DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of disinfectant devices. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to an ozone based disinfectant device for domestic use that reduces harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from surfaces of different types of articles.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Disinfectant devices have a rich history and have evolved over time to address the need for effective methods of killing or inactivating harmful microorganisms to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. The use of natural substances like vinegar, wine, and honey for disinfection dates back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Smoke from burning herbs and other materials were used to fumigate indoor spaces. The discovery of microorganisms and the development of germ theory by scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch led to a better understanding of the role of microbes in causing diseases. Chemical disinfectants like phenol and chlorine-based compounds started being used in medical settings.
[0004] However, for various applications like for disinfecting household articles, chemical based disinfectants are not suitable for the obvious reasons. Ultraviolet (UV) rays and Ozone are two disinfectant media that are particularly useful replacements for the chemical disinfectants. Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamps, which emit UV-C light to destroy microbes, are now quite common for surface and air disinfection. Ozone generators for air and water disinfection are also known in the art.
[0005] Patent Documents CN202490210U and CN202366211U disclose use of ozone in its gaseous form for different applications. On the other hand, oxygen generators such as those disclosed by Patent Documents CN202959463U, CN202961263U, CN202892480U, CN202459424U and CN202288952U are used for generating Ozone gas for disinfecting different articles. Use of Ozone dissolved in water for disinfecting purposes is also known in the art. In certain applications of Ozone rich water for disinfection function, the article to be disinfected is dipped in the Ozone rich water stored in a container. For example, Patent documents CN202490210U discloses a toothbrush disinfector that includes a water tank to store water where Ozone generated by Ozone generators is mixed with water and tooth brushes to be disinfected are dipped in water for disinfection. Alternatively, use of the Ozone rich water by spraying on the articles to be disinfected, is also known. For example, Patent document US10973938B1 discloses an apparatus that can be connected to a conventional sprayer bottle that permits the sprayer bottle to generate ozonated water to be used as a cleaning fluid.
[0006] However, conventional methods and apparatuses for ozone based disinfection are not very effective or efficient to use. For example, dipping articles to be disinfected in ozone rich water and thereafter taking them out can be cumbersome, besides requiring manual effort. Dipping also requires large quantity of water, and therefore not suitable for large items. When used by spraying, the spray may not cover the entire surface of the article for an adequate period of time, leaving part of surfaced without being treated.
[0007] Furthermore, different pathogens require different exposure times to be deactivated, requiring to disinfect the item for a corresponding duration to kill all kinds of pathogens. As can be seen from the below table, an exposure of up to 5 minutes is required for certain virus:
Virus/Bacteria Ozone
Concentration (mg/L) Contact Time
(Minutes) Inactivation efficiency
Virus Adenovirus 0.1-0.4 1-5 4-5
Coxsackievirus 0.1-0.4 1-5 4-5
Enterovirus 0.1-0.4 1-5 4-5
Hepatitis A Virus 0.4-1 1-5 3-4
Influenza Virus 0.4-1 1-5 3-4
Polio Virus 0.1-0.4 1-5 4-5
Rota Virus 0.1-0.4 1-5 4-5
SARS-CoV-2 0.1-0.4 1-5 3-4
Bacteria Bacillus cereus 0.5-1 1-5 4-5
Bacillus subtilis 0.5-1 1-5 4-5
Escherichia coli 0.3-0.6 1-5 3-4
Listeria monocytogenes 0.3-0.6 1-5 3-4
Salmonella enterica 0.3-0.6 1-5 3-4
Shigella flexneri 0.3-0.6 1-5 3-4
Staphylococcus aureus 0.3-0.6 1-5 3-4

[0008] It is further seen that even after disinfection, pathogen gets re-activated after some time, and accordingly, disinfecting food items at regular intervals can increase their shelf life by over 3 times. There is, therefore, a need to automatically disinfect food items at regular intervals so the pathogens don't re activate. As can be understood, disinfecting for at intervals over a long periods is not possible by spraying or dipping, being cumbersome and labor intensive. Hence, there is a need for misting to do it elegantly and automatically
[0009] Therefore, there is a need within the art for a more efficient method and device for ozone based disinfection that overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional methods and devices, and can be used in multiple manners to disinfect a range of household items.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
[0010] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, that at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed herein below:
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for disinfecting household items like cutlery as well as for disinfecting edible items like fruits and vegetables to enhance their shelf life.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device that effectively deactivates or destroys a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device that is capable of maintaining humidity in the storage container for edible items like fruits and vegetables, besides disinfecting them to prolong their shelf life.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a chemical-free alternative to traditional disinfectants and to provide microbial control without the need for harsh chemicals, reducing potential health and environmental risks associated with chemical disinfection.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a disinfectant device that can be configured in different manners to meet different requirements.

SUMMARY
[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an ozone based disinfectant device that can be operated in different configurations for disinfecting household items, such as cutlery and edible items like fruits and vegetables to enhance their shelf life. In another aspect, the proposed disinfectant device works based on ozone that is delivered mixed with aqueous mist for even distribution within an enclosed space holding the items to be disinfected.
[0017] In an aspect, the disclosed disinfectant device includes a POD unit configured to generate an Ozone containing aqueous mist such that when the POD is placed in an enclosed space, the Ozone from the aqueous mist disinfects surfaces of articles placed within the enclosed space.
[0018] In an embodiment, the POD unit may include a water reservoir to hold water, an ozone cell and a pump for movement of water from the water reservoir to the ozone cell. The ozone cell includes at least one anode and at least one cathode with water therebetween to generate ozone rich water.
[0019] In an embodiment, the POD unit may further include an atomizer configured to receive the ozone rich water from the ozone cell and generate the Ozone containing aqueous mist.
[0020] In an embodiment, the POD unit may include a body with an open upper end, and wherein the water reservoir, the ozone cell and the atomizer are configured with in the body.
[0021] In an embodiment, the POD unit may include a POD lid to be coupled to the open upper end of the body, and an umbrella coupled with the POD lid. The umbrella may be configured to discharge the Ozone containing aqueous mist generated by the POD unit to the surrounding enclosed space. Location of the umbrella that discharges the Ozone containing aqueous mist from the POD unit at the upper end of the POD unit ensures that the Ozone containing aqueous mist flows downward, being heavier than air, and ultimately fill the enclosed space for an effective disinfection of surfaces of the articles placed within the enclosed space.
[0022] In an embodiment, the device may include a big bucket configured to accommodate the POD unit there within. The big bucket may be further configured to accommodate the articles to be disinfected.
[0023] In an embodiment, the big bucket may include a bucket top and a bucket bottom configured to be fixed to an open lower side of the bucket top. Further, the bucket bottom may be configured to support the POD unit, when the POD unit is placed within the bug bucket.
[0024] In an embodiment, the big bucket may further include a lid to close an open upper end of the bucket top after the POD unit and the articles to be disinfected are placed within the big bucket through the open upper end.
[0025] In an embodiment, the device may also include a small bucket configured to accommodate the POD unit there within. Further, the small bucket may be configured to accommodate the articles to be disinfected.
[0026] In an embodiment, the small bucket may include an open lower end such that the small bucket is placed over the POD unit through the open lower end to envelop the POD unit to create the enclosed space accommodating the articles to be disinfected.
[0027] In an embodiment, the big bucket and the small bucket may be configured such that the articles to be disinfected are suspended in path of flow of the Ozone containing aqueous mist, which tends to move down on account of being heavier than air.
[0028] In an embodiment, the POD unit may be configured to be placed within a container of a fridge to disinfect fruits and vegetables stored within the container, thereby enhancing shelf life of the stored fruits and vegetables.
[0029] In an embodiment, the POD unit may include a user interface for the user to select different modes of operations of the POD unit.
[0030] In an embodiment, the different modes of operations of the POD unit may include a continuous disinfection mode that activates, a continuous generation of ozone containing aqueous mist, an interval mode that alternately generates ozone containing aqueous mist and ozone free aqueous mist, a humidifier mode that generates ozone free aqueous mist, and a lamp mode that activates a lamp for illumination.
[0031] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary product render of the proposed disinfectant device, showing a POD unit, and the POD unit configured with a big bucket and with a small bucket, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the Pod unit, the small bucket and the big bucket of the disclosed disinfectant device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary exploded views of the small bucket and the big bucket, along with a front view of the POD unit showing different features thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the POD unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary bottom perspective view of the POD unit showing user interface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIGs. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary views of the POD unit showing internal details thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary representation of the disclosed device showing a first embodiment of use the device with the POD unit accommodated within the small bucket, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representation of the disclosed device showing a second embodiment of use the device with the POD unit accommodated within the big bucket, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary representation of the disclosed device showing a first configuration the device with the POD unit accommodated within a container of a fridge for enhancing shelf life of edible items like fruits and vegetables, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Embodiments described herein relate to a disinfectant device for domestic use for disinfecting household items of daily use such as cutlery, and edible items such as fruits and vegetables. In an aspect, the proposed disinfecting device is an ozone-based device, where ozone is used as a disinfecting agent for disinfecting surfaces of the household items and edible items. In another aspect, the disclosed device works by discharging ozone mixed with an aqueous mist, and accordingly the device also provides the functionality of humidifying the edible items.
[0043] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0044] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0045] In an embodiment, the device is configured for use in different manners, wherein, depending on requirement, an ozone rich aqueous mist generating POD unit of the device can coupled with a small bucket or a big bucket to create enclosed spaces of different sizes to accommodate articles to be disinfected. Alternatively, the POD unit can be placed within an enclosed space, such as a container or a basket of a fridge to release ozone rich aqueous mist and disinfect surfaces of the fruits and vegetables stored therein to prolong their shelf life. Thus the device provides flexibility in use to disinfect different types of items.
[0046] The POD unit includes an umbrella located at an upper end of the POD unit and discharges the Ozone containing aqueous mist generated by the POD unit. Discharge of the mist at the upper end of the POD unit ensures that the Ozone containing aqueous mist flows downward, being heavier than air, and ultimately fill the enclosed space for an effective disinfection of surfaces of the articles placed within the enclosed space.
[0047] In an embodiment, the device includes a big bucket and a small bucket. The POD unit can be used in combination with the big bucket or the small bucket, which are configured such that the articles to be disinfected can be suspended around the POD unit in path of flow of the Ozone containing aqueous mist, which tends to move down on account of being heavier than air.
[0048] In another embodiment, the POD unit can be operated in different modes of operations to meet different requirements. For example, the POD unit can be operated, using a user interface, in a continuous disinfection mode that activates a continuous generation of ozone containing aqueous mist, an interval mode that alternately generates ozone containing aqueous mist and ozone free aqueous mist, a humidifier mode that generates ozone free aqueous mist, and a lamp mode that activates a lamp for illumination.
[0049] Referring now to FIGs. 1 to 3, where different aspects of the disclosed disinfectant device 100 (also referred to simply as device 100, herein) are disclosed, the device 100 can include a POD unit 102, a small bucket 104, and a big bucket 106. POD unit 102 can be configured to generate and release ozone containing aqueous mist to surrounding environment. Further, POD unit 102 can be configured for use in combination with the small bucket 102, as represented in FIG. 2 by reference numeral 110, or with the big bucket 106, as represented in FIG. 2 by reference numeral 120, by placing the POD unit 102 within the respective bucket 104/106 and creating enclosed spaces of different sizes to meet different requirements.
[0050] In an embodiment, the small bucket 102 and the big bucket 106 can be configured to hold household items of daily use and needing disinfection such as cutlery items 904 and 1002, as shown in FIGs. 9 and 10 respectively, for disinfecting their surfaces by the ozone containing mist 902 and 1004. The big bucket 106 can be big enough for placing fruits and vegetables there within for disinfecting them along with the cutlery items.
[0051] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the POD unit 102 can also be used in a configuration shown by reference numeral 130, by being placed within an enclosed space, such as a container or a basket 1102 of a fridge to release ozone rich aqueous mist and disinfect surfaces of the fruits and vegetables 1104 stored therein to prolong their shelf life.
[0052] Referring to FIGs. 4, 5, 7 and 8, where details of the POD unit 102 are shown, the POD unit 102 can include a water reservoir to hold water, an ozone cell 102H and a pump 102G for movement of water from the water reservoir to the ozone cell 102H. The ozone cell 102H includes at least one anode and at least one cathode with water therebetween to generate ozone rich water. The POD unit 102 can further include an atomizer 102J configured to receive ozone rich water from the ozone cell 102H and generate the ozone containing aqueous mist.
[0053] In an embodiment, the POD unit 102 can further include a body 102A with an open upper end, and the water reservoir, the ozone cell 102H and the atomizer 102J being configured within the body 102A. The body 102A includes a water level indicator 102B. Bottom of the POD unit 102 can include LED lights 102C indicating status of the POD unit 102, and buttons 102D that facilitate operation of the POD unit 102 in different modes of operations. The
[0054] In an embodiment, the POD unit 102 can further include a POD lid 102E to be coupled to the open upper end of the body 102A, and an umbrella 102F coupled with the POD lid 102E. The umbrella 102F can be configured to discharge the ozone containing aqueous mist generated by the POD unit 102 to the surrounding enclosed space.
[0055] In an embodiment, the POD unit 102 can include a battery 102K to meet power requirement of the pump 102G and of the electronic control circuit, which is configured in the PCBs, such as main PCD 102M and a bottom PCB 102P supported on a PCB holder 102Q. The POD unit can further include a pair of rubber pads 102N and a sticker 102R.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows a bottom side view of the POD unit 102. The bottom side of the POD unit 102 can include, besides the LED lights 102C that indicate status of operation of the POD unit 102, a main ON/OFF switch 102S and a set of buttons 102D for switching the operation of the POD unit to different modes. The buttons 102D function as the user interface and includes four buttons, one for each mode of operation. For example, pressing a first button 102D can enable the POD unit 102 to operate in the continuous disinfection mode that activates a continuous generation of ozone containing aqueous mist: pressing the second button 102D can enable the POD unit 102 to operate in the interval mode that alternately generates ozone containing aqueous mist and ozone free aqueous mist: pressing the third button 102D can enable the POD unit 102 to operate in the humidifier mode that generates ozone free aqueous mist; and pressing the fourth button 102D can enable the POD unit 102 to operate in the lamp mode that activates a lamp for illumination.
[0057] Referring again to FIG. 4, where details of the small bucket 104 and the big bucket 106 are shown, the big bucket 106 can include a bucket top 106A and a bucket bottom 106B configured to be fixed to an open lower side of the bucket top 106A. Further, the bucket bottom 106B is configured to support the POD unit 102, when the POD unit 102 is placed within the bug bucket 106. The big bucket 106 further includes a lid 106C to close an open upper end of the bucket top 106A after the POD unit 102 and the articles 1002 to be disinfected are placed within the big bucket 106 through the open upper end.
[0058] In an embodiment, the small bucket 104 includes a bucket 104A with an open lower end and an open upper end. The open lower end allows the small bucket 104 to be placed over the POD unit 102 through the open lower end to envelop the POD unit 102 to create the enclosed space accommodating the articles 904 to be disinfected, as shown in FIG. 9. The small bucket 104 further includes a lid 104B with silicon slits 104C that covers the open upper end of the bucket 104A.
[0059] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The present provides a device for disinfecting household items like cutlery as well as for disinfecting edible items like fruits and vegetables to enhance their shelf life.
[0061] The present provides a device that effectively deactivates or destroys a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi.
[0062] The present provides a device that is capable of maintaining humidity in the storage container for edible items like fruits and vegetables, besides disinfecting them to prolong their shelf life.
[0063] The present provides a chemical-free alternative to traditional disinfectants and to provide microbial control without the need for harsh chemicals, reducing potential health and environmental risks associated with chemical disinfection.
[0064] The present provides a disinfectant device that can be configured in different manners to meet different requirements.
,CLAIMS:1. A disinfectant device, the device comprising a POD unit that generates an ozone containing aqueous mist such that when the POD is placed in an enclosed space, said ozone from the aqueous mist disinfects surfaces of articles placed within the enclosed space.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the POD unit comprises a water reservoir to hold water, an ozone cell, and a pump for movement of water from the water reservoir to the ozone cell; and wherein the ozone cell comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode with water therebetween to generate ozone rich water.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the POD unit comprises an atomizer configured to receive the ozone rich water from the ozone cell, and generate the ozone containing aqueous mist.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the POD unit comprises a body with an open upper end, and wherein the water reservoir, the ozone cell, and the atomizer are positioned within the body.
5. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the POD unit comprises a POD lid to be coupled to the open upper end of the body, and an umbrella coupled with the POD lid, wherein the umbrella is configured to discharge the Ozone containing aqueous mist generated by the POD unit to the surrounding enclosed space.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the POD unit is accommodated within a big bucket, said big bucket further being configured to accommodate the articles to be disinfected, wherein the big bucket comprises a bucket top and a bucket bottom that is fixed to an open lower side of the bucket top, wherein the bucket bottom supports the POD unit when the POD unit is placed within the big bucket.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the big bucket comprises a lid to close an open upper end of the bucket top after the POD unit and the articles to be disinfected are placed within the big bucket through the open upper end.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the POD unit is accommodated within a small bucket, wherein the small bucket accommodates the articles to be disinfected, wherein the small bucket comprises an open lower end such that the small bucket is placed over the POD unit through the open lower end to envelop the POD unit to create the enclosed space accommodating the articles to be disinfected.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the POD unit is configured to be placed within a container of a fridge to disinfect fruits and vegetables stored within the container, thereby enhancing shelf life of the stored fruits and vegetables.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the POD unit comprises a user interface for the user to select different modes of operations of the POD unit, wherein the modes of operations of the POD unit is selected from any or a combination of a continuous disinfection mode that activates continuous generation of ozone containing aqueous mist, an interval mode that alternately generates ozone containing aqueous mist and ozone free aqueous mist, a humidifier mode that generates ozone free aqueous mist, and a lamp mode that activates a lamp for illumination.