Shannon Wayne Johnson

US Patent:

6397617, Jun 4, 2002

Filed:

Sep 22, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/668520

Inventors:

Shannon Wayne Johnson - Charlotte NC 28217

International Classification:

F25D 2312

US Classification:

622591, 49465

Abstract:

A protective cover for preventing the entry of debris into an outdoor air conditioning unit while providing for the safe operation of the unit in the event of unintentional activation of the unit while the invented apparatus is installed. During normal operation, the invented protective air conditioning cover provides a covering for the top surface of an outdoor air conditioning unit, including the fan discharge opening, which is usually covered by a metallic grate. The protective cover is held in place on top of the unit by magnets. The placement of the magnets and the types of magnets used in the invented cover are designed to provide just enough attraction between the magnets and the metallic surface of the air conditioning unit that the invented cover is maintained in position upon the top of the unit during normal weather conditions, and all but the most extreme wind conditions. However, the upward pressure caused by operation of the fan motor within the air conditioning unit is capable of lifting the invented cover with enough force to remove the magnetically connected cover from the top of the air conditioning unit. The apparatus consists of a flat layer of material having magnets evenly spaced about its periphery.