One-and two-way pet screen door kit

A one- and two-way pet screen door kit is provided for installation in an existing screen door or window screen to allow pets to pass through in one or both directions. The door is made up of a rectangular metal frame having a pair of magnetic latches located at the base of the door. The door is supported by a pair of symmetrically and horizontally disposed hinge members located near the top sides of the frame and strengthened at its center by a horizontal luminous crossbar. In the lower portion of the pet door, a pair of slide locks is positioned to lock each side to keep the pet either outside or inside. A pair of swivel locks are located on both sides of the door with locking ears on both inside and outside surfaces for one-way traffic. The magnetic latches maintain the pet door in a closed position when the pet is not using the door, and do not present a hindrance for the pet in using the door. Besides the factory made framed pet door, the installation kit contains a pair of side bars, a double-sided spline roller, a length of spline, a single edged razor blade, a fluorescent crossbar, fasteners, and instructions. An optional portable pet ramp is provided for elevated screen doors inaccessable by diminutive pets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to pet doors. More specifically, 
the invention is a pet door kit for installation of a durable and safe 
one- and two-way prefabricated screen door that can be installed in an 
existing screen door or window-screen by a do-it yourself owner to allow 
pets to pass through. The prefabricated door consists of a rectangular 
metal frame with a fiberglass screen having a pair of magnetic latches 
located near the base corners of the frame. The door can be structurally 
supported by an optional horizontal crossbar coated with a fluorescent 
tape. A pair of symmetrically and horizontally disposed hinge members 
located near the top sides of the frame enable swinging of the pet door. 
In the lower portion of the pet door, a pair of slide locks with finger 
pulls is positioned to lock each side to keep the pet either outside or 
inside. A pair of swivel locks are located on both sides of the door with 
locking ears on both inside and outside surfaces for monitoring one-way 
traffic. The magnetic latches maintain the two-way door in a closed 
position when the pet is not using the door, and do not present a 
hindrance for the pet to use the door. Besides the factory made framed pet 
door, the installation kit contains a double-bladed spline roller, a 
length of spline, a single edged razor blade, fasteners, the crossbar, and 
instructions. An optional pet ramp is provided for elevated screen doors 
for diminutive pets. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
The related art of interest describes various pet doors. However, there is 
a need for a pet door kit which provides the necessary tools to install 
the pet door in a screened window or door, and various locking 
alternatives, such as to prevent one-way or two-way use. The related art 
will be discussed in the order of perceived relevance to the present 
invention. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,007 issued on Oct. 11, 1977, to Raymond E. Griffth 
describes an animal access door kit for either a corner or central 
location adjacent the lower edge of a screen door. For a corner 
installation, a horizontal rail traversing the width of the screen door is 
attached. A short vertical rail is attached to the lower door rail and the 
horizontal rail to define the pet door which has its own square frame. The 
cut screen edges are tucked into flanged channels of the outer and inner 
frames and sealed with a resilient seal strip. A horizontal rod traversing 
the pet door stiles serves to permit swinging of the pet door. The pet 
door kit is distinguishable for its horizontal rail traversing the main 
door frame, a horizontal swing rod and the lack of closures. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,724 issued on Aug. 5, 1986, to Michael J. Borwick 
describes a plastic pet door for a screen door. The rectangular door frame 
and the outer fixed frame clamp onto the screening material with male and 
female members having a rectangular cross-section. In a second embodiment, 
the door frame has protruding hinge portions at the top region and 
embedded magnets in the bottom region. A first embodiment shows a 
conventional pivotal lever on the outside of the bottom door frame which 
locks with an offset arm on the outer fixed frame. The plastic pet door is 
distinguishable for the difference in anchoring the screening in two-piece 
frame members. 
U.K. Patent Application No. 2,101,182 A published on Jan. 12, 1983, for 
James K. Dunlop et al. describes a cat door with a two-part locking 
mechanism which permits in a first condition to move the door flap only 
inward. A second condition permits the door flap to move in either 
direction. A third condition permits the door flap to move only outward. A 
fourth condition prohibits movement of the door flap. Two interlocking 
tabs shaped either triangularly or elliptically are positioned on both 
sides of the lower rail of the outer pet door frame. The locking mechanism 
is distinguishable for its particular interlocking structure. U.S. Pat. 
No. 5,535,804 issued on Jul. 16, 1996, to Robert J. Guest describes a pet 
door kit made of two identical integral moldings of rectangular frame 
sides and door sides which are assembled onto a mesh screen panel by pins 
of one molding interfitting bores of the other molding before cutting the 
screen around the door except for the top portion. The frame moldings have 
two flexible webs acting as hinges on the top portion of the door. A 
sliding latch and enclosed magnets are provided at the bottom. The pet 
door kit is distinguishable for its non-metallic composition and two-piece 
molding construction. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,097 issued on Dec. 14, 1993, to George N. Davlantes 
describes a pet access door modular unit consisting of five rectangular 
frames, wherein the exterior frames can carry an access door. Two pairs of 
magnets are located on the lower portions of the pet access door. The 
modular unit is distinguishable for its multiple frames. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,554 issued on Mar. 19, 1974, to Frances H. Johnson 
describes a solid pet door structure wherein the door swings from a cane 
shaped hinge structure on the top portion of the frame. The pet door is 
distinguishable for its dissimilar hinge structure and its solid 
composition. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,407 issued on Nov. 6, 1984, to Robert J. Needham et al. 
describes a top-hinged swinging trapeziform door for a door, wall or 
window lined with either one or two pairs of coacting plastic magnet 
strips along the vertical sides or three sides around the door. The door 
is distinguishable by its unique configuration with plastic magnet strips. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,174 issued on Oct. 12, 1976, to Charles O. Bricker 
describes a pet door installed in a corner of a window or screen 
consisting of a screen frame member having a frame track in which a spline 
cord can hold the edge of a cut off screen portion together with first and 
second outer members which are coupled to the center screen frame member. 
One of the outer frame members having a hinged center portion for allowing 
passage. The pet door is distinguishable for having three rectangular 
mounting frames and a solid top-hung swinging door. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,573 issued on Jun. 15, 1982, to La Vona R. Hackman et 
al. describes a swinging pet access door kit for installation in a corner 
of a screen door. A pair of L-shaped frame members are secured on either 
side of the screen in a corner of the screen door. The enclosed screen 
portion is cut along the sides and bottom. A weight member is attached to 
the lower edge. The pet door is distinguishable for its unframed swinging 
door. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,813 issued on Dec. 30, 1997, to John M. Smith describes 
a solid vinyl or rubber pet door for a screen door or window by framing 
the pet door in a corner with a horizontal rail and a vertical stile 
connected to each other and to the main door or window corner by three 
brackets. The framing rail and stile have rectangular hollow 
cross-sections with a flange for accepting the spline to trap the screen 
edges. The pet door is distinguishable for its requirement of a flexible 
solid door and the lack of any closures. 
U.K. Patent Application No. 2,236,135 A published on Mar. 27, 1991, for 
Christopher P. Kirk describes an injection molded plastic cat door 
installed in a wall or solid door. The solid swinging pet: door is 
lockable by a locking unit in an extensive compartment: below the pet door 
comprising double discs having parallel straight edges on a spindle. The 
locking mechanism is distinguishable for its unique disc structure and 
placement in solid walls. 
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in 
combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a 
one-way or two-way pet screen door solving the aforementioned problems is 
desired. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A one- and two-way pet screen door kit is provided for a do-it-yourself 
installation in an existing screen door or window screen to allow pets to 
pass through in one or both directions. The door consists of a rectangular 
metal frame having a pair of magnetic latches located at the base of the 
door. The door is supported by a pair of symmetrically and horizontally 
disposed hinge members located near the top sides of the frame and 
strengthened at its center by an optional horizontal fluorescent: 
crossbar. In the lower portion of the pet door, a pair of slide locks is 
positioned to lock each side to keep the pet either outside or inside. A 
pair of swivel locks are located on both sides of the door with locking 
ears on both inside and outside surfaces for one-way traffic. The magnetic 
latches maintain the pet door in a closed position when the pet is not 
using the door, and do not present a hindrance for the pet in using the 
door. Besides the factory made framed pet door, the installation kit 
contains a spline roller with two roller discs, a length of spline, a 
single edged razor blade, fasteners, a roll of fluorescent tape, a 
crossbar, and instructions. An optional portable pet ramp is provided for 
screen doors elevated over steps for access by diminutive pets. 
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a pet 
door kit with one-way and two-way passage features. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a pet door kit for a 
screened door or window. 
It is a further object of the invention to provide a swinging pet door kit 
for a screened door or window including top pivot pins, slide closures, 
eared swivel closures, and magnet closures. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a pet door kit 
including a spline roller, a length of spline, a razor blade, a crossbar, 
a roll of fluorescent tape, and installation instructions. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pet door kit including 
a ramp. 
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and 
arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, 
dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily 
apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The present invention provides a pet door installation kit for 
do-it-yourself people having pets for permitting access in and out of the 
home through either a screened door or window. 
FIG. 1 illustrates a pet screen door 10 with screen 12 installed in a 
corner of an elevated two-part host screen door 14 having a host screen 
16. If the host door 14 is elevated in the house 18, a ramp 20 is 
provided. The door 14 can comprise a right door portion 22 and a left door 
portion 24 which can either open inward by handle 26 or slide open. 
FIG. 2 shows the pet screen door 10 with its attachment means to the host 
screen door 14, various closure devices available for directional passage 
through the pet screen door 10, and a corner breakaway portion. The pet 
screen door 10 is prefabricated to the customer's size preference, but a 
standard size of 12 in. wide and 18 in. in height is contemplated for cats 
and small dogs. The rectangular metal frame, preferably aluminum, consists 
of an outer frame 28 and an inner frame 30. The inner edges of frames 28 
and 30 have grooves 32 for insertion of the edges of the screens 16 and 
12, respectively. 
The outer frame 28 consists of a left stile 34, a right stile 36, a top 
rail 38, and a bottom rail 40 as viewed from outside the dwelling. 
Similarly, the inner frame 30 consists of a left stile 42, a right stile 
44, a top rail 46, and a bottom rail 48. The right door portion 22 of the 
host screen door 14 in FIG. 1 has a right stile 50 and a bottom rail 52 
providing a corner for the pet screen door 10. In order to secure the pet 
door 10 in the corner, a pair of flat side bars 82 with an adhesive 
backing are attached on the inside joining the pet door 10 to the host 
screen door 14. 
A fluorescent tape covered horizontal crossbar 54 on the pet screen door 10 
provides a target for the pet in darkness and strengthens the rigidity of 
the pet screen door 10 and its screen 12. 
FIG. 2 further shows the fasteners 56 such as aluminum pop rivets or screws 
for securing the corners of the outer and inner frames 28 and 30, 
respectively. However, for greater structural integrity of the corners, a 
right-angled metal piece 58 is inserted as depicted in the breakaway 
portion. A pair of pivotal pins 60 with shoulders or spacers 62 are 
provided proximate the top portions of the stiles 34, 36, 42, and 44 for 
free swinging of the inner frame 30 of the pet screen door 10. 
A fluorescent tape 64 covered crossbar 54 is fastened with fasteners 56 to 
the outside surfaces of the pet door stiles 42 and 44 of the inner frame 
30 of the pet door 10 at their midpoints. The pet now has the advantage of 
seeing the door at night, and the inner frame 18 of the pet door 10 is 
reinforced to resist damage to the fiberglass mesh screen 44. It is 
optional to secure the crossbar on either the inside or outside surface of 
the pet door 10, and, alternatively, to even add another crossbar 54 on an 
opposite side with its fluorescent tape. 
In order to maintain the pet screen door 10 from oscillating with breezes, 
a pair of bar magnets or magnetic latches 66 with adhesive backing are 
attached to opposite faces of the bottom rails 26 and 38 proximate each 
corner. 
For restricting the movement of the pet to either stay inside or outside, a 
pair of sliding lock means 68 is installed on either the inside or outside 
of the pet door 10 to penetrate both stiles of the outer and inner frames 
28 and 30, respectively, from the screen 12 side. The sliding lock 68 
consists of a metal strip with a curvilinear finger pull 70. The curved 
end portion is designed to curve towards the screen 12 in order to 
minimize any irritation to the pet using the pet door 10. 
For controlling pet passage through the pet door 10, a one-way and a 
two-way control system has been devised as further depicted in FIG. 2. A 
pair of swiveling lock means 70 having elliptically shaped ears 72 on each 
end of a secured pivot pin 74 is positioned above the sliding locks 68 on 
the stiles 42 and 44 of the inner frame 30. The lock means 70 can 
independently maintain a closed or open door condition. Therefore, if the 
pet owner decides to permit only a one-way exit condition, the owner will 
place the pair of outside ears 72 in a locking position. If the pet owner 
decides to permit only a one-way entrance condition, the owner will place 
the pair of inside ears 72 only in a locking position. 
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the roller device 76 supplied with the 
kit along with instructions, a single edged razor blade, a length of 
spline, one or two crossbars 54, and fluorescent tape covering the 
crossbar 54. The roller device 76 consists of Teflon roller discs 78 
having thin concave and convex edges, respectively, at the ends of the 
metal handle 80 for anchoring the cut edges of the host screen 16 and the 
spline into the outer frame 28 of the pet door 10. 
Thus, the homeowner can specify a certain size pet screen door which will 
be fabricated at the factory and with the kit materials mailed to the 
homeowner for installation. The installation process requires that the 
host screen 16 of the host screen door 12 at its lower corner be cut with 
the razor included in the kit, and the pet screen door 10 combined with 
the outer frame 16 of the pet screen door 10 by inserting the spline with 
the roller device 72. A bead of caulk can then be applied over the spline 
for proper sealing. Any excess screen material exposed can be trimmed with 
the razor. 
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the 
embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments 
within the scope of the following claims.