Abstract:
A vibration, motion and dampening system is provided for use with air conditioning, mechanical or electro-mechanical equipment to reduce or eliminate the deleterious effects of vibration, movement and excessive noise created by the equipment. The system includes specially designed upper and lower channel frame members. The frame members receive geometrically compatible spring assemblies and plate members, as well as locking assemblies, wherein the assemblies are slidingly positioned with the frame members at desired locations. The spring assemblies and frame members receive and diminish the undesirable phenomena created by the equipment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The system described relates generally to a system for mounting an air conditioning unit. The system more particularly relates to a mounting system which absorbs vibration and movement, and dampens noise, of an air conditioning unit or similar equipment while in use. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   There exists in the prior art devices which provide mounting for mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as air conditioning units. The prior art additionally provides structures which absorb vibration. An example of the prior art is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,503 issued to Berger et al. on Jul. 8, 1986 entitled “Vibration Absorption Mounting For A Rooftop Air Handling Unit Or The Like”. The Berger patent describes the use of a helical spring that can be either “placed or welded in place” on a cap. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,698 issued to Patterson et al. on Jun. 27, 2000 entitled “Isolation System For Vibratory Equipment” teaches an isolation suspension system for a vibrating machine having a housing holding an isolation spring and a damping element. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,150 issued to Chi on Feb. 13, 2007 entitled “Compound Vibration Damper Assembly” teaches a damping device having a vertical and horizontal damping unit. The vertical damping unit is an elastic element such as a coil spring. The horizontal dampening unit includes an elastomeric base plate, a horizontal vibration force damping member and an elastomeric top plate. 
   However, while the prior art generally addresses and describes devices which perform the function of damping vibration, Applicant&#39;s engineering designs provide superior and cost effective products. The prior art devices described do not address the particular problems solved by Applicant&#39;s inventions, do not provide the same or similar structure, do not provide the same solutions, and do not perform the same functions as that of the instant inventions and components thereof. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The instant inventions relate to a unique vibration absorption and dampening system which includes a top frame member, wherein the top frame has first and second horizontally extending channels. The vibration system further includes a bottom frame, wherein the bottom frame has a generally horizontally extending channel. The vibration system further includes at least one rubber plate that is slidably inserted into the first top frame channel. The rubber plate member can include an integral receptacle means which receives and retains a spring member as described hereinafter. 
   At the opposite end and lower unit, the system further includes at least one rubber plate slidably inserted into the bottom frame channel, wherein this second and lower rubber plate member also has a receptacle means for receiving and retaining the lower and second end of a spring member. 
   The vibration absorption system described and claimed herein incorporates at least one spring-like member or coil spring secured between coaxially aligned top and bottom frame channel members, and further between their respective rubber plate receptacle means. The unique channel designs of the frame members, and rubber or composite plastic plate members are a significant feature of the instant inventions. The base section of the plate members are slidingly positioned within the respective channel member. The plate members can include integral receptacle portions which protrude upwardly or downwardly, beyond the channel frame, to receive, retain and secure the spring member. The discrete components are generally coaxially aligned, complement one-another, and are assembled, positioned and secured in an efficient and relatively simple fashion. 
   The top frame and bottom frame members are, in one embodiment, secured to each other through separate mechanisms, spaced apart from spring assemblies. One securing mechanism includes at least one bolt and nut means, the bottom frame member can be mounted on top of an I-beam. The top frame member with its second horizontally extending channel receives mounting devices located on or about the base of an air conditioning unit as hereinafter described. The separate securing mechanisms can include plates on the outside of the frame members, or alternatively specially designed plates and nuts which slide within a portion of the channels and are secured therein. A third option incorporates a bolt and nut unit, or its equivalent, which is secured to the frame members within the spring assemblies and is likewise coaxially positioned therein. 
   It is therefore an object of the instant motion and vibration absorption system to provide an improved device and/or system for reducing the effects of vibration and movement created from an operable air conditioning unit, or similar mechanical or electro-mechanical device. 
   It is further an object of the instant invention to provide a motion and vibration absorption system which substantially reduces and dampens the noise created from an operable air conditioning unit, or similar mechanical or electro-mechanical device. 
   It is further an object of the instant invention to provide a motion and vibration absorption and dampening system which is cost effective to manufacture and assembly, and is operationally efficient. 
   In accordance with these and other features and objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the vibration absorption and dampening system assembled for use. 
       FIG. 2  shows an enlarged, partial cut-away and perspective view of a section of the vibration absorption and dampening system as highlighted in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional plan view of one embodiment of the spring assembly and frame members, securing mechanism, and components thereof for the motion and vibration absorption and dampening system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the motion and vibration absorption and noise dampening system  10 , assembled for in-use operation with the dashed line shape  40  representing an air conditioning unit. However, the instant inventions are equally applicable for use with other similar electro-mechanical or mechanical equipment which creates deleterious movement, vibration, loud noise or other unwanted phenomenon. Such equipment includes air handlers, condensers, compressors, fans, motors, generators, pumps or a variety of equipment used in commercial, industrial, residential or consumer applications. 
   As shown, it is contemplated that more than one vibration absorption system  10  may be used to support an air conditioning unit  40 . 
     FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the vibration absorption system. As depicted, the vibration absorption system  10  includes a top frame  12  and a bottom frame  22 . It is contemplated that the top frame  12  will have a particular shape as shown. Said top frame  12  is contemplated to have a lower elongated channel  14  which will have an open bottom and wrap-around walls to provide support. As further shown, it is contemplated that a second elongated channel  16  may be incorporated into the top frame  12 . The second elongated channel  16  has an open top and a u-shaped support. It is contemplated that the top frame  12  will be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, however, an alternative material may be used. 
   As further shown, the bottom frame  22  has one elongated channel  24 . The elongated channel  24  has an open top and overhanging flanges. It is contemplated that the bottom frame  22  is also constructed of a lightweight material such as aluminum, however, an alternative material may be used. A rubber plate  26  is slidably inserted into the channel  24 . The rubber plate  26  has a base which fits into the channel  24 , and is geometrically complementary. The rubber plate  26  has an integral receptacle means within, and protruding from, the rubber plate  26 . The receptacle means is contemplated to be shaped like a hollow cylinder with an open top, to receive and secure a spring member as further described hereinafter. 
   Although the plate  26  is stated to be rubber in a preferred embodiment, it is understood that equivalent materials could easily be utilized, such as plastics, composite plastics, hybrid materials and the like. 
   As further illustrated, a coil spring  20  extends upwardly from rubber plate  26 . The bottom end of the coil spring  20  is frictionally fit into the receptacle means of the rubber plates  26 , and the components are geometrically compatible. The protruding rim accepts the spring end, retains and secures the spring in correct position between the upper and lower frame members. As shown, the lower frame  22  can be mounted onto an I-frame  32  through the use of nut and bolt devices  34 . The I-frame  32  is in turn mounted onto a surface such as a roof or floor. 
   In a particular application, I-frame or I-beams may not be utilized, and in that case the lower frame member  22  would be mounted directly to the underlying structure, such a rectangular beam, support arm, frame member, flat surface or the like, or simply secured directly to roof or floor. 
   Bolt  28  is shown connecting the top  12  and bottom  22  frames. A bridge  38  is placed within and extends across the channel  24 . The bridge  38  has a further internal channel. The bolt  28  is secured within the internal channel of the bridge  38  at the bottom through one or more nuts  30 . Nut  32  secures the bolt  28  to the top frame member  12 . It is further contemplated that a planar plate  36  may be used to set across the top of the top frame  12  for more stability and locking the unit in place. 
   It is important to note that in the primary embodiments, the spring assembly unit  18 ,  20 , and  26 , is separate and independent from the bolt assembly and locking unit  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  38 . The units can be juxtaposed as shown in  FIG. 2 , or alternatively spaced apart along and within the upper and lower channel frame members. Similarly, any number of spring assembly units and/or bolt assembly units can be utilized between top frame  12  and bottom frame  22 , depending upon the weight of load being supported, the size of the unit, etc. 
   In alternative embodiments, cross-frame members could be utilized, perpendicularly positioned with respect to the frame members shown in  FIG. 1 , to provide spring assembly units and bolt assembly units around the complete periphery of the unit  40 . 
   Finally, in further alternative embodiments, the bolt assembly and locking unit could be incorporated within the spring assembly unit, and be coaxially positioned therein. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional plan view of the vibration absorption and dampening system  10 . As shown, the vibration absorption system  10  includes a top frame  12  and a bottom frame  22 . It is contemplated that the top frame  12  will have a particular geometric shape as shown, to form channels which receive complementary and compatibly shaped components. Said top frame  12  is contemplated to have a lower elongated channel  14  which will have an open bottom and wrap-around walls to provide support. As further shown, it is contemplated that a second elongated channel  16  may be incorporated. The second elongated channel  16  has an open top and a u-shaped support. It is contemplated that the top frame  12  will be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, however, an alternative material may be used. The spring assembly unit includes rubber plate  18  which is slidably inserted into the lower elongated channel  14 . The rubber plate  18  has a flat portion on the top, which slides into the channel  14 . The rubber plate  18  additionally has a lower facing portion which is shown to have a tapered appearance, however, alternative shapes are contemplated. The lower portion of the rubber plate  18  is contemplated to have an open receptacle means to receive, retain and secure the spring member  20 . The receptacle means can be a generally circular rim which protrudes from the plate to enclose and house one end of the spring member. 
   As further shown, the bottom frame  22  has one elongated channel  24 . The elongated channel  24  has an open top and overhanging flanges. It is contemplated that the bottom frame  22  is also constructed of a lightweight material such as aluminum, however, an alternative material may be used. As shown, a rubber plate  26  is slidably inserted into the channel  24 . As with the first rubber plate  18 , the second rubber plate  26  has a base which fits into the channel  24 . The rubber plate  26  incorporates a receptacle means within, and protruding from, the rubber plate  26 . The receptacle means is contemplated to be shaped like a hollow cylinder with an open top, and likewise receives, retains and houses the opposite end of the spring member. 
   In a primary embodiment as illustrated, a coil spring  20  extends between rubber plate  26  and rubber plate  18 . Each end of the coil spring  20  is frictionally fit into the receptacle means of the rubber plates  18 ,  26 . As shown, the lower frame  22  can be mounted onto an I-frame  32  through the use of nut and bolt devices  34 . The I-frame  32  is in turn mounted onto a surface such as a roof or floor, depending on a specific application. 
   As described above and further illustrated, a bolt  28  connects the top  12  and bottom  22  frames. A bridge  38  extends across the lower frame channel  24 , the bridge being inserted into the channel. The bridge  38  has an internal channel, as seen in both  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 . The bolt  28  is further secured within the internal channel of the bridge  38  at the bottom through one or more nuts  30 . Nuts  30 ,  32  secure the bolt  28  at opposite ends. It is further contemplated that a planar plate  36  may be used to set across the top of the top frame  12  for more stability and also to lock the unit in place. A planar plate may also be used as a locking device to secure the assembly such that it stays securely connected during operation of the air conditioner or other mechanical or electro-mechanical equipment. 
   In operation, the frame members support the load to the AC units or other commercial, industrial or residential equipment. Particularly with air conditioning units, the equipment is a substantial weight and load, and in operation causes extensive vibration, movement of the unit, housings, walls or internal components, and they are extremely loud creating unwanted and bothersome noise. This phenomena actually causes excessive wear and tear on the equipment itself, as well as the supporting frames, roofs and floors, leading to mechanical and electrical failures. 
   Applicant&#39;s instant inventions and vibration and dampening system acts as a protective interface between the air conditioning unit and the roof, floor or other surface beneath the unit. The instant inventive system dampens and reduces the vibration, movement and noise of the equipment through the placement and use of the spring assemblies and locking units. The system is efficient in that the rubber or composite plates are slid to the desired location within the channel members, and secured in place. The springs support the load, and the equipment essentially “floats” on the upper frame members. The spring assemblies are resilient, and expand or retract with the load. The rubber plates absorb and dampen the vibration and noise, extremely so when comparing to metal on metal assemblies. 
   The upper frame members are capable of downward movement about the bolts  28 , and are limited in downward movement by the spring assemblies. In this manner, static, dynamic and vibrational forces act upon the spring assemblies and are not directly translated to structure beneath the unit as in conventional fashion. The locking assemblies maintain the entire system in correct position and alignment with respect to the upper and lower frame members, and the spring assembles secured within. 
   The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the alt.