Patent Publication Number: US-11649669-B1

Title: Soft barrier

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/843,839 filed Apr. 8, 2020 (U.S. Pat. No. 11,174,675 issued Nov. 16, 2021) and claims the benefit thereof under 35 U.S.C. § 120, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/831,662 filed Apr. 9, 2019, which nonprovisional and provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a barrier for a residential home, and more particularly to such a barrier that maximizes soft features and minimizes hard features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The first four definitions of “gate” in one dictionary are: 1. an opening in a wall or fence, 2. a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures (such as towers), 3.a. the frame or door that closes a gate, 3.b. a movable barrier (as at a grade crossing), 4.a. a means of entrance or exit, 4.b. a starting gate, 4.c. an area (as at a railroad station or an airport) for departure or arrival, and 4.d. a space between two markers through which a competitor must pass in the course of a slalom race. 
     A “gate” in the vernacular or common language of many people may mean a “door,” a “fence,” or a “fence with an opening,” or something similar. Barriers that are used to keep pets out of certain areas of homes are often called “gates” whether or not the barrier has an “opening” or “door” or “gate.” 
     Such barriers often include a plurality of vertical metal support members spaced apart and adjacent to one another and running from one end of the barrier to the other end of the barrier. Such barriers may include a plurality of horizontal metal support members spaced apart and adjacent from one another running from the top of the barrier to the bottom of the barrier. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A feature of the present invention is a soft barrier. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of a frame having first and second longitudinal support members, first and second lateral support members, and first, second, third, and fourth junctions, where the first junction is between the first longitudinal support member and the first lateral support member, where the second junction is between the first lateral support member and the second longitudinal support member, where the third junction is between the second longitudinal support member and the second lateral support member, and where the fourth junction is between the second lateral support member and the first longitudinal support member. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of flexible sheeting engaged between the first and second longitudinal support members and between the first and second lateral support member. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the flexible sheeting having a relaxed state and a taut state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first, second, third, and fourth junctions being engaged to the first and second longitudinal support members and the first and second lateral support members when the sheeting is in the relaxed state and when the sheeting is in the taut state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame having a longitudinally fully extended state where a distance between the first and second lateral support members is maximized. Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame having a longitudinally fully retracted state where the distance between the first and second lateral support members is minimized. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame being longitudinally extendable and longitudinally retractable to and from the longitudinally fully extended state and longitudinally fully retracted state when the sheeting is in each of the taut state and the relaxed state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame having a laterally fully retracted state where the distance between the first and second longitudinal support members is minimized. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame having a laterally fixed extended state where a distance between the first and second lateral support members is fixed. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame being laterally extendable and laterally retractable to and from the laterally fully retracted state and laterally fixed state when the sheeting is in each of the taut state and the relaxed state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of a first adjustment mechanism. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of a second adjustment mechanism. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of each of the first and second longitudinal support members including first and second adjustment mechanisms. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first adjustment mechanism fixing the lateral support members apart from each other at first and second predefined locations. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the second adjustment mechanism fixing the lateral support members apart from each other at a plurality of further locations, where the plurality of further locations are between the first and second predefined locations. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first adjustment mechanism having a plurality of locations spaced longitudinally from each other with the longitudinal support members being lockable at each of said locations. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the second adjustment mechanism being operated after the first adjustment mechanism has been locked. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of one second adjustment mechanism pushing on the third junction and another second adjustment mechanism pushing on the fourth junction so as to relatively push the lateral support members away from each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of first and second longitudinal adjustment mechanisms increasing and decreasing a distance between the lateral support members. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of one first longitudinal adjustment mechanism being disposed on each of the first and second longitudinal support member, where such first longitudinal adjustment mechanism includes longitudinal support member sections that are slideable and lockable with each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of one second longitudinal adjustment mechanism being disposed on each of the first and second longitudinal support member, where such second longitudinal adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable hand wheel that pushes on one of the third and fourth junctions to push the lateral support members relatively away from each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting being in the relaxed state when the frame is in the laterally fully retracted state, and of the sheeting being in the taut state when the frame is in the laterally fixed state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of each of the first and second lateral support members including a first support member portion and a second support member portion. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first support member portion including first and second ends, a stop intermediate such first and second ends, and a depressible button lock between the stop and the first end, where the first support member portion includes a male end section extending from the stop to the first end. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the second support member portion slidingly engaging the first support member portion and including a first end that engages the stop of the first support member portion and an opening that engages the depressible button lock, where the second support member portion includes a female end section that receives the male end section. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first and second support member portions including a first length when the depressible button engages the opening. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first and second support member portions including a second length when the first end of the second support member portion abuts the stop, where the first length is greater than the second length. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting being in the taut state when the first and second support members are disposed at the first length. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting being in the relaxed state when the first and second support members are disposed at the second length. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of each of the lateral support members including first and second support members and of the first and second support members telescoping with each other and lockable to each other by a depressible button on one of the first and second support members engaging an opening in the other of the first and second support members when the first and second support members are disposed at a first position relative to each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of one of the first and second support members including an end that engages a stop of the other of the first and second support members when the first and second support members are disposed at a second position relative to each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of a length of the first and second support members being greater at the first position than at the second position. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the depressible button pressing outwardly against an inside of one of the first and second support members when said end engages said stop. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the depressible button snapping outwardly into the opening when the first and second support members are drawn apart from each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting being in the relaxed state when the first and second support members are in the second position, and of the sheeting being in the taut state when the first and second support members are in the first position. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the third junction slidingly engaging an end of the second longitudinal member, and of the second longitudinal member including a hand wheel that rotatably engages the second longitudinal member, where the hand wheel includes an end that engages and pushes the third junction relatively away from the second junction when the hand wheel is rotated. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the fourth junction slidingly engaging an end of the first longitudinal member, and of the first longitudinal member including a hand wheel that rotatably engages the first longitudinal member, where the hand wheel includes an end that engages and pushes the fourth junction relatively away from the first junction when the hand wheel is rotated. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first and second lateral support members being relatively pushed apart from each other when the hand wheels are operated. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first longitudinal support member including first, second, and third support member portions. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first support member portion being engaged to the first junction, of the third support member portion being engaged to the fourth junction, and of the second support member portion being engaged to and between the first and third support member portions. Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first support member portion having a plurality of first openings, and of the second support member portion having a depressible button lock engagable with each of the first openings of the first support member portion. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the second support member portion having a plurality of second openings, and of the third support member portion having a depressible button lock engagable with each of the second openings of the second support member portion. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the third support member portion being slidable into the second support member portion, and of the second support member portion being slidable into the first support member portion. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first support member portion being engagable to the second support member at a plurality of predefined spaced apart locations, and of the second support member being engagable to the third support member at a plurality of predefined spaced apart locations. Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of each of the first, second, and third support member portions having respective first, second, and third stops, of the third support member portion being slidable into the second support member portion until the third and second stops engage each other, and of the second support member portion being slidable into the first support member portion until the second and third stops engage each other. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting bypassing each of the first, second, third, and fourth junctions to permit access to each of the first, second, third, and fourth junctions. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting including first and second lateral sleeves for engaging the first and second lateral support members respectively, and of the sheeting including first and second longitudinal sleeves for engaging the first and second longitudinal support members respectively. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first junction being disengagable from the first lateral support member and the fourth junction being disengagable from the second lateral support member with the first longitudinal member remaining engaged between the first and fourth junctions, where the first longitudinal member and first and fourth junctions are a first unit. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the second junction being disengagable from the first lateral support member and the third junction being disengagable from the second lateral support member with the second longitudinal member remaining engaged between the second and third junctions, where the second longitudinal member and second and third junctions are a second unit. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of each of the first and second lateral support members including a retracted state and an extended state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first lateral support member being a third unit. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the second lateral support member being a fourth unit. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first, second, third, and fourth units being engagable with the sheeting when i) the sheeting is in the relaxed state, ii) without the first, second, third, and fourth units being engaged to any of the other first, second, third, and fourth units, and iii) when the first and second lateral support members are in the retracted state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the first, second, third, and fourth units being engagable with the sheeting when the sheeting is in the relaxed state i) while each of the first, second, third, and fourth units is engaged to two adjacent units to form said frame, ii) when the first and second lateral support members are in the retracted state, iii) such that the first and second lateral support members are extendable from the retracted state to the extended state to stretch the sheeting to the taut state from the relaxed state. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the soft barrier including no gate. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the sheeting including no gate. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the frame including no gate. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of none of the longitudinal support members, lateral support members, first, second, third, and fourth junctions being engaged to a gate. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the soft barrier defining a plane. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the longitudinal support members opposing each other with no support members being engaged to and between the longitudinal support members. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a soft barrier, of the lateral support members opposing each other with no support members being engaged to and between the lateral support members. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier in a retracted form may be stored in a relatively small space. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier in an extended form may traverse a relatively large space to close off such space. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier is forgiving. For example, a knee accidentally knocked against sheeting of the barrier may incur no shock. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier can be retracted and extended both laterally and longitudinally. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier can be quickly retracted and quickly extended. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier can be extended and retracted with a first broad adjustment and then can be extended and retracted with a second fine adjustment. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier can be first adjusted longitudinally to predefined locations, and then subsequently can be adjusted longitudinally and incrementally to an almost infinite number of locations between any two such predefined locations. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier minimizes hardware such as metal tubing so as to minimize cost. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present soft barrier maximizes the use of soft materials such as fabric material and thus minimizes cost. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective exploded view of the frame of the present soft gate. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective assembled view of the frame of the soft gate of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is an elevation assembled view of the frame of the soft gate of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is an elevation view of the present soft gate having the frame of  FIG.  1    and further having sheeting engaged to the frame in a taut state such that the frame and sheeting make up a barrier. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a view of the sheeting of  FIG.  4    in phantom and in a relaxed state, with a first unit engaged to the sheeting, where the first unit is a pair of junctions and a longitudinal support member of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a view of the sheeting of  FIG.  5 A  in phantom and in a relaxed state, with first, second, and third units engaged to the sheeting and to each other, where the second and third units are lateral support members of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5 C  is a view of the sheeting of  FIG.  5 A  in phantom and in a relaxed state, with first, second, third, and fourth units engaged to the sheeting and to each other, where the fourth unit is a pair of junctions and a longitudinal support member of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5 D  is a view of the sheeting of  FIG.  4    in a phantom state and in a taut state, where the lateral support members have been extended relative to  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B , and 
         FIG.  6    is a detail view of a portion of  FIG.  5 B , showing the sheeting in a relaxed state and the frame laterally retracted. 
         FIG.  7    is a detail view of a portion of  FIG.  5 D , showing the sheeting in a taut state and the frame laterally extended. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG.  1    having been extended longitudinally to a maximum extent and laterally to a fixed location. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG.  8 A  having been retracted longitudinally relative to  FIG.  8 A  to an intermediate state but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  8 C  is a perspective view of the frame of  FIG.  8 B  having been retracted fully longitudinally to a maximum extent but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  9 A  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  1    having been extended longitudinally to a maximum extent and laterally to a fixed location. 
         FIG.  9 B  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  9 A  having been retracted longitudinally relative to  FIG.  9 A  to an intermediate state but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  9 C  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  9 B  having been retracted fully longitudinally to a maximum extent but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  10 A  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  1    having been extended longitudinally to a maximum extent and laterally to a fixed location, and shows the sheeting in a taut state. 
         FIG.  10 B  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  10 A  having been retracted longitudinally relative to  FIG.  10 A  to an intermediate state but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  10 A  and keeping the sheeting in the taut state. 
         FIG.  10 C  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  10 B  having been retracted fully longitudinally to a maximum extent but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  10 A  and keeping the sheeting in the taut state. 
         FIG.  11 A  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  1    having been extended longitudinally to a maximum extent and laterally to a fixed location, and shows the sheeting in a relaxed state. 
         FIG.  11 B  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  11 A  having been retracted longitudinally relative to  FIG.  11 A  to an intermediate state but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  11 A  while the sheeting stays in the relaxed state. 
         FIG.  11 C  is an elevation view of the frame of  FIG.  11 B  having been retracted fully longitudinally to a maximum extent but maintaining the fixed location laterally of  FIG.  11 A  while the sheeting stays in the relaxed state. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a perspective isolated exploded disassembled view of the lateral support members of the one side of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  12 B  is a perspective isolated exploded assembled view of the lateral support members of  FIG.  12 A . 
         FIG.  12 C  is a perspective isolated view of the lateral support members of  FIG.  12 A  fully slid into each other until the upper support member engages the stop of the lower support member to show the maximum retracted state of the lateral support members of  FIG.  12 A , with such state being utilized to engage the sheeting to the frame. 
         FIG.  12 D  is a perspective view of the lateral support members of  FIG.  12 A  showing the lateral support members engaged or locked to each other, with such state utilized to draw and maintain the sheeting taut. 
         FIG.  13 A  is a perspective exploded view of the lateral support members of a side of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  13 B  is a perspective exploded view of the lateral support members of  FIG.  13 A , showing the upper and lower support members side by side and showing the position of the button lock when the upper lateral support member has been stopped by the stop of the lower lateral support member, where the button lock is spaced from its associated opening in the upper lateral support member, where the lateral support members are in their maximum retracted state, and where the sheeting has a relaxed state. 
         FIG.  13 C  is a perspective exploded view of the lateral support members of  FIG.  13 A , showing the upper and lower support members side by side and showing a position of the button lock when the lower end of the upper lateral support member is spaced from the stop of the lower lateral support member, where the button lock is spaced from its associated opening in the upper lateral support member, and where the sheeting has a relaxed state. 
         FIG.  13 D  is a perspective exploded view of the lateral support members of  FIG.  13 A  showing the upper and lower support members side by side and showing the position of the button lock when it is engaged in its associated opening in the upper lateral support member, where the lower end of the upper lateral support member is spaced from the annular stop of the lower lateral support member, and where the sheeting has a taut state. 
         FIG.  14 A  is a perspective assembled view of the lower lateral support member of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  14 B  is a perspective disassembled view of the lower lateral support member of  FIG.  14 A . 
         FIG.  14 C  is a perspective disassembled view of the lower lateral support member of  FIG.  14 A , rotated ninety degrees to show the opening for the button lock in the lower end of the lower lateral support member. 
         FIG.  14 D  is a perspective assembled view of the lower lateral support member of  FIG.  14 C . 
         FIG.  15 A  is a perspective disassembled view of the upper lateral support member of one of the sides of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  15 B  is a perspective disassembled view of the upper lateral support member of the  FIG.  15 A  to show the opening for the button lock at an upper end of the upper lateral support member. 
         FIG.  15 C  is a perspective assembled view of the upper lateral support member of  FIG.  15 D . 
         FIG.  16 A  is a perspective disassembled view of the lower left junction of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  16 B  is a perspective assembled view of the lower left junction of  FIG.  16 A . 
         FIG.  17 A  is a perspective partially disassembled view of the lower right junction of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  17 B  is a perspective assembled view of the lower right junction of  FIG.  17 A . 
         FIG.  18 A  is a perspective isolated disassembled view of the two apertured longitudinal support members of one of the longitudinal sides of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  18 B  is a perspective isolated assembled view of the two apertured longitudinal support members of  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIG.  18 C  is a perspective isolated assembled view of the two apertured longitudinal support members of  FIG.  18 B  about to be engaged with one another. 
         FIG.  18 D  is a perspective isolated assembled view of the two aperture longitudinal support members of  FIG.  18 C  engaged to each other. 
         FIG.  19 A  is a perspective isolated disassembled view of longitudinal and corner portions of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  19 B  is a perspective isolated assembled view of the longitudinal and corner portions of  FIG.  19 A . 
         FIG.  20 A  is an elevation disassembled view of the upper left corner junction, the upper lateral support member, and a longitudinal support member of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  20 B  is an elevation assembled view of a left corner junction, upper lateral support member, and longitudinal support member of  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIG.  20 C  is a section view of the upper left corner junction, upper lateral support member, and longitudinal support member of  FIG.  20 B . 
         FIG.  20 D  is a detail section view of the upper left corner junction, upper lateral support member, and longitudinal support member of  FIG.  20 B . 
         FIG.  21 A  is a perspective exploded disassembled view of one of the left junctions of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  21 B  is a perspective exploded disassembled view of the left junction of  FIG.  21 B  taken from a perspective different from  FIG.  21 A . 
         FIG.  22 A  is a perspective assembled view of one of the left junctions of the frame of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  22 B  is a perspective assembled view of the left junction of  FIG.  22 A  taken from a perspective different from  FIG.  22 A . 
         FIG.  22 C  is a perspective assembled view of the left junction of  FIG.  22 A  taken from a perspective different from  FIGS.  22 A and  22 B . 
         FIG.  23 A  is a perspective isolated view of the lower right junction, a longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  23 B  is a perspective partially assembled view of the lower right junction, longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  23 A . 
         FIG.  23 C  is a perspective assembled view of the lower right junction, longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  23 A  showing the incremental adjustment mechanism disengaged. 
         FIG.  23 D  is a perspective assembled view of the lower right junction, longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  23 A  showing the incremental adjustment mechanism engaged. 
         FIG.  24 A  is a perspective isolated view of the lower right junction, a longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  1    taken from a perspective different from  FIG.  23 A . 
         FIG.  24 B  is a perspective partially assembled view of the lower right junction, longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  23 B , taken from a perspective different from  FIG.  23 B . 
         FIG.  24 C  is a perspective assembled view of the lower right junction, longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  23 C  showing the incremental adjustment mechanism disengaged, taken from a perspective different from  FIG.  23 C . 
         FIG.  24 D  is a perspective assembled view of the lower right junction, longitudinal support member, and incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  23 A  showing the incremental adjustment mechanism engaged, taken from a perspective different from  FIG.  23 D . 
         FIG.  25 A  is a top isolated view of the right corner junction, a longitudinal support member, and the incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  1   , showing the hand wheel of the incremental adjustment mechanism spaced from and not yet exerting pressure on the right corner junction. 
         FIG.  25 B  is a section view of  FIG.  25 A . 
         FIG.  25 C  is a top isolated view of the right corner junction, a longitudinal support member, and the incremental adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  1   , showing the hand wheel of the incremental adjustment mechanism exerting pressure on the right corner junction. 
         FIG.  25 D  is a section view of  FIG.  25 C . 
         FIG.  26 A  is a view of a portion of  FIG.  25 A . 
         FIG.  26 B  is a view of a portion of  FIG.  25 B . 
         FIG.  26 C  is a view of a portion of  FIG.  25 C . 
         FIG.  26 D  is a view of a portion of  FIG.  25 D . 
         FIG.  27 A  is a detail view of  FIG.  26 B . 
         FIG.  27 B  is a detail view of  FIG.  26 D . 
         FIG.  28    is a side elevation view of a slightly different embodiment of the soft gate of  FIG.  4   , where the soft gate of  FIG.  28    is shown with the longitudinal support members drawn in toward each other by the lateral support members such that the flexible fabric of the soft gate is relaxed. 
         FIG.  29    is a side elevation view of the soft gate of  FIG.  28    where the longitudinal support members are drawn apart from each other by the lateral support members such that the flexible fabric of the soft gate is drawn taut. 
         FIG.  30    is an isolated view of the four corner junctions of the soft gate of  FIGS.  28  and  29   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the present soft barrier is indicated by the reference number  10 . Soft barrier  10  includes a frame  12  having a first longitudinal support member  14 , a second longitudinal support member  16 , a first lateral support member  18 , and a second lateral support member  20 . The frame  12  further includes a first junction  22  engaged between the first longitudinal support member  14  and the first lateral support member  18 , a second junction  24  engaged between the first lateral support member  18  and the second longitudinal support member  16 , a third junction  26  engaged between the second longitudinal support member  16  and the second lateral support member  20 , and a fourth junction  28  engaged between the second lateral support member  20  and the first longitudinal support member  14 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the soft barrier  10  further includes sheeting  30  engaged to and between the first and second longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  and to and between the first and second lateral support members  18 ,  20 . 
     Each of the first and second longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  includes first, second, and third telescoping support member portions  32 ,  34 ,  36 , which may be referred to as a first longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190 . Each of the first, second, and third support member portions  32 ,  34 ,  36  is cylindrical and tubular. The lengths of the first, second, and third support member portions  32 ,  34 ,  36  are about the same. Third support member portion  36  slides into second support member portion  34  that slides into first support member portion  32 . As shown in  FIG.  18 A , first support member portion  32  includes a button lock  38  that includes a pair of jaws  40  with a button  42 . Jaws  40  are resilient such that a pushing down upon button  42  compresses the jaws  40  until the face of the button  42  is about even with or below the level of the outer surface of the first support member portion  32 . Then, when such pressure is released, the jaws  40  decompress and push the button  42  beyond the surface of the outer surface of the first support member portion  32 . Button  42  extends through an opening  43  in one end of the first support member portion  32 . First support member portion  32  further includes a plurality of spaced apart button openings  44  that extend from being adjacent to one end of the first support member portion  32  to adjacent the button  42 . The button openings  44  are spaced equidistance from each other. First support member portion  32  further includes an annular stop  46  at one end. Annular stop  46  is preferably formed of an elastomeric or rubber or rubber like material. Annular stop  46  is cylindrical and is engaged with a friction fit on its respective end of the first support member portion  32 . Annular stop  46  may have a portion extending slightly beyond the end of the first support member portion  32 , which extending portion may include an inner diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube of the first support member portion  32 , and which extending portion may act as a spacer to slightly space the outside tubular surface of second support member portion  34  from the inside tubular surface of first support member portion  32  when second support member portion  34  slides into first support member portion  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  18 A , second support member portion  34  includes the button lock  38  that includes the pair of jaws  40  with the button  42 . Button  42  of second support member portion  34  extends through an opening  48  in one end of the second support member portion  34  and can engage any one of the openings  44  in first support member portion  32  when second support member portion  34  slides into first support member portion  32 . Second support member portion  34  further includes a plurality of spaced apart button openings  50  that extend from being adjacent to one end of the second support member portion  34  to about three-fifths of the way to the distal end of second support member portion  34  such that the openings  50 , like openings  44  on first support member portion  32 , extend more than half of the length and less than the full length of second support member portion  34 . The button openings  50  are spaced equidistance from each other. Second support member portion  34  further includes the annular stop  46  at the proximal end. The extending portion may act as a spacer to slightly space the outside tubular surface of third support member portion  36  from the inside tubular surface of second support member portion  34  when third support member portion  36  slides into second support member portion  34 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  24 A and  25 B , third support member portion  36  includes the button lock  38  that includes the pair of jaws  40  with the button  42 . Button  42  of third support member portion  36  extends through an opening  52  in the distal end of the third support member portion  36  and can engage any one of the openings  50  in second support member portion  34  when third support member portion  36  slides into second support member portion  34 . Third support member portion  36  includes no set of openings like openings  44  and  50  in first and second support member portions  32 ,  34 . However, as shown in  FIG.  24 A , third support member portion  36  includes a pair of diametrically opposite openings  54  for a pin connector  56  and a pair of diametrically opposite slots  58 . Slots  58  are disposed adjacent to a proximal end portion of third support member  36 . 
     Third support member portion  36  mounts a second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62  having an externally threaded piece  64  and an internally threaded piece or hand wheel  66 . Externally threaded piece  64  is tubular and slides over the proximal end portion of third support member portion  36 . Externally threaded piece  64  includes diametrically opposed openings  68  that align with diametrically opposed openings  54  such that openings  54 ,  68  receive pin connector  56  or rivet  56  so as to rigidly fix the externally threaded piece  64  to the third support member portion  36  so that, when the third support member portion  36  slides, the externally threaded piece  64  slides at the same time and over the same distance. Third support member portion  34  and externally threaded piece  64  work as one-piece. A boss is formed around openings  68  to receive rivet heads  70 . Externally threaded piece  64  includes diametrically opposed slots  72  that align with diametrically opposed slots  58  of the third support member portion  36  such that slots  58 ,  72  receive pin connector or rivet  60 . Pin connector  60  further engages diametrically opposed openings  74  formed in a cylindrical receiver portion  75  of junctions  26 ,  28 . Cylindrical receiver portion  75  includes annular depressions about openings  74  to receive rivet heads  76  of rivet  60 . Third support member portion  34  and externally threaded piece  64 , as one piece, is slideable to and from junctions  26 ,  28  in the longitudinal direction but is not removable from junctions  26 ,  28  without removing pin connector  60  or destroying the integrity of pin connector  60 . The distance of such sliding is governed by the ends of slots  58 ,  72 , which ends hit the shaft of the pin connector  60  to stop such axial or longitudinal sliding. Externally threaded piece  64  includes external annular or helical threads  78  disposed between openings  68  and slots  72 . External annular threads  78  engage internal annular or helical threads  80 , shown in  FIG.  27 B , of internally threaded piece  66  or hand wheel  66 . Hand wheel  66  includes a base cylinder  82  that mounts horizontal ridge portion  84  or roughened grip portion  84 . Grip portion  84  includes horizontal ridges and valleys running longitudinally to provide a grip for the user when the user is rotating the hand wheel  66 . Hand wheel  66  includes a distal end annular inwardly turned seal  86  having an opening with a diameter about equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of the third support member portion  36 . On its distal end, the hand wheel  66  includes the seal  86 . Opposite of the seal  86  and on its proximal end, the hand wheel  66  includes an annular pusher  88  that pushes upon its respective junction  26 ,  28  to push the respective junction  26 ,  28  away the respective proximal ends  90 ,  92  of the third support member portion  36  and the externally threaded piece  64  such that, when the junctions  26 ,  28  are so pushed, lateral support members  18 ,  20  are pushed apart from each other. Annular pusher  88  defines a hand wheel proximal open end of the hand wheel  66 . Proximal ends  90 ,  92  of the third support member portion  36  and the externally threaded piece  64  terminate at about the same axial location. When hand wheel  66  is rotated, the annular pusher  88  or pusher end  88  is drawn relatively to and away from the proximal ends  90 ,  92 . A rotation of the hand wheel  66  such that the hand wheel  66  travels outwardly toward its respective junction  26 ,  28  is terminated when seal  86  abuts the distal end of external threads  78 . A rotation of the hand wheel  66  such that the hand wheel  66  travels inwardly toward the opposite junctions  22 ,  24  has no stop such that the hand wheel  66  may rotate off of external threads  78  such that the hand wheel  66  may slide the length of the third support member portion  36  until abutting stop  46  on the second support member portion  34 . When the length of the longitudinal member  14  is minimized, stop  46  of the first support member portion abuts the stop  46  of the second support member portion  34 , which abuts the seal  86  or distal end  86  of the hand wheel  66 . Seal  86  or distal end  86  of hand wheel  66  can be referred to as a stop for stopping stop  46  of the second support member portion  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , each of the lateral support members  18 ,  20  includes a first support member portion  94  and a second support member portion  96 . Portions  94 ,  96  are tubular. As shown in  FIG.  14 B , first support member portion  94  includes a large diameter section  98  and a smaller or male diameter section  100 . Sections  98  and  100  are tubular and cylindrical. A tapered transition or stop  102  is formed at the junction of the large diameter section  98  and male diameter section  100 . Large diameter section  98  includes an end portion  104  having an opening  106 . A button lock  38  resides in the end portion  104  with the button  42  extending into, through, and beyond the opening  106 . Male section  100  includes an end portion  108  having an opening  110 . A button lock  38  resides in the end portion  108  with the button  42  extending into, through, and beyond the opening  110 . 
     Second support member  96  is shown in  FIGS.  15 A,  15 B , and  15 C. Second support member  96  is tubular and cylindrical. Second support member  96  includes a first end portion  112  and a second end portion  114 . First end portion  112  includes an opening  116  for the button  42  of the button lock  38  of the male section  100  of first support member  94 . First end portion  112  is a female end portion  112 . Second end portion  114  includes a button lock  38  and an opening  118 . Button  42  of button lock  38  of the second end portion  114  extends into, through, and beyond opening  118 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12 D and  13 D , support member portions  94 ,  96  are fixed relative to each other when the button lock  42  of the male section  100  engages the opening  116  of female end portion  112 . At this position, support member portions  94 ,  96  define a fixed length of the lateral support members  18 ,  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12 C and  13 B , support members portions  94 ,  96  have been fully retracted relative to each other to where the female end portion  112  abuts the stop  102  of the first support member portion  94  so as to minimize the length of lateral support members  18 ,  20  and so as to minimize the distance between the longitudinal support members  14 ,  16 . In this position, the button  42  of the button lock  38  does not extend through an opening. Instead, the button  42  is pressing against the inside surface of the female end portion  112  of support member  96 . In this position, the sheeting  30  is in a relaxed state where components or units of the frame  12  can be inserted into and removed from the sleeves of the sheeting  30 . In other words, to remove sheeting  30  from the frame  12 , lateral support member portions  94 ,  96  are pushed into each other instead of being taken apart or separated from each other. 
       FIG.  13 C  shows an intermediate position for the first and second support member portions  94 ,  96 . Here, button  42  of the button lock  38  of the male section  100  does not extend through any opening and is pressing against the inside surface of female section  112 . Here, female end section  112  is spaced from stop  102 . 
       FIGS.  12 A,  12 B, and  13 A  are included to, for example, show the entire length of the support member portions  94  and  96  and to show that button locks  38  are included in the support member portions  94 ,  96 . 
     The outside diameter of second support member portion  96  is equal to the outside diameter of the large section  98  of first support member portion  94 . The inside diameter of the second support member portion  96  is slightly greater than or about equal to the inside diameter of male section  100  of first support member portion  94 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , sheeting  30  includes a first longitudinal sleeve  120  for engaging first longitudinal support member  14 , a second longitudinal sleeve  122  for engaging second longitudinal support member  16 , a first lateral sleeve  124  for engaging first lateral support member  18 , and a second lateral sleeve  126  for engaging second lateral support member  20 . Sleeves  120  are formed of a flexible material. Sleeve  120  includes open ends  128 ,  130 . Sleeve  122  includes open ends  132 ,  134 . Sleeve  124  includes open ends  136 ,  138 . Sleeve  126  includes open ends  140 ,  142 . Each of the sleeves  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  forms a loop and includes two sides that are engaged, such as by stitching, to a central sheeting portion  144 . Central sheeting portion  144  includes a longitudinal intermediate sheeting portion  146 , a lateral intermediate sheeting portion  147 , and a mesh portion  148 . Each of the intermediate sheeting portion  148  and mesh portion  150  is formed of a flexible material. To provide tautness or tightness to the sheeting  30  when the lateral support members  18  and  20  are in the fixed position, the sheeting  30  as a whole may be formed of a resilient or non-resilient flexible material, with the tautness or tightness being provided by selecting the lateral length of sheeting  30  to be about the lateral distance as the distance between first and second longitudinal support members  14 ,  16 . And/or such tautness and tightness may be provided by selecting a resilient material for one or more of lateral intermediate sheeting portion  147 , mesh portion  148 , longitudinal sleeve portions  120 ,  122 , and longitudinal intermediate portion  146 . Mesh portion  148  may be see-through so that a user can see through the mesh portion  148 . 
     Sheeting portions  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  146 ,  147 , and  148  where adjacent to each other may be engaged to such other adjacent portion by, for example, being stitched to such other adjacent portion. By bypassing junctions  26 ,  28 , sheeting  30  provides access to hand wheels  66 . By bypassing junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 , sheeting  30  provides access to the quick connect button locks  38 , two of which engage junction  22 , two of which engage junction  24 , one of which engages junction  26 , and one of which engages junction  28 . 
     Junction  22  is identical to junction  24 . 
     Junction  26  is identical to junction  28 . 
     Junctions  22 ,  24  are identical to junctions  26 ,  28  except that junctions  26 ,  28  have opposing diametrical openings  74  for pin connector  60  in cylindrical receiver portion  75  while junctions  22 ,  24  have a single opening  150  in their respective longitudinally extending cylindrical receiving portions  152  for button  42  of button lock  38  of first support member portion  32  of longitudinal support members  14 ,  16 . 
     Each of junctions  22 ,  24  have the longitudinal extending cylindrical receiving portion  152  that receives and engages the first support member portions  32  and a laterally extending cylindrical receiving portion  154  that receives and engages one of the first and second lateral support member portions  96 ,  94 . Cylindrical receiving portions  152 ,  154  are disposed at right angles to each other such that adjacent lateral and longitudinal support members  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  extend at right angles to each other, such that opposing lateral support members  18 ,  20  extend parallel to each other, and such that opposing longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  extend parallel to each other. 
     Each of junctions  26 ,  28  have the longitudinal extending cylindrical receiving portion  75  that receives and engages the third support member portion  36  and externally threaded piece  64  and a laterally extending cylindrical receiving portion  154  that receives and engages one of the first and second lateral support member portions  96 ,  94 . Cylindrical receiving portions  75 ,  154  are disposed at right angles to each other such that adjacent lateral and longitudinal support members  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  extend at right angles to each other, such that opposing lateral support members  18 ,  20  extend parallel to each other, and such that opposing longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  extend parallel to each other. 
     Laterally extending cylindrical receiving portion  154  of each of the junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  includes an opening  156  for the button  42  of the button lock  38  of one of the first and second support members  94 ,  96  of the lateral support members  18 ,  20 . 
     Each of the junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  includes an integral spoked mount  158  having seven radially extending spokes  160  extending from an integral apertured central portion  162 . In junctions  22 ,  24 , spoked mount  158  is opposite of the longitudinal receiving section  152 . In junctions  26 ,  28 , spoked mount  158  is opposite of longitudinal receiving section  75 . Spoked mount  158  receives a disk shaped bumper  164  having an outer roughened surface  166 . On its inner surface, bumper  164  includes a snap connector  168  that snaps into the aperture central portion  162 . Disposed between the spoked mount  158  and the bumper  164  is an apertured disk  170  having a central opening  172 . Snap connector  168  extends through central opening  172  of apertured disk  170 . Bumper  164  engages a vertical surface such as a door jamb. 
     Each of the junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  is sufficiently small to pass through each of the sleeves  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 . 
     Each of the junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  is quickly engagable to and quickly disengagable from its respective lateral support members  18 ,  20  by the respective button locks  38  of the lateral support members  18 ,  20 . 
     Each of the junctions  22 ,  24  is quickly engagable to and quickly disengagable from its respective longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  by the respective button locks  38  of the first support members  32 . 
     Each of the junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  has a foot  174 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . Foot  174  is operational for bottom most junctions  22 ,  28  and may, if desired, engage a floor, such as a floor between two door jambs. Each of the junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  include a cylindrical main body  176 . Receivers  75 ,  152 , and  154  extend from this main body  176 . Foot  174  has a lowermost portion  178  that depends to a point lower than any other portion on the frame  12  or sheeting  30  when first longitudinal member  14  is parallel and adjacent to a floor. Foot  174  is a protrusion from the main body  176 . Foot  174  on junctions  22 ,  28  has an endless sidewall  180  that tapers inwardly and downwardly. 
     In operation, with reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , frame  12  is assembled by, for example, employing the following steps: 
     1) to assemble each of longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  where third support arms  36  and their respective junctions  26 ,  28 , and second adjustment mechanism  62  is pre-assembled: a) slide the free end of third support member portion  36  into second support member portion  34 ; b) then slide the free end of second support member portion  34  into first support member portion  32 , and c) then snap the free end of the first support members  32  into their respective receivers  152  of respective junctions  22 ,  24  using button lock  38  of the free end of first support member  32  so as to form junction-longitudinal support member-second adjustment mechanism-junction units  182 ,  184 , where such units are identical; 
     2) to assemble each of the lateral support members  18 ,  20 : slide the male sections  100  of respective first lateral support members  94  into respective second lateral support members  96  until the button locks  38  engage respective openings  116  of respective second lateral support members  96  so as to form units  184 ,  186 , which are identical to each other and which are lateral support members  18 ,  20 ; 
     3) to assemble units  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188 : a) slide the free end of first lateral support members  94  having button locks  38  into receivers  154  of respective junctions  22 ,  28  until the button locks  38  engage the respective junctions  22 ,  28 ; b) slide the free end of second lateral support members  96  having button locks  38  into receivers  154  of respective junctions  24 ,  26  until the button locks  38  engage the respective junctions  24 ,  26  so as to form the assembled frame  12  shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     There may be a number of embodiments for sheeting. Thus, frame  12  may be assembled first, after which sheeting may be engaged on the frame  12  where such sheeting includes snaps, Velcro® straps, zippers, and other closure apparatus for opening and closing portions of the sheeting relative to other portions of the sheeting. Sheeting  30  includes no such closure apparatus. 
     In operation, sheeting  30  is engaged with frame  12  as shown in  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D : 
     1) unit  184  (junction  24 -longitudinal support member  16 -second adjustment mechanism  62 -junction  26 ) is slid into sleeve  122 ; 
     2) unit  186  (lateral support member  18 ) is slid into sleeve  124  and the free end of second lateral support member portion  96  having button lock  38  is engaged with junction  24 , with unit  186  fully retracted such that stop  102  is engaged by the second lateral support member portion  96 ; 
     3) unit  188  (lateral support member  20 ) is slid into sleeve  126  and the free end of second lateral support member portion  96  having button lock  38  is engaged with junction  26 , with unit  188  fully retracted such that stop  102  is engaged by the second lateral support member portion  96 ; 
     4) unit  182  (junction  22 -longitudinal support member-second adjustment mechanism  62 -junction  28 ) is slid into sleeve  120 ; 
     5) the free end of first lateral support member portion  94  of unit  186  (lateral support member  18 ) having button lock  38  is engaged with junction  22 ; 
     6) the free end of first lateral support member portion  94  of unit  188  (lateral support member  20 ) having button lock  38  is engaged with junction  28 ; and 
     7) each of units  186 ,  188  (lateral support members  18 ,  20 ) are extended so as to engage the button locks  38  of the male sections  100  of first lateral support member portions  94  with openings  116  of second lateral support member portions  96 , which extensions draw sheeting  30  from a relaxed form to a taut or tightened form. 
     In operation, to engage the soft sheeted barrier  10  to and between two vertical surfaces, such as between door jambs, one or more of the second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62  and the first longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190  may be operated. First longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190  is one or more of first longitudinal support member portion  32  and its openings  44 , second longitudinal support member portion  34 , the openings  50  of second longitudinal support member portion  34 , button lock  38  of second longitudinal support member portion  34  that engages openings  44 , and third longitudinal support member portion  36  and its button lock  38  that engages openings  50 . For example, the following method may be employed: 
     1) the frame  12  may be retracted longitudinally first by the first longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  190 ; 
     2) then the soft sheeted longitudinally retracted barrier  10  is placed between two door jambs; 
     3) then the soft sheeted longitudinally retracted barrier  10  is extended by employing the first longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  190  until the bumpers  164  of all four junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  are adjacent to and as close as possible to the door jambs; 
     4) then the second adjustment mechanisms  62  are operated by rotating the hand wheel  66  until the annular pushing end  88  or hand wheel pusher  88  makes contact with the annular receiving portion  192  of junctions  26 ,  28 , whereupon rotation of the hand wheel  66  may continue so as to push junctions  26 ,  28  and their respective bumpers  164  relatively axially away from junctions  22 ,  24  and their respective bumpers  164 , whereupon frame  12  is extended longitudinally while maintaining the ends of third support member portion  36  and externally threaded piece  64  in receiver  75  by virtue of slots  58 ,  72  traveling and sliding relative to pin  60  engaged in such slots  58 ,  72 , and whereupon at some point bumpers  164  engage their respective door jambs and relatively push back against the frame  12  so as to fix soft sheeted barrier  10  with tension off the floor between the door jambs. 
     In operation, when the soft sheeted barrier  10  is fixed to and between the two vertical surfaces, such as the two door jambs, the soft sheeted barrier  10  may prevent children and pets from gaining access to the other side of the soft sheeted barrier  10 . Since the mesh  148  is see-through, the caretaker can see the child, children, pet or pets on the other side of the soft sheeted barrier  10 . 
     In operation, to take down the soft sheeted barrier  10 , the hand wheel  66  is operated in the reverse direction as set-up so as to slowly decrease tension in the frame  12  such that frame  12  may remain upright between the door jambs without crashing immediately to the floor, whereupon at some point the soft sheeted barrier  10  may be lifted away from between the door jambs. 
     In operation, the soft barrier  10  may be stored with or without sheeting  30 . Where the sheeting includes snaps, Velcro® straps, zippers, and other closure apparatus for opening and closing portions of the sheeting relative to other portions of the sheeting,  FIGS.  8 A,  8 B,  8 C,  9 A,  9 B , and  9 C shows operation of the first adjustment mechanism  190  so as to longitudinally retract the frame  12  employing the first, second, and third longitudinal support member portions  32 ,  34 ,  36  and the button locks  38  engaging openings  44 ,  50 . Where sheeting  30  having no such closure apparatus is employed, frame  12  may be longitudinally retracted where the lateral support members  18  and  20  have been fully retracted and the sheeting  30  is relaxed, as shown in  FIGS.  11 A,  11 B, and  11 C , or where the lateral support members  18 ,  20  are in the fixed position where the button lock  38  of male section  100  of first lateral support member portion  94  engages opening  116  of second lateral support member portion  96  and the sheeting  30  is in the taut or tightened state. 
     In operation, to store the soft barrier  10  in even a smaller state than shown in  FIGS.  10 C and  11 C , one or more of the following steps may be employed: 
     1) units  186  and  188  are placed in their fully retracted state to place the sheeting  30  in the relaxed state; 
     2) units  182 ,  184 ,  186 , and  188  are disengaged from each other; 
     3) units  182 ,  184 ,  186 ,  188  are taken out of the sheeting  30 ; 
     4) sheeting  30  is rolled up; 
     5) junctions  22  and  24  may be snapped off their respective first longitudinal support member portions  32 ; 
     6) first longitudinal support member portion  32  is fully slid into second longitudinal support member portion  34 ; 
     7) second longitudinal support member portion  34  is fully slid into third longitudinal support member portion  36 ; and 
     8) each of lateral support members  18 ,  20  are broken down into the first and second lateral support member portions  94 ,  96  by disengaging the button lock  38  of male section  100 . 
     Then sheeting  30  and units  182 ,  184 ,  186 , and  188  and/or their component parts may be placed in an elongate bag for storage or travel purposes. 
     Openings  44 ,  50  define predefined locations. The distance between adjacent openings  44  or the distance between adjacent openings  50  may be about equal to the length of one or more of slots  58 ,  72 . The length of one or more of slots  58 ,  72  may be greater than the distance between two adjacent openings  40  or two adjacent openings  50 . The length of one or more slots  58 ,  72  may be about 5% to about 10% greater than the distance between two adjacent openings  40  or openings  50 , or the length of one or more slots  58 ,  72  may be about 5% to about 25% greater than the distance between two adjacent openings  40  or openings  50 , or the length of one or more slots  58 ,  72  may be about 5% to about 50% greater than the distance between two adjacent openings  40  or openings  50 , or the length of one or more slots  58 ,  72  may be about 5% to about 100% greater than the distance between two adjacent openings  40  or openings  50 , or the length of one or more slots  58 ,  72  may be about 5% to about 200% greater than the distance between two adjacent openings  40  or openings  50 . 
     Soft barrier  10  includes no gate or no door. However, if desired, a U-shaped or C-shaped openable flap may be formed in sheeting  30  and openable and sealed shut with a zipper or macroscopic hooks and loops such as Velcro®, where the size of such flap or flap opening is about the size of a cat or small dog. The flap may be adjacent to the lower longitudinal support member  14  and/or adjacent to one of junctions  22 ,  28 . The flap may be adjacent to the lower longitudinal support member  14  and/or intermediate the junctions  22 ,  28  such as disposed centrally between the junctions  22 ,  28 . The U-shape may be an inverted U-shape. The flap may be a right side up U-shape. The flap may take a rectangular form having adjacent sides of the same or different lengths, with the closure apparatus disposed on three of the sides and not disposed on the bottom most side. The flap may take a rectangular form having adjacent sides of the same or different lengths, with the quick connect mechanical or fabric closure apparatus disposed on three of the sides and not disposed on the right side or left side or top side or bottom side. Three of such sides of such rectangular form, by definition, describe a U-shape or a C-shape. 
     Soft barrier  10  defines a plane. Sheeting  30  in the taut state defines a plane. Frame  12  defines a plane. The two longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  define a plane. The two lateral support members  18 ,  20  define a plane. 
     The longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  are free of any direct connection to any lateral support members. The lateral support members  18 ,  20  are free from any direct connection to any longitudinal support members. 
       FIG.  28    is a side elevation view of a slightly different embodiment of the soft gate  10  of  FIG.  4   , where the soft gate  10  of  FIG.  28    is shown with the longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  drawn in toward each other by the lateral support members  18 ,  20  such that the flexible fabric  30 A of the soft gate  10  is relaxed. In  FIG.  28   , the length of the lateral support members  18 ,  20  is minimized such that members  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and  28  can be engaged easily. In  FIG.  28   , sheeting  30 A is identical to sheeting  30  except that sheeting  30 A has rounded junction openings adjacent to junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and  28  and except that sheeting  30 A has sleeves  120 A,  122 A,  124 A, and  126 A that extend directly to mesh portion  148 A such that longitudinal intermediate sheeting portion  146  and lateral intermediate sheeting portion  147  are eliminated. 
       FIG.  29    is a side elevation view of the soft gate  10  of  FIG.  28    where the longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  are drawn apart from each other by the lateral support members  18 ,  20  such that the flexible fabric  148 A of the soft gate  10  is drawn taut.  FIG.  29    further shows a pet door  194  having an inverted U-shape such that zipper teeth  196  have an inverted U-shape and such that a flap  202  has an inverted U-shaped. Zipper finger handle  203  pulls the zipper opener and closer along the zipper teeth  196  from location  198  to location  200  such that flap  202  can lay open by gravity on either of the faces of the soft barrier  10 . Zipper finger handle  203  is disposed on each of the sides or faces of the soft barrier  10  such that two zipper finger handles  203  are provided such that a caretaker need not climb over the barrier  10  or reach over the barrier  10  to open or close the pet door  194  and such that a zipper finger handle  203  is provided on the side that the caretaker is on at the present time. The bottom of flap  202  is engaged, such as by stitching, to longitudinal sleeve  120 A. Flap  202  is formed of mesh. If desired, flap  202  may be formed of a non-mesh material such as nylon or another fabric or another flexible material.  FIG.  29    shows that the rounded junction openings adjacent to junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and  28  that are mentioned with respect to  FIG.  28    above are formed by rounded edges  204 ,  206 ,  208 , and  210  of sheeting  30 A. 
       FIG.  30    is an isolated view of the four corner junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  where the lower junctions  22 ,  28  include feet  212 ,  214  instead of feet  174 . Feet  212 ,  214  are integral and one-piece with its respective junction  22 ,  28 . Each of the feet  212 ,  214  is tubular so as to have a cylindrical depression or cylindrical open distal end. A rubber or rubber like insert may be placed into such distal end or a rubber or rubber like cap may be engaged over the distal end of feet  212 ,  214  so as to protect against scratching on a floor surface. Molding or trim or molding or trim strips may be engaged at the junction of a floor and a wall and extend up the wall. Feet  212 ,  214  provide height to the lower junctions  22 ,  28  such that lower junctions  22 ,  28  engage the wall above such molding, trim, molding strip, or trim strip and such that soft barrier  10  may have six points of engagement to a passageway, where two of the points of engagement are relative to the floor and provided by feet  212 ,  214  and where four points of engagement are relative to the opposing walls and provided by disk shaped bumpers  164  on the outer ends of each of junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 . 
     To minimize the length of the combination of support member portions  32 ,  34 , and  36 , as shown in  FIGS.  9 C and  10 C , it is preferred that the first step is to engage support member portions  32  and  34  such that button  42  on support member portion  34  engages the button opening  44  on support member  32  that is the closest to junction  22 . The second step is to engage support member portion  36  with support member portion  34  such that button  42  on support member portion  36  engages the button opening  44  on support member portion  34  that is closest to junction  22 , which button  42  on support member portion  36  preferably also engages a button opening  44  on the support member portion  32  since, after support member portion  34  is slid into support member portion  32 , buttons of the portions  32 ,  34  align with each other, i.e., share common vertical axis. It should be noted that, alternatively, where support member portions  34 , and  36  are first engaged and then such combination is engaged with support member portion  32 , one presses two buttons at generally the same time to engage the support member combination  34 ,  36  with support member portion  32 , where such two buttons are made up of one button on support member portion  36  and another button on support member portion  34 . 
     Soft barrier  10  includes a lower first longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190  and an upper first longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190 . Such upper and lower first longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190  are structurally and functionally independent of each other. 
     Soft barrier  10  includes a lower second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62  and an upper second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62 . Such upper and lower second longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  62  are structurally and functionally independent of each other. In other words, when setting up the soft barrier  10 , it often happens that walls are not perfectly flat or disposed in a plane or that opposing walls are not perfectly parallel to each other. With the upper and lower second adjustment mechanisms  62  being independent of each other, each of the mechanisms  62  may be operated independently such that disk shaped bumper  164  of junction  26  may not be disposed in a plane with, but rather offset from, disk shaped bumper  164  of junction  28  when both bumpers  164  are in their final resting places upon a wall. Likewise, each of the mechanisms  62  may be operated independently such that disk shaped bumper  164  of junction  24  may not be disposed in a plane with, but rather offset from, disk shaped bumper  164  of junction  22  when such bumpers  164  are in their final resting places upon a wall. Each of lower and upper second longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  62  includes a hand wheel  66  that may be referred to as a handle such that mechanisms  62  may be referred to as handles  62  or handle adjustments  62 . 
     Prior to engaging the longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  and lateral support members  18 ,  20  with the sheeting  30  or  30 A, longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  may be isolated and set up alone, without sheeting  30  or  30 A in a passageway utilizing first longitudinal adjustment mechanism  190  so as to set each of the longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  to a length that is substantially equal to the length or width across the passageway at the different heights of the longitudinal support members  14 ,  16 . In this isolated preliminary measuring step, the second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62  is unengaged such that junctions  26 ,  28  can slide back and forth relative to the remaining portion of the second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62 , with the final adjustment of the first longitudinal adjustment mechanism being taken when the junctions  26 ,  28  have been fully slid inwardly. Otherwise, if the final adjustment of the first longitudinal adjustment mechanism is being taken when the junctions  26 ,  28  are fully slid out, then the hand wheel  66  would not push the junctions  26 ,  28  further outwardly such that no further tightening would take place. After such final adjustment, then longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  and lateral support members  18 ,  20  are engaged with sheeting  30  or  30 A. Then, after members  14 ,  16 ,  18 , and  20  are engaged with junctions  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and  28 , and after the lateral support members  18 ,  20  are expanded to draw taut the sheeting  30  or  30 A, soft barrier  10  may be lifted into the passageway at the location first measured or ascertained by the isolated longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  such that, at this point in the set up process, it is no longer necessary to operate the upper and lower first longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  190 . Instead, only the second longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  62  are operated so as to fine tune the fitting and draw the fitting tight by rotation of the hand wheels  66  of the second longitudinal adjustment mechanism  62  so as to increase the effective length of longitudinal support members  14 ,  16  by pushing the junctions  26 ,  28  outwardly relative to the remaining portion of second adjustment mechanism  62  so as to pinch soft barrier  10  between opposing walls of the passageway. If rotation of hand wheels  66  does not fix the soft barrier  10  tightly in the passageway, one or more of the first longitudinal adjustment mechanisms  190  may be operated by depressing one or more buttons  42  and drawing one or more support member portions  32 ,  34 ,  36  apart. Such buttons  42  may be depressed by pushing on the flexible sheeting  30  or  30 A that is disposed over such button or buttons  42 . 
     Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.