Minimized gate

A barrier having a gate and a frame where each of the frame and gate is reduced in at least one of a height and length dimension so as to be shipped and stored in a box of minimal size.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a barrier having a frame and a gate, and more particularly to a barrier having a frame and a gate where each of the frame and gate are reducible in at least one of the height and length dimension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At some times it may be preferable to deliver a product to an end user in an already assembled form. At other times it may be preferable to place a premium on size and space during shipment from the manufacturer to the distributor, during storage at a warehouse, and when on the shelf at a retail store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A feature of the present invention is the provision in a gated barrier, of a frame having a first end and a second end and a cross piece traversing the first and second ends, of a gate in the frame where the gate confronts the first end, the second end, and the cross piece, of the frame being reducible in at least one of the height and length dimension, and of the gate being reducible in at least one of the height and length dimension.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the frame being reducible in each of the length and height dimension.

Another feature of the present invention in the provision in such a gated barrier, of the gate being reducible in each of the length and height dimension.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the gate including a first gate unit and a second gate unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first and second gate units being removably engagable to each other.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the frame including a first frame unit, a second frame unit, a third frame unit, and a fourth frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first frame unit including a first vertically extending piece, where the first gate unit is swingably engagable to the first frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the second frame unit including a second vertically extending piece, where the first gate unit is latchably engagable to the second frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the third frame unit including a first L-shaped piece, where the first L-shaped piece is removably engagable to the first frame unit, and where the second gate unit is swingably engagable to the third frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the fourth frame unit including a second L-shaped piece, where the second L-shaped piece is removably engagable to the first L-shaped piece and removably engagable to the second frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first end of the frame including the first frame unit and a portion of the third frame unit, of the second end of the frame including the second frame unit and a portion of the fourth frame unit, of the cross piece of the frame including a portion of the third frame unit, and of the cross piece of the frame including a portion of the fourth frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first gate unit including a first lowermost traversing gate support member, a first uppermost traversing gate support member, a first left end upright gate support member, a first right end upright gate support member, and at least one first interior upright gate support member disposed between the first left end upright gate support member and the first right end upright gate support member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the second gate unit including a second lowermost traversing gate support member, a second uppermost traversing gate support member, a second left end upright gate support member, a second right end upright gate support member, and at least one second interior upright support member disposed between the first left end upright gate support member and the first right end upright gate support member.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first and second gate units being removably engagable to each other such that the first and second gate units define a plane.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first and second gate units being removably engagable to each other by the first lowermost traversing gate support member of the first gate unit and the second uppermost traversing gate support member of the second gate unit being removably engagable to each other.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first left end upright gate support member of the first gate unit and the second left end upright gate support members of the second gate unit defining a swing axis for the gate.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first left end upright gate support member of the first gate unit confronting the first frame unit when the gate is open and when the gate is closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the second left end upright gate support member of the second gate unit confronting the third frame unit when the gate is open and when the gate is closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first right end upright gate support member of the first gate unit confronting the second frame unit when the gate is closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of second right end upright gate support member of the second gate unit confronting the fourth frame unit when the gate is closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the second lowermost traversing gate support member of the second gate unit confronting each of the first L-shaped piece of the third frame unit and the second L-shaped piece of the fourth frame unit when the gate is closed.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the gate being reducible in the height dimension.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of a first frame extension, where the first frame extension includes a first upper extension unit and a first lower extension unit, where the first upper and lower extension units are engagable to each other, where the first upper extension unit is engagable to the first frame unit, and where the first lower extension unit is engagable to the third frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of a second frame extension, where the second frame extension includes a second upper extension unit and a second lower extension unit, where the second upper and lower extension units are engagable to each other and where the second upper extension unit is engagable to the first frame unit, and where the second lower extension unit is engagable to the third frame unit.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first vertically extending piece being a first inner vertically extending piece, where the first frame unit further includes a first outer vertically extending piece and where the first inner vertically extending piece includes a width greater than the first outer vertically extending piece.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the second vertically extending piece being a second inner vertically extending piece, where the second frame unit further includes a second outer vertically extending piece, where the second inner vertically extending piece includes a width greater than the second outer vertically extending piece.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the first frame unit further including a first lowermost traversing frame support member, where the third frame unit further includes a third uppermost traversing frame support member and where the first and third frame units are removably engagable to each other by the first lowermost traversing frame support member and the third uppermost traversing frame support member being removably engagable to each other.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a gated barrier, of the second frame unit further including a second lowermost traversing frame support member, where the fourth frame unit further includes a fourth uppermost traversing frame support member and where the second and fourth frame units are removably engagable to each other by the second lowermost traversing frame support member and the fourth uppermost traversing frame support member being removably engagable to each other.

An advantage of the present invention is that the gated barrier, when disassembled, can fit in an Amazon tote.

Another advantage of the present invention is that, when assembled, the gated barrier includes a structure that is strong.

Another advantage of the present invention is that, when assembled, the gated barrier is easy to operate.

Another advantage of the present invention is cost. The present gate barrier is inexpensive—more inexpensive than a conventional gated barrier because the present gate barrier can be shipped at a lesser cost.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the present gated barrier is quickly and easily assembled.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the present gated barrier is quickly and easily disassembled.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the present gated barrier is safe for children and pets.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1Cshow elevation views whereFIG. 1Ashows a frame12and a gate14, and whereFIGS. 1B and 1Cshow the gate14. The first and second ends16,18of the frame12telescope vertically. The first and second ends16,18may be separated from each other by the cross piece20. The cross piece20telescopes horizontally. The cross piece20may be disassembled into three pieces,22,24,26. The middle section22of the cross piece20may telescope into one of the end cross sections24,26. The gate14telescopes both vertically and horizontally. As shown inFIG. 1B, the gate14may be separated into first and second half portions for storage.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1Cshow elevation views whereFIG. 1Ashows a minimizable barrier10having the minimizable frame12and the minimizable gate14, and whereFIGS. 1B and 1Cshow the minimizable gate14. The first and second ends16,18of the frame12telescope relative to each other vertically. The first and second ends16,18are engaged to each other and are spaced apart from each other by the cross piece or threshold20. The cross piece20may be disassembled into three pieces, the middle section22, the first end or left section24, and the second end or left section26. The cross piece20telescopes horizontally. Each of the end cross sections24,26telescopes into the middle section22. The telescoping movement is fixed with pin connectors28engaging pin receptors or openings30. If desired, the middle section22of the cross piece20may telescope into one of the end cross sections24,26. Or the left end cross section24may telescope into the middle cross section22that in turn telescopes into the right cross section26, or section26may telescope into section22that in turn telescopes into section24. Such telescoping action fixes the width of the U-shaped open top frame12into which the gate14is engaged and provides an adjustable width such that gates14of different width can be engaged therein. Reference number28may herein designate a pin connector or an opening for a pin connector.

The U-shaped open top frame12includes the left frame end16and the right frame end18. Left frame end16includes an outer upright telescoping support member32and an inner upright telescoping support member34. Right frame end18includes an outer upright telescoping support member36and an inner upright telescoping support member38. Each of the members32,34,36,38has a lower section and an upper section. The lower section of each of the members32,24,26,28slides into or telescopes into the upper section such that the lower section is a male member and the upper section is a female member. Each of the upper sections includes a pin connector28that may be engaged with any of several pin receivers30in the respective lower section of members32,24,26,28.

The U-shaped open top frame12further includes a left upper cross piece40engaging left members32,34and a right upper cross piece42engaging right members36,38.

In a disassembled form, cross piece40, members32,34, and left cross section24make up a unit. In such disassembled form, lower sections of members32,34are received in their respective upper sections so as to minimize the height of such unit. Such unit may or may not include middle threshold section22, into which left threshold section24may slide to minimize a width of such unit.

In a disassembled form, cross piece42, members36,38, and right cross section26make up a unit. In such disassembled form, lower sections of members36,38are received in their respective upper sections so as to minimize the height of such unit. Such unit may or may not include middle threshold section22, into which right threshold section26may slide to minimize a width of such unit.

In a disassembled form, middle threshold section22may be its own unit, separate and apart from each of the left threshold section24and right threshold section26.

The U-shaped open top frame12may be a pressure frame. That is, upright support members32,34may be fabricated at an oblique angle relative to threshold cross section24, such as an obtuse angle. And/or upright support member36,38may be fabricated at an oblique angle relative to threshold cross section26, such as an obtuse angle. An oblique angle is any angle other than a ninety degree angle and any angle that is not set at a parallel relationship. An obtuse angle is any angle greater than ninety degrees and less than 180 degrees. When engaged to each other through threshold cross piece22, left frame end16and right frame end18are oblique relative to each other such that, to relatively push the left frame end16into a parallel relationship with right frame end18, hand wheel mechanisms44may be used. Hand wheel mechanism44is shown inFIG. 5Aand includes a threaded shaft46, a threaded hand wheel48that threadingly engages the threaded shaft46, and a disk50may be pivotally fixed to the distal end of the threaded shaft46. A proximal end portion of the threaded shaft46is received in a horizontal bore having an open end at the outer end of lower right cross piece26. Another horizontal bore is formed in the lower left cross piece24and has an open end in the outer end of lower left cross piece24. Another horizontal bore is formed in upper left cross piece40and has an open end in the outer end of upper left cross piece40. Another horizontal bore is formed in upper right cross piece42and has an open end in the outer end of upper right cross piece42. Barrier10thus may include four hand wheel mechanisms44, a right upper hand wheel mechanism44engaging cross piece42, a left upper hand wheel mechanism44engaging cross piece40, a left lower hand wheel mechanism44engaging cross piece24, and a right lower hand wheel mechanism44engaging cross piece26. The threaded shaft46may slide into and out of the usually unthreaded horizontal bore. When the hand wheel mechanism44is set between the barrier10and a vertical surface such as a door jamb, the disk50is limited in travel by the door jamb and thus the hand wheel46when turned exerts pressure on the respective cross piece24,26,40, or42, thereby relatively pushing in especially upper cross pieces40,42to push one or more of the left end and right end18into a right angle relationship with one or more of the threshold cross pieces22,24, and26and/or until a first portion of a latch mechanism51is in position to interact with and engage a second portion of a latch mechanism51, where the first portion of the latch mechanism51is engaged to gate14and the second portion of the latch mechanism51is engaged to the right frame end18, and where the gate14swings on an end adjacent to the left frame end16, as shown inFIG. 1A. As a pressure gate10, when hand wheel mechanisms44have been fully engaged, barrier10may or may not be disposed off the floor such that the underside of threshold cross piece20is spaced from the floor.

When out of the right angle relationship and when in the right angle relationship left frame end16, right frame end18, and threshold cross piece20are co-planar.

Frame12of barrier10is minimizable in height because the upper and lower sections of upright members32,34,36, and38can be telescoped, as indicated above. Frame12of barrier10is also minimizable in width because cross piece22can be telescoped with either or both of cross pieces24and26.

Gate14of barrier is also minimizable in height and width.

Gate14includes a left end upright support member52, a left end upper cross piece54, a left end lower cross piece56, and a set of four upright interior support members58. The left end upright support member52includes an upper section and a lower section that telescope, with the lower section sliding into the upper section. Each of the four upright interior support members58includes an upper section and a lower section that telescope, with the lower section sliding into the upper section. The left end upright support member52is engaged to the upper cross piece54and to the lower cross piece56. Each of the interior support members58is engaged to the upper cross piece54and the lower cross piece56. Left end upright support member52, left end upper cross piece54, left end lower cross piece56, and the set of four upright interior support members58make up a left end unit. The lower section of left end upright support member52includes pin receivers30and the upper section of left end upright support member52includes a pin connector28such that the lower and upper sections of support member52can be fixed at least at several desired heights. Preferably the interior support members58include no pin connectors28and no pin receivers30. If desired, interior support members58can include such pin connectors28and pin receivers30such that the telescoping interior support members58can be fixed at a desired height.

Gate14includes a right end upright support member60, a right end upper cross piece62, a right end lower cross piece64, and a set of four upright interior support members66. The right end upright support member60includes an upper section and a lower section that telescope, with the lower section sliding into the upper section. Each of the four upright interior support members66includes an upper section and a lower section that telescope, with the lower section sliding into the upper section. The right end upright support member60is engaged to the upper cross piece62and to the lower cross piece64. Each of the interior support members66is engaged to the upper cross piece62and the lower cross piece64. Right end upright support member60, right end upper cross piece62, right end lower cross piece64, and the set of four upright interior support members66make up a right end unit. The lower section of right end upright support member60includes pin receivers30and the upper section of right end upright support member60includes a pin connector28such that the lower and upper sections of support member60can be fixed at least at several desired heights. Preferably the interior support members66include no pin connectors28and no pin receivers30. If desired, interior support members66can include such pin connectors28and pin receivers30such that the telescoping interior support members66can be fixed at a desired height.

Lower cross pieces56,64telescope with each other. Cross piece64slides into cross piece56. Cross piece56includes a pin connector28that can engage one of a set of in receivers30of the cross piece64.

Upper cross pieces54,62telescope with each other. Cross piece62slides into cross piece54. Cross piece54includes a pin connector28that can engage one of a set of pin receivers30of the cross piece62.

By employing the telescoping arrangement of cross pieces56,64and of cross pieces54,62, gate14is minimizable in width. By employing the telescoping arrangement of upright support members52,60, gate14is minimizable in height.

FIG. 1Cshows the gate14at a height greater than the height shown inFIG. 1A.FIG. 1Cshows that the pin receivers30or openings30are disposed in an upper end portion of the lower sections of upright support members52,60and that the pin connector28or the opening for the pin connector is disposed in a lower end portion of the upper sections of upright support members52,60.

It should be noted that interior support members58,66are removable such that gate14can include a wide range of adjustment in the width direction. Interior support members58,66can be friction fit into openings formed in the top side of cross pieces56,64and into openings formed in the underside of cross pieces54,62.

The left end unit of gate14is the swing side and includes a lower swing axis connection68and an upper swing axis connection70. The right end unit of gate14includes the latch mechanism51.

FIG. 2shows an elevation view of the frame12and gate14and four detail views of different couplers72,74,76,78on interior support members of the gate14. The couplers72,74,76,78may also be employed on the vertical support members of the frame12, such as when such vertical support members are cylindrical. The couplers72,74,76,78may also be employed on the outer end vertical support members of the gate14, such as when such vertical support members are cylindrical. The necked couplers74may include a male part and female part that engage each other over a greater length than is shown inFIG. 2. A top half section of the gate14and a bottom half section of the gate14may be disassembled and then assembled employing the couplers72,74,76,78on the interior support members and the pin28and hole30arrangement ofFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1Con the end support members of the gate14. The coupler72may be a twist lock coupler that when turned diametrically pinches the ends of the vertical support members80,82of the gate14or another upright tubular support member of the barrier10. The couplers74,76may be friction fit couplers. The coupler78may employ pin fasteners such as screws.

FIG. 2shows a diagrammatic view of the barrier10ofFIGS. 1A, 1B, 1Cand illustrates that, after being telescoped out, the fixing at a certain height of the upper and lower half sections of any of the upright support members of the barrier10ofFIG. 2, including any of the end support members52,60of gate14, any of the interior support members58,66of gate14, any of the outer end upright support members of the frame12, and any of the inner end upright support members of the frame12, may be accomplished through the use of four different coupler embodiments72,74,76,78.

InFIG. 2, reference numbers80,82represent the upper section and lower section, respectively, of any one of the end gate tubular support members52,60when such are cylindrical or of any of the interior gate tubular support members58,66. Reference number84indicates a coupler that can have an interior mechanism with an eccentric or non-circular or elliptical inside diameter that can tighten to a fixed position with each of the upper and lower tubular sections80,82that, may, for example, have oval or elliptical outside diameters. As to the types of locks for telescoping tubes or rods, the following U.S. patent references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: 1) the Pinto et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,545 issued May 15, 1979 and entitled Externally Mounted Multiple Cam Action Lock For Telescoping Tubes, 2) the Donohue U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0155950 A1 published Jun. 21, 2012 and entitled Method And System Of An Extension Pole, 3) the Bertrand et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2016/0017906 A1 published Jan. 21, 2016 and entitled Locking Telescoping Rod, 4) the Choffin U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,467 issued Apr. 2, 1985 and entitled Telescopically extendable Pole, 5) the Greenwood U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,788 issued Jun. 6, 1972 and entitled Cam Lock Device For Telescoping Tubing, 6) the Tseng U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,614 issued Oct. 16, 2001 and entitled Quick Coupling Arrangement For Telescopic Shaft, and 7) the Hanley U.S. Pat. No. 9,388,837 B1 issued Jul. 12, 2016 and entitled Telescoping Tube Assembly Having Twist Lock.

InFIG. 2, in coupler arrangement74, reference numbers86,88represent the upper section and lower section, respectively, of any one of the end gate tubular support members52,60when such are cylindrical or of any of the interior gate tubular support members58,66. In coupler arrangement74, the end frame support members52,60and the interior support members58,66may or may not be telescoping. If not telescoping, gate14is made of four units where upper cross member54and the upper support member sections of the end frame support member52and interior support members58make up a first unit, where upper cross member62and the upper support member sections of the end frame support member60and interior support members66make up a second unit, where lower cross member56and the lower support member sections of the end frame support member52and interior support members58make up a third unit, and where lower cross member64and the lower support member sections of end frame support member60and interior support members66make up a fourth unit. In this non-telescoping case, the upper support member section86is necked or tapered such that the necked or tapered portion rides on the upper annular end of the lower member section88for support. In a telescoping case, where member section86,88telescope relative to each other, member86slides inside member88and, when slid out of member88, an interior biased split annular member automatically is drawn to effectively form a closed annular member of a smaller diameter so as to provide support for the necked member section86and so as to prevent the necked member section86from telescoping back into member88.

InFIG. 2, in coupler arrangement76, reference numbers90,92represent the upper section and lower section, respectively, of any one of the end gate tubular support members52,60when such are cylindrical, or of any of the interior gate tubular support members58,66. Reference number94indicates a coupler94having an upper friction fit cylindrical or tubular portion, a lower friction fit cylindrical or tubular portion, and a disk shaped portion therebetween. The disk shaped portion has an outer circumference greater than the outside diameter of the upper and lower support member sections9092. Thus, after shipping and after lower member section92has been slid out of upper member section94, coupler94is inserted between the free ends of the sections90,92and then into the free ends of the sections90,92, whereupon the section90,92are drawn together for a friction fit and to abut against the disk shaped portion of coupler94.

InFIG. 2, in coupler arrangement78, reference numbers96,98represent the upper section and lower section, respectively, of any one of the end gate tubular support members52,60when such are cylindrical, or of any of the interior gate tubular support members58,66. Reference number100indicates a U-shaped bracket that partially wraps about each of the upper section and lower sections96,98to engage the member sections96,98after shipping, and after lower member section98has been slid out of the female member section96. The member sections96,98have threaded pin receiver openings for being aligned with pin receiver openings in the U-shaped coupler100, which pin receiver openings engage a pin connector or screw.

It should be noted that, for each of the coupler embodiments72,74,76,78, gate14may be a four unit gate as described above with respect to coupler arrangement74.

FIG. 3Ashows an elevation view of the gate14ofFIG. 1Awith different couplers.FIG. 3Bshows a front view of a hinge104.FIG. 3Cshows a side view of the hinge104ofFIG. 1B. The gate14ofFIG. 3Afolds along a horizontal line to fold a top half section down upon a bottom half section. The gate14may also be reduced in size by employing telescoping or male/female arrangements such as shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. The cross piece ofFIG. 3Amay be disassembled to separate the first and second end frames16,18from each other.

FIG. 3Ashows a barrier102. Barrier102is identical to barrier10except that barrier102includes hinges104on the upright support members32,34,36,38,58, and66instead of the pin28and pin receiver30arrangement of barrier10, except that gate14includes seven upright support members instead of the eight upright support members of barrier10, except that the threshold telescoping cross pieces22,24,26may vary in length, and except that upright support members32,34,36,38may be rectangular in section in barrier10and cylindrical, elliptical or oval in barrier102. Hinge104includes a central pivot pin106, an upper body108that engages the upper member section of upright support member58or of any other of the upright support members32,34,36,38,52,60,66, and a lower body110that engages the lower member section of upright support member58or of any other of the upright support members32,34,36,38,52,60,66. Each of the upper and lower bodies108,110include annular tooth portions112,114, respectively, that engage the central pivot pin106and that mesh with the other annular tooth portion112,114.

Barrier102is minimizable in height by operation of the hinges104. Gate14of barrier102is minimizable in height by operation of the hinges104. Frame12of barrier102is minimizable in height by operation of the hinges104.

Barrier102is minimizable in length by operation of the pin28and pin receiver30arrangement. Gate14of barrier102is minimizable in length by operation of the pin28and pin receiver30arrangement, by the telescoping of cross piece54with cross piece62, and by the telescoping of cross piece56with cross piece64. Frame12of barrier102is minimizable in length by the telescoping of threshold20, i.e., the telescoping of cross pieces22,24, and26. Barrier frame102can fold into a substantially planar form where the upper member sections of upright support members32,34,36,38,52,58,60, and66fold against and in a substantially parallel relationship to the lower member sections of upright support members32,34,36,38,52,58,60, and66. At least one of the hinges104includes an internal locking mechanism that automatically moves into a locked position when the upper and lower member sections of the upright support members32,34,36,38,52,58,60, and66swing into a straight line alignment.

FIG. 4Ashows an elevation view of frame12and a gate118.FIG. 4Bshows a perspective view of the gate12ofFIG. 4Afolding to be reduced in size.FIG. 4Cshows a broken down view of the gate118. The gate118may be shipped in the state shown inFIG. 4Bbut when completely folded, or the gate118may be shipped in the state shown inFIG. 4C. The end frames16,18ofFIG. 4Amay also employ coupler hinges. The end frames16,18ofFIG. 4Amay take the structure shown inFIG. 1A.

Barrier116includes the minimizable gate118. Gate118includes an upper half section120that is identical to a lower half section122. Each of the half sections120,122includes a generally rectangular frame124. Frame124includes an upper horizontal member126, a lower horizontal member128, a left end upright member130, and a right end upright member132. Upper horizontal member126includes a lower face134. Lower horizontal member128includes an upper face136. Each of the lower and upper faces134includes a set of slots138for receiving an end of an upright support member140. The ends of upright support members140are friction fit into slots138. Left end upright member130and right end upright member132are friction fit into rectangular openings142formed in the ends of lower and upper faces134.

Gate118may include two embodiments. In a first embodiment shown inFIG. 4B, the lower horizontal member128of upper half section120is hingedly connected to the upper horizontal member126of the lower half section122. The hinge employed may be a flexible living sheet like hinge engaged to rear side faces of lower horizontal member128of upper half section120and upper horizontal member126of lower half section122. The flexible sheet like hinge may be formed of a flexible plastic, textile, or fabric. When folded or minimized, upper half section120and lower half section122abut each other and lie in parallel planes. In a second embodiment, shown inFIG. 4C, the lower horizontal member128of upper half section and the upper horizontal member126of lower half section may be hingedly engaged with such flexible living sheet like hinge or may be permanently engaged to each other where the lower face of lower horizontal member128of upper half section120lies upon and is engaged to the upper face of the upper horizontal member126of the lower half section122such that gate118is shipped in the broken down state shown inFIG. 4Cwith the elements disassembled except for the lower horizontal member128of the upper half section120and the upper horizontal member126of the lower half section122that may be shipped as a living hinge or as a permanently connected one-piece element. Upright members130,132are square in section. Upright members140are cylindrical in section or, if desired, may be oval, oblong, or elliptical in section.

Gate118is constructed by first friction fitting or snapping the left and right end upright support members130,132to the upper and lower horizontal members126,128. Second, the cylindrical upright support members140are friction slid or snapped into upper and lower slots or seats138.

As to the living hinge embodiment ofFIG. 4B, such gate118may be shipped in the assembled but folded form.

Barrier118is thus minimizable in the height direction and in the length direction. Frame12is minimizable in the height direction by the telescoping upright support members32,34,36,38and is further minimizable in the length direction by the telescoping threshold horizontal cross piece members22,24,26.

The embodiment of the gate118as shown inFIG. 4Bis minimizable in the height direction by the living hinge. Gate118can be further mininimized in each of the height and length directions where the gate118is reducible to each of the elements being disassembled, as shown inFIG. 4C.

FIG. 5Ashows an elevation view of a frame144and a rolled out gate146.FIG. 5Bshows a perspective view of the gate146having been rolled up. The gate146may have a rectangular frame148that supports the mesh150. This frame148may be reduced in at least one of a height and length dimension by any of the structures shown herein, such as by telescoping or by employing couplers or by any other concept. The frame144, including the first and second end frames34,38and cross piece20, may be reduced in height and length by, for instance, the structure shown inFIG. 1A. For purposes of clarity, the mesh is not shown inFIG. 5B.

FIG. 5Ashows a barrier142. Barrier142may have the minimizable barrier frame144that includes left upright support member34, right upright support member38, and threshold cross piece20. Each of the left and right upright support members34,38have upper and lower telescoping member sections such that barrier frame144is minimizable in the height direction. Threshold cross piece20has telescoping member sections22,24,26such that barrier frame144is minimizable in the width direction.

Barrier142includes a minimizable gate146having a gate frame148and a gate interior body150. Gate frame148includes upper telescoping cross pieces54,62, lower telescoping cross pieces56,64, a left upright support member52having upper and lower telescoping member sections, and a right upright support member60having upper and lower telescoping member sections. Gate interior body150is a mesh or mesh rail that includes a rolled out form or minimizable form as shown inFIG. 5Aand a rolled up or minimized form as shown inFIG. 5B. Gate interior body150may be engaged to gate frame148in a number of ways such as with a number of hooks set into the interior periphery of the gate frame148so as to engage the upper and lower edges of the gate body150and so as to further engage the right and left edges of the gate body150. The mesh of gate body150is slightly stretchable or resilient such that the body150can be stretched width wise to engage the hooks running vertically and such that the body150can then be stretched height wise to engage the hooks running horizontally. The hooks may be open conventional hooks or may be closed hooks or carabiners.

Frame144is a pressure frame such that one or both of the upright members34,38are fabricated to be oblique relative to threshold20and such that hand wheel mechanisms44are employed to pressurize the barrier frame144relative to two vertical surfaces such as door jambs.

FIG. 6Ashows an elevation view of a frame154and a gate162.FIG. 6Bshows a perspective view of the gate162ofFIG. 6Abroken down into modular panels164. The frame154, including the first and second end frames34,38and cross piece156may be reduced in height and length by, for instance, the structure shown inFIG. 1A. The door is shipped and stored in the state shown inFIG. 6B.

FIG. 6Ashows a barrier152. Barrier152includes the frame154having left end upright frame member34, right end upright frame member38, and the threshold cross piece156. Left end upright frame member34includes upper and lower telescoping sections. Right end upright frame member38includes upper and lower telescoping sections. Threshold cross piece156is identical to threshold cross piece20except that threshold cross piece156includes two telescoping members158,160instead of the three telescoping members22,24,26of threshold cross piece20. Frame154is thus minimizable in height and in width.

Barrier152includes modular panel gate162that includes the set of four modular panels164. Each of the panels164includes a square frame165having four outer peripheral faces166. Each of the peripheral faces166includes a pair of peg openings or peg receivers168for the reception of a peg170. Peg170may snap fit or friction fit into peg receiver168. Eight pegs170are preferred for gate162having four modular panels164such that each of the panels164is engaged directly to two other panels164. On each of the sides of panel164, frame165includes four oblique quadrilateral faces172terminating at a square piece174. The thickness of frame165is greater than the thickness of square piece174. Piece174may be see-through or opaque. Gate162, once assembled, is minimizable or reducible in both height and width by removing the pegs170from the peg openings168. Each of the sides of the modular panel164has a length about equal to or slightly less than the length of each of the telescoping sections of left and right end frame members34,38. Each of the sides of the modular panel164has a length about equal to or slightly less than the length of each of the telescoping sections158,160of the threshold cross piece156. When assembled, the four modular panels164define a plane and are co-planar with the barrier frame154.

Frame154is preferably a pressure frame. That is, one of more of left end upright support member34and right end upright support member38is fabricated at an oblique angle to threshold cross piece156such that hand wheel mechanisms44when operated push in one or more of the support members34,38until the opposing portions of latch51become engaged and/or until one or more of the support members34,38become disposed at a right angle with threshold cross piece156.

FIG. 7Ashows an elevation view of a frame178and expanded gate180.FIG. 7Bshows a perspective view of the gate180ofFIG. 7Ain a collapsed state. The frame178, including the first and second end frames34,38and cross piece20, may be reduced in height and length by, for instance, the structure shown inFIG. 1A. The door is shipped and stored in the state shown inFIG. 7B, albeit having a greater folded state than shown inFIG. 7B, such as a state where hubs182,184are adjacent to each other.

FIG. 7Ashows barrier176. Barrier176includes the minimizable U-shaped open top frame178. Frame178includes left end upright support member34, right end upright support member38, and threshold cross piece20. Left end upright support member34includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Right end upright support member38includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Threshold cross piece20includes telescoping sections22,24, and26. Thus frame178is minimizable or reducible in each of the height and length directions.

Barrier176includes the minimizable gate180. Gate180includes a main hub182. Operation of main hub182, such as by rotation of a portion of main hub182, or a drawing out of a main portion of main hub182, draws in lines that engage mechanisms inside of secondary hubs184that unlock the secondary hubs184. Operation of main hub182controls the proximal portions of main tubes186. The proximal portions of main tubes186run from main hub182to a joint188. A distal end of main tubes186runs from joint188to secondary hub184. Each of the main tubes186, when folded, forms a V-shape. The joint188permits such a fold. Joint188locks when the lines operated by main hub182trip the mechanism in secondary hubs184, which mechanism splays out, umbrella style, the distal portions of tubes186and a secondary tube190. Gate180includes four secondary tubes190that run from each of the secondary hubs184to each of the corners of the gate180. Once the proximal and distal ends of the main tubes186and the secondary tubes190are fixed in a straight line, a living or flexible fabric or fabric like piece or body192is folded out to a rectangular form to form a gate180that is relatively rigid. Gate180includes a rectangular frame formed of eight tubing portions194, where joints196are disposed between each junction of the tubing portions. Gate180further includes two vertical tubing portions198and two horizontal tubing portions200that are controlled by the main hub182and that become fixed in a planar relationship with each other when main hub182draws in the line that controls operation of secondary hubs184. Thus, gate180is minimizable in both height and width from the form shown inFIG. 7Ato the form shown inFIG. 7B. It should be further noted that the form shown inFIG. 7Bis further minimizable in width by drawing in secondary hubs184to the main hub182such that main hub182is adjacent to secondary hubs184.

FIG. 8Ashows an elevation view of a gate206and frame204.FIG. 8Bshows the gate206ofFIG. 8Ain the process of being collapsed. The frame204, including the first and second end frames34,38and cross piece20ofFIG. 8A, may be reduced in height and length by, for instance, the structure shown inFIG. 1A. The door is shipped and stored after being further folded from the state shown inFIG. 8B.

FIG. 8Ashows barrier202. Barrier202includes the minimizable U-shaped open top frame204. Frame204includes left end upright support member34, right end upright support member38, and threshold cross piece20. Left end upright support member34includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Right end upright support member38includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Threshold cross piece20includes telescoping sections22,24, and26. Thus frame204is minimizable or reducible in each of the height and length directions.

Barrier202includes gate206. Gate206includes an upper horizontal support member208, a lower horizontal support member210, and a set of upright support members212. At least one of the upper ends of the upright support members212includes a joint with the upper horizontal support member208that is lockable and unlockable. At least one of the lower ends of the upright support members212includes a joint with the lower horizontal support member210that is lockable and unlockable. If desired, each of the upright support members212can have an upper joint with the upper horizontal support member208that is lockable and unlockable. If desired, each of the upright support members212can have a lower joint with the lower horizontal support member210that is lockable and unlockable. Since the junctions of upright support members212with the upper and lower horizontal support members208,210articulate, gate206is minimizable in height. Gate206is minimizable in height until the upright support members212are adjacent to and abut each other. Gate206is reducible in height beyond the state shown inFIG. 8B.

FIG. 9Ashows an elevation view of a frame216and gate217.FIG. 9Bshows a perspective view of the panels218,220of the gate217ofFIG. 9Ain the process of sliding vertically to take up less space.FIG. 9Cshows a perspective view of the panels218,220,222,224of the gate217ofFIG. 9Ain the process of sliding horizontally to take up less space. The frame216, including the first and second end frames34,38and cross piece20of FIG.9A, may be reduced in height and length by, for instance, the structure shown inFIG. 1A. The fate217is shipped and stored after being further slid to a further compact form than the state shown inFIGS. 9B and 9C.

FIG. 9Ashows a barrier214. Barrier214includes the minimizable U-shaped open top frame216. Frame214includes left end upright support member34, right end upright support member38, and threshold cross piece20. Left end upright support member34includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Right end upright support member38includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Threshold cross piece20includes telescoping sections22,24, and26. Thus frame214is minimizable or reducible in each of the height and length directions.

Barrier214includes the gate217. Gate217includes four panels218,220,222, and224. Panel218slides relative to panel220. Panels218,220are engaged to each other with tracks at their vertical edges. Panels218,220are lockable in the fully slid out position shown inFIG. 9Aand, in such position, panels218,220are engaged to the barrier frame216so that the panels218,220can swing. Panel222slides relative to panel224. Panels222,224are engaged to each other with tracks at their vertical edges. Panels222,224are lockable in the fully slid out position shown inFIG. 9Aand, in such position, panels222,224are engaged to panels218,220through an internal piece engaged with each of the horizontal tubing226of panel220and horizontal tubing228of panel224. The inner ends of tubing226,228are open and an elongate piece with a square section is engaged in the open inner ends to fix the two sliding units to each other, where one sliding unit is the combination of panels218,220and where the other sliding unit is the combination of panels222,224. If desired, there may be other interlocks, such as male/female interlocks, between the confronting vertical edges of panels218,222and between the confronting vertical edges of panels220,224. In light of the above, gate217is minimizable in both height and width.

FIG. 9Bshows the left pair of panels218,220having been partially minimized or reduced in height after having been removed from the barrier frame216. A full reduction in height is where the tubing226is adjacent to the top edge of panel218. The right pair of panels222,224may be slid to the position shown inFIG. 9Bas well. Also, a full reduction in height for panels222,224is where tubing228is adjacent top edge of panel222.

FIG. 9Cshows that gate217having panels218,220,222,224may be turned ninety degrees. After being turned ninety degrees the gate217may be engaged to barrier frame216such that tubing226,228runs vertically.

FIG. 10Ashows an elevation view of a gate234and frame232.FIG. 10Bshows a perspective view of the panels236,238of one side of the double hung saloon door or gate234in the process of sliding vertically to take up less space. The frame232, including the first and second end frames34,38and cross piece20ofFIG. 10A, may be reduced in height and length by, for instance, the structure shown inFIG. 1A. The door or gate234is shipped and stored in the state shown inFIG. 10Bwhere the right half two sections236,238are placed on top of, or on the side of, the left half two sections236,238so as to increase the width dimension but not the height or length dimension.

FIG. 10Ashows barrier230. Barrier230includes minimizable U-shaped open top frame232. Frame232includes left end upright support member34, right end upright support member38, and threshold cross piece20. Left end upright support member34includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Right end upright support member38includes upper and lower telescoping member sections. Threshold cross piece20includes telescoping sections22,24, and26. Thus frame232is minimizable or reducible in each of the height and length directions.

Barrier230includes gate234. Gate234is a double hung saloon door. Gate234includes two sets of two panels236,238. Panel236slides relative to panel238. Panels236,238are engaged to each other with tracks at their vertical edges. Accordingly, gate234is minimizable in both height and width.

Panels236,238are lockable in the fully slid out position shown inFIG. 10Aand, in such position, each of the sets of panels236,238are engaged to the barrier frame232so that each of the sets of panels236,238can swing. One set of panels236,238has a swing axis adjacent to left end upright support member34. The other set of panels236,238has a swing axis adjacent to right end upright support member38. Each of the sets of panels236,238is engagable to and disengagable from the U-shaped open top frame232. The inner lower ends of each of the panels238may be removably latched to threshold member section22.

FIG. 11Ashows a perspective view of a frame240fully assembled.FIG. 11Bshows a perspective view of the frame240ofFIG. 11Ain a perspective exploded view.FIG. 12Ashows an exploded detail perspective view of a portion of the frame240ofFIG. 11A.FIG. 12Bshows a section view of the cross piece sections246,248and upright support members242,244ofFIG. 11A. The first and second end frames242,244and the cross piece made up of the cross piece sections246,248and end caps250,252may be shipped and stored in the state shown inFIG. 11B, where the cross piece sections246,248may or may not be further separated at an intermediate or middle location and where the end caps250,252may or may not be shipped and stored temporarily engaged with cross piece sections246,248.

FIG. 11Ashows a barrier frame240that may be employed with any of the gates herein. Barrier frame240includes first and second upright members242,244that are identical to each other, first and second horizontal threshold members246,248that are identical to each other, and first and second end caps250,252that are identical to each other such that only first upright member242, first horizontal threshold member246, and first end cap250are being described herein.

First upright member242is tubular and rectangular in section. First upright member242includes an upper end portion254and a lower end portion256. Upper end portion254includes an open tubular end255. Lower end portion256includes an open tubular end257. First upright member242includes a front side258, a rear side260, an outer side262, and an inner side264. Front and rear sides258,260oppose each other. Outer and inner sides262,264oppose each other.

The lower end portion256of the first upright member242includes a front horizontal slot266cutting through the outer side262, the front side258, and the inner side264. Slot266is spaced from the lower open tubular end257.

The lower end portion256of the first upright member242further includes a rear horizontal slot268cutting through the outer side262, the rear side260, and the inner side264. Slot268is spaced from the lower open tubular end257and is further spaced from slot266. Slots266,268define a plane. Slots266,268effectively form a T-shape section269in the lower end portion256.

First horizontal support member246may preferably be a solid piece of metal, plastic, wood, wood composite, or another substrate. First horizontal support member246is rectangular in section so as to have an upper side270, a lower side272, a front side274, and a rear side276. Upper and lower sides270,272oppose each other. Front and rear sides274,276oppose each other. First horizontal support member246includes an outer end portion278with an absolute outer end279and an inner end portion280with an absolute inner end281.

Outer end portion278is effectively a tubular portion. The outer end portion278includes a T-shaped slot282that is open on the front side274and that is further open on the absolute outer end279. The T-shaped slot282effectively forms a C-shape section283in the outer end portion278where the C-shape includes inwardly turned extensions285.

Outer end portion278includes a vertical pin connector opening284extending from the T-shaped slot282to the lower side272. Pin connector opening284is spaced from the absolute end279and is formed in the floor286of the C-shaped section283. Pin connector opening284is equidistance from the front and rear sides274,276.

The inner end portion280includes an axially extending opening288that opens only at the absolute inner end281. Opening288is rectangular when a section is taken at the inner end portion280. Opening288is spaced from each of the upper, lower, front, and rear sides270,272,274,276and includes four upper, lower, front, and rear faces that run parallel to sides270,272,274,276.

Barrier240includes the end cap250. End cap250is T-shaped. End cap250is a solid piece. End cap250includes an outer portion290and an inner T-shaped portion292. Outer portion290has a height and a width that is the same as the height and width of first horizontal support member246. Outer portion290is rectangular in section. Inner portion292is T-shaped in section so as to include a pair of right angled grooves294. Inner portion292includes a vertically extending pin connector receiver296equidistance from each of the grooves294. Receiver296extends vertically through the T-shaped portion292. Outer end portion290includes inner faces298. T-shaped portion292includes an inner T-shaped face300. End cap250further includes an outer face297and a horizontal axially extending bore299. Bore299opens through face297. Bore299receives the shaft46of hand wheel mechanism44.

Barrier240further includes pin connector302. Pin connector302includes a head and a shaft. The shaft may be threaded.

In operation, to engage the upright support member242in a vertical position to the first horizontal support member244, the T-shaped section269of the lower end portion256of the upright support member242is slid into the T-shaped slot282of the first horizontal support member246until the inner side264of the T-shaped section269hits the closed end of the T-shaped slot282. As the T-shaped section269is slid in, the slots266,268engage the extensions285of the C-shaped section283of the outer end portion278of the first horizontal support member246. The absolute end257of the upright support member242rides on the floor of the T-shaped slot282. Then end cap250is engaged with the first horizontal support member246. The T-shaped section292is slid into the open end of the T-shaped slot282and is further slid in until the inner face300of the end cap250abuts the outer side262of the T-shaped section269of the upright support member242. As the end cap250is slid in, the grooves294engage the extensions285of the C-shaped section283of the first horizontal support member246. When fully engaged, the inner faces298of the outer portion290of the end cap250engage the absolute end279of the first horizontal support member246. When fully engaged, the vertical pin receiver296of the end cap250is vertically aligned and coaxial with pin receiver284of the first horizontal support member246, and pin connector302is engaged in the receivers284,296such that chances are minimized that end cap250slides out.

Barrier240further includes a tie304that is rectangular in section and is friction fit into the opening288of each of the first and second horizontal support members246,248. The first and second horizontal support members246,248are pushed together until their absolute ends281abut each other.

If desired, each of the upright support members242,244can include upper and lower telescoping sections such that upright support members242,244are minimizable in height.

FIG. 13Ashows an elevation view of a gate310and frame318.FIG. 13Bshows a detail view of a portion of the vertical support members of the frame318and gate310ofFIG. 13A, where the vertical support members are reference by numbers32,34,36,38,58,66. The gate310may be separated by, for instance, a male/female arrangement or telescoping arrangement at an intermediate or middle location so as to form right hand and left hand sections for shipping and storage. The cross piece312may be separated by, for instance, a male/female arrangement or telescoping arrangement, so as to separate the first and second end frames from each other.

FIG. 13Ashows a barrier306. Barrier306is identical to barrier10except that barrier306includes threaded shaft connectors308on the upright support members32,34,36,38, of the barrier frame12instead of a pin28and pin hole30arrangement for telescoping member sections, except that barrier306includes the threaded shaft connectors308on the upright support members58,66of a gate310instead of a pin28and pin hole30arrangement for telescoping member sections, except that gate310includes six upright support members58,66, except that a threshold telescoping cross piece312includes two telescoping member sections314,315instead of the three threshold member sections22,24,26found in barrier10, except that the upright support members36,38of the U-shaped open top barrier frame318are cylindrical while the upright support members of the U-shaped open top barrier frame12are rectangular in section, and except that each of the upright support members of the gate310are cylindrical while only the interior support members of gate14are cylindrical.

Threaded shaft connector308is rigidly fixed to a lower upright support member section320. Threaded shaft connector308removably engages an inner threaded bore of an upper upright support member section322. Lower upright support member section320includes an upper annular face324and upper upright support member section322includes a lower annular face326. In the fully engaged position of gate310, faces324,326abut each other. Gate308, through the threaded shaft connector308, is thus minimizable in the height and width direction. Gate308, through the threaded shaft connector308, is minimizable or reducible to four units, where each of the units includes one of an upper or lower horizontal telescoping cross piece and three upper or lower upright support member sections. Barrier frame318is minimizable or reducible to four units, where each of the units includes one or an upper or lower cross piece and two upper or lower upright support member sections.

The gates ofFIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, and 13Amay be pivotally engaged to the first end frame and cross piece, latchable to the second end frame, and latchable to the cross piece.

The gates ofFIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, may be pivotable to each of the first and second end frames, latchable to each other at inner end sections, and latchable to the cross piece.

Barrier328and units thereof are shown inFIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17A, 17B, 18, 19A, 19B, and 20. Barrier328includes a U-shaped open top barrier pressure frame330, a gate332, a first frame extension334, and a second frame extension336. The U-shaped open top frame330is minimizable or reducible to four units338,340,342, and344. The gate332is minimizable or reducible to two units346and348. The left frame extension334is minimizable or reducible to two units350and352. The right frame extension336is minimizable or reducible to two units354and356. The support members making up such units, i.e., units338,340,342,344,346,348,350,352,354, and356, are tubular. Support members may be square in section. Support members may be rectangular in section where adjacent sides are of different lengths. Support members may be cylindrical. Support members may be oblong in section, where the oblong shape includes two spaced apart and opposing parallel sides and two spaced apart and opposing curved sides, and where the two spaced apart and opposing curved sides are circular.

The four units338,340,342,344of the U-shaped open top barrier frame330are shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B. Unit338includes an outer upright tubular support member358, an inner upright tubular support member360, a lower horizontal tubular support member362, and an upper horizontal tubular support member364. Support members358,360,362,364define a rectangle. Support members358,362,364have square sections. Member360has a rectangular section. The depth or distance from front to rear of support members358,360,362,364are the same. The width or horizontal distance from end to end of support members358,360are not the same, with the width of support member360being greater, more than two times greater, than the width of support member358. Support member360can be referred to as a standard upper portion. Unit338includes a right angle bracket366. An upright portion of right angle bracket366is engaged to an inner end of horizontal support member364and is further engaged to the inner side of the upright support member360such that the right angle bracket366crosses the junction between the support members360,364. The distal end of the horizontal portion of right angle bracket366includes a pin connector hole365for receiving pin connector368, shown inFIG. 18, for engaging the gate332. If desired, a plastic decorative covering367may be placed over at least a portion of the right angle bracket366. Covering367is shown inFIG. 16. An outer end portion of upper horizontal support member364extends beyond a plane defined by the outer side of support member358and includes an axial opening or bore for receiving the shaft46of hand wheel mechanism44. Unit338further includes a U-shaped piece370. U-shaped piece370is rigidly fixed, such as by welding, to the lower end portion of inner upright support member360and includes a width about equal to or slightly greater than the width of upright support member360. The additional width is provided by the inner side of U-shaped piece370, which inner side includes two pin receptors372. The top of the U-shaped piece370is disposed just short of the upper face of horizontal support member362. The bottom of upright support member360is disposed between the upper pin receiver372and the upper edge of the U-shaped piece370. Unit338further includes a locating pin374, shown inFIG. 15, for engaging pin opening376on unit340.

Unit342is identical to unit338except that unit342does not have the right angle bracket366and instead includes a latch receiver378. Latch receiver378is engaged to each of the upper horizontal support member364and the upright support member360. The opening in the end of the upper horizontal support member364for the shaft46of the hand wheel mechanism44can be seen inFIG. 17B.

Unit340includes an outer upright tubular support member380, an inner upright tubular support member382, a lower horizontal tubular support member384or threshold portion384, and an upper horizontal tubular support member386. Member386includes the pin receiver376. Support members380,382,384, and386define a rectangle, with member or threshold portion384extending from the defined rectangle. Support members380and386have square sections. Support members382and384have rectangular sections where adjacent sides have different widths. The depth or distance from front to rear of support members380,382,384,386are the same. The width or horizontal distance from end to end of support members380,382are not the same, with the width of support member382being greater, more than two times greater, than the width of support member380. Support member382can be referred to as a standard upper portion. An upper inner side portion of upright horizontal support member382includes a pair of spaced apart pin holes or pin receivers388for being aligned with pin openings372of U-shaped piece370of unit338and for receiving pin connectors390so as to provide a first engagement between units338and340. An upper end portion of upright horizontal member382is received in U-shaped portion370until the upper end of unit340abuts the lower end of unit338so as to provide a second engagement between units338and340. Pin374is located in pin opening376to provide a third engagement between units338and340. An outer end portion of lower horizontal support member384extends beyond a plane defined by the outer side of support member380and includes an axial opening or bore for receiving the shaft46of hand wheel mechanism44. Lower horizontal support member384or threshold portion384includes a pin opening or pin receiver392for a pin394depending from gate332. Pin receiver392and pin394define a swing axis396for gate332. Unit340further includes a U-shaped piece398. U-shaped piece398is rigidly fixed, such as by welding, to the inner end portion of lower horizontal support member384or threshold portion384and includes a width about equal to or slightly greater than the width of threshold portion384. The additional width is provided by the upper side of U-shaped piece398, which upper side includes two pin receptors400. The inner end of horizontal support member384or threshold portion384is disposed between the outer pin receiver400and the outer edge of the U-shaped piece398.

Unit344is identical to unit340except that unit344does not have the U-shaped piece398and except that unit344includes, and unit340does not include, a set of pin receivers404. Pin receivers404are spaced apart from each other and are formed in the upper inner side of horizontal support member384or threshold portion384of unit344. Pin receivers404are aligned with pin receivers400when threshold member384of unit344is engaged in U-shaped piece398. The horizontally running bore for the shaft46of the hand wheel mechanism44is formed in the outer end of threshold portion384of unit344and can be seen inFIG. 17B.

Upright support members380,382of each of units340,344may be fabricated to be disposed at an oblique angle relative to their respective horizontal support member384or threshold portion384such that barrier328is a pressure barrier. The upright support members382or standard portions382includes respective upright axes and such upright axes are disposed obliquely and obtusely relative to the respective horizontal axes of horizontal support members384. When threshold portions384are engaged to each other, the axes of threshold portions384define a straight line. Hand wheel mechanism44push in the upright support members358,360,380,382of all units338,340,342, and344to push the axes of such upright support members358,360,380,382to a right angle relationship with one or more axes of threshold portions384of units340,344.

Gate332of barrier328is shown inFIG. 18. Gate332includes the upper unit346and the lower unit348. Unit346includes a latch end upright support member406, a swing axis end upright support member408, a lower horizontal support member410, and an upper horizontal support member412. Members406,408,410,412define a rectangle having adjacent sides of different lengths. Members406,408,410,412, and a latch housing414define a periphery of the upper unit346. A latch apparatus416includes the latch housing414and the latch receiver378. Support members406,408are end upright support members. Gate unit346includes interior upright support members418that are engaged to and between the lower and upper horizontal support members410,412. Gate332includes a pin receiver or pin opening420in the upper end portion of the swing axis end upright support member408for engagement of pin368. The distal end of the horizontal portion of the right angle bracket366is disposed between the head of pin368and the upper end of swing axis end upright support member408. Swing axis end upright support member408is coaxial with swing axis396. Horizontal support member410includes a pair of pin through openings or pin receivers422that are formed in each of the upper and lower faces of the horizontal support member410. One of the pin receivers422is disposed adjacent to swing axis end upright support member408. The other of the pin receivers422is disposed adjacent to the latch end upright support member406. Pin receivers422engage a pin connector424. The bottom end of upright support members406,408are flush or coplanar with the bottom face of horizontal support member410.

Lower unit348includes a latch end upright support member426, a swing axis end upright support member428, a lower horizontal support member430, and an upper horizontal support member432. Members426,428,430,432define a rectangle having adjacent sides of different lengths. Members426,428,430,432, and a lock434define a periphery of the lower unit348. Support members426,428are end upright support members. Gate unit348includes interior upright support members436that are engaged to and between the lower and upper horizontal support members430,432. The swing axis end upright support member428depends below and beyond the lower face of upright support member430. Fixed to and depending from the bottom end of the swing axis end upright support member428is the pin394that engages the pin receiver392in the threshold portion384of the unit340. The upper horizontal support member432includes a pair of pin receivers438. One of the pin receivers438is adjacent to swing axis end upright support member428. The other pin receiver438is adjacent to latch end upright support member426. Pin receivers438line up with pin receivers422such that units346,348are engagable to each other with pin connectors424that engage the pin receivers422,438. Pin receivers438are formed in the upper side or face of horizontal support member432. The shafts of the pin connectors424engage an insert that has been fixed in the upper horizontal support member432and do not extend through the bottom side of the upper horizontal support member432. The upper ends of upright support members426,428are flush or coplanar with the upper face of the horizontal support member432such that units346,348abut each other along the entire lengths of the upper end of lower unit348and the lower end of upper unit346. Swing axis end upright support member428is coaxial with swing axis396and with swing axis end upright support member408of unit346. Lock434includes a receptor440for the lower end of latch end upright support member426and a receptor442for a latch end of lower horizontal support member430. The latch end of horizontal support member430may or may not engage the bottom end of latch end upright support member426and, if there is no such engagement, the body of lock434fixes the support members426,430relative to each other. Lock434includes a pair of opposing, independently pivoting or swinging tabs444that can swing down to one of both of the front and rear faces of the threshold portion384of unit344. The distal end of tabs444can swing down to an elevation that is about the elevation of the distal end of pin connector394, which pin connector394extends into the threshold portion384of unit340.

FIG. 19Ashows frame extension334and units350,352. Unit350includes a lower horizontal tubular support member446, an upper horizontal tubular support member448, an outer end upright tubular support member450, an interior upright tubular support member452, and an inner end upright tubular support member454. Upright support members450,452, and454are engaged to and between lower and upper horizontal support members446,448. Outer end upright support member450is inset from the outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members446,448. Inner end upright support member454is inset from the inner ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members446,448. The outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members446,448terminate at the same distance from outer end upright support member450. The square sectional inner end of upper horizontal support member448extends further from inner end upright support member454than does the inner end of lower horizontal support member446. The square sectional inner end of upper horizontal support member448has engaged to it a shaft or rod portion456extending coaxially with, inwardly of, and away from the upper horizontal support member448. The shaft or rod portion456engages the bore in horizontal support member364of unit338that may be utilized by the shaft46of the hand wheel mechanism44when frame extension334is not employed. Lower horizontal support member446includes vertically extending pin receivers or pin through openings458for engaging pin connectors460. A first pin receiver458is disposed between upright support members450,452. A second pin receiver458is disposed between upright support members452and454. Lower and upper horizontal support members446,448are square in section.

Unit352includes a lower horizontal tubular support member462, an upper horizontal tubular support member464, an outer end upright tubular support member466, an interior upright tubular support member468, and an inner end upright tubular support member470. Upright support members466,468, and470are engaged to and between lower and upper horizontal support members462,464. Outer end upright support member466is inset from the outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members462,464. Inner end upright support member470is inset from the inner ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members462,464. The outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members462,464terminate at the same distance from outer end upright support member466. The rectangular sectional inner end of lower horizontal support member462extends further from inner end upright support member470than does the inner end of upper horizontal support member464. The rectangular sectional inner end of lower horizontal support member462has engaged to it a shaft or rod portion472extending inwardly of and away from the lower horizontal support member462. The shaft or rod portion472engages the bore in horizontal support member384of unit340that may be utilized by the shaft46of the hand wheel mechanism44when frame extension334is not employed. Upper horizontal support member464includes pin receivers474for engaging pin connectors460. A first pin receiver474is disposed between axes of upright support members466,468. A second pin receiver474is disposed between axis of upright support members468and470. Upper horizontal support member464is square in section. Lower horizontal support member462is rectangular in section where adjacent sides have different lengths. Shaft or rod portion472is disposed on an axis that lies closer to the top edge of horizontal support member462than the bottom edge of horizontal support member462.FIG. 19Bshows that pin connectors460pass through pin openings458that are formed in the top and bottom faces of horizontal support member446and then screw into threaded pin receivers474that are set in openings formed in the top face or top side of upper horizontal support member464. Pin receivers474may be welded to upper horizontal support members464or be otherwise fixed to the upper horizontal support member464.

FIG. 20shows frame extension336and units354,356. Unit354includes a lower horizontal tubular support member476, an upper horizontal tubular support member478, an outer end upright tubular support member480, and an inner end upright tubular support member482. Upright support members480and482are engaged to and between lower and upper horizontal support members476,478. Outer end upright support member480is inset from the outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members476,478. Inner end upright support member482is inset from the inner ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members476,478. The outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members476,478terminate at the same distance from outer end upright support member480. The square sectional inner end of upper horizontal support member478extends further from inner end upright support member482than does the inner end of lower horizontal support member476. The square sectional inner end of upper horizontal support member478has engaged to it a shaft or rod portion484extending coaxially with, inwardly of, and away from the upper horizontal support member478. The shaft or rod portion484engages the bore in horizontal support member364of unit342that may be utilized by the shaft46of the hand wheel mechanism44when frame extension336is not employed. Lower horizontal support member476includes a vertically extending pin through opening486for engaging a pin connector488. Pin through opening486is disposed between upright support members480,482. Lower and upper horizontal support members476,478are square in section. Upright support members480,482may be cylindrical, oval, or oblong in section where the oblong shape includes two spaced apart and opposing parallel sides and two spaced apart and opposing curved sides, and where the two spaced apart and opposing curved sides are circular.

As further shown inFIG. 20, unit356includes a lower horizontal tubular support member490, an upper horizontal tubular support member492, an outer end upright tubular support member494, and an inner end upright tubular support member496. Upright support members494and496are engaged to and between lower and upper horizontal support members490,492. Outer end upright support member494is inset from the outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members490,492. Inner end upright support member496is inset from the inner ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members490,492. The outer ends of the lower and upper horizontal support members490,492terminate at the same distance from outer end upright support member494. The rectangular sectional inner end of lower horizontal support member490extends further from inner end upright support member496than does the inner end of upper horizontal support member492. The rectangular sectional inner end of lower horizontal support member490has engaged to it a shaft or rod portion498extending inwardly of and away from the lower horizontal support member490. The shaft or rod portion498engages the bore in horizontal support member384of unit344that may be utilized by the shaft46of the hand wheel mechanism44when frame extension336is not employed. Upper horizontal support member492includes a pin receiver500for engaging pin connector488. Pin receiver500is disposed between axes of upright support members494,496. Upper horizontal support member492is square in section. Lower horizontal support member490is rectangular in section where adjacent sides have different lengths. Shaft or rod portion498is disposed on an axis that lies closer to the top edge of horizontal support member490than the bottom edge of horizontal support member490. Pin connector488passes through pin opening486that is formed in the top and bottom faces of lower horizontal support member476. Pin connector488then screws into threaded pin receiver500that is set in an opening formed in the top face or top side of upper horizontal tubular support member492. Pin receiver500may be welded to upper horizontal support member492or be otherwise fixed to the upper horizontal support member492.

FIG. 21shows a pet door502in the second gate unit348. The pet door502includes an upper horizontal support member504, a lower horizontal support member506, a left end upright support member508, a right end upright support member510, and a pair of interior upright support members512. The pet door or gate502is swingable on pins514. One pin514engages a horizontal support member516of the second gate unit348. The other pin514engages the lowermost horizontal support member430of the second gate unit348. The pet gate502is swingable into and out of each of the front and rear faces of the second gate unit348. The pet gate502is latchable by a latch518that includes a connector pin that engages the right end upright support member510and a right full length upright support member520of the second gate unit348. Second gate unit348further includes a left full length upright support member522. Second gate unit348further includes a pair of partial length upright support members524that extend from horizontal support member516to the uppermost horizontal support member432. Members512are coaxial with members524. Member516terminates at members520and522. Member516is parallel to member432. Member516is parallel to member504and506. Member432and member516are parallel to member430.

In operation, to assemble the U-shaped open top frame330of barrier328, unit338is engaged to unit340. This is done by sliding the upright support member382or standard portion382into the U-shaped piece or connector370. Locator tab or pin374is located or placed into pin opening376. At this point, the underside of lowermost support member362of unit338is adjacent to, confronting, and abutting the upper side of uppermost support member386of unit340. Also, the underside of standard portion360of unit338is adjacent to, confronting, and abutting the upper side of the standard portion382of unit340. Then the pin connectors390are slid through pin openings372and engaged with pin receivers388. This operation is then performed with units342and344. Then threshold portion384of unit344is engaged to threshold portion384of unit340. This is done by sliding the inner end portion of standard portion384of unit344into the U-shaped piece398of unit340such that the absolute inner ends of the standard portions384of units340,344are adjacent to each other, confronting each other, and abutting each other. Then pin connectors402are slid through pin openings400and engaged with pin receivers404. At this point in time, the U-shaped open top barrier frame330for barrier328has been assembled. It should be noted that, if desired, units340,344may be first engaged, and then to such result the units338,342may be engaged in any order.

In operation, to assemble the gate332of barrier328, units346and348are engaged to each other by placing the lowermost horizontal support member410of unit346on the uppermost horizontal support member432of unit348such that the lower side of lowermost horizontal support member410is adjacent to, confronting, and abutting the upper side of uppermost horizontal support member432of unit348. Then pin connectors424are slid through pin openings422formed in the upper and lower sides of lowermost horizontal support member410and engaged in pin receivers438of the uppermost horizontal support member432of unit426. In this result, upright support member408of unit346and upright support member428of unit426are aligned in a straight fashion such that there is one axis396. In this result, upright support member406of unit346and upright support member426of unit348are aligned in a straight fashion such that their axis are aligned in a straight fashion and such that the outer faces of upright support members406,426define a single plane. Further, in this result, each of the four interior support members418of unit346are aligned in a straight fashion with their respective four interior support members436of unit348such that the axis of support members418are aligned in a straight fashion with the respective axis of support members436.

In operation, to engage the assembled gate332to the assembled U-shaped open top frame330to form barrier328without the frame extensions334,336, pin394of unit348is located in pin opening392of the standard portion384of unit340and pin368is first slid through pin connector hole365in the distal end of bracket366and is then engaged with pin receiver or pin seat420of upright support member408of unit346. If desired, the pin connector368, after being engaged with unit346, may rotate or pivot relative to unit346. Or the pin connector368may be nonrotatably fixed to unit346such that rotation occurs between the pin368and the bracket366. Lower pin connector394rotates in pin seat or pin opening404of unit344.

To engage the barrier328without the frame extensions334and336between two vertical surfaces such as two opposing door jambs, hand wheel mechanisms44are utilized. The shafts46of four hand wheel mechanisms44are slid into openings526formed in the outer ends of horizontal support members364of units338and342and into openings528formed in the outer ends of threshold horizontal support members384of units340and344and the disks50of the hand wheel mechanisms44are placed against the door jambs. Then the hand wheels48of the hand wheel mechanisms46are rotated to lengthen the exposed visible portions of the shafts46so that the hand wheels48place pressure upon the assembled units338,340on one side of the assembled engaged gate332and upon the assembled units342,344on the other side of the assembled engaged gate332. As pressure is so placed, one or more of the assembled frame ends338,340and342,344move toward or move into a right angle relationship with one or more of threshold portions384of units340,344. When the latch530of latch apparatus416engages latch receiver378such that the gate332may be swung open to the front or rear and such that the gate332may be locked relative to latch receiver378, the barrier328without the frame extensions334,336has been set up for operation.

To engage the barrier328using one or more of the frame extensions334and336between two vertical surfaces such as two opposing door jambs, the above operation using the hand wheel mechanisms44is employed. However, first, one or more of the frame extensions334,336are engaged to one or more of units338,340,342,344by inserting the upper pin connector456of unit350into upper pin receivers526of units338,342, by inserting the upper pin connector484of unit354into upper pin receivers526of units338,342, by inserting the lower pin connector472of unit352into lower pin receivers528of units340,344, and by inserting the lower pin connector of498of unit356into lower pin receivers528of units340,344. No frame extensions334,336may be employed, one of the frame extensions334,336may be employed on either of the frame ends, two frame extensions334may be employed where the frame extensions334are employed opposite sides of the frame ends and not adjacent to each other, two frame extensions336may be employed where the frame extensions336are employed opposite sides of the frame ends and not adjacent to each other, one frame extension334may be employed on one side and the other frame extension336may be employed on the other side, or a frame extension334may be employed adjacent to another frame extension334or336, or a frame extension336may be employed adjacent to another frame extension334, or there may be other combinations.

To engage frame extension units350,352to each other, the lower side of lowermost horizontal member446of unit350is placed on the upper side of the uppermost horizontal member464of unit352. Then pin connectors460are slid through pin openings458formed in the upper and lower sides of lowermost horizontal support member446and engaged in pin receivers474of the uppermost support member464. This forms frame extension334where the axis of outer upright support members450,466are aligned in a straight fashion, where the axis of interior upright support members452,468are aligned in a straight fashion, where the axis of inner support members454,470are aligned in a straight fashion, where the outer ends of support members446,464define a plane and are adjacent to each other, and where the inner ends of support members446,464define a plane and are adjacent to each other.

To engage frame extension units354,356to each other, the lower side of lowermost horizontal member476of unit354is placed on the upper side of the uppermost horizontal member492of unit356. Then pin connector488is slid through pin opening486formed in the upper and lower sides of lowermost horizontal support member476and engaged in pin receiver500of the uppermost support member492. This forms frame extension336where the axis of outer upright support members480,494are aligned in a straight fashion, where the axis of inner support members482,496are aligned in a straight fashion, where the outer ends of support members476,492define a plane and are adjacent to each other, and where the inner ends of support members476,492define a plane and are adjacent to each other.

It should be noted that one frame extension334or336may be engaged to another frame extension334,336through upper pin connectors456,484of respective units350,354engaging openings532formed in the respective outer ends of upper support members478,448of uppermost horizontal support members448,478of units350,354and through lower pin connectors472,498of respective units352,356engaging openings534formed in respective outer ends of lower support members462,490of units352,356. The shafts46of hand wheel mechanisms44are engaged with the openings532,534in units350,352,354, and356.

The gated barrier328may be taken down from an operating position between two door jambs in a way opposite of, or in reverse of, the way the gated barrier328was set up. Then the gated barrier328may be disassembled opposite of the way the gated barrier328was assembled.

To open the gate332, the thumb slide536of latch apparatus416is slid back to slide the latch430back and out of engagement with the latch receiver378, and then the gate332may be swung open if one or more of locking tabs444have been pivoted up and out of the way of the front and rear sides and upper side of threshold portion384of frame unit344.

To close the gate332, the gate332may be simply swung shut without drawing back the thumb slide536, because the spring mounted latch530will automatically retract after hitting oblique sides of latch receiver378and then automatically extend upon reaching an opening formed in latch receiver378between the oblique sides of the latch receiver378. However, if desired, the gate332can be closed by retracting thumb slide536to retract latch530and then manually lifting off of the thumb slide536when the latch530is between such oblique sides and adjacent to such opening.

FIGS. 14-21show a gated barrier328without frame extensions334,336that includes: a) an open top U-shaped frame330having a first frame end that includes of units338,340, a second frame end having units342,344, and a cross piece made of threshold portions384of units340,344traversing the first and second ends; b) a gate332in the frame330, the gate330confronting the first end, the second end, and the cross piece; c) the frame330being reducible in each of the height and length dimension; d) the gate332being reducible in at least one of the height and length dimension; e) the gate332including a first gate unit346and a second gate unit348; f) the first gate unit346including: i) a first lowermost traversing gate support member410; ii) a first uppermost traversing gate support member412; iii) a first left end upright gate support member408; iv) a first right end upright gate support member406; and v) at least one first interior upright gate support member418disposed between the first left end upright gate support member408and the first right end upright gate support member406; g) the gate332including a second gate unit348, the second gate unit348including: i) a second lowermost traversing gate support member430; ii) a second uppermost traversing gate support member432; iii) a second left end upright gate support member428; iv) a second right end upright gate support member426; and v) at least one second interior upright support member436disposed between the first left end upright gate support member428and the first right end upright gate support member426; h) the first and second gate units346,348being removably engagable to each other such that the first and second gate units346,348define a plane; i) the frame330including a first frame unit338, a second frame unit340, a third frame unit342, and a fourth frame unit344; j) the first frame unit338including a first vertically extending piece360, the first gate unit346being swingably engagable to the first vertically extending piece360; k) the second frame unit342including a second vertically extending piece360, the first gate unit346being latchably engagable to the second vertically extending piece360; l) the third frame unit340including a first L-shaped piece made up of standard portion382and threshold portion384, the first L-shaped piece being removably engagable to the first frame unit338, the second gate unit348being swingably engagable to the third frame unit340; and m) the fourth frame unit344including a second L-shaped piece made up of standard portion382and threshold portion384, the second L-shaped piece being removably engagable to the first L-shaped piece of unit340and removably engagable to the second frame unit348. In such gated barrier328, the first and second gate units346,348are removably engagable to each other by the first lowermost traversing gate support member410of the first gate unit346and the second uppermost traversing gate support member432of the second gate unit348being removably engagable to each other. In such gated barrier328, the first left end upright gate support member408of the first gate unit346and the second left end upright gate support member428of the second gate unit348define a swing axis for the gate. In such gated barrier328, the first left end upright gate support member408of the first gate unit346confronts the first frame unit338when the gate332is open and when the gate332is closed. In such gated barrier328, the second left end upright gate support member428of the second gate unit348confronts the third frame unit340when the gate332is open and when the gate332is closed. In such gated barrier328, the first right end upright gate support member406of the first gate unit346confronts the second frame unit342when the gate332is closed. In such gated barrier328, the second right end upright gate support member426of the second gate unit348confronts the fourth frame unit344when the gate332is closed. In such gated barrier328, the second lowermost traversing gate support member430of the second gate unit348confronts each of the first L-shaped piece of the third frame unit340and the second L-shaped piece of the fourth frame unit344when the gate332is closed. In such gated barrier328, the gate332is reducible in the height dimension. In such gated barrier328, the gated barrier328may further include a first frame extension334, the first frame extension334including a first upper extension unit350and a first lower extension unit352, the first upper and lower extension units350,352being engagable to each other, the first upper extension unit350being engagable to the first frame unit338, the first lower extension unit352being engagable to the third frame unit340. In such gated barrier328, the gated barrier328may further include a second frame extension336, the second frame extension336including a second upper extension unit354and a second lower extension unit356, the second upper and lower extension units354,356being engagable to each other, the second upper extension unit354being engagable to the first frame unit338, the second lower extension unit356being engagable to the third frame unit340. In such gated barrier328, the first vertically extending piece360of unit338is a first inner vertically extending piece360, with the first frame unit338further including a first outer vertically extending piece358, the first inner vertically extending piece360having a width greater than the first outer vertically extending piece358. In such gated barrier328, the second vertically extending piece360of unit342is a second inner vertically extending piece360, with the second frame unit342further including a second outer vertically extending piece358, the second inner vertically extending piece360having a width greater than the second outer vertically extending piece358. In such gated barrier328, the first frame unit338includes a first lowermost traversing frame support member362, with the third frame unit340including a third uppermost traversing frame support member386, with the first and third frame units338,340being removably engagable to each other by the first lowermost traversing frame support member362and the third uppermost traversing frame support member386being removably engagable to each other. In such gated barrier328, the second frame unit342includes a second lowermost traversing frame support member362, with the fourth frame unit344including a fourth uppermost traversing frame support member386, with the second and fourth frame units342,344being removably engagable to each other by the second lowermost traversing frame support member362and the fourth uppermost traversing frame support member386being removably engagable to each other.