Abstract:
An improved gate section and base for a portable safety rail system which utilizes cast iron bases and hinged gate sections. The improved base includes four post receivers, recessed handles with smooth edges, and stacking recesses. The improved gate section incorporates a single pull double latching mechanism which includes two durable and robust latches each with its own manual operating tab but also a manual operating handle whereby both latches can be operated simultaneously.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   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. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   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. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   Also included in the invention is a support wheel for additional support of the gate during pivoted or static states. 
   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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a safety rail system; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a base; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the base; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of two rail sections connected together using rail lock donuts and a securing chain; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of a gate assembly including a gate section in conjunction with a latching post and a gate post; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a gate post and gate section where a locking coupler secures the gate post to a post receiver of a base; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of the locking coupler; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a rail lock donut; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of a rail section supported by two bases and incorporating a toe board secured in place by toe board receivers; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of a toe board receiver; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a toe board receiver; 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the safety rail system configured for use in a manufacturing facility; 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the safety rail system constructed around a construction dig site; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a base and rail section depicting how each post receiver has a 360° rotation capacity; 
       FIG. 15  is a front view of an alternative gate assembly featuring a gate section according to the present invention having a single pull double latching mechanism shown in conjunction with a gate post and a latching post; 
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a latch; 
       FIG. 17  is a top view of the latch with the latching post, the operating handle, and a vertical post shown in cross section as taken along line  17 — 17  of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a side view of the latch; 
       FIG. 19  is a cross section view of the latch along line  19 — 19  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a view like  FIG. 15  showing the mode of operation of the single pull double latching mechanism; 
       FIG. 21  is an isometric view of a base according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the base of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 23  shows the stacking of bases of the present invention when not in use. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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  12   a - 12   n , a plurality of bases  14   a - 14   n , a plurality of rail lock donuts  16   a - 16   n , a plurality of securing chains  18   a - 18   n , and a plurality of toe boards  20   a - 20   n  used in conjunction with a plurality of toe board receivers  22   a - 22   n . Each component will be later described in detail with reference to the following figures. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a base  14   a , and  FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of base  14   a . The bases  14   a - 14   n  weigh between 100-120 lbs. and are cast iron or welded plate and tube to support rail sections  12   a - 12   n  without tipping. Each base  14   a - 14   n  is constructed in the same manner having identical parts including a planar portion  42  with cutouts  40   a - 40   d  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  14   a - 14   n  to a pulley or a dolly to more easily move the heavy bases  14   a - 14   n . There are provided holes  38   a - 38   d  which accommodate anchor bolts for securing the bases  14   a - 14   n  to a work surface such as a concrete floor or roof top if permanent mounting is desired. The key feature of the bases  14   a - 14   n  is four post receivers  36   a - 36   d  which extend perpendicularly upward from planar portion  42 . Rail sections  12   a - 12   n  are identical and each includes any number of horizontal rails  23   a - 23   n  connected at their ends to vertical posts  24   a - 24   b . The vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  are positioned in the post receivers  36   a - 36   n  allowing the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  to be positioned in any position in a 360° range. Each of these post receivers  36   a - 36   d  includes a plurality of slots  44   a - 44   n ; and the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  incorporate a plurality of corresponding holes  48   a - 48   n , as shown in  FIG. 4 , for receiving locking pins  30  ( FIG. 9 ) to hold the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  in place in the bases  14   a - 14   n  once the desired position is acquired. Once the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  are secured to bases  14   a - 14   n  at each end, the slots will allow the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  to pivot. Each base  14   a - 14   n  may accommodate a maximum of four rail sections  12   a - 12   n  which can be locked in any position within their range of motion. It is to be understood that the slots  44   a - 44   n  may be substituted with multiple holes at different heights, but holes will not allow the infinite 360° range at which the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  may be locked. The post receivers  36   a - 36   d  can also accommodate a latching post and/or a gate post which will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of two rail sections  12   a - 12   n  connected together using rail lock donuts  16   a - 16   n  and a securing chain  18   a , and  FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of a gate assembly which includes a gate section  32   a  in conjunction with a latching post  28   a  and a gate post  34   a . Each gate section  32   a - 32   n  includes any number of horizontal rails  25   a - 25   n  connected at their ends to vertical posts  26   a - 26   b . A plurality of latching posts  28   a - 28   n  and a plurality of gate posts  34   a - 34   n  may be used in any configuration. Illustrated in these figures are the holes  48   a - 48   n  which were mentioned in connection with the previous figures. The latching post  28   a  and the gate post  34   a  also incorporate holes  48   a - 48   n  identical to those in the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  and these holes serve the same purpose. Also illustrated are hinges  50   a - 50   n  which are secured to the gate post  34   a  in at least two positions. The opposite ends of hinges  50   a - 50   n  secure to the vertical post  26   b  of gate section  32   a , creating a pivoting gate. The gate section  32   a  also has a gate latch  52  secured on the vertical post  26   a  opposite hinges  50   a - 50   n . The gate latch  52  provides a locking means for the gate section  32   a . In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5 , only the gate post  34   a  and the latching post  28   a  are secured to bases  14   a - 14   n  (not illustrated) and gate section  32   a  is suspended between them, creating the operational gate. Both the latching post  28   a  and the gate post  34   a  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  34   a  in position using the locking coupler  54  to prevent pivoting, keeping hinges  50   a - 50   n  in position. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a gate post  34   a  and gate section  32   a  where locking coupler  54  secures gate post  34   a  to post receiver  36   a  of base  14   a , 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  56   a  and  56   b  which lock the gate post  34   a  to the locking coupler  54  and a hole  58  which allows the locking coupler  54  to be secured to post receiver  36   a  of base  14   a  by a securing knob, bolt or other suitable device. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a rail lock donut  16   a . Illustrated in particular is a hole  60  whereby the rail lock donut  16   a  is secured to vertical post  24   a  or  24   b  of rail section  12   a , and slots  62   a - 62   b  which accommodate securing chains  18   a - 18   n , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of a rail section  12   a  supported by two bases  14   a - 14   n  and incorporating a toe board  20   a  secured in place by toe board receivers  22   a - 22   n . With further reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the use of the toe board will now be described in detail. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of a toe board receiver  22   a , and  FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a toe board receiver  22   a . Each toe board receiver  22   a - 22   n  includes a sleeve  64  which is slid upwardly over and about the bottom of vertical post  24   a  or  24   b  of rail section  12   a  prior to securing rail section  12   a  to base  14   a . 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  24   a  or  24   b . 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  20   a  and appropriately secured thereto through holes  70   a  and  70   b  by a bolt, securing pin or other appropriate means. Each rail section  12   a - 12   n  should include two toe board receivers  22   a - 22   n  and one toe board  20   a - 20   n , as illustrated, to prevent materials from being kicked off an elevated work area using the safety rail system  10 . 
     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  36   a - 36   d  that are incorporated into the bases  14   a - 14   n . Unlimited work areas can be defined with this set-up or one similar to it. Also illustrated is how the gate sections  32   a - 32   n  are used in conjunction with the rail sections  12   a - 12   n . These gate sections  32   a - 32   n  allow access to the work areas by workers or a forklift, for example. When the gate sections  32   a - 32   n  are not in use, they are closed. When closed, these gate sections  32   a - 32   n  create a safe barrier just as the solid rail sections  12   a - 12   n  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. 
     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. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a base  14   a  and rail section  12   a  depicting how each post receiver  36   a - 36   d  has the capability to be secured by a locking pin  30  ( FIG. 9 ) to a rail section  12   a - 12   d  in a 360° range when utilizing the slots  44   a - 44   n  in the post receivers  36   a - 36   d . A plurality of holes at different horizontal planes may be substituted for the plurality of slots  44   a - 44   n , but the holes would limit the direction the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  could be positioned and not allow the infinite positioning that slots  44   a - 44   n  provide. 
   Mode of Operation 
   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  12   a - 12   n  come in varying lengths. Secured to the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of a rail section  12   a  is a rail lock donut  16   a - 16   n . These rail lock donuts  16   a - 16   n  are secured at equal heights on all rail sections  12   a - 12   n  by welding or other appropriate means. When the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  are secured in position and the rail lock donuts  16   a - 16   n  are coupled with a securing chain  18   a - 18   n , added strength is given to the system should a rail section  12   a - 12   n  start to tip over. A carabiner or other suitable device may be substituted for the securing chains  18   a - 18   n . The tipped-over rail section  12   a - 12   n  would then try to drag the next attached rail section  12   a - 12   n  with it and so on. The overall weight will prevent the safety rail system from tipping over. The rail lock donut  16   a - 16   n  is designed so it too can accommodate the infinite directions available to the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  as they are turned in the post receivers  36   a - 36   d  of bases  14   a - 14   n.    
   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  32   a - 32   n , one of the latching posts  28   a - 28   n , one of the gate posts  34   a - 34   n , and a locking coupler  54 . The latching post  28   a  is where a gate latch  52  will secure the gate section  32   a  so to not swing to and fro. The gate section  32   a  connects via hinges  50   a - 50   n  to the gate post  34   a . The gate sections  32   a - 32   n  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  32   a - 32   n  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  34   a - 34   n . The locking coupler  54  has holes  56   a - 56   b  for a securing means such as a spring pin or bolt that can be installed on the gate post  34   a - 34   n  so that the gate post  34   a - 34   n  cannot be removed. The lower interior of the locking coupler  54  is machined tapered to fit the tapered post receiver  36   a - 36   d , 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  34   a - 34   n  will not rotate when mounted into position. 
   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  22   a - 22   n  which are slid over and about the bottoms of each of the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n . A toe board  20   a - 20   n , 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  22   a - 22   n  can be secured to the rail section by tightening the L-bolt  76  against the post receivers  36   a - 36   d  of bases  14   a - 14   n . This device was also designed to have infinite directional movement before securement. No matter what position the base  14   a - 14   n  is in when the rail section  12   a - 12   n  is installed and secured, the toe board receivers  22   a - 22   n  will always be able to follow the run of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n.    
   The bases  14   a - 14   n  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  12   a - 12   n  or gate sections  32   a - 32   n  are secured to the post receivers  36   a - 36   d , 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  14   a - 14   n  has four post receivers  36   a - 36   d  which allow the bases  14   a - 14   n  to accommodate as many rail sections  12   a - 12   n , thus creating a maximum of four quadrants emanating from each base  14   a - 14   n . The post receivers  36   a - 36   d  have strategically positioned slots  44   a - 44   n  that enable the rail section  12   a - 12   n  to be positioned in infinite directions while setting up another base  14   a - 14   n  at the end of the rail section  12   a - 12   n . When the rail section  12   a - 12   n  is placed into the desired position, bolts or locking pins  30  are installed through the slots  44   a - 44   n , into the holes  48   a - 48   n  on the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of rail sections  12   a - 12   n . 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  12   a - 12   n  in place. 
     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  108   a - 108   n  connected at their ends to vertical posts  110   a - 110   b . 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  28   a - 28   n  and gate posts  34   a - 34   n , may be used in any configuration. Both the latching post  104  and the gate post  106  incorporate holes  112   a - 112   n  somewhat identical to those lower holes of holes  48   a - 48   n  in the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n  and to the lower of the holes  48   a - 48   n  in the latching posts  28   a - 28   n  and the gate posts  34   a - 34   n , and these holes serve the same purpose where locking pins can be received. The holes  112   a - 112   n , 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  216   a - 216   d  extending upwardly from bases  116   a - 116   n  in the same manner as previously described with respect to the coupling of gate posts  34   a - 34   n  to the post receivers  36   a - 36   d  of the bases  14   a - 14   n . 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  216   a . Such attachment provides for positional fixation of the gate post  106 , thereby ensuring alignment and stability of hinges  118   a - 118   n  which are secured to the gate post  106  of at least two locations. The opposite ends of the hinges  118   a - 118   n  secure to the vertical post  110   b  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  110   a  opposite hinges  118   a - 118   n  to provide a multi-level locking means for the gate section  100 . A safety instruction container  120  is conveniently located on the horizontal rail  108   n  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  116   a - 116   n . The single pull double latching mechanism  102 , the hinges  118   a - 118   n , 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  122   a  and  122   b , respectively, suitably spaced and located along and about vertical post  110   a , each having one end pivotally attached to the vertical post  110   a  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  122   a  and  122   b  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  122   a  and  122   b  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  180   a  and  180   b , as best shown in FIG.  16 . Upward actuation of the operating handle  124  causes simultaneous operation of upper and lower latches  122   a  and  122   b  about the respective pivot assemblies  126  to disengage the upper and lower latches  122   a  and  122   b  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  118   a - 118   n  to allow access therethrough. A support wheel  121  attaches to the lower region of the vertical post  110   a  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. 
     FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the upper latch  122   a , such latch being identical to lower latch  122   b . The upper latch  122   a  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  122   a  includes a central support member  182  and a connected adjacent receptacle bracket  184  having two opposing sides  184   a  and  184   b  and a third side  184   c  ( FIG. 17 ) located at and extending between mirror image like planar sides  186   a  and  186   b . The receptacle bracket  184  accommodates the shaft of the operating handle  124 , the lower portion of which is shown. Manual operating tabs  188   a  and  188   b  extend substantially at a right angle from the upper regions of the planar sides  186   a  and  186   b . A hole  190   a  and a hole  190   b  ( FIG. 17 ) extend through the receptacle bracket sides  184   a  and  184   b , the planar sides  186   a  and  186   b , and the bosses  192   a  and  192   b  (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  122   a  and  122   b  to the operating handle  124  in conjunction with holes  190   a - 190   b . Also shown in  FIG. 16  are holes  196   a  and  196   b  extending through one end of the planar sides  186   a  and  186   b  for accommodation of the pivot assembly  126  which pivotally attaches the latch  122   a  to the vertical post  110   a . The ends of the upper and lower latches  122   a  and  122   b  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 . 
     FIG. 17  is a top view of the upper latch  122   a  with the latching post  104 , the operating handle  124 , and the vertical post  110   a  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  122   a.    
     FIG. 18  is a side view of the upper latch  122   a.    
     FIG. 19  is a cross section view of the upper latch  122   a  along line  19 — 19  of  FIG. 17  excluding latching post  104 , operating handle  124 , vertical post  110   a , and pivot assemblies  126  and  128 . 
     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  118   a  and  118   n . 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  122   a  and  122   b  about their respective pivot assemblies  126  to disengage the upper and lower latches  122   a  and  122   b  from intimate captured contact with the latching post  104 . Either of the upper and lower latches  122   a  and  122   b  may also be operated by any one of the manual operating tabs  188   a  or  188   b  whereby the operating handle  124  continues in the function as a linkage to operate the remaining untouched latch  122   a  or  122   b . 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&#39;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. 
     FIG. 21  illustrates an isometric view of a base  116   a  according to the present invention, and  FIG. 22  illustrates a bottom view of the base  116   a . The bases  116   a - 116   n  include the attributes of the bases  14   a - 14   n  described previously and in addition include modified cutouts  202   a - 202   d , which are restructured cutouts  40   a - 40   d , whereby handling of the bases  116   a - 116   n  is readily facilitated in a manual fashion. Each base  116   a - 116   n  is constructed in the same manner having identical parts including a planar top portion or surface  204  with cutouts  202   a - 202   d  on four opposing sides creating built-in recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  for manual transporting or lifting of the bases  116   a - 116   n . The bases  116   a - 116   n  are modified to include a continuous curved or radiused upper edge  208  about the planar top portion or surface  204 . The recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  are fashioned to accommodate manual handling and include features making the gripping of the recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  accessible and comfortable. The upper and outer regions of the recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  are formed by portions of the curved or radiused upper edge  208 , and the remaining edges forming the recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  have edges which are curved or radiused to eliminate any edges which could prove to be uncomfortable given the weight of the bases  116   a - 116   n . It is to be appreciated that all of the upper edges of the cutouts  202   a - 202   d  are curved or radiused. Downwardly extending recesses  210   a - 210   d  beneath the recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  provide for manual access under the recessed handles  206  without first lifting the bases  116   a - 116   n . There is also a centrally located lifting bar  212  which allows the user to hook the bases  116   a - 116   n  to a pulley or a dolly to more easily move the heavy bases  116   a - 116   n . There are provided holes  214   a - 214   d  which can accommodate anchor bolts for securing the bases  116   a - 116   n  to a work surface such as a concrete floor or roof top if permanent mounting is desired. The bases  116   a - 116   n  include four post receivers  216   a - 216   d  which extend perpendicularly upward from planar top portion or surface  204  which can accommodate vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of rail sections  12   a - 12   n , latching posts  28   a - 28   n , gate posts  34   a - 34   n , latching posts  104 , gate posts  106 , locking couplers  54  and  114 , or other suitably fashioned components. Each of these post receivers  216   a - 216   d  includes a plurality of horizontally aligned slots  218   a - 218   n , best shown on post receiver  216   b . Vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of rail sections  12   a - 12   n , latching posts  28   a - 28   n , gate posts  34   a - 34   n , latching posts  104 , and gate posts  106  all incorporate a plurality of corresponding holes  48   a - 48   n  or  112   a - 112   n  for receiving locking pins  30  ( FIG. 9 ) to hold the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of rail sections  12   a - 12   n , latching posts  28   a - 28   n , gate posts  34   a - 34   n , latching posts  104 , and gate posts  106  in place in the bases  116   a - 116   n  once the desired position is acquired. Once the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of rail sections  12   a - 12   n , the latching posts  28   a - 28   n , the gate posts  34   a - 34   n , the latching posts  104  or the gate posts  106  are secured to bases  116   a - 116   n , the slots will allow the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n , the latching posts  28   a - 28   n , the gate posts  34   a - 34   n , the latching posts  104 , or the gate posts  106  to pivot; however, the gate posts  34   a - 34   n  and the gate posts  106  preferably are locked against rotation by the locking couplers  54  or  114 . Each base  116   a - 116   n  may accommodate a maximum of four of the following components in various combinations: vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n , latching posts  28   a - 28   n , gate posts  34   a - 34   n , 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  218   a - 218   n  may be substituted with multiple holes at different heights, but holes will not allow the infinite 360 degree range at which the vertical posts  24   a - 24   b  of the rail sections  12   a - 12   n , latching posts  28   a - 28   n , gate posts  34   a - 34   n , latching posts  104 , and gate posts  106  may be locked. It is also to be understood that slots, such as slots  218   a - 218   n , can be included at other levels along and about the post receivers  216   a - 216   d , as well as at various locations about the circumference of the post receivers  216   a - 216   d  to maintain 360° positionable capabilities of any member which engages the interior of the post receivers  216   a - 216   d.    
     FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the base  116   a . Shown in particular are stacking recesses  220   a - 220   d  recessed into a planar bottom surface  222  which align with the post receivers  216   a - 216   d  extending from the planar top portion or surface  204  shown in FIG.  21 . The stacking recesses  220   a - 220   d  are utilized for stacking or storage of bases  116   a - 116   n  when not in use. Also shown are drain holes  224   a - 224   d  extending through the bases  116   a - 116   n  and co-located between the post receivers  216   a - 216   d  and the stacking recesses  220   a - 220   d.    
     FIG. 23  shows the stacking of bases  116   a - 116   n  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  216   a - 216   d  ( 216   a ,  216   b  and  216   d  shown) of a lower or first base  116   a  accommodates the stacking recesses  220   a - 220   d  ( 220   a ,  220   b  and  220   d , shown) of a second and higher base  116   b . A third and yet higher base  116   n  is accommodated by the second base  116   b  in a similar fashion. Also shown at the right of the base  116   a  is the cross-sectional profile of the recessed handle  206   d  typical of recessed handles  206   a - 206   d  including the recess  210   d  thereunder. 
   Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof.