US 8,769,979 B2Granted

Apparatus and method for draining condensate

AssigneeLennox Manufacturing Inc.

InventorsJames Frank Timbs, Christopher D. Beck, John Lawson Bauer, Jr.

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Abstract

An apparatus for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element, the element presenting a footprint area, includes: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall. The first level is generally higher than the second level in an installed orientation. A first surface is situated substantially at the first level and is generally horizontal and presents a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with the footprint area in the installed orientation. A second surface generally extends from the second level at a first end of the apparatus to the first level at two loci separated by the first surface at a second end of the apparatus opposite the first end to orient the first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to the second surface. At least one third surface joins the first and second surfaces.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A draining apparatus comprising:

a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall, said first level being higher than said second level in an installed orientation, said substantially unitary plurality of surfaces including:
a first surface of said plurality of surfaces being generally horizontal and presenting a generally planar expanse situated substantially at said first level in said installed orientation;
a second surface of said plurality of surfaces generally extending from said second level at a first end of the apparatus to said first level at a second end of the apparatus opposite said first end to orient said first surface in a generally peninsular relationship with respect to said second surface;
and
at least one third surface of said plurality of surfaces joining said first surface with said second surface;
and
at least one flow-disrupting structure situated at said first surface, each respective flow-disrupting structure configured as chevron-shaped and extending from said first surface in a direction away from said second level, wherein said apparatus is configured for use with an element having a “V” shaped footprint area and said at least one flow-disrupting structure includes a pair of dam structures situated generally symmetrically with respect to an intersection locus of two legs of said “V” shaped footprint area.

4 more elements

A method for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element;

said element presenting a footprint area;
the method comprising:
(a) in no particular order:
(1) providing said element;
said element presenting a footprint area;
and
(2) providing a draining apparatus;
said draining apparatus comprising:
a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall, said first level being generally higher than said second level in an installed orientation, said substantially unitary plurality of surfaces including:
a first surface of said plurality of surfaces being situated substantially at said first level and being generally horizontal and presenting a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with said footprint area in said installed orientation;
a second surface of said plurality of surfaces generally extending from said second level at a first end of the apparatus to said first level at two loci at a second end of the apparatus opposite said first end to orient said first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to said second surface;
and
at least one third surface of said plurality of surfaces joining said first surface with said second surface;
and
at least one flow-disrupting structure situated at said first surface, each respective flow-disrupting structure configured as chevron-shaped and extending from said first surface in a direction away from said second level;
and
(b) orienting said element and said draining apparatus in generally abutting relation in said installed orientation, wherein said footprint area is a “V” shaped footprint area and said at least one flow-disrupting structure includes a pair of dam structures situated generally symmetrically with respect to a locus in said footprint area, said locus being an intersection locus of two legs of said “V” shaped footprint area.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.