liquid flows downward via gravity from the AC unit to one or more mounting surfaces, then to one or more flow surfaces, which direct it to a trough, which in turn directs it to the end regions of the trough, and finally out of the pan through one or more drainage portals. Because of the aforementioned configuration of surfaces, liquid condensate is continuously directed toward one or more drainage portals, which causes a continuous flushing of the trough and end regions, and, hence, does not allow liquid to stagnate. Additionally, due to the above described configuration, only a small amount of water may pool in end regions 80 a and 80 b, and therefore a minimum amount of stagnation can occur.
In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c are angled downward toward centerline 76, which gives pan 50 a V-shape. The present invention further includes a pair of rails 84 a and 84 b that separate pan 50 from underlying substructure 86. Rails 84 a and 84 b extend parallel to centerline 76, preferably near the underside of sidewall 54. Rails 84 a and 84 b, in conjunction with V-shaped pan 50, provide a second order of vibration damping, as the static weight of the AC unit rests primarily on the “V” portion of pan 50, which is suspended above substructure 86. As compressor 66 vibrates, standoffs 74 initially absorb some of the vibration, followed by V-shaped pan 50, which can freely oscillate in the vertical direction without affecting substructure 86. Rails 84 a and 84 b, in turn, dissipate any residual vibration along the line of contact with substructure 86 beneath them. As shown in FIG. 7 b, first rail 84 a and second rail 84 b separate pan 50 from substructure 86. Rails 84 a and 84 b may be made from any material. However, in a preferred embodiment, the material is an elastomer. For example, rails 84 a and 84 b shown in FIGS. 5 b through 5 e and 7 b may be linear extruded EPDM rubber gaskets and are attached to pan 50 using a strong pressure sensitive adhesive. By using rails 84 a and 84 b to separate pan 50 from substructure 86, any vibration from compressor 66 which is not absorbed by either standoffs 74 or pan 50 itself, is dissipated along the length of rails 84 a and 84 b. It should be appreciated that the present invention as claimed may include more than the two rails shown in the figures and that the rails may only extend along a portion of the length of pan 50. For example, the present invention may comprise four rails each disposed proximate one of the four corner regions of the lower surface of bottom portion 52, and each of these rails may only extend a quarter of the length of bottom portion 52. Additionally, it should be appreciated that although rails 84 a and 84 b are shown arranged parallel to centerline 76, it is also within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention to arrange rails perpendicular to centerline 76. Furthermore, each rail may be constructed from a different material to accommodate variable localized masses, e.g., a condenser which weighs more than a blower, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
The above described rail design also resists lateral movement while allowing for vertical movement. Pan 50 may be secured to substructure 86 by any means known in the art, but preferably by bolts 88 which extend through openings 90 defined by flange 92. Flange 92 extends substantially perpendicular from sidewall 54 at edge 94, i.e., the edge of sidewall 54 distal from perimeter 56. Flange 92 includes a plurality of bushings 96, each inserted within an opening 90 which isolate pan 50 from attachment bolts 88. Bushings 96 each include horizontal surface 98 and vertical surface 100. It should be appreciated that horizontal surface 98 dampens vibration in the vertical direction, while vertical surface 100 dampens vibration in the horizontal direction. Thus, bolts 88 may be completely isolated from pan 50 both vertically and horizontally. Bushing 96, arranged around the head of bolt 88, will only be compressed if the entire AC unit tries to move due to violent motion of the vessel, and not because of any vibration or vertical oscillation created by the normal operation of compressor 66. It should be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, bolts 88 are preloaded so that some pressure is applied to rails 84 a and 84 b, however, rails 84 a and 84 b are not fully compressed.
Another advantage of the present invention is that pan 50 may be formed using a low modulus material, for example, fiberglass. Pan 50 may also be made of a vacuum-formed material, or an injection molded material. By using a low modulus material, pan 50 is allowed to vibrate and dissipate some energy before the outer edge of pan 50 moves and transmits the vibration down into rails 84 a and 84 b.
As described supra, a further embodiment of the present invention includes the mounting and collection pan in combination with an AC unit. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of condensate collection pan 50 having air conditioning unit 102 installed therein. As also described supra, the basic components of air conditioning unit 102 include blower 104, evaporator 106, condenser 108 and compressor 66. Compressor 66 is arranged in fluid communication with evaporator 106 and condenser 108, while evaporator 106 is arranged in fluid communication with condenser 108. Blower 104 is arranged to exchange a volume of air over evaporator 106 thereby cooling the volume of air. Thus, it should be appreciated that the arrangement of pan 50 allows AC unit 102 to be positioned for right or left handed use, i.e., positioned on the right or left side of a marine vessel thereby providing cooled air in the desired area of the vessel. Additionally, any liquid condensate forming on AC unit 102 is captured by pan 50 and disposed of according to the above described conditions. Similarly, as described above, pan 50 may include rails 84 a and 84 b fixedly secured to a lower surface of bottom portion 52 and are arranged to separate pan 50 from substructure 86, while portals 58 a and/or 58 b are arranged in sidewall 54 and are elevationally lower than flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b and 64 c. In this instance, as described above, “elevationally lower than” is intended to mean that drainage portals 58 a and/or 58 b are below the lowest points or areas of flow surfaces 62, 64 a, 64 b and 64 c.
Accordingly, the drain feature, rails and structural pan arrangement enable the separation of pan 50 from substructure 86 without increasing the overall height of the assembly. Contrarily, as described in the BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION, placing a standard pan on a thick foam strip or mounting it on rubber shocks would increase the overall height of the assembly. Thus, the present invention arrangement provides superior vibration isolation for the AC unit, while providing a convenient and efficient means of exhausting liquid condensate from the assembly, thereby minimizing the possibility of stagnate water, i.e., unpleasant odor and/or biological contaminants.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit comprising:

a bottom portion having a perimeter, a first flow surface and a first substantially horizontal mounting surface;

a sidewall extending upwardly from said perimeter; and,

a first portal arranged in said sidewall, wherein said first substantially horizontal mounting surface comprises a first means for securing said air conditioning unit thereto and elevationally higher than said first flow surface and said first flow surface angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from said air conditioning unit to said first portal via gravity.

2. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 wherein said sidewall extends substantially perpendicular from said bottom portion.

3. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 wherein said sidewall includes a second portal and said first flow surface angled to direct said liquid condensate to said first and second portals.

4. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

a trough integral to said bottom portion having first and second ends proximate said sidewall, wherein said trough is elevationally lower than said first flow surface, said first flow surface is angled to direct said liquid condensate to said trough, and said trough directs said liquid condensate to said first portal.

5. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 4 wherein said bottom portion further comprises a second flow surface angled to direct said liquid condensate to said trough.

6. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 4 wherein said trough extends substantially along a centerline of said pan.

7. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 4 wherein said first and second ends are elevationally lower than said trough and one of said first and second ends is proximate said first portal.

8. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 4 further comprising:

a second portal arranged in said sidewall, wherein said trough directs said liquid condensate to said first and second portals.

9. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 8 wherein said first and second ends are elevationally lower than said trough and proximate said first and second portals, respectively.

10. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 wherein said first means for securing said air conditioning unit includes at least one opening for receiving bolts.

11. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 wherein said bottom portion further comprises a second mounting surface substantially coplanar with said first mounting surface, said second mounting surface comprising a second means for securing said air conditioning unit thereto.

12. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 11 wherein said second means for securing said air conditioning unit includes at least one opening for receiving bolts.

13. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

a flange comprising means for securing said pan to a substructure, wherein said flange extends substantially perpendicular from said sidewall on an edge of said sidewall distal from said perimeter.

14. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 13 wherein said means for securing said pan to said substructure includes a plurality of openings through said flange, each of said plurality of openings arranged for receiving a bolt therethrough, said bolt extending into said substructure.

15. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a plurality of bushings, wherein each of said plurality of bushings is positioned in one of said plurality of openings and arranged for receiving said bolt therethrough.

16. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 15 wherein each of said plurality of bushings comprises a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, said vertical surface arranged to dampen a horizontal vibration of said pan and said horizontal surface arranged to dampen a vertical vibration of said pan.

17. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

a first rail and a second rail fixedly secured to a lower surface of said bottom portion and arranged to separate said pan from a substructure.

18. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 17 wherein said first and second rails are constructed from an elastomer.

19. A mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit comprising:

a bottom portion having a perimeter and a first flow surface;

a sidewall extending upwardly from said perimeter; and,

a first portal arranged in said sidewall, wherein said air conditioning unit is secured to said bottom portion and said first flow surface angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from said air conditioning unit to said first portal via gravity.

20. The mounting and collection pan as recited in claim 19 wherein said bottom portion further comprises a first substantially horizontal mounting surface, said first substantially horizontal mounting surface comprises a first means for securing said air conditioner unit thereto and elevationally higher than said first flow surface.

21. A mounting and collection pan for an air conditioning unit comprising:

a sidewall extending upwardly from said perimeter; and,

a first portal arranged in said sidewall and elevationally lower than said first flow surface, wherein said first substantially horizontal mounting surface comprises a first means for securing said air conditioning unit thereto and elevationally higher than said first flow surface and said first flow surface angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from said air conditioning unit to said first portal via gravity.

22. An air conditioning unit comprising:

a blower;

an evaporator;

a condenser;

a compressor, said compressor arranged in fluid communication said evaporator and said condenser, said evaporator arranged in fluid communication with said condenser and said blower arranged to exchange a volume of air over said evaporator; and,

a mounting and collection pan comprising:

a sidewall extending upwardly from said perimeter;

a first portal arranged in said sidewall, wherein said first substantially horizontal mounting surface comprises a first means for securing at least one of said blower, said evaporator, said condenser and said compressor thereto and elevationally higher than said first flow surface and said first flow surface angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from said blower, said evaporator, said condenser or said compressor to said first portal via gravity.

23. An air conditioning unit comprising:

a blower;

an evaporator;

a condenser;

a mounting and collection pan comprising:

a sidewall extending upwardly from said perimeter;

a first rail and a second rail fixedly secured to a lower surface of said bottom portion and arranged to separate said pan from a substructure; and,

a first portal arranged in said sidewall and elevationally lower than said first flow surface, wherein said first substantially horizontal mounting surface comprises a first means for securing at least one of said blower, said evaporator, said condenser and said compressor thereto and elevationally higher than said first flow surface and said first flow surface angled to direct a liquid condensate collected from said blower, said evaporator, said condenser or said compressor to said first portal via gravity.