Abstract:
A pet door panel or module is configured to include a pocket window opening having an open side portion to permit a ventilation screen to be slid into the pocket on centrally located tracks to provide ventilation means, and to further permit dual panel storm window means to be slid into the pocket via tracks on either side of the centrally located track to enclose the screen between the window panes to prevent air from flowing through the window opening to protect from foul weather and insulate from cold outside temperatures.

Description:
RELATED PATENT, AND APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present invention is related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,141, entitled “Sliding Door Insert for Portable Pet Portal,” issued on Apr. 24, 2007. The present invention also takes priority from co-pending Provisional Application No. 61/204,872, filed on Jan. 12, 2009. The teachings of the related Patent, and co-pending Provisional Application, are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they do not conflict herewith. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to building access, and more particularly to a storm window and window screen for a window module. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    When a pet door panel is inserted in a sliding patio door the ability to utilize the screen door feature of the sliding patio door to ventilate the room to outside air is restricted since doing so would make the pet portal unusable as the screen door would block ingress and egress from and to the outside of the room. For example, the pet door panel, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,141, consists of three modules that are assembled to form the pet door panel for a sliding patio door. The bottom module contains the pet portal while the center and top modules are essentially solid filler pieces. 
         [0004]    The current state of the art pet door panels for sliding patio doors do not have any ventilation feature and must be removed from the sliding patio door in order to close the screen to ventilate the room while keeping insects out or sliding the screen door closed over the pet door panel preventing ingress and egress of a pet through the pet portal. An aftermarket filler strip is available that may permit the screen door to be closed to the edge of the pet door panel leaving the portal free for pet use. However, in this configuration the screen door cannot be locked to prevent passage of a person. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for a pet door panel adapted to permit ventilation to the outside air directly through the sliding door insert for portable pet portal while providing a double pane clear polymer storm window for protection in foul weather and/or insulation in cold weather. There is a further need for a pet door panel wherein the center and top modules have openings housing a ventilation screen and storm window. In this manner, the storm window can be removed allowing outside air to infiltrate into the interior of the room containing the patio door and pet door panel without the need to remove the pet door panel and close the sliding patio door screen. There is a further need for a pet door panel whereby the screens are an integral part of the pet door and as such permit ventilation with the pet door panel installed and the sliding patio door locked preventing the unwanted passage of a person. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates generally to a pet door panel adapted to permit ventilation to the outside air directly through the sliding door insert for portable pet portal while providing a double pane clear polymer storm window for protection in foul weather and/or insulation in cold weather. The pet door panel includes center and top modules having openings housing a ventilation screen and storm window. In this manner, the storm window can be removed allowing outside air to infiltrate into the interior of the room containing the patio door and pet door panel without the need to remove the pet door panel and close the sliding patio door screen. The pet door panel includes screens, which permit ventilation while the pet door panel is installed and the sliding patio door is locked, thereby preventing the unwanted passage of a person. 
         [0007]    The present invention is operatively associated with a modular component pet access door designed for use in sliding glass patio doors. The modular construction permits the apparatus to be packaged and stored in a portable compact container when in a disassembled state. The compact size of the disassembled unit minimizes storage space requirements while facilitating transportation opportunities by the retailer and consumer. Modular construction and the design of components permit the invention to be changed in the field to accommodate a variety of styles and sizes of sliding glass patio doors. The universal nature of the modular construction and component system enhances the portability of the apparatus and permits the pet access door to be adjusted in the field to accommodate a growing pet or a new pet. 
         [0008]    The present invention requires no tools to install nor does it require modification to any component of an existing sliding glass patio door. When assembled the modules and components create a sliding glass patio door pet access door panel. 
         [0009]    The present invention is designed for simple assembly in the field by the consumer. Once assembled the panel may be installed and removed as one piece. The leading edge of the panel is designed to fit into the moveable sliding door side of the patio doorframe to create a secure fit and effective weather seal. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application, wherein like items are identified by the same reference designations: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front or interior elevational view of the pet access door installed in a sliding glass patio door with the moveable sliding door in a closed position, providing partial access through the sliding glass door when the moveable sliding door is moved to an open position, for various embodiments of the invention absent a storm window. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a back or exterior elevational view of the pet access door of  FIG. 1  installed in a sliding glass patio door with the moveable sliding door in a closed position, providing partial access through the sliding glass door when the moveable sliding door is moved to an open position. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A-3C  show front elevational assembly views of the five primary modules and components comprising the pet access door panel of  FIG. 1 , and illustrate how the modules and components slide together to assemble the pet access door. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3D  is a perspective view illustrating the initiation of installation of the pet access door of  FIG. 1  into a sliding glass patio door. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3E  is a partial perspective and elevational view illustrating a step in the installation of the pet access door of  FIG. 1  into a sliding glass patio door. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3F  is an elevational view illustrating a step in the installation of the pet access door of  FIG. 1  into a sliding glass patio door. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  is a front elevational view of a center module of the pet access door panel of  FIG. 1  further including an opening, a ventilation screen, and a storm window in position for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B  is a top cross sectional view of the center module taken along  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4C  is a trailing edge view of the center module of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is an interior side elevational view of a center module half in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a top cross sectional view of the center module half taken along  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5C  is a bottom view of the center module half of  FIG. 5A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is an interior side elevational view of a left side center module half in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  is an interior side elevational view of a right side center module half in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6C  is a cross sectional view of the right side and left side center module halves of  FIGS. 6D and 6E  joined along the interior sides to form the center module in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6D  is a cross sectional view of the left side center half taken along  6 D- 6 D of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6E  is a cross sectional view of the right side center module half taken along  6 E- 6 E of  FIG. 6B  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  is a front elevational view of a ventilation screen of the center module for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  is a right side elevational view of the ventilation screen of  FIG. 7A  with the left side elevational view being substantially the same in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7C  is a cross sectional view of the ventilation screen along  7 C- 7 C of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7D  is a top plan view of the ventilation screen of  FIG. 7A  with the bottom plan view being substantially the same in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8A  is a front elevational view of a storm window of the center module for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8B  is a right side elevational view of the storm window of  FIG. 8A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8C  is a left side elevational view of the storm window of  FIG. 8A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8D  is a top plan view of the storm window of  FIG. 8A , the bottom plan view being substantially the same in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  9 C, in combination, show an exploded assembly view of the center module in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9D  is a cross sectional view of the storm window taken along  9 D- 9 D of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9E  is a cross sectional view of the ventilation screen taken along  9 E- 9 E of  FIG. 9B  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9F  is a cross sectional view of the joined module halves taken along lines  9 F- 9 F of  FIG. 9C  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10A  is a partially assembled view of the center module having the storm window partially inserted over the ventilation screen with the storm window and ventilation screen assembly partially mounted into the module in one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 10B  is a cross sectional view of the center module taken along  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A  in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a front or interior elevational view of the pet door panel shown in  FIG. 1 , but with the addition of a storm window and screen in each of the upper two modules. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3A  to  3 F, the preferred embodiment of the invention, pet door panel  25 , is installed between the sliding door frame  11 , and the leading side of frame  15  on movable sliding door  21 , to provide a means of ingress and egress for a pet. Drop lock security lock  6  is installed on the interior side of stationary sliding door  21 , between sliding door frame  11 , and the trailing side of frame  15  on movable sliding door  21 , to secure pet door panel  25  between sliding door frame  11  and the leading side of frame  15  on movable siding door  21 , to prevent movable sliding door  21  from being opened with pet door panel  25  installed. Sliding door frame  11  is typically secured to a building structure  23 , such as a home or office. For illustrative purposes all elevational views, except as noted, depict the sliding glass patio door in a right opening configuration. Therefore, when describing various elements of the invention reference made to right and left side views pertains to installation of the invention in a right opening sliding glass door configuration. However, since the invention may be installed in either a right or left opening sliding glass patio door configuration the term left or right is relative, therefore, the terms leading, trailing, interior and exterior are used in combination or in place of the terms right and left side and front and back views where referenced. 
         [0044]    The sliding door frame  11  has a lower track portion  29  and an upper track portion  27 . The lower track portion  29  slideably receives at least one sliding door member  21  therein. A complementary upper track portion  27  is typically positioned on the upper side of the siding glass door frame  11 , in alignment with the lower track portion  29 , enabling the sliding door member  21  to be slideably moved between open and closed positions within the sliding door frame  11 . 
         [0045]    The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a pet door panel  25  with pet portal  146 , drop lock security lock  6  with locking bracket  202 , and storage bracket  208 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , pet door panel  25  is an assembly consisting of five primary components; top module weather seal  1 , top module  2 , center module  3 , bottom module  4  with pet portal  146  and bottom module weather seal  5 . In this embodiment, the modules  2  and  3  are shown as being solid, without storm windows or screens, for the preferred embodiment to be described in detail below. Top module weather seal  1 , top module  2 , center module  3 , bottom module  4  with pet portal  146 , and bottom module weather seal  5  are slideably attached to one another for assembly, disassembly, or replacement, as shown in  FIG. 3B , via an interlocking tongue and groove system integral to each component. More particularly, interlocking groove  85 , located in the lowermost portion of top module weather seal  1 , is slideably attached to interlocking tongue  9  located on the uppermost portion of top module  2 , as indicated by directional arrow(s)  35  and/or  350 . Interlocking tongue  9 , located on the lowermost portion of top module  2 , is slideably attached to interlocking groove  22  located on the uppermost portion of center module  3 , as indicated by directional arrows  35  and/or  350 . Interlocking groove  22  located in the lowermost portion of center module  3  is slideably attached to interlocking tongue  19  located in the uppermost portion of bottom module  4  as indicated by directional arrows  35  and/or  350 . Interlocking tongue  19  located in the lowermost portion of bottom module  4  is slideably attached to interlocking groove  96  located in the uppermost portion of bottom module weather seal  5  as indicated by directional arrows  35  and/or  350 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3C  shows assembled pet door panel  25  with pet portal  146 . Top module weather seal  1  is attached to top module  2  at seam  37 , top module  2  is attached to center module  3  at seam  39 , center module  3  with pet portal  146  is attached to bottom module  4  at seam  41 , and bottom module  4  with pet portal  146  is attached to bottom module weather seal  5  at seam  43 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3D-3F  show installation of the assembled pet door panel  25  with pet portal  146  into an existing sliding glass door assembly. Although assembled pet door panel  25  may be assembled in place within sliding door frame  11 , the preferred method of assembly is accomplished on a flat surface such as a floor or table top. When assembled outside of sliding door frame  11 , the inventive assembled pet door panel  25  is brought to sliding door frame  11  as shown in  FIG. 3D .  FIG. 3E  shows movable sliding glass door  21  being pulled away from sliding door frame  11  to open movable sliding glass door  21  as indicated by directional arrow  45 , to permit pet door panel  25  to be installed. The top module weather seal  1  component located on the uppermost portion of assembled pet door panel  25  is lifted up into a recess of upper track portion  27  of sliding door frame  11 , as shown in by directional arrow  47 , and then rotated into alignment with the upper track portion  27  and a recess of lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11 . The top module weather seal  1  is constructed to allow a spring loaded flexible sleeve to compress in order to fit pet door panel  25  between upper track portion  27  and lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11 . When in alignment with upper track portion  27  and lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11 , the bottom module weather seal  5  component located on the lowermost portion of assembled pet door panel  25  is lowered into the recessed lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11 . As shown in  FIG. 3F , after assembled pet door panel  25  is in place in upper track portion  27  and lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11 , between the leading side of frame  15  on movable sliding glass door  21  and sliding door frame  11 , movable sliding glass door  21  is pulled closed against assembled pet door panel  25  as indicated by directional arrow  49 . In turn, assembled pet door panel  25  is pulled against sliding door frame  11  as indicated by directional arrow  51  restricting access through movable sliding glass door  21 , while providing egress and ingress for pets through pet portal  146 . Frame  15  of movable sliding glass door  21  abuts the trailing side of assembled door panel  25  within a channel formed by trailing side weather seal shims (not shown) in top module  2  and bottom module  4 , and weather seal shims (not shown) in center module  3 , that comprise assembled pet door panel  25 , with assembled pet door panel  25  installed and movable sliding glass door  21  in a closed position. When installed, the leading side of assembled pet door panel  25  abuts sliding door frame  11 . 
         [0048]    After installation of assembled pet door panel  25  as described above, drop lock security lock  6  is installed between the trailing side of frame  15  on movable sliding glass door  21  by drop lock security lock  6  handlebar  180  and sliding door frame  11 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Drop lock security lock  6  consists of an adjustable lower housing assembly that sits in lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11  between the trailing side of frame  15  on movable sliding door  21  and sliding door frame  11  with assembled pet door panel  25  installed. Drop lock security lock  6  is attached to the trailing side of frame  15  on movable sliding door  21  by handlebar  180 , and locking bracket  202  which is mounted on the trailing side of frame  15  of movable sliding door  21 . Drop lock security lock  6  can be installed in any sliding glass door between the trailing side of frame  15  on movable sliding glass door  21  and sliding door frame  11 , with or without assembled pet door panel  25  installed to prevent forced entry from the exterior or unintentional opening from the interior of the structure. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment of the invention, drop lock security lock  6  is the primary means of locking movable sliding glass door  21  with assembled pet door panel  25  installed. In order to open movable sliding glass door  21 , the handlebar  180  is rotated out of a locked position in locking bracket  202  and lifted to storage bracket  208  also located on the trailing side of frame  15  on movable sliding glass door  21 . In so doing, security lock  6  is lifted out of lower track portion  29  of sliding door frame  11  allowing movable sliding glass door  21  to be pulled opened for passage or installation or removal of assembled pet door panel  25 . 
         [0050]    Top module  2 , center module  3 , and bottom module  4  are designed to be of an injection molded or injection blow molded polymer construction with a rigid insulation core. This type of construction provides privacy while providing insulation quality superior to prior art. All three modules are designed to fit a variety of sliding glass patio door heights and door thicknesses through an adjustable top module weather seal  1  and left or trailing side and right or leading side weather seal shims  12  or  13 , and  8 , respectively. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C show details of front elevational, top cross sectional trailing edge, and trailing edge views, respectively, of the center module  3  with a window opening  78  having a circumferential channel  80  in which a ventilation screen  102  and storm window  104  are installed. The top module  2  ventilation screen storm window configuration is identical, other than possible dimensional differences, and the use of a top module weather seal  1 , as described above. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment of the invention all three modules  2 ,  3 , and  4  comprising the pet door panel  25  are of a two-piece construction consisting of two halves that are joined together to form a single module. This type of construction permits the formation of recesses  90 ,  92 ,  94 , and  96  on the interior sides of module halves  100  and  101 , respectively, for the top module  2  and center module  3 . These recesses  90 ,  92 ,  94 , and  96  form the ventilation screen  102  and storm window  104  channels within the module  3 , when the halves  100  and  101  are joined.  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C show a center module half  100  in three views, interior side elevational, top cross sectional, and bottom, respectively, the window opening  78 , ventilation screen recess  92 , and storm window recess  90 .  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 C,  6 D, and  6 E depict both center module  3  halves  100 ,  101  each shown in interior views ( FIGS. 6A ,  6 B), respectively, trailing edge cross sectional views ( FIGS. 6D ,  6 E), respectively, and as joined ( FIG. 6C ) showing ventilation screen and storm window channels formed by the recesses  92 ,  96 , and  90 ,  94 , respectively, with the halves  100 ,  101  being joined to complete the module  3 , in this example. 
         [0053]    The ventilation screen  102  is shown in  FIGS. 7A through 7D  in front elevational, left side, cross sectional side view taken along  7 C- 7 C, and a top plan view. Note that the screen  102  is encased in a polymer frame  108  with molded in or added soft rubber gaskets  109  on the outside and inside perimeters of the frame that are designed to seal the ventilation screen against the channel within the module formed by the recesses  92 ,  96  in the joined halves of the module  3 , and to seal against the interior of the double pane storm window  104  when inserted over the ventilation screen frame  108 . The rubber gasket  109  around the perimeter of the ventilation screen seals against the module halves  100 ,  101  to prevent air infiltration, while the inside perimeter gasket seals  110  against the inside of the double pane storm window to enhance the insulation quality of the storm window. 
         [0054]    In  FIGS. 8A through 8D , the storm window  104  is a “U” shaped clear tempered glass or clear polymer panel formed to create two panes  112 ,  113  with a closed end  114 , permitting storm window  104  to be inserted over the ventilation screen  102  and into the storm window channel in the module  3  formed by the recesses  92 ,  96  with the halves  100 ,  101  joined.  FIGS. 9A through 9C , in combination, show an exploded assembly view of the module  3  components, including storm window  104 , and ventilation screen  102 .  FIGS. 9D through 9F  show top cross sectional views of the module  3  components  102 ,  104  of  FIGS. 9A through 9C , respectively. The ventilation screen  102  is inserted into the module  3  by sliding the screen  102  into the channel created by recesses  92 ,  96  for that purpose in the trailing edge of the module  3 . The storm window  104  is then inserted by sliding it over the ventilation screen  102  and inside the channel created by recesses  90 ,  94  for that purpose in the module.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  further illustrate the process of inserting the ventilation screen  102  into the module  3 , followed by inserting the storm window  104  over the ventilation screen  102  and into the module  3 . 
         [0055]    In inclement or cold weather the double pane storm window  104  when installed, permits light to pass through but prevents outside cold air from infiltrating. When exposure to outside air is desired, the sliding patio door  21  is moved back away from the trailing edge of the pet door panel  25 . Next, the storm windows  104  in the top and center modules  2 ,  3 , respectively, of the pet door panel  25  are removed by pulling them back and sliding them out of the associated channels. The sliding patio door  21  is then closed against the trailing edge of the pet door panel  25 , and secured to prevent unwanted passage of people, animals, insects, etc.  FIG. 11  shows the pet door panel  25  of  FIG. 1 , but having screens  102  and storm windows  104  installed in each of the top and center modules  2 ,  3 , respectively. 
         [0056]    The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying claims, that various changes, modifications, and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.