Abstract:
An enclosure for protecting an air conditioning condenser unit is provided. The enclosure includes a cover for enclosing an outdoor condenser unit, the cover including (1) a metal frame for folding around and over the outdoor condenser unit, the metal frame including a plurality of panels, interconnected to at least one other panel and each panel having a plurality of metal edges, each panel sized for a corresponding section of the outdoor condenser unit, and each panel also includes a metal mesh extending between the metal edges, and (2) a metal security bar for interconnecting opposite panels via extension of the security bar underneath the outdoor condenser unit, whereby when folded around the outdoor condenser unit, the cover substantially approximates the shape of the outdoor condenser unit and prevents access to the outdoor condenser unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention pertains to protecting outdoor heating and air-conditioning units and the like against theft. More particularly, this invention pertains to a condenser cover for enclosing outdoor heating and air conditioning units and the like to prevent access and theft. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Theft of copper condensing units has been an ongoing problem that has continued to grow in recent years. Law enforcement officials report a dramatic rise in the theft of copper wiring and refrigeration copper tubing from business and utility facilities. The scrap value of metals such as steel, copper, and aluminum, are at historically high levels. Thousands of dollars in damages can result from the acquisition of as little as one hundred dollars in metals. 
         [0006]    Often the thieves will remove an entire unit so that it can be dismantled in a more convenient location. However, an efficient thief can often gut a condensing unit in as little as fifteen minutes. Copper theft leaves an air conditioning unit badly damaged or completely destroyed. The business or homeowner is left with expensive repairs and possibly loss of business. 
         [0007]    While businesses and government buildings have had the most obvious vulnerability due to the downtime of weekends or long periods of inactivity, as in school buildings, residential areas have also become targets. Homes that are empty due to being for sale or between rentals are especially vulnerable. Thieves also scout neighborhoods to determine when homes are empty. 
         [0008]    Residential air conditioning units have historically been very vulnerable to tampering, even though the problem has seen significant increase only recently. For aesthetic reasons, the units are often located out of view from both the road and from the areas of the home that are most often in use. 
         [0009]    As the theft and destruction of air conditioning units has increased many solutions have been offered to combat the problem. Various kinds of steel cages, covers, or enclosures, have been introduced into the marketplace to secure the units against theft or unwanted access. Custom built enclosures provide security specific to the exact environment but are not readily adaptable to varying models and shapes of units. While many enclosures are removable after a fashion, they are often cumbersome to deal with and often require what amounts to a reinstallation after being removed for repairs or other necessary access. Some enclosures are secured directly to the ground, pad, or concrete, via bolts or anchors, while others require being secured directly to the unit itself. 
         [0010]    What is needed is an enclosure or cover that is simple to install that also provides ease of access to the protected air conditioning unit. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, an enclosure for protecting an air conditioning condenser unit is provided. The enclosure includes a frame having panels to cover the rear, front, each side, and the top of a condenser unit. The panels include a mesh portion bordered on each edge by a metal bar. The side panels are connected opposite each other to the rear panel and fold around each side from the rear of the condenser unit. The top panel is connected to the top of the rear panel and folds over the top of the condenser unit from the rear. The front panel is connected to the top panel, opposite the rear panel, and folds over the front of the condenser unit from the top. The panels are interconnected with hinges secured to the inside of the enclosure. The front panel and the back panel include an aperture for securing a bar to the enclosure. The bar includes a hook portion and a fastener portion, the fastener portion also including a hole. The hook portion of the bar is attached to the aperture of the rear panel and the fastener portion protrudes through the aperture of the front panel providing availability to the hole for securing the enclosure with a lock. 
         [0012]    Another embodiment provides a cover for enclosing an outdoor condenser unit, the cover including (1) a metal frame for folding around and over the outdoor condenser unit, the metal frame including a plurality of panels, interconnected to at least one other panel and each panel having a plurality of metal edges, each panel sized for a corresponding section of the outdoor condenser unit, and each panel also includes a metal mesh extending between the metal edges, and (2) a metal security bar for interconnecting opposite panels via extension of the security bar underneath the outdoor condenser unit, whereby when folded around the outdoor condenser unit, the cover substantially approximates the shape of the outdoor condenser unit. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the interconnected panels are adjoined via hinges. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the metal security bar includes a hook portion and a fastener portion at opposite ends, with the fastener portion including a hole. In one embodiment, the fastener portion includes a tongue portion so that the hole is in the tongue portion, and the fastener portion includes an offset portion perpendicular to a main bar portion of the metal security bar, so that the tongue portion is offset from the main bar portion. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, one panel includes a first aperture adjacent one of the metal edges, and sized for receiving the hook portion of the metal security bar. One other panel includes a second aperture adjacent one of the metal edges, and sized for receiving the tongue portion. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, the metal security bar has a length exceeding that of the outdoor condenser unit. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the hook portion of the metal security bar further includes a lip portion for insertion into the first aperture to secure the hook portion to a panel. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the metal mesh is formed from expanded metal. 
         [0019]    Another embodiment provides a cover for enclosing an outdoor condenser unit, the cover including a metal frame for folding around and over the outdoor condenser unit, the metal frame including (1) a plurality of panels, each having a plurality of metal edges, and each panel further including a metal mesh extending between the metal edges. The plurality of panels includes (a) a first panel sized for a corresponding first side of the outdoor condenser unit, (b) a second panel, adjoined to a first metal edge of the first panel, and sized for a corresponding second side of the outdoor condenser unit, so that the second panel is foldable to cover the second side of the outdoor condenser unit, (c) a third panel adjoined to a second metal edge of the first panel that is opposite the first metal edge, and the third panel is sized for a corresponding third side of the outdoor condenser unit opposite the second side of the outdoor condenser unit, and the third panel is foldable to cover the third side of the outdoor condenser unit, (d) a fourth panel adjoined to a third metal edge of the first panel, where the third metal edge is between the first metal edge and the second metal edge of the first panel, and the fourth panel is sized for a corresponding fourth side of the outdoor condenser unit, and is foldable to cover the fourth side of the outdoor condenser unit, the fourth panel being adjacent to the first, second, and third panel, and (e) a fifth panel adjoined to the fourth panel opposite the third panel, and sized for covering a portion of a fifth side of the outdoor condenser unit, (2) the first panel including a first aperture adjacent to a fourth metal edge of the first panel, that is opposite the third metal edge; (3) the fifth panel including a second aperture adjacent to a metal edge opposite the fourth panel, (4) a metal security bar that includes a hook end and a fastener end, where the fastener end is offset from the hook end, so that the metal security bar is for interconnecting the first panel and the fifth panel, so that the hook end is inserted into the first aperture, the metal security bar is extended underneath the outdoor condenser unit, and the fastener end is inserted into the second aperture, so that when folded around the outdoor condenser unit, the cover substantially approximates the shape of the outdoor condenser unit and prevents access to the outdoor condenser unit. 
         [0020]    Another embodiment provides a cover for enclosing an outdoor condenser unit, wherein the cover includes (1) a metal frame for folding around and over the outdoor condenser unit, and the metal frame includes panels, each panel with a plurality of edges, where (a) a first panel is sized for a corresponding first side of the outdoor condenser unit, (b) a second panel is adjoined to a first edge of the first panel, sized for a corresponding second side of the outdoor condenser unit, and foldable to cover the second side of the outdoor condenser unit, (c) a third panel is adjoined to a second edge of the first panel, opposite the first edge, sized for a corresponding third side of the outdoor condenser unit opposite the second side of the outdoor condenser unit, and foldable to cover the third side of the outdoor condenser unit, (d) a fourth panel is adjoined to a third edge of the first panel, between the first edge and the second edge of the first panel, sized for a corresponding fourth side of the outdoor condenser unit, and foldable to cover the fourth side of the outdoor condenser unit, where the fourth panel is adjacent to the first, second, and third panel, and (e) a fifth panel is adjoined to the fourth panel, opposite the third panel, sized for covering a portion of a fifth side of the outdoor condenser unit, (2) the first panel includes a first aperture adjacent to a fourth edge opposite the third edge of the first panel, (3) the fifth panel includes a second aperture adjacent to an edge opposite the fourth panel, (4) a security bar that includes a hook end and a fastener end, with the fastener end offset from the hook end, for interconnecting the first panel and the fifth panel, where the hook end is inserted into the first aperture, the security bar is extended underneath the outdoor condenser unit, and the fastener end is inserted into the second aperture, so that when folded around the outdoor condenser unit, the cover substantially approximates the shape of the outdoor condenser unit and prevents access to the outdoor condenser unit. 
         [0021]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a condenser cover according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an unfolded view of the frame portion of the condenser cover of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3-A  is a side view of the security bar; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3-B  is a top view of the security bar; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a partially open condenser cover with an air conditioning unit; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an installed condenser cover enclosing an air conditioning unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    A condenser cover for enclosing outdoor heating and air conditioning units is disclosed. The condenser cover folds around and encloses the units to protect against theft or other unwanted access, while also allowing ease of access for maintenance and repairs. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates a condenser cover  100  for enclosing outdoor heating and air conditioning units and other similar mechanical devices that require added security against tampering or theft. Such outdoor devices that require added security or protection are collectively referred to within this application as “outdoor units” or “units.” A condenser cover  100  is an enclosure or cage that encloses or covers an outdoor unit to protect the unit against unwanted access or damage. The condenser cover  100  includes a frame  110  of five panels  112  that fold around an outdoor unit (see  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 ). The panels  112  include a rear panel  112   b  and two side panels  112   a,    112   c  on opposing sides of the unit. A top panel  112   d  connects to the rear panel  112   b  and folds over the top of the unit. A front panel  112   e  connects to the top panel  112   d  opposite the rear panel  112   b  and folds over the front of the unit. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, adjoining panels  112  are connected via a hinge  130  secured to each of the panels  112 . In one embodiment, the hinge  130  is a butt hinge. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two hinges  130  connecting each pair of adjoining panels  112 . The hinges  130  are affixed to the inside of each adjoining panel  130  so that the frame  110  cannot be disassembled from the outside of the condenser cover  100 . 
         [0032]    A security bar  120  extends from the rear panel  112   b  to the front panel  112   e.  The security bar  120  has a hook end  320  (see  FIG. 3 ) at the rear panel  112   b  and a hole  122  or other similar opening in the fastener end  330  (see  FIG. 3 ) for inserting a lock or other security device to prevent opening the front panel  112   e  of the condenser cover  100 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is an unfolded view of the frame  110  portion of the condenser cover  100 . In an unfolded, that is open or flat, configuration, the frame  110  includes a series of panels  112  connected via hinges  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  110  includes five panels  112  connected for wrapping around an outdoor unit. In one embodiment, the frame  110  is operable around a rear panel  112   b  to which three of the remaining four panels  112  are attached. A first side panel  112   a  is attached to one side of the rear panel  112   b  and a second side panel  112   c  is attached to the opposing side of the rear panel  112   b.  A top panel  112   d  is attached to the rear panel  112   b  between the side panels  112   a,    112   c.  A front panel  112   e  is attached to the top panel  112   d  opposite the rear panel  112   b.    
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the rear panel  112   b,  both side panels  112   a,    112   c,  and the top panel  112   d  are substantially the same size, while the front panel  112   e  has a height that is less than the height of the remaining panels  112   a,    112   b,    112   c,    112   d.  In such embodiments, the panels  112  are substantially square with the exception of the front panel  112   e.    
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the rear panel  112   b  and the side panels  112   a,    112   c  are of the same height while the length of the top panel  112   d  corresponds to a front to back measurement of the outdoor unit. That is, the length of the top panel  112   d  is the same as the width of the side panels  112   a,    112   c,  and the width of the top panel  112   d  is the same as the width of the rear panel  112   b.  Such dimensions correspond to an outdoor unit that has a front to back measurement that exceeds the width when viewed from the front. 
         [0036]    Each panel  112  includes four edges  210  assembled to form the perimeter of a rectangular shaped panel  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear panel  112   b,  each side panel  112   a,    112   c,  and the top panel  112   d  are substantially square in shape. The actual shape of each panel  112  for a particular embodiment is dependent upon the actual shape of the particular outdoor unit that is enclosed within the condenser cover  100 . Each edge  210  is formed from a metal bar of sufficient strength to provide rigidity to the panel  112 . It will be appreciated that various types of metal may be used to form the edges  210  according to the strength and rigidity necessary to securely enclose the particular outdoor unit. In one embodiment, the edges  210  of the rear panel  112   b,  each side panel  112   a,    112   c,  and the top panel  112   d,  have dimensions of 3/16 inch×1 inch×36 inches. In such an embodiment, the front panel  112   e  has two edges  210   e  of similar dimensions and two additional edges  210   e  having dimensions of 3/16 inch×1 inch×28 inches. In other embodiments, the length of the respective edges  210  will vary according to the dimensions of the outdoor unit that is enclosed. In still other embodiments, the width and thickness of the edges  210  may be increased or decreased according to the necessary strength and rigidity required for larger or smaller outdoor units respectively. 
         [0037]    The respective edges  210  are joined at each corner of the respective panel  210 . That is, the rear panel  112   b  is assembled from four edges  210   b  that form a rectangular shaped panel  112 . The edges  210   b  are joined at each corner of the rear panel  112   b.  In one embodiment, each edge  210   b  is welded to each adjacent edge  210   b  of the panel  112   b.  Similarly, the edges  210   a,    210   c,    210   d,    210   e  are welded to each adjacent edge  210   a,    210   c,    210   d,    210   e  of the respective panel  112   a,    112   c,    112   d,    112   e.  Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that in addition to welding, other methods of adjoining or fastening the edges  210  may be applicable according to the type of metal from which the edges  210  are formed. 
         [0038]    Each panel  112  includes a mesh  220  portion extending throughout that portion of the panel  112  between the edges  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, the respective panels  112   a,    112   b,    112   c,    112   d,    112   e  include a corresponding mesh  220   a,    220   b,    220   c,    220   d,    220   e.  In one embodiment, the mesh  220  is made from expanded metal. In one such embodiment, the mesh  220  is welded to the edges  210  on each side of the panel  112 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that many combinations of metals and/or materials may be used to form the mesh  220  of the panel  112 . The mesh  220  reduces and/or eliminates access to the outdoor unit and also does not interfere with ventilation of the unit. The air flow in and around the outdoor unit is substantially unaffected by the mesh  220 . 
         [0039]    Expanded metal is also referred to as perforated metal, and is a metal stock that typically has diamond-shaped voids surrounded by interlinked bars of the metal. The expanded metal is formed by shearing a metal plate in a press to stretch the metal. One method for manufacturing expanded metal is to slit and stretch the material in one motion. Some common uses for expanded metal are grates, fencing, and guards to protect against contact with hot surfaces or dangerous machinery. Expanded metal also finds application such as in walls or other areas where its presence increases the difficulty in breaching the location. The use of expanded metal increases the difficulty in accessing a location without specialized cutting equipment. 
         [0040]    The expanded metal in the mesh  220  of the panels  112  is of sufficient strength to prevent unwanted access or damage to the outdoor unit. In one embodiment, the mesh  220  is ¾ inch #9 expanded metal. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other grades of expanded metal, or even other materials may be used to provide the mesh  220  for the panel  112 . In such embodiments, the mesh  220  need only allow for adequate ventilation of the outdoor unit, i.e. does not substantially interfere with air flow, while also providing sufficient strength to protect against unwanted access. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment the rear panel  112   b  includes a rear aperture  230  near the center of and adjacent to the edge  210   b  opposite the edge  210   b  that connects to the top panel  112   d.  The rear aperture  230  is an opening of sufficient size for receiving the hook end  320  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the security bar  120  to maintain the security bar  120  in place when installed between the rear panel  112   b  and the front panel  112   e.  In the illustrated embodiment, the rear aperture  230  has dimensions of approximately ¾ inch×1¼ inches lengthwise along the edge  210   b.  That is, the longer dimension is along the length of the edge  210   b  and the width extends toward the opposite edge  210   b.  Of course, the opening or rear aperture  230  is sized to correspond with the particular security bar  120  dimensions for the respective condenser cover  100 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the size of the rear aperture  230  and the size of the security bar  120  will vary in accordance with the specific dimensions of the condenser cover  100  which in turn vary in accordance to the specific outdoor unit that is enclosed. 
         [0042]    Similar to the rear panel, in one embodiment the front panel  112   e  includes a front aperture  240  near the center of and adjacent to the edge  210   b  opposite the edge  210   b  that connects to the top panel  112   d.  The front aperture  240  is an opening of sufficient size for receiving the fastener end  330  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the security bar  120  and to maintain the security bar  120  in place when installed between the front panel  112   e  and the rear panel  112   b.  In the illustrated embodiment, the front aperture  240  has dimensions of approximately ¾ inch×1¼ inches lengthwise along the edge  210   b.  That is, the longer dimension is along the length of the edge  210   b  and the width extends toward the opposite edge  210   b.  As noted regarding the rear aperture  230 , the opening or front aperture  240  is sized to correspond with the particular security bar  120  dimensions for the respective condenser cover  100 . Again, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the size of the front aperture  240  and the size of the security bar  120  will vary in accordance with the specific dimensions of the condenser cover  100  which in turn vary in accordance to the specific outdoor unit that is enclosed. 
         [0043]    It should be noted that the rear aperture  230  and the front aperture  240  typically are not located directly opposite each other in the sense of parallelism with the top panel  112   d.  That is, since the front panel  112   e  height is less that the rear panel  112   b  height, the front aperture  240  is closer to the top panel  112   d  than the rear aperture  230 . In other words, the rear aperture  230  is closer to the base level of the condenser cover  100 , whereas the front aperture is raised some distance above the base level of the condenser cover  100 . The base level of the condenser cover  100  generally corresponds to the bottom of the outdoor unit. This difference in height allows for the shape of the security bar  120  where the fastener end  330  is offset from the hook end  320 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3-A  is a side view of the security bar  120 .  FIG. 3-B  is a top view of the security bar  120 . The security bar  120  includes a main bar  310 , a hook end  320  and a fastener end  330 . The fastener end  330  includes a hole  122  for insertion of a lock or other security device. The main bar  310  of the security bar  120  extends from the hook end  320  to the fastener end  330 . The length of the main bar  310  corresponds to and exceeds the front-to-back length of the top panel  112   d  of the condenser cover  100 . In one embodiment, the hook end  320  of the security bar  120  is inserted into the rear aperture  230  of the rear panel  112   b  of the condenser cover  100  so that the security bar  120  extends underneath the condenser cover  100  to the front panel  112   e.  The fastener end  330  is inserted into the front aperture  240  of the front panel  112   e  so that a lock or other security device is inserted into the hole  122  to prevent the condenser cover  100  from being opened and to protect the outdoor unit from unwanted access or damage. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment security bar  120  is formed from metal having thickness of ⅛ inch and width of 1 inch. The length of the security bar  120  exceeds the front-to-back length of the condenser cover  100  by a sufficient margin for the hole  126  to be accessible outside the front panel  112   e.  Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the specific dimensions of the security bar  120  will vary according to the size of the outdoor unit to be enclosed by the condenser cover  100 . Larger units will, of course, require greater strength and/or rigidity for the security bar  120 . In such embodiments, the security bar  120  may have increased thickness and/or width. Of course, the length of the security bar  120  will correspond closely to the measurements of the unit under which the security bar  120  extends. 
         [0046]    The hook end  320  is sized and shaped to operate in concert with the rear aperture  230  of the rear panel  112   b.  In one embodiment, the hook end  320  includes a rear portion  322  that extends substantially perpendicular to the main bar  310 . A lip  324  extends from the rear portion  322  toward the fastener end  330  and substantially parallel to the main bar  310 . 
         [0047]    The hook end  320  is sized for the lip  324  to fit within the rear aperture  230  of the rear panel  112   b.  That is, the length of the rear portion  322  exceeds the width of the corresponding edge  210   b  of the rear panel  112   b.  In one embodiment, the length of the lip  324  is substantially the same as the length of the rear portion  322 . The lip  324  of the hook end  320  is inserted through the rear aperture  230  from the outside of the rear panel  112   b  so that the main bar  310  extends underneath the outdoor unit. 
         [0048]    The fastener end  330  is sized and shaped to operate in concert with the front aperture  240  of the front panel  112   e.  In one embodiment, the fastener end  330  includes a front portion  332  that extends substantially perpendicular to the main bar  310 . A tongue  334  extends from the front portion  332  and opposite the hook end  320 . The tongue  334  is substantially perpendicular to the front portion  332 , that is, substantially parallel to the main bar  310 . In operation, the tongue  334  extends through the front aperture  240  of the front panel  112   e  so that the hole  122  is outside the front panel  112   e.    
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the length of the rear portion  322  is approximately 1½ inches and the length of the lip  324  is approximately 1½ inches. In one embodiment, the front portion  332  is approximately 9 inches and the length of the tongue is 1½ inches. In such an embodiment, the hole  122  in the tongue  334  is approximately 1 inch from the front portion  332 . The hole  122  is sized to accept the lock or other security device that is used to prevent the condenser cover  100  from being opened for unwanted access or damage to an enclosed outdoor unit. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the length of the main bar is 36½ inches. In various embodiments, the length of the main bar corresponds to the dimensions of the outdoor unit. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a partially open condenser cover  100  with an air conditioning unit or outdoor unit  400 .  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an installed condenser cover  100  enclosing an air conditioning unit or outdoor unit  400 . The mesh  220  for some panels  112  is shown in cutaway fashion to reduce clutter in the drawing. It will be appreciated that each panel  112  includes a mesh  220  that extends between the respective edges  210 . 
         [0052]    The opposing side panels  112   a,    112   c  are wrapped around either side of the outdoor unit  400  from the rear so that the rear panel  112   b  and the opposing side panels  112   a,    112   b  together enclose three sides of the outdoor unit  400 . 
         [0053]    A top panel  112   d  is attached to the rear panel  112   b  between the side panels  112   a,    112   c,  so that the top panel  112   d  folds over the top of the outdoor unit  400  from the rear. A front panel  112   e  is attached to the top panel  112   d  opposite the rear panel  112   b.  When the top panel  112   d  is folded across the top of an outdoor unit  400 , the front panel  112   e  is folded down to cover the front of the outdoor unit  400 . The outdoor unit  400  is completely enclosed via the panels  112  when the rear panel  112   b  is situated at the rear of the outdoor unit  400  so that each side panel  112   a,    112   c  is folded around opposing sides of the outdoor unit  400 , the top panel  112   d  is folded over the top of the outdoor unit  400 , and the front panel  112   e  is folded down over the front of the outdoor unit  400 . 
         [0054]    In the illustrated embodiment the panels  112  are adjoined to each other via hinges  130 . The hinges  130  are attached so that they are on the inside of an installed condenser cover  100 . In this way, the installed condenser cover  100  is not easily disassembled. 
         [0055]    The security bar  120  is attached via the hook end  320  to the rear panel  112   b  and extends under the outdoor unit  400  to the front side of the outdoor unit  400 . The front panel  112   e  is closed so that hole  122  of the tongue  334  extends through the front aperture  240 . A lock can be inserted into the hole  122  to secure the condenser cover  100  and prevent unwanted access and damage to the outdoor unit  400  underneath. 
         [0056]    From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a condenser cover  100 , for preventing unwanted access or damage to an outdoor unit  400  such as an air conditioner condenser, has been provided 
         [0057]    While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.