Patent attributes
A barrier, for extending across a passageway of a residence, that includes first and second gates. The first gate has width and height, each of which is less than the width and height of the second gate. The first gate is co-planar with the second gate when the first gate is closed. The first gate is pivotally engaged to the second gate. The second gate can be closed to, for example, minimize access of toddlers to the passageway, while the first gate can be opened to, for example, maximize access of small dogs to the passageway. One example of the passageway is the head or bottom of a stairway. The second gate, when closed, minimizes toddlers from falling down or climbing up stairs. The first gate, when open, permits small dogs to walk down or climb up the stairs.