Condenser cover

Abstract

A flexible covering for preventing the accumulation of dirt and debris inside an outdoor air conditioning condenser is provided. One edge of the covering is attached to the surface of the condenser. One or more flexible tethers connect an opposite end of the covering to the condenser such that the covering lifts from the top surface of the condenser due to the flow of exhaust when the condenser operates, and descends back onto the condenser over the exhaust opening when the condenser ceases operating. The covering prevents debris from entering the condenser, and the condenser can operate efficiently without prior removal of the covering.

1 . A cover for the exhaust opening of an outdoor air conditioning condenser comprising: 
 a flexible panel configured to cover the exhaust opening of the condenser, the panel having a first edge portion and a second edge portion remote from the first edge portion;    means for hingedly connecting the first edge portion of the panel to a surface of the condenser;    at least one flexible tether having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the second edge portion of the panel; and    means for attaching the second end of the tether to the condenser,    wherein the flow of exhaust through the exhaust opening of the condenser lifts the cover from the surface of the condenser when the condenser is operating, and    wherein the cover descends onto the surface of the condenser and covers the exhaust opening of the condenser when the flow of exhaust ceases;    
   
   
       2 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the means for attaching the covering to the condenser and the means for attaching the second end of the tether to the condenser provides for releasable attachment.  
   
   
       3 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the panel comprises vinyl.  
   
   
       4 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the panel is substantially impermeable to water.  
   
   
       5 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the panel is configured to cover substantially an entire top surface of the condenser.  
   
   
       6 . A cover according to  claim 5  wherein the panel overlaps edges of the top surface of the condenser by up to approximately 1 inch.  
   
   
       7 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one tether comprises at least a first tether and a second tether, wherein the first tether is shorter than the second tether.  
   
   
       8 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one tether has a length of between 8 inches and 10 inches.  
   
   
       9 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one tether is formed of an elastic material.  
   
   
       10 . A cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one tether is adjustable in length.  
   
   
       11 . A cover assembly for an outdoor condenser comprising: 
 a flexible covering configured to cover an exhaust opening of the condenser, the covering having a first edge portion and a second edge portion remote from the first edge;    at least one means for attaching the first edge portion of the covering to the condenser, the covering being positioned over the exhaust opening of the condenser;    at least one flexible tether having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the second edge portion of the covering; and    at least one fastener for attaching the second end of the at least one tether to the condenser,    wherein the covering is movable between a first position lying over the exhaust opening of the condenser when the condenser is not operating and a second position lifted away from the exhaust opening when the condenser is operating.    
   
   
       12 . The cover assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the means for attaching comprises means for releasably attaching the first edge portion of the covering to the condenser.  
   
   
       13 . The cover assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least one fastener provides for releasable attachment of the second end of the at least one tether to the condenser.  
   
   
       14 . A cover assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the covering comprises vinyl.  
   
   
       15 . A cover assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the covering is substantially impermeable to water.  
   
   
       16 . A cover assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the covering is configured to cover substantially a top surface of the condenser.  
   
   
       17 . A cover assembly according to  claim 16  wherein the covering overlaps the edges of the top surface of the condenser by up to approximately 1 inch.  
   
   
       18 . A cover assembly according to  claim 7  wherein at least one tether comprises at least a first tether and a second tether, wherein the first tether is shorter than the second tether.  
   
   
       19 . A cover assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the at least one tether is formed of an elastic material.  
   
   
       20 . A cover assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the at least one tether is adjustable in length.  
   
   
       21 . A method of preventing the accumulation of debris in an outdoor condenser through an exhaust opening of the condenser, the method comprising: 
 placing a flexible cover over the exhaust opening;    attaching a first edge portion of the cover to a surface of the condenser;    attaching a first end of at least one tether to a second edge portion of the cover at a location remote from the first edge; and    attaching a second end of the at least one tether to the condenser;    wherein the lengths of the tethers are sufficient to allow the cover to lift away from the exhaust opening due to the flow exhaust when the condenser is operating and to settle over the exhaust opening when the condenser ceases operating.