Patent ID: 6494338
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: B61D,B65D

Abstract:
A hatch cover apparatus comprising:a hatch cover body formed with a first channel at least partially defined by a first rib, a second channel at least partially defined by a second rib, and a center channel disposed between the first and second ribs, the body having a first coefficient of expansion; a sealing element being annularly shaped and formed with a sealing element body, a first leg disposed within the first channel, and a second leg disposed within the second channel, the sealing element having a second coefficient of expansion greater than the first coefficient of expansion, wherein engagement of the hatch cover with a hatch operates to move a portion of the sealing element body from a first position external to the center channel to a second position at least partially disposed within the center channel, and wherein the center channel is substantially devoid of the sealing element in the first position.