Abstract:
The present pet door panel or module comprises an interior pocket flap assembly cassette opening and an external frame forming a security panel track permitting a flap assembly cassette and security panel to be slidably received or removed to facilitate changing the height of the portal opening in the pet door panel or module to accommodate various size pets in the field by the consumer without the need for tools. This methodology can be applied to existing pet door panels currently in the market with modifications to framing members in the lowermost portion of their one piece aluminum frame construction; thereby permitting the use of a universal module or frame with changeable flap assembly cassettes for different types and sizes of pets during manufacture or in the field by consumers. In this manner consumers need not purchase a new pet door when they change a pet, they need only purchase/replace the flap assembly cassette.

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. 61/214,783, filed on Apr. 28, 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 pet doors, and more particularly to pet doors facilitating changing the height of the portal opening to accommodate pets of various sizes, and securing the portal opening. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Current state-of-the-art one piece pet door panels either do not typically allow for adjustability of the associated pet portal or, if they do, require tools, disassembly and reassembly of the lowermost portion of the pet door panel by the consumer. Another method of changing the height of the pet portal is accomplished as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,141, wherein the pet door panel consists of three modules, the bottom module contains the pet portal and flap assembly while the center and top modules are essentially solid filler pieces. The height of the pet portal is accomplished by removing the screws that attach the portal frame and flap assembly to the lower module, removing the frames and flap assembly, inverting the bottom module to change the height of the rise of portal opening, reinserting and attaching the frames and flap assembly to the bottom module. 
         [0004]    Known current one piece pet door panels for sliding patio doors do not have a pet portal height adjustability feature, and require tools to disassemble and reassemble the lowermost portion thereof, which typically includes a frame designed to accommodate a separate security panel to be placed over the portal opening to prevent a pet from using the portal. Although, the pet door panel described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,141 incorporates the security panel as an integral part of the flap assembly, there remains a need for a tool and some disassembly and reassembly to remove and reinsert the frames and flap assembly when changing the height of the pet portal. This same level of disassembly and reassembly of the flap assembly and security panel frames is required when it is time for the consumer to replace a worn component such as the flap in the field. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for a pet door panel adapted to facilitate the easy removal of the flap assembly and the security panel frame when changing the height of the pet portal opening in the field. There is a further need to facilitate easy removal of the flap assembly and the security panel frame when the consumer attempts to service the pet portal flap assembly in the field. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates generally in one embodiment to a pet door panel or module adapted to facilitate changing of the height of the pet portal or servicing of the flap assembly without requiring tools and extensive disassembly and reassembly by the consumer in the field. The pet door panel includes a bottom module housing a flap assembly cassette and removable security panel. The flap assembly cassette consists of the pet portal flap, flap keeper, and a magnetic sealing bar attached to a cassette frame that is inserted through a slot in the trailing side of the bottom module. The bottom module includes tracks on opposing front and back faces for slidably receiving channels of the security panel to both secure the pet portal opening, and/or to prevent the pet from using the pet portal. The integral security panel track design in the bottom module eliminates the need for a separate frame to accommodate the security panel. 
         [0007]    The present invention is in another embodiment 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 does not require 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. 4  is a front elevational view of the bottom module of the pet door panel with the security panel inserted for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a trailing side view of the bottom module with the security panel and flap assembly cassette inserted; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the bottom module with the security panel partially removed exposing a portion of the flap assembly cassette; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of the security panel, bottom module and flap assembly cassette with the security panel completely removed from the bottom module in the low rise or small pet configuration; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a trailing side view of the bottom module and flap assembly cassette with the security panel removed in the low rise or small pet configuration; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the bottom module with the flap assembly cassette partially removed in the low rise or small pet configuration; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of the bottom module and the flap assembly cassette with the flap assembly cassette completely removed from the bottom module in the low rise or small pet configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11A  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of the bottom module in the low rise or small pet configuration with the flap assembly cassette and lower rubber weather seal removed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11B  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of the bottom module with directional arrows illustrating how the bottom module is inverted with the flap assembly cassette and lower rubber weather seal removed to change the height of the rise from a small pet setting to a large pet setting; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11C  is a front and exploded assembly elevational view of the bottom module in the high rise or large pet configuration with the flap assembly cassette and lower rubber weather seal removed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11D  is a bottom pictorial view of the bottom module of  FIG. 11A , the top plan view being identical thereto; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11E  is a pictorial view of the bottom module of  FIG. 11A  rotated slightly clockwise; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of the bottom module with the lower rubber weather seal attached in the high rise or large pet configuration and the flap assembly cassette prior to insertion; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the bottom module with the flap assembly cassette partially inserted in the high rise or large pet configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the bottom module with the flap assembly completely inserted and the assembled bottom module in the high rise or large pet configuration; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is an interior side elevational view of a bottom module half  101 A for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a trailing edge view of a bottom module half  101 A of  FIG. 15  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a trailing edge view of a bottom module with both halves as shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  19 , and  20  joined to form the bottom module in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are edge and front elevational views, respectively, of the rubber bottom module weather seal; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a trailing edge view of a bottom module half  101 B of  FIG. 20  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is an interior side or back elevational view of a bottom module half  101 B for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of a flap assembly cassette for an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view taken along C-C of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged cross sectional view of the uppermost portion of the flap assembly cassette  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged cross sectional view of the lowermost portion of the flap assembly cassette  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is an exploded assembly view of the flap assembly cassette; 
           [0043]      FIGS. 26A and 26B  are front elevational and right side views, respectively, of a flap keeper, the left side edge view being identical to the right side; 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is a front elevational view of a magnetic flap sealing bar; 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a right side edge view of the magnetic flap sealing bar of  FIG. 27 , the left side edge view being identical; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 29A and 29B  are front elevational and right side edge views, respectively, of an exploded assembly drawing of a magnetic flap sealing bar, the left side edge view being identical to the right; 
           [0047]      FIG. 30A  is a front elevational view of an exploded assembly view of the flap; 
           [0048]      FIG. 30B  is a right side edge view of the flap of  FIG. 30A , the left side edge view being identical; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 31A ,  31 B,  31 C, and  31 D are top, front elevational, trailing edge and leading edge views, respectively, of a security panel for one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 31E  is an enlarged view of the lowermost portion of the security panel  FIG. 31D ; and 
           [0051]      FIG. 32  is an enlarged cross sectional of the lowermost portion of the portal opening in the bottom module with the security panel installed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3A  to  3 F, for one 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. 
         [0053]    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 . 
         [0054]    The various embodiments of the invention include 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, but can be configured to include storm windows or screens. 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 . 
         [0055]      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 . 
         [0056]      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 . 
         [0057]    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. 
         [0058]    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 . 
         [0059]    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. Wherever possible each of the components described herein are molded in one piece. 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. 
         [0060]    A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 4 through 32 . In this preferred embodiment, as described in detail below, the bottom module  4  as shown and described above has been reconfigured and now referred to as bottom module  101 . As reconfigured, the bottom module  101  now includes a security panel  102  and flap assembly cassette  104 , which are shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , as installed in bottom module  101 . Further details are provided below. Note that the circular indentations  130  are for receiving mounting prongs of a ramp or platform (not shown), for avoiding a pet having to step up to pass through the pet portal. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment of the invention all three modules comprising the pet door panel are of a two-piece construction consisting of two halves that are joined together to form a single module. This type of construction permits for the forming of recesses on the interior sides of the module halves. These recesses form the security panel track  112  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and the flap assembly cassette channel  114  (see  FIG. 8 ) within the bottom module  101  when the halves are joined, as described in further detail below.  FIG. 6  shows the bottom module  101  with the security panel  102  partially removed by sliding back on tracks  112  formed in the bottom module  101  exposing a portion of the flap assembly cassette  104 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  show front elevational and trailing edge views, respectively, of the bottom module  101  with flap assembly cassette  104  in place within flap assembly channel  114  and security panel  102  completely removed. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  shows a front elevational view of bottom module  101  with flap assembly cassette  104  partially removed by sliding back out of flap assembly cassette channel  114  (see  FIG. 8 ), interior to bottom module  101 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 10  shows a front elevational and exploded assembly view of bottom module  101  in the small pet configuration where the security panel track  112  is an integral part of, frames three sides of the portal opening in bottom module  101 , and has one portion located close to the lowermost portion of bottom module  101 . The bottom rubber weather seal  103  is attached via mounting tongue  115  (see  FIG. 11A ) located at the top and bottom ends of bottom module  101 . The space between security panel track  112  and the bottom rubber weather seal  103  is known as the “portal rise,” which is the distance the pet must traverse to clear the portal opening  100  when passing through the portal. Also, the “portal height” is the distance from the uppermost portion of portal opening  100  to the floor. 
         [0064]      FIG. 11A  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of bottom module  101  showing bottom rubber weather seal  103  removed from mounting tongue  115 . This permits the bottom module  101  to be inverted to change the height of the rise and portal opening  100 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 11B  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of the bottom module  101  showing how it is rotated (see arrows  128 ) about a vertical axis to invert bottom module  101  with the bottom rubber weather seal  103  removed to change the height of the rise and portal opening  100 . Mounting tongues  115  are located on the top and bottom of module  101 , but in either of the vertical orientations only the bottommost tongue  115  receives weather seal  103 .  FIG. 11C  is a front elevational and exploded assembly view of bottom module  101  (in the large pet configuration) on which the security panel track  112  is an integral part, frames three sides of the portal opening, and is located most distant to the lowermost portion of bottom module  101 . The space between security panel track  112  and bottom rubber weather seal  103  is known as the “rise,” the distance the pet must traverse to clear the portal opening when passing through the portal  100 . The bottom rubber weather seal  103  is shown about to be reattached to mounting tongue  115  after having changed the height of the rise and portal opening  100 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 11D  shows a pictorial view of the bottom of bottom module  101 . The top view is identical. Top module  2  and center module  3  also have corresponding tapered cross sections for pet door panel  25  used with right-hand or left-hand closure sliding glass doors. In this manner, in a first horizontal orientation of modules  2 ,  3 , and  101 , the present portable pet port is configured for use with a right-hand closing sliding patio door. Alternatively, in a second horizontal orientation displaced 180° from the first horizontal orientation, the portable pet portal is configured for use with a left-hand closing sliding door. However, the present invention is not meant to be limited to tapered cross sections for modules  2 ,  3 , and  101 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 11E  is a pictorial view of the front face of bottom module  101  of  FIG. 11A  rotated slightly clockwise to more clearly show the flap cassette channel  114 , and security panel track  112 . Note that the back face (not shown) of bottom module  101  is a mirror image of the front face thereof. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  14 , respectively, show front elevational views of bottom module  101  in large pet orientation or configuration with flap assembly cassette  104  removed, then partially reinserted into flap assembly cassette channel  114  (not shown) interior to bottom module  101 , and finally fully inserted into bottom module  101 . As previously described, by rotating bottom module  101  through 180° a small pet configuration is obtained. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show interior side elevational and trailing edge views, respectively, of bottom module half  101  A. Flap assembly cassette recess  123 A forms one-half of flap assembly cassette channel  114  when bottom module halves  101 A and  101 B are joined (see  FIG. 17 ). Security panel track recess  112  frames three sides of the portal opening  100  to permit insertion and sealing of security panel  104  (not shown).  FIG. 17  is a trailing edge view of joined bottom module halves  101 A and  101 B forming bottom module  101 . When module halves  101 A and  101 B are joined to form bottom module  101 , flap assembly cassette recesses  123 A and  123 B form flap assembly cassette channel  114 , and mounting tongue halves  115 A and  115 B form mounting tongues  115 .  FIGS. 18A and 18B  show edge and front elevational views, respectively, of the bottom rubber weather seal  103 .  FIGS. 19 and 20  showing module half  101 B are mirror images of  FIGS. 15 and 16  showing module half  101 A. 
         [0070]      FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of flap assembly cassette  104  showing flap assembly cassette frame  105 , flap keeper  106 , magnetic seal bar  107 , and flap assembly  109 .  FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view of flap assembly cassette  104  taken along C-C of  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 23  is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the uppermost portion of  FIG. 22  showing how the flap mounting slot  118  (not shown) in flap assembly  109  fits over flap mounting lug  116  in flap assembly cassette frame  105 , and is held in place by flap keeper  106  that slides over and snaps onto flap assembly  109 , flap assembly cassette frame  105  and flap mounting lug  116 .  FIG. 24  is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the lowermost portion of  FIG. 22  showing how magnetic seal bar  107  fits over and snaps onto magnetic seal bar stops  117  an integral part of flap assembly cassette frame  105 . Magnet  108  in magnetic seal bar  107  is drawn to ferrous metal rods  111  in flap seal band  119  in the lowermost portion of flap assembly  109  to form a seal against air and water infiltration. 
         [0071]      FIG. 25  is a front elevational exploded assembly view of flap assembly cassette  104  showing flap mounting slots  118  in an uppermost portion of flap  110 , and a flap seal band  119  in the lowermost portion of flap  110  of flap assembly  109 . Also shown are flap mounting lugs  116  in a top rail  133 , and a magnetic seal bar stop  117  in a bottom rail  134  of flap assembly cassette frame  105 , flap keeper  106 , magnetic seal bar  107 , and opposing side rails  135 . Also shown is an opening or open area  132 , whereby flap  110  can rotate through this opening  132  and pet portal opening  100  to permit passage of a pet whenever the flap assembly cassette  104  is installed in bottom module  101  with security panel  102  removed. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 26A and 26B  show front elevational, and edge views of flap keeper  106 , respectively. Flap keeper locking tabs  125  snap over flap mounting lugs  116  in top rail  133  of flap assembly cassette frame  105 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 27 and 28  show front elevational, and edge views of magnetic seal bar  107 , respectively. Magnets  108  fit into a groove  127  in magnetic seal bar  107  and magnetic seal bar locking tabs  126  snap over magnetic seal bar stops  117  in bottom rail  134  of flap assembly cassette frame  105 . 
         [0074]      FIGS. 29A and 29  B show front elevational and edge exploded assembly views, respectively, of magnetic seal bar  107 , where magnets  108  fit into and are attached in groove  127  of magnetic seal bar  107 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 30A  is a font elevational exploded assembly view of flap assembly  109 , showing mounting slots  118  and insertion of ferrous metal rods  111  in a flap sealing band  119  in the lowermost portion of flap  110 .  FIG. 30B  is an edge view of flap assembly  109  showing a flap sealing band  119  with ferrous metal rods  111  inserted into flap  110 . 
         [0076]      FIGS. 31A ,  31 B,  31 C, and  31 D show top, front elevational, trailing edge and leading edge views, respectively, of security panel  102  with handle  122 , locking tab  121 , and channel  113  on three sides.  FIG. 31E  is an enlarged partial trailing edge view of security panel  102  showing channel  113  that slidably fits over the security panel track  112  (see  FIG. 32 ) framing three sides of the portal opening in bottom module  101 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 32  is an enlarged cross sectional view showing the fit of security panel track  112  in bottom module  101  to channel  113  in security panel  102 . 
         [0078]    Movement of the flap  110  will now be descried with reference to  FIGS. 21 through 24 . When flap  110  is pushed inward or outward by a pet, the magnetic attraction between magnet  108  and ferrous metal flap rod  111  is broken (see  FIG. 24 ) by such forceful movement of flap  110 . This causes the magnetic seal bar  107  to move downward on flap assembly cassette frame  105 . Flap  110  pivots back and forth upon passage of the pet, and quickly slows to a rest position causing magnet  108  to attract flap rod  111 . In turn, seal bar  107  then moves upward to create a weather seal with the bottom of flap seal band  119 , as previously mentioned. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference Designations For The Preferred 
               
               
                 Embodiments of The Invention: 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100 
                 Portal Opening; 
               
               
                 101 
                 Bottom Module (101A and 101B); 
               
               
                 102 
                 Security Panel; 
               
               
                 103 
                 Bottom Rubber Weather Seal; 
               
               
                 104 
                 Flap Assembly Cassette; 
               
               
                 105 
                 Flap Assembly Cassette Frame; 
               
               
                 106 
                 Flap Keeper; 
               
               
                 107 
                 Magnetic Seal Bar; 
               
               
                 108 
                 Magnet; 
               
               
                 109 
                 Flap Assembly; 
               
               
                 110 
                 Flap; 
               
               
                 111 
                 Ferrous Metal Flap Rods; 
               
               
                 112 
                 Security Panel Track; 
               
               
                 113 
                 Security Panel Channel; 
               
               
                 114 
                 Flap Assembly Cassette Channel; 
               
               
                 115 
                 Mounting Tongue (115A and 115B); 
               
               
                 116 
                 Flap Mounting Lug; 
               
               
                 117 
                 Magnetic Seal Bar Stop; 
               
               
                 118 
                 Flap Mounting Slot; 
               
               
                 119 
                 Flap Seal Band; 
               
               
                 120 
                 Security Panel Lock Slot; 
               
               
                 121 
                 Security Panel Lock Tab; 
               
               
                 122 
                 Security Panel Handle; 
               
               
                 123 
                 Flap Assembly Channel Recess (123A and 123B); 
               
               
                 124 
                 Bottom Rubber Weather Seal Mounting Groove; 
               
               
                 125 
                 Flap Keeper Locking Tabs; 
               
               
                 126 
                 Magnetic Seal Bar Locking Tabs; 
               
               
                 127 
                 Magnetic Seal Bar Magnet Groove; 
               
               
                 132 
                 Opening; 
               
               
                 133 
                 Top Rail; 
               
               
                 134 
                 Bottom Rail: 
               
               
                 135 
                 Opposing Side Rails. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0079]    Although many embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described they are not meant to be limiting. Those of skill in the art may recognize certain modifications to these embodiments, which modifications are meant to be covered by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the bottom module  101  can be reconfigured for permitting its installation into a standard exterior door for providing a pet portal thereon.