Heat system for killing pests

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination including all life stages of bed bugs. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests such as arthropods, rats, and mice. The present disclosure is especially suited for killing all life stages of bed bugs.

BACKGROUND

Some methods of pest treatment require discarding suspected infested articles. These items can be expensive to replace, especially in the case of large objects like furniture, mattresses, and box springs. Some methods of pest treatment exclusively rely on pesticides, which may be restricted or prohibited on certain items, particularly items that contact people. Finally, some methods of pest treatment use heat but can damage objects, create cold spots that provide a harborage for pests, require large amounts of heat, or are energy inefficient, for example in the case of heat treatments that heat entire rooms or buildings.

It is against this background that the present disclosure is made.

SUMMARY

Surprisingly, it has been found that an infested article or suspected article can be treated by using high heat temperatures and without damaging the article itself.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a method of treating an article suspected of being infested. In the method, an article is placed inside of an enclosure, the enclosure is sealed, and the temperature inside of the enclosure is ramped up at a rate of from about 10 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour, or 1 degree Fahrenheit every six minutes, until a temperature of at least 115° F. is reached. Once 115° F. is reached, the temperature is held for at least four hours. Thereafter, in some embodiments, the temperature may be slowly decreased at a rate of about 10 to about 15 degrees an hour, or one degree every six minutes, until the original starting temperature (which may be room temperature) is reached.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a method of automatically adjusting the temperature inside of a sealed enclosure in order to treat an article. In this method, a flexible, inflatable enclosure and heating system are provided. The heating system has a heater. The heating system also has at least one thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and located inside of the inflated enclosure. The thermocouple measures the actual air temperature inside of the enclosure (T_actual). The heating system also includes a programmable logic controller electrically connected to the heater and the thermocouple and programmed with a predetermined temperature ramp rate controlled by a set point temperature (T_setpoint) and a target temperature (T_target). The programmable logic controller increases the temperature inside of the enclosure by increasing the T_setpoint one degree every six minutes until T_target is reached, comparing the T_actual to the T_setpoint, and adjusting the heater in response to the difference between T_actual and T_setpoint. In some embodiments, the programmable logic controller also controls the decrease in temperature.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a flexible and inflatable enclosure for treating an article suspected of being infested with an arthropod or other pest. The enclosure has a floor, a ceiling, and at least one wall, where at least part of the ceiling or the wall can be partially removed to allow for the selected article to be placed inside of the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a treatment system. The system includes a flexible and inflatable enclosure having a floor, a ceiling, and at least one wall, where at least part of the ceiling or wall can be at least partially removed to allow for the selected article to be placed inside of the enclosure. The system also includes a heating system with a first heater, a thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and configured to be located inside of the inflated enclosure, and a programmable logic controller electrically connected to the first heater and the thermocouple. In some embodiments, the system can also include a fan designed to be used inside of the inflated enclosure, and an external support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.

FIG. 5 shows the exterior of a heater.

FIG. 6 shows the interior of a heater.

FIG. 7 shows temperature data from a hotel room heat test.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show bed bug adult and egg mortality at various temperatures.

FIG. 9 shows temperature data from a heated enclosure with a mattress in it.

FIG. 10 shows a diagram of an exemplary temperature control program for the programmable logic controller.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize certain features relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like features throughout the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests including all life stages of bed bugs. Surprisingly, it has been found that gradually increasing the temperature inside of an enclosure allows for heat treatment of articles that are believed to be infested with pests without adversely affecting the article. In the past, these articles may have been discarded instead of treated in part because their size and internal spaces did not lend them to be effectively treated with pesticides, traditional heat treatments can damage the article, and label restrictions on pesticides did not allow for treatment of items that contact humans on a regular basis. Exemplary articles include mattresses, box springs, and furniture, although any article would benefit from the disclosed methods, articles, and systems. Articles, systems, and methods disclosed herein are effective at eliminating pests including 100% of bed bug eggs, nymphs, and adults.

The Enclosure and Treatment System

In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a flexible and inflatable enclosure. Using a flexible and inflatable enclosure allows the enclosure to be easily set up and taken down from one treatment site to the next. The enclosure, when inflated, can take on a variety of shapes including a sphere, a cylinder, a cube, and a box. A cube and a box are preferred shapes because they are practical and easy to manufacture. A sphere with a flat bottom is also a preferred shape because it circulates air uniformly throughout the interior which minimizes cold spots. While an inflatable enclosure is disclosed, it is understood that other enclosures could be used such as a flexible enclosure with an internal or external frame to hold the enclosure up. In some embodiments, the enclosure does not need to be inflatable or flexible. In these embodiments, the enclosure may be rigid. The rigid enclosure may also be foldable or collapsible. Exemplary rigid enclosures could include pre-formed rigid panels that are assembled into the final enclosure, foldable panels that can be assembled into the final enclosure, or expandable panels that can be assembled into the final enclosure. The rigid enclosure may optionally be insulated.

An exemplary enclosure is shown in FIG. 1. Alternative enclosures are shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. Referring now to FIG. 1, if the enclosure forms a cube or a box, then the enclosure 10 includes a floor 12, a ceiling 14, and four walls 16, 18, 20, and 22. While four walls are shown in FIG. 1, it understood that shapes with one wall, or other combination of walls, could be used (as in the case of a sphere or cylinder). Note that the wall does not need to be flat. In order to facilitate getting large objects in and out of the enclosure, one wall 18 and the ceiling 14 are preferably at least partially removable. In some embodiments, the one wall 18 and the ceiling 14 can be connected to each other, and the ceiling can be connected to the rest of the enclosure on one side (near wall 22 for example), so that the ceiling and the wall together form a large flap that comes over the top and down one side of the enclosure. This “flap” can be connected to the rest of the enclosure, for example by using a zipper 24. In other words, the enclosure can be opened by unzipping one wall and the ceiling, and peeling back the wall and ceiling to allow for an article to be placed inside of the enclosure, and then the ceiling and the wall can be placed back into position and zipped up to seal the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a hook and loop sealing system that goes over the zipper to further insulate the interior of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure may also include a hook and loop sealing system on the exterior of each window so as to minimize any heat loss when the window is not being used.

In some embodiments, the enclosure includes an external support structure, skeleton, or frame 26. While such a structure, skeleton, or frame may be unnecessary in order for the enclosure to be able to inflate and stand on its own, it has been found that a structure, skeleton, or frame aids in preventing the formation of cold spots on the inside of the enclosure. If part of the enclosure collapses or a corner gets pinched while the enclosure is inflated, then the hot air may not circulate to that portion of the enclosure. If the temperature of that spot does not rise to 115° F. and remain there for the designated period of time, that spot may become a harborage for pests. If pests survive inside the enclosure, then the enclosure can actually become a source of contamination when the enclosure is taken down and transported to the next location. In some embodiments, the structure is a plurality of bars located on the corners of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the structure is a scaffolding or frame that attaches to the bottom, sides, and top of the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the enclosure is made of insulated material that makes the enclosure energy efficient. An example of insulated material is the Norpac R2 and Norpac M3 Insulation, commercially available from Norpac LLC (Rogers, Minn.), which may be used together as a combination Norpac R2/M3 material from Norpac LLC and can also be used together with Thinsulate™ Insulation FR from 3M (St. Paul, Minn.). Other types of insulation that might be suitable include Thermal-Wrap® nuclear-grade blanket insulation (Transco Products), HeatShield products (Heatshield), heat blankets (Heatcon), swimming pool thermal covers, outdoor plant covers, Kevlar tarps, polystyrene, Thinsulate, insulated canvas, vinyl, space blankets, Nomex, and Thermarest materials. In some embodiments, the material selected has an R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance, of about 0.5, about 0.8, about 1, about 1.4, about 2, about 3, about 4, at least 0.5, at least 0.8, at least 1, at least 1.4, at least 2, at least 3, or at least 4. A person skilled in the art will understand that achieving the desired temperatures is a combination of temperature, insulation, time and energy variables. Increasing the insulation may mean that the energy going into the system can be reduced. Likewise, decreasing the insulation may mean that the energy going into the system needs to be increased. The insulation material can be modified depending on whether the enclosure is designed to be reused or a one-time use enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is made from flame retardant material. In some embodiments, the enclosure is made from a material that does not absorb pesticides and can be cleaned easily. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a layer of canvas, vinyl, or other thick, durable material on the floor that is designed to protect the floor from the articles that are moved in and out of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the interior of the enclosure is made of a light colored material. Using a light colored material allows users or operators to visually inspect the inside for pests. In some embodiments, the enclosure is made from material that is configured for a one-time use that is disposed of after that use. In other embodiments, the enclosure is made from material that is configured to be reused.

In some embodiments, the enclosure has one or more windows 28 located in at least one wall. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a window on each wall. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes an inlet hole 30 and an outlet hole 32. When the enclosure is connected to a heating system, the duct 34 bringing air from the heater is placed in the inlet hole 30 and the duct 36 removing air from the enclosure is placed in the outlet hole 32. The enclosure can also include an optional thermocouple 52 and thermocouple securing device 54 located in the cold spot of the enclosure. The location of the cold spot varies depending on the heater location and article setup. For example, when the heater is in a corner of a cube, then the cold spot is usually in the corner that is diagonally opposite the heater. When the heater is placed in the middle of a wall of a cube or rectangle, then the cold spot may be in both corners of the opposite wall. Further, the articles that are located in the enclosure can create cold spots. For example, if bed linens are piled in a corner without airflow under or around it, a cold spot can form underneath the linens. By placing a thermocouple 52 in the cold spot, the operator can ensure that the temperature of the cold spot reaches 115° F. and maintains that temperature over time. Exemplary thermocouple securing devices 54 include a strap secured by snaps or hook and loop, a buckle, or a permanent sleeve or loop that the thermocouple is threaded through.

In some embodiments, the floor is connected to the walls with a seam where the seam is at least one inch off of the ground. The advantage of having the seam slightly off of the ground is that it makes it less likely that pests will find the seam and nest in it.

When the enclosure is inflated, it preferably has an internal volume of at least about 6, about 50, about 368, or about 800 cubic feet.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the enclosure is used in conjunction with a heating system 38. The heating system includes a first heating element 40, at least one thermocouple 52 attached to the thermocouple plug 42 and electrically connected to the heater and configured to be located inside of the inflated enclosure, and a programmable logic controller 44 electrically connected to the first heater and the thermocouple. It is understood that a PC board or other controller could be used instead of a programmable logic controller. The heating system can also include an internal fan 50. The heater may include a split inlet duct that allows either fresh air or return air to be run through the heater. Alternatively, the duct may not be split, but may include a manifold that allows for either fresh or recirculated air to flow into the enclosure. Using return air may be more energy efficient because the air is already hotter than ambient air. The heating system is connected to the enclosure through the ducts 34 and 36, shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, duct 34 may include a manifold that opens and closes to the outside. This manifold would allow fresh air to circulate into the enclosure. This is useful and can be open when inflating the enclosure. Once the enclosure is inflated, it may be beneficial to close the fresh air manifold and allow only recirculated hot air to circulate. This would avoid having to heat fresh air. Duct 36 may also include a manifold that opens and closes to the inside of the enclosure. This manifold may be closed while the enclosure is inflating. Once the enclosure is inflated, the manifold can be opened to allow hot air to recirculate from the enclosure to the heater and then back to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the heating system 38, instead of duct 34, may include the manifold that opens to the outside. The heating system also includes a fan 50 for blowing the hot air into the enclosure and for facilitating the return of air from inside of the enclosure. The fan 50 is also responsible for inflating the enclosure. In some embodiments, the heater includes a second heating element 46 to maximize heat output. If two heating elements are used, then the system preferably works off of two different 15 amp circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, the first heating element can be sized to accommodate a maximum 12 amp current draw on the circuit while powering the heating element and the fan internal to heater and the second heating element is slightly larger and accommodates the PLC while staying under the maximum 12 amp current draw.

The heater can be equipped with various safety features. For example, the controller can be programmed to automatically start the shut down process or shut off completely if the temperature does not reach a desired temperature within a longer period of time, or if it reaches too hot of a temperature within a period of time. For example, if the temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature such as 110° F. or 115° F. within a certain period of time such as 10 hours, 12 hours, or 16 hours, the heater can start decreasing the temperature by 1 degree every 6 minutes or 5 or 10 degrees every hour. In another example, if the temperature reaches a higher temperature such as 120° F., 125° F., or 130° F. within an hour, 2 hours, or 4 hours, the controller can be programmed to start the process of decreasing the temperature by 1 degree every 6 minutes or 5 or 10 degrees every hour. Also, in this example, the controller can be programmed to simply shut down the heater altogether and allow the temperature to cool down on its own. The controller can also be programmed to alert a user or operator that the treatment was not successful. This would allow the user or operator to correct any problems with the system and run the cycle again, or provide an alternative pest treatment. The controller can also be equipped to remotely alert the user or operator that there is a problem on the user or operator's mobile phone, pager, email, or text.

In addition to the enclosure and the heating system, the system can optionally include an internal fan inside of the inflated enclosure. This fan helps circulate the air inside of the enclosure to reduce the likelihood of cold spots inside of the enclosure. Eliminating cold spots inside of the enclosure is important. If the temperature of any spot inside of the enclosure does not reach the minimum temperature needed to kill the pests, then that spot can become a source of contamination. If the system includes an internal fan, the system preferably includes relays and controls that determine if the internal fan inside of the enclosure was powered on and working throughout the heating cycle. The system can also include a stand for supporting the article to be treated. The stand should be designed in a way to maximize the air circulation around the article while minimizing cold spots in and around the article and around the stand. In some embodiments, the stand is L-shaped. In some embodiments, the stand has a minimum of a 1-inch clearance between the floor and the article on the stand to ensure proper circulation. The stand is preferably made of a heat-conducting material such as metal. This also helps eliminate cold spots.

Methods of Use

To set up the enclosure, the deflated enclosure is spread out and hooked up to the heater. The articles are placed inside of the deflated enclosure. In some embodiments, the items are placed in the enclosure in such a way that the item has at least a 1 inch space on all sides between the article and the floor, walls, and other articles in the enclosure once the enclosure is set up or inflated. In some embodiments, the article has at least a 1-2 inch space around the article and the walls, floors, or other articles of the assembled or inflated enclosure. Leaving space around the article is important to assure proper air flow around the article. The heater is turned on and the manifold in the inlet duct 34 is opened to allow air to flow into the deflated enclosure in order to heat and inflate it. While the enclosure is inflating, the manifold in outlet duct 36 is closed. Once the enclosure is inflated, the manifold in the inlet duct 34 is closed, and the manifold in outlet duct 36 is opened. This allows for the warm air inside of the enclosure to be recirculated.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a suspected infested article. The method includes placing an article inside of an enclosure such as the one described above, sealing the enclosure, and then adjusting the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature is gradually increased at a predetermined controlled rate, and then held at a peak temperature for a predetermined period of time, and then gradually decreased at a predetermined controlled rate. In an embodiment, the temperature is increased from room temperature at a rate of from about 10 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit every hour or one degree every six minutes. The temperature may be increased more slowly over a longer period of time. For example, the temperature can be ramped up at from about 1 to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit every hour. But, the temperature should not be ramped up too quickly for sensitive articles or the article may be damaged. The temperature is increased until the temperature reaches a predetermined peak temperature. The various life stages of bed bugs die at a temperature of about 115 degrees Fahrenheit. But, the articles being treated can include larger objects that have internal spaces that could be infested with pests (i.e., furniture, mattresses, and box springs). Therefore, it may be beneficial to increase the temperature higher than the minimum needed to kill all life stages of pests. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature inside of the enclosure is increased to at least about 115° F., at least about 118° F., at least about 120° F., at least about 130° F., or at least about 180° F. and then held at that temperature for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined temperature hold time will vary depending on the temperature, but the temperature can be held from about 1 minute to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 5 hours, about 2 hours to about 4 hours, or longer periods of time such as about 2 hours to about 8 hours, or about 8 hours to about 24 hours. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the temperature inside of the enclosure is gradually ramped down from the peak temperature to room temperature at a predetermined controlled rate. In an embodiment, the temperature is decreased to room temperature at a rate of from about 10 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit every hour. As with the ramp up, the temperature can be decreased more slowly or over a longer period of time. Care should be taken not to decrease the temperature too quickly for sensitive articles and risk damaging the articles. Alternatively, the heater can be turned off and the temperature inside of the enclosure can be allowed to return to room temperature on its own. This is most effective when the insulation on the enclosure helps the temperature decrease slowly enough, or where the articles inside of the enclosure are not sensitive to a rapid temperature decrease.

It is especially important to control the temperature increase and decrease when treating articles that are made of multiple materials, such as furniture. Furniture often is made of multiple types of wood, composites, laminates, plastics, and adhesives. If the temperature of the furniture is increased or decreased too quickly, the different materials may change temperature at different rates which could cause the piece of furniture to warp. An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure can be used with articles that are not as temperature sensitive as furniture where the temperature is increased or decreased as quickly as possible. This can be useful when treating non-sensitive items such as soft goods, bedding, curtains, towels, personal items, and clothes. In one preferred embodiment, the disclosed system is designed to have two modes of operation where a user can select a rapid temperature increase and decrease if non-temperature-sensitive articles are being treated or a controlled, slow temperature increase and decrease if temperature sensitive articles are being treated.

In some embodiments, the temperature is automatically adjusted by the programmable logic controller on the heating system. In this method, the heating system has a heater. The heating system also has at least one thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and located inside of the inflated enclosure. The thermocouple measures the actual air temperature inside of the enclosure (T_actual). The heating system also includes a programmable logic controller electrically connected to the heater and the thermocouple. In some embodiments, the programmable logic controller is programmed with predetermined temperature ramp rate controlled by a set point temperature (T_setpoint) and a target temperature (T_target). In some embodiments, the controller can be programmed by a user or operator to vary the temperature ramp rate and hold time. An exemplary predetermined ramp rate may be 1 degree Fahrenheit every six minutes. It is understood that other ramp rates could be used including partial degree increments. It is also understood that step increases could be used where the programmable logic controller increases the temperature by, for example, 5 or 10 degrees and then holds that temperature for a period of time such as 60 minutes. In one exemplary embodiment, the programmable logic controller increases the air temperature inside of the enclosure by increasing the T_setpoint one degree every six minutes until T_target is reached, comparing the T_actual to the T_setpoint, and adjusting the heater in response to the difference between T_actual and T_setpoint. The heater can be adjusted in several ways. For example, the heater can be adjusted by simply turning the heater on and off. The heater can also be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the power to the heater. And the heater can be adjusted by modifying a ratio of “on time” to “off time”. If T_actual<T_setpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater on, increase the power to the heater, increase the amount of “on time,” or decrease the amount of “off time.” If T_actual>T_setpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater off, decrease the power to the heater, decrease the amount of “on time,” or increase the amount of “off time.” Once T_setpoint=T_target, the programmable logic controller holds the T_target for a predetermined period of time (for example, for four hours) and continues to compare the T_actual to the T_setpoint (which is now also T_target) and adjust the heat up or down to maintain T_target. After the temperature has been held for the predetermined period of time, in some embodiments, the programmable logic controller also controls the decrease in air temperature inside of the enclosure by decreasing the T_setpoint one degree every six minutes until T_actual=the original T_actual, which could be room temperature, comparing the T_actual to the T_setpoint, and turning the heater on or off in response to the difference between T_actual and T_setpoint. T_actual<T_setpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater on, increase the power to the heater, increase the amount of “on time,” or decrease the amount of “off time.” If T_actual>T_setpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater off, decrease the power to the heater, decrease the amount of “on time,” or increase the amount of “off time.” This is generally shown in FIG. 10.

In an embodiment, the heating system can include a second thermocouple where a first thermocouple measures the air temperature inside of the enclosure and a second thermocouple measures the air temperature inside of an article, such as a piece of furniture or a mattress. In this embodiment, the first thermocouple controls the temperature ramp rate controlled by a set point temperature, T_setpoint, (both increase and decrease) but the second thermocouple controls whether the temperature inside of the enclosure has reached T_target. Using two thermocouples is a more sophisticated way to control the temperature increase and decrease while ensuring that the air temperature inside of an article maintains a high enough temperature.

Exemplary articles to be treated include a mattress, a boxspring, bedding, nightstands, furniture, mirrors, pictures, light fixtures, window treatments, clothing, appliances, commercial fixtures, telephones, remote controls, alarm clocks and small electrical items, luggage, personal items, and pet bedding. The article can be located in a variety of places including a hotel, a house, an apartment or multi-family complex, restaurants, an office building, a movie theater, a train, a bus, an airplane, a car, a truck, a retail store, a college dormitory, a doctor's office, a veterinary clinic, a hospital, and a nursing home. The article can also be a large article such as manufacturing equipment, a bus, a car, a truck, an airplane, or a train.

In addition to using heat to kill pests, the methods disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with pesticides and/or as part of a pest treatment program.

The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples. These examples are intended to be representative of specific embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Hotel Room Heat Test

FIG. 7 shows temperature data collected during a treatment of an entire hotel room. The entire room was heated up and the temperature was taken at different locations within the room. The lethal temperature needed to kill bed bugs is 115° F. FIG. 7 shows that the ceiling of the room gets very warm, but the floor is still below the lethal temperature, making it a place for bed bugs to hide and survive the treatment. Lethal temperatures may be achieved at the floor but large fans and substantially more electric power would be required which could be costly and not practical.

Example 2

Efficacy of High Temperatures on Bed Bug Adults and Eggs Over Time

Example 2 evaluated the temperature required to kill bed bug adults and eggs. The example evaluated three elevated temperatures (100° F., 115° F., and 130° F.) for mortality among bed bug adults and eggs when exposed to heat for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours. Ten adult bed bugs and ten eggs were evaluated for each time and temperature period. The eggs were observed at two weeks for hatch. The beg bug adults were evaluated immediately upon removal from the heated container. FIGS. 8A and 8B show the efficacy of high temperatures on bed bug adults and eggs over time. The figures show that that temperature alone is not enough to be effective, but that a combination of high temperatures and time is needed. FIGS. 8A and 8B show that maintaining 115° F. for four hours is effective against eggs and adults. FIGS. 8A and 8B also show that if the temperature is increased, the amount of time can be decreased as 130° F. was effective against eggs and adults in 30 minutes.

Example 3

Heat Trial Run on a Mattress

Example 3 determined the heat penetration into the interior of a mattress. For this example, thermocouples were placed at various locations inside of an enclosure and inside of a mattress. FIG. 9 shows that an internal air temperature inside of the enclosure of 123° F. is high enough to raise the temperature of the interior of the mattress to the required 115° F. The air around the exterior and the air in the interior of the article being treated must reach 115° F., otherwise, the interior spaces of the article, particularly with large articles like furniture and mattresses, can become a harborage for bed bugs.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the disclosed compositions and methods of use. Since many embodiments of the disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims.

Claims

1. A method of treating an article comprising: (A) placing an article inside of a flexible, enclosure, the enclosure comprising a floor, at least one wall, and a ceiling;(B) sealing the enclosure;(C) increasing the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure at a rate of from about 1 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until a temperature of at least about 115° F. is reached, wherein the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure is increased by blowing hot air from a heater, and wherein the heating is monitored by at least one thermocouple located inside the enclosure and electrically connected to the heater; and(D) maintaining a temperature of at least about 115° F. for a predetermined period of time,wherein the enclosure is constructed to be capable of treating furniture, a mattress, a box spring, or a combination thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising decreasing the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure at a rate of from about 1 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until the temperature reaches room temperature.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a mattress, a box spring, a piece of furniture, personal belongings and combinations thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a support structure.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of bars configured to be connected around the exterior of the inflated enclosure.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is made of an insulated material.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is made of a flame-retardant material.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the interior of the enclosure is a light-colored material.

9. A method of controlling the temperature inside of an enclosure as part of a method of treating an article, the method of controlling comprising: increasing the temperature inside a flexible and inflatable enclosure by using a heating system comprising (i) a heater;(ii) a blower configured to blow hot air from the heater;(iii) at least one thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and located inside of the inflated enclosure and measuring temperature Tactual; and(iv) a controller electrically connected to the heater and the thermocouple and programmed with a first mode that increases and decreases the temperature inside of the enclosure as quickly as possible and a second mode comprising a predetermined temperature ramp rate, a temperature set point (Tsetpoint), and a target temperature (Ttarget), the controller increasing the temperature inside of the enclosure by (a) increasing the Tsetpoint one degree every six minutes until Ttarget is reached;(b) comparing the Tactual to the Tsetpoint; and(c) turning the heater on or off in response to the difference between Tactual and Tsetpoint.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature inside the sealed enclosure is increased at a controlled rate of heating, and wherein the rate of heating is controlled by a controller coupled with the at least one thermocouple, the controller being programmed to maintain a predetermined ramp rate.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein the support structure is an external support structure.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is inflatable.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is collapsible.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises one or more windows positioned on the at least one wall.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one thermocouple is located in a cold spot.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a use state and a non-use state, and wherein the enclosure has a volume of at least 50 cubic feet when the enclosure is in the use state.

17. A method of treating an article comprising: (A) placing an article inside of an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: (i) a floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls defining an interior space having a volume from about 368 to about 800 cubic feet, wherein at least one wall comprises an opening mechanism comprising a zipped closure, a hook and loop closure, or both, allowing displacement of the wall to provide access to the interior space, wherein at least some of the floor, ceiling, and plurality of walls are constructed of a flexible material having an R-value from about 1 to about 4, and wherein the flexible material comprises a light colored surface facing the interior space;(ii) an external frame, wherein the external frame attaches to the enclosure at a plurality of attachment points; and(iii) at least one window positioned on at least one of the plurality of walls, and a hook and loop sealing system outside of the window;(B) closing the enclosure;(C) increasing a temperature of the interior space by blowing hot air from one or more heaters until the temperature is at least about 115° F.; and(D) maintaining the temperature of at least about 115° F. for a predetermined period of time,wherein the enclosure is constructed to be capable of treating furniture, a mattress, a box spring, or a combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of walls comprises four walls.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the external frame attaches to the floor, ceiling, and plurality of walls.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the external frame comprises a plurality of bars.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the flexible material comprises an insulated material.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the flexible material comprises a material selected from Norpac, Thinsulate, Thermal-Wrap, HeatShield, Nomex, Thermarest, Kevlar, insulated canvas, vinyl, polystyrene, space blanket, thermal cover, or other insulated material, and combinations thereof.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the floor comprises vinyl or canvas.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the R value of the flexible material is from about 1.4 to about 3.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the R value of the flexible material is about 2.

26. The method of claim 17, wherein displacement of the wall creates an opening that facilitates placing furniture, a mattress, a box spring, or a combination thereof inside the enclosure.

27. The method of claim 17, wherein the temperature is gradually increased.

28. The method of claim 17, wherein the temperature of the interior space is increased to about 120° F. or higher.

29. The method of claim 17, wherein the heater is configured to not exceed a maximum temperature.

30. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined period of time is from about 1 minutes to about 8 hours.

31. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined period of time is from about 1 hour to about 4 hours.

32. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined period of time is from about 2 hours to about 4 hours.

33. The method of claim 17, wherein the temperature is increased using more than one heating element.

34. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more heating elements have a current draw of less than 15 amp.

35. The method of claim 17, wherein the opening mechanism comprises a zipped closure and a hook and loop closure, and wherein the hook and loop closure can be used to seal over the zipped closure.

36. The method of claim 17, wherein the enclosure comprises a stand placed in the interior space for supporting the article to be treated.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the stand is made of metal.

38. The method of claim 17, wherein the article is selected from a mattress, a box spring, a piece of furniture, bedding, personal belongings and combinations thereof.

39. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing a plurality of articles inside the enclosure.

40. The method of claim 17, wherein articles are treated at a hotel, a house, an apartment or multi-family complex, a restaurant, an office building, a movie theater, a train, a bus, an airplane, a car, a truck, a retail store, a college dormitory, a doctor's office, a veterinary clinic, a hospital, or a nursing home.

41. The method of claim 17, wherein the article comprises a vehicle or manufacturing equipment.

42. A method of treating an article comprising: (A) placing an article inside of an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: (i) a floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls defining an interior space, wherein at least one wall comprises an opening mechanism allowing at least partial displacement of the wall to provide access to the interior space; and(ii) a frame capable of being attached to the enclosure at a plurality of attachment points,wherein the enclosure is collapsible;(B) closing the enclosure;(C) increasing a temperature of the interior space by blowing hot air from one or more heaters until the temperature is at least about 115° F.; and(D) maintaining a temperature of at least about 115° F. for a predetermined period of time,

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the opening mechanism comprises a zipped closure, a hook and loop closure, or both.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the flexible material has an R-value from about 0.5 to about 4.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein the temperature reaches 120 to 130° F. within one hour.