AU2016100417A4

AU2016100417A4 - Evaporative Air-Conditioning Drip Tray

Info

Publication number: AU2016100417A4
Application number: AU2016100417A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mervin James Whitney
Original assignee: Dropper Solutions Ip Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Dropper Solutions Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-15
Filing date: 2016-04-15
Publication date: 2016-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-04-15
Also published as: WO2017177275A1

Abstract

An evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system including a hollow mount for mounting a evaporative air-conditioning unit above a roof surface and to pass cooled air into a building, a first drip tray located beneath the evaporative air-conditioning unit and about the hollow mount, the first drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom, and a second drip tray located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount, the second drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom. x 14*

Description

EVAPORATIVE AIR-CONDITIONING DRIP TRAY SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system and an evaporative air-conditioning system incorporating same.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Roof mounted evaporative units can bring much needed relief during hot weather together with the additional advantages that they are located on top of the roof and thus out of the way and also accessible by the breeze..

[0003] However, these units can cause problems with the roof structure due to the nature of their operation.

[0004] Basically, some of the water that goes through these units is bled off as waste down the run off pipes. This water is very saline and therefore corrosive. This salty discharge will destroy roof sheets, gutters and metal downpipes, even if galvanised metal is used. It will also destroy cement roof tiles and is particularly aggressive on terracotta tiles.

[0005] The effects of the salty discharge liquid is illustrated in Figure 1 in an existing drip tray system, internally at the base of the hollow mount used to pass cooled air into the building in Figure 2 and externally in Figure 4 and in more detail in Figure 3.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray and system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system including a. a hollow mount for mounting an evaporative air-conditioning unit above a roof surface and to pass cooled air into a building, b. a first drip tray located beneath the evaporative air-conditioning unit and about the hollow mount, the first drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom, and c. a second drip tray located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount, the second drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom.

[0009] In an alternative aspect, the present invention resides in an evaporative air-conditioning system including an evaporative air conditioning unit, a hollow mount for mounting the evaporative air-conditioning unit above a roof surface and to pass cooled air into a building, a first drip tray located beneath the evaporative air-conditioning unit and about the hollow mount, the first drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom, and a second drip tray located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount, the second drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom.

[0010] The apparatus and system of the present invention is used in conjunction with an evaporative air-conditioning unit. These types of units are normally mounted on or above the roof of a building. Normally, the evaporative air-conditioning unit is mounted substantially horizontally above the roof, even if the roof itself is pitched.

[0011] The evaporative air-conditioning unit will normally have a hollow mount extending through or between roof sheets into the cavity of the building, the cavity defined between the roof and the ceiling. The hollow mount has two functions, namely firstly to mount the evaporative air-conditioning unit relative to the roof and secondly, to convey cooled air from the evaporative air-conditioning unit downwardly at least into the cavity. Typically, one or more ducts are provided which are connected to the hollow mount within the cavity which then conveys the cooled air from the hollow mount to the particular location for outlet of the cooled air, normally through a ceiling vent which mounts to the one or more ducts. Typically, the duct will be attached to a lower end of the hollow mount, slightly above the bottom of the hollow mount.

[0012] The drip tray system of the present invention includes a hollow mount for mounting an evaporative air-conditioning unit above a roof surface and to pass cooled air into a building. As mentioned above, typically a hollow mount will extend downwardly from above the level of the roof to below the level of the roof and into a cavity between the roof and the ceiling. Generally, the hollow mount will pass between roof sheets with appropriate flashing provided about the hollow mount to seal to the adjacent roof sheets. The hollow mount can extend through a roof sheet but this is normally not necessary and can create issues as it requires a roof sheet to be cut or a portion removed in order to accommodate the hollow mount.

[0013] It is preferred that the hollow mount included in the present invention is manufactured of a metal and most preferably, stainless steel or a similar metal is provided in order to withstand the generally corrosive discharge from the evaporative air-conditioning unit.

[0014] The hollow mount of the preferred embodiment is preferably elongate. A portion of the hollow mount extends above the roof level, and typically, the hollow mount mounts the evaporative air conditioner at an upper end thereof, the evaporative air-conditioning mounted substantially horizontally.

[0015] The hollow mount can have any cross-sectional shape. According to the most preferred embodiment, the hollow mount will be substantially rectangular having a number of sidewalls. The hollow mount can have any size. Typically however, the hollow mount will be provided in one or more standard sizes in order to mount the evaporative air-conditioning unit.

[0016] The hollow mount is typically open at the top and at the bottom. The hollow mount is preferably formed from a single piece but alternatively, an upper hollow mount portion can be provided above the roof level and a lower hollow mount portion provided below the roof level. If provided in more than one portion, it is preferred that the portions are coaxial with one another and connected to allow cooled air to flow through the portions.

[0017] The hollow mount will preferably be provided with at least one opening in at least one wall of the hollow mount, preferably adjacent to the bottom of the hollow mount, in order to connect the ducting to the hollow mount. A connection collar or assembly may be provided in association with the at least one opening in order to connect the ducting relative thereto.

[0018] The drip tray system of the present invention also includes a first drip tray located beneath the evaporative air-conditioning unit and about the hollow mount and having at least one outlet therefrom. Preferably, the first drip tray will be substantially larger than the evaporative air-conditioning unit, normally, extending at least 5 to 30 cm laterally further than the evaporative air conditioning unit in each direction.

[0019] The first drip tray of the present invention will preferably be substantially rectangular in outer shape with a preferably central opening through which the hollow mount extends. Normally, the first drip tray will be provided substantially concentrically about the hollow mount.

[0020] The first drip tray will preferably have a substantially planar base and an upstanding, peripheral lip. The planar base may be formed of one or more base portions. The base or base portions may be inclined toward the at least one outlet therefrom in order to allow any discharge from the evaporative air-conditioning unit and/or water such as rainwater, to drain towards the at least one outlet.

[0021] Typically, a receiving formation will be provided in association with the preferred central opening in order to receive the hollow mount but also to allow attachment of the first drip tray relative to the hollow mount and/or the evaporative air-conditioning unit. Normally, the receiving formation will be upstanding about the central opening. Typically, the central opening will be rectangular to correspond to the external shape of the hollow mount and the upstanding receiving formation will also be substantially rectangular in cross-section with the walls upstanding from the periphery of the central opening.

[0022] Bracing may be provided between the base and the upstanding receiving formation in order to provide increased structural integrity for the first drip tray. It is preferred that a number of bracing formations are provided. According to a most preferred embodiment, a bracing formation will be provided at each corner of the upstanding receiving formation. Each bracing formation will typically be a substantially planar member which is angled outwardly and downwardly from each comer of the upstanding receiving formation towards the respective comer of the first drip tray.

[0023] Portions may be removed from a lower side of the bracing formation, particularly at a lower edge thereof in order to allow water or the material to move between different sections of the first drip tray. In particular, scalloped openings may be provided in a lower edge to space the lower edge or a portion of the lower edge of each bracing formation from the base of the first drip tray.

[0024] According to the most preferred embodiment the first drip tray is made from a metal and again, stainless steel is particularly preferred.

[0025] The at least one outlet may be provided through one or more portions of the base and/or at least one outlet may be provided through the peripheral lip. According to the most preferred embodiment, a plurality of outlet openings are provided through the peripheral lip and typically, on each portion of the peripheral lip surrounding base.

[0026] An opening may be provided in the base of the tray in order to allow an output conduit from the evaporative air-conditioning unit to extend through the base of the first drip tray and/or be connected on either side of the first drip tray in order to allow water to exit the evaporative air-conditioning unit and be directed away to the gutter or similar but through the first drip tray which is normally located directly below the evaporative air-conditioning unit.

[0027] It is also preferred that the first drip tray be substantially horizontal and spaced below the evaporative air-conditioning unit, typically between 10 cm to 80 cm but normally around 30 to 40 cm below the evaporative air-conditioning unit.

[0028] The drip tray system of the present invention will also include a second drip tray located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount, the second drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom. Preferably, the second drip tray is located at a lower end of the hollow mount. Typically, the second drip tray will be spaced from the lower end of the hollow mount.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the second drip tray is substantially the same shape as the external shape of the hollow mount although any shape could be used. It is preferred that the second drip tray is concentrically larger than the external dimension of the hollow mount.

[0030] According to a most preferred embodiment, the second drip tray has a substantially planar base with an upstanding side wall provided at the periphery of the base. The base is preferably substantially planar but the base can be shaped.

[0031] It is also preferred that the second drip tray has at least one drain point. Preferably, a single drain point will be provided in one corner of the second drip tray but the drain point can be provided in any location. The provision of a drain point in one corner allows the second drip tray to be mounted on an angle, declined to direct flow to the corner having the drain point. It is preferred that the drain point is connected to a drain conduit in order to convey any liquid draining from the second drip tray away and preferably, to the outside of the building for disposal.

[0032] Again, according to the most preferred embodiment, the second drip tray is manufactured of metal and preferably, stainless steel.

[0033] A spreader or dispersion device may be provided in association with the hollow mount in order to spread or disperse cooled air flowing from the evaporative air-conditioning unit. Preferably, the spreader or dispersion device will be provided at the bottom of the hollow mount in order to assist with spreading or dispersing air into the ducting attached to the hollow mount.

[0034] The spreader or dispersion device is typically shaped. Preferably, the spreader or dispersion device has a three-dimensional shape including one or more scallop or arcuate surfaces in order to direct the cool air flow. The spreader or dispersion device will typically have a flat base and a shaped surface is preferably provided oriented towards each duct opening provided in the hollow mount. Although possible, it is rare that the hollow mount has more than 3 duct openings and therefore, it is preferred that the spreader or dispersion device has 3 arcuate surfaces, one to direct the air into each of the duct openings.

[0035] In use, the spreader or dispersion device is typically placed directly onto an upper side of the base of the second drip tray. The spreader or dispersion device may have one or more openings therein in order to allow movement or flow of any liquid in the second drip tray toward the at least one drain point in the second drip tray.

[0036] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0037] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0039] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a prior art drip tray system for an evaporative air-conditioning system.

[0040] Figure 2 is a plan view of a prior art hollow mount for an evaporative air-conditioning system.

[0041] Figure 3 is an alternative view of the prior art drip tray system illustrated in Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 4 is a detailed view of an external portion of a prior art hollow mount for an evaporative air-conditioning system.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a building roof structure with an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed thereon.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is an isometric view of an evaporative air-conditioning unit mounted on a roof with a portion of a drip tray system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 7 in more detail.

[0047] Figure 9 is an isometric view of the hollow mount of an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system according to a preferred embodiment during installation.

[0048] Figure 10 is an isometric view of an evaporative air-conditioning unit with drip tray system according to a preferred embodiment installed and the unit operating.

[0049] Figure 11 is an isometric view from above of a first drip tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 12 is an isometric view from above of a first drip tray according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 is an isometric view of a bottom section of the hollow mount showing the second drip tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a cooled air guide unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 15 is an isometric view of an integrated cooled air guide unit and second drip tray according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 16 is an isometric view from below of the cooled air guide unit illustrated in Figure 15.

[0055] Figure 17 is a plan view of the cooled air guide unit illustrated in Figure 15.

[0056] Figure 18 is an isometric section view of the cooled air guide unit illustrated in

Figure 17 along line A-A.

[0057] Figure 19 is a detailed elevation section view of the cooled air guide unit illustrated in Figure 17 along line B-B.

[0058] Figure 20 is an isometric view of a guide unit chock according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 21 is a plan view of the guide unit chock illustrated in Figure 20.

[0060] Figure 22 is a front elevation view of the guide unit chock illustrated in Figure 20.

[0061] Figure 23 is a side elevation view of the guide unit chock illustrated in Figure 20.

[0062] Figure 24A is an isometric view of a lower portion of the hollow mount showing the cooled air guide unit with one guide unit chock in order to provide three-way guiding of cooled air.

[0063] Figure 24B is an isometric view of a lower portion of the hollow mount showing the cooled air guide unit with two guide unit chocks in order to provide two-way guiding of cooled air.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0064] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system is provided.

[0065] The evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes a hollow mount 10 for mounting an evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 above a roof surface 12 and to pass cooled air into a building 13, a first drip tray 14 having outlets 15, located beneath the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 and about the hollow mount 10, and a second drip tray 16 located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount 10, also having a drain outlet.

[0066] As illustrated schematically in Figures 5 and 6, the drip tray system is used in conjunction with evaporative air-conditioning unit 11. These types of units are normally mounted on or above the roof of a building. Normally, the evaporative air-conditioning unit is mounted substantially horizontally above the roof, even if the roof itself is pitched.

[0067] The evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 has a hollow mount 10 extending through or between roof sheets into the cavity of the building defined between the roof 12 and the ceiling as illustrated in Figure 5. The mount has 2 functions, namely firstly to mount the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 relative to the roof 12 and also to convey cooled air from the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 downwardly at least into the cavity. Typically, one or more ducts 17 are provided which are connected to the hollow mount 10 within the cavity which then conveys the cooled air from the hollow mount 10 to the particular location for outlet of the cooled air, normally through a ceiling vent 18 which mounts to the one or more ducts 17. Typically, the duct 17 will be attached to a lower end of the hollow mount 10, slightly above the bottom of the hollow mount 10.

[0068] The hollow mount 10 extends downwardly from above the level of the roof 12 to below the level of the roof and into a cavity between the roof and the ceiling. Generally, the hollow mount 10 is installed between roof sheets as shown in Figure 9 in particular with appropriate flashing 19 provided about the hollow mount 10 to seal to the adjacent roof sheets.

[0069] It is preferred that the hollow mount 10 included in the present invention is manufactured of a metal and most preferably, stainless steel in order to withstand the corrosive discharge from the evaporative air-conditioning unit.

[0070] The hollow mount 10 of the illustrated embodiment is preferably elongate with a portion of the hollow mount extending above the roof level, mounting the evaporative air conditioner at an upper end thereof, the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 mounted substantially horizontally.

[0071] The hollow mount 10 can have any cross-sectional shape but the illustrated embodiment is substantially rectangular having a four of sidewalls.

[0072] The hollow mount illustrated is open at the top and at the bottom. The hollow mount is formed from a single piece.

[0073] As illustrated in Figure 13, the hollow mount 10 has a number of openings 20 in a wall of the hollow mount adjacent to the bottom of the hollow mount 10 in order to connect the ducting 17 to the hollow mount 10. A connection collar 21 is provided in association with the openings 20 in order to connect the ducting 17 relative thereto.

[0074] As illustrated in Figures 7, 8 and 11 particularly, the first drip tray 14 is larger than the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11, normally, extending at least 5 to 30 cm laterally further than the evaporative air conditioning unit 11 in each direction.

[0075] The first drip tray 14 is rectangular in outer shape with a central opening 22 through which the hollow mount 10 extends. Normally, the first drip tray 14 is provided substantially concentrically about the hollow mount 10.

[0076] The first drip tray 14 has a substantially planar base 23 and an upstanding, peripheral lip 24. The planar base 23 may be formed of one or more base portions. The base or base portions may be inclined toward the at least one outlet therefrom in order to allow any discharge from the evaporative air-conditioning unit and/or water such as rainwater to drain towards the outlets 25 located in the lip 24.

[0077] Typically, an upstanding receiving formation 26 will be provided in association with the central opening 22 in order to receive the hollow mount 10 but also to allow attachment of the first drip tray 14 relative to the hollow mount 10 and/or the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11. Normally, the receiving formation 26 is upstanding about the central opening 22.

[0078] Bracing members 27 are provided between the base 23 and the upstanding receiving formation 26 in order to provide increased structural integrity for the first drip tray 14.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a substantially planar bracing member 27 is provided at each comer of the upstanding receiving formation 26 which is angled outwardly and downwardly from each comer of the upstanding receiving formation 26 towards the respective comer of the first drip tray 14.

[0079] Scallop openings 28 are provided in a lower edge of the bracing members 27 to space the lower edge or a portion of the lower edge of each bracing member 27 from the base 23 of the first drip tray 14.

[0080] According to the most preferred embodiment the first drip tray is made from a metal and again, stainless steel is particularly preferred.

[0081] Drain outlets 25 are provided through the peripheral lip 24. According to the most preferred embodiment, a plurality of drain outlets 25 are provided through the peripheral lip 24 on each portion of the peripheral lip 24 surrounding the base 23.

[0082] An opening 29 is also provided in the base 23 of the first drip tray 14 in order to allow an output conduit 31 from the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 to extend through the base 23 of the first drip tray 14 in order to allow water to exit the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11 and be directed away to the gutter 31 but through the first drip tray 14 which, in use, is normally located directly below the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11.

[0083] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the first drip tray 14 is substantially horizontal and spaced below the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11, typically between 30 to 40 cm below the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11.

[0084] The second drip tray 16 is located at a lower end of the hollow mount 10. Typically, the second drip tray 16 is spaced from the lower end of the hollow mount 10.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the second drip tray 16 is substantially the same shape as the external shape of the hollow mount 10 although any shape could be used. It is preferred that the second drip tray 16 is concentrically larger than the external dimension of the hollow mount 10.

[0086] As illustrated, the second drip tray 16 has a substantially planar base 32 with an upstanding side wall 33 provided at the periphery of the base 32.

[0087] Preferably, a single drain point 34 is provided in one comer of the second drip tray 16. The provision of a drain point 34 in one corner allows the second drip tray 16 to be mounted on an angle, declined to direct flow to the comer having the drain point 34. The drain point 34 is connected to a drain conduit 35 in order to convey any liquid drained from the second drip tray 16 away and preferably, to the outside of the building for disposal.

[0088] Again, according to the most preferred embodiment, the second drip tray is manufactured of metal and preferably, stainless steel.

[0089] A dispersion device 36, one form of which is illustrated in Figure 14 may be provided in association with the hollow mount 10 in order to spread or disperse cooled air flowing from the evaporative air-conditioning unit 11. Preferably, the dispersion device 36 is provided at the bottom of the hollow mount 10 in order to assist with spreading or dispersing air into the ducting 17 attached to the hollow mount 10.

[0090] The illustrated dispersion device 36 is typically shaped, including a number of scalloped or arcuate surfaces 37 in order to direct the cool air flow. The dispersion device 36 has a flat base and the scalloped or arcuate surfaces 37 are provided oriented towards each duct opening 20 provided in the hollow mount 10.

[0091] In use, the dispersion device 36 is placed directly onto an upper side of the base 32 of the second drip tray 16.

[0092] Figure 15 shows an isometric view of an integrated cooled air guide unit and second drip tray according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, the integrated unit 40 combines aspects of the second drip tray described above with those of the dispersion unit to guide cooled air as well as collect and direct any accumulated moisture. The integrated unit 40 is generally formed from a single piece, normally by vacuum moulding or rotational moulding or similar process, particularly if the unit is made from plastic however the unit may be formed from multiple pieces attached together. The unit is designed to be inserted as a single piece.

[0093] As illustrated in Figures 15 to 19, the integrated unit is typically frustopyramidal in shape having a smaller, planar frustum portion 41 surrounded by 4 curved side walls 42 with a planar base plane. The curved side walls 42 extend down to a peripheral gutter 43 adapted to collect any moisture or fluid and direct the collected moisture or fluid to a drain sump 44 with an attendant drain opening 45. The base wall of the peripheral gutter 44 will typically be angled downwardly towards the drain sump 44 and the drain opening 45 will normally be located in the drain sump 44.

[0094] The integrated unit 40 can be attached to one or more side walls of the hollow mount 10, normally utilising one or more transverse extending screws. Generally, the attachment will be formed partially in the peripheral gutter 43 and generally, to an inner side wall 46 forming the peripheral gutter 43.

[0100] Figure 20 is an isometric view of a guide unit chock 47 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The guide chock 47 illustrated can be used by the installer in order to adjust the dispersion pattern of the cooled air. The guide chock 47 is typically shaped to be mounted to or relative to the frustum portion 41 of the integrated unit 40 and one side of the unit 40 in order to change the number of guide surfaces presented to the cooled air. Preferably, the guide chock 47 has a flattened elongate top portion 48 with a pair of scalloped side surfaces 49 depending therefrom, one on either side of the flattened elongate top portion 47. The scalloped side surfaces 49 are typically arcuate in a single plane only. The guide unit chock 47 illustrated has a substantially planar end wall 50 which will normally either abut an internal surface of a wall of the hollow mount 10 or will be closely spaced therefrom.

[0101] In use, one or more guide unit chocks 47 can be attached to the integrated tray or simply placed relative to the guide unit tray to adjust the number of dispersion surfaces presented to the cooled air.

[0102] Figure 24A is an isometric view of a lower portion of the hollow mount 10 showing the integrated cooled air guide unit 40 with one guide unit chock 47 mounted thereto in order to provide three-way guiding of cooled air, directing air to one of the 3 duct openings 20 illustrated.

[0103] Figure 24B is an isometric view of a lower portion of the hollow mount 10 showing the integrated cooled air guide unit 40 with two guide unit chocks 47 mounted thereto in order to provide two-way guiding of cooled air directing air to one of the two duct openings 20 illustrated.

[0104] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0105] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0106] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An evaporative air-conditioning drip tray system including a hollow mount for mounting an evaporative air-conditioning unit above a roof surface and to pass cooled air into a building, a first drip tray located beneath the evaporative air-conditioning unit and about the hollow mount, the first drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom, and a second drip tray located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount, the second drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom.

2. An evaporative air-conditioning system including an evaporative air conditioning unit, a hollow mount for mounting the evaporative air-conditioning unit above a roof surface and to pass cooled air into a building, a first drip tray located beneath the evaporative airconditioning unit and about the hollow mount, the first drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom, and a second drip tray located beneath a lower end of the hollow mount, the second drip tray having at least one outlet therefrom.

3. A system as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second drip tray has at least one drain point.

4. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second drip tray is angled to direct flow to the at least one drain point.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a dispersion device provided in association with the hollow mount in order to spread or disperse cooled air flowing from the evaporative air-conditioning unit, the dispersion device provided with one or more arcuate surfaces in order to direct the cool air flow.