Support bracket for casing of a condensing unit

Abstract

A support bracket suitable for use in a casing of an outdoor condensing unit includes a main body configured to reside between a corner post and a coil of the condensing unit, a first extension member extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension member extending from a second end of the main body. The first extension member is configured to attach to a first inlet grille of the condensing unit. The second extension member is configured to attach to a second inlet grille of the condensing unit.

1 . A support bracket suitable for use in a casing of an outdoor condensing unit, the support bracket comprising:
 a main body configured to reside between a corner post and a coil of the condensing unit;   a first extension member extending from a first end of the main body; and   a second extension member extending from a second end of the main body, wherein the first extension member is configured to engage with a first inlet grille of the condensing unit and the second extension member is configured to engage with a second inlet grille of the condensing unit.   
   
   
       2 . The support bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises a first tab member and a second tab member that are each configured to engage with the corner post. 
   
   
       3 . The support bracket of  claim 2 , wherein the first and the second tab members each include a dimple configured to align with a first hole and a second hole of the corner post. 
   
   
       4 . The support bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the first extension member includes an aperture for receiving a fastener through the first extension member to attach the first extension member to a post of the first inlet grille. 
   
   
       5 . The support bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises a rib member configured to provide rigidity to the main body. 
   
   
       6 . The support bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the first extension member further comprises a first end portion extending from an end of the first extension member opposite to the main body and configured to contact the coil of the condensing unit. 
   
   
       7 . The support bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the support bracket is formed from sheet metal. 
   
   
       8 . A protective casing for a condenser coil, the protective casing comprising:
 a first inlet grille;   a second inlet grille;   a corner post positioned between the first and second inlet grilles; and   a support bracket comprising:
 a main body positioned between the corner post and the condenser coil; and 
 a first extension member and a second extension member extending from opposite ends of the main body and configured such that the first extension member is attachable to the first inlet grille and the second extension member is attachable to the second inlet grille. 
   
   
   
       9 . The protective casing of  claim 8 , wherein the first extension member includes an aperture and the first inlet grille includes a top post, and a fastener is received through the aperture of the first extension member and engaged with the top post to attach the support bracket to the first inlet grille. 
   
   
       10 . The protective casing of  claim 8 , wherein the main body of the support bracket includes a pair of tab members configured to engage with the corner post. 
   
   
       11 . The protective casing of  claim 10 , wherein the tab members hook onto the corner post to secure the support bracket to the corner post. 
   
   
       12 . The protective casing of  claim 8  further comprising a top cover configured to attach to the corner post and to the support bracket. 
   
   
       13 . The protective casing of  claim 12 , wherein the top cover is configured to attach to the corner post at a first attachment point, to the first inlet grille and the first extension member at a second attachment point, and to the second inlet grille and the second extension member at a third attachment point. 
   
   
       14 . The protective casing of  claim 8 , wherein the first extension member includes a corner portion configured to engage with a first flange on the corner post, and the second extension member includes a corner portion configured to engage with a second flange on the corner post. 
   
   
       15 . A method of protecting a coil assembly for a condensing unit, the method comprising:
 securing an inlet grille around an outside of the coil assembly;   securing a corner post around an outside corner portion of the coil assembly; and   supporting the inlet grille at a top portion of the inlet grille such that the inlet grille is essentially immobile; and   supporting the corner post such that the corner post is essentially immobile.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a support bracket is used to support the inlet grille at the top portion of the inlet grille. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a fastener is received through an aperture in the support bracket and engaged with a hole in the inlet grille. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a support bracket is used to support the corner post and a portion of the support bracket attaches to the corner post. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 positioning a top cover over the coil assembly;   securing the top cover to the inlet grille; and   securing the top cover to the corner post.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein securing the top cover to the inlet grille includes positioning a support bracket between the top cover and the inlet grille. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising:
 shielding the coil assembly from being punctured by a fastener used to secure the top cover to the corner post.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a support bracket positioned between the corner post and the coil assembly is used to shield the coil assembly.