Patent Abstract:
A system and device of sliding panels contained in a frame that allows the panels to be stored in one part of the frame and moved to different parts when in use. Panels slide along horizontally and vertically within the frame so that various alternate placement of panels can close the frame, or create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations within the frame. The panels within this system can be used to enclose a vehicle or structure; to protect the interior of the structure and its occupants from inclement weather; miscellaneous intrusions such as insects, dirt and the like; as well as from firearm, chemical, and biological assault. The panels can be readily changed to accommodate to these needs by substituting a panel made of an appropriate material. If the panel system is used in modular form, even panel walls of buildings can be rapidly constructed. The device also can be used for a multi-panel display device.

Full Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present patent application is the United States Chapter II National Phase of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application no. PCT/US03/07656 having an international filing date of 12 Mar. 2003. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Technical Field  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of sliding panel systems, and more specifically to the field of multi-panel systems capable of multiple configurations. The invention can be used to enclose a motor scooter or other vehicle to make the vehicle more weather and wind resistant; can be used to enclose a porch, patio or other structure with windows, screens or panels; and can be used for a multi-panel whiteboard, chalkboard, or other display device.  
           [0004]    2. Prior Art  
           [0005]    Panel systems are well known and form a wide variety of products. Panels are often used as windows or doors to accomplish closures of wall openings. Door and window assemblies often have two or more sliding panels supported in a frame. U.S. Pat. No. 3,425,160 to Petterborg discloses a plurality of panels suspended in edge-to-edge relationship from an upper track. A supporting carriage is mounted at one end of the track for lateral movement to bring various panels into alignment with the end of the track so that the panels can then be slid off the supporting carriage and along the overhead track, which extends across the top of the opening. The panels of the Petterborg &#39;160 device only move along a single horizontal track and must always be kept in the same relative position to each other. Further, the storage compartment for storing panels is rather large.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,816,964 to Catalano discloses a window guard made up of a plurality of separate panels mounted for sliding horizontally between upper and lower tracks. At one end of the track is a storage unit for receiving the panels to be stacked. The panels of the Catalano &#39;964 device only move along a single horizontal track and must always be kept in the same relative position to each other.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,315 to Jackson, Jr. discloses a multi-panel sliding closure unit having a plurality of sliding panels used to close a large opening in a building wall. Adjacent panels stand in edge-to-edge relationship; however, between adjacent panels is a vertical jamb post holding them securely on their vertical edges. Upper and lower tracks hold the horizontal edges of the panels so that the panels can slide along the tracks. The panels of the Jackson &#39;315 device also only move along a single horizontal track and must always be kept in the same relative position to each other. Further, the storage compartment for storing panels also is rather large.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,296 to Brignon discloses a doorframe with at least one mobile panel. The mobile panel moves between a closed position where the mobile panel is in place in the doorframe and an open position where the mobile panel is moved aside with respect to the closed position. There are also provided a lower guide rail, at least one sliding unit positioned at the bottom of the mobile panel, and a mechanism for guiding and holding the mobile panel. The panels of the Brignon &#39;296 device also only move along a single horizontal track and must always be kept in the same relative position to each other.  
           [0009]    While the prior proceeds to disclose an array of panel systems, what is needed but not found in the prior art is a panel system that can be moved, opened or closed along a vertical, as well as a horizontal axis. Additionally, a multi-panel system allowing the displacement of the panels in multiple directions would have the ability to create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations. It is to these needs and others that the present invention is directed.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention is a sliding panel system comprising a plurality of panels that can slide along and within a frame in at least two directions, that is, along at least two axes. Among its many uses, the invention can be to help enclose a motor scooter or other vehicle so as to make the vehicle more weather and wind resistant; can be used to enclose a porch, patio or other structure with windows, screens or panels; and can be used as a multi-panel whiteboard, chalkboard or other display device. Generally, the invention can be used where any multi-panel system is needed.  
           [0011]    The invention comprises a frame containing a plurality of sliding panels. The frame and panels combination generally constitutes a single unit that can be installed or retrofitted in an appropriate location or on a suitable structure. The panels slide along horizontal and vertical axes within the frame so that placement of panels can close the frame entirely, or create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations within the frame.  
           [0012]    The sliding panel system of the present invention in one embodiment comprises a rectangular frame, a vertical crossbar, a horizontal crossbar, a moveable crossbar, and a plurality of panels. The frame in this embodiment is a relatively lightweight and strong quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel and equal in length. The vertical crossbar extends from the top center of the frame to the bottom center of the frame. The horizontal crossbar extends from the center of a first side of the frame to the center of the vertical crossbar. The moveable crossbar is attached to the center of the vertical crossbar or the center of a second side of the frame by a pivoting device or hinge so that it can be folded downwards or upwards vertically proximal to the vertical crossbar or the second side of the frame or pivoted to be horizontal preferably spanning the distance between the vertical crossbar and the second side of the frame. The panels can be stored in one corner of the frame and moved to different parts within the frame when in use.  
           [0013]    Additional embodiments of the present invention include the use of two or more horizontal crossbars and/or vertical crossbars, along with additional panels, to create larger and/or more variable configurations. Also, the moveable crossbar can be constructed of two or more sections such that its length can be variable, such as by telescoping, fording or the like, such that the length of the moveable crossbar can be extended so that it can make contact with the frame when in the horizontal position.  
           [0014]    With the panels in a stored position, at least a portion of the internal area of the frame is open. For example, when the panels in a four-panel configuration are in the stored position in a corner of the frame, three-quarters of the area of the frame is open. When the invention is used to enclose a vehicle, this opening allows a passenger or driver to enter and exit the vehicle. When the invention is used to enclose a structure, this allows one to enter and exit the structure and to allow continuous air circulation into and out of the structure. When the invention is used as a display device, this allows storage of the panels or of additional panels or other items behind the open area of the frame.  
           [0015]    To close the panel system, the moveable crossbar is pivoted upwards or downwards, as appropriate, to be horizontal and extend between the vertical crossbar and the second side of the frame. A single panel, previously stored in a corner of the frame, can be slid from the stored position and underneath the moveable crossbar. This closes the bottom half of the frame while leaving the top half open. Another single panel can be slid upwards from the stored position and locked into place. This closes three-quarters of the frame while leaving one top quadrant open. This same panel can be slid across and over the moveable crossbar. In this position, one top quadrant of the frame is left open and the remaining three quadrants are closed. Another single panel from the stored position can be slid upwards and locked into place, thus closing the entire frame. The remaining panel in the stored position remains there, and can be permanently mounted so that it is not slidable, or it can be made slidable so that more configurations can be created.  
           [0016]    Panels can be slid manually or be displaced by means of an electric motor. The panels can sit in direct contact with the frame and its adjacent crossbar or they can be placed on a guidance device, such as wheels, rollers or pads, so that they slide along the inner walls of the frame and the crossbars. A guidance device can be placed on one, two, three, or all four sides of each panel. Conversely, a guidance device can be placed along the inner walls of the frame and/or along the sides of the crossbars.  
           [0017]    Locking devices, such as latches, hooks, pins, tabs, and the like, can be attached to the panels to hold them into place if need be. Locking devices can also be placed on the inner walls of the frame and/or on the sides of the crossbars for this same purpose. Otherwise, the panels can be held in place by friction or the surrounding structures.  
           [0018]    Variations of closed and open positions can be formed depending on where the numerous panels are contained within the frame. Various configurations can also be made by using different materials as panels. Transparent, translucent or permeable wire screen or glass panels can be used in place of solid and opaque panels. For use on a vehicle, it is preferable that at least one of the top panels be a window. Additionally, in several other illustrative embodiments, the panels can be insulative or non-insulative, shatterproof or break and crack resistant, or bulletproof.  
           [0019]    The present invention allows multiple panels to slide along both the horizontal and vertical axes of a frame. Such a multi-directional displacement can create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations within the frame. In addition to its advantages over the prior art, the present invention also retains certain important features. The panels can take up little space but can be rigid enough when closed to withstand high winds and other weather elements. The panels are conveniently contained within the frame structure so there are no loose pieces to be lost or destroyed. Further, the panels do not have to swing out to open, saving space and making them easy to deal with. Because the panels do not swing out to open, they are not subject to the wind if used to enclose a porch or patio, and can be left open to drive a motor scooter or other vehicle.  
           [0020]    The present invention can also be used as a display or writing surface, such as a chalkboard or whiteboard. The system of panels allows more text and information to be displayed using less wall space. Further, text or graphics can be hid from view or displayed by easily sliding panels in different directions. Writings do not have to be erased; they can be simply moved to another section of the frame and recalled for later reference.  
           [0021]    Thus, as can be seen, a feature of the present invention is to provide an easy to use sliding panel system. Other features are a sliding panel system that allows the panels to be stored in one part of the frame and moved to different parts when in use and that allows panels to slide along horizontal and vertical axes within the frame so that placement of panels can close the frame, or create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations within the frame. Additional features are a system for enclosing a motor scooter or other vehicle, a porch, patio or other structure, and for providing a multi-panel display device.  
           [0022]    Other features of the present invention, when used to help enclose a vehicle, allow air circulation though the vehicle and the protection of persons and property within the vehicle from the elements of weather and wind, while still allowing passengers and drivers to enter and exit the vehicle. Similarly, when used to help enclose a structure, the present invention allows air circulation through the structure and the protection of persons and property from the elements of weather, while still allowing persons to enter and exit the structure. Further, when used as a display device, the present invention allows storage of the panels or use of additional panels or other items behind the open area of the frame.  
           [0023]    These features, and other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended figures, in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the various figures. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the sliding panel system of the present invention with the panels in a stored position.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1 with the panels in a stored position and the movable crossbar pivoted upwards to be horizontal.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1 with a first panel slid to the side and underneath the movable crossbar, exposing a second panel.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1 with the first panel slid to the side and underneath the movable crossbar, and a second panel slid upwards, exposing a third panel.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1 with the first panel slid to the side and underneath the movable crossbar, and the second panel slid across and above the movable crossbar.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1 with the first panel slid to the side and underneath the movable crossbar, the second panel slid up and then across and over the movable crossbar, and the third panel slid upwards, exposing a fourth panel.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a front view of the embodiment of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1 with the first panel slid to the side and underneath the movable crossbar, the second panel slid up and then across and over the movable crossbar, and the third panel slid upwards to the top of the vertical bar.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 8A-8C are front views of several illustrative embodiments of extendable moveable crossbars, with FIG. 8A showing a telescoping configuration, FIG. 8B showing a first hinged configuration, and FIG. 8C showing a second hinged configuration.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the frame of the present invention with two panels resting in the side of the frame.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the frame of the present invention using rollers attached to the panels that roll within the interior of the frame.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention as it could be used to enclose a motor scooter.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the present invention as it could be used to enclose a porch.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the present invention as it could be used as a display system.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 14 is a front view of another embodiment of the sliding panel system of the present invention with the panels in a stored position.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIGS. 15A-15C are front views of several illustrative embodiments of locking mechanisms for the panels, with FIG. 15A showing a latch configuration, FIG. 15B showing a tab configuration, and FIG. 15C showing a hook configuration. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0039]    The present invention is a sliding panel system comprising a plurality of panels that can slide along and within a frame in at least two directions, that is, along at least two axes. The invention can be used, for illustrative purposes, to enclose a motor scooter or other vehicle so as to make the vehicle more weather and wind resistant; to enclose a porch, patio or other structure with windows, screens or panels; and as a multi-panel whiteboard, chalkboard or other display device. Generally, the invention can be used where any multi-panel system is needed.  
         [0040]    Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the invention comprises a frame  12  containing a plurality of sliding panels  14 . The frame  12  and panels  14  combination generally constitutes a single unit  10  that can be installed or retrofitted in an appropriate location or on a suitable structure. The panels  14  slide along horizontal and vertical axes within the frame  12  so that placement of panels  14  can close the frame  12  entirely, or create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations within the frame  12 . As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the sliding panel system unit  10  comprises frame  12 , panels  14 , vertical crossbar  16 , horizontal crossbar  18 , and moveable crossbar  20 .  
         [0041]    For illustrative purposes throughout FIGS. 1-7, the sliding panel system comprises a rectangular frame  12 , a vertical crossbar  16 , a horizontal crossbar  18 , a moveable crossbar  20 , and a plurality of panels  14 . The frame  12  in this illustrative embodiment is a relatively lightweight and strong quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel and equal in length. The vertical crossbar  16  extends from the top side  12 A center of the frame  12  to the bottom side  12 B center of the frame  12 . The horizontal crossbar  18  extends from the center of a first side  12 C of the frame  12  to the center of the vertical crossbar  16 . The moveable crossbar  20  is attached to the center of the vertical crossbar  16  or the center of a second side  12 D of the frame  12  by a pivoting device  22  or hinge so that it can be folded downwards or upwards vertically proximal to the vertical crossbar  16  or the second side  12 D of the frame  12  or pivoted to be horizontal preferably spanning the distance between the vertical crossbar  16  and the second side  12 D of the frame  12 . The panels  14  can be stored in one corner of the frame  12  and moved to different parts within the frame  12  when in use. Frame  12 , vertical crossbar  16 , horizontal crossbar  18 , and moveable crossbar  20  can be made from any appropriate structural materials, currently known or developed in the future, such as wood; plastic and other polymers; aluminum, steel, titanium and other metals; fibreglasses, graphite and carbon composites, and other composites; or any relatively lightweight, relatively strong, stable material.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 illustrates that frame  12  can be structured so as to contain and retain the panels  14 . FIG. 1 illustrates panels  14  in a stored position in the lower right quadrant, wherein the remaining three-quarters of the area in frame  12  is open, namely, the lower left, upper right and upper left quadrants. For use in a vehicle, this allows a passenger or driver to enter and exit the vehicle through the left half of the frame  12 . For a structure, this allows one to enter and exit the structure through the left half. For a display device, this allows storage of the panels or use of additional panels or the wall behind the open areas of frame  12 .  
         [0043]    Panels  14  also can be quadrilaterals with opposite sides parallel and equal. The panel  14  length preferably is equal to or slightly less than approximately half the length of frame  12 , and the panel  14  width preferably is equal to or slightly less than approximately half the width of frame  12  so that, at all times, each panel will sit securely yet slidably between frame  12  and the appropriate set of crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 . The thickness, or depth, of each panel is dependent on the materials of manufacture and the purpose of the panel, as discussed in more detail below, but preferably is less than the total depth of frame  12 . Panels  14  can be made from materials such as woods; plastic and other polymers; aluminum, steel, titanium and other metals; transparent, translucent, colored and opaque glasses; chalkboard, whiteboard and other writing surfaces; wire screens; insulative, shatter resistant, bullet proof or other specialty materials; or any other suitable material, or a combination of two or more of the above. For example, in one embodiment, two panels  14  can be made of aluminum, one panel  14  can be made of glass, and one panel  14  can be made of half glass and half aluminum.  
         [0044]    Vertical crossbar  16  extends from the top side  12 A of frame  12  to the bottom side  12 B of frame  12 . Vertical crossbar  16  preferably is centered generally between the first side  12 C of frame  12  and the second side  12 D of frame  12  so that one or more panels  14  can be placed on each side of vertical crossbar  16 . The width of vertical crossbar  16  can be thicker or thinner than the width of the walls of frame  12 . Vertical crossbar  16  can have has a flat, rectangular cross-section and function more of a brace. Alternatively, vertical crossbar  16  can have a shaped cross-section and be used, for example, as a guide for rollers attached to the panels  14 , as discussed in more detail below.  
         [0045]    Horizontal crossbar  18  extends from the first side  12 C of frame  12  to vertical crossbar  16  so that its length generally is approximately one-half the horizontal length of frame  12 . Horizontal crossbar  18  preferably is centered generally between the top side  12 A of frame  12  and the bottom side  12 B of frame  12  so that a panel  14  can be placed above and below horizontal crossbar  18 . The width of horizontal crossbar  18  also can be thicker or thinner than the width of the walls of frame  12 . Horizontal crossbar  18  also can have has a flat, rectangular cross-section and function more of a brace. Alternatively, horizontal crossbar  18  also can have a shaped cross-section and be used, for example, as a guide for rollers attached to the panels  14 , as discussed in more detail below.  
         [0046]    Vertical crossbar  16  and horizontal crossbar  18  are added to support the structure of frame  12  and to block the cracks between the panels  14  when the panels are in the closed position. If the vertical crossbar  16  and the horizontal crossbar  18  are used as braces only, the thickness of vertical crossbar  16  and horizontal crossbar  18  preferably does not extend into the inner portion of frame  12 . Thus, such fixed crossbars  16 ,  18  are not contained within the sliding panel area of frame  12 , rather they are attached to frame  12  so that panels  14  slide either in front of or behind the flat crossbars  16 ,  18 . Alternatively, if the vertical crossbar  16  and the horizontal crossbar  18  are used a guides for guiding and holding the panels  14  in place, crossbars  16 ,  18  have a formed cross-section allowing a guiding portion of panels  14 , such as roller or pads, to fit within the cross-section of crossbars  16 ,  18 , as shown illustratively in FIG. 10.  
         [0047]    Moveable crossbar  20  is attached to vertical crossbar  16  by a pivoting device  22  or hinge so that moveable crossbar  20  can be folded downwards or upwards vertically or pivoted to be horizontal. When moveable crossbar  20  is in its downward or upward vertical position, moveable crossbar  20  generally is parallel to and proximal or touching vertical crossbar  16 . In this position, as shown illustratively in FIG. 1, there is provided an opening in half of the area of frame  12 , specifically the left side of frame  12 . For use in a vehicle, this allows a passenger or driver to enter and exit the vehicle. For use in a structure, this allows one to enter and exit the structure. For use as a display device, this allows storage of the panels or use of additional panels behind the open area of the frame  12 .  
         [0048]    Pivoting moveable crossbar  20  to be horizontal helps close the panel system. Moveable crossbar  20  is pivoted to the horizontal position, in which position the end of moveable crossbar  20  distal from the pivoting device  22  and vertical crossbar  16  is now proximal to the second side  12 D of frame  11 . Moveable crossbar  20  can be locked in place against second side  12 D of frame  12  using any known or future developed locking means, such as latches, pins, clips, sliding bars, and the like. Once moveable crossbar  20  is in place against or proximal to second side  12 D of frame  12 , moveable crossbar  20  supports a panel  14  that has been slid over moveable crossbar  20 , as shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Further, moveable crossbar  20  can be structured to block cracks between the panel  14  and the moveable crossbar  20  when the panel system is in the closed and semi-closed positions.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 1 illustrates moveable crossbar  20  in a folded down vertical position lying adjacent to the lower half of vertical crossbar  16 . In FIG. 2, moveable crossbar  20  is being pivoted upwards to be horizontal. In FIG. 3, moveable crossbar  20  is in the horizontal position and is adjacent to left side  12 D of frame  12 , which is the operating position for supporting a panel  14 . Moveable crossbar  20  generally is attached to the middle of vertical crossbar  16  so that the point of attachment is on the same linear plane with horizontal crossbar  18  and so that the point of attachment is in the center of frame  12 . The width of moveable crossbar  20  also can be thicker or thinner than the width of the walls of frame  12 . Moveable crossbar  20  also can have has a flat, rectangular cross-section and function more of a brace. However, as moveable crossbar  20  generally supports one or more panels  14 , moveable crossbar  20  also can have a shaped cross-section and be used, for example, as a guide for rollers attached to the panels  14 . More specifically, moveable crossbar  20  have a formed cross-section allowing a guiding portion of panels  14 , such as roller or pads, to fit within the cross-section of crossbars  16 ,  18 , as shown illustratively in FIG. 10.  
         [0050]    Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, the operation of the sliding panel system is shown in greater detail. With the panels  14  in a stored position, at least a portion of the internal area of the frame  12  is open. For example, when the panels  14  in a four-panel configuration are in the stored position in a corner of the frame  12 , three-quarters of the area of the frame  12  is open. When the invention  10  is used to enclose a vehicle  50  as shown in FIG. 11, this opening allows a passenger or driver to enter and exit the vehicle  50 . When the invention  10  is used to enclose a structure  60  as shown in FIG. 12, this allows one to enter and exit the structure  60  and to allow continuous air circulation into and out of the structure  60 . When the invention is used as a display device  70  as shown in FIG. 13, this allows storage of the panels  14  or of additional panels  14  or other items behind the open area of the frame  12 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the open position. To close the panel system, the moveable crossbar  20  is pivoted upwards or downwards, as appropriate, to be horizontal and extend between the vertical crossbar  16  and the second side  12 D of the frame  12 . A single panel  14 A, previously stored in a corner of the frame  12 , can be slid from the stored position and underneath the moveable crossbar  20 . This closes the bottom half of the frame  12  while leaving the top half open. Another single panel  14 B can be slid upwards from the stored position and locked into place. This closes three-quarters of the frame  12  while leaving one top quadrant open. This same panel  14 B can be slid across and over the moveable crossbar  20 . In this position, one top quadrant of the frame  12  is left open and the remaining three quadrants are closed. Another single panel  14 C from the stored position can be slid upwards and locked into place, thus closing the entire frame  12 . The remaining panel  14 D in the stored position remains there, and can be permanently mounted so that it is not slidable, or it can be made slidable so that more configurations can be created.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 2 illustrates the initial moving of moveable crossbar  20  towards the horizontal position. Panels  14  are capable of displacement between an open position where the panels  14  are contained in one corner of frame  12 , and a closed position where the panels  14  are moved aside with respect to the open position. Variations of closed and open positions can be formed depending on where the panels  14  are contained within frame  12 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 3 illustrates the process of sliding panel  14 A to the side, underneath moveable crossbar  20 , where it will come into contact with the second side  12 D of frame  12 . Now moveable crossbar  20  also can be laterally supported by the upper horizontal edge of panel  14 A, as well as, or alternatively, being locked into place by latches, pins, bolts or the like, or both. In this position, the top half of the panel system frame  12  is open and the bottom half is closed. Specifically, in this position, the top left quadrant of frame  12  is open and the remaining three quadrants are closed. The panels  14  pass from one to the other of these various positions by lateral and longitudinal displacement in a direction from the closed plane to the opening plane and sliding in the opening plane.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 4 illustrates the process of sliding panel  14 B, which was behind panel  14 A in this illustrative embodiment, upwards between vertical crossbar  16  and the first side  12 C of frame  12 . Panel  14 B can be left in this position, that is, in the upper right of frame  12 , by locking panel  14 B within frame  12  by the means disclosed below. In this position, the top half of the panel system frame  12  is half closed and the bottom half is closed. Horizontal crossbar  18  does not necessarily laterally support panel  14 B, as panel  14 B can be slid in front of or behind flat horizontal crossbar  18 . Alternatively, horizontal crossbar  18  can have a structure allowing it to support the bottom edge of panel  14 B when panel  14 B is in the upper position.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 5 illustrates the process of sliding panel  14 B laterally over movable crossbar  20 , where it will come into contact with the second side  12 D of frame  12 . Now moveable crossbar  20  also can support panel  14 B. In this position, the top half of the panel system frame  12  is half closed and the bottom half is closed. Specifically, in this position, the top right quadrant of frame  12  is open and the remaining three quadrants are closed.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 6 illustrates the process of sliding panel  14 C, which was behind panel  14 A in this illustrative embodiment, upwards between vertical crossbar  16  and the first side  12 C of frame  12 . Panel  14 C now can be left in this position, that is, in the upper right of frame  12 , by locking panel  14 C within frame  12  by the means already disclosed.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 7 illustrates the top half of the panel system frame  12  closed and the bottom half closed, after panel  14 C has been slid. Panel  14 D can be permanently mounted so that it is not slidable, or panel  14 D can be made slidable so that more configurations can be created.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate that the length of moveable crossbar  20  can be extendable or telescoping or foldable so that moveable crossbar  20  can make contact with second side  12 D of frame  12 . For example, in one embodiment, the panel system is a chalkboard where frame  12  is 2 feet long (0.6 meters) and 4 feet tall (1.2 meters). In this example, moveable crossbar  20  is attached to vertical crossbar  16  at a point 1 foot (0.3 meters) from the top of frame  12 , 1 foot (0.3 meters) from the bottom of frame  12 , 2 feet (0.6 meters) from the left side of frame  12 , and 2 feet (0.6 meters) from the right side of frame  12  (that is, in the center of the frame  12 ). Moveable crossbar  20  in this example would need to be 1 foot (0.3 meters) in length (equal to the length of the lower half of vertical crossbar  16 ) such that moveable crossbar  20  could be folded downwards or upwards and still remain within the boundaries of the frame  12 . However, at this length, when moveable crossbar  20  is pivoted to the horizontal position, it would only extend halfway to second side  12 D of frame  12  and could not be locked in place. With an extendable moveable crossbar  20 , this problem is solved. For example, when moveable crossbar  20  is pivoted to be horizontal, it can be extended an additional 1 foot (0.3 meters) to be 2 feet (0.6 meters) long in total so that it can make contact with frame  12 . In this position, moveable crossbar  20  is contiguous and pivotally connected to horizontal crossbar  18  so that the two crossbars  18 ,  20  are on the same linear plane. In this position, moveable crossbar  20  and horizontal crossbar  18  are centered between the top of frame  12  and the bottom of frame  12  so that one or more panels  14  can be placed on each side of the two crossbars  18 ,  20 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 9 illustrates that panels  14  can sit in direct contact with the frame  12  and its adjacent crossbar  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and be separated form each other by a separating wall  26 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which panels  14  can be placed on a guidance device  24 , such as wheels, rollers or pads, so that they slide along the inner walls of the frame  12  and the crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 . A guidance device  24  can be placed on one, two, three, or all four sides of each panel  14 . Conversely, a guidance device  24  can be placed along the inner walls of the frame  12  and/or along the sides of the crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 . Such guidance devices  24  and structures are known in the art, and can be similar to the common sliding glass shower door rail structure, the sliding glass patio door rail structure, and/or the folding closet door hanging structure. Some illustrative guidance devices  24  also include lower friction slides, such as nylon glides. Such guidance devices  24  dispose each panel  14  in such a way that the panel  14  is located slightly raised or removed from frame  12  or crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 , so that panel  14  is no longer in direct contact with frame  12  or its adjacent crossbar  16 ,  18 ,  20 . Panels  14  can be slid manually or be displaced by means of an electric motor (not shown).  
         [0061]    Further, weather stripping, insulation and/or other sealants can be placed along the inner edges of frame  12  and/or along the sides of crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 . For use as a door to help enclose a vehicle or structure, thin strips of rubber, plastic or felt lining the frame  12  and crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20  can exclude rain, snow and/or cold air. Sealants to prevent outside air, which may be contaminated or otherwise undesirable, from entering any vehicle or structure on which the invention is mounted also may be placed along the inner edges of frame  12  and/or along the sides of crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment of the unit  10  as part of an enclosure  52  for a motor scooter vehicle  50 . As can be seen, the unit  10  comprises the entry and exit means for the vehicle  50 , as well as panels  14  constituting solid and or clear walls and windows. As previously disclosed, the panels  14  can be simple materials like wood, plastic or metal, or can be insulated for colder climates or bullet-proof for law enforcement and military uses.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of the unit as part of a porch  62  of a residence  64 . As can be seen, the unit  10  comprises the entry and exit means for the porch  62 , as well as, for example, screen windows. As above, the panels  14  can be simple materials like wood, plastic, metal, glass or screens, or can be insulated for colder climates or bullet-proof for higher security uses.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 13 illustrates an example embodiment of the unit as a display device  70 , such as a chalkboard or whiteboard. The system of panels  14  allows more text and information to be displayed using less wall space. Further, text or graphics can be hid from view or displayed by easily sliding panels  14  in different directions. Writings do not have to be erased; they can be simply moved to another section of the frame  12  and recalled for later reference.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 14 illustrates additional embodiments of the present invention that include the use of two or more horizontal crossbars  18  and/or vertical crossbars  16 , along with additional panels  14 , to create larger and/or more variable configurations. Also, as shown previously in FIGS. 8A-8C, the moveable crossbar  20  can be constructed of two or more sections  20 A,  20 B such that the length of moveable crossbar  20  can be variable, such as by telescoping as shown in FIG. 8A, folding as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, or the like, such that the length of the moveable crossbar  20  can be extended so that it can make contact with the frame  12  when in the horizontal position.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate example locking devices, such as latches  80 , pins  82 , hooks  84 , bolts or the like, that can be attached to panels  14  to hold panels  14  into place if need be. Locking devices can also be placed on the inner edges of frame  12  and/or on the sides of crossbars  16 ,  18 ,  20 . Such locking devices are known and can be similar to those currently use on sliding windows and screens in residences. Otherwise, the panels  14  can be held in place by friction or the surrounding structures.  
         [0067]    In addition to closure by lateral and longitudinal displacement of panels  14 , various configurations can also be made by using different materials as panels  14 . For example, in one embodiment, panels  14 A and  14 D can be aluminum, and panels  14 B and  14 C can be glass or wire screen. In this embodiment, the bottom half of the closed panel system is solid and opaque and the top half of the closed panel system is translucent or permeable. For use on a vehicle, it is preferable that at least panel  14 B is a window. Panels  14 A and  14 C also can be windows, as well as panel  14 D. In another example, in another embodiment, a whiteboard of equal length and width is placed behind frame  12 , so that three-quarters of the open panel system is whiteboard. In this embodiment, two panels  14  are whiteboard and two panels  14  are corkboard so that multiple whiteboard/corkboard configurations can be realized, thereby creating an effective personal wall organizer. In other embodiments, transparent, translucent or permeable wire screen or glass panels  14  can be used in place of solid and opaque panels  14 . Additionally, in several other illustrative embodiments, the panels  14  can be insulative or non-insulative, shatterproof or break and crack resistant, or bulletproof.  
         [0068]    The present invention allows multiple panels  14  to slide along both the horizontal and vertical axes of a frame  12 . Such a multi-directional displacement can create openings of different sizes, shapes and locations within the frame  12 . In addition to its advantages over the prior art, the present invention also retains certain important features. The panels  14  can take up little space but can be rigid enough when closed to withstand high winds and other weather elements. The panels  14  are conveniently contained within the frame  12  structure so there are no loose pieces to be lost or destroyed. Further, the panels  14  do not have to swing out to open, saving space and making them easy to deal with. Because the panels  14  do not swing out to open, they are not subject to the wind if used to enclose a structure  60 , and can be left open to drive a vehicle  50 .  
         [0069]    The above detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention, and its equivalents, as defined by the appended claims. One skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4