Gate section and base for a safety rail system

[00002] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/595,794 entitled “Safety Rail System” filed on Jun. 16, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,257.

[00003] 1. Field of the Invention

[00004] This invention pertains to a gate section and base for a safety rail system for providing a protective barrier for blocking access to a hazardous area or for preventing falls from an elevated area.

[00005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[00006] Prior art safety rail systems required the user to secure components of the systems by some type of securing method, such as by using anchor bolts or by welding pieces together. One similar prior art system to that disclosed herein utilizes cast iron bases and rail sections. That system uses two post receivers on each cast iron base to support only two rail sections. In each post receiver are four cast holes spaced 90 degrees from one another. These holes are used to secure the rail sections to the base with some type of securing pin. In contrast, the base constructed in accordance with the present invention includes four post receivers each having a plurality of slots instead of holes to provide for infinite positioning.

[00007] A common prior art system utilizes cast iron bases each of which has toe board receiver slots cast into the perimeter of the base itself, creating protrusions. These protrusions could extend up to six inches from the base surface. In contrast, the safety rail system disclosed herein uses removable toe board adapters. By utilizing the adapter method, it is unnecessary to provide protrusions on the base. Hence, the base of the present invention has no protrusions and, therefore, potential hazards due to protrusions extending upwardly from the base are eliminated. One hazard is a potential tip-over of a forklift driving over the protrusions. Another potential hazard is human injury should someone trip over the protrusions and fall. These protrusions also become a nuisance when toe boards are not in use.

[00008] Also, the prior art bases have cutouts creating handle formations for use in carrying the bases, but those handle formations are difficult to grasp and in addition have sharp corners or edges which make gripping uncomfortable. In contrast, the bases of the present invention have recessed handles with continuously curved or radiused edges which are devoid of sharp corners, thus making the handles easily accessible and comfortable to grip.

[00009] Further, prior art safety rail systems include gate sections which have only a single latch. Such gate sections lack stability. The present invention provides for a gate section for a safety rail system which includes plural latches for increasing the stability of the gate section.

[00010] The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved gate section and an improved cast iron base for a safety rail system which is intended to be used to cordon off work areas and the like where human safety is an issue. When the cast iron base is coupled to the rail and/or gate sections, it has enough weight, mass and strength to withstand tipping. Thus, the system provides a safe means of protection should one fall against it. It also meets and exceeds OSHA regulations for permanent safety railings. When used on an elevated work surface, optional toe board adapters are added. These adapters enable the system to be in accordance with OSHA regulations pertaining to elevated work areas.

[00011] The base is the vital component of the system and enables the system to be as versatile as it is described herein. The base according to this invention has four post receivers so as to enable as many as four rail sections, latching posts, or gate posts to be incorporated at any one time. Designed into each of the post receivers are strategically positioned slots. These slots will align with two vertically spaced holes in the vertical posts of the rail sections. This alignment will enable the rail sections to be secured to the base at infinite positions along a 360° rotation with some type of locking pin. Thus, the system has the versatility to have up to four quadrants of work areas to be defined by the base placement. The base also incorporates four symmetrically positioned holes to enable a permanent mount to a surface, via some form of anchor bolts, if desired.

[00012] Further, the base includes cutouts and recesses which form recessed handles for manual grasping when it is necessary to move or carry the base. All edges of the recesses and the upper edges of the cutouts are rounded to eliminate sharp corners that could prove to be uncomfortable when the recessed handles are gripped. Yet another feature of the base is a stacking feature. Specifically, the base includes stacking recesses on its planar bottom surface in alignment with the post receivers. These stacking recesses receive the upper ends of the post receivers for stacking of bases when not in use. Drain holes coaxial with the post receivers and the stacking recesses extend through the base.

[00013] The rail sections used in the safety rail system come in varying lengths and are comprised of iron tubing with a sufficient wall thickness to withstand the potential force that could be exerted when a person falls against a rail section. It is to be understood that aluminum or another appropriate material may be used in the rail section construction. The rail sections include a rail-locking system that adds additional strength to the entire system, preventing tipping. The vertical posts of each rail section have doughnut-shaped metal pieces (securing rings) welded at equal heights from the bottoms of the posts. The securing rings have precise internal cutouts that enable each rail section to be secured to each other with some type of securing means. A carabiner or locking safety chain would be sufficient to additionally secure the rail sections together. The internal cutouts enable the rail sections to be secured to one another at infinite directions of any rail section that is incorporated in the base at any one time.

[00014] This invention incorporates a derivative of the rail section. It is a gate section that is utilized to access a work area without having to remove locking pins and a rail section to gain access. A coupler is designed to attach and lock a gate post to a base post receiver. This feature is important so it can lock the angle of assembly of the gate post to the base. Without the coupler, the gate post would move within the post receiver slots and then would not align with the gate latching post after moving from its original installation position.

[00015] The gate section of this invention includes a single pull double latching mechanism which provides excellent stability to the gate section, thus enabling the gate section to withstand the same type of forces which the rail sections can withstand. The single pull double latching mechanism includes two durable and robust latches each with its own manual operating tab but also with a mutual operating handle whereby both latches can be operated simultaneously.

[00016] The safety rail system also comes with an optional number of horizontal cross members or vertical posts that can be welded to the rail sections. This feature enables this portable system to be used in a variety of markets. One example of this feature is the agricultural market. One could specify the requirements of spacing between the horizontal/vertical spacing of the cross members so that animals could not escape from a livestock pen created using the safety rail system.

[00017] Also included in the invention is a support wheel for additional support of the gate during pivoted or static states.

[00018] Having thus described embodiments and significant aspects and features of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a gate section and base for a safety rail system.

[00043] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a safety rail system 10. This illustration shows the safety rail system 10 assembled on a rooftop in a random configuration. The safety rail system 10 is comprised of a plurality of rail sections 12a-12n, a plurality of bases 14a-14n, a plurality of rail lock donuts 16a-16n, a plurality of securing chains 18a-18n, and a plurality of toe boards 20a-20n used in conjunction with a plurality of toe board receivers 22a-22n. Each component will be later described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[00044] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a base 14a, and FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of base 14a. The bases 14a-14n weigh between 100-120 lbs. and are cast iron or welded plate and tube to support rail sections 12a-12n without tipping. Each base 14a-14n is constructed in the same manner having identical parts including a planar portion 42 with cutouts 40a-40d on four opposing sides creating built-in handles for transporting it. There is also a centrally located lifting bar 46 which allows the user to hook the bases 14a-14n to a pulley or a dolly to more easily move the heavy bases 14a-14n. There are provided holes 38a-38d which accommodate anchor bolts for securing the bases 14a-14n to a work surface such as a concrete floor or roof top if permanent mounting is desired. The key feature of the bases 14a-14n is four post receivers 36a-36d which extend perpendicularly upward from planar portion 42. Rail sections 12a-12n are identical and each includes any number of horizontal rails 23a-23n connected at their ends to vertical posts 24a-24b. The vertical posts 24a-24b are positioned in the post receivers 36a-36n allowing the rail sections 12a-12n to be positioned in any position in a 360° range. Each of these post receivers 36a-36d includes a plurality of slots 44a-44n; and the vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n incorporate a plurality of corresponding holes 48a-48n, as shown in FIG. 4, for receiving locking pins 30 (FIG. 9) to hold the rail sections 12a-12n in place in the bases 14a-14n once the desired position is acquired. Once the rail sections 12a-12n are secured to bases 14a-14n at each end, the slots will allow the rail sections 12a-12n to pivot. Each base 14a-14n may accommodate a maximum of four rail sections 12a-12n which can be locked in any position within their range of motion. It is to be understood that the slots 44a-44n may be substituted with multiple holes at different heights, but holes will not allow the infinite 360° range at which the rail sections 12a-12n may be locked. The post receivers 36a-36d can also accommodate a latching post and/or a gate post which will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[00045] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of two rail sections 12a-12n connected together using rail lock donuts 16a-16n and a securing chain 18a, and FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a gate assembly which includes a gate section 32a in conjunction with a latching post 28a and a gate post 34a. Each gate section 32a-32n includes any number of horizontal rails 25a-25n connected at their ends to vertical posts 26a-26b. A plurality of latching posts 28a-28n and a plurality of gate posts 34a-34n may be used in any configuration. Illustrated in these figures are the holes 48a-48n which were mentioned in connection with the previous figures. The latching post 28a and the gate post 34a also incorporate holes 48a-48n identical to those in the vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n and these holes serve the same purpose. Also illustrated are hinges 50a-50n which are secured to the gate post 34a in at least two positions. The opposite ends of hinges 50a-50n secure to the vertical post 26b of gate section 32a, creating a pivoting gate. The gate section 32a also has a gate latch 52 secured on the vertical post 26a opposite hinges 50a-50n. The gate latch 52 provides a locking means for the gate section 32a. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, only the gate post 34a and the latching post 28a are secured to bases 14a-14n (not illustrated) and gate section 32a is suspended between them, creating the operational gate. Both the latching post 28a and the gate post 34a are locked in position using a locking coupler 54 which will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. It is necessary to lock the gate post 34a in position using the locking coupler 54 to prevent pivoting, keeping hinges 50a-50n in position.

[00046] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a gate post 34a and gate section 32a where locking coupler 54 secures gate post 34a to post receiver 36a of base 14a, and FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of locking coupler 54. Illustrated in particular is the configuration of the safety rail system 10 components when a gate is needed and the locking coupler 54 is used. Also illustrated are a set of holes 56a and 56b which lock the gate post 34a to the locking coupler 54 and a hole 58 which allows the locking coupler 54 to be secured to post receiver 36a of base 14a by a securing knob, bolt or other suitable device.

[00047] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a rail lock donut 16a. Illustrated in particular is a hole 60 whereby the rail lock donut 16a is secured to vertical post 24a or 24b of rail section 12a, and slots 62a-62b which accommodate securing chains 18a-18n, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[00048] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a rail section 12a supported by two bases 14a-14n and incorporating a toe board 20a secured in place by toe board receivers 22a-22n. With further reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the use of the toe board will now be described in detail.

[00049] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a toe board receiver 22a, and FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a toe board receiver 22a. Each toe board receiver 22a-22n includes a sleeve 64 which is slid upwardly over and about the bottom of vertical post 24a or 24b of rail section 12a prior to securing rail section 12a to base 14a. Each sleeve 64 has a nut 74 welded to the outside over a hole, not illustrated, in the sleeve 64, where an L-bolt 76 or the like is screwed through the sleeve 64 and frictionally engages vertical post 24a or 24b. The sleeve 64 may also be bolted or welded, if necessary or so desired. There is a board receiver bracket 66 connected at an angle to the sleeve 64 by shaft 68. The board receiver bracket 66 is straddled over toe board 20a and appropriately secured thereto through holes 70a and 70b by a bolt, securing pin or other appropriate means. Each rail section 12a-12n should include two toe board receivers 22a-22n and one toe board 20a-20n, as illustrated, to prevent materials from being kicked off an elevated work area using the safety rail system 10.

[00050] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the safety rail system 10 configured for use in a manufacturing facility. It defines the use for the four post receivers 36a-36d that are incorporated into the bases 14a-14n. Unlimited work areas can be defined with this set-up or one similar to it. Also illustrated is how the gate sections 32a-32n are used in conjunction with the rail sections 12a-12n. These gate sections 32a-32n allow access to the work areas by workers or a forklift, for example. When the gate sections 32a-32n are not in use, they are closed. When closed, these gate sections 32a-32n create a safe barrier just as the solid rail sections 12a-12n would. This illustration shows work areas configured in squares, but it is to be understood that the safety rail system 10 can be configured in any shape needed.

[00051] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the safety rail system 10 constructed around a construction dig site 78. This configuration allows the safety rail system 10 to follow the various angles that are created by the edge of the dig site 78 and still be secured in position by the locking pins 30 (FIG. 9) at any of the angles shown, as well as an infinite number of angles not shown.

[00052] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a base 14a and rail section 12a depicting how each post receiver 36a-36d has the capability to be secured by a locking pin 30 (FIG. 9) to a rail section 12a-12d in a 360° range when utilizing the slots 44a-44n in the post receivers 36a-36d. A plurality of holes at different horizontal planes may be substituted for the plurality of slots 44a-44n, but the holes would limit the direction the rail sections 12a-12n could be positioned and not allow the infinite positioning that slots 44a-44n provide.

[00053] With reference to FIGS. 1-14, the mode of operation is now described. The portable safety rail system 10 is comprised of a number of components. The rail sections 12a-12n come in varying lengths. Secured to the vertical posts 24a-24b of a rail section 12a is a rail lock donut 16a-16n. These rail lock donuts 16a-16n are secured at equal heights on all rail sections 12a-12n by welding or other appropriate means. When the rail sections 12a-12n are secured in position and the rail lock donuts 16a-16n are coupled with a securing chain 18a-18n, added strength is given to the system should a rail section 12a-12n start to tip over. A carabiner or other suitable device may be substituted for the securing chains 18a-18n. The tipped-over rail section 12a-12n would then try to drag the next attached rail section 12a-12n with it and so on. The overall weight will prevent the safety rail system from tipping over. The rail lock donut 16a-16n is designed so it too can accommodate the infinite directions available to the rail sections 12a-12n as they are turned in the post receivers 36a-36d of bases 14a-14n.

[00054] The gate assemblies for the safety rail system 10 are unique in design. A gate assembly is comprised of four major components: namely, one of the gate sections 32a-32n, one of the latching posts 28a-28n, one of the gate posts 34a-34n, and a locking coupler 54. The latching post 28a is where a gate latch 52 will secure the gate section 32a so to not swing to and fro. The gate section 32a connects via hinges 50a-50n to the gate post 34a. The gate sections 32a-32n also have the capability to have infinite positions for placement and when the desired direction is found, the locking couplers 54 can easily lock the gate sections 32a-32n into position so they will not move. The locking coupler 54 is made of a lightweight metal such as aluminum. It is machined halfway through to be the outside diameter of a gate post 34a-34n. The locking coupler 54 has holes 56a-56b for a securing means such as a spring pin or bolt that can be installed on the gate post 34a-34n so that the gate post 34a-34n cannot be removed. The lower interior of the locking coupler 54 is machined tapered to fit the tapered post receiver 36a-36d, or if tubing is used, it would not need to be tapered. It also has a hole 58 so that a knob can be screwed into the hole and against the post receiver so that the gate post 34a-34n will not rotate when mounted into position.

[00055] Although the safety rail system was designed for manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and animal pens, it can be used on elevated work surfaces and meets or exceeds OSHA s regulations for fall protection on an elevated work surface. The safety rail system has optional toe board receivers 22a-22n which are slid over and about the bottoms of each of the vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n. A toe board 20a-20n, that meets OSHA standards, can be secured to the board receiver bracket 66 and secured with a screw, bolt or locking pin. Once in place, the toe board receiver 22a-22n can be secured to the rail section by tightening the L-bolt 76 against the post receivers 36a-36d of bases 14a-14n. This device was also designed to have infinite directional movement before securement. No matter what position the base 14a-14n is in when the rail section 12a-12n is installed and secured, the toe board receivers 22a-22n will always be able to follow the run of the rail sections 12a-12n.

[00056] The bases 14a-14n are of a cast iron design or welded design to meet the weight requirements. They have enough weight that when varying lengths of rail sections 12a-12n or gate sections 32a-32n are secured to the post receivers 36a-36d, the safety rail system 10 can withstand a minimum of 250 pounds of pressure from any angle. This feature allows the system to be in compliance with OSHA Fall Protection Regulations. Each of the bases 14a-14n has four post receivers 36a-36d which allow the bases 14a-14n to accommodate as many rail sections 12a-12n, thus creating a maximum of four quadrants emanating from each base 14a-14n. The post receivers 36a-36d have strategically positioned slots 44a-44n that enable the rail section 12a-12n to be positioned in infinite directions while setting up another base 14a-14n at the end of the rail section 12a-12n. When the rail section 12a-12n is placed into the desired position, bolts or locking pins 30 are installed through the slots 44a-44n, into the holes 48a-48n on the vertical posts 24a-24b of rail sections 12a-12n. One type of locking pin is a clevis pin with a hole at one end for a lynch pin with a ball detent. A double ring with a lanyard can connect between a top of the clevis pin and the lynch pin for operator convenience. This secures the rail sections 12a-12n in place.

[00057] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of an alternative gate assembly featuring a gate section 100 according to the present invention having a single pull double latching mechanism 102 shown in conjunction with a latching post 104 and a gate post 106 for use with the safety rail system 10 and for use with the components and assemblies which are later described herein in detail. The gate section 100 includes any number of horizontal rails 108a-108n connected at their ends to vertical posts 110a-110b. A plurality of latching posts 104 and a plurality of gate posts 106, being substantially identical in use and geometric configuration to the latching posts 28a-28n and gate posts 34a-34n, may be used in any configuration. Both the latching post 104 and the gate post 106 incorporate holes 112a-112n somewhat identical to those lower holes of holes 48a-48n in the vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n and to the lower of the holes 48a-48n in the latching posts 28a-28n and the gate posts 34a-34n, and these holes serve the same purpose where locking pins can be received. The holes 112a-112n, for purposes of example and illustration, can be located with 90° spacing and at a common level. A locking coupler 114 similar in function and design to locking coupler 54 is incorporated at and suitably secured to the lower region of the gate post 106 for rotation-free coupling of the gate post 106 to one of a plurality of the post receivers 216a-216d extending upwardly from bases 116a-116n in the same manner as previously described with respect to the coupling of gate posts 34a-34n to the post receivers 36a-36d of the bases 14a-14n. A T-knob friction lock 107 having a threaded shaft 109 engages a threaded hole 111 in the side of the locking coupler 114 and is advanced to frictionally engage the gate post 106 to prevent inadvertent rotation of the gate post 106 with respect to the post receiver 216a. Such attachment provides for positional fixation of the gate post 106, thereby ensuring alignment and stability of hinges 118a-118n which are secured to the gate post 106 of at least two locations. The opposite ends of the hinges 118a-118n secure to the vertical post 110b of the gate section 100, thus creating a pivoting gate. The single pull double latching mechanism 102 of the gate section 100 secures on the vertical post 110a opposite hinges 118a-118n to provide a multi-level locking means for the gate section 100. A safety instruction container 120 is conveniently located on the horizontal rail 108n of the gate section 100. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15, the gate post 106 and the latching post 104 are shown being secured to the bases 116a-116n. The single pull double latching mechanism 102, the hinges 118a-118n, and the suspended gate section 100 and associated components are located between the gate post 106 and the latching post 104. The single pull double latching mechanism 102 is provided to promote stability of the gate section 100 between the gate post 106 and the latching post 104, especially at the latch post 104. Such stability is enhanced by having coupling of the gate section 100 along and about the latching post 104 by multiple latches instead of only a single latch. Traditional gates have three-point coupling involving two hinges and one latch. Incorporation of the single pull double latching mechanism 102 provides another point of coupling to offer four-point coupling including two hinges and two latches. The single pull double latching mechanism 102 includes pivotally attached identically constructed upper and lower latches 122a and 122b, respectively, suitably spaced and located along and about vertical post 110a, each having one end pivotally attached to the vertical post 110a by a pivot assembly 126 such as a nut and bolt assembly or other suitable pivot assembly. An operating handle 124, operating as a linkage, extends through and pivotally connects to the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b using centrally located pivot assemblies 128 such as nut and bolt assemblies or other suitable pivot assemblies. The ends of the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b opposite the pivot assemblies 126 are of open structure, as shown in FIG. 16, to allow capture of the latching post 104 and include opposing lock holes 180a and 180b, as best shown in FIG. 16. Upward actuation of the operating handle 124 causes simultaneous operation of upper and lower latches 122a and 122b about the respective pivot assemblies 126 to disengage the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b from intimate communication and contact with the latching post 104, thereby allowing the gate section 100 and the single pull double latching mechanism 102 to be swung open about the hinges 118a-118n to allow access therethrough. A support wheel 121 attaches to the lower region of the vertical post 110a via a supported axle 123 and suitable securing device such as, but not limited to, a cotter pin 125 to provide additional support for the gate 100 during static or pivotal states.

[00058] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the upper latch 122a, such latch being identical to lower latch 122b. The upper latch 122a is preferably of lightweight cast aluminum material but can be of other material, or can be fabricated of separate pieces as desired. The upper latch 122a includes a central support member 182 and a connected adjacent receptacle bracket 184 having two opposing sides 184a and 184b and a third side 184c (FIG. 17) located at and extending between mirror image like planar sides 186a and 186b. The receptacle bracket 184 accommodates the shaft of the operating handle 124, the lower portion of which is shown. Manual operating tabs 188a and 188b extend substantially at a right angle from the upper regions of the planar sides 186a and 186b. A hole 190a and a hole 190b (FIG. 17) extend through the receptacle bracket sides 184a and 184b, the planar sides 186a and 186b, and the bosses 192a and 192b (FIGS. 18 and 19), respectively, to accommodate pivot assembly 128. Sets of opposing holes 194 are located at levels along the operating handle 124 to accommodate the pivot assemblies 128 which secure the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b to the operating handle 124 in conjunction with holes 190a-190b. Also shown in FIG. 16 are holes 196a and 196b extending through one end of the planar sides 186a and 186b for accommodation of the pivot assembly 126 which pivotally attaches the latch 122a to the vertical post 110a. The ends of the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b opposite the pivot assemblies 126 are of an open three-sided capturing structure for capture of the latching post 104, as shown in FIG. 17.

[00059] FIG. 17 is a top view of the upper latch 122a with the latching post 104, the operating handle 124, and the vertical post 110a shown in cross section as taken along line 17—17 of FIG. 15. This figure illustrates the capturing of the latching post 104 as typified by the upper latch 122a.

[00060] FIG. 18 is a side view of the upper latch 122a.

[00061] FIG. 19 is a cross section view of the upper latch 122a along line 19—19 of FIG. 17 excluding latching post 104, operating handle 124, vertical post 110a, and pivot assemblies 126 and 128.

[00062] FIG. 20 shows the mode of operation of the single pull double latching mechanism 102 in the actuated position such as required prior to swinging of the gate section 100 about the hinges 118a and 118n. The operating handle 124 is actuated upwardly and slightly inwardly with respect to the structure of the gate section 100 to simultaneously operate the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b about their respective pivot assemblies 126 to disengage the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b from intimate captured contact with the latching post 104. Either of the upper and lower latches 122a and 122b may also be operated by any one of the manual operating tabs 188a or 188b whereby the operating handle 124 continues in the function as a linkage to operate the remaining untouched latch 122a or 122b. Such a function is useful should an individual be required to operate the single pull double latching mechanism from a position not convenient to the individual's position, such as a gate located in close proximity to the top of a stairs where the top of the operating handle could not be readily accessed.

[00063] FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of a base 116a according to the present invention, and FIG. 22 illustrates a bottom view of the base 116a. The bases 116a-116n include the attributes of the bases 14a-14n described previously and in addition include modified cutouts 202a-202d, which are restructured cutouts 40a-40d, whereby handling of the bases 116a-116n is readily facilitated in a manual fashion. Each base 116a-116n is constructed in the same manner having identical parts including a planar top portion or surface 204 with cutouts 202a-202d on four opposing sides creating built-in recessed handles 206a-206d for manual transporting or lifting of the bases 116a-116n. The bases 116a-116n are modified to include a continuous curved or radiused upper edge 208 about the planar top portion or surface 204. The recessed handles 206a-206d are fashioned to accommodate manual handling and include features making the gripping of the recessed handles 206a-206d accessible and comfortable. The upper and outer regions of the recessed handles 206a-206d are formed by portions of the curved or radiused upper edge 208, and the remaining edges forming the recessed handles 206a-206d have edges which are curved or radiused to eliminate any edges which could prove to be uncomfortable given the weight of the bases 116a-116n. It is to be appreciated that all of the upper edges of the cutouts 202a-202d are curved or radiused. Downwardly extending recesses 210a-210d beneath the recessed handles 206a-206d provide for manual access under the recessed handles 206 without first lifting the bases 116a-116n. There is also a centrally located lifting bar 212 which allows the user to hook the bases 116a-116n to a pulley or a dolly to more easily move the heavy bases 116a-116n. There are provided holes 214a-214d which can accommodate anchor bolts for securing the bases 116a-116n to a work surface such as a concrete floor or roof top if permanent mounting is desired. The bases 116a-116n include four post receivers 216a-216d which extend perpendicularly upward from planar top portion or surface 204 which can accommodate vertical posts 24a-24b of rail sections 12a-12n, latching posts 28a-28n, gate posts 34a-34n, latching posts 104, gate posts 106, locking couplers 54 and 114, or other suitably fashioned components. Each of these post receivers 216a-216d includes a plurality of horizontally aligned slots 218a-218n, best shown on post receiver 216b. Vertical posts 24a-24b of rail sections 12a-12n, latching posts 28a-28n, gate posts 34a-34n, latching posts 104, and gate posts 106 all incorporate a plurality of corresponding holes 48a-48n or 112a-112n for receiving locking pins 30 (FIG. 9) to hold the vertical posts 24a-24b of rail sections 12a-12n, latching posts 28a-28n, gate posts 34a-34n, latching posts 104, and gate posts 106 in place in the bases 116a-116n once the desired position is acquired. Once the vertical posts 24a-24b of rail sections 12a-12n, the latching posts 28a-28n, the gate posts 34a-34n, the latching posts 104 or the gate posts 106 are secured to bases 116a-116n, the slots will allow the vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n, the latching posts 28a-28n, the gate posts 34a-34n, the latching posts 104, or the gate posts 106 to pivot; however, the gate posts 34a-34n and the gate posts 106 preferably are locked against rotation by the locking couplers 54 or 114. Each base 116a-116n may accommodate a maximum of four of the following components in various combinations: vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n, latching posts 28a-28n, gate posts 34a-34n, latching posts 104, or gate posts 106. Each can be locked in any position within its range of motion. It is to be understood that the slots 218a-218n may be substituted with multiple holes at different heights, but holes will not allow the infinite 360 degree range at which the vertical posts 24a-24b of the rail sections 12a-12n, latching posts 28a-28n, gate posts 34a-34n, latching posts 104, and gate posts 106 may be locked. It is also to be understood that slots, such as slots 218a-218n, can be included at other levels along and about the post receivers 216a-216d, as well as at various locations about the circumference of the post receivers 216a-216d to maintain 360° positionable capabilities of any member which engages the interior of the post receivers 216a-216d.

[00064] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the base 116a. Shown in particular are stacking recesses 220a-220d recessed into a planar bottom surface 222 which align with the post receivers 216a-216d extending from the planar top portion or surface 204 shown in FIG. 21. The stacking recesses 220a-220d are utilized for stacking or storage of bases 116a-116n when not in use. Also shown are drain holes 224a-224d extending through the bases 116a-116n and co-located between the post receivers 216a-216d and the stacking recesses 220a-220d.

[00065] FIG. 23 shows the stacking of bases 116a-116n when not in use. Shown in particular is the accommodation of each successively placed base by a lower base. The upper region of each post receiver 216a-216d (216a, 216b and 216d shown) of a lower or first base 116a accommodates the stacking recesses 220a-220d (220a, 220b and 220d, shown) of a second and higher base 116b. A third and yet higher base 116n is accommodated by the second base 116b in a similar fashion. Also shown at the right of the base 116a is the cross-sectional profile of the recessed handle 206d typical of recessed handles 206a-206d including the recess 210d thereunder.

[00066] Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof.