Apparatus and Method of Retention of a Window Air Conditioning Unit within a Window Assembly

Abstract

A retention bracket for a window air conditioning unit is disclosed, and more particularly, a retention bracket that pertains to securing a window air conditioning unit within a window assembly. The retention bracket and/or window air conditioning unit may include one or more configurations relative to one or more portions of the window air conditioning unit and/or window assembly.

1 . A window air conditioning unit comprising:
 a housing having an indoor portion and an outdoor portion spaced apart from each other to define a window slot slidably receiving a window sash; and   a retention bracket configured to releasably engage the window sash, the retention bracket is positionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, when in the first configuration the retention bracket is configured to engage the window sash and when in the second configuration the retention bracket is configured to disengage from the window sash.   
     
     
         2 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein when the retention bracket is disengaged from the window sash in the second configuration the window sash moves vertically within the window slot. 
     
     
         3 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein the retention bracket is pivotably connected to the housing and pivots between the first configuration and the second configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The unit of  claim 3  wherein the retention bracket is substantially perpendicular in the first configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The unit of  claim 3  wherein the retention bracket is pivotably connected to the indoor portion adjacent the window slot. 
     
     
         6 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein the retention bracket is removed from the housing when in the second configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein the retention bracket spans a top opening of the window slot between the indoor portion and the outdoor portion when in the first configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The unit of  claim 1  wherein the retention bracket stops the window sash from downward travel within the window slot when in the first configuration. 
     
     
         9 . A window air conditioning unit comprising:
 a housing having an indoor portion and an outdoor portion spaced apart from each other to define a window slot slidably receiving a window sash; and   a retention bracket having a pivot mechanism with the housing, wherein the pivot mechanism pivots the retention bracket between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the window slot, wherein when in the first configuration the retention bracket engages the window sash and the second configuration is different from the first configuration.   
     
     
         10 . The unit of  claim 9  wherein the pivot mechanism pivotably connects the retention bracket to the indoor portion. 
     
     
         11 . The unit of  claim 9  wherein when in the second configuration the retention bracket is stowed with the housing and when in the first configuration the retention bracket is deployed from the housing. 
     
     
         12 . The unit of  claim 11  wherein the retention bracket is stowed in the window slot. 
     
     
         13 . The unit of  claim 9  wherein when in the first configuration the retention bracket projects upwardly away from a top opening of the window slot. 
     
     
         14 . The unit of  claim 9  wherein the pivot mechanism includes a hinge, wherein the hinge is substantially horizontal. 
     
     
         15 . A window air conditioning unit comprising:
 a housing having an indoor portion and an outdoor portion spaced apart from each other to define a window slot slidably receiving a window sash; and   a retention bracket releasably engaging the housing, wherein the retention bracket is in a first configuration engaging the housing and a second configuration disengaged from the housing, wherein when in the first configuration the retention bracket is configured to engage the window sash.   
     
     
         16 . The unit of  claim 15  wherein when in the second configuration the retention bracket is configured to be disengaged from the window sash and the window sash is configured to travel downwardly into the window slot. 
     
     
         17 . The unit of  claim 15  wherein the retention bracket is releasably affixed to one or more portions of the housing via one or more fasteners. 
     
     
         18 . The unit of  claim 15  wherein the retention bracket includes at least one member projecting upwardly from a bottom wall. 
     
     
         19 . The unit of  claim 15  wherein the retention bracket impedes downward travel of the window sash into the window slot when in the first configuration. 
     
     
         20 . The unit of  claim 15  wherein at least one member of the retention bracket extends upwardly away from a top opening of the window slot when in the first configuration. 
     
     
         21 . A method of securing a window air conditioning unit in a window assembly, the window assembly having at least one vertically operable window sash, a horizontal windowsill, and two vertical side window tracks, the method comprising:
 providing a window air conditioning unit having a window slot separating an indoor portion from an outdoor portion and a retention bracket;   raising the window sash;   positioning the window air conditioning unit onto the windowsill; and   positioning the retention bracket between a first configuration and a second configuration.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising releasably engaging the retention bracket between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein when in the first configuration the retention bracket is engaged to the window air conditioning unit and when in the second configuration the retention bracket is disengaged from the air conditioning unit. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising pivoting the retention bracket between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein when in the first configuration the retention bracket is in a first pivot position and when in the second configuration the retention bracket is in a second pivot position. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising stowing the retention bracket from the first configuration to the second configuration and deploying the retention bracket from the second configuration to the first configuration. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21  wherein positioning the retention bracket between the first configuration and the second configuration is when the window sash is disengaged from the retention bracket. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising engaging and/or disengaging the window sash to the retention bracket only when in the first configuration and not when in the second configuration.