Interior fascia cover for window air conditioner

Abstract

A window air conditioner covering includes a housing defining a cavity, a first side panel enclosing a first end of the cavity, and a second side panel enclosing a second end of the cavity. The cavity is configured to at least partially surround an indoor portion of an air conditioner. The housing may have a width dimension configured to extend along a width of the indoor portion and a height dimension configured to cover a height of the indoor portion between a window sash and window sill. The housing, the first side panel, and the second side panel are configured to extend from a first window jamb to a second window jamb.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63 / 683,131, filed on Aug. 14, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an interior fascia cover, and more specifically to an interior fascia cover for a window air conditioner and assemblies, subassemblies, and components thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] Air conditioner units may be installed in a window frame for providing cooled air to an interior area. Conventional window air conditioner units may be installed seasonally to provide interior cooling during warm weather. At the end of the warm seasons, window units are traditionally removed to prevent cold air from the outside from entering an interior area due to traditionally poor thermal insulation of the units. It would be beneficial to provide improved thermal insulation to more efficiently allow window units to remain installed year-round.SUMMARY

[0004] The disclosure provides a covering that is configured to cover an indoor portion of a window air conditioner and further insulate the window opening generally defined between the window sash and window sill and between the window jambs. The window air conditioner covering includes a housing that defines a cavity configured to at least partially surround an indoor portion of an air conditioner. The housing may have a width dimension configured to extend along a width of the indoor portion and a height dimension configured to cover a height of the indoor portion between a window sash and window sill. Side panels are attached to opposing ends of the housing, such that the housing, the first side panel, and the second side panel are configured to extend between the window jambs.

[0005] In some examples, the fascia includes a housing width which extends the length of the plurality of housing panels and is configured to extend at least along the width of the indoor portion of the window unit. Further, in some implementations, one or more side panels may be extend from each side of the housing to the opposing jambs of the window opening. More or fewer side panels, in some instances, may be used to increase or decrease the width of the overall facia cover to provide a desirable overall width that accommodates and provides a mated and secure fit in the window with the installed window unit.

[0006] The housing and side panels may be formed of one or a combination of EVA foam, expanded polystyrene, urethane foam, and polyethylene foam. Moreover, the housing may have a thickness and material providing a thermal insulation with an R value greater than 2.0 m2K / W, or more preferably greater than 3.5 m2K / W.

[0007] In some examples, the first side panel encloses a first end of the cavity formed by the housing and the second side panel encloses a second end of the cavity formed by the housing. In some implementations, each side panel includes a plurality of panel portions extending in the width dimension. Each of the plurality of side panel portions may include a first side having a recessed portion and a second side having a protruding portion, such that the protruding portion mates in the recessed portion of an adjacent side panel portion. In this arrangement, the side panels are adjustable in the width dimension by adding or removing one or more of the plurality of side panel portions.

[0008] In some examples, the housing is formed with a plurality of panels extending in the width dimension that includes a bottom panel, a top panel, a front panel, and an angled panel extending between the front panel and the top panel. In some implementations, a user interface is provided on an outer surface of the housing. The user interface may be disposed in at least one of a top panel, a front panel, and an angled panel of the housing. The user interface may be electrically connected to the air conditioner. The housing may include a storage pocket configured to store a power cord of the air conditioner. The storage pocket may be disposed in at least one of a top panel, a front panel, and an angled panel of the housing.

[0009] In some implementations, the housing includes at least one spring clip extending into the cavity to provide a vertical force fit between the housing and the indoor portion. The housing may include at least one compressible ramp extending into the cavity to provide a vertical force fit between the housing and the indoor portion.

[0010] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, advantages, purposes, and features will be apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front, top perspective view of an interior fascia cover installed on a window air conditioner unit.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front, top perspective view of an exemplary interior fascia cover.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear, top perspective view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 3 installed on a window air conditioner unit.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarge section view of an exemplary user interface of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded side section view the interior fascia cover of FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 9A is a front, top perspective view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 1 removed and exploded away from the window air conditioner unit installed in a narrower window.

[0020] FIG. 9B is a front view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 3 installed on a window air conditioner unit in the narrower window.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a bottom, perspective view of an interior fascia cover having a cord cavity.

[0022] FIG. 11 is an exploded enlarged section view of the cord cavity of the interior fascia cover shown in FIG. 10.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a front, top, right perspective view of another example of an interior fascia cover installed on a window air conditioner unit.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 12.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a front, top, right perspective view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 12.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a rear, top, right perspective view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 12.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a front view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 12 installed on a window air conditioner unit.

[0028] FIG. 17 is an enlarged section view of the user interface of the interior fascia cover shown in FIG. 12.

[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the interior fascia cover of FIG. 12.

[0030] Like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a window air conditioner unit 102 may be installed in a window opening 108 for providing cooled air to an interior of the building. The unit 102 may include an outdoor portion 104 for exhausting hot air outside, and an indoor portion 106 for returning cold air to the interior of the building. The window unit 102 may be installed to have an indoor portion 106 partially supported on a window sill 114 of a window opening 108. The unit 102 extends in a vertical direction, with a lower portion of a window sash 116 resting on a top surface of the unit 102, stabilizing the unit 102 and sealing between the window sill 114, the unit 102, and the window sash 116. In some examples, the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102 may include a first foam panel (not shown) to seal between the indoor portion 106 and a first jamb 110 of the window 108 and a second foam panel (not shown) to seal between the indoor portion 106 and a second jamb 112 of the window 108. The first foam panel and the second foam panel may be comprised of EVA foam or similar material which may have low thermal insulation values. According to the disclosure, an exemplary indoor fascia cover 100 is provided to enclose the indoor portion 106 and the first and second foam panels to provide a year-round installation of the window unit 102 which includes increased insulation of the window opening 108 and the indoor portion 106.

[0032] The fascia cover 100 may include a housing 120 configured to at least partially surround the indoor portion 106 of the air conditioner 102. The housing 120 may have a width W1 (FIG. 1) which extends along at least the width of the indoor portion 106 and a height H1 (FIG. 2) which is configured to extend at least the height of the indoor portion 106 between the window sash 116 and the window sill 114. In some examples, the housing 120 may have a width that is wider than the width of the indoor portion. The housing 120 may also have a height that is taller than the height of the indoor portion. In examples, the housing 120 may provide increased insulation to the window opening 108 beyond the area of the indoor portion 106.

[0033] The housing includes a first side panel 122 enclosing a first end of the housing 120 and a second side panel 124 enclosing a second end, opposite the first end, of the housing 120. In some examples, the first side panel 122 may be configured of a plurality of side panel portions 122X (i.e., 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226) that are stackable in a horizontal direction to extend the width of the fascia cover 100 from the first end of the housing 120 to the first jamb 110. The second side panel 124 may be configured of a plurality of side panel portions 124X (i.e., 1241, 1242, 1243, 1244, 1245, 1246) that are stackable in a horizontal direction to extend the width of the fascia cover 100 from the second end of the housing 120 to the second jamb 112. The plurality of side panels 122X, 124X being stackable allows a user to configure the size of the fascia 100 to a range of window widths while proving increased insulation to an area conventionally covered by the first foam panel and second foam panel of the window unit 102.

[0034] In some examples, the housing 120 may include a plurality of panels extending in the width direction. In other examples, the housing 120 may be a single formed piece. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 120 may include at least a front panel 126 and a top panel 128. The top panel 128 may define a flat area extending perpendicularly from the window sash 116. The top panel 128 may be configured to provide a shelf upon which a user may place household objects such as pictures, plants, or the like.

[0035] The housing 120 may include a user interface 130. In some examples, the user interface 130 may be disposed in a user interface panel 132. In other examples, the user interface 130 may be disposed in one of the plurality of panels, including the top panel 128 or the front panel 126. The window unit 102 may include a plug for drawing electrical power from an external source. In some examples, the user interface 130 may draw electricity directly from a power outlet or other external source. In other examples, the user interface 130 may be electrically connected to the window unit 102 to draw power from the unit 102, with the window unit 102 electrically connected to an external power source to draw power. The user interface 130 may include a variety of electrical features, which may, for example, include a clock, speakers which may be connectable via Bluetooth or direct connection, and an electrical outlet for connecting utilities such as a lamp or a phone charge (i.e., a USB or induction connection). The user interface 130 allows a consumer to utilize the external power source which is traditionally directed to the window unit 102 for other means while the window unit 102 remains installed. In other examples, the user interface 130 may allow a user to operate the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102 to act as a humidifier or air filter without simultaneously cooling air.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a side section view of the housing 120 illustrates a cavity 140 that at least partially surrounds the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102. In an installed configuration, the housing 120 defines the cavity 140 for surrounding the indoor portion 106. For example, the housing 120 may include the top panel 128, the front panel 126, a bottom panel 142, and an angled panel 144 which extends between the top panel 128 and the front panel 126. The panels may be configured to include an opening on a rear side (i.e., the cavity 140) which is configured to surround the indoor portion 106. In other examples, the housing 120 may be formed of other panel configurations or be assembled as a single panel housing. The housing 120 may be configured to form-fit to the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102 to reduce space between the indoor portion 106 and the unit 102, thus reducing airflow between the panels and reducing thermal shrinkage during cold weather.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, an exemplary embodiment of an interior fascia cover 300 is provided. The interior fascia cover 300 includes a housing 320 formed of a plurality of panels extending in the width direction. The housing 320 includes a bottom panel 342 extending perpendicularly from the window sill 114, a top panel 328 extending perpendicularly from the window sash and extending parallel to the bottom panel 342, a front panel 326 extending upward from the bottom panel 342, and an angled panel 344 extending between the front panel 326 and the top panel 328. The plurality of panels are configured to define a cavity 340 to at least partially surround the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102. The housing 320 includes a first side panel 322 that encloses a first side of the cavity 340. The first side panel 322 may include a plurality of first side panel portions 322X for extending the width of the fascia 300. The housing 320 includes a second side panel 324 that encloses a second side of the cavity 340. The second side panel 324 may include a plurality of second side panels 324X for extending the width of the fascia 300. The housing 320 includes a user interface panel 332 which extends over the angled panel 344. A user interface 330 is disposed at least partially in the user interface panel 332.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing 320 may include a spring clip 360 or a plurality of spring clips to provide a vertical force fit between the housing 320 and the indoor portion 106 of the window unit. In some examples, the spring clips 360 may be plastic or metal spring clips that are insert molded into the panels of the housing 320. In some examples, the clips 360 may be provided on the top panel 328, extending into the cavity 340. In other examples, the clips 360 may be provided on the bottom panel 342 or on a plurality of the panels and extending into the cavity 340. In other examples, compressible ramps may be provided to create the vertical force fit with the indoor portion of the window unit. In examples, compressible ramps may be provided on the top panel or the bottom panel extending into the cavity.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fascia 300 includes a housing width Wh which extends the length of the plurality of housing panels and is configured to extend at least along the width of the indoor portion of the window unit. The first side panel 322 includes a plurality of side panels 322X to extend the width of the fascia 300 from the housing width Wh to the first jamb 110 of the window opening. The second side panel 324 includes a plurality of side panels 324X to extend the width of the fascia 300 from the housing width Wh to the second jamb 112 of the window opening. Thus, the fascia 300 has an installed fascia width Wf, including the width of the plurality of first side panels 322X, the housing 320, and the plurality of second side panels 324X, that is configured to extend from the first jamb 110 to the second jamb 112. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, fewer side panels 3221, 3222 and 3241, 3242 are attached to each side panel 322, 324 for accommodating the facia cover 100 in a narrower window. The mated connections of the side panels allow more or fewer panels to be used to increase or decrease the width of the overall facia cover to provide a desirable overall width that accommodates and provides a mated and secure fit in the window with the installed window unit.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user interface panel 332 includes the user interface 330 which may operate a variety of electrical features when electrically connected to an external power source. The user interface 330 may include a digital clock or a radio, MP3player, or other Bluetooth connected device for playing audio including a speaker 602, input / outputs (i.e., an auxiliary cord jack 604, USB ports 606), and volume controls 608 for adjusting audio through the speaker 602. In other examples, the user interface 330 may include ports for charging cell phones, operating decorative lighting or other devices which may receive power through USB or conductive connections.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the first side panel 322 and the second side panel 324 may include a plurality of side panels, 322X, 324X that may be configured to mate with additional adjacent side panel portions to fit a range of window widths without custom ordering a fascia for a window or without having to cut a side panel to size that would result in irreversible changes to the configuration. The first side panel 322 and the second side panel 324 may each include a first recessed portion 370 on a side facing outward of the housing. Each of the plurality of first side panels and second side panels 322X, 324X added to the fascia may include a recessed portion 370 extending into the width of the panel and a corresponding protruding portion 372 extending out of the width of the panel. Each of the plurality of first side panels 322X includes the recessed portion 370 disposed on a first side 374 of the panel and the protruding portion 372 on a second side 376 of the panel. The plurality of first side panels 322X are configured to mate with the first recessed portion 3701 of the first side panel 322 and thereafter mate with each adjacent first side panel of the plurality of first side panels 322X. Each of the plurality of second side panels 324X may include the recessed portion 370 disposed on the second side 376 of the panel and the protruding portion 372 on a first side 374 of the panel. The plurality of second side panels 324X are configured to mate with the first recessed portion 3702 of the second side panel 324 and thereafter mate with each adjacent second side panel of the plurality of second side panels 324X.

[0042] As illustrated, the recessed portions 370 may have a hexagonal shape with the protruding portion 372 being a corresponding hexagonal shape. In other examples, the recessed portion 370 and the protruding portion 372 may be other shapes or have other configurations. In some examples, the side panels 322X, 324X may have a plurality of recesses and a plurality of corresponding protruding portions. In other examples, additional features may be provided to ease the assembly of the plurality of side panels such as self-guiding interlocking features for alignment or ridged vertical profiles to provide a longer heat conduction path and less chance of airflow between the side panels 322X, 324X that may not stay in compression due to compression set or thermal shrinkage during cold weather. In some examples, each of the plurality of side panels 322X, 324X may be formed of the same material for ease of fabrication and usability. In other examples, at least two of the plurality of side panels, for example, an outer first side panel 3225 and an outer second side panel 3245 may be formed of a more pliable material than the remaining first and second side panels. The outer first and second side panels may be formed of a pliable material to compact slightly to fit in a window frame without undue compression between the side panels and the first jamb and second jamb of the window opening.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, the bottom panel 342, the front panel 326, the angled panel 344, and the top panel 328 may be assembled to form the housing 320 body via plurality of fasteners 380. For example, a first end of the front panel 328 may be fastened to the bottom panel 342 via a first fastener 3801 in a corresponding first fixing hole 3821. The second end of the front panel 326 may be fastened to a first end of the angled panel 344 via a second fastener 3802 in a corresponding second fixing hole 3822. The second end of the angled panel 344 may be fastened to a first end of the top panel 328 via a third fastener 3803 in a corresponding third fixing hole 3823. In other examples, the plurality of panels of the housing 320 may be assembled with the use of adhesives, interlocking panels, or the like. The panels of the housing 320 may also or alternatively be assembled via push-fit connectors, such as double-sided, barbed connectors which are received in corresponding ports. In other examples, the housing may be formed as a single piece.

[0044] In some examples, the panels of the housing may be comprised of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) covered with a heavy shrink wrap polymer sheet or a thermoformed cover. In other examples, the housing may be formed of a urethane foam or a polyethylene foam with a cover. The housing may have a thickness and material providing a thermal insulation with an R value greater than 2.0 m2K / W, or more preferably greater than 3.5 m2K / W. In some examples, the covers may include a colorant added during molding of the panels. In further examples, the panels may be covered in a decorative film that is thermoformed or dip coated on the panel sections, providing an additional aesthetic feature to the fascia.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a storage pocket 900, or also referred to as a cord cavity, may be provided to stow a power cord 902 of the window unit 102 when the unit 102 is not electrically connected to an external power source. In some examples, the storage pocket 900 may be disposed in the housing 120, for example, in the bottom panel 142 of the housing 120. In other examples, the storage pocket may be provided in a different panel or wall of the housing, for example, in a panel closest to the position of the power cord. The pocket 900 may extend into the interior of the housing 120, avoiding any interference with the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102 in the cavity 140. In some examples as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the storage pocket 900 may include a cover 904 for containing the cord 902 in the pocket 900. As illustrated, the storage pocket 900 may include securing clips 906, such as tension clips, for releasably holding the cord 902 in the storage pocket 900.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 12-18, a second embodiment of an interior fascia cover 1200 is provided. The exemplary fascia cover 1200 includes a housing 1220 that is formed as a single unit extending in the width direction. The housing 1220 includes a generally D-shaped configuration, having a round front portion 1226 and a relatively flat top portion 1228 configured to be a shelf. The housing 1220 defines a cavity 1240 opening to the rear of the housing 1220 for at least partially surrounding an inside portion of the air conditioner window unit. The fascia 1200 includes a first side panel 1222 that encloses a first side of the cavity 1240. The first side panel 1222 may include a plurality of first side panels 1222X which may be provided to extend the width of the fascia. The fascia 1200 includes a second side panel 1224 that encloses a second side of the cavity 1240. The second side panel 1224 may include a plurality of second side panels 1224X which may be provided to extend the width of the fascia. A user interface 1230 may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 1220.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the housing 1220 may include a spring clip 1260 or a plurality of spring clips to provide a vertical force fit between the top portion 1228 or bottom portion 1242 of the housing 1220 and the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102. In some examples, the spring clips 1260 may be plastic or metal spring clips that are insert molded into the panels of the housing 1220. In some examples, the clips 1260 may be provided on the top portion 1228, extending into the cavity 1240. In other examples, the clips 1260 may be provided on the bottom portion 1242 or on a plurality of the panels and extending into the cavity 1240. In other examples, compressible ramps may be provided to create the vertical force fit with the indoor portion of the window unit. In examples, compressible ramps may be provided on the top panel or the bottom panel extending into the cavity.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the fascia 1200 includes a housing width Wh which extends the length of the plurality of the housing 1220 and is configured to extend at least along the width of the indoor portion 106 of the window unit 102. The first side panel 1222 includes a plurality of side panels 1222X to extend the width of the fascia 1200 from the housing width Wh to the first jamb 110 of the window opening. The second side panel 1224 includes a plurality of side panels 1224X to extend the width of the fascia 1200 from the housing width Wh to the second jamb 112 of the window opening. Thus, the fascia 1200 has an installed fascia width Wf, including the width of the plurality of first side panels 1222X, the housing 1220, and the plurality of second side panels 1224X, that is configured to extend from the first jamb 110 to the second jamb 112.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the fascia 1200 may include the user interface 1230 disposed in the outer surface of the housing 1220 which may operate a variety of electrical features when electrically connected to an external power source. The user interface 1230 may include a digital clock or a radio, MP3player, or other Bluetooth connected device for playing audio including a speaker 1602, input / outputs (i.e., an auxiliary cord jack 1604, USB ports 1606), and volume controls 1608 for adjusting audio through the speaker 1602. In other examples, the user interface 1230 may include ports for charging cell phones, operating decorative lighting or other devices which may receive power through electrical outlets 1610, USB ports 1606, or through conductive connection surfaces 1212.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 18, the first side panel 1222 and the second side panel 1224 may include a plurality of side panels, 1222X, 1224X that may be stackable to receive additional side panels to fit a range of window widths without custom ordering a fascia for a window or without having to cut a side panel to size that would result in irreversible changes to the configuration. The first side panel 1222 and the second side panel 1224 may each include a first recessed portion 1270 on a side facing outward of the housing. Each of the plurality of first side panels and second side panels 1222X, 1224X added to the fascia may include a recessed portion 1270 extending into the width of the panel and a corresponding protruding portion 1272 extending out of the width of the panel. Each of the plurality of first side panels 1222X includes the recessed portion 1270 disposed on a first side 1274 of the panel and the protruding portion 1272 on a second side 1276 of the panel. The plurality of first side panels 1222X are configured to engage with and stack with the first recessed portion 12701 of the first side panel 1222. Each of the plurality of second side panels 1224X may include the recessed portion 1270 disposed on the second side 1276 of the panel and the protruding portion 1272 on a first side 1274 of the panel. The plurality of second side panels 1224X are configured to engage with and stack with the first recessed portion 12702 of the second side panel 1224.

[0051] As illustrated, the recessed portions 1270 may have a generally D-shape with the protruding portion 1272 being a corresponding D-shape. In other examples, the recessed portion 1270 and the protruding portion 1272 may be other shapes or have other configurations. In some examples, the side panels 1222X, 1224X may have a plurality of recesses and a plurality of corresponding protruding portions. In other examples, additional features may be provided to ease the assembly of the plurality of side panels such as self-guiding interlocking features for alignment or ridged vertical profiles to provide a longer heat conduction path and less chance of airflow between the side panels 1222X, 1224X that may not stay in compression due to compression set of thermal shrinkage during cold weather. In some examples, each of the plurality of side panels 1222X, 1224X may be formed of the same material for ease of fabrication and usability. In other examples, at least two of the plurality of side panels, for example, an outer first side panel 12225 and an outer second side panel 12245 may be formed of a more pliable material than the remaining first and second side panels. The outer first and second side panels may be formed of a pliable material to compact slightly to fit in a window frame without undue compression between the side panels and the first jamb and second jamb of the window opening.

[0052] The exemplary fascia cover 100 may be provided for increased insulation of the window opening and the indoor portion of the window air conditioning unit. It may also be provided as packaging material and may from a foam insulation to provide impact resistance in packaging. The outer surfaces of the foam fascia may be covered with a heavy shrink wrap polymer sheet or a thermoformed cover. The fascia may be a generally form-fit cover for the indoor portion of the window unit. The fascia is oversized compared to the indoor portion to provide insulation that covers the side panels of a window unit and the window sill. The width of the housing may be specified by a consumer when ordering or buying by providing a specific model of an AC unit. The width of the fascia can be customized with adding additional side panel portions so that the sides of the window frame are tightly filled with the foam insulation structure. The fascia body may be a semi rigid foam such as urethane or EPS. Flexible gasket foam strips may be provided to fill any gaps in the fascia. The fascia may be fitted with added features such as speakers that draw power from the plugged in window unit via an electrical connection on the perimeter of the indoor portion. Additional the window unit controls could remain uncovered through apertures in the user interface so that remote controls may still be used to control the window unit. The fascia may include a flat top surface to create a shelf area for personalization of household items. Further features that may be added to the unit include a slow drain to remove water or an air freshener to run the indoor portion and provide seasonal start up to the window unit to clear stale air or mold in the condensate pan of the window unit. The indoor portion of the unit may also be run as a humidifier or an air filter during colder months without directing cold air into a building with the inclusion of a water tank or filter in the cavity.

[0053] Thus, according to the disclosure a window air conditioner covering includes a housing defining a cavity, a first side panel enclosing a first end of the cavity, and a second side panel enclosing a second end of the cavity. The cavity is configured to at least partially surround an indoor portion of an air conditioner. The housing may have a width dimension configured to extend along a width of the indoor portion and a height dimension configured to cover a height of the indoor portion between a window sash and window sill. The housing, the first side panel, and the second side panel are configured to extend from a first window jamb to a second window jamb.

[0054] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature; may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components; and may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.

[0055] The articles “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the terms “first,”“second,” and the like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote element from another.

[0056] Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by implementations of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,”“about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount.

[0057] Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientation shown in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that various alternative orientations may be provided, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in this specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0058] Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law. The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A window air conditioner covering, comprising:a housing defining a cavity configured to at least partially surround an indoor portion of an air conditioner, the housing having a width dimension configured to extend along a width of the indoor portion and a height dimension configured to cover a height of the indoor portion between a window sash and window sill;a first side panel enclosing a first end of the cavity; anda second side panel enclosing a second end of the cavity,wherein the housing, the first side panel, and the second side panel are configured to extend from a first window jamb to a second window jamb.

2. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a plurality of panels extending in the width dimension.

3. The window air conditioner covering of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels includes a bottom panel, a top panel, a front panel, and an angled panel extending between the front panel and the top panel.

4. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, further comprising a user interface on an outer surface of the housing.

5. The window air conditioner covering of claim 4, wherein the user interface is disposed in at least one of a top panel, a front panel, and a angled panel.

6. The window air conditioner covering of claim 4, wherein the user interface is electrically connected to the air conditioner.

7. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a storage pocket configured to store a power cord of the air conditioner.

8. The window air conditioner covering of claim 7, wherein the storage pocket is disposed in at least one of a top panel, a front panel, and an angled panel.

9. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the first side panel includes a plurality of first side panel portions and the second side panel includes a plurality of second side panel portions.

10. The window air conditioner covering of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of first side panel portions and the plurality of second side panels include a first side having a recessed portion and a second side having a protruding portion, the protruding portion mating in the recessed portion of an adjacent side panel portion.

11. The window air conditioner covering of claim 9, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are extended by the plurality of first side panel portions and the plurality of second side panel portions in a longitudinal direction to extend the width of the housing.

12. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing includes at least one spring clip extending into the cavity to provide a vertical force fit between the housing and the indoor portion.

13. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing includes at least one compressible ramp extending into the cavity to provide a vertical force fit between the housing and the indoor portion.

14. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed of one of expanded polystyrene, urethane foam, and polyethylene foam.

15. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing has a thickness and material providing a desired thermal insulation.

16. The window air conditioner covering of claim 1, wherein the housing, the first side panel, and the second side panel are configured to be assembled by a plurality of fasteners and fastener holes.

17. The window air conditioner covering of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels are configured to be assembled by a plurality of fasteners and fastener holes.

18. An interior fascia cover, comprising:a housing formed of a plurality of panels and defining a cavity, the housing configured to at least partially surround an indoor portion of an air conditioner in the cavity,a plurality of first side panels extending from a first side of the cavity, anda plurality of second side panels extending from a second side of the cavity,wherein the housing, the plurality of first side panels, and the plurality of second side panels are configured to extend a width of a window sill.

19. The interior fascia cover of claim 18, wherein the housing is comprised of expanded polystyrene and provides a thermal insulation of at least 2 R value.

20. The interior fascia cover of claim 18, wherein the housing comprises a user interface electrically connected to the air conditioner.

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