Patent GB-1026417-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to retractable hatch covers
IPC: B63B19/18
Filed: 1963-10-02
Abstract: 1,026,417. Hatch covers. R. C. CAILLET. Oct. 2, 1963 [Oct. 2, 1962; May 9, 1963], No. 38754/63. Heading B7S.  A hatch cover comprises elements 1 (Figs. 1, 2, not shown) of generally Z-section, with a vertical web 4 and horizontal portions 5, 6 stackable one on another on a carriage 11 forming the end element 12) and means 8 connecting one element with another so that with any elements in stacked position a force exerted to close the hatch (via cables) unstacks the elements successively commencing with the last element to be stacked. The cover elements slide on slides 2 along the hatchway and the carriage 11 rests on the hatchway edges by means of angle irons 13. The end element 12 carries a ramp 17, the next has rollers 16 and this and the following elements have struts 7 which come into engagement with the angle irons 13 when the carriage is moved in the direction of arrow F1 to open the hatch so that the elements are tilted and stacked on the carriage as in Fig. 2. In the closed position stops 18 engage in apertures 19 to keep the elements in place. The connecting means may comprise chain 20 (Figs. 3 and 4, not shown). In Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown) adjacent elements 26, 28 are connected by a compass having arms 22, 23. In the embodiments of Fig. 10 (not shown) the carriage 32 moves over a ramp 33. (The means connecting the elements 34 are not shown.) In Fig. 11 (not shown) the end element 80 moves over the rollway and the elements 34 are held in stacked position by hooks 82 automatically released by chains or cables 83 as the elements are moved to close the hatch. In Figs. 16 and 18 (not shown) the slideway 52 on either side of the hatch opening 51 is offset downwardly at 52a to accommodate the wheels 54 of the end element 53 in the hatch closed condition. The element 53 carries racks 55 and the elements 57 have tilting bars 61 pivoted at 62 on their webs 57b. Bars 61 engage racks 55 when the elements are being stacked and are released by the connecting links 63. The element 53 is moved via cables 67, 68. In the embodiment of Fig. 19 (not shown) the carriage comprises two parts, a bottom part 85 which slides over the edge of the hatchway and a top part 86 connected thereto by pivoted rods 87, the parts being articulated. at 100 to a wheeled end element 101. The cover elements carry continuations 87a. As the hatch is opened by a pull-on eyelet 89 the elements are collected and stacked with the top part 86 rest. ing on the bottom part and inoperative. When a pull is applied on eyelet 90 to close the hatch the rods swing up to abut stops 88 so that the top part 86 supports the elements via the continuations 87a, the elements being pulled off successively as the end element is moved to the left. In another embodiment the two parts connected by pivoted rods 87 are replaced by parts incorporating a movable wedge-shaped member. The members connecting one cover element with another are inclined symmetrically to the axis of closure to prevent lateral movements of the elements and provide a vertical force to ensure sealing of the hatch, e.g. by the interposition of a flexible gasket.