U.S. patent application number 14/186219 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for heating system for a device for killing insects.
The applicant listed for this patent is HAROLD RICHARD MLADEK, JEFFREY LYNN NICHOLS. Invention is credited to HAROLD RICHARD MLADEK, JEFFREY LYNN NICHOLS.
Application Number | 20150181857 14/186219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52349930 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150181857 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MLADEK; HAROLD RICHARD ; et
al. |
July 2, 2015 |
HEATING SYSTEM FOR A DEVICE FOR KILLING INSECTS
Abstract
A heating system for a device for killing insects includes an
air heater and two fans that are combined in an air heater and
circulation fan assembly. The air heater and circulation fan
assembly is attachable to a top interior side of a sealed
enclosure. The air heater and circulation fan assembly includes a
housing that contains a motor that drives a single rotating shaft
that turns the blades of a first fan for drawing air from an
interior space of the sealed enclosure into the housing and a
second fan for pushing air from the housing through or by an
electrical device that generates heat to heat the air. The second
fan moves the heated air through an air duct system having at least
one air duct for moving the heated air to at least one opening in
the air duct system located in the vicinity of a lowest part of the
interior space of the sealed enclosure.
Inventors: |
MLADEK; HAROLD RICHARD;
(Ravenna, OH) ; NICHOLS; JEFFREY LYNN; (Uniontown,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MLADEK; HAROLD RICHARD
NICHOLS; JEFFREY LYNN |
Ravenna
Uniontown |
OH
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52349930 |
Appl. No.: |
14/186219 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14145878 |
Dec 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
14186219 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/20 20130101; A01M
19/00 20130101; A01M 1/2094 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01M 1/20 20060101
A01M001/20 |
Claims
1. A heating system for a device for killing insects wherein the
heating system comprises an air heater and two fans that are
combined in an air heater and a circulation fan assembly, the air
heater and circulation fan assembly being attachable to a top
interior side of a sealed enclosure, the air heater and circulation
fan assembly comprising a housing that contains a motor that drives
a single rotating shaft that turns the blades of a first fan for
drawing air from an interior space of the sealed enclosure into the
housing though an opening onto the housing and a second fan for
pushing air from the housing through or by an electrical device
that generates heat to heat the air and push the air through an air
duct system comprising at least one air duct for moving the heated
air to at least one opening in the air duct system located in a
vicinity of a lowest part of the interior space of the sealed
enclosure.
2. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 1 wherein the at least one air duct has a substantially
horizontally extending portion that is fixed to the housing of the
air heater and circulation fan assembly and a substantially
vertically extending portion that extends from the horizontally
extending portion to the vicinity of the lowest part of the
interior space of the sealed enclosure.
3. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 1 wherein heating system comprises a plurality of air ducts
with each of the air ducts having a substantially horizontally
extending portion that is fixed to the housing of the air heater
and circulation fan assembly and a substantially vertically
extending portion that extends from the horizontally extending
portion to the vicinity of the lowest part of the interior space of
the sealed enclosure.
4. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 2 wherein the substantially vertically extending portion of
the at least one air duct is adjacent at least one interior side of
the sealed enclosure that extends at least substantially
vertically.
5. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 3 wherein the substantially vertically extending portion of
each of the plurality of air ducts is adjacent at least one
interior side of the sealed enclosure that extends at least
substantially vertically.
6. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 1 further comprising at least one sensor for sensing the
temperature of heated air in the enclosure, and a controller for
controlling the operation of an air heater and circulation fan
assembly based at least in part on data provided by the at least
one sensor.
7. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 2 further comprising at least one sensor for sensing the
temperature of heated air in the enclosure, and a controller for
controlling the operation of an air heater and circulation fan
assembly based at least in part on data provided by the at least
one sensor.
8. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 3 further comprising at least one sensor for sensing the
temperature of heated air in the enclosure, and a controller for
controlling the operation of an air heater and circulation fan
assembly based at least in part on data provided by the at least
one sensor.
9. The heating system for a device for killing insects according to
claim 4 further comprising at least one sensor for sensing the
temperature of heated air in the enclosure, and a controller for
controlling the operation of an air heater and circulation fan
assembly based at least in part on data provided by the at least
one sensor.
10. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 5 further comprising at least one sensor for sensing the
temperature of heated air in the enclosure, and a controller for
controlling the operation of an air heater and circulation fan
assembly based at least in part on data provided by the at least
one sensor.
11. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 1 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
12. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 2 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
13. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 3 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
14. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 4 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
15. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 5 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
16. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 6 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
17. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 7 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
18. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 8 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
19. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 9 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
20. The heating system for a device for killing insects according
to claim 10 wherein the electrical device that generates heat
comprises at least one electrical heating coil.
Description
[0001] This is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14,145,878 filed 31 Dec. 2013, which is incorporated herein in its'
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a device for killing
insects using heat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Infestations of damaging, annoying and dangerous insects,
such as bedbugs, are a common problem related to clothing, bedding,
books and other items. Fabric inhabiting pests, such as bedbugs,
are making a comeback because most of the residual insecticides
formerly used in their control such as dieldrin and DDT have been
banned. Accordingly, as people travel there is a growing incidence
of insect infestation of bedding and of garments transported in
luggage. For example, bed bugs can be found in any hotel, motel,
home, or other accommodation regardless of sanitation conditions.
Bedbugs may be located for example in crevices associated with
mattresses, box springs, sheets, upholstery, pillows, towels,
garments of every type, or the like. Even when these items are
examined, it is common for insects, or the eggs of insects, to go
undetected and packed with garments and transported in luggage.
Presently, conventional remedies appear to be limited to unpacking
transported items and examining them in a remote location such as a
garage or utility room prior to introducing the transported items
into a residence area with treatment of infested items by dry
cleaning, fumigation, or the like, to kill infestations of insects.
Accordingly, the need exists for an effective and efficient device
and method for killing bed bugs and other pests on and in infested
items. Devices and methods for killing bed bugs and other pests,
however, have proven inadequate in various respects.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] One approach to killing insects with heat is to heat the
interior of a room or entire building to a temperature that the
insects cannot survive.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,329 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,283 A
disclose a method of killing insects, such as termites, in a
structure by pumping heated gasses into the structure. The gas is
heated to a temperature at which the insects cannot long survive
then the heated gas is pumped into the attic or room(s) to be
treated, and it is recommended that the hot gas be recirculated. It
is also disclosed that the heat source may be a resistance heater
located in the space to be treated.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,439 B2 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,440 B2
disclose a heating unit for increasing the temperature in a
structure such as a house to a temperature of about 140.degree.
Fahrenheit to kill insects such as bedbugs when the heating unit is
placed inside the structure. The heating unit creates an air-fuel
mixture and then combusts the air-fuel mixture to achieve the
necessary hot gas.
[0007] US 2010/0329649 A1 discloses an infra-red heater assembly
used to combat pests, such as bedbugs, and other conditions such as
mold and moisture in a building.
[0008] US 2012/0186139 A1 discloses a portable heating system and
method for pest control in an affected area that includes a heat
exchanger unit and an electric heater. The heat exchanger unit is
placed within the affected area and is coupled to a water faucet.
The heat exchanger is configured to receive a flow of water from
the faucet and to emit heated air by transferring heat from the
flow of water to air flowing through the heat exchanger. An
electric heater further heats the air emitted by the heat
exchanger.
[0009] US 2013/0044997 A1 discloses an electric convection heater
for exterminating insects. A housing contains a heater and a fan.
Air is discharged at elevated temperatures to elevate the
temperature of objects within a room to exterminate bedbugs.
[0010] US 2012/0304528 A1 discloses a climate control unit for pest
control that includes a housing configured to be positioned within
an infested area. The housing includes a fan and one or more
heating elements.
[0011] Another approach to killing insects with heat is to place a
heat generating device inside a container that may contain insects,
such as a box or luggage.
[0012] US 2012/0192479 A1 discloses a heated enclosure for killing
bedbugs located within luggage. A rectangular housing is vented to
allow for the inflow of air. Luggage may be placed in the housing
and hot air is circulated in the housing to kill bedbugs.
[0013] US 2012/0060407 A1 discloses placing inside an enclosure
such as a suitcase or box a heating film comprising a resistive
material disposed on a substrate that generates infrared radiation.
The heating film is disposed in the enclosure and a current is
supplied to the heating film so that infrared radiation penetrates
and heats items, such as clothing, disposed in the enclosure to a
sufficiently high temperature for a sufficiently long period to
kill pests on the infested items.
[0014] US 2013/0145681 A1 discloses methods for integrating heating
elements into luggage systems for killing pets that may reside in
the interior of the luggage. The preferred heating elements are
infrared heating films. Alternatively heating elements may be
resistive heating elements such as ribbon wire or metal alloys such
as NiChrome.
[0015] Another approach to killing insects with heat is to place an
infested object in a flexible soft sided enclosure provided with a
heat generating device.
[0016] US 2011/0186558 A1 discloses a device in the form of a
flexible warming pad that includes an enclosure, a heating element
and a hanging portion. The heating element is disposed within the
enclosure. The disclosed device provides a portable way for
localized extermination of bed bugs though the application of
elevated levels of heat to bed coverings.
[0017] US 2011/0308139 A1 discloses a pest eradication system
having a soft sided flexible enclosure in which infested materials
can be located for heat treatment at a temperature over a period of
time lethal to insects. A heater is located external of the
flexible enclosure to generate a flow of heated air inside the
flexible enclosure. The flexible enclosure may include a vent that
allows egress of air flow from the enclosed space.
[0018] Another approach to killing insects with heat is to place an
infested object inside an inflatable enclosure and then introduce
heated air into the inflatable enclosure.
[0019] US 2012/0233907 A1 discloses an inflatable enclosure that is
heated with recirculating air to kill bugs on articles placed
inside the enclosure.
[0020] Another approach to killing insects with heat is to place an
infested object inside a hard sided enclosure and then introduce
heated air into the inflatable enclosure.
[0021] US 2012/0204478 A1 discloses a heater for killing insects
inside an enclosure that includes an elongated housing having an
inlet at a first end to intake ambient air and an outlet with a fan
located within the housing. Heating elements are mounted within the
housing.
[0022] US 2012/0233907 A1 discloses a rigid enclosure, that may
comprise panels that can be disassembled, and the interior of the
enclosure is heated with recirculating air to kill bugs on an
article placed inside the enclosure.
[0023] US 2012/0285944 A1 discloses a self-inflating heat sanitizer
that uses convective heat transfer to eradicate bedbugs within an
item. A heater unit propagates and reheats air as the heated air
flows through the heat chamber. The structure of the heat chamber
enclosure includes inflatable walls that are pressurized when
heated air flows into the heat chamber enclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] There is provided in accordance with the present invention a
heating system for a device for killing insects. The heating system
comprises an air heater and two fans that are combined in an air
heater and circulation fan assembly. The air heater and circulation
fan assembly is attachable to a top interior side of a sealed
enclosure. The air heater and fan assembly includes a housing that
contains a motor that drives a single rotating shaft that turns the
blades of a first fan for drawing air from an interior space of the
sealed enclosure into the housing and a second fan for pushing air
from the housing through or by an electrical device that generates
heat to heat the air. The second fan moves the heated air through
an air duct system having at least one air duct for moving the
heated air to at least one opening in the air duct system located
in the vicinity of a lowest part of the interior space of the
sealed enclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a
first embodiment of a device for killing insects with heat
according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 1A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device showing the
attachment of a side panel to an end panel located at the top of
the device in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 1B is an enlarged fragmentary view of the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device showing the
attachment of a side panel to an end panel located at the bottom of
the device in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first configuration of
the first embodiment of the device with the door removed to show
the interior of the device.
[0029] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device with the device
rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the view shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is yet another perspective view of the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device with the device
rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise from the view shown in FIG.
2.
[0031] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second configuration of
the first embodiment of the device.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the device of the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device for killing
insects with heat as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first configuration of
the first embodiment of the device with the top panel and the air
heater removed.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a top view looking down in the direction indicated
by arrow 7 in FIG. 6 into the first configuration of the first
embodiment of the device with the top panel and the air heater
removed.
[0035] FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross section view taken at line
7A-7A of FIG. 7 showing the structural details of a raised air flow
director that is a component of the end panel located at the bottom
of the device in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 8A is an enlarged fragmentary head on view taken at the
location indicated in FIG. 7 showing two side panels fixed to one
another in an interlocking manner.
[0037] FIG. 8B is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view taken at
the location indicated in FIG. 6 showing two side panels fixed to
one another in an interlocking manner.
[0038] FIG. 9A is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the
assembly of two side panels to one another by sliding interlocking
features of the side panels into place.
[0039] FIG. 9B is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the
assembly of two side panels to one another by snapping interlocking
features of the side panels into place.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exterior side of one of
the side panels.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the interior side of one of
the side panels.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the exterior side of one of the
side panels.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the interior side of one of the
side panels.
[0044] FIG. 14 is an end view of the side panel shown in FIGS.
10-13 looking in the direction indicated by arrow 14 in FIG.
13.
[0045] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section of next adjacent air
flow directors in one of the rows of air flow directors taken at
line 15-15 in FIG. 13.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 16-16
of FIG. 12 of a handle on a side panel.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 17-17
of FIG. 14 of an anchor for an elastomeric fastener on a side
panel.
[0048] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 18-18
of FIG. 14 of a hanger rod support bracket on a side panel.
[0049] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the exterior side of an
assembly of the door receiving side panel and a removable door.
[0050] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior side of the
assembly of the door receiving side panel and the removable door
with the latches disposed in unlocked configurations.
[0051] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exterior side of the
door receiving side panel without the door.
[0052] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the interior side of the
door receiving side panel without the door.
[0053] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior side
of the door.
[0054] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the interior side of the
door with the latches disposed in unlocked configurations.
[0055] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the interior side of the assembly
of the door receiving side panel and the door with the latches
disposed in locked configurations.
[0056] FIG. 26 is a first exploded perspective view of a door
latch.
[0057] FIG. 27 is a second exploded perspective view of the door
latch of FIG. 26 looking in an opposite direction from FIG. 26.
[0058] FIG. 28A is a fragmentary cross section taken at line
28A-28A in FIG. 19 with the door latch in an unlocked
configuration.
[0059] FIG. 28B is a fragmentary cross section taken at line
28B-28B in FIG. 20 with the door latch in an unlocked
configuration
[0060] FIG. 29 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 29-29
in FIG. 19 with the door latch in an unlocked configuration.
[0061] FIG. 30A is a top view looking down into the device with the
end panel located at the top of the device in FIG. 1 and the hanger
rod removed showing a schematic representation of air flow with
respect to an interior side of the end panel located at the bottom
of the device in FIG. 1.
[0062] FIG. 30B is a schematic representation of air flow with
respect to an interior side of the end panel located at the top of
the device in FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 30C is a schematic representation of air flow with
respect to an interior side of side panel in a sectional view taken
at line 30C-30C in FIG. 2.
[0064] FIG. 31A is a first perspective view of a nozzle of an air
conduit provided with louvers.
[0065] FIG. 31B is a second perspective view of the nozzle of the
air conduit of FIG. 31A looking in an opposite direction from FIG.
31A.
[0066] FIG. 32 is an end view of the nozzle of the air conduit of
FIGS. 31A and 31B.
[0067] FIG. 33 is a cross section view of the air conduit of FIGS.
31A, 31B and 32 taken at line 33-33 of FIG. 32.
[0068] FIG. 34 is a cross section showing the connection of the air
heater to a side panel.
[0069] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a HEPA filter assembly.
[0070] FIG. 36 is an exploded view of the HEPA filter assembly of
FIG. 35.
[0071] FIG. 37 is an end view of the HEPA filter assembly of FIG.
35.
[0072] FIG. 38 is a cross section of the HEPA filter assembly of
FIG. 35 taken at line 38-38 of FIG. 37.
[0073] FIG. 39 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the
junction of the end panel located at the bottom of the device in
FIGS. 1-4A to a side panel looking generally upwards toward the
exterior of the device.
[0074] FIG. 40 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 40-40
in FIG. 39 showing the junction of one of the side panels with the
end panel located at the bottom of the device in FIGS. 1-4A.
[0075] FIG. 41 is a fragmentary perspective view showing junction
of the end panel located at the top of the device in FIGS. 1-4A to
a side panel looking generally downwards toward the exterior of the
device.
[0076] FIG. 42 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 42-42
in FIG. 41 showing the junction of one of the side panels with the
end panel located at the top of the device in FIGS. 1-4A.
[0077] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a third configuration of
the first embodiment of the device wherein racks for supporting
objects inside the device are shown, the door receiving side panel
and the end panel located at the top of the device in FIG. 1 being
removed.
[0078] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the third configuration of
the first embodiment of the device with the door removed to show
the interior of the device.
[0079] FIG. 44A is a schematic representation of air flow with
respect to an interior side of side panel in a sectional view with
the upper rack removed with some articles to be sanitized hanging
from the hanger rod and other articles to be sanitized resting on a
lower rack.
[0080] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a rack for supporting an
article placed in the device.
[0081] FIG. 46 is a plan view of the rack of FIG. 45.
[0082] FIG. 47 is a cross section of the rack taken at line 47-47
of FIG. 46.
[0083] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a third configuration of
the first embodiment with the device resting on one of the side
panels with the end panels oriented vertically.
[0084] FIG. 49 is another perspective view of the third
configuration of the first embodiment of the device resting on one
of the side panels as in FIG. 48 looking in the opposite direction
from FIG. 48.
[0085] FIG. 50 is a first side elevation view of the third
configuration of the first embodiment of the device resting on one
of the side panels as shown in FIG. 48.
[0086] FIG. 50A is a second side elevation view of the third
configuration of the first embodiment of the device resting on one
of the side panels as shown in FIG. 48 looking in the opposite
direction from FIG. 50.
[0087] FIG. 51 is an end elevation view of the third configuration
of the first embodiment of the device resting on one of the side
panels as shown in FIG. 48.
[0088] FIG. 52 is a plan view of an alternate elastomeric fastening
device including a tab.
[0089] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the alternate elastomeric
fastening device of FIG. 52.
[0090] FIG. 54A is a perspective view of the interior side of an
alternate end panel that may be used at either end of the
device.
[0091] FIG. 54B is a perspective view of the exterior side of the
alternate end panel shown in FIG. 54A.
[0092] FIG. 55 is an exploded view of an air circulation fan
assembly that may be mounted to the interior side of the alternate
end panel shown in FIGS. 54 and 54A.
[0093] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an insert that may be
mounted to the interior side of the alternate end panel shown in
FIGS. 54 and 54A.
[0094] FIG. 57A is an exploded view illustrating the insert of FIG.
56 with the interior side of the alternate end panel shown in FIGS.
54 and 54A.
[0095] FIG. 57B is an exploded view illustrating the air
circulation fan assembly of FIG. 55 with the interior side of the
alternate end panel shown in FIGS. 54 and 54A.
[0096] FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
device for killing insects with heat according to the present
invention.
[0097] FIG. 59 is another perspective view of the second embodiment
of the device for killing insects with heat according to the
present invention.
[0098] FIG. 60A is a partially exploded perspective view of the
second embodiment of the device for killing insects with heat with
a top end panel of the device removed and partially exploded to
show some interior components of the device.
[0099] FIG. 60B is another perspective view of the second
embodiment of the device for killing insects with heat with the top
end panel of the device removed and showing some interior
components of the device.
[0100] FIG. 61 is an enlarged partial view of the interior of a
corner of the second embodiment looking in the direction indicated
by the downwardly pointing arrow FIG. 60A.
[0101] FIG. 62 is a section view taken at line 62-62 of FIG. 58
showing in elevation the interior structure of the second
embodiment of the device for killing insects with heat.
[0102] FIG. 63 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
second embodiment of the device for killing insects with heat with
the side panels and top end panel of the device removed to show the
interior components of the device.
[0103] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the device for killing insects with heat with the side panels and
top end panel of the device removed to show the interior components
of the device.
[0104] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the device for killing insects with heat with only the side panels
of the device removed to show the interior components of the
device.
[0105] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the exterior of the top end
panel of the second embodiment of the device for killing insects
with heat.
[0106] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the interior of the top end
panel of the second embodiment of the device for killing insects
with heat assembled with some of the interior components of the
device.
[0107] FIG. 68A is a section view taken at line 68A-68A of FIG. 67
showing some of the interior components of the second embodiment of
the device for killing insects with heat assembled with the top end
panel of the device.
[0108] FIG. 68B is a section view taken at line 68B-68B of FIG. 67
showing some of the interior components of the second embodiment of
the device for killing insects with heat assembled with the top end
panel of the device.
[0109] FIG. 69 is an exploded view of the interior of the top end
panel of the second embodiment of the device for killing insects
showing the interior components of the device that are fixed to the
interior of the top end panel.
[0110] FIG. 70 is an exploded view of an air heater and circulation
fan assembly that is fixed to the interior of the top side panel of
the second embodiment of the device for killing insects.
[0111] FIG. 71A is a perspective view, partially broken away, of an
air duct shown vertically oriented for example in FIG. 63 that is
an internal component of the second embodiment of the device for
killing insects.
[0112] FIG. 71B is a perspective view of the air duct.
[0113] FIG. 72 is a section view of the air duct taken at line
72-72 of FIG. 71B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0114] As used herein and in the claims the term "top" is
understood to have its usual meaning of the highest part of an item
when the item is resting on a flat surface in an operative
orientation of the item. As used herein and in the claims the term
"bottom" is understood to have its usual meaning of the lowest part
of an item when the item is resting on a flat surface in an
operative orientation of the item. As used herein and in the claims
terms such as "above" and "higher" are understood to have their
usual meanings of indicating the location of a first item with
respect to a second item when the vertical location of the first
item is vertically further from the ground or floor than the second
item. As used herein and in the claims terms such as "upward",
"upwardly" and "up" are understood to have their usual meanings of
indicating directions moving vertically away from the ground or
floor. As used herein and in the claims terms such as "below" and
"lower" are understood to have their usual meanings of indicating
the location of a first item with respect to a second item when the
vertical location of the first item is vertically closer to the
ground or floor than the second item. As used herein and in the
claims terms such as "downward", "downwardly" or "down" are
understood to have their usual meanings of indicating directions
moving vertically towards the ground or floor. As used herein and
in the claims the term "exterior" is understood to mean a surface
on the outside of something such as a box or container or a surface
on the outside of a component that defines something such as a box
or container. As used herein and in the claims the term "interior"
is understood to mean a surface on the inside of something such as
a box or container or a surface on the inside of a component that
defines something such as a box or container. Components that are
common to other embodiments and configurations of the disclosed
device are identified by the same reference characters throughout
the drawings and the specification.
[0115] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4 there is disclosed a device 10
for killing insects with heat. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a
first embodiment of a device 10 for killing insects with heat
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A
is an enlarged fragmentary view of the device showing the
attachment of a side panel 15 of the device to an end panel 17
located at the top of the device in FIG. 1. FIG. 1B is an enlarged
fragmentary view of the device showing the attachment of a side
panel 15 of the device to an end panel 16 located at the bottom of
the device in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of
with the door 20 removed to show the interior of the device. FIG. 3
is another perspective view of the device with the device 10
rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the view shown in FIG. 2, and
FIG. 4 is yet another perspective view of the device with the
device 10 rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise from the view shown
in FIG. 2.
[0116] As shown in perspective in FIGS. 1 and 2-4 a first
embodiment of a device 10 for killing insects with heat has a first
side panel 12, a second side panel 13 and a third side panel 14.
The first three side panels 12, 13, 14 each have a substantially
rectangular shape and all of the first three side panels are
substantially identical to the one another. A fourth side panel 15
has a substantially rectangular shape with a substantially
rectangular opening 18 therein. That is to say the fourth side
panel 15 functions as a door frame for receiving a substantially
rectangular removable door 20 having a size that is complementary
to the size of the opening 18. The side panel 15 that functions as
a door frame is preferably provided with a device 19 that presents
a digital indicator of the temperature inside the device as sensed
by a thermal sensor (not shown) located inside the device. The
first 12 and third 14 side panels are spaced apart and disposed
substantially parallel to one another. The second 13 and fourth 15
side panels are spaced apart and disposed substantially parallel to
one another. Each of the side panels is disposed substantially
perpendicular to each of the next adjacent side panels.
[0117] The device 10 is provided with a first end panel 16 that is
shown located at the bottom of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2-4. The
device is further provided with a second end panel 17 that is shown
located at the top of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2-4. FIG. 7 is a
top view looking down in the direction indicated by arrow 7 in FIG.
6 into the device 10 with the top end panel 17 and the air heater
11 removed. Looking head on at the side panels with an end panel of
the device removed as shown in FIG. 7 the top edges of the four
side panels 12-15 define a substantially rectangular structure. As
shown for example in FIG. 5, which is an exploded view of the
device, both of the end panels 16, 17 have substantially
rectangular shapes. When the end panels 16, 17 are assembled with
the side panels 12-15 the end panels are disposed spaced apart and
substantially parallel to one another.
[0118] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exterior side of an
example of one of the side panels 12, 13, 14; FIG. 11 is a
perspective view of the interior side of an example of one of the
side panels 12, 13, 14; FIG. 12 is a plan view of the exterior side
of an example of one of the side panels 12, 13, 14; and FIG. 13 is
a plan view of the interior side of an example of one of the side
panels 12, 13, 14. Each of the first three side panels 12, 13, 14
is provided with a circular aperture 49. In the device of the first
embodiment the circular aperture 49 in the first side panel 12
receives an air intake conduit 55 for hot air from an apparatus 54
for heating air. Air heated by the apparatus for heating air 54
passes through the air intake conduit 55 into the interior of the
device 10. In the device 10 of the first embodiment the circular
aperture 49 in the second side panel 13 receives a HEPA filter
assembly 47. After circulating throughout the interior of the
device 10 air exits the device through the HEPA filter assembly 47.
In the device of the first embodiment the circular aperture 49 in
the third side panel 14 receives a sealing plug insert 50 that
prevents the passage of air through the circular aperture 49 in the
third side panel 14. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the exterior
side of an assembly of the door receiving side panel 15 and a
removable door 20; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior
side of the assembly of the door receiving side panel 15 and the
removable door 20 with the latches 29 disposed in unlocked
configurations; FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exterior side
of the door receiving side panel 15 without the door; and FIG. 22
is a perspective view of the interior side of the door receiving
side panel 15 without the door. The fourth side panel 15 that
receives the removable door 20 is not provided with a circular
aperture like the first three side panels 12, 13, 14. The side
panels 12-15, end panels 16, 17, and the removable door 20 may be
manufactured of any suitable material selected in accordance with
good engineering practices and manufactured using any suitable
process selected in accordance with good engineering practices. It
is believed that one suitable method of manufacturing the side
panels, end panels and removable door is rotational molding using a
dry polymeric powder as the starting material, that is to say each
of these components is preferably molded as a single unit. In an
exemplary device according to the present invention the side panels
would have exterior dimensions of about forty inches by about
thirty inches with the end panels having exterior dimensions of
slightly greater than thirty inches by thirty inches to facilitate
the attachment of the end panels to the side panels in a manner
that is described below.
[0119] To facilitate moving, repositioning are reorienting the
device the first side panel 12 is provided with one or more handles
23, 24 located on the exterior of the first side panel as shown in
FIG. 1. To facilitate moving, repositioning are reorienting the
device the second side panel 13 is provided with one or more
handles 25, 26 located on the exterior of the second side panel as
shown in FIG. 4. To facilitate moving, repositioning are
reorienting the device the third side panel 14 is provided with one
or more handles 27, 28 located on the exterior of the third side
panel as shown in FIG. 3. To facilitate moving, repositioning are
reorienting the device the removable door 20 that is secured to the
fourth side panel 15 by a plurality, preferably at least four,
latches 29 is provided with one or more handles 21, 22 located on
the exterior of the removable door 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The one
or more handles 21, 22 located on the exterior of the removable
door 20 also facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the
removable door 20 with the fourth side panel 15 as shown in FIG. 2.
The structure of the handles 21-28 that are molded integral with
the first 12, second 13 and third 14 side panels and the removable
door 20 is best understood by referring now to FIG. 12 which is a
plan view of the exterior side of one of the side panels 12-14;
FIG. 16 which is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 16-16 of
FIG. 12 of a handle on a side panel; and FIG. 1 which is a
perspective view showing examples of the integrally molded handles
21-24 on a side panel 12 and the removable door 20. As shown in
section in FIG. 16 each of the first, second and third side panels
12-14 is an integral molded polymeric component provided with a
solid interior layer 120 provided with a surface 105 on the
interior of the side panel or removable door, and a solid exterior
layer 115 provided with a surface 116 on the exterior of the side
panel or removable door, and with an intermediate foam layer 118
encased by the solid layers 115, 120 of the side panel or removable
door. Air deflectors 107 that are solid and molded integral with
the side panels, and which are described in detail below, protrude
from an interior surface 105 of the solid interior layer 120 of
each side panel. Each of the integrally molded handles has a first
portion 124 that extends substantially perpendicularly from an
exterior side of the side panel or removable door and a second
portion 125 that extends substantially perpendicularly from the
first portion 124 of the handle and is spaced apart from the
exterior side of the side panel or removable door. A handle
integrally molded to a side panel or removable door may further
include one or more bracing members 126.
[0120] The location and structure of a circulation fan 64 located
inside the first embodiment of the device can be best understood by
referring next to FIGS. 5, 30B and 30C. FIG. 5 there is shown an
exploded view of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 30B is a
view looking towards the interior side of the second end panel 17.
FIG. 30C is a schematic sectional representation of an interior
side of the device taken at line 30C-30C in FIG. 2. A circulation
fan 64 that is provided with a protective grill 65 is fixed to the
interior of the second end panel 17 by appropriate fasteners 45. A
power cord 42 conducts current to the circulation fan 64 and
extends through the second end panel 17 via a passage 43 in the
second end panel. The passage 43 for the power cord is provided
with a grommet to provide a seal between the power cord 42 and the
second end panel 17. The power cord 42 for the fan may for example
extend to a power outlet 40 that is built into the electric heater
11 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A. The circulation fan 64 contributes
to the circulation of hot air throughout the interior of the device
10 during operation of the device to kill insects inside the device
using heat. The interior side of the end panel 17 that may be
located at the top of the device 10 is provided with a plurality of
curved air flow directors 78A, 79A. The structure of the second
side panel 16 shown at the bottom of the device in FIG. 1 can be
best understood with reference to FIGS. 7, 7A and 48. FIG. 7 is a
top view looking down in the direction indicated by arrow 7 in FIG.
6 into the first configuration of the first embodiment of the
device with the top end panel removed so the interior side of the
bottom end panel 16 is visible. FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross
section view taken at line 7A-7A of FIG. 7 showing the structural
details of a raised air flow director that is a component of the
end panel 16 located at the bottom of the device. FIG. 48 is a
perspective view of the device showing an exterior side of the end
panel 16. The interior side of the end panel 16 that may be located
at the bottom of the device 10 is provided with a plurality of long
and short curved stand offs 78, 79 and a central circular stand off
80 protruding from the end panel 16 and provided with a plurality
of notches 81. The end panel 16 is further provided with features
31, 36, 37, and 68 to facilitate the assembly of the end panel with
a side panel in a manner that is described below in detail. The
exterior side of the end panel 16 is provided with protrusions 182
which support the device when the bottom panel is in contact with a
floor or other horizontal surface so there is a space between the
horizontal surface and the bottom of the device.
[0121] Each of the side panels 12-15 is fixed to each of the
adjacent side panels in an interlocking manner that facilitates
easy assembly, disassembly and reassembly of the device 10 for
killing insects with heat according to the present invention. The
interlocking of each side panel to its' next adjacent side panels
is best understood with reference to FIGS. 6-7, 8A-9B and 13. FIG.
6 is a perspective view of the device 10 with a top end panel
removed to show two next adjacent side panels 12, 15 fixed to one
another. FIG. 7 is a top view looking down towards the device with
a top end panel removed. FIG. 8A is an enlarged fragmentary head on
view taken at the location indicated in FIG. 7 looking down on two
next adjacent side panels 12, 15 side panels fixed to one another
in an interlocking manner. FIG. 8B is an enlarged fragmentary
perspective view taken at the location indicated in FIG. 6 showing
the two side panels 12, 15 fixed to one another in an interlocking
manner. FIG. 9A is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the
process of assembling the two next adjacent side panels 12, 15 to
one another by sliding and/or snapping the interlocking features of
the side panels into place. FIG. 9B is an enlarged fragmentary view
illustrating the side panels 12, 15 not assembled to one another
showing the interlocking features of the side panels. With
reference to FIG. 13, which is a plan view of the interior side of
an exemplary side panel 12, 13, 14 the longer opposing sides of a
side panel are each provided with a tapered, mitered portion 88
extending the entire length of the side panel, and each of the side
panels has shorter opposing ends 89-91, 170-172 extending between
the longer opposing sides with the shorter opposing ends being flat
instead of tapered or mitered.
[0122] As best seen in FIG. 7 each of the side panels 12-15 is
provided with two mitered surfaces for mating with mitered surfaces
of next adjacent side panels such that next adjacent side panels
are disposed at least substantially perpendicular to one another
and the device when viewed looking up towards or down towards the
device has a rectangular, preferably square, shape as shown for
example in FIG. 7.
[0123] Referring now to FIG. 9B a fragmentary perspective view of
two side panels 12, 15 that are not yet fixed to one another shows
the tapered, mitered portions 88 of the end panels and the flat
ends 89, 90 of the end panels. The interlocking of mating tapered,
mitered portions 88 of next adjacent end panels is achieved in this
example by having each of the tapered mitered portions provided
with at least one female indent 92, 93 that preferably extends the
entire length of the tapered, mitered portion and at least one
complementary male protrusion 95, 96 that preferably extends the
entire length of the tapered, mitered portion. Each of male
protrusions is fitted into a complementary female indent in another
side panels as indicated by arrow 99. That is to say a tongue and
groove joint is made to fix two next adjacent side panels resulting
in a mitered ninety degree corner of the device for killing insects
with heat. As shown in this example the male protrusions 95, 96 and
the female indents 92, 93 include mating surfaces that are curved
to facilitate the interlocking fixing of the next adjacent side
panels to one another. It is to be understood that the sizes and
shapes of the interlocking features may be of any configuration
selected in accordance with good engineering practices. It is to be
further understood that the interlocking features may preferably
extend the entire lengths of the tapered, mitered portions of the
end panels, but may in accordance with good engineering practices
be discontinuous and extend along spaced apart lengths of the
tapered, mitered portions of the end panels.
[0124] Referring next to FIG. 9A two side panels 12, 15 are shown
partially fixed to one another with the male protrusion 95 of one
side panel 12 disposed in the female indent 93 of a next adjacent
side panel 15 and the male protrusion 96 of the side panel 15
disposed in the female indent 92 of the side panel 12. The
insertion of the male protrusions into the female indents may be
accomplished by aligning the mating components and simply sliding
one of the side panels along the other side panel as indicated by
arrow 98 in FIG. 9A. The sliding together of the two next adjacent
slide panels continues until the ends 89, 90 of the side panels are
adjacent to one another to form a mitered corner as shown in FIGS.
8A and 8B. FIG. 8A if a head on fragmentary view of a mitered
interlocking joint fixing two next adjacent side panels 12, 15 to
one another with the side panels disposed substantially
perpendicular to one another. That is to say the flat ends 89, 90
of the assembled end panels merge together at the adjoining tapered
mitered surfaces 88 to provide a flat end of the assembly with the
male protrusions 95, 96 disposed in the female indents 92, 93
providing a rigid interlocking mitered joint. FIG. 8B is a
fragmentary perspective view of the mitered joint shown in FIG. 8A.
It is to be understood that each of the side panels 12-15 is
assembled with and fixed to each of the next adjacent side panels
by an interlocking mitered joint of the type that has been
described herein. The interlocking mitered joints not only provide
a rigid structure but prevent the escape of air and insects from
the device for killing insects with heat.
[0125] As shown for example in FIG. 1 the side panels of the device
for killing insects with heat are fixed to a pair of end panels 16,
17. As shown for example in FIGS. 7A, 34, 40, and 42 a pair of
spaced apart substantially parallel protrusions 36, 37 extend from
an interior surface of each of the end panels 16, 17 to define a
channel 200, 207 for receiving an edge portion of a side panel, for
example 14, in the channel 200, 207. Each of the channels has a
base that is provided with a groove 201, 208 that receives a gasket
67, 68 to seal the junctions of the side panels with the end
panels. That is to say the end panels 16, 17 are mated to the side
panels 12-15 by placing an end portion of each side panel in a
channel provided by an end panel. Each of the side panels 12-15 is
provided with one or more mechanism for fixing the side panel in
place with respect to the end panels after edge portions of the
side panel have been inserted in the channels 200, 207 of the end
panels for receiving an edge portion of a side panel. While any
suitable mechanism selected in accordance with good engineering
practices may be employed for fixing the side panel in place with
respect to the end panels after edge portions of the side panel
have been inserted in the channels 200, 207 of the end panels
recommended exemplary mechanisms 20, 31, 35; 30, 32, 35 are shown
for example in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 5, 17, 18, 19, 30C and 39. Each of
the side panels is provided with four or more studs 30. As used
herein and in the claims a "stud" is understood to be an isolated
cylindrical member extending substantially perpendicular from a
structural member and provided at an end of the cylinder with a
means such as a flange for impairing something wrapped around the
cylinder from sliding off of the cylinder. Each of the end panels
16, 17 is provided with a plurality of studs 31, 32. FIG. 1A is an
enlarged fragmentary view of the device showing the attachment of a
side panel 15 to an end panel 17 located at the top of the device
10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 1B is an enlarged fragmentary view of the device
showing the attachment of a side panel 15 to an end panel 16
located at the bottom of the device 10 in FIG. 1. The studs 31, 32
of the end panels are located in the vicinity of edges 38, 39 of
the end panels. Notches 33, 34 in the end panels facilitate
alignment of the studs of the end panels with aligned studs of the
side panels.
[0126] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line 17-17
of FIG. 14 showing a cross section of a stud 30 that is preferably
integrally molded with the side panel 12, 13, 14. FIG. 18 is a
fragmentary cross section taken at line 18-18 of FIG. 14 showing a
side view of a stud that is integrally molded with a side panel 12,
13, 14. Each of the side panels and end panels is preferably molded
of a polymeric material whereby the panel has a foam core 118
enclosed in a hard shell 105, 115. Each stud 30 is a cylinder 130
provided with a flange 129 extending substantially perpendicular
from the cylinder and in this example has a reinforcing portion 128
in the region where the stud extends substantially perpendicular
from a side or end panel of the device. In the illustrated
recommended exemplary mechanisms an endless elastic polymeric
member 35 is placed around two aligned studs by first stretching
the elastic polymeric member to extend about the two aligned studs
and then allowing the elastic polymeric member to retract into a
taut condition that secures the studs and associated end and side
panel in a fixed position with respect to one another. As shown for
example in FIG. 5 the elastic polymeric members 35 may have an
annular structure like an O ring. Alternatively the elastic
polymeric members may have any suitable configuration for example
such as shown in FIG. 52 which is a plan view of an alternate
endless elastic polymeric member 225 including a tab 226 and FIG.
53 which is a perspective view of the alternate elastic polymeric
member of FIG. 52. These fastening mechanisms facilitate relatively
easy assembly and disassembly of the end panels to the side panels
to facilitate shipping and storage of a device for killing insects
using heat according to the present invention.
[0127] As already described above and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5,
and 19 one of the side panels 15 is provided with an opening 18 for
receiving a removable door 20 to facilitate placing items such
clothing, bedding, books and other items inside the device 10 for
killing insects with heat and then removing the items from the
device after decontaminating the items with heat. It is to be
understood that the door could be fixed to a side panel with one or
more appropriate hinges, but it is believed that better access to
the interior of the device is achieved by having the door removable
from the device. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exterior side
of the door receiving side panel 15 without the door. FIG. 22 is a
perspective view of the interior side of the door receiving side
panel 15 without the door. The side panel that receives the door 20
is provided with an opening 18 that is complementary to the size of
the door with a groove 155 in the door frame for receiving a
sealing gasket 154 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. A circumferential
edge 153 of the door mates with the gasket 154 to prevent the loss
of heat and the escape of insects during the operation of the
device. The side panel 15 that receives the door 20 is similar to
the structure of the other side panels being provided with studs 30
and air flow guiding projections 107 separated by air flow spaces
109 and provided with notches 110 for supporting racks in a manner
that will be described later.
[0128] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior side
of the door 20 and FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the interior
side of the door with the latches 29 disposed in unlocked
configurations. The interior side of the door 20 is similar to the
structure of the side panels being provided with air flow guiding
projections 107 separated by air flow spaces 109 and provided with
notches for supporting racks in a manner that will be described
later. The door is provided with handles 21, 22 located on the
exterior of the door in a manner described above with respect to
the other three side panels to facilitate moving, repositioning are
reorienting the device as well as the placement and removal of the
door.
[0129] It is to be understood that latches of any suitable
structure selected in accordance with good engineering practices
may be used to secure the door in place with respect to the side
panel that receives the door. The structure and operation of the
exemplary door latches 29 shown in the drawings is best understood
with reference to FIGS. 23, and 26-29. FIG. 23 is an exploded
perspective view of the exterior side of the door 20. FIG. 26 is a
first exploded perspective view of a door latch 29 and FIG. 27 is a
second exploded perspective view of the door latch of FIG. 26
looking in an opposite direction from FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 23
the door 20 is provided with appropriately located slots 150 for
attaching the latches 29 to the door in an operative manner. A
latch base plate 140 is located on the interior side of the door. A
latch handle 143 is located on the exterior side of the door. A
boss 144 of the latch handle extends through the slot 150 in the
door to be received in a complementary recess 145 in the base plate
140. Threaded fasteners 146 extend through passages in the base
plate to fix the base plate to the boss 144 of the latch handle as
shown in the drawing figures. FIG. 28A is a fragmentary cross
section taken at line 28A-28A in FIG. 19 with the door latch in an
unlocked configuration. FIG. 28B is a fragmentary cross section
taken at line 28B-28B in FIG. 20 with the door latch in an unlocked
configuration. FIG. 29 is a fragmentary cross section taken at line
29-29 in FIG. 19 with the door latch in an unlocked configuration.
The boss 144 has a length that is less than a length of the slot
150 in the door 20. At an end of the slot 150 the door 20 is
provided with a ledge 152 having a recess 155 therein for receiving
a sealing gasket 154. Another sealing gasket 153 is secured between
the base plate 140 and the latch handle to prevent the loss of heat
and the escape of insects when the device is in use. FIG. 20 is a
perspective view of the interior side of the assembly of the door
receiving side panel 15 and the removable door 20 with the latches
disposed in unlocked configurations and FIG. 25 is a plan view of
the interior side of the assembly of the door receiving side panel
and the door with the latches disposed in locked
configurations.
[0130] In a first embodiment of the device 10 for killing insects
with heat the mechanism 11 for providing heated air to the interior
of the device is disposed outside the device as shown in FIGS. 1,
2, 4, 4A, 5, 34, 43 and 44. In a first configuration of the first
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 43 the air intake 60
allows ambient air to enter the electric air heater 54. The
electric air heater 154 of all configurations of the first
embodiment is provided with a switch 170 to turn the electric air
heater on and off. Preferably as shown in FIG. 34 the electric air
heater 54 is supported on feet 180. The electric air heater 54 of
all configurations of the first embodiment is further provided
controls 171 with for setting the temperature, blower speed and
other operating parameters. As best shown in FIG. 4 the electric
air heater 54 of all configurations of the first embodiment has a
power cord 41 for conducting electrical current from a power source
to the electric air heater. The electric air heater 54 of all
configurations of the first embodiment is still further provided
with electric heating coils and a blower motor and electric fan to
heat air and propel the heated air through a conduit 55, 56, 72, 73
and baffled connector 74 into the interior of the device 10 as
shown for example in FIG. 34. The conduit 55, 56, 72, 73 may be
made from any suitable material selected in accordance with good
engineering practices, preferably a suitable polymeric material
such as sections of PVC piping.
[0131] The structure of the baffled connector 74 is best understood
by referring to FIGS. 31A-33. FIG. 31A is a first perspective view
of a baffled connector that functions as a nozzle of the air
conduit and is provided with louvers. FIG. 31B is a second
perspective view of the baffled connector of FIG. 31A looking in an
opposite direction from FIG. 31A. FIG. 32 is an end view of the
baffled connector of FIGS. 31A and 31B. FIG. 33 is a cross section
view of the baffled connector of FIGS. 31A, 31B and 32 taken at
line 33-33 of FIG. 32. The baffled connector is provided with an
exterior configuration with sections 163, 164 having varying sizes
to function as a step down transition from the air conduit 73 to
fit inside a passage 49 (best shown in FIG. 6) in one of the side
panels 12. An interior surface 165 of the baffled connector is
provided with a circumferential groove 166 for receiving an O ring
75 to facilitate a snug connection between the baffled connector
and a section 73 of the air conduit extending between the air
heater 54 and the device 10. A circumferential groove 162 in an
exterior surface of the baffled connector receives a snap ring 76
to secure the baffled connector in place with respect to the side
panel 12 which is adjacent a stepped portion 164 of the exterior of
the baffled connector. The baffled connector is further provided
with a plurality of louvers 160 defining air passages 161 between
next adjacent louvers and the interior wall 165 of the baffled
connector. The baffled connector may be made from any suitable
material selected in accordance with good engineering practices,
preferably a suitable polymeric material.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 4 in the first configuration of the first
embodiment of the device 10 the passage 49 in one of the side
panels 13 is closed by a cover plate 50 to prevent the exit of air
and insects from the interior of the device and the passage 49 in
another 14 of the side panels has a HEPA filter assembly 47
installed therein to facilitate the exit of air from the interior
of the device 10 while preventing the exit of insects from the
interior of the device. The structure of the HEPA filter is best
understood by referring to FIGS. 35-38. FIG. 35 is a perspective
view of a HEPA filter assembly 47. FIG. 36 is an exploded view of
the HEPA filter assembly 47. FIG. 37 is an end view of the HEPA
filter assembly 47. FIG. 38 is a cross section of the HEPA filter
assembly 47 taken at line 38-38 of FIG. 37. The exemplary HEPA
filter assembly comprises a filter housing 190, a HEPA filter 191 a
hold down ring 192. The HEPA filter assembly is secured to a side
panel of the device as shown in FIG. 38.
[0133] In a second configuration of the first embodiment air from
inside the device 10 is circulated and reheated as shown in FIG. 4A
via an air conduit 50, 57, 58, 59 extending from a passageway 49 in
a side panel 13 of the device to the air 1ntake 60 of the air
heater 54. This second configuration does not require a HEPA filter
and in place of the HEPA filter the opening 49 that in a side panel
that received the HEPA filter is instead sealed by a cover plate 50
to prevent the exit of air and insects from the interior of the
device.
[0134] The versatility of the first embodiment may be further
demonstrated by referring to FIGS. 48-51. FIG. 48 is a perspective
view of a third configuration of the first embodiment with the
device 10 resting on one of the side panels with the end panels 16,
17 oriented vertically. FIG. 49 is another perspective view of the
third configuration of the first embodiment of the device resting
on one of the side panels as in FIG. 48 looking in the opposite
direction from FIG. 48. FIG. 50 is a first side elevation view of
the third configuration of the first embodiment of the device
resting on one of the side panels as shown in FIG. 48. FIG. 50A is
a second side elevation view of the third configuration of the
first embodiment of the device resting on one of the side panels as
shown in FIG. 48 looking in the opposite direction from FIG. 50.
FIG. 51 is an end elevation view of the third configuration of the
first embodiment of the device resting on one of the side panels as
shown in FIG. 48. In this third configuration of the first
embodiment a device according to the first embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4 and 5-30 is oriented resting on one of the side panels
with the end panels 16, 17 oriented vertically instead of
horizontally as shown with respect to the first configuration of
the first embodiment. As best shown in FIGS. 50 and 50A the device
10 rests on a floor or other horizontal surface via the handles 25,
26 that are integral to the lowest of the side panels. All of the
components of the device function the same and are the same as
those shown and described above and are identified by the same
reference characters according to the first embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4 and 5-30. This configuration may be employed at the
discretion of a user of the device if the items to be placed in the
device might be better fitted into such a configuration of the
device.
[0135] The placement of items that are at least suspected of being
infested with insects such as bedbugs in the device 10 for killing
insects with heat can be facilitated by providing the interior of
the device with accessories such as rods for suspending items and
racks for supporting items. A hanger rod 62 usable in the device of
the present invention can be best understood by referring to FIGS.
6, 11, 14, 18, and 44A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device with the top
panel and the air heater removed so that a hanger rod 62 and a
hanger rod support bracket 61 are shown in their operative
configuration. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the interior side
of one of the side panels 12, 13, 14 showing the location and
configuration of a hanger rod support bracket 61. FIG. 14 is an end
view of a side panel 12, 13, 14 looking in the direction indicated
by arrow 14 in FIG. 13. FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross section
taken at line 18-18 of FIG. 14 of a hanger rod support 61 bracket
on a side panel. FIG. 44A is a sectional view of the device with
some articles to be sanitized hanging from the hanger bar 62. As
shown in FIG. 11 the hanger bar support brackets 61 are
substantially U shaped. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 18 the hanger bar
support brackets 61 are preferably integrally molded with the
vertical arms 132 of the U and the base 133 of the U protruding
from the interior of a side panel of the device. As best seen in
FIG. 44 the hanger bar support brackets 61 of opposed side panels
support the end portions of the hanger bar 62. Items such as
clothing 242, 243, are supported by hangers 241 suspended from the
hanger bar. A temperature sensor and transmitter 251 may be
enclosed in a suspended item to wirelessly transmit 253 temperature
data to a temperature controller 250 that at least in part controls
the operation of an air heating mechanism 11. If desired the
temperature controller 250 can send periodic wireless inquiries 252
to the temperature sensor and transmitter 251 requesting current
temperature data from the interior of the device 10.
[0136] Support racks 215 usable in the device of the present
invention can be best understood by referring to FIGS. 43-47. FIG.
43 is a perspective view of the device wherein racks 215 for
supporting objects inside the device are shown, the door receiving
side panel and the end panel located at the top of the device in
FIG. 1 being removed. FIG. 44A is a sectional view of the device
with some articles to be sanitized supported by a rack 215. FIG. 45
is a perspective view of a rack 215 for supporting an article
placed in the device. FIG. 46 is a plan view of the rack of FIG.
45. FIG. 47 is a cross section of the rack taken at line 47-47 of
FIG. 46. A rack 215 has a rectangular frame 216 with a plurality of
cross bars 217 extending between sides of the frame. The cross bars
217 are arranged to intersect and define openings to facilitate
both the supporting of one or more items supported on the rack and
the passage of air through the rack. The frame 216 has a thickness
218 that is complementary to the width 112 and depth 113 of the
notches 110 in the air deflectors 107 (as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15)
that are solid and molded integral with the side panels to
facilitate assembly of one or more racks 215 with the device as
best shown in FIG. 43. The location of the racks 215 inside the
device is of course adjustable to meet the needs of a user of the
device, with two racks 215 shown in their operative locations in
FIG. 44. In an exemplary use of the device FIG. 44A shows a
suitcase 246 containing articles of clothing 244 supported on a
rack 215 in the interior of the device 10. The suitcase is shown
open to allow hot air circulated inside the device to contact the
clothing in the suitcase. A temperature sensor and transmitter 251
may be enclosed in the clothing inside the suitcase and function in
the manner disclosed in the immediately preceding paragraph.
[0137] The circulation of heated air in the interior of a device 10
for killing insects with heat of the present invention can be best
understood by referring to FIGS. 30A-30C, 34 and 44A. FIG. 30A is a
top view looking down into the device with the end panel located at
the top of the device in FIG. 1 and the hanger rod removed showing
a schematic representation of air flow with respect to an interior
side of the end panel located at the bottom of the device in FIG.
1. FIG. 30B is a schematic representation of air flow with respect
to an interior side of the end panel located at the top of the
device in FIG. 1. FIG. 30C is a schematic representation of air
flow with respect to an interior side of side panel in a sectional
view taken at line 30C-30C in FIG. 2. FIG. 34 is a cross section
showing the connection of the air heater to a side panel. FIG. 44A
is a schematic representation of air flow with respect to an
interior side of side panel in a sectional view with the upper rack
removed with some articles to be sanitized hanging from the hanger
rod and other articles to be sanitized resting on a lower rack. As
shown in FIG. 34 air heated by the electric air heater 11 is blown
into the interior of the device through the baffled connector 74
near the bottom of the device as indicated by the arrows in FIG.
34. The upwardly pointing arrows in FIG. 30C are a schematic
representation of the upward flow of hot air in the gaps 109
between the vertically extending air deflectors 107 that are solid
and molded integral with the side panels and the door. The
vertically extending air deflectors also function as stand offs to
prevent items placed inside the device from blocking the passage of
hot air through the gaps 109 between the vertically extending air
deflectors 107. The air circulation fan 64 that is provided with a
protective grill 65 is fixed to the interior of the second end
panel 17 as described above and causes circulating air to flow
downwardly inside the device as indicated by the downwardly
pointing arrows in FIG. 30C. Of course the circulating air fills
all of the volume of the interior of the device that is not
occupied by components of the device or items such as clothing,
bedding and so forth. As described above with respect to the first
configuration of the first embodiment of the device a portion of
the air escapes the interior of the device though a HEPA filter as
disclosed above. As described above with respect to the second
configuration of the first embodiment of the device a portion of
the air exits the interior of the device though an air conduit and
returns to the intake of the electric air heater as disclosed
above. With reference to FIG. 30A the interior of the end panel 16
is provided with long and short curved stand offs 78, 79 and a
central circular stand off 80 protruding from the interior side of
the end panel 16 and provided with a plurality of notches 81. The
curved stand offs function both to prevent items placed inside the
device from interfering with the flow of air through the gaps 85
between the long and short curved stand offs 78, 79 and to direct
the flow of air through the device as indicated by the arrows in
FIG. 30A. With reference to FIG. 30B the interior of the end panel
17 is provided with long and short curved stand offs 78A, 79B
protruding from the interior side of the end panel 17. As described
above the end panel 17 is provided with a fan 64 and a protective
screen 65. The curved stand offs function both to prevent items
placed inside the device from interfering with the flow of air
through the gaps 85 between the long and short curved stand offs
78A, 79A and to direct the flow of air towards the fan as indicated
by the arrows in FIG. 30B. FIG. 44A is a schematic representation
of the flow of air inside a device of the invention when the device
contains items supported on a rack 215 and suspended from a hanger
bar 62. As disclosed above the air can flow through openings in the
rack used to support items inside the device.
[0138] It is important that the heated air reach every interior
surface of the device and every item placed inside the device for
decontamination because insects such as bedbugs will attempt to
find the coolest location inside the device. The air in the
interior of the device must be maintained at a temperature of at
least one hundred eighteen degrees Fahrenheit for at least one
hour, or at least one hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for at
least thirty minutes, or at least one hundred thirty degrees
Fahrenheit for at least fifteen minutes to kill all of the bedbugs
located inside the device. The controller of the electric air
heater 11 of the present invention is preferably associated with a
controller that does not begin the timed operation of the device
until an air temperature of at least one hundred thirty degrees
Fahrenheit inside the device has been sensed.
[0139] In the configurations of the first embodiment of the device
disclosed above the two end panels have distinctly different
designs. However it is believed that if a single design for a
molded end panel, adaptable to various configurations were provided
the cost of molds and production of the device could be
significantly reduced. The proposed universal end panel
configuration can best be understood with reference to FIGS. 54A,
54B, 55, 56, 57A, 57B. FIG. 54A is a perspective view of the
interior side of an alternate end panel 16', 17' that may be used
at either end of the device. The interior side of the universal end
panel is provided with long and short curved stand off 78', 79'
provided with notches 81' that function in the same manner as the
stand offs disclosed above with respect to the end panels 16, 17.
The alternative end panels are provided with studs 31', 32' and
ledges 38', 39' that function in the same manner as corresponding
features of the above disclosed end panels 16, 17. The universal
end panels are provided with a flat round portion 250 of the
interior side that is free of any protrusions or stand offs. FIG.
54B is a perspective view of the exterior side of the alternate end
panels 16', 17' shown in FIG. 54A. The exterior side of the
alternative end panels 16', 17' are provided with stand offs 182'
that are molded integral to the end panels. FIG. 55 is an exploded
view of an air circulation fan assembly 55 comprising a fan 64 and
a protective screen 65 that may be mounted to the interior side of
the alternate end panel shown in FIGS. 54 and 54A using appropriate
fasteners (not shown). FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an insert
231 provided with stand offs 233, 234, 235 that protrude from a
surface 232 of the insert with gaps 236 between the stand offs that
may be mounted to the interior side of the alternate end panel
shown in FIGS. 54 and 54A using appropriate fasteners (not shown).
FIG. 57A is an exploded view illustrating the insert of FIG. 56
with the interior side of the alternate end panel shown in FIGS. 54
and 54A with fasteners 45' for fastening the insert to the interior
side of the alternate end panel when the alternate end panel is to
be used as the lower end panel of a device according to the present
invention. FIG. 57B is an exploded view illustrating the air
circulation fan assembly 64, 65 of FIG. 55 with the interior side
of the alternate end panel 16', 17' shown in FIGS. 54 and 54A with
fasteners 45' for fastening the fan assembly to the interior side
of the alternate end panel when the alternate end panel is to be
used as the upper end panel of a device according to the present
invention.
[0140] A second embodiment of a device 300 for killing insects with
heat is disclosed in FIGS. 58-72. The second embodiment is similar
to the first embodiment with the difference that an air heater and
fan assembly 311 is fixed to the interior of the upper end panel
317 of the device with ducts of connected duct sections 363, 372,
373, 380 for transmitting the heated air to the lower region of the
interior of the device. At least some of the sections of the air
ducts may comprise sections of PVC piping. Duct section 372 is an
elbow with an opening 374 for receiving and connecting to one of
the vertically oriented air ducts 380. While some dimensions of
interior features of the bottom 316 and side panels 313-315 are
altered slightly to accommodate the vertically extending ducts 380
located in the interior corners defined by next adjacent side
panels.
[0141] FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
device 300 for killing insects with heat according to the present
invention. FIG. 59 is another perspective view of the second
embodiment of the device 300 for killing insects with heat
according to the present invention. The upper end panel 317 is
similar to the upper end panel of the first embodiment being
provided with a ledge 338 to accommodate the fixation of the side
panels to the upper end panel. The upper end panel 317 of the
second embodiment is associated with a power source including a
plug 341 and a power cord 342 for providing power to the air heater
and fan assembly 311 is fixed to the interior of the upper end
panel. The exterior of the upper end panel is provided with an on
off switch 370 and other indicators and controls 371 for the
device. The side panels 313-315 and end panels 316, 317 are fixed
to one another in the same manner disclosed above with respect to
the first embodiment 10 of the device and are provided with
securing mechanisms 30, 32, 35; 30, 31, 35 that have the structure
and function of the corresponding components of the first
embodiment. The door 20 has the same structure and is fixed to the
door receiving side panel 315 in the same manner as the
corresponding components of the first embodiment. The handles 21-28
are molded integral to the door and side panels in the same manner
as the corresponding components of the first embodiment. The lower
end panel 316 is similar to the lower end panel of the first
embodiment being provided with stand off 182 on the exterior
surface of the lower end panel and with a ledge 339 to accommodate
the fixation of the side panels to the lower end panel.
[0142] FIG. 60A is a partially exploded perspective view of the
second embodiment of the device for killing insects with heat with
a top end panel of the device removed and partially exploded to
show some interior components of the device. One of the vertically
extending ducts 380 located in the interior corners defined by next
adjacent side panels is shown only partially inserted and must be
moved downward in the direction indicated by the downwardly
pointing arrow to obtain the intended operative configuration. The
air heater and fan assembly 311 is shown with associated air duct
segments 363, 372, 373. FIG. 60B is another perspective view of the
second embodiment of the device with the top end panel of the
device removed and showing the air heater and fan assembly 311
connected by substantially horizontally extending air duct segments
363, 372, 373 to the vertically extending air ducts 380 located in
the interior corners defined by next adjacent side panels.
[0143] FIG. 61 is an enlarged partial view of the interior of a
corner of the second embodiment looking in the direction indicated
by the downwardly pointing arrow FIG. 60A. The spacing of the
vertically extending stand offs 107 nearest the mitered edges 89,
90 of the side panels 314, 315 is adjusted from the first
embodiment to accommodate the dimensions of the vertically
extending air duct 380 with 381 indicating the vertical wall of the
vertically extending air duct, 382 indicating a bottom end wall of
the air the vertically extending and 383 indicating the interior
space of the vertically extending duct.
[0144] FIG. 70 is an exploded view of an air heater and circulation
fan assembly 311 that is to be fixed to the interior of the top
side panel. A motor drives a single rotating shaft 369 which turns
the blades of a first fan 364 for drawing air into a housing 360
and a second fan 377 for pushing air from the housing through
electrical heating coils 368 to heat the air and into air duct
segment 363 that are integral with the housing. A cover plate 361
having a passage 426 for air to go through to enter the housing 360
is covered by a protective grill 365 and is fixed to the housing
360 by a plurality of fasteners 345.
[0145] FIG. 63 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
second embodiment of the device with the side panels and top end
panel of the device removed to show the vertically extending air
ducts 380 with respect to the bottom end panel 316, one of the
vertically extending air ducts shown not assembled in its operative
location. The air heater and circulation fan assembly 311 is shown
assembled with the associated substantially horizontally extending
air ducts not yet fixed to vertically extending air ducts. FIG. 71A
is a perspective view, partially broken away, of an air duct 380
shown vertically oriented for example in FIG. 63. FIG. 71B is a
perspective view of the air duct 380. FIG. 72 is a section view of
the air duct taken at line 72-72 of FIG. 71B. In FIGS. 71A-72 381
indicates the vertical wall of the vertically extending air duct,
382 indicates a bottom end wall of the air duct, 383 indicates the
interior space of the vertically extending air duct, and 381
indicates an opening in the wall at the lower portion of the air
duct to allow hot air to enter the interior of the device near the
lower end panel of the device.
[0146] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the device with the side panels and top end panel of the device
removed to show the air heater and circulation fan assembly 311
assembled with the associated substantially horizontally extending
air ducts 363, 372, 373 and the associated substantially
horizontally extending air ducts 380 in an operative
configuration.
[0147] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the device with only the side panels of the device removed to show
the air heater and circulation fan assembly 311 assembled with the
associated substantially horizontally extending air ducts and the
associated substantially horizontally extending air ducts 380 in an
operative configuration. In FIGS. 65 and 67 a protective cover 410
is shown fixed to an interior side of the upper side panel 317. The
power cord 342 is shown extending through a sealing grommet 340 to
a housing 400 of the display panel 370 on the top exterior surface
of the top end panel shown in FIGS. 58 and 66. A thermal probe 420
is associated with the display panel 370. An emergency pressure
relief device 422 to vent air from the interior of the device in an
emergency is also associated with the top end panel 317.
[0148] FIG. 69 is an exploded view of the interior of the top end
panel 317 of the second embodiment of the device showing the
interior components of the device that are fixed to the interior of
the top end panel. Most of the components shown in FIG. 69 have
already been described in the preceding description of the second
embodiment and will not be further elaborated upon. The sealing
gasket 367 mates with the top end panel and functions in the same
manner described above for the corresponding components of the
first embodiment. Hangers 390 for supporting sections 373 of the
substantially horizontally extending air ducts, as shown in detail
in FIG. 68B which is a section view taken at line 68B-68B of FIG.
67, are fixed to an interior side of the top end panel. The hangers
include a mounting bracket 390 fixed to the top end panel 317 by
appropriate means such as pins 392 and a hanger strap 391 is
secured to the mounting bracket such that the hanger fits around a
section 373 of the air duct. The protective cover 410 is preferably
a unitary cast polymeric member having the overall shape of a plus
sign with a top wall and side walls 416 and an opening 411 at the
center of the plus sign that is aligned with the air intake of the
air heater and circulation fan assembly 311 that has already been
described above. The protective cover 410 is fixed to the interior
of the top end panel as best shown in FIG. 68B by appropriate
fasteners 414 that extend through flanges 415 at ends of the
sidewalls 416 of the protective housing 410. In FIG. 68B a
connecting flange 356 of the air duct is visible.
[0149] The interior of a device according to the second embodiment
may provided with a hanger bar and racks as described above with
respect to the first embodiment. The flow of air inside the device
of the second embodiment can best be understood with reference to
FIGS. 62 and 68A. FIG. 62 is a section view taken at line 62-62 of
FIG. 58 showing in elevation the interior structure of the second
embodiment of the device for killing insects with heat. FIG. 68A is
a section view taken at line 68A-68A of FIG. 67 showing some of the
interior components of the second embodiment of the device that are
fixed to the interior of the top end panel 317 of the device. It is
to be noted that as shown none of the side panels of the second
embodiment is provided with any passages that could facilitate the
evacuation of air from the interior of the device. Air inside the
device flows generally upward as indicated by the upwardly pointing
arrows in FIG. 62. A first fan 364 of the air heater and
circulation fan assembly 311 pulls air through the air intake of
the housing 361 of the air heater and circulation fan assembly 311
that has already been described above with respect to FIG. 70. A
second fan 377 of the air heater and circulation fan assembly 311
pushes air through a chamber 399 and annular heating coils 388 into
and through the substantially horizontally extending sections 356,
372, 373 of the air conducting ducts. The air then enters the
vertically extending air ducts 380 and flows downwardly through the
interiors 383 of vertically extending air ducts as indicated to the
openings at the bottom of the vertically extending air ducts to be
directed horizontally through gaps 81 between the stand offs 78, 79
on the interior of the lower end panel 316, then flows upwardly.
This air circulation pattern is repeated throughout the operation
of the second embodiment of the device.
[0150] It is understood that the various temperature sensors and
controls disclosed above with respect to FIG. 44A for the first
embodiment may be employed with the second embodiment in the manner
described above with respect to the first embodiment.
[0151] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain exemplary embodiments, obvious modifications and
alterations are possible by those skilled in the related art.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention include all such
modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come
within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *