Abstract:
The present invention relates to a double breakout sliding door system for use in retail and other buildings. The system includes left and right doors that are configured to slide open and closed and also breakout in two directions (outward and inward) when a force is exerted on the doors in order to, for example, allow customers and employees to exit a building in the event of a fire and to prevent damage to the doors in the event that a user pushes on them when they are closed. The system also includes a leveling system configured to keep the doors level when they breakout and a ball detent mechanism to alert the user to the proper position of the doors.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to automatic sliding door systems. 
     Background of the Invention 
     Retail stores in the United States commonly use automatic sliding doors, which consist of a right, door and a left door that slide along a sliding plane from a sliding closed position to a sliding open position when, for example, a motion sensor detects a shopper or employee. Fire code regulations generally require that such doors break open outward to allow egress of shoppers or employees from the store in the event of a fire. Such sliding doors typically only break open outward—not inward. While such systems are generally designed for the safety of pedestrian traffic, the movement of large or heavily loaded equipment often puts the door at risk of being damaged especially when moving such equipment into the store. In addition, in such prior systems, when a door breaks open outward, the bottom corner of the door that meets the other door when the doors are closed (also referred to as the nose) drops on the ground. This can be problematic in that the doors, which are heavy, must be raised to reset the normal sliding operation of the doors. 
     Thus, there is a need for sliding door systems that break outward and inward. There is also a need for sliding door systems that break outward and inward and can be quickly reset to the normal sliding operation of the doors. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a double breakout sliding door system as described herein. 
     More particularly, the system may include: a rectangular door system frame comprising a system frame front side, a system frame rear side, a system frame thickness extending from the system frame front side to the system frame rear side, a system frame top, a system frame bottom, a system frame height extending from the system frame top to the system frame bottom, a system frame left side, a system frame right side, and a system frame width extending from the system frame left side to the system frame right side, the rectangular door system frame defining a system frame opening; a left door comprising a left, door front side, a left door rear side, a left door thickness extending from the left door front side to the left door rear side, a left door left side, a left door right side, a left door width extending from the left door left side to the left door right side, the left door width perpendicular to the left door thickness, a left door top, a left door bottom, and a left door height extending from the left door top to the left door bottom, the left door height perpendicular to the left door width and the left door thickness; a right door comprising a right door front side, a right door rear side, a right door thickness extending from the right door front side to the right door rear side, a right door left side, a right door right side, a right door width extending from the right door left side to the right door right side, the right door width perpendicular to the right door thickness, a right door top, a right door bottom, and a right door height extending from the right door top to the right door bottom, the right door height perpendicular to the right door width and the right door thickness; a top left panel located above the left door, the top left panel connected to the left door and comprising a top left panel left side, a top left panel right side, a top left panel top, a top left panel bottom located below the system frame top, a top left panel height extending from the top left panel top to the top left panel bottom, a top left panel front side, a top left panel rear side, and a top left panel thickness extending from the top left panel front side to the top left panel rear side, the top left panel height perpendicular to the left door thickness, the top left panel thickness and the top left panel width; a top right panel located above the right door, the top right panel connected to the right door and comprising a top right, panel left side, a top right panel right side, a top right panel width extending from the top right panel left side to the top right panel right side, a top right panel top, a top right panel bottom located below the system frame top, a top right panel height extending from the top right panel top to the top right panel bottom, a top right panel front side, a top right panel rear side, and a top right panel thickness extending from the top right panel front side to the top right panel rear side, the top right, panel height perpendicular to the right door thickness, the top right panel thickness and the top right panel width; a motor; a left rod having a left rod top pivotally attached to the top left panel by a left pivot pin forming a left pivot pin axis and a left rod bottom attached to the left door left side, the left rod extending in a general downward direction from the top left panel at least partially through the left door; and a right rod having a right rod top pivotally attached to the top right panel by a right pivot pin forming a right pivot pin axis and a right rod bottom attached to the right door right side, the right rod extending in a general downward direction from the top right panel at least partially through the right door, wherein the motor is configured to slide the left door and right door in a sliding plane parallel to the system frame width from a sliding open position in which the left and right doors are apart and do not close the system frame opening to a sliding closed position in which the left and right doors meet to close the system frame opening, wherein the top left panel is configured to slide with the left door from the sliding open position to the sliding closed position, wherein the top right panel is configured to slide with the right door from the sliding open position to the sliding closed position, wherein the left door is configured to rotate about the left rod from the sliding plane to a left door front, open position when a force is exerted on the left door rear side perpendicular to the left door rear side when the left door is in the sliding plane, wherein the left door is configured to rotate about the left rod from the sliding plane to a left door rear open position when a force is exerted on the left door front side perpendicular to the left door front side when the left door is in the sliding plane, wherein the left door right side is in front of the rectangular door system frame and in front of the left door left side in the left door front open position and wherein the left door right side is to the rear of the rectangular door system frame and to the rear of the left door left side in the left door rear open position, and further wherein the right door is configured to rotate about the right rod from the sliding plane to a right door front open position when a force is exerted on the right door rear side perpendicular to the right door rear side when the right door is in the sliding plane, wherein the right door is configured to rotate about the right rod from the sliding plane to a right door rear open position when a force is exerted on the right door front side perpendicular to the right door front side when the right door is in the sliding plane, wherein the right door left side is in front of the rectangular door system frame and in front of the right door right side in the right door front open position and wherein the right door left side is to the rear of the rectangular door system frame and to the rear of the right door right side in the right door rear open position. 
     Optionally, the bottom of the left door right side is configured to remain at substantially the same height relative to the rectangular door system frame when the left door rotates about the left rod from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and to the left door rear open position and further wherein the bottom of the left side of the right door is configured to remain at substantially the same height relative to the rectangular door system frame when the right, door rotates about the right, rod from the sliding plane to the right door front open position and to the right door rear open position. Optionally, the system further comprises a left door top latch extending from the left door top, wherein the system further comprises a top left panel bottom latch extending from the top left panel bottom, wherein the left door top latch and the top left panel bottom latch are configured to mate when the left door is in the sliding plane and further wherein the left door top latch and the top left panel bottom latch are not configured to mate when the left door is in the left door front open position and the left door rear open position. Optionally, the top left panel bottom latch is configured to support the left door when the left door is in the sliding plane and further wherein the top left panel bottom latch is not configured to support the left door when the left door is in the left door front open position and the left door rear open position. Optionally, the left door top latch is adjacent to the left door right side, wherein the left door top latch comprises: i) a left door latch base comprising a left door latch base bottom attached to the left door top and a left door latch base top; ii) a left door latch flange located above the left door latch base and comprising a left door latch flange bottom, a left door latch flange top and a left door latch flange height extending from the left door latch flange bottom to the left door latch flange top; and iii) a left door latch slot located between the left door latch base and the left door latch flange and comprising a left door latch slot, height extending from the left door latch base top to the left door latch flange bottom, wherein the top left panel bottom latch is adjacent to the top left panel right side, wherein the top left panel bottom latch comprises: i) a top left panel latch base comprising a top left panel latch base top attached to the top left panel bottom and a top left panel latch base bottom; ii) a top left panel latch flange located below the top left panel latch base and comprising a top left panel latch flange bottom, a top left panel latch flange top and a top left panel latch flange height extending from the top left panel latch flange bottom to the top left panel latch flange top; and iii) a top left panel latch slot located between the top left panel latch base and the top left panel latch flange and comprising a top left panel latch slot height extending from the top left panel latch base bottom to the top left panel latch flange top, wherein the top left panel latch slot height is greater than the left door latch flange height, wherein the left door latch slot height is greater than the top left panel latch flange height, wherein the left door latch flange is configured to be positioned in the top left panel latch slot when the left door is in the sliding plane, and further wherein the top left panel latch flange is configured to be positioned in the left door latch slot, when the left door is in the sliding plane. 
     Optionally, the left door and the top left panel further comprises a ball detent comprising a ball, a recess configured to receive the ball, and a spring connected to the ball and configured to urge the ball toward the recess, and further wherein the ball is configured to move into the recess when the top left panel latch flange is positioned in the left door latch slot and the left door latch flange is positioned in the top left panel latch slot. Optionally, the left rod bottom is configured to be the sole point of attachment of the left door to the top left panel when the left door is in the left door front open position and the left door rear open position. Optionally, the left pivot pin axis and the right pivot pin axis are perpendicular to the system frame front side and the system frame rear side. Optionally, the top left panel further comprises a left adjustment fastener configured to engage the left rod and cause the left rod to pivot along the left pivot pin axis and further wherein the top right panel further comprises a right adjustment fastener configured to engage the right rod and cause the right rod to pivot along the right pivot, pin axis. Optionally, pivoting of the left rod along the left pivot, pin axis is configured to cause the bottom of the left door right side to move vertically relative to the top left panel and further wherein pivoting of the right rod along the right pivot axis is configured to cause the bottom of the right door left side to move vertically relative to the top right panel. Optionally, the left door comprises a left door frame comprising an interior and further wherein the left rod is located within the left door frame interior and further wherein the right door comprises a right door frame comprising an interior and further wherein the right rod is located within the right door frame interior. Optionally, the left rod bottom is hollow and surrounds a threaded shank of a left threaded bolt comprising a head and the threaded shank, wherein the left rod is fixed to the threaded shank of the left threaded bolt, wherein the left door further comprises a left door bracket located between the head of the left threaded bolt and the left rod bottom, wherein the left door bracket is attached to the left door frame, wherein the left door bracket is configured to rotate about the left rod and the left threaded bolt while the left rod and the left threaded bolt remain stationary as the left door moves from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and the left door rear open position and further wherein the bottom of the right rod is hollow and surrounds a threaded shank of a right threaded bolt comprising a head and the threaded shank, wherein the right rod is fixed to the threaded shank of the right threaded bolt, wherein the right door further comprises a right door bracket located between the head of the right threaded bolt and the bottom of the right rod, wherein the right, door bracket is attached to the left door frame, wherein the right door bracket is configured to rotate about the right rod and the right threaded bolt while the right rod and the right threaded bolt remain stationary as the right door moves from the sliding plane to the right door front open position and the right door rear open position. Optionally, the system, further comprises a left fastener fixing the left rod to the threaded shank of the left threaded bolt and a right fastener fixing the right rod to the threaded shank of the right threaded bolt. Optionally, the left door frame forms a perimeter around a plurality of left door glazing blocks and further wherein the right door frame forms a perimeter around a plurality of right door glazing blocks. Optionally, the plurality of left door glazing blocks are located between the left door frame and a left door glazing panel and further wherein the plurality of right door glazing blocks are located between the right door frame and a right door glazing panel. Optionally, the system further comprises a left door panel configured to remain fixed relative to the rectangular door system, frame when the left door moves from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position, the left door panel located to the left of the left door when the left door is in the sliding closed position, wherein the left door is configured to slide to the rear of the left door panel when the left door slides from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position, wherein the left door panel is configured to move with the left door when the left door moves from the sliding plane to the left door front open position, and further wherein the left door panel is configured to remain fixed relative to the rectangular door system frame when the left door moves from the sliding plane to the left door rear open position. Optionally, the system further comprises a left track located above the top left panel and further wherein the system comprises a left wheel connected to the top left panel and located in the left track and further wherein the left wheel is configured to move along the left track when the top left panel and left door slide from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position and further wherein the system further comprises a right, track located above the top right panel and further wherein the system comprises a right wheel connected to the top right panel and located in the right track and further wherein the right wheel is configured to move along the right track when the top right panel and right door slide from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position. Optionally, the motor is configured to move the left wheel along the left track and the right wheel along the right track. Optionally, the system further comprises a sensor in electronic communication with the motor and configured to cause the left door, the top left panel, the right door and the top right panel to move from the sliding plane to the sliding open position when the sensor detects an object in front of the left door and the right door. Optionally, moving the left door from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and the left door rear open position is configured to disable the motor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front, elevation view of a double breakout sliding door system of one embodiment of the present invention; in  FIG. 1 , the left and right doors are level relative to the top left panel, the top right panel and the ground and in the sliding open position. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 2 , the left and right doors are level relative to the top left panel, the top right panel and the ground and, as compared to  FIG. 1 , the left door and the right door have moved along the sliding plane from the sliding open position to the sliding closed position. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 3 , the left and right doors are level relative to the top left panel, the top right panel and the ground and in the sliding open position. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 4 , the left and right doors are level relative to the top left panel, the top right panel and the ground and in the rear open position. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 5 , the left and right doors are level relative to the top left panel, the top right, panel and the ground and in the front open position. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a rear, elevation view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the sliding plane. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a rear, elevation view of the left door and the top left panel of  FIG. 6 ; in  FIG. 7 , the rear portion of the left side of the frame of the left door is removed and a portion of the rear of the top left panel is removed. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a rear, elevation close-up view of the circled area labelled  8  in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a rear, elevation close-up view of the circled area labelled  8 A in  FIG. 8 ; in  FIG. 8A , the upper lock of the door is locked and the ball of the detent is located in the recess. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a rear, perspective close-up view of the circled area labelled  8 A in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a rear, elevation close-up view of the left door top and the top left panel bottom of  FIG. 1 ; the top left panel and the left door are partially transparent in order to show the latch fasteners attaching the top left panel bottom latch to the top left panel and the left door top latch to the left door. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a rear, exploded view of the latch fasteners, and top left panel bottom latch and left door top latch of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a rear, elevation close-up view of the latch fasteners, and top left panel bottom latch and left door top latch of  FIG. 9A ; MG.  9 C shows how the top left panel bottom latch and the left door top latch mate when the left door is in the sliding plane. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 10  the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the sliding plane. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a front, perspective close-up view of the circled area labelled  10 A in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front, perspective view of the left door and top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 11  the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and between the sliding plane and the left door front open position. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a front, perspective view of the left door and top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 12  the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and between the sliding plane and the left door front open position. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 13  the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the left door front open position. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 14  the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the left door rear open position. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a rear, elevation view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the sliding plane; in  FIG. 15 , a portion of the rear of the left side of the frame of the left door is removed and a portion of the rear of the top left panel is removed. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a rear, elevation view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 16 , a portion of the rear of the left side of the frame of the left door is removed and a portion of the rear of the top left panel is removed, the left door is not level relative to the top left panel and the ground and a line and arrows show how the left rod may be pivoted by adjusting a left adjustment fastener. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 17 , the ball of the detent is located in the recess. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 18 , the ball of the detent, is not located in the recess. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a side, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout, sliding door system of  FIG. 1 ; in  FIG. 19 , the left door is located between the sliding plane and the left door front open position. 
         FIG. 19A  illustrates a side, perspective, close-up view of the circled area labelled.  19 A in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the left door and top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the sliding plane; in  FIG. 20 , the rear portion of the left side of the frame of the left door is removed and a portion of the rear of the top left panel is removed. 
         FIG. 20A  illustrates a rear, perspective, close-up view of the circled area labelled  20 A in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the sliding plane; in  FIG. 21 , the left side of the frame of the left door is removed in order to better show the left rod and left door bracket. 
         FIG. 21A  illustrates a rear, perspective, close-up view of the circled area labelled  21 A in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the sliding plane; in  FIG. 22 , the left side of the frame of the left door is partially removed in order to better show the left rod and left door bracket. 
         FIG. 22A  illustrates a rear, perspective, close-up view of the circled area labelled  22 A in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and between the sliding plane and the left door front open position; in  FIG. 23 , the left side of the frame of the left door is partially removed in order to better show the left rod and left door bracket. 
         FIG. 23A  illustrates a rear, perspective, close-up view of the circled area labelled  23 A in  FIG. 23 ; in  FIG. 23A , the left door bracket has rotated slightly relative to the left rod as compared to  FIG. 22A . 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a side, perspective view of the left door and the top left panel of the double breakout sliding door system of  FIG. 1  and the left door is level relative to the top left panel and the ground and in the left door front open position; in  FIG. 24 , the left side of the frame of the left door is partially removed in order to better show the left rod and left door bracket. 
         FIG. 24A  illustrates a side, perspective, close-up view of the circled area labelled  24 A in  FIG. 24 ; in  FIG. 24A , the left door bracket has rotated relative to the left rod as compared to  FIG. 22A  and  FIG. 23A . 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a schematic view of a left door of another embodiment of the present invention that includes a plurality of glazing blocks and a glazing panel. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a schematic view of the left door of  FIG. 25  with the front of a portion of the top left panel and the left door frame removed to show the left rod. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a schematic view of the left door of  FIG. 25  and illustrates how the left rod is configured to raise and lower the left door. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a schematic view of the left door of  FIG. 25  in which the left adjustment fastener has been used to level the left door relative to the top left panel and the ground. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a schematic view of the left door of  FIG. 25  in which the left door is held up via the left rod as well as the left door latch flange positioned in the top left panel latch slot. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-29 , the present invention provides a double breakout sliding system door designated by the numeral  10 . In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity. 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 1-29 , in some embodiments, the double breakout sliding door system  10  includes a rectangular door system frame  12  comprising a system frame front side  7 , a system frame rear side  8 , a system frame thickness extending from the system frame front side  7  to the system frame rear side  8 , a system frame top  14 , a system frame bottom  16 , a system frame height  17  extending from the system frame top  14  to the system frame bottom  16 , a system frame left side  18 , a system, frame right side  20 , and a system frame width  22  extending from the system frame left side  18  to the system frame right side  20 , the rectangular door system frame  12  defining a system frame opening  23 . It will be appreciated that the system frame bottom  16  may be the ground, as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , for example. (The terminology “door system frame” is also referred to as merely a “door frame” in the art; the extra word “system” is used herein to differentiate the door system frame/door frame  12  from the left door frame  102 —i.e., the frame that forms part of the left door  24 —which is later described herein). 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  further includes a left door  24  comprising a left door front side  26 , a left door rear side  28 , a left door thickness  30  extending from the left door front side  26  to the left door rear side  28 , a left door left side  32 , a left door right side  34 , a left door width  36  extending from the left door left side  32  to the left door right side  34 , the left door width  36  perpendicular to the left door thickness  30 , a left door top  38 , a left door bottom  40 , and a left door height  42  extending from the left door top  38  to the left door bottom  40 , the left door height  42  perpendicular to the left door width  36  and the left door thickness  30 , the left door width  36  parallel to the system frame width  22 , when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane (as described below). 
     In the present application, it will be understood that the adjectives “left” and “right” are used to label components such as the doors, panels, and rods by viewing the double breakout sliding door system  10  from the rear, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a right door  130 . The right door  130  is optionally a mirror image of the left door  24 , except that for the locks  126  and  128 , for example, as later described. Given the duplicity of the components and design, the parts of the right door  130  are not numbered in the drawings. 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a top left panel  44  (known in the art as a “carrier”) located above the left door  24 , the top left panel  44  connected to the left door  24  and comprising a top left panel left side  45 , a top left panel right side  47 , a top left, panel width  49  extending from the top left panel left side  45  to the top left panel right side  47 , a top left panel top  46 , a top left panel bottom  48  located below the system frame top  14  and the system frame opening  23 , a top left panel height  50  extending from the top left panel top  46  to the top left panel bottom  48 , a top left panel front side  52 , a top left panel rear side  54 , and a top left panel  56  thickness extending from the top left panel front side  52  to the top left panel rear side  54 , the top left panel height  50  parallel to the left door height  42  when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane and perpendicular to the left door thickness  30  and the top left panel thickness  56  and the top left panel width  49 . The top left panel  44  may be comprised of two or more discrete parts (e.g., a block  136  mounted on top of a top left panel frame piece  138 , which may be for example comprised of extruded aluminum) and may have a variable height  50 , as best seen in  FIGS. 6-8, 10, 10A, 11-16, 19, 19A, 20, 20A, 21, 21A, 22, 22A, 23, 23A, 24, 24A, and 26-29 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a top right panel  134 . The top right panel  134  is optionally a mirror image of the top left panel  44 , except for the top lock  128 , for example, as later described. Given the duplicity of the components and design, the parts of the top right panel  134  are not numbered in the drawings. 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a motor  58 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a left rod  60  having a left rod top  66  pivotally attached to the top left panel  44  by a left pivot pin  62  forming a left pivot pin axis  64  and a left rod bottom  68  attached to the left door left side  32 , the left rod  60  extending in a general downward direction from the top left panel  44  at least partially through the left door  24 . The left rod  60  optionally is generally cylindrical in shape. It will be understood that the left pivot pin  62  and left pivot pin axis  64  do not have to be at the very top end of the left rod  60  and that the attachment point of the left rod  60  to the left door  24  does not have to be at the very bottom end of the left rod  60 —rather the left pivot pin  62  and left pivot pin axis  64  are attached to the left rod top  66  (i.e., attached adjacent to the top end of the left rod  60 ) and the attachment point of the left rod  60  to the left door  24  is at the left rod bottom  68  (i.e., adjacent to the bottom end of the left rod  60 ). As best seen in  FIG. 20A , the left rod  60  passes through a slot  140  that extends from the top left panel  44  at least partially through the left door  24 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a right rod (not shown). The right rod is optionally a mirror image of the left rod  60 . Given the duplicity of the components and design, the right rod parts are not numbered in the drawings. 
     Optionally, the motor  58  is configured to slide the left door  24  and right door  130 , i.e., move the left door  24  and right door  130  horizontally along a sliding plane parallel to the system frame width  22 , from a sliding open position in which the left door  24  and right door  130  are apart and do not close the system frame opening  23  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) to a sliding closed position in which the left door  24  and right door  130  meet to close the system frame opening  23  (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). It will be appreciated that when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane, the left door width  36  is parallel to the system frame width  22 . 
     Optionally, the top left panel  44  is configured to slide with the left door  24  from the sliding open position to the sliding closed position and the top right panel  134  is configured to slide with the right door  130  from the sliding open position to the sliding closed position. 
     Optionally, the left door  24  is configured to pivot (e.g., rotate) about the left rod  60  from the sliding plane to a left door front open position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 13 and 24 ) and to a left door rear open position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 14 ) when a force is exerted on the left door perpendicular to the left door front side  26  and left door rear side  28  (i.e. pushing on the front side  26  or rear side  28 ), when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane. Optionally, the left door right side  34  is in front of the rectangular door system frame  12  and in front of the left door left side  32  in the left door front open position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 13 and 24 ) and the left door right, side  34  is to the rear of the rectangular door system frame  12  and to the rear of the left door left side  32  in the left door rear open position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 14 ). Optionally, when the left door  24  is in the left door front open position, the left door width  36  is approximately 60-90 degrees, preferably approximately 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) relative to the system frame width.  22  and when the left door  24  is in the left door rear open position, the left door width  36  is approximately 60-90 degrees, preferably approximately 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) relative to the system frame width  22 . 
     Optionally, the right door  130  is configured to pivot similarly. 
     Optionally, the bottom  40  of the left door right side  34  is configured to remain at substantially the same height (and level relative to the ground and the top left panel  44 ) when the left door  24  pivots about the left rod  60  from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and to the left door rear open position and the right door  130  is similarly configured to remain level. Thus, the left door  24  breaks open in two directions while remaining level relative to the top left panel  44  and the ground. (As explained in the Background, the prior art systems are primarily designed to break open in one direction—not two—and the prior art systems typically allow the nose of the door (the bottom of the left door right side) to touch the ground when breaking open). 
     Optionally, the left door  24  and top left panel  44  interlock through the use of mating latches  71  and  82  when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane. This interlocking latch feature in addition to the left rod  60  supports the left door  24  when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane). More particularly, in some embodiments, the left door  24  further comprises a left door top latch  71  attached to the left door  24  via latch fasteners  73 . The left door top latch  71  is adjacent (i.e., at or near) the left door right side  20  and the left door top latch  71  has a left door latch base  72  that has a left door latch base bottom  74  attached to the left door top  38  and a left door latch base top  75 . The left door top latch  71  further includes a left door latch flange  76  that is located above the left door latch base  72  and includes a left door latch flange bottom  77 , a left door latch flange top  78  and a left door latch flange height  79  extending from the left door latch flange bottom  77  to the left door latch flange top  78 . The left door top latch  71  further includes a left door latch slot  80  that is located between the left door latch base  72  and the left door latch flange  76  and that has a left door latch slot height  81  extending from the left door latch base top  75  to the left door latch flange bottom  77 . In such embodiments, the top left panel  44  further comprises a top left panel bottom, latch  82  attached to the top left panel  44  via latch fasteners  73 . The top left panel bottom latch  82  is adjacent (i.e., at or near) the top left panel right side  47  and the top left panel bottom latch  82  has a top left panel latch base  83  that has a top left panel latch base top  85  attached to the top left panel bottom  48  and a top left panel latch base bottom  84 . The top left panel bottom, latch  82  further includes a top left panel latch flange  86  that is located below the top left panel latch base  83  and includes a top left panel latch flange bottom  87 , a top left panel latch flange top  88  and a top left panel latch flange height  89  extending from the top left panel latch flange bottom  87  to the top left panel latch flange top  88 . The top left panel bottom latch  82  further includes a top left panel latch slot  90  that is located between the top left panel latch base  83  and the top left panel latch flange  86  and that has a top left panel latch slot height  91  extending from the top left panel latch base bottom  84  to the top left panel latch flange top  88 . The top left panel bottom latch  82  may be located in a cut-out of the top left panel  44 , as best seen in  FIGS. 9A, 10, 10A , and  11 - 16 . The top left panel latch slot height  91  is slightly greater than the left door latch flange height  79 , which allows the left door latch flange  76  to nest inside the top left panel latch slot  90  when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane, as best seen in  FIG. 9C . Similarly, the left door latch slot height  81  is slightly greater than the top left panel latch flange height  89 , which allows the top left panel latch flange  86  to nest inside the left door latch slot  80  when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane, as best seen in  FIG. 9C , which in turn allows the top left panel  44  to support the left door  24  when the left door  24  is in the sliding plane, as best seen in  FIGS. 10, 10A, 15, and 29 . Optionally the left door latch slot  80  and top left panel latch slot  90  are generally U-shaped, best seen in  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C . The top left panel latch slot  90  extends from the top left panel front side  52  to the top left panel rear side  54 , which allows the left door latch flange  76  to pass through when the left door  24  moves from the sliding plane (in which the left door  24  is supported by the top left panel bottom latch  82 ) to the left door front open position and the left door rear open position. Similarly, the left door latch slot  80  extends from the left door front side  26  to the left door rear side  28 , which allows the top left panel latch flange  86  to pass through when the left door  24  moves from the sliding plane to the left door rear open position and the left door front open position. The user is able to align the top left panel bottom latch  82  with the left door top latch  71  using the left adjustment fastener  100 , which, as explained below, causes the left rod  60  to pivot, about the left pivot pin  62  and left pivot pin axis  64 . (Again, the right door  130  and top right panel  134  may include similar interlocking features). 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a ball detent mechanism to alert the user that the latches  71  and  82  are properly aligned—i.e., the left door latch flange  76  is nested in the top left panel latch slot  90  and the top left panel latch flange  86  is nested in the left door latch slot  80 . For example, the left door  24  and the top left panel  44  may include a ball detent comprising a ball  94 , a recess  96  configured to receive the ball  94 , and a spring  98  connected to the ball  94  and configured to urge the ball  94  toward the recess  96 , and the ball  94  is configured to move into the recess  96  when the top left panel latch flange  86  is nested in the left door latch slat  80  and the left door latch flange  76  is nested in the top left panel latch slot  90 . 
     Optionally, the left rod bottom  60  is configured to be the sole point of attachment of the left door  24  to the top left panel  44  when the left door  24  is in the left door front open position and the left door rear open position, as best seen in  FIG. 27 . 
     Optionally, the left pivot pin axis  64  is perpendicular to the system frame front side  7  and system frame rear side  8 . 
     Optionally, the top left panel  44  further comprises a left adjustment fastener  100  configured to engage the left rod  60  and cause the left rod  60  to pivot along the left pivot pin axis  64 , as best seen in  FIGS. 16 and 27 . The left adjustment fastener  100  may be, for example, a jack screw (e.g., a set screw). The left adjustment fastener  100  is preferably located on the left side of top left panel  44 . Again, the top right panel  134  may include a similar adjustment fastener. Pivoting of the left rod  60  along the left pivot pin axis  64  is configured to cause the bottom  40  of the left door right side  34  to move vertically (i.e., up or down) relative to the top left panel  44  and the ground, which allows the user to adjust the distance from the bottom  40  of the left door right side  34  to the ground so that the bottom  40  of the left door right side  34  does not drop (relative to the ground and rectangular door system frame  12 ) when the left door  24  moves from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and the left door rear open position. It will be appreciated that when the bottom  40  of the left door right side  34  moves vertically, it may also move horizontally, which is apparent from  FIG. 16 . 
     Optionally, the left door  24  comprises a frame  102  and a transparent or semi-transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic)—i.e., a window. The left door frame  102  may include a left door frame interior  104  and the left rod  60  may be located within the left door frame interior  104 . Again, the right door  130  may have similar features. Optionally, the bottom  68  of the left rod  60  is hollow and surrounds a threaded shank  110  of a left threaded bolt  106  that includes a head  108  and the threaded shank  110 , wherein the left rod  60  is fixed to the threaded shank  110  of the left threaded bolt.  106 , wherein the left door  24  further comprises a left door bracket  112  located between the head  108  of the left threaded bolt  106  and the left rod bottom  68 , wherein the left door bracket  112  is attached to the left door frame  102 , wherein the left door bracket  112  is configured to rotate about the left rod  60  and the left threaded bolt  106  while the left rod  60  and the left threaded bolt  106  remain stationary as the left door  24  moves from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and the left door rear open position. Again, the right door  130  can include similar features. Bolts can be any suitable material, including for example, metal or nylon. The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a left fastener  113  fixing the left rod  60  to the threaded shank  110  of the left threaded bolt  106 . A right fastener may also be included for the right door  130 . Optionally, the left door frame  102  forms a perimeter around a plurality of left door glazing blocks  114  (e.g., glass blocks) and the plurality of left door glazing blocks  114  are located between the left door frame  102  and a left door glazing panel  116 , as shown in  FIGS. 25-29 . The purpose of the glazing blocks  114  is that the left door frame  102  may be comprised of aluminum and the glazing blocks  114  give structural integrity to the left door  24  so that the left door  24  moves when turning the left adjustment fastener  100 . Again, the right door  130  may include similar features. In other embodiments, the left door  24  may not include left door glazing blocks  114  or left door glazing panel  116 , and instead may be solely comprised of non-transparent/non-semi-transparent material—e.g., metal. 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a door lock  126  comprising a bar extending from the left door  24  to the right door  130  and configured to fix the left door  24  relative to the light door  130 . Optionally, the system  10  further includes at least one top lock  128  comprising a bar extending from the top of a door  24  or  130  to the bottom of a top panel  44  or  134  and configured to fix the door  24  or  130  relative to the top panel  44  or  134 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally includes a left track  120  located above the top left panel  44  and a left wheel  122  connected to the top left panel  44  and located in the left track  120  and the left wheel  122  is configured to move along the left track  120  when the top left panel  44  and the left door  24  slide from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position. The right door  130  may include similar features. Optionally, the motor  58  is configured to move the left wheel  122  along the left track  120 . It will be appreciated that references herein to the singular embrace the plural. Thus, the double breakout sliding door system  10  may include one or more left wheels  122 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes one or more motion sensors  124  (preferably two motion sensors that are adjacent to the system frame front and rear sides  7  and  8 ) in electronic communication with the motor  58  and configured to cause the left door  24  and the top left panel  44 , the right door  130  and the top right panel  134  to move from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position when the sensor  124  detects an object, such as a human or shopping cart, in front of or to the rear of the left door  24  and the right door  130 . 
     The double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a left door panel  118  configured to remain fixed relative to the rectangular door system frame  12  when the left door  24  moves from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position, the left door panel  118  located to the left of the left door  24  when the left door  24  is in the sliding closed position. In such a case, the left door  24  is configured to slide to the rear of the left door panel  118  when the left door  24  slides from the sliding closed position to the sliding open position, the left door panel  118  is configured to move with the left door  24  when the left door  24  moves from the sliding plane to the left door front open position, and the left door panel  118  is configured to remain fixed relative to the rectangular door system frame  12  when the left door  24  moves from the sliding plane to the left door rear open position. A right door panel  134  having similar features may also be included. 
     Although the left door  24  and right door  130  may include a door lock  126  and top lock  128 , there may be no similar locking system on the left door panel  118 . Thus, the double breakout sliding door system  10  optionally further includes a left door panel interlocking device located on the rear  28  of the left door  24  which hooks into the left door panel  118  thereby preventing the left door panel  118  from being opened when the left door  24  is in the sliding closed position, regardless of whether the door lock  126  and top lock  128  are engaged. If one was to attempt to move the left door  24  from the sliding closed position to the rear open position, the left door panel interlocking device would actually hind up inside the left door panel  118  preventing the left door  24  from fully moving to the rear open position. So, there is a timing issue at stake here. In order for the left door  24  to move to the rear open position in embodiments with a left door panel interlocking device, the left door  24  must not be in the sliding closed position (i.e., the left door  24  must be in the sliding plane at either the sliding open position or between the sliding closed position and the sliding open position) to disengage the hook of the left door panel interlocking device (open at least one inch for example). Because this is an automatic door with a motion sensor  124 , the motion sensor  124  will have detected any person or other object (and have caused the left wheel  122  and motor  58  to move the left door  24  in the sliding plane to either the sliding open position or between the sliding closed position and the sliding open position) before the object can get close enough to the left door  24  to touch it. Therefore, the left door  24  will always be at least slightly slid open (i.e., between the sliding open position and the sliding closed position) by the time a force is exerted on the left door  24  perpendicular to the left door front side  26  and left door rear side  28 . As a result, the left door panel interlocking device does not impede the left door  24  from moving to the left door rear open position when the motor  58 , motion sensor  124  and left wheel  122  are working correctly. 
     Optionally, moving the left door  24  from the sliding plane to the left door front open position and the left door rear open position is configured to disable the motor  58 , as a safety feature. (Again, the same may be true with the right door  130  as it moves from the sliding plane to the right door front open position and the right door rear open position). To disable the motor  58 , the double breakout sliding door system  10  may include a rear breakout sensor  142  that detects presence and is triggered when the left door  24  moves to the rear open position to disable the motor  58 . (In some embodiments, the rear breakout sensor  142  is an infrared sensor that includes a transmitter that transmits the infrared beam and a receiver that receives the infrared beam, similar to the infrared setup used on a garage door. When the receiver no longer receives the beam, it knows that the left door  24  is in the left door rear open position and disables the motor  58 ). Similarly, to disable the motor  58  when the left door  24  moves to the left door front open position, there may be a front breakout sensor  144  located in the left door panel  118  that detects when the left door  24  moves to the left door front open position. 
     Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, the steps of any method described herein may be performed in any suitable order and steps may be performed simultaneously if needed. 
     Terms of degree such as “generally”, “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.