GATE ASSEMBLY ATHLETIC TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A gate assembly device, which may include an pole with an arm and base coupled to the pole. The arm may be coupled to a sensor, and the sensor may measure whether movement was detected between the sensor and a ground surface. The sensor may also detect whether contact was made with the arm. The arm may be coupled to the pole with a coupling device, and the coupling device may be coupled to the pole at more than one height. The pole may be coupled to more than one arm, and the one or more arms may move between a stowed and deployed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/423,611 filed on Nov. 8, 2022, the contents of which being incorporated herein in entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application relates to a skill-building device, and more particularly to a skill-building device for users to maneuver under while altering directions.

BACKGROUND

Skill building devices are commonly used in athletics to train or to evaluate skills of individuals. Skill building devices can be used to train or evaluate individuals for different scenarios. For example, skill-building devices may be used in the sport of football to simulate a quarterback handing off a football or to simulate an opponent attempting to tackle a running back such as in a gauntlet. However many skill building devices are bulky and difficult to move and store, include tripping hazards, and cannot detect when a user passes the device among other things.

SUMMARY

In one implementation, a gate assembly includes a pole; a base with a first end and a second end, wherein the pole is coupled to the base between the first end and second end of the base; at least one wheel coupled to the base; and an arm with a distal end and proximal end selectively coupled to the pole through a coupling device; wherein the proximal end of the arm is selectively coupleable to the pole through the coupling device at different heights from an underlying surface. In some examples, the coupling device comprises a pole coupling member and an arm coupling member; wherein the pole coupling member couples the pole to the arm coupling member and the arm coupling member couples the arm to the pole coupling member. In some examples, the gate assembly device may further include a sensor coupled to the arm; wherein the sensor provides a notification when movement is detected.

In some examples, the pole coupling member comprises a plunger that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position; wherein the plunger exerts a force on the pole when the plunger is in the extended position. According to some examples, the arm comprises an air portion with a pressure wherein the pressure is selectively changeable. In one example, the arm is configured to be selectively coupled to the pole at a plurality of locations. In some examples, the pole is removably coupled to the base. In some examples, the pole is a telescopic pole. In an example, the coupling device is configured to be coupleable to more than one arm.

In some embodiments, the gate assembly device, further includes a second arm; and a second coupling device; wherein the second coupling device is coupled to the pole and the second arm is coupled to the second coupling device. In some examples, the arm moves between stowed and deployed positions; further wherein the distal end of the arm is located at a position that is farther from the pole when the arm is in the deployed position relative to the position of the distal end of the arm when the arm is in the stowed position. In some examples, the arm can be selectively rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction about the pole.

According to a second implementation, a gate assembly device includes a pole with a bottom end and a top end; a base removably coupled to the bottom end of the pole; at least one wheel coupled to the base; an arm selectively coupled to the pole through a coupling device; a locking mechanism on the coupling device configured to transition between an extended position and a retracted position; wherein when the locking mechanism is in the retracted position, the coupling device and arm are repositionable axially and radially along the pole and when the locking mechanism is in the extended position the coupling device and arm are substantially locked in the axial position relative to the pole.

In one example, the arm is coupleable to the pole at a discrete number of locations. In some examples, the arm is pressurized and the pressure is selectively changeable. The gate assembly device may further include a cover; wherein the cover is at least partially wrapped around the gate assembly; further wherein the wheels can roll on the ground surface when the cover is at least partially wrapped around the gate assembly.

According to a third implementation, a gate assembly device includes a pole with a top end and a bottom end; a base coupled to the bottom end of the pole; a plurality of wheels coupled to the base; an arm with a distal end and a proximal end selectively coupled to the pole between the top end and bottom end of the pole through a coupling device; wherein the arm is selectively coupled to the pole through the coupling device at different heights from an underlying surface; further wherein the arm is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the distal end of the arm being farther from the pole in the deployed position relative to the distal end of the arm when the arm is in the stowed position.

In some examples, the coupling device includes an arm coupling member with a first arm coupling member aperture and an arm coupling member boss, the first arm coupling member aperture being coupleable to the arm; and a pole coupling member with a first pole coupling member aperture coupleable to the arm coupling member boss, a second pole coupling member aperture coupleable to the pole, and a pole locking mechanism with a handle and a plunger, the handle moving the plunger between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the plunger exerts a force on the pole. In an example, the arm includes a pliable material with a thickness, the thickness of the pliable material changing between the distal end and proximal end of the arm; and an air portion with a pressure being selectively changeable through a hole positioned in the pliable material, wherein the arm increases in rigidity as the pressure is increased. In some examples, the gate assembly comprises a handle on the top end of the pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is side view of one embodiment of a gate assembly having a sensor and an arm positioned at a first location;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the gate assembly of FIG. 1, with the arm positioned at a second location;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the gate assembly of FIG. 1, with the arm positioned at a third location;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with a cylindrical-shaped base;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with a hemispherical-shaped base;

FIG. 6A is a side view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with a cylindrical-shaped base and a telescopic pole in a fully raised position;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the gate assembly of FIG. 6A with the telescopic pole in a partially lowered position;

FIG. 7 is a side-view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with a telescopic pole and a hemispherical-shaped base;

FIG. 8 is a top-view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with two arms coupled to a pole and positioned in a first configuration;

FIG. 9 is a top-view of the gate assembly of FIG. 8 with the arms positioned in a second configuration;

FIG. 10 is a top-view of the gate assembly of FIG. 8 with the arms positioned in a third configuration;

FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with a first arm coupled to a first coupling member and a second arm coupled to a second coupling member;

FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of the gate assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is side view of another embodiment of a gate assembly with two arms coupled to one coupling member.

FIG. 14A is a side view of the coupling member with an arm coupled to the coupling member;

FIG. 14B is a side view of the coupling member of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is a rear-side view of a pole coupled to an arm via a swiveling coupling member;

FIG. 16 is a top view of an example of an arm of the gate assembly;

FIG. 17 is a side view of another example of an arm of the gate assembly;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of one example of the gate assembly including a base, arm, coupling member, locking mechanism, and pole in a disassembled state;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the arm of the gate assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the coupling member and locking mechanism of the gate assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the coupling member and locking mechanism of the gate assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is one example of the coupling member coupled to the pole in an extended position;

FIG. 23 is one example of the coupling member coupled to the pole in a retracted position;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 18 coupled to the wheels;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the base of FIG. 18 coupled to the wheels;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the gate assembly of FIG. 18 in an assembled state; and

FIG. 27 is a front-top view of the gate assembly in a stowed position.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a skill-building device, referred to as gate assembly 100. The gate assembly 100 may be a general training tool used to train one or more individuals. In one embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may be used to train athletes. The gate assembly 100 may include a first arm 120, which may be used to teach individuals to stay low, or close to a ground surface 132, during certain circumstances, such as when maneuvering beneath the arm 120.

In addition to training individuals, the gate assembly 100 may also be used to evaluate one or more individuals. More specifically, the gate assembly 100 may be used to evaluate athletes. In one embodiment, an athlete may move from a starting point to the gate assembly 100 and maneuver under the arm 120. In one embodiment, the athlete may be timed while moving from the starting point until arriving to the gate assembly 100. In another embodiment, the athlete may be timed while moving from the starting point until completely maneuvering below and past the first arm 120. In still another example of this embodiment, the athlete may be timed while moving from the starting point until maneuvering partially below the first arm 120. In one embodiment, multiple gate assemblies 100 may be used and the individual may travel from a starting point and move from one gate assembly 100 to another gate assembly 100. In this embodiment, the gate assemblies 100 may be used to evaluate the individual's ability to maneuver beneath the arms 120 of the gate assemblies 100. In yet another embodiment, the athlete may by timed while moving from the starting point until being positioned underneath or past the gate assembly 100 and while moving from the gate assembly 100 to a finish point.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, the gate assembly 100 may include a pole 102 and a base 112. Further, an arm 120 may be selectively coupleable to the pole 102. The pole 102 may have a top end 104, a bottom end 106, and a substantially round cross-section having a radial surface 108. The bottom end 106 of the pole 102 may be coupled to the base 112. The arm 120 may be selectively coupled to the pole 102 at a first height 124. In one embodiment, the first height 124 may be adjustable to any location above the bottom end 106 of the pole 102 and below the top end 104 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first height 124 may be at the top end 104 of the pole 102. A handle 110 may also be coupled to the pole 102. In some embodiments, the gate assembly 100 may have a cover, wherein the cover may be removably positionable on the gate assembly 100 to at least partially cover the gate assembly 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the first arm 120 may be coupled to the pole 102 with a coupling member 122. In some examples, there may be an arm coupling member and a pole coupling member, and the term coupling device may refer to both the arm coupling member and the pole coupling member. The first arm 120 may be positioned to extend substantially perpendicularly from the pole 102 such that the first arm extends substantially horizontally when the gate assembly 100 is positioned as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In one embodiment, the first arm 120 may be configured such that the arm 120 may bend and recoil. In this embodiment, the first arm 120 may have an original horizontal position. A force may be applied to the first arm 120 and the first arm 120 may bend. Once the force is released from the first arm 120, the first arm 120 may recoil back to its original position. In another embodiment, the first arm 120 may not be bendable. In this embodiment, the first arm 120 may have an original horizontal position, the first arm 120 may receive a force, and the first arm 120 may substantially remain in its original position.

The base 112 may have a first end 114, a second end 116, and one or more wheels 118. The base 112 may also have a first vertex 136, a second vertex 138 and a third vertex 140. In one example, one or more of the first vertex 136, second vertex 138, and third vertex 140 may be at least partially rounded. In one embodiment, the first end 114 of the base 112 may be vertically offset from the second end 116 in the upright position pictured in FIG. 1, such that the first end 114 of the base 112 may define a first level at one height, the second end 116 of the base 112 may define a second level at another height. The base 112 may transition from the one height to the other height at a location between the first end 114 and the second end 116.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the base 112 may not be offset. In this embodiment, the base 112 may create a relatively planar surface between the first end 114 and the second end 116. In one example of this embodiment, the planar surface between the first end 114 and second end 116 may be the top surface of the base 112. In another example of this embodiment, the planar surface between the first end 114 and second end 116 may be the bottom surface of the base 112. In another example of this embodiment, the planar surface between the first end 114 and second end 116 may be both the top surface of the base 112 and the bottom surface of the base 112.

In one example, the second end 116 of the base 112 may be coupled to one or more wheels 118. In one embodiment, the wheels 118 may be rollable on the ground 132. The wheels 118 may make the gate assembly 100 more portable than a gate assembly 100 without wheel 118. In one embodiment, the one or more wheels 118 may be coupled to the base 112 at a location that is closer to the second end 116 of the base 112 relative to the first end 114 of the base 112. In one embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may include one wheel 118. In another embodiment the gate assembly 100 may include two wheels 118. In still another embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may include three wheels 118. In yet another embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may include four wheels 118. In another embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may include five wheels 118. In still another embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may have more than five wheels 118.

In one embodiment, the wheels 118 may elevate the second end 116 of the base 112. In this embodiment, the first end 114 of the base 112 may be supported by the ground 132, the second end 116 of the base 112 may be supported by the one or more wheels 118, and the one or more wheels 118 may be supported by the ground 132. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, there may be two wheels 118 coupled to the base 112 and the wheels 118 may be coupled to the second vertex 138 and third vertex 140 of the base 112.

The gate assembly 100 may also have a handle 110. The handle 110 may be coupled to one or more of the radial surface 108 or top end 104 of the pole 102. In one embodiment, the handle 110 may be configured to lift the first end 114 of the base 112 off of the ground 132. In another embodiment, the handle 110 may be configured to move the gate assembly 100 by dragging the first end 114 of the base 112 on the ground 132 and by moving the second end 116 of the base 112 via the one or more wheels 118. In another embodiment, the handle 110 may be configured to lift the first end 114 of the base 112 off the ground 132 and move the gate assembly 100 using the one or more wheels 118 while the first end 114 of the base 112 is off the ground. In one embodiment, the handle 110 may be located on the radial surface 108 of the pole 102 that faces the wheels 118. In another embodiment, the handle 110 may be located on the radial surface 108 of the pole 102 that does not face the wheels 118. In some examples, the handle may be coupled to the top end 104 of the pole 102. In one embodiment, the handle 110 may be a pull handle 110. In one embodiment, the handle 110 may be welded to the pole 102. In another embodiment, the handle 110 may be coupled to the pole 102 with fasteners, such as screws or bolts. In another embodiment, the pole 102 may have a hole and the handle 110 may be coupled via an attachment device, such as a carabineer clip.

The first end 114 of the base 112 may be coupled to the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In one embodiment, the base 112 may be removably coupled to the pole 102. In some embodiments, the base 112 may not be removably coupled to the pole 102. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the base 112 may be three-sided and substantially triangular in shape. In these embodiments, the three-sided shape of the base 112 and the location wherein the pole 102 is coupled to the base 112 may reduce the risk of tripping on the base 112 while also keeping the base 112 out of a path of travel. In one example, the pole 102 may be coupled to the base 112 at the first vertex 136 of the base 112. In this example, the gate assembly 100 may be configured such that the first vertex 136 does not protrude from under the pole 102. In other words, when the pole 102 is coupled to the first vertex 136 of the base 112, the first vertex 136 is located beneath the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another example of this embodiment, the pole 102 may be coupled near the first vertex 136 of the base 112. In this example, the pole 102 may be coupled near the first vertex 136, such that the first vertex 136 slightly protrudes from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In one embodiment, the first vertex 136 of the base 112 may protrude out six inches or more from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first vertex 136 may protrude out between five and six inches from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first vertex 136 may protrude out between four and five inches from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first vertex 136 may protrude out between three and four inches from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first vertex 136 may protrude out between two and three inches from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first vertex 136 may protrude out between one and two inches from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In another embodiment, the first vertex 136 may protrude out between zero and one inch from the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. It should be understood that the ranges provided in the preceding sentences are inclusive of the endpoints.

In some embodiments, the arm 120 may comprise elastomers. In one embodiment, the arm 120 may include air. In certain embodiments, the arm 120 may comprise plastic. In one embodiment, the arm 120 may comprise metal. In some embodiments, the arm 120 may be at least partially surrounded by a padding or cushioning material. In one embodiment, the arm 120 may comprise leather.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment the pole 102 may be configured as a rigid member. In one embodiment, the pole 102 may be positioned in a vertical position, such that it is perpendicular to the ground. In one example, the pole 102 may be atilt. The pole 102 may be coupled to the coupling member 122, and the coupling member 122 may be coupled to the first arm 120. In one embodiment, the coupling member 122 may move between the top end 104 of the pole 102 and the bottom end 106 of the pole 102. In one example, the coupling member 122 may be configured such that the coupling member 122 may move past the handle 110. In this example, the coupling member 122 may include an opening 1412 (see FIG. 14). The coupling member 122 may move past the handle 110 by aligning the opening 1412 with the handle 110 and moving the coupling member 122 past the handle 110. In one embodiment, the coupling member 122 may be an adhesive. In some embodiments, the coupling member 122 may be a fastener, such as, for example, a bolt or a screw.

In one embodiment, the gate assembly 100 may have a counter weight 146. The counter weight 146 may add stability to the gate assembly 100. In one example, weight may be added closer to the second end 116 of the base 112 than to the first end 114 of the base. In another example, the base 112 may be configured such that the counter weight 146 is located closer to the first end 114 of the base than to the second end 116 of the base. In another example, the wheels 118 may be configured to act as a counter weight 146. In one example, each wheel 118 may weigh four ounces. In another example, each wheel 118 may weigh between four and six ounces. In another example, each wheel 118 may weigh between six and sixteen ounces. In another embodiment, each wheel 118 may weigh between one pound and two pounds. In another embodiment, each wheel 118 may weigh between two pounds and three pounds. In another embodiment, each wheel 118 may weigh between three pounds and five pounds. In another embodiment, each wheel 118 may weigh between five pounds and ten pounds. In another embodiment, each wheel 118 may weigh more than ten pounds. In these examples and embodiments, the endpoints of the weight range are inclusive. The arm 129 may have a proximal end 144 and a distal end 142. In another example, the proximal end 144 of the first arm 120 may extend beyond the pole 102, and may extend horizontally towards the second end 116 of the base 112. In this embodiment, the arm 120 extending horizontally between the second end 116 of the base 112 and the pole 102 may act as counter weight 146.

The gate assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-3 may further include a first arm 120, a first sensor 134, and a controller. The first arm 120 may be coupled to the first sensor 134, and the first sensor 134 may be coupled to the controller. The first sensor 134 may detect movement between the sensor 134 and the ground 132, and the controller may provide a notification regarding the movement. In one embodiment, the sensor 134 may detect whether contact is made with the first arm 120. In one example, the controller may provide a notification in the form of a light and/or sound. In some examples, the controller may provide a notification to an external device, such as a phone or tablet. In one example, the sensor 134 may detect movement, the sensor 134 may provide an output to a controller, and the controller may provide a notification to the external device. Along with the notification, the controller may send additional information, such as how long the motion was sensed, the time the motion was sensed, and/or whether the first arm 120 was contacted, among other information.

One embodiment of this disclosure is a method of using the gate assembly 100 to track split times. The method may include starting a user at an area which corresponds with a starting line and measuring an amount of time it takes the user to move from the starting line to a finish line while the user at least partially moves beneath the arm 120 of the gate assembly 100 between passing the starting line and the finish line. This method may identify when the user passes the gate assembly 100 via the first sensor 134 and when the user passes the finish line with a second sensor. The split times can be included in the time trial when the user passes the finish line.

Another embodiment of this disclosure is a method of using more than one gate assembly 100 to track split times. This method may include starting a user at an area which corresponds with a starting line and measuring an amount of time it takes the user to move from the starting line to a finish line. The user may at least partially move beneath the arm 120 of the more than one gate assemblies 100 between passing the starting line and the finish line. This method may also include identifying when the user passes each gate assembly 100 by using sensors 134 wherein one sensor 134 is coupled to each gate assembly 100. Further, the method may include identifying when the user passes the finish line with a second sensor. The method may conclude the time trial when the user passes the finish line.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a gate assembly 400 is illustrated, and the gate assembly 400 4 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-3. For example, the gate assembly 400 may have a first arm 420 coupled to a pole 402 via a coupling member 422. The arm 420 may have a distal end 442 and a proximal end 444, and when the arm 420 is positioned horizontally to a ground surface 132, such as in FIG. 4, the proximal end 444 of the arm 420 may be positioned closer to the pole 402 than the distal end 442 of the arm 420. The arm 420 may be positioned at a first height 424 from the ground 132. The arm 420 may also be coupled to a sensor 434. The gate assembly 400 may also have a handle 410 coupled to a radial surface 408 of the pole 402.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the gate assembly 400 may have a cylindrical base 412. In this embodiment, the cylindrical base 412 may be configured so the base 412 has a cylindrical cross-section. In one embodiment, a bottom end 406 of the pole 402 may be coupled to a top end 446 of the cylindrical base 412. In one embodiment, the bottom end 406 of the pole 402 may be coupled to another portion of the cylindrical base that is not the top end 446, such as, for example, a bottom end 448 of the base, or a location between the top end 446 and bottom end 448 of the base. In one example, wheels 418 may be coupled to a second end 416 of the cylindrical base 412. In some examples, the wheels 418 may be coupled closer to the second end 416 of the cylindrical base 412 than to a first end 414 of the cylindrical base 414. In one embodiment, the wheels 418 may be coupled to the bottom end 448 of the base 412. In another embodiment, the wheels 418 may be coupled closer to the bottom end 448 of the base 412 than to the top end 446 of the base 412.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a gate assembly 500 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-3. The gate assembly 500 may have a hemisphere base 512. For example, the gate assembly 500 may have a first arm 520 coupled to a pole 502 via a coupling member 522. The arm 520 may have a distal end 542 and a proximal end 544, and when the arm 520 is positioned horizontally to a ground surface 132, such as in FIG. 5, the proximal end 544 of the arm 520 may be positioned closer to the pole 502 than the distal end 542 of the arm 520. The arm 520 may be positioned at a first height 524 from the ground 132. The arm 520 may also be coupled to a sensor 534. The gate assembly 500 may have a handle 510 coupled to a radial surface 508 of the pole 502.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gate assembly 500 may have a hemisphere base 512, where the base 512 is configured such that it is hemispherical in cross-section. In this embodiment, the bottom end 506 of the pole 502 may be coupled to a top end 546 of the hemisphere base 512. In one example, wheels 518 may be coupled to a second end 516 of the hemisphere base 502. In some examples, the wheels 518 may be coupled closer to the second end 516 of the hemisphere base 512 than to a first end 514. In one example, the wheels 518 may be coupled closer to a bottom end 548 of the base 512 than to the top end 546 of the base 512.

While specific shapes for the base 112, 412, 512 are provided, it should be understood that this disclosure also contemplates that the base 112, 412, 512 may be any shape or combinations of shapes suitable to support the structure described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a gate assembly 600 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 400 of FIG. 4. For example, the gate assembly 600 may have a first arm 620 coupled to a pole 602 via a coupling member 622. The arm 620 may have a distal end 642 and a proximal end 644, and when the arm 620 is positioned horizontally to a ground surface 132, such as in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the proximal end 644 of the arm 620 may be positioned closer to the pole 602 than the distal end 642 of the arm 620. The arm 620 may be positioned at a first height 624 from the ground 132. The arm 620 may also be coupled to a sensor 634, and the gate assembly 600 may have a handle 610 coupled to a radial surface 608 of the pole 602. The gate assembly 600 may have a cylindrical base 612 wherein, the bottom end 606 of the pole 602 may be coupled to a top end 646 of the cylindrical base 612. Further, one or more wheels 618 may be coupled to the base 612.

Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the gate assembly 100 may have a telescopic pole 602. The telescopic pole 602 may comprise one or more sections. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the telescopic pole 602 may include a first section 650, a second section 652, and a third section 654. In this embodiment, the sections 650, 652, 654 may be in a raised or lowered position. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the first, second, and third sections 650, 652, 654 are all in the raised position, the first arm 620 may be located at a first height 624. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, one or more of the first, second, or third sections 650, 652, 654 may be in the lowered position. In this embodiment, the first arm 620 may be located at a second height 626, which may be closer to the ground 132 relative to the first height 624. In another embodiment, two of the first, second, and third sections 650, 652, 654 may be in the lowered position. In this embodiment, the first arm 620 may be located at a third height, and this third height may be closer to the ground 132 relative to the first and second heights 624, 626. In still another embodiment, each of the sections 650, 652, 654 may be in a lowered position. In this embodiment, the first arm 620 may be located at a fourth height, and this fourth height may be closer to the ground 132 than the first height 624, second height 626, and third height. In another embodiment, one or more of the first section, second section 652, and third section 654 may be secured in a partially lowered position. For example, in this embodiment, section 650 may be in a partially lowered position, wherein at least part of section 650 may be nested within section 652 and at least part of section 650 may protrude from section 652.

Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first, second, and third sections 650, 652, 654 may be tubular shaped and hollow. In one example, the third section 654 may have a larger cross section than the first and second sections 650, 652, and the second section 652 may have a larger cross section than the first section 650. In this example, the first section 650 may be retracted within the second section 652, such that the first section 650 may be nested within the second section 652. Additionally, the second section 652 may be retracted within the third section 654, such that the second section 652 may be nested within the third section 654. In one embodiment, the first section 650 may be nested within the second section 652 and the second section 652 may be nested within the third section 654, such that both the first and second sections 650, 652 are nested within the third section 654.

In one embodiment, the telescopic pole 602 may have two sections, a first section 650 and a second section 652. In another embodiment, the telescopic pole 602 may have three section, a first, second, and third section 650, 652, 654. In still another embodiment, the telescopic pole 602 may have four sections. In another embodiment, the telescopic pole 602 may have five or more sections.

Still referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the telescopic pole 602 may be coupled to the arm 620 via the coupling member 622. In one example, the coupling member 622 may be a bracket 1400 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). In some examples, the coupling member 622 may be removably coupled to the telescopic pole 602. The coupling member 622 may be coupled to any portion of the telescopic pole 602 between the top end 604 and the bottom end 606. In some examples, the coupling member 622 may not be removably coupled to the telescopic pole 602. In these examples, the coupling member 622 may be fixedly coupled to the telescopic pole 602. In one embodiment, the coupling member 622 may be fixedly coupled to the top end 604 of the telescopic pole 602.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a gate assembly 700 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 600 of FIGS. 6A-6B. For example, the gate assembly 700 may have a first arm 720 coupled to a pole 702 via a coupling member 722. The arm 720 may have a distal end 742 and a proximal end 744, and when the arm 720 is positioned horizontally to a ground surface 132, such as in FIG. 7, the proximal end 744 of the arm 720 may be positioned closer to the pole 702 than the distal end 742 of the arm 720. The arm 720 may be positioned at a first height 724 from the ground 132. The arm 720 may also be coupled to a sensor 734. The gate assembly 700 may have a handle 710 coupled to a radial surface 708 of the pole 702. The gate assembly 700 may also have a telescopic pole 702 with one or more sections. In one example, the telescopic pole 702 may have three sections 750, 752, 754.

The gate assembly 700 may have a hemispherical base 712. In one embodiment, the gate assembly 700 may have a hemisphere base 712, where the base 712 is configured such that it is hemispherical in cross-section. In this embodiment, a bottom end 706 of the pole 702 may be coupled to a top end 746 of the hemisphere base 712. In one example, wheels 718 may be coupled to a second end 716 of the hemisphere base 712. In another example, the wheels 718 may be coupled closer to the second end 716 of the hemisphere base 712 than to a first end 714. In one embodiment, the wheels 718 may be coupled closer to a bottom end 748 of the base 712 than to the top end 746 of the base 712.

In another embodiment, the telescopic pole 700 may be coupled to a base 712 that is not round. While certain shapes are discussed with reference to the base 712, this disclosure contemplates a base 712 of any shape. While specific shapes for the base 712 is provided, it should be understood that this disclosure also contemplates that the base 712 that is coupled to a telescopic pole 702 may be any shape or combinations of shapes suitable to support the structure described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, a gate assembly 800 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-3. For example, the gate assembly 800 may have a first arm 820 coupled to a pole 802 via a coupling member 822. The gate assembly 800 may have a handle 810 coupled to the pole 802. The pole 802 may be coupled to a base 802, and the base 812 may be coupled to one or more wheels 818.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the gate assembly 800 may have a second arm 856. The two-arm 820, 856 configuration may be configured such that both the first arm 820 and the second arm 856 may be positioned horizontally. In one embodiment, the first arm 820 and second arm 856 may be configured so both the first arm 820 and second arm 856 may bend and recoil. In this embodiment, the first and second arms 820, 856 may have an original horizontal position. A force may be applied to either the first arm 820 or the second arm 856 and the arm 820, 856 that the force is applied to may bend. When the force is released from the arm 820, 856, the arm 820, 856 that the force was applied to may recoil back to its original position.

In another embodiment, one of the first arm 820 or second arm 856 may not be bendable, and the other arm 820, 856 may be bendable. In one example of this embodiment, the first arm 820 may be bendable and the second arm 856 may not be bendable. In this example, a force may be applied to the first arm 820 and the first arm 820 may bend, and when the force is removed the first arm 820 may recoil back to its original position. Additionally, in this example the second arm 856 may have an original horizontal position, a force may be applied to the second arm 856, and the second arm 856 may not bend and may remain in its original position. In another embodiment, neither the first arm 820 nor the second arm 856 may be bendable. In this embodiment, the first arm 820 and second arm 856 may have an original horizontal position, one or more of the first or second arm 820, 856, may receive a force, and both arms 820, 856 may remain in their respective original positions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the first arm 820 and the second arm 856 may be configured to rotate about the pole 802. In one embodiment, there may be one coupling member 822 coupled to both the first and second arm 820, 856. In a first example, the first arm 820 and second arm 856 may be rotatable about the pole 802 by rotating the coupling member 822 about the pole 802. The coupling member 822 may rotate in a clockwise direction 858 or in a counter-clockwise direction 860. In this example, the arms 820, 856 may remain in fixed positions relative to the coupling member 822. In a second example the coupling member 822 may rotate about the pole 802, and the first arm 820 and second arm 856 may rotate about the coupling member 822. In this example, the coupling member 822 may move in a clockwise direction 858 or counter-clockwise direction 860 about the pole 802 and the first and second arms 820, 856, may move in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction 858, 860 relative to the coupling member 822. In a third embodiment, the coupling member 822 may move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction 858, 860 about the pole 802, and one of the first arm 820 or second arm 856 may move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction 858, 860 about the coupling member 822, and the other arm 820, 856, may not rotate about the coupling member 822. In one example, the first arm 820 may be moveable in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction 858, 860 about the coupling member 822 and the second arm 856 may not be moveable in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction 858, 860 about the coupling member 822.

Now referring to FIGS. 11-12, a gate assembly 1100 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the gate assembly 1100 may have a first arm 1120 coupled to a pole 1102 via a coupling member 1122. The arm 1120 may have a distal end 1142 and a proximal end 1144, and when the arm 1120 is positioned horizontally to a ground surface 132, such as in FIG. 11, the proximal end 1144 of the arm 1120 may be positioned closer to the pole 1102 than the distal end 1142 of the arm 1120. The arm 1120 may also be coupled to a sensor 1134. The gate assembly 1100 may have a handle 1110 coupled to a radial surface 1108 of the pole 1102. A bottom end 1106 of the pole 1102 may be coupled to a base 1112. In one example, the bottom end 1106 of the pole 1102 may be coupled to the first end 1114 of the base 1112. In one embodiment, wheels 1118 may be coupled to the base 1112 at a second end 1116. In some embodiments, the wheels 1118 may be coupled closer to first end 1116 of the base 1112 than to the second end 1114 of the base 1112. In one embodiment, the gate assembly 1100 may also have a pole 1102 that is telescopic with one or more sections. In another embodiment, the gate assembly 1100 may have a pole 1102 that is not telescopic.

The gate assembly 1100 of FIG. 11 may have a first arm 1120 coupled to a first coupling member 1122 and a second arm 1156 coupled to a second coupling member 1162. The first arm 1120 may be positioned at a first height 1124 from the ground 132, and the second arm 1156 may be positioned at a second height 1126 from the ground 132. In one embodiment, the first height 1124 may be closer to the ground 132 than the second height 1126. In another embodiment, the second height 1126 may be closer to the ground 132 than the first height 1124. Additionally, one or more of the first arm 1120, the second arm 1156, the first coupling member 1122, and the second coupling member 1162 may rotate about the pole 1102.

Still referring to FIGS. 11-12, in one embodiment the first coupling member 1122 may move up and down the pole 1102 independently of the second coupling member 1162. Additionally, the first coupling member 1122 may be removed from the pole 1102 without removing the second coupling member 1162. The second coupling member 1162 may also move up and down the pole 1102 independently of the first coupling member 1122.

In one embodiment, the first arm 1120 may be coupled to a first coupling member 1122 and the second arm 1156 may be coupled to a second coupling member 1162. In one example of this embodiment, the first coupling member 1122 may be rotatable about the pole 1102, and the second coupling member 1162 may not be rotatable about the pole 1102. In another example of this embodiment, both the first coupling member 1122 and second coupling member 1162 may be rotatable about the pole 1102. In a third example, the first coupling member 1122 may not be rotatable about the pole 1102 and the second coupling member 1156 may be rotatable about the pole 1102. In some examples, both the first arm 1120 and second arm 1156 may be rotatable about the pole 1102 with its respective coupling member 1122, 1162. In some embodiments, one of the first arm 1120 or second arm 1156 may be rotatable with its respective coupling member 1122, 1162 and the other arm 1120 or 1162 may not be rotatable. In other embodiments, neither the first arm 1120 nor the second arm 1156 may be rotatable about the pole 1102.

In some embodiments, both the coupling members 1122, 1162 and arms 1120, 1156 may all have fixed positions and may not rotate about the pole 1102. In one example, where the coupling members 1122, 1162 and arms 1120, 1156 have fixed positions, the arms 1120, 1156 may not change positions. In another embodiment, the arms 1120, 1156 may not rotate about the pole 1102, and the arms 1120, 1156 may change positions by removing the one or more coupling members 1122, 1156, altering the position of the arms 1120, 1156 and attaching the arms 1120, 1156 in an altered position.

In one embodiment both the first arm 1120 and second arm 1156 may not have a sensor 1134, 1160. In another embodiment, one of the first arm 1120 or second arm 1156 may have a sensor 1134, 1164. In some embodiments, the gate assembly 1100 may include a first arm 1120 with a first sensor 1134 and a second arm 1156 with a second sensor 1164. In one example of this embodiment, the first sensor 1134 may be coupled to a first controller and the second sensor 1164 may be coupled to a second controller. In this example, the first sensor 1134 may detect movement between the ground 132 and the sensor 1134, and subsequently the first controller may provide a notification. Additionally, the second sensor 1164 may detect movement between the sensor 1134 and the ground 132, and subsequently the second controller may provide a notification. In one example, the notification may be to an external device, such as a phone or a tablet. The controller may send information, such as one or more of how long the motion was sensed, the time the motion was sensed, and whether the first arm 1120, the second arm 1156, or neither the first nor second arm 1120, 1156 were contacted or passed, among other information.

In another embodiment, more than one gate assembly 1100 may be used and each gate assembly 1100 may have a first sensor 1134 coupled to the first arm 1120, a controller coupled to the first arm 1120, the second sensor 1164 coupled to the second arm 1156, and a second controller coupled to the second sensor 1164. In this embodiment, when each individual sensor 1134, 1164 detects movement, the controller coupled to the sensor 1134, 1164 may provide a notification. The notification may include information such as one or more of the time the motion was sensed, how long the motion was sensed, and whether the first arm 1120, second arm 1156, or neither arm was contacted, among other information. Alternatively, each sensor 1134, 1164 may communicate with the same controller to identify when the respective sensor 1134, 1164 is triggered.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a gate assembly 1300 may be substantially similar to the gate assembly 1100 of FIGS. 11-12. For example, the gate assembly 1300 may have a first arm 1320 and a second arm 1356 with a distal end 1342 and proximal end, both of which may be coupled to a pole 1302 at the proximal end 1344. The first arm 1320 and second 1356 arm may each be coupled to a sensor 1334, 1364. The gate assembly 1300 may have a handle 1310 coupled to a radial surface 1308 of the pole 1302. In one example, the gate assembly 1300 may also have a telescopic pole 1302 with one or more sections. In another example, the gate assembly 1300 may not have a telescopic pole 1302. The gate assembly 1300 may have a base 1312. In one embodiment, a bottom end 1306 of the pole 1302 may be coupled closer to a first end 1314 of the base 1312 than to a second end of the base 1316. In one example, wheels 1318 may be coupled to a second end 1316 of the base 1312. In some examples, the wheels 1318 may be coupled closer to the second end 1316 of the base 1312 than to a first end 1314 of the base 1312.

In one embodiment, the first arm 1320 and second arm 1356 may both be coupled to one coupling member 1322. In this embodiment, the first arm 1320 may be coupled to the first coupling member 1322 and the second arm 1356 may be coupled to the first coupling member 1322. In this embodiment, the first arm 1320 and the second arm 1356 may not move independently relative to one another, and when the first coupling member 1322 moves towards the top end 1304 of the pole 1302, both the first arm 1320 and the second arm 1356 may also move towards the top end 1304 of the pole 1302. Similarly, both arms 1320, 1356 may move simultaneously with the first coupling member 1322 towards the bottom end 1306 of the pole 1302. In one example, the first arm 1320 and the second arm 1356 may both be positioned at a first height 1324 from the ground 132.

Referring now to FIG. 14, one embodiment of the coupling member 1400 is illustrated. The coupling member 1400 may have a first portion 1402 and a second portion 1404. The first portion 1402 may be cylindrical in shape. The first portion 1402 may contain an aperture from the first end 1406 of the coupling member 1400 to the second end 1408. The arm 120 (See FIG. 1) may be configured to at least partially travel through the aperture. In one embodiment, the distal end 142 of the arm 120 may travel through the aperture of the coupling member 1400 by traveling past the second end 1408 of the coupling member 1400, and then by traveling past the first end 1406 of the coupling member 1400. In some embodiments, the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 may not pass through the aperture in the coupling member 1400.

In some embodiments, the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 may have a stopper to prevent the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 from completely passing through the aperture of the coupling member 1400. In one example, the distal end 142 of the arm 120 may have a smaller cross section than the aperture of the coupling member 1400, and a portion of the arm 120 near the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 may have a larger cross section than the aperture of the coupling member 1400. In this example, the portion of the arm 120 with a larger cross section may act as a stopper, prohibiting the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 from completely passing through the aperture. In another example, the arm 120 may have a protruding member near the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 that may act as a stopper. In one embodiment, the protruding member may be a pin, and the pin may act as a stopper by prohibiting the proximal end 144 of the arm 120 from completely passing through the aperture of the coupling member 1400.

The second end 1408 of the coupling member 1400 may have an edge, and the edge may be configured to minimize stress on an arm 120 coupled to the coupling member 1400. In one example, the second end 1408 may be curved. In one example, the second end 1408 may curve in an outward direction. In this example, the second end 1408 of the coupling member 1400 may taper so that the second end 1408 may have a larger cross-sectional diameter than the cross-sectional diameter of the first end 1406. In another embodiment, the second end 1408 may have a rounded edge. In some examples, a section may be coupled to the second end 1408 of the coupling member 122, and the section may have a circular cross-section.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the second portion 1404 of the coupling member 1400 may be coupleable to the pole 102. In the illustrative embodiment, the second portion 1404 of the coupling member 1400 may have an opening 1412 and a locking mechanism 1410. The opening 1412 may be configured to couple to the pole 102, so the pole 102 fits in the opening 1412. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 1410 may be designed to secure the coupling member 1400 in place. In one example, the locking mechanism 1410 may be a spring pin. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 1410 may be a threaded pin. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 1410 may be a quick release pin. In other embodiments, the pole 102 may have a groove and the locking mechanism 1410 may be a lever that locks into the groove.

The first portion 1402 of the coupling member 1400 may be coupled to the second portion 1404 of the coupling member 1400. In one embodiment, the second portion 1404 may be welded to the first portion 1402. In another embodiment, the second portion 1404 may secured to the first portion 1402 with an adhesive. In another embodiment, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the first portion 1402 of the bracket 1400 to the second portion 1404. In some embodiments, the first portion 1402 and the second portion 1404 may be formed from a single piece of material, such that no coupling member or mechanism is necessary to couple the first portion 1402 to the second portion 1404.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, a coupling member 1522 may be coupled to a pole 1502 and to a first arm 1520, and the coupling member may swivel. In one example, the coupling member 1522 may move between a deployed position and a stowed position. When the coupling member 1522 is in the deployed position, the first arm 1520 may be horizontally positioned. When the coupling member 1522 is transitioned to the stowed position, the first arm 1520 may be vertically positioned, and the first arm 1520 may be aligned with and adjacent to the pole 1502. In one example, the coupling member 1522 may have a securing mechanism, such that when the coupling member 1522 is in the stowed position, the coupling member 1522 may not be positioned out of the stowed position until the securing mechanism is disengaged.

In one example, the securing mechanism may be a pin located on the coupling member 1522, such that when the first arm 1520 is in the stowed position the pin moves through an opening, and the arm 1520 remains in the stowed position until the pin is disengaged. Likewise, when the first arm 1520 is in a deployed position the pin may move through an opening and the arm 1520 may remain deployed until the pin is disengaged. In another example, the coupling member 1522 may be coupled to a tightening mechanism, such that when the tightening mechanism is in a first position, the first arm 1520 may not move between a stowed and deployed position, and when the tightening mechanism is in a second position, the first arm 1520 may move between a stowed and deployed position. In another example, a clip in the shape of a C, or a C-clip, may be coupled to the pole 1502 and configured so the distance between the end points of the C on the C-clip may be smaller than the cross section of the arm 1520. In this example, the arm 1520 may enter between the end points of the C on the C-clip by temporarily deforming the clip, and when the arm 1520 is within the C portion of the C-clip the clip may retract back into place, thereby securing the arm 1520 in a stowed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-17, an embodiment of an arm 1600 is illustrated. The arm 1600 may include a proximal end 1602 and a distal end 1604, and the arm 1600 may extend longitudinally from the proximal end 1602 to the distal end 1604. The arm 1600 may include one or more sections, and each section of the arm 1600 may have one or more width W. The one or more width W of each section may extend between a first end 1603 and second end 1605 of the arm 1600. In some examples, the arm 1600 may have a base section 1606 positioned at the proximal end 1602 and a nose section 1607 positioned at the distal end 1604. One or more linear sections and/or curved sections may be positioned between the base section 1606 and the nose section 1607. In some examples, the arm 1600 may have radius positioned towards the proximal end 1602 and a radius positioned towards the distal end 1604, and the proximal end radius may be larger than the distal end radius. In some examples, the arm 1600 may transition between the larger radius at the proximal end 1602 to the small radius at the distal end 1604 via a plurality of sections, wherein the sections include contours that may be similar to contours of a human arm.

As shown in the illustrative examples of FIGS. 16-17, a plurality of curved and/or linear sections may be positioned between the base section 1606 and the nose section 1607. While six sections are illustrated herein, in other examples less than six curved and/or linear section may be positioned between the base section 1606 and the nose section 1607. In these examples, five, four, three, two, or one curved and/or linear sections may be positioned between the base section 1606 and the nose section 1607. In one example, more than six sections may be positioned between the base section 1606 and the nose section 1607. In some examples, there may not be any sections positioned between the base section 1606 and the nose section 1607, and the base section 1606 may be directly coupled to the nose section 1607.

In one example, the base section 1606 may have a straight portion and a curved portion such that the base section 1606 may have a spherical dome shape. The base section 1606 may have a radius R1, and in some examples the radius R1 may be 3.037 in. In other examples, the radius R1 may be less than 3.037 in, such as, for example, 3.000 in, 2.75 in, 2.0 in, or 1 in. In some examples, the radius R1 may be greater than 3.037 in, such as, for example, 3.1 in, 3.5 in, 4.0 in, 5.0 in, or greater than 5.0 in. Although the unit of inches is mentioned herein, the radius R1 may be measured in any appropriate units, such as mm, cm, m, yds, or any other measure of distance. In other examples, the base section 1606 may have a rectangle shape, triangular shape, or another polyhedron shape. Other shapes for the base section 1606 are also considered herein. In some examples, the base section 1606 may be configured so the base section 1606 does not extend through the aperture of the first portion 1402 of the coupling member 1400. In some examples, the base section 1606 may have a width W that is larger than the interior diameter or dimension of the first aperture 1842 of the arm coupling member 1806 (see FIG. 20), such that the base section 1606 may not extend through the first aperture 1842.

The base section 1606 may be coupled to another section. In some examples, the base section 1606 may be coupled to a first linear section 1608. The first linear section 1608 may include a proximal end 1610 and a distal end 1612, and the first linear section 1608 may extend longitudinally, at least partially between the proximal and distal ends 1602, 1604 of the arm 1600. The first linear section 1608 may also include a first end 1614 and a second end 1616, and one or more widths W of the first linear section 1608 may be defined between first and second ends 1614, 1616. In one example, the base section 1606 may be removably coupled to the first linear section 1608, such that the base section 1606 and first linear section 1608 may move between a coupled position and an un-coupled position. In other examples, the first linear section 1608 and base section 1606 may be non-removably coupled, such that the first linear section 1608 and base section 1606 may not move between a coupled and un-coupled position.

The proximal end 1610 of the first linear section 1608 may have a width W that is smaller relative to the width W of the distal end 1604 of the base section 1606. In some examples, the first linear section 1608 may have a diameter Ø1, and the diameter Ø1 may be equal to the width W of the first linear section 1608. In some examples, the diameter Ø1 of the first linear section 1608 may be 4.860 in. In other examples, the diameter Ø1 of the first linear section 1608 may be less than 4.860 in. For example, the diameter Ø1 of the first linear section 1608 may be 4.800 in, 4.500 in, 4.000 in, 3.500 in, 2.500 in, 1.000 in, or less than 1.000 in. In some examples, the diameter Ø1 of the first linear section 1608 may be greater than 4.860 in. For example, the diameter Ø1 of the first linear section 1608 may be 4.900 in, 5.000 in, 5.500 in, 6.000 in, or greater than 6.000 in. In some examples, the proximal end 1610 of the first linear section 1608 may have a width W that is larger or equal to the width W of distal end 1604 of the base section 1606. The width W of the proximal end 1610 of the first linear section 1608 may be the same as the width W of the distal end 1612 of the first linear section 1608. In some examples, the width W of the proximal end 1610 of the first linear section 1608 may be larger or smaller than the width W of the distal end 1612 of the first linear section 1608. In some examples, the first linear section 1608 may be cylindrically shaped. In other examples, the first linear section 1608 may have a rectangular shape, triangular shape, or another shape. The first linear section 1608 may have a linear first end 1614 and a linear second end 1616. In one example, the first end 1614 of the first linear section 1608 may be parallel to the second end 1616 of the first linear section 1608. In another example, one or more of the first end 1614 or the second end 1616 may be curved.

In some examples, the first linear section 1608 may have a proximal lip, wherein the proximal lip may be a curved portion of the first linear section 1608 positioned near the base section 1606. In one example, the proximal lip may have a radius R2 of 0.124 in. In other examples, the proximal lip radius R2 may be less than 0.124 in, such as, for example, 0.120 in, 0.110 in, 0.100 in, 0.050 in, or less than 0.050 in. In other examples, the proximal lip radius R2 may be greater than 0.124 in, such as, for example, 0.125 in, 0.130 in, 0.135 in, 0.140 in, 0.2 in, 0.3 in, 1 in, or greater than 1 in. The first linear section may also have a distal lip, and the distal lip may be a curved portion of the first linear section 1608 positioned between the first linear section 1608 and another section of the arm 1600, such as, for example, a first curved section 1618. The distal lip may have a distal lip radius R3, and the distal lip radius R3 may be 0.63 in. In some examples, the distal lip radius R3 may be less than 0.63 in, such as, for example, 0.60 in, 0.55 in, 0.4 in, or less than 0.4 in. In another example, the distal lip radius R3 may be greater than 0.63 in, such as, for example, 0.64 in, 0.70 in, 0.80 in, 1.00 in, or greater than 1.00 in.

In some examples, the first linear section 1608 may have a first linear section length L2, and the first linear section length L2 may be defined by the distance between the proximal end 1610 and the distal end 1612 of the first linear section 1608. In some examples, the first linear section length L2 may be 5.625 in. In other examples, the first linear section length L2 may be less than 5.625 in, such as, for example, 5.600 in, 5.525 in, 4.625 in, 3.000 in, 2.000 in or less than 2.000 in. In other examples, the first linear section length L2 may be greater than 5.625 in, such as, for example, 5.700 in, 6.000 in, 7.000 in, 8.000 in, 10.000 in, or greater than 10.000 in.

In some examples, the base section 1606 may be coupled to the proximal end 1610 of the first linear section 1608 and the nose section 1607 may be coupled to the distal end 1612 of the first linear section 1608. In other examples, the proximal end 1610 of the first linear section 1608 may be coupled to the base section 1606, and the distal end 1612 of the first linear section 1608 may be coupled to a curved or linear section.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, the distal end 1612 of the first linear section 1608 may be coupled to the first curved section 1618. The first curved section 1618 may include a proximal end 1620 and a distal end 1622, and the first curved section 1618 may at least partially extend longitudinally between the proximal and distal ends 1620, 1622. In some examples, the first curved section 1618 may have a length L3 defined as a distance between the proximal end 1620 and the distal end 1622 of the first curved section 1618. In some examples, the first curved section length L3 may be 4.733 in. In some examples, the first curved section length L3 may be less than 4.733 in, such as, for example, 4.700 in, 4.5 in, 4.0 in, 3.5 in, 3.0 in, or less than 3.0 in. In other examples, the first curved section length L3 may be greater than 4.733 in, such as, for examples, 4.750 in, 4.8 in, 5.0 in, 5.5 in, 6.0 in, or greater than 6.0 in. The first curved section 1618 may also include a first end 1624 and a second end 1626, and one or more widths W may be defined between the first and second end 1624, 1626.

In some examples, the proximal end 1620 of the first curved section 1618 may have a larger width W relative to the width W of the distal end 1622 of the first curved section 1618. In other examples, the proximal end 1620 may have a smaller width W relative to the width W of the distal end 1622 of the first curved section 1618. In still another example, the width W of the proximal and distal ends 1620, 1622 of the first curved section 1618 may be equal. In some examples, one or more of the first and second ends 1624, 1626 of the first curved section 1618 may be linear. In one example, the first end 1624 may be parallel relative to the second end 1626 of the first curved section 1618. In some examples, one or more of the first end 1624 and the second end 1626 may be curved. In one example, the distal end 1622 of the first curved section 1618 may be coupled to the nose section 1607. In another example, the distal end 1622 of the first curved section 1618 may be coupled to a curved or linear section. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 16-17, the first curved section 1618 may be coupled to a second curved section 1628.

The second curved section 1628 may include a proximal end 1630 and a distal end 1632, and the second curved section 1628 may extend longitudinally between the proximal end 1630 and the distal end 1632. In some examples, the second curved section 1628 may have a length L4 defined as the distance between the proximal end 1630 and the distal end 1632 of the second curved section 1628. In some examples, the second curved section length L4 may be 8.000 in. In other examples, the length L4 may be less than 8.000 in, such as, for example, 7.500 in, 7.000 in, 6.500 in, 6.000 in, or less than 6.000 in. In other examples, the second curved section length L4 may be greater than 8.000 in. In some examples, the second curved section length L4 may be 8.100 in, 8.500 in, 9.000 in, 9.500 in, or greater than 9.500 in. The second curved section 1628 may also include a first end 1634 and a second end 1636, and one or more widths W may be defined between the first end 1634 and second end 1636 of the second curved section 1628.

In some examples, the proximal end 1630 of the second curved section 1628 may have a larger width W than the width W of the distal end 1632 of the second curved section 1628. In another example, the proximal end 1630 of the second curved section 1628 may have a smaller width W than the width W of the distal end 1632. In still another example, the width W of the proximal and distal ends 1630, 1632 of the second curved section 1628 may be equal. In some examples, one or more of the first and second ends 1634, 1636 of the second curved section 1628 may be linear. In one example, the first end 1634 may be parallel relative to the second end 1636 of the second curved section 1628. In some examples, one or more of the first end 1634 and the second end 1636 may be curved. In one example, the distal end 1632 of the second curved section 1628 may be coupled to the nose section 1607. In another example, the distal end 1632 of the second curved section 1628 may be coupled to a curved or linear section. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 16-17, the second curved section 1628 may be coupled to a second linear section 1638.

The second linear section 1638 may include a proximal end 1640 and a distal end 1642, and the second linear section 1638 may extend longitudinally between the proximal end 1640 and the distal end 1642. The second linear section 1638 may also include a first end 1644 and a second end 1646, and one or more widths W may be defined between the first end 1644 and second end 1646 of the second linear section 1638. In some examples, the second linear section 1638 may have a diameter Ø2, and the second linear section diameter Ø2 may be defined as the distance between the first end 1644 and second end 1646 of the second linear section 1638. In some examples, the second linear section diameter Ø2 may be equal to the width W of the second linear section 1638. In some examples, the second linear section diameter Ø2 may have a length of 3.706 in. In other examples, the length of the second linear section diameter Ø2 may be less than 3.706 in, such as, for example, 3.700 in, 3.650 in, 3.600 in, 3.000 in, or less than 3.000 in. In other examples, the length of the second linear section diameter Ø2 may be greater than 3.706 in, such as, for example, 3.710 in, 3.800 in, 3.900 in, 4.000 in, or greater than 4.000 in.

In some examples, the proximal end 1640 of the second linear section 1638 may have a larger width W than the width W of the distal end 1642 of the second linear section 1638. In another example, the proximal end 1640 of the second linear section 1638 may have a smaller width W than the width W of the distal end 1642. In still another example, the width W of the proximal and distal ends 1640, 1642 of the second linear section 1638 may be equal. In some examples, one or more of the first and second ends 1644, 1646 of the second linear section 1638 may be linear. In one example, the first end 1644 may be parallel relative to the second end 1646 of the second linear section 1638. In some examples, one or more of the first end 1644 and the second end 1646 may be curved. In one example, the distal end 1642 of the second linear section 1638 may be coupled to the nose section 1607. In another example, the distal end 1642 of the second linear section 1638 may be coupled to a curved or linear section. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 16-17, the second linear section 1638 may be coupled to a third curved section 1648.

The third curved section 1648 may include a proximal end 1650 and a distal end 1652, and the third curved section 1648 may extend longitudinally between the proximal end 1650 and the distal end 1652. In some examples, the third curved section 1648 may have a length L5, and the third curved section length L5 may be defined as the distance between the proximal end 1650 and the distal end 1652. In some examples, the third curved section length may be 8.000 in. In other examples, the third curved section length L5 may be less than 8.000 in, such as, for example, 7.500 in, 7.000 in, 6.500 in, 6.000 in, or less than 6.000 in. In other examples, the third curved section length L5 may be greater than 8.000 in. In some examples, the third curved section length L5 may be 8.100 in, 8.500 in, 9.000 in, 9.500 in, or greater than 9.500 in. The third curved section 1648 may also include a first end 1654 and a second end 1656, and one or more widths W may be defined between the first end 1654 and second end 1656 of the third curved section 1648.

In some examples, the proximal end 1650 of the third curved section 1648 may have a larger width W than the width W of the distal end 1652 of the third curved section 1648. In another example, the proximal end 1650 of the third curved section 1648 may have a smaller width W than the width W of the distal end 1652. In still another example, the width W of the proximal and distal ends 1650, 1652 of the third curved section 1648 may be equal. In some examples, one or more of the first and second ends 1654, 1656 of the third curved section 1648 may be linear. In one example, the first end 1654 may be parallel relative to the second end 1656 of the third curved section 1648. In some examples, one or more of the first end 1654 and the second end 1656 may be curved. In one example, the distal end 1652 of the third curved section 1648 may be coupled to the nose section 1607. In another example, the distal end 1652 of the third curved section 1648 may be coupled to a curved or linear section. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 16-17, the third curved section 1648 may be coupled to a third linear section 1658.

The third linear section 1658 may include a proximal end 1660 and a distal end 1662, and the third linear section 1658 may extend longitudinally between the proximal end 1660 and the distal end 1662. The third linear section 1658 may also include a first end 1664 and a second end 1666, and one or more widths W may be defined between the first end 1664 and second end 1666 of the third linear section 1658. In some examples, the third linear section 1658 may include a diameter Ø3, and the third linear section diameter Ø3 may be defined as the distance between the first end 1664 and the second end 1666 of the third linear section. In some examples, the length of the third linear section diameter Ø3 may be the same the width W of the third linear section 1658. In some examples, the third linear section diameter Ø3 may be 3.706 in. In other examples, the third linear section diameter Ø3 may be less than 3.706 in, such as, for example 3.700 in, 3.650 in, 3.60 in, 3.000 in, or less than 3.000 in. In other examples, the third linear section diameter Ø3 may be greater than 3.706 in, such as, for example, 3.710 in, 3.800 in, 3.900 in, 4.000 in, or greater than 4.000 in.

In some examples, the proximal end 1660 of the third linear section 1658 may have a larger width W than the width W of the distal end 1662 of the third linear section 1658. In another example, the proximal end 1660 of the third linear section 1658 may have a smaller width W than the width W of the distal end 1662. In still another example, the width W of the proximal and distal ends 1660, 1662 of the third linear section 1658 may be equal. In some examples, one or more of the first and second ends 1664, 1666 of the third linear section 1658 may be linear. In one example, the first end 1664 may be parallel relative to the second end 1666 of the third linear section 1658. In some examples, one or more of the first end 1664 and the second end 1666 may be curved. In one example, the distal end 1662 of the third linear section 1658 may be coupled to a curved or linear section. In the illustrative examples of FIGS. 16-17, the distal end 1662 of the third linear section 1658 may be coupled to the nose section 1607.

The nose section 1607 may include a proximal end 1670 and a distal end 1672, and the nose section 1607 may extend longitudinally between the proximal end 1670 and the distal end 1672. The nose section 1607 may also include a first end 1674 and a second end 1676, and one or more widths W may be defined between the first end 1674 and second end 1676 of the nose section 1607. The nose section 1607 may be positioned at the distal end 1604 of the arm 1600, such that the proximal end 1670 of the nose section 1607 may be coupled to a section of the arm 1600 and the distal end 1672 of the nose section 1607 may define the distal end 1604 or an end of the arm 1600.

In some examples, the proximal end 1670 of the nose section 1607 may have a larger width W than the width W of the distal end 1672 of the nose section 1607. In another example, the proximal end 1670 of the nose section 1607 may have a smaller width W than the width W of the distal end 1672. In still another example, the width W of the proximal and distal ends 1670, 1672 of the nose section 1607 may be equal. In some examples, one or more of the first and second ends 1674, 1676 of the nose section 1607 may be linear. In one example, the first end 1674 may be parallel relative to the second end 1676 of nose section 1607. In some examples, one or more of the first end 1674 and the second end 1676 may be curved. In one example, the nose section 1607 may be dome shaped. In other examples, the nose section 1607 may be triangular or rectangular shaped, and other shapes of the nose section 1607 are considered herein. In some examples, the nose section may have one or more rounded edges, and the one or more rounded edges may have a radius R4. In some examples, the radius R4 may be 1.000 in. In other examples, the radius R4 may be less than 1.000, such as, for example, 0.750 in, 0.650 in, 0.500 in, or less than 0.500 in.

There may be a longitudinal distance L6 between the proximal end 1660 of the third linear section 1658 and the distal end 1672 of the nose section 1607. In some examples, the distance L6 may be 3.470 in. In other examples, the distance may be less than 3.470 in, such as, for example, 3.400 in, 3.300 in, 3.200 in, or less than 3.200 in. In other examples, the length L6 may be greater than 3.470 in, such as, for example, 3.471 in, 3.500 in, 3.600 in, or greater than 3.600 in.

Referring now to FIG. 18, one example of the gate assembly 1800 is illustrated. The gate assembly 1800 of FIG. 18 may be similar to the gate assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-3. The gate assembly 1800 may include an arm 1802 with a distal end 1816 and a proximal end 1814 selectively coupleable to a pole 1804 via a coupling member, referred to herein as the arm coupling member 1806, and a locking mechanism 1808. The locking mechanism 1808 may be a pin, clip, rod, shaft, or another type or another type of mechanism capable of locking, securing, or fastening. In some examples, the locking mechanism 1808 may be a retractable pin with a T-handle. The pole 1804 may be coupleable to a base 1810, and the base 1810 may include wheels 1812. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the gate assembly 1800 may be in a disassembled state. As illustrated in FIGS. 26-27, the gate assembly 1800 may also be in an assembled state.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the arm 1802 of FIG. 18 is illustrated. The arm 1802 may be similar to the arm of FIGS. 16-17. For example, the arm 1802 may have a proximal end 1814, a distal end 1816, a first end 1818, and a second end 1820. The arm 1802 may have a base section 1822 positioned at the proximal end 1814 and a nose section 1824 positioned at the distal end 1816. In some examples, the arm 1802 may include one or more sections between the base section 1822 and the nose section 1824. In some examples, the arm 1802 may include a first linear section 1826, a first curved section 1828, a second curved section 1830, a second linear section 1832, a third curved section 1834, and a third linear section 1836.

In some embodiments, the arm 1802 may comprise a pliable material. The pliable material may be plastic, rubber, a composite material, a combination thereof, or any other elastic, flexible, or pliable material. In one example, the pliable material may be Hytrel® 4056, although material other than Hyrtel® 4056 may be also be used. The arm 1802 may include a pliable material and an air portion. The pliable material in combination with the air portion may enable the arm 1802 to be withstand exterior conditions while being pliable to reduce injuries when contact is made with the arm 1802. In some examples, the arm 1802 may include pliable material and a foam portion. In one example, the arm 1802 may include the pliable material and another lighter material. In some examples, the arm 1802 may be hollow, with an exterior pliable material and an interior air portion. The arm 1802 may have a hole with a cap, plug, inflation valve, nozzle, or another component that may selectively allow air to enter and/or exit the hole.

In some examples, the air portion may be pressurized and may have at least a first pressure and a second pressure. The pressure in the arm 1802 may be selectively changed between the first pressure and second pressure. In some examples, the first pressure may be greater than the second pressure. When the pressure moves from a lower pressure to a greater pressure, the arm 1802 may become more rigid relative to when the pressure does not move from a lower pressure to a greater pressure. In other examples, the first pressure may be less than the second pressure. The arm may be configured such that the pressure within the arm may be selectively changed. In some examples, pressurized air may be added to the arm 1802 via the hole and pressurized air may exit the arm 1802 via the hole. In some examples, when air is added to the arm 1802 the arm 1802 may inflate and become more rigid or stiff relative to when less air is in the arm 1802. The hole may be positioned in the base section 1822; however, the hole may also be positioned anywhere on the arm 1802.

According to one example, the thickness of the pliable portion of the arm 1802 may vary between the arm proximal end 1814 and the arm distal end 1816. In some examples, the proximal end 1814 and distal end 1816 may have a first and second thickness, and the first and second thickness may be thicker than the thickness of the rest of the arm 1802. In some examples, the arm 1802 thickness may be smaller towards a center area of the arm 1802 and the arm thickness may be greater towards the proximal and distal ends 1814, 1816. In some examples, the pliable portion of the arm 1802 may be the same between the proximal end 1814 and distal end 1816. In some examples, the thickness of the pliable portion may not be thicker than 0.125 in. In other examples, the thinnest part of the arm 1802 may be 0.125 in.

In one embodiment, the arm 120 may include air. In certain embodiments, the arm 120 may comprise plastic. In one embodiment, the arm 120 may comprise metal. In some embodiments, the arm 120 may be at least partially surrounded by a padding or cushioning material. In one embodiment, the arm 120 may comprise leather.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-21, the arm coupling member 1806 and locking mechanism 1808 of FIG. 18 are illustrated. The arm coupling member 1806 may be similar to the coupling member 1400 of FIG. 14. The arm coupling member 1806 may include a first portion 1838 and a second portion 1840, wherein the second portion 1840 may be coupled to the first portion 1838. In some examples, the second portion 1840 may be welded to the first portion 1830. The second portion 1840 may be coupled to the first portion 1838 in other manners, such as, for example, with one or more fasteners, an adhesive, or any other method known in the art for coupling the two portions together. In one example, the first and second portions 1838, 1840 may be formed or manufactured as one unit or structure, such that the first and second portions 1838, 1840 are formed as one and may not be coupled after the first and second portions 1838, 1840 are formed or manufactured.

In some examples, the first portion 1838 may include a first aperture 1842 and the second portion 1840 may include a boss 1844. The first aperture 1842 may be coupleable to the arm 1802 and the boss 1844 may be coupleable to the pole 1804 or to a pole coupling member 1848 (see FIG. 22). The second portion 1840 of the arm coupling member 1806 may include a third aperture 1846 configured such that the locking mechanism 1808 may pass at least partially through the third aperture 1846. In some examples the arm coupling member 1806 may include a fourth aperture 1847 configured such that the locking mechanism 1808 may pass at least partially through the fourth aperture 1847. The third and fourth apertures 1846, 1847 may be co-axial, such that the locking mechanism 1808 may pass through both the third and fourth apertures 1846, 1847. In some examples, the arm coupling member 1806 may include a fifth and sixth aperture 1849, 1851. The locking mechanism 1808 may pass at least partially through the fifth and sixth apertures 1849, 1851. In some examples, the locking mechanism 1808 may secure the second portion of the coupling mechanism 1840 to the pole 1804 or to the pole coupling member 1848.

Referring now to FIG. 22, the pole coupling member 1848 is illustrated, wherein the pole coupling member 1848 may be coupled to the pole 1804. In some examples, the gate assembly 1800 may include the arm coupling member 1806 and a pole coupling member 1848, and the term coupling device may refer to both the arm coupling member 1806 and the pole coupling member 1848. In the illustrative example of FIG. 22, the pole coupling member 1848 may include a first aperture 1852, a second aperture 1854, and a pole locking mechanism 1850. The first aperture 1852 may be coupleable to the arm coupling member 1806. In some examples, the arm coupling member 1806 second portion 1840 may fit within the first aperture 1852 of the pole coupling member 1848. In these examples, the outer dimensions or diameter of the second portion 1840 of the arm coupling member 1806 may be smaller than the interior dimensions or diameter of the first aperture 1852 of the pole coupling member 1848.

The pole coupling member 1848 may include a third and fourth aperture 1856, 1858. In some examples, the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858 may be sized such that the locking mechanism 1808 may fit through the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858. In some examples, the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848 may be configured such that when the boss 1844 of the arm coupling member 1806 is positioned within the first aperture 1852 of the pole coupling member 1848, and the locking mechanism 1808 is positioned within the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858, the locking mechanism 1808 may pass through the second portion 1840 of the arm coupling member 1806.

In some examples, the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848 may be aligned with the third and/or fourth apertures 1846, 1847 of the arm coupling member 1806. The arm 1802 may be in the stowed position when the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848 are aligned with the third and/or fourth apertures 1846, 1847 of the arm coupling member 1806. In some examples, the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848 may be aligned with the fifth and/or sixth apertures 1849, 1851 of the arm coupling member 1806. The arm may be in the deployed position when the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848 are aligned with the fifth and/or sixth apertures 1849, 1851.

In one example, the locking mechanism 1808 may pass through the third aperture 1856 of the pole coupling member 1848, through the third aperture 1846 of the arm coupling member 1806, through the fourth aperture 1847 of the arm coupling member 1806 and through the fourth aperture 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848. In this example, the arm 1802 may be in one of the deployed position or the stowed position once the locking mechanism 1808 passes through the apertures 1856, 1849, 1847, 1858. In some examples, the locking mechanism 1808 may pass through the third aperture 1856 of the pole coupling member 1848, then through the fifth aperture 1849 and the sixth aperture 1851 of the arm coupling member 1806, then the locking mechanism 1808 may pass through the fourth aperture 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848. In these examples, the arm 1802 may be in the other of the deployed position or the stowed position.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 1808 may pass through one or more of the third or fourth apertures 1856, 1858 of the pole coupling member 1848, and/or may pass through one or more of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth apertures 1846, 1847, 1849, 1851 of the arm coupling member 1806. In some examples, the pole coupling member 1848 may have the third aperture 1856 and may not have the fourth aperture 1858. In other examples, the pole coupling member 1848 may have the third and fourth apertures 1856, 1858. In other examples, the pole coupling member may have more than a third and fourth aperture 1856, 1858, configured to couple the pole coupling member 1848 to the arm 1802 or to the arm coupling member 1806.

In an example, the second aperture 1854 of the pole coupling member 1848 may be coupleable to the pole 1804. In some examples, the interior dimension or interior diameter of the second aperture 1854 of the pole coupling member 1848 may be larger than the exterior dimension or exterior diameter of the pole 1804. In these examples, the pole 1804 may at least partially pass within the second aperture 1854 of the pole coupling member 1848.

According to some examples, the pole coupling member 1848 may also include the pole locking mechanism 1850, which may secure the pole coupling member 1848 to the pole 1804. In some examples, the pole locking mechanism 1850 may include a handle 1860 and a plunger 1862, and the handle 1860 may be coupled to the pole coupling member 1848 via a bracket 1866. The plunger 1862 may be configured to pass at least partially through a fifth aperture 1864 of the pole coupling member 1848. In some examples, the pole 1804 may have one or more apertures, and the one or more apertures may be aligned with the fifth aperture 1864. The locking mechanism handle 1860 may move the plunger 1862 between an extended and a retracted position. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the handle 1860 may be in a first position and the plunger 1862 may be in the extended position. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the handle 1860 may be in a second position and the plunger 1862 may be in the extended position.

In some examples, the handle 1860 may be positioned between the first and second position, and the plunger 1862 may be positioned between the extended and retracted position. In some examples, the locking mechanism handle 1860 may move the plunger 1862 to the extended position and the plunger 1862 may pass through the fifth aperture 1864 and at least partially through one or more holes in the pole 1804. In some examples, the locking mechanism handle 1860 may move the plunger 1862 to the retracted position, and when the plunger 1862 is in the retracted position the plunger may not pass through the one or more holes in the pole 1804. In some examples, when the plunger 1862 is in the retracted position the plunger 1862 may not pass through the fifth aperture 1864.

According to some examples, the plunger 1862 may include a metal portion and a rubber portion. When the plunger 1862 is in the retracted position, at least part of the metal portion of the plunger 1826 may move through the locking mechanism bracket 1866 and the rubber portion may not move through the locking mechanism bracket 1866 and the rubber portion may be positioned at least partially outside of the fifth aperture 1862. Thus, when the plunger 1862 is in the retracted position it may not exert a force on the pole 1804. When the plunger is in the extended position, the plunger 1862 may exert a force on the pole 1804. In some examples, the force may be a frictional force applied by at least the rubber portion on the pole 1804. The force may be an axial force relative to the plunger 1862, and the force may be a transverse force relative to the pole 1804. In some embodiments, the force may be exerted axially from the plunger 1862, and the force may be perpendicular relative to the axial direction of the pole 1804. The force from the plunger 1862 on the pole 1804 may limit or prevent movement of the pole coupling member 1848 relative to the pole 1804. The force from the plunger 1862 on the pole 1804 may limit both axial movement and rotational movement of the pole coupling member 1848 relative to the pole 1804. In some examples, the force from the plunger 1862 on the pole 1804 may prevent axial movement between the pole coupling member 1848 and the pole 1804, but may allow the pole coupling member 1848 to at least partially rotate about the pole when a threshold amount of force is applied to the arm 1802. In some examples, this rotational movement of the pole coupling member 1848 about the pole 1804 may be beneficial to indicate that contact was made with the arm 1802 in an undesirable manner. In some examples, the radial surface of the pole 1804 may not have apertures and the plunger 1862 may limit or prevent movement of the pole coupling member 1848 relative to the pole 1804 via one or more frictional forces.

According to some implementations, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-23, the pole coupling member may include the locking mechanism bracket 1866. The locking mechanism bracket 1866 may be coupled to the pole locking mechanism 1850 and to the pole coupling member 1848. In some examples, the locking mechanism bracket 1866 may be U-shaped. In other examples, the locking mechanism bracket 1866 may be arc-shaped, or any other shape capable of being coupled to the pole locking mechanism 1850 and the pole coupling member 1848. In some examples, the locking mechanism bracket 1866 may be welded to the pole coupling member 1848. In other examples, the locking mechanism bracket may be coupled to the pole coupling member 1848 via a plurality of fasteners, adhesive, or any other means of coupling a bracket to a member.

In some examples, the locking mechanism bracket 1866 may include a locking mechanism bracket aperture 1868. The locking mechanism bracket aperture 1868 may be positioned such that the plunger 1862 may pass through the locking mechanism bracket aperture 1868. In some examples, the plunger 1862 may pass through the locking mechanism bracket aperture 1868 when the plunger 1862 is in the retracted position and when the plunger 1862 is in the extended position. In some examples the locking mechanism handle 1860 may not pass through the locking mechanism bracket aperture 1868. As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 23, a nut, washer, or other fasteners may be positioned between the locking mechanism handle 1860 and the locking mechanism bracket 1866. In some examples, the plunger 1862 may have one or more of a rubber portion, a plastic portion, and a metal portion.

The pole coupling member 1848 may move axially relative to the pole 1804. The pole coupling member 1848 may rotate about the pole 1804. In some examples, the pole coupling member 1848 may move relative to the pole 1804 when the plunger 1862 is in the retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 23. In some examples, the pole coupling member may not move relative to the pole 1804 when the plunger 1862 is in the extended position, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

Referring now to FIG. 24-25, the base 1810 is illustrated. The base 1810 may be similar to the base 112 of FIGS. 1-3. The base 1810 may have a first end 1870 and a second end 1872 with a base coupling member 1874 coupled to the first end 1870 and one or more wheels 1812 coupled to the second end 1872. The base 1810 may also include a surface 1876 that extends between the first end 1870 and the second end 1872.

The base coupling member 1874 may be coupled to the surface 1876. In some examples, the base coupling member 1874 may be welded to the surface 1876, however the base coupling member 1874 may be coupled to the surface 1876 via fasteners, adhesive, or any other method known in the art for coupling a member to a surface. The base coupling member 1874 may extend from the surface 1876. In some examples, the base coupling member 1874 may extend from the surface 1876 and may be positioned to at least partially extend away from a ground 1878. In one example, the base coupling member 1874 may be perpendicular relative to the surface 1876. In some examples, the base coupling member 1874 may be askew from perpendicular relative to the surface 1876.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 24, the base coupling member 1874 may be cylindrical-shaped, or may have a circular cross-section. It should be understood that the base coupling member may be rectangular shaped, polyhedron-shaped, or any other shape capable of coupling the pole 1804 to the base 1810. The base coupling member may have an interior diameter or dimension that is larger than the exterior diameter or dimension of the pole 1804.

The base coupling member 1874 may include one or more apertures 1882 and a securing mechanism 1874 positionable within the one or more base apertures 1882. In some examples, the securing mechanism may be a pin, clip, rod, shaft, or another type of plunger positionable within the one or more base apertures 1882. In some examples, the pole 1804 may be at least partially positioned in the base coupling member 1874. The pole 1804 may have one or more apertures (not shown) that may be aligned with the one or more base apertures 1882. In these examples, the securing mechanism 1880 may be positioned through one or more base apertures 1882 and through one or more pole apertures. In some examples, the pole 1804 may have a pole handle 1888 (see FIG. 26). In some examples, the pole handle 1888 may be positioned at a top end of the pole 1804. In other examples, the pole handle 1888 may be positioned below the top end of the pole 1804. In some examples, the pole handle 1888 may be moveably coupled to the pole 1804, such that the handle 1888 may be moved relative to the pole 1804. In other examples, the pole handle 1888 may be fixedly coupled to the pole 1804.

The wheels 1812 may be coupled to one another via a crossbar 1884. In some examples, the wheels 1812 may independently rotate relative to the crossbar 1884. In other examples, the crossbar may be an axle and the wheels 1812 may rotate via the axle relative to the base surface 1876. In some examples, the crossbar 1884 may be rectangular shaped or have a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the crossbar 1884 may have a cylindrical shaped, or any other shape capable of coupling the wheels 1812 to each other. In some examples, the base 1810 may include a plurality of crossbars, and each wheel 1812 may be independently coupled to the base 1810 via one or more crossbars. The crossbar 1884 may couple the wheels 1812 to the base surface 1872. The base 1810 may also include a transverse bar 1886, and the transverse bar 1886 may extend longitudinally between the first and second ends 1870, 1827. The transverse bar 1886 may couple the crossbar 1884 to the base coupling member 1874.

The wheels 1812 may be coupled towards the base first end 1870 and the base coupling member 18744 may be coupled towards the base second end 1872. According to some embodiments, when the gate assembly 1800 is in an upright position, the wheels 1812 and the base surface 1876 may be engaged with the ground 1878. In these embodiments, a frictional force may exist between the base 1876 and the ground 1878 which may limit or prohibit movement of the gate assembly 1800. In some examples, the weight of the pole 1804, arm, 1802, and other components may be distributed towards the base second end 1872 which may, at least partially, contribute to the frictional force between the base surface 1876 and the ground 1878.

According to other embodiments, the wheels 1812 may be spaced from the ground 1812. When the gate assembly 1800 is in the upright position, the base surface 1876 may be engaged with the ground 1878 and the wheels 1812 may not be engaged with the ground 1878. In these embodiments, when gate assembly 1800 is in the upright position and the base 1876 may be on the ground 1878, the wheels 1812 may be spaced from the ground 1878 and the wheels 1812 may not be engaged with the ground 1878. To engage the wheels 1812 with the ground 1878 and move the gate assembly 1800, the gate assembly 1800 may be moved from the upright position and the base second end 1827 may at least partially be disengaged with the ground 1878. When the base second end 1827 is at least partially disengaged with the ground, the weight of the gate assembly 1800 may at least partially be transferred from the base surface 1876 to the wheels 1812 and the gate assembly 1800 may be moved.

The surface 1876 may extend from the first end 1870 to the second end 1872 of the base 1810. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the surface 1876 may be triangular shaped with flat vertices. In some examples, the surface 1876 may be a planar surface, or may be a flat surface extending between the first and second ends 1870, 1872. In some examples, the base surface 1876 may not extend beyond the base coupling member 1874, or may minimally extend beyond the base coupling member 1874 to reduce any potential tripping hazard. In some examples, the surface 1876 may be rectangular-shaped, spherical-shaped, or any other shape capable of coupling the base coupling member 1874 to the crossbar 1884.

In FIG. 26, one example of the gate assembly 1800 in the extended position is illustrated. In this example, the gate assembly 1800 includes the pole 1804 coupled to the base 1810 via the base coupling member 1874 and the pole 1804 may be secured to the base coupling member 1874 via the securing mechanism 1880. The base may include wheels 1812 coupled by the cross bar 1884, and the cross bar 1884 may be coupled to the base coupling member 1874 via the base transverse bar 1886. In some examples, one or more of the base coupling member 1874 and the base cross bar 1884 may be coupled to the base surface 1876. The pole 1804 may also be coupled to the arm 1802 at least via the arm coupling member 1806

Referring now to FIG. 27, the gate assembly 1800 of FIG. 26 is illustrated, wherein the gate assembly 1800 is in the stowed position. FIG. 27 additionally shows that, in some examples, the arm coupling member 1806 may be coupled to the pole coupling member 1848 and secured via a pole locking mechanism 1850. Additionally, the pole 1804 may be coupled to the pole coupling member 1848, and the pole coupling member 1848 may include the locking mechanism bracket 1866 that couples the locking mechanism handle 1860 to the pole coupling member 1848. The locking mechanism handle 1860 may move the plunger 1862 (see FIGS. 22-23) between the extended position, the retracted position, and positions therebetween. In some examples, the pole locking mechanism 1850 may be a cam lock.

As illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 26-27, the arm 1802 may move between the deployed positon and the stowed position. In one example, as shown in FIG. 26, when the arm 1802 is in the deployed position the arm 1802 may at least partially extend from the pole 1804 in a horizontal direction 1890. In this example, moving the arm 1802 from the deployed position to the stowed position may include removing the pole locking mechanism 1850, moving the arm 1802 from being positioned substantially in the horizontal position 1890 to being positioned substantially in the vertical direction 1892, and inserting the pole locking mechanism 1850 into the pole coupling member 1848 and the arm coupling member 1806. The arm 1802 may also include one or more sensor 1894.

The one or more sensor 1894 may detect movement between the one or more sensor 1894 and the ground 1878. In one embodiment, the sensor 1894 may detect whether contact is made with the arm 1802. In some examples, the one or more sensor 1894 may provide a notification when movement is detected. The sensor 1894 may provide a notification in the form of a light and/or sound. Along with the notification, the one or more sensor 1894 may send additional information, such as how long the motion was sensed, the time the motion was sensed, and/or whether the arm 1802 was contacted, among other information.

In the example of FIG. 27, when the arm 1802 is in the stowed position the arm 1802 may be positioned at least partially in a vertical direction 1892. In this example, the arm 1802 may be moved from the stowed position to the deployed position by removing the pole locking mechanism 1850, moving the arm from being positioned substantially in the vertical position 1892 to being positioned substantially in the horizontal position 1890, and inserting the pole locking mechanism 1850 into the pole coupling member 1848 and the arm coupling member 1806.

While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gate assembly comprising:

a pole;

a base with a first end and a second end, wherein the pole is coupled to the base between the first end and second end of the base;

at least one wheel coupled to the base; and

an arm with a distal end and proximal end selectively coupled to the pole through a coupling device;

wherein the proximal end of the arm is selectively coupleable to the pole through the coupling device at different heights from an underlying surface.

2. The gate assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling device comprises a pole coupling member and an arm coupling member;

wherein the pole coupling member couples the pole to the arm coupling member and the arm coupling member couples the arm to the pole coupling member.

3. The gate assembly device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor coupled to the arm;

wherein the sensor provides a notification when movement is detected.

4. The gate assembly device of claim 2, wherein the pole coupling member comprises a plunger that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position;

wherein the plunger exerts a force on the pole when the plunger is in the extended position.

5. The gate assembly device of claim 1, wherein the arm comprises an air portion with a pressure wherein the pressure is selectively changeable.

6. The gate assembly device of claim 1 wherein the arm is configured to be selectively coupled to the pole at a plurality of locations.

7. The gate assembly device of claim 1, wherein the pole is removably coupled to the base.

8. The gate assembly device of claim 1 wherein pole is a telescopic pole.

9. The gate assembly device of claim 2, wherein the coupling device is configured to be coupleable to more than one arm.

10. The gate assembly device of claim 1, further comprising:

a second arm; and

a second coupling device;

wherein the second coupling device is coupled to the pole and the second arm is coupled to the second coupling device.

11. The gate assembly device of claim 1, wherein the arm moves between stowed and deployed positions;

further wherein the distal end of the arm is located at a position that is farther from the pole when the arm is in the deployed position relative to the position of the distal end of the arm when the arm is in the stowed position.

12. The gate assembly device of claim 1, wherein the arm can be selectively rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction about the pole.

13. A gate assembly device, comprising:

a pole with a bottom end and a top end;

a base removably coupled to the bottom end of the pole;

at least one wheel coupled to the base;

an arm selectively coupled to the pole through a coupling device;

a locking mechanism on the coupling device configured to transition between an extended position and a retracted position;

wherein when the locking mechanism is in the retracted position, the coupling device and arm are repositionable axially and radially along the pole and when the locking mechanism is in the extended position the coupling device and arm are substantially locked in the axial position relative to the pole.

14. The gate assembly device of claim 13, wherein the arm is coupleable to the pole at a discrete number of locations.

15. The gate assembly device of claim 13, wherein the arm is pressurized and the pressure is selectively changeable.

16. The gate assembly device of claim 13, further comprising a cover;

wherein the cover is at least partially wrapped around the gate assembly;

further wherein the wheels can roll on the ground surface when the cover is at least partially wrapped around the gate assembly.

17. A gate assembly device comprising:

a pole with a top end and a bottom end;

a base coupled to the bottom end of the pole;

a plurality of wheels coupled to the base;

an arm with a distal end and a proximal end selectively coupled to the pole between the top end and bottom end of the pole through a coupling device;

wherein the arm is selectively coupled to the pole through the coupling device at different heights from an underlying surface;

further wherein the arm is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the distal end of the arm being farther from the pole in the deployed position relative to the distal end of the arm when the arm is in the stowed position.

18. The gate assembly device of claim 17, wherein the coupling device comprises:

an arm coupling member with a first arm coupling member aperture and an arm coupling member boss, the first arm coupling member aperture being coupleable to the arm; and

a pole coupling member with a first pole coupling member aperture coupleable to the arm coupling member boss, a second pole coupling member aperture coupleable to the pole, and a pole locking mechanism with a handle and a plunger, the handle moving the plunger between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the plunger exerts a force on the pole.

19. The gate assembly device of claim 17, wherein the arm comprises:

a pliable material with a thickness, the thickness of the pliable material changing between the distal end and proximal end of the arm; and

an air portion with a pressure being selectively changeable through a hole positioned in the pliable material, wherein the arm increases in rigidity as the pressure is increased.

20. The gate assembly of claim 17, wherein gate assembly comprises a handle on the top end of the pole.