SAFETY GATE FOR PETS AND SMALL CHILDREN

Abstract

A safety gate for preventing pets and small children from passing through an opening, the safety gate comprising: a frame for selective disposition in the opening, the frame defining a passageway; a cross-member for adjustable mounting to the frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the passageway; a sensor mounted to the frame for sensing data relating to the state of the safety gate; and a wireless communication system for transmitting data from the sensor to a smart device.

Claims

1. A safety gate for preventing pets and small children from passing through an opening, the safety gate comprising: a frame for selective disposition in the opening, the frame defining a passageway; a cross-member for adjustable mounting to the frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the passageway; a sensor mounted to the frame for sensing data relating to the state of the safety gate; and a wireless communication system for transmitting data from the sensor to a smart device.

2. A safety gate according to claim 1 wherein the sensor senses at least one from the group consisting of pressure, tension, acceleration and contact.

3. A safety gate according to claim 2 wherein the sensor senses pressure between the frame and a structure defining the opening.

4. A safety gate according to claim 2 wherein the sensor senses tension between the cross-member and the frame.

5. A safety gate according to claim 2 wherein the sensor senses acceleration of the safety gate.

6. A safety gate according to claim 2 wherein the sensor senses contact between two portions of the frame.

7. A safety gate according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is factory-mounted to the safety gate.

8. A safety gate according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is user-mounted to the safety gate.

9. A safety gate according to claim 8 wherein the sensor comprises means for mounting the sensor to the safety gate.

10. A safety gate according to claim 9 wherein the means for mounting the sensor to the safety gate comprises at least one from the group consisting of an adhesive backing, a clamp, a mounting bracket, and a screw mount.

11. A method for detecting a change in the status of a safety gate disposed within an opening, the method comprising: providing a safety gate for preventing pets and small children from passing through the opening, the safety gate comprising: a frame for selective disposition in the opening, the frame defining a passageway; a cross-member for adjustable mounting to the frame so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the passageway; a sensor mounted to the frame for sensing data relating to the state of the safety gate; and a wireless communication system for transmitting data from the sensor to a smart device; disposing the safety gate in the opening, such that the sensor generates data concerning the status of the safety gate; and wirelessly communicating data from the sensor to the smart device.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the sensor senses at least one from the group consisting of pressure, tension, acceleration and contact.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the sensor senses pressure between the frame and a structure defining the opening.

14. A method according to claim 12 wherein the sensor senses tension between the cross-member and the frame.

15. A method according to claim 12 wherein the sensor senses acceleration of the safety gate.

16. A method according to claim 12 wherein the sensor senses contact between two portions of the frame.

17. A method according to claim 11 wherein the sensor is factory-mounted to the safety gate.

18. A method according to claim 11 wherein the sensor is user-mounted to the safety gate.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the sensor comprises means for mounting the sensor to the safety gate.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the means for mounting the sensor to the safety gate comprises at least one from the group consisting of an adhesive backing, a clamp, a mounting bracket, and a screw mount.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

[0052] FIGS. 1-4 are schematic views showing a new and improved safety gate formed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the safety gate is shown erected in a doorframe so as to close off the lower portion of the opening of the doorway to passage by pets and small children;

[0053] FIGS. 5-7 are schematic views showing the safety gate of FIGS. 1-4 in further detail;

[0054] FIGS. 8-17 are schematic views showing the collapsible frame of the safety gate of FIGS. 1-7 in further detail;

[0055] FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic views showing the flexible barrier of the safety gate of FIGS. 1-7 in further detail;

[0056] FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic views showing an elastic strap or cord which may be added at the top of the flexible barrier of the safety gate of FIGS. 1-7;

[0057] FIGS. 22-28 are schematic views showing another form of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of FIGS. 1-7;

[0058] FIGS. 29-35 are schematic views showing still another form of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of FIGS. 1-7;

[0059] FIGS. 36-38 are schematic views showing another safety gate formed in accordance with the present invention;

[0060] FIGS. 39-46 are schematic views showing further details of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of FIGS. 36-38;

[0061] FIG. 47 is a schematic view showing further details of the flexible barrier of the safety gate of FIGS. 36-38;

[0062] FIGS. 48-60 are schematic views showing further details of the spring-biased spool for spooling the flexible barrier into one arm of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of FIGS. 36-38;

[0063] FIGS. 61-64 are schematic views showing adjustable bumpers which may be provided on the upper portions of the hinged arms of the collapsible frame of the safety gate of FIGS. 36-38;

[0064] FIGS. 65-72 are schematic views showing a novel smart safety gate for pets and small children which includes a monitoring system for determining when the safety gate is properly installed and closed, and/or when the safety gate is improperly installed and/or becomes dislodged, and/or when the safety gate is not closed, and/or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, and which includes an electronic interface which aggregates data on the state of the safety gate and wirelessly communicates that data to smart devices (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a computer, a television, etc.) which may be seen by pet owners and/or parents; and

[0065] FIGS. 73 and 74 are schematic views showing a universal gate safety monitoring system for retrofit to existing safety gates to provide pet owners and/or parents with vital, real-time information regarding significant changes to the state of the safety gate, and wherein the universal gate safety monitoring system also includes a monitoring system for determining when the safety gate is properly installed and closed, and/or when the safety gate is improperly installed and/or becomes dislodged, and/or when the safety gate is not closed, and/or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, and also includes an electronic interface that aggregates data on the state of the safety gate and wirelessly communicates that data to smart devices (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a computer, a television, etc.) which may be seen by pet owners and/or parents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The New and Improved Safety Gate in General

[0066] The present invention comprises the provision and use of a new and improved safety gate which may be positioned in an opening such as a doorway or hallway or walkway so as to close off the opening to pets and/or small children. The safety gate generally comprises a collapsible frame and a flexible barrier. The collapsible frame acts as a support structure for the flexible barrier, holding the flexible barrier as the barrier extends across the opening of the doorway or hallway or walkway. The collapsible frame is designed to make a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and is designed to be folded up (i.e., collapsed and condensed) to a manageable size when not in use. The flexible barrier is intended to be set across the collapsible frame when the opening is to be closed off, and can be selectively detached from the collapsible frame when an adult needs to pass through the opening. The safety gate is intended to be temporary in nature and thus able to be can be erected in any doorway, walkway, etc.

Safety Gate Having a Flexible Barrier Manually Hung on the Collapsible Frame

[0067] In one preferred form of the invention, the safety gate is constructed so that the flexible barrier is manually hung on the collapsible frame.

[0068] More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a new and improved safety gate 5 erected in a doorframe 10 so as to close off the lower portion of the opening 15 of the doorway. Safety gate 5 is releasably secured in doorframe 10 using a pressure fit so as to provide a barrier to prevent a pet or small child from passing through opening 15 (e.g., so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing from one room to another room). Safety gate 5 is also capable of closing off other openings, e.g., in a hallway or walkway, so as to restrict access by a pet or small child.

[0069] Looking next at FIGS. 5-8, safety gate 5 is shown in greater detail. Safety gate 5 generally comprises a collapsible frame 20 and a flexible barrier 25.

[0070] The Collapsible Frame

[0071] FIGS. 5-17 show one preferred construction for collapsible frame 20. In this form of the invention, collapsible frame 20 comprises a resizable base 30 and a pair of hinged arms 35.

[0072] Resizable base 30 comprises two base members 40, 45 which are telescopically extendable relative to one another so as to accommodate an array of different doorway (or hallway or walkway) widths. Base members 40, 45 are able to slide freely in one direction (i.e., in an opening direction) but are prevented from returning in the other direction (i.e., in a closing direction) by a latch mechanism 50. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-17, latch mechanism 50 comprises a pivot plate 55 which is spring-biased (i.e., by a spring 57, FIG. 12) into engagement with a ribbed rack 60. To release latch mechanism 50, a finger tab 64 is used to push pivot plate 55 against the power of spring 57, whereby to allow pivot plate 55 to disengage from ribbed rack 60.

[0073] Hinged arms 35 pivot upwards from resting positions parallel to resizable base 30, pivoting on hinges 65. Each of the hinges 65 is formed by two pins 66 which ride in two slots 67, 68. When hinged arms 35 are fully erect, they lock into place by means of pins 66 residing in slots 68. Hinged arms 35 can be released from their locked erect positions by pulling upwards on the hinged arms and then folding the hinged arms back down on resizable base 30, with pins 66 moving into slots 67.

[0074] Note that when hinged arms 35 are in their erect positions, the hinged arms preferably yieldably angle outward slightly at their upper ends so as to ensure secure engagement of the hinged arms with the vertical walls of the doorway (or hallway or walkway). In other words, hinged arms 35 diverge outwardly as they extend away from resizable base 30, and hinged arms 35 are resilient so that they can be urged inwardly towards one another.

[0075] Note also that hinged arms 35 include fasteners 70 (FIG. 6) to which flexible barrier 25 may be releasably secured (i.e., so that flexible barrier 25 may be manually hung on collapsible frame 20).

[0076] And note that resizable base 30 and hinged arms 35 may be folded up to a compact condition for easy transport and storage, i.e., with resizable base 30 reduced in size and with hinged arms 35 extending parallel to resizable base 30 (FIGS. 15-17).

[0077] The Flexible Barrier

[0078] FIGS. 18 and 19 show one preferred construction for flexible barrier 25. Flexible barrier 25 is relatively soft and pliable and, if desired, may be elastic (i.e., resilient) in nature. In one form of the invention, the entire flexible barrier 25 may be elastic in nature; in another form of the invention, the top portion of flexible barrier 25 may be elastic in nature and the remainder of the flexible barrier may be relatively inelastic; and in still another form of the invention, the entire flexible barrier 25 may be relatively inelastic. In one preferred form of the invention, flexible barrier 25 is formed as a woven structure (e.g., as a woven net) using flexible filaments so that flexible barrier 25 can be stretched to some extent.

[0079] Flexible barrier 25 is attached to collapsible frame 20 after collapsible frame 20 has been set in a doorway (or hallway or walkway), with resizable base 30 appropriately sized and locked in position, and with hinged arms 35 locked in their upright position. Flexible barrier 25 is then erected between the two hinged arms 35, with flexible barrier 25 being releasably secured to fasteners 70 (FIG. 6), i.e., so that flexible barrier 25 may be manually hung on collapsible frame 20.

[0080] Use of Safety Gate 5

[0081] Safety gate 5 may be used to prevent pets and small children from passing through an opening and into restricted areas.

[0082] More particularly, safety gate 5 can be erected in a desired opening by setting up collapsible frame 20 in the opening so that the collapsible frame makes a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and then stringing flexible barrier 25 between the two hinged arms 35 of collapsible frame 25 (i.e., by manually hanging flexible barrier 25 on collapsible frame 20).

[0083] In one preferred method of use, collapsible frame 20 has its two hinged arms 35 set in their erect positions, with the upper ends of the two arms yieldably diverging from one another. Resizable base 30 is then set in opening 15 and base members 40, 45 are telescoped apart so that the outer ends of base members 40, 45 securely engage doorframe 10, and so that the two hinged arms 35 securely engage doorframe 10. As this occurs, the two hinged arms 35 press outwardly against doorframe 10, with the two hinged arms yielding as needed, so as to ensure that collapsible frame 20 makes a secure, binding fit with doorframe 10 (i.e., so that collapsible frame 20 makes a pressure fit against doorframe 10). Then flexible barrier 25 is manually hung on collapsible frame 20 using fasteners 70.

[0084] To allow an adult to pass through the safety gate, an adult can unlatch one of the top two corners of the flexible barrier, walk through the safety gate, and then re-attach the detached corner of the flexible barrier.

[0085] When safety gate 5 is no longer needed in that location, the safety gate may be taken down and folded up to a manageable size for easy transportation and storage.

[0086] More particularly, in one preferred method of disassembly, flexible barrier 25 is detached from hinged arms 35, latch mechanism 50 is released and base members 40, 45 are telescoped inward, preferably to the most minimal distance. As base members 40, 45 telescope inwardly, the force securing the two hinged arms 35 against the adjoining architectural structure is disengaged (i.e., the pressure fit of collapsible frame 20 against the doorframe is released). Then hinged arms 35 are pulled upward and then folded down parallel to base members 40, 45. With safety gate 5 in its collapsed condition, the safety gate may then be easily transported and stored.

[0087] Note that at no time is safety gate 5 permanently fastened to wall structures.

[0088] Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate 5 which is (i) collapsible to a linear configuration which is easily transported and stored, and (ii) erectable to a substantially U-shaped configuration which is pressure-mounted against the surfaces of an adjoining architectural structure, with the pressure-mounted safety gate being locked in place against the adjoining architectural structure until the latch mechanism in the resizable base is released.

[0089] Elastic Strap or Cord at the Top of the Flexible Barrier

[0090] If desired, and looking now at FIGS. 20 and 21, an elastic strap or cord 75 may be (i) passed through, or otherwise connected to, the top end of flexible barrier 25, and (ii) connected to the two hinged arms 35 of collapsible frame 20 at the top two corners of the safety gate (e.g., at fasteners 70). See also FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 18 and 19, where flexible barrier 25 has an elastic strap or cord 75 attached to the top end of flexible barrier 25. Elastic strap or cord 75 provides increased support to help hold up the top end of flexible barrier 25.

[0091] In one form of the invention, the entire flexible barrier may be elastic in nature, and elastic strap or cord 75 may provide additional support to help hold up the top end of flexible barrier 25. In another form of the invention, only elastic strap or cord 75 is elastic and the remainder of the flexible barrier may be relatively inelastic.

[0092] Alternative Latch Mechanisms

[0093] It is also possible to utilize different latch mechanisms for resizable base 30 of collapsible frame 20 of safety gate 5.

[0094] Thus, for example, and looking now at FIGS. 22-28, the latch mechanism may comprise a locking pin 80 which is spring-biased by a spring 82 (FIG. 23) into engagement with a friction rack 85. To release the latch mechanism, a finger tab 90 is used to push locking pin 80 against the power of spring 82, whereby to allow locking pin 80 to disengage from friction rack 85.

[0095] Furthermore, and looking now at FIGS. 29-35, the latch mechanism may comprise a locking plate 95 which is spring-biased by a spring 97 (FIG. 30) into engagement with a wall 100 of base member 45 of collapsible frame 20. To release the latch mechanism, a finger tab 105 is used to push locking plate 95 against the power of spring 97, whereby to allow locking plate 95 to disengage from wall 100 of base member 95.

[0096] Advantages of the Safety Gate Having a Flexible Barrier Manually Hung on the Collapsible Frame

[0097] The present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art safety gates. For one thing, the present invention provides a flexible safety gate which is pressure-mounted to adjacent architectural structures, thus enabling the safety gate to be temporary in nature. And the present invention provides the ability to pass through the safety gate by unlatching one end of the flexible barrier from a hinged arm while a person passes through the safety gate. Also, the present invention provides a safety gate which has a flexible horizontal top crossbar instead of a rigid horizontal top crossbar. Furthermore, the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate that is easily stowed and transported.

Safety Gate with Flexible Barrier Spooled on Collapsible Frame

[0098] In another preferred form of the invention, the safety gate can have its flexible barrier spooled into one hinged arm of its collapsible frame, with the flexible barrier being drawn across the opening of the collapsible frame when the safety gate is to provide its barrier function, and with the flexible barrier being spooled back into one hinged arm of the collapsible frame when the safety gate is to be opened for passage.

[0099] More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 36 and 37, there is shown a safety gate 205 erected in a doorframe 210 so as to close off the lower portion of the opening 215 of the doorway. Safety gate 205 is releasably secured in doorframe 210 using a pressure fit so as to provide a barrier to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the opening of the doorway (e.g., so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing from one room to another room). Safety gate 205 is also capable of closing off other openings, e.g., in a hallway or walkway, so as to restrict access by a pet or small child.

[0100] Safety gate 205 generally comprises a collapsible frame 220 and a flexible barrier 225.

[0101] The Collapsible Frame

[0102] FIGS. 36-60 show one preferred construction for collapsible frame 220. In this form of the invention, collapsible frame 220 comprises a resizable base 230 and a pair of hinged arms 235.

[0103] Resizable base 230 comprises two base members 240, 245 which are telescopically extendable relative to one another so as to accommodate an array of different doorway (or hallway or walkway) widths. Base members 240, 245 are able to slide freely in one direction (i.e., in an opening direction) but are prevented from returning in the other direction (i.e., in a closing direction) by a latch mechanism 250.

[0104] As seen in greater detail in FIGS. 39-43, latch mechanism 250 comprises a housing 251 having a recess 252 and slots 253 formed therein. A grip 254 is slidably disposed within recess 252 of housing 251. More particularly, grip 254 comprises a pair of pins 256 which ride along slots 253 of housing 251. Grip 254 comprises a finger tab 257 for urging grip 254 along slots 253, and teeth 258 for selectively engaging teeth 259 of a ribbed rack 260, whereby to lock base members 240, 245 of resizable base 230 in position relative to one another.

[0105] A lock 261 is provided to selectively lock grip 254 in (i) an engaged position wherein teeth 258 of grip 254 engage teeth 259 of ribbed rack 260 (and hence lock base members 240, 245 of resizable base 230 in position relative to one another), or (ii) a disengaged position wherein teeth 258 of grip 254 are disengaged from teeth 259 of ribbed rack 260 (and hence allow base members 240, 245 of resizable base 230 to move relative to one another). More particularly, lock 261 is spring-biased against grip 254 by a spring 262, and grip 254 comprises a groove 263 for receiving lock 261 when latch mechanism 250 is in its engaged position, and a groove 264 for receiving lock 261 when latch mechanism 250 is in its disengaged position. Note that when lock 261 is seated in groove 263 or groove 264, grip 254 is prevented from moving within recess 252 of housing 251.

[0106] When latch mechanism 250 is in its engaged position and is to be released, lock 261 is pulled against the power of spring 262 so as to withdraw lock 261 from groove 263, and then finger tab 257 is lifted up so as to cause grip 254 to ride along slots 253 and disengage teeth 258 of grip 254 from teeth 259 of ribbed rack 260. Latch mechanism 250 may then be maintained in this disengaged position by releasing the force on lock 261 so that spring 262 seats lock 261 in groove 264.

[0107] When latch mechanism 250 is in its disengaged position and is to be re-set in its engaged position, lock 261 is pulled against the power of spring 262 so as to withdraw lock 261 from groove 264, and then finger tab 257 is pushed down so as to cause grip 254 to ride along slots 253 and securely engage teeth 258 of grip 254 with teeth 259 of ribbed rack 260. Latch mechanism 250 may then be maintained in this engaged position by releasing the force on lock 261 so that spring 262 seats lock 261 in groove 263.

[0108] Looking now at FIGS. 44 and 45, hinged arms 235 pivot upwards from resting positions parallel to resizable base 230, pivoting on hinges 265 which are mounted to the ends of locking base members 240, 245. Hinges 265 each comprise two pins 266 which are fixed to the upper portion of each hinge 265, and a cavity 267 for receiving the end of each hinged arm 235. More particularly, pins 266 are received in a pair of diametrically-opposed slots 268 formed on the ends of each hinged arm 235 where each hinged arm 235 is mounted to a hinge 265. When hinged arms 235 are fully erect, they lock into place by sliding the ends of each hinged arm 235 on pins 266 (i.e., so that pins 266 run along slots 268 formed in each hinged arm 235) and so that the ends of each hinged arm are received in cavity 267 of each hinge 265. Hinged arms 235 can be released from their locked erect positions by pulling upwards on the hinged arms so that pins 266 ride along slots 268 and so that the ends of hinged arms 235 each exit cavity 267 of each hinge 265, and then folding the hinged arms back down on resizable base 230.

[0109] Note that when hinged arms 235 are in their erect positions, the hinged arms preferably yieldably angle outward slightly at their upper ends so as to ensure secure engagement of the hinged arms with the vertical walls of the doorway (or hallway or walkway). In other words, hinged arms 235 diverge outwardly as they extend away from resizable base 230, and hinged arms 235 are resilient so that they can be urged inwardly towards one another.

[0110] Note also that one of the hinged arms 235 includes a fastener 270 to which flexible barrier 225 may be releasably secured. In a preferred form of the present invention, fastener 270 comprises a hook-shaped clasp 272 which extends along substantially the entire length of one of the hinged arms 235. See FIG. 46. Clasp 272 is configured to receive and retain the free end of flexible barrier 225, as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

[0111] And note that resizable base 230 and hinged arms 235 may be folded up to a compact condition for easy transport and storage, i.e., with resizable base 230 reduced in size and with hinged arms 235 extending parallel to resizable base 230.

[0112] The Flexible Barrier

[0113] Flexible barrier 225 comprises a flexible material which is capable of preventing a pet or small child from passing by safety gate 205. By way of example but not limitation, flexible barrier 225 may comprise a woven mesh or screen which is preferably inelastic or nominally elastic.

[0114] In this form of the invention, and looking next at FIGS. 47-60, flexible barrier 225 is preferably stowed within one of the hinged arms 235 of collapsible frame 270 (i.e., the collapsible arm 235 opposite the collapsible arm to which fastener 270 is mounted) until needed.

[0115] More particularly, in this form of the invention, one of collapsible arms 235 comprises a cavity 273 having a spool 274 longitudinally disposed therein (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the collapsible arm 235). Spool 274 is preferably spring-biased so as to take up (and stow) flexible barrier 225 within the collapsible arm when desired (e.g., in a manner similar to how a window shade takes up the excess portion of the shade on a spring-biased spool). The free end of flexible barrier 225 comprises a clasp 275 for engagement with clasp 272 of collapsible arm 235. Note that the particular configurations of clasp 272 (on a hinged arm 235) and clasp 275 (on flexible barrier 225) may vary in type and locationthe important thing is that the configurations of clasp 272 and clasp 275 be coordinated with one another so that clasp 272 and clasp 275 may selectively lock together or unlock from one another as needed.

[0116] In one form of the invention, flexible barrier 225 can be pulled out of spool 274 and remain under retractive tension as flexible barrier 225 is brought across to the opposing collapsible arm 235 and is releasably secured to clasp 272 of that collapsible arm 235.

[0117] In another form of the invention, a lock mechanism can be provided to lock spool 274 against movement when flexible barrier 225 has been brought across to the opposing collapsible arm 235 and has been releasably secured to clasp 272 of that collapsible arm 235. More particularly, in this form of the invention, a lock mechanism 276 is preferably disposed on the free end of the collapsible arm 235 which houses locking spool 274 for selectively locking spool 274 in a locked condition.

[0118] In one preferred form of the invention, lock mechanism 276 comprises a lever 277 mounted to a rotatable cam 278 which cams against a locking plate 279 mounted to the end of spool 274. Locking plate 279 has teeth 280 which can engage teeth 281 on spool 274. Locking plate 279 is normally spring-biased away from spool 274 by a spring 282, so that teeth 280 on locking plate 279 normally do not engage teeth 281 of spool 274 and spring-biased spool 274 is free to apply tension to flexible barrier 225. However, when lever 277 is rotated, cam 278 rotates, whereby to cam locking plate 279 downward (i.e., perpendicular to the axis of rotation of lever 277) and thereby cause teeth 280 (on locking plate 279) to engage teeth 281 (of spool 274), whereby to lock spool 274 against rotation. When lever 277 is rotated in the opposite direction, cam 278 disengages locking plate 279, thereby allowing locking plate 279 to move upward (i.e., under the power of a spring), whereby to allow spool 274 to rotate (i.e., to retract flexible barrier 225).

[0119] Note that it is generally preferred to provide a lock mechanism (e.g., the lock mechanism 276 discussed above) for spool 274, since this will prevent pets and small children from leaning against flexible barrier 225 and pulling a greater length of the flexible barrier off spool 274in the absence of such a lock mechanism, the spring bias on spool 274 must be set fairly high in order to prevent a pet or small child from pulling more of the flexible barrier off spool 274. Such a high spring bias could impede normal deployment of flexible barrier 225 from spool 274.

[0120] Flexible barrier 225 is attached to collapsible frame 220 after collapsible frame 220 has been set in the doorway (or hallway or walkway), with resizable base 230 appropriately sized and locked in position, and with hinged arms 235 locked in their upright position. Flexible barrier 225 is then erected between the two hinged arms 235, with flexible barrier 225 being releasably secured to fastener 270 on the opposing hinged arm 235. More particularly, flexible barrier 225 is attached to collapsible frame 220 such that flexible barrier 225 extends across the opening between hinged arms 235 by pulling flexible barrier 225 out of spool 274 and across the gap between collapsible arms 235, and then releasably connecting clasp 275 of flexible barrier 225 with clasp 272 of the opposing collapsible arm 235. In other words, in this form of the invention, flexible barrier 225 of safety gate 225 is effectively spooled out of one hinged arm 235 on collapsible frame 220 until the appropriate length of flexible barrier 225 has been dispensed.

[0121] Use of Safety Gate 205

[0122] Safety gate 205 may be used by pet owners and parents of small children to prevent pets and small children from passing through an opening and into restricted areas.

[0123] More particularly, safety gate 205 can be erected in a desired opening by setting up collapsible frame 220 in the opening so that the collapsible frame makes a pressure fit against an adjoining architectural structure, and then extending flexible barrier 225 between the two hinged arms 235 of collapsible frame 225 (i.e., by manually drawing flexible barrier 225 across to the opposing side of collapsible frame 220).

[0124] In one preferred method of use, collapsible frame 220 has its two hinged arms 235 set in their erect positions, with the upper ends of the two arms yieldably diverging from one another. Resizable base 230 is then set in opening 215, latch mechanism 250 is set in its disengaged position so that base members 240, 245 are free to move relative to one another, and then base members 240, 245 are telescoped apart so that the outer ends of base members 240, 245 securely engage doorframe 210, and so that the two hinged arms 235 securely engage doorframe 210. As this occurs, the two hinged arms 235 press outwardly against doorframe 210, with the two hinged arms yielding as needed, so as to ensure that collapsible frame 220 makes a secure, binding fit with doorframe 210 (i.e., so that collapsible frame 220 makes a pressure fit against doorframe 210). Then latch mechanism 250 is set in its engaged position so that base members 240, 245 are locked against movement relative to one another. Then lever 277 on lock mechanism 276 is unlocked, flexible barrier 225 is drawn along the length of resizable base 230, and flexible barrier 225 is secured to the opposing hinged arm 235 (e.g., via clasps 275 and 272). Then lever 277 on lock mechanism 276 is locked.

[0125] To allow an adult to pass through the gate, a person can unlock lever 277 on lock mechanism 276, and unhook flexible barrier 225 from the opposing hinged arm, whereupon the flexible barrier will automatically retract onto spring-biased spool 274. When the person has passed through the opening, they will re-extend the flexible barrier back to the opposing hinged arm, secure the flexible barrier to the opposing hinged arm via clasps 275 and 272, and re-engage lock mechanism 276 on the spool arm.

[0126] When safety gate 205 is no longer needed in that location, the safety gate may be taken down and folded up to a manageable size for easy transportation and storage.

[0127] More particularly, in one preferred method of disassembly, lock mechanism 276 on the spool arm is released, flexible barrier 225 is detached from the opposing hinged arm 235, and flexible barrier 225 is retracted into the spool arm. Then latch mechanism 250 is released and base members 240, 245 are telescoped inward, preferably to the most minimal distance. As base members 240, 245 telescope inwardly, the force securing the two hinged arms 235 against the adjoining architectural structure is disengaged (i.e., the pressure fit of collapsible frame 220 against the doorframe is released). When the base members 240, 245 are preferably at their most minimal distance, latch mechanism 250 is then re-engaged so that base members 240, 245 are locked relative to one another (this effectively prevents base members 240, 245 from being able to telescope outwardly when the safety gate is being collapsed and/or thereafter being moved). Once latch mechanism 250 has been re-engaged to lock base members 240, 245 in position relative to one another, hinged arms 235 are pulled upward, and then folded down parallel to base members 240, 245. With safety gate 205 in its collapsed condition, the safety gate may then be easily transported and stored.

[0128] Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate 205 which is (i) collapsible to a linear configuration which is easily transported and stored, and (ii) erectable to a substantially U-shaped configuration which is pressure-mounted against the surfaces of an adjoining architectural structure, with the pressure-mounted safety gate being locked in place against the adjoining architectural structure until the latch mechanism in the resizable base is released.

[0129] Gate Bumper (Bolsters)

[0130] In one preferred form of the invention, and looking now at FIGS. 61-64, adjustable bumpers (bolsters) 287 may be provided on the outside surfaces of the upper ends of hinged arms 235. As a result, when collapsible frame 220 is set in position against adjoining architectural surfaces, adjustable bumpers 287 engage the wall, doorway, surface, etc. that the hinged arms 235 abut against. Adjustable bumpers 287 provide an additional means for ensuring that collapsible frame 220 makes a pressure fit against adjacent architectural surfaces, particularly when the adjacent architectural surfaces do not have a uniform vertical surface (e.g., such as when a wall has base boards, etc.).

[0131] In one preferred form of the invention, adjustable bumpers 287 comprise rubber cylinders 288 which are mounted to threaded shafts 289 which extend into hinged arms 235. As a result of this construction, the extent to which adjustable bumpers 287 project out of hinged arms 235 can be adjusted by turning rubber cylinders 288 on their threaded shafts 289.

[0132] It should also be appreciated that, if desired, bumpers 287 can be fixed in position relative to hinged arms 235.

[0133] It should also be appreciated that, if desired, adjustable bumpers 287 may be provided on the aforementioned hinged arms 35 of safety gate 5.

[0134] Advantages of the Safety Gate with Flexible Barrier Spooled on Collapsible Frame

[0135] The present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art safety gates. For one thing, the present invention provides a flexible safety gate which is pressure-mounted to adjacent architectural structures, thus enabling the safety gate to be temporary in nature. And the present invention provides the ability to pass through the safety gate by unlatching one end of the flexible barrier from a hinged arm while a person passes through the safety gate. Also, the present invention provides a safety gate which has a flexible horizontal top crossbar instead of a rigid horizontal top crossbar. Furthermore, the present invention provides a self-contained safety gate that is easily stowed and transported.

Smart Safety Gate and/or Universal Safety Gate Monitoring System

[0136] The present invention also provides a novel smart safety gate and/or a universal gate safety monitoring system for retrofit to existing safety gates.

[0137] More particularly, as discussed above, pet owners and/or parents use safety gates to temporarily restrict the movement of pets and/or young children from one area to another area, e.g., from one room to another room. However, pet owners and/or parents are not always in direct sight of the safety gates. This poses a potential problemif the safety gate is improperly installed, or becomes dislodged, or is not closed, or if excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, etc., the pets and/or young children may gain access to the area they were intended to be restricted from, e.g., a potentially dangerous area. Unfortunately, conventional safety gates are not equipped with means for detecting when the safety gate is improperly installed, or becomes dislodged, or is not closed, or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, etc. and for alerting the parents and/or pet owners when this potentially dangerous condition exists.

[0138] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a new and improved smart safety gate which includes a monitoring system (which may comprise, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor, and/or a tension sensor, and/or a motion sensor, and/or a contact sensor, etc.) for determining when the safety gate is properly installed and closed, and/or when the safety gate is improperly installed and/or becomes dislodged, and/or when the safety gate is not closed, and/or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, and an electronic interface that aggregates data on the state of the safety gate and wirelessly communicates that data to smart devices (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a computer, a television, etc.) which may be seen by pet owners and/or parents.

[0139] Furthermore, and also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a universal gate safety monitoring system for retrofit to existing safety gates to provide pet owners and/or parents with vital, real-time information regarding significant changes to the state of the safety gate. This universal gate safety monitoring system also comprises a monitoring system for determining when the safety gate is properly installed and closed, and/or when the safety gate is improperly installed and/or becomes dislodged and/or when the safety gate is not closed, and/or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, and also includes an electronic interface that aggregates data on the state of the safety gate and wirelessly communicates that data to smart devices (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a computer, a television, etc.) which may be seen by pet owners and/or parents.

[0140] Looking first at FIGS. 65-68, there is shown a smart safety gate 305 erected in a doorframe 310 so as to close off the lower portion of the doorway 315. In these images, smart safety gate 305 is shown fully installed so as to prevent a pet or small child from passing through the doorway.

[0141] Looking next at FIG. 69, smart safety gate 305 generally comprises a base 316, a pair of upstanding, outwardly inclined arms 317, 318, and a deployable cross-member 319 for selectively closing off the region between base 316 and arms 317, 318. Smart safety gate 305 also comprises bumpers 320, 325, 330 and 335. The four bumpers 320, 325, 330 and 335, base 316 and cross-member 319 constitute the touchpoints of smart safety gate 305 to the surrounding building structure (or, in the case of cross-member 319, the touchpoints with the other components of smart safety gate 305). These six touchpoints comprise sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A which monitor conditions at the six touchpoints (e.g., pressure, tension, motion, etc.), and hence monitor changes to the state of the gate (e.g., whether the safety gate is properly installed and closed, and/or whether the safety gate is improperly installed and/or becomes dislodged, and/or when the safety gate is not closed, and/or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, etc.).

[0142] In one preferred form of the invention, sensors 320A, 325A, 330A and 335A comprise bumper sensors which monitor pressure (i.e., the pressure exerted by the bumper against doorframe 310); sensor 316A comprises base sensors which monitor pressure (i.e., the pressure exerted by the base against the floor); and sensors 319A comprise tension sensors which monitor tension (i.e., the tension on cross-member 319). Sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A preferably also comprise accelerometers of the sort well known in the art of motion sensing so as to also enable these sensors to detect any movement of bumpers 320, 325, 330 and 335, or any movement of base 316, and/or any movement of cross-member 319. It should be appreciated that sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A, and/or any other sensors used with smart safety gate 305 (and/or with the universal gate safety monitoring system for retrofit to existing safety gates), may comprise various mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, optical, opto-electrical, etc. components of the sort well known in the art of sensing. It should be noted that any portion of smart safety gate 305 could possess a sensor, however, the six touchpoints identified above (i.e., bumpers 320, 325, 330 and 335, base 316 and cross-member 319) provide a simple and reliable way to monitor the status of the safety gate. These sensors monitor changes in the status of the gate and relay that information (via a wireless communication system 350, e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). to a smart device 355 (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a computer, a television, etc.) which may be seen by pet owners and/or parents. If there is a change in the status of any of the sensors, wireless communication system 350 sends an immediate alert to the connected smart device 355. It will be appreciated that wireless communication system 350 comprises wireless communication units 320B, 325B, 330B, 335B, 316B and 319B for transmitting data from sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A, respectively, to smart device 355. Note that wireless communication system 350 may send the alert, and smart device 355 may receive the alert, as a text message, or as an E-mail, or as an alert displayed by an app running on the smart device, or as a notification displayed by the smart device operating system, etc.

[0143] Thus it will be seen that the smart safety gate comprises a plurality of sensors and a data transmitting system. The sensors are configured to detect a change in the status of the safety gate, and the transmitting system receives data from the sensors and relays that data wirelessly to a smart device of a pet owner and/or parent (e.g., a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, a computer, a television, etc.). When there is a change in the status of the smart gate, the sensors detect the change and relay that information to the transmitting system which, in turn, relays an alert to the smart device of the pet owner and/or parent. The pet owner and/or parent then receives the alert and is able to check on the safety gate.

[0144] FIGS. 70 and 71 show a close-up of bumper 320, its associated sensor 320A and its associated wireless communication unit 320B.

[0145] FIG. 72 shows a smart safety gate 305 in doorway 315, where the smart safety gate has become dislodged. When any one of the sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A detects a change in the status of the safety gate, the associated wireless communication units 320B, 325B, 330B, 335B, 316B and 319B transmit an alert to the connected smart device 355.

[0146] By way of example but not limitation, where sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A comprise pressure sensors and when smart safety gate becomes dislodged from the doorframe 310 within which it is disposed (e.g., in the manner shown in FIG. 72), sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A will report that smart safety gate 305 is no longer in direct contact with doorframe 310 and/or the floor, and wireless communication system 350 will transmit an alert to the connected smart device 355.

[0147] By way of further example but not limitation, where sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A comprise accelerometer sensors and when smart safety gate becomes dislodged from the doorframe 310 within which it is disposed (e.g., in the manner shown in FIG. 72), sensors 320A, 325A, 330A, 335A, 316A and 319A will report that smart safety gate 305 has moved, and wireless communication system 350 will transmit an alert to the connected smart device 355.

[0148] By way of still further example but not limitation, where sensors 319A comprise tension sensors and where a force exceeding a pre-determined threshold is exerted against cross-member 319 of smart safety gate 305, sensors 319A will sense the excessive force on cross-member 319 and wireless communication system 350 will transmit an alert to the connected smart device 355.

[0149] Note that, if desired, smart safety gate 305 may utilize the construction features of the aforementioned safety gate 5 or the aforementioned safety gate 205.

[0150] Smart safety gate 305 (where sensors 320, 325, 330, 335, 316, 319 are factory-installed on the safety gate) constitutes one preferred form of the invention. However, in another form of the invention, and looking now at FIG. 73, a universal gate safety monitoring system 360 is provided for retrofit to existing safety gates to provide pet owners and/or parents with vital, real-time information regarding significant changes to the status of the safety gate. In this respect it should be appreciated that universal gate safety monitoring system 360 may also be used to retrofit substantially any safety gate, e.g., conventional safety gates, the aforementioned safety gate 5 and/or the aforementioned safety gate 205.

[0151] Universal gate safety monitoring system 360 also comprises one or more sensors 365 for determining when the safety gate is properly installed and closed, and/or when the safety gate is improperly installed and/or becomes dislodged, and/or when the safety gate is not closed, and/or when excessive force is being placed on the safety gate, and an electronic interface 370 that aggregates the data on the state of the safety gate and wirelessly communicates that data to smart device 355. In one preferred form of the invention, sensors 365 comprise sensors which monitor conditions at selected touchpoints (e.g., pressure, motion, etc.) and include means 375 for mounting sensors 365 to the safety gate, e.g., an adhesive backing, a clamp, a mounting bracket, a screw mount, etc. By way of example but not limitation, sensors 375 may comprise pressure sensors for sensing contact with the surrounding doorframe 310 (or with the floor), tension sensors which measure tension on cross-member 319, accelerometers which measure movement of the safety gate or its components, etc. It will be appreciated that electronic interface 370 comprises wireless communication units 380 for transmitting data from sensors 365 to smart device 355.

[0152] By way of further example but not limitation, and looking now at FIG. 74, there is shown a conventional safety gate with an open door which is monitored by a sensor 365: when the door 385 is open, the sensor sends an alert to the smart device 355. It will be appreciated that in this form of the invention, it may be desirable to form sensor 365 as a contact sensor for determining when door 385 is in contact with gate frame 390 (i.e., when the door of the safety gate is closed).

Modifications

[0153] While the present invention has been described in terms of certain exemplary preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, and that many additions, deletions and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments discussed above while remaining within the scope of the present invention.