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

Description

BACKGROUND

Window installed air conditioning units are common home appliances nowadays. A traditional window air conditioning unit is typically placed on a mounting bracket on a horizontal windowsill when a window sash is open. The window sash is then partially closed to rest on the top surface of the unit outer casing, and the unit is typically attached rigidly to the window sash frame via a fixed flange or a shroud to be affixed in the window opening. Such a “window-defined” enclosure for the traditional window air conditioning unit requires the window sash to remain in place (e.g. fixed) and in contact with the top of the air conditioning unit at all times. Consequently, the window sash cannot be opened during times of the year when it is desired to get fresh air from outside, or whenever a user would prefer to open the window instead of running the air conditioning unit. Also, the window sash cannot be closed beyond the top of the window air conditioning unit, which means the noise generated by the window air conditioning unit outdoor component including the compressor and the fan is always a problem for consumers.

Embodiments herein disclose a new window air conditioning unit design that allows consumers to temporarily brace or support the unit during installation. Such embodiments also include, but is not limited to, a retention bracket reducing the risk of the unit falling/tipping, reduces the need for exterior mounting brackets, a retention bracket movable between configurations, engaging/disengaging the retention bracket from the window sash, and/or reduces installation time.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a window air conditioning unit may comprise 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. In various embodiments, the unit may include a retention bracket configured to releasably engage the window sash. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may be positionable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In various embodiments, when in the first configuration the retention bracket may be configured to engage the window sash and when in the second configuration the retention bracket may be configured to disengage from the window sash.

In addition, in some embodiments, when the retention bracket may be disengaged from the window sash in the second configuration the window sash may move vertically within the window slot. In various embodiments, the retention bracket may be pivotably connected to the housing and may pivot between at least one first configuration and at least one second configuration. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may be substantially perpendicular in the first configuration. In various embodiments, the retention bracket may be pivotably connected to the indoor portion adjacent the window slot. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may be removed from the housing when in the second configuration. In various embodiments, the retention bracket may span a top opening of the window slot between the indoor portion and the outdoor portion when in the first configuration. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may stop the window sash from downward travel within the window slot when in the first configuration.

In some embodiments, a window air conditioning unit may comprise 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. In various embodiments, the unit may include a retention bracket having a pivot mechanism with the housing. In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism may pivot the retention bracket between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the window slot. In various embodiments, when in the first configuration the retention bracket may engage the window sash and/or the second configuration may be different from the first configuration.

In addition, in some embodiments, the pivot mechanism may pivotably connect the retention bracket to the indoor portion. In various embodiments, when in the second configuration the retention bracket may be stowed with the housing and/or when in the first configuration the retention bracket may be deployed from the housing. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may be stowed in the window slot. In various embodiments, when in the first configuration the retention bracket may project upwardly away from a top opening of the window slot. In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism may include a hinge. In various embodiments, the hinge may be substantially horizontal.

In some embodiments, a window air conditioning unit may comprise 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. In various embodiments, the unit may include a retention bracket releasably engaging the housing. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may be in a first configuration engaging the housing and a second configuration disengaged from the housing. In various embodiments, when in the first configuration the retention bracket may be configured to engage the window sash.

In addition, in some embodiments, when in the second configuration the retention bracket may be configured to be disengaged from the window sash and/or the window sash may be configured to travel downwardly into the window slot. In various embodiments, the retention bracket may be releasably affixed to one or more portions of the housing via one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the retention bracket may include at least one member projecting upwardly from a bottom wall. In various embodiments, the retention bracket may impede downward travel of the window sash into the window slot when in the first configuration. In some embodiments, at least one member of the retention bracket may extend upwardly away from a top opening of the window slot when in the first configuration.

In some embodiments, a method may include securing a window air conditioning unit in a window assembly. In various embodiments, the window assembly may have at least one vertically operable window sash, a horizontal windowsill, and/or two vertical side window tracks. In some embodiments, the method may comprise providing a window air conditioning unit having a window slot separating an indoor portion from an outdoor portion and/or a retention bracket. In various embodiments, the method may include raising the window sash. In some embodiments, the method may include positioning the window air conditioning unit onto the windowsill. In various embodiments, the method may include positioning the retention bracket between at least a first configuration and at least a second configuration.

In addition, in some embodiments, the method may include releasably engaging the retention bracket between the first configuration and the second configuration. In various embodiments, when in the first configuration the retention bracket may be engaged to the window air conditioning unit and when in the second configuration the retention bracket may be disengaged from the air conditioning unit. In some embodiments, the method may include pivoting the retention bracket between the first configuration and the second configuration. In various embodiments, wherein when in the first configuration the retention bracket may be in a first pivot position and when in the second configuration the retention bracket may be in a second pivot position. In some embodiments, the method may include stowing the retention bracket from the first configuration to the second configuration. In various embodiments, the method may include deploying the retention bracket from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some embodiments, positioning the retention bracket between the first configuration and the second configuration may be when the window sash is disengaged from the retention bracket. In various embodiments, the method may include engaging and/or disengaging the window sash to the retention bracket only when in the first configuration and not when in the second configuration.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of the various embodiments may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present disclosure is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the disclosure, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window air conditioning unit installed using one implementation of a retention bracket in at least one first configuration in accordance with various embodiments, viewed from the inside of a room with the window open or in at least one first position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating the retention bracket in at least one second configuration when the window is closed or in at least one second position.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the window air conditioning unit illustrating the retention bracket in the first configuration in accordance with FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the window air conditioning unit illustrating the retention bracket in the second configuration in accordance with FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a window air conditioning unit installed using one implementation of a retention bracket in at least one first configuration in accordance with various embodiments, viewed from the inside of a room with the window open or in at least one first position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7, illustrating the retention bracket in at least one second configuration when the window is closed or in at least one second position.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the window air conditioning unit illustrating the retention bracket in the first configuration in accordance with FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the window air conditioning unit illustrating the retention bracket in the second configuration in accordance with FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that a window air conditioning unit and/or retention bracket is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the exemplary drawings. The described embodiments are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to direct physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Turning now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1-12, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views, one or more retention brackets 30, 130 in accordance with various embodiments may be used for a window air conditioning unit 18 mounted in a window assembly 10. The type, size, shape, and construction of the window air conditioning unit 18 may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-12, the window air conditioning unit 18 may be U-shaped with a window slot 20 between an outdoor portion 21, which is disposed outside of a room, and an indoor portion 23, which is disposed inside of the room. The indoor portion 23 and the outdoor portion 21 may be spaced apart from each other to define a window slot 20 slidably receiving a window sash 12. The window slot 20 may allow the window assembly 10 to be closed (e.g. one or more second positions) into the overall casing structure 24 of the window air conditioning unit 18. The overall casing structure or housing 24 may be the outer casing perimeter adapted to enclose all the components of the window air conditioning unit 18, including but not limited to, the evaporator coil, the condenser coil, the compressor, the fan, the motor, etc. In the embodiments shown, the casing/housing 24 may include two main components; a casing for the indoor portion 23 and a casing for the outdoor portion 21. The indoor portion 23 and the outdoor portion 21 may define at least a portion of the window slot/groove 20. The window slot 20 may receive (e.g. slidably) the window sash 12 and/or retention bracket 30 (e.g. in one or more configurations), or portions thereof. The window slot 20 may include a bottom wall or surface 22 and opposing side walls 25 of the indoor portion 23 and the outdoor portion 21, respectively, extending upwardly towards the top of the housing 24 (e.g. outdoor portion, indoor portion) and/or top opening 26. The bottom wall 22 may interconnect the indoor and outdoor portion. The opposing side walls 25 may face inwardly and away from the indoor portion 23 and outdoor portion 21. The window slot 20 may be U shaped with a top opening 26 connecting opposing lateral openings 27.

In some embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5-8, 11 and 12 the window assembly 10 may include a vertically operable window sash 12, a horizontal windowsill 14, and a pair of vertical side window tracks 16 for slidably receiving the vertical side faces 12a, 12b of the window sash 12. Thus, the window sash 12 may be vertically slid up and down by a user within the window slot 20, into engagement/interference with the retention bracket 30, 130 (e.g. first configuration), and/or out of engagement/interference with the retention bracket 30, 130 (e.g. second configuration). The window sash 12 may include an indoor side/face 12c and an outdoor side/face 12d interconnecting the side faces 12a, 12b and bottom side/face 12e. Basically, any size window is acceptable, but ideally, the window assembly 10 may be a standard double hung window with a width of approximately 22 to 36 inches and a window opening height of approximately 13.5 inches.

In some implementations, the unit 18 and/or one or more retention brackets 30, 130 may include one or more positions/configurations (e.g. first, second, third, . . . , fifth, etc.) to engage/disengage (e.g. releasably) the window assembly 10, or portions thereof (e.g. window sash 12). At least one retention bracket 30, 130 in some embodiments may be positionable between at least one first configuration (see FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) and at least one second configuration (see FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12). In at least one configuration (e.g. first), the one or more retention brackets 3, 130, or portions thereof, may engage the window sash 12, or portions thereof. For example, the retention bracket 30, 130 may engage the window sash when unit 18 is in a variety of positions with the window assembly 10 (e.g. horizontal, tipping, centered, uncentered, initial, final, intermediate, etc.). When in the first configuration, the window sash 12 may be prevented from vertical travel (e.g. one or more directions, up, down) and/or the unit 18 may be prevented from lateral travel (e.g. one or more directions)/tipping. When in the first configuration, the retention bracket 30, 130 may reduce tipping of the unit 18, may be deployed relative to the unit (e.g. slot, housing, inner portion, outer portion), may be attached to the unit, and/or block the slot 20, or portions thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the retention bracket 30 may stop or impede the window sash from downward travel when in the first configuration. As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 11, the retention bracket 130 may allow the window sash to downward travel when in the first configuration. The window sash 12 may be positioned in at least one first position when the retention bracket 30, 130 is in the first configuration. Although a variety of positions are contemplated, the first position of the window sash 12 may be adjacent the top wall of the unit 18, slot 20 (e.g. adjacent top, within, bottom), and/or top opening 26 when engaged by the retention bracket 30, 130 in the first configuration. Further when the retention bracket 30, 130 is in the first configuration, one or more support legs and/or mounting brackets, if used, may be installed or positioned to support the unit 18 in one or more positions relative to the window assembly 10.

In at least another configuration (e.g. second), the one or more retention brackets 30, 130, or portions thereof, may be disengaged or configured to be disengaged from the window sash 12, or portions thereof. Stated alternatively, in the second configuration the unit 18 may be unsecured, the window sash 12 may be unable to engage the retention bracket 30, 130 (e.g. when tipping, during undesired movement), and/or the unit 18 may be capable of tipping. When in the second configuration, the window sash 12 may be allowed to travel (e.g. vertically, one or more directions, upwardly, downwardly) and/or the unit 18 may be allowed to laterally travel and/or move (e.g. one or more directions)/tip. When in the second configuration, the retention bracket 30, 130 may be removed (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 6) from the unit, unable to engage the window sash 12 as compared to or different from the first configuration, and/or stowed (see FIGS. 8, 10, and 12) relative to the unit 18 (e.g. slot, housing, inner portion, outer portion), or portions thereof. In the embodiments shown, the window sash 12 may move vertically (e.g. downwardly, upwardly) within and/or into the window slot when the retention bracket is disengaged from the window sash and/or in the second configuration. The window sash 12 may be positioned in at least one second position when the retention bracket 30, 130 is in the second configuration. Although a variety of positions are contemplated, at least one second position of the window sash 12 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8 may be adjacent the bottom wall of the unit 18, the slot 20 (e.g. adjacent bottom 22, within), and/or the windowsill 14 when disengaged by the retention bracket 30, 130 in the second configuration.

In some implementations, the window air conditioning unit 18 and/or one or more retention brackets 30, 130 may travel or move (e.g. stowed, deployed, releasable, removable) in a variety of ways/positions between the configurations via a variety of engagements/mechanisms and still engage and/or disengage from the window assembly 10 (e.g. window sash 12). In some embodiments, the retention bracket may be engaged to the unit in one configuration and may be disengaged from the unit in another configuration. In some implementations, the one or more retention brackets 30 may be engaged to the unit 18 in at least one configuration (e.g. first) and may be disengaged from the unit 18 in at least another configuration (e.g. second). The one or more retention brackets 30 may be described as removable or releasably engaged to the unit 18, or portions thereof. As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 1-6, the retention bracket 30 may be engaged (e.g. attached, fastened, stowed) to the unit 18 when in the first configuration and disengaged (e.g. removed, detached, separated, deployed) from the unit 18 (e.g. housing) when in the second configuration. The retention bracket 30 may be engaged or attached to unit 18 by the user in the first configuration and/or may be factory installed in the first configuration. Once installed or during installation, the user may disengage or remove (e.g. deploy) the one or more retention brackets 30 in the first configuration (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 5) from the unit 18 to the second configuration (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 6). Disengaging and/or engaging (e.g. releasably, stowing, deploying) the retention bracket 30 to the unit 18 may include one or more fasteners 40, if used, (e.g. screws, clips, bolts, etc.) as shown in FIGS. 1-6. However, one or more fasteners may not be used in some embodiments. In some implementations, the one or more retention brackets 30 may be engaged to the unit 18 in two or more configurations. As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 7-12, the retention bracket 130 may be engaged to the unit 18 when in two or more configurations (e.g. first, second, etc.). The retention bracket 130 may be engaged and deployed from the unit 18, or portions thereof, when in the first configuration (see FIGS. 7, 9, and 11) engaging the window assembly 10 and the retention bracket 130 may be engaged and stowed relative to the unit 18, or portions thereof, when in the second configuration (see FIGS. 8, 10, and 12). As shown in FIGS. 7-12, the one or more retention brackets 130 may be pivotably connected to the housing 24 and/or pivot between the first configuration and the second configuration. The retention bracket 130 may be shown as being pivotably connected to the indoor portion 23 (e.g. into and out of the slot 20) and/or housing 24 between the first configuration and the second configuration, however the retention bracket may pivot relative to one or more portions of the unit, not limited to, the outdoor portion 21, slot 20, slot walls, through one or more slot openings, and/or housings. Once installed or during installation, the user may move (e.g. pivot, stow) the one or more retention brackets 130 from the first configuration (e.g. deployed position) to the second configuration (e.g. stowed position). The window sash 12, now disengaged from the retention bracket 130, may move or travel relative to the housing/slot in some embodiments. As shown in the one embodiment, the retention bracket 130 may be pivotably connected to the indoor portion 23 and/or adjacent the slot 20. Although the retention bracket 130 is shown as being pivoted between the first and second configurations in FIGS. 7-12, it should be understood that the one or more retention devices may move in a variety of other ways. For example, the retention device(s) may slide between configurations to engage/disengage relative to the window sash 12. Further for example, the retention device(s) may rotate between configurations to engage/disengage the window sash 12. Further for example, the retention device(s) may include a joint (e.g. ball) for movement relative to the unit to move (e.g. in one or more directions) between configurations to engage/disengage relative to the window sash 12.

In some embodiments, the window air conditioning unit 18 and/or retention bracket(s) 130, or portions thereof, may include one or more pivot mechanisms 50. The pivot mechanism 50 may pivotably couple/connect or pivot the retention bracket 130 relative to the unit 18/housing 24, or portions thereof, between the first configuration (e.g. first pivot position) and the second configuration (e.g. second pivot position). The pivoting of the retention bracket may be relative to the window slot 20/opening(s) 26, 27. In the first configuration or pivot position as shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, the retention bracket 130 may be deployed and/or engage the window sash 12 (e.g. one elevation, adjacent the top opening/slot). In the second configuration or pivot position as shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 12, different from the first configuration, the retention bracket 130 may be stowed and/or disengaged from the window sash 12. In the second configuration, the retention bracket 130 may be stowed with or relative to the housing 24 (e.g. slot, slot opening, slot wall(s), indoor portion, outdoor portion) and/or when in the first configuration the retention bracket 130 may be deployed from the housing (e.g. slot, slot opening, slot wall(s), indoor portion, outdoor portion). As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 7-12, the retention bracket 130 may be pivotably connected to the indoor portion 23, although other locations are contemplated. In some embodiments, a hinge or hinge axis 51 may be substantially horizontal as shown, but may be a variety of other orientations such as, but is not limited to, vertical. Although other locations are contemplated, in the one embodiment shown the retention bracket 130 may be stowed in the window slot 20 and/or slot wall/opening 26. In the first configuration, the retention bracket 130 may at least project or deploy away from the top opening 26 and/or window slot 20. The retention bracket, or portions thereof, may project substantially vertical or perpendicular to the top wall of the housing and/or extend upwardly from the slot 20. However, other orientations (e.g. stowed, deployed, first configuration, second configuration) are contemplated.

In some implementations, the window air conditioning unit 18 and/or retention bracket(s) 30 may include one or more fasteners 40 releasably engaging/affixing the retention bracket to the housing 24, or portions thereof (e.g. one or more portions, surfaces, top wall, indoor portion, outdoor portion). The fasteners 40, if used, and/or apertures, if used, may be a variety of quantities, shapes, sizes, constructions, and positions within the retention bracket and still be within the scope of the invention. The one or more fasteners 40, if used, may be, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, flanges, clips, channels, pin and slot engagements, magnetic couplings, ball detents, movable pins, spring-loaded pins, posts, tongue-and-groove, and the like. The fastener 40 may be a bolt or a screw of different sizes and types (e.g., slot, cross, hex, Philips, etc.). In some embodiments, the fastener (e.g. bolt or the screw) may be factory pre-installed.

As mentioned above, the retention bracket 30, 130 may be used to minimize the risk of the window air conditioning unit 18 falling or tipping from the window assembly 10 during installation, after installation, and/or removal due to external forces acting on the unit. FIGS. 4 and 9 illustrates the retention bracket 30, 130 comprising one or more members. As shown in the embodiments, the retention bracket 30, 130 may be elongated in the horizontal direction in a variety of configurations (e.g. first, second, etc.). Although the retention bracket 30, 130 is shown as a single construction, the retention bracket may include a plurality of pieces or parts, each having one or more members moving together or separately between positions/configurations. When in the first configuration, the retention bracket 30, 130 may be configured to engage the window sash 12 (e.g. bottom edge, bottom side, indoor side, and/or outdoor side) thereby reducing tipping, lateral movement, and/or the impact of external forces on the unit. The window sash 12 may be positioned laterally to, on top of, received, and/or slid into engagement with the retention bracket 30, 130, or portions thereof, when in at least one configuration (e.g. first). In some implementations, the retention bracket may be of a variety of shapes, sizes, quantities, positions, orientations, and constructions and still be within the scope of the invention. The retention bracket 30, 130 may include one or more members/flanges configured to engage and/or disengage from the window sash 12. The retention bracket 30, 130 may include at least a member/wall that may engage the window sash 12 (e.g. indoor side 12c, the outdoor side 12d, and/or bottom side 12e). The retention bracket 30, 130 may include one or more members 32 (e.g. first) projecting (e.g. upwardly) from the bottom wall 31, if used, configured to engage one or more portions of the window sash 12 (e.g. bottom side, one or more faces interconnected to the bottom side). The first member 32, if used, may be adjacent the indoor side of the bottom wall 31. The retention bracket 30, 130 may be fabricated of, but is not limited to, an essentially rigid material, for example, an extruded metal such as steel or aluminum. As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 1-6, the retention bracket 30 may be at least one first member 32 extending upwardly from a base member or bottom wall 31. The first member 32 may be perpendicular to the base member 31. The base member 31, if used, or retention bracket 30, or portions thereof, may extend across or span at least a portion of the top opening 26 and/or slot 20 when the retention bracket is in the first configuration. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the retention bracket 30 may extend across the entire top opening 26 between the indoor and outdoor portions 23, 21. The bracket 30 may extend across a portion of the top opening 26 between the indoor and outdoor portion in some embodiments. The first member 32 may be adjacent the indoor portion 23 projecting upwardly from the base member or bottom wall 31. Fasteners 40, if used, may secure the base member 31 to the indoor portion 23 and/or outdoor portion 21. As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 7-12, the retention bracket 130 may be a planar or single member pivoting from the housing 24 and/or indoor portion 23. However, the retention bracket 30 may be a variety of shapes, sizes, quantities, and constructions. For example, the retention bracket 130 may be L-shaped in some embodiments. As shown in the figures, at least one member 32 may extend upwardly away from the slot and/or top opening when in the first configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 12, the at least one member 32 may extend downwardly within the slot and/or top opening when in the second configuration.

In some embodiments, the window air conditioning unit 18 and/or retention bracket may be installed upon the horizontal windowsill 14 of the window assembly 10 and the retention bracket 30, 130 may help support the window air conditioning unit 18 within the window assembly 10. In some embodiments, the retention bracket 30, 130 may be configured to engage (e.g. contacting, abutting, block, limit movement in at least one direction, interfere) and/or configured to disengage (e.g. not contacting/touching, unblock, not interfere, allow movement in at least one direction) from the window sash 12. The retention bracket 30 may engage/receive the bottom edge (e.g. one or more sides adjacent the bottom) of the window sash 12. For example, the retention bracket 30, or portion thereof, may engage the indoor side 12c, the outdoor side 12d, and/or bottom side 12e of the window sash 12 when in the first configuration. As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 1-6, the retention bracket 30 may engage at least the indoor side 12c and/or the bottom side 12e of the window sash 12 when in the first configuration. As shown in the one embodiment in FIGS. 7-12, the retention bracket 130 may engage at least the indoor side 12c of the window sash 12 when in the first configuration. Although not shown, the retention bracket 30, 130 may include one or more securement mechanisms or fasteners. One or more fasteners (e.g. screw, bolt, clips), if used, may releasably affix the retention bracket 30, 130 (e.g. one or more portions thereof) to the window sash 12 when in the first configuration.

In some embodiments, there may be also at least one sealing member to close off the remaining gap(s) between the lowered window sash 12, retention bracket 130, lateral sides of the bottom wall 22/housing 24, and/or the horizontal windowsill 14 after installation. The sealing member, if used, may be, for example, in an elongated rectangular configuration and made from material suitable for sealing window gaps, for example, foam. In some embodiments, the sealing member may be installed on both sides of the window air conditioning unit 18, retention bracket, and/or window slot 20.

The retention bracket 30, 130 may engage the window sash 12 when it is in at least the first configuration and/or may engage in a variety of configurations (e.g. at least one configuration, at least on orientation).

With the retention bracket 30, 130 in the first configuration, the window air conditioning unit 18 may bear its weight on the window assembly 10, or portions thereof, (e.g. against the window sash, windowsill, etc.). When in the first configuration, the retention bracket 30, 130 thereof may provide a resistive support to the torque of the window air conditioning unit 18 biased thereagainst by the one or more retention brackets 30, 130 affixed to or engaging one or more portions of the window assembly 10 or sash 12 when the window is in one or more positions (e.g. the open position, first position, and/or second position).

Having described the structural components of the retention bracket 30, 130, a method of installation/securing will now be described. In some implementations, the method may include providing the retention bracket 30, 130 and/or the window air conditioning unit 18 (e.g. window slot). The method may include raising the window sash 12 to a first/open position to install the retention bracket 30, 130, if not already attached to the unit 18, and/or window air conditioning unit 18 into or onto the window assembly 10. If the retention bracket 30, 130 is not already in the first configuration, the retention bracket may be moved (e.g. attached, engaged, pivoted) to the second configuration. The window sash 12 may be positioned/slid/inserted into contact, interference with, engagement, or against the retention bracket 30, 130 when in the first configuration and/or with the window slot 20. Alternatively, the bracket 30, 130 may be positioned into contact, interference with, engagement, or against the window sash 12 in at least one position (e.g. first, elevation). The retention bracket 30, 130, when in the first configuration, may engage (e.g. contact, interference with) the window sash 12 in at least one position (e.g. first position, elevation). The first position may be with the window sash entirely outside the window slot and/or retention bracket, or portions thereof, may be outside the window slot and/or in the first configuration. In other embodiments, the window sash 12 or lower edge may be lowered in at least a portion of the window slot 20 to engage the retention bracket when in the first configuration. If fasteners or other securement mechanisms are used, the retention bracket 30, 130 may be affixed to the window sash 12 in some embodiments when in the first configuration. When the window sash and retention bracket is engaged in the first configuration to temporarily brace or support the unit, the user may continue installation. Such embodiments may include the retention bracket to reduce the risk of the unit falling/tipping and/or reduce the need for exterior mounting brackets. For example, exterior mounting brackets/devices, if used, and/or other tasks may be completed/installed when the retention bracket is in the first configuration. Once the retention bracket is no longer needed, the user may position or releasably disengage the retention bracket 30, 130 away from the first configuration and/or between the first configuration and the second configuration. The user may position the retention bracket 30, 130 between the first configuration and the second configuration when the window sash is disengaged from the retention bracket, or portions thereof. In some embodiments, the user may engage and/or disengage the window sash to the retention bracket when in the first configuration and not when in the second configuration. With regards to retention bracket 30, the user may remove the retention bracket from the remaining portion of the unit 18, or portions thereof, to the second configuration to disengage (e.g. remove contact/interference) from the window sash 12 and/or unit 18. With regards to the retention bracket 130, the user may position or stow the retention bracket 130 relative to the remaining portion of the unit, or portions thereof, to the second configuration to disengage (e.g. remove contact/interference) from the window sash 12. The user may pivot the retention bracket 130 between the first configuration (e.g. first pivot position) and the second configuration (e.g. second pivot position). The user may adjust the vertical position of the disengaged window sash 12 (e.g. from at least one first position to a lower at least one second position) when in at least the second configuration. Stated alternatively, the user may stow the retention bracket 130 from the first configuration to the second configuration and/or deploy the retention bracket 130 from the second configuration to the first configuration. The sealing member, if used, may be installed to close off the remaining gap(s) between the lowered window sash 12, retention bracket 130, the horizontal windowsill 14, and/or remaining portion of the unit 18. A biasing mechanism, if used, may maintain the retention bracket in the first/second configuration when engaging/affixing the window sash 12 with the retention bracket and/or when disengaging the retention bracket from the window sash 12.

Upon the completion of the installation, the window air conditioning unit 18 may now secured within the window assembly 10 and/or the window assembly 10 or sash 12 may be adjusted between the first position and the second position without disturbing the window air conditioning unit 18.

In some embodiments, the first position of the window assembly 10 may be when the window sash 12 and/or bracket is raised outside/adjacent the top opening 26 of the window slot 20 and/or above the overall casing structure of the window air conditioning unit 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, and the second position of the window assembly 10 may be when the window sash 12 and/or bracket is lowered inside the window slot 20 and rests on the top or surface of the bottom wall or window slot, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8.

In some embodiments, after placing the window air conditioning unit 18 on the top of the windowsill 14, the window sash 12 may be pulled down into the window slot 20 and/or bracket 30, 130 to help to align the window air conditioning unit 18 in the correct location. The window sash 12 inserted/engaged into the window slot 20/bracket 30, 130 and/or portions of the window slot 20 may also help to support or reduce tipping of the window air conditioning unit 18 during installation, removing, maintenance, etc.

While several embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein, unless characterized otherwise, are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

The foregoing description of methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.