System and method for an adjustable channel for an air conditioning line set

A system is presented for covering a plurality of line sets with respective sizes. The system includes a first portion defining a plurality of slots formed along a sidewall of the first portion. The system also includes a second portion including a latch to extend from a sidewall of the second portion. The latch selectively engages one of the plurality of slots to secure the first and second portions with an opening therebetween of an adjustable size. The slot engaged by the latch is selected such the adjustable size of the opening corresponds to the respective size of the line set of the plurality of line sets to be covered by the system. A method is also presented for covering the plurality of line sets with respective sizes.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments relate to a cover system and, more particularly, to a channel system for covering air conditioning line sets.

Currently, to cool a house or a commercial building, a minimum number of cooling units, such as air conditioning units or evaporative coolers (swamp coolers), may be utilized. However, the use of a minimum number of cooling units may not be economically beneficial. Depending on the placement of a thermostat within the residence and heating patterns dependent on exterior shading on the house, the cooling system may be forced to operate longer and for more frequent durations than needed. In a non-limiting example, if a thermostat is located in a hallway on a first end of the residence, and the primary room used in the residence is a family room located at a second end of the residence, the cooling system will operate for a longer time period than needed.

A more economical solution for cooling a residence or building is by providing a plurality of cooling units designated to cool a particular room or part of the residence. Such localized cooling units will each have its own individual line sets. More specifically, lines run from a condenser unit in the cooling system to a blower unit within the particular room or part of the residence. As the use of these individual cooling units increase, the need for providing covers for their line sets has also increased, to seamlessly integrate these additional line sets along the exterior of the residence or building. Additionally, pre-existing air conditioning units routinely require replacement of their individual line sets, to accommodate new types of refrigerant required by various industrial standards.

However, an issue with the conventional line set covers is that manufacturers provide them in fixed sizes, with several distinct sizes, and thus each fixed size cover is only sized to fit line sets for a particular individual cooling unit. Installers of such cooling systems must stock their vehicles with various sizes of ducts to accommodate an unknown size needed for a particular individual cooling system at an installation site. Furthermore, since these ducts also require T-shape connectors, bends, elbows, etc., various sizes of each of these cover connector elements must also be constantly stocked.

SUMMARY

A system and method for covering a plurality of line sets having a plurality of respective sizes are disclosed. The system comprises at least one duct comprising a first portion defining a plurality of receiving members formed along a sidewall of the first portion and a second portion including an engaging member extending from a sidewall of the second portion, said engaging member being configured to selectively engage one receiving member of the plurality of receiving members to secure the first and second portions together with an opening of an adjustable size therebetween, wherein the receiving member selectively engaged by the engaging member is selected such that the adjustable size of the opening corresponds to the respective size of one of the plurality of line sets to be covered by the system, and wherein the plurality of receiving members are spaced apart along the sidewall such that a range of sizes of the opening upon engagement of the engaging member with the plurality of receiving members is sufficient to accommodate a range of the respective sizes of the line sets for the air conditioning systems. The system also comprises a connector configured to attach to an end of the duct, the connector having a first connector portion with an exterior surface defining a hole, a second connector portion including a housing defining a hole, and a fastener configured to pass through the hole in the exterior surface and the hole in the housing to secure the first and second connector portions together with an opening of an adjustable size therebetween corresponding to a respective size of the at least one duct.

Another system comprises a first portion defining a plurality of receiving members formed along a sidewall of the first portion and a second portion including an engaging member extending from a sidewall of the second portion, said engaging member being configured to selectively engage one receiving member of the plurality of receiving members to secure the first and second portions together with an opening of an adjustable size therebetween. The receiving member selectively engaged by the engaging member is selected such the adjustable size of the opening corresponds to the respective size of one of the plurality of line sets to be covered by the system. The plurality of receiving members are spaced apart along the sidewall such that a range of sizes of the opening upon engagement of the engaging member with the plurality of receiving members is sufficient to accommodate a range of the respective sizes of the line sets for the air conditioning systems.

The method comprises providing a first portion with a plurality of slots formed along a sidewall of the first portion and providing a second portion with a latch extending from a sidewall of the second portion. The method also comprises pressing the first portion and the second portion together, including selectively engaging one slot of the plurality of slots with the latch and securing the first and second portions together with an adjustable opening therebetween corresponding to the respective size of the line set to be covered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described with reference to the attached figures, wherein like reference numerals, are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate aspects disclosed herein. Several disclosed aspects are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring aspects disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated, acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the embodiments.

Though the embodiments herein specifically disclose an adjustable channel system fir air conditioning line sets, embodiment may be used for other devices or systems with an enclosed fixture which minimizes exposure to moisture and may be formed and disassembled with minimum use of tools. The air conditioning line sets may include copper tubing inside foam that contains and delivers Freon to and from components within an air conditioning system. The embodiments may also be used with electrical cables and condensation lines (i.e. water drain pipes). Therefore, the discussion of air conditioning units and air conditioning line sets should not be considered limiting when explaining the embodiments herein. Additionally, although the adjustable channel system may be used with air conditioning units that are used to cool a residence, they may also be used with any air conditioning units, including those that are used to cool any house or commercial building, in a now-limiting example.

The inventor recognized that a downside of conventional line set covers is that they are provided in fixed sizes, and thus each fixed size cover is sized to fit line sets for a particular individual cooling unit. Additionally, the inventor recognized that conventional line set covers require installers to stock their vehicles with multiple line covers of each size, to accommodate an unknown duct size at an installation site for a particular individual cooling system. Thus, the inventor advantageously recognized that owners of individual cooling systems and installers of such cooling systems would benefit from a single adjustable channel system which may be used universally across all styles and brands of individual cooling systems. As discussed below, the adjustable channel system may include ducts and parts, where the ducts are straight sections of the adjustable channel system and the parts are angled, curved or inlet/outlet sections of the adjustable channels system.

FIG. 1shows a cross section view of a duct of an adjustable channel system. The duct10of the adjustable channel system5may include a lower half12and an upper half14. In an embodiment, the lower and upper halves12,14may be made from plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic or polypropylene plastic (PP), in an non-limiting example. However, the lower and upper halves12,14may be made from any type of material which accommodates the coverage of the line sets, as discussed herein. The upper half14may have a larger width than the lower half12such that the lower half12fits within the upper half14. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 32, the upper half may have a smaller width than the lower half such that the upper half is configured to fit within a lower half12. However, the illustrated version ofFIG. 1is preferred since this configuration prevents or minimizes water, such as, but not limited to, rain water or sprinkler water from sitting on a region where the halves12,14meet and eventually seeping into the opening25between the two halves12,14.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, a plurality of slots16may be provided on an inner sidewall15of the upper half14, where each slot16is defined between a pair of adjacent teeth13that extend inward from the inner sidewall15at an angle27with respect to the inner sidewall15. Although four slots16are depicted inFIG. 1, this is merely one non-limiting example and the upper half14may include less or more than four slots along the inner sidewall15of the upper half14. In an embodiment, the angle27is approximately 45 degrees, however the angle27may be within a range of 30-60 degrees, in an non-limiting example. In an embodiment, the teeth13may have a length of approximately 3.5 mm and may be in a range of 2-5 mm extending from the inner sidewall15. However, neither the angle27nor the length of the teeth13are limited to any specific dimension or range of dimensions. Additionally, the teeth13may extend from the inner sidewall15over the longitudinal length of the upper half12, or may extend from the inner sidewall15over a portion of the longitudinal length of the upper half12. The teeth13and slots16are not limited to any particular length or angular orientation along the inner sidewall and the above ranges of the length and angle of the teeth13and slots16are merely one non-limiting example.

The slots16of the upper half14may be configured to mate with the lower half12of the system5. As illustrated inFIG. 1, a tab18may also be provided on the upper half14. The tab18may be an extension of the inner sidewall15, beyond a lowest slot16of the upper half14. In an embodiment, the tab18extends beyond the lowest slot16by a length of approximately 2.4 millimeters (mm) or within a range of 2-4 mm, in a non-limiting example. However, the tab18is not limited to any specific length. The tab18may be provided so that an installer may pull the tab18in a direction away from the lower half12to separate the two halves12,14and/or to adjust an amount of area within the opening25between the two halves1.2,14. In an non-limiting example, if the installer wishes to reduce the area between the two halves12,14, the installer would first pull the tab18in the direction away from the lower half12, to separate the two halves12,14, after which the installer would push the lower half12upwards into the upper half14until a desired separation64is between the two halves12,14and the appropriate slot16of the upper half14engages the lower half12and the desired area between the two halves12,14is achieved. Since the installer may vary the area between the two halves12,14by simply pulling the tab18, and adjusting the separation64of the halves12,14, separating the halves12,14may be accomplished with minimum use of a tool.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, the upper half14may have a top surface17which is arcuate from a first sidewall15to a second sidewall15of the upper half14. In an embodiment the top surface17may have a radius of curvature of 131.5 mm or within a range of 100-150 mm. However, the radius of curvature of the top surface17is not limited to any numeric value or range of numeric values. The top surface17may be arcuate, in order to provide additional area within the opening25to position lead lines. However, as discussed below, the embodiments are not limited to the upper half having an arcuate top surface and the upper half may instead have a top surface which is orthogonal to the inner sidewall15of the upper half14, in an non-limiting example. In an embodiment, the upper half14may have any length, such as, but not limited to, within a range of 1 meter to 1.5 meters, in a non-limiting example, a height in a range of 90-100 mm, in a non-limiting example, and a thickness in a range of 1-3 mm, in a non-limiting example. The lower half12may have a length and a height that are designed within similar ranges as those of the upper half14disclosed above. However, the upper and lower halves are not limited to these specific numerical dimensions and may be sized with any specific dimensions, provided that the upper and lower halves are capable of providing an adjustable area therebetween.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, the lower half12may have a latch20that is an extension of an inner sidewall19of the lower half12and is configured to engage the slots16. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the latch20may include a first segment21and a second segment23, where the first segment21is configured to engage an upper tooth13of the slot16and the second segment23is configured to engage a lower tooth13of the slot16. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the first segment21may have a length which exceeds a length of the teeth13. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the width of the latch20, defined as a width between the first segment21and the second segment23is such that the latch20fits within the slots16where additional space or gapping between the latch20and the respective engaged slot16is at a minimum, to reduce an opening between the latch20and the slot16through which moisture may penetrate into the opening25between the two halves12,14. AlthoughFIG. 1depicts that the system10includes the lower half12and the upper half14secured together, the embodiments are not limited to two halves of a system being secured together and may include a system with more than two portions, where a first and a second portion of the system are secured together. Additionally, althoughFIG. 1depicts that the lower half12and the upper half14are secured together with the latch20of the lower half12being secured in a slot16of the upper half14, the embodiments are not limited to this structural arrangement and include any type of fastening arrangement in which a plurality of receiving members, or slots16, are arranged along the inner sidewall of at least one of a first portion and a second portion with at least one engaging member arranged on at least the first portion or second portion, whichever does not have the receiving members, which together are used to selectively engage to adjust the size of the opening therebetween the first portion and the second portion, to accommodate a line set of a particular size. In a non-limiting example of the upper half having a width that is less than the lower half, the slots would be formed along an outer sidewall of the upper half and the latch of the lower half would extend inward from the sidewall of the lower half, to selectively engage one slot of the plurality of slots.

FIG. 2shows a cross sectional view of a duct10of the adjustable channel system5adjusted from the first separation64(FIG. 1) between the upper and lower halves12,14to a second separation66less than the first separation64between the upper and lower halves12,14. InFIG. 1, the latch20of the lower half12engages a first slot16resulting in the first separation64between the halves12,14and the opening25between the halves12,14has a maximum size to accommodate a large size or large quantity of lines, in a non-limiting example. InFIG. 2, the top half14has been pressed onto the lower half12until the latch20engages the last slot16, resulting in the second separation66between the halves12,14and the opening25between the upper and lower halves12,14having a minimum size to accommodate a small size or small quantity of lines, in a non-limiting example.

FIG. 2further illustrates that the lower half12may define a pair of grooves29A,29B defined by a plurality of rail members31,33,35extending along a bottom portion37of the lower half12. As discussed in greater detail below, the grooves29A,29B may be sized to receive hooks from a clip, which securely holds one or more line sets to the bottom portion37of the lower half12.

FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment in which the latch20of the lower half12engages a slot16between the first slot16(FIG. 1) and the last slot16(FIG. 2), resulting in a separation68between the upper and lower halves12,14that is between the first separation64and the second separation66. As a result, the opening25between the upper and lower halves12,14may have a size between the maximum size (FIG. 1) and the minimum size (FIG. 2). The lower half12is pressed up into the upper half14until the latch20engages the slot16along the inner sidewall15. In a non-limiting embodiment, the installer chooses the separation68and appropriate slot16to engage the latch20, such that the opening25is sufficient to receive the lead lines39. In another non-limiting embodiment, the installer installs the lower half12first. The installer then installs the line set or lead lines39within the lower half12. The installer next presses the upper half14onto the lower half12where there is a separation between the upper and lower halves12,14which provides for securing the lead lines39within.

By having the top half14fit around an outside of the lower half12, damage to the lead lines39is prevented and/or minimized, such damage attributable to moisture initiated by sprinkler water or rain water passing into the opening25, which may have a higher probability if the top half were sized to fit inside the lower half, in a non-limiting example.

Since placement of the ducts10with respect to a direction of the lines for the air conditioning unit may run along an outside of a building, joints or connectors and components to provide for turning the path the ducts10may take are needed. In an embodiment, these joints or connectors are configured to work with the ducts10disclosed herein. These joints or connectors are provided to allow for ease of removing at least an upper half of the joint when access to the channel within the duct10is desired.

FIG. 4shows a cross sectional view of a part of an embodiment of an elbow11Which may be used to connect two ducts10and provide for changing a direction path ducts10used together. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the upper half14of the elbow11may include teeth13′ and slots16′ that extend along the inner sidewall15over a portion41of the longitudinal length of the upper half14′. AlthoughFIG. 4illustrates an elbow channel. upper half14′ with spaced apart slots16′ positioned along the portion41of the length of the upper half14′, the spaced apart slots may similarly be positioned along portions of the length of straight, curved, and bent connectors.

Likewise with respect to the ducts10illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, the slots16do not have to be continuous along the inner wall. Instead, a plurality of slots16may be located along a same longitude and spaced apart from each other. Thus, of the straight or curved connectors of the system5may have slots which extend continuously along the length of the connector or extend over a portion of the length of the connector.

Turning back toFIG. 4, in an embodiment, the portions41of the length of the upper half14′ may be approximately 18 mm in length, in one non-limiting example. As further illustrated inFIG. 4, the lower half12includes the latch20which is sized to be received within the spaced-apart slots16′ along the inner sidewall15of the upper half14′. However, the embodiment ofFIG. 4does not limit the embodiments of an elbow, joint or connector as discussed further herein.

FIG. 5shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method50for providing the adjustable channel system10for an air conditioning line set. The method50may begin at51with the step of providing52the upper half14and the lower half12of the channel system10. The method50may further include the step of pressing54the upper half14onto the lower half12with a plurality of slots16along an inner sidewall15of the upper half14engaging a latch20formed to extend outward from the inner sidewall19of the lower half12. The method50may further include the step of ceasing56to press the upper half14onto the lower half12when a certain area between the lower half and upper half12,14has been reached wherein the latch20engages one slot16of the plurality of slots. The method50may further include the step of configuring58each slot16of the plurality of slots and the latch20so that when the latch20engages one slot16of the plurality of slots a minimum gap remains between the latch20and the one slot16engaged, before the method50ends at59.

As discussed briefly above, the ducts10may have to be connected to other ducts, either in a straight path, to accommodate a bend or change in path, or to provide for more pathways. As such, the inventor recognized a need for joints or connectors which may be used with the ducts10so as to provide for securing the joints or connectors to the joints and for ease of removal of the joints or connectors should access within the ducts10be needed.

FIG. 6shows a cross sectional view of a part of a duct connector or joint. This connector may be used to connect two joints together where a path is not changed or altered. The connector or joint110may include a lower half112and an upper half114, where the lower half112fits within the upper half114. The lower half112and the upper half114may be spaced apart by a selective distance164and then connected together using a cam screw156. In a non-limiting example, the cam screw156may be made from a polyethylene plastic (PE) material. However, the cam screw156may be made from any type of material provided that the cam screw156is capable of connecting the upper and lower halves112,114as discussed herein.

AlthoughFIG. 6depicts the cam screw156being used to connect the upper and lower halves112,114, the embodiments are not limited to the use of a cam screw to connect the upper and lower halves and include the use of any type of fastener that can be passed through the openings in the upper and lower halves112,114, as discussed below, and preferably releasable. In another embodiment, the upper half114may be configured to fit within a lower half112, however, the illustrated version was preferred since this configuration would further assist with preventing or minimizing water, such as but not limited to rain water or sprinkler water from being able to sit on where the halves meet and eventually seep through where the halves112,114meet and into the opening125within the two halves112,114.

Though not drawn to scale,FIGS. 7-9illustrate three upper halves178,179,181of a connector or joint110illustrated inFIG. 6which may be secured to a lower half182of the connector110illustrated inFIG. 10Also shown inFIG. 10is a rib912. The rib may extend from each corner within the lower half to increase an inherent strength of the lower half. The rib912may also be used as a stopper to which a duct10abuts against when located within the connector or joint110. In bothFIGS. 10 and 11an inner surface901associated with each respective lower half is shown. Likewise, inFIGS. 7-9an inner surface899associated with each respective upper half is shown.FIGS. 10 and 11also show holes, or openings,910through which fasteners may be inserted to attach the lower half to a surface, such as, but not limited to, a building.FIG. 11shows another embodiment of a lower half180of a connector110which provides for a direct connection. This embodiment provides for two housings144provided to guide the upper half and to secure a cam screw157as further described herein. In an embodiment, upper halves illustrated inFIGS. 7-8may attach adjacently to each other with the lower half180illustrated inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12illustrates a top surface151of the upper half114. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the top surface151may define a hole150and a shoulder154within the hole150defines a slot152. The cam screw156may be inserted within the hole150and the slot152, in the manner discussed in greater detail below.FIGS. 13-14illustrate the cam screw156that may include a head portion157with a slot158to receive an end of a tightening tool and a pin159below the head portion157. The cam screw156may also include a length portion161with a first end attached to the head portion157and a second end with a cam-shaped threading160including teeth162.

In operation, the adjustable channel system110may be assembled by first aligning the lower half112within the upper half114, as illustrated inFIG. 6. To align the lower half112and the upper half114, the semi-cylinder shells130,132of the upper half114may be aligned with the respective oblong housings142,144of the lower half112, such that the semi-cylinder shells130,132enclose the respective oblong housings142,144, as the lower half112is aligned to be positioned within the upper half114. After the lower half112is aligned to be positioned within the upper half114, the separation between lower half112and upper half114is then adjusted until the desired spacing164is achieved, based on the installation requirements of the particular air conditioning line sets being positioned within the adjustable channel system110. In a non-limiting example, a size or a number of the air conditioning line sets to be positioned within the adjustable channel system110may determine the desired spacing164between the lower half112and the upper half114, such that an area of the opening125within the adjustable channel system110is at least equal to a minimum area required for the installation.

After the lower half112and the upper half114are aligned and spaced apart by the appropriate spacing164, the cam screw156may be inserted into the hole150of the upper half112, by aligning the pin159of the cam screw156with the slot152, so that the pin159passes the shoulder154and the threading160enters the hole146of the oblong housing142,144, as illustrated inFIG. 6. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the threading160initially enters the hole146of the oblong housing142,144in an unlocked position, such that the cross-section of the threading160is aligned with the cross-section of the hole146. After the cam screw156is inserted into the hole150such that the pin159passes the shoulder154of the upper half112, the cam screw156may then be turned so that the threading160rotates to a locked position where the teeth162of the threading160engage an inner surface of the hole146of the oblong housing142,144, as illustrated inFIG. 16. Additionally, upon turning the cam screw156, the pin159rotates to a position under the shoulder154out of alignment with the slot152, so that the cam screw156is secured within the hole150and the lower and upper halves112,114are secured together. This process is repeated for each semi-cylinder shell/oblong housing pairing between the lower and upper halves112,114, until a respective cam screw156is received within the hole150of each semi-cylinder shell and the hole146of each oblong housing.

FIGS. 17A-17Billustrate a clip168used in the adjustable channel system110to hold one or more air conditioning line sets within the lower and upper halves112,114. In a non-limiting example, the clip168may be made from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS) material. As illustrated inFIGS. 17A-17B, the clip168may include a pair of hooks170,172that are configured to engage a respective hook or loop member (not shown) on an interior surface of either of the lower and upper halves112,114, to secure the clip168to the interior surface of either of the lower and upper halves112,114. The clip168may also include a solid member174to define an opening176in the clip168, to pass through one or more air conditioning line sets, so that the air conditioning line set(s) can be securely held to the interior surface of the lower and upper halves112,114. The hooks170,172of the clip168may be inserted within the grooves29A,29B of the lower half12of the system10ofFIG. 2, and the line sets may be directed through the opening176, to secure the line sets along the bottom portion37of the lower half12. The lower half112of the system110may have grooves that are similar to the grooves29A,29B of the lower half12ofFIG. 4, to receive the hooks170,172of the clip168, and similarly secure the line sets to the lower half112through the opening176. In a non-limiting example, the clip need not have the same configuration as the clip168depicted inFIGS. 17A-17B, provided that the clip has one or more hooks to secure the clip to the upper or lower half of the system and a member with an opening to secure the line sets to the upper or lower half.

FIGS. 18-29illustrate other embodiments of lower and upper halves which may be used individually or collectively within the adjustable channel system110. The lower and upper halves ofFIGS. 16-29are secured together in the same manner as the lower and upper halves112,114discussed above, specifically with use of a cam screw157, with the exception that each lower and upper half pair may have a different number and/or positioning of the semi-cylinder shells and oblong housings to dictate a particular change in path for the duct10or function of the system5. However, the method used to secure the lower and upper halves in Thus, for illustration purposes only,FIGS. 18-29may use the same technique or method used to secure the lower and upper halves as discussed withFIGS. 6-17.FIG. 18illustrates a part with an upper half183which may be secured to a lower half184illustrated inFIG. 19, for a curved part, joint or connector, of the adjustable channel system5to direct the air conditioning line sets in a curved direction, such over an orthogonal turn in the system, in an non-limiting example. AlthoughFIGS. 18-23depict that the upper and lower halves183,184are designed to accommodate an orthogonal turn in the system, the embodiment of the part of the upper and lower halves are not limited to any particular angular turn and may be configured to accommodate any angular turn in the system.FIG. 20illustrates a part with an upper half185which may be secured to the lower half186illustrated inFIG. 21, for a curved connector110of the adjustable channel system5to direct the air conditioning line sets in a curved direction, such as over an approximate 45 degree angle turn in the system, in an non-limiting example. However, the connector110including the upper and lower halves186,186are not limited to any specific angular turn in the system and may be configured to accommodate any angular turn in the system.FIG. 22illustrates a part with an upper half187which may be secured to the lower half188illustrated inFIG. 23, for a curved connector of the adjustable channel system5to direct the air conditioning line sets in a curved direction.

FIG. 24illustrates a part with an upper half189which may be secured to the lower half190illustrated inFIG. 25, for a T-junction connector110of the adjustable channel system5. Although the embodiments of the connector110including the upper and lower halves189,190depicts inFIGS. 24 and 25are configured to accommodate a T-junction in the system, the embodiment is not limited to a T-junction connector and the upper and lower halves may be designed to accommodate a junction of any number of channels within the system5.

FIG. 26illustrates a part of a connector110including an upper half191which may be secured to the lower half192illustrated inFIG. 27, for an inlet part of the adjustable channel system5positioned at an entry point of the air conditioning line sets along an exterior of a building into the building, where the lower half192defines an opening193positioned to be aligned with an opening on the exterior of the building, to direct the air conditioning line sets into the building.

FIG. 28shows the upper half114of another connector110which expands to provide a wider opening. As further illustrated and which may be provided with each upper half disclosed herein, a pair of semi-cylindrical shells130,132positioned on opposite sides of the upper half114. Additionally, a pair of vertical ridges134,136may be positioned on either side of each respective semi-cylindrical shell130,132.FIG. 29shows the lower half112of the other connector110which expands to provide a wider opening. As illustrated with other connectors herein, this lower half112includes an oblong housing142,144positioned on opposite sides of the lower half112. The oblong housing142,144may define a hole146which extends through the length of the oblong housing142,144, and has an oblong cross-section. A vertical flange148may be provided on an inside surface of each side of the lower half112beside the oblong housing142,144. The lower half112and upper half114, when joined in the manner illustrated inFIG. 6, may provide a portion of the channel system110to direct the air conditioning line sets, where a width of the combined lower and upper halves112,114narrows from an inlet147to an outlet149of the lower and upper halves112,114. In a non-limiting example, the lower and upper halves112,114may be utilized within the adjustable channel system110, in the event that the air conditioning line sets need to be guided through an area of narrowing width. AlthoughFIG. 6depicts that the system110includes the lower half112and the upper half114secured together, the embodiments are not limited to two halves of a system being secured together and may include a system with more than two portions, where a first and a second portion of the system are secured together.

FIG. 30illustrates a flowchart depicting a method200which may begin at201by providing a lower half112and an upper half114of the adjustable channel system110. The method200may further include positioning204the lower and upper halves112,114so that the hole150in the upper half114is aligned with the hole146in the oblong housing142,144of the lower half112. The method200may further include spacing206the lower and upper halves112,114at a selective distance164. The method200may further include passing208the cam screw156into the hole150and the threading160of the earn screw156into the hole146in the oblong housing142,144. The method200may further include rotating210the cam screw156so that the teeth162of the threading160engage an inner surface of the oblong housing142of the lower half112and the pin159is secured under the shoulder154of the upper half114, before ending at211.

FIG. 31illustrates a pictorial representation of the system utilized with a building and an air conditioning system. As illustrated, the air conditioning system300is located outside of the building310. A duct system5is disclosed for covering line sets the run from the air conditioning system into the building. The duct system5comprises a plurality of ducts10as disclosed herein. Joints110are provided to connect adjacent ducts10together to provide for a continuous path. A joint110with a bend is provided to change a directional path of the duct system5. A joint110end cover191,192is provided where the line sets enter the building310. Also illustrated are a T-connector197(an embodiment shown by its halves inFIGS. 24 and 25) and a curved connector199(embodiments as shown by its respective halves in either the combination ofFIGS. 18 and 19,FIGS. 20 and 21, andFIGS. 22 and 23).

As discussed herein, in an embodiment, in constructing the duct system5for use, the lower portions are secured to the building, such as with screws or another form of attaching these pieces to the building. The line sets are then placed within the lower halves. The upper halves of the ducts10are then fitted onto the lower halves, followed by securing the upper halves of the joints to their respective lower halves. If access is later required within the ducts, such as to reach the line sets, the cam screws are released to remove the upper halves of the joints. An installer may then apply an opposing force to separate the edge of the upper half of each respective upper half of a specific duct, such as by grabbing the edge of the upper half and puling it away from the lower half, to release the locking mechanism, or engaging member, from the securing mechanism, or receiving member, while pulling the upper half away from the lower half. Neither part is damage by this removal so in a preferred embodiment, both the upper half and the lower half may be reused. If any damage was to occur, it may occur to the upper half. In such a situation, only the upper half would require replacing.

While various disclosed embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of non-limiting examples only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the subject matter disclosed herein can be made in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Thus, the breadth and scope of the subject matter provided herein should not be limited by any of the above explicitly described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the embodiments should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Moreover, unless specifically stated, any use of the terms first, second, etc., does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

The embodiments herein specifically disclose an adjustable channel system for air conditioning line sets. Additionally, the embodiments may be used for other devices or systems where an enclosed fixture which minimizes exposure to moisture and may be formed and disassembled with minimum use of tools.

Thus, while embodiments have been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the embodiments without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the embodiments not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims are considered.