Patent ID: 8070009
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: B60P,B65D

Abstract:
1. A tank hatch system comprising: a lower frame adapted for coupling to a collar surrounding an opening of a tank, the lower frame including a retaining member; an upper frame supporting a hatch, the upper frame including a catch for limiting movement of the upper frame relative to the collar, the upper frame including at least one compressible member for lifting the hatch toward the upper frame; a generally spherical selectively inflatable member coupled to the upper frame and the hatch adjacent a center of the hatch; a hinge assembly coupled to the upper frame for pivoting the upper frame relative to said lower frame; and an actuator coupled to the upper frame for moving the upper frame between an open position and a closed position and a remote control for controlling said actuator and for controlling inflation of the inflatable member; wherein the actuator is actuated to pivot the upper frame between said open position and said closed position, when in the closed position inflation of the inflatable member forces the hatch downward away from the upper frame to form a positive seal between the hatch and the collar and the retaining member and the catch limit vertical movement of the upper frame relative to the collar, wherein the compressible member is adapted to lift the hatch toward the upper frame.