Air conditioning system for a mobile home including an interlock

• US 3,959,985 A
• Filed: 02/18/1975
• Issued: 06/01/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Schulze, James L. Sr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wayner, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Schwartz, Larry I.
• Application Number:
  US05/550,563
• Time in Patent Office: 469 Days
• Field of Search: 339/126 R, 339/65, 339/66, 62/77, 62/237, 62/239, 62/259, 62/262, 62/298, 62/448, 62/449, 62/450, 248/249, 296/28 R
• US Class Current: 62/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00364 for caravans or trailers

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning system for a mobile home. The system includes securing a mounting means to the support structure of the mobile home and an air conditioning unit that is adapted to be removably secured to the mounting means. When installed on the mounting means, the air conditioning unit is aligned to deliver conditioned air into the interior of the mobile home through its built-in air distribution system. An interlock system is arranged that is effective in preventing removal of the air conditioning unit from the mounting means when the unit is electrically connected to the mobile home power supply.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system including a mobile home having at least one zone to be air conditioned and a base structure, air distribution means associated with said base structure, said system comprising:

an air conditioning unit being adapted to be removably attached to said mobile home including a cabinet having air moving means, air delivery and air return outlets, and a service area adjacent said air return outlet;

said air distribution means including at least one air inlet for receiving air from said air conditioning unit and air outlet for delivering air into said mobile home zone;

mounting means attached to said base structure for removably receiving said air conditioning unit including a first opening aligned with said air conditioning air delivery outlet and a second opening in alignment with said unit'"'"'s air return outlet when said unit is located in said mounting means;

air communicating means including a first passageway connecting said first opening and with said air distribution means for delivering air into said mobile home and a second passageway for connecting said second opening with said mobile home interior so that said air moving means recirculates air through said mobile home;

electric power supply means associated with said mobile home including electric plug connector means positioned in said second passageway;

electric receptacle connector means in said service area;

said mounting means including an opening arranged for access from said second passageway being in alignment with said electric receptacle connector when said air conditioner is located in said mounting means; and

said electric connector plug extending through said opening in said mounting means for insertion into said electric receptacle connector to prevent movement of said air conditioner relative to said mounting means.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 wherein an electric component area is arranged in said second passageway and said openings in said mounting means being arranged in said component area.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 wherein a first element associated with one of said connector means being dimensioned to engage a second element on the other of said connectors to prevent removal of said air conditioner from said mounting means when said electric plug connector is in engagement with said receptacle connector.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 wherein said first element includes interlock male means associated with said plug connector being adapted to engage interlock female means in said service area.

5. An air conditioner for use in a mobile home including at least one zone to be air conditioned, a base structure, an air distribution system associated with said base structure having an air outlet positioned in said zone, an adaptor plate attached to said base structure for removably receiving said air conditioning unit, air communicating means including a first passageway communicating between a first opening in said adaptor plate and said air distribution means, a second passageway between a second opening in said adaptor plate and the interior of said mobile home, electric component area in said adaptor plate arranged in said passageway for access from said mobile home zone, electric power supply means associated with said mobile home including electric plug connector means positioned in said component area, said air conditioner comprising:

an air conditioning unit being adapted to be removably attached to said mobile home including a cabinet having an air inlet opening and an air delivery opening, a service area adjacent said air return outlet and air moving means for moving air from said inlet opening and out said air delivery opening;

guide means on said air conditioner engaging support means on said adaptor plate for positioning said air conditioner in said adaptor plate so that said air delivery outlet is in communication with said first opening, and said air inlet opening is in communication with said second opening when said air conditioning unit is located in said adaptor plate whereby air is circulated through said mobile home by said air moving means; and

electric receptable connector means in said air conditioner cabinet being in alignment with said openings in the bottom wall of said component area when said air conditioner is located in said mounting means for receiving said electrical connector for electrically connecting said air conditioner to said mobile home electric power supply to prevent removal of said air conditioner from said mounting means when said electrical connector extends through said opening in the bottom wall of said component area.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 wherein a first element associated with one of said connector means being dimensioned to engage a second element on the other of said connectors to prevent removal of said air conditioner from said mounting means when said electric plug connector is in engagement with said receptacle connector.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6 wherein said first element includes interlock male means associated with said plug connector being adapted to engage interlock female means in said service area.