Patent Publication Number: US-2017362813-A1

Title: Panel enclosure system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/302,611, entitled “Panel Enclosure System,” filed Mar. 2, 2016, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure refers generally to a panel enclosure system for enclosing unenclosed or partially unenclosed areas or structures. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Individuals frequently work or engage in recreational activities in structures that leave them partially exposed to the outdoors. Such areas or structures may include patios, porches, carports, garages, or any other similar structures not fully enclosed from the outdoors. Because individuals within these structures are partially exposed to the outdoors they are also exposed to the weather and environmental conditions of the outdoors. Accordingly, adverse weather conditions can disrupt or even prevent an individual from being able to work or enjoy recreational activities within such structures. However, if the weather is not adverse but the surrounding environment is disruptive, individuals in such structures may not wish to completely insulate themselves from the outdoors. Rather, they may wish to filter out environmental disruptions, such as pests, allergens, or other debris, but still have some exposure to the outdoor weather. Moreover, because outdoor weather and environmental conditions fluctuate from day to day, individuals in partially unenclosed structures often need to vary their exposure to the outdoors in order to work or enjoy recreational activities in such areas or structures. 
     Additionally, when individuals work or engage in recreational activities in structures that are partially exposed to the outdoors, they are, in turn, exposed to the view of others in the surrounding environment. Thus, an individual generally lacks privacy while present in such structures. Accordingly, if an individual desires privacy, the individual must incorporate a barrier into the structure, which shields the individual from the view of others. Because the desire for privacy may vary from day to day, installing a single or permanent barrier for this purpose is not ideal, as doing so eliminates an individual&#39;s ability to vary his or her visual exposure to the surrounding environment. 
     Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a system for partially unenclosed structures that enables individuals to vary their exposure to outdoor weather and environmental conditions. Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a system that achieves this end while also permitting individuals to vary their degree of visual exposure to the surrounding environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed toward a panel enclosure system for enclosing partially unenclosed structures. Generally, the panel enclosure system comprises a panel member assembly and a securing member that removably secures the panel member assembly to an a partially unenclosed structure. When installed, the panel member assembly creates an upright barrier between the inside of the partially unclosed structure and the outdoors. 
     The panel member assembly preferably comprises at least two panel members. However, the system is designed such that individual panel members may be added or removed to enable users to customize the barrier established between the inside of the structure and the outdoors. Accordingly, in some instances, users may remove panel members until only a single panel member establishes the aforementioned barrier. In one preferred embodiment, panel members may be added or removed by securing or unsecuring a panel member to the securing member, respectively. In another preferred embodiment, panel members may be added or removed by securing a panel member to or removing a panel member from another panel member within the panel member assembly, respectively. 
     To enable users to vary the degree of visual exposure between the interior of the structure and the outdoors, the panel members of the panel member assembly are of different transparencies. In one preferred embodiment, the panel member assembly comprises a first panel member that is opaque, a second panel member that is transparent, and a third panel member that is semi-transparent. In another preferred embodiment, the panel members of the panel member assembly are designed such that users may vary the degree to which the system guards against exposure to the weather and environmental conditions of the outdoors. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, one panel member of panel member assembly may be waterproof while another panel member of the panel member assembly may have a plurality of openings therein to permit air to pass therethrough. 
     To facilitate versatility and installation within a variety of partially unenclosed structures, the design of the securing member and number thereof used may vary depending on the nature of structure and desired application. In a preferred embodiment, the securing member is a trough configured to secure to a structure and receive one or more support members extending from at least one panel member within the panel member assembly therein. By sliding the one or more support members within the securing member, the panel member assembly can quickly transition from an enclosed to unenclosed position or vice versa. 
     The foregoing summary has outlined some features of the system of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the pertinent art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features that form the subject of the claims will be described hereinafter. Those skilled in the pertinent art should appreciate that they can readily utilize these features for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the device and methods disclosed herein. Those skilled in the pertinent art should also realize that such equivalent designs or modifications do not depart from the scope of the system of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an enclosure system embodying certain features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on a stand-alone carport. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a panel member assembly embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of a securing member embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of a securing member embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a front view front view of a panel member assembly embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on the unenclosed portion of a standard garage. 
         FIG. 5  shows a front elevational view of an enclosure system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure being installed onto two upright structures. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front elevational view of an enclosure system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure being installed onto an upright structure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a front elevational view of an enclosure system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure being installed onto two upright structures. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view of an enclosure system embodying features consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  shows a panel enclosure system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  shows a panel enclosure system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. 
     Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). The term “removably secured” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean the joining of two components in a manner such that the two components are secured together, but may be detached from one another without requiring the use of specialized tools. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-10  illustrate preferred embodiments of a panel enclosure system, or various components thereof, for enclosing partially unenclosed structures. The system  100  is designed to establish an upright barrier when installed that may be customized to fit a user&#39;s needs by adding or removing panel members, as described herein. The system  100  has a panel member assembly  110  that acts as the upright barrier between the interior of a structure  130  and the outdoors. A securing member  120  is used to removably secure the panel assembly  110  to the structure  130 . 
     The panel member assembly  110  comprises at least two panel members, a first panel member  111  and a second panel member  112 . In a preferred embodiment, the panel member assembly  110  further comprises a third panel member  113 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2, 4-7, and 9 . The transparency of each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  is preferably different from the transparency of the other panel members within the panel member assembly  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 6-7 , in one preferred embodiment, the first panel member  111  may be opaque, the second panel member  112  may be transparent, and the third panel member  113  may be semi-transparent. The use of panel members having different transparencies enables users to vary the degree of visual exposure from the inside the structure to the outdoor environment by adding or removing panel members in the manner described herein. Because each panel member has a different transparency, each panel member, in turn, permits a different amount of light to pass therethrough. Accordingly, adding or removing panel members from, the panel member assembly  110  to regulate temperature within a structure  130  enclosed or partially enclosed by the system  100  of the present disclosure. 
     In one preferred embodiment, at least one panel member within the panel member assembly  110  has one or more stretchable sections  115 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . The one or more stretchable sections  115  are configured to permit the panel members to stretch to an elongated configuration. The one or more stretchable sections  115  may be vertically oriented within a panel member of the panel member assembly  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , thereby facilitating horizontal elongation of the panel member. Alternatively, the one or more stretchable sections  115  may be horizontally oriented within a panel member of the panel member assembly  110  (not shown), thereby facilitating vertical elongation of the panel member. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , one or more panel members within the panel member assembly  110  may be designed to have a detachable portion and a non-detachable portion in some embodiments. Preferably, the first panel member  111 , the second panel member  112 , and the third panel member  113  each comprise a detachable portion and a non-detachable portion. The detachable portion is removably secured to the non-detachable portion. The detachable portion may be removably secured to the non-detachable portion via snap buttons, hooks, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or any other device or instrument suitable for removably securing two objects. The non-detachable portion preferably has an opening  114  substantially the same size as the detachable portion. When the detachable portion is removed from the non-detachable portion the opening  114  may serves as entryway to or an exit from the structure  130 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , in a preferred embodiment, each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  is of a sufficient width and height to cover the unenclosed portion of a building, such as the opening to a carport or garage. Although of skill in the art will appreciate the system  100  disclosed herein may be installed in or find application with other structures  130 . Such structures may include, but are not limited to, trees, fence posts, columns, or any other structure to which the panel member assembly  110  may be secured thereto via the securing member  120 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  is generally rectangular in shape having a first side, second side, top side, and bottom side. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the panel members of the panel member assembly  110  may be of any suitable shape or size without departing from the inventive subject matter of the system  100  disclosed herein. 
     The panel members within the panel member assembly  110  may be made of a solid material, i.e., not having holes or openings therein, or may be made of a material having a plurality openings therein. To enable users to vary their exposure to outdoor environments and weather conditions, it is preferred that at least one panel member within the panel member assembly  110  be made of a solid material and at least one panel member within the panel member assembly  110  be made of a material having a plurality of openings therein. In one preferred embodiment, the first panel member  111  and second panel member  112  are made of solid material and the third panel member  113  is made of a material having a plurality of openings therein. Preferably the plurality of openings within the third panel member  113  are of sufficient size to permit air to flow therethrough while excluding allergens and/or insects including, but not limited to, mosquitos, flies, bees, etc. 
     Because the panel member assembly  110  may be subjected to adverse weather conditions during use, it is generally preferred that at least one panel member within the panel member assembly  110  be waterproof and/or water resistant material. To that end, it is also generally preferred that at least one panel member within the panel member assembly  110  be windproof and/or wind resistant. The panel members within the panel member assembly  110  may be made of canvas, plastic, mesh, rubber, or any other suitable material. The first panel member  111 , the second panel member  112 , and the third panel member  113  may be made of the same material or different materials. For instance, the first panel member  111  may be made of a canvas material, the second panel member  112  may be made of a plastic material, and the third panel member  113  may be made of a mesh material. 
     To enclose the unenclosed portion of a structure  130 , the panel member assembly  110  is secured in a generally upright position over the unenclosed portion of the structure  130  via the securing member  120 . Before securing the panel member assembly  110  to the securing member  120 , it is preferred that the securing member  120  first be secured to the intended structure  130 . Preferably, the securing member  120  is removably secured to the structure  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 9 , the securing member  120  may be removably secured via one or more screws, nuts and bolts, nails, or other similar instruments or devices. As shown in  FIG. 3A , in one preferred embodiment, the securing member  120  may have a shackle  150  attached thereto that is configured to wrap around an upright structure  130  and lock in place, thereby securing the securing member  120  to the structure. Alternatively, the securing member  120  may be permanently secured to a structure  130 . In some instances, the use of more than one securing member  120  may be needed to secure the panel member assembly  110  over the unenclosed portion of the structure  130 . Preferably, the securing member  120  is designed to removably secure the panel member assembly  110  to a structure  130  to facilitate simple installation and removal of the system  100 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, the securing member  120  secures the panel member assembly  110  over the unenclosed portion of a structure  130  by securing a single panel member within the panel member assembly  110  to the structure  130 . In such embodiments, each panel member within the panel member assembly  130  is removably secured to at least one other panel member within the panel member assembly  110 . In one preferred embodiment, the first panel member  111  is removably secured to the second panel member  112 , and the second panel member  112  is removably secured to the third panel member  113 . 
     The panel members within the panel member assembly  110  may be removably secured to one another via one or more connecting members. The connecting members used to removably secure the panel members together may include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons, zippers, magnets, or any other device or instrument configured to removably secure to objects together. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments, each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  may have a first connecting member  117  and/or a second connecting member  118  attached thereto. The first connecting member  117  and second connecting member  118  are configured to interlock or otherwise secure together. As shown in  FIG. 9 , in one preferred embodiment, the first panel member  111  has a first connecting member  117 , the second panel member  112  has a first connecting member  117  and a second connecting member  118 , and the third panel member  113  has a second connecting member  118 . The first connecting member  117  of the first panel member  111  and the second connecting member  118  of the second panel member  112  removably secure the first panel member  111  and the second panel member  112  together, and the first connecting member  117  of the second panel member  112  and the second connecting member  118  of the third panel member  113  removably secure the second panel member  112  and third panel member  113  together. Thus, panel members may be removed from or added to the panel member assembly  110  by unsecuring or securing the first connecting member  117  of one panel member with the second connecting member  118  of another panel member, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  has a first connecting member  117  secured to one face of the panel member and a second connecting member  118  secured to second face of the panel member, wherein the first face is opposite of the second face. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least one panel member within the panel member assembly  110 , has a side having one or more support members  116  extending therefrom. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the first panel member  111  may have one or more support members extending from its top side while the second panel member  112  is removably secured to the first panel member  111  and the third panel member  113  is removably secured to the second panel member  112 . To secure the panel member assembly  110  to the structure  130 , the securing member  120  is configured to receive the one or more support members  116  such that the panel members of the panel member assembly  110  may hang downwardly from the securing member  120 . To ensure the panel member assembly  110  covers the opening or unenclosed portion of the structure  130 , the securing member is preferably secured above the unenclosed portion of the structure  130 , e.g., above the opening of a garage. In a preferred embodiment, the securing member  120  is a trough that substantially spans the width of the panel member assembly  110  and is designed to permit the support members  116  to slide about therein. Alternatively, the securing member  120  may be a bar having one or more receiving members  121  positioned thereon that are configured to receive the one or more support members  116  therein, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Thus, in some embodiments, the panel member assembly  110  may transition from an enclosed configuration to an unenclosed configuration, or vice versa, by sliding the one or more support members  116  within the securing member  120 . 
     In some embodiments, the securing member  120  may comprise a first fastener  120 A and a second fastener  120 B, wherein the first fastener  120 A and second fastener  120 B are configured interlock or otherwise secure or attach to one another. In a preferred embodiment, both the first fastener  120 A and the second fastener  120 B are attached to the panel member assembly  110 . Alternatively, the first fastener  120 A may be secured to a structure  130  while the second fastener  120 B is secured to the panel member assembly  110 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  may have a first fastener  120 A and/or second fastener  120 B attached thereto. The first fastener  120 A may be the male component and the second fastener  120 B may be the female component of a device or instrument configured to removably secure two objects together, or vice versa. Thus in some embodiments, panel members may be added or removed from the panel member assembly  110  by engaging or disengaging fastening members. 
     In other embodiments, the securing member  120  removably secures the panel member assembly  110  to a structure  130  by securing each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  to the structure. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the securing member  120  may be a bracket configured to receive and/or interlock with one or more sides of each panel member within the panel member assembly  110 . In such embodiments, at least one side of each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  is preferably crimped. As shown in  FIG. 2 , one side of the first panel member  111 , the second panel member  112 , and the third panel member  113  are crimped to retain a hook-like shape such that when placed within the securing member  120  shown in  FIG. 3A or 3B , the crimped side of each panel member and the securing member  120  interlock. Thus, to remove a panel member from the panel member assembly  110 , users remove the crimped side of the desired panel member from the securing member  120 . Alternatively each panel member within the panel member assembly  110  may have a side having one or more hooks  160  attached thereto, as shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein the one or more hooks  160  are configured to interlock with the securing member shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
     In another alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the securing member  120  may be a screw with optional washer combination that passes through the panel member assembly  110  to secure the panel member assembly  110  to a structure  130 . As further shown in  FIG. 8 , in such embodiments, the securing member  120  may be secured to the structure  130  using a conventional hand or power tool  140 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the depiction of a screw in  FIG. 8  is for illustrative purposes only and that nails, bolts, staples, or any other similar device or instrument may be used. 
     It is understood that versions of the inventive subject matter of the present disclosure may come in different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood that one of skill in the art would appreciate these various forms and embodiments as falling within the scope of the inventive subject matter disclosed here.