Patent Abstract:
A universal line components duct elbow (universal elbow) accommodates a variety of condensate tanks. The universal elbow includes an elbow base, an elbow cover, and an interface clip. The interface clip is releasably connected to the bottom wall and sidewalls of the elbow base and adapted for supporting a condensate tank within the universal elbow. In order to releasably connect the interface clip to the bottom wall of the elbow base, the bottom wall of the elbow base includes an elbow base/clip securing structure that engages a complementary clip/elbow base securing structure on one side of the interface clip. In order to secure the condensate tank within the universal elbow, the interface clip has a clip/tank securing structure on the opposite side that engages the structure of the condensate tank.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/162,110, filed May 15, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a line components duct system for enclosing refrigeration lines, electrical wires, and condensate tubes for a heating and cooling air conditioning system, and more particularly relates to a universal line components duct elbow for enclosing the line components and variety of condensate tanks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In a heating and cooling air conditioning system, such as a ductless mini split heating and cooling air conditioning system, refrigeration lines and electrical wires run between an evaporator unit located inside a building and a condenser unit located outside the building. The heating and cooling air conditioning system may also include condensate tubes that run from the evaporator to a condensate tank, from the condensate tank to a condensate pump, and from the condensate pump to a drain inside the building or to a location outside the building. The refrigeration lines, condensate tubes, and electrical wires will be collectively referred to hereinafter as line components. In order to keep the line components organized and out of sight, an enclosed line components duct system or trunk houses the line components. The line components duct system is used inside the building to enclose the line components between the evaporator and a point of penetration to the outside of the building in the circumstances where the line components cannot be embedded in a wall such as is the case with older plaster construction. In addition, the line components duct system is used outside the building between the wall penetration point from the interior of the building and the condenser unit. The line components duct system is particularly useful when a building is retrofit with the ductless mini split heating and cooling air conditioning system with the evaporator unit attached to a wall adjacent the ceiling of a room within the building. In such a case, the line components duct system typically runs from the mini split evaporator unit mounted on the interior wall to the ceiling along the interior wall. 
         [0004]    DiversiTech Corporation, the assignee of the present invention and application, sells a line components duct system under the mark SpeediChannel. Such a line components duct system includes a straight section line components duct having a rectangular cross-section. The straight section line components duct comprises an elongated base with an attached side wall and a snap on cover with an attached side wall. The cover with its attached side wall snaps onto the base with its attached side wall to complete the enclosure of the straight section line components duct. An integral channel with a series of channel clips runs along the length of the elongated base. The channel clips engage the integral channel and are slidable along the length of the integral channel. The channel clips secure the line components to the base of the line components duct in order to keep the line components from shifting or vibrating. The line components duct system also includes various fittings to accommodate turns in the direction of the line components, to accommodate penetration of the internal and external walls of the building, and to accommodate attachment of the line components duct to the condenser unit and the evaporator unit. 
         [0005]    In a typical installation for a ductless mini split heating and cooling air conditioning system, the base of the line components duct is attached to a mounting surface such as the internal wall of the room of the building. The line components are positioned on the base and secured with the channel clips. The cover with its attached wall is then snapped onto the base with its attached wall to complete the enclosure, to protect the line components, and to hide the line components from view. 
         [0006]    In installations of the mini split heating and cooling air conditioning system, a condensate tank is required to collect condensate produced by the evaporator unit. A condensate pump is then mounted at a remote location to draw the condensate from the condensate tank and pump the condensate to either a drain inside the building or to a remote location outside the building. The condensate tank is typically located closely adjacent the evaporator unit. In that regard, the condensate tank is often located in a line components duct elbow where the condensate line and the rest of the line components exit the evaporator unit and then make a 90° turn toward the ceiling of the room. The condensate pump is usually located above the ceiling and draws the condensate from the condensate tank through the condensate tube in the line components duct. 
         [0007]    A number of manufacturers offer a condensate tank and associated condensate pump. The condensate tanks are offered in a variety of sizes and shapes. Consequently, an installer must stock a variety of line components duct elbows in order to accommodate the variety of sizes and shapes of the various condensate tanks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention addresses the problem associated with the need of the installer to stock a variety of line components duct elbows by providing a universal line components duct elbow (universal elbow) that will accommodate a variety of condensate tanks. Particularly, the universal elbow includes an elbow base, with a bottom wall and sidewalls, an elbow cover, and an interface clip releasably connected to the bottom wall and the sidewall of the elbow base and adapted for supporting a condensate tank within the universal elbow. In order to releasably connect the interface clip to the bottom wall and the sidewall of the elbow base, the bottom wall and sidewall of the elbow base include an elbow base/clip securing structure that engages a complementary clip/elbow base securing structure on one side of the interface clip. In order to secure the condensate tank within the universal elbow, the interface clip has a clip/tank securing structure on the opposite side of the interface clip that engages the unique structure of each of the condensate tanks that are available. 
         [0009]    In order to accommodate a variety of differently shaped condensate tanks, the installer only needs to stock a variety of smaller interface clips that are connected to the bottom wall and the sidewall of the elbow base and which have a variety of different clip/tank securing structures each of which is specifically configured to match the size and structure of a particular commercially available condensate tank. 
         [0010]    Further objects, features and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a universal line components duct elbow (universal elbow) in accordance with the present invention and with the universal elbow attached at one end to an evaporator unit and at the other end to a straight section line components duct. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the universal elbow of  FIG. 1  with the cover removed to reveal line components and a condensate tank. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the universal elbow in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the universal elbow in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the elbow base of the universal elbow in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the elbow base of the universal elbow in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the elbow base of the universal elbow in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the elbow base of the universal elbow with an attached interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the elbow base of the universal elbow with a condensate tank secured by the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a package including the universal elbow and six distinct interface clips in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a back perspective view of the first embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the interface clip in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a universal line components elbow (universal elbow)  30  is attached at a first end  33  to an evaporator unit  10  and attached at a second end  35  to a straight section line components duct  24 . The evaporator unit  10 , the universal elbow  30 , and the straight section line components duct  24  are attached by standard means to an interior wall  26  of a room of a building. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the universal elbow  30  includes an elbow cover  40  and an elbow base  32 . The elbow cover  40  is removably attached to the elbow base  32  by means of latches  46  ( FIG. 3 ). In  FIG. 2 , the elbow cover  40  is removed to show the space inside the elbow base  32 . Particularly, the universal elbow  30  houses line components  20  including insulated refrigeration lines  12   a  and  12   b,  electric wiring  16   b,  condensate tubes  16   a.  A condensate tank  14  is also located inside the universal elbow  30 . The condensate tank  14  is connected to bottom wall  34  and to sidewall  36  of the elbow base  32  by means of an interface clip  48 , which is one of several interface clips  48 ,  148 ,  248 ,  348 ,  448 , and  548  and which will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the universal elbow  30  with the elbow cover  40  releasably connected to the elbow base  32  by means of the latches  46 . The elbow base  32  comprises the bottom wall  34 , right angle side walls  36 , and 45° angle side wall  37 . Latch keepers  45  formed in each of the right angle side walls  36  and 45° angle side wall  37  of the elbow base  32  comprise one part of each of the latches  46 . The elbow cover  40  comprises a top wall  42 , right angle side walls  43 , and 45° angle side wall  44 . Latch tabs  47  extending from the right angle side walls  43  and 45° angle sidewall  44  of the elbow cover  40  comprise the other part of each of the latches  46 . The elbow base  32  also has screw openings  39  for mounting the elbow base  32  to the room wall  26  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
         [0036]      FIGS. 5-7  show the interior of the elbow base  32 . A separator  38  extends from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the separator  38  retains the refrigeration lines  12   a  and  12   b  along the 45° angle side wall  37  of the elbow base  32  and the 45° angle side wall  44  of the elbow cover  40 , thereby keeping the refrigeration lines  12   a  and  12   b  from interfering with the room left for the condensate tank  14  inside the universal elbow  30 . With reference to  FIG. 7 , the elbow base  32  also includes an elbow base/clip securing structure comprising elbow base hooks  56   a  and  56   b  and elongated tracks  52   a  and  52   b  that hold the interface clip  48  in place within the elbow base  32 . Each of the elbow base hooks  56   a  and  56   b  has a camming surface  58  and a retaining surface  60  ( FIG. 6 ). Each elongated track  52   a  and  52   b  has track shoulders  54  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  shows interface clip  48  (see detail in  FIGS. 11-13 ) releasably connected to the elbow base  32 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the interface clip  48  has a clip/elbow base securing structure comprising two elongated grooves  64  that slidably engage the track shoulders  54  of the elongated tracks  52   a  or the elongated tracks  52   b.  The interface clip  48  also has clip shoulders  66   a  and  66   b  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) that match the locations of elbow base hooks  56   a  and  56   b  respectively. 
         [0038]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  48  is mounted to the elbow base  32 , by aligning the elongated grooves  64  of the interface clip  48  with the elongated tracks  52   b  and pushing the interface clip  48  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  along the elongated tracks  52   b.  Upon reaching the elbow hook  56   b,  the clip shoulder  66   b  engages the hook camming surface  58 . Further movement of the interface clip  48  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  causes clip shoulder  66   b  to engage the camming surface  58  and deflect the base hook  56   b  thereby allowing the clip shoulder  66   b  to pass the base hook  56   b  and to seat against the bottom wall  34  and behind the hook retaining surface  60  ( FIG. 6 ) of the base hook  56   b.  The combination of the elongated tracks  52   b  and the base hook  56   b  holds the interface clip  48  in place. The interface clip  48  can be removed by manually deflecting the base hook  56   b  to disengage the clip shoulder  66   b,  thereby allowing the interface clip  48  to move away from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  and out of engagement with the elongated tracks  52   b.    
         [0039]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  48  can be rotated clockwise 90° so that the elongated grooves  64  of the interface clip  48  engages the other set of elongated tracks  52   a  and so that the clip shoulder  66   a  of the interface clip  48  engages the base hook  56   a.  As a result, the universal elbow  30  can be utilized as either a left or right turn elbow. 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  shows the condensate tank  14  releasably connected to the elbow base  32  by means of the interface clip  48 . With reference to  FIG. 11 , the interface clip  48  comprises a clip backbone  68  and a clip base  70  set at right angles to each other. The interface clip  48  further includes a clip/tank securing structure comprising tank support pads  74 , tank alignment grooves  76 , lateral tank guides  78 , and a tank hook  80 . The interface clip  48  is specifically designed for the DiversiTech Clearview mini condensate tank. Particularly, the spacing and width of the tank alignment grooves  76  are configured to coincide with the bottom surface of the DiversiTech Clearview mini condensate tank. Likewise, the lateral tank guides  78  are configured to match the side walls of the DiversiTech Clearview mini condensate tank. The tank hook  80  is configured to span the width of the DiversiTech Clearview mini condensate tank and engage the top of the outer wall to secure the DiversiTech Clearview mini condensate tank in place. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 14-15  show interface clip  148  that can be releasably connected to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  148  comprises a clip backbone  168  and a clip base  170  set at right angles to each other. The clip backbone  168  and the clip base  170  of the interface clip  148  include a clip/elbow base securing structure comprising one elongated groove  164  in the clip base  170  that slidably engages the track shoulders  54  of one of the elongated tracks  52   a  or one of the elongated tracks  52   b.  The interface clip  148  also has clip shoulders  66   a  and  66   b  that match the locations of elbow base hooks  56   a  and  56   b  respectively. 
         [0042]    The interface clip  148  is mounted to the elbow base  32 , by aligning the elongated groove  164  of the interface clip  148  with one of the elongated tracks  52   b  and pushing the interface clip  148  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  along the elongated track  52   b.  Upon reaching the elbow base hook  56   b,  the clip shoulder  166   b  engages the hook camming surface  58  of the elbow hook  56   b.  Further movement of the interface clip  148  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  causes clip shoulder  166   b  to engage the camming surface  58  and deflect the elbow base hook  56   b  to allow the clip shoulder  166   b  to seat against the bottom wall  34  and behind the hook retaining surface  60  of the base hook  56   b.  The combination of the elongated tracks  52   b  and the base hook  56   b  holds the interface clip  48  in place. The interface clip  148  can be removed by manually deflecting the base hook  56   b  to disengage the clip shoulder  166   b  thereby allowing the interface clip  148  to move away from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  and out of engagement with the elongated track  52   b.    
         [0043]    Like the interface clip  48  shown in  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  148  can be rotated clockwise 90° within the elbow base  32  and thereby releasably engage one of the other set of elongated tracks  52   a  with the elongated groove  164  of the interface clip  148  and engage the base hook  56   a  with the clip shoulder  166   a.  As a result, the universal elbow  30  with the interface clip  148  can be utilized as either a left or right turn elbow. 
         [0044]    The interface clip  148  releasably connects the condensate tank  14  to the elbow base. The interface clip  148  further includes a clip/tank securing structure comprising tank a support pad  174 , tank alignment grooves  176 , lateral tank guides  178 , and tank hooks  180 . The interface clip  148  is specifically designed for the Aspen Mini-Orange condensate tank and pump, the Aspen maxi-orange condensate tank and pump, and Aspen Mini-Aqua condensate tank and pump. Particularly, the spacing and width of the tank alignment grooves  176  are configured to coincide with the bottom surface of the Aspen pumps. Likewise, the lateral tank guides  178  are configured to match the side walls of the Aspen pumps. The tank hook  180  is configured to span the width of the Aspen pumps and engage the top of the outer wall to secure the Aspen pumps in place. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 16-17  show interface clip  248  that can be releasably connected to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  248  comprises a clip backbone  268  and a clip base  270  connected together at substantially a right angle. The clip backbone  268  and the clip base  270  of the interface clip  248  include a clip/elbow base securing structure comprising one elongated groove  264  in the clip base  270  that slidably engage the track shoulders  54  of one of the elongated tracks  52   a  or one of the elongated tracks  52   b.  The interface clip  248  also has a clip shoulder  266  that matches the locations of elbow base hooks  56   a  or  56   b.    
         [0046]    The interface clip  248  is mounted to the elbow base  32 , by aligning the elongated groove  264  of the interface clip  248  with one of the elongated tracks  52   b  and pushing the interface clip  248  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  along the elongated track  52   b.  Upon reaching the elbow hook  56   b,  the clip shoulder  266  engages the hook camming surface  58  of the elbow hook  56   b.  Further movement of the interface clip  248  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  causes clip shoulder  266  to engage the camming surface  58  and deflect the base hook  56   b  to allow the clip shoulder  266  to seat against the bottom wall  34  and behind the hook retaining surface  60  of the base hook  56   b.  The combination of the elongated tracks  52   b  and the base hook  56   b  holds the interface clip  48  in place. The interface clip  248  can be removed by manually deflecting the base hook  56   b  to disengage the clip shoulder  266  thereby allowing the interface clip  248  to move away from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  and out of engagement with the elongated track  52   b.    
         [0047]    Like the interface clip  48  shown in  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  248  can be rotated clockwise 90° within the elbow base  32  and thereby releasably engage one of the other set of the elongated tracks  52   a  with the elongated groove  264  of the interface clip  248  and engage the base hook  56   a  with the clip shoulder  266 . As a result, the universal elbow  30  with the interface clip  248  can be utilized as either a left or right turn elbow. 
         [0048]    The interface clip  248  releasably connects condensate tank  14  to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  248  further includes a clip/tank securing structure comprising tank a support pad  274 , tank alignment grooves  276 , lateral tank guides  278 , a tank hook  280 , and bottom guides  282 . The interface clip  248  is specifically designed for the Little Giant EC-1 condensate tank. Particularly, the spacing and width of the tank alignment grooves  276  and the bottom guides  282  are configured to coincide with the bottom surface of the Little Giant EC-1 condensate tank. Likewise, the lateral tank guides  278  are configured to match the side walls of the Little Giant EC-1 condensate tank. The tank hook  280  is configured to span the width of the Little Giant EC-1 condensate tank and engage the top of the outer wall to secure the Little Giant EC-1 condensate tank in place. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 18-19  show interface clip  348  that can be releasably connected to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  348  comprises a clip backbone  368  and a clip base  370  connected together at substantially a right angle. The clip backbone  368  and the clip base  370  of the interface clip  348  include a clip/elbow base securing structure comprising one elongated groove  364  in the clip base  370  that slidably engages the track shoulders  54  of one of the elongated tracks  52   a  or one of the elongated tracks  52   b.  The interface clip  348  also has a clip shoulder  366  that matches the locations of elbow base hooks  56   a  or  56   b.    
         [0050]    The interface clip  348  is mounted to the elbow base  32 , by aligning the elongated groove  364  of the interface clip  348  with one of the elongated tracks  52   b  and pushing the interface clip  348  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  along the elongated track  52   b.  Upon reaching the elbow hook  56   b,  the clip shoulder  366  engages the hook camming surface  58  of the elbow hook  56   b.  Further movement of the interface clip  348  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  causes clip shoulder  366  to engage the camming surface  58  and deflect the base hook  56   b  to allow the clip shoulder  366  to seat against the bottom wall  34  and behind the hook retaining surface  60  of the elbow base hook  56   b,  thereby retaining the interface clip  348  in place. The interface clip  348  can be removed by manually deflecting the elbow base hook  56   b  to disengage the clip shoulder  366  thereby allowing the interface clip  348  to move away from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  and out of engagement with the elongated track  52   b.    
         [0051]    Like the interface clip  48  shown in  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  348  can be rotated clockwise 90° within the elbow base  32  and thereby releasably engage one of the other set of the elongated tracks  52   a  with the elongated groove  364  of the interface clip  348  and engage the base hook  56   a  with the clip shoulder  366 . As a result, the universal elbow  30  with the interface clip  348  can be utilized as either a left or right turn elbow. 
         [0052]    The interface clip  348  releasably connects condensate tank  14  to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  348  further includes a clip/tank securing structure comprising tank a support pad  374 , tank alignment grooves  376 , back standoff  384 , and a tank hook  380 . The interface clip  348  is specifically designed for the Little Giant EC-400 condensate tank. Particularly, the spacing and width of the tank alignment grooves  376  are configured to coincide with the bottom surface of the Little Giant EC-400 condensate tank. Likewise, the back standoff  384  is configured to match the side walls of the Little Giant EC-400 condensate tank. The tank hook  380  is configured to span the width of the Little Giant EC-400 condensate tank and engage the top of the outer wall to secure the Little Giant EC-400 condensate tank in place. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 20-21  show interface clip  448  that can be releasably connected to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  448  comprises a clip backbone  468  and a clip base  470  connected together at substantially a right angle. The clip backbone  468  and the clip base  470  of the interface clip  448  include a clip/elbow base securing structure comprising two elongated grooves  464  in the clip base  470  that slidably engage the track shoulders  54  of the elongated tracks  52   a  or the elongated tracks  52   b.  The interface clip  448  also has clip shoulders  466   a  and  466   b  that match the locations of elbow base hooks  56   a  or  56   b.    
         [0054]    The interface clip  448  is mounted to the elbow base  32 , by aligning the elongated grooves  464  of the interface clip  448  with the elongated tracks  52   b  and pushing the interface clip  448  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  along the elongated tracks  52   b.  Upon reaching the elbow hook  56   b,  the clip shoulder  466   b  engages the hook camming surface  58  of the elbow hook  56   b.  Further movement of the interface clip  448  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  causes clip shoulder  466   b  to engage the camming surface  58  and deflect the base hook  56   b  to allow the clip shoulder  466   b  to seat against the bottom wall  34  and behind the hook retaining surface  60  of the base hook  56   b.  The combination of the elongated tracks  52   b  and the base hook  56   b  holds the interface clip  48  in place. The interface clip  448  can be removed by manually deflecting the base hook  56   b  to disengage the clip shoulder  466   b  thereby allowing the interface clip  448  to move away from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  and out of engagement with the elongated tracks  52   b.    
         [0055]    Like the interface clip  48  shown in  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  448  can be rotated clockwise 90° within the elbow base  32  and thereby releasably engage the other set of the elongated tracks  52   a  with the elongated grooves  464  of the interface clip  448  and engage the base hook  56   a  with the clip shoulder  466   a.  As a result, the universal elbow  30  with the interface clip  448  can be utilized as either a left or right turn elbow. 
         [0056]    The interface clip  448  releasably connects condensate tank to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  448  further includes a clip/tank securing structure comprising tank support pads  474 , tank alignment grooves  476 , tank guides  478 , side tank guides  486 , and a tank hook  480 . The interface clip  448  is specifically designed for the MaxiBlue condensate tank. Particularly, the spacing and width of the tank alignment grooves  476  are configured to coincide with the bottom surface of the MaxiBlue condensate tank. Likewise, the side tank guides  486  are configured to match the back wall of the MaxiBlue condensate tank. The tank hook  480  is configured to span the width of the MaxiBlue condensate tank and engage the top of the outer wall to secure the MaxiBlue condensate tank in place. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 22-23  show interface clip  548  that can be releasably connected to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  548  comprises a clip backbone  568  and a clip base  570  connected together at substantially a right angle. The clip backbone  568  and the clip base  570  of the interface clip  548  include a clip/elbow base securing structure comprising one elongated groove  564  in the clip base  570  that slidably engage the track shoulders  54  of one of the elongated tracks  52   a  or one of the elongated tracks  52   b.  The interface clip  548  also has a clip shoulder  566  that matches the locations of elbow base hooks  56   a  or  56   b.    
         [0058]    The interface clip  548  is mounted to the elbow base  32 , by aligning the elongated groove  564  of the interface clip  548  with one of the elongated tracks  52   b  and pushing the interface clip  548  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  along the elongated track  52   b.  Upon reaching the elbow hook  56   b,  the clip shoulder  566  engages the hook camming surface  58  of the elbow hook  56   b.  Further movement of the interface clip  548  toward the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  causes clip shoulder  566  to engage the camming surface  58  and deflect the base hook  56   b  to allow the clip shoulder  566  to seat against the bottom wall  34  and behind the hook retaining surface  60  of the base hook  56   b.  The combination of the elongated tracks  52   b  and the base hook  56   b  holds the interface clip  48  in place. The interface clip  548  can be removed by manually deflecting the base hook  56   b  to disengage the clip shoulder  566  thereby allowing the interface clip  348  to move away from the bottom wall  34  of the elbow base  32  and out of engagement with the elongated track  52   b.    
         [0059]    Like the interface clip  48  shown in  FIG. 8 , the interface clip  548  can be rotated clockwise 90° within the elbow base  32  and thereby releasably engage one of the other set of the elongated tracks  52   a  with the elongated groove  564  of the interface clip  548  and engage the base hook  56   a  with the clip shoulder  566 . As a result, the universal elbow  30  with the interface clip  348  can be utilized as either a left or right turn elbow. 
         [0060]    The interface clip  548  releasably connects condensate tank to the elbow base  32 . The interface clip  548  further includes a clip/tank securing structure comprising tank a support pad  574 , tank alignment grooves  576 , tank guides  578 , side tank guides  586 , and a tank hook  580 . The interface clip  348  is specifically designed for the DiversiTech CP-M230 and MP-M115 condensate tanks, the Sauerman Si-20, Si-30 and Si-33 condensate tanks, and the Siccom mini FLOWATCH series condensate tanks. Particularly, the spacing and width of the tank alignment grooves  576  are configured to coincide with the bottom surface of the DiversiTech CP-M230 and MP-M115 condensate tanks, the Sauerman Si-20, Si-30 and Si-33 condensate tanks, and the Siccom mini FLOWATCH series condensate tanks. Likewise, the tank guides  578  and the side tank guides  586  are configured to match the side walls of the DiversiTech CP-M230 and MP-M115 condensate tanks, the Sauerman Si-20, Si-30 and Si-33 condensate tanks, and the Siccom mini FLOWATCH series condensate tanks. The tank hook  580  is configured to span the width of the DiversiTech CP-M230 and MP-M115 condensate tanks, the Sauerman Si-20, Si-30 and Si-33 condensate tanks, and the Siccom mini FLOWATCH series condensate tanks and engage the top of the outer wall to secure the DiversiTech CP-M230 and MP-M115 condensate tanks, the Sauerman Si-20, Si-30 and Si-33 condensate tanks, and the Siccom mini FLOWATCH series condensate tanks. 
         [0061]      FIG. 10  shows a kit  100  for distributing the universal elbow  30  of the present invention to consumers, typically installers. Particularly, the kit  100  includes the universal elbow  30  and the six interface clips  48 ,  148 ,  248 ,  348 ,  448 , and  548 . The kit  100  also includes a chart  102  showing the layout of the six interface clips  48 ,  148 ,  248 ,  348 ,  448 , and  548  in the kit and including descriptions and pictures  48 A,  148 A,  248 A,  348 A,  448 A, and  548 A for each of the condensate tanks that correlates with the particular interface clip required for that condensate tank. 
         [0062]    While this invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that variations and modifications can be affected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and as described in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5