Customizable barrier

Abstract

The technology herein provides a barrier assembly for blocking a passageway that includes a frame having first and second vertical end supports, an upper rail and a lower rail each defining a plurality of laterally spaced receiver slots, and a plurality of elongate slats seated by their upper and lower ends in aligned receiver slots of the rails to form a barrier panel. A flexible strap assembly interconnects the slats between the upper and lower rails so that the slats can be handled as a unit during removal from and insertion into the frame. The frame is sized to span opposed support structures defining the passageway and is configured for mounting as a temporary barrier and for cooperation with hinge hardware on one support structure so that the barrier assembly functions as a swing gate.

Description

Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent ApplicationCUSTOMIZABLE BARRIERCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to United States (US) provisional application Serial No. 63 / 725,903, filed 27-November-2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to barriers and gates for restricting passage in an opening, and more particularly to customizable barrier assemblies and associated mounting systems, including spring-biased tension mounting cartridges and hinge conversion hardware.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Throughout human history, caregivers have employed physical barriers to separate infants and young children from hazards within the built environment. In early domestic settings, this often took the form of improvised obstructions such as benches, chests, or low wooden boards placed across doorways or at the head of staircases. These early solutions relied largely on available furniture or simple carpentry and were not purpose-built for child safety, but they served the basic function of limiting a child’s movement into dangerous areas.

[0004] As housing designs became more complex, particularly with the widespread use of interior staircases, the need for dedicated child barriers increased. In many households, wooden doors, half-doors, or hinged “barn-style” shutters were used at stair landings or room entrances. These structures were generally permanent features of the home, attached by basic hinges and latches, and were not easily removed or adjusted. Their primary purpose might have been to contain animals or control drafts, but they were also used to confine small children to relatively safe rooms or floors.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0005] By the mid-20th century, commercially manufactured baby gates began to appear, often constructed from wood and simple metal hardware. Early designs commonly included telescoping or scissor-style lattice structures that could expand to span a hallway or doorway. These barriers were typically clamped or screwed into place and were primarily functional, with little emphasis on appearance or ease of installation and removal.

[0006] Later generations of baby barriers began to distinguish between hardwaremounted and pressure-mounted systems. Hardware-mounted gates used screws or brackets fixed into wall studs or banisters, providing robust containment suitable for the top of stairs. Pressure-mounted gates employed opposing pads or feet that pressed against adjacent surfaces, allowing installation without tools or permanent fasteners. By the 1980s and 1990s, both categories were widely available in wood, metal, or plastic constructions, with various designs addressing width adjustability, height, and opening mechanisms.

[0007] Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, manufacturers introduced designs that also began to address compatibility with different architectural features, such as uneven walls, rounded banisters, and wide or irregular openings. Aesthetic considerations gradually became more significant, with gates offered in different finishes, colors, and decorative patterns to better blend with interior decor.

[0008] By around 2010, baby barriers and stair gates were a mature product category, typically including pressure-mounted and hardware-mounted options, walkthrough gates, configurable panel systems, and specialized models for staircases or extra-wide openings. Despite these developments, many products remained relatively utilitarian in appearance, had safety issues for adults (e.g., trip hazards), were limited in how they could be adapted to changing household layouts, and often required users to choose between ease of installation and perceived robustness. As housing styles and consumer expectations continued to evolve, barriers remained an essential safety tool in homes with young children and pets, and development in this field persisted. What is urgently needed are advanced customizable barriers that take multiple factors into account.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent ApplicationBRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention.

[0010] For purposes of summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the apparatuses or methods claimed may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0011] Barners and partitions are essential components in both residential and commercial spaces, serving a variety of purposes such as privacy, security, and aesthetic enhancement. Traditional barriers often come with limitations in terms of design flexibility and adaptability to different environments. As architectural trends evolve, there is an increasing demand for solutions that not only fulfill functional requirements but also offer customization to match the unique style and decor of a space.

[0012] In many settings, the ability to modify the appearance of a barrier to align with interior design themes is highly desirable. This need for customization extends to the choice of materials, colors, and configurations, allowing users to personalize their spaces without compromising on functionality. Additionally, the ease of installation and adaptability to various passageways are critical factors that influence the selection of barrier systems. As such, there is a growing interest in innovative barrier designs that offer both aesthetic versatility and practical utility, addressing the diverse needs of modern living and working environments.

[0013] In accordance with some embodiments, a customizable barrier is disclosed herein, comprising a frame with left and right vertical end supports, each having upper and lower ends. The frame includes an upper horizontal rail with left and right endsDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application connected to the upper ends of the vertical supports, featuring a bottom surface with a first plurality of slots and a channel connecting these slots. A lower horizontal rail is also included, with left and right ends connected to the lower ends of the vertical supports, and a top surface with a second plurality of slots corresponding to the first plurality. The barrier further includes a plurality of vertical slats with upper ends attached to a flexible strap, where each slat's upper end is seated within a corresponding slot of the first plurality, and the flexible strap is received within the channel. The lower end of each slat is seated within a corresponding slot of the second plurality. In some embodiments, the frame and slats are made of a material receptive to paint or stain.

[0014] In accordance with other embodiments, the customizable barrier further comprises a plurality of mounting assemblies for mounting the barrier within a passageway.

[0015] In yet other embodiments, the frame and slats of the customizable barrier comprise either wood or a paintable composite material.

[0016] Previous barrier assemblies for blocking passageways commonly employ a pair of vertical end supports joined by upper and lower rails, each rail defining a series of laterally spaced receiver slots into which individual elongate slats are seated. In these systems, each slat must be aligned and inserted separately into matching slots in the rigid upper and lower rails, forming a barrier panel. Removal or replacement of the barrier requires disassembly of each slat one by one, leading to labor-intensive installation and potential misalignment when reassembling the panel.

[0017] Other approaches utilize pre-assembled panel modules that hinge to opposed support structures to function as swing gates. Such modules often consist of rigid frames with welded or fixed slat arrays, eliminating individual slat insertion but sacrificing portability and ease of transport. The reliance on bulky hinge assemblies and solid panels can increase weight and reduce the flexibility of deployment in varied passageway widths.

[0018] Previous approaches have never provided a comprehensive solution that combines the multiple (inter-combinable) features described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the technology disclosed herein can provide a barrier assembly including a flexible strap assembly interconnecting slats.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0019] As such, keeping in mind possible combination embodiments and the above discussion, as an additional brief summary or to provide discussion points for a brief summary, some example features of the technology disclosed herein can be briefly summarized by the following list of features, any of which can be inter-combined or discussed optionally with any other example, feature, Figure, Drawing, detail, embodiment, and / or aspect disclosed herein:

[0020] Feature 1 : A barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for blocking a passageway, comprising: a frame including a first vertical end support (102) and a second vertical end support (104) spaced apart along a transverse direction, an upper rail (101 ) extending between the first and second end supports (102, 104), and a lower rail (105) extending between the first and second end supports (102, 104), the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) each defining a plurality of laterally spaced receiver slots; a plurality of elongate slats (108), each slat (108) having an upper end and a lower end respectively seated in aligned ones of the receiver slots of the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) such that the slats (108) extend generally vertically between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) and collectively define a barrier panel; a flexible strap assembly (201 ) coupled to the plurality of slats (108) at a location between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105), the flexible strap assembly (201 ) interconnecting the plurality of slats (108) with one another so that the plurality of slats (108) is handled as a unit during removal from and insertion into the frame; and wherein the frame is dimensioned to span between opposed support structures (355) that define the passageway and is configured to be mounted to the opposed support structures (355) as a temporary barrier, and to cooperate with hinge hardware (350) mounted to one of the opposed support structures (355) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) functions as a swing gate.

[0021] Feature 2: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) comprises at least one elongate flexible strip extending along a length of the barrier panel and mechanically fastened or adhesively bonded to each of the plurality of slats (108).

[0022] Feature 3: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) comprises a plurality of parallel flexible strips disposed atDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application different heights between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) to resist racking of the barrier panel.

[0023] Feature 4: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) is disposed on a front side of the plurality of slats (108) and covers at least a majority of a front-facing area of the barrier panel to present a substantially continuous customizable visual band across the plurality of slats (108).

[0024] Feature 5: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the plurality of slats (108) is removable as a group from the frame while remaining interconnected by the flexible strap assembly (201 ), thereby facilitating separate finishing or replacement of the interconnected plurality of slats (108) outside of the frame.

[0025] Feature 6: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) are elongate members each having an open slot extending along a length of the respective rail and opening toward the plurality of slats (108), the receiver slots being formed within the open slot such that the upper ends and lower ends of the slats (108) are insertable into and removable from the open slot.

[0026] Feature 7: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein at least one of the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) includes telescoping rail portions selectively extendable and retractable relative to one another to adjust an overall width of the frame for different passageway widths.

[0027] Feature 8: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104) includes an attachment region configured to receive hardware selected from the group consisting of a hinge bracket and a wall-mount bracket (615) for supporting the frame as a swing gate.

[0028] Feature 9: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , further comprising mounting hardware (110, 300, 350) configurable in a first arrangement in which the frame is pressure-mounted between the opposed support structures (355) without permanent fasteners, and in a second arrangement in which the frame is pivotably mounted to one of the opposed support structures (355) by hinge hardware (350), the frame being common to both arrangements.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0029] Feature 10: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , provided as a kit further comprising at least two interchangeable flexible strap assemblies (201 ) having visually distinct cosmetic finishes, the interchangeable flexible strap assemblies (201 ) being selectively attachable to the plurality of slats (108) to provide different appearances with the same frame.

[0030] Feature 11 : The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, paper, polymer webbing, and composite laminates, the material being receptive to painting, printing, or application of decals.

[0031] Feature 12: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the plurality of slats (108) is formed from wood, plastic, or a wood-plastic composite and each slat (108) has rounded edges or corners to reduce risk of injury upon contact by a child.

[0032] Feature 13: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , further comprising a latch-receiving region on one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), the latch-receiving region being configured to cooperate with a complementary latch component carried by an adjacent post or wall to retain the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) in a closed position when used as a swing gate.

[0033] Feature 14: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) presents an outwardly exposed surface configured to receive a cosmetic finish, graphic, color, or texture different from that of the frame and the plurality of slats (108) so as to provide a customizable appearance of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0034] Feature 15: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 1 , wherein the frame has a height and a spacing between adjacent slats (108) selected to satisfy childsafety requirements for use adjacent to a stairway, including a maximum gap size that inhibits passage of a child, a device, and / or a pet through the barrier panel.

[0035] Feature 16: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of feature 15, wherein the device is a robotic cleaning device, a radio-controlled device, and / or a toy device.

[0036] Feature 17: A spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) for use with a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) to be held between opposed support surfaces (355), theDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application mounting system comprising: a cartridge housing (305) configured to be received in a recess (602) of an end post (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the cartridge housing (305) defining an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis; a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) along the longitudinal axis and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315) configured to engage a wall cup (615); a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nut (325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305); a contact pad (310) at a first end of the cartridge housing (305) configured to bear against one of the opposed support surfaces (355); and at least one wall cup (615) configured to be mounted to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) and having a ramped cam surface arranged to receive the head of the tension bolt (315), wherein the compression spring (320) biases the head of the tension bolt (315) along the ramped cam surface to maintain a substantially constant clamping force between the contact pad (310) and the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) during positional adjustment of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0037] Feature 18: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of feature 17, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is sized to fit entirely within the recess (602) of the end post (102, 104) such that the contact pad (310) is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the end post (102, 104) when the mounting system (300, 615) is installed.

[0038] Feature 19: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of feature 17, wherein the wall cup (615) carries an adhesive pad configured to adhere to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355), and wherein the ramped cam surface of the wall cup (615) is positioned to urge the wall cup (615) against the adhesive pad as the tension bolt (315) is advanced, thereby maintaining pressure on the adhesive pad over a range of extension positions of the tension bolt (315).

[0039] Feature 20: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of feature 17, further comprising a second mounting element arranged to be coupled to an opposite end post (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the second mountingDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application element including a threaded shaft (601 ) configured to extend toward a second wall cup (615) and a manually rotatable actuator (380, 390) coupled to the threaded shaft (601 ) to adjust a spacing between the opposite end post (102, 104) and the second wall cup (615).

[0040] Feature 21 : The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of feature 20, wherein the threaded shaft (601 ) includes a stop feature (617) that engages a fixed component associated with the opposite end post (102, 104) so as to prevent over- extension of the threaded shaft (601 ) from the opposite end post (102, 104).

[0041] Feature 22: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of feature 17, in combination with the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), wherein the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) comprises the frame with the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), the upper rail (101 ), the lower rail (105), and the plurality of slats (108) interconnected by the flexible strap assembly (201 ) as defined in any one of features 1 to 15, the cartridge housing (305) being received in one of the vertical end supports (102, 104) and the wall cup (615) being mounted to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is held between the opposed support surfaces (355) under the clamping force generated by the compression spring (320).

[0042] Feature 23: A spring-biased mounting assembly (300) for use between a barrier post and a support surface, the mounting assembly comprising: a cartridge housing (305) defining an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis; a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) along the longitudinal axis and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315) configured to bear against the support surface; a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nut (325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305); and a contact pad (310) at a first end of the cartridge housing (305) through which the tension bolt (315) projects and which is configured to bear against the support surface.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0043] Feature 24: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of feature 23, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is sized to be received in a recess (602) of a barrier post (102, 104) such that, when installed, the contact pad (310) is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the barrier post (102, 104).

[0044] Feature 25: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of feature 23, wherein the contact pad (310) defines a bolt-access opening (340) through which a tool can engage the tension bolt (315) for rotation while the contact pad (310) remains in contact with the support surface.

[0045] Feature 26: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of feature 23, wherein the retainer (330) comprises a C-shaped clip configured to engage in a circumferential groove of the tension bolt (315) at a second end thereof opposite the head so as to prevent the tension bolt (315) from being withdrawn completely from the cartridge housing (305).

[0046] Feature 27: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of feature 23, further comprising a cover (345) configured to close an opening of the cartridge housing (305) opposite the contact pad (310), the cover (345) being releasably engageable with the cartridge housing (305) to retain the compression spring (320), the nut (325), and the retainer (330) within the internal guide (335).

[0047] Feature 28: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of feature 23, provided as part of a hardware kit further comprising a second mounting element including a threaded shaft (601 ) and a manually rotatable actuator (380, 390) configured for engagement with an opposite post (102, 104) of a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the spring-biased mounting assembly (300) and the second mounting element being dimensioned to secure the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) between opposed support surfaces.

[0048] Feature 29: A hinge conversion kit (350) for a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) that in a barrier mode is configured to be pressure-mounted between opposed support surfaces (355) by spring-biased mounting assemblies (300, 615) including tension bolts (601 , 315) engaging wall cups (615), the hinge conversion kit (350) comprising: a hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) dimensioned to replace one of the tension bolts (601 , 315) of a static-side mounting assembly (110b' , 110d ' ) of the barrier assemblyDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application(100, 200, or 210); a hinge post assembly including a hinge post (365, 903, 387) supported by a base element (360, 615) configured for mounting to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) at a location of the static-side mounting assembly (110b' , 110d ' ); and a gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) configured to be coupled to an end support (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) or to the static-side mounting assembly (110b ' , 110d ' ) and to pivotably engage the hinge post (365, 903, 387), wherein, in a hinge mode, the hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) and the gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) cooperate with the hinge post assembly to support the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for swinging movement relative to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) while an opposite side of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) remains supported by mounting hardware (110, 300, 615) on the other of the opposed support surfaces (355). In different embodiments, the hinge post is supported either by a hinge socket body 360 or by a wall cup / bracket 615.

[0049] Feature 30: The hinge conversion kit (350) of feature 29, wherein the hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) has a shank portion configured to engage the threaded insert (617) of the static-side mounting assembly (110b’, 110d’) in place of the corresponding tension bolt (601 , 315) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is reconfigurable between the barrier mode and the hinge mode without permanent modification of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0050] Feature 31 : The hinge conversion kit (350) of feature 29, wherein the hinge post assembly comprises an L-shaped hinge bolt (801 ) extending through the staticside mounting assembly (110b' ) into the base element (615), the L-shaped hinge bolt (801 ) defining a horizontal leg that forms the hinge post engaged by the gate-side hinge adaptor (803).

[0051] Feature 32: The hinge conversion kit (350) of feature 29, wherein the hinge post assembly comprises an eye bolt (901 ) and a lower adaptor (903) having an upstanding post configured to be received in the eye of the eye bolt (901 ), the lower adaptor (903) being biased toward the base element (615) by a spring-biased staticside mounting assembly (110d ' ).

[0052] Feature 33: The hinge conversion kit (350) of feature 29, wherein the gateside hinge adaptor (380) includes a latch hook portion (370) and a hinge link body (385)Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application configured to hook over a hinge pin (365) projecting from the base element (360) and to latch into a hinge socket (360) mounted on the support member (355), and further comprises a height-adjustment post (387) and fastener (390) for attachment to a frame member of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0053] Feature 34: The hinge conversion kit (350) of feature 29, wherein the opposite side of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is configured, in the hinge mode, to be supported by at least one of: a spring-biased mounting assembly (300, 615) including a tension bolt (601 , 315) and wall cup (615); and a latch arrangement cooperating with a latch-receiving region of an end support (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0054] It is contemplated that the devices and methods can be stable, easily boxed, shipped and portable. It is important to note in the context of this disclosure that the materials and the methods can be used for production of kits, methods for assembling the kits, or for other constructs.

[0055] According to some aspects, the features, options, parameters, dimensions, materials, mounting configurations, hinge arrangements, components, embodiments, and examples described in this Summary are each disclosed individually and in any technically sensible combination with one another and with features described elsewhere herein. Any stated range includes its endpoints and all sub-ranges and discrete values within it. Any list (“selected from,” “including,” “one or more of”) supports selection of a single member or any sub-combination of members, and selections from multiple lists (for example, slat configuration x strap layout x frame construction x mounting hardware x hinge mode x decorative treatment) are expressly disclosed. The same technical subject matter is disclosed across different claim formats — such as barrier assemblies, mounting assemblies, hinge conversion kits, strap-and-slat modules, kits, and methods of installation, adjustment, and use — and features recited in one format are disclosed for use in the others. Combinations are intended except where two features are expressly stated to be mutually exclusive or technically incompatible to the skilled person.

[0056] Other implementations are also described and recited herein. These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailedDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of aspects as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] For the purpose of illustration, certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, data, dimensions, and illustrations shown. The apparatus is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. In the drawings:

[0058] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a customizable barrier.

[0059] FIG. 1 B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a customizable barrier.

[0060] FIG. 1C is an elevation view of an exemplary customizable barrier with mounting assemblies.

[0061] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary customizable barrier.

[0062] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary plurality of vertical slats for use with the customizable barrier.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows the underside of the upper horizontal rail.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows the top side of the lower horizontal rail.

[0065] FIG. 6A is an exploded view of an exemplary mounting assembly.

[0066] FIG. 6B is a section view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 6A.

[0067] FIG. 6C shows an expanded view of a tension mount cartridge.

[0068] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an outward side of a corner of a vertical support.

[0069] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an inward side of the vertical support ofFIG. 7A

[0070] FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of an upper mounting assembly.

[0071] FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a lower mounting assembly.

[0072] FIG. 10 shows an expanded view of a hinge conversion kit.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a customizable strap and slat module.

[0074] It should be understood that while different numbers / numbering could be sometimes used in some of the figures above to describe different embodiments and different aspects of the technology, any number from any figure can be inter-combined with a numbered aspect from any other figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] The presently disclosed innovation is now described in more detail with some reference to the drawings, when practical, to refer to methods throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in a block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

[0076] As such, the following description of particular aspects is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses, which may, of course, vary. The invention is described with relation to the nonlimiting definitions and terminology included herein. These definitions and terminology are not designed to function as a limitation on the scope or practice of the invention but are presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While the compositions or processes are described as using specific materials or an order of individual steps, it is appreciated that materials or steps may be interchangeable such that the description of the invention may include multiple parts or steps arranged in many ways as is readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.DEFINITIONS

[0077] For convenience, the meaning of some terms and phrases used in the specification, examples, and appended claims, are provided below. Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below. The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical andDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in the art and its definition provided herein, the definition provided within the specification shall prevail.

[0078] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0079] As used herein, the term "approximately" or "about" in reference to a value or parameter are generally taken to include numbers that fall within a range of 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in either direction (greater than or less than) of the number unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context (except where such number would be less than 0% or exceed 100% of a possible value). As used herein, reference to "approximately" or "about" a value or parameter includes (and describes) embodiments that are directed to that value or parameter. For example, description referring to "about X" includes description of "X".

[0080] As used herein, the term “or” means “and / or.” The term "and / or" as used in a phrase such as "A and / or B" herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term "and / or" as used in a phrase such as "A, B, and / or C" is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0081] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other elements can also be present in addition to the defined elements presented. The use of "comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation.

[0082] The term "consisting of" refers to compositions, methods, and respective components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the embodiment.

[0083] As used herein the term "consisting essentially of" refers to those elements required for a given embodiment. The term permits the presence of additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel or functional characteristic(s) of that embodiment of the invention.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0084] Other terms are defined herein within the description of the various aspects of the invention.CUSTOMIZABLE BARRIER

[0085] The various embodiments of the customizable barrier and their advantages are best understood by discussing the drawings in detail to cover various optional embodiments, many of which are inter-combinable. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the novel features and principles of operation. Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings, yet various embodiments can be inter-combined.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the customizable barrier may include a plurality of vertical slats, each having upper and lower ends. The upper ends of the vertical slats may be attached to a flexible strap, which can be received within a channel defined in the upper horizontal rail. The upper ends of the vertical slats may be seated within a corresponding slot of the first plurality of slots on the bottom surface of the upper horizontal rail. The lower ends of the vertical slats may be seated within the corresponding slots of the second plurality of slots on the top surface of the lower horizontal rail. This configuration may allow for movement and flexibility of the vertical slats while securing them in place. The flexible strap may hold the upper ends of the vertical slats, facilitating their alignment and stability within the frame. The frame, composed of left and right vertical end supports connected by upper and lower horizontal rails, may provide structural support and form the structure of the barrier. Optionally, the frame and slats may be made from either wood or a paintable composite material, which can allow for customization and provide options for material composition. The customizable barrier may also include a plurality of mounting assemblies for securing the barrier within a passageway, which can enhance its utility and adaptability to different settings.

[0087] The frame of the customizable barrier may be composed of left and right vertical end supports, which can provide structural support to the entire system. The upper horizontal rail may connect the upper ends of these vertical end supports, potentially stabilizing the frame and forming the structure of the barrier. Similarly, theDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application lower horizontal rail may connect the lower ends of the vertical end supports, further contributing to the structural integrity of the barrier. The frame, along with the upper and lower horizontal rails, may be integral in ensuring that the barrier maintains its intended shape and function. The frame and the slats may be made from either wood or a paintable composite material, which can allow for customization and provide options for material composition. This material choice may be receptive to paint, which can enable the barrier to be customized according to user preferences or specific application requirements. The customizable nature of the barrier may enhance its utility and adaptability to different settings, potentially making it suitable for a variety of passageways.

[0088] The customizable barrier may optionally be constructed from either wood or a paintable composite material, which may allow for customization and provide options for material composition. The frame and slats may be made of a material that is receptive to paint, which may enable the barrier to be customized according to user preferences or specific application requirements. The frame may include left and right vertical end supports, which may provide structural support and stabilize the frame. The upper horizontal rail may connect the upper ends of the vertical end supports, while the lower horizontal rail may connect the lower ends of the vertical end supports, which may form the structure of the barrier. The vertical slats may have upper ends attached to a flexible strap, whereby these vertical slats are held by the straps, and the flexible strap will allow for movement and flexibility. Each upper end of the vertical slats may be seated within a corresponding slot of the first plurality of slots, and the flexible strap may be received within the channel, which may secure the slats in place. The lower ends of the vertical slats may be seated within the corresponding slots of the second plurality of slots, which may further secure the slats in place. The customizable barrier may include a plurality of mounting assemblies for securing the barrier within a passageway, which may enhance its utility and adaptability to different settings.

[0089] The customizable barrier may include a plurality of mounting assemblies, which can be utilized to secure the barrier within a passageway. This inclusion may enhance the utility and adaptability of the barrier, allowing it to be effectively used in various settings. The mounting assemblies may be designed to work in conjunction withDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application the frame and slats, which are integral components of the barrier. The frame, composed of left and right vertical end supports, may provide the necessary structural support for the barrier. The upper horizontal rail may connect the upper ends of the vertical end supports, while the lower horizontal rail may connect the lower ends, thereby stabilizing the frame and forming the structure of the barrier. The vertical slats, which may have upper ends attached to a flexible strap, can be seated within corresponding slots of the first plurality of slots on the upper horizontal rail. The flexible strap may be received within a channel, allowing for movement and flexibility of the slats. The lower ends of the vertical slats may be seated within corresponding slots of the second plurality of slots on the lower horizontal rail, securing the slats in place. The frame and slats may be made from either wood or a paintable composite material, which can allow for customization and provide options for material composition. This material choice may enable the barrier to be receptive to paint, further enhancing its adaptability to different aesthetic preferences or application requirements.

[0090] In some embodiments, FIGs. 1A - 1C can depict an exemplary customizable barrier 100, 200, and / or 210 that can comprise an upper horizontal rail 101 , a lower horizontal rail 105, each having left and right ends that are connected to respective upper and lower ends of a left and right vertical support 102, 104 forming a frame. A mounting assembly 110a-d extends from each corner of the barrier for mounting the barrier 100 (200 / 210) within a passageway where the mounting assemblies 110a-d engage opposing walls. Barrier 100 (200 / 210) also comprises a plurality of vertical slats 108a-f extending between the upper and lower horizontal rails 101 , 105. As shown in FIG. 1 B and FIG. 1C, a barrier may be fitted with a third vertical support 106 connected to barrier 100 (200 / 210) frame with upper and lower spacer blocks 107, 109 interposed therebetween.

[0091] According to some embodiments, in FIG. 1A, a customizable barrier 100 is shown in a basic pressure-mounted configuration. The barrier 100 includes a rectangular frame formed by an upper horizontal rail 101 , a lower horizontal rail 105, and opposed left and right vertical supports 102, 104. The rails 101 , 105 span between the vertical supports 102, 104 to define a rigid perimeter sized to fit between opposed walls or other support structures of a passageway. Within this frame, a series ofDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application elongate vertical slats 108a-108f extends between the upper and lower horizontal rails 101 , 105. The slats 108a-108f are laterally spaced to define a child-resistant barrier panel that blocks passage through the opening while still allowing visibility and airflow through the spaces between adjacent slats.

[0092] In FIG. 1A, at each of the four corners of the frame, a respective mounting assembly 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d projects outward from the vertical supports 102, 104 adjacent the ends of the upper and lower horizontal rails 101 , 105. In use, these mounting assemblies 110a-110d are adjusted so that their outer contact surfaces bear against the opposed walls or other support surfaces that define the passageway. By driving the mounting assemblies 110a-110d outward, equal and opposite forces are applied at all four corners, clamping the frame between the walls and frictionally retaining the barrier 100 in position without the need for permanent fasteners. The geometry of the frame, with the vertical supports 102, 104 carrying the mounting assemblies 110a-110d at the ends of the upper and lower rails 101 , 105, distributes the loads from impacts on the slats 108a-108f into the surrounding structure, allowing the barrier 100 to resist pushing and pulling loads from a child or pet during normal use.

[0093] In some embodiments, in FIG. 1 B, a customizable barrier 200 is illustrated in an embodiment that incorporates an intermediate structural support to increase stiffness and provide additional mounting options. As in FIG. 1A, the barrier 200 includes an upper horizontal rail 101 , a lower horizontal rail 105, and opposed left and right vertical supports 102, 104 coupled together to form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit between opposed support structures of a passageway. A series of elongate vertical slats 108a-108f extends between the upper horizontal rail 101 and the lower horizontal rail 105, with the slats 108a-108f being laterally spaced to define a child-resistant barrier panel that limits passage while maintaining visibility.

[0094] In this embodiment, a third vertical support 106 is positioned between the first vertical support 102 and the second vertical support 104. The third vertical support 106 is mechanically joined to the upper horizontal rail 101 and the lower horizontal rail 105 by respective upper and lower spacer blocks 107, 109. The spacer blocks 107, 109 can be dimensioned to offset the third vertical support 106 slightly from the plane of the slats 108a-108f, which helps to avoid interference with the slats while still allowing the thirdDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application vertical support 106 to carry axial and bending loads between the upper and lower horizontal rails 101 , 105. This arrangement increases the overall rigidity of the barrier 200, particularly in wider spans where deflection under load might otherwise be a concern.

[0095] In FIG. 1 B, mounting assemblies 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are provided at the four corners adjacent the ends of the vertical supports 102, 104 and the upper and lower horizontal rails 101 , 105. These mounting assemblies 110a-110d are configured to be driven outward so that contact elements bear against opposed walls or other support surfaces, thereby clamping the barrier 200 in place. The presence of the third vertical support 106, tied into the frame through spacer blocks 107, 109, provides an additional load path for forces transmitted through the mounting assemblies 110a-110d, improving the barrier’s resistance to racking and twisting when impacted by a child, pet, or object.

[0096] According to some aspects, in FIG. 1C, a customizable barrier 210 is shown in a front elevational view to highlight the relative positioning of the structural elements and mounting points. The barrier 210 again includes the upper horizontal rail 101 and the lower horizontal rail 105 spanning between the first vertical end support 102 and the second vertical end support 104. Together, these members form a generally rectangular frame sized to fit across a passageway or stair opening. Within this frame, a series of vertically oriented slats 108a-108f extends between the upper horizontal rail 101 and the lower horizontal rail 105. The slats 108a-108f are evenly spaced to define a barrier panel that resists passage of a child or pet while allowing light and air to pass through the gaps.

[0097] A third vertical support 106 is shown located between the first and second vertical supports 102, 104, in this view substantially centered across the width of the barrier 210. The third vertical support 106 is coupled to the upper horizontal rail 101 via an upper spacer block 107 and to the lower horizontal rail 105 via a lower spacer block 109. The spacer blocks 107, 109 may have thickness in the front-to-back direction so that the third vertical support 106 is aligned or slightly offset relative to the plane of the slats 108a-108f, thereby permitting the slats to run continuously across the span while still allowing the third vertical support 106 to carry compressive loads between the rails.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0098] At each corner of the barrier 210, a corresponding mounting assembly 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d is located adjacent the junctions between the vertical supports 102, 104 and the horizontal rails 101 , 105. In use, these mounting assemblies 110a-110d are driven outward so that their contact faces engage opposing walls or posts, clamping the barrier 210 in place. The presence of the third vertical support 106, tied into the rails by the spacer blocks 107, 109, improves distribution of the forces applied by the mounting assemblies 110a-110d and enhances the barrier’s resistance to bending and racking under expected impact loads.

[0099] In some embodiments, in the exploded view of FIG. 2, it can be seen that barrier 220 may comprise a plurality of fasteners 203 for connecting the frame elements. Additionally, vertical slats have upper ends that are attached to a flexible strap 201 , and, as can be seen clearly in FIG. 3, free lower ends. Attaching the slats to the strap before a consumer assembles the gate ensures the consumer will not omit a slat which could lead to a safety concern. Lower horizontal rail 105 is configured with a plurality of slots 202a-f defined in the top surface thereof, also shown more clearly in FIG. 5. The number of slots correspond to the number of vertical slats 108a-f. FIG. 4 shows the underside of the upper horizontal rail 101 which is configured with a plurality of slots 402a-f defined in the surface thereof. Slots 402a-f are connected by a channel 404 also defined in the surface of the bottom of upper horizontal rail 101 .

[0100] In some embodiments, a customizable barrier can be assembled by inserting the upper ends of the vertical slats 108a-f in corresponding slots 402a-f in the bottom surface of the upper horizontal rail 101 with flexible strap 201 being received in channel 404. The lower, free ends of slats 108a-f are inserted into slots 202a-f in the top surface of the lower horizontal rail 105. Left and right vertical supports 102, 104 are connected to respective left and right ends of the upper and lower horizontal rails 101 , 105.

[0101] Elements of the barrier 100 (or 200 and / or 210), including the frame components 101 , 102, 104, 105, and the vertical slats can optionally comprise a material that is receptive to receiving a paint or stain. Such as a wood or a simulated wood composite that has been coated with a primer material.

[0102] In some embodiments, in FIG. 2, a customizable barrier 220 is shown in an exploded configuration to illustrate the main structural components and how they can beDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application assembled or varied in different embodiments. The frame again includes a first vertical end support 102, a second vertical end support 104, an upper horizontal rail 101 , and a lower horizontal rail 105. In this example, a third vertical support 106 is also provided between the first and second vertical supports 102, 104, and is coupled to the upper and lower rails 101 , 105 by respective spacer blocks 107, 109. The spacer blocks 107, 109 may be separate pieces fastened to the rails or may be integrally formed extensions, and they can be dimensioned to set the precise front-to-back position of the third vertical support 106 relative to the plane of the slats.

[0103] The lower horizontal rail 105 is shown with a series of receiver slots 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e, 202f spaced along its length. These slots 202a-202f receive the lower ends of corresponding vertical slats 108a-108f. The upper ends of the slats 108a-108f are received in complementary features of the upper rail 101 (not separately numbered in this view), so that when assembled, the slats span between rails 101 and 105 to form the barrier panel. In the embodiment shown, the slats are pre-assembled into a module using a flexible strap 201 that is bonded or otherwise secured along the height of each slat. The strap 201 holds the slats 108a-108f in fixed lateral spacing and allows the entire group to be inserted into, or removed from, the frame as a unit; alternative embodiments may use multiple straps, different strap positions, or interchangeable decorative strap elements. In some embodiments, the strap assembly can also serve as (or be combined with) a decorative strap assembly, as described for element 430 in FIG. 11.

[0104] In FIG. 2, fasteners 203 are illustrated at several locations adjacent the ends of the vertical supports 102, 104, 106 and the spacer blocks 107, 109. These fasteners 203 secure the rails 101 , 105 to the vertical members and may also attach mounting assemblies 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d that are shown in dashed-outline regions at the four corners. In some aspects, the mounting assemblies 110a-110d may be simple threaded feet, spring-biased tension cartridges, or other pressure-mount hardware, allowing the same barrier structure 220 to be adapted for different installation environments. FIG. 2 thus demonstrates how the frame components, slat-and-strap module 201 , intermediate support 106 with spacer blocks 107, 109, and cornerDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application mounting assemblies 110a-110d cooperate to create a modular barrier system that can be assembled, finished, or customized in a variety of ways.

[0105] In some embodiments, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary pre-assembled slat- and-strap module configured for use with the customizable barrier frame. In this embodiment, a plurality of vertical slats 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 108e, and 108f is arranged in parallel and maintained at a fixed lateral spacing by a flexible strap 201 extending along the upper ends of the slats. Each slat 108a-108f has its upper end secured to the flexible strap 201 , for example by adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, overmolding, or any other suitable attachment technique, so that the entire group of slats behaves as a single module during handling and installation.

[0106] In this example, the lower ends of the slats 108a-108f are shown as free, / .e., not connected to one another in FIG. 3. In assembly, these free lower ends are inserted into corresponding slots 202a-202f of the lower horizontal rail, while the upper ends — already aligned by the flexible strap 201 — are received in corresponding slots of the upper horizontal rail. Because the slats are tied together by the flexible strap 201 , a user does not need to individually position and support each slat when constructing or reconfiguring the barrier. This reduces the risk that a slat 108a-108f is omitted, misspaced, or oriented incorrectly, which could otherwise create unsafe gaps in the finished barrier.

[0107] In various embodiments, the flexible strap 201 may be a decorative element as well as a structural connector, for example carrying printed graphics or a colored finish, and multiple alternative strap-and-slat modules (each with slats 108a-108f attached to a different strap 201 ) can be provided to allow the user to change the appearance of the barrier without replacing the frame.

[0108] In some embodiments, FIG. 4 illustrates the underside of the upper horizontal rail 101 , showing how it interfaces with the slat-and-strap module of the barrier. Along the bottom surface of the rail 101 is a longitudinal channel 404 extending generally across the full width of the barrier. This channel 404 is configured to receive the flexible strap 201 that interconnects the upper ends of the vertical slats 108a-108f, allowing the strap to nest within the rail rather than protruding into the passageway.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0109] Opening into the channel 404 (FIG. 4) is a first plurality of receiver slots 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, and 402f. Each slot is positioned to correspond to a respective slat location, so that the upper ends of slats 108a-108f can be seated individually in the slots 402a-402f while the strap lies in the channel 404 behind them. In some embodiments, the slots 402a-402f may be through-slots, mortises, or blind pockets, and the channel 404 may be sized so that the strap 201 is captured flush or slightly recessed relative to the bottom surface of the rail 101. This arrangement aligns and supports the upper ends of the slats while protecting the strap and concealing it from view and also permits alternative strap modules to be installed without changing the geometry of the upper rail 101 .

[0110] FIG. 5 illustrates the lower horizontal rail 105 in isolation, showing the geometry used to receive and locate the lower ends of the vertical slats. The rail 105 is an elongate structural member that extends across the width of the barrier frame between the left and right vertical supports. Along its top surface, the rail 105 defines a second plurality of receiver slots 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e, and 202f. These slots are spaced apart along the length of the rail to correspond to the desired lateral spacing of the slats within the barrier panel.

[0111] Each slot 202a-202f is sized to accept the lower end of a respective vertical slat (for example, slats 108a-108f in the assembled figures). The slots may be machined or molded as blind pockets or through-slots, and may have straight, tapered, or radiused side walls to promote easy insertion while still providing a snug fit that resists racking and twisting. In some embodiments, the slots 202a-202f may include chamfered lead-in edges at the top surface of the rail 105 to guide the slats into place during assembly.

[0112] By fixing the positions of the slots 202a-202f relative to the rail 105, the system ensures that the slats remain evenly spaced and aligned once the barrier is assembled. When the pre-assembled slat-and-strap module is installed, the lower ends of the slats drop into the corresponding slots 202a-202f, while the upper ends seat in the complementary slots of the upper rail, thereby capturing the module securely between the two rails and defining the finished barrier panel.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0113] In one example, with reference now to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, an exemplary mounting assembly 110 for use with the barrier 100 (or 200 and / or 210), is illustrated with a threaded tension bolt 601 inserted into a bore hole 610 defined in vertical support 102, 104. Vertical support 102, 104 may advantageously include a corner cap for strengthening the corner of vertical support 102, 104 to prevent it from splitting.Fastener 203 which may be a threaded bolt is inserted into a bore hole 604 below tension bolt bore hole 610. Tension bolt 601 is configured with a disk-shaped mounting plate 613 at its outer end. A wall-mounted bracket 615 is configured with a slot for receiving mounting plate 613. Wall-mounted bracket 615 may be affixed to an upright surface with an adhesive pad or suitable fasteners.

[0114] A recess 602 is defined in the inward upright surface of vertical support 102, 104 that is in communication with bore hole 610 such that tension bolt 601 extends into recess 602. Within the recess a nut 605 is seated and is threadably engaged with tension bolt 601 . A panel spring cap 609 (or a cap plate) is seated within recess 602 and configured with an upper bore hole for receiving the inward end of tension bolt 601 and a lower bore hole for receiving the inward end of fastener 203. Compression spring 607 is interposed between nut 605 and the outward surface of panel spring cap around the inward end of tension bolt 601 .

[0115] The inward surface of vertical support 102, 104 abuts the outer surface of horizontal rail 101 , 105 where an upper bore hole 606 is aligned with the bore hole 610 that receives tension bolt 601 . A lower bore hole 608 is aligned with the lower bore hole 604 defined in the vertical support 102, 104 that receives fastener 203. A retaining nut 617 is seated within lower bore hole 608 and is threadably engaged with the inward end of the fastener 203. A retaining ring 611 encircles fastener 203.

[0116] To mount barrier 100 (or 200 and / or 210), in a passageway, after it has been assembled with fasteners 203, tension bolt is rotated until it is the desired distance between vertical support 102, 104 and mounting bracket 615. Rotation of the tension bolt causes square nut 605 to compress spring 607 which applies pressure to both sides of the barrier.

[0117] It should be noted that while the mounting assembly 110 is illustrated as installed in the upper corner of the barrier, barrier 100 (or 200 and / or 210), is alsoDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application configured such that mounting assembly 110 can be installed in a lower corner of the barrier. It should also be noted that this configuration with compression spring 607 can be installed on the upper and lower corners of only one end of barrier 100(or 200 and / or 210). Mounting assembly of the opposite end of barrier 100 (or 200 and / or 210) may be configured to engage threaded retaining nuts (not shown).

[0118] In another example, FIG. 6A illustrates, in exploded form, an exemplary corner mounting assembly 110 configured for installation in a vertical support 102, 104 of the barrier. The vertical support 102, 104 is formed with an upper bore hole 610 for a tension bolt 601 and a lower bore hole 604 for a frame fastener 203. On the exterior corner of the vertical support, a separate corner cap 603 is positioned to overlie these bore holes. The corner cap 603 strengthens the end of the vertical support 102, 104 and provides neatly located openings through which the tension bolt 601 and the fastener 203 project toward an adjacent wall or mounting bracket in use.

[0119] In this example (FIG. 6B), on the inward side of the vertical support 102, 104, a recess 602 is formed around the inner end of the upper bore hole 610. Within this recess 602 are located a nut 605, a compression spring 607, and a panel spring cap 609 (or cap plate). The tension bolt 601 extends through the upper opening in the corner cap 603, through the bore hole 610, and into the recess 602, where it threadably engages the nut 605. The compression spring 607 is interposed between the nut 605 and an outward-facing surface of the panel spring cap 609, so that rotation of the tension bolt 601 alters spring preload and thus the outward clamping force applied by the mounting assembly 110. The lower fastener 203 passes through the lower opening in the corner cap 603 and the lower bore hole 604 into the panel spring cap 609, and is secured by a retaining ring 611 . This ties the panel spring cap 609 to the vertical support 102, 104, stabilizing the spring-loaded tension mechanism while simultaneously fastening the frame components at the corner. In some alternative embodiments (e.g., FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) the “tension element” may be a threaded shaft 203 instead of 601 , and that in that variant 203 is the shaft that extends toward the wall cup and is rotated and 601 is omitted or reassigned. According to some aspects, the “tension element” can be implemented as 601 , 315, or 203 in different models.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0120] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the corner mounting assembly 110 in an installed condition, showing how the spring-biased components interact with the barrier frame and an external support structure. The barrier frame includes the upper and lower rails 101 , 105 joined to the vertical support 102, 104. At the outer corner of the vertical support 102, 104, the corner cap 603 overlies the wood and provides guided openings for the tension bolt 601 and the lower fastener 203. The tension bolt 601 passes through the upper opening of the corner cap 603, through the disk-shaped mounting plate 613, and into the wall-mounted bracket 615, where its head bears against a cam or contact surface of the bracket to clamp the barrier against an adjacent wall.

[0121] Within the vertical support 102, 104, the inner end of the tension bolt 601 extends into a recess 602 where it threadably engages the nut 605. The nut 605 is backed by the compression spring 607, which bears against the panel spring cap 609 seated at the inner side of the recess 602. As the tension bolt 601 is advanced toward the wall-mounted bracket 615, the nut 605 compresses the spring 607 against the panel spring cap 609, creating a stored spring force that continually biases the tension bolt 601 outward. This arrangement maintains a substantially constant clamping force even if the wall or barrier components shift slightly over time.

[0122] The panel spring cap 609 is anchored to the frame region that joins the rails 101 , 105 by the lower fastener 203, which passes through the lower opening in the corner cap 603, through a lower bore 604, and into a cavity 608 that houses a retaining nut or insert 617. An upper bore 606 accommodates part of this fastening structure within the frame. The cooperation of the panel spring cap 609, fastener 203, bores 604, 606, 608, and the insert 617 rigidly ties the spring assembly to the frame while also providing a mechanical stop against over-extension of the fastener. Together, these elements allow the mounting assembly 110 to clamp the barrier securely between opposed structures while absorbing variations in spacing through the action of the spring 607. In some embodiments, tension element 203 secures the corner hardware and panel spring cap to the frame; and the tension bolt (601 1315) — accessed through opening 702 — is what the user adjusts to change the clamping force.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0123] In some embodiments, in FIG. 6C, a cartridge-style mounting assembly 300 is shown in exploded form, illustrating a compact hardware module that can be installed into an end post of a barrier or used as a stand-alone tension device. In this example, the mounting assembly 300 includes a cartridge housing 305 that defines an internal guide 335 extending along a longitudinal axis. A tension bolt 315 is arranged to pass through the cartridge housing 305 along this axis. The bolt 315 cooperates with a nut 325, a compression spring 320, and a retainer or C-washer 330 so that the axial position of the bolt and the applied clamping force can be set while the internal components remain captured within the housing 305.

[0124] In an example using FIG. 6C, a contact pad 310 is positioned at one end of the assembly 300 and provides an external bearing surface that is configured, in some embodiments, to engage a wall, jamb, or other support surface. The contact pad 310 defines a bolt-access opening 340 through which a tool can reach the head of the tension bolt 315 to rotate it and thus adjust the preload on the compression spring 320. According to some aspects, the shape of the opening 340 may be generally keyhole- or slot-like so that the pad 310 can also guide the bolt head into a desired contact region. The opposite end of the cartridge housing 305 is closable by a cover 345, which, in this example, is configured to snap or otherwise lock onto the housing to retain the nut 325, spring 320, and retainer 330 in the internal guide 335. In some embodiments, the cover 345 can be removed to service or replace the internal components; in other embodiments it may be permanently affixed to provide a tamper-resistant assembly. The housing 305, pad 310, and cover 345 may be molded from polymer, metal, or composite materials, and the mounting assembly 300 can be dimensioned either to be fully recessed within a post or partially exposed as a surface-mounted cartridge.

[0125] In some embodiments, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are views of the upper end of a vertical support 102, 104, depicting the position of corner cap 603. It can be seen that corner cap 603 is configured with upper and lower holes for receiving tension bolt 601 and fastener 203 (or frame / cap fastener 203) respectively. It should be noted that this fastening assembly may be inverted for use on the lower corners. In some embodiments, 203 can perform as a frame / cap fastener that also cooperates with a stop insert 617.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0126] In another example, FIG. 7A illustrates an external view of a corner region of a barrier post (102, 104) fitted with a finished mounting assembly. A molded corner cap (603) is secured to the end of the post (102, 104) and wraps around the outer corner, providing both a protective cover and a defined interface to the surrounding structure. Corner cap (603) includes an upper opening (702) aligned with the head of a spring- biased tension bolt (601 , 315) and a lower opening aligned with a frame-fastening screw (203). In a first group of embodiments, the screw (203) primarily secures the panel spring cap (609) and related hardware to the frame, while the user adjusts the clamping force by rotating the tension bolt (601 , 315) through the upper opening (702). In other embodiments, the visible threaded member at the corner may itself function as the tension element (203) that advances toward a wall cup (615). In both cases, the upper opening (702) provides tool access to the adjustable threaded element and defines a controlled contact region for the cooperating wall cup or bracket, while the geometry of the corner cap (603) ensures a smooth, rounded profile with no exposed sharp edges.

[0127] In some embodiments, FIG. 7B illustrates a partially assembled corner of a vertical support (102, 104) with the internal mounting hardware visible. A corner cap (603) is fitted over the upper outside corner of the post, and a recessed pocket on the adjoining face receives a panel spring cap or retainer (609). The panel spring cap (609) is seated in the recess so that its outer surface is substantially flush with the wood of the vertical support (102, 104), protecting the internal components while still allowing access to the fastener. A threaded member (either the frame fastener (203) or the spring-biased tension bolt (601 , 315), depending on the embodiment) extends laterally through the vertical support into a threaded region of the panel spring cap (609) and cooperates with the nut (605) and compression spring (607) described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B. When this threaded member is rotated, it adjusts the extension of the tension element toward the wall cup (615) and thus the clamping force applied by the mounting assembly, while the corner cap (603) and panel spring cap (609) stabilize and reinforce the end of the post.

[0128] Referring again to FIG. 1A, it is contemplated tension bolts 601 may be used in all four mounting assemblies 110a-d. in another embodiment, mounting assemblies 110a, c may have tension bolts, but mounting assemblies 110b, d would have staticDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application bolts (no spring) for installation. Hereafter, the end of the barrier having mounting assemblies without springs 110b, d ( / .e., upper static-side mounting assembly 110b and lower static-side mounting assembly 110d) will be referred to as the “static end.”

[0129] In yet another embodiment, the barrier 100 (or 200 and / or 210) may be converted to a gate where the entire barrier may open on a hinge. With reference to FIG. 8, bolt 601 from the upper static side mounting assembly 110b’ may be removed and an L-shaped bolt 801 may be inserted in its place. A hinge adaptor 803 is inserted into the slot in the mounting bracket 615 where the disk 613 of bolt 601 was, and the outer downward-facing end is slidably inserted into a hole in the adaptor 803 such that it can rotate within the hole. The L-shaped bolt 801 , and, thus, the barrier, may pivot about the downward-facing end. The lower static side mounting assembly 110d’ may be similarly configured. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the lower adaptor 903 may comprise a vertical post and bolt 601 may be replaced with an eye bolt 901 where the eye is placed over the post.

[0130] In an example, FIG. 8 illustrates an upper static-side mounting assembly 110b' converted for hinge operation. A corner-mounted housing on the barrier post supports an L-shaped hinge bolt 801 that extends horizontally outward from the post and then bends downward. The outer end of the horizontal leg of the hinge bolt 801 is received in a wall-mounted bracket 615, which in this example can be the same type of bracket used with a spring-biased tension assembly. Below the horizontal leg of the hinge bolt 801 is a hinge adaptor 803, which is carried by the vertical portion of the hinge bolt. The adaptor 803 is configured to attach to the frame of the barrier gate and effectively forms the hinge knuckle on the gate side. When the barrier is in hinge mode, the hinge bolt 801 and adaptor 803 cooperate with the wall-mounted bracket 615 so that the gate can swing about the axis defined by the hinge bolt, while the opposite side of the gate can still be supported by tension hardware or a latch. According to some aspects, when in hinge mode, the opposite end of the barrier can still use a spring- biased mounting system (300, 615) or a simpler non-spring static mounting assembly 110a, 110c.

[0131] Thus, when 100, 200, and / or 210 is configured as a gate, the non-static end having mounting assemblies with springs on the bolts can open. The bolts 601 in theDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application mounting assemblies 110a, c and their interactions with the mounting brackets 615 may operate as latches by lifting the bolts 601 such that the disk 613 are removed from the mounting slots. As described above and shown in the associated drawings, the present invention comprises a customizable barrier.

[0132] In some embodiments, FIG. 9 illustrates a lower static-side mounting assembly 110d' configured for hinge operation using an eye-bolt style hinge post. A corner-mounted housing on the barrier post supports hardware that projects toward a wall-mounted bracket 615, which in this embodiment again may be the same bracket used with the tension-mount system. Instead of a straight tension shaft, an eye bolt 901 extends from the static-side mounting assembly 110d ' into the bracket 615. A common part, 615, can serve as either a wall cup for tension mounting or as a hinge base. The eye of the bolt 901 receives a lower adaptor 903 that forms an upright hinge post. The lower adaptor 903 is generally columnar and can be biased upward or downward by the underlying spring hardware so that it seats firmly in the eye of the bolt 901 while still allowing rotational freedom. When paired with the upper hinge arrangement of FIG. 8, the adaptor 903 and bracket 615 cooperate to define a lower hinge pivot for the gate, allowing the barrier to swing relative to the wall while still benefiting from the load distribution and adjustability of the original static mounting assembly.

[0133] In some embodiments, FIG. 10 illustrates, in exploded perspective, an exemplary hinge conversion kit 350 that can be used to transform a pressure-mounted barrier into a swing gate while re-using much of the existing hardware.

[0134] According to some aspects, on the left, a structural support member 355 is shown. In use, the support member 355 may represent a wall stud, stair newel post, or other fixed element adjacent the passageway. Mounted to the support member 355 is a hinge socket body 360, which in this example is a generally block-shaped component having a circular opening aligned to receive a hinge pin. The socket body 360 can be fastened directly to the support member 355, or, in some embodiments, it can be coupled through an intermediate mounting plate 364. The mounting plate 364 may be a metal or polymer plate having through-holes for screws and serving as a reinforcement or adapter that allows the same hinge pin assembly to be attached to differentDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application substrates or at different spacings from the support member 355. In other embodiments, the hinge pin 365 may be anchored directly in the support member 355 or the socket body 360 without using the plate 364. Projecting from the plate 364 is the hinge pin 365. The hinge pin 365 defines the primary rotational axis about which the gate will swing in hinge mode. The pin can be cylindrical, slightly tapered, or stepped, and may include surface features or coatings to reduce friction and wear. In some aspects, the hinge pin 365 is fixed relative to the support member 355, while in others it may be removable or adjustable to accommodate different offsets or clearances.

[0135] In some embodiments, to the right of the hinge pin 365 is a multi-link hinge assembly that forms the gate-side portion of the kit. A latch hook portion 370 is provided at the upper region of this assembly. The latch hook 370 is shaped to hook over the hinge pin 365 and cooperate with the socket body 360 so that the hinge assembly can be snapped onto or lifted off of the hinge pin without tools. An arrow 375 indicates the motion of the latch hook 370 as it pivots into engagement with the hinge pin 365, illustrating how the user can swing or rock the assembly into a locked position during installation.

[0136] In this example, the hinge link body 385 extends downward from the latch hook 370 and provides the structural connection to the lower portion of the hinge assembly. The link body 385 may be a one-piece casting or a built-up linkage, and can incorporate shoulders, stops, or detents to define the range of motion relative to the hinge pin 365. Coupled to the lower end of the hinge link body 385 is a heightadjustment post 387. The post 387 is shown as a threaded stem with a foot or pad at its lower end; by rotating the post 387, the installer can raise or lower the gate-side hinge assembly relative to the floor or stair tread to fine-tune gate alignment and to share load with other support points.

[0137] According to some aspects, on the right-hand side of FIG. 10 is a gate-side hinge adaptor 380. The adaptor 380 is configured to attach rigidly to a frame member of the barrier, for example via screws, brackets, or clamping features. Once attached, the adaptor 380 transfers loads from the swinging gate into the hinge link body 385 and hinge pin 365. A fastener 390 is shown adjacent the adaptor 380; in one embodiment, the fastener 390 is a bolt or screw that secures the adaptor 380 to the barrier frame,Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application while in other embodiments it may be part of an adjustable clamp or quick-release mechanism.

[0138] Taken together, the components 355, 360, 364, 365, 370, 375, 380, 385, 387, and 390 can form the hinge conversion kit 350, which can be supplied as standalone hardware. The kit enables an existing pressure-mounted barrier to be re-configured into a hinged swing gate by installing the hinge socket 360 (and optional plate 364) on the fixed support member 355, attaching the adaptor 380 and post 387 to the gate frame, and then hooking the latch portion 370 over the hinge pin 365 to establish a robust pivot.

[0139] In some embodiments, FIG. 11 illustrates a customizable slat-and-strap module 400 that can be installed into, or removed from, a barrier frame as a single unit. The module 400 is shown as a generally rectangular assembly having an upper module rail 405 and a lower module rail 410 joined by multiple vertical elements. In many embodiments, the rails 405, 410 are sized to match the spacing between the barrier’s upper and lower horizontal rails so that the entire module 400 can drop into corresponding channels or pockets in the main frame. The rails 405, 410 may be formed from wood, polymer, metal, or composite materials, and may be straight or slightly contoured to coordinate with the overall style of the barrier.

[0140] Along the left side of the module 400, a vertically oriented strap or panel 415 extends between the upper and lower rails 405, 410. The strap 415 is shown as a solid, non-decorated panel and can function as a structural connector tying the rails 405, 410 together and helping to maintain squareness of the module. In some embodiments, the strap 415 is flexible and bonded to the rails; in other embodiments it may be a rigid decorative insert.

[0141] On the right side of the module, a corresponding outer slat 420 extends between the rails 405, 410. The slat 420 is depicted as a wood-grain member and represents a typical vertical slat of the barrier. Between strap 415 and slat 420, additional interior slats 425, 440, and 445 are arranged in parallel. These slats 425, 440, 445, together with outer slat 420, establish the overall pattern of spaces and visual rhythm across the module 400. The slats may be formed from wood, engineered wood,Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application polymer, metal, or composites and may have rounded edges or profiles tailored to childsafety standards.

[0142] Centrally within the module 400 is a decorative strap panel 430. The strap 430 extends vertically between the upper and lower rails 405, 410 and in this example is centered between the adjacent slats 425 and 440. The strap 430 can be made from fabric, vinyl, polymer webbing, or other printable or paintable material. Applied to the outward-facing surface of the strap 430 is an ornamental indicia 435, shown here as a repeating pattern. The indicia 435 may be printed, embossed, woven, laser-etched, or otherwise formed on or in the material of strap 430. In alternative embodiments, different decorative patterns, colors, licensed characters, or textured finishes may be used to coordinate with room decor or user preference.

[0143] The module configuration shown in FIG. 11 demonstrates how structural and decorative elements can be combined. For example, strap 415 may be plain while strap 430 carries the decorative indicia 435, giving a two-tone or asymmetric look. In some aspects, multiple modules 400 having different combinations of strap colors 415, 430, different indicia 435, and different slat finishes 420, 425, 440, 445 can be supplied as interchangeable sets. A caregiver can remove one module 400 from the barrier frame and install another to update the appearance without changing the underlying barrier hardware.

[0144] Accordingly, FIG. 11 highlights that the customizable module 400 is not only a structural slat assembly but also a replaceable aesthetic component. The cooperation of the upper and lower rails 405, 410, the side strap 415, the decorative center strap 430 with indicia 435, and the slats 420, 425, 440, 445 provides a versatile platform for both safety performance and user-selectable visual customization. Any feature of FIG. 11 can be used with 100, 200, and / or 210 barriers.

[0145] Focusing out into a general discussion of the technology, in some embodiments, a customizable barrier includes a frame with left and right vertical end supports, an upper horizontal rail with a bottom surface featuring a series of slots and a connecting channel, and a lower horizontal rail with a top surface featuring corresponding slots. Vertical slats are attached to a flexible strap, with their upper and lower ends seated in the respective slots of the upper and lower rails. In someDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application embodiments, the frame and slats are made of a material that can be painted. The barrier can also include mounting assemblies for installation in a passageway and may be made from wood or a paintable composite material.

[0146] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a customizable barrier including: a frame including: left and right vertical end supports, each vertical end support having upper and lower ends; an upper horizontal rail having left and right ends connected to respective upper ends of the left and right vertical end supports, and having a bottom surface within which is defined a first plurality of slots and a channel connecting the plurality of slots, and a lower horizontal rail having left and right ends connected to respective lower ends of the left and right vertical end supports, and having a top surface within which is defined a second plurality of slots, the second plurality of slots corresponding to the first plurality of slots; and a plurality of vertical slats having upper ends attached to a flexible strap; and wherein the upper end of each vertical slat is seated within a corresponding slot of the first plurality of slots; and wherein the lower end of each vertical slat is seated within a corresponding slot of the second plurality of slots; and wherein the frame and the slats include a material that is receptive to a paint or stain.

[0147] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a customizable barrier, further including a plurality of mounting assemblies for mounting the barrier within a passage way. According to some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a customizable barrier, wherein frame and the slats include one of a wood or a paintable composite material.

[0148] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a mounting assembly for a temporary barrier, the barrier including a vertical support having inward and outward vertical surfaces, the mounting assembly including: a mounting bracket mounted to an upright surface, the mounting bracket configured with a slot; and a threaded tension bolt having inward end inserted into a bore hole defined through the vertical support, and an outward end, the outward end configured with a mounting plate dimensioned to be received in the slot; and wherein the vertical support includes: a nut seated within the bore hole and threadably engaged with the inward end of the tension bolt; a compression spring having an outward end engaged with an inward surface ofDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application the nut and an inner end; a panel spring cap having an outward surface engaged with the spring and having a hole defined therein for slidably receiving the inward end of the tension bolt.

[0149] In a discussion, study or a reading of the details, features, embodiments, aspects, any figure or any part of any figure, and / or examples of the technology disclosed herein, any of the features, embodiments, aspects, and / or examples herein can be optionally inter-combined (or inter-discussed) with the example details listed below, and any portion (or aspect) of any detail below can be inter-combined with any portion of any feature or example disclosed herein:

[0150] Detail 1 : A barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for blocking a passageway, comprising: a frame including a first vertical end support (102) and a second vertical end support (104) spaced apart along a transverse direction, an upper rail (101 ) extending between the first and second end supports (102, 104), and a lower rail (105) extending between the first and second end supports (102, 104); a plurality of elongate slats (108) supported by the frame and collectively defining a barrier panel; and a flexible strap assembly (201 ) coupled to the plurality of slats (108) at a location between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105), the flexible strap assembly (201 ) interconnecting the plurality of slats (108) with one another so that the plurality of slats (108) is handled as a unit during removal from and insertion into the frame.

[0151] Detail 2: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) each define a plurality of laterally spaced receiver slots, and wherein each of the plurality of elongate slats (108) has an upper end and a lower end respectively seated in aligned ones of the receiver slots of the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) such that the slats (108) extend generally vertically between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105).

[0152] Detail 3: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the frame is dimensioned to span between opposed support structures (355) that define the passageway and is configured to be mounted to the opposed support structures (355) as a temporary barrier.

[0153] Detail 4: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 3, wherein the frame is configured to cooperate with hinge hardware (350) mounted to one of theDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application opposed support structures (355) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) functions as a swing gate.

[0154] Detail 5: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) comprises at least one elongate flexible strip extending along a length of the barrier panel and mechanically fastened or adhesively bonded to each of the plurality of slats (108).

[0155] Detail 6: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) comprises a plurality of parallel flexible strips disposed at different heights between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) to resist racking of the barrier panel.

[0156] Detail 7: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) is disposed on a front side of the plurality of slats (108) and covers at least a majority of a front-facing area of the barrier panel to present a substantially continuous customizable visual band across the plurality of slats (108).

[0157] Detail 8: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the plurality of slats (108) is removable as a group from the frame while remaining interconnected by the flexible strap assembly (201 ), thereby facilitating separate finishing or replacement of the interconnected plurality of slats (108) outside of the frame.

[0158] Detail 9: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) are elongate members each having an open slot extending along a length of the respective rail and opening toward the plurality of slats (108), the receiver slots being formed within the open slot such that the upper ends and lower ends of the slats (108) are insertable into and removable from the open slot.

[0159] Detail 10: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein at least one of the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) includes telescoping rail portions selectively extendable and retractable relative to one another to adjust an overall width of the frame for different passageway widths.

[0160] Detail 11 : The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104) includes an attachmentDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application region configured to receive hardware selected from the group consisting of a hinge bracket and a wall-mount bracket (615) for supporting the frame as a swing gate.

[0161] Detail 12: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , further comprising mounting hardware (110, 300, 350) configurable in a first arrangement in which the frame is pressure-mounted between the opposed support structures (355) without permanent fasteners, and in a second arrangement in which the frame is pivotably mounted to one of the opposed support structures (355) by hinge hardware (350), the frame being common to both arrangements.

[0162] Detail 13: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , provided as a kit further comprising at least two interchangeable flexible strap assemblies (201 ) having visually distinct cosmetic finishes, the interchangeable flexible strap assemblies (201 ) being selectively attachable to the plurality of slats (108) to provide different appearances with the same frame.

[0163] Detail 14: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, paper, polymer webbing, and composite laminates, the material being receptive to painting, printing, or application of decals.

[0164] Detail 15: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the plurality of slats (108) is formed from wood, plastic, or a wood-plastic composite and each slat (108) has rounded edges or corners to reduce risk of injury upon contact by a child.

[0165] Detail 16: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , further comprising a latch-receiving region on one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), the latch-receiving region being configured to cooperate with a complementary latch component carried by an adjacent post or wall to retain the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) in a closed position when used as a swing gate.

[0166] Detail 17: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) presents an outwardly exposed surface configured to receive a cosmetic finish, graphic, color, or texture different from that of the frame and the plurality of slats (108) so as to provide a customizable appearance of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0167] Detail 18: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 1 , wherein the frame has a height and a spacing between adjacent slats (108) selected to satisfy childsafety requirements for use adjacent to a stairway, including a maximum gap size that inhibits passage of a child, a device, and / or a pet through the barrier panel.

[0168] Detail 19: The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 18, wherein the device is a robotic cleaning device, a radio-controlled device, and / or a toy device.

[0169] Detail 20: A spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) for use with a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) configured to be held between opposed support surfaces (355), the mounting system comprising: a cartridge housing (305); a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315); a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) arranged to act between the nut (325) and the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); a contact pad (310) associated with a first end of the cartridge housing (305) and configured to bear against one of the opposed support surfaces (355); and at least one wall cup (615) configured to be mounted to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) and having a ramped cam surface arranged to receive the head of the tension bolt (315), wherein the compression spring (320) biases the head of the tension bolt (315) against the ramped cam surface so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), when coupled to the cartridge housing (305), is clamped between the opposed support surfaces (355).

[0170] Detail 21 : The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 20, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is configured to be received in a recess (602) of an end post (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0171] Detail 22: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 20, wherein the cartridge housing (305) defines an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis, the tension bolt (315), the nut (325), and the compression spring (320) being received in the internal guide (335).

[0172] Detail 23: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 22, wherein the compression spring (320) is disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nutDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application(325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305).

[0173] Detail 24: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 20, further comprising a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305).

[0174] Detail 25: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 20, wherein the compression spring (320) biases the head of the tension bolt (315) along the ramped cam surface to maintain a substantially constant clamping force between the contact pad (310) and the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) during positional adjustment of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0175] Detail 26: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 21 , wherein the cartridge housing (305) is sized to fit entirely within the recess (602) of the end post (102, 104) such that the contact pad (310) is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the end post (102, 104) when the mounting system (300, 615) is installed.

[0176] Detail 27: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 22, wherein the wall cup (615) carries an adhesive pad configured to adhere to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355), and wherein the ramped cam surface of the wall cup (615) is positioned to urge the wall cup (615) against the adhesive pad as the tension bolt (315) is advanced, thereby maintaining pressure on the adhesive pad over a range of extension positions of the tension bolt (315).

[0177] Detail 28: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 20, further comprising a second mounting element arranged to be coupled to an opposite end post (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the second mounting element including a threaded shaft (601 ) configured to extend toward a second wall cup (615) and a manually rotatable actuator (380, 390) coupled to the threaded shaft (601 ) to adjust a spacing between the opposite end post (102, 104) and the second wall cup (615).

[0178] Detail 29: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 28, wherein the threaded shaft (601 ) includes a stop feature (617) that engages a fixed component associated with the opposite end post (102, 104) so as to prevent over-extension of the threaded shaft (601 ) from the opposite end post (102, 104).Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0179] Detail 30: The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of detail 20, in combination with the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), wherein the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) comprises the frame with the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), the upper rail (101 ), the lower rail (105), and the plurality of slats (108) interconnected by the flexible strap assembly (201 ) as defined in any one of details 1 to 15, the cartridge housing (305) being received in one of the vertical end supports (102, 104) and the wall cup (615) being mounted to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is held between the opposed support surfaces (355) under the clamping force generated by the compression spring (320).

[0180] Detail 31 : A spring-biased mounting assembly (300) for use between a barrier post and a support surface, the mounting assembly comprising: a cartridge housing (305) defining an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis; a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) along the longitudinal axis and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315) configured to bear against the support surface; a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nut (325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); a contact pad (310) at a first end of the cartridge housing (305) through which the tension bolt (315) projects and which is configured to bear against the support surface.

[0181] Detail 32: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of detail 31 , further comprising a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305).

[0182] Detail 33: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of detail 31 , wherein the cartridge housing (305) is sized to be received in a recess (602) of a barrier post (102, 104) such that, when installed, the contact pad (310) is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the barrier post (102, 104).

[0183] Detail 34: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of detail 31 , wherein the contact pad (310) defines a bolt-access opening (340) through which a tool canDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application engage the tension bolt (315) for rotation while the contact pad (310) remains in contact with the support surface.

[0184] Detail 35: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of detail 32, wherein the retainer (330) comprises a C-shaped clip configured to engage in a circumferential groove of the tension bolt (315) at a second end thereof opposite the head so as to prevent the tension bolt (315) from being withdrawn completely from the cartridge housing (305).

[0185] Detail 36: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of detail 31 , further comprising a cover (345) configured to close an opening of the cartridge housing (305) opposite the contact pad (310), the cover (345) being releasably engageable with the cartridge housing (305) to retain the compression spring (320), the nut (325), and the retainer (330) within the internal guide (335).

[0186] Detail 37: The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of detail 31 , provided as part of a hardware kit further comprising a second mounting element including a threaded shaft (601 ) and a manually rotatable actuator (380, 390) configured for engagement with an opposite post (102, 104) of a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the spring-biased mounting assembly (300) and the second mounting element being dimensioned to secure the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) between opposed support surfaces.

[0187] Detail 38: A hinge conversion kit (350) for a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) that in a barrier mode is configured to be pressure-mounted between opposed support surfaces (355) by spring-biased mounting assemblies (300, 615) including tension bolts (601 , 315) engaging wall cups (615), the hinge conversion kit (350) comprising: a hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) dimensioned to replace one of the tension bolts (601 , 315) of a static-side mounting assembly (110b' , 110d ' ) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210); a hinge post assembly including a hinge post (365, 903, 387) supported by a base element (360, 615) configured for mounting to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) at a location of the static-side mounting assembly (110b ' , 110d ' ); and a gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) configured to be coupled to an end support (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) or to the static-side mounting assembly (110b' , 110d ' ) and to pivotably engage the hinge post (365, 903,Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application387), wherein, in a hinge mode, the hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) and the gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) cooperate with the hinge post assembly to support the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for swinging movement relative to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) while an opposite side of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) remains supported by mounting hardware (110, 300, 615) on the other of the opposed support surfaces (355).

[0188] Detail 39: The hinge conversion kit (350) of detail 38, wherein the hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) has a shank portion configured to engage a threaded insert (617) of the static-side mounting assembly (110b' , 110d ' ) in place of the corresponding tension bolt (601 , 315) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is reconfigurable between the barrier mode and the hinge mode without permanent modification of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0189] Detail 40: The hinge conversion kit (350) of detail 38, wherein the hinge post assembly comprises an L-shaped hinge bolt (801 ) extending through the static-side mounting assembly (110b' ) into the base element (615), the L-shaped hinge bolt (801 ) defining a horizontal leg that forms the hinge post engaged by the gate-side hinge adaptor (803).

[0190] Detail 41 : The hinge conversion kit (350) of detail 38, wherein the hinge post assembly comprises an eye bolt (901 ) and a lower adaptor (903) having an upstanding post configured to be received in the eye of the eye bolt (901 ), the lower adaptor (903) being biased toward the base element (615) by a spring-biased static-side mounting assembly (110d ' ).

[0191] Detail 42: The hinge conversion kit (350) of detail 38, wherein the gate-side hinge adaptor (380) includes a latch hook portion (370) and a hinge link body (385) configured to hook over a hinge pin (365) projecting from the base element (360) and to latch into a hinge socket (360) mounted on the support member (355), and further comprises a height-adjustment post (387) and fastener (390) for attachment to a frame member of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0192] Detail 43: The hinge conversion kit (350) of detail 38, wherein the opposite side of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is configured, in the hinge mode, to be supported by at least one of: a spring-biased mounting assembly (300, 615) including aDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application tension bolt (601 , 315) and wall cup (615); and a latch arrangement cooperating with a latch-receiving region of an end support (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0193] Detail 44: A barrier assembly (100, 200, 210) for blocking a passageway, comprising: a frame including a first vertical end support (102), a second vertical end support (104), an upper rail (101 ) extending between the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), and a lower rail (105) extending between the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104); a plurality of elongate slats (108) supported by the frame and extending between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) to define a barrier panel; and a decorative strap assembly (430) extending across front-facing portions of at least some of the plurality of elongate slats (108), the decorative strap assembly (430) presenting an outwardly exposed surface that is visually distinct from the frame and the plurality of elongate slats (108) and being detachably coupled to the frame so as to be removable and replaceable independently of the frame, whereby an appearance of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is user-customizable by exchanging the decorative strap assembly (430) for another decorative strap assembly having a different outwardly exposed surface.

[0194] Detail 45: The barrier assembly (100, 200, 210) of detail 44, provided as a kit further comprising a plurality of decorative strap assemblies (430) having respective outwardly exposed surfaces with different colors, patterns, or graphics (435), any selected one of the plurality of decorative strap assemblies (430) being attachable to the frame to provide a corresponding visual appearance.

[0195] Detail 46: The barrier assembly (100, 200, 210) of detail 44, wherein the decorative strap assembly (430) is configured to overlie and conceal front faces of a subset of the plurality of elongate slats (108) while leaving other ones of the plurality of elongate slats (108) exposed, thereby creating a banded visual effect across the barrier panel.

[0196] Detail 47: The barrier assembly (100, 200, 210) of detail 44, wherein the decorative strap assembly (430) comprises a flexible web formed from a printable or paintable material selected from fabric, polymer sheet, and composite laminates, theDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application flexible web being receptive to user-applied indicia including decals, paint, or printed images.

[0197] Detail 48: The barrier assembly (100, 200, 210) of detail 44, wherein the decorative strap assembly (430) is attached to the frame by releasable fastening features selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, slide-in channels, and concealed mechanical clips, the releasable fastening features being arranged so that the decorative strap assembly (430) can be removed and replaced without disassembling the frame from the passageway.

[0198] Detail 49: A cartridge-based tension-mounting assembly (300) for releasably clamping a temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) between opposed support surfaces (355), the tension-mounting assembly comprising: a cartridge housing (305) defining an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis; a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) along the longitudinal axis and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315) configured to bear against one of the opposed support surfaces (355); a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nut (325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); and a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305), wherein the cartridge housing (305) is configured to be coupled to the temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) so that extension of the tension bolt (315) produces a clamping force that holds the temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) between the opposed support surfaces (355).

[0199] Detail 50: The cartridge-based tension-mounting assembly (300) of detail 49, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is configured to be received in a recess (602) of an end post (102, 104) of the temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), and wherein a contact pad (310) at a first end of the cartridge housing (305) is arranged to be substantially flush with an exterior surface of the end post (102, 104) when installed.

[0200] Detail 51 : The cartridge-based tension-mounting assembly (300) of detail 49, further comprising a cover (345) configured to close an opening of the cartridge housing (305) opposite the contact pad (310), the cover (345) being releasably engageable withDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application the cartridge housing (305) to retain the nut (325), compression spring (320), and retainer (330) within the internal guide (335).

[0201] Detail 52: The cartridge-based tension-mounting assembly (300) of detail 49, further comprising a wall cup (615) configured to be mounted to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) and having a ramped cam surface arranged to receive the head of the tension bolt (315) so that the compression spring (320) biases the head of the tension bolt (315) along the ramped cam surface while maintaining a clamping force on the temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) over a range of extension positions.

[0202] Detail 53: The cartridge-based tension-mounting assembly (300) of detail 49, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is used in combination with a panel spring cap (609) and a frame fastener (203) extending through the panel spring cap (609) into a fixed insert (617) of the end post (102, 104), the fixed insert (617) acting as a stop feature that prevents over-extension of the frame fastener (203) and stabilizes the cartridge housing (305) relative to the temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0203] Detail 54: The cartridge-based tension-mounting assembly (300) of detail 49, provided as part of a hardware kit further comprising at least two cartridge housings (305) and associated tension bolts (315), compression springs (320), and contact pads (310) having different shapes or frictional surface textures, any selected one of the cartridge-based tension-mounting assemblies (300) being attachable to the temporary barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) to suit different wall surfaces or installation environments.

[0204] Detail 55: A swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) for blocking a passageway defined between opposed support surfaces (355), the swing gate assembly comprising: a frame including a first vertical end support (102), a second vertical end support (104), an upper rail (101 ) and a lower rail (105); a hinge-side mounting arrangement (110b' , 350, 801 , 803, 901 , 903, 615) pivotably coupling the first vertical end support (102) to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) about a hinge axis; and a latch-side mounting arrangement at the second vertical end support (104) including a spring-biased tension assembly (300, 305, 315, 320, 325, 330, 310) coupled to the frame and arranged to engage the other of the opposed support surfaces (355), and a latch member carried by the second vertical end support (104) andDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application configured to cooperate with a latch receiver on the other of the opposed support surfaces (355), wherein the spring-biased tension assembly (300, 305, 315, 320, 325, 330, 310) is arranged so that a spring force urges the second vertical end support (104) toward the latch receiver and maintains the latch member in engagement with the latch receiver when the swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) is in a closed position.

[0205] Detail 56: The swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 55, wherein the latch receiver is integrated with a wall cup (615) mounted to the other of the opposed support surfaces (355), the wall cup (615) having a ramped cam surface configured to receive a head of a tension bolt (315) of the spring-biased tension assembly (300) while also defining a catch region for the latch member.

[0206] Detail 57: The swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 55, wherein the hinge-side mounting arrangement comprises a static-side mounting assembly (110b ' , 110d ' ) including a further spring-biased tension assembly (300, 601 , 607) acting between the first vertical end support (102) and the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) so that the frame is spring-loaded on both the hinge side and the latch side.

[0207] Detail 58: The swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 55, wherein the frame and the spring-biased tension assembly (300) are configured so that the swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) is convertible between: a barrier mode in which spring-biased tension assemblies (300, 615) at both the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104) clamp the frame between the opposed support surfaces (355) without hinging; and a hinge mode in which the hinge-side mounting arrangement (350, 801 , 803, 901 , 903, 615) provides pivotable support of the first vertical end support (102) and the latch-side mounting arrangement provides the latch function at the second vertical end support (104).

[0208] Detail 59: The swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 55, provided as part of a kit comprising a plurality of hardware configurations that define different model variations, the plurality of hardware configurations including at least: a first configuration in which the latch-side mounting arrangement uses only the spring-biased tension assembly (300) without the latch member for purely pressure-mounted installation; and a second configuration in which the latch member and the latchDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application receiver are installed in combination with the spring-biased tension assembly (300) to provide a latched swing gate.

[0209] Detail 60: The swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) of detail 55, wherein the spring-biased tension assembly (300) further comprises an externally accessible adjustment feature for changing a preload of a compression spring (320) acting on the tension bolt (315), thereby allowing a user to adjust a closing or latching force of the swing gate assembly (100, 200, or 210) without disassembling the latch-side mounting arrangement.

[0210] Detail 61 : A method of restricting access of a subject to a staircase, the subject being selected from a device, a mammal, a child, a toddler, and an infant, the method comprising: providing a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) comprising a frame including first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), an upper rail (101 ) extending between the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), a lower rail (105) extending between the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), a plurality of elongate slats (108) extending between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) to define a barrier panel, and a flexible strap or decorative strap assembly (201 , 430) coupled to the plurality of elongate slats (108); positioning the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) across a passageway leading to the staircase between opposed support surfaces (355); and mounting the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) between the opposed support surfaces (355) using mounting hardware (110, 300, 615) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) blocks the passage of the subject toward the staircase while allowing an adult user to selectively remove or open the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0211] Detail 62: The method of detail 61 , wherein the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) further comprises a hinge-side mounting arrangement (350, 801 , 803, 901 , 903, 615) pivotably coupling one of the vertical end supports (102, 104) to one of the opposed support surfaces (355), and wherein mounting the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) includes configuring the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) in a hinge mode in which the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) can swing open and closed relative to the staircase.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0212] Detail 63: The method of detail 61 , wherein the subject comprises a device selected from a robotic cleaning device, a radio-controlled device, and a toy device, and wherein positioning and mounting the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) prevents the device from descending or ascending the staircase.

[0213] Detail 64: The method of detail 61 , wherein the staircase includes a stair flight and an upper landing, and wherein positioning the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) comprises installing the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) at one of: a location adjacent a bottom step of the stair flight; and a location adjacent the upper landing of the stair flight.

[0214] Detail 65: The method of detail 61 , wherein the mounting hardware includes at least one spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) having a cartridge housing (305), a tension bolt (315), a nut (325), and a compression spring (320), and wherein mounting the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) includes adjusting a preload of the compression spring (320) so as to set a clamping force with which the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is held between the opposed support surfaces (355).

[0215] Detail 66: The method of detail 61 , wherein providing the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) comprises selecting a customizable slat-and-strap module (400) including a decorative strap assembly (430) with indicia (435) and installing the customizable slat-and-strap module (400) in the frame so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) both restricts access to the staircase and presents a user-selected visual appearance.

[0216] Detail 67: A method of assembling a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for blocking a passageway, the method comprising: providing frame components including a first vertical end support (102), a second vertical end support (104), an upper rail (101 ), and a lower rail (105); joining the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) between the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104) to form a generally rectangular frame; providing a plurality of elongate slats (108) and a flexible strap assembly (201 , 430); coupling the flexible strap assembly (201 , 430) to the plurality of elongate slats (108) so that the plurality of elongate slats (108) is handled as a unit; and mounting the plurality of elongate slats (108), while coupled by the flexible strapDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application assembly (201 , 430), to extend between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) to define a barrier panel of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0217] Detail 68: The method of detail 67, wherein coupling the flexible strap assembly (201 , 430) to the plurality of elongate slats (108) comprises attaching the flexible strap assembly (201 , 430) to front-facing portions of the plurality of elongate slats (108) so that the flexible strap assembly (201 , 430) presents an outwardly exposed surface that is visually distinct from the plurality of elongate slats (108).

[0218] Detail 69: The method of detail 67, wherein mounting the plurality of elongate slats (108) comprises inserting upper ends of the plurality of elongate slats (108) into receiver slots (402a-402f) opening into a channel (404) of the upper rail (101 ) and inserting lower ends of the plurality of elongate slats (108) into receiver slots (202a- 202f) of the lower rail (105).

[0219] Detail 70: The method of detail 67, further comprising providing a third vertical support (106), positioning the third vertical support (106) between the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), and joining the third vertical support (106) to the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) by installing spacer blocks (107, 109) between the third vertical support (106) and the upper and lower rails (101 , 105).

[0220] Detail 71 : The method of detail 67, further comprising forming a recess (602) in at least one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), inserting a cartridge housing (305) of a spring-biased mounting assembly (300) into the recess (602), and securing the cartridge housing (305) to the corresponding vertical end support (102, 104).

[0221] Detail 72: The method of detail 71 , further comprising inserting a tension bolt (315) through the cartridge housing (305), arranging a nut (325) and a compression spring (320) within the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly, and providing a contact pad (310) at an end of the cartridge housing (305) through which the tension bolt (315) projects.

[0222] Detail 73: The method of detail 67, further comprising installing at least one wall cup (615) on a support surface (355) adjacent the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) and, after assembling the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), adjusting a tension bolt (315, 601 ) to engage the wall cup (615) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, orDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application210) is clamped between opposed support surfaces (355) by a spring-biased clamping force.

[0223] Detail 74: The method of detail 67, further comprising providing a hinge conversion kit (350) including a hinge post (365, 903) and a gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803), attaching the hinge post to a fixed support member (355), and attaching the gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) to one of the vertical end supports (102, 104) so that the assembled barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is convertible from a pressuremounted configuration to a swing gate configuration. It is important to note that in some embodiments, that when in hinge mode, the opposite end of the barrier can still use a spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) or a simpler non-spring static mounting assembly 110a, 110c.

[0224] Detail 75: The method of detail 67, further comprising selecting one of a plurality of interchangeable strap-and-slat modules (400), each strap-and-slat module (400) including slats (108) and a decorative strap assembly (430) with different indicia (435), and installing the selected strap-and-slat module (400) in the frame so as to set an appearance of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

[0225] Detail 76: The method of detail 67, further comprising adjusting at least one of: a telescoping portion of the upper rail (101 ), a telescoping portion of the lower rail (105), and extension of a tension bolt (315, 601 ), so that the assembled barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) satisfies a predetermined spacing between adjacent slats (108) and a predetermined clamping force between the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) and opposed support surfaces (355).

[0226] Exemplary Problem Statement: Caregivers frequently need to restrict access to hazardous areas such as staircases, kitchens, and utility rooms for children, toddlers, infants, pets, and mobile devices such as robotic cleaners. Conventional barriers and gates often present several shortcomings. Many pressure-mounted systems rely on simple threaded rods bearing directly against walls, which can be difficult to adjust, prone to loosening over time, and may damage wall surfaces. Some products require permanent fasteners or complex installation, reducing their suitability for rental properties or for users who lack tools or technical skills.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0227] Aesthetic and configurational flexibility are also limited. Known barriers are often offered in a small number of finishes and fixed slat layouts, providing little opportunity for a user to adapt the appearance of the barrier to different rooms or changing decor. In many cases, changing the look or layout of the barrier requires replacing the entire product. Furthermore, existing designs that can function both as pressure-mounted barriers and as hinged swing gates often require dedicated models or irreversible modification, such as drilling into posts or walls, thereby increasing cost and reducing versatility.

[0228] Over time, variations in wall spacing, floor level, or user handling can cause conventional tension mechanisms and latches to lose effectiveness, resulting in unstable barriers, inconsistent closing behavior, or unsafe gaps. There is therefore a need for barrier systems and associated hardware that provide robust, easily adjustable mounting, that can transition between barrier and gate modes, and that allow users to conveniently customize the visual appearance and configuration of the barrier without compromising safety or ease of installation.

[0229] Example Solution Overview: According to some aspects, the present disclosure provides barrier assemblies that address these shortcomings by combining a modular frame, customizable slat-and-strap modules, and improved mounting and hinge hardware. In some embodiments, a barrier assembly includes vertical end supports, upper and lower rails, and a group of slats interconnected by a flexible strap or decorative strap assembly. The strap can present a visually distinct, user-selectable surface, and the slats and strap can be installed and removed as a unit, permitting rapid replacement of one aesthetic module with another without altering the underlying frame.

[0230] According to certain embodiments, the barrier assembly is adapted to be held between opposed support surfaces by spring-biased cartridge-style mounting assemblies and cooperating wall cups. A tension bolt, nut, compression spring, and retainer are contained within a compact cartridge housing that can be recessed into an end post. The spring maintains a substantially constant clamping force over a range of extension positions, while the wall cup and contact pad protect wall surfaces and support adhesive or frictional engagement. In this example, the same frame can be used in purely pressure-mounted configurations or, by employing a hinge conversion kit,Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application can be reconfigured into a swing gate that pivots about a defined hinge axis while retaining spring-based tension and latch functions on the opposite side.

[0231] In further aspects, kits of parts and assembly methods allow users to select particular combinations of frame geometry, slat spacing, strap layout, mounting assemblies, and hinge arrangements to suit different passageway widths, installation environments, and visual preferences, thereby providing a flexible and upgradable solution to the access-control problems described above.

[0232] Combinability and general interpretation statement: The disclosure of the present application is intended to provide an explicit and unambiguous basis — under European practice and in other jurisdictions — for combining features, steps, structures, parameters, and uses described anywhere in this specification, including the figures, examples, embodiments, details, aspects, definitions, and claims. Except where two features are expressly stated to be mutually exclusive or technically incompatible, every feature disclosed herein may be combined with every other disclosed feature in any technically sensible manner.

[0233] For the avoidance of doubt, and to provide an explicit basis for multiple selections and inter-combinations, each feature, option, preference, parameter, dimension, value, range, member of a list, embodiment, example, and figure disclosed herein is individually disclosed and also disclosed in combination with any other such feature unless two features are expressly stated to be mutually exclusive or technically incompatible. This applies, without limitation, to features relating to barrier frames, vertical supports, rails, slats, strap assemblies, decorative elements, mounting assemblies, spring-biased cartridges, wall cups, hinge conversion hardware, kit contents, and methods of assembly, installation, adjustment, and use.

[0234] Lists and alternatives. Where the specification recites alternatives (for example, Markush-style groupings, “selected from,” “including,” “one or more of,” or similar language), each individual member and any sub-set or sub-combination of members is separately and expressly disclosed. Selections made from two or more lists (for example, slat configuration x strap layout x frame construction x mounting hardware x hinge arrangement x decorative treatment x intended installation site) are also expressly disclosed in any technically sensible combination. Unless otherwiseDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application stated, the order of members in a list has no limiting effect, and the presence of a preferred option does not exclude the use of other listed options in parallel or in alternative embodiments.

[0235] Ranges and values. Any numerical range disclosed herein (for example, relating to lengths, widths, heights, spacings, angles, clearances, spring rates, forces, or material proportions) includes its endpoints and all sub-ranges and discrete values within it. By way of example, a range from X to Y includes X, Y, and every value and sub-range between X and Y that a skilled person would understand as supported. Preferred, more-preferred, and most-preferred ranges may be freely interchanged or combined to form new disclosed ranges. Fixed values (for example, a stated dimension or angle) are likewise combinable with more general ranges, and may be converted into other units or normalized forms by routine calculation without departing from the disclosure.

[0236] Examples and figures. Elements described in any example or shown in any figure are not limited to that specific context and are disclosed as generally applicable to the other embodiments, examples, and claims. Features depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2-5, 6A-6C, 7A-7B, 8-9, 10, and 11 may be combined with one another and with features described in the text. Individual structural elements (for example, particular shapes of rails, details of receiver slots, strap geometries, cartridge housings, spring arrangements, wall cups, hinge posts, and decorative modules) and their functional relationships may be recombined across the different figures and embodiments. Numbering and labels in the drawings are exemplary and may be interchanged or adapted between embodiments without affecting scope, and reference numerals do not limit the breadth of the corresponding features.

[0237] Claim format and language. The same technical subject matter is disclosed across different claim formats, including but not limited to: barrier assemblies; mounting assemblies and spring-biased cartridges; hinge conversion kits and swing gate arrangements; customizable slat-and-strap modules; kits of parts; and methods of assembly, installation, adjustment, conversion, and use. Features recited in one claim format are disclosed for use in the others. For example, structural features recited in an apparatus claim are disclosed for use in corresponding method claims, and methodDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application steps are disclosed as functional limitations of apparatus, system, and kit claims. As used throughout, “comprising” is open and includes “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of,” each of which is separately disclosed for every embodiment and combination described herein.

[0238] Generalization and hierarchy. Illustrative species support their corresponding genera, and genus-level statements support the disclosed species. Where a feature is described as “preferred,” “optional,” “for example,” “in some embodiments,” or similar language, the same feature may be used as required or independent subject matter in other combinations. If a dependency, order, or hierarchy appears in an example (for instance, a specific arrangement of mounting assemblies on particular corners, or a particular sequence of assembly steps), that relationship is illustrative only unless expressly stated to be required; the features can be recombined without preserving that hierarchy or order, provided they remain technically sensible to the skilled person.

[0239] Compatibility qualifier. All combinations are intended “except where technically incompatible.” A combination is technically incompatible only if two features cannot reasonably be implemented together by a skilled person using routine techniques and without undue burden, having regard to ordinary workshop modifications and substitutions (for example, material choice, scale, or fastener selection). Absent such incompatibility, any feature described herein may be combined with any other feature, even if originally disclosed in different sections, figures, or examples.

[0240] Support for amendments. The foregoing sentences are intended to provide explicit written basis for: (i) selecting one or more members from each of two or more lists to form a specific combination; (ii) combining features originally disclosed in different examples, figures, or sections of the description and drawings; (iii) generating narrowed sub-ranges and discrete values from disclosed ranges; (iv) migrating a feature from a dependent to an independent claim (and vice versa); and (v) recasting the same technical teaching across apparatus, method, kit, and use-related claim formats. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, every embodiment disclosed herein is intended to be combinable, directly and without further invention, with every other embodiment to the fullest extent permitted by the skilled person’s ordinary practice.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application

[0241] The foregoing written specification and figures are considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present aspects and embodiments. The present aspects and embodiments are not to be limited in scope by examples provided, since the examples are intended as a single illustration of one aspect and other functionally equivalent embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. Various modifications in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the appended claims. The advantages and objects described herein are not necessarily encompassed by each embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent ApplicationCLAIMS l / l / e claim:1 . A barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for blocking a passageway, comprising: a frame including a first vertical end support (102) and a second vertical end support(104) spaced apart along a transverse direction, an upper rail (101 ) extending between the first and second end supports (102, 104), and a lower rail (105) extending between the first and second end supports (102, 104), the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail(105) each defining a plurality of laterally spaced receiver slots; a plurality of elongate slats (108), each slat (108) having an upper end and a lower end respectively seated in aligned ones of the receiver slots of the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) such that the slats (108) extend generally vertically between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) and collectively define a barrier panel; a flexible strap assembly (201 ) coupled to the plurality of slats (108) at a location between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105), the flexible strap assembly (201 ) interconnecting the plurality of slats (108) with one another so that the plurality of slats (108) is handled as a unit during removal from and insertion into the frame; and wherein the frame is dimensioned to span between opposed support structures (355) that define the passageway and is configured to be mounted to the opposed support structures (355) as a temporary barrier, and to cooperate with hinge hardware (350) mounted to one of the opposed support structures (355) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) functions as a swing gate.

2. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) comprises at least one elongate flexible strip extending along a length of the barrier panel and mechanically fastened or adhesively bonded to each of the plurality of slats (108).

3. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) comprises a plurality of parallel flexible strips disposed at differentDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application heights between the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) to resist racking of the barrier panel.

4. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) is disposed on a front side of the plurality of slats (108) and covers at least a majority of a front-facing area of the barrier panel to present a substantially continuous customizable visual band across the plurality of slats (108).

5. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slats (108) is removable as a group from the frame while remaining interconnected by the flexible strap assembly (201 ), thereby facilitating separate finishing or replacement of the interconnected plurality of slats (108) outside of the frame.

6. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) are elongate members each having an open slot extending along a length of the respective rail and opening toward the plurality of slats (108), the receiver slots being formed within the open slot such that the upper ends and lower ends of the slats (108) are insertable into and removable from the open slot.

7. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the upper rail (101 ) and the lower rail (105) includes telescoping rail portions selectively extendable and retractable relative to one another to adjust an overall width of the frame for different passageway widths.

8. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104) includes an attachment region configured to receive hardware selected from the group consisting of a hinge bracket and a wallmount bracket (615) for supporting the frame as a swing gate.

9. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , further comprising mounting hardware (110, 300, 350) configurable in a first arrangement in which the frame isDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application pressure-mounted between the opposed support structures (355) without permanent fasteners, and in a second arrangement in which the frame is pivotably mounted to one of the opposed support structures (355) by hinge hardware (350), the frame being common to both arrangements.

10. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , provided as a kit further comprising at least two interchangeable flexible strap assemblies (201 ) having visually distinct cosmetic finishes, the interchangeable flexible strap assemblies (201 ) being selectively attachable to the plurality of slats (108) to provide different appearances with the same frame.11 . The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, paper, polymer webbing, and composite laminates, the material being receptive to painting, printing, or application of decals.

12. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slats (108) is formed from wood, plastic, or a wood-plastic composite and each slat (108) has rounded edges or corners to reduce risk of injury upon contact by a child.

13. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , further comprising a latchreceiving region on one of the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), the latch-receiving region being configured to cooperate with a complementary latch component carried by an adjacent post or wall to retain the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) in a closed position when used as a swing gate.

14. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the flexible strap assembly (201 ) presents an outwardly exposed surface configured to receive a cosmetic finish, graphic, color, or texture different from that of the frame and the plurality of slats (108) so as to provide a customizable appearance of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application15. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 1 , wherein the frame has a height and a spacing between adjacent slats (108) selected to satisfy child-safety requirements for use adjacent to a stairway, including a maximum gap size that inhibits passage of a child, a device, and / or a pet through the barrier panel.

16. The barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) of claim 15, wherein the device is a robotic cleaning device, a radio-controlled device, and / or a toy device.

17. A spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) for use with a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) to be held between opposed support surfaces (355), the mounting system comprising: a cartridge housing (305) configured to be received in a recess (602) of an end post (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the cartridge housing (305) defining an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis; a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) along the longitudinal axis and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315) configured to engage a wall cup (615); a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nut (325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305); a contact pad (310) at a first end of the cartridge housing (305) configured to bear against one of the opposed support surfaces (355); and at least one wall cup (615) configured to be mounted to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) and having a ramped cam surface arranged to receive the head of the tension bolt (315), wherein the compression spring (320) biases the head of the tension bolt (315) along the ramped cam surface to maintain a substantially constantDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application clamping force between the contact pad (310) and the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) during positional adjustment of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

18. The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of claim 17, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is sized to fit entirely within the recess (602) of the end post (102, 104) such that the contact pad (310) is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the end post (102, 104) when the mounting system (300, 615) is installed.

19. The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of claim 17, wherein the wall cup (615) carries an adhesive pad configured to adhere to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355), and wherein the ramped cam surface of the wall cup (615) is positioned to urge the wall cup (615) against the adhesive pad as the tension bolt (315) is advanced, thereby maintaining pressure on the adhesive pad over a range of extension positions of the tension bolt (315).

20. The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of claim 17, further comprising a second mounting element arranged to be coupled to an opposite end post (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the second mounting element including a threaded shaft (601 ) configured to extend toward a second wall cup (615) and a manually rotatable actuator (380, 390) coupled to the threaded shaft (601 ) to adjust a spacing between the opposite end post (102, 104) and the second wall cup (615).

21. The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of claim 20, wherein the threaded shaft (601 ) includes a stop feature (617) that engages a fixed component associated with the opposite end post (102, 104) so as to prevent over-extension of the threaded shaft (601 ) from the opposite end post (102, 104).

22. The spring-biased mounting system (300, 615) of claim 17, in combination with the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), wherein the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) comprises the frame with the first and second vertical end supports (102, 104), the upper rail (101 ), the lower rail (105), and the plurality of slats (108) interconnected byDocket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application the flexible strap assembly (201 ) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15, the cartridge housing (305) being received in one of the vertical end supports (102, 104) and the wall cup (615) being mounted to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is held between the opposed support surfaces (355) under the clamping force generated by the compression spring (320).

23. A spring-biased mounting assembly (300) for use between a barrier post and a support surface, the mounting assembly comprising: a cartridge housing (305) defining an internal guide (335) extending along a longitudinal axis; a tension bolt (315) extending through the cartridge housing (305) along the longitudinal axis and having a head at a first end of the tension bolt (315) configured to bear against the support surface; a nut (325) threaded onto the tension bolt (315) within the cartridge housing (305); a compression spring (320) disposed in the internal guide (335) between the nut (325) and a reaction surface of the cartridge housing (305) so as to bias the tension bolt (315) outwardly of the cartridge housing (305); a retainer (330) cooperating with the tension bolt (315) to limit withdrawal of the tension bolt (315) from the cartridge housing (305); and a contact pad (310) at a first end of the cartridge housing (305) through which the tension bolt (315) projects and which is configured to bear against the support surface.

24. The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of claim 23, wherein the cartridge housing (305) is sized to be received in a recess (602) of a barrier post (102, 104) such that, when installed, the contact pad (310) is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the barrier post (102, 104).

25. The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of claim 23, wherein the contact pad (310) defines a bolt-access opening (340) through which a tool can engage the tension bolt (315) for rotation while the contact pad (310) remains in contact with the support surface.Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application26. The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of claim 23, wherein the retainer (330) comprises a C-shaped clip configured to engage in a circumferential groove of the tension bolt (315) at a second end thereof opposite the head so as to prevent the tension bolt (315) from being withdrawn completely from the cartridge housing (305).

27. The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of claim 23, further comprising a cover (345) configured to close an opening of the cartridge housing (305) opposite the contact pad (310), the cover (345) being releasably engageable with the cartridge housing (305) to retain the compression spring (320), the nut (325), and the retainer (330) within the internal guide (335).

28. The spring-biased mounting assembly (300) of claim 23, provided as part of a hardware kit further comprising a second mounting element including a threaded shaft (601 ) and a manually rotatable actuator (380, 390) configured for engagement with an opposite post (102, 104) of a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210), the spring-biased mounting assembly (300) and the second mounting element being dimensioned to secure the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) between opposed support surfaces.

29. A hinge conversion kit (350) for a barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) that in a barrier mode is configured to be pressure-mounted between opposed support surfaces (355) by spring-biased mounting assemblies (300, 615) including tension bolts (601 , 315) engaging wall cups (615), the hinge conversion kit (350) comprising: a hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) dimensioned to replace one of the tension bolts (601 , 315) of a static-side mounting assembly (110b', 110d') of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210); a hinge post assembly including a hinge post (365, 903, 387) supported by a base element (360, 615) configured for mounting to one of the opposed support surfaces (355) at a location of the static-side mounting assembly (110b', 110d'); and a gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) configured to be coupled to an end support (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) or to the static-side mounting assembly (110b', 110d') and to pivotably engage the hinge post (365, 903, 387),Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application wherein, in a hinge mode, the hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) and the gate-side hinge adaptor (380, 803) cooperate with the hinge post assembly to support the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) for swinging movement relative to the one of the opposed support surfaces (355) while an opposite side of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) remains supported by mounting hardware (110, 300, 615) on the other of the opposed support surfaces (355).

30. The hinge conversion kit (350) of claim 29, wherein the hinge bolt (801 , 901 ) has a shank portion configured to engage the threaded insert (617) of the static-side mounting assembly (110b', 110d') in place of the corresponding tension bolt (601 , 315) so that the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is reconfigurable between the barrier mode and the hinge mode without permanent modification of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

31. The hinge conversion kit (350) of claim 29, wherein the hinge post assembly comprises an L-shaped hinge bolt (801 ) extending through the static-side mounting assembly (110b') into the base element (615), the L-shaped hinge bolt (801 ) defining a horizontal leg that forms the hinge post engaged by the gate-side hinge adaptor (803).

32. The hinge conversion kit (350) of claim 29, wherein the hinge post assembly comprises an eye bolt (901 ) and a lower adaptor (903) having an upstanding post configured to be received in the eye of the eye bolt (901 ), the lower adaptor (903) being biased toward the base element (615) by a spring-biased static-side mounting assembly (110d').

33. The hinge conversion kit (350) of claim 29, wherein the gate-side hinge adaptor (380) includes a latch hook portion (370) and a hinge link body (385) configured to hook over a hinge pin (365) projecting from the base element (360) and to latch into a hinge socket (360) mounted on the support member (355), and further comprises a heightadjustment post (387) and fastener (390) for attachment to a frame member of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).Docket No. 406682-606001 WO PCT Patent Application34. The hinge conversion kit (350) of claim 29, wherein the opposite side of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210) is configured, in the hinge mode, to be supported by at least one of: a spring-biased mounting assembly (300, 615) including a tension bolt (601 , 315) and wall cup (615); and a latch arrangement cooperating with a latch-receiving region of an end support (102, 104) of the barrier assembly (100, 200, or 210).

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