Pet door insert for window frames and sliding doors

Abstract

A pet door insert includes a base plate system and an adjustment plate system. The base plate system comprises a first base plate, a second base plate, a pet door and a guide rail. The pet door is movably installed in the pet door opening of the first base plate and can selectively cover the pet door opening. The second substrate is connected with the first substrate along the first side portion of the second substrate. And the guide rail longitudinally extends along the middle part of the second substrate. The adjusting plate system is movably assembled on the guide rail and can do translational motion relative to the base plate system. The adjusting plate system comprises a first adjusting plate, and a horizontal groove longitudinally extending along the middle of the first adjusting plate is formed in the first adjusting plate. The horizontal groove can selectively accommodate the guide rail so that the adjusting plate system can be selectively assembled to the base plate system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of pet doors, and more specifically, this disclosure describes pet door inserts for window frames and sliding doors. Background Technology

[0002] Many families keep dogs or cats as pets. In most cases, these pets live indoors, but they also go outdoors for exercise. For example, dogs and cats can be trained to relieve themselves outdoors.

[0003] Pet doors allow dogs and cats to freely enter and exit indoors and outdoors without human assistance. Some pet doors are designed as inserts to fit into open windows or door openings. However, the performance of traditional pet doors is not entirely satisfactory.

[0004] For example, existing pet doors typically require custom manufacturing to fit specific window or door opening sizes. The customizable nature of traditional pet doors requires pet owners to accurately measure the installation opening size and select a suitable pet door size that matches the measured opening.

[0005] A core drawback of traditional pet doors is that measurement errors and / or incorrect door specifications can result in the door not fitting the actual installation space. The measurement and specification selection process is cumbersome and prone to causing anxiety. Choosing the wrong type or specification of pet door not only causes inconvenience but also incurs additional costs.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an adjustable pet door to accommodate various window and door opening sizes. Pet owners hope to purchase an adjustable pet door that can fit the actual opening size without requiring precise, detailed measurements.

[0007] Some traditional pet doors have a limited range of adjustment, but their adjustment capabilities are insufficient for universal compatibility. Adjustable traditional pet doors cannot accommodate a variety of window or door opening sizes; their adjustment range is often very limited. This limited range of adjustment means that even adjustable traditional pet doors can only accommodate opening sizes within a relatively narrow range.

[0008] Another drawback of traditional pet doors is their inability to provide adequate windproof sealing, especially when adjustable. An adjustable pet door that achieves effective windproof sealing within a length adjustment range would be a significant advantage.

[0009] Therefore, the industry urgently needs pet door inserts that can improve and optimize existing pet door designs. The following section will discuss new and practical pet door insert solutions that meet the actual needs of this field.

[0010] Prior art related to pet door inserts includes the following U.S. patents: US7159361, US7207141, US8333037, US11274491, US2008134584, and US2016262344. The entire disclosure of all of the above patents and patent applications is incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This disclosure relates to a pet door insert for window frames or sliding doors. The pet door insert includes a base plate system and an adjustment plate system.

[0012] The substrate system includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a pet door, and a guide rail. The first substrate defines a pet door opening. The pet door is movably mounted on the first substrate and located within the pet door opening, and the pet door is configured to move between a closed position that covers the pet door opening and an open position that allows a pet to pass through the pet door opening.

[0013] The second substrate is connected to the first substrate along its first side portion. The guide rail extends longitudinally along the middle portion of the second substrate.

[0014] The adjustment plate system is movably mounted on the guide rail and adapted to translate relative to the base plate system to adjust the effective length of the pet door insert. The adjustment plate system overlaps the base plate system in the retracted position and extends longitudinally beyond the base plate system in the extended position.

[0015] The adjustment plate system includes a first adjustment plate. The first adjustment plate defines a horizontal groove extending longitudinally along its central portion. The horizontal groove is complementary to the guide rail and selectively accommodates the guide rail to selectively assemble the adjustment plate system onto the substrate system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first exemplary pet door insert horizontally mounted within a window frame, wherein the window sash abuts against the top of the pet door insert.

[0017] Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the pet door insert shown in Figure 1, wherein the adjustment plate system extends laterally along the guide rail beyond the base plate system.

[0018] Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the pet door insert shown in Figure 1, in which the adjustment plate system is moved to the rear side of the base plate system.

[0019] Figure 4 is a top view of the pet door insert shown in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the substrate system, showing that the second substrate is partially connected to the third substrate through a vertically extending connecting groove on the side of the third substrate.

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the adjustment plate system, showing that the second adjustment plate is partially connected to the first adjustment plate via a vertically extending connecting groove on the side of the first adjustment plate.

[0022] Figure 7A is a side elevation view of the positioning element of the pet door insert, showing a threaded rod arranged between the jaws to selectively open the jaws.

[0023] Figure 7B is a side elevation view of the positioning element of the pet door insert, showing a threaded rod arranged between the jaws to selectively open the jaws.

[0024] Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the first substrate, showing the pet door, locking mechanism, and orientation mechanism.

[0025] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a second exemplary pet door insert vertically installed within a sliding door frame, wherein the door body abuts against the pet door insert from the side.

[0026] Figure 10A is a side elevation view of the positioning element included in the pet door insert shown in Figure 9.

[0027] Figure 10B is a perspective view of the positioning element included in the pet door insert shown in Figure 9. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The pet door insert described herein will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely exemplary solutions to the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes, modifications, and rewrites can be made to the disclosed exemplary solutions without departing from the scope of the invention. Various variations can be conceived for different application scenarios and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, not all conceived variations are described in the following detailed description.

[0029] In the following specific embodiments, various exemplary solutions for pet door inserts are provided. Related features in different exemplary solutions may be identical, partially similar, or completely different. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be described repeatedly in each exemplary solution. Instead, the names of related features are used to indicate to the reader that features with corresponding names are similar to related features in the aforementioned exemplary solutions. Specific features of a particular exemplary solution will be described separately in that solution. The reader should understand that a particular feature need not be completely identical or similar to the corresponding feature shown in any of the accompanying drawings or exemplary solutions.

[0030] definition Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply to this document.

[0031] "Approximately" means that it basically conforms to a specific size, range, shape, concept, or other characteristics modified by the term, without requiring strict and precise conformation. For example, an "approximately cylindrical" object means that the object is similar in shape to a cylinder, but may deviate from a standard cylinder in one or more places.

[0032] The terms “including,” “contains,” and “have” (and their variations) are used interchangeably to mean that something includes but is not limited to, and are open-ended expressions that do not exclude additional elements or method steps that are not explicitly stated.

[0033] Terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used to distinguish or identify a group of objects, and are not intended to indicate order, chronological sequence, or quantity limitations.

[0034] "Connection" refers to a direct or indirect, permanent or releasable connection, either directly or indirectly through an intermediate component.

[0035] Background details First, auxiliary features related to the pet door insert described in this application are described to provide background information and further illustrate the pet door insert.

[0036] Windows and sliding doors The pet door insert described in this application is intended for installation in window openings or sliding door openings. As shown in Figure 1, the pet door insert 100 is adjustable to fill the width of the window opening 192 of the window 190. The window opening 192 is defined by the degree to which the window sash 191 of the window 190 moves away from the bottom window frame 193.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the window sash 191 can be closed to contact the pet door insert 100 from above. When the window sash 191 contacts the pet door insert 100 and the pet door insert 100 is adjusted to span the width of the window opening 192, the window 190 is completely closed. In an exemplary embodiment where the window sash slides horizontally, the pet door insert can be adjusted to fill the height of the window opening, and the window sash can be closed to contact the side of the pet door insert.

[0038] Referring to Figure 9, the reader can see that the pet door insert 200 can be installed in the door opening 292 of the sliding door 290. The door opening 292 is formed by the sliding of the door member 291 away from the door frame 293. The pet door insert 200 is adjustable to fill the height of the door opening 292. The door member 291 can be closed to contact the pet door insert 200 from the side, thereby completely sealing the sliding door 290.

[0039] The pet door insert can be used with any type of sliding window or door, whether existing or developed in the future. The window or door can slide vertically or horizontally. Sliding doors are typically made primarily of glass, but can also be made primarily of wood, metal, or polymer. The size and shape of the window and door may vary in different exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Pet door inserts for window frames and sliding doors Referring to the accompanying drawings, a pet door insert for window frames and sliding doors will be described below. The pet door insert described in this application is used to allow pets to enter and exit a dwelling and can adjustably fill the empty space of an open window or sliding door within a wide range of sizes.

[0041] The reader will understand from the following figures and descriptions that the pet door inserts disclosed herein solve many of the shortcomings of traditional pet door inserts. For example, the novel pet door inserts described in this application are adjustable and can adapt to various sizes of window and door openings. Therefore, pet owners can confidently purchase these novel pet door inserts without needing to perform precise measurements of the opening beforehand, ensuring that they fit the target window or sliding door opening size.

[0042] It is worth noting that the new pet door insert described in this document has a wide range of adjustment, enabling universal compatibility. Unlike traditional pet doors with limited adjustment range, this new pet door insert can accommodate various window or door opening sizes.

[0043] Another advantage of this new pet door insert is its excellent windproof sealing performance throughout its entire length adjustment range. Whether the new pet door insert is adjusted to the long or short size, its built-in sealing strip effectively seals against adjacent window or door components.

[0044] First embodiment of pet door insert Referring to Figures 1 through 8, a first exemplary pet door insert, namely pet door insert 100, will be described below. A second exemplary pet door insert (pet door insert 200), as shown in Figures 9, 10A, and 10B, will be described in the second embodiment section below.

[0045] Pet door insert 100 includes a base plate system 101, an adjustment plate system 102, a windproof sealing system 103, and a positioning member 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the pet door insert may not include one or more features of pet door insert 100; in other exemplary embodiments, the pet door insert may include additional or alternative features. The components of pet door insert 100 will be described in detail below.

[0046] The size and shape of the pet door insert may differ from those shown in Figures 1 to 8. Some exemplary pet door insert designs are larger than pet door insert 100, while others are smaller. The length of pet door insert 100 is adjusted primarily in two ways: first, by configuring the adjustment plate system 102 to move relative to the base plate system 101 to change the overall length of pet door insert 100; second, by selectively adding or removing plates on the base plate system 101 and / or the adjustment plate system 102 to adjust the length of pet door insert 100.

[0047] Pet door insert 100 is primarily made of polymer material. However, the pet door insert described in this document may also be made of other materials or combinations thereof, such as wood, metal, polymer, or combinations thereof.

[0048] substrate system The base plate system 101 is used to allow pets to selectively enter and exit the dwelling, and also to movably support the adjustment plate system 102. The base plate system 101 cooperates with the adjustment plate system 102 to cover the window opening 192 of the window 190 (formed when the window sash 191 of the window 190 is upward away from the bottom window frame 193).

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 8, the substrate system 101 includes a first substrate 110, a second substrate 111, a third substrate 112, a pet door 113, a guide rail 114, a locking mechanism 120, and an orientation mechanism 116. In some exemplary embodiments, the substrate system may include fewer components, such as one or two substrates (instead of three), omitting the locking mechanism, and / or omitting the orientation mechanism; in certain exemplary embodiments, the substrate system may include additional or alternative components. The components of the substrate system 101 will be described in detail below.

[0050] substrate Each substrate covers a portion of the window opening 192 and also supports other components of the substrate system 101, including a pet door 113, a guide rail 114, a locking mechanism 120, and a portion of the orientation mechanism 116.

[0051] In this exemplary embodiment, the substrate system 101 includes three substrates 110-112; in other exemplary embodiments, the substrate system may include more or fewer substrates, such as a single substrate, two substrates or more than three substrates.

[0052] In substrate system 101, the substrates are selectively connected to each other on their sides. For example, the second substrate 111 is selectively connected to the first substrate 110 along its first side and to the third substrate 112 along its second side opposite to the first side. Of course, one or more substrates may also be fixedly connected rather than selectively detachable. Substrates 110-112 are selectively connected by a tenon-groove structure on their sides, and other connection methods may be used in other exemplary embodiments.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a connection groove 127 defined by the third substrate 112. The connection groove 127 extends vertically on the side of the third substrate 112 adjacent to the second substrate 111. The connection groove 127 and the tenon 128 defined by the second substrate 111 are complementary in structure.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the tenon 128 is provided on the first side of the second substrate 111, specifically on the side of the second substrate 111 adjacent to the connecting groove 127. The connecting groove 127 selectively accommodates the tenon 128 to selectively connect the second substrate 111 and the third substrate 112.

[0055] The second substrate 111 is connected to the first substrate 110 via a connecting groove 129 along a second side opposite to the first side. The tenon-groove connection structure between the second substrate 111 and the first substrate 110 is the same as the connection structure between the third substrate 112 and the second substrate 111. As can be seen from Figure 5, the third substrate 112 is also provided with a tenon 130 for selective connection with the connecting groove of another substrate.

[0056] Referring to FIG8, the first substrate 110 defines a pet door opening 115 for a pet to pass through a pet door insert 100. A pet door 113 is mounted on the first substrate 110 in a manner that allows the pet door opening 115 to be selectively closed.

[0057] The locking mechanism 120 can lock the pet door 113 in a position that covers the pet door opening 115, restricting the pet from passing through the pet door opening 115. The locking mechanism 120 can also restrict the pet door 113 to move in one direction while allowing it to move in the other direction, rather than completely restricting the pet door 113 from leaving the covered position.

[0058] For example, locking mechanism 120 may selectively restrict the inward movement of pet door 113 while allowing it to move outward. Restricting inward movement prevents pets or other animals outside the dwelling from entering the dwelling through pet door opening 115, while allowing pets inside the dwelling to go out as needed. Alternatively, locking mechanism 120 may selectively restrict the outward movement of pet door 113 while allowing it to move inward. Restricting outward movement prevents pets inside the dwelling from going out through pet door opening 115, while allowing pets outside to return to the dwelling as needed.

[0059] The size and shape of the pet door opening 115 are adapted to allow a domestic cat to pass through the first substrate 110; of course, the size and shape of the pet door opening can be customized according to different sizes and types of pets, such as to accommodate larger or smaller cats, dogs or other animals.

[0060] Pet Gate Pet door 113 is used to selectively seal pet door opening 115, thereby preventing rainwater and pests from entering the dwelling through pet door opening 115. Pet door 113 is also used to restrict pets from passing through pet door opening 115 when locking mechanism 120 selectively restricts its movement.

[0061] The pet door 113 is configured to move between a closed position (as shown in Figures 1-4 and 8) and an open position. In the closed position, the pet door 113 covers the pet door opening 115; in the open position, the pet door opening 115 is unobstructed, and the pet can pass through freely.

[0062] A pet door 113 is movably mounted within a pet door opening 115 on a first substrate 110. Specifically, the pet door 113 is pivotally mounted on the first substrate 110 at the top of the pet door opening 115. The pet door 113 pivots between a closed position and two open positions: one open position in which the pet door 113 pivots outwards towards the living area, and the other open position in which the pet door 113 pivots inwards towards the living area.

[0063] guide The guide rail 114 is used to movably support the adjustment plate system 102 on the base plate system 101, thereby enabling the pet door insert 100 to be adjusted to fill the width of the window opening 192 by movably supporting the adjustment plate system 102.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the guide rail 114 extends longitudinally along the middle of the second substrate 111 and the third substrate 112. Figures 2, 3, and 5 show that when the third substrate 112 and the second substrate 111 are selectively connected, the guide rail 114 extends continuously longitudinally along the middle of the second substrate 111 and the third substrate 112.

[0065] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the adjustment plate system 102 is movably mounted on the guide rail 114. The adjustment plate system 102 defines a horizontal groove 133 that is adapted to receive the guide rail 114, thereby movably mounting the adjustment plate system 102 onto the guide rail 114. The horizontal groove 133 slides along the guide rail 114, allowing the adjustment plate system 102 to translate relative to the base plate system 101.

[0066] In different exemplary solutions, the size, shape, and position of the guide rail may vary. Practice has shown that the central arrangement of the guide rail 114 can effectively stabilize the adjustment plate system 102 mounted on it, and improve the overall stability by supporting the portion of the adjustment plate system 102 located above and below the guide rail 114.

[0067] Locking mechanism The locking mechanism 120 is used to selectively restrict the movement of the pet door 113 relative to the first substrate 110 to hold the pet door 113 in a closed position. The locking mechanism 120 is also adapted to selectively restrict the movement of the pet door 113 relative to the first substrate 110 in one direction, while allowing it to move in the opposite direction.

[0068] For example, locking mechanism 120 can restrict the pet door 113 from moving inwards while allowing it to move outwards, preventing outdoor pets / animals from entering the residence without affecting indoor pets going out; alternatively, locking mechanism 120 can restrict the pet door 113 from moving outwards while allowing it to move inwards, preventing indoor pets from going out without affecting outdoor pets returning.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the locking mechanism 120 includes a first locking member 121 and a second locking member 122, each locking member being movably mounted on the first base plate 110 at a position adjacent to the door opening 115. The first locking member 121 is configured to selectively restrict the movement of the pet door 113 in a first direction, and the second locking member 122 is configured to selectively restrict the movement of the pet door 113 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the first locking member 121 includes a tongue 123 that extends into the door opening 115 and is located on the first side of the pet door 113; the second locking member 122 includes a tongue 124 that extends into the door opening 115 and is located on the second side of the pet door 113 opposite to the first side. The pet door 113 defines two grooves 125 and 126, which are used to accommodate the corresponding tongues when the locking members move to the point where the tongues 123 and 124 are aligned with the grooves 125 and 126.

[0071] When the first locking member 121 moves to the point where the protrusion 123 aligns with the groove 125, the pet door 113 can freely pass over the first locking member 121. When the first locking member 121 moves to the point where the protrusion 123 is misaligned with the groove 125, the pet door 113 will abut against the protrusion 123 when it moves towards it, thus preventing it from passing over the first locking member 121. Similarly, when the second locking member 122 moves to the point where the protrusion 124 aligns with the groove 126, the pet door 113 can freely pass over it. When the protrusion 124 is misaligned with the groove 126, the pet door 113 will abut against the protrusion 124 and will be unable to pass over the second locking member 122.

[0072] Targeted agencies The directional mechanism 116 is configured to keep the pet door 113 in the closed position by default. Specifically, the directional mechanism 116 keeps the pet door 113 in the closed position until the pet door 113 is subjected to a force exceeding a threshold force, causing it to move into the open position. This threshold force is set to a force that a pet can easily exert while resisting forces generated by wind or normal pressure differences between the inside and outside of the dwelling.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the orientation mechanism 116 includes a first magnet 117 and a second magnet 118. The first magnet 117 is mounted on the pet door 113, and the second magnet 118 is mounted on the first substrate 110 near the pet door opening 115. When the pet door 113 is in the closed position, the two magnets are adjacent to each other, aligned, and magnetically attracted. The magnetic attraction of the first magnet 117 and the second magnet 118 holds the pet door 113 in the closed position until the pet door 113 is subjected to a pressing force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction force.

[0074] The orientation mechanism is an optional feature and is not included in all exemplary solutions of the substrate system. In some exemplary solutions, a non-magnetic orientation mechanism may be used to keep the pet door closed by default; the orientation mechanism may be any existing or future-developed mechanism capable of keeping the pet door closed by default.

[0075] Adjustment plate system The adjustment plate system 102 works in conjunction with the base plate system 101 to cover the window opening 192 when the window sash 191 moves upward away from the bottom window frame 193, specifically for adjusting the width of the window opening 192.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the adjustment plate system 102 is movably mounted on the guide rail 114 and adapted to translate relative to the base plate system 101. This translational movement adjusts the effective length of the pet door insert 100.

[0077] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the adjustment plate system 102 can be translated toward the first substrate 110 and stacked with the substrate system 101, so that the pet door insert 100 forms a contracted configuration. The adjustment plate system 102 can be translated toward the first substrate 110 to a position greater than... Figure 3 At a closer position, the second substrate 111 and the third substrate 112 are completely stacked, which is the contraction position.

[0078] The extended position of the adjustment plate system 102 is such that the adjustment plate system 102 is translated away from the first substrate 110 and extends longitudinally beyond the substrate system 101 by a predetermined length. Figures 1, 2, and 4 show the adjustment plate system 102 in the extended position.

[0079] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6, the adjustment plate system 102 includes a first adjustment plate 131 and a second adjustment plate 132; in some exemplary embodiments, the adjustment plate system may contain more or fewer plates.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the second adjusting plate 132 can be selectively connected to the first adjusting plate 131. The first adjusting plate 131 defines a vertically extending connecting groove 134 on its side, which is used to achieve selective connection between the second adjusting plate 132 and the first adjusting plate 131.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6, the second adjusting plate 132 defines a tenon 135 on its side adjacent to the connecting groove 134. The tenon 135 and the connecting groove 134 have a complementary structure. When the connecting groove 134 selectively accommodates the tenon 135, the second adjusting plate 132 and the first adjusting plate 131 achieve selective connection.

[0082] As can be seen in Figure 6, the first adjusting plate 131 defines a tenon 136 on the side opposite to the connecting groove 134; the second adjusting plate 132 defines a connecting groove 137 on the side opposite to the tenon 135. If the length of the adjusting plate system needs to be increased, the tenon 136 and the connecting groove 137 can be used to selectively connect with the third adjusting plate.

[0083] Both the first adjusting plate 131 and the second adjusting plate 132 define a horizontal groove 133. The horizontal groove 133 extends longitudinally along the middle of the adjusting plates 131 and 132; specifically, when the second adjusting plate 132 is selectively connected to the first adjusting plate 131, the horizontal groove 133 extends continuously longitudinally along the middle of the adjusting plates 131 and 132.

[0084] The horizontal groove 133 and the guide rail 114 are complementary in structure, allowing selective accommodation of the guide rail 114, thereby selectively assembling the adjustment plate system 102 to the substrate system 101. The guide rail 114 can slide within the horizontal groove 133, enabling the adjustment plate system 102 to translate relative to the substrate system 101 between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0085] Windproof sealing system The windproof sealing system 103 is used to form a seal between the base plate system 101 and the window sash 191, and between the adjustment plate system 102 and the window sash 191. The windproof sealing system 103 is configured to modularly adapt to pet door inserts 100 of different width configurations.

[0086] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the windproof sealing system 103 is selectively assembled to the base plate system 101 and the adjustment plate system 102. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the base plates 111, 112 and the adjustment plates 131, 132 all define a top recess 150, and the first base plate 110 also defines a top recess.

[0087] The top groove 150 is used to receive the tenons at the bottom of the seals 151-155. The tenons of the seals 151-154 are selectively inserted into the top groove 150 of the base plates 110-112 and the adjusting plates 131-132, thereby selectively assembling the seals 151-155 to the base plates 110-112 and the adjusting plates 131-132, respectively.

[0088] Importantly, the windproof sealing system 103 includes individual seals. In this exemplary embodiment, as most clearly shown in FIG2, the windproof sealing system 103 includes a first seal 151, a second seal 152, a third seal 153, a fourth seal 154, and a fifth seal 155; in different exemplary embodiments, the windproof sealing system may contain more or fewer seals, and the number of seals typically corresponds to the total number of plates in the substrate system and the regulating plate system.

[0089] Seals 151-155 are made of flexible rubber material; of course, seals can also be made of any existing or future-developed material suitable for window sealing. The size and shape of the seals may differ from those shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0090] Positioning components Positioning member 104 is configured to selectively restrict the movement of adjustment plate system 102 relative to base plate system 101, thereby maintaining pet door insert 100 within window opening 192 at a target width, ensuring that pet door insert 100 is securely positioned and preventing unauthorized entry through window 190.

[0091] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the positioning member 104 is selectively assembled to the adjustment plate system 102 within the horizontal groove 133. Specifically, the positioning member 104 is configured to slide within the horizontal groove 133 to abut against the substrate system 101 and selectively maintain this abutment position, thereby restricting the movement of the adjustment plate system 102 toward the substrate system 101.

[0092] Positioning member 104 is held in position by selectively expanding within horizontal groove 133. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, positioning member 104 includes gripper member 140 and actuator 141. Actuator 141 is used to selectively open gripper member 140, so that positioning member 104 is expanded and fixed within horizontal groove 133.

[0093] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the gripper component 140 includes a first gripper 142, a second gripper 143, and a base 144. The first gripper 142 and the second gripper 143 are integrally connected to the base 144; at the other end of the gripper component 140 opposite to the base 144, the first gripper 142 and the second gripper 143 are spaced apart.

[0094] The grippers 142 and 143 have protruding teeth 147 at their ends opposite to the base 144. When the actuator 141 selectively opens the grippers 142 and 143, the protruding teeth 147 selectively engage with the horizontal groove 133.

[0095] The base 144 defines a threaded hole 145 through which the actuator 141 passes and is threadedly engaged. The actuator 141 and the threaded hole 145 have complementary threaded structures. As can be seen from Figures 7A and 7B, a tapered surface 146 is formed between the first jaw 142 and the second jaw 143. The tapered surface 146 engages with the actuator 141 to selectively adjust the distance between the first jaw 142 and the second jaw 143.

[0096] The actuator 141 selectively adjusts the distance between the first jaw 142 and the second jaw 143 by pressing against the conical surface 146. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the actuator 141 is threaded onto the base 144 at the threaded hole 145, passes through the threaded hole 145 and presses against the conical surface 146.

[0097] The longer the actuator 141 extends beyond the base 144, the greater the expansion of the grippers 142 and 143 caused by the conical surface 146. As can be seen in Figure 7A, the spacing between the conical surfaces 146 decreases as the distance from the base 144 increases; this change in spacing means that the longer the actuator 141 extends beyond the base 144, the greater the expansion of the gripper member 140. Example

[0098] Referring to Figures 9, 10A, and 10B, another embodiment of a pet door insert will be described below. This embodiment contains many features similar to or the same as those of pet door insert 100. For the sake of brevity, these features will not be repeated below; only the core differences between this embodiment and pet door insert 100 will be explained in detail. Readers can refer to the preceding description to understand the similar features. Example

[0099] Referring to Figures 9, 10A, and 10B, a second exemplary pet door insert, namely pet door insert 200, will be described below. As shown in Figure 9, pet door insert 200 includes a base plate system 201, an adjustment plate system 202, a windproof sealing system 203, and a positioning member 204.

[0100] The key difference between pet door insert 200 and pet door insert 100 is that pet door insert 200 is vertically arranged (rather than horizontally arranged). Pet door insert 200 is configured to vertically adjust its height to fill the empty space of the door opening 292 formed by the sliding of door member 291 away from door frame 293. The height adjustment of pet door insert 200 is achieved by selectively moving the adjustment plate system 202 relative to the base plate system 201 through the same tenon-groove structure as pet door insert 100; and / or selectively adding or removing plates on the base plate system 201 and adjustment plate system 202.

[0101] Positioning element 204 is another difference between pet door insert 200 and pet door insert 100. (See Figure 10A.) Figure 10B As shown, the portions of the grippers 242 and 243 adjacent to the base 244 are flat, rather than having the conical surface 146 structure of the grippers 142 and 143; furthermore, the grippers 242 and 243 form internally protruding teeth 247 (rather than externally protruding teeth 147).

[0102] Unlike the positioning member 104 assembled in the horizontal groove 133, the positioning member 204 is selectively connected to the guide rail 214. When the actuator 241 presses the grippers 242 and 243 together, the inner protrusion 247 selectively engages with the guide rail 214. When the positioning member 204 is selectively connected to the guide rail 214 at the position abutting against the adjustment plate system 202, the adjustment plate system 202 is restricted from moving towards the base plate system 201; in other words, when the positioning member 204 is selectively assembled with the guide rail 214, the position of the adjustment plate system 202 relative to the base plate system 201 can be maintained.

[0103] As can be seen from Figures 10A and 10B, the actuator 241 passes through the opening 245 on the gripper members 242 and 243 (rather than the opening on the base 244). In this exemplary embodiment, the actuator 241 adjusts the spacing between the gripper members 242 and 243 by pressing them against each other (rather than pressing against the conical surface). When the actuator 241 presses against the gripper members 242 and 243, the inner teeth 247 engage with the guide rail 214 from both sides, fixing the positioning member 204 to the guide rail 214.

[0104] The foregoing disclosure includes several inventions with independent practical applications. Although each invention has been disclosed in a specific form, the foregoing disclosure and the specific embodiments illustrated should not be considered limiting, as many variations exist. The subject matter of this invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the elements, features, functions, and / or attributes disclosed above, as well as inherent features well known to those skilled in the art. When this disclosure or the subsequently filed claims use the terms "an element," "first element," or equivalent expressions, it should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0105] The applicant reserves the right to file claims for novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed invention. Other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or attributes embodied in the invention can be claimed by amending the claims or filing new claims in this application or related applications. Whether the amendments or new claims refer to the same invention or different inventions, and regardless of whether their scope is broader, narrower, equivalent, or different from the original claims, they shall be deemed to be included within the subject matter of this invention.

Claims

1. A pet door insert for a window, comprising: Substrate system, the substrate system comprising: A first substrate, the first substrate defining a pet door opening; The second substrate is connected to the first substrate along its first side portion; A pet door, which is movably mounted on the first base plate and located within the pet door opening, is configured to move between a pet door closed position that covers the pet door opening and a pet door open position that allows a pet to pass through the pet door opening; A guide rail, the guide rail extending longitudinally along the center of the second substrate; and An adjustment plate system is movably mounted on the guide rail and adapted to translate relative to the base plate system to adjust the effective length of the pet door insert; the adjustment plate system overlaps the base plate system in the retracted position and extends longitudinally beyond the base plate system in the extended position. The regulating plate system includes: A first adjustment plate defines a horizontal groove extending longitudinally along its central portion. The horizontal groove is complementary to the guide rail and selectively accommodates the guide rail to selectively assemble the adjustment plate system onto the substrate system.

2. The pet door insert according to claim 1, further comprising a windproof sealing system, the windproof sealing system being selectively assembled to the base plate system and the adjustment plate system.

3. The pet door insert according to claim 2, wherein, The windproof sealing system includes an independent sealing element, which includes: A first seal, selectively assembled to the substrate system; and A second seal is selectively fitted to the adjustment plate system.

4. The pet door insert according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate system further includes a third substrate, which is selectively mounted on a second side of the second substrate opposite to the first side.

5. The pet door insert according to claim 4, wherein: The second substrate defines a vertically extending connection groove on its second side; The third substrate defines a tenon on a longitudinal side adjacent to the connecting groove defined on the second substrate, the tenon having a complementary structure to the connecting groove; and The connecting groove selectively accommodates the tenon to selectively connect the third substrate to the second substrate.

6. The pet door insert according to claim 4, wherein, When the third substrate is selectively connected to the second substrate, the guide rail extends continuously along the midline of both the second substrate and the third substrate.

7. The pet door insert according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustment plate system also includes a second adjustment plate, which is selectively connected to the first adjustment plate.

8. The pet door insert according to claim 7, wherein: The first adjusting plate defines a vertically extending connecting groove on its side; The second adjusting plate defines a second tenon on its side adjacent to the connecting groove, the second tenon having a complementary structure to the connecting groove; and The connecting groove selectively accommodates the second tenon to selectively connect the second adjusting plate to the first adjusting plate.

9. The pet door insert according to claim 7, wherein, When the second adjusting plate is selectively connected to the first adjusting plate, the horizontal groove extends continuously along the middle of both the first adjusting plate and the second adjusting plate.

10. The pet door insert according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate system further includes a second substrate, which is selectively mounted to the first substrate; The regulating plate system further includes a second regulating plate, which is selectively connected to the first regulating plate; and The windproof sealing system includes an independent sealing element, which includes: A first seal is selectively assembled to the first substrate; A second seal is selectively assembled to the second substrate; A third seal, which is selectively fitted to the first adjusting plate; and A fourth seal is selectively fitted to the second adjusting plate.

11. The pet door insert of claim 1, further comprising a positioning member selectively fitted to the adjustment plate system and configured to selectively restrict movement of the adjustment plate system relative to the base plate system.

12. The pet door insert according to claim 11, wherein: The positioning element is selectively fitted into the horizontal groove; The positioning element is configured to slide within the horizontal groove to a position abutting against the substrate system; and The positioning element is configured to selectively maintain its position abutting against the substrate system within the horizontal groove to restrict movement of the adjustment plate system relative to the substrate system.

13. The pet door insert according to claim 12, wherein, The positioning element includes: The gripper component includes: The first gripper; and A second gripper spaced apart from the first gripper; and An actuator is movably mounted on the gripper member and located between the first gripper and the second gripper, the actuator being configured to change the distance between the first gripper and the second gripper.

14. The pet door insert according to claim 13, wherein: A conical surface is defined between the first gripper and the second gripper; and When the actuator selectively moves relative to the gripper member and presses against the conical surface, the distance between the first gripper and the second gripper changes.

15. The pet door insert according to claim 13, wherein, The actuator and the gripper are in complementary thread engagement.

16. The pet door insert according to claim 1, wherein, When the window sash moves relative to the window frame to form an opening for receiving the pet door insert, the pet door insert adapts to be installed within the window frame.

17. The pet door insert according to claim 16, wherein, When the window sash abuts against the pet door insert disposed within the window frame, the pet door insert covers the opening.

18. The pet door insert according to claim 17, wherein, When the window sash abuts against the pet door insert arranged within the window frame, the pet door insert cooperates with the window sash to seal the window.

19. The pet door insert according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate system includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively restrict movement of the pet door relative to the first substrate to hold the pet door in the closed position.

20. The pet door insert according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate system includes an orientation mechanism configured to selectively hold the pet door in the closed position until the pet door is subjected to a force exceeding a threshold and moves toward the open position.

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