Abstract:
A clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in a window without the need for any modification and/or damage to the air conditioning unit or window. The clamp includes a plurality of planar members forming two oppositely facing channels. A first channel engages the air conditioning unit rail while a second channel engages the window sash of the window. The clamp further includes two fasteners to abut the window sash and the air conditioning unit rail. The clamp therefore prevents the window from being opened and the air conditioning unit from being pushed through the window.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Window air conditioning units are conveniently designed to allow for easy installation and removal, but this is problematic as they are often left unsecured in the window. A potential thief may easily lift the window and/or push an unsecured air conditioning unit to gain entry to a house. This is of particular concern for first floor air conditioning units, which are more accessible. 
         [0002]    Current techniques exist to secure an air conditioning unit in a window to deter would-be thieves, but these methods often prove invasive and time consuming to install, requiring separate tools and know-how. Air conditioning units often come with hardware enabling a user to screw the unit directly into the window frame. This damages both the air conditioning unit and window frame and requires the use of separate tools. Other methods include using a bracket to screw directly into the window frame, which is unsightly and invasive, resulting in permanent damage to the window frame, air conditioning unit, or both. These methods are also time consuming to install and uninstall. A need exists for an air conditioning unit security system that provides sufficient security to prevent the window from being pushed up and/or prevents the air conditioning unit from being pushed through the window without damaging or otherwise modifying the air conditioning unit or the window in which it is secured. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp secures an air conditioning unit in a window without requiring modification and/or damage to the air conditioning unit or window. The clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in a window, where the air conditioning unit includes a rail the clamp may engage, includes a first planar member, a second planar member, and a third planar member forming a first channel, where the first channel is adapted to engage the air conditioning unit rail. The clamp also includes the third planar member, a fourth planar member, and a fifth planar member forming a second channel, where the second channel is adapted to engage a window sash of the window, the second channel and the first channel facing opposite directions. The first planar member further comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture adapted to receive a first fastener and the second aperture adapted to receive a second fastener. The third planar member further comprises a third aperture substantially aligned with the first aperture of the first planar member, where the third aperture is adapted to receive the first fastener. 
         [0004]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for securing an air conditioning unit in a window includes utilizing a first planar member, a second planar member, and a third planar member to form a first channel, the first channel utilized to engage an air conditioning unit rail of the air conditioning unit. The method also includes utilizing the third planar member, a fourth planar member, and a fifth planar member to form a second channel, the second channel utilized to engage a window sash of the window, wherein the second channel and the first channel face opposite directions. The method further includes utilizing a first and a second fastener, wherein the first fastener is utilized to penetrate the first planar member and the third planar member to abut the window sash within the second channel, and the second fastener is utilized to penetrate the first planar member to abut the air conditioning unit rail within the first channel. 
         [0005]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in a window, where the air conditioning unit includes a rail the clamp may engage, includes a first planar member, a second planar member, and a third planar member forming a first channel, where the first channel is adapted to engage the air conditioning unit rail. The clamp also includes the third planar member, a fourth planar member, and a fifth planar member that form a second channel, and the second channel is adapted to engage a window sash of the window, where the second channel and the first channel face opposite directions. The third planar member further includes one or more inwardly projecting tabs adapted to engage the air conditioning unit rail. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for securing an air conditioning unit in a window, where the air conditioning unit includes a rail the system may engage, includes a first channel adapted to engage the air conditioning unit rail, where the first channel is formed by a first planar member, a second planar member, and a third planar member, where the first planar member is adapted to receive a first and a second fastener, and the third planar member is adapted to receive the first fastener and includes one or more inwardly projecting tabs adapted to engage the air conditioning unit rail. The system also includes an opposite facing second channel adapted to engage a window sash of the window, where the second channel is formed by the third planar member, a fourth planar member, and a fifth planar member. 
         [0007]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates an in-use perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates an additional in-use perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  illustrates an additional embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  illustrates an additional embodiment of a clamp for securing an air conditioning unit in which concepts described herein are applied. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
         [0020]    Embodiments described herein provide systems that secure an air conditioning unit in a window without damaging or otherwise modifying the air conditioning unit or the window. Certain embodiments may be modular, comprising components that are of adjustable dimensions and configurations, being able to accommodate standard (albeit different) window dimensions and air conditioning units of various dimensions. This modularity also provides for easy packaging, assembly, and repair or flexible arrangement and use. Components of systems described herein are thought to advantageously comprise one or a combination of lightweight materials that impart sufficient strength such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or fiber-reinforced plastic, and the like. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of clamp  100 . Clamp  100  comprises planar member  101 , planar member  102 , planar member  103 , planar member  104 , and planar member  105  for securing air conditioning unit  106  in window  107  in which concepts described herein are applied. An embodiment of clamp  100  biases air conditioning unit rail  108  and window sash  109 . Planar member  101 , planar member  102 , and planar member  103  form first channel  110  of clamp  100 , which is adapted to receive air conditioning unit rail  108 . Planar member  103 , planar member  104 , and planar member  105  form second channel  111 , which is adapted to receive window sash  109 . 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , and further illustrated by the perspective view in  FIG. 2 , first channel  110  and second channel  111  face opposite directions to form clamp  100 . Each may be reversibly attached to the other by fasteners, locking/mating grooves, and the like. Each may also fold or actuate at hinges or the like. When clamp  100  secures air conditioning unit  106 , as seen, planar member  101  is oriented at the interior of a building and planar member  105  is oriented at the exterior of window  107 , while planar member  103  is oriented in between air conditioning unit rail  108  and window sash  109 . In this way, clamp  100  can be thought as comprising inner, outer, and middle portions. Clamp  100  prevents air conditioning unit  106  from being forced through the window and/or prevents window  107  from being forced open. As will be described in more detail, clamp  100  operates to secure air conditioning unit  106  in window  107  without requiring any damage and/or modification to air conditioning unit  106  or window  107 . 
         [0023]    While the illustrated embodiment of clamp  100  is a single contiguous component, it should be appreciated that planar member  101 , planar member  102 , planar member  103 , planar member  104 , and planar member  105  may, in fact, comprise several structures that may be configured according to specific dimensions of an air conditioning unit and window sash. The length, width, and shape of each planar member of clamp  100  may be adapted to accommodate different sizes of air conditioning units and window sashes of different thicknesses. The shape and size of planar member  101  may vary. For instance, the corners of planar member  101  may be rounded, or planar member  101  may include a triangular, square, or circular shape. Additionally, a soft material, such as rubber or a rubber composite, may cover any of the surfaces of planar member  101 , planar member  102 , planar member  103 , planar member  104 , and planar member  105  to prevent damage to air conditioning unit rail  108  and/or window sash  109 , as well as provide vibration isolation. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , planar member  101  is configured to abut the front, or interior-facing, surface of air conditioning rail  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, planar member  101  may be configured with two apertures (such as aperture  112  and aperture  113 ). Aperture  112  and aperture  113  may be located substantially in the center of planar member  101  and further configured to accept fasteners. The sizes of aperture  112  and aperture  113  may be configured to accept various types and sizes of fasteners as further discussed herein. In one embodiment, aperture  112  may be located closer to planar member  102 , that is, at a greater distance from aperture  113 . The placement of aperture  112  may vary depending on the height of air conditioning unit rail  108 . In a preferred embodiment, aperture  112  and aperture  113  may be threaded to accept threaded fasteners. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment, threaded fasteners (such as thumbscrew  114  and thumbscrew  115 ) may be used to bias air conditioning unit rail  108  and window sash  109  with sufficient force making it difficult for one to move window  107  with respect to air conditioning unit  106 . It should be appreciated that other embodiments may comprise fasteners including, but not limited to bolts, clips, nails, pins, pegs, rivets, and threaded fasteners such as thumbscrews, metal screws, wood screws, self-tapping screws, and the like. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment, thumbscrew  114  is threaded through aperture  112  and further threaded through aperture  116  in planar member  103 . Thumbscrew  114  passes above air conditioning unit rail  108  thereby preventing any damage or modification to air conditioning unit rail  108 . Tightening thumbscrew  114  causes thumbscrew  114  to abut window sash  109 , which is received by second channel  111 . Tightening thumbscrew  114  with sufficient force biases window sash  109  against planar member  105 . The biasing of window sash  109  against planar member  105  secures window  107  to clamp  100 . Similarly, thumbscrew  115  is threaded through aperture  113  to abut air conditioning unit rail  108 . Thumbscrew  115  operates to sufficiently bias air conditioning unit rail  108  in first channel  110  against planar member  103  without damage or modification of air conditioning rail  108 . With window sash  109  biased against planar member  105  by thumbscrew  114  and air conditioning unit rail  108  biased against planar member  103  by thumbscrew  115 , the window is prevented from being opened. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , planar member  103  may include one or more inwardly projecting tabs (such as tab  117  and tab  118 ) adapted to engage air conditioning unit rail  108 . The inwardly projecting tabs operate in conjunction with the biasing action of thumbscrew  114  and thumbscrew  115 . Tab  117  and tab  118  operate to prevent clamp  100  from being separated from air conditioning rail  108  when clamp  100  and air conditioning rail  108  are biased with thumbscrew  114  and thumbscrew  115 . Air conditioning unit rails typically comprise a C-shaped profile as shown by  FIG. 4 . Air conditioning rail  108  comprises a vertical interior facing portion parallel to planar member  101  and a perpendicular horizontal portion that extends therefrom, parallel to planar member  102 . When thumbscrew  115  is tightened against air conditioning rail  108 , this causes the C-shaped horizontal portion of air conditioning unit rail  108  to cross above tab  117  and tab  118 . Tab  117  and tab  118  extend outwardly at a sufficient angle and length, thereby engaging air conditioning unit rail  108  when air conditioning unit rail  108  is sufficiently biased against planar member  103 . As a result of the orientation shown in  FIG. 4 , clamp  100  and window  107  are secured together and window  107  is prevented from being lifted and air conditioning unit  106  is secure. 
         [0028]    The inwardly projecting tabs may vary in length and position to adapt to various dimensions of air conditioning rails. According to one embodiment, the inwardly projecting tabs may be adjustable to adapt to different air conditioning rails. Another embodiment may include removable caps to place over the tabs in order to properly engage an air conditioning unit rail.  FIG. 4  illustrates tab  117  and tab  118  projecting inwards at approximately forty-five degrees, although other embodiments may include tabs projecting at different angles. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates an additional perspective view of the embodiment, displaying the interior facing planar member  101  and portion of planar member  105  protruding above planar member  102 .  FIG. 6  illustrates an additional perspective view of the embodiment, displaying exterior facing planar member  105  and portion of planar member  101  protruding below planar member  104 .  FIG. 7  illustrates an additional perspective view of the embodiment, displaying the top of clamp  100  and second channel  111 .  FIG. 8  illustrates an additional perspective view of the embodiment, displaying the bottom of clamp  100 , with tab  117  and tab  118  visibly protruding from planar member  103  into first channel  110 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , according to one embodiment, planar member  102  may be adjustable to modify the effective width and/or length of first channel  110  to adapt to a different sized air conditioning unit rail. Similarly, planar member  104  may be adjustable to modify the effective width and/or length of second channel  111  to adapt to different sized window sashes. According to one embodiment, planar member  102  and planar member  104  each may comprise two pieces, where one slides along the length of another to form a desired length. Consistent with the discussion herein, the lengths and/or widths may be fixed by a reversible fastener means, one or more securing pins or bolts, latch mechanism, or the like. 
         [0031]    Planar member  102  and planar member  104  may each comprise an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, where length is adjusted by sliding the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve along their length with respect to one another. Length adjustments may be performed by aligning appropriate apertures in the inner sleeve and outer sleeve and inserting a securing pin or fastener through the aligned apertures. Length adjustments may also be performed by sliding the sleeves or segments along a series of notches or grooves so that each is seated in a desired notch or groove at the secured length. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , according to one embodiment, clamp  100  comprises an additional planar member  119 . Planar member  119  extends between planar member  101  and planar member  103  and is substantially parallel to planar member  102 . Planar member  119  may operate to rest on an air conditioning unit rail as it is positioned below aperture  112  of planar member  101  and aperture  116  of planar member  103 . Planar member  119  may operate to further provide stability and to prevent any potential damage to air conditioning until rail  108 . 
         [0033]    The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.