Patent Description:
Doors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, to accommodate different kinds of travelers. Some are plain, some are decorated with ornate detail. A common festivity around the world is to seasonally decorate doors to celebrate sports teams, holidays, and other miscellaneous celebrations. Many doors can be replaced when after they accumulate significant wear and tear. Some doors have windows, are completely transparent, or can be incrementally opened, such as a Dutch door. Many doors open and close manually, but other doors may do these actions automatically, with the help of an activation button or motion sensor. However, these features are often lacking, if not completely absent, from the market for pet doors.

Pet doors are often used internally and externally to help pet owners control how their pets navigate within and into or out of their homes. Pet doors may connect the inside of a home to the external elements, or may simply connect one room of a home to another. Due to their nature, pet doors are often hard to control once installed. The true users of pet doors are animals, who are unaware of proper door etiquette such as ensuring an exterior door is completely closed, so as to prevent a way of entry for bad actors or the elements.

Typically, once they are installed, pet doors are hard to maintain, secure, and customize. Most pet doors available in the market today add to the amount of dirt being tracked into the home, do not completely close, and cannot be completely secured. As a result, pet owners who utilize pet doors often clean the area surrounding the installation area more, relying on third party equipment to close and secure the door when not in use, and needing to remember to subsequently remove any securing devices when the door is actually be used by a pet. Interior pet doors are often used to control a pet's access to certain areas inside the house. Furthermore, since most pet doors are manually operated, should a pet door get stuck or break, the pet may be either deterred from further use or be injured in the process. <CIT> discloses a pet door that has a frame for fitting into a door and defining an aperture, and a closure flap hung within the aperture that is pivoted about an axis that is offset inwardly of the top edge of the flap. A prop member is provided which in operative position is disposed to act between the flap in the region of said top edge thereof and the frame, whereby to hold the flap in an "open" position which allows a pet to pass freely through the aperture. It shows a pet door comprising: a first frame, wherein the first frame is configured to partially embed within a first external surface; a hinge, wherein the hinge is configured to pivot along a pivot axis defined by the first frame; a door, wherein at least one edge connects to the hinge; a knob as later defined in this application, wherein the knob is attached to a surface of the door; a latch, wherein the latch interfaces with the first frame, wherein the second frame is configured to partially embed within a second external surface, wherein when the first frame and the second frame are embedded, a portal from the first external surface to the second external surface is created; and a second connector frame extending from the second frame, and wherein when connected, the second connector frame is configured to be fully embedded within the second external surface.

What is needed is an installable, customizable, and securable pet door. The pet door may resemble a standard human door, with a knob, hinge, and windows, as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the knob may comprise a latch for secure closing. When the pet door comprises a hinge, the hinge may be inserted into a hinge recess so that the door may be securely locked in an open position. This removes the need to turn to third party locking mechanisms or systems to safely secure the pet door. In some implementations, the pet door may include a sliding mechanism to insert itself into a frame. In some implementations, the orientation of the knob to the door, the door to the frame, the hinge to the door and the frame, and the plurality of windows to the door may be predetermined or customizable. Having the ability to choose how these elements fit together, and even the option to change them later, allows the pet owner to truly customize the pet door system for their needs.

In some implementations, the door may be open from, slide into, open up and out of, revolve within, or move in some other non-limiting equivalent way from or relative to the frame. The knob or door, or both, may be interchangeable within the pet door system. For example, the door may be replaced with a seasonal door during the relevant holiday or season. This would allow the pet owner to include the pet door system in the overall design and feel of their home, as opposed to being stuck with a pet door that may amount to no more than an eye sore.

In some aspects, the frame may comprise a sensor. When the frame comprises a sensor, the sensor may interface with an external device, such as a doormat, to open and close the door automatically as a result of a change in motion, temperature, or other non-limiting sensible feature or method. The sensor may work in tandem with or separately from, or some combination thereof, with the external device to detect apet's presence and open or close the door, accordingly. This would enable the pet door system to be semi-automatic and responsive to the actions and presence of a pet, not just a pet owner. Pets would be able to operate this door themselves, without the aforementioned cleanliness and security repercussions. For example, the pet door may securely lock once the sensor no longer detects a pet trying to pass through.

The present invention relates to a pet door according to claim <NUM>, which includes a first frame, where the first frame is be configured to partially embed within a first external surface; a hinge, where the hinge is configured to pivot along a pivot axis defined by the first frame; a door, where at least one edge connects to the hinge; a knob, where the knob is attached to a surface of the door. The pet door includes a latch, where the latch extends from a rotational axis of the knob and interfaces with the first frame; a first connector frame extending from the first frame, where the first connector frame is configured to be fully embedded within the first external surface; a second frame, where the second frame is configured to partially embed within a second external surface, where when the first frame and the second frame are embedded, a portal from the first external surface to the second external surface is created; and a second connector frame extending from the second frame, where the second connector frame is connectable on a distal end to the first connector frame, and where when connected, the second connector frame is configured to be fully embedded within the second external surface.

In some implementations, the pet door where the first frame may comprise a hinge recess that secures the hinge in a plurality of predetermined positions. In some aspects, the door may be secured in a fixed position by a door stopper. In some embodiments, the door stopper may be attached to the first external surface and interfaces with a door edge. In some implementations, the door stopper may be attached to the first external surface and interfaces with the knob.

In some aspects, the door stopper may be part of the first frame and interfaces with a door edge. In some embodiments, the door stopper may be part of the door and interfaces with a recess in the first frame. In some implementations, the frame may comprise a latch receiver configured to receive a latch extending from the door. In some aspects, the latch receiver may be internal to the first frame. In some embodiments, the latch receiver may be external and attached to the first frame. In some implementations, the door extends into a region between the first external surface and the second external surface. In some aspects, the first frame or second frame, or both, may comprise a sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor interacts with an external device. In some implementations, the first external surface may comprise a panel insertable proximate to a sliding glass door.

Not being part of the invention, a pet door may include a first recessed frame, where the first recessed frame may be configured to recess into a first external surface; a first hinge, where the hinge pivots along a pivot ax may be defined by a first side of the first recessed frame; a first door, where at least one edge connects to the first hinge; a first knob, where the first knob may be attached to a surface of the first door. In some examples, the pet door includes a second hinge, where the hinge pivots along a pivot ax may be defined by a second side of the first recessed frame; a second door, where at least one edge connects to the first hinge. In some examples, the pet door includes a second knob, where the second knob may be attached to a surface of the second door; a first connector frame, where the first connector frame may be attached to the first recessed frame; a second connector frame, where the second connector frame may be configured to connect to the first connector frame; and a second recessed frame configured to recess into a second external surface, where the second frame extends distally from the second connector frame and where when the first frame and the second frame are recessed, a portal from the first external surface to the second external surface may be created.

In some implementations which are also not part of the invention, the pet door may comprise a locking mechanism. In some aspects, the locking mechanism may comprise a latching mechanism located on the first knob and a positioning mechanism located proximate to the second knob, where the positioning mechanism may be configured to limit a position of the latching mechanism, and where the latching mechanism may be configured to fit over the second knob when in a locked position. In some embodiments, the first door and the second door extend into a region between the first external surface and the second external surface. In some implementations, the first frame or the second frame, or both, may comprise magnets for retaining one or both the first door and the second door in a fixed position. In some aspects, the external device controls a position of one or both the first door and the second door.

The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:.

The present disclosure provides generally for an installable, customizable, and securable pet door. According to the present disclosure, the pet door may comprise a door, a knob, a plurality of windows, a frame, and a hinge.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Knob: as used herein, refers to any kind of appendage that can be fixed on a door and turned, pulled, pushed, or moved in another non-limiting way to open and close the door. The knob may comprise a generic doorknob or any kind of handle, point, grip, sliding mechanism, or other non-limiting equivalent.

The present disclosure describes an installable, customizable, and securable pet door. In some embodiments, the pet door may comprise a door, a knob, a plurality of windows, a frame, a hinge, a latch, a sensor, and other non-limiting features that may allow the pet door system to operate semi-automatically, securely open and close, and be better suited for safe use by a pet.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary pet door <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>, a knob <NUM>, a window <NUM>, and a frame <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may be used to travel between two spaces separated by a barrier, such as a wall or door, by a pet <NUM>. In some aspects, the pet <NUM> may be a large or small feline, canine, or other non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, the door <NUM> may comprise plastic, vinyl, wooden, carpet, metallic, textured, hook-and-loop, or other non-limiting equivalent material. In some implementations, the door <NUM> may be customizable to match or complement the exterior or interior design of the pet <NUM> owner's home or room. For example, the door <NUM> may comprise a material that allows seasonal decorations to be added or removed from the door <NUM>. In some aspects, the door <NUM> may also be interchangeable, so the pet <NUM> owner has more than one option to choose from to match or complement the surrounding décor. This ability to alter the pet door <NUM> allows the pet <NUM> owner to fully incorporate the pet door <NUM> into their home.

In some implementations, the knob <NUM> may resemble a generic doorknob, handle, bar, grip, fixture, or other non-limiting examples. The knob <NUM> may enable the pet <NUM> owner to securely close the pet door <NUM> when not in use. In some embodiments, the knob may enable the pet <NUM> owner to open the pet door <NUM> with ease, as opposed to having to apply pressure to the pet door <NUM> itself, which may damage the pet door <NUM> if too much force is applied.

For example, the knob <NUM> may turn, push in and out, slide, or be static. In some embodiments, the knob <NUM> may comprise the same or a different material than the door <NUM>. In some aspects, the knob <NUM> may be interchangeable or removed entirely, depending on the pet <NUM> owner's preference.

In some embodiments, the window <NUM> may comprise a pane of glass, pane of plastic, pane of vinyl, some other non-limiting equivalent, or simply be an opening in the door <NUM>. For example, the window <NUM> may comprise one pane or a plurality of panes. In some aspects, the window <NUM> may allow the pet <NUM> owner to see through the pet door <NUM> if it is securely closed. For example, the pet <NUM> may want to reenter the home through an exterior pet door <NUM>. The window <NUM> would enable the pet <NUM> owner to keep the exterior pet door <NUM> closed while the pet <NUM> is not traveling through the door <NUM> and see the pet <NUM> waiting outside of the closed door <NUM>. In some embodiments, the window <NUM> may provide a barrier from external particles, dust, dirt, and other non-limiting examples from entering the interior of the passageway. The barrier may prevent tracking in dirt that is common with other pet doors.

In some implementations, the door <NUM> may comprise more than one window <NUM>. For example, there may be a plurality of windows <NUM> at the top, near the bottom, along a side, or variably placed throughout the door <NUM>, as non-limiting examples. In some aspects, the window <NUM> may comprise a material that is translucent, frosted, textured, or some other non-limiting equivalent.

In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> may comprise the same or a different material than the door <NUM>, the knob <NUM>, the window <NUM>, or some combination thereof. In some implementations, the frame <NUM> may align with the shape of the door <NUM>. In other aspects, the frame <NUM> may comprise a different shape than the door <NUM>. In some aspects, the frame <NUM> may insert into an exterior or interior wall or door so the pet door <NUM> may be used by a pet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> may comprise an appendage or nodule that allows the door <NUM> to be secured in place, whether in a closed, completely open, or partially open position, to either the frame <NUM> or the wall the pet door <NUM> is inserted into. In other implementations, the frame <NUM> may comprise an extrusion that may prevent the door <NUM> from swinging in multiple directions within the frame <NUM>.

For example, for an exterior pet door <NUM>, the door <NUM> may be limited to only swinging inside as opposed to outside by and within the frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, this limit in the range of the door <NUM> may assist in aligning the latch of the door <NUM> to the corresponding slot in the frame. This may be a critical assistance when the latch and corresponding slot are sufficiently small to impede normal manual alignment. In some aspects, the frame <NUM> may allow the door <NUM> to open and close in multiple directions.

Referring now to <FIG>, a front view of an exemplary pet door is illustrated. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM> and a knob <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a plurality of windows <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and a hinge <NUM>. In some aspects, the hinge <NUM> may couple to the door <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, so the door <NUM> may open and close.

In some embodiments, the hinge may comprise a strap hinge, butt hinge, springloaded hinge, concealed hinge, piano hinge, offset hinge, overlay hinge, hidden barrel hinge, scissor hinge, gate hinge, or other non-limiting equivalents. In some implementations, the hinge <NUM> may be removeable, so a pet owner may customize the orientation and opening of the door <NUM>. This may allow the pet owner to reuse the pet door <NUM> in a plurality of locations.

For example, if the pet owner purchased the pet door <NUM> while living in one house and then moved to another, the pet owner may need to adjust the orientation of the components of the pet door <NUM> in order to better suit the new space. In some aspects, the hinge <NUM> may be exposed or concealed by either the door <NUM> or frame <NUM>, or both. The hinge <NUM> may allow the door <NUM> to be secured in a closed, completely open, or partially opened position, depending on the needs of the pet and the pet owner.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of an exemplary pet door is illustrated. In some examples, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>. In some examples, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a knob <NUM>. In other examples, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a plurality of windows <NUM>. In some examples, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM>, a recessed frame <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM>, and a hinge <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> may comprise a hinge recess <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may insert into the hinge recess <NUM> to secure the door <NUM> in an open position. In some examples, the hinge recess <NUM> may be housed within the frame <NUM>.

For example, a pet owner may wish to keep the door <NUM> securely ajar. In some aspects, the door <NUM> may begin in a closed position, aligned with the frame <NUM>. When opened, the door <NUM> may be pushed toward the frame <NUM>, prompting the hinge <NUM> to align with and insert into the hinge recess <NUM>.

In this example, to open and close the door and not keep it in a particular fixed position, the pet owner may have to perform an additional securing motion to prevent the door <NUM> from accidently clicking into a fixed position. This additional securing motion may involve lifting the door <NUM> up so that the hinge <NUM> uncouples from or misaligns with the hinge recess <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hinge recess <NUM> may be accessed at only one or a plurality of open positions. In some aspects, the hinge <NUM> and hinge recess <NUM> may be oriented vertically, as shown, or horizontally.

In some examples, the recessed frame <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM>, providing stability when inserted into an exterior or interior wall or door for use. The recessed frame <NUM> may be the same or different size or shape from the frame <NUM> or door <NUM>. In some examples, the recessed frame <NUM> comprises the same or a different material from the frame <NUM> or the door <NUM>. The recessed frame <NUM> may prevent tails or pet hair from being caught in the hollow cavity that may otherwise be exposed between the outer panels of a wall or door, allowing for safe, pain-free passage of the pet through the pet door <NUM>. The recessed frame <NUM> may also allow for a snugger fit when the pet door <NUM> is installed.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of an exemplary pet door <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated. Referring to <FIG> in an embodiment according to the invention, the pet door <NUM> comprises a knob <NUM>. The pet door <NUM> comprises a first frame <NUM> and a second frame <NUM>. The pet door <NUM> also comprises a first connected frame <NUM> and a second connected frame <NUM>. The first connected frame <NUM> may be coupled to the first frame <NUM> and the second connector frame <NUM> may be coupled between the first connected frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>. This configuration may allow the pet door <NUM> to insert into an exterior or interior wall or door so that the first frame <NUM> and second frame <NUM> protrude from the opposing surfaces of the exterior or interior wall or door.

Referring to <FIG> in an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a knob <NUM>, a first recessed frame <NUM>, a second recessed frame <NUM>, a first connector frame <NUM> coupled to the first recessed frame <NUM>, and a second recessed frame <NUM> coupled between the first connector frame <NUM> and the second recessed frame <NUM>. This configuration may allow the pet door <NUM> to insert into an exterior or interior wall or door so that the entire pet door <NUM>, when closed, is at most flush with the existing exterior or interior wall or door. In some embodiments which are not part of the invention, a pet door <NUM> may drop into a pocket where it can lock in place.

For example, an interior door in a home may slide into a pocket in the wall. If a pet owner wanted to install a pet door <NUM> to the interior door, the interior door may be unable to function normally. If a pet owner, however, installed a pet door <NUM> to the interior door, the door would still be able to slide into and out of the associated pocket in the wall. Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with a door stopper <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is shown. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>, a knob <NUM>, a plurality of windows <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and a hinge <NUM>. In some implementations, the frame <NUM> may comprise an interior door stopper <NUM>.

In some aspects, the interior door stopper <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may protrude from the frame <NUM> and catch the door <NUM>, preventing it from fully closing. In some embodiments, the interior door stopper <NUM> may protrude from the door <NUM> and insert into a recess in the frame <NUM>, securing the door <NUM> within the frame <NUM> when closed. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may interface with an external door stopper <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some implementations, the external door stopper <NUM> may align to a corner of the door <NUM> so when the door <NUM> is in its maximally opened position, the corner of the door <NUM> may rest on, couples to, or attaches to the external door stopper <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connection between the external door stopper <NUM> may be maintained by a lock-and-key mechanism, magnets, hook-and-loop fastener, adhesive material, or other non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, the external door stopper <NUM>, <NUM> may receive the knob <NUM> of the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> is in its maximally opened position. In some embodiments, the external door stopper <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized to accommodate the knob <NUM>. In some aspects, the connection between the external door stopper <NUM>, <NUM> and the knob <NUM> may be maintained by a lock-and-key mechanism, magnets, hook-and-loop fastener, adhesive material, or other non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the external door stopper <NUM>, <NUM> may couple to the same exterior or interior wall or door as the pet door <NUM>, <NUM> is installed into at a predetermined distance from the pet door <NUM>, <NUM> so the external door stopper <NUM>, <NUM> may properly receive the knob <NUM>. This may allow the pet owner to secure the door <NUM> in an open position, so the pet may pass freely through the pet door <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary pet door <NUM> is illustrated. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a knob <NUM>. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM> may also comprise a one or more windows <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM>. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the knob <NUM> may comprise a locking mechanism. For example, the locking mechanism may comprise a latch <NUM> and the frame <NUM> may comprise a latch receiver <NUM>.

For example, the knob <NUM> may comprise a latch <NUM> that rotates and inserts into a latch receiver <NUM> to secure the door <NUM> in a completely closed position. The latch receiver <NUM> may be removable so that a pet owner could freely decide the orientation of the door <NUM> within the frame <NUM>. In some implementations, the latch receiver <NUM> may couple to the frame <NUM>, magnetically or by some other non-limiting adhesive, or be permanently carved into the frame <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be coupled to the knob <NUM>, but this is not limiting.

In some aspects, the latch <NUM> may be coupled to any part of the pet door <NUM> and the latch receiver may also be coupled to any part of the pet door <NUM> or located at some point near it for use. The latch <NUM> and corresponding latch receiver may allow the pet owner to secure the door <NUM> in a closed position when the pet door <NUM> is not in use by a pet, such as when the pet door <NUM> is an exterior pet door and the pet owner does not want dirt and other outside elements to be tracked or blown into their home.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary sliding pet door <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the sliding pet door <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>, <NUM>, a knob <NUM>, <NUM>, and a frame <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, the sliding pet door <NUM> may comprise a plurality of windows <NUM>. In some aspects, the sliding pet door <NUM> may comprise attachment mechanism <NUM> or an activation mechanism780, or both. The attachment mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of magnets, a plurality of hook-and-loop closures, or other non-limiting equivalents. In some implementations, the activation mechanism <NUM> may comprise a doorbell.

In some embodiments, the door <NUM>, <NUM> may slide into and out from the door frame <NUM>, <NUM>. The door <NUM>, <NUM> may slide either horizontally or vertically. In some implementations, the door <NUM>, <NUM> may be adjustable within the door frame <NUM>, <NUM> to be able to slide both horizontally or vertically, depending on which mode is in use. In some aspects, the door fixture <NUM>, <NUM> may secure the door <NUM>, <NUM> in an open or closed position by coupling to opposite ends of the door frame <NUM>, <NUM>. This may allow the door <NUM>, <NUM> to be secured in a preferred position based on the needs of the pet owner and the pet using the door <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the door <NUM> and the door frame <NUM> may comprise magnets <NUM> that couple together when the door <NUM> is in a partial or maximally open position. These magnets <NUM> may secure the door <NUM> in place, so the door <NUM> does not close on a pet travelling through. In other implementations, the door frame <NUM> may comprise an activation mechanism <NUM>. In some aspects, the activation mechanism <NUM> may comprise a doorbell. The pet may be trained to use the activation mechanism <NUM>, allowing the door <NUM> to be operated semi-automatically in response to the pet's stimulus.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary pet door <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a knob <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may comprise one or more windows <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM>. In some aspects, the pet door may comprise a hinge <NUM>. In some implementations, the hinge <NUM> may be arranged on the door <NUM> and the frame <NUM> so that the door <NUM> flips open either vertically or horizontally. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may interface with an interior or exterior household door, such as a cabinet door as a non-limiting example.

Current solutions for pet doors are limited to certain types of doors or walls. The ability of the pet door <NUM> to interface with any household barrier or surface, including a kitchen cabinet <NUM>, as a non-limiting example, allows the pet door <NUM> to be used universally throughout a pet owner's home. The customizable orientation of the frame <NUM> and hinge <NUM> also provide more options to pet owners to serve a variety of spaces and décor.

In some aspects, the knob <NUM> may twist in order for the pet door <NUM> to be opened. In a closed position, the knob <NUM> may interact with an interior or exterior locking mechanism to secure the door <NUM> in the closed position. In some embodiments, twisting the knob <NUM> for a certain number of degrees may secure the door <NUM> in a plurality of positions between a fully closed and a fully opened position, including the fully opened position. For example, the knob <NUM> may pair with an interior knob <NUM>. When twisted, the interior knob <NUM> may lock the door <NUM> in a fully opened position. This would allow for safe passage of the pet through the door <NUM> without clipping a tail or catching any fur, which may cause undue pain to the pet if these things occurred.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary pet door <NUM> is illustrated. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may be installed on an interior or exterior household door, such as a sliding or pocket door <NUM>, as a non-limiting example. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM> and a knob <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM> may comprise one or more windows <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and a hinge <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may be completely flush to the paired household door, in order to allow the existing household door to function properly. For example, the ability for the pet door <NUM> to be installed in a way in which the door <NUM> and frame <NUM> are completely flush with the sliding or pocket door <NUM> allows pet owners to install the pet door <NUM> in places otherwise previously unable to utilize a pet door.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary revolving pet door <NUM> is illustrated. In some aspects, the revolving pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>, a plurality of windows <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and an axis <NUM>. When force is applied, the door <NUM> may revolve about the axis <NUM> within the frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the door <NUM> and the frame <NUM> may comprise paired magnets <NUM> so the door <NUM> may be secured in a completely closed position when not in use. The secured door <NUM> allows the pet owner to control traffic flow of their pet or pets through the pet door <NUM>. For example, if the pet owner has guests over, they might not want their pet to travel through an interior or exterior pet door <NUM> for security and sanitation purposes. The ability to secure the pet door in a closed position allows pet owners the ability to enable their pets to use the pet door <NUM> as they prefer and need.

In some implementations, the door <NUM> may revolve about the axis <NUM> in one or more directions. In some aspects, the revolving pet door <NUM> may be installed in a panel accompanying an interior or exterior household door or on the interior or exterior household door, itself. As a non-limiting example, the revolving pet door <NUM> may be installed in a panel <NUM> beside an exterior sliding glass door. The panel <NUM> may allow for a secure seal with a sliding glass door without requiring cutting into the glass of the window. This installation method enables a pet owner to utilize the pet door <NUM> in multiple scenarios, such as when they would like to install the pet door <NUM> near a glass door in their home.

For example, it may be overly expensive and unreasonable to carve a hole in an existing glass door, or order a custom glass door to accommodate a pet entryway. The pet door <NUM> enables simplified installation of a pet entry way near a specialty home door, such as a sliding glass, without disrupting the present configuration in a pet owner's home.

Referring now to <FIG>, exemplary pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are shown. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a knob <NUM>. In some aspects, the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise one or more windows <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM>.

In some implementations, the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise a hinge <NUM>. The pet door <NUM> may detach from the hinge <NUM> and be interchangeable within the frame with pet doors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. This may allow for pet owners to customize the appearance of the pet door <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, such as in response to changing holiday seasons, as a non-limiting example.

For example, pet door <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an appearance similar to that of a standard household door and an interchangeable pet door <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an appearance relating to a particular season or holiday. The pet owner may choose to replace pet door <NUM>, <NUM> with either <NUM>, <NUM> or some other non-limiting embodiment so that the pet door <NUM>, <NUM> coincides with the present season or holiday.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary pet door <NUM> is shown. The pet door <NUM> may comprise a door <NUM>, a knob <NUM>, a plurality of windows <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and a hinge <NUM>. In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may comprise a sensor <NUM>. This sensor may use a sensing technology, such as motion, infrared, temperature, or other non-limiting equivalent, to detect the presence of a pet. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may open the door <NUM> so the pet may pass through.

In some aspects, the sensor <NUM> may also be also to sense once a pet has passed through the door, and after a predetermined or manually -programmed time period, the sensor <NUM> may close the door <NUM>. This would allow the pet door <NUM> to operate the door <NUM> semi-automatically in response to a predetermined stimulus.

In some implementations, the pet door <NUM> may pair with an external device <NUM>, such as a doormat, that communicates with the sensor <NUM>, via a logical communication such as Bluetooth, so that when a pet applies pressure to the external device <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> receives a signal to open the door <NUM>. Once the pet has relieved pressure from the external device <NUM>, after a predetermined or pet owner-programmed time period, the external device <NUM> may communicate with the sensor <NUM>, which in turn may close the door <NUM>. Having the ability to program the time period during which the pet door <NUM> may be opened, or the time it would take to open or close after being prompted by the pet owner, enables the pet door <NUM> to operate semi-automatically.

In some implementations, the external device <NUM> may be programmable to accept a certain threshold of pressure to communicate with the sensor <NUM>. For example, if the pet weighs <NUM> (<NUM> pounds), the pet owner may program the external device <NUM> to trigger the sensor <NUM> when at least <NUM> (<NUM> pounds) of pressure is applied to the external device <NUM>.

In some aspects, the sensor <NUM> may operate in tandem and separately from the external device <NUM>. As non-limiting examples, the sensor <NUM> may detect motion or utilize infrared technology in addition to receiving logical communication from the external device <NUM> in order to open the door <NUM>. This would enable the pet door <NUM> to open or close based on sensing the presence of a pet, or in response to a combination of stimulus provided by a trained pet, in order for the pet door <NUM> to operate semi-automatically.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may also act as an attraction mechanism, drawing pets to the location of the door so that the pets may, over time, learn where the door is located and how to travel through it. This attraction mechanism may comprise a blinking light, a specialized sound emitter, or some other non-limiting equivalent that would attract, and not deter, a pet. For example, a trained pet could learn to trigger the pet door <NUM> to open and close, and in response the pet door <NUM> may react semi-automatically depending on the stimulus.

In some implementations, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a camera and a radiofrequency, Bluetooth, or another non-limiting signal that allows the pet door <NUM> to communicate with a mobile device, such as a cell phone. The pet owner may download an application onto the cell phone for use with the pet door <NUM>. In some aspects, the sensor <NUM> may sense the arrival or departure of a pet, inform the pet owner via the cell phone application, and allow the pet owner to remotely open or close the door <NUM>, accordingly. This may enable semi-automatic operation of the pet door <NUM> via a smartphone application, motion or presence of a pet, a stimulus executed by a trained pet, and other combination of non-limiting equivalent examples.

Referring now to <FIG>, a front view of an exemplary pet door <NUM> is illustrated. In some embodiments, a pet door <NUM> may comprise double doors <NUM> that may open by a hinge <NUM>. In some aspects, a pet door <NUM> may comprise windows <NUM> and door knobs <NUM>. In some implementations, the windows <NUM> may be decorative, such as where they may not be transparent. In some embodiments, double doors <NUM> may be nested into an outer frame <NUM>, wherein the outer frame <NUM> may be at least partially embedded into a surface, such as a door or wall. In some implementations, double doors <NUM> may have a locking mechanism wherein the door may lock once both are closed together, such as illustrated in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A pet door (<NUM>) comprising:
a first frame (<NUM>), wherein the first frame (<NUM>) is configured to partially embed within a first external surface;
a hinge, wherein the hinge is configured to pivot along a pivot axis defined by the first frame;
a door, wherein at least one edge connects to the hinge;
a knob (<NUM>), wherein the knob is attached to a surface of the door;
a latch, wherein the latch extends from a rotational axis of the knob and interfaces with the first frame (<NUM>);
a first connector frame (<NUM>) extending from the first frame (<NUM>), wherein the first connector frame (<NUM>) is configured to be fully embedded within the first external surface;
a second frame (<NUM>), wherein the second frame (<NUM>) is configured to partially embed within a second external surface, wherein when the first frame (<NUM>) and the second frame (<NUM>) are embedded, a portal from the first external surface to the second external surface is created; and
a second connector frame (<NUM>) extending from the second frame (<NUM>), wherein the second connector frame (<NUM>) is connectable on a distal end to the first connector frame (<NUM>), and wherein when connected, the second connector frame (<NUM>) is configured to be fully embedded within the second external surface.