DOOR WITH REPLACEABLE PANEL

Abstract

A door system includes a door having a pocket in a face thereof, a panel sized and configured to be positioned within the pocket, and one or more connection features configured to selectively hold the panel in the pocket and allow for ready removal of the panel from the pocket.

Claims

1. A door system, comprising: a door having a pocket in a face thereof; a panel sized and configured to be positioned within the pocket; and one or more connection features configured to selectively hold the panel in the pocket and allow for ready removal of the panel from the pocket.

2. The door system of claim 1, further comprising a retaining frame configured to be positioned within the pocket and over a portion of the panel to selectively retain the panel within the pocket, the retaining frame being selectively: (i) removable from the pocket to allow for the panel to be removed and replaced with a different panel, and (ii) securable within the pocket with the one or more connection features to retain the panel within the pocket.

3. The door system of claim 2, wherein the retaining frame is selectively securable within the pocket with one or more rods that extend at least partially through the door and into the retaining frame, the one or more rods being configured for selective withdrawal from the retaining frame to allow for the retaining frame to be selectively removed from the pocket.

4. The door system of claim 2, wherein the retaining frame and/or the panel comprises an ejection feature configured to facilitate removal of the retaining frame and/or the panel from the pocket.

5. The door system of claim 4, wherein the ejection feature comprises a spring-loaded button.

6. The door system of claim 2, wherein the retaining frame is selectively securable within the pocket with one or more sets of latches and receptacles.

7. The door system of claim 6, wherein at least one of the latches is spring loaded, such that the latch is biased to an extended position and can be selectively moved to a retracted position.

8. The door system of claim 7, wherein the door comprises a channel therethrough, the channel being configured to receive a rod or key that is configured to move the spring-loaded latch from the extended position to the retracted position.

9. The door system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the latches extends a fixed distance from an outer surface of the retaining frame, wherein the spring-loaded latch and the fixed-distance latch are disposed on opposing sides of the retaining frame.

10. The door system of claim 1, the door comprises a rail that is configured to be selectively connectable to the door alternatively with a first face thereof being visible or a second face thereof being visible, the second face comprising a hook configured to have a decoration hung therefrom.

11. The door system of claim 2, wherein the panel and the retaining frame are secured together or integrally formed.

12. The door system of claim 1, wherein the one or more connection features comprise one or more latches associated with the panel and one or more receptacles associated with the door, wherein at least one of the latches is movable relative to the panel between a retracted position and an extended position.

13. The door system of claim 1, wherein the one or more connection features comprise one or more channels in the door, one or more corresponding channels in the panel, and one or more rods that can be selectively extended into the channels to secure the panel to the door.

14. A door system, comprising: a door; a panel or rail configured to be selectively connected to the door at a predetermined position; and one or more connection features associated with the door and the panel or rail, the one or more connection features being configured to selectively secure the panel or rail to the door and allow for selective replacement of the panel or rail with a different panel or rail or reattachment of the panel or rail in a different orientation.

15. The door system of claim 14, wherein the one or more connection features comprise a fixed latch extending from one side of the panel or rail and a movable latch extending from an opposing second side of the panel or rail and corresponding receptacles in the door that are configured to receive the fixed latch and movable latch therein.

16. The door system of claim 15, wherein the door further comprises a channel extending to the receptacle that is configured to receive the movable latch, the channel being configured to have a rod extended therethrough to move the movable latch from an extended position to a retracted position.

17. The door system of claim 14, wherein the one or more connection features comprise corresponding channels in the door and the panel or rail and a rod that is selectively: insertable into the channels to selectively secure the panel or rail to the door; and removable from the channels to enable the panel or rail to be disconnected from the door.

18. The door system of claim 14, wherein the panel or rail has opposing first and second sides, the panel or rail being selectively connectable to the door with either the first side or the second side being visible.

19. The door system of claim 18, wherein the second side of the panel or rail comprises a hook configured to have a decoration hung therefrom.

20. A door system, comprising: a door having a pocket in a face thereof; a panel sized and configured to be positioned within the pocket; a retaining frame configured to be positioned within the pocket and over a portion of the panel to selectively retain the panel within the pocket; and one or more connection features associated with the door and the retaining frame, the one or more connection features being configured to selectively secure the retaining frame within the pocket and allow for selective removal of the retaining frame enable the panel to be replaced with a different panel.

21. The door system of claim 20, wherein the one or more connection features comprise: a fixed latch extending from one side of the retaining frame; a movable latch extending from an opposing second side of the retaining frame; corresponding receptacles in the door that are configured to receive the fixed latch and movable latch therein; and a channel extending to the receptacle that is configured to receive the movable latch, the channel being configured to have a rod extended therethrough to move the movable latch from an extended position to a retracted position.

22. The door system of claim 21, wherein the one or more connection features comprise corresponding channels in the door and the retaining frame and a rod that is selectively: insertable into the channels to selectively secure the retaining frame in the pocket; and removable from the channels to enable the retaining frame to be removed from the pocket.

23. The door system of claim 20, wherein the retaining frame and/or the panel comprises a spring-loaded button configured to facilitate removal of the retaining frame and/or the panel from the pocket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a door system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates the door system of FIG. 1 with a panel being removed according to one example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates the door system of FIG. 1 with a replacement panel installed therein;

[0017] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate cross-sectional view of the door system of FIG. 1 to illustrate connection features according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates connection features of a door system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates to doors with replaceable or interchangeable panels. The door may have one or more pockets in a face thereof (e.g., exterior or interior face). A pocket may take the form of a recess in the face of the door or an opening that extends through the door (e.g., between opposing faces thereof). A panel may be selectively positioned within the pocket and held in place by a retaining frame. The retaining frame may be selectively secured to the door to hold the panel in place within the pocket. In some cases, the retaining frame is positioned at least partially within the pocket. The retaining frame may be selectively removed from the door/pocket to allow for the panel to be removed. Once the panel is removed, a different panel may be inserted into the pocket and the retaining frame may be reinstalled to hold the new panel in place. The panels may be changed to provide the door with a different aesthetic, such as for holidays, parties, seasons, or any other desired aesthetic change.

[0020] Attention is now directed to the drawings, which illustrate example embodiments of doors with pockets, interchangeable panels, and retaining frames. Additionally, the drawings illustrate different examples of locking or securing mechanisms that may be used to selectively secure the retaining frame to the door. As discussed below, the example locking or securing mechanisms may include male/female connections, apertures and insertable rods, buttons, magnets, camp levers, and the like.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a door system 100 according to one example embodiment. The door system 100 includes a door 101 that is illustrated as being constructed from rails 102 (rails 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d), stiles 104 (stiles 104a, 104b), and panels 106 (panels 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) mounted between the rails 102 and stiles 104. In other embodiments, however, the door 101 may be formed with other constructions. For instance, the door 101 may be formed from a solid panel. In still other embodiments, the door 101 may be formed from a frame with panels (e.g., fiberglass, wood, metal, etc.) applied to opposing sides thereof.

[0022] Regardless of the specific type of construction or style of the door 101, the door 101 may include at least pocket 108 that is configured to receive at least one of the panels 106 therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the pocket 108 extends between and is partially formed by the rails 102c, 102d and the stiles 104a, 104b. The pocket 108 also extends inward from the faces of the rails 102 and stiles 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket 108 extends inward to the panel 106d. The illustrated face of the panel 106d may partially form the pocket 108. In other embodiments, the door 101 may not include the panel 106d and the pocket 108 may extend entirely through the door 101. In such embodiments, the pocket 108 may include one or more shoulders against which the panel 106c may be registered and which partially form the pocket 108.

[0023] In embodiments with the panel 106d, the panel 106d may be permanently mounted between the rails 102c, 102d and the stiles 104a, 104b. In other embodiments, the panel 106d may be selectively removable from the door 101. In either case, a face of the panel 106d may be visible on one side of the door 101 and a face of the panel 106c may be visible on the opposite side of the door 101. The panels 106c, 106d may also include faces that face (and optionally abut) one another within the pocket 108.

[0024] The panel 106c may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to be selectively received and secured within the pocket 108. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the door 101 may include a retaining frame 110 that is configured to be connected to the stile 104 (or rails 102) and retain the panel 106c within the pocket 108. The retaining frame 110 may hold the panel 106c in place between the retaining frame 110 and the panel 106d or a shoulder within the pocket 108. As shown, the retaining frame 110 may include an opening 112 therethrough. As can be seen, the opening 112 allows for the panel 106c to be seen therethrough. In addition to holding the panel 106c within the pocket 108, the retaining frame 110 may also provide the door 101 with a particular appearance. For instance, the retaining frame 110 may act or appear as a finish molding around the panel 106c.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining frame 110 may be selectively removable from the pocket 108 to allow for the panel 106c to be removed. For instance, the retaining frame 110 may be disconnected from the door 101 and removed from over the panel 106c. Thereafter, the panel 106c may be removed from the pocket 108. With the panel 106c removed from the pocket 108, a different panel 106c may be inserted into the pocket 108. The retaining frame 110 may then be reinstalled to hold the panel 106c in place within the pocket. The panel 106c may be stored for later use.

[0026] Any number of panels may be installed within the pocket 108 to vary the aesthetic of the door 101. For instance, the panel 106c may have an aesthetic that matches one or more of the other panels 106a, 106b, such as a wood panel. The panels 106c may have aesthetics that are different from the panel 106c. For instance, the panels 106c may include different designs (e.g., checkerboard, herringbone, etc.), materials (e.g., wood, metal, glass, etc.), holiday or seasonal images, greetings (e.g., Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas,), phrases (e.g., Home Sweet Home), and the like. Thus, the overall aesthetic of the door 101 may be quickly and easily changed depending on the desires at any given time.

[0027] The specific manner in which the retaining frame 110 is secured to the door 101 may vary from one embodiment to another. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrates one example embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 4A-C illustrate cross-sectional views of the door 101 to illustrate the connection features associated with the retaining frame 110 and the stiles 104a, 104b.

[0028] As illustrated, one side of the retaining frame 110 includes a latch 114 that extends therefrom. The latch 114 may extend a fixed distance from the side of the retaining frame 110. The stile 104a includes a receptacle 116 that is configured to receive the latch therein. The opposite side of the retaining frame 110 includes a latch 118. The latch 118 is selectively movable relative to the retaining frame 110 between extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the latch 118 may be positioned entirely within the retaining frame 110 or only extend out of the retaining frame 110 a short distance (e.g., 1/16 inches, inches, inches, inches). In the extended position, the latch 118 extends out of the side of the retaining frame 110 a distance that is longer than in the retracted position. In the extended position, the latch 118 may extend out of the retaining frame 110 far enough to extend into a receptacle 120 in the stile 104b, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0029] The latch 118 may be biased towards the extended position. A biasing member 122 may be at least partially disposed between the retaining frame 110 and the latch 118. The biasing member 122 may exert a biasing force on the latch 118 that urges the latch 118 to the extended position. However, the biasing force of the biasing member 122 may be selectively overcome to allow for the latch 118 to move to the retracted position. For instance, the stile 104b may include a channel 124 that extends from an outer edge of the stile 104b and into the receptacle 120. A rod or key 125 may be inserted through the channel 124 to engage the latch 118. The rod or key may be used to push the latch 118 from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby disengaging the latch 118 from the receptacle 120, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0030] While a rod or key 125 may be used to disengage the latch 118, this is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the stile 104b may have a button or lever incorporated therein, pressing or moving the button or lever may engage the latch 118 and move it to the retracted position.

[0031] In any event, with the latch 118 disengaged from the receptacle 120, the retaining frame 110 may be removed from the pocket 108. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4C, the retaining frame 110 may be pivoted out of the pocket 108 such that the side with the latch 118 is removed from the pocket 108. Thereafter, the rest of the retaining frame 110 may be removed from the pocket 108, including moving the retaining frame 110 laterally to withdraw the latch 114 from the receptacle 116.

[0032] In some embodiments, an ejection feature 126 may be included to facilitate removal of the retaining frame 110 from the pocket 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the ejection feature 126 includes a spring-loaded button in the back side of the retaining frame 110. When the retaining frame 110 is installed in the pocket 108, the button is configured to engage the panel 106d and move to a retracted position as shown in FIG. 4C. When the latch 118 is disengaged from the receptacle 120, the spring associated with the button urges the button to an extended position. The engagement of the button with the panel 106d and the force of the spring causes the retaining frame 110 to move at least partially out of the pocket 108 (similar to FIG. 4C).

[0033] While the ejection feature 126 is illustrated as being part of the retaining frame 110, this is merely an example. In other embodiments, the ejection feature 126 may be incorporated into the panel 106c. The ejection feature may also be incorporated into the pocket 108.

[0034] Similar to the ejection feature 126, another ejection feature 128 may be included to facilitate removal of the panel 106c from the pocket 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the ejection feature 128 includes a spring-loaded button in the back of the panel 106c. When the retaining frame 110 is removed from the pocket 108, the spring-loaded button may push the panel 106c at least partially out of the pocket 108, as shown in FIG. 4C. While the ejection feature 128 is illustrated as being part of the panel 106c, the ejection feature 128 may alternative be incorporated into the panel 106d.

[0035] As noted above, once the panel 106c has been removed from the pocket 108, a different panel 106c may be inserted into the pocket 108. With the panel 106c in the pocket 108, the retaining frame 110 may be reinstalled. This may include inserting the latch 114 into the receptacle 116 and pivoting the retaining frame into the pocket 108. The latch 118 may be moved to the retracted position while the retaining frame 110 is pivoted into the pocket 108. This may be done manually (e.g., the user presses the latch 118 to the retracted position) or as part of the pivoting motion. For instance, the extended latch 118 may engage the stile 104b, which may cause the latch 118 to move to the retracted position. Once the retaining frame 110 is fully positioned within the pocket 108, the latch 118 may extend into the receptacle 120, thereby securing the retaining frame 110 and the panel 106c within the pocket.

[0036] The connection features shown in FIGS. 4A-4C are merely one example. FIG. 5 illustrates another example of connection features that may be employed to secure the retaining frame 110 within the pocket 108. In this embodiment, the stile 104b includes channels 130, 132 extending therethrough. One end of the channels 130, 132 open to the outer surface of the stile 104b and opposite ends thereof open into the pocket 108. The retaining frame 110 includes channels 134, 136 extending therethrough. The stile 104a includes receptacle 138, 140 therein. The receptacles 138, 140 open into the pocket 108.

[0037] When the retaining frame 110 is disposed within the pocket 108, the channel 130, the channel 134, and the receptacle 138 align with one another and the channel 132, the channel 136, and the receptacle 140 align with one another. A rod 142 may be inserted through the channels 130, 134 and into the receptacle 138 and a rod 144 may be inserted through the channels 132, 136 and into the receptacle 140 to secure the retaining frame 110 within the pocket 108. A cover or other retention element may be attached to the edge of the stile to conceal and hold the rods 142, 144 in place when the panel 106c is not being changed.

[0038] When it is desired to change the panel 106c, the rods 142, 144 may be withdrawn from the channels/receptacles, thereby allowing the retaining frame 110 to be removed from the pocket 108. With the retaining frame 110 removed from the pocket 108, the panel 106c can similarly be removed from the pocket 108 and replaced with another panel 106c. Thereafter the retaining frame 110 and rods 142, 144 can be reinstalled to secure the panel 106c within the pocket 108.

[0039] While FIG. 5 includes the channels 134, 136 that extend entirely through the retaining frame 110, this is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the channels 134, 136 may only extend partially through the retaining frame 110. In such embodiments, the rods 142, 144 may only extend through the channels 130, 132 and into the channels 134, 136, but not into the stile 104a (or receptacles therein). In such embodiments, the retaining frame 110 may include a latch (similar to the latch 114) that is configured to extend into a receptacle in the stile 104a.

[0040] While the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 include a replaceable panel and a separate retaining frame, the retaining frame and the panel may be secured together or integrally formed. In such an embodiment, the retaining frame and the panel may be removed from the pocket in the door as a single unit and replaced with another panel and retaining frame that are similarly secured together or integrally formed.

[0041] In still other embodiments, a door according to the present disclosure does not require a retaining frame. In cases where a retaining frame is not included, connection features may be included as part of the panel 106c. For instance, the connection features shown and described in connection with the retaining frame 110 may be included as part of the panel 106c. As such, the panel 106c may include the latches 114, 118 that mate with the receptacles 116, 120. Alternatively, the panel 106c may include the channels 134, 136 that are configured to receive the rods 142, 144. When the connection features are included as part of the panel 106c, a retaining frame is not necessary to hold the panel 106c in the pocket 108. Rather, the connection features on the panel 106c may be sufficient to hold the panel 106c in the pocket 108.

[0042] Although the illustrated embodiments have focused on the ability to remove and replace panels of a door, the scope of the present disclosure extends beyond that. For instance, rather than replacing a door panel, one of the rails or panels of the door may be selectively secured to the door in multiple configurations. The manner of securing and removing the rail or panel may be the same as or similar to the other examples provided herein.

[0043] In one embodiment, a rail may be secured to the door with a first face thereof exposed so as to appear merely as a typical rail. The rail may also be removed from the door and resecured to the door with a second face thereof exposed. The second face of the rail may have a different design or appearance than the first face (e.g., different color, pattern, image, wording, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, the second face of the rail may have a functional implement associated therewith. For instance, the second face may have a hook extending therefrom. In such case, the rail may be attached to the door with the second face exposed so that a wreath, sign, or other decoration may be hung from the hook. When the wreath, sign, or other decoration is not to be displayed, the rail may be removed and reattached with the first face exposed to provide a traditional look without the hook being visible.

[0044] In light of the disclosure, a door system may take a variety of configurations. For instance, a door system may include: a door having a pocket in a face thereof, a panel sized and configured to be positioned within the pocket, and one or more connection features configured to selectively hold the panel in the pocket and allow for ready removal of the panel from the pocket.

[0045] In some embodiments, the door system also includes a retaining frame configured to be positioned within the pocket and over a portion of the panel to selectively retain the panel within the pocket, the retaining frame being selectively: (i) removable from the pocket to allow for the panel to be removed and replaced with a different panel, and (ii) securable within the pocket with the one or more connection features to retain the panel within the pocket.

[0046] In some embodiments, the retaining frame is selectively securable within the pocket with one or more rods that extend at least partially through the door and into the retaining frame.

[0047] In some embodiments, the one or more rods are configured for selective withdrawal from the retaining frame to allow for the retaining frame to be selectively removed from the pocket.

[0048] In some embodiments, the retaining frame is selectively securable within the pocket with one or more sets of latches and receptacles.

[0049] In some embodiments, at least one of the latches is spring loaded, such that the latch is biased to an extended position and can be selectively moved to a retracted position.

[0050] In some embodiments, the door comprises a channel therethrough, the channel being configured to receive a rod or key that is configured to move the spring-loaded latch from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of the latches extends a fixed distance from an outer surface of the retaining frame.

[0052] In some embodiments, the spring-loaded latch and the fixed-distance latch are disposed on opposing sides of the retaining frame.

[0053] In some embodiments, the panel and the retaining frame are secured together or integrally formed.

[0054] In some embodiments, the one or more connection features comprise one or more latches associated with the panel and one or more receptacles associated with the door.

[0055] In some embodiments, at least one of the latches is movable relative to the panel between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0056] In some embodiments, the one or more connection features comprise one or more channels in the door, one or more corresponding channels in the panel, and one or more rods that can be selectively extended into the channels to secure the panel to the door.

[0057] In one embodiment, a door system includes a door having a pocket in a face thereof, a panel sized and configured to be positioned within the pocket, one or more connection features associated with the door and the panel, the one or more connection features being configured to selectively secure the panel within the pocket and allow for selective removal of the panel for replacement with a different panel.

[0058] In some embodiments, the one or more connection features comprise a fixed latch extending from one side of the panel and a movable latch extending from an opposing second side of the panel and corresponding receptacles in the door that are configured to receive the fixed latch and movable latch therein.

[0059] In some embodiments, the door includes a channel extending to the receptacle that is configured to receive the movable latch, the channel being configured to have a rod extended therethrough to move the movable latch from an extended position to a retracted position.

[0060] In some embodiments, the one or more connection features comprise corresponding channels in the door and the panel and a rod that is selectively: insertable into the channels to selectively secure the panel in the pocket, and removable from the channels to enable the panel to be removed from the pocket.

[0061] In one embodiment, a door system includes a door having a pocket in a face thereof, a panel sized and configured to be positioned within the pocket, a retaining frame configured to be positioned within the pocket and over a portion of the panel to selectively retain the panel within the pocket, and one or more connection features associated with the door and the retaining frame, the one or more connection features being configured to selectively secure the retaining frame within the pocket and allow for selective removal of the retaining frame enable the panel to be replaced with a different panel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the one or more connection features comprise: a fixed latch extending from one side of the retaining frame, a movable latch extending from an opposing second side of the retaining frame, corresponding receptacles in the door that are configured to receive the fixed latch and movable latch therein, and a channel extending to the receptacle that is configured to receive the movable latch, the channel being configured to have a rod extended therethrough to move the movable latch from an extended position to a retracted position.

[0063] In some embodiments, the one or more connection features comprise corresponding channels in the door and the retaining frame and a rod that is selectively: insertable into the channels to selectively secure the retaining frame in the pocket, and removable from the channels to enable the retaining frame to be removed from the pocket.

[0064] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.