GB1582557A

GB1582557A - Seal for a hatchway covering

Info

Publication number: GB1582557A
Application number: GB1892177A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: VELLE SYSTEM GES fur SCHIFFSA
Current assignee: VELLE SYSTEM GES fur SCHIFFSA
Priority date: 1977-05-05
Filing date: 1977-05-05
Publication date: 1981-01-14

Description

(54) SEAL FOR A HATCHWAY COVERING (71) We, VELLE SYSTEM GESELL SCHAFT FUR SCHIFFSAUSRUSTUNGEN mbH & CO., a German Kommanditgesellschaft of Veddeler Elbdeich 27, 2 Hamburg 28, Federal Republic of Germany, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The invention relates to a seal for a hatchway covering.

Hatchway coverings usually comprise a hatch cover resting on a hatchway coaming.

Between the coaming and the cover, there may be a seal which hitherto has usually comprised a flat seal of resilient material extending substantially in a horizontal direction. Such seals do not always fulfill their sealing objective. As the structure of the ship twists when the ship is under-way or due to wave action the hatchway cover tends to move with respect to the coaming. Furthermore, due to variations in temperature, the hatch cover can be distorted with respect to the usually colder coaming, possibly to the extent that in some places the hatch cover will lift off the coaming.

Apart from leakages caused by relative movement of the hatch cover and coaming, the friction occurring subjects the seals to quite intense mechanical stresses so that there is considerable wear and tear on the seal material.

This means that at the most heavily stressed parts of the seal, there is likely to be leakages even when the ship was relatively still.

In order to counteract abrasion of the sealing material, seals have already been proposed which are intended to provide a sealing action without any elastic means being interposed, purely by virtue of frictional engagement between the hatchway cover and the hatchway coaming.

Such seals are to a large extent wear resistant.

However, they can only be expected to offer a seal against splash water, so that it is not out of the question that water can penetrate the hold.

In the case of vessels where a gas-tight seal of a hold is required such seals cannot be used.

According to the invention there is provided a seal for a hatchway covering for repeatedly sealing a removable hatch cover with respect to a hatchway coaming, including a sealing sleeve attachable to one of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming and a co-operating web attachable to the other of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming, wherein the sleeve is so shaped to elastically deform and engage, when in operative association with the cover and coaming and the hatch is closed, in sealing tight manner around and in contact with at least two opposite lateral surfaces of the web, which surfaces extend substantially in the opening and closing direction of the hatch cover, in a manner such that the load exerted on at least one of the two lateral surfaces is independent of the pressure exerted on the coaming by the cover, whilst permitting disengagement from the web when the hatch cover is removed to open the hatch.

The elastically deformable sealing sleeve is always applied in sealing-tight fashion against the sealing web co-operating with it, independently of movements of the hatch cover in relation to the hatch coaming. The all-round enclosure of the sealing web admits of movements of the hatch cover in both a horizontal and in a vertical direction without the elastically deformable sealing sleeve lifting off the sealing web. Substantial parts of the elastically deformable sealing sleeve are not loaded by the weight of the hatch cover. They engage around the sealing web on their edges which are not subject to the weight of the hatch cover, which may extend for example in a vertical direction.

In this way, also the abrasion of the seal is substantially diminished, at least at these points. Insofar as parts of the seal are loaded by the weight of the hatch cover, then these can, without any substantial reduction in sealing capacity, be produced from a material which is as far as possible resistant to abrasion.

Preferably both the sealing sleeve and the web are constructed to be elastically deformable. In this way, the two sealing surfaces can adapt to each other in optimum fashion.

Furthermore, the resilience of the seal in enhanced for the performance of movements of the hatchway cover in respect of the coaming.

The invention is diagrammatically illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-section through a hatch way covering including a seal according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-section through the seal of Figure 1, on an enlarged scale.

Referring to the drawings, a seal for a hatchway covering comprises two surfaces to be sealed, of which one 1 is provided on a hatch cover 3 and the other 2 is provided on a hatchway coaming 4. The hatch cover 3 removably covers a hatchway 5 around edges 6 and 7 of which extends the hatchway coaming 4.

The surface 1 in the embodiment shown is provided within the interior 9 of the removable hatch cover 3 and extends parallel with the bottom edge 8 thereof which is directed towards the coaming 4. A sealing sleeve is embedded in a groove 11 formed by an angle iron member 10 and the respective side face 12, 13 of the hatch cover 3, and is firmly applied against side faces 14 and a head face 15 of this groove. The sealing sleeve 16 is elastically deformable and of inverted U-shaped cross-section. It has two limbs 17, 18 which extend substantially parallel with the side faces 14. The limbs 17, 18 are connected by a yoke 19 which rests against the head face 15 of the groove 11. The sealing sleeve 16 which is made from an elastically deformable material, can be made for example, from rubber.

The two limbs 17, 18 may, in order to increase the elasticity, have cavities 20, 21 therein extending substantially parallel with the limbs 17,18.

Between the two limbs 17,18, is a sealing groove 22 which likewise extends parallel with the limbs 17,18. Side faces 23, 24 of the sealing groove 22 form the actual sealing surfaces which, in the closed condition of the hatch cover 3, are acted upon by the other surface 2.

The surface 2 is provided with an elastic support 25 constructed as a web 26 projecting towards the sealing groove 22. The width of the web 26 is so dimensioned that it can repeatedly be engaged in and removed from the sealing groove 22. When the web is engaged in the groove 22, the side faces 23, 24 of the sealing groove 22 are applied in sealing-tight fashion against opposite lateral surfaces or flanks 27, 28 of the web 26 which flanks extend substantially in the opening and closing direction of the hatch cover. The web 26 may be secured on the surface 2 by any desired means, for example by adhesion. As shown however there is, on the surface 2, a bracing rib 29 which is constructed as an inner core of the web 26. The elastic support 25 is fixedly damped or glued onto the bracing rib 29.

As the hatch cover 3 is closed, the surface 1 moves towards the surface 2 and the web 26 slides into the sealing groove 22, the side faces 23, 24 of the groove resting in sealing-tight manner on the flanks 27, 28 of the web 26.

The web 26 may be made sufficiently long for a head-shaped upper part 30 thereof to rest on the underside of the yoke 19. Any water splashed against the hatch cover 3 from outside will be unable to force its way between the web 26 and the side faces 23, 24 by reason of the frictional bearing of the side faces 23, 24 of the sealing groove 22 against the flanks 27, 28.

The attachment of the web 26 on the surface 2 also prevents water finding its way through at this position. The sealing sleeve 16 fits so firmly into the groove 11 that no water can pass between it and the sealing sleeve 16, either. In addition, the sealing sleeve 16 may, in the region in which it bears against the side faces 14 of the groove 11, be constructed as a labyrinthine packing 31. Such a labyrinthine packing comprises a number of grooves 32 extending in the longitudinal direction of the sealing sleeve 16, and, between the grooves 32, webs 33 which bear against the side faces 14 of the groove 11. Expediently, the sealing sleeve 16 has the area of its head surface 15 glued into the groove 11.

The web 26 can for its part have its flanks 27, 28 constructed as labyrinthine packings.

These are constructed in such a way that the cross-section of the web 26 has a constriction in the region of the side faces 23, 24. As a result of these constrictions 34, parts of the side faces 23, 24 lift off the flanks 27, 28 to form a narrow gap in which the pressure of any water which may have penetrated into the sealing groove 22 is dissipated, so that it cannot be drawn farther into the sealing groove 22 in the direction of the upper part 30 of the web 26. Furthermore also the web 26 may have a constriction 35 in its lower part adjacent to the bracing rib 29. The object of this constriction 35 is to make the web 26 flexible transversely in relation to its longitudinal direction and possibly to absorb any movements of the hatch cover 3 in the horizontal direction without any permanent fractures occurring at this position.

At the bottom end of the sealing sleeve 26 which is towards the surface 2, a splash guard 36 may be provided and be constructed as an extension of the sealing sleeve 16. The splash guard 36 extends substantially parallel with the outer flank 27 of the web 26 which is remote from the hatchway 5. It keeps away from the root of the web 26 any water which runs up to the hatch cover 3 from outside. For this purpose, it may also be inwardly curved towards the web 26. It is however alternatively possible to provide an opposite curvature We. outwards from the web 26.

The sealing sleeve 16 can alternatively be provided on the outside of the side faces 12, 13 of the hatch cover. It is then in the immediate region of approach of the approaching water.

Therefore, this solution can only be recommended if, for reasons of design, it is not possible for the groove 11 to be constructed on the inside of the side faces 12, 13. Another possibility for attachment of the sealing sleeve 16, is for the groove 11 to be provided at the bottom edge 8 of the hatch cover 3. In this case, the bottom edge 8 forms the head face 15 of the groove 11.

A similar seal can be achieved if the sealing sleeve 16 is provided on the surface 2 and the web 26 is provided on the surface 1 i.e. an inversion of the embodiment shown in the drawings. In this case, the sealing sleeve 16 lies in a groove 11 provided on the hatch coaming 4, while the web 26 is fitted at the bottom edge 8 of the hatch cover 3. If the bottom edge 8 is correspondingly constructed, it is also possible for this to engage directly into the sealing groove 22 of the sealing sleeve 16. In this case, it is not necessary to form a separate web 26.

In the case of all forms of embodiment, what is important is not the particular construction of the sealing sleeve 16. This can for example be constructed without the cavities 20, 21 if desired. With a corresponding design of the sealing sleeve 16, it is possible for both side faces 23, 24 of the sealing groove 22 so to be loaded by spring force and then only when the hatch cover 3 is placed in the direction of and onto the flanks 27, 28, that the side faces 23, 24 rest in sealing-tight fashion on the side faces 12, 13 of the hatch cover 3.

Possible material for both the sealing sleeve 16 and also for the web 26 would be rubber or flexible synthetic plastics materials. These increase the resilience of the hatch cover during relative movement with respect to the hatchway coaming 4. Furthermore, it is possible to use other materials which satisfy these conditions.

A particularly good seal can be achieved between the web 26 and the side faces 23, 24 if the web 26 is greased before it is engaged in the sealing groove 22. The grease settles into the cavities between the flanks 27, 28 and the side faces 23, 24 and in this way assists sealing of the web in the sealing groove 22.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A seal for a hatchway covering for repeatedly sealing a removable hatch cover with respect to a hatchway coaming, including a sealing sleeve attachable to one of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming and a co-operating web attachable to the other of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming, wherein the sleeve is so shaped to elastically deform and engage, when in operative association with the cover and coaming and the hatch is closed, in sealing tight manner around and in contact with at least two opposite lateral surfaces of the web, which surfaces extend substantially in the opening and closing direction of the hatch cover, in a manner such that the load exerted on at least one of the two lateral surfaces is independent of the pressure exerted on the coaming by the cover, whilst permitting disengagement from the web when the hatch cover is removed to open the hatch.

2. A seal according to Claim 1, wherein the web has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is attachable to the coaming by way of one lateral end surface and wherein the sealing sleeve sealingly engages all other free lateral surfaces of the web, the opposed two of which free lateral surfaces are acted upon independently of the pressure exerted on the coaming by the hatch cover.

3. A seal according to Claim 2, wherein the lateral surfaces of the web are elastically deformable.

4. A seal according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the sealing sleeve has a sealing groove which sealingly engages three surfaces of the web in the manner of a clamp or spring.

5. A seal according to Claim 4, in which the lateral surfaces of the web form labyrinthine packings with the side faces of the sealing groove against which they bear when the hatch is closed.

6. A seal according to Claim 5, in which between the side faces of the sealing groove and the lateral surfaces of the web, cavities are provided to receive a sealing means.

7. A seal according to Claim 6, in which the web has at its root a portion of reduced crosssection to increase its bending capacity.

8. A seal according to Claim 7, in which the web has a bracing rib by which it is attached to one of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming.

9. A seal according to Claim 8, in which the sealing sleeve in which the sealing groove is formed is engageable in a support groove extending along one of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming and is glued thereto, so that this support groove opens in operation towards the other of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming.

10. A seal according to Claim 9, in which the support groove forms a labyrinthine seal with at least one lateral surface of the sealing sleeve.

11. A seal according to Claim 10, including a splash guard for attachment to the end of one of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming which, in use, is directed towards the other of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming, extends in front of the root of the web and reaches as far as said other of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming.

12. A seal according to Claim 11, in which the splash guard is curved towards the web.

13. A seal according to Claim 11, in which the splash guard is curved away from the web.

14. A seal for a hatchway covering substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. case, the bottom edge 8 forms the head face 15 of the groove 11. A similar seal can be achieved if the sealing sleeve 16 is provided on the surface 2 and the web 26 is provided on the surface 1 i.e. an inversion of the embodiment shown in the drawings. In this case, the sealing sleeve 16 lies in a groove 11 provided on the hatch coaming 4, while the web 26 is fitted at the bottom edge 8 of the hatch cover 3. If the bottom edge 8 is correspondingly constructed, it is also possible for this to engage directly into the sealing groove 22 of the sealing sleeve 16. In this case, it is not necessary to form a separate web 26. In the case of all forms of embodiment, what is important is not the particular construction of the sealing sleeve 16. This can for example be constructed without the cavities 20, 21 if desired. With a corresponding design of the sealing sleeve 16, it is possible for both side faces 23, 24 of the sealing groove 22 so to be loaded by spring force and then only when the hatch cover 3 is placed in the direction of and onto the flanks 27, 28, that the side faces 23, 24 rest in sealing-tight fashion on the side faces 12, 13 of the hatch cover 3. Possible material for both the sealing sleeve 16 and also for the web 26 would be rubber or flexible synthetic plastics materials. These increase the resilience of the hatch cover during relative movement with respect to the hatchway coaming 4. Furthermore, it is possible to use other materials which satisfy these conditions. A particularly good seal can be achieved between the web 26 and the side faces 23, 24 if the web 26 is greased before it is engaged in the sealing groove 22. The grease settles into the cavities between the flanks 27, 28 and the side faces 23, 24 and in this way assists sealing of the web in the sealing groove 22. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A seal for a hatchway covering for repeatedly sealing a removable hatch cover with respect to a hatchway coaming, including a sealing sleeve attachable to one of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming and a co-operating web attachable to the other of the hatch cover and hatchway coaming, wherein the sleeve is so shaped to elastically deform and engage, when in operative association with the cover and coaming and the hatch is closed, in sealing tight manner around and in contact with at least two opposite lateral surfaces of the web, which surfaces extend substantially in the opening and closing direction of the hatch cover, in a manner such that the load exerted on at least one of the two lateral surfaces is independent of the pressure exerted on the coaming by the cover, whilst permitting disengagement from the web when the hatch cover is removed to open the hatch.