A pet door blocking and insulating device

Abstract

A pet door blocking and insulating device comprises a rigid cover 2 and a pet door securement means. The securement means comprises a frame 1 to surround the pet door. The cover comprises a frame seal

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pet door blocking and insulating device, in particular a device for blocking a pet door or cat flap when not in use; more particularly a device for blocking usage of the pet door, and providing draught insulation. Background Many people who keep or care for pets such as cats are increasingly aware of the need for exercise and / or freedom for the pet’s wellbeing. It can be difficult to allow full freedom in some circumstances and / or it can be difficult to exercise a pet sufficiently for some carers or owners. As a result it is common for many people to instal pet doors, or cat flaps in their properties. These doors however can allow interlopers and / or draughts and / or too much freedom to the pet. Prior Art US 2020 028 8668 (DIX) discloses a pet vestibule installation system for installing a temporary pet vestibule to the outside of an exterior residential door having a pet door therein, comprising: a pet vestibule having an open side defined by a perimeter frame having a vestibule flange element attached thereto; and a frame mountable to said residential door and having a flange portion sized and shaped to accept said vestibule flange element; wherein when said pet vestibule is installed on said residential door via said pet vestibule installation system, said pet door is surrounded by said perimeter frame. US 2014 0 178 628 (HOFFMANN) discloses a pet door flap attachment which may be installed and removed by a user to allow for cleaning of the attachment comprising at least one covering and a coupling mechanism to removably couple the at least one covering to a pet door flap. US 2007 0 295 279 (VIS et al) discloses a cover assembly for providing a tight seal over a pet door assembly having a pet door frame attached to a structure with an irregular surface, surrounding a hole through the structure and a movable pet door attached to the frame, the cover assembly comprising: a) a cover having a plurality of layers, with at least one layer being a thermal insulator, and the cover being deformable so as to contour to the structure; b) an attachment means for attaching the deformed cover assembly to the irregular structure to which said pet frame connects to create a draft-resistant seal. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a pet door blocking and insulating device comprising a rigid cover and a pet door securement means, the securement means comprising a frame arranged to surround the pet door, the cover comprising a frame seal, and the cover comprising a plurality of layers. In this way the device of the present invention allows the pet door to be closed from usage of the pet when required, and / or allows a user to prevent draughts through the pet door when not in use. Additionally or alternatively the pet is unable to displace the device due to rigid securement means. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a silicone sealing ring, so as to deform when the device is pushed together, causing a seal, and increasing friction between the parts. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a ferromagnetic securement means, which may comprise magnets on more than one part or matching ferrous plates and magnets. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a tolerance fitting securement means or an interference fitting securement means, or a friction fitting securement means. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a threaded securement means, for example where the parts are engaged with a quarter-turn or similar. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a hinge between the frame and cover, such that the cover is hinged open for use of the pet door. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises adhesive to provide a means of securing the frame around the pet door. In some embodiments of the device in addition or the alternative the frame comprises fixing holes to provide a means of securing the frame around the pet door. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a domed or convex form to the cover, to provide more space for the pet door beneath. In some embodiments of the device the cover comprises a trapped layer of insulation material, which may be fluid or solid. In this way the device of the present invention provides cover that is placed over a cat flap to stop any draughts from passing through when it is not being used (at night, for example) which will be easy for the user to place and remove, but difficult for a cat to take off by itself. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, assembled; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure, with frame and cover separated; and Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 5. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a pet door insulation device 99 generally comprising a cover 2 and a pet door securement means 1 / 72, the securement means comprising a frame 1 arranged to surround the pet door, the cover comprising a frame seal ,12 and the cover comprising a plurality of layers 25,26,27. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a frame that in use is permanently attached around the pet flap or door, wherein the securement means is bipartite, being a securement means for the frame to the pet door and / or its surrounding surface, and a securement means for the cover to the frame. This frame is a rigid plastic oblong part in the pictured embodiment, which has a front face for engagement with the cover and a rear face that is attached to the door or surface around the pet door or flap. This part of the securement means, such attachment may be provided by an adhesive, for example self-adhesive tabs or strips on the rear face of the frame. Additionally or alternatively the attachment may be provided by fixings, such as screw fixings, where the frame may have perforations for passage of such fixings. The front face of the frame in the pictured embodiment provides embedded magnets 77, or ferromagnetic plates. In other embodiments the securement between the frame and cover may be provided by a threaded mechanism, for example wherein the cover may be rotated to secure to the frame. In still further embodiments the cover may be push fit onto the frame, for example using a tolerance mechanism. The cover in the pictured embodiment comprises an oblong tray form, with a flat outer face 25 and an open lower face with a surrounding lip 23 projecting orthogonally and surrounding the orthogonal inner face.. The lip engages onto the frame and provides the opposing ferromagnetic plates or magnets 72 which in the pictured embodiment project and are accepted into holes 77 in the frame, to further provide a friction fit. The cover is provided with a plurality of layers, so as to provide an insulative function, wherein the outer layer 25 and the inner layer 26 comprise rigid plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or similar, and the lip may comprise two layers of the same, or continuing therefrom. In between the layers of plastic it may be envisaged that the embodiment comprises an insulative layer 26, for example gas, air or liquid, and / or a cellular material. On the inner face of the lip the embodiment may comprise a silicone sealing ring 12, which may be used to deform and / or displace and close any gap between the cover and frame. For example the cover or frame may comprise an extending rim, under which the frame or cover may sit when secured. In this way it may be envisaged that the device of the present invention is placed over a cat flap to stop any draughts from passing through when the flap is not being used (at night, for example). The embodiment is easy for a user to place and remove, but difficult for a cat to take off by itself, staying in place with friction and ferromagnetism, as well as rigidity and a seal. Indented grips in the lip of the embodiment furthermore limit a pet's ability to pull at anything on the device, whilst providing an easy to operate and intuitive grip means for the human user. The grips include silicone strips 22. When not in use, the cover of the embodiment may advantageously be hung up out of the way on a command hook (not shown) and the frame is installed permanently around the cat flap, and is advantageously less deep than the cat flap, to avoid blocking the battery cover, the buttons, sensors or lights. Advantageously therefore the cat flap battery cover can still be accessed should they need to be replaced without removing the frame. The cat flap lock is still functional with or without the cover on. The cover is simply pushed on over the cat flap and the magnets provide extra security in ensuring the cover stays in place. The cover has as few leverage points as possible to ensure cats cannot take it off themselves. The frame is assembled in use around the pet door by screwing the top and bottom together around the user's existing pet door or cat flap, so as to grip onto the cat flap housing. The cover creates an airtight seal around the cat flap to block any draughts and keep heat in. An annular fibrous self-adhesive lining strip 27 extends around the inner surface of the lip 23 of the cover and blocks any draughts coming through the edges of the cover. The frame is lined with the silicone sealing gasket 12 that ensures a tight fit with the lining strip 27, and also ensures it cannot be taken off by a cat. The natural fibre insulation provides extra insulating properties alongside the air-tight seal. The cover is injection moulded, sturdy plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and is square so it can be placed in any orientation. The cat can come and go as it pleases and the user can block off the cat flap and exclude draughts and cold by pushing the cover over the cat flap. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

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