Abstract:
A unique safety rail system with integrated ergonomically effective hand-grip projections, structures for affixing said system for the safe and easy egress and ingress through an opening, such as roof or floor access holes. Said safety rail system is designed to reduce the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access hole while providing additional protection and prevention of personnel accidentally falling through an open access. A self-closing gravity gate may be provided acting as additional hand-grip, support, and barrier. This invention may employ cost effective methods of construction and assembly using a unique continuous tubular structure of converging vertical and angular upright post with horizontal upper safety rail, forward protruding ergonomically effecting hand-grip and opposing directionally horizontal lower attachment support means reducing lateral motion and allows efficient installation for new construction or retro fitting of existing openings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims priority from and the benefit of and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/269,593, filed Jun. 26, 2009, entitled “Integrated Safety Rail Protection System,” naming Richard J. Whiting as the inventor. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to roof and floor safety protection rail systems and ergonomical methods of safe ingress and egress to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access ports, skylights and elevated decks. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    While it is of the most importance for personnel to egress and ingress through an access portal in a safe manner it is also important for building owners and proprietors to reduce loss and liability. The act of climbing to or from an elevated height to egress or ingress a roof scuttle hatch, floor opening, skylight, or other elevated portal is often a very dangerous undertaking. Numerous hazards can cause an employee to trip, slip, or fall. In fact records with U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety &amp; Health Administration (OSHA) show tragic accidents that often result in death. Occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem throughout the United States. According to the United States Department of Labor News report of Oct. 31, 2007 reported, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, falls to a lower level was the most frequent type of fatal occupational injury; this was also true in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boston. 
         [0004]    Personnel having a need to ascend or descend through an access portal, which usually requires a climb to an unsafe height above a floor or deck, face numerous safety concerns. For example, the location of an access portal is most often in a darkened and out of the way location within a building subsequently making it very difficult for personnel to see during exit. Further, due to the often dark indoor lighting near the portal, which is often above a drop ceiling, ascending personnel that have become accustomed to low light levels may be suddenly exposed the bright sunlight making if difficult to visualize a good secure grab hold. Moreover, while personnel are descending or exiting from the bright sunlight of the outdoors into the dark area adjacent to the portal, they may be suddenly exposed to low light levels further impairing their vision to secure a good grab hold while descending. 
         [0005]    Flat roofed buildings, roadways, catwalks, attics, skylights, and other similar structures, commonly include portals, such as a roof portal, manhole, or other similar structure, with or without a hatch or lid, for ingress and egress to the roof, roadway, catwalk, etc. For example, commercial warehouses or other flat roofed buildings, commonly include one or more hatch-like roof portals for ingress and egress to the roof. Many times, these roof portals are located in positions away from walls or other supporting structures, thereby, necessitating the user to make steep climbs over high elevations for ingress and egress to the roof. With high elevations and steep climbs the risk of harm to a user from a fall is already great; however, when factoring in a user&#39;s fear of heights, vertigo, or other emotional and/or physiological responses, the risk of harm to the user from falling greatly increases. Moreover, additional factors, such as transporting equipment through the portals, may further increase the risk of harm to the user. 
         [0006]    A problem existing with current portals, such as a roof or scuttle hatch, without a safety rail and or grab holds is that personnel have to precariously perch on the top rung of a ladder with the only hand hold approximately 1 foot above their feet on the top of the portal&#39;s curb in order to exit or enter the portal, which is a rather difficult and dangerous balancing act that subjects the personnel to increased risk of harm. 
         [0007]    Additional problems exists while ascending or descending, such as personnel often have to dangerously reach backwards with one hand while awkwardly holding on with the other hand to the portal&#39;s curb or top ladder rung to open or close an often heavy portal/hatch cover, which may or may not have worn or damaged spring load assist or latches, and may be subject to constant or changing wind loads while being opened or closed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments of the integrated safety rail protection system may utilize an ergonomic and structurally rigid railing system, which may include a gate, that provides the user with multiple ergonomic projections for hand and/or foot support while ingressing or egressng through a portal, such as a roof portal or other portal opening. 
         [0009]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a railing system that may be positioned on a roof adjacent to a roof opening portal having an upwardly lifting lid is provided and includes a first side rail with a first side gate projection, a second side rail with a second side gate projection; and a hinged gate operable to open outwardly. 
         [0010]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a back rail positioned substantially between the first side rail and the second side rail. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the hinged gate interfaces with the first side gate projection. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the hinged gate may interface with the second side gate projection. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a hinge structure positioned adjacent to the interface of the hinged gate and the first side gate projection. 
         [0014]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a biasing structure positioned adjacent to the interface of the hinged gate and the first side gate projection. 
         [0015]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a latching structure positioned adjacent to the interface of the hinged gate and the second side gate projection. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the first side rail further comprises a first side hand-grip projection. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the second side rail further comprises a second side hand-grip projection. 
         [0018]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the rails system is at least partially knurled. 
         [0019]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the first side rail further comprises a cross rail member. 
         [0020]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the second side rail further comprises a cross rail member. 
         [0021]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the first side rail is formed from a single continuous tube. 
         [0022]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the second side rail is formed from a single continuous tube. 
         [0023]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the hinged gate is formed from a single continuous tube. 
         [0024]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a second hinged gate. 
         [0025]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the first hinged gate interfaces with the first side rail and the second hinged gate interfaces with the second side rail. 
         [0026]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the first hinged gate interfaces with the second hinged gate at a position between said first side rail and said second side rail. 
         [0027]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a latching structure positioned adjacent to at least one of the interface of said first hinged gate and said second hinged gate. 
         [0028]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a hinge structure positioned adjacent to the interface of the second hinged gate and the second side gate projection. 
         [0029]    In yet another embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the railing system further comprises a biasing structure positioned adjacent to the interface of the second hinged gate and the second side gate projection. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system mounted onto a portal; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a side view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system mounted onto a portal and having a latch structure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a side view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, wherein the rail system is mounted to the portal using fasteners; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a front view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system mounted onto a portal and having a latch structure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a back view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system mounted onto a portal and having a hinge structure, biasing structure, and a latch structure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a top view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a side view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system mounted onto a portal with an alternative hand grip projection; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a partially exploded side view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system utilizing corner rails; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a front view showing embodiments of the integrated safety rail protection system of  FIG. 8  utilizing corner rails; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is an exploded front view showing one embodiment of a rail mounting system having a hollow mounting structure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a front view showing one embodiment of a rail mounting system that mounts the integrated safety rail protection system to a portal using fasteners, such as screws or bolts; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view showing one embodiment of a rail mounting system prior to installation of the rail mounting system; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of a pinchless hinge structure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a top isometric view of a housing of a pinchless hinge structure having a partial recess in one end of the housing; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a bottom isometric view of a housing of a pinchless hinge structure having a full recess in one end of the housing; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a front view of a hinge shaft of a pinchless hinge structure having a protrusion on the hinge shaft; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a hinge shaft of a pinchless hinge assembly having a protrusion on the hinge shaft; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an external stop hinge structure interfacing a side rail and a gate in a manner where the external stop will engage to prevent further movement of the gate; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of an external stop hinge structure interfacing a side rail and a gate in a manner where the hinge shaft has been raised to allow the shaft to freely rotate; 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view of an external stop hinge structure interfacing a side rail and a gate in a manner where the external stop is engaged; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is an isometric view showing one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system having a first and a second gate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    It should be understood at the outset that although an exemplary implementation of the present invention is illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, materials, designs, and configurations whether currently known or in existence. The present invention should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated and described herein. 
         [0052]    In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0053]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 , and  12 , an embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system  1  is provided and includes, in one form, a first substantially vertical side rail  10 , a second substantially vertical side rail  12 , and a hinged gate  40 . It should be noted that the second side rail  12  operates and functions in substantially the same manner as the first side rail  10 , as further described herein. In other embodiments, a side rail  10  may have a cross rail member  14  extending longitudinally or diagonally within a plane passing through the side rail. In yet other embodiments, a back rail member  30  may extend between the first side rail  10  and the second side rail  12 , at a location generally adjacent to the opposite end from the gate portion of the integrated safety rail protection system  1 , but in other embodiments the back rail member  30  may extend between the first side rail  10  and the second side rail  12 , at a location anywhere suitable along the length of the side rails ( 10  and  12 ). 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in other embodiments, a side rail  10  may have a generally horizontal top rail  20  for structural strength and to provide the user with a gripping surface for aiding in ingress and egress through a portal  6 , such as a roof portal. The side rail  10  may further have a generally vertical down rail  22  for structural strength and to provide the user with a gripping surface for aiding in ingress and egress through the portal  6 . In yet another embodiment, the side rail  10  may further have a side gate projection  28  for structural strength, to interface with the hinged gate  40 , and to provide the user with an ergonomic gripping surface for aiding in ingress and egress through the portal  6 . In yet another embodiment, the side rail  10  may further have a side hand-grip projection  29  for structural strength and to provide the user with an ergonomic gripping surface for aiding in ingress and egress through the portal  6 . In yet other embodiments, the side gate projection  28  and the side hand-grip projection  29  may have the form of straight and curved lengths with arcuate bends of varying angles. For example, in some embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 2 , the front portion of the side rail  10 , may have a first segment  24 , extending from the top rail  20  at a downward angle of about 25-degrees from the top rail  20 , transitioning to a second segment  25 , extending from the first segment  24  at downward angle of about 135-degrees from a line substantially parallel to the top rail  20 , wherein the combination of the first segment  24  and second segment  25  form the front side gate projection  28 , transitioning to a third segment  26 , extending downward from the second segment  25  at a downward angle of about 60-degrees from a line substantially parallel to the top rail  20 , transitioning to a fourth segment  27 , extending from the third segment  26  at a downward angle of about 125-degrees from a line substantially parallel to the top rail  20 , wherein the combination of the third segment  26  and fourth segment  27  form the front hand-grip projection  29 . Alternatively, in other embodiments as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and described in more detail below, the first segment  24  may transition to a second segment  25  at a downward angle of about 120-degrees from a line substantially parallel to the top rail  20 , wherein the combination of the first segment  24  and second segment  25  form the front side gate projection  50 , and wherein the second segment  25  extends downward to the base of the side rail  10 . The embodiments of the front side gate projections and hand-grip projections are not limited to the angles described, but as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, can be composed of any number of segments at any number of angles to achieve one or more ergonomic or desired grab holds or hand-grips for a user. 
         [0055]    In yet other embodiments, the side rail  10  may be made from a single length of metallic tubing that is bent to form a one piece side rail  10  to provide the added benefit, in certain embodiments, of ease of manufacture, ease of assembly, structural strength, and no loosening of joint fittings. However, in yet other embodiments, the side rail  10  may be crafted from multiple pieces of tubing or other suitable material fastened together, via bolts, welds, screws, or other suitable means. Additionally, in other embodiments the side rail  10  may further include a cross rail member  14  to aid in structural strength and provide the user with an additional gripping surface for aiding in ingress and egress through the portal  6 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  11 , and  12 , in other embodiments, the side rail  10  may have a front mounting projection  15  for fastening, via screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable means, the rail  10  to the front flange  2 , and side rail  10  may have a rear mounting projection  18  for fastening, via screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable means, the rail  10  to the rear flange  3  of the portal  6 , although in other embodiments, the front mounting projection  15  and the rear mounting projection  18  may be positioned for mounting the side rail  10  to the side flange  5 . However, fastening to the front flange  2  and rear flange  3  of a portal  6  provides the benefit of strengthening the capability of the side rail  10  to withstand side-to-side and front-to-back forces that might cause railing systems to fail or otherwise separate from their mountings under the stress of a user&#39;s weight. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in other embodiments, a mounting projection  15  may be mounted adjacent to the portal  6  using a mounting structure  120  having an opening  122  for receiving the mounting projection  15 , which may be fastened to the mounting structure  120 , via screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable means, and which the mounting structure  120  itself is mounted adjacent to the portal  6 , via screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable means. The opening  122  of the mounting structure  120  may be a hollow or tubularly shaped opening, or other suitable opening for receiving the mounting projection  15 . For example, in one embodiment, the mounting structure  120  may be a hollow metal tube with protruding surfaces for attaching the mounting structure  120  to the front flange  2  or rear flange  3  of the portal  6 , wherein a mounting projection  15  may be inserted into the hollow portion of the metal tube and fastened therein using welds, bolts, screws, or other suitable means. The mounting structure  120  may be made from metal, fiberglass, composite, or other suitable materials, and allow for quick and easy attachment adjacent to the portal  6  or ground surface, allow for flexibility in fitting the railing system to various sized portals  6 , and allow for increased strength and rigidity by providing more contact surface to the mounting projection  15  than might be accomplished using traditional direct fastening, via screws, bolts, or welds, of the mounting projection  15  adjacent to the portal  6 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  12 , in one embodiment, the hinged gate  40  is positioned to rest adjacent to the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12  and operable to open outwardly from the portal  6  and return to its resting or closed position (i.e., interfaced with both the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12 ) via gravity, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 12 . In some embodiments, the hinged gate  40  is rectangular in shape, although any suitable shape, such as square, oval, circular, etc., may be used. In some embodiments, the hinged gate  40  may be made from a single length of metallic tubing that is bent to form a one piece side hinged gate  40 , to provide the added benefit of ease of manufacture, ease of assembly, structural strength, and no loosening of joint fittings. However, in yet other embodiments, the hinged gate  40  may be crafted from multiple pieces of tubing or other suitable material, fastened together, via bolts, welds, screws, or other suitable means. In yet other embodiments, the hinged gate  40  may comprise segments that may telescope fully or partially within adjacent segments, or utilize spacers between the segments, to allow for a gate having adjustable dimensions to accommodate the installation of the rail system  1  adjacent to portals  6  of various sizes. In some embodiments, the hinged gate  40  includes a recess or projection for mating with a projection or recess of one of the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12  to form a hinge upon which the hinged gate  40  may swing outwardly from its resting position. In yet other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a hinge structure  42  may be used to interface the hinged gate  40  with of one of the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12  to allow the hinged gate  40  to swing outwardly from its resting position. In yet other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 , a latch structure  44  may be used to latch the hinged gate  40  to of one or both of the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12 , which provides added security from the wind or users accidentally opening the hinged gate  40  at a time when opening of the hinged gate  40  is not intended. Such a latching mechanism may be a simple hook and loop, such as the gravity rocker latch illustrated in  FIG. 2 , magnetic, or other suitable latching means positioned in any of a variety of positions. 
         [0059]    In yet other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a biasing structure  46  may be used to bias the hinged gate  40  to a side gate projection  28  of the first side rail  10  or the second side rail  12 , which, alone or in combination with gravity, causes the hinged gate  40  to rest in a closed position interfacing with the side gate projections  28  of the first side rail  10  and the second side rail  12 . The biasing structure  46  may be a spring, piston, or any other suitable means for influencing the movement of the hinged gate  40 . The use of a biasing structure  46  provides added security from the wind or users accidentally opening the hinged gate  40  at a time when opening of the hinged gate  40  is not intended. In other embodiments, the gravity operation of the gate functions by positioning the hinged gate  40  to rest adjacent to the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12 , at an angle from vertical, as measured by at least one plane passing through the hinged gate  40  and the open volume enclosed by it, which in the preferred embodiment is an acute angle from vertical as measured from the lowermost point of reference of the hinged gate  40  as the apex of the angle with vertical. This creates the situation where the hinged gate  40  swings outward from its interface with one of the side gate projection  28   a  of the first side rail  10  and the side gate projection  28   b  of the second side rail  12  at an angle offset from vertical, thereby, causing the hinged gate  40  to return to its resting position or closed position via the force applied by gravity to its mass. Such a gravity gate feature provides the added benefit of having the gate automatically close or biased to close when not in use, thereby eliminating or reducing the safety concern of a user forgetting to close the gate and risking a fall by a user therethrough. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the hinged gate  40  may interface directly with the side rails  10  and  12  or any portion of the side rails  10  and  12  as opposed to the side gate projections  28   a  and  28   b . In yet other embodiments, the hinged gate  40  is restricted, via the hinge, side gate projections, or other mechanical block, from opening in an inward direction towards the area formed between the first side rail  10  and the second side rail  12  and/or substantially over the opening of the portal  6 . In yet other embodiments, the hinged gate  40  is restricted, via the hinge, side gate projections, or other mechanical block, from opening in an outward direction past a point that would prohibit the return of the gate  40  to its resting or closed position via gravity. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 , and  17 , in yet other embodiments, the hinge structure  42  of  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  21  may be a pinchless hinge structure  140  that can be attached to the structures to be hinged by weld, bolt, or other means. The hinge structure  140  of these embodiments comprises a hinge housing  150 , a hinge shaft  160 , a hinge shaft protrusion  162 , and a partial hinge housing recess  152  on one end of the housing  150 . In operation, when the shaft is inserted into the pinchless hinge structure  140 , the rotation of the shaft is impeded by the interface of the shaft protrusion  162  with the partial housing recess  152 ; however, by simply raising the shaft  160  in relation to the housing  150 , the shaft protrusion  162  can be moved to clear the impediment of the partial housing recess  152 , and thus, the shaft  160  can fully rotate within the housing  150 . Other embodiments may further include a full 360 degree hinge housing recess  154  in one end of the housing  150  to allow for free rotation of the hinge shaft  160  despite the inclusion of a hinge shaft protrusion  162 . In other embodiments, the hinge structure  140  can be opened and closed by an internal or external spring, torsion bar, or other powered device via a splined shaft/gear mechanism or other suitable means, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 18 ,  19 , and  20 , in yet other embodiments, the hinge structure  42  may be an external stop hinge structure  170  that can be attached to the structures to be hinged by weld, bolt, or other means. The hinge structure  170  of these embodiments comprises a hinge housing  180 , a hinge shaft  190 , a hinge shaft cap  192 , a housing protrusion  182 , and a hinge cap protrusion  194 . The hinge shaft  190  is attached to the hinge shaft cap  192 , which has the hinge cap protrusion  194  attached thereto. The hinge shaft  190  is inserted into an opening formed within the hinge housing  180  for receiving the hinge shaft  190  for rotation. The hinge cap protrusion  194  interfaces with the housing protrusion  182 , which is attached to the exterior of the hinge housing  180 , said interface limits the degree of rotation of the hinge shaft  190  within the hinge housing  180 . In other embodiments, the hinge shaft  190  may be raised in elevation relative to the hinge housing  180 , thereby eliminating any interference between the hinge cap protrusion  194  and the hinge housing protrusion  182 , which allows for full 360 degree rotation of the hinge shaft  190  within the hinge housing  180 . In other embodiments, the hinge structure  170  can be opened and closed by an internal or external spring, torsion bar, or other powered device via a splined shaft/gear mechanism or other suitable means, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , in yet another embodiment, a second hinged gate  48  is included in the safety rail system  1 . In this embodiment, the first hinged gate  40  interfaces with a first side gate projection  28   a , although it may interface directly with any portion of the first side rail  10 . As previously described, the interface between the hinged gate  40  and the first side gate projection  28   a  may include projections and recesses or a hinge structure  42  for a hinge-type mating between the hinged gate  40  and the first side gate projection  28   a . Additionally, in some embodiments, as previously described, a biasing structure may be included to influence the movement of the hinged gate  40  and the hinged gate may be positioned at an acute angle from vertical to utilize the force of gravity for influencing the movement of the hinged gate  40 . The first hinged gate  40  does not directly interface with the second side gate projection  28   b  or any portion of the second side rail  12 ; instead, the second hinged gate  48  is positioned, operates, and interfaces with the second side gate projection  28   b  or any portion of the second side rail  12  in a manner substantially similar to the position, operation, and interface between the first hinged gate  40  and the first side gate projection  28   a  or any portion of the first side rail  10 . In operation of one embodiment, portions of the first hinged gate  40  and the second hinged gate  48  interface at a point between the first side gate projection  28   a  and the second side gate projection  28   b , and may include a latching mechanism  44  operable to latch the first hinged gate  40  to the second hinged gate  48 . 
         [0063]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment of the integrated safety rail protection system, the side rail  10  may include a combination side gate projection and hand-grip projection  50 , comprising a first segment  24 , extending downward at an angle less than 180 degrees from the top rail  20 , and a second segment  25 , extending downward from the first segment  24  to interface with the portal  6 . In addition to the economic features of fewer bends in the railing system, some users find the straight lines ergonomically advantageous. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in yet another embodiment, a corner rail system  200  is shown that may be positioned adjacent to a portal  6 , and comprises a front left corner rail  210  with a first front left corner mounting projection  220 , a second front left corner mounting projection  230 , and a front left corner gate projection  240 , wherein said first front left corner mounting projection  220  is positioned substantially perpendicular to said second front left corner mounting projection  230 , and wherein said front left corner gate projection  240  interfaces with the hinged gate  40 , for example where said front left corner gate projection  240  extends at least partially into the area enclosed by the gate  40 . The corner rail system  200  further comprises a front right corner rail  250  with a first front right corner mounting projection  260 , a second front right corner mounting projection  270 , and a front right corner gate projection  280 , wherein said first front right corner mounting projection  260  is positioned substantially perpendicular to said second front right corner mounting projection  270 , and wherein said front right corner gate projection  280  extends at least partially into the area enclosed by the gate  40 . The hinged gate  40  operates in the same fashion as described above in reference to the side rail system  1 . In some embodiments, the front left corner rail  210  and the front right corner rail  250  may each have a generally horizontal top rail ( 212  and  252 , respectively) for an ergonomic grab hold. In yet other embodiments, the front left corner gate projection  240  may extend from the top rail  212 , and the front right corner gate projection  280  may extend from the top rail  252 . The remaining structure associated with the front left corner rail  210  and the front right corner rail  250  may take on various forms, including, as described above in reference to the side rail system  1 , straight structures and angled structures that provide ergonomic or desired grab holds or hand-grips. In some embodiments, as with the side rail  10  of the rail system  1 , the front left corner rail  210  and the front right corner rail  250  can each be formed from a continuous tube of metal, although other materials, such as fiberglass, composite, carbon fiber, etc., may also be used. The benefit of using a continuous tube or other continuous structure is its strength and rigidity as well as ease of manufacture. In yet other embodiments, as with the side rail  10  of the rail system  1 , the front left corner rail  210  and the front right corner rail  250  can each be formed from segments of metal tubing or other suitable materials, such as fiberglass, composite, carbon fiber, etc., that fastened together by screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable fastening means. 
         [0065]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , in yet other embodiments of the corner rail system  200 , the system  200  may further comprise a back right corner rail  300  with a first back right corner mounting projection  310  and a second back right corner mounting projection  320 , wherein said first back right corner mounting projection  310  is positioned substantially perpendicular to said second back right corner mounting projection  320 . In yet other embodiments, a back left corner rail  350  (not illustrated) may be used that operates in the substantially same manner as the back right corner rail  300  as described above. 
         [0066]    In yet another embodiment, a back rail member  352  (not illustrated), such as a metal tube or other structure of suitable size, shape and material, is mounted between the back right corner rail  300  and the back left corner rail  350  (not illustrated) for enhanced stability between the two corner rails, and to provide yet another grab hold or hand grip for the user. Because the corner rail system  200  may accommodate portals of various lengths and widths, in a kit or retrofit form, the back rail member may be supplied in a manner to be cut down to desired length for installation of the portal at issue. 
         [0067]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , in yet another embodiment, a cross rail member  360  may be mounted between the front right corner rail  250  and the back right corner rail  300  for enhanced stability between the two corner rails, to lessen the risk of a user falling between the rails, and to provide yet another grab hold or hand grip for the user. In yet another embodiment, a cross rail member  360  may be mounted between the front left corner rail  210  and the back left corner rail  350  in the same fashion and with the same benefits as previously described. Because the corner rail system  200  may accommodate portals of various lengths and widths, in a kit or retrofit form, the cross rail member may be supplied in a manner to be cut down to desired length for installation of the portal at issue. 
         [0068]    In yet another embodiment, the corner rail system  200  may include a single corner rail  210  for mounting adjacent to a portal  6 . Such a single corner rail system may be used where multiple corner rail systems are cost prohibitive, but at least some ergonomic and sturdy grab holds or hand-grips are desired. 
         [0069]    Referring again to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , by having the mounting projections, for example mounting projections  260  and  270 , of the corner rails (front or back) at substantially right angles to one another, easy mounting (via screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable fastening means) of the corner rails adjacent to a portal  6  may occur, since many portals have 90-degree corners that easily, or with minimal adjustment, match up to the substantially perpendicular mounting projections. An additional benefit of substantially perpendicular mounting projections is that the respective corner rail may have enhanced stability, when mounted, against forces acting on the corner rail from all sides. If the mounting area adjacent to the portal  6  does not have a ninety degree corner, the mounting projections may be adjusted, by bending, use of spacers, or otherwise, to accommodate the shape of the portal  6 . Additionally, in some embodiments, a mounting structure  120 , as described above and referred to in  FIG. 10 , may be used to fasten a mounting projection, for example mounting projections  260  or  270 , to the portal  6 , for ease of mounting installation, adjustability in mounting the corner rails ( 210 ,  250 ,  300 ,  350 ) adjacent to portals  6  of various sizes, and strength of the mount due to increased surface area on the mounting projection. Absent use of a mounting structure  120 , the mounting projections are directly mounted adjacent to the portal  6  using screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable fastening means. 
         [0070]    In yet other embodiments, a corner rail  210  (or any corner rail, including  250 ,  300 , and  350 ) may have only one mounting projection for mounting (via a mounting structure  120  or by screws, bolts, welds, or other suitable fastening means) to any side or portion of the portal  6  where the position of the corner rail  210  is desired. Referring again to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in yet other embodiments, a corner rail  210  (or any corner rail, including  250 ,  300 , and  350 ) may have a first mounting projection  220  and a second mounting projection  230 , where such mounting projections are parallel or substantially parallel to each other (as illustrated, for example, by the dashed lines of  FIG. 9 ) for ease of mounting and strength of the mount to any side, or front portion of the portal  6  where the position of the corner rail  210  is desired. 
         [0071]    In yet another embodiment, the corner rail system  200  may be provided in kit form for retrofitting existing portals, such as roof openings, manholes, skylights, etc., wherein the kit may include a front left corner rail  210 , a front right corner rail  250 , and a hinged gate  40 . As described above, the hinged gate  40  may be adjustable in dimensions, with spacer segments, telescoping segments, etc., to accommodate varied widths of portals  6 . Such a system would provide substantial protection from a user falling during ingress or egress through the portal  6 , especially in light of the various shapes and angles of the grab holds or hand-grips. In yet another embodiment, the kit may include a back right corner rail  300  and/or a back left corner rail  350  to provide additional safety from a user falling during ingress or egress through the portal  6 . In yet other embodiments, the kit may include a back rail  352  for providing additional barriers between the corner rails to provide additional safety from a user falling during ingress or egress through the portal  6 . In yet other embodiments, the kit may include a top rail  360  for providing additional barriers between the corner rails to provide additional safety from a user falling during ingress or egress through the portal  6 . In yet other embodiments, the kit may include a cross rail  362  for providing additional barriers between the corner rails to provide additional safety from a user falling during ingress or egress through the portal  6 . In yet other embodiments, the kit may include one or more mounting structures  120  and/or mounting hardware, such as screws, bolts, etc. 
         [0072]    It should be noted that the elements making up any chosen embodiment of the invention described herein may be made of metal, ceramics, plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, wood, and other materials with suitable properties. Additionally, all or selected portions of surfaces of the safety rail system  10  may be knurled for grip, which includes surface texturing, surface projections, textured paint or powder coating, textured grip tape, or any other method of surface texturing to aid in gripping by a user&#39;s hands or feet. 
         [0073]    Although embodiments of the integrated safety rail protection system have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will also recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.