TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[1] The present invention relates to air-cooling devices. Particularly, the present invention relates to an air-cooling device resistant to vector breeding. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a cover to prevent vector breeding in an air-cooling device.

BACKGROUND

[2] Generally, conventional air-cooling devices are used for providing cool air through the evaporation of water. The evaporative air-cooling devices operate by drawing air into the cooling device through water-soaked cooling pads. The air releases heat to evaporate water trapped in the water-soaked cooling pads. The evaporated water cools the air as it leaves the water-soaked cooling pads and comforts a user with cool air. The evaporative air-cooling device comprises a tank for storing and supplying water to the cooling pads.

[3] In general, the water is stored in an open type of tank and used to distribute over evaporative pads to achieve the required cooling. Due to such configuration of the tank, cleaning of the water tank and routine service of the cooler is convenient. However, it has been seen that usually water is stored for a period of time thus the open type of tank provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Such breeding of insects/mosquitoes may result in life threatening diseases like Dengue and Malaria. Further, dust and other associated foreign particles may accumulate and deposit along the walls and at the base of the tank. The accumulated dust may affect the operation of the air-cooling device as it may further reach and stuck with the pump and evaporative pads of the air-cooling device. Such accumulation may result in decrease in efficiency of the air-cooling device and over a period may damage the device.

[4] Efforts have been made to protect the cooler tank from dust and insects. Indian patent no. 297836 discloses an evaporative cooling apparatus comprising an evaporative cooler supported in a housing equipped with mosquito-proof water compartment, wherein the said water compartment is covered by lid. The mosquito-proof closed water compartment includes an inlet for water, outlet for water overflow, a two-piece lid as the cover of the reservoir/compartment, three mesh covered openings in the lid, an opening for the passage of central pipe connected with the pump and distributing chamber in the lid, a drainage outlet at the base of the reservoir/compartment and a mesh covered opening in the depression of the lid. However, due to provision of cover and its associated parts, the assembly of air cooler become complex thus cleaning of water tank and routine service of the cooler is difficult. Also, it is very difficult to include ice cubes inside the tank which is a normal practice to accelerate the cooling in said design.

[5] Indian patent application no. 201611014023 discloses an air cooler device having a tank cover for the air cooler device to protect the water tank from dust and insects comprising of first tank cover and second tank cover with a joining there between together with provision for inflow of water from cooling pad into water tank and a system for water delivery into a cooler wherein water is filled inside the water tank through a net disposed on the cover. However, adequacy/effectiveness of such device is poor as the net may get clogged due to presence of dust particles / impurities in the water. Further, in case the user needs to put ice inside the cooler, the weight of ice blocks (cubes) may cause strain over the cover which may lead to rupturing of the same. Also, multiplicity of covers makes the assembly complex. Due to this, cleaning of water tank and routine service of the cooler is difficult.

[6] Therefore, there is need for a coverwhich can overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[7] In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention in a preferred embodiment provides a cover to prevent vector breeding in an air-cooling device. The cover comprises of an elongated panel defining an enclosure for a water tank, a cavity formed on the enclosure, a lid covering the cavity is placed on the elongated panel, and a material of the elongated panel comprising anti-microbial properties.

[8] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the material of the water tank and the lid comprisinganti-microbial properties. The material having anti-microbial properties comprising an anti-microbial compound, the anti-microbial compound is an anti-bacterial compound or an anti-viral compound or a combination thereof. [9] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the material of the elongated panel and the water tank is selected from the group of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE), the material contains active anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives based on nano-silver/ nano-copper with 0.2 wt% -10 wt% loading, wherein the anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives is Talc/Glass filled (from 5-30 wt%) PP compounds incorporated with Nano-silver and/or Nano-copper particles.

[10] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the material of the lid is selected from the group of high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Nylon (PA6/PA66), the material contains active anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives based on nano-silver/ nano-copper with 0.2 wt% -10 wt% loading, wherein the anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives is Talc/Glass filled (from 5-30 wt%) PP compounds incorporated with Nano-silver and/or Nano-copper particles.

[11] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cover is removable from the water tank.

[12] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel comprising a water inlet for filling the water tank, extending from a side edge of the cover.

[13] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet receives a removable tray provided at the front wall of the air-cooling device for providing a passage for filling the water tank, there movable tray is slidable between an open and a close position.

[14] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel is rectangular, circular, or oval shaped.

[15] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, a guiding means is provided for fitting the cover with the water tank.

[16] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the guiding means comprising a plurality of projections defined along a length of an inner surface of side panels of the water tank corresponding with a plurality of slots defined along a length of the elongated panel at outer side edges of the elongated panel to fit the water tank with the elongated panel. [17] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fitting means is provided forfitting the elongated panel with the lid, the fitting means comprisinga plurality of projections defined along a length of the net at side edges corresponding with a plurality of depressions defined along a length of the elongated panel at inner side edges to fit the net with the elongated panel.

[18] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cover comprising at least one slot to accommodate at least one supply pipe of the air-cooling device.

[19] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lid covering the cavity is a mesh/net.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[20] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some implementations of the system(s), in accordance with the present subject matter, are described by way of examples, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[21] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an air-cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[22] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of various components that make up the air- cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[23] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of various components that make up a tank of the air-cooling device, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

[24] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of various components that make up a tank of the air-cooling device, as per another embodiment of the present invention.

[25] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of various components that make up a tank of the air-cooling device, as per yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[26] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[27] Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step is in a cover which can prevent vector breeding in an air-cooling device. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.

[28] Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[29] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or apparatus or device.

[30] The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides a cover to prevent vector breeding in an air-cooling device. The cover comprising an elongated panel defining an enclosure for a water tank, a cavity formed on the enclosure, a lid covering the cavity is placed on the elongated panel. The lid covering the cavity is a mesh/net. The material of the elongated panel, the water tank, and the lid comprising anti-microbial properties. The material having anti-microbial properties comprising an anti-microbial compound, the antimicrobial compound is an anti-bacterial compound or an anti-viral compound or a combination thereof. The material of the elongated panel and the water tank is selected from the group of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE), the material contains active antibacterial/ anti-viral additives based on nano-silver/ nano-copper with 0.2 wt% -10 wt% loading, wherein the anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives is Talc/Glass filled (from 5-30 wt%) PP compounds incorporated with Nano-silver and/or Nano-copper particles. The material of the lid (130) is selected from the group of high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Nylon (PA6/PA66), the material contains active anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives based on nanosilver/ nano-copper with 0.2 wt% -10 wt% loading, wherein the anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives is Talc/Glass filled (from 5-30 wt%) PP compounds incorporated with Nano-silver and/or Nano-copper particles.

[31] The cover may be removable from the water tank. The cover comprising a water inlet for filling the water tank, extending from a side edge of the cover. The water inlet receives a removable tray provided at the front wall of the air-cooling device for providing a passage for filling the water tank, there movable tray is slidable between an open and a close position. The cover comprising a guiding means for fitting the cover with the water tank. The guiding means comprising a plurality of projections defined along a length of an inner surface of side panels of the water tank corresponding with a plurality of slots defined along a length of the elongated panel at outer side edges of the elongated panel to fit the water tank with the elongated panel. The elongated panel is rectangular, circular, or oval shaped. The cover comprising a plurality of projections defined along a length of the net at side edges corresponding with a plurality of depressions defined along a length of the elongated panel at inner side edges to fit the net with the elongated panel. The cover comprising a plurality of slots to accommodate supply pipes of the air-cooling device.

[32] The subject matter is now described regarding the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like features/elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident; however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are shown in diagram form to facilitate describing the invention.

[33] Referring to figures 1 to 3, an air-cooling device (200) comprising a cover (100) to prevent vector breeding in the air-cooling device (200)according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The cover (100) comprising an elongated panel (110) defining an enclosure for a water tank (210);a cavity (120) formed on the enclosure, and a lid (130) covering the cavity (120) is placed on the elongated panel (110). The material of the elongated panel (110) comprising anti-microbial properties. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (100) is removable from the water tank (210). In another embodiment of the present invention, the lid (130) covering the cavity (120) is a mesh/net.In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lid (130) covering the cavity (120) is a sheet.

[34] The air-cooling device (200) comprising a cooler body including a top wall (218), a front wall (216), a body panel mounted on the front wall, a tank (210) located at the bottom of the air-cooling device (200) for storing water, a plurality of evaporative pads (220)disposed between the tank (210)and the top wall (218), and a fluid supply device (not shown) disposed in the tank (210) to circulate the water in the air-cooling device (200). The water tank comprising a base wall (212), and a plurality of sidewalls (214) extending upwardly from the base wall (212), defining an open type of hollow box structure.

[35] In an embodiment of the present invention, a guiding means (140) for fitting the cover (100) with the water tank (210) to enclose the water tank (210) is provided. The guiding means (140) comprising a plurality of projections (142) defined along a length of an inner surface of the side walls (214) of the water tank (210) corresponding with a plurality of slots (114) defined along a length of the elongated panel (110) at outer side edges of the elongated panel (110) to fit the water tank (210) with the elongated panel (110). In another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) is snap fitted with the water tank (210) with the guiding means (140). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) is fitted with the water tank (210) with at least one fastener.

[36] In an embodiment of the present invention, a fitting means (150) is provided for fitting the lid (130) with the elongated panel (110) to cover the cavity (120). In another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) is snap fitted with the lid (130) with the fitting means (150). The fitting means (150) comprising a plurality of projections (132) defined along a length of the lid (130) at side edges of the lid (130) corresponding with a plurality of depressions (115) defined along a length of the elongated panel (110) at inner side edges to fit the lid (130) with the elongated panel (110). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) is fitted with the lid (130) with at least one fastener.

[37] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figures 3 to 5, the elongated panel (110) comprising a support structure (112) formed inside the cavity (120) to support the lid (130). The support structure (112) comprising a plurality of parallel members placed equidistance to each other and at least one cross member joining the parallel members to form the support structure.

[38] In an embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) comprising a water inlet (116) for filling the water tank, extending from a side edge of the elongated panel (110). The water inlet (116) is a hollow box structure adapted to receive a removable tray (117) thus provides a passage for filling the water tank (210). The water inlet (116) may be disposed in a cavity defined at the front wall (216) of the air-cooling device (200). The removable tray (117) is provided at the front wall (216) of the air-cooling device (200). The removable tray (117) slides between an open and a close position. In the open position, an external supply pipe may be used to fill the water tank (210). In close position, the removable tray (117) closes the water inlet (116) thus provide a closure for the water inlet (116). Alternately, ice cubes can be placed in the removable tray (117) so that cold water trickles down from the tray and into the water tank (210) to provide enhanced cooling.

[39] Referring to figure 4, in an embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) comprising a secondary water inlet (118) defined along the length of the elongated panel (110) forming a collection pan extends longitudinally towards the base wall (212) of the water tank (210). The secondary water inlet (118) comprising a plurality of parallel members spaced equidistance from each other. The secondary water inlet (118) is in fluid communication with water inlet (116) for providing a passage for filling the water in the tank (210).

[40] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 5, the elongated panel (110) comprising a secondary water inlet (113) defined along the length of the elongated panel (110) forming the collection pan extends longitudinally towards the base wall of the water tank (210). The secondary water inlet (113) comprising a slot (113’) extends longitudinally towards the base wall (212) forming a projection below the collection pan. [41] In an embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) comprising at least one slot (119) to accommodate at least one supply pipe (230) of the air-cooling device. In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one supply pipe is provided to distribute the water over the plurality of evaporative pads (220) of the air-cooling device (200) to achieve the cooling, pass through at least slot (119) defined on a water tank cover (100). In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one supply pipeis manufactured with a material having anti-microbial properties. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated panel (110) is rectangular, circular, or oval shaped.

[42] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of the elongated panel (110) comprising anti-microbial properties. In another embodiment of the present invention, the material of the water tank (210) and the lid (130) comprising comprising antimicrobial properties. The anti-microbial compound is an anti-bacterial compound or an antiviral compound or a combination thereof.

[43] The material of the elongated panel (110), and the water tank (210) is selected from the group of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE). The material of the lid (130) is selected from the group of high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Nylon (PA6/PA66). The material contains active anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives based on nano-silver/ nano-copper with 0.2 wt% -10 wt% loading. The anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives is Talc/Glass filled (from 5-30 wt%) PP compounds incorporated with Nano-silver and/or Nano-copper particles. In another embodiment of the present invention, the anti-bacterial/ anti-viral additives is Calcium carbonate/Talc filled (from 5-50wt%) PVC/PVC-Nitrile compounds for at least one supply pipe incorporated with Nano-silver and/or Nano-copper particles. The material is selected without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within ambit of the invention.

[44] Again, referring to figures 1 to 5, the lid (130) is disposed over the cavity defined in the elongated panel and the elongated panel (110) with the lid (130) is fitted on the top of the water tank (210) of the air-cooling device thus providing a close compartment. The cover (100) fully covers the tank top to protect the water from dust and insects. Further, since the water inlet (116) is provided at the front wall, water can be delivered in the water tank (210) without the water coming in contact with the lid (130) of the cover thus avoiding the clogging of the lid. Also, the lid (130) ensures easy accessibility and serviceability of the air-cooling device (200). Accordingly, the cover (100) as disclosed in the present disclosure provides an effective and simplex system for preventing vector-breeding in the air-cooling device.

EXAMPLES

[45] Tests have been conducted to ascertain average repellency over control in term of no. of eggs laid, Oviposition Activity Index (OAI) and the average mortality percentage, which are as follows:

The Oviposition Activity Index (OAI), described by Kramer and Mulla (1979), was used to evaluate the response of gravid mosquitoes to plant infusions. The OAI standardizes the data by converting the number of females trapped on the sticky screen in the test cup to a proportion after correcting for the number of females trapped on the screen in the control cup. The OAI ranges from -1 to +1, with 0 indicating neutral response. Within each experiment, an OAI was calculated for each replicate as follows:

N j* IV c

Oviposition Activity Index (OAI) = — - —

A _r T N c

The Percent Repellency for each control and test item product were calculated using the following formula

% Repellency 100

Where, Nc = Number of eggs laid in control cooler

NT = Number of eggs laid in repellent cooler

A. Specimen 1 (Prior art): An air-cooling device without cover; and

B. Specimen 2 (Present invention): An air-cooling device with cover, as per an embodiment of the present invention. Table- 1: Summary data of Mortality, Repellency and Oviposition Activity Index

Table 2:Detailed Data for Repellency over control and Oviposition Activity Index

The results of the study indicated the average repellency over control in term of no. of eggs laid to be from 83.03 to 90.44 % while the Oviposition Activity Index (OAI) exhibited negative value as from -0.72 to -.87 indicating the product to be repellent. The average mortality percentage was found to be from 16.16 to 45.66 % more when compared to control.

[46] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

[47] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.