Base pan and cabinet for an air conditioner
US6705105B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49876
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.