Patent Abstract:
A gate comprises a spring-loaded hinge arrangement defining a rotational axis. A gate structure having a first support arm connected to a first end of the hinge arrangement is also provided. The gate structure is rotatable about the rotational axis. A spring-loaded hinge arrangement includes an outer hinge tube fixedly connectable to an adjacent structure and an inner hinge tube received in the outer hinge tube. The inner hinge tube has a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to each other, the second portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the outer hinge tube and the first portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the support arm.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 14/714,977, filed May 18, 2015; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/768,179, filed Feb. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,666; which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/599,276, filed on Feb. 15, 2012. All of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention relates to fall restraint equipment, and, more particularly, to a swing gate for fall restraint equipment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fall restraint equipment may include platforms, ramps, bridges, steps, guardrails, gangways, cages, gates, and other support structures. Gangways, for instance, may be used to provide access to an area, such as the top of a storage container. For example, a semi-trailer truck or a railroad carriage transporting dry goods may need to be unloaded from the container&#39;s top. A gangway is used to provide workers a path to unload the material. Additionally, an articulating cage may be lowered from the gangway or, alternatively, from a support structure in order to encase the area from which the material is to be unloaded. Platform systems typically provide access from one location of an area to another. The access points along the platform system or along other portions of fall restraint equipment may provide access to desired locations, such as the top of a railroad carriage, but typically leave a gap in the system or equipment when not in use. Gates may be used to cover the gaps but generally are manufactured to fit the specific dimensions of the gap. Once manufactured, the gate typically cannot be used to cover a gap exhibiting different dimensions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention address the foregoing deficiencies. In some embodiments, aspects of the present invention relate to an adjustable gate which has a pair of supporting arms with interior cavities. An adjustable arm has ends which may be inserted into the pair of supporting arms. At least one of the adjustable arm ends has a system to adjust the length of the gate. For example, the adjustable system may be a rubber compression member that, when adjusted, locks the adjustable arm into place relative to the pair of supporting arms. This allows the gate to be infinitely adjustable. 
     In another example, apertures may be disposed in the pair of supporting arms and an aperture in the adjustable arm ends align with a desired aperture in the supporting arms so that a pin may be inserted therein to lock the adjustable arm into place relative to the supporting arm. 
     According to one embodiment, a gate may include a first supporting arm and an adjustable arm. The first supporting arm may include an interior surface and an interior cavity. The adjustable arm may include an insertable end, an adjustable compression member and a compression fitting. The insertable end may be configured to be inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm. The adjustable compression member may be disposed at the insertable end. The compressing fitting may be configured to adjust the adjustable compression member. When the insertable end is inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm, the adjustable compression member is adjusted to compress against the interior surface so that the adjustable arm is fixed relative to the first supporting arm. 
     According to another embodiment, a method of operating an adjustable gate may include providing a gate that includes a hinge; a first supporting arm comprising an interior surface and an interior cavity; and an adjustable arm. The adjustable arm may include an insertable end configured to be inserted into the interior cavity of the first supporting arm; an adjustable compression member disposed at the insertable end; and a compressing fitting configured to adjust the adjustable compression member. The method may further include adjusting the compression fitting so that the adjustable compression member expands or compresses within the interior cavity and so that the adjustable compression member compresses against the interior surface so that the adjustable arm is fixed relative to the first supporting arm. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings that illustrate various components of an adjustable, mountable gate in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective view showing a pair of gates on a gangway in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate the gates of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in both open and closed positions. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the gates of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  swung into an open position. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one of the gates of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the gate of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are top view of the gate of  FIG. 4A  adjusted differently. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of one of the gates of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the gate of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are top view of the gate of  FIG. 4A  adjusted differently. 
         FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11A and 11B  are perspective view showing assembly of various components of a gate in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12A-12B, 13A-13C and 14A-14F  show various hinge arrangements and related components for swing mounting of the gate. 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  illustrate installation of a stop system for the gate in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a gate in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  are enlarged views, partially in phantom, showing an adjustment mechanism for the gate of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIGS. 18A-18B and 19A-19B  show operation of the adjustment mechanism of  FIGS. 17A-17B . 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Aspects of the present invention are related to fall restraint equipment. Examples of fall restraint equipment and the components thereof are set forth in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/329,883 (entitled “A Gangway and Method of Manufacturing Same” and filed on Dec. 8, 2008), Ser. No. 12/468,704 (entitled “Fall Restraint Equipment Component and Method for Manufacturing the Same” and filed on May 19, 2009), Ser. No. 12/487,408 (entitled “Fall Restraint Equipment Component and Method for Manufacturing the Same” and filed on Jun. 18, 2009), Ser. No. 12/537,842 (entitled “Fall Restraint Equipment Components and Method for Manufacturing the Same” and filed on Aug. 7, 2009), Ser. No. 12/552,811 (entitled “Gangway Handrail and Method for Manufacturing the Same” and filed on Sep. 2, 2009), Ser. No. 12/837,480 (entitled “Mobile Access Unit and Cage” and filed on Jul. 15, 2010), 61/366,612 (entitled “Gangway Bearing Retainer Plate” and filed on Jul. 22, 2010), and 61/374,541 (entitled “Articulating Cage” and filed on Aug. 17, 2010). The entire disclosure of each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim herein. 
     The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations, and others, of prior art construction and methods. 
     In this regard, one aspect of the present invention provides a gate that may change sizes and be mounted in different configurations. 
       FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  (collectively  FIG. 1 ) illustrate two gates  111 ,  112  on a gangway  100 . Gangway  100  includes a series of handrails  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  (which may form a cage). Gate  111  is disposed between a first handrail  106  and a second handrail  108  so that gate  111  creates an accessway therebetween. In a similar manner, gate  112  is disposed between a third handrail  110  and second handrail  108  to create another accessway therebetween. Gates  111  and  112  are configured to cover the accessways in one position and when opened, open the accessways. The accessways are sized to allow a user  114  and/or an item  116  to pass therebetween. 
     Gangway  100  may be placed over a storage container from above according to one embodiment. Storage container (not shown) typically may contain material, such as particulate matter, to be unloaded from the container&#39;s top. A platform  102  of gangway  100  provides user  114  an area to walk on gangway  100 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate perspective views of the gangway of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated gate  111  may be a parallel-mounted gate and gate  112  may be a perpendicular-mounted gate. Parallel-mounted gate  111  may be aligned to be in line with handrails  106  and  108  such that parallel-mounted gate  111  is aligned (when closed) and disposed in the same plane that is defined by handrails  106  and  108 . Perpendicular-mounted gate  112 , on the other hand, may be such that the gate is (when closed) also parallel to handrails  110  and  108  but is shifted relative thereto such that perpendicular-mounted gate  112  is not disposed in the same plane that is defined by handrails  110  and  108 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the hinge of perpendicular-mounted gate  112  is mounted on the inside of the cage while the hinge of parallel-mounted gate  111  is mounted within the same plane that is defined by handrails  110  and  108 . 
     Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , parallel-mounted gate  111  swings from a first position to a second position in the back-and-forth directions as referenced using numeral  200 . The mounted hinge on the parallel-mounted gate  111  allows for the pivoting motion thereof in directions  200 . Likewise, perpendicular-mounted gate  112  swings also from a first position to a second position in the back-and-forth directions as referenced using numeral  202 . Perpendicular-mounted gate  112  also has a hinge which allows for such pivoting motion. 
     It should be understood that each gangway may include one or more perpendicular-mounted gates and/or one or more parallel-mounted gates. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , one perpendicular-mounted gate  112  and one parallel-mounted gate  111  is employed. Additionally,  FIG. 2B  illustrates two perpendicular-mounted gates may be employed. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates gates  112  and  111  that have been swung into an open position to create accessways through which users  114 ,  300  can access. Users  114 ,  300  are supported by platform  102  of the gangway and are carrying an object  116 ,  302  through each accessway. As shown the accessway is wide enough so that objects  116 ,  302  can traverse therethrough while a user stands on platform  102 . 
       FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  (collectively  FIG. 4 ) illustrate the components of gate  111  according to an embodiment. Gate  111  includes a body  400  and a connecting system  410 . The connecting system  410  connects the body to handrails of the gangway. The gate body  400  may include a hinge portion  408 , supporting arms  404 ,  406 , an adjustable arm member  402 , and a stop system. Each of these components, as should be understood, may not be required to be a part of the system. For example, gate  111  may or may not include the stop system or the connecting system. Nonetheless, the above components is discussed in more depth below. 
     The supporting arms  404 ,  406  may be a hollow tubular piece of continuous metal. These supporting arms  404 ,  406  are each configured to receive one end of adjustable arm member  402 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a bottom view of the parallel-mounted gate  111  is shown as attached to rail  106 . Additionally,  FIG. 5A  illustrates gate  111  in a retracted position while  FIG. 5B  illustrates gate  111  in an extended position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , rails  106  and  108  define a plane such that gate  111  is disposed along such defined plane. 
     Continuing with  FIGS. 5A and 5B , one or more supporting arms  404  (and/or  406 ) of gate  111  may include adjustment apertures  500 . Each adjustment aperture  500  is spaced a distance along the longitudinal length of each supporting arm  404 ,  406 . One or more ends of corresponding adjustment arms  412  have a mating member (not illustrated) which when positioned over an adjustment aperture mates with such aperture such that the adjustment arm  412  then locks into place relative to the supporting arms  404 ,  406 . The adjustment arm may then be adjusted by moving the adjustable arm toward rail  106  or rail  108  to retract or extend, respectively, width of gate  111 . In this regard, the mating member is positioned to another adjustment aperture  500  and when the appropriate gate width is reached, the mating member then mates with such adjustment aperture to lock the adjustable arm into position relative to the supporting arm  404 ,  406 . In this manner gate  111  is adjustable. It should be understood that the adjustment apertures and mating member system should not be so limited and other adjustable systems may be employed. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4B , the hinge may include a rotatable member. In this regard, an inner hinge portion may be disposed in an outer hinge portion. The inner hinge portion may include one or more pins which protrude through a track defined in the outer hinge portion. This allows the outer hinge portion to rotate relative to the outer hinge portion. A spring is disposed within the inner and outer hinge portions so that when the gate  111  is swung open the spring exerts a force back onto gate  111  to close. 
     The stop system may include a base member  414  and a stop member  416 . The base member  414  is configured to extend from the adjustable arm  412  toward the hinge. This allows a message to be displayed, to function as a handle or any other manner. The stop member  416  is configured to extend a distance away from the hinge and away from the end of the adjustable arm  412 . This allows the stop member  416  to hit rail  108  so that gate  111  will rest against rail  108 . Gate  111  therefore may only swing in one direction (e.g., toward the interior of the cage and not exterior to the cage). 
       FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B  are illustrations of the perpendicular-mount gate  112 . Similar to the parallel-mount gate  111 , perpendicular-mount gate  112  also includes a the stop system (including stop member  416  and base member  414 ), apertures  500 , hinge, supporting arms  404 ,  406  and adjustable arm member  402 , according to an embodiment. In this regard, perpendicular-mount gate  112  may be similar to parallel-mount gate  111  except the manner in which perpendicular-mount gate  112  is mounted to rail  108 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-B , perpendicular-mount gate  112  is mounted to rail  108  so that perpendicular-mount gate  112  is offset therefrom. As such, perpendicular-mount gate  112  is offset and therefore does not reside in an extended longitudinal plane defined by rail  108  or the plane defined between rails  108  and  110 . 
       FIGS. 8-9  illustrate exploded views of some of the components of a gate (whether the gate is perpendicular-mount gate  112  or parallel-mount gate  111 ) according to an embodiment. As illustrated, each gate may include supporting arms  404 ,  406  and hinge system  900 . As mentioned above supporting arms  404 ,  406  may be a tubular piece of continuous metal. The supporting arms  404 ,  406  may have apertures  500  along a portion thereof in which these apertures may be defined in the supporting arms  404 ,  406  in a straight line. 
     The hinge system  900  may include an outer hinge portion  408  and an inner hinge portion  800 . Outer hinge portion and inner hinge portion  800  may both be a tubular piece of metal. The outer hinge portion  408  is configured to receive the inner hinge portion  800 . In this regard, the outer hinge portion  408  is hollow and has an interior cavity. The interior cavity of outer hinge portion  408  has a diameter that is greater than or equal to the diameter of inner hinge portion  800 . This allows inner hinge portion  800  to be completely inserted into the interior cavity of outer hinge portion  408 . The inner hinge portion  800  and outer hinge portion  408  will now be described below according to some embodiments. 
     The tubular piece of metal of inner hinge portion  800  may be scored or cut (at a “cut location”) so that a first portion of the inner hinge portion  800  can rotate relative to a second portion of the inner hinge portion  800 . When the first portion of inner hinge portion  800  does rotate relative to the second portion of inner hinge portion  800 , potential energy is created so that a force is exerted on both the first and second portions of the inner hinge portion  800  in a direction to rotate the first and second portions back to the original home or rest position. The inner hinge portion  800  may have one or more scores or cuts to vary the rotational forces on the inner hinge portion  800 . 
     Additionally, inner hinge portion  800  may include at least one pin to be attached thereto as illustrated in  FIG. 14D . The pin protrudes through a slot of outer hinge portion  408 . The slot is a predefined length and is defined in outer hinge portion  408  in a direction that is in a plane defined by the direction  202  or  200  (i.e., the direction the gate swings in). The slot therefore is configured to only allow the inner hinge portion  800  to rotate a certain degree relative to the outer hinge portion  408 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the slot being on both ends of the outer hinge portion  408 . Additionally,  FIG. 8  illustrates that inner hinge portion  800  includes a hole where a pin may be inserted at various locations about the periphery of the inner hinge portion  800 . This allows for the location of the pin to be variable to adjust the closing force of hinge  900 . It should be understood that the pin and slot system of hinge  900  could be replaced with any other system to facilitate operation of hinge  900 . Additionally, it should be understood that the pin may be affixed to inner hinge portion  800  instead of being inserted into a hole in inner hinge portion  800 . 
     Inner hinge portion  800  also includes a first end and second end. At the first and second ends of the inner hinge portion  800 , an attachment system is defined or disposed in the inner hinge portion  800  so that the inner hinge portion  800  is fixably attached to the supporting arms  404 ,  406 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , at a first end of inner hinge portion  800  an aperture is defined in inner hinge portion  800  which mates with an aperture in supporting arm  406 . The first end of inner hinge portion  800  is inserted into a hole  1008  (see  FIG. 10 ) of supporting arm  406  so that the aperture of inner hinge portion  800  aligns with the aperture of supporting arm  406 . A connecting member (shown in  FIG. 11B  as pin  1104 ) may then be inserted into the aligned apertures  1100  to fix the first end of inner hinge portion  800  to supporting arm  406  (and a washer  1106  and nut  1108  may be used to secure the pin  1104  in such aperture). The same operation occurs for the opposite end of inner hinge portion  800  and supporting arm  404  so that the opposite end of inner hinge portion  800  is fixably attached to supporting art  404 . As such, arm  404  and arm  406  are fixably attached to inner hinge portion  800 . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a washer  1006  and  1110  may be inserted into the first and second ends (respectively) of inner hinge portion  800  prior to affixing the first and second ends of inner hinge portion  800  to the supporting arms  404 ,  406 . Additionally, caps  1000  may be inserted at the proximate ends  1002 ,  1004  of supporting arms  404 ,  406 . 
     Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , after the hinge is fixed to the supporting arms  404 ,  406 , adjustable arm member  402  is then adjustably (and optionally releasably) attached to the supporting arms  404 ,  406 . In this regard, a first end  1116  of adjustable arm member  402  is inserted into an opening  1114  of supporting arm  404 . It should be noted that a washer may be inserted into opening  1114  prior to inserting first end  1116  into opening  1114 . Regardless, the adjustable arm member  402  is adjustably attached to the supporting arms  404 ,  406  by aligning a spring-loaded pin (not shown) at the end of each end  1116  and  1122  with one of the apertures  500  of each supporting arm  404 ,  406 . This allows the spring loaded pin to be disposed in such aligned aperture  500 , thereby securing each end at such aperture. For example, at end  1116  a spring-loaded pin is disposed (either being permanently attached or removably attached) at end  1116 . When end  1116  is inserted into supporting arm  404 , the spring loaded pin at end  1116  then is positioned at one of the apertures  500  of supporting arm  404 . The spring loaded pin then is inserted into the desired aperture  500  so that the length of the gate covers the accessway between rail  108  and  110 . The same happens for the other end  1122  of adjustable arm  402  with respect to supporting arm  406 . In this regard, the adjustable arm member  402  is adjustable by allowing the spring-loaded pin to be moved to other apertures so that ends  1116  and  1122  move in and out of the interior cavities of supporting arms  404  and  406 . This adjusts the overall length from the hinge  900  to the end  412  of adjustable arm member  402 . 
     While hinge system  900  is described above and illustrated in the figures as being the hinge of the gates, it should be understood that any other hinge system may be employed instead of hinge system  900  so as to allow supporting arms  404 ,  406  (as well as adjustable arm member  402 ) to rotate relative to rail  108 . 
     It should be understood that a spring-loaded pin not be required for the gate to be adjustable. The pin may not be fixed to adjustable arm member  402  and as such may be a fixable member, such as a cotter pin, a straight pin or other device which is simply inserted in an aligned aperture  500  defined in arm  404 ,  406  and hole  1130 ,  1132  defined at end  1116 ,  1122  respectively. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11A , a straight pin  1104  is inserted into aperture  500  of supporting arm  404  when aperture  1130  is aligned therewith when end  1116  of adjustable arm member  402  is inserted into supporting arm  404 . Likewise, another straight pin  1104  is inserted into aperture  500  of supporting arm  406  when aperture  1130  is aligned therewith when end  1122  of adjustable arm member  402  is inserted into supporting arm  406 . Each pin is inserted into the respective apertures ( 500  of  404  and  1130 ;  500  of  406  and  1132 ) so that the pin traverses the diameter of supporting arms  404 ,  406 . A washer  1106  and nut  1108  (or other locking system) attaches to the end of each pin  1104  to keep pin  1104  in place thereby locking adjustable arm  402  into place. As indicated above, the pin  1104  can be removed and then adjustable arm member  402  can be inserted into supporting arms  404 ,  406  more or slide outwardly from supporting arms  404 ,  406  to adjust the total length of the gate. After adjustment to the appropriate length, the pin  1104  is then inserted into another aperture  500  for each supporting arm  404 ,  406 . 
     It should be noted that any other securing mechanism may be employed instead of a pin and aperture system and the present invention should not be limited, as discussed later with regard to  FIGS. 16-19 . 
       FIGS. 12-14  illustrate the hinge system  900  being connected to rail  108 .  FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 14A  illustrate a gate being parallel mounted to rail  108  and  FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 14B  illustrate a gate being perpendicular-mounted to rail  108 . Starting first with  FIGS. 12A and 12B , a bracket  410  is mounted to rail  108  so that bracket  410  is disposed in the accessway between rail  108  and  110 . It is noted that  FIG. 12B  illustrates a top view of gate  111  installed parallel-mounted to rail  108 . As illustrated, gate  111  is installed so that the longitudinal length of gate  111  extends in a direction that extends away directly from bracket  410  so that gate  111  is in the same longitudinal plane that rail  108  and rail  110  is in. 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates bracket  410  mounted perpendicularly to rail  108  such that bracket  410  faces perpendicular to the plane defined by the area between rails  108  and  110 . This allows gate  111  to still be in a plane that is parallel to the plane defined between rails  108  and  110  but shifted a distance therefrom. This is illustrated by  FIGS. 13B-C  which is a top view of perpendicular-mounted gate  112 . 
       FIGS. 14A-C  illustrate how gate  111  and  112  attach to bracket  410 . As illustrated the bracket is respectively mounted to rail  108  using a base bracket and pins which surround rails  106 ,  108  so that bracket member  1410  is fixably secured to rail  106  or  108 . Bracket  410  includes two side portions  1402  and  1404  which receive hinge  900 . Apertures  1410  and  1412  align with apertures  1406  and  1408  respectively (or  1414  and  1416 , respectively) and pins are disposed between such aligned apertures as illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-B . When the pins are inserted therein and attached therethrough using washer  1106  and nut  1108  as illustrated in  FIG. 14C , the hinge and therefore the gate is then fixably and rotatably attached to rail  106  or  108 . 
       FIGS. 14E-F  illustrate operation of the gate. As illustrated pins  1104  are inserted into hinge system  900  so that the pins protrude through tracks in the outer hinge portion. The gate is allows to swing in the direction shown by  1450  and  1452  in the parallel mount gate and perpendicular mount gate, respectively. As previously discussed, as the gate is swung open, a first portion of the inner hinge portion rotates relative to a second portion of the inner hinge portion, thereby creating a force to revert the first and second portions of the inner hinge portions to rotate back to the initial position prior to opening the gate. When the gate is therefore released, the gate swings back to the original position at rest. 
       FIGS. 15A-B  illustrate the installation of the stop system. Stop member  416  is attached to a plate  1500  and base member  414  is attached to another plate  1500 . Stop member  416  with plate  1500  is then attached to the end of the gate at the adjustable arm portion as well as base member  414  being attached another plate  1500 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of gate  1610  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Gate  1610  includes elements similar to gate  111  as discussed above. However, the adjustable arm member  402  has a different means to adjust the length of gate  1610  as opposed to gate  111 . In this regard, gate  1610  includes a compression member  1600  at the end of end  1116  and end  1122  of adjustable arm member  402 . The compression member  1600  may be made of rubber or other material which can compress and when compressed with a surface creates a large enough amount of friction with such surface so that the compression member does not substantially move from such surface. In one embodiment, the compression member  1600  is a rubber washer or tube which is wrapped around both ends  1116 ,  1122  of adjustable arm member  402 . Compression member  1600  is adjustable and is in a resting state initially such that the diameter of compression member  1600  is less than the diameter of the hollow interior cavity of supporting arm  404 . As such, compression member  1600  is able to be slid into the hollow interior cavity easily. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , a compression fitting  1603  is attached to the end of both ends  1116  and  1122  of adjustable arm member  402 . The compression member  1600  is wrapped around the compression fitting  1603 . Compression fitting  1603  is configured to compress compression member  1600  (and/or increase the diameter of compression member  1600 ) when the screw portion  1615  is turned. This increases the diameter of the compression fitting disposed underneath compression member  1600  so that compression member  1600  expands to have a larger diameter. 
       FIG. 18A  illustrates a tool  1604 , such as an allen wrench, which is configured to be inserted into the hollow interior cavity of supporting arm member  404  at an opening proximate to hinge  900  according to one embodiment. The tool  1604  is shaped to mate with screw portion  1615  of compression fitting  1603 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18B  and  FIGS. 19A-B , the tool  1604  is inserted in the hollow cavity of supporting arm  404  and may be guided by a washer  1602 . Washer  1602  has an aperture in the center which guides tool  1604  through the center of the hollow cavity of supporting arm  404  so that the end of tool  1604  can easily be mated with screw portion  1615 . Once tool  1604  is mated with screw portion  1615 , the tool is rotated to increase the compress compression fitting  1603  and, therefore, compression member  1600  until the outer surface of compression member is being increasingly compressed against the interior surface of the hollow interior surface of supporting arm  404 . The tool continues to turn until while the compression member becomes more and more compressed with the interior surface of supporting arm  404 . This creates more and more friction between compression member  1600  and supporting arm  404  such that the adjustable arm member cannot be removed from the supporting arm  404  due to the compression and/or friction caused thereby. 
     To release the compression member  1600  from supporting arm member  404  the tool is again inserted into screw portion  1615  and the tool is rotated in an opposite direction to reduce the diameter of compression fitting  1603 . This also reduces the compression and thus the diameter of compression member  1600  until the outer surface of compression member  1600  is no longer compressed against the interior surface of the supporting arm  404 . The tool may then be removed and the adjustable arm may then be moved to a different position or removed from supporting arm  404 . It should be understood that the adjustable arm  402  may be moved to any continuous position within supporting arm. After moving the end  1116  or  1122  within the supporting arm  404 ,  406  respectively, the tool may be reinserted into the screw portion and turned again to lock the adjustable arm member  402  into place relative to the supporting arms  404 ,  406 . It should be understood that the tool may be used to tighten a compression member  1600  in arm  404  and/or in arm  406 . 
     It should be noted that the hinge may be mounted either on rail  108  or  110  and that the gate may swing either in one direction (e.g., toward rail  108 ) if mounted to rail  108  or may swing in the opposite direction (e.g., toward rail  110 ) if mounted to  110 . In this regard, the gates described herein may be universal with regard to the swinging direction. Additionally, the gate is further universal in that the length is adjustable to fit any opening or accessway as previously discussed. The gate may be parallel mounted so that the gate, when closed, does not extend into the cage (or interior walkway) area at all. However, in the case where a user wants to use the complete opening (i.e., the space from the edge of the opening or accessway at rail  108  and the edge of the other side of the opening/accessway at rail  110 ), the gate may be perpendicularly mounted. This allows the hinge to not be disposed in the plane defined by the area between rail  108  and  110 . As such, if there are items that need to be transported through the opening or accessway between rails  108  and  110  and such items are the width of the opening or accessway, the hinge of the gate does not take substantially any of the accessway or opening area since it is perpendicularly mounted thereto. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention. While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are presented by way of example only and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. Thus, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4