U.S. patent application number 10/801015 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for furnace mount and method of installation.
Invention is credited to Stansbury, Mark A..
Application Number | 20050035267 10/801015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68840825 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050035267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stansbury, Mark A. |
February 17, 2005 |
Furnace mount and method of installation
Abstract
A furnace mounting system to elevate the furnace above the
floor. In one form the furnace mounting system includes a furnace
mounting block including a vibration dampening feature to prevent
the transmission of noise and vibration from the furnace to the
mounting block. The furnace mounting block includes a locating
feature and is adhered to the bottom surface of the furnace.
Inventors: |
Stansbury, Mark A.;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, McNett & Henry LLP
Bank One Center/Tower
Suite 3700
111 Monument Circle
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
68840825 |
Appl. No.: |
10/801015 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10801015 |
Mar 15, 2004 |
|
|
|
10669829 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
10669829 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
09941524 |
Aug 29, 2001 |
|
|
|
60264955 |
Jan 30, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/677 ;
248/188.8; 248/674; 248/678 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 3/04 20180101; A61P
17/00 20180101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61P 1/04 20180101; F16M
2200/08 20130101; F24H 9/06 20130101; A61P 5/28 20180101; A61P 9/12
20180101; A61P 17/06 20180101; A61P 29/00 20180101; A61P 43/00
20180101; F16M 11/22 20130101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 15/00
20180101; C07C 335/26 20130101; A61P 27/02 20180101; C07D 211/28
20130101; F16M 11/00 20130101; A61P 1/18 20180101; A61P 17/10
20180101; A61P 5/50 20180101; C07D 211/26 20130101; A61P 3/10
20180101; A61P 3/06 20180101; A61P 9/00 20180101; A61P 35/00
20180101; C07C 2601/14 20170501; C07D 207/404 20130101; A61P 9/10
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/677 ;
248/674; 248/678; 248/188.8 |
International
Class: |
F16M 011/20 |
Claims
1. A mount for supporting a furnace above the floor, comprising: a
main body member having a first surface adapted to engage the floor
and a second surface spaced from said first surface and adapted to
support the furnace above the floor; and an adherent component
connected with said main body member and located proximate said
second surface, said adherent component including an adhesive
surface adapted to engage and couple said main body member with the
furnace.
2. The mount of claim 1, wherein said main body member includes a
locating portion adapted to abut the furnace and align said second
surface under the furnace.
3. The mount of claim 2, wherein said locating portion includes an
upstanding member extending substantially perpendicular from said
second surface.
4. The mount of claim 2, wherein said adherent component is located
on said upstanding member, and which further includes a vibration
dampening material located on said second surface and adapted to
receive the furnace thereon.
5. The mount of claim 4, wherein said vibration dampening material
is defined by an elastomeric material.
6. The mount of claim 4, wherein said vibration dampening material
is defined by a cork material.
7. The mount of claim 4, wherein said vibration dampening material
is defined by an elastomeric and cork configuration.
8. The mount of claim 1, wherein said adherent component is
attached to said second surface, and wherein said adhesive surface
is spaced from said second surface.
9. The mount of claim 8, wherein said adhesive surface is
substantially parallel with said second surface.
10. The mount of claim 8, wherein said adherent component includes
a vibration dampening portion located between said second surface
and said adhesive surface.
11. The mount of claim 10, wherein said vibration dampening portion
includes an elastomeric material.
12. The mount of claim 10, wherein said vibration dampening portion
includes a cork material.
13. The mount of claim 10, wherein said vibration dampening portion
includes a vibration dampening pad.
14. The mount of claim 1, wherein said first surface and said
second surface are substantially parallel, and wherein said second
surface is spaced from said first surface at least about 2
inches.
15. A mount for supporting a furnace above the floor, comprising: a
substantially rigid main body member having a first surface adapted
to engage the floor and a second surface spaced from said first
surface and adapted to support the furnace above the floor; a
vibration dampening component positioned on and connected with said
second surface, said vibration dampening component having an outer
adhesive surface adapted to engage and couple said main body member
with the furnace; and wherein said main body member has a locating
portion extending from said second surface to abut an outer surface
of the furnace and position said second surface relative to the
furnace.
16. The mount of claim 15, wherein said locating portion is defined
by two upstanding members that are oriented perpendicular to one
another, and wherein each of the two upstanding members has a
bearing surface adapted to abut the furnace.
17. The mount of claim 15, wherein said vibration dampening
component includes an elastomeric material.
18. The mount of claim 15, wherein said vibration dampening
component includes a cork material.
19. The mount of claim 15, wherein said main body member supports
the furnace about at least 2 inches above the floor.
20. The mount of claim 15, wherein said first and second surfaces
are substantially parallel.
21-25. (Canceled)
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/264,955 filed Jan. 30, 2001 and
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and
apparatus for supporting a furnace. More particularly, the present
invention has one form wherein a plurality of furnace mounting
blocks are adhered to the bottom of the furnace and maintain the
furnace in a position off of the floor.
[0003] It is well known that furnaces are conventionally utilized
to deliver heated air through a furnace duct system to heat
registers located throughout the house. The furnaces are generally
raised off of the floor to avoid being exposed to moisture and the
associated rusting of the furnace cabinet. In one prior technique
of raising the furnace off the floor, the installation technicians
have utilized masonry blocks which are slid under the furnace and
function to raise the furnace above the floor's surface. The prior
technique does not provide for any vibration dampening between the
furnace cabinet and the masonry block holding the furnace above the
floor. Therefore, the vibration and noise is transmitted from the
cabinet to the floor. Further, the masonry blocks are physically
heavy and do not allow for the sliding into place of the furnace
while seated on the masonry blocks.
[0004] Heretofore, there has been a need for a lightweight furnace
mounting block system for elevating the furnace from the floor and
minimizing the transmission of vibration and noise. The means for
satisfying this need has escaped those skilled in the art. The
present invention satisfies this need in a novel and unobvious
way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One form of the present invention contemplates a mount for
supporting a furnace above the floor. The mount comprising: a main
body member having a first surface adapted to engage the floor and
a second surface spaced from the first surface and adapted to
support the furnace above the floor; and, an adherent component
connected with the main body member and located proximate the
second surface, the adherent component including an adhesive
surface adapted to engage and couple the main body member with the
furnace.
[0006] Another form of the present invention contemplates a mount
for supporting a furnace above the floor, comprising: a
substantially rigid main body member having a first surface adapted
to engage the floor and a second surface spaced from the first
surface and adapted to support the furnace above the floor; a
vibration dampening component positioned on and connected with the
second surface, the vibration dampening component having an outer
adhesive surface adapted to engage and couple the main body member
with the furnace; and, wherein the main body member has a locating
portion extending from the second surface to abut an outer surface
of the furnace and position the second surface relative to the
furnace.
[0007] Yet another form of the present invention contemplates a
combination, comprising: a furnace; and, a plurality of furnace
mounts adapted to hold the furnace above a floor, each of the
plurality of mounts comprising: a substantially rigid main body
member having a first surface adapted to engage the floor and a
second surface spaced from the first surface and adapted to support
the furnace above the floor; a vibration dampening component
positioned on and connected with the second surface, the vibration
dampening component having an outer adhesive surface adapted to
engage and couple the main body member with the furnace; and
wherein the main body member has a locating portion extending from
the second surface to abut an outer surface of the furnace and
position the second surface relative to the furnace.
[0008] In yet another form of the present invention there is
contemplated a method for supporting a furnace above the floor. The
method, comprising: providing a furnace mounting block having an
adhesive surface and a locating feature; lifting the furnace to
place at least a portion of a bottom surface of the furnace off of
the floor; positioning the furnace mounting block adjacent the
bottom surface of the furnace and abutting the locating feature
against an outer surface of the furnace; and, adhering the adhesive
surface to the bottom surface of the furnace.
[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a unique
furnace mounting system.
[0010] Related objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an end view of a typical furnace positioned on one
embodiment of the furnace mounting blocks of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the furnace positioned
on the furnace mounting blocks of FIG.1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a typical furnace
positioned on an alternative embodiment of the furnace mounting
blocks of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 1, comprising the
furnace coupled with the furnace mounting blocks.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an end view of a typical furnace mounted on
another embodiment of the furnace mounting blocks of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the furnace mounting block
comprising a portion of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partially fragmented view of FIG. 5
showing the coupling of the furnace mounting block to the
furnace.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the furnace mounting
block of FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the furnace mounting
block of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the furnace mounting block of
FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles
of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a front view
of a typical upflow furnace 10 located on one embodiment of a
furnace installation system 11 of the present invention. The
furnace installation system 11 is adapted to elevate the furnace 10
from a floor 12. While the present invention will be described with
reference to an upflow furnace, it should be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art that the furnace installation system 11
could be utilized with other types of furnaces and air conditioning
equipment.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a side view
of the furnace 10 positioned on the furnace installation system 11.
In one embodiment of the present invention the furnace installation
system 11 includes a pair of spaced members 13 that are positioned
between the bottom surface 20 of the furnace and the floor 12. With
reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a side view of the
furnace 10 positioned on another embodiment of the furnace
installation system 21. The furnace installation system 21 includes
a member 14 located proximate each of the four corners of the
furnace 10. It is contemplated herein that other embodiments of the
furnace installation system can contain other quantities of members
having different lengths and geometric configurations.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an enlarged
end view of one of the members 13 forming a portion of the furnace
installation system 11. The furnace installation system will be
described with regards to the installation system 11, however it is
understood that it is equally applicable to the other systems
contemplated herein. The member 13 includes a floor elevation body
member portion 15 and an upstanding attachment member portion 16.
The floor elevation body member can be formed as a solid member, a
hollow member or other forms provided it has the structural
integrity to support the load of the furnace. The member 13 can be
formed as a fabricated structure from multiple pieces of material
or can be integrally formed as one piece. In one form the member 13
is formed by welding a metal floor elevation body member portion to
the upstanding metal member attachment portion. However, in another
form the member is integrally formed from a metallic material. The
present invention further contemplates that the member can be
formed of materials other than metal including, but not limited to,
composite materials, polymeric materials, synthetic organic
materials and/or plastic. In one form the member is integrally
formed of a composite material, a polymeric material, a synthetic
material and/or a plastic. The upstanding attachment member portion
16 is secured to the outer surface 22 of the furnace 10. In one
form the upstanding attachment member portion 16 is secured to the
outer surface 22 by an adhesive material 17. In a preferred form,
the upstanding attachment member portion 16 is secured to the outer
surface 22 by double-sided tape. The adhesive material 17 can
extend along the entire length of the attachment member portion 16
or can extend along only a portion of the attachment member portion
16.
[0025] The bottom surface 20 of the furnace 10 rests on a vibration
dampening pad 19 that is coupled to the floor elevation body member
15. The vibration dampening pad 19 extending substantially along
the upper surface 25 of the body member 15 and is adapted to dampen
vibration and noise associated with the furnace 10. In one form, an
elastomeric material defines the pad member 19. The elastomeric
materials can include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials
and rubber.
[0026] The furnace installation system is coupled to the furnace 10
with the adhesive material 17 and the furnace cabinet rests upon
the vibration dampening pads 19. The coupling of the members 13 to
the furnace 10 allows for the alignment and/or movement of the
furnace 10 without necessitating the repositioning of the members
13. Therefore, in one form of the present invention the furnace can
be moved around to position the furnace without having to reset the
members holding the furnace off the floor. The members 13
functioning to hold the furnace off of the floor, the vibration
dampening pads cushion the furnace cabinet to enhance noise
reduction, and the system allows the furnace to be positioned
without having to reposition the members 13.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another
embodiment of the furnace installation system 110 of the present
invention. As previously described for other forms of the present
invention the furnace installation system elevates the bottom
surface 20 of the furnace 10 from the floor 12. The furnace
installation system 110 preferably includes a plurality of furnace
mounting blocks 111 positioned between the floor 12 and the bottom
surface 20 of the furnace 10. More preferably, the furnace
installation system 110 includes one furnace mounting block 111
located at each of the four comers of the furnace 10. However, the
present invention contemplates other furnace installation systems
including other quantities of furnace mounting blocks 111 and the
location and spacing of them around the bottom surface 20 of the
furnace.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 6-11, there is illustrated one form
of the furnace mounting block 111. The furnace mounting block 111
includes a main body member 115 and a surface 116 adapted for
abutting the floor and another surface 117 adapted for receiving
the furnace 10 thereon. In the present application the surface 117
will be considered to receive the furnace thereon if the furnace
directly contacts the surface 117 or if the furnace contacts one or
a series of intermediate components/materials/layers that are
received on and supported by surface 117. In one form of the
present invention the first surface 116 and the second surface 117
are spaced apart at least about 2 inches. However it is understood
that the present invention is not limited to surfaces spaced apart
by the above dimensions and other spacing are contemplated herein.
Further, in one form of the present invention the surfaces 116 and
117 are substantially parallel. However, the surfaces 116 and 117
may be other than parallel and they may be contoured and non-planar
to meet the specific requirements of some furnace
installations.
[0029] The furnace mounting block 111 preferably includes at least
one locating portion 120 that is adapted to abut the outer surface
10a of the furnace. The positioning of the locating portion 120
adjacent the outer surface 10a of the furnace 10 causes the surface
117 to be properly located and aligned with the bottom surface 20
of the furnace 10. In one form of the present invention an
upstanding member 121 that extends from surface 117 defines the
locating portion 120. In a preferred form of the present invention
the upstanding member 121 extends substantially perpendicular from
the surface 117. In a more preferred form of the present invention
the locating portion 120 is defined by a pair of upstanding members
121 that are oriented perpendicular to one another and have bearing
surfaces 122 adapted to abut the outer surface 10a of the furnace.
The locating portion 120 is designed and constructed to mate with
the corner configuration of the furnace. Those of ordinary skill in
the art should understand that many furnaces do not have a totally
enclosed bottom surface, rather they have a lip formed by the sheet
metal furnace cabinet. The sheet metal lip generally extents
perpendicular from the outer surface 10a back under the furnace
about 5/8 inches, however other lip sizes are contemplated herein.
The present invention is applicable with all types of furnaces
whether they have a total bottom surface or a lip.
[0030] In one form of the present invention the furnace mounting
block 111 includes an adherent layer/material 125 coupled with at
least a portion of surface 117. The adherent layer/material 125
includes an adhesive material on an outer surface that is adapted
to stick to the bottom surface 20 of the furnace 10. The adhesive
material securely couples the furnace mounting block 111 with the
furnace 10. In one form of the present invention the adhesive
material is a double backed tape, however other material such as,
but not limited to, glue are contemplated herein. In a preferred
form of the present invention a layer of material that covers the
substantial entire surface 117 defines the adherent layer/material
125.
[0031] In a more preferred form of the present invention a
vibration dampening material 126 is located on and supported by the
surface 117. The vibration dampening material 126 may form a part
of the adherent layer/material 125 or be positioned between the
surface 117 and the adherent layer 125. The vibration dampening
material 117 provides for the dampening of vibration and noise that
may be transmitted from the furnace to the furnace mounting block
111. The vibration dampening material functioning to reduce or
eliminate the transmission of noise and/or vibration from the
furnace. A layer located on the surface 117 preferably defines the
vibration dampening material 117 and in one form has a thickness
within the range of about 1/8 to about 1/4 inches. However, other
thicknesses are contemplated herein. Vibration dampening materials
suitable for this application include, but are not limited to, an
elastomeric material and/or a cork material. A vibration dampening
pad having an elastomeric outer layer and a cork inner portion is
also contemplated herein. In a preferred form of the present
invention the vibration dampening material is formed of cork. The
vibration dampening material is preferably connected to the surface
117 and includes the adherent layer/material 125 on it's outer
surface 126a. The adhesive material is preferably applied in a
fashion that allows it to be substantially parallel with the
surface 117. In one form of the present invention a removable layer
(not illustrated) covers the adhesive material and prevents
contamination of the adhesive prior to installation.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a side view
of one form of the furnace mounting block 111. The furnace mounting
block 111 in FIG. 9 has the locating portion 120 extending
outwardly from the rest of the main body member 115. The present
invention contemplates that the locating portion 120 may be
configured to have the same width as the main body member 115 and
not extend outwardly therefrom. Further, the main body member is
contemplated as being formed as an integral component or as a
multi-part assembled structure. The main body member is preferably
formed as an integral component of materials selected from a group
of metals, composite materials, polymeric materials, synthetic
materials and/or plastic. Preferably the main body member is formed
of a polymeric material, and the material and structure can
withstand the static loads associated with supporting a
furnace.
[0033] The furnace mounting block 111 and furnace installation
system has been described with the aid of the figures. A method of
installing a furnace on the mounting blocks 111 will now be set
forth. The furnace 10 is raised from the floor 20 so that at least
a portion of the bottom surface 20 is clear from the floor 12. If
the furnace mounting block 111 includes a protective cover over the
adhesive material it must be removed before installation. The
furnace mounting block with the adhesive exposed is positioned
proximate the bottom surface 20 of the furnace 10. The locating
portion 120 of the furnace mounting block 111 is brought into an
abutting and aligning relationship with the outer surface 10a of
the furnace 10. The adhesive surface is brought into contact with
the bottom surface 20 of the furnace and adhered to the furnace.
The procedure is repeated for each mounting location for the
furnace. In a preferred form of the present invention the locating
portion 120 is brought into an abutting relationship with each
corner adjacent the bottom surface of the furnace. The furnace 10
is then lowered back onto the floor and can be slid into position
as desired.
[0034] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. It
should be understood that while the use of the word preferable,
preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the
feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not
be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated
as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by
the claims that follow. In reading the claims it is intended that
when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," "at least a portion"
are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item
unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. Further,
when the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used
the item may include a portion and/or the entire item unless
specifically stated to the contrary.
* * * * *