AU2017101196A4 - A door-in-door assembly and methods of fitting said assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention concerns a door-in-door assembly and kit and methods of fitting the door in-door assembly or kit. The assembly generally includes a host door connectable to a doorway in a structure, the host door having a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein; a small door frame connectable to the edge of the receiving opening, the small door frame including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small door frame and configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and a small door connectable to the small door frame and configured to be pivotable between an open and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small door frame. Figure 1

Description

A DOOR-IN-DOOR ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF FITTING SAID ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a door-in-door assembly and to methods of fitting said assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Studies have shown that imagination is important in fostering cognitive and social development in children, and, in this regard, the use of costumes and props is recognised as a positive way of encouraging imaginative play.

[0003] In particular, renovating a child’s bedroom or playroom to a desired theme, such as, e.g., a castle or forest, can transform the bedroom or playroom into a sanctuary in which the child can escape and daydream and is hence a great way to further foster imaginative play.

[0004] However, a problem with such renovations is that it can be difficult for a parent or carer to implement. For example, a parent or carer may hesitate to personally undertake the renovations due to a lack of skill. Moreover, a parent or carer may hesitate to engage an expert to undertake the renovations due to financial restraints.

[0005] Another problem with such renovations is that themed renovations may not grow with the child. As such, a parent or guardian may be hesitant to renovate their child’s bedroom or playroom now due to a perceived need to further renovate the bedroom or playroom at a later date.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a door-in-door assembly and kit and methods of fitting said door-in-door assembly and kit, which may minimize or overcome at least one of the abovementioned problems or provide a consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door-in-door assembly including: a host door connectable to a doorway in a structure, said host door having a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein; a small doorframe connectable to the edge of the receiving opening, said small door frame including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small doorframe configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and a small door connectable to the small door frame and configured to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small door frame.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door-indoor assembly configured to be fitted to a host door having a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein, said assembly including: a small doorframe connectable to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door, said small doorframe including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small door frame configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and a small door connectable to the small door frame and configured to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small door frame.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door-in-door kit including: a host door connectable to a doorway in a structure, said host door having a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein; a small doorframe connectable to the edge of the receiving opening, said small door frame including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small doorframe configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and a small door connectable to the small door frame and configured to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small door frame.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door-indoor kit configured to be fitted to a host door having a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein, said kit including: a small doorframe connectable to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door, said small doorframe including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small door frame and configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and a small door connectable to the doorframe and configured to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small doorframe.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a small door frame for use or when used with the door-in-door assembly of the first or second aspects or the door-in-door kit of the third or fourth aspects, said small door frame being connectable to an edge of a receiving opening defined in a host door and including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small door frame for being at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening, said small door frame further being connectable to a small door configured to be pivotable between an open position and closed position within a doorway defined by the small doorframe.

[0012] Advantageously, the door-in-door assembly, kits and parts thereof of the present invention enable a parent or guardian to readily renovate a child’s bedroom or playroom. Specifically, the present invention enables a small door to be readily fitted to the entrance of a child’s bedroom or playroom with or without further themed renovations to foster imaginative play. The ease with which the assembly can be installed at least reduces any hesitation that a parent or guardian may have to undertake such renovations. Moreover, the ease with which the assembly can later be removed when, for example, the child outgrows the renovations, at least further reduces if not entirely eliminates any such hesitation the parent or guardian may have.

[0013] The host door may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials. Generally, the host door may be sized and shaped to fit a doorway.

[0014] The host door may typically have a substantially rectangular shape and may be formed from wood, metal and/or plastic material or materials. Generally, the host door may be formed from wood, plastic or a combination thereof, preferably composite wood materials.

[0015] The host door may be a solid door or a hollow core door, preferably a hollow core door.

[0016] The host door may include a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and opposed side edges.

[0017] In embodiments in which the host door is a hollow core door, the pair of opposed surfaces may be opposed panels, such as, e.g., timber veneers. The door may further include a filling agent positioned between the opposed panels, such as, e.g., an insulating core. The agent may be a cardboard or paper core and may or may not entirely fill a cavity defined between the opposed panels. In some embodiments, the hollow core door may further include one or more bracing members extending between opposing edges.

[0018] The host door may be connectable to a doorway in a structure, preferably hingedly connectable along an opposed side edge such that the host door may be pivotable between an open position and a closed position.

[0019] The host door may preferably include a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein. The receiving opening may be defined in any suitable location on the host door and may be of any suitable size for receiving the small door therein.

[0020] For example, in some embodiments, the receiving opening may be defined in a central portion of the host door.

[0021] In other embodiments, the receiving opening may be at least partly defined along the lower edge of the host door.

[0022] In yet other embodiments, the receiving opening may be at least partly defined along the lower edge and a side edge of the host door.

[0023] As indicated, the receiving opening includes an edge. The edge may typically be formed from a bordering portion of the host door extending about or partly about the receiving opening.

[0024] In embodiments in which the host door is a solid door, the edge of the receiving opening may be a continuous edge extending between the opposed surfaces.

[0025] Conversely, in embodiments in which the host door is a hollow core door, the edge of the receiving opening may include bordering portions of the opposed panels. In such embodiments, the edge may include at least a portion of filling agent located between the opposed panels, if present. Otherwise, in such embodiments, the edge may include at least a portion of a cavity defined between the opposed panels.

[0026] In some embodiments, the host door may be provided with a receiving opening preformed within the host door. Likewise, the at least one cavity may also be preformed within the edge of the receiving opening.

[0027] In other embodiments, the receiving opening may be need to be formed within the host door. Generally, the receiving opening may be formed by removing a corresponding cutout from the host door. In such embodiments, the at least one cavity may or may not also need to be formed within the edge of the receiving opening.

[0028] Typically, the at least one cavity may be of any suitable size and shape to at least partially receive the at least one protrusion of the small door frame.

[0029] The at least one cavity may preferably have an elongate shape. For example, the at least one cavity may be in the form of a channel or groove extending longitudinally between the opposed surfaces or panels of the host door. The cavity may or may not extend an entire length of the edge of the receiving opening of the host door.

[0030] In some embodiments, the edge may include more than one cavity. For example, the edge may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or even at least 10 cavities. The cavities may be defined in locations spaced equally or unequally along a length of the edge of the receiving opening.

[0031] As indicated above, the assembly and kit include a small doorframe connectable to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door.

[0032] The small doorframe may be of any size, shape and construction and may be formed from any material or materials suitably adapted to be connectable to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door and for defining a doorway or part of the doorway for receiving the small door therein.

[0033] The small door frame may be formed from metal and/or plastic material or materials, preferably plastic.

[0034] The small door frame may be formed from at least one frame member. Each frame member may have an elongate shape. Each frame member may be linear or curved. In some embodiments, the frame member may include one or more bends.

[0035] Each frame member may include at least two ends and at least one sidewall extending between the two ends.

[0036] The frame member may be constructed by any suitable means. For example, the frame member may be machine folded from sheet metal or may be an extrusion, preferably the latter.

[0037] In some embodiments, the small doorframe may be formed from at least three frame members joined end to end to define the doorway for receiving a small door therein. The small door frame may include a pair of frame members extending parallel to one another in a vertical direction from the lower edge of the host door and a third frame member extending in a horizontal direction between an upper end of each of the pair of frame members.

[0038] In other embodiments, the small door frame may be formed from at least two frame members extending from the lower edge of the host door in a converging diagonal direction relative to one another.

[0039] In yet other embodiments, the small door frame may be formed from at least one frame member in the form of an extended circular arc. The at least one frame member may extend between spaced locations along the lower edge of the host door and define an arched doorway for receiving the small door therein.

[0040] The frame member may have any suitable profile shape that enables the frame member and thus the small door frame to be connectable to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door.

[0041] As indicated, the frame member is elongate and includes at least two ends and at least one sidewall extending longitudinally between the two ends. The at least one sidewall may have opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another. The opposed surfaces may include an inner surface for at least partially abutting against an edge of the small door and an opposed outer surface for at least partially abutting against the edge of the receiving opening.

[0042] The frame member and the edge of the receiving opening may be connectable to one another in any suitable way.

[0043] For example, in some embodiments, the frame member may be fastened to the edge of the receiving opening by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may include one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners.

[0044] In one such embodiment, the outer surface or one or more portions thereof of the at least one sidewall of the frame member may be fastened to corresponding portions of the edge of the receiving opening by one or more chemical fasteners. The chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape extending between the outer surface or one or more portions thereof of the frame member and the corresponding portions of the edge of the receiving opening.

[0045] In another such embodiment, the at least one sidewall of the frame member may be fastened at one or more portions to corresponding one or more portions of the edge by one or more mechanical fasteners. The mechanical fastener may be in the form of a nail, a screw or a rivet. The sidewall may include one or more openings defined therein each for receiving a mechanical fastener therethrough for fastening the frame member to the edge of the receiving opening.

[0046] In preferred such embodiments, respective openings may be defined at or near each end of the frame member each for receiving a mechanical fastener therethrough for fastening the frame member at or near each end to corresponding portions of the edge of the receiving opening, preferably located at or near the lower edge of the host door.

[0047] In some embodiments, the assembly or kit may include a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism for connecting the frame member of the small door frame and the edge of the receiving opening together. The connecting mechanism or part of the connecting mechanism may or may not be of integral formation with the frame member and/or the edge of the receiving opening.

[0048] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference fit (snap fit) connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0049] For example, in one such embodiment, the sidewall of the frame member may include at least one male formation associated with the outer surface of the sidewall and configured to be at least partially inserted into or coupled to at least one female formation respectively associated with the edge of the receiving opening.

[0050] Conversely, in another such embodiment, the frame member may include at least one female formation associated with the outer surface of the sidewall and configured to at least partially receive or be coupled with at least one male formation respectively associated with the edge of the receiving opening.

[0051] In preferred embodiments, the small doorframe includes a male formation in the form of the at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the outer surface of the frame member of the small door frame for being at least partially inserted into or coupled to a female formation in the form of the at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening of the host door.

[0052] The at least one protrusion may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be located in any suitable location along the outer surface of the frame member of the small door frame to be at least partially received in the at least one cavity and connect the frame member and thereby the small door frame to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door.

[0053] In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion may extend from one or more distinct locations along the outer surface of the frame member of the small door frame.

[0054] In other embodiments, the at least one protrusion may extend continuously at least partially along the outer surface of the frame member.

[0055] The protrusion may be in the form of one or more projections or ridges extending outwardly from the outer surface.

[0056] In some embodiments, the protrusion may include one or more retention members for retaining the protrusion within the at least one cavity when the frame member is connected to the edge of the receiving opening. Each retention member may be in the form of a barb, spike or projection located at or near a distal end of the protrusion. Preferably, the barb, spike or projection may expand away from the distal end of the protrusion to a point that is rearwardly facing or at least orthogonally positioned relative to a direction extending between the outer surface of the sidewall and the distal end of the protrusion.

[0057] In other embodiments, the protrusion may include an enlarged head or some other form of retaining end that is retainable within the at least one cavity.

[0058] Generally, the protrusion may be sized and shaped to at least partially abut against, or at least extend partially along, an internal surface of the at least one cavity. In embodiments in which the host door is a hollow core door, the protrusion may preferably be sized and shaped to abut against an internal surface of at least one of the opposed panels, preferably both.

[0059] In some embodiments, the frame member may include more than one protrusion. For example, the frame member may include at least two protrusions, at least three protrusions, at least four protrusions, at least five protrusions, at least six protrusions, at least seven protrusions, at least eight protrusions, at least nine protrusions or even at least 10 protrusions. The protrusions may extend from locations spaced equally or unequally along a length of the frame member or a portion thereof.

[0060] In preferred embodiments, the protrusion may be in the form of a pair of opposed protrusions extending substantially parallel to one another outwardly from the outer surface of the sidewall of the frame member. Each protrusion may be substantially planar extending longitudinally at least partially along a longitudinal length of the outer surface of the sidewall of the frame member [0061 ] In some such embodiments, the pair of opposed protrusions may extend from a base at least partially along a longitudinal length of the outer surface of the sidewall of the frame member. The pair of opposed protrusions may extend from opposed longitudinal side edges of the base. The base may have a narrower width than a width of the sidewall.

[0062] The opposed protrusions may define a channel configured to be at least partially received within the at least one cavity, preferably snugly received. Each of the protrusions may at least partially abut against an inner surface of the at least one cavity such that the channel is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the at least one cavity. In embodiments in which the host door is a hollow core door, each protrusion may preferably abut against an internal surface of an adjacent opposed panel.

[0063] In some embodiments, the frame member of the small door frame may further include at least one host door abutting wall extending orthogonally from a longitudinal side edge of the at least one sidewall extending longitudinally between the two ends of the frame member. The at least one host door abutting wall may extend partway along or entirely along the longitudinal length of the frame member.

[0064] The at least one host door abutting wall may at least partially abut against, or overlap with, a portion of an outer surface of the host door when the frame member is connected to the edge of the receiving opening.

[0065] In some embodiments, the frame member of the small door frame may include a pair of host door abutting walls each as described above. Each host door abutting wall may orthogonally extend outward from a respective longitudinal side edge of the least one sidewall extending longitudinally between the two ends of the frame member.

[0066] The at least one sidewall and the pair of host door abutting walls of the frame member may together define a channel for receiving the edge of the receiving opening, preferably snugly receiving.

[0067] In some embodiments, the protrusion or pair of opposed protrusions with the pair of host door abutting walls may together define two respective shaped grooves each for at least partially receiving an edge portion of the opposed panels of the host door adjacent the edge of the receiving opening. In such embodiments, engagement or connecting of the frame member to the edge may involve resilient deformation of the respective shaped grooves to receive the edge portions of the panels of the host door.

[0068] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the frame member in such embodiments is configured to allow resilient deformation of the respective shaped grooves without detracting from the structural integrity of the shaped grooves in securely engaging the edge portions of the opposed panels of the edge of the host door when connected together, preferably snap-fitted together.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the host door abutting walls of the frame member may also extend away from the edge of the receiving openings towards the small door. The at least a portion of the one of the host door abutting walls may function as a soffit or shoulder against which the small door may rest against when in a closed position. The soffit or shoulder may typically prevent the small door from pivoting straight through the doorway defined by the small doorframe.

[0070] As indicated above, the assembly and kit include a small door connectable to the small doorframe and configured to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small doorframe.

[0071 ] The small door may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the small door may have a substantially circular, triangular, rectangular or polygonal shape. The small door may have rounded corners, for example. The small door may have at least one edge having a concave or convex edge, or a combination thereof. Generally, the small door may be sized and shaped to fit the doorway defined by the small doorframe.

[0072] In some embodiments, the small door may be arch-shaped to fit an arch-shaped doorway defined by the small door frame. If arch-shaped, the small door may have a triangular arch, a round arch, a segmental arch, an unequal arch, a lancet arch, an equilateral pointed arch, a shouldered flat arch (a jack arch), an inflexed arch, an ogee arch, a revere ogee arch, a tudor arch or a parabolic arch, for example.

[0073] Preferably, the small door may have a round arch-shape.

[0074] The small door may be formed from wood, plastic or a combination thereof. The small door may be of unitary construction or may be formed from one or more small door pieces.

[0075] The small door may be a solid door or a hollow core door.

[0076] The small door may include a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and opposed side edges.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or both opposed surfaces of the small door may include a marking, a pattern, a colour or any combination thereof.

[0078] In other embodiments, one or both opposed surfaces of the small door may include an image. The image may be a picture, a pattern or a written message, for example.

[0079] The small door may typically be hingedly connectable to the small doorframe such that the small door may be pivotable between the open and closed positions. Preferably, the small door may be hingedly connectable along one of the opposed side edges.

[0080] In preferred embodiments, small door may be an in-swing door configured to pivot inwards into a room. Advantageously, by being an in-swing door, the risk of a person passing by the door and colliding with the door when in the open position is reduced.

[0081] The small door may include a handle or knob or similar device to assist in opening and closing the small door.

[0082] The small door may include a lock or latch for securing the small door in place when in the closed position. The small door may further include an actuator for moving the lock or latch between locking and free positions. The actuator may form part of the handle or knob or similar device or may be separately formed, such as, e.g., a further or separate handle, knob, button, lever or snib.

[0083] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fitting the door-in-door assembly of the first aspect to a doorway of a structure, said method including: optionally, removing an existing door from the doorway; and connecting the door-in-door assembly to the doorway of the structure.

[0084] The method may include one or more characteristics of the door assembly and door kit as hereinbefore described.

[0085] In some embodiments, the method may include removing an existing door from the doorway. The removing may include decoupling hinges connecting said existing door to the doorway, for example. Alternatively, the removing may include unfastening the hinges connecting said existing door to the doorway.

[0086] The connecting may include coupling parts of hinges associated with a side edge of the host door with parts of hinges associated with a corresponding jamb of the doorway. Conversely, the connecting may include hanging the host door in the doorway and hingedly connecting the host door to a corresponding jamb of the doorway.

[0087] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fitting a small door to a host door, said method including: forming a receiving opening within the host door for snugly receiving the small door therein, said receiving opening having an edge with at least one cavity defined within the edge; connecting a small door frame along the edge of the receiving opening, said connecting including at least partially inserting at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small door frame into the at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and connecting the small door to the small door frame such that the small door is pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small door frame.

[0088] The method may again include one or more characteristics of the door assembly and door kit as hereinbefore described.

[0089] The forming may include removing a portion of the host door, preferably a cut-out portion. The size and location of the portion removed may generally correspond to the size and desired location of the small doorframe and small door to be connected.

[0090] The forming may additionally include forming at least one cavity within an edge of the receiving opening formed by removing the portion of the host door.

[0091] The connecting of the small doorframe may typically include orientating and aligning the small door frame relative to the receiving opening defined in the host door such that the at least one protrusion on the small door frame at least partially aligns with the at least one cavity defined within the edge of the receiving opening.

[0092] The connecting may then include fitting the small door frame to the edge of the receiving opening and coupling the at least one protrusion with the at least one cavity. The small door frame may pressed against the edge of the receiving opening until it is preferably flush with the edge.

[0093] In some embodiments, the connecting may include inserting one or more threaded fasteners in openings defined in the small doorframe and mechanical fastening the small door frame to the edge of the receiving opening.

[0094] The connecting of the small door to the small door frame may typically include orientating and aligning the small door relative to the small door frame. The connecting may then include hingedly connecting the small door along an opposed side edge to a corresponding jamb of the doorway defined by the small door frame.

[0095] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0096] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0097] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0098] Figure 1 is a line drawing showing an exploded perspective view of a door-in-door assembly, including a host door, a small door frame and a small door, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0099] Figures 2A and 2B respectively show line drawings of the small door frame and the small doorframe with the small door connected; [00100] Figure 3 is a line drawing showing a perspective view of an end portion of the small doorframe; and [00101] Figures 4A and 4B respectively show sectional line drawings of a cross section of the small doorframe and the small doorframe connected to the host door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00102] Figures 1 to 4 show a door-in-door assembly (100) and parts thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention, the door-in-door assembly (100) configured to be fitted within a doorway of a structure, such as, e.g., a house or building.

[00103] The door-in-door assembly (100) includes a host door (110) connectable to the doorway of the structure. The host door (110) includes a receiving opening (112) with an edge (114) for receiving a small door therein.

[00104] The assembly (100) also includes a small door frame formed from an arc-shaped frame member (120), which is connectable to the edge (114) of the receiving opening (112). The frame member (120) includes a pair of opposed protrusions (130) extending outwardly from the frame member (120) and configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity (140) defined in the edge (114) of the receiving opening (112).

[00105] The assembly (100) further includes a small door (150) connectable to the frame member (120) of the small door frame and configured to be pivotable between an open and closed position within a doorway (160) defined by the frame member (120).

[00106] Referring to Figure 1, the host door (110) has a substantially rectangular shape sized and shaped to fit a standard sized doorway in a house. The door (110) is a hollow core door formed from composite wood materials.

[00107] The host door (110) includes a pair of opposed panels (115) extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including an upper edge (116), an opposed lower edge (117) and opposed side edges (118).

[00108] The host door (110) is hingedly connectable to a doorway in a structure along one of the opposed side edges (118) such that the host door (110) is pivotable between an open position and a closed position relative to the doorway.

[00109] As shown, the receiving opening (112) is at least partly defined by the lower edge (117) of the door (110) and is arch-shaped for fitting the arc-shaped frame member (120) and arch-shaped small door (150).

[00110] The edge (114) of the receiving (112) is formed from a bordering portion of the host door (110) and defines the at least one cavity (140), which is defined between the opposed panels (115). As shown, the at least one cavity (140) is elongate and extends longitudinally at least partially along the edge (114).

[00111] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the frame member (120) as shown is arc-shaped and is a metal or plastic extrusion.

[00112] Referring to Figure 2A in particular, the frame member (120) has two ends (121) and includes a sidewall (122) and pair of host door abutting walls (125) extending longitudinally between the two ends (121).

[00113] The sidewall (122) includes an inner surface (123) for abutting against an edge of the small door (150; shown in Figure 2B) and an opposed outer surface (124) for abutting against the edge (114; not shown) of the receiving opening (112; not shown) of the host door (110; not shown).

[00114] The host door abutting walls (125) extend orthogonally outwards from a respective longitudinal side edge of the sidewall (122). In use, the host door abutting walls (125) at least partially abut against, or overlap with, a portion of an outer surface of the host door (110; not shown) when the frame member (120) is connected to the edge (114; not shown) of the receiving opening (112; not shown).

[00115] As shown, the sidewall (122) and the pair of host door abutting walls (125) of the frame member (120) together define a channel for receiving the edge (114; not shown) of the receiving opening (112; not shown).

[00116] Best shown in Figure 2B, a portion (125a) of one of the host door abutting walls (125) of the frame member (120) extends towards the small door (150). The portion (125a) functions as a soffit against which the small door (150) rests against when in a closed position. The soffit prevents the small door (150) from pivoting straight through the doorway (160) defined by the defined by the frame member (120).

[00117] As shown in both Figures 2A and 2B, the pair of opposed protrusions (130) extend outwardly from the outer surface (124) of the sidewall (122) of the frame member (120). This will be described in greater detail later on with respect to Figures 3, 4A and 4B.

[00118] The frame member (120) includes an opening (210) at or near each end (121) for receiving a threaded fastener therethrough for fastening the frame member (120) to the edge (114; not shown) of the receiving opening (112; not shown) of the host door (110; not shown).

[00119] Referring again to Figure 2B, the small door (150) is substantially arch-shaped and configured to fit the doorway (160; visible only in Figure 2A) defined by the defined by the frame member (120).

[00120] The small door (150) is generally a hollow core door of unitary construction formed from plastic materials.

[00121] The small door (150) includes a pair of opposed surfaces (152) extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges, including a curved upper edge (not visible), an opposed lower edge (154) and opposed side edges (156).

[00122] As shown, the opposed surfaces (152) of the small door (150) include a pattern designed to give the small door (150) the appearance of being made from panelled wood.

[00123] The small door (150) is hingedly connectable along one of the side edges (156) to an inner surface (123) of the sidewall (122) of the frame member (120) such that the small door (150) is pivotable between open and closed positions. In Figure 2B, the small door (150) is shown in the closed position.

[00124] Generally, the small door (150) is configured to pivot open inwards into a room to advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of a passer-by colliding with the small door (150) when in the open position.

[00125] Referring to Figure 3, the pair of opposed protrusions (130) specifically extend outwardly from a base (132), which extends at least partially along a longitudinal length of the outer surface (124) of the sidewall (122) of the frame member (120).

[00126] The pair of opposed protrusions (130) extend outwardly from opposed longitudinal side edges of the base (132). The base (132) has a narrower width than a width of the sidewall (122).

[00127] Each protrusion (130) is substantially planar extending longitudinally at least partially along a longitudinal length of the outer surface (124) of the sidewall (122) of the frame member (120).

[00128] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the opposed protrusions (130) define a channel configured to be received within the cavity (140).

[00129] As best shown in Figure 4B, each of the protrusions (130) at least partially abuts against an inner surface of the cavity (140) such that the channel is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the cavity (140).

[00130] As also best shown in Figure 4B, the pair of opposed protrusions (130) with the pair of host door abutting walls (125) together define two respective shaped grooves (410) each for receiving an edge portion of the opposed panels (115) of the host door (110) adjacent the edge (114) of the receiving opening (112).

[00131] A method of fitting the door-in-door assembly (100) as shown or partially shown in Figures 1,2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B to a doorway in a structure will now be described in detail.

[00132] As an optional initial step, an existing door if present is removed from the doorway. The existing door is removed by unfastening the hinges from a jamb of the doorway. The existing door, once removed, may be placed in storage to be re-hung at a later date, if desired.

[00133] If the door-in-door assembly (100) is not already pre-assembled, the method includes aligning and connecting the frame member (120) to the edge (114) of the receiving opening (112) of the host door (110). The connecting includes inserting the protrusions (130) of the frame member (120) into the cavity (140) extending at least partially along the edge (114) of the receiving opening (112).

[00134] The connecting further includes inserting a threaded fastener through each of the openings (210) located at or near each end (121) of the frame member (120) and fastening the frame member (120) to the edge (114) of the receiving opening (112) of the host door (110).

[00135] Once the frame member (120) is connected to the host door (110), the small door (150) is aligned and connected to the frame member (120). The connecting includes hingedly connecting a side edge (156) of the small door (150) to a corresponding portion of an inner surface (123) of the sidewall (122) of the frame member (120) such that the small door (150) is able to pivot between open and closed positions.

[00136] Once assembled, the door-in-door assembly (100) is connected to the doorway of the structure.

[00137] The connecting includes hanging the host door (110) in the doorway and hingedly connecting the host door (110) to a corresponding jamb of the doorway again such that the host door (110) is able to pivot between open and closed positions relative to the doorway.

[00138] The door-in-door assembly (100) can be removed at any point and be replaced by the existing door with minimal structural disturbance to the doorway or the structure. Advantageously, this enables a parent or guardian to readily undertake renovations of a child’s bedroom or playroom with peace of mind knowing that at least the door-in-door assembly (100) can be readily removed and replaced with the prior door when the child outgrows at least the door-in-door assembly.

[00139] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘compr/se’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00140] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00141] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A door-in-door assembly including: a host door connectable to a doorway in a structure, said host door having a receiving opening with an edge for receiving a small door therein; a small door frame connectable to the edge of the receiving opening, said small door frame including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small doorframe configured to be at least partially received in at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening; and a small door connectable to the small doorframe and configured to be pivotable between an open position and a closed position within a doorway defined by the small doorframe.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the small door frame is formed from at least one frame member including at least two ends and at least one sidewall extending longitudinally between the at least two ends, wherein the at least one sidewall includes an inner surface for at least partially abutting against an edge of the small door and an opposed outer surface for at least partially abutting against the edge of the receiving opening.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a pair of opposed protrusions extending substantially parallel to one another outwardly from the outer surface of the sidewall of the at least one frame member.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pair of opposed protrusions define a channel configured to be sandwiched between inner surfaces of the at least one cavity when the small door frame is connected to the edge of the receiving opening of the host door.

5. A small door frame for use or when used with the door-in-door assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, said small door frame being connectable to the edge of the receiving opening defined in the host door and including at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the small door frame for being at least partially received in the at least one cavity defined in the edge of the receiving opening, said small door frame further being connectable to the small door configured to be pivotable between an open position and closed position within a doorway defined by the small doorframe. Date: 1 September 2017