Title:
ATTACHABLE PREFABRICATED HATCH
United States Patent 3665661
Abstract:
A prefabricated hatch construction for attachment over an opening in a wall or the like, comprising a rectangular reinforced plastic frame and a reinforced plastic cover hinged thereto. The frame is of channel-like cross section, including a depending inner skirt to extend through the wall opening and an outwardly extending peripheral flange to overlie and be secured to those portions of the wall which border the opening thereof. The flange has a reversely curved section providing for wind and rain deflection, and also constituting a springy-bearing for a sealing gasket which is engageable with the wall. The cover is crowned and has a depending peripheral flange which wedgingly engages the channel section of the frame to effect a tight seal. Adjustable telescopic struts provide for holding the cover in various open positions on the frame, and cooperable fastener devices lock the cover in its closed position.
US Patent References:
Ventilating skylight window
Whitnell - December 1924 - 1519427
Sash lifter and fastener
Gibbons - September 1926 - 1601524
Refrigerating vehicle body
Dean - August 1936 - 2050425
Integral roof sheet and hatch frame
Thompson - August 1951 - 2565706
Hatchway closure
Ahnell - December 1953 - 2663268
Ventilating skylight window
Whitnell - December 1924 - 1519427
Sash lifter and fastener
Gibbons - September 1926 - 1601524
Refrigerating vehicle body
Dean - August 1936 - 2050425
Integral roof sheet and hatch frame
Thompson - August 1951 - 2565706
Hatchway closure
Ahnell - December 1953 - 2663268
Application Number:
04/875206
Publication Date:
05/30/1972
Filing Date:
11/10/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
52/200, 52/97
International Classes:
B63B19/14; B63B19/00; E02D29/12; E04F19/08; E04B7/18
Field of Search:
52/200,202,204,19,97,66,72,20,1,173 114/201 292/256.75,256.5,267,276,338 49/386,394
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Abbott, Frank L.
Assistant Examiner:
Braun, Leslie A.
Claims:
I claim
1. A hatch for attachment to a panel-like structure in which there is an opening, comprising in combination:
2. A hatch as in claim 1, and further including:
3. A hatch as in claim 2, wherein:
1. A hatch for attachment to a panel-like structure in which there is an opening, comprising in combination:
2. A hatch as in claim 1, and further including:
3. A hatch as in claim 2, wherein:
Description:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to hatch structures, particularly marine hatches, which are attachable to walls, panels and the like to constitute weathertight openable closures for openings in said walls.
Heretofore, weatherproof hatch structures for the above purpose were constituted of multi-part frames and cooperable multi-part hinged covers, representing an appreciable cost of parts and assemblies. Where efforts were made to simplify the hatch structures and reduce the costs, as by resorting to cheaper materials, there resulted a loss of performance in that strength was sacrificed, or ease of operation or weatherproof or sealing qualities, to the end that the hatch failed in the important objective of a reliably weathertight closure that successfully withstood corrosive environments and various physical stresses such as bearing the weight of a heavy person standing on it.
SUMMARY
The above drawbacks and disadvantages of prior hatch structures are obviated by the present invention, which has for one object the provision of an improved hatch of exceptionally low cost, which can be easily and quickly installed while at the same time being physically sturdy, resistant to weathering and corrosion, and characterized by tight sealing or excellent weatherproof qualities whereby there is essentially no leakage when properly installed. This is accomplished by the provision of a prefabricated assemblage of reinforced plastic, channel-section frame and hinged reinforced plastic cover of crowned and flanged configuration. A peripheral depending flange and adjoining marginal portions of the cover wedgingly fit over portions of the channel section of the frame to provide both a good sealing fit and structural reinforcement. The frame has a beaded exterior flange adapted for attachment to the panelling or deck, the bead formation providing a special sealing edge for engagement with an interposed gasket. Together with a gasket between the frame and marginal portions of the cover, the above structures cooperate to effect a sturdy and leakproof hatch of especially low cost, which may be easily and quickly installed.
Other features and objects of the invention reside in the simplicity of the reinforced plastic components and associated fittings, the provision for deflecting driving rain and wind past the mating edges, the ease of operation, and the simple yet positive adjustment and lock devices.
Still other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.
In the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the improved prefabricated, reinforced plastic hatch construction as provided by the invention.
FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1 and showing the hatch with the cover closed.
FIG. 3 is a view like that of FIG. 2 but showing the cover raised or open.
FIG. 4 is a transverse section, taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 1, illustrating in enlarged detail the configurations of the frame and cover members where they effect the seals.
FIG. 6 is a detail partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating one of the adjustable telescopic struts as provided in the hatch.
Considering first FIGS. 1-5, the improved hatch is shown as mounted on a deck, wall or other panel-like structure 10 which has a large opening 12 to admit light and air, or sometimes personnel. The deck or panelling 10 may be of the usual wooden or fiberglass construction, adapted to accommodate either wood screws, sheet metal screws or fastening bolts.
The hatch construction as shown comprises a continuous reinforced plastic frame 14 here illustrated as being rectangular, said frame having a channel-like section comprising spaced-apart inner and outer walls 16, 18 which are joined by a top web or connector portion 20. The frame includes an outwardly extended flange designated generally by the numeral 22, said flange being adapted to overlie portions 24 of the deck or panel-like structure 10 where such portions border the opening 12. The frame 14 also includes a continuous depending skirt 26 disposed along its inner sides and adapted to extend into the opening 12 of the deck, said skirt being shown as integral with the inner wall 16 of the channel section.
Hingedly mounted on the frame 14 is a crowned cover 28 of reinforced plastic, said cover being adapted to span the area of the frame and at its peripheral portions to overlie the channel section comprising the portions 16, 18 and 20. The frame 14 and cover 28 of reinforced plastic may have any suitable formulation well known in the industry, including fiberglass or other reinforcement.
The cover member 28 has a raised central portion formed by triangular or roughly triangular panel areas 30, 32, 34 and 36 which provide a somewhat flattened pyramidal shape. The cover 28 includes a marginal depending flange 38 arranged to extend around the exterior of the channel section of the frame 14 and to wedgingly engage the latter so as to provide a weathertight and leakproof seal, as clearly seen in FIG. 5. To supplement such seal, a flat gasket 40 is provided at the underside of the marginal portion of the cover 28, in engagement with the web portion 20 of the web 14.
The cover 28 is pivotally mounted on the frame 14 by means of hinges 42 secured to the cover flange 38 and also to the frame flange 22. Also, in accordance with the invention, adjustable telescopic struts designated generally by the numeral 44 are secured to opposite portions of the depending skirt 26 of the frame 14 and to spaced-apart portions of the cover 28 to support the latter in different raised positions on the frame. One such raised position is illustrated in FIG. 3.
As provided by the invention, the cover 28 may be locked in its closed position by means of a first fastener device 46 mounted on the underside of the cover at the center of one marginal portion thereof, and by a second fastener device 48 which is mounted on the inside of the frame 14 and is cooperable with the first fastener device. As shown herein, the fastener device 46 on the cover comprises a pivotally mounted screw 50 having a hand nut or knurled nut 52, said screw being receivable in a bifurcated fitting which comprises the second fastener device and which is indicated by the numeral 48. The fitting 48 has a pair of ears 54 adapted to extend on opposite sides of the screw 50 and to be engaged by the locking nut 52, all as illustrated in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, each telescopic strut 44 comprises an outer tubular member 56 which telescopically receives an inner round bar member 58, the latter being pivotally carried by a bifurcated fitting 60 secured to the underside of the cover 28. The bar member 58 passes through an eye-bolt 62 which is carried by a head fitting 64 secured to the end of the outer tubular member 56. A wing nut 66 on the eye-bolt 62 is adapted to tighten the bolt whereby the bar 58 can be clamped in various adjusted positions in the fitting 64. The tubular member 56 of the strut is secured in a pivot fitting 68 which is connected by means of a rivet 70 to a mounting 72 in turn secured to the depending skirt 26 of the frame 14.
It will be understood that when the wing nut 66 is loose, the strut bar member 58 may be shifted in the tubular member 56 to permit the raising and lowering of the cover 28. Tightening of the wing nut 66 will lock the strut 44 in adjusted position, thereby securing the cover 28 either closed or else in various open positions.
In accordance with this invention, the flange 22 of the frame 14 has a special configuration by which a more effective seal can be established between the frame and the deck 10 and at the same time a deflecting means is had to divert driving wind and rain upward past the wedged portions 18, 38 of the frame and cover, and over the top of the latter. Referring to FIG. 5, the flange 22 has reverse bends providing an upwardly extending bead portion 74 and a downwardly extending bead portion 76. Disposed under the bead portion 76 is a flat gasket 78 adapted for engagement with said bead portion and also with the deck 24. The gasket 78 is sufficiently thick and yieldable so that it can be compressed by the bead 76 when the flange 22 is screwed or bolted to the deck or panel 24, as shown. The plastic formulation of the frame 14 and cover 28 provides for resilience and flexibility of these parts, whereby a slight amount of yielding of the bead sections 74, 76 can take place as the flange 22 is bolted down and against the gasket 78. The bead portion 74 which extends upward is not quite as high as the channel section of the frame 14 but is higher than a bottom edge of the cover flange 38. The bead portion 74 constitutes a shield which acts to divert driving wind and rain (indicated by the arrows 80) upward and past the wedgingly engaged portions 18, 38 of the frame and cover, said wind and rain being directed over the top of the cover 28 as indicated. Accordingly, there is had an improved seal and weathertight joint by virtue of the deflecting means comprising the beads 74 and 76.
When the cover 28 is pulled down tightly and locked in the closed position, the flange 38 thereof will wedge tightly above the outside of the wall 18 of the channel section of the frame 14, said parts yielding slightly as required. The locking of the cover 28 in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 2 will effect a sealing engagement between the frame 14 and the gasket 40 so that there is double insurance against leakage.
I have found that with a prefabricated hatch construction of reinforced plastic as above illustrated and described, great strength is had, sufficient to withstand the weight of a 300 lb. person or more, standing on the cover 28. The reinforced plastic is resistant to corrosion and to the adverse effects of weather, and normally will not warp nor loose its strength or structural characteristics. The frame and cover parts may be quickly economically molded or formed in dies, and assembled to the fittings with a minimum of labor and expense. Accordingly, the hatch can be produced at a desirable low cost, while at the same time representing a sturdy and effective accessory for marine or other use.
Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.
This invention relates to hatch structures, particularly marine hatches, which are attachable to walls, panels and the like to constitute weathertight openable closures for openings in said walls.
Heretofore, weatherproof hatch structures for the above purpose were constituted of multi-part frames and cooperable multi-part hinged covers, representing an appreciable cost of parts and assemblies. Where efforts were made to simplify the hatch structures and reduce the costs, as by resorting to cheaper materials, there resulted a loss of performance in that strength was sacrificed, or ease of operation or weatherproof or sealing qualities, to the end that the hatch failed in the important objective of a reliably weathertight closure that successfully withstood corrosive environments and various physical stresses such as bearing the weight of a heavy person standing on it.
SUMMARY
The above drawbacks and disadvantages of prior hatch structures are obviated by the present invention, which has for one object the provision of an improved hatch of exceptionally low cost, which can be easily and quickly installed while at the same time being physically sturdy, resistant to weathering and corrosion, and characterized by tight sealing or excellent weatherproof qualities whereby there is essentially no leakage when properly installed. This is accomplished by the provision of a prefabricated assemblage of reinforced plastic, channel-section frame and hinged reinforced plastic cover of crowned and flanged configuration. A peripheral depending flange and adjoining marginal portions of the cover wedgingly fit over portions of the channel section of the frame to provide both a good sealing fit and structural reinforcement. The frame has a beaded exterior flange adapted for attachment to the panelling or deck, the bead formation providing a special sealing edge for engagement with an interposed gasket. Together with a gasket between the frame and marginal portions of the cover, the above structures cooperate to effect a sturdy and leakproof hatch of especially low cost, which may be easily and quickly installed.
Other features and objects of the invention reside in the simplicity of the reinforced plastic components and associated fittings, the provision for deflecting driving rain and wind past the mating edges, the ease of operation, and the simple yet positive adjustment and lock devices.
Still other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.
In the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the improved prefabricated, reinforced plastic hatch construction as provided by the invention.
FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1 and showing the hatch with the cover closed.
FIG. 3 is a view like that of FIG. 2 but showing the cover raised or open.
FIG. 4 is a transverse section, taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 1, illustrating in enlarged detail the configurations of the frame and cover members where they effect the seals.
FIG. 6 is a detail partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating one of the adjustable telescopic struts as provided in the hatch.
Considering first FIGS. 1-5, the improved hatch is shown as mounted on a deck, wall or other panel-like structure 10 which has a large opening 12 to admit light and air, or sometimes personnel. The deck or panelling 10 may be of the usual wooden or fiberglass construction, adapted to accommodate either wood screws, sheet metal screws or fastening bolts.
The hatch construction as shown comprises a continuous reinforced plastic frame 14 here illustrated as being rectangular, said frame having a channel-like section comprising spaced-apart inner and outer walls 16, 18 which are joined by a top web or connector portion 20. The frame includes an outwardly extended flange designated generally by the numeral 22, said flange being adapted to overlie portions 24 of the deck or panel-like structure 10 where such portions border the opening 12. The frame 14 also includes a continuous depending skirt 26 disposed along its inner sides and adapted to extend into the opening 12 of the deck, said skirt being shown as integral with the inner wall 16 of the channel section.
Hingedly mounted on the frame 14 is a crowned cover 28 of reinforced plastic, said cover being adapted to span the area of the frame and at its peripheral portions to overlie the channel section comprising the portions 16, 18 and 20. The frame 14 and cover 28 of reinforced plastic may have any suitable formulation well known in the industry, including fiberglass or other reinforcement.
The cover member 28 has a raised central portion formed by triangular or roughly triangular panel areas 30, 32, 34 and 36 which provide a somewhat flattened pyramidal shape. The cover 28 includes a marginal depending flange 38 arranged to extend around the exterior of the channel section of the frame 14 and to wedgingly engage the latter so as to provide a weathertight and leakproof seal, as clearly seen in FIG. 5. To supplement such seal, a flat gasket 40 is provided at the underside of the marginal portion of the cover 28, in engagement with the web portion 20 of the web 14.
The cover 28 is pivotally mounted on the frame 14 by means of hinges 42 secured to the cover flange 38 and also to the frame flange 22. Also, in accordance with the invention, adjustable telescopic struts designated generally by the numeral 44 are secured to opposite portions of the depending skirt 26 of the frame 14 and to spaced-apart portions of the cover 28 to support the latter in different raised positions on the frame. One such raised position is illustrated in FIG. 3.
As provided by the invention, the cover 28 may be locked in its closed position by means of a first fastener device 46 mounted on the underside of the cover at the center of one marginal portion thereof, and by a second fastener device 48 which is mounted on the inside of the frame 14 and is cooperable with the first fastener device. As shown herein, the fastener device 46 on the cover comprises a pivotally mounted screw 50 having a hand nut or knurled nut 52, said screw being receivable in a bifurcated fitting which comprises the second fastener device and which is indicated by the numeral 48. The fitting 48 has a pair of ears 54 adapted to extend on opposite sides of the screw 50 and to be engaged by the locking nut 52, all as illustrated in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, each telescopic strut 44 comprises an outer tubular member 56 which telescopically receives an inner round bar member 58, the latter being pivotally carried by a bifurcated fitting 60 secured to the underside of the cover 28. The bar member 58 passes through an eye-bolt 62 which is carried by a head fitting 64 secured to the end of the outer tubular member 56. A wing nut 66 on the eye-bolt 62 is adapted to tighten the bolt whereby the bar 58 can be clamped in various adjusted positions in the fitting 64. The tubular member 56 of the strut is secured in a pivot fitting 68 which is connected by means of a rivet 70 to a mounting 72 in turn secured to the depending skirt 26 of the frame 14.
It will be understood that when the wing nut 66 is loose, the strut bar member 58 may be shifted in the tubular member 56 to permit the raising and lowering of the cover 28. Tightening of the wing nut 66 will lock the strut 44 in adjusted position, thereby securing the cover 28 either closed or else in various open positions.
In accordance with this invention, the flange 22 of the frame 14 has a special configuration by which a more effective seal can be established between the frame and the deck 10 and at the same time a deflecting means is had to divert driving wind and rain upward past the wedged portions 18, 38 of the frame and cover, and over the top of the latter. Referring to FIG. 5, the flange 22 has reverse bends providing an upwardly extending bead portion 74 and a downwardly extending bead portion 76. Disposed under the bead portion 76 is a flat gasket 78 adapted for engagement with said bead portion and also with the deck 24. The gasket 78 is sufficiently thick and yieldable so that it can be compressed by the bead 76 when the flange 22 is screwed or bolted to the deck or panel 24, as shown. The plastic formulation of the frame 14 and cover 28 provides for resilience and flexibility of these parts, whereby a slight amount of yielding of the bead sections 74, 76 can take place as the flange 22 is bolted down and against the gasket 78. The bead portion 74 which extends upward is not quite as high as the channel section of the frame 14 but is higher than a bottom edge of the cover flange 38. The bead portion 74 constitutes a shield which acts to divert driving wind and rain (indicated by the arrows 80) upward and past the wedgingly engaged portions 18, 38 of the frame and cover, said wind and rain being directed over the top of the cover 28 as indicated. Accordingly, there is had an improved seal and weathertight joint by virtue of the deflecting means comprising the beads 74 and 76.
When the cover 28 is pulled down tightly and locked in the closed position, the flange 38 thereof will wedge tightly above the outside of the wall 18 of the channel section of the frame 14, said parts yielding slightly as required. The locking of the cover 28 in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 2 will effect a sealing engagement between the frame 14 and the gasket 40 so that there is double insurance against leakage.
I have found that with a prefabricated hatch construction of reinforced plastic as above illustrated and described, great strength is had, sufficient to withstand the weight of a 300 lb. person or more, standing on the cover 28. The reinforced plastic is resistant to corrosion and to the adverse effects of weather, and normally will not warp nor loose its strength or structural characteristics. The frame and cover parts may be quickly economically molded or formed in dies, and assembled to the fittings with a minimum of labor and expense. Accordingly, the hatch can be produced at a desirable low cost, while at the same time representing a sturdy and effective accessory for marine or other use.
Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.