U.S. patent application number 15/013061 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for refrigeration tubing receptacle box.
The applicant listed for this patent is John C. Tomaini. Invention is credited to John C. Tomaini.
Application Number | 20170219223 15/013061 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59385513 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170219223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tomaini; John C. |
August 3, 2017 |
Refrigeration Tubing Receptacle Box
Abstract
A receptacle box for conveniently and efficiently locating the
terminal ends of the refrigeration line set, condensation drain and
low voltage wires leading down from an air conditioner unit during
initial construction of a building, is disclosed. Specifically, a
rectangular box having a top, bottom, angled back, and sides, but
open on the front, and having openings on the top through which the
line set, condensation drain and low voltage wires can be passed,
is disclosed. The receptacle box is mounted in a cutout on the
exterior wall of the building before siding is installed.
Inventors: |
Tomaini; John C.; (Warwick,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tomaini; John C. |
Warwick |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59385513 |
Appl. No.: |
15/013061 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/17 20130101;
F24F 1/32 20130101; F24F 1/34 20130101; F24F 13/222 20130101; F24F
2013/227 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/32 20060101
F24F001/32; F24F 13/22 20060101 F24F013/22; F24F 1/34 20060101
F24F001/34 |
Claims
1. A system for receiving a refrigeration line set, low voltage
wire and/or condensation drain, comprising: a rectangular or
square-shaped box mounted in a pre-cut opening in a building wall,
said box comprising a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right
side, a back side and an open side opposite said back side, wherein
said box is mounted such that the back side of said box extends
through said opening in said wall from the exterior to the interior
of said wall, and said open side faces away from the exterior of
said wall; one or more cut-out openings in said top side of said
box for receiving said refrigeration line set, low voltage wire
and/or condensation drain on the interior side of said wall;
wherein said bottom side is directed upward and backward at an
angle from the front of said box until it meets and is joined with
said back side of said box forming an angle of greater than
90.degree.,
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a flange located
around the outside perimeter of said box for securing said box to
said wall.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said angle of said bottom of said
box directs said refrigeration line set, low voltage wire and/or
condensation drain from the interior of said wall to the exterior
of said wall.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said bottom side comprises an
upper bottom piece and a lower bottom piece.
5. A method for directing a refrigeration line set, condensation
drain and/or low voltage wires from an air conditioner unit from
the interior to the exterior of a building comprising the steps of:
pre-cutting a square or rectangular hole in the external wall of
the building, before siding is added; installing a rectangular or
square-shaped box mounted in said pre-cut, said box comprising a
top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a back side and
an open side opposite said back side, wherein said box is mounted
such that the back side of said box extends through said opening in
said wall from the exterior to the interior of said wall, and said
open side faces away from the exterior of said wall; one or more
cut-out openings in said top side of said box for receiving said
refrigeration line set, low voltage wire and/or condensation drain
on the interior side of said wall; wherein said bottom side is
directed upward and backward at an angle from the front of said box
until it meets and is joined with said back side of said box
forming an angle of greater than 90.degree., opening said cut-out
openings; channeling said refrigeration line set, low voltage wire
and/or condensation drain down the inside said external wall
through said cut out openings into said box; and directing the ends
of said refrigeration line set, low voltage wire and/or
condensation drain towards or through said open side of said
box.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of capping
said ends of said refrigeration line set, low voltage wire and/or
condensation drain.
7. A receptacle box for directing a refrigeration line set, low
voltage wire and/or condensation drain, from the interior to the
exterior of a building, comprising: a top side, having one or more
openings for receiving said refrigeration line set, low voltage
wire and/or condensation drain from the interior of said building,
a back side, an open side located opposite to said back side; a
bottom side directed upward and backward at an angle from the front
of said box until it meets and is joined with said back side of
said box, forming an angle of greater than 90.degree., wherein said
angle formed by said back side and said bottom side direct ends of
said refrigeration line set, low voltage wire and/or condensation
drain through said open side to the exterior of said building.
8. The receptacle box of claim 7, further comprising a flange
mounted around the outside periphery of said box for securing said
box in a pre-cut opening in a wall of said building.
9. The receptacle box of claim 7 wherein said bottom of said box
comprises an upper bottom piece and a lower bottom piece.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application No. 62/176,084 filed Feb. 4, 2015.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a receptacle box for
conveniently and efficiently locating the terminal ends of an air
conditioner's refrigeration line set, condensation drain and low
voltage wires leading down from the air conditioner unit during
initial construction of a building. In particular, the present
invention provides a more effective way for the refrigeration line
set, condensation drain and low voltage wires to exit from the
interior to the exterior of a building without using a fitting or
being crushed, kinked or cut off after installation.
[0003] When a building such as a home, office building or apartment
building is first constructed, and is to have central air
conditioning, the air conditioning unit is generally placed on an
upper floor, attic space or roof of the building during the early
stages of construction. At this time also the air conditioner's
refrigeration line set, for compressed refrigerant and return,
together with a condensation drain and low voltage electrical line,
is connected to the air conditioner unit and leads down to the
compressor unit which is placed at a lower level and outside the
building. The line set, condensation tube and electrical line must
therefore pass from the inside of the building through an outer
wall and leave their ends accessible to be connected to
corresponding lines coming from the condenser unit, which is
installed later.
[0004] As is now generally practiced in construction of new
buildings, the line set, condensation drain and electrical line
exit the wall through a simple hole cut in the wall. This
frequently results in one or more of the lines being kinked, which
can happen inside the wall, and create a cracked or clogged line
resulting in an eventual refrigeration leak. Further, the ends of
the lines and tubes are exposed and unprotected which can result in
damage to the lines and drains, making it difficult to connect the
compressor lines at a later date. Sometimes a fitting is employed
to secure the lines on the outside wall, but this does not
necessarily solve the problems.
[0005] Presently, there is no device or system in use in either
private or commercial buildings that provides for the efficient and
safe exit of the refrigeration line set, condensation drain and low
voltage wires through an external wall that can avoid kinks, cracks
and clogs while also protecting the ends while the external wall is
being constructed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A principle object of the present invention is to provide a
device and a method to maintain the integrity of an air
conditioner's line set, i.e., the refrigerant tube and return tube,
condensation drain and low voltage electrical line, while exiting
from an external wall while the building is under construction. It
is an object of this invention to prevent kinking, cracking,
bending or folding of the refrigeration line set, condensation
drain and low voltage wires while exiting the external wall. It is
also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a
method to protect the ends of the refrigeration line set,
condensation drain and low voltage wires once they have exited the
wall so that they may be easily connected to the corresponding
lines coming from the compressor when that unit is later installed.
It is a further object of this invention to eliminate the need for
a special exit fitting and to reduce the risk of a refrigerant leak
within the external wall.
[0007] Thus, according to these objectives, the system of the
present invention employs a square or rectangular box that is
installed on a new construction building before the siding is
installed on the exterior wall. The box penetrates a pre-cut wall
cavity so that the refrigeration tubing, condensation drain, low
voltage wire, etc., has enough clearance to enter the top of the
box which is top-scored for multiple sizes of holes and multiple
tubing sets, that are easily cut out with a knife. The box's inner
back wall is angled to allow the tubing to gradually exit the box
while eliminating the need for a fitting. This configuration also
allows the tubing to penetrate the exterior wall of the building
without being kinked or crushed, reducing the risk of a refrigerant
leak, or of being cut off after installation. The rear angular
inner wall also allows water, such as from rain, to run out of the
box.
[0008] The condensation drain will have a straight run down the
inside of the exterior wall of the building which also eliminates
the need for a fitting at the exit point of the building where a
crack or clog could occur inside the wall. The box also has a
flange protruding outwards around the perimeter of the outside lip
used as a nail flange for easy and secure installation. The outer
lip extends far enough to allow the siding J-bead to be installed
around the box and can be sealed weather tight to eliminate any
water penetration. This method or installing refrigeration tubing,
condensation drains and low voltage wiring saves many hours on
installing the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, filed herewith, for details,
dimensions and other specifications.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of this
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of a further embodiment of this
invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 2; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to the FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings.
Identical elements in the various figures are designated with the
same reference numerals.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device of the
present invention, configured to accommodate two refrigeration line
sets (not shown). The device comprises a box 100 for receiving the
ends of a refrigerant tube and return tube (not shown), together
referred to as the "line set," from an air conditioner unit. Box
100 therefore may also be referred to herein as "line set box 100,"
Line set box 100 in FIG. 1 is also designed to receive the ends of
two condensation drains (not shown), from the air conditioner unit
as well as two low voltage electrical lines (not shown), that
connect to the air conditioner unit. As shown in FIG. 1, line set
box 100 is configured as an open-sided box that can be either
square or rectangular in shape. Accordingly, line set box 100 has a
top side 105, a left side 110 and a right side 115, a back 120 and
a bottom side 125. Where a box would ordinarily have a
corresponding "front side" opposite to its back, in line set box
100 the front side opposite back 120 is not present, the front
being left open. Thus, line set box 100, having an open side,
allows for access to the ends of the refrigeration line set,
condensation drain and low voltage line once they have entered the
line set box 100 through top side 105.
[0018] Constructed of a durable plastic polymer, such as
polypropylene, or stamped from an appropriate metal, line set box
100 has a width dimension 130, a height dimension 135 and a depth
dimension 140. Although these dimensions can vary according to the
size of the line set box desired, for example, when single or
multiple line sets are required, in this embodiment the preferred
that width dimension 130, which can be between about 4.5'' to about
12'', is about 10'', height dimension 135 which can be between
about 10'' to about 14'' is about 11'', and depth dimension 140,
which can be between about 3.5'' to about 6'', is about 4.5''.
Around the periphery of line set box 100, and towards the front, is
located a flange 145 for nailing the line set box to an opening
pre-cut into the outer wall 300 of the building (see FIG. 5), prior
to the siding being added to the building. Nail flange 145 can be
from about 0.5'' to about 2'' wide, and preferably is about 0.75''
wide. Accordingly, nail flange 145 is not placed at the outer edge
of line set box 100, but is located about 0.75'' from the rim 150
of line set box 100, to allow space for when the building's siding
is added. Thus, when line set box 100 is properly mounted in the
pre-cut opening, approximately 0.75'' of the box extends outward
from the wall, and the remaining about 3.5'' extends toward the
interior of the wall. In addition, rim 150 is configured in the
form of a "J-bead" to allow for attachment of trim features that
are part of the siding.
[0019] FIG. 1 also illustrates the configuration of back 120 and
bottom 125, which are not joined at a 90.degree. angle as is
typical of an ordinary box. Rather, bottom 125 is angled upward
from its leading edge until it meets with back 120, where it is
joined. The upward angle 122 of bottom 20 can be generally from
about 20.degree. to about 60.degree., and about 45.degree. is
preferred. Being angled in this manner, bottom 125 directs the line
set, condensation drain and low voltage line in a gentle are away
from back 120 and the building wall, to the outside of line set box
100 and the building itself. In this manner, kinks, cracks and
leaks are minimized if not avoided altogether. In addition, the
angling of bottom 125 allows for the drainage of water from the box
100, as caused by rain, for example. Once inside of line set box
100, the line set, condensation drain and low voltage lines are
"capped" and are thus further protected until the air conditioner
compressor unit is installed.
[0020] As also illustrated in FIGS. 1, top side 105 contains
circular cut-outs 155 which, when removed, allow for the passage of
the refrigeration line set and low voltage line into box 100.
Cut-outs 155 are comprised of concentric discs 160 and 165, which
can be punched out to allow for different diameters of tubing.
Generally, the outside disc 160 can have a diameter of about 2.5''
which normally would accommodate the refrigeration line set and low
voltage line. The inner disc 165 has a smaller diameter for
allowing other size of tubes or wires as desired. Top side 105 may
also contain smaller circular cut-outs 170, which are shown as
being located between cut-outs 155. This is for purposes of
illustration only as cut-outs 155 and smaller cut outs 170 may be
located in any desired position on top side 105. Smaller cut-outs
170 are configured as having a smaller diameter than cut-outs 155
and are more particularly designed for the condensation drain and
low voltage electrical line. The diameter of smaller circular cut
outs 170 may vary, but is preferably about 0.75''.
[0021] A further embodiment of the within invention is depicted by
FIGS. 2-6, with FIG. 2 being a front view. In this embodiment, line
set box 100 is designed for a single air conditioner unit which has
only a single refrigeration line set, including low voltage line,
and a single condensation drain. Specifically referring to FIG. 3
it can be seen that top 105 of line set box 100 in this embodiment
contains only a single cut out 155 for the refrigeration line set
and low voltage line, and a single smaller cut out 170 for the
condensation drain. Here, however, it can also be seen that smaller
cut out 170 may also have concentric discs 175 and 180, so that
different size drain tubes or other lines may be accommodated.
[0022] The embodiment of FIGS. 2-6 also has a narrower width
dimension 130 than the embodiment of FIG. 1. Specifically, width
dimension 130 of this embodiment can range from about 4.5'' to
about 6.5'' with about 5.75'' being preferred. FIGS. 2 and 4 also
illustrate nail holes 195 for placement of nails through flange to
secure line set box 100 to wall 300.
[0023] In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates a further distinction
between the embodiment of FIG. 1. Rather than having bottom 125
angled to meet back 120 as in FIG. 1, the embodiment of FIG. 2 has
a bottom configured as an upper bottom piece 185 and a lower bottom
piece 190. Upper bottom piece 185 and lower bottom piece 190
combine together to replace back 125 and join back 120 as shown
more clearly in FIG. 6. The angles at which back 120, upper bottom
piece 185 and a lower bottom piece 190 are joined may vary,
although overall angle 122 is maintained as described above for
FIG. 1. Having upper bottom piece 185 and lower bottom piece 190
provides more space in the back of line set box 100 for the line
set and condensation drain, and also allows for a gentler arc in
directing the line sets, voltage lines and drains to exit from the
open front on box 100.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates the bottom of line set box 100, in which
only upper bottom piece 185 and a lower bottom piece 190 can be
seen from this view.
[0025] In conjunction with the disclosure of the line set box 100
of this invention is a method for providing an effective way for
the refrigeration line set, condensation drain and low voltage
wires to exit from the interior to the exterior of a building
without using a fitting or being crushed, kinked or cut off after
installation. The method comprises the steps of pre-cutting a
square or rectangular hole in the outside wall of the building,
before siding is added, and installing line set box 100 by nailing
it onto the outside of the wall 300 using the nail flange 145. Cut
outs 155 and 170 are then opened using an appropriate tool, such as
a knife. Then, the refrigeration line set, low voltage wire and
condensation drain from the above-installed air conditioner unit,
are channeled down the inside of external wall 300, through cut
outs 155 and 170, and into line set box 100. Specifically, the
refrigeration line set is channeled through larger cut out 155, and
is followed by low voltage wire, also through cut out 155. The
condensation drain is channeled through smaller cut out 170. Once
inside line set box 100, the ends of the refrigeration line set,
condensation drain and low voltage wires are covered or capped, to
protect them until they can be connected to the corresponding lines
of the compressor unit of the air conditioner.
[0026] The preceding preferred embodiments are illustrative of the
practice of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that
other expedients known to those of skill in the art, or disclosed
herein, may be employed without departing from the spirit of the
invention or the scope of the claims.
* * * * *