Removable flexible cat flap for building openings

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: REMOVABLE FLEXIBLE CAT FLAP FOR BUILDING OPENINGS The removable cat flap (90) for a building opening with at least one leaf (91) comprises a flexible panel (20) having: - less than twenty centimeters from its periphery, a hole for a domestic animal to pass through, - on its periphery, fasteners that can be detached manually without tools, on one side, a leaf and on the other side, a fixed frame (93) or another leaf (92) of this opening. Preferably, the panel (20) comprises at least three layers of materials: - on the one hand, a fabric coated with a fire-retardant and waterproof polymer, - on the other side, a waterproof polymer fabric, and - in the center, a sound and thermal insulation fabric. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Removable flexible cat flap for opening a building Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable flexible cat flap for a building opening. More particularly, it relates to a manually detachable flexible cat flap without tools, insertable into a building opening, of at least one leaf, intended for the passage of domestic animals (canines and felines). It applies, in particular, to the field of building development. It is more particularly concerned with the animal equipment of building openings. State of the art

[0002] The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been conceived or pursued previously. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section constitute prior art solely because of its inclusion in this section.

[0003] Traditional cat flaps are known that are integrated into the glazing of a window or the body of a door of a building. However, they necessarily require the drilling of the existing opening, carried out by a qualified craftsman whose intervention can be expensive. In addition, this integration of a cat flap is not reversible and it is necessary to affix an unsightly mask on this glazing or this door or to change the glazing or the body of the door when this cat flap is no longer useful.

[0004] Other cat flaps consist of a rigid panel that is added to the existing rails of a sliding opening. However, their installation can be difficult and requires users to have some DIY skills. In addition, such cat flaps are expensive and only fit one type of building opening, namely sliding patio doors. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0006] To this end, the present invention proposes a simple, tool-free manual installation of a cat flap by using fasteners allowing a panel to be placed at a building opening. Preferably, the panel, made of flexible material, rolls up on itself, allowing the cat flap to be easily removable to free the relevant building opening. In addition, the flexible panel has three layers of material, thus providing thermal and sound insulation between the interior and exterior of the building.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a cat flap adapting to a swinging building opening by the implementation of a flexible triangle associated with the panel, thus covering all air accesses. Thus, the cat flap can be installed on several types of existing building opening, for example doors or windows, swinging or sliding.

[0008] Optionally, the present invention provides airtight strips to be placed on the air gaps of a building opening to provide better thermal insulation of the system. Brief description of the figures

[0009] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the cat flap which is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig.l] represents, schematically and in perspective, a first embodiment of the cat flap in interior view which is the subject of the invention,

[0011] [Fig.2] shows, schematically and in perspective, the attachments of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0012] [Fig.3] shows, schematically and in front view, the attachments of the flexible triangle of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0013] [Fig.4] represents, schematically and in front view, the flexible triangle rolled up from the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0014] [Fig.5] represents, schematically and in perspective, the cat flap in external view illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0015] [Fig.6] represents, schematically and in perspective, a second mode of rea interior view of the cat flap, object of the invention,

[0016] [Fig.7] shows, schematically and in perspective, the attachments of the cat flap in interior view illustrated in [Fig.6],

[0017] [Fig.8] represents, schematically and in perspective, the fasteners of the strip hermetic seal of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.6],

[0018] [Fig.9] represents, schematically and in perspective, the cat flap in external view illustrated in [Fig.6],

[0019] [Fig. 10] represents, schematically and in perspective, the panel and the flexible triangle of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0020] [Fig. 11] schematically represents the airtight strips of the cat flap,

[0021] [Fig. 12] represents, schematically and in perspective, the panel of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.6],

[0022] [Fig. 13] represents, schematically and in perspective, the trapdoor of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.l] and

[0023] [Fig. 14] represents, schematically and in perspective, the shutter positioned on the hatch of the cat flap illustrated in [Fig.l]. Description of the embodiments

[0024] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0025] As understood from the present description, various inventive concepts may be implemented by one or more methods or devices described below, several examples of which are provided herein. The actions or steps performed in carrying out the method or device may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, it is possible to construct embodiments in which the actions or steps are performed in a different order than illustrated, which may include performing certain acts simultaneously, even if they are presented as sequential acts in the illustrated embodiments.

[0026] The indefinite articles "a" and "an", as used in the description, are to be understood as meaning "at least one", unless otherwise clearly indicated.

[0027] The expression "and / or", as used herein, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0028] As used herein in the description, "or" is to be understood as having the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating elements in a list, "or" or "and / or" is to be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also more than one, number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional elements not listed. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of", or "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of a single element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "either but not both") only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."

[0029] As used herein, the term "at least one," with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the term "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0030] In the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", and the like, are to be understood as open, i.e., as meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0031] Throughout the description, the terms "upper" and "top" refer to what is at the top when the cat flap is installed on a building opening. The terms "lower" and "bottom" refer to what is at the bottom when the cat flap is installed on a building opening. The term "inner" refers to what is on the inside of the building. The term "outer" refers to what is on the outside of the building. The term "vertical" refers to what follows the direction of gravity when the cat flap is installed on a building opening. The term "horizontal" refers to what is perpendicular to the direction of gravity when the cat flap is installed on a building opening.

[0032] The "main" leaf is what opens first in an opening of building. A "secondary" leaf is what remains fixed or opens second in a building opening. A "frame" is what constitutes the fixed part, the frame, of a building opening. A "mullion" is what constitutes the vertical elements of a frame or leaf of a building opening. A "transom" is what constitutes the horizontal elements of a frame or leaf of a building opening.

[0033] It should be noted from now on that the figures are not to scale.

[0034] As understood from reading the present description, the cat flap 90 object of the present invention may have different colors.

[0035] Figures 1 to 5 and 10 show a cat flap 90 comprising a panel 20 intended to obstruct an opening of predetermined dimensions of a building with at least one swinging leaf. This panel comprises, at a distance less than or equal to twenty centimeters from its lower periphery, a passage hole 21 for a domestic animal. The dimensions of the passage hole 21 are preferably determined so that a domestic animal of the feline or canine type can come and go through the passage hole 21. For example, the passage hole 21 offers a square free opening of 20 centimeters on each side or 30 centimeters on each side.

[0036] It is observed that the panel 20 comprises, on its two vertical peripheries, fasteners 22a and 23a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on, on the one hand, an upright of a main leaf 91 and, on the other hand, an upright of a frame 93 or of another fixed leaf 92 of this opening, respectively and previously provided with fasteners 22b and 23b.

[0037] For example, these fasteners are of the “Eclair”® type, buttons, snap fasteners or magnets.

[0038] Preferably, these fasteners comprise self-gripping fabrics, for example known under the name “Velcro” ®.

[0039] For example, these self-gripping fabric fasteners are sewn or glued with adhesive to the panel.

[0040] It can be seen in Figures 10 and 13 that the panel 20 comprises, on the periphery of the passage hole 21, fasteners 27a, manually detachable without tools, on a passage hatch 80, provided with fasteners 27b. For example, these fasteners are of the “Zipper” ® type, buttons, pressure fasteners or magnets. Preferably, these fasteners comprise self-gripping fabrics, for example known as “Velcro” ®. For example, these self-gripping fabric fasteners are sewn or glued by adhesive to the panel.

[0041] It is noted that the panel 20 comprises at least three layers of materials which are flexible materials. These materials can be plastic or natural fabrics.

[0042] Preferably, the outer material is a PVC-coated fabric (acronym for "PolyVinyl Chloride" in English or, in French, "PolyChlorure de Vinyle") flame retardant and waterproof, the inner material is a waterproof tarpaulin-type polyester fabric, and the central material is a fleece-type polyester and cotton fabric.

[0043] Preferably, the panel 20 comprises four layers including a layer of outer material, a layer of inner material and two layers of central material. These materials can be opaque or transparent.

[0044] It can be seen in Figures 1, 10 and 13 that the passage hatch 80 comprises a frame 81, comprising on its periphery, fasteners 27b, manually detachable without tools, on the panel 20. The frame 81 may have internal border dimensions adapted to its positioning around the passage hole 21.

[0045] It is observed that the passage hatch 80 comprises an oscillating flap 82 configured to be positioned in the frame 81. The oscillating flap 82 may have dimensions adapted to its positioning inside the frame 81. In other words, the periphery of the oscillating flap 82 is adjacent to the interior edges of the frame 81.

[0046] Similar to the composition of the panel 20, the oscillating flap 82 comprises at least three layers of materials which are flexible materials. Preferably, the number of layers and the nature of the materials are similar to those of the panel 20.

[0047] It is noted that the oscillating flap 82 is fixed to the frame 81 by fasteners (not shown). In other words, the fasteners join the upper periphery of the oscillating flap 82 to the inner upper periphery of the frame 81. For example, these fasteners are of the “Eclair”® type, buttons, snap fasteners, magnets or self-gripping fabrics. In variants, the oscillating flap 82 is connected to the frame by a mechanical connection of the pivot type. For example, this connection is of the simple hinge or pivot type. In variants, the oscillating flap 82 is fixed to the periphery of the passage hole 21 of the panel 20. For example, these fasteners are of the “Eclair”® type, buttons, snap fasteners, magnets or self-gripping fabrics.

[0048] In optional embodiments, as illustrated in [Fig. 14], the passage hatch 80 comprises a shutter 83 configured to be positioned on the frame 81 and the oscillating shutter 82. The shutter 83 may have dimensions adapted to its positioning on the frame 81. In other words, the shutter 83 may superimpose the frame 81. In other words, the shutter prevents the oscillating movement of the oscillating shutter 82 towards the interior of the building. Similar to the composition of the panel 20, the shutter 83 comprises at least three layers of materials which are flexible materials. Preferably, the number of layers and the nature of the materials are similar to those of the panel 20. It is noted that the shutter 83 is fixed to the frame 81 by fasteners (not shown). For example, these fasteners are of the “Zipper”® type, buttons, snap fasteners, magnets or self-gripping fabrics.

[0049] In variants not shown, the shutter 83 is connected to the frame 81 by a mechanical connection of the pivot type. In other words, the pivot connection is positioned between the upper periphery of the oscillating shutter 83 and the upper periphery of the frame 81. For example, this connection is of the hinge or simple pivot type.

[0050] In variants not shown, the closure flap 83 is fixed to the periphery of the passage hole 21 of the panel 20. For example, these fasteners are of the “Zipper”® type, buttons, pressure fasteners, magnets or self-gripping fabrics.

[0051] The closure flap 83 comprises, on its peripheries, a finishing bias sewn from flexible materials. These materials may be plastic or natural fabrics. Preferably, the material of the finishing bias of the closure flap 83 is a fabric made from plant or synthetic fibers. Preferably, the material of the finishing bias is a cotton or synthetic fabric.

[0052] It is noted that the frame 81 comprises a more rigid material than the flexible panel 20. For example, this material may be flexible or rigid, of the synthetic or natural type. The material of the frame is preferably made of wood. Preferably, the frame is covered with a water-repellent paint. It is noted that the frame 81 comprises, on its internal periphery, a seal (not shown). The seal is positioned on the internal edges of the frame 81. In other words, the seal is in contact with the periphery of the oscillating shutter 82. The seal may be composed of a flexible material which may be synthetic or natural. For example, the material may be an elastomeric rubber, a silicone or a polymer. The seal may be of any type known to the person skilled in the art of building opening seals and suitable for thermal and sound sealing.Preferably, the seal is a so-called "brush" seal with fibers made of synthetic or natural materials. The seal can be fixed to the frame by an adhesive or by fitting the seal onto the frame.

[0053] It is noted that the panel 20 has on its peripheries seams assembling the superimposed fabrics which compose it and a central seam 26 passing from top to bottom of the panel, except on the passage hole 21.

[0054] It is noted that the panel 20 comprises, on its horizontal peripheries, a finishing bias sewn in flexible materials. These materials can be synthetic or natural fabrics.

[0055] Preferably, the material of the finishing bias located on the lower horizontal periphery of the panel 20 is a polymer-coated fabric, and the material of the finishing bias finishing located on the upper horizontal periphery is a fabric made of vegetable or synthetic fibers.

[0056] Preferably, the material of the finishing bias located on the lower horizontal periphery is a synthetic leather and the material of the finishing bias located on the other periphery is a cotton or synthetic fabric.

[0057] It can be seen in Figures 5 and 10 that the panel 20 has an additional fastener 25 juxtaposed with the fastener 22a. Thus, when the two vertical edges are superimposed, the flexible panel 20 rolled up on itself can remain in the folded position by joining the fastener 23a to the fastener 25.

[0058] In other embodiments, Figures 6 to 9 and 12 show a cat flap 100 which comprises a panel 40 intended to obstruct an opening of a building with at least one sliding leaf. This panel 40 comprises, less than twenty centimeters from its lower periphery, a passage hole 48 for a domestic animal. The dimensions of the passage hole 48 are preferably selected so that a domestic animal of the feline or canine type can come and go through the passage hole 48.

[0059] It is observed that the panel 40 comprises, on its four peripheries, fasteners 41a, 42a, 43a and 44a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on, for one, the upright of a main leaf 101 and, for the others, an upright and two crosspieces of a frame 103 of this opening, respectively and previously provided with fasteners 41b, 42b, 43b and 44b.

[0060] It is observed that the panel 40 has an additional fastener 45 juxtaposed with the fastener 44a. Thus, when the two vertical edges are superimposed, the flexible panel 40 rolled up on itself can remain in the folded position joining the fastener 42a to the fastener 45.

[0061] It is noted that the fasteners of the panel 40 are of the same type as those of the panel 20 described above.

[0062] It is observed that the panel 40 comprises on the periphery of the passage hole 48, fasteners 47a, manually detachable without tools, on a passage hatch 85 provided with fasteners. For example, these fasteners are of the “Zipper” ® type, buttons, pressure fasteners or magnets. Preferably, these fasteners comprise self-gripping fabrics, for example known under the name “Velcro” ®. For example, these self-gripping fabric fasteners are sewn or glued by adhesive to the panel. It is noted that the panel 40 is composed of materials of the same type as those of the panel 20 described above.

[0063] It is observed that the passage hatch 85 comprises a frame 86, comprising on its periphery, fasteners (not shown), manually detachable without tools, on the panel. The frame 86 may have interior border dimensions adapted to its positioning around the passage hole 48.

[0064] It is observed that the passage hatch 85 comprises an oscillating flap 87 configured to be positioned in the frame 86. The oscillating flap 87 may have dimensions adapted to its positioning inside the frame 86. In other words, the periphery of the oscillating flap 87 is adjacent to the interior edges of the frame 86.

[0065] Similar to the composition of the panel 40, the oscillating flap 87 comprises at least three layers of materials which are flexible materials. Preferably, the number of layers and the nature of the materials are similar to those of the panel 20.

[0066] It is noted that the oscillating flap 87 is fixed to the frame 86 by fasteners (not shown). In other words, the fasteners join the upper periphery of the oscillating flap 87 to the upper periphery of the frame 86. For example, these fasteners are of the “Zipper”® type, buttons, pressure fasteners, magnets or self-gripping fabrics.

[0067] In variants, the oscillating flap 87 is connected to the frame 86 by a pivot-type mechanical connection. In other words, the pivot connection is positioned between the upper periphery of the oscillating flap 87 and the upper periphery of the frame 86. For example, this connection is of the hinge or simple pivot type.

[0068] In variants, the oscillating flap 87 is fixed on the periphery of the passage hole 21 of the panel 20. For example, these fasteners are of the “Zipper”® type, buttons, pressure fasteners, magnets or self-gripping fabrics.

[0069] In optional embodiments, the passage hatch 85 comprises a closing flap (not shown) configured to be positioned on the frame 86 and the oscillating flap 87. The characteristics of the closing flap of the passage hatch 85 are similar to those described in the description above.

[0070] It is noted that the frame 86 comprises a more rigid material than the flexible panel 40. For example, this material may be flexible or rigid, of the synthetic or natural type. The material of the frame is preferably made of wood. Preferably, the frame 86 is covered with a water-repellent paint.

[0071] It is noted that the frame 86 comprises on its internal periphery, a seal (not shown). The seal is positioned on the internal edges of the frame 86. In other words, the seal is in contact with the periphery of the oscillating shutter 87. The seal may be composed of a flexible material which may be synthetic or natural. For example, the material may be an elastomeric rubber, a silicone or a polymer. The seal may be of any type known to the person skilled in the art of building opening seals and suitable for thermal and sound sealing. Preferably, the seal is a so-called “brush” seal having fibers made of synthetic or natural materials. The seal may be fixed to the frame by an adhesive or by a fitting the seal onto the frame.

[0072] It is noted that the panel 40 has on its peripheries seams assembling the superimposed fabrics which compose it and a central seam 46 passing from top to bottom of the panel, except on the passage hole 48.

[0073] Figures 1 to 5 and 10 show a flexible triangle 30 covering the upper air access of a building opening with at least one swinging leaf. The flexible triangle 30 comprises, on two of its peripheries, on the inside, fasteners 32a and 33a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on, on the one hand, the upright of a main leaf 91 and, on the other hand, the crosspiece of a frame 93 of this opening, respectively and previously provided with fasteners 32b and 33b. [Fig. 4] shows that the flexible triangle comprises, on one of its peripheries, on the outside, fasteners 34a and 35a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on a wall 94 located above this opening respectively and previously provided with fasteners 34b and 35b.

[0074] Similar to the composition of the panel 20, it is noted that the flexible triangle 30 comprises at least three layers of materials which are flexible materials. These materials may be plastic or natural fabrics. Preferably, the number of layers and the nature of the materials are similar to those of the panel 20.

[0075] It is noted that the flexible triangle 30 comprises, on its peripheries, a finishing bias sewn in flexible materials. These materials can be plastic or natural fabrics. Preferably, the material of the finishing bias of the flexible triangle 30 is a fabric made of plant or synthetic fibers. Preferably, the material of the finishing bias is a cotton or synthetic fabric.

[0076] It is observed that the flexible triangle 30 has a flap 31 on one of its peripheries folding over the upper periphery of the panel 20.

[0077] It is observed that the flap 31 has a fastener 31a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on the upper periphery of the panel 20 which comprises a fastener 31b.

[0078] It can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 that the flexible triangle 30 rolled up on itself can remain in the folded position by fixing it to the wall 94 located above the frame of the building opening, previously provided with the fasteners 34b and 35b.

[0079] For example, similarly to those of the panel 20, the fasteners 31a, 32a and 33a of the flexible triangle 30 are of the “Zipper”® type, buttons, snap fasteners or magnets.

[0080] In optional embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 11, in the case of a building opening with at least one swinging leaf, at least two airtight strips 50 and 60 covering the air gaps are placed on the edges of a building opening. A first airtight strip 50 has on its vertical peripheries, fasteners 51a and 52a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on, on the one hand, the upright of a main leaf 91 and on the other hand, the upright of a frame 93 of this opening provided respectively and previously with fasteners 51b and 52b. A second airtight strip 60 comprises on one of its horizontal peripheries, a fastener 61a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on the crosspiece of a main leaf 91, previously provided with a fastener 61b. The airtight strip 60 is placed so as to be in contact with the ground 95.

[0081] In other optional embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 6, 8 and 11, in the case of a building opening with at least one sliding leaf, a hermetic strip 70 covering the air slots is placed on the edges of a building opening. A hermetic strip 70 comprises on one of its vertical peripheries, a clip 71a, manually detachable without tools, to be placed on the upright of a main leaf 101 previously provided with a clip 71b. The hermetic strip 70 is placed so as to be in contact with the glass of a secondary leaf 102.

[0082] For example, similarly to those of the panel 20, the respective fasteners 51a, 52a, 51b, 52b, 61a, 61b, 71a and 71b of the hermetic strips 50, 60 and 70 are of the “Zipper”® type, buttons, pressure fasteners or magnets.

[0083] Similar to the composition of the panel 20, it is noted that the airtight strips 50, 60 and 70 comprise at least three layers of materials which are flexible materials. These materials can be plastic or natural fabrics.

[0084] Preferably, the nature of the materials is similar to those of the panel 20.

[0085] Preferably, the hermetic strips 50, 60 and 70 comprise three layers including a layer of outer material, a layer of inner material and a layer of central material. It is noted that the airtight strips 50, 60 and 70 comprise, on their peripheries, a finishing bias sewn in flexible materials. These materials can be plastic or natural fabrics.

[0086] Preferably, the material of the finishing bias located on the lower horizontal periphery of the airtight strips 50, 60 and 70 is a polymer-coated fabric, and the material of the finishing bias located on the other peripheries is a fabric made of plant or synthetic fibers. For example, the material of the finishing bias located on the lower horizontal periphery is a synthetic leather and the material of the finishing bias located on the other peripheries is a cotton or synthetic fabric.

[0087] Throughout the description, cat flaps adapted to certain openings of predetermined dimensions of a building have been described. The present invention is not limited to these dimensions, nor to the types of openings described, the person skilled in the art adapting without difficulty the cat flap which is the subject of the invention to all the opening dimensions previously determined. Presentation of the invention

[0088] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the state of art.

[0089] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention aims at a removable cat flap for an opening of predetermined building dimensions provided with at least one leaf, which comprises a flexible panel comprising: - within twenty centimetres of its periphery, a hole for the passage of a domestic animal, - on its periphery, fasteners, manually detachable without tools, on, on the one hand, a leaf and, on the other hand, a fixed frame or another leaf of this opening and - on the periphery of the passage hole, fasteners, manually detachable without tools, on a passage hatch.

[0090] Thanks to these provisions, the cat flap is adaptable to different building openings which may have a single leaf or several leaves. In fact, it adapts to building openings such as doors, windows and bay windows. The openings may have at least one swinging or sliding leaf.

[0091] The cat flap is removable from the building opening on which it is installed. Indeed, the fasteners arranged on the panel which makes up the cat flap are manually detachable without tools. The cat flap is installable and movable from the building opening for which it is intended. The fasteners allow the cat flap to be installed without carrying out work on the building opening intended to receive the cat flap.

[0092] In embodiments, the flexible panel comprises at least three layers of materials being: - on the one hand, a fabric coated with fireproof and waterproof polymer, - on the other hand, a waterproof polymer fabric and - between the polymer-coated fabric and the polymer fabric, a sound and thermal fabric.

[0093] These embodiments allow the cat flap to have thermal and sound insulation. Indeed, the central fabric has a thermal and sound insulation characteristic. The inner and outer fabrics of the panel are composed of waterproof materials ensuring that the cat flap is resistant to water that may come from bad weather. The fireproof fabric protects the cat flap from the risk of combustion.

[0094] In embodiments, the passage hatch comprises: - a frame, comprising on its periphery, fasteners, manually detachable without tools, on the panel and - an oscillating shutter configured to be positioned in the frame.

[0095] These embodiments make it possible to provide thermal insulation for the air passage created by the passage hole of the cat flap. In fact, the passage hole located on the panel of the cat flap creates a direct opening to the exterior of the building, im reducing heat loss. The swinging shutter covers the passage hole, providing thermal insulation and allowing the animal to move back and forth between the inside and outside of the building.

[0096] In optional embodiments, the passage hatch comprises a shutter configured to be positioned on the frame and the swinging shutter. These embodiments make it possible to provide more efficient insulation of the air passage created by the passage hole of the cat flap. Indeed, the shutter flap has larger dimensions and overlaps the swinging shutter. The shutter flap being composed of thermal insulation materials further reduces the heat losses caused by the passage hole. The shutter flap makes it possible to prevent the entry of animals from the outside to the inside of the building.

[0097] In embodiments, the frame comprises a more rigid material than the flexible panel. These embodiments allow for better retention of the swinging flap on the panel. Indeed, the frame composed of a more rigid material than the panel makes it possible to reduce the momentary deformations caused by the passage of the animal. The attachments of the swinging flap are thus maintained on the frame.

[0098] In embodiments, the frame comprises a seal on its internal periphery. These embodiments make it possible to provide efficient thermal insulation to the passage hatch. Indeed, the seal fills the space between the oscillating shutter and the frame in which it is positioned, thus reducing thermal losses while allowing the oscillating movement of the oscillating shutter.

[0099] In embodiments, the flexible panel has seams on each of its peripheries and a central seam between the two edges of its largest dimension. These embodiments allow the different layers of fabric making up the panel to be fixed together.

[0100] In embodiments, the panel includes a bias sewn on each of its peripheries intended to be horizontal when the panel is positioned over the opening. These embodiments provide an aesthetic finish to the peripheries of the panel, the flexible triangle, and the sealing strips. The material of the lower bias of the panel allows for easy cleaning while preventing particles such as dust from attaching to the bias.

[0101] In embodiments, the panel comprises an additional fastener for folding the panel back on itself so that two of its opposite edges are superimposed. These embodiments make it possible to release the building opening on which the cat flap is positioned without removing the entire cat flap. Indeed, by detaching the fastener from the panel positioned on the frame or on a fixed leaf of the building opening, this detached fastener can then be hooked onto the additional fastener of the panel allowing the panel to be kept rolled up on itself. The panel rolled up allows the user to exit or re-enter through the building opening with a quick maneuver.

[0102] In embodiments, the cat flap, for a swinging leaf, comprises a flexible triangle comprising, on its periphery: - on one side, fasteners, manually detachable without tools, on, on the one hand, a leaf and on the other hand, a fixed frame, and - on the other side, fasteners, manually detachable without tools, on a wall above the frame of the building opening.

[0103] These embodiments provide thermal insulation when using the cat flap on a building opening with a swinging leaf, by covering the upper part located between the frame and the open swinging leaf. Indeed, the flexible triangle being composed of layers of fabric similar to those of the panel, it helps prevent heat loss between the inside and the outside of the building.

[0104] In embodiments, the flexible triangle has a flap on one of its peripheries folding over the upper periphery of the panel. These embodiments allow the flexible triangle to be joined to the cat flap panel when using the cat flap on a building opening with a swinging leaf.

[0105] In embodiments, the fasteners comprise a hook-and-loop fabric. These embodiments allow for simple installation of the cat flap. Indeed, the hook-and-loop fabrics allow for ease of installation and handling of the cat flap.

[0106] In optional embodiments, the airtight strips comprise additional fasteners, manually detachable without tools: - for a swinging leaf, on the lower crosspiece for one, and between a leaf and a fixed frame for the other and - for a sliding leaf, on one leaf so as to be in contact with the glass of a second leaf.

[0107] These embodiments make it possible to provide thermal insulation by covering the air gaps present when the leaf of a building opening is open. Indeed, the airtight strips being composed of materials similar to those of the panel, are positioned on the air gaps and prevent thermal losses between the interior and exterior of the building.

[0108] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a building comprising at least one opening provided with a cat flap which further comprises, on the main leaf and the fixed frame of this opening, a self-gripping fabric configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric on the periphery of the panel. Thanks to these arrangements, the cat flap attaches to the building opening for which it is intended. The advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this building being similar to those of the cat flap which is the subject of the invention, they are not recalled here.

[0109] In embodiments, a building comprises at least one opening provided with a cat flap which further comprises, on the main leaf, on the frame of this opening and on the wall above the frame of this opening, a self-gripping fabric configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric on the periphery of the flexible triangle rolled up on itself.

[0110] These embodiments make it possible to release the building opening on which the cat flap is positioned without removing the entire cat flap when the building opening comprises at least one swinging leaf. Indeed, the self-gripping fabric fasteners arranged on the wall above the frame of the building opening allow the flexible triangle to remain rolled up on itself. The rolled up panel and flexible triangle allow the user to exit or re-enter through the building opening by a quick maneuver.

[0111] In embodiments, a building comprises at least one opening provided with a cat flap which further comprises, on the fixed frame and on the leaves of this opening, a self-gripping fabric configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric on the periphery of the airtight strips. These embodiments make it possible to attach the airtight strips of the cat flap to the building opening for which it is intended.

Claims

Claims

1. Removable cat flap (90, 100) for an opening of predetermined building dimensions provided with at least one leaf (91, 101), characterized in that it comprises a flexible panel (20, 40) comprising: - less than twenty centimeters from its periphery, a passage hole (21, 48) for a domestic animal, - on its periphery, fasteners (22a, 23a, 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a), manually detachable without tools, on, on the one hand, a leaf and, on the other hand, a fixed frame (93, 103) or another leaf (92) of this opening and - on the periphery of the passage hole, fasteners (27a, 47a), manually detachable without tools, on a passage hatch (80, 85).

2. Cat flap (90, 100) according to claim 1, in which the flexible panel (20, 40) comprises at least three layers of materials being: - on the one hand, a fabric coated with fireproof and waterproof polymer, - on the other hand, a waterproof polymer fabric and - between the polymer coated fabric and the polymer fabric, a sound and thermal fabric.

3. Cat flap (90, 100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the passage hatch (80, 85) comprises: - a frame (81, 86), comprising on its periphery, fasteners (27b), manually detachable without tools, on the panel (20, 40) and - an oscillating flap (82, 87) configured to be positioned in the frame (81, 86).

4. Cat flap (90, 100) according to claim 3, wherein the passage hatch (80, 85) comprises a closing flap (83) configured to be positioned on the frame (81, 86) and the swinging flap (82, 87).

5. A cat flap (90, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the panel (20, 40) comprises an additional fastener (25, 45) for folding the panel (20, 40) back on itself so that two of its opposite edges are superimposed.

6. Cat flap (90, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, for a swinging leaf (91), which comprises a flexible triangle (30) comprising, on its periphery: - on one side, fasteners (32a, 33a), manually detachable without tools, on, on the one hand, a leaf (91) and on the other hand, a fixed frame (93), and - on the other side, fasteners (34a, 35a), manually detachable without tools, on a wall (94) above the frame (93) of the building opening.

7. A cat flap (90, 100) according to claim 6, wherein the flexible triangle (30) has a flap (31) on one of its peripheries folding over the upper periphery of the panel (20, 40).

8. Cat flap (90, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the fasteners (22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 25, 27a, 27b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 35a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, 45, 47a) comprise a self-adhesive fabric.

9. Cat flap (90, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises airtight strips (50, 60, 70) comprising additional fasteners (51a, 52a, 61a, 71a), manually detachable without tools: - for a swinging leaf, on the lower crosspiece for one, and between a leaf and a fixed frame for the other and - for a sliding leaf, on a leaf so as to be in contact with the glass of a second leaf.

10. A building comprising at least one opening provided with a cat flap according to claim 8 or claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, which further comprises, on the main leaf and the fixed frame of this opening, a self-gripping fabric (22b, 23b, 32b, 33b, 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b) configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric on the periphery of the panel.

11. Building comprising at least one opening provided with a cat flap according to one of claims 6 or 7, and one of claims 8 or 9 when it depends on claim 8, which further comprises, on the main leaf, on the frame of this opening and on the wall above the frame of this opening, a self-gripping fabric (34b, 35b) configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric on the periphery of the flexible triangle rolled up on itself.

12. Building comprising at least one opening provided with a cat flap according to claim 9 when it depends on claim 8, which further comprises, on the fixed frame and on the leaves of this opening, a self-gripping fabric (51b, 52b, 61b, 71b) configured to attach to the self-gripping fabric on the periphery of the airtight strips.

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