Abstract:
A safety gate for preventing pets and small children from passing through an opening, the safety gate comprising: a collapsible frame for selective disposition in the opening, the collapsible frame comprising: a resizable base having a first end and a second end, the resizable base being configured so that the distance between the first end and the second end is adjustable; and first and second arms adjustably secured to the first and second ends of the resizable base, respectively, so as to be re-configurable between (i) a collapsed configuration wherein the first and second arms extend substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the resizable base, and (ii) an expanded configuration wherein the first and second arms extend upright from the resizable base so that the collapsible frame comprises a substantially U-shaped configuration defining a space between the resizable base and the first and second arms; and a flexible barrier for adjustable mounting to the collapsible frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the space between the resizable base and the first and second arms.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/305,224, filed Mar. 8, 2016 by Kyle R. Losik for COLLAPSIBLE AND FLEXIBLE PET GATE (Attorney&#39;s Docket No. LOSIK-1 PROV), which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to gates in general, and more particularly to safety gates for pets and small children. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Pet owners and parents of small children currently use a wide variety of safety gates to keep their pets and small children restricted from certain areas. Safety gates provide an array of essential benefits including safety, training, protection, etc. 
         [0004]    There are generally two types of safety gates. One type of safety gate (sometimes referred to herein as a “substantially permanent” safety gate) is a safety gate which is intended to be set up once and then thereafter be left in place on a substantially permanent basis. The other type of safety gate (sometimes referred to herein as a “temporary” safety gate) is a safety gate which is intended to be set up and taken down as needed. 
         [0005]    Current versions of both types of safety gates suffer from significant limitations. 
         [0006]    More particularly, substantially permanent safety gates are stationary gates which are secured to walls, doorframes, etc. by permanent fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) which extend into the walls, doorframes, etc. In general, these substantially permanent gates are placed in a doorway or hallway or walkway and remain in place on a substantially permanent basis. The primary benefit of substantially permanent gates is that they are generally easier to pass through, since they typically have a hinged door that is opened by a latch or handle. A significant disadvantage of substantially permanent gates is that they are effectively fixed in place and cannot be easily moved from one location to another. Thus, substantially permanent safety gates effectively serve a single location. 
         [0007]    Temporary safety gates comprise “freestanding” safety gates and temporary gates which are fastened in place against walls, doorframes, etc. using temporary means such as clamps, sliding mechanisms, etc. The primary benefit of temporary safety gates is that they can be set up or taken down as needed. A significant disadvantage of temporary safety gates is that they are not secured to an adjoining architectural structure (in the case of a freestanding safety gate) or they are inadequately secured to (e.g., they slip or easily detach from) an adjoining architectural structure (in the case of a temporary gate). In addition, temporary safety gates tend to be inconvenient when an adult needs to pass by the safety gate—the adult typically needs to either (i) “step over” the temporary gate (and this must be done without touching the temporary gate for fear of knocking over or moving aside the temporary safety gate) or (ii) the adult needs to take down or move the safety gate, pass through the opening, and then reset the safety gate. 
         [0008]    In addition to the foregoing, substantially permanent safety gates and temporary safety gates also both possess the following additional limitations: 
         [0009]    1. Inflexible—Current safety gates (both substantially permanent safety gates and temporary safety gates) are generally formed out of rigid materials (e.g., plastic, wood, metal, etc.). These materials make the safety gates substantially rigid, and that rigidity creates significant limitations and complications. More particularly, rigid safety gates have no “give”, making them difficult for adults to pass by. To pass by a rigid safety gate, an adult must either (a) “step over” the safety gate, or (b) have a door formed in the safety gate, or (c) remove the safety gate (and then set the safety gate back up again). Stepping over a rigid safety gate is awkward, often resulting in (i) a “banged up” shin as the person&#39;s leg strikes the rigid safety gate, and/or (ii) the safety gate “crashing down”, and/or (iii) worse—a person falling over while attempting to step over the safety gate. Providing a door in the safety gate in order to allow an adult to pass by the safety gate generally requires a more complex safety gate design, and also generally requires that the safety gate be constructed out of substantially rigid materials. Removing the safety gate in order to allow an adult to pass by the opening is impractical with permanent safety gates, and removing temporary safety gates to allow an adult to pass by the opening is generally inconvenient and requires free hands and space (something which is not always readily available). In addition, after the temporary safety gate has been taken down and the person passes through the doorway or hallway or walkway, the safety gate must then be set back in place again. 
         [0010]    2. Structurally Large—The average size of “smaller” rigid safety gates is 23″ H (high)×28″ W (wide). Temporary rigid safety gates generally take up 4.47 square feet of storage space (i.e., 23″×28″=4.47 square feet), are bulky, and are often difficult to maneuver. 
         [0011]    Thus there is a need for a new and improved safety gate for pets and small children which is temporary, flexible, folds up to a manageable size and provides an easy way for adults to pass by the safety gate without needing to move the entire safety gate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    These and other objects are addressed by the provision and use of a new and improved safety gate for pets and small children that is temporary, flexible, folds up to a manageable size and provides an easy way for adults to pass by the safety gate without needing to move the entire safety gate. 
         [0013]    More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a new and improved safety gate which is designed to be positioned in an opening such as a doorway or hallway or walkway. The new and improved safety gate generally comprises a collapsible frame and a flexible barrier. 
         [0014]    The collapsible frame acts as a support structure for the flexible barrier, holding the flexible barrier extending across the opening which is to be closed off. The collapsible frame is designed to make a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and is designed to be folded up (i.e., collapsed and condensed) to a manageable size when not in use. 
         [0015]    The flexible barrier is intended to be set across the collapsible frame when the opening is to be closed off, and disconnected from the collapsible frame when an adult needs to pass by the safety gate. 
         [0016]    In use, the collapsible frame is erected across an opening such as a doorway or hallway or walkway, with the collapsible frame making a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure. Then the flexible barrier is set across the collapsible frame so as to close off the opening. When an adult needs to pass by the safety gate, one end of the flexible barrier is disconnected from the collapsible frame so that the adult can pass through the opening. After the adult has passed through the opening, the flexible barrier is re-set across the collapsible frame so as to once again close off the opening. When the safety gate is no longer needed in that location, the flexible barrier is released and the collapsible frame is taken down, whereupon the safety gate may be moved to another location or placed into storage. 
         [0017]    In one form of the invention, there is provided a safety gate for preventing pets and small children from passing through an opening, the safety gate comprising: 
         [0018]    a collapsible frame for selective disposition in the opening, the collapsible frame comprising:
       a resizable base having a first end and a second end, the resizable base being configured so that the distance between the first end and the second end is adjustable; and   first and second arms adjustably secured to the first and second ends of the resizable base, respectively, so as to be re-configurable between (i) a collapsed configuration wherein the first and second arms extend substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the resizable base, and (ii) an expanded configuration wherein the first and second arms extend upright from the resizable base so that the collapsible frame comprises a substantially U-shaped configuration defining a space between the resizable base and the first and second arms; and       
 
         [0021]    a flexible barrier for adjustable mounting to the collapsible frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the space between the resizable base and the first and second arms. 
         [0022]    In another form of the invention, there is provided a method for preventing pets and small children from passing through an opening, the method comprising: 
         [0023]    providing a safety gate, the safety gate comprising:
       a collapsible frame for selective disposition in the opening, the collapsible frame comprising:
           a resizable base having a first end and a second end, the resizable base being configured so that the distance between the first end and the second end is adjustable; and   first and second arms adjustably secured to the first and second ends of the resizable base, respectively, so as to be re-configurable between (i) a collapsed configuration wherein the first and second arms extend substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the resizable base, and (ii) an expanded configuration wherein the first and second arms extend upright from the resizable base so that the collapsible frame comprises a substantially U-shaped configuration defining a space between the resizable base and the first and second arms; and   
           a flexible barrier for adjustable mounting to the collapsible frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the space between the resizable base and the first and second arms;       
 
         [0028]    positioning the collapsible frame across the opening in its expanded configuration so that the resizable base extends along the bottom of the opening and the first and second arms extend along opposing sides of the opening, with the first and second arms applying an outward force to opposing sides of the opening; and 
         [0029]    positioning the flexible barrier on the collapsible frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the space between the resizable base and the first and second arms. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein: 
           [0031]      FIGS. 1-4  are schematic views showing a new and improved safety gate formed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the safety gate is shown erected in a doorframe so as to close off the lower portion of the opening of the doorway to passage by pets and small children; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5-7  are schematic views showing the safety gate of  FIGS. 1-4  in further detail; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 8-17  are schematic views showing the collapsible frame of the safety gate of  FIGS. 1-7  in further detail; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 18 and 19  are schematic views showing the flexible barrier of the safety gate of  FIGS. 1-7  in further detail; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 20 and 21  are schematic views showing an elastic strap or cord which may be added at the top of the flexible barrier of the safety gate of  FIGS. 1-7 ; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 22-28  are schematic views showing another form of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of  FIGS. 1-7 ; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 29-35  are schematic views showing still another form of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of  FIGS. 1-7 ; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 36-38  are schematic views showing another safety gate formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 39-46  are schematic views showing further details of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of  FIGS. 36-38 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 47  is a schematic view showing further details of the flexible barrier of the safety gate of  FIGS. 36-38 ; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 48-60  are schematic views showing further details of the spring-biased spool for spooling the flexible barrier into one arm of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of  FIGS. 36-38 ; and 
           [0042]      FIGS. 61-64  are schematic views showing adjustable bumpers which may be provided on the upper portions of the hinged arms of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of  FIGS. 36-38 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The New and Improved Safety Gate in General 
       [0043]    The present invention comprises the provision and use of a new and improved safety gate which may be positioned in an opening such as a doorway or hallway or walkway so as to close off the opening to pets and/or small children. The safety gate generally comprises a collapsible frame and a flexible barrier. The collapsible frame acts as a support structure for the flexible barrier, holding the flexible barrier as the barrier extends across the opening of the doorway or hallway or walkway. The collapsible frame is designed to make a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and is designed to be folded up (i.e., collapsed and condensed) to a manageable size when not in use. The flexible barrier is intended to be set across the collapsible frame when the opening is to be closed off, and can be selectively detached from the collapsible frame when an adult needs to pass through the opening. The safety gate is intended to be temporary in nature and thus able to be can be erected in any doorway, walkway, etc. 
       Safety Gate Having a Flexible Barrier Manually “Hung” on the Collapsible Frame 
       [0044]    In one preferred form of the invention, the safety gate is constructed so that the flexible barrier is manually “hung” on the collapsible frame. 
         [0045]    More particularly, and looking now at  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a new and improved safety gate  5  erected in a doorframe  10  so as to close off the lower portion of the opening  15  of the doorway. Safety gate  5  is releasably secured in doorframe  10  using a pressure fit so as to provide a barrier to prevent a pet or small child from passing through opening  15  (e.g., so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing from one room to another room). Safety gate  5  is also capable of closing off other openings, e.g., in a hallway or walkway, so as to restrict access by a pet or small child. 
         [0046]    Looking next at  FIGS. 5-8 , safety gate  5  is shown in greater detail. Safety gate  5  generally comprises a collapsible frame  20  and a flexible barrier  25 . 
         [0047]    The Collapsible Frame 
         [0048]      FIGS. 5-17  show one preferred construction for collapsible frame  20 . In this form of the invention, collapsible frame  20  comprises a resizable base  30  and a pair of hinged arms  35 . 
         [0049]    Resizable base  30  comprises two base members  40 ,  45  which are telescopically extendable relative to one another so as to accommodate an array of different doorway (or hallway or walkway) widths. Base members  40 ,  45  are able to slide freely in one direction (i.e., in an opening direction) but are prevented from returning in the other direction (i.e., in a closing direction) by a latch mechanism  50 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-17 , latch mechanism  50  comprises a pivot plate  55  which is spring-biased (i.e., by a spring  57 ,  FIG. 12 ) into engagement with a ribbed rack  60 . To release latch mechanism  50 , a finger tab  64  is used to push pivot plate  55  against the power of spring  57 , whereby to allow pivot plate  55  to disengage from ribbed rack  60 . 
         [0050]    Hinged arms  35  pivot upwards from resting positions parallel to resizable base  30 , pivoting on hinges  65 . Each of the hinges  65  is formed by two pins  66  which ride in two slots  67 ,  68 . When hinged arms  35  are fully erect, they lock into place by means of pins  66  residing in slots  68 . Hinged arms  35  can be released from their locked erect positions by pulling upwards on the hinged arms and then folding the hinged arms back down on resizable base  30 , with pins  66  moving into slots  67 . 
         [0051]    Note that when hinged arms  35  are in their erect positions, the hinged arms preferably yieldably angle outward slightly at their upper ends so as to ensure secure engagement of the hinged arms with the vertical walls of the doorway (or hallway or walkway). In other words, hinged arms  35  diverge outwardly as they extend away from resizable base  30 , and hinged arms  35  are resilient so that they can be urged inwardly towards one another. 
         [0052]    Note also that hinged arms  35  include fasteners  70  ( FIG. 6 ) to which flexible barrier  25  may be releasably secured (i.e., so that flexible barrier  25  may be manually “hung” on collapsible frame  20 ). 
         [0053]    And note that resizable base  30  and hinged arms  35  may be folded up to a compact condition for easy transport and storage, i.e., with resizable base  30  reduced in size and with hinged arms  35  extending parallel to resizable base  30  ( FIGS. 15-17 ). 
         [0054]    The Flexible Barrier 
         [0055]      FIGS. 18 and 19  show one preferred construction for flexible barrier  25 . Flexible barrier  25  is relatively soft and pliable and, if desired, may be elastic (i.e., resilient) in nature. In one form of the invention, the entire flexible barrier  25  may be elastic in nature; in another form of the invention, the top portion of flexible barrier  25  may be elastic in nature and the remainder of the flexible barrier may be relatively inelastic; and in still another form of the invention, the entire flexible barrier  25  may be relatively inelastic. In one preferred form of the invention, flexible barrier  25  is formed as a woven structure (e.g., as a woven net) using flexible filaments so that flexible barrier  25  can be stretched to some extent. 
         [0056]    Flexible barrier  25  is attached to collapsible frame  20  after collapsible frame  20  has been set in a doorway (or hallway or walkway), with resizable base  30  appropriately sized and locked in position, and with hinged arms  35  locked in their upright position. Flexible barrier  25  is then erected between the two hinged arms  35 , with flexible barrier  25  being releasably secured to fasteners  70  ( FIG. 6 ), i.e., so that flexible barrier  25  may be manually “hung” on collapsible frame  20 . 
         [0057]    Use of Safety Gate  5   
         [0058]    Safety gate  5  may be used to prevent pets and small children from passing through an opening and into restricted areas. 
         [0059]    More particularly, safety gate  5  can be erected in a desired opening by setting up collapsible frame  20  in the opening so that the collapsible frame makes a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and then stringing flexible barrier  25  between the two hinged arms  35  of collapsible frame  25  (i.e., by manually hanging flexible barrier  25  on collapsible frame  20 ). 
         [0060]    In one preferred method of use, collapsible frame  20  has its two hinged arms  35  set in their erect positions, with the upper ends of the two arms yieldably diverging from one another. Resizable base  30  is then set in opening  15  and base members  40 ,  45  are telescoped apart so that the outer ends of base members  40 ,  45  securely engage doorframe  10 , and so that the two hinged arms  35  securely engage doorframe  10 . As this occurs, the two hinged arms  35  press outwardly against doorframe  10 , with the two hinged arms yielding as needed, so as to ensure that collapsible frame  20  makes a secure, binding fit with doorframe  10  (i.e., so that collapsible frame  20  makes a pressure fit against doorframe  10 ). Then flexible barrier  25  is manually hung on collapsible frame  20  using fasteners  70 . 
         [0061]    To allow an adult to pass through the safety gate, an adult can unlatch one of the top two corners of the flexible barrier, walk through the safety gate, and then re-attach the detached corner of the flexible barrier. 
         [0062]    When safety gate  5  is no longer needed in that location, the safety gate may be taken down and folded up to a manageable size for easy transportation and storage. 
         [0063]    More particularly, in one preferred method of disassembly, flexible barrier  25  is detached from hinged arms  35 , latch mechanism  50  is released and base members  40 ,  45  are telescoped inward, preferably to the most minimal distance. As base members  40 ,  45  telescope inwardly, the force securing the two hinged arms  35  against the adjoining architectural structure is disengaged (i.e., the pressure fit of collapsible frame  20  against the doorframe is released). Then hinged arms  35  are pulled upward and then folded down parallel to base members  40 ,  45 . With safety gate  5  in its collapsed condition, the safety gate may then be easily transported and stored. 
         [0064]    Note that at no time is safety gate  5  permanently fastened to wall structures. 
         [0065]    Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate  5  which is (i) collapsible to a linear configuration which is easily transported and stored, and (ii) erectable to a substantially U-shaped configuration which is pressure-mounted against the surfaces of an adjoining architectural structure, with the pressure-mounted safety gate being locked in place against the adjoining architectural structure until the latch mechanism in the resizable base is released. 
         [0066]    Elastic Strap or Cord at the Top of the Flexible Barrier 
         [0067]    If desired, and looking now at  FIGS. 20 and 21 , an elastic strap or cord  75  may be (i) passed through, or otherwise connected to, the top end of flexible barrier  25 , and (ii) connected to the two hinged arms  35  of collapsible frame  20  at the top two corners of the safety gate (e.g., at fasteners  70 ). See also  FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 18 and 19 , where flexible barrier  25  has an elastic strap or cord  75  attached to the top end of flexible barrier  25 . Elastic strap or cord  75  provides increased support to help hold up the top end of flexible barrier  25 . 
         [0068]    In one form of the invention, the entire flexible barrier may be elastic in nature, and elastic strap or cord  75  may provide additional support to help hold up the top end of flexible barrier  25 . In another form of the invention, only elastic strap or cord  75  is elastic and the remainder of the flexible barrier may be relatively inelastic. 
         [0069]    Alternative Latch Mechanisms 
         [0070]    It is also possible to utilize different latch mechanisms for resizable base  30  of collapsible frame  20  of safety gate  5 . 
         [0071]    Thus, for example, and looking now at  FIGS. 22-28 , the latch mechanism may comprise a locking pin  80  which is spring-biased by a spring  82  ( FIG. 23 ) into engagement with a friction rack  85 . To release the latch mechanism, a finger tab  90  is used to push locking pin  80  against the power of spring  82 , whereby to allow locking pin  80  to disengage from friction rack  85 . 
         [0072]    Furthermore, and looking now at  FIGS. 29-35 , the latch mechanism may comprise a locking plate  95  which is spring-biased by a spring  97  ( FIG. 30 ) into engagement with a wall  100  of base member  45  of collapsible frame  20 . To release the latch mechanism, a finger tab  105  is used to push locking plate  95  against the power of spring  97 , whereby to allow locking plate  95  to disengage from wall  100  of base member  95 . 
         [0073]    Safety Gate with Flexible Barrier Spooled on Collapsible Frame 
         [0074]    In another preferred form of the invention, the safety gate can have its flexible barrier spooled into one hinged arm of its collapsible frame, with the flexible barrier being drawn across the opening of the collapsible frame when the safety gate is to provide its barrier function, and with the flexible barrier being spooled back into one hinged arm of the collapsible frame when the safety gate is to be opened for passage. 
         [0075]    More particularly, and looking now at  FIGS. 36 and 37 , there is shown a safety gate  205  erected in a doorframe  210  so as to close off the lower portion of the opening  215  of the doorway. Safety gate  205  is releasably secured in doorframe  210  using a pressure fit so as to provide a barrier to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the opening of the doorway (e.g., so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing from one room to another room). Safety gate  205  is also capable of closing off other openings, e.g., in a hallway or walkway, so as to restrict access by a pet or small child. 
         [0076]    Safety gate  205  generally comprises a collapsible frame  220  and a flexible barrier  225 . 
         [0077]    The Collapsible Frame 
         [0078]      FIGS. 36-60  show one preferred construction for collapsible frame  220 . In this form of the invention, collapsible frame  220  comprises a resizable base  230  and a pair of hinged arms  235 . 
         [0079]    Resizable base  230  comprises two base members  240 ,  245  which are telescopically extendable relative to one another so as to accommodate an array of different doorway (or hallway or walkway) widths. Base members  240 ,  245  are able to slide freely in one direction (i.e., in an opening direction) but are prevented from returning in the other direction (i.e., in a closing direction) by a latch mechanism  250 . 
         [0080]    As seen in greater detail in  FIGS. 39-43 , latch mechanism  250  comprises a housing  251  having a recess  252  and slots  253  formed therein. A grip  254  is slidably disposed within recess  252  of housing  251 . More particularly, grip  254  comprises a pair of pins  256  which ride along slots  253  of housing  251 . Grip  254  comprises a finger tab  257  for urging grip  254  along slots  253 , and teeth  258  for selectively engaging teeth  259  of a ribbed rack  260 , whereby to lock base members  240 ,  245  of resizable base  230  in position relative to one another. 
         [0081]    A lock  261  is provided to selectively lock grip  254  in (i) an “engaged” position wherein teeth  258  of grip  254  engage teeth  259  of ribbed rack  260  (and hence lock base members  240 ,  245  of resizable base  230  in position relative to one another), or (ii) a “disengaged” position wherein teeth  258  of grip  254  are disengaged from teeth  259  of ribbed rack  260  (and hence allow base members  240 ,  245  of resizable base  230  to move relative to one another). More particularly, lock  261  is spring-biased against grip  254  by a spring  262 , and grip  254  comprises a groove  263  for receiving lock  261  when latch mechanism  250  is in its “engaged” position, and a groove  264  for receiving lock  261  when latch mechanism  250  is in its “disengaged” position. Note that when lock  261  is seated in groove  263  or groove  264 , grip  254  is prevented from moving within recess  252  of housing  251 . 
         [0082]    When latch mechanism  250  is in its “engaged” position and is to be released, lock  261  is pulled against the power of spring  262  so as to withdraw lock  261  from groove  263 , and then finger tab  257  is lifted up so as to cause grip  254  to ride along slots  253  and disengage teeth  258  of grip  254  from teeth  259  of ribbed rack  260 . Latch mechanism  250  may then be maintained in this “disengaged” position by releasing the force on lock  261  so that spring  262  seats lock  261  in groove  264 . 
         [0083]    When latch mechanism  250  is in its “disengaged” position and is to be re-set in its “engaged” position, lock  261  is pulled against the power of spring  262  so as to withdraw lock  261  from groove  264 , and then finger tab  257  is pushed down so as to cause grip  254  to ride along slots  253  and securely engage teeth  258  of grip  254  with teeth  259  of ribbed rack  260 . Latch mechanism  250  may then be maintained in this “engaged” position by releasing the force on lock  261  so that spring  262  seats lock  261  in groove  263 . 
         [0084]    Looking now at  FIGS. 44 and 45 , hinged arms  235  pivot upwards from resting positions parallel to resizable base  230 , pivoting on hinges  265  which are mounted to the ends of locking base members  240 ,  245 . Hinges  265  each comprise two pins  266  which are fixed to the upper portion of each hinge  265 , and a cavity  267  for receiving the end of each hinged arm  235 . More particularly, pins  266  are received in a pair of diametrically-opposed slots  268  formed on the ends of each hinged arm  235  where each hinged arm  235  is mounted to a hinge  265 . When hinged arms  235  are fully erect, they lock into place by sliding the ends of each hinged arm  235  on pins  266  (i.e., so that pins  266  run along slots  268  formed in each hinged arm  235 ) and so that the ends of each hinged arm are received in cavity  267  of each hinge  265 . Hinged arms  235  can be released from their locked erect positions by pulling upwards on the hinged arms so that pins  266  ride along slots  268  and so that the ends of hinged arms  235  each exit cavity  267  of each hinge  265 , and then folding the hinged arms back down on resizable base  230 . 
         [0085]    Note that when hinged arms  235  are in their erect positions, the hinged arms preferably yieldably angle outward slightly at their upper ends so as to ensure secure engagement of the hinged arms with the vertical walls of the doorway (or hallway or walkway). In other words, hinged arms  235  diverge outwardly as they extend away from resizable base  230 , and hinged arms  235  are resilient so that they can be urged inwardly towards one another. 
         [0086]    Note also that one of the hinged arms  235  includes a fastener  270  to which flexible barrier  225  may be releasably secured. In a preferred form of the present invention, fastener  270  comprises a hook-shaped clasp  272  which extends along substantially the entire length of one of the hinged arms  235 . See  FIG. 46 . Clasp  272  is configured to receive and retain the free end of flexible barrier  225 , as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail. 
         [0087]    And note that resizable base  230  and hinged arms  235  may be folded up to a compact condition for easy transport and storage, i.e., with resizable base  230  reduced in size and with hinged arms  235  extending parallel to resizable base  230 . 
         [0088]    The Flexible Barrier 
         [0089]    Flexible barrier  225  comprises a flexible material which is capable of preventing a pet or small child from passing by safety gate  205 . By way of example but not limitation, flexible barrier  225  may comprise a woven mesh or screen which is preferably inelastic or nominally elastic. 
         [0090]    In this form of the invention, and looking next at  FIGS. 47-60 , flexible barrier  225  is preferably stowed within one of the hinged arms  235  of collapsible frame  270  (i.e., the collapsible arm  235  opposite the collapsible arm to which fastener  270  is mounted) until needed. 
         [0091]    More particularly, in this form of the invention, one of collapsible arms  235  comprises a cavity  273  having a spool  274  longitudinally disposed therein (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the collapsible arm  235 ). Spool  274  is preferably spring-biased so as to “take up” (and stow) flexible barrier  225  within the collapsible arm when desired (e.g., in a manner similar to how a window shade takes up the excess portion of the shade on a spring-biased spool). The free end of flexible barrier  225  comprises a clasp  275  for engagement with clasp  272  of collapsible arm  235 . Note that the particular configurations of clasp  272  (on a hinged arm  235 ) and clasp  275  (on flexible barrier  225 ) may vary in type and location—the important thing is that the configurations of clasp  272  and clasp  275  be coordinated with one another so that clasp  272  and clasp  275  may selectively lock together or unlock from one another as needed. 
         [0092]    In one form of the invention, flexible barrier  225  can be pulled out of spool  274  and remain under retractive tension as flexible barrier  225  is brought across to the opposing collapsible arm  235  and is releasably secured to clasp  272  of that collapsible arm  235 . 
         [0093]    In another form of the invention, a lock mechanism can be provided to lock spool  274  against movement when flexible barrier  225  has been brought across to the opposing collapsible arm  235  and has been releasably secured to clasp  272  of that collapsible arm  235 . More particularly, in this form of the invention, a lock mechanism  276  is preferably disposed on the free end of the collapsible arm  235  which houses locking spool  274  for selectively locking spool  274  in a locked condition. 
         [0094]    In one preferred form of the invention, lock mechanism  276  comprises a lever  277  mounted to a rotatable cam  278  which cams against a locking plate  279  mounted to the end of spool  274 . Locking plate  279  has teeth  280  which can engage teeth  281  on spool  274 . Locking plate  279  is normally spring-biased away from spool  274  by a spring  282 , so that teeth  280  on locking plate  279  normally do not engage teeth  281  of spool  274  and spring-biased spool  274  is free to apply tension to flexible barrier  225 . However, when lever  277  is rotated, cam  278  rotates, whereby to cam locking plate  279  downward (i.e., perpendicular to the axis of rotation of lever  277 ) and thereby cause teeth  280  (on locking plate  279 ) to engage teeth  281  (of spool  274 ), whereby to lock spool  274  against rotation. When lever  277  is rotated in the opposite direction, cam  278  disengages locking plate  279 , thereby allowing locking plate  279  to move upward (i.e., under the power of a spring), whereby to allow spool  274  to rotate (i.e., to retract flexible barrier  225 ). 
         [0095]    Note that it is generally preferred to provide a lock mechanism (e.g., the lock mechanism  276  discussed above) for spool  274 , since this will prevent pets and small children from leaning against flexible barrier  225  and pulling a greater length of the flexible barrier off spool  274 —in the absence of such a lock mechanism, the spring bias on spool  274  must be set fairly high in order to prevent a pet or small child from pulling more of the flexible barrier off spool  274 . Such a high spring bias could impede normal deployment of flexible barrier  225  from spool  274 . 
         [0096]    Flexible barrier  225  is attached to collapsible frame  220  after collapsible frame  220  has been set in the doorway (or hallway or walkway), with resizable base  230  appropriately sized and locked in position, and with hinged arms  235  locked in their upright position. Flexible barrier  225  is then erected between the two hinged arms  235 , with flexible barrier  225  being releasably secured to fastener  270  on the opposing hinged arm  235 . More particularly, flexible barrier  225  is attached to collapsible frame  220  such that flexible barrier  225  extends across the opening between hinged arms  235  by pulling flexible barrier  225  out of spool  274  and across the gap between collapsible arms  235 , and then releasably connecting clasp  275  of flexible barrier  225  with clasp  272  of the opposing collapsible arm  235 . In other words, in this form of the invention, flexible barrier  225  of safety gate  225  is effectively spooled out of one hinged arm  235  on collapsible frame  220  until the appropriate length of flexible barrier  225  has been dispensed. 
         [0097]    Use of the Novel Collapsible and Flexible Safety Gate 
         [0098]    Safety gate  205  may be used by pet owners and parents of small children to prevent pets and small children from passing through an opening and into restricted areas. 
         [0099]    More particularly, safety gate  205  can be erected in a desired opening by setting up collapsible frame  220  in the opening so that the collapsible frame makes a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and then extending flexible barrier  225  between the two hinged arms  235  of collapsible frame  225  (i.e., by manually drawing flexible barrier  225  across to the opposing side of collapsible frame  220 ). 
         [0100]    In one preferred method of use, collapsible frame  220  has its two hinged arms  235  set in their erect positions, with the upper ends of the two arms yieldably diverging from one another. Resizable base  230  is then set in opening  215 , latch mechanism  250  is set in its “disengaged” position so that base members  240 ,  245  are free to move relative to one another, and then base members  240 ,  245  are telescoped apart so that the outer ends of base members  240 ,  245  securely engage doorframe  210 , and so that the two hinged arms  235  securely engage doorframe  210 . As this occurs, the two hinged arms  235  press outwardly against doorframe  210 , with the two hinged arms yielding as needed, so as to ensure that collapsible frame  220  makes a secure, binding fit with doorframe  210  (i.e., so that collapsible frame  220  makes a pressure fit against doorframe  210 ). Then latch mechanism  250  is set in its “engaged” position so that base members  240 ,  245  are locked against movement relative to one another. Then lever  277  on lock mechanism  276  is unlocked, flexible barrier  225  is drawn along the length of resizable base  230 , and flexible barrier  225  is secured to the opposing hinged arm  235  (e.g., via clasps  275  and  272 ). Then lever  277  on lock mechanism  276  is locked. 
         [0101]    To allow an adult to pass through the gate, a person can unlock lever  277  on lock mechanism  276 , and unhook flexible barrier  225  from the opposing hinged arm, whereupon the flexible barrier will automatically retract onto spring-biased spool  274 . When the person has passed through the opening, they will re-extend the flexible barrier back to the opposing hinged arm, secure the flexible barrier to the opposing hinged arm via clasps  275  and  272 , and re-engage lock mechanism  276  on the spool arm. 
         [0102]    When safety gate  205  is no longer needed in that location, the safety gate may be taken down and folded up to a manageable size for easy transportation and storage. 
         [0103]    More particularly, in one preferred method of disassembly, lock mechanism  276  on the spool arm is released, flexible barrier  225  is detached from the opposing hinged arm  235 , and flexible barrier  225  is retracted into the spool arm. Then latch mechanism  250  is released and base members  240 ,  245  are telescoped inward, preferably to the most minimal distance. As base members  240 ,  245  telescope inwardly, the force securing the two hinged arms  235  against the adjoining architectural structure is disengaged (i.e., the pressure fit of collapsible frame  220  against the doorframe is released). When the base members  240 ,  245  are preferably at their most minimal distance, latch mechanism  250  is then re-engaged so that base members  240 ,  245  are locked relative to one another (this effectively prevents base members  240 ,  245  from being able to telescope outwardly when the safety gate is being collapsed and/or thereafter being moved). Once latch mechanism  250  has been re-engaged to lock base members  240 ,  245  in position relative to one another, hinged arms  235  are pulled upward, and then folded down parallel to base members  240 ,  245 . With safety gate  205  in its collapsed condition, the safety gate may then be easily transported and stored. 
         [0104]    Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate  205  which is (i) collapsible to a linear configuration which is easily transported and stored, and (ii) erectable to a substantially U-shaped configuration which is pressure-mounted against the surfaces of an adjoining architectural structure, with the pressure-mounted safety gate being locked in place against the adjoining architectural structure until the latch mechanism in the resizable base is released. 
         [0105]    Gate Bumper (Bolsters) 
         [0106]    In one preferred form of the invention, and looking now at  FIGS. 61-64 , adjustable bumpers (bolsters)  287  may be provided on the outside surfaces of the upper ends of hinged arms  235 . As a result, when collapsible frame  220  is set in position against adjoining architectural surfaces, adjustable bumpers  287  engage the wall, doorway, surface, etc. that the hinged arms  235  abut against. Adjustable bumpers  287  provide an additional means for ensuring that collapsible frame  220  makes a pressure fit against adjacent architectural surfaces, particularly when the adjacent architectural surfaces do not have a uniform vertical surface (e.g., such as when a wall has base boards, etc.). 
         [0107]    In one preferred form of the invention, adjustable bumpers  287  comprise rubber cylinders  288  which are mounted to threaded shafts  289  which extend into hinged arms  235 . As a result of this construction, the extent to which adjustable bumpers  287  project out of hinged arms  235  can be adjusted by turning rubber cylinders  288  on their threaded shafts  289 . 
         [0108]    It should also be appreciated that, if desired, bumpers  287  can be fixed in position relative to hinged arms  235 . 
         [0109]    It should also be appreciated that, if desired, adjustable bumpers  287  may be provided on the aforementioned hinged arms  35  of safety gate  5 . 
       ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0110]    The present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art safety gates. For one thing, the present invention provides a flexible safety gate which is pressure-mounted to adjacent architectural structures, thus enabling the safety gate to be temporary in nature. And the present invention provides the ability to pass through the safety gate by unlatching one end of the flexible barrier from a hinged arm while a person passes through the safety gate. Also, the present invention provides a safety gate which has a flexible horizontal top “crossbar” instead of a rigid horizontal top “crossbar”. Furthermore, the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate that is easily stowed and transported. 
       MODIFICATIONS 
       [0111]    While the present invention has been described in terms of certain exemplary preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, and that many additions, deletions and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments discussed above while remaining within the scope of the present invention.