Patent Publication Number: US-2007119113-A1

Title: Sliding Panel Assemblies and Connectors

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a Non-Provisional Application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/737,589, filed Nov. 16, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      The present invention relates generally to enclosures and other structures which include one or more slidable panel. Exemplary of such enclosures and other structures include various structures which have e.g. doors, windows, floors, drawers, shelves, and/or other structures which can include one or more slidable panels, such as various dwellings, other buildings such as garages, sheds, and commercial buildings, and/or other constructions. Other such enclosures and other structures include animal housing enclosures, taxidermy display cases, other display cases, electronic component housing cases, and/or others.  
      Such enclosures and structures already frequently implement various slidable panels, such as slidable doors, windows, floors, drawers, shelves, and/or other structures. However, some of the slidable panels currently used are relatively expensive, while others have only a relatively short use life.  
      In addition, use characteristics of some slidable panels deteriorate over time and/or between different implementations. For example, some relatively large and heavy slidable doors on animal housing enclosures are relatively difficult, for some users, to operate, due at least in part to the coefficient of friction defined between various slidingly interfacing components.  
      Accordingly, it might prove desirable to provide slidable panel assemblies which realize a relatively low coefficient of friction between various slidingly interfacing components.  
      It might prove desirable to provide slidable panel assemblies which utilize at least some various common components regardless of the end-use implementation.  
      In other words, it might prove desirable to provide slidable panel assembles with at least partially modular design characteristics, whereby the complexity of inventory methodology and logistics performed by ones of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and/or others, can be relatively decreased.  
      It might also prove desirable to provide slidable panel assemblies which are relatively easily assembled by end users, or others.  
     SUMMARY  
      This invention provides a slidable panel assembly which has a multi-component perimeter frame. The perimeter frame houses a sheet-type or panel-type structure therein. Each of the outwardly facing edge surfaces of the perimeter frame has a channel extending thereinto. The leading and trailing portions of the perimeter edge channels, adjacent the perimeter corners, define a step change in channel depth with respect to the remainder of the edge channel.  
      In a first family of embodiments, the invention comprehends a panel assembly, comprising: (a) a generally planar sheet which defines an outer sheet perimeter; and (b) a frame which houses the sheet and defines an inner frame perimeter and an outer frame perimeter, the inner frame perimeter communicating with the outer sheet perimeter; (i) at least part of the inner frame perimeter defining an elongate channel extending thereinto; and (ii) at least part of the outer frame perimeter defining an elongate channel extending thereinto; the outer frame perimeter channel defines a channel depth which varies along at least a portion of the length of the channel and correspondingly defines a channel depth variation portion, whereby the outer frame perimeter channel has a first channel depth dimension at a first locus along its length and a second channel depth dimension at a second locus along its length.  
      In some embodiments, such channel depth variation is a step-change discontinuity.  
      In some embodiments, such channel depth variation is a continuous, non-step, change in magnitude.  
      In some embodiments, the first channel depth dimension is defined at a medial portion along the channel length and is of relatively greater magnitude than the magnitude of the second channel depth dimension.  
      In some embodiments, the first channel depth dimension is defined at a medial portion along the channel length and is of relatively lesser magnitude than the magnitude of the second channel depth dimension.  
      In some embodiments, such channel depth variation portion is located generally adjacent an end of the outer frame perimeter channel.  
      In some embodiments, the channel defining first and second channel such channel depth variation portions along the channel length, such first and second depth variation locations generally adjacent respective ones of first and second ends of the outer frame perimeter channel.  
      In some embodiments, the panel assembly defines a slidable door member of an animal housing enclosure.  
      In some embodiments, the panel assembly defines a slidable floor member of an animal housing enclosure.  
      In some embodiments, the panel assembly defines a slidable door member of a display case.  
      In some embodiments, the panel assembly defines a slidable floor member of a display case.  
      In some embodiments, the generally planar sheet defines a continuous surface.  
      In some embodiments, the generally planar sheet defines a discontinuous surface.  
      In some embodiments, the generally planar sheet defines a mesh surface.  
      In a second family of embodiments, the invention comprehends a panel assembly, comprising: (a) a generally planar sheet which defines an outer sheet perimeter; and (b) a frame which houses the sheet and defines an inner frame perimeter and an outer frame perimeter, the inner frame perimeter communicating with the outer sheet perimeter; and (c) an elongate channel which extends into the frame inner perimeter; the elongate channel including a bottom wall, first and second sidewalls extending outwardly therefrom, and at least one elongate rib extending inwardly away from one of the first and second channel sidewalls.  
      In some embodiments, the elongate rib is a portion of a channel lining member, the channel lining member housed within the elongate channel.  
      In some embodiments, the elongate rib extends generally angularly downwardly from the channel sidewall, into the channel, whereby the angle between the channel sidewall and the rib is an acute angle.  
      In some embodiments, the channel including first and second elongate rib members which extend in directions which generally converge toward each other.  
      In some embodiments, the elongate rib members are made of a resiliently flexible material.  
      In a third family of embodiments, the invention comprehends a panel assembly, comprising: (a) a generally planar sheet which defines an outer sheet perimeter; and (b) a frame which houses the sheet and includes (i) a first elongate member and a second elongate member which extend generally perpendicularly away from each other; (ii) a corner member joining the first and second elongate members which has first and second outer edges, each of the first and second outer edges having a channel extending thereinto, the channels opening into each other defining a generally L-shaped void.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  shows a pictorial view of a first embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 1B  shows a front elevation view of a second embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 1C  shows a pictorial view of a third embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  shows a pictorial view of a fourth embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 3  shows a pictorial view of a fifth embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 4A  shows a pictorial view of a sixth embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 4B  shows a pictorial view of a seventh embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 5  shows a pictorial view of an eighth embodiment of structures which utilize sliding panel assemblies of the invention.  
       FIG. 6  shows a front elevation view of a sliding panel assembly of the invention.  
       FIG. 7  shows an elevation view of a sectioned portion of the sliding panel of  FIG. 6 , sectioned at the dashed section line  FIG. 7 - FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 8  shows an enlarged elevation view of a portion of the sliding panel of  FIG. 7 , indicated at the dashed box  FIG. 8  in  FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 9  shows a pictorial view of portions of first and second sliding panel assemblies sitting upon portions of respective first and second guiderails.  
       FIG. 10A  shows a front elevation view of enlarged portions of first and second sliding panel assemblies and first and second guiderails of  FIG. 9 , indicated at the dashed box labeled  FIG. 10A .  
       FIG. 10B  shows an end view profile of an elongate member of a slidable panel assembly of the invention.  
       FIG. 11A  shows a pictorial view of a first embodiment of channel adapters of the invention.  
       FIG. 11B  shows an end view profile of the channel adapter of  FIG. 11A .  
       FIG. 11C  shows a pictorial view of a variant of the channel adapter of  FIG. 11A .  
       FIG. 11D  shows an end view profile of a variant of the channel adapter of  FIG. 11C .  
       FIG. 12  shows a close-up partial front elevation view of the overlapping relationship between parts of a slidable panel assembly and parts of enclosure frame components, indicated in  FIG. 1B  by the dashed circle labeled  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 13  shows a pictorial view of a portion of a portion of a slidable panel assembly, adjacent a corner member.  
       FIG. 14  shows a first pictorial view of a corner member of the invention.  
       FIG. 15  shows a second pictorial view of the corner member of  FIG. 14 , viewed generally from the other side of the corner member.  
       FIG. 16A  shows a pictorial view of a slidable panel assembly, slidable housed between lateral hangers which are in turn mounted to enclosure frame members.  
       FIG. 16B  shows a close-up, pictorial view of a corner of the slidable panel assembly of  FIG. 16A .  
       FIG. 16C  shows a cross-sectional view of the slidable panel assembly corner of  FIG. 16B , taken at line  16 C. 
    
    
      The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology and phraseology employed herein is for purpose of description and illustration and should not be regarded as limiting. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS  
       FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C,  2 ,  3 ,  4 A,  4 B, and  5  show various, non-limiting, implementations of sliding panel assemblies and connectors of the invention, as used in various e.g. enclosures and other structures. It is understood that sliding panel assemblies and connectors of the invention are applicable to the illustrated and other suitable embodiments in which sliding panel structures are utilized.  
      In other words, enclosure  1  includes e.g. display case  10 A ( FIG. 1A ), animal enclosures  10 A,  10 B ( FIGS. 1B and 1C , respectively), display case  10 D ( FIG. 2 ), shower  10 E ( FIG. 3 ), and display cases  10 F,  10 G ( FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively), building  10 H ( FIG. 5 ), and/or other enclosures or other structures which includes at least one slidable panel.  
      Common to the various enclosures structures are a plurality of sidewalls, a floor structure and a top wall structure. The walls and floors are made of various suitable sheet material(s) e.g. sheet “S”. The particular material(s) are selected based on the intended use environment of the enclosure.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1A , enclosure  1  includes display case  10 A and stand  15 . Display case  10 A sits atop and is fixedly, optionally removably, mounted to stand  15 . As illustrated, stand  15  includes a plurality of legs which extend downwardly from, for example, the lower surface of display case  10 A. In other embodiments, stand  15  is a single, unitary structure such as a pedestal, a platform, or another unitary base structure which functions to elevate display case  10 A with respect to e.g. the ground or floor.  
      In some embodiments, enclosure  1  is generally devoid of stand  15 , whereby display case  10 A sits directly upon the upper surface of a floor, the ground, or other suitable support substrate. In yet other embodiments, enclosure  1  is generally devoid of stand  15  and display case  10 A is hung upon, for example a wall, or suspended from, for example, a ceiling. Those skilled in the art are well aware of suitable mounting and suspension hardware, fasteners, and/or other devices suitable to hang display case  10 A from a wall, suspend display case  10 A from a ceiling, and/or otherwise mount display case  10 A do a desired mounting substrate. Such suitable hardware, fasteners, and/or other devices include, but are not limited to, various screws, bolts, nails, brackets, wires, cables, and/or others.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2  and to alternative display cases, in some embodiments, one or more slidable panel assemblies are located on the top wall of enclosure structure  1 , such as in the embodiment illustrated as display case  10 D. Mounting slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B on the top wall of enclosure  1  is desirable when, for example, the user does not want any visually conspicuous obstructions e.g. wire mesh, the interface between corresponding slidable panel assemblies, or other visual obstructions in ones of the outer perimeter walls  25 ,  30 ,  35 ,  40 .  
      Exemplary of suitable implementations of display case  10 D are showcasing or displaying taxidermy mounts or other trophies, and/or showcasing or displaying various memorabilia or collectables, as desired. In other embodiments, display case  10 D defines a generally liquid tight enclosure, whereby the display case  10 D is suitable for use as e.g. an aquarium.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and the display cases illustrated therein, in some embodiments, enclosure  1 , includes a plurality of horizontally slidable members, such as slidable panel assemblies  20 ,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E. Such embodiments are desirable when the user seeks to display numerous relatively small display items, e.g. relatively small taxidermy mounts, various collectables, items of memorabilia, and/or other relatively small display items. Suitable relatively small display items also includes various electronic components, such as, for example, home theater or stereo components or other electronic components, whereby display cases  10 F,  10 G generally serve as electronic component cabinets or electronic component racks, with slidable shelves.  
      Display case  10 F, illustrated in  FIG. 4A , includes a plurality of horizontally slidable members, e.g. various ones of slidable panel assemblies  20 ,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E, and vertically slidable members, namely slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B. The horizontally slidable members generally define slidable shelves, whilst the vertically slidable members generally define slidable doors. As illustrated, slidable panel assemblies  20 ,  10 B,  10 C,  100 D, and  100 E slidingly actuate outwardly away from slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B, since the slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B provide a mechanical barrier which prevents forward-direction sliding movement.  
      However, as desired, display case  10 F includes pivotably openable door members which do not provide a mechanical barrier which prevents forward-direction sliding movement of slidable panel assemblies  20 ,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E, whereby the user can slide the panel assemblies forwards or rearward, as desired.  
      Display case  10 G, illustrated in  FIG. 4B  is generally the same as that of display case  10 F of  FIG. 4A . However, display case  10 G differs from  10 F in that case  10 G is devoid of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B.  
      Regarding other embodiments of enclosures,  FIGS. 1B and 1C  generally illustrate animal cages or other animal housing enclosures. The enclosure of  FIG. 1B  includes e.g. wire mesh walls as opposed to the clear acrylic sheets “S”  FIG. 1A . As desired, the animal housing enclosure includes clear sidewalls similar to those of  FIG. 1A . The enclosure of  FIG. 1C  includes both mesh and solid, clear, sidewalls.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, enclosure  1  is a shower, exemplarily illustrated as shower enclosure  10 E. Shower enclosure  10 E includes bath tub “BT,” a plurality of sidewalls which are defined by interior walls of the dwelling in which shower enclosure  10 E is installed, various plumbing fixtures, and slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  10 B.  
      In embodiments of shower enclosure  10 E, slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B include sheet “S” which is made of e.g. tempered safety glass, or other sheet material suitably safe for use in a shower/bathroom environment.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the slidable panel assemblies are components of windows, patio doors, storm doors, screen doors, or other such building materials. Building  10 H is exemplary of an enclosure implementing such a device, illustrated as a window. In other words, in some embodiments, slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B, or others, define slidable components of e.g. a window. In such embodiments, the sheet “S” is made from suitable material e.g. glass, insulating glass, low-e glass, safety glass, acrylic, and/or other suitable window component material.  
      Various enclosure piece-parts and assemblies are described herein specifically referring to different types of enclosures. However, it is well understood that the discussion with respect to one type of enclosure is equally applicable to the various other types of enclosures as well. In other words, the discussion of display cases is equally applicable to animal housing enclosure structures, etcetera.  
      Display case  10 A is a generally enclosed structure suitable for housing, displaying, and or otherwise containing, various structures and/or other articles or subject matter which a user desires to confine and/or display.  
      Exemplary of such display suitable subject matter includes, but is not limited to, taxidermy mounts or other taxidermy displays. When used to house taxidermy display subject matter, display case  10 A is adapted and configured to suitably house such subject matter. As one example, when an embodiment of display case  10 A houses a relatively small taxidermy mounts such as e.g. fish, water fowl or other game birds, relatively small mammals, reptiles, and/or other wildlife, the display case  10 A is relatively smaller in terms of dimensions and/or constitution than when an embodiment of display case  10 A houses a relatively large taxidermy mount such as e.g. full body mounts of large mammals e.g. canines, felines, deer, bear, and/or others.  
      Other exemplary subject matter includes various collectables, such as, for example, articles of memorabilia, figurines, historical and other artifacts, oddities, collections of various ilk, documents, and/or others, e.g. anything a user wishes to display which suitably fits in enclosure  1 .  
      Display case 10 A includes various enclosure surfaces and/or structures e.g. bottom wall  20 , first and second side walls  25 ,  30 , back wall  35 , front wall  40 , and top wall  45 .  
      The assemblage of the bottom wall  20 , first and second side walls  25 ,  30 , back wall  35 , front wall  40 , and top wall  45 , in combination, generally defines an enclosure body, which houses the e.g. showcased or display articles.  
      Bottom wall  20  is a generally polygonal, rigid, panel which lies in a plane which is generally parallel to the ground. The bottom wall is fixedly or removably, slidably removably or otherwise, mounted to various other components of the case. Side walls  25  and  30  extend upwardly from opposite lateral perimeter edges of bottom wall  20 . Back wall  35  and front wall  40  extend upwardly from opposite e.g. back and front perimeter edges of bottom wall  20 .  
      The end, edge, surfaces of sidewalls  25  and  30 , which extend vertically, communicate with and are connected to corresponding end, edge, surfaces, which extend vertically, of back wall  35  and front wall  40 . Accordingly, in the complete assemblage of display case  10 A, first and second side walls  25 ,  30 , back wall  35 , front wall  40 , in combination, generally define an outer perimeter wall thereof.  
      Top wall  45  is a generally polygonal panel which lies in a plane that is generally parallel to the ground and bottom wall  20 . Top wall  45  has a perimeter shape which corresponds to the perimeter shape of bottom wall  20 , whereby the upper edge surfaces of first and second side walls  25 ,  30 , and back and front walls  35 ,  40  interface top wall  45 , adjacent respective outer edges of the top wall. In other words, first and second side walls  25 ,  30 , and back and front walls  35 ,  40 , span between and connect bottom wall  20  and top wall  45 , adjacent their respective outer perimeters.  
      One or more of the various walls or panels of enclosure  1 , namely one or more of bottom wall  20 , first and second side walls  25 ,  30 , back wall  35 , front wall  40 , and top wall  45  includes at least one slidable panel or member.  
      As one example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A  front wall  40  includes first and second slidable panel assemblies  100 A and  100 B. However, it if fully contemplated that in some embodiments, only one slidable panel is utilized. In some embodiments, more than two slidable panels are utilized.  
      In some embodiments, more than one of the walls includes one or more sliding panel. In one such embodiment, back wall  35  includes slidable panel assembly  100 A and a fixed panel portion, and front wall  40  includes slidable panel assembly  100 B and a fixed panel portion. In some embodiments, front wall  40  includes first and second slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  10 B, and back wall  35  includes at least one sliding panel, optionally back wall  35  includes at least two sliding panels. In some embodiments, one of sidewalls  25  and  30  includes at least one sliding panel. In some embodiments, both of sidewalls  25  and  30  include at least one sliding panel.  
      Enclosure  1  includes a frame structure which generally defines the skeletal and load bearing structure of the enclosure. The frame structure includes various frame members, such as frame member  60  ( FIG. 10A ). Various ones of the frame members  60  include at least one rail-type structure, e.g. rail “R” which is adapted and configured to support and slidingly interface with and/or guide various ones of the slidable panel assemblies.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C,  2 ,  3 ,  4 A,  4 B,  5 ,  6 , and  7 , each of panels assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E includes an panel perimeter frame assembly and a panel sheet. Namely, each panels assembly  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E includes e.g. panel frame “FR” and sheet “S.” In general, panel frame “FR” generally envelopes at least a portion of the outer perimeter of sheet “S.” In other words, sheet “S” is mounted in, or otherwise connected to, frame “FR” and generally covers the void which is otherwise defined by the panel frame “FR” inner perimeter.  
      Ones of panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E will be referred to, collectively or separately, as panel assembly  100 . Accordingly, when referred to as panel assembly  100 , it is understood that the reference is to one or more of panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D, and  100 E, or other suitable panel assemblies.  
      The particular materials of which the respective panels are made are selected so as to be suitable for it intended use environment and it particular use application. As one example, embodiments of enclosures  1  which are housed indoors, in relatively low humidity environments, wherein enclosures  1  serve primarily aesthetic functions e.g. housing and displaying collectables, taxidermy mounts, or other display items, various components of panel frame “FR” are made of wooden materials which include, but are not limited to, various of the hardwoods e.g. ash, cherry, maple, oak, pecan, teak, rosewood, walnut, mahogany and poplar, various of the softwoods e.g. cedar, cypress, fir, pine and redwood, and/or others.  
      In some embodiments, panel frame “FR” is a combination of e.g. wooden and metallic materials. In such embodiments, frame “FR” includes, for example, metallic extrusions which primarily provide the structural integrity of the panel frame, and outwardly facing wooden millwork, or other wooden products, attached to the metallic extrusions which provide a relatively aesthetically pleasing appearance.  
      As desired, various components of panel frame “FR” are made of various metallic materials and/or non-metallic and non-wooden materials. Suitable metallic materials include, but are not limited to, e.g. aluminum, anodized aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, brass, and their respective alloys. Because of the relatively light weight and relatively high strength, a preferred material for certain components of panel frame “FR” is extruded aluminum. Some components of panel frame “FR” are made at least partially from other non-metallic materials, such as various polymeric materials, which are molded, extruded, or otherwise formed.  
      In embodiments in which panel assembly  100  defines a generally rectangular perimeter, each frame “FR,” includes two corresponding pairs and thus four generally elongate members, and a corner member  140  adjacent each corner. Namely, frame “FR” includes elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 , which collectively define the major portion of the panel assembly perimeter, and which are each connected at respective ends to a respective corner member  140 .  
      Each of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  is a generally elongate, rigid member, which generally defines an “H-shaped” profile ( FIGS. 9, 10A ,  10 B, and  13 ). To arrive at the H-shaped profile, each of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  includes first and second elongate, flat, flange portions “FL” and an elongate connecting portion.  
      Various portions of ones of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  are illustrated in  FIG. 10B  with respect to elongate member  132 . In some embodiments, elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130  are analogs of elongate member  132 , whereby the illustration of elongate member  132  is equally applicable as a representative illustration of elongate members  120 ,  122 , and  130 .  
      The first and second flange portions “FL” are generally parallel to each other and spaced from each other. The connecting portion “CP” extends between, along the length of, and connects the first and second flange portions “FL.” 
      Namely, the connecting portion “CP” extends perpendicularly between and connects the first and second flange portions “FL,” along a medial portion thereof and along a major portion of the length thereof. Thus, the width dimension of the connecting portion corresponds in magnitude to the magnitude of the distance between the first and second flange portions.  
      Stated another way, connecting portion “CP” is generally defined between two channels which extend into the elongate member  132 , toward each other, namely channels or voids  132 A and  132 B. The channels/voids  132 A,  132 B, define various receiving structures, which correspond to the particular end use of the device. For example, referring to  FIG. 10B , channel  132 B includes a depression “D” which extends into the connecting portion “CP.” Also, a screw boss, an elongate bore, and/or other receiving structure, adapted and configured to receive hardware such as a bolt or screw therein, namely screw boss “SB” extends from depression “D”, relatively further into connecting portion “CP”.  
      Thus, connecting portion “CP” generally defines a bottom wall of each of two oppositely facing channels. Accordingly, as mentioned above, each of the various elongate members such as  120 ,  122  has an outwardly facing channel opening, e.g. openings  220 A and  222 A respectively, and an inwardly facing channel opening, e.g. openings  220 B and  222 B respective. Inwardly facing openings  220 B and  222 B are indicated with a dashed line in  FIG. 13 .  
      Likewise, each of elongate members  130 ,  132  has an outwardly facing opening, e.g. openings  230 A and  232 A which open into channels  130 A,  132 A, respectively, and an inwardly facing opening, e.g. openings  230 B and  232 B which extend into channels  130 B,  132 B, respectively. Inwardly facing openings  230 B and  232 B are indicated with a dashed line in  FIG. 13 .  
      Ones of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130  and  132  extend from respective ones of corner members  140 . In particular, in each of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130  and  132 , the ends are each connected to respective ones of corner members  140 , whereby the length of each elongate member extends between such first and second corner member  140 .  
      The respective pairs or elongate members, namely (i) elongate members  120 ,  122 , and (ii) elongate members  130 ,  132 , extend in directions which are generally perpendicular to each other. The elongate members  120  and  122  extend generally parallel to each other and are spaced from each other. Elongate members  130  and  132  extend generally parallel to each other and are spaced from each other. And elongate members  120 ,  122  are generally perpendicular to elongate members  130 ,  132 .  
      Accordingly, referring now to  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  8 , in a given slidable panel assembly  100 , respective ends of elongate members  120  and  130  are connected to each other by a first corner member  140 ; respective ends of elongate members  130  and  122  are connected to each other by a second corner member  140 ; respective ends of elongate members  122  and  132  are connected to each other by a third corner member  140 ; and respective ends of elongate members  132  and  120  are connected to each other by a fourth corner member  140 .  
      As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B, 3 ,  4 A, and  12 , in the entire assemblage slidable panel assembly  100 , parts of ones of the elongate members  120 ,  122  and  130 ,  132 , extend over, and overlie, portions of corresponding other parts of enclosure  1 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 13 , ones of outwardly facing channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A, and  232 A, of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  respectively, are adapted and configured to slide across, partially envelope, laterally sandwich, corresponding structure, extend over, or overlie, for example, an elongate projection or rail e.g. rail “R” ( FIG. 10A ) on the enclosure structure  1 .  
      Correspondingly, ones of channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A, and  232 A, at least to some extent, provide lateral or other guidance or tracking functionality to slidable panel  100  during use. Also, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the channels of the sliding panels do not directly contact the rails “R.” Rather, portions of corner member  140  provide the load bearing and sliding interface between the slidable panel  100  and the respective rail “R.” Such orientation is illustrated by clearance  132 C which is the void space between the channel bottom surface and the rail “R”.  
      Channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B receive and hold sheet “S” therein. In other words, the corresponding flange portions which define the outer walls of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B lie on opposite sides of and thus sandwich or otherwise restrain, outer perimeter surfaces of sheet “S.” This interfacing relationship and interaction between the inwardly facing surfaces of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B and the outwardly facing surfaces adjacent the perimeter edges of sheet “S” enable the channels to effectively frame-in, restrain, and/or otherwise hold, sheet “S” within the remainder of sliding panel assembly  100 .  
      Thus, while ones of channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A and  232 A are adapted and configured to interface with other components and portions of enclosure  1  to realize a holding yet slidable relationship between slidable panel  100  and enclosure  1 , ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B are adapted and configured to suitably hold sheet “S”.  
      Channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B are adapted and configured to suitably hold portions of sheet “S” therein. Accordingly, the magnitude of the width dimension of the channel opening corresponds to the magnitude of the e.g. thickness dimension of sheet “S,” whereby the outer edges of sheet “S” are insertable into ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B.  
      In some embodiments, the magnitude of the sheet “S” thickness dimension is less than desired in relationship to the magnitude of the opening width dimension of ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B, whereby sheet “S” is housed rather loosely in the channel(s). In such embodiments, as desired, a user uses channel adapter  300  ( FIGS. 11A, 11B ,  11 C,  11 D) to relatively reduce the effective size of the channel opening.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , channel adapter  300  includes adapter bottom wall  305 , first and second adapter sidewalls  310 ,  315 , and first and second adapter ribs  320 ,  322 . Adapter bottom wall  305  is a generally planar member with first and second sides. First adapter sidewall  310  extends generally perpendicularly upwardly away from the upper surface of the first bottom wall side, adjacent the outer edge thereof. Second adapter sidewall  315  extends generally perpendicularly upwardly away from the upper surface of the second bottom wall side, adjacent the outer edge thereof.  
      Accordingly, first and second sidewalls  310  and  315  are generally parallel to each other, and each extends upwardly from a respective outer portion of the upper surface of adapter bottom wall  305 .  
      First rib  320  extends along the length of the inwardly facing surface of the upper portion of sidewall  310 . First rib  320  extends generally angularly downwardly, generally toward the inwardly facing surface of sidewall  315 . In other words, first rib  320  appears to be a barbed projection, pointing in the general direction of sidewall  315 , when viewed in front elevation.  
      Second rib  322  extends generally angularly downwardly, generally toward the inwardly facing surface of sidewall  310 . In other words, second rib  322  appears to be a barbed projection, pointing in the general direction of sidewall  310 , when viewed in front elevation.  
      Each of first and second ribs  320 ,  322 , are adapted and configured to relatively easily deflect inwardly and downwardly, e.g. arcuately downwardly, toward bottom wall  305 . And each of first and second ribs  320 ,  322 , are adapted and configured to generally resist deflection outwardly and upwardly, generally away from bottom wall  305   
      The size of the space or void between first and second ribs  320 ,  322  corresponds to the thickness dimension of the sheet “S” to be utilized in with channel adapter  300 . Channel adapter  300  is adapted and configured to hold, optionally resiliently hold, a sheet “S” therein, whereby first and second ribs  320 ,  322  frictionally engage respective surfaces of such sheet “S.” 
      Due at least in part to the material of channel adapter  300 , the dimensional, positional, deflection, and/or other characteristics of ones of first and second ribs  320 ,  322 , channel adapter  300  is adapted and configured to enable a user to e.g. suitably easily insert sheet “S” into the adapter  300 , whilst the adapter relatively resists removal of sheet “S” therefrom.  
      The outer dimensions of channel adapter  300 , such as the distance between the outwardly facing surfaces of sidewalls  310  and  315 , correspond in magnitude to the opening dimension(s) of ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B. In otherwords, channel adapter  300  fits in, preferably fits snugly in, ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B, as desired.  
      As one example, ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B define an opening dimension of about 0.3 inch, optionally about 0.28 inch. Correspondingly, channel adapter  300  defines an outer width dimension of less than about 0.3 inch, optionally less than about 0.28 inch, e.g. 0.27 inch.  
       FIGS. 11C and 11D  illustrate alternative embodiments of channel adapter  300 . The channel adapters  300  of  FIGS. 11C and 11D  are the analogous to those of  FIGS. 11A and 11B , yet first include an additional rib extending from each sidewall. In other words, the embodiments of  FIGS. 11A and 11B  have a pair of ribs extending inwardly from each sidewall, toward each other.  
      Accordingly, a user can select from a wide variety of suitable materials for sheet “S,” wherein the various sheets “S” define a wide variety of corresponding thickness dimensions. In other words, if a user determines that sheet “S” will be held in a non-desirably loosely manner in ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B, then the user can use channel adapter  300  in combination with sheet “S” so that the holding relationship is effectuated between the interface of the ones of channels  220 B,  222 B,  230 B and  232 B interfacing with and holding one or more channel adapters  300 , which in turn interfaces with and holds sheet “S.” 
      Sheet “S” is selected from a variety of suitable materials, which include, but are not limited to, e.g. wire mesh materials, clear, opaque, or other acrylic materials, glass materials, tempered and/or other safety glass materials, wooden materials, polymeric materials, and/or other suitable sheet materials which provide, at least in part, the desired enclosure characteristics and aesthetic characteristics which correspond to the particular intended use of enclosure  1 .  
      Corner member  140  is preferably made from polymeric material(s) and, in general, is a piece of connecting hardware which appears square in profile when viewed from above.  
      Corner member  140  includes first and second corner walls  405 ,  410 , respectively.  
      Corner walls  405 ,  410  are laterally spaced from each other and lie on planes which are generally parallel to each other.  
      Visible in  FIG. 13 , corner member  140  has a generally “L-shaped” cavity, namely cavity “C” which extends thereinto. The lateral sides of cavity “C” are generally defined by portions of the inwardly facing surfaces of corner walls  405  and  410 .  
      First slot  442  is adjacent a first outer side surface of corner member  140  and in the complete assemblage of panel assembly  100 , provides a passage between the respective ones of channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A,  232 A, and cavity “C.” Second slot  444  is adjacent a second outer side surface of corner member  140 , and provides a passage between respective other ones of channel  220 A,  222 A,  230 A,  232 A, and cavity “C.” 
      Slots  442  and  444  are “less deep” than are the respective, adjacent, outer channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A,  232 A. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the corner members  140 , and not the elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 , actually sit on, slide upon, and interface with, the frame of cage, e.g. rail “R.” 
      In other words, slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E, in general, only interface with the rail which they ride upon, rail “R” or others, through corner members  140 , i.e. at the leading and trailing ends of the panel assembly.  
      Thus, elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  are assembled to respective corner members  140 , each corner member  140  defines a step, or other protrusion(s) such as gradual straight line or arcuate ramps which generally define continuous, non-step-type protrusions. The protrusion can be adjacent the end of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 , and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from e.g. the end of the bottom channel surface of channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A,  232 A.  
      Corner members  140  are preferably made of a polymeric material, whereby a relatively low coefficient of friction is realized between the corner members and the “rail” which they ride upon, which enables the doors to slide relatively easily, as desired.  
      Bolts “B” extend through corner member  140  and threadedly insert into e.g. corresponding threaded or unthreaded structures, for example screw bosses or screw boss “SB” or other corresponding structure in respective ones of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 , thereby mechanically attaching the elongate member to the corner member  140 .  
      Cavity “C” is adapted and configured to enable a user to assemble the elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  to corner member  140  by way of bolts “B.” Cavity “C” further enables a user to later access bolts “B” in the complete assemblage of the slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E.  
       FIG. 14  shows corner member  140 , of  FIG. 13 , rotated approximately 180 degrees and devoid of other cooperating structures, to show the sides which interface respective ones of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 . As visible in  FIG. 14 , corner member  140  includes first and second mounting structures which enable bolts “B” to secure elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  thereto. Namely, corner member  140  includes bolt receiving bore  446  and bolt receiving slot  448 .  
      Bolt receiving bore  446  has a through bore, visible in  FIG. 14 , and a counter-bore portion, visible in  FIG. 13  and also illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The counter bore of bolt receiving bore  446  provides a shoulder which interfaces the forward facing portion of the head of bolt “B” and enables the end surface of bolt “B” to sit flush or sub-flush into the corner member  140 .  
      Bolt receiving slot  448 , similar to counter-bore portion of bore  446 , provides a shoulder-type structure which interfaces the forward facing portion of the head of bolt “B.” In addition, bolt receiving slot  448  enables a user to partially secure a bolt to ones of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 , and then slide into and thereby engage the corner member  140  with the bolt.  
      Referring specifically to  FIG. 1C , various slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E, within a single enclosure  1 , namely animal housing enclose  10 C, can serve different functions.  
      As one example, in some embodiments, ones of slidable panel assemblies  100 A and  100 B function as door-type structures, permitting entrance into and egress from enclosure  1 . As another example, in some embodiments, ones of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E function as floor-type structures. Exemplary of such floor-type structures is bottom wall  20 , illustrated in  FIG. 1C , or other ones of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E.  
      The user selects, for example, different sheet materials for sheet “S” based at least in part on the particular enclosure component that the respective slidable panel assembly defines. Accordingly, referring again to the embodiment of  FIG. 1C , slidable panels assemblies  100 A and  100 B, as door-type structures, include e.g. a sheet “S” made from a clear acrylic material.  
      Regarding floor-type structures in animal housing enclosures  10 C, it is understood that the floor is adapted and configured, e.g. suitably strong and durable, to support the load provided by the body weight of the animal housed therein. Also in such embodiments, sheet “S” is preferably made from a wire mesh material. The mesh material permits fecal material, urine, and or other excrement to pass therethrough. The excreta, which pass through floor  20 , are ultimately captured in a tray below the floor.  
      Floor  20  includes, as desired, a single slidable panel assembly, or a panel assembly which includes a plurality of adjacent slidable panels. In multiple floor panel embodiments, the facing edges of the separate panels are supported by e.g. a common floor support member such as a bracket or receiver, e.g. various L-shaped brackets, T-shaped brackets, channel brackets, or otherwise.  
      Embodiments which utilize various slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E in a horizontal position, for example, as floor  20  ( FIG. 1C ) or various shelves ( FIGS. 4A, 4B ), the slidable panel assembly is suitably supported by ones of various receiving structures. Suitable receiving structures support the load provided by the slidable panel assembly  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E and articles thereupon, as enable the slidable panel assembly to e.g. sliding interface therewith.  
      In some embodiments, the slidable floor or shelf, defined by ones of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E, is slidably actuatable with respect to the remainder of enclosure  1 , yet generally resists removal therefrom. In such embodiments, the slidable panel assembly  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E is mounted to enclosure  1  by way of, for example, ball bearing roller slides, or other suitable well-known slide-type mounting hardware.  
      In some embodiments, the slidable floor or shelf, defined by ones of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E, is slidably actuatable with respect to the remainder of enclosure  1 , and is readily removal therefrom. In such embodiments, the panel assembly is mounted to the reminder of enclosure  1  by way of, for example, various bracket mechanisms which permit slidable movement of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E. Exemplary of suitable bracket mechanisms include lateral hangers “LH” which are illustrated in  FIGS. 16A, 16B , and  16 C.  
      Each of lateral hangers “LH” has a lower support rail which extends along the length of elongate member  20  and faces the other respective lateral hanger “LH.” An uppermost portion of lateral hangers “LH” connects the hanger to the remainder of enclosure  1 , by way of, for example, a snap-lock interface with a cooperating component of enclosure  1  ( FIG. 16C ).  
      Accordingly, when a user inserts e.g. floor  20  into animal enclosure  10 C, the support rails of hangers “LH” insert into and interface with the outwardly facing channels of corner members  140  and respective ones of channels  220 A,  222 A,  230 A,  232 A.  
      In other words, the upwardly facing surface of each support rail hanger “LH” slidingly interfaces with and supports the lower facing surface of the upper flange, which defines the uppermost portion of the outwardly facing channel of the respective elongate member  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  and/or corner member  140 .  
      To assemble slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E, the user first gathers the various components e.g. elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 , corner members  140 , bolts “B,” and/or other suitable hardware. The user next aligns bolt receiving bore  446  with the threaded receiving structure of the respective elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 . Then, the user inserts a bolt “B” through bolt receiving bore  446  and tightens it into the receiving structure, such as screw boss “SB”, securing the respective elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  against a first side of the corner member  140 .  
      Next, the user partially tightens a bolt “B” into a corresponding receiving structure, such as screw boss “SB” in another one of elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132 . Then, the user engages a second side of corner member  140  with the partially tightened bolt by sliding the bolt receiving slot  448  over the partially tightened bolt. Finally, the user tightens such bolt, thereby securing such other elongate members  120 ,  122 ,  130 , and  132  to the corner member  140 . These processes are repeated, as needed, so as to arrive at the complete assemblage of slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E.  
      Appropriate metallic materials for components of enclosure  1  include, but are not limited to, anodized aluminum, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, brass, and their respective alloys. Common industry methods of forming such metallic materials include casting, forging, shearing, bending, machining, riveting, welding, powdered metal processing, extruding and others.  
      Non-metallic materials suitable for components of enclosure  1 , e.g. corner members  140  and others, are various polymeric compounds, such as for example and without limitation, various of the polyolefins, such as a variety of the polyethylenes, e.g. high density polyethylene, or polypropylenes. There can also be mentioned as examples such polymers as polyvinyl chloride and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride copolymers, various of the polyamides, polycarbonates, and others.  
      For any polymeric material employed in structures of the invention, any conventional additive package can be included such as, for example and without limitation, slip agents, anti-block agents, release agents, anti-oxidants, fillers, and plasticizers, to control e.g. processing of the polymeric material as well as to stabilize and/or otherwise control the properties of the finished processed product, also to control hardness, bending resistance, and the like.  
      Common industry methods of forming such polymeric compounds will suffice to form non-metallic components of enclosure  1 . Exemplary, but not limiting, of such processes are the various commonly-known plastics converting processes.  
      Enclosure  1  is preferably manufactured as individual components, and the individual components assembled as sub-assemblies, including but not limited to, the enclosure frame, stand  15 , slidable panel assemblies  100 A,  100 B,  100 C,  100 D,  100 E, and/or others. Each of the aforementioned sub-assemblies is then assembled to respective other ones of the sub-assemblies, to develop enclosure  1 .  
      Those skilled in the art will now see that certain modifications can be made to the apparatus and methods herein disclosed with respect to the illustrated embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the instant invention. And while the invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications, and alterations, and all such arrangements, modifications, and alterations are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.  
      To the extent the following claims use means plus function language, it is not meant to include there, or in the instant specification, anything not structurally equivalent to what is shown in the embodiments disclosed in the specification.