Abstract:
A composite door construction for exterior doors having one or more transparent panels is described. The doors include top and bottom rails and first and second side stiles. Each component includes an exterior cap of weather-resistant material. The caps are formed with a C-shaped cross-section yielding an interior cavity and include a supporting ledge extending from the innermost portion of the cap. An interior trim portion is shaped to fit into the C-shaped cross-section and an interior cavity. In doors having multiple transparent panels, one or more muntin bars support the inner edges of the panels. The muntin bars include an exterior cap with supporting ledges of weather-resistant material, an interior trim portion attached to a central groove in the exterior cap, and have drainage and sealant grooves. The outer portions and surfaces of the side stiles meet at an angle over ninety degrees to reduce binding between mating doors.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to door construction. More particularly, the invention relates to the construction of doors for exterior use that include transparent panels, rugged exterior surfaces while providing for use of decorative interior surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various techniques have been developed for constructing doors that include transparent panels. The best of these techniques secure individual glass panels into a door construction rather than using a series of decorative strips to partition a single large glass panel. These techniques provide a more attractive appearance known as “true divided light”, eliminating unsightly shadows resulting from the use of the decorative strips. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,207 issued to Finley is directed to a foamed thermoplastic polymer and wood fiber material that can be extruded into profile members that can be used in a window or door assembly that can be easily installed, adjusted, shimmed, and trimmed using conventional fasteners and techniques. The profile components can be used in applications where wooden components have been used, such as trim, posts, beams, shaped structural members, or for the construction of fenestration units. These foamed units can be used as a replacement for stone, glass, and metal members, as well as wood. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,644 issued to Scott et al., discloses a plastic clad window having a wooden frame that faces the interior of a building. A wooden frame element is pre-assembled and then mounted in an already fabricated plastic shell using mastic and a series of staples or other fasteners to attach the shell to the jamb parts. Sash members are constructed in a fashion similar to the frame. The rearward portion of the frame is exposed toward the space inside the building and can be finished and trimmed in any suitable manner. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,388, issued to Sherwood is directed to a simplified window assembly using an outside and inside frame molded of a plastic polymer such as high-density polyurethane foam. Window installation has a window assembly formed of a pair of frames holding a pane. The frames, injection molded or cast molded, may be constructed of plastic polymers such as high-density polyurethane foam. Several inserts that can be made from wood are used to strengthen the frames. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,582 issued to Ellingson discloses a doorjamb assembly comprising a brick mold plastic extrusion fastened to a board jamb member. The door jamb/brick mold assembly comprises a jamb member, a flat wooden board adhesively secured to a unitary brick mold and stop member. The co-extrusion that forms the jamb member is substantially solid with the interior portion extruded of a relatively less dense blown thermoplastic material with an exterior skin formed of a relatively more dense non-blown thermoplastic material. The jamb member is formed defining a rabbit shaped and sized to receive the outside edge of the jamb member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,951 issued to Thorn et al. is directed to a frame assembly for doors, windows and the like that include multiple smaller panes of glass separated by individual interior frames. A window frame consists of a pair of outer skins and a spacer. The skins are molded from such materials as fiberglass reinforced plastics, pressed board, vinyl esters, polystyrenes, or other moldable materials. Skins have an edge that defines an opening for the glass panel and are adapted to embrace an insert that is positioned between them. The insert can be wood, wood fiber, thermoplastics, and glass fiber reinforced thermosets. After assembly, the cavity between the skins is filled with a foamed insulating material. Multiple smaller panes of glass separated by individual interior frames may be used instead of one large pane of glass. 
     While other variations exist, the above-described designs for door and window construction are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide door constructions that include a rugged, weather resistant outer surface while allowing for a variety of decorative interior treatments. It is a further objective to provide door constructions for doors with multiple transparent panels that incorporate “true divided light” treatment for the panels. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide the above-described features in an inexpensive and readily reproducible format adapted to a variety of standard size door openings. It is yet a further objective to provide door constructions that allow for the use of less expensive “fill materials” without sacrificing strength or exterior appearance. 
     While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses many of the deficiencies of prior art composite door constructions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
     A composite door construction providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A transparent panel is provided. The panel has an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and first and second side edges. A bottom rail is provided. The bottom rail includes a first exterior cap, the first cap is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface, an inner surface, a first predetermined length, a first predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section forms an interior cavity. The top and bottom portions have a first predetermined thickness. 
     The top portion has a first ledge extending from it. The first ledge is sized and shaped to receive the lower edge of the transparent panel. A first interior trim portion is provided. The first trim portion has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined length, the first predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top edge, a bottom edge and a rectangular cross-section. 
     The first trim portion includes upper and lower receiving notches in the top and bottom edges, respectively. The receiving notches are located adjacent the outer surface of the first trim portion and having a depth equal to the first predetermined thickness. The first interior trim portion is attached to the first exterior cap with the top and bottom portions located within the upper and lower receiving notches and the inner surface of the first trim portion located adjacent the inner surface of the first exterior cap. A top rail is provided. The top rail includes a second exterior cap. 
     The second cap is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined length, a second predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section forms an interior cavity. The top and bottom portions have the first predetermined thickness. The bottom portion has a second ledge extending from it. The second ledge is sized and shaped to receive the upper edge of the transparent panel. A second interior trim portion is provided. The second trim portion has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined length, the second predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top edge, a bottom edge and a rectangular cross-section. 
     The second trim portion includes upper and lower receiving notches in the top and bottom edges, respectively. The receiving notches are located adjacent the outer surface of the second trim portion and having a depth equal to the first predetermined thickness. The second interior trim portion is attached to the second exterior cap with the top and bottom portions located within the upper and lower receiving notches and the inner surface of the second trim portion located adjacent the inner surface of the second exterior cap. 
     First and second side stiles are provided. The first and second side stiles include third and fourth exterior caps. Each of the third and fourth caps are formed of weather-resistant material and have an outer surface, an inner surface, a second predetermined length, the second predetermined height, an upper end, a lower end, an inner portion, an outer portion, and a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section forms an interior cavity. The inner and outer portions have the first predetermined thickness. The inner portions have third and fourth ledges extending from them. The third and fourth ledges are sized and shaped to receive the first and second side edges of the transparent panel. 
     Third and fourth interior trim portions are provided. The third and fourth trim portions have an outer surface, an inner surface, the second predetermined length, the second predetermined height, a first end, a second end, an inner edge, an outer edge and a rectangular cross-section. The third and fourth trim portions include inner and outer receiving notches in the inner and outer edges, respectively. The receiving notches are located adjacent the outer surface of the third and fourth trim portion and having a depth equal to the first predetermined thickness. The third and fourth interior trim portions are attached to the third and fourth exterior caps with the inner and outer portions located within the inner and outer receiving notches. The inner surface of the third and fourth trim portions are located adjacent the inner surface of the third and fourth exterior caps. 
     The bottom rail is attached between the first and second side stiles adjacent their lower ends. The top rail is attached between the first and second side stiles adjacent their upper ends. The transparent panel is located on the first, second, third and forth ledges. Upper and lower panel retention strips are provided. The upper and lower strips are attached to the top and bottom rails, extend from the first side stile to the second side stile and serve to secure the upper and lower edges of the transparent panel. First side and second side panel retention strips are provided. The first side and second side strips are attached to the first side and second side stiles, extend from the top rail to the bottom rail and serve to secure the first and second side edges of the transparent panel. 
     When the top and bottom rails are attached between the first and second side stiles at their upper and lower ends, the transparent panel is located on the first, second, third and forth ledges and secured in place with the upper and lower panel retention strips and the first side and second side panel retention strips, a door having a transparent panel will be formed. 
     In a variant of the invention, at least two transparent panels are provided. Each of the panels has an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and first and second side edges. A bottom rail is provided. The bottom rail includes a first exterior cap. The first cap is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface, an inner surface, a first predetermined length, a first predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section forms an interior cavity. The top and bottom portions have a first predetermined thickness. The top portion has a first ledge extending from it. The first ledge is sized and shaped to receive the lower edge of the transparent panel. A first interior trim portion is provided. The first trim portion has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined length, the first predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top edge, a bottom edge and a rectangular cross-section. 
     The first trim portion includes upper and lower receiving notches in the top and bottom edges, respectively. The receiving notches are located adjacent the outer surface of the first trim portion and having a depth equal to the first predetermined thickness. The first interior trim portion is attached to the first exterior cap with the top and bottom portions located within the upper and lower receiving notches and the inner surface of the first trim portion located adjacent the inner surface of the first exterior cap. A top rail is provided. The top rail includes a second exterior cap. The second cap is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined length, a second predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section forms an interior cavity. 
     The top and bottom portions have the first predetermined thickness. The bottom portion has a second ledge extending from it. The second ledge is sized and shaped to receive the upper edge of the transparent panel. A second interior trim portion is provided. The second trim portion has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined length, the second predetermined height, a first end, a second end, a top edge, a bottom edge and a rectangular cross-section. The second trim portion includes upper and lower receiving notches in the top and bottom edges, respectively. The receiving notches are located adjacent the outer surface of the second trim portion and having a depth equal to the first predetermined thickness. The second interior trim portion is attached to the second exterior cap with the top and bottom portions located within the upper and lower receiving notches and the inner surface of the second trim portion located adjacent the inner surface of the second exterior cap. 
     First and second side stiles are provided. The first and second side stiles include third and fourth exterior caps. Each of the third and fourth caps are formed of weather-resistant material and have an outer surface, an inner surface, a second predetermined length, the second predetermined height, an upper end, a lower end, an inner portion, an outer portion, and a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped cross-section forms an interior cavity, the inner and outer portions have the first predetermined thickness. The inner portions have third and fourth ledges extending from them. The third and fourth ledges are sized and shaped to receive the first and second side edges of the transparent panel. 
     Third and fourth interior trim portions are provided. The third and fourth trim portions have an outer surface, an inner surface, the second predetermined length, the second predetermined height, a first end, a second end, an inner edge, an outer edge and a rectangular cross-section. The third and fourth trim portions include inner and outer receiving notches in the inner and outer edges, respectively. The receiving notches are located adjacent the outer surface of the third and fourth trim portion and have a depth equal to the first predetermined thickness. The third and fourth interior trim portions are attached to the third and fourth exterior caps with the inner and outer portions located within the inner and outer receiving notches. The inner surfaces of the third and fourth trim portions are located adjacent the inner surface of the third and fourth exterior caps. 
     The bottom rail is attached between the first and second side stiles adjacent their lower ends. The top rail is attached between the first and second side stiles adjacent their upper ends. At least one muntin bar is provided. The muntin bar includes a fifth exterior cap. The fifth cap is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end, a first portion, a second portion, a central portion, and a T-shaped cross-section. The central portion of the fifth cap has a first predetermined width and a longitudinal groove. Each of the first and second portions has a supporting ledge extending from it. The supporting ledge is sized and shaped to receive an edge of one of the transparent panels. 
     A muntin bar interior trim portion is provided. The muntin bar trim portion has an outer surface, an inner surface, the first predetermined width, a first end, a second end and a rectangular cross-section. The muntin bar trim portion has a longitudinal tongue extending outwardly from its inner surface. The tongue is sized shaped and located to frictionally engage the groove in the central portion of the fifth exterior cap. The muntin bar trim portion is attached to the central portion of the fifth exterior cap with the inner surface of the fifth cap abutting the inner surface of the muntin bar trim portion with the groove engaging the tongue. The muntin bar extends from either the top rail to the bottom rail or the first side stile to the second side stile. Each of the transparent panels is located upon either of the first, second, third and forth ledges and one of the supporting ledges of the fifth exterior cap of the muntin bar. 
     Upper and lower panel retention strips are provided. The upper and lower strips are attached to the top and bottom rails, and serve to secure the upper and lower edges of the transparent panels. First side and second side panel retention strips are provided. The first side and second side strips are attached to the first side and second side stiles, and serve to secure the first and second side edges of the transparent panels. Muntin bar panel retention strips are provided. The muntin bar panel retention strips are attached to the muntin bar interior trim portion and serve to secure the first and second side edges and the upper and lower edges of the transparent panels. 
     When the top and bottom rails are attached between the first and second side stiles at their upper and lower ends, the transparent panels are located on the first, second, third, forth and supporting ledges and secured in place with the upper and lower panel retention strips, the first side and second side panel retention strips, and the muntin bar panel retention strips, a door having at least two transparent panel will be formed. 
     In another variant, the first, second, third and fourth interior trim portions further include a decorative inner panel. The decorative inner panel has an inside surface and an outside surface and extends from the outer surface of the trim portions toward the inner surface of the trim portions for a first predetermined distance. A filler portion is provided. The filler portion extends from the inside surface of the decorative inner panel to the inner surface of the trim portions. The decorative inner panel is fixedly attached to the filler portion. The filler portion may be fabricated from less expensive materials, thereby reducing the cost of the door. 
     In still another variant, the first, second, third and fourth exterior caps further include a first drainage groove. The first drainage groove is located at an intersection of either of the top portion, bottom portion and inner portion of the exterior caps and the first, second, third and fourth ledges. The first drainage groove extends from the first end to the second end and from the upper end to the lower end of the exterior caps. 
     In yet another variant of the invention, the fifth exterior cap of the muntin bar further includes a second drainage groove. The second drainage groove is located at an intersection of either of the first and second portions of the fifth exterior cap and the supporting ledges. The second drainage groove extends from the first end to the second end of the fifth exterior cap of the muntin bar. 
     In a further variant, the first, second, third and fourth exterior caps further include a first sealant groove. The first sealant groove is located on each of the first, second, third and fourth ledges. The first sealant groove is spaced from an intersection of either of the top portion, bottom portion and inner portion of the exterior caps and the first, second, third and fourth ledges. The first sealant groove extends from the first end to the second end and from the upper end to the lower end of the exterior caps. 
     In still a further variant, the fifth exterior cap of the muntin bar further includes a second sealant groove. The second sealant groove is located on each of the supporting ledges and spaced from an intersection of either of the first and second portions of the fifth exterior cap and the supporting ledges. The second sealant groove extends from the first end to the second end of the fifth exterior cap of the muntin bar. 
     In another variant of the invention, the bottom rail further includes a first drip stop groove. The first drip stop groove is located on the bottom portion of the first exterior cap and is spaced inwardly from and parallel to the outer surface and extends from the first end to the second end of the first exterior cap. When the door construction is located adjacent a ground surface, the first drip stop groove will serve to prevent water from running underneath the bottom portion of the bottom rail. 
     In yet another variant, at least one of the first and second sides stiles further includes a second drip stop groove. The second drip stop groove is located on the outer portion of at least one of the third and fourth exterior caps and is spaced inwardly from and parallel to the outer surface. The second drip stop groove extends from the upper end to the lower end of at least one of the third and fourth exterior caps. When the door construction is located adjacent a second door construction, the second drip stop groove will serve to prevent water from entering past the side stiles. 
     In a final variant of the invention, the outer portion of either of the first and second side stiles meets the outer surface the side stiles at an angle of slightly greater than ninety degrees, thereby reducing binding when two such door constructions are abutted together at the outer portions. 
     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating multiple transparent panels, top and bottom rails, first and second side stiles and muntin bars; 
     FIG. 1B is a front view of a second embodiment of the invention illustrating a single transparent panel, top and bottom rails and first and second side stiles; 
     FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the top rail of the FIG. 1A embodiment taken along the line  2 A— 2 A; 
     FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a muntin bar of the FIG. 1A embodiment taken along the line  2 B— 2 B; 
     FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the bottom rail of the FIG. 1A embodiment taken along the line  2 C— 2 C; 
     FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the first side stile of the FIG. 1B embodiment taken along the line  3 A— 3 A; 
     FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the first side stile of the FIG. 1B embodiment taken along the line  3 B— 3 B; and 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective detailed view of the top rail, illustrating the second exterior cap, filler portion, interior trim and securing trim. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1A-4 illustrate a composite door construction  10  providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a transparent panel  14  is provided. The panel  14  has an inner surface  18 , an outer surface  22 , an upper edge  26 , a lower edge  30  and first  34  and second  38  side edges. A bottom rail  42  is provided. The bottom rail  42 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 2C, includes a first exterior cap  46 , the first cap  46  is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface  50 , an inner surface  54 , a first predetermined length  58 , a first predetermined height  62 , a first end (not shown), a second end (not shown), a top portion  74 , a bottom portion  78 , and a C-shaped cross-section  82 . The C-shaped cross-section  82  forms an interior cavity  86 . The top  74  and bottom  78  portions have a first predetermined thickness  90 . 
     The top portion  74  has a first ledge  94  extending from it. The first ledge  94  is sized and shaped to receive the lower edge  30  of the transparent panel  14 . A first interior trim portion  98  is provided. The first trim portion  98  has an outer surface  102 , an inner surface  106 , the first predetermined length  58 , the first predetermined height  62 , a first end  110 , a second end  114 , a top edge  118 , a bottom edge  122  and a rectangular cross-section  126 . 
     The first trim portion  98  includes upper  130  and lower  134  receiving notches in the top  118  and bottom  122  edges, respectively. The receiving notches  130 ,  134  are located adjacent the outer surface  102  of the first trim portion  98  and have a depth  138  equal to the first predetermined thickness  90 . The first interior trim portion  98  is attached to the first exterior cap  46  with the top  74  and bottom  78  portions located within the upper  130  and lower  134  receiving notches and the inner surface  106  of the first trim portion  98  located adjacent the inner surface  54  of the first exterior cap  46 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1B,  2 A and  4 , a top rail  142  is provided. The top rail  142  includes a second exterior cap  146 . The second cap  146  is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface  150 , an inner surface  154 , the first predetermined length  58 , a second predetermined height  158 , a first end  162 , a second end (not shown), a top portion  170 , a bottom portion  174 , and a C-shaped cross-section  178 . The C-shaped cross-section  178  forms an interior cavity  180 . The top  170  and bottom  174  portions have the first predetermined thickness  90 . The bottom portion  174  has a second ledge  178  extending from it. The second ledge  178  is sized and shaped to receive the upper edge  26  of the transparent panel  14 . A second interior trim portion  182  is provided. The second trim portion  182  has an outer surface  186 , an inner surface  190 , the first predetermined length  58 , the second predetermined height  158 , a first end  194 , a second end  198 , a top edge  202 , a bottom edge  206  and a rectangular cross-section  210 . 
     The second trim portion  182  includes upper  214  and lower  218  receiving notches in the top  202  and bottom  206  edges, respectively. The receiving notches  214 ,  218  are located adjacent the outer surface  186  of the second trim portion  182  and have a depth  138  equal to the first predetermined thickness  90 . The second interior trim portion  182  is attached to the second exterior cap  146  with the top  170  and bottom  174  portions located within the upper  214  and lower  218  receiving notches and the inner surface  190  of the second trim portion  182  located adjacent the inner surface  154  of the second exterior cap  146 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1B,  3 A,  3 B and  4 , first  222  and second  226  side stiles are provided. The first  222  and second  226  side stiles include third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps. Each of the third  230  and fourth  234  caps are formed of weather-resistant material and have an outer surface  238 , an inner surface  242 , a second predetermined length  246 , the second predetermined height  158 , an upper end  250 , a lower end (not shown), an inner portion  258 , an outer portion  262 , and a C-shaped cross-section  266 . The C-shaped cross-section  266  forms an interior cavity  270 . The inner  258  and outer  262  portions have the first predetermined thickness  90 .. The inner portions  258  have third  274  and fourth  278  ledges extending from them. The third  274  and fourth  278  ledges are sized arid shaped to receive the first  34  and second  38  side edges of the transparent panel  14 . 
     Third  282  and fourth  286  interior trim portions are provided. The third  282  and fourth  286  trim portions have an outer surface  290 , an inner surface  294 , the second predetermined length  246 , the second predetermined height  158 , a first end  298 , a second end  302 , an inner edge  306 , an outer edge  310  and a rectangular cross-section  314 . The third  282  and fourth  286  trim portions include inner  318  and outer  322  receiving notches in the inner  306  and outer  310  edges, respectively. The receiving notches  318 ,  322  are located adjacent the outer surface  290  of the third  282  and fourth  286  trim portion and have a depth  138  equal to the first predetermined thickness  90 . The third  282  and fourth  286  interior trim portions are attached to the third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps with the inner  258  and outer  262  portions located within the inner  318  and outer  322  receiving notches. The inner surfaces  294  of the third  282  and fourth  286  trim portions are located adjacent the inner surfaces  294  of the third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps. 
     The bottom rail  42  is attached between the first  222  and second  226  side stiles adjacent their lower ends. The top rail  142  is attached between the first  222  and second  226  side stiles adjacent their upper ends  250 . The transparent panel  14  is located on the first  94 , second  178 , third  274  and forth  278  ledges. Upper  326  and lower  330  panel retention strips are provided. The upper  326  and lower  330  strips are attached to the top  142  and bottom rails  42 , extend from the first side stile  222  to the second side stile  226  and serve to secure the upper  26  and lower  30  edges of the transparent panel  14 . First side  334  and second  338  side panel retention strips are provided. The first side  334  and second side  338  strips are attached to the first side  222  and second side  226  stiles, extend from the top rail  142  to the bottom rail  42  and serve to secure the first  34  and second  38  side edges of the transparent panel  14 . 
     When the top  142  and bottom  42  rails are attached between the first  222  and second  226  side stiles at their upper  250  and lower ends, the transparent panel  14  is located on the first  94 , second  178 , third  274  and forth  278  ledges and secured in place with the upper  326  and lower  330  panel retention strips and the first side  334  and second side  338  panel retention strips, a door  342  having a transparent panel  14  will be formed. 
     In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, at least two transparent panels  14  are provided. Each of the panels  14  has an inner surface  18 , an outer surface  22 , an upper edge  26 , a lower edge  30  and first  34  and second  38  side edges. A bottom rail  42  is provided. The bottom rail  42 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2C, includes a first exterior cap  46 , the first cap  46  is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface  50 , an inner surface  54 , a first predetermined length  58 , a first predetermined height  62 , a first end (not shown), a second end (not shown), a top portion  74 , a bottom portion  78 , and a C-shaped cross-section  82 . The C-shaped cross-section  82  forms an interior cavity  86 . The top  74  and bottom  78  portions have a first predetermined thickness  90 . 
     The top portion  74  has a first ledge  94  extending from it. The first ledge  94  is sized and shaped to receive the lower edge  30  of the transparent panel  14 . A first interior trim portion  98  is provided. The first trim portion  98  has an outer surface  102 , an inner surface  106 , the first predetermined length  58 , the first predetermined height  62 , a first end  110 , a second end  114 , a top edge  118 , a bottom edge  122  and a rectangular cross-section  126 . 
     The first trim portion  98  includes upper  130  and lower  134  receiving notches in the top  118  and bottom  122  edges, respectively. The receiving notches  130 ,  134  are located adjacent the outer surface  102  of the first trim portion  98  and have a depth  138  equal to the first predetermined thickness  90 . The first interior trim portion  98  is attached to the first exterior cap  46  with the top  74  and bottom  78  portions located within the upper  130  and lower  134  receiving notches and the inner surface  106  of the first trim portion  98  located adjacent the inner surface  54  of the first exterior cap  46 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A, a top rail  142  is provided. The top rail  142  includes a second exterior cap  146 . The second cap  146  is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface  150 , an inner surface  154 , the first predetermined length  58 , a second predetermined height  158 , a first end  162 , a second end  166 , a top portion  170 , a bottom portion  174 , and a C-shaped cross-section  178 . The C-shaped cross-section  178  forms an interior cavity  182 . The top  170  and bottom  174  portions have the first predetermined thickness  90 . The bottom portion  174  has a second ledge  178  extending from it. The second ledge  178  is sized and shaped to receive the upper edge  26  of the transparent panel  14 . A second interior trim portion  182  is provided. The second trim portion  182  has an outer surface  186 , an inner surface  190 , the first predetermined length  62 , the second predetermined height  158 , a first end  194 , a second end  198 , a top edge  202 , a bottom edge  206  and a rectangular cross-section  210 . 
     The second trim portion  182  includes upper  214  and lower  218  receiving notches in the top  202  and bottom  206  edges, respectively. The receiving notches  214 ,  218  are located adjacent the outer surface  186  of the second trim portion  182  and have a depth  138  equal to the first predetermined thickness  90 . The second interior trim portion  182  is attached to the second exterior cap  146  with the top  170  and bottom  174  portions located within the upper  214  and lower  218  receiving notches and the inner surface  190  of the second trim portion  182  located adjacent the inner surface  154  of the second exterior cap  146 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1A,  3 A and  3 B, first  222  and second  226  side stiles are provided. The first  222  and second  226  side stiles include third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps. Each of the third  230  and fourth  234  caps are formed of weather-resistant material and have an outer surface  238 , an inner surface  242 , a second predetermined length  246 , the second predetermined height  158 , an upper end  250 , a lower end, an inner portion  258 , an outer portion  262 , and a C-shaped cross-section  266 . The C-shaped cross-section  266  forms an interior cavity  270 . The inner  258  and outer  262  portions have the first predetermined thickness  90 . The inner portions  258  have third  274  and fourth  278  ledges extending from them. The third  274  and fourth  278  ledges are sized and shaped to receive the first  34  and second  38  side edges of the transparent panel  14 . 
     Third  282  and fourth  286  interior trim portions are provided. The third  282  and fourth  286  trim portions have an outer surface  290 , an inner surface  294 , the second predetermined length  246 , the second predetermined height  158 , a first end  298 , a second end  302 , an inner edge  306 , an outer edge  310  and a rectangular cross-section  314 . The third  282  and fourth  286  trim portions include inner  318  and outer  322  receiving notches in the inner  306  and outer  310  edges, respectively. The receiving notches  318 ,  322  are located adjacent the outer surface  290  of the third  282  and fourth  286  trim portion and have a depth  138  equal to the first predetermined thickness  90 . The third  282  and fourth  286  interior trim portions are attached to the third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps with the inner  258  and outer  262  portions located within the inner  318  and outer  322  receiving notches. The inner surfaces  294  of the third  282  and fourth  286  trim portions are located adjacent the inner surfaces of the third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps. 
     The bottom rail  42  is attached between the first  222  and second  226  side stiles adjacent their lower ends. The top rail  142  is attached between the first  222  and second  226  side stiles adjacent their upper ends  250 . As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2B, at least one muntin bar  346  is provided. The muntin bar  346  includes a fifth exterior cap  350 . The fifth cap  350  is formed of weather-resistant material and has an outer surface  354 , an inner surface  358 , a first end (not shown), a second end (not shown), a first portion  370 , a second portion  374 , a central portion  378 , and a T-shaped cross-section  382 . The central portion  378  of the fifth cap  350  has a first predetermined width  386  and a longitudinal groove  390 . Each of the first  370  and second  374  portions has a supporting ledge  394  extending from it. The supporting ledge  394  is sized and shaped to receive an edge  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of one of the transparent panels  14 . 
     A muntin bar interior trim portion  398  is provided. The muntin bar trim portion  398  has an outer surface  402 , an inner surface  406 , the first predetermined width  386 , a first end  410 , a second end  414  and a rectangular cross-section  418 . The muntin bar trim portion  398  has a longitudinal tongue  422  extending outwardly from its inner surface  406 . The tongue  422  is sized shaped and located to frictionally engage the groove  390  in the central portion  378  of the fifth exterior cap  350 . The muntin bar trim portion  398  is attached to the central portion  378  of the fifth exterior cap  350  with the inner surface  358  of the fifth cap  350  abutting the inner surface  406  of the muntin bar trim. portion  398  with the groove  390  engaging the tongue,  422 . The muntin bar  346  extends from either the top rail  142  to the bottom rail  42  or the first side stile  222  to the second side stile  226 . Each of the transparent panels  14  is located upon either of the first  94 , second  178 , third  274  and forth  278  ledges and one of the supporting ledges  394  of the fifth exterior cap  350  of the muntin bar  346 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1A,  2 A and  2 C, upper  326  and lower  330  panel retention strips are provided. The upper  326  and lower  330  strips are attached to the top  142  and bottom rails  42 , and serve to secure the upper  26  and lower  30  edges of the transparent panels  14 . First side  334  and second side  338  panel retention strips are provided. The first side  334  and second side  338  strips are attached to the first side  222  and second side  226  stiles, and serve to secure the first  34  and second  38  side edges of the transparent panels  14 . Muntin bar panel retention strips  426  are provided. The muntin bar panel retention strips  426  are attached to the muntin bar interior trim portion  398  and serve to secure the first  34  and second  38  side edges and the upper  26  and lower  30  edges of the transparent panels  14 . 
     When the top  142  and bottom  42  rails are attached between the first  222  and second  226  side stiles at their upper  250  and lower ends, the transparent panels  14  are located on the first  94 , second  178 , third  274 , forth  278  and supporting ledges  394  and secured in place with the upper  326  and lower  330  panel retention strips, the first side  334  and second side  338  panel retention strips, and the muntin bar panel retention strips  426 , a door  430  having at least two transparent panel  14  will be formed. 
     In another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A,  2 C,  3 A,  3 B and  4 , the first  98 , second  182 , third  282  and fourth  286  interior trim portions further include a decorative inner panel  434 . The decorative inner panel  434  has an inside surface  438  and an outside surface  442  and extends from the outer surface  102 ,  186 ,  290  of the trim portions toward the inner surface  106 ,  190 ,  294  of the trim portions  98 ,  182 ,  282 ,  286  for a first predetermined distance  446 . A filler portion  450  is provided. The filler portion  450  extends from the inside surface  438  of the decorative inner panel  434  to the inner surface  106 ,  190 ,  294  of the trim portions  98 ,  182 ,  282 ,  286 . The decorative inner panel  434  is fixedly attached to the filler portion  450 . The filler portion  450  may be fabricated from less expensive materials, thereby reducing the cost of the door  342 ,  430 . 
     In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A,  2 C,  3 A and  3 B, the first  46 , second  146 , third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps further include a first drainage groove  454 . The first drainage groove  454  is located at an intersection  458  of either of the top portion  74 , bottom portion  174  and inner portion  258  of the exterior caps  46 ,  146 ,  230 ,  234  and the first  94 , second  178 , third  274  and fourth  278  ledges. The first drainage groove  454  extends from the first end  66 ,  162  to the second end  70 ,  166 , and from the upper end  250  to the lower end  254  of the exterior caps  46 ,  146 ,  230 ,  234 . 
     In yet another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the fifth exterior cap  350  of the muntin bar  346  further includes a second drainage groove  462 . The second drainage groove  462  is located at an intersection  466  of either of the first  370  and second  374  portions of the fifth exterior cap  350  and the supporting ledges  394 . The second drainage groove  462  extends from the first end  362  to the second end  362  of the fifth exterior cap  350  of the muntin bar  346 . 
     In a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A,  2 C,  3 A and  3 B, the first  46 , second  146 , third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps further include a first sealant groove  466 . The first sealant groove  466  is located on each of the first  94 , second  178 , third  274  and fourth  278  ledges. The first sealant groove  466  is spaced from an intersection  458  of either of the top portion  74 , bottom portion  174  and inner portion  258  of the exterior caps  46 ,  146 ,  230 ,  234  and the first  94 , second  178 , third  274  and fourth  278  ledges. The first sealant groove  466  extends from the first end  66 ,  162  to the second end  70 ,  166 , and from the upper end  250  to the lower end  254  of the exterior caps  46 ,  146 ,  230 ,  234 . 
     In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the fifth exterior cap  350  of the muntin bar  346  further includes a second sealant groove  470 . The second sealant groove  470  is located on each of the supporting ledges  394  and spaced from an intersection  474  of either of the first  370  and second  374  portions of the fifth exterior cap  350  and the supporting ledges  394 . The second sealant groove  470  extends from the first end  362  to the second end  362  of the fifth exterior cap  350  of the muntin bar  346 . 
     In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the bottom rail  42  further includes a first drip stop groove  478 . The first drip stop groove  478  is located on the bottom portion  78  of the first exterior cap  46  and is spaced inwardly from and parallel to the outer surface  50  and extends from the first end  66  to the second end  70  of the first exterior cap  46 . When the door construction  10  is located adjacent a ground surface  482 , the first drip stop groove  478  will serve to prevent water from running underneath the bottom portion  78  of the bottom rail  42 . 
     In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B at least one of the first  222  and second  226  side stiles further includes a second drip stop groove  486 . The second drip stop groove  486  is located on the outer portion  262  of at least one of the third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps and is spaced inwardly from and parallel to the outer surface  238 . The second drip stop groove  486  extends from the upper end  250  to the lower end  254  of at least one of the third  230  and fourth  234  exterior caps. When the door construction  10  is located adjacent a second door construction  10 , the second drip stop groove  486  will serve to prevent water from entering past the side stiles  222 ,  226 . 
     In a final variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer portion  262  of either of the first  222  and second  226  side stiles meets the outer surface  238  of the side stiles  222 ,  226  at an angle  490  slightly greater than ninety degrees, thereby reducing binding when two such door constructions  10  are abutted together at the outer portions  262 . 
     The composite door construction  10  has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.