Patent Publication Number: US-9415839-B2

Title: Nautical railing

Description:
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 14/510,291, entitled Nautical Railing, filed Oct. 9, 2014. 
    
    
     Railings and railing systems described herein may be used in fall protection. Certain railings disclosed herein may provide an easily installed railing system for use on nautical vessels such as barges. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a kevel post assembly. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of a kevel post assembly. 
         FIG. 3  shows a rear view of a kevel post assembly. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of a kevel post assembly attached to a kevel. 
         FIG. 5  shows a rear view of a kevel post assembly attached to a kevel. 
         FIG. 6  shows a kevel. 
         FIG. 7  shows a kevel. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of a barge. 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of a portion of a timberhead post assembly. 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of a timberhead post assembly. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of a timberhead post assembly. 
         FIG. 12  shows a top view of a barge. 
         FIG. 13  shows a partial top view of a barge focusing on the bow. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example 1 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3  of the drawings, Kevel post assembly  100  may for example comprise Rail post  103 , Primary top rail eyelet  106 , Primary top rail eyelet opening  108 , Secondary top rail eyelet  110 , Middle rail eyelet  120 , and Kevel clasp  140 . Kevel clasp  140  may for example comprise Kevel clasp hinge  143 , Post clasp connection point  146 , Clasp base  160 , Clasp hinge arm  163 , Clasp base lower extent  166 , Clasp hinge arm lower extent  168 , Bolts  180 , and Nuts  182 . The connection between Rail post  103  and Kevel clasp  140  may be a welded connection and Rail post  103  may extend either vertically from Kevel clasp  140  or Rail post  103  may extend from Kevel clasp  140  at an angle which deviates from vertical as shown in  FIG. 2 . Kevel clasp hinge  143  serves to allow Kevel clasp  140  to open in such a way that Kevel clasp  140  may grasp a kevel (not shown). Bolts  180  and Nuts  182  act to securely fastened Kevel clasp  140  around the center of a kevel (not shown). Middle rail eyelet  120  may be welded to Rail post  103  such that it may securely hold wire, rope, chain or other tension bearing flexible material. Primary top rail eyelet  106  may be welded to Rail post  103  such that Primary top rail eyelet opening  108  may securely hold wire, rope, chain or other tension bearing flexible material. Similarly, Secondary top rail eyelets  110  may be welded to Rail post  103  such that it may securely hold wire, rope, chain or other tension bearing flexible material. Primary top rail eyelet  106  or Primary top rail eyelet opening  108  may be selected based on the configuration of other posts and the intended path of associated railings. Clasp base lower extent  166  and Clasp hinge arm lower extent  168  may be situated such that they are separated from Deck  303  by at least 1 inch. Clasp base lower extent  166  and Clasp hinge arm lower extent  168  may be situated such that they are separated from Deck  303  by approximately 2 inches. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  of the drawings, Kevel post assembly  100  may be situated on and clamped to Kevel  300  by rotating Clasp hinge arm  163  around Kevel clasp hinge  143  such that Kevel clasp  140  surrounds the upper portion of Kevel  300  with Clasp base  160  and Clasp hinge arm  163  enclosing the upper central portion of Kevel  300 . In such a configuration Nuts  182  may be tightened on Bolts  180  to draw Kevel clasp  140  inward securely locking Kevel post assembly  100  into place and into a fixed position on Kevel  300 . After such tightening, Kevel post assembly  100  and Primary top rail eyelet opening  108  would be in a fixed position relative to Deck  303 . In that configuration, Kevel top surface  310  would bear the majority of the weight of Kevel post assembly  100  and support downward forces applied through Kevel post assembly  100 . Rail post  103  ends at Kevel clasp  140  at a position adjacent to Kevel top surface  310 . Kevel top surface  310  may be at least 3 inches above Deck  303  and in a related embodiment, Kevel top surface  310  may be at least 5 inches above Deck  303 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  of the drawings, Kevel  300  is situated on Deck  303  such that Kevel top center point  333  is situated at the convergence of Kevel longitudinal axis  323 , Kevel top base level  326 , and Kevel cross axis  328 . Kevel longitudinal axis  323  divides Kevel  300  evenly along the length of Kevel  300 . Kevel top base level  326  represents the height of Kevel  300  at the center of Kevel  300 . Kevel cross axis  328  divides Kevel  300  evenly along the width of Kevel  300 . Each of Kevel longitudinal axis  323 , Kevel top base level  326 , and Kevel cross axis  328  are perpendicular to one another. As may be seen through the combination of  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7 , the weight of Kevel post assembly  100  is predominantly supported by Kevel  300  through the contact between Kevel post assembly  100  and Kevel  300  at Kevel top base level  326 . Kevel top center point  333  may be situated at a height of about 8.5 inches above Deck  303 . 
     The weight of Kevel post assembly  100  may, for example, be predominantly supported by loadbearing contact with Kevel  300  at a height of greater than 2 inches above deck level. In a related example, the weight of Kevel post assembly  100  may, for example, be predominantly supported by loadbearing contact with Kevel  300  at a height of greater than 4 inches above deck level. In a further related example, the weight of Kevel post assembly  100  may, for example, be predominantly supported by loadbearing contact with Kevel  300  at a height of greater than 6 inches above deck level. In a further related example, the weight of Kevel post assembly  100  may, for example, be predominantly supported by loadbearing contact with Kevel  300  at a height of greater than 7 inches above deck level. 
     In several embodiments, Deck  303  and Kevel post assembly  100  are neither joined directly nor in direct contact with one another. In related but separate embodiments, the distance between Deck  303  and Kevel post assembly  100  may be greater than 1 inch, greater than 2 inches or greater than 3 inches. As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , Rail post  103  may be arranged at an angle from vertical. Various embodiments may have one or more of the following features: a Rail post  103  which departs from a vertical orientation by an angle of greater than 5°, a Rail post  103  which departs from a vertical orientation by an angle of approximately 15°, a Rail post  103  which departs from a vertical orientation by an angle of less than 20°, and a Rail post  103  which departs from a vertical orientation by an angle of less than 30°. Rail post  103  may for example depart from a vertical orientation by an angle of 15°. In an alternate embodiment, Rail post  103  may have a vertical orientation. Rail post  103  may depart from vertical such that Rail post  103  leans from Kevel  300  toward a precipice which may be the edge of a nautical vessel. 
     Kevel  300  and Kevel post assembly  100  may be positioned such that, the center of gravity of Kevel  300  may be located above a first deck location and the center of gravity of Kevel post assembly  100  may be located above a second deck location such that the first deck location and the second deck location are within 2 feet of one another. Similarly, the first deck location may be within one foot of the second deck location. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8  of the drawings, Barge  500  may incorporate Post assemblies  100  (not individually shown) on Kevels  300  (not individually shown). Post assembly on a kevel  530  as shown in  FIG. 8  includes a Kevel post assembly  100  situated on a Kevel  300 . As shown in  FIG. 8  a Post assembly on a kevel  530  is shown at each of the locations where a Kevel  300  is located on Barge  500 . Barge  500  may be set up in this configuration or a large number of additional configurations depending on the fall protection needs for either the general situation of Barge  500  or the particular situation of Barge  500  at a point in time. Supplemental post assemblies that are not attached to kevels may be added to the railing system. The number of Post assemblies on kevels  530  on a Barge  500  would in most circumstances be at least two and not greater than the number of Kevels  300  on Barge  500 . However, in circumstances in which more than one Barge  500  is adjacent to one another an individual Post assembly on a kevel  530  may be used on one of the Barges  500 . Barge  500  has a Deck  303  which is the primary walking surface for Barge  500 . Barge  500  further has a Bow  503  a Stern  506 , a Starboard side  508 , a Port Side  513 , and a Cargo Area  516 . One or more of Top rail wire rope  533  and one or more of Middle rail wire rope  536  may be run through the eyelet openings of Post assemblies  100  (not individually shown) which are part of Post assemblies on kevels  530 . Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  may be drawn to be taut such that they positioned to serve as a fall protection top rail and middle rail. Referring back to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 5  of the drawings, Primary top rail eyelet  106  and Secondary top rail eyelets  110  may be used to guide, secure and hold taut Top rail wire rope  533  with the selection between Primary top rail eyelet  106  and Secondary top rail eyelets  110  depending on the position of Post assembly on a kevel  530  and the desired path of the Top rail wire rope  533 . Middle rail eyelet  120  may be used to guide, secure and hold taut Middle rail wire rope  536 . Middle rail eyelet  120  may be attached to Rail post  103  at Middle rail eyelet connection point  113 . Together, Top rail wire rope  533 , Middle rail wire rope  536 , and Post assemblies on kevels  530  form a fall protection barrier in the form of posts and rails to protect workers and any other occupants on Deck  303  from the risk of falling off of Deck  303 . 
     The point where Kevel post assembly  100  contacts Top rail wire rope  533  may be less than 42 inches from Kevel top center point  333 . Further, the point where Kevel post assembly  100  contacts Middle rail wire rope  536  may be less than 19 inches from Kevel top center point  333 . Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  may be located within one foot of Kevel longitudinal axis  323  and may alternatively be located within 2 feet of Kevel longitudinal axis  323 . 
     Example 2 
     In one embodiment, a barge having kevels and one or more precipices that pose a significant fall hazard is outfitted with post assemblies as described in the preceding example such that the post assemblies are positioned on kevels and adjacent to the one or more precipices presenting the fall hazard. After the post assemblies are secured into place on the kevels wire rope or other suitable barricading materials are secured into place between the post assemblies such that a fall protection barricade is located along and adjacent to the one or more precipices. The resulting barricade may be consistent with the configurations depicted in one or more of  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8  or may take on any number of suitable variations. Further, similar practices may be employed utilizing the embodiments described in the following examples. 
     Example 3 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11  of the drawings, Timberhead post assembly  600  may for example have the following components: Timberhead post  610 , Post arm  620 , Gusset  626 , Arm attachment frame  640 , Base  700 , First timberhead bracket  710 , Second timberhead bracket  716 , Third timberhead bracket  720 , Fourth timberhead bracket  726 , Fifth timberhead bracket  730 , First timberhead arm  740 , Second timberhead arm  746 , Third timberhead arm  750 , Fourth timberhead arm  756 , Primary timberhead collar  760 , Secondary timberhead collar  770 , Timberhead collar connecting bracket  776 , Collar connection points  780 , and Threaded rod  781  and Timberhead post assembly  600  may securely attach to a Timberhead  790 . Timberhead post assembly  600  is configured for placement on Deck  303  of Barge  800  such that railings may be placed as fall protection for Barge  800 . Timberhead post  610  may be configured to rise vertically or substantially vertically above Post arm  620  such that Timberhead post  610  serves as the post of a railing system. Gusset  626  may add stability between Timberhead post  610  and Post arm  620 . The connections between Timberhead post  610 , Post arm  620 , Gusset  626 , and Arm attachment frame  640  may be welded connections. Arm attachment frame  640  may be removably connected to Base  700  such that Arm attachment frame  640  may slide over Base  700  and snugly fit around Base  700 . Arm attachment frame  640  may be secured in place relative to Base  700  by threaded bolts that go through Arm attachment frame  640  and tighten against Base  700 . First timberhead bracket  710  may be bolted or welded to Base  700  and may be bolted or welded to First timberhead arm  740 . Each of the connections between brackets and arms that follow are described merely as connections with the understanding that such connections may be made by bolting, by welding, or by other connection means. It should be understood that bolted connections between the arms and the brackets allow for greater flexibility of Timberhead post assembly  600  such that Timberhead post assembly  600  may be used on different barges that have different sizes and configurations of timberheads. Accordingly, various alternate embodiments of Timberhead post assembly  600  could be made with fewer arms and fewer brackets and may have more welded or nonadjustable connections when the timberheads to which Timberhead post assembly  600  is being applied have little or no variation in their configuration. Each of First timberhead bracket  710 , Second timberhead bracket  716 , Third timberhead bracket  720 , Fourth timberhead bracket  726 , and Fifth timberhead bracket  730  may be constructed of a pair of similar steel plates or some other resilient material suited to the environment in which Timberhead post assembly  600  will be placed in service. In the case where the brackets have drilled or cut holes for the placement of bolts, typically there will be a series of drilled or cut holes allowing the bolting of arms in place on the bracket in multiple positions. The hole placements on the various brackets are designed to position the Primary timberhead collar  760  and the Secondary timberhead collar  770  at a height and horizontal separation from a corresponding set of Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  allowing the Primary timberhead collars  760  and the Secondary timberhead collars  770  to grasp a pair of timberheads securely and at a height on the timberheads that allows for most of the typical activities associated with timberheads to go on unimpeded by Timberhead post assembly  600 . Because Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  are elevated above deck level they can be installed when mooring lines are tied to Timberhead  790 . As depicted in  FIG. 11 , Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  are configured to grasp timberheads having diameters from 8 inches to 14 inches and the Timberhead collar pair width  783  may be configured to be as small as 14 inches or up to 40 inches. As depicted in the figures, First timberhead arm  740 , Second timberhead arm  746 , Third timberhead arm  750 , and Fourth timberhead arm  756 , are secured in place by First timberhead bracket  710 , Second timberhead bracket  716 , Third timberhead bracket  720 , Fourth timberhead bracket  726 , and Fifth timberhead bracket  730 . Fifth timberhead bracket  730  may be welded directly to Primary timberhead collar  760 . Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  are configured to surround and clasp Timberhead  790 . Timberhead collar connecting bracket  776  may be configured to adjust to multiple positions and Threaded rod  781  may be used to tighten Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  around Timberhead  790 . Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  may be configured to grasp or hold cylindrical objects having diameters between 8 and 12 inches and the timberhead arms may be configured to grasp timberheads with centers that are two feet apart. Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  may be configured to grasp timberheads with centers that are between one and three feet apart. Bolts may be threaded along Threaded rod  781  tightening them against Collar connection points  780  to tightly secure Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  around Timberhead  790 . Primary timberhead collar  760  and Secondary timberhead collar  770  may be constructed of bent pipe. Arm attachment frame  640  and Base  700  may be constructed of bent or welded plate metal, such as, for example, steel plate. The timberhead arms may be constructed of pipe or of a metal square tubing. Post arm  620  and Timberhead post  610  may also be constructed of metal square tubing. The various components described herein may be constructed of Aluminum and that aluminum may take the form of T5-5061 or T6-6061 aluminum. Bolts described herein may be at or between SAE J429 Grade 5 and Grade 8. Plate metal used herein may be ¾ inch or less and may be ½ inch plate metal. Tubing used herein may be 1 ½ inch or 2 inch square tubing and may have a wall thickness of ⅛ inch. In an alternate embodiment, 2″ pipe may be utilized. In such embodiments, the iron pipe may have a ⅛ inch wall thickness and may be A105 steel. 
     Although timberheads commonly appear in pairs and in many cases a pair of timberheads is constructed from a single piece of iron, the term “timberhead” as used herein refers to only a single vertical projection above a deck such that a Timberhead post assembly  600  as depicted in  FIG. 11  would attach to a pair of timberheads. 
     In an alternate embodiment, Timberhead post assembly  600  could be attached to a single Timberhead  790 . In such cases, Timberhead post assembly  600  may have an additional component stabilizing Timberhead post assembly  600  against horizontal motion or may be positioned between two other mooring structure rail post assemblies with taut wire rope or other stable railing potentially contributing to the horizontal stability of Timberhead post assembly  600 . 
     Example 4 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13  of the drawings, Barge  800  may incorporate Post assemblies on kevels  530 , Timberhead post assembly on timberheads  830 , Deck  303 , Bow  803 , Stern  806 , Top rail wire rope  533 , Middle rail wire rope  536 , Port holes  820 , and Cargo area  826 . Post assemblies  100  and Kevels  300  are not individually shown but are labeled collectively as Post assembly on a kevel  530 . Similarly, Timberhead post assembly on timberheads  830  includes Timberhead post assembly  600  situated on Timberheads  890 . Post assembly on a kevel  530  is shown at each of the locations where a Kevel  300  is located on Barge  800  and similarly Timberhead post assembly  600  may be situated at each location where a pair of Timberheads  890  are located. Barge  800  may be set up in this configuration or a large number of additional configurations depending on the fall protection needs for either the general purpose needs of Barge  500  or the particular situation of Barge  500  at a point in time. The combination of Post assemblies on kevels  530  and the Timberhead post assembly on timberheads  830  allows the area within Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  on Barge  800  to be expanded as compared to the area within Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  when only Post assemblies on kevels  530  are used. Further the use of Timberhead post assembly on timberheads  830  allows for better access to Timberheads  890  from the area within Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536 . As described above, the configuration of Timberhead post assembly  600  may be varied by adjusting the angles at which components, such as timberhead arms are connected to the timberhead brackets, and by adjusting the number of timberhead arms used in the setup of Timberhead post assembly  600 . For example, the number of timberhead arms could be reduced to one, two, three, or four timberhead arms per timberhead. In such case, the Timberhead post  610  would generally, but not necessarily, be situated closer to Timberheads  890 . When a barge such as Barge  800  is configured as depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13  the usable area of Deck  303  contained within both Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  may be greater than 60% of the total area of Deck  303 . Further, when a barge such as Barge  800  is configured as depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13  the usable area of Deck  303  contained within both Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  may be greater than 80% of the total area of Deck  303 . Supplemental post assemblies that are not attached to either kevels or timberheads may be added to the railing system. As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , The Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  of Barge  800  may run through Top rail eyelet  612  and Middle rail eyelet  614  respectively. Barge  800  may have a Bow  803 , a Stern  806 , Port holes  820 , and a Cargo area  826  which may, for example, be configured to carry a liquid cargo. 
     As used herein, the phrase “Nautical mooring structure” indicates a structure located on the deck of a nautical vessel suitable for mooring the nautical vessel with mooring lines. The phrase “Nautical mooring structure” encompasses Timberheads  790 , Kevels  300 , and a variety of other similarly functioning components consistent with the above description. As used herein, the phrase “Mooring structure rail post assembly” indicates a structure having a post located within 5 feet of a Nautical mooring structure that is both secured to the Nautical mooring structure and rises at least 4 foot 3 inches above the deck of the nautical vessel. The phrase “Mooring structure rail post assembly” encompasses Timberhead Post assemblies  600 , Kevel post assemblies  100 , and a variety of other similarly functioning embodiments. The number of Mooring structure rail post assemblies on a barge would in most circumstances be at least two and not greater than the combined number of Kevels  300  and Timberheads  790  on a barge. However, in circumstances in which more than one barge is adjacent to one another or docked, an individual Mooring structure rail post assembly may be used on one of the Barges. Barge  500  and Barge  800  each have a Deck  303  which is the primary walking surface for the barges. One or more of Top rail wire rope  533  and one or more of Middle rail wire rope  536  may be run through the eyelet openings of Post assemblies on kevels  530  and Timberhead Post assemblies  600 . Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  may be drawn to be taut such that they positioned to serve as a fall protection top rail and middle rail. Referring back to  FIGS. 1-5, 10, and 11  of the drawings, Primary top rail eyelet  106 , Secondary top rail eyelet  110 , and Top rail eyelet  612 , may be used to guide, secure and hold taut Top rail wire rope  533  with the selection between Primary top rail eyelet  106  and Secondary top rail eyelets  110  depending on the position of Post assembly on a kevel  530  and the desired path of the Top rail wire rope  533 . Middle rail eyelet  120 , and Middle rail eyelet  614  may be used to guide, secure and hold taut Middle rail wire rope  536 . Together, Top rail wire rope  533 , Middle rail wire rope  536 , Post assemblies on kevels  530  and Timberhead Post assemblies  600  form a fall protection barrier in the form of posts and rails to protect workers and any other occupants on Deck  303  from falling off of Deck  303 . 
     Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  are examples of materials that could be used between Mooring structure rail post assemblies. In alternate embodiments, various flexible materials with significant tensile strength may be used in place of the wire rope. Examples of replacement materials might be rope such as hemp rope, chains and various forms of wires or cables. In certain other embodiments, rigid elements could be used to span the Mooring structure rail post assemblies such as lumber or elongate rigid metal elements. Further, combinations of rigid and non-rigid materials may be used. Because Kevels  300  and Timberheads  790  would generally be considered a part of Barge  500  or Barge  800  the connection between the barges and either Kevel post assembly  100  or Timberhead post assembly  600  may be characterized as a weldless connection. 
     Together, Top rail wire rope  533 , Middle rail wire rope  536 , and Mooring structure rail post assemblies may be configured to create a fall protection system that has the following features. Top rail wire rope  533  and Middle rail wire rope  536  may be constructed of wire rope that is at least one-quarter inch in diameter. Top rail wire rope  533 , may be flagged at intervals of 6 feet or less with high-visibility material. Further, manila, plastic, or synthetic rope may be used in place of Top rail wire rope  533  or Middle rail wire rope  536 . The top edge height of Top rail wire rope  533 , or any equivalent railing may be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking, working, or deck level. Middle rail wire rope  536  may be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking, working, or deck level. The railing system may be constructed such that there are no openings in the railing system more than 19 inches. The railing system may be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds applied within 2 inches of the top edge in any outward or downward direction. Further, when the 200 pound test is applied in a downward direction, Top rail wire rope  533  may be configured such that it does not deflect to a height less than 39 inches above the walking, working, or deck level. Middle rail wire rope  536  may be used in conjunction with or replaced by screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members and in certain embodiments those structures are capable of withstanding a force of at least 150 pounds applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the Middle rail wire rope  536  or equivalent member. 
     Any number of Mooring structure rail post assemblies may be utilized in conjunction with ropes, wire ropes or other materials to create either fully enclosed areas or partially enclosed areas. In many embodiments, Mooring structure rail post assemblies are used to barricade a particular area from a precipice and the barricade terminates at one or more of Mooring structure rail post assemblies. 
     Kevel post assembly  100  and Timberhead post assembly  600  may be constructed from one or more of iron, WCB iron, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and various alloys suitable for the marine environment in which Kevel post assembly  100  and Timberhead post assembly  600  are to be utilized. Further, Kevel post assembly  100  and Timberhead post assembly  600  may be galvanized, powder coated, painted or otherwise treated to prolong the useful life of Kevel post assembly  100  and Timberhead post assembly  600 . 
     As that term is used herein “flexible tension device” includes for example chains, rope, wire rope and other similar items that can be similarly tensioned and are capable of being looped. 
     Railing structures described herein may, for example, comprise a deck; a first kevel located on the deck, the first kevel having a first kevel center of gravity; a first deck location on the deck directly below the first kevel center of gravity; a first post structure located above the deck having a first post center of gravity; a second deck location on the deck directly below the first post center of gravity; a weldless mechanical connection joining the first kevel to the first post structure; and a set of rails extending horizontally from the first post structure; wherein the first deck location is within two feet of the second deck location. In a related example, the set of rails may comprise a wire rope. In a further related example, the set of rails may comprise a flexible tension device. In a further related example, the first kevel has a first kevel top and the first kevel top may bear the majority of downward force exerted by the first post structure. In a still further related example, the first post structure is not directly connected to the deck. 
     Fall protection structures described herein may, for example, comprise a nautical vessel; a precipice on the nautical vessel; a first kevel adjacent to the precipice; a second kevel adjacent to the precipice; a first post structure connected to the first kevel; a second post structure connected to the second kevel; a top railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure; and a middle railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure; wherein the top railing and the middle railing limit access to the precipice. In a related example, the top railing and the middle railing may be located between and above the first kevel and the second kevel. In a further related example, the nautical vessel may be a barge. In a further related example, the first post structure may bolt onto the first kevel. In a still further related example, the top railing and the middle railing may enclose a portion of the nautical vessel. In a still further related example the first post structure comprises a first mechanical clamp and the second post structure comprises a second mechanical clamp. 
     Railing structures described herein may, for example, comprise a deck; a kevel positioned on the deck; a timberhead positioned on the deck; a first post mechanically attached to the kevel and rising above the deck; a first post middle attachment point on the first post; a first post upper attachment point on the first post; a second post mechanically attached to the timberhead and rising above the deck; a second post middle attachment point on the second post; a second post upper attachment point on the second post; a first rail connecting the first post middle attachment point and the second post middle attachment point; and a second rail connecting the first post upper attachment point and the second post upper attachment point. In a related example, the first rail and the second rail may comprise wire rope. In a further related example, the first rail and the second rail may comprise flexible tension devices. In a related example, the first post bolts onto the kevel. In a further related example, the second post is secured to the timberhead by way of a collar surrounding the timberhead. In a further related example, the collar is a mechanical clamp. In a further related example, the deck is situated on a barge. In a further related example, the first rail and the second rail enclose a portion of the deck. 
     Railing assemblies described herein may, for example, comprise a deck; a first timberhead; a second timberhead; a first post supported by the deck and rising above the deck; a first appendage attached to the first post and mechanically secured to the first timberhead; a second appendage attached to the first post and mechanically secured to the second timberhead; a first post middle attachment point on the first post; and a first post upper attachment point on the first post. In a related example, the first appendage comprises at least one adjustable mechanical connection. In a further related example, the first appendage comprises at least one adjustable mechanical connection and the second appendage comprises at least one adjustable mechanical connection. In a further related example, a point at which the first post is mechanically secured to the first timberhead is sufficiently above the deck to allow a mooring line to be attached to the first timberhead between the deck and the point. In a further related example, the first appendage and the second appendage are adjustable such that a distance between the first appendage and the second appendage may be changed. In a further related example, the first timberhead has a first timberhead center; the second timberhead has a second timberhead center; and the first timberhead center is between one and three feet apart from the second timberhead center. 
     The above-described embodiments have a number of independently useful individual features that have particular utility when used in combination with one another including combinations of features from embodiments described separately. There are, of course, other alternate embodiments which are obvious from the foregoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.