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  System and method for mounting a fresh air exchanger to a window frame assemblyUSPTO Application #: 20060223434Title: System and method for mounting a fresh air exchanger to a window frame assembly 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Hoffmann & Baron, LLP - Syosset, NY, US Inventor: Robert A. Barker USPTO Applicaton #: 20060223434 - Class: 454203000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Ventilation, Means Combined With Window, With Air Pump, Cooling Air Conditioner, With Extensible Side Panel The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060223434. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 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. [0002] 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. [0003] 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. [0004] 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 [0005] 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. [0006] 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. [0007] 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. [0008] 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. [0009] 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. [0010] 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. [0011] 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. [0012] 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. [0013] 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. [0014] 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. [0015] 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. [0016] 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. [0017] 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. [0018] 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. [0019] 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. [0020] 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. [0021] 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. [0022] 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. Continue reading... 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