US3364894A

US3364894A - Hatch cover having flush mounted jacking wheel and linking means between panels

Info

Publication number: US3364894A
Application number: US528110A
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry A Rozanski
Original assignee: Wiley Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Wiley Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1966-02-17
Filing date: 1966-02-17
Publication date: 1968-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 1985-01-23

Description

3 Sheets-Sheet l H. A. ROZANSKI HATCH COVER HAVING FLUSH MOUNTED JACKING WHEEL AND LINKING MEANS BETWEEN PANELS I I II IIL Jan. 23, 1968 Filed Feb. 17, 1966 I I I I Jan. 23, 1968 H. A ROZANSKI 3,364,894

HATCH COVER HAVING FLUSH MOUNTED JACKING WHEEL AND LINKING MEANS BETWEEN PANELS Filed Feb. 17, 1966 3 sheets-sheet 2 I %'4' A 22 42 Z5 ATTORNEYfi Jan. 23, 1968 H. A. ROZANSKI 3,364,894

HATCH COVER HAVING FLUSH MOUNTED JACKING WHEEL AND LINKING MEANS BETWEEN PANELS lled Feb 17 1966 s Sheets-Sheet s 7 \J INVENTOR AQ-A FY P02194656! 14AM ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,364,894 HATCH COVER HAVING FLUSH MOUNTED .lACKING WHEEL AND LINKING MEANS BETWEEN PANELS Henry A. Rozanski, Elizabethtown, Pa., assignor to Wiley Manufacturing Company, Port Deposit, Md., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 17, 1966, Ser. No. 528,110 7 Claims. (Cl. 114-202) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A hatch cover assembly is provided with articulations which are carried completely below an upper surface level of the hatch cover assembly when it is closed over a hatchway. The articulations include a novel jacking wheel and linking system between adjoining pairs of panels of an assembly having four individual panels. The jacking wheel is mounted to extend alongside of and beyond a leading edge of an adjoining panel, and a separate linking means is associated with the jacking wheel to initially unseal and to space an adjoining panel from a panel to which the jacking wheel is attached when the assembly is moved to a fully open position with all panels in face to face relationships.

This invention relates to hatch cover assemblies for ships and more particularly to an improved means for mounting a plurality of hatch cover panels for opening and closing movements within a hatchway in the deck of a marine vessel.

Hatch cover assemblies are generally well known in the art, and most often comprise a panel or a plurality of panels which can be moved into and out of a closing relationship to an open hatchway in the deck of a ship. Some hatch cover assemblies are mounted above deck and cover the entire hatchway opening, while others are designed to be mounted at a level which is flush with the deck when the panels are moved to a closed position over.

the hatchway. The present invention is directed to the latter type of hatch cover assembly, and is concerned with providing an improved mounting means for a plurality of panels which can be closed to seal the hatchway and which include no elements which protrude above the surface of the deck when the hatch cover is in a closed position.

Prior hatch cover assemblies which have been designed for a flush mounting relative to a ships deck have included certain hinging portions and actuating elements which protrude above the surface of the deck when the hatch cover is closed. Although it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to provide for a completely flush surface of a closed hatch cover assembly, there has been no solution to this problem because the size and weight characteristics of hatch cover panels, together with the necessity for providing means to actuate them from closed to opened positions, has necessitated the use of a certain number of elements and devices which protrude above the deck surface when the hatch cover is closed. The present invention solves this problem by providing a novel linking means between individual hatch cover panels and by providing a novel actuating means for initiating folding movements of such panels, wherein both the linking means and actuating means are positioned entirely below the deck surface of a closed hatch cover. Further, the present invention provides for a hatch cover which effectively seals the hatchway when the plurality of panels of the hatch cover assembly are brought to a closed position.

The preferred construction of this invention is used 3,354,894 Patented Jan. 23, 1968 with a hatch cover assembly of the type having two or more pairs of panels which can be actuated from a closed position to a folded open position. The pairs of panels are arranged to lie flatly side by side within the confines of a hatchway when they are unfolded and in a closed, sealed position. The plurality of panels of a given hatch cover assembly are articulated to one another, and the means for articulating adjoining panel edges includes a novel linking means which interconnects adjoining panels for pivotal movement while at the same time eliminating any above deck protrusions or hinges, as have been common in the prior art. Adjoining pairs of panels can be tented by lifting the points of articulation between panels making up each pair, whereby the adjoining pairs of panels are tented and folded toward one end of the hatchway in an accordion fashion. An end panel of the series of panels is connected for pivotal movement to an edge of the hatchway so that all of the separate panels can be brought to a folded condition with each panel substantially vertical relative to the deck of the ship and with all panels positioned at the end of the hatchway when the hatchway is opened.

The invention also provides for a novel jacking wheel construction which is positioned between second and third panels of a typical series of four panels. The jacking wheel construction provides for an initial upward movement of all panels of the series upon actuation of the first pair of panels for opening the hatchway. This upward movement of all panels provides for a simultaneous and immediate unsealing of the entire hatch cover upon initial opening and folding movements of the hatch cover assembly. The novel jacking wheel construction provides for the above functions while at the same time presenting no protrusions or projecting members above the surface of a ships deck when the hatch cover assembly is closed and sealed. The advantage in such a flush water-tight hatch cover assembly is apparent from the substantial benefits in having a completely flat deck surface with no protruding members which will interfere with free movement across the deck or with the storage of cargo above deck.

These and other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, and in the detailed description reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a ships deck having a hatchway therethrough, and showing two sets of hatch cover assemblies within the hatchwa;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the hatch cover assemblies of FIGURE 1, showing them in closed positions;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the two hatch cover assemblies of FIGURE 2, showing one assembly partially opened and a second assembly completely opened;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of a jacking wheel means used with the hatch cover of this invention;

FIGURE 5 is a top view of the jacking wheel means shown in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view schematically showing the relationship of a jacking wheel means and associated linking means for adjacent panels in closed positions;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view similar to FIG- URE 6 and showing one panel being raised to a folded, open position;

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view similar to F1"- URES 6 and 7 showing both panels in folded, open positions;

FIGURE 9 illustrates an elevational view taken at line -9 of FIGURE 1 and showing a sealing means between adjacent panels;

FIGURE illustrates an elevational view at 19-10 of FIGURE 1 and showing a sealing means between opposed sets of hatch covers;

FIGURE 11 illustrates an elevational view at 11-11 of FIGURE 1 and showing a sealing means between adjacent panels;

FIGURE 12 illustrates an elevational view of hinging and sealing means at line 1212 of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken through line 1313 of FIGURE 1 and showing a supporting ledge and sealing means running along the length of the hatchway.

FIGURE 1 shows the deck of a ship having a hatchway 10 through the deck for loading and unloading a cargo space within the interior of the ship. The hatchway 10 is substantially rectangular in shape, and includes two sets of hatch covers which close the hatchway for sealing the same and for protecting the contents of the ship. The hatch covers are illustrated as comprising two

sets

12 and 14 which are mounted at opposite ends of the hatchway with each hatch cover assembly including four separate panel members. The panels are articulated to one another so that the entire assembly of a given

hatch cover

12 or 14 can be folded in accordion fashion to One end of the hatchway. This form 'of hatch cover arrangement is well known in the art and by itself comprises no part of the present invention.

The hatch cover assemblies include actuating means for causing the panels of a given assembly to be folded or unfolded relative to one another for opening or closing the hatchway. Various actuating mechanisms are well known in the art, and the present invention is illustrated with reference to power hinge means 18 which are hydraulically operated for actuating separatepairs of panels in a hatch cover assembly. Such power hinge means are described more completely in Duner Patent 3,127,817 and in the copending application Serial No. 501,314 filed October 22, 1965 and owned by the assignee of the'present invention. The power hinges, or other actuating means, are positioned between adjacent panels in a given pair of panels, and in the hatch cover assembly described for this invention there will be two pairs of panels having two panels in each pair. The actuating means and the hinging or linking means between all adjacent panels of a given assembly are constructed to be contained'entirely below the deck level. of the ship when the panels are in fiat, closed positions within .a hatchway. This feature permits the hatch cover assemblies to be closed in flush, sealing positions within a hatchway so as to present a smooth surface with the adjoining deck surface around the hatchwayvNo protruding hinge parts or actuating devices interrupt the surface, and therefore, when the hatch covers are closed, the deck may be used for storage purposes or for moving vehicles across the surface without'interference from any protruding parts.

1 FIGURESZ and 3 illustrate side elevational views of all of the separate panels making up the two

hatch cover assemblies

12 and 14. FIGURE 2 illustrates the positions for all panels when the hatch covers are in fully closed and sealed positions. FIGURE 3 illustrates an initial movement of one of .the hatch cover assemblies 12 for opening the same, while a separateassembly 14 is in a completely open position. This movement is brought about by the application of a force to the hinge 18 between first and

second panels

20 and 22, and this force is of a type that will lift the two panels at their hinge line so that the panel 22 can be folded and moved toward the panel 20. The panel 29 is fixed to one end of'the hatchway at 24 so that it can pivot from a completely horizontal position to a vertical upright position. FIG- URE 3 also illustrates a novel jacking wheel means 26 which is a part of the present invention and which is mounted between second and

third panels

22 and 28 of a series of panels in the hatch cover assembly 12.

The folding sequence for the hatch cover assembly provides for an initial folding of the first pair of

panels

20 and 22 before beginning the folding movements for the second pair of

panels

28 and 30. Thus, the initial lifting and folding movement of the pair of

panels

20 and 22 will require that the remaining panels of the assembly be dragged along to compensate for the movement of the

panels

26 and 22. Since the hatch cover assembly is constructed to provide sealing means about the entire hatchway (as will be described in greater detail later), it will be appreciated that sliding or dragging movements of the panels may damage the sealing means if the sealing relationship between given panels and supporting structure for those panels is not first released.

Therefore, this invention provides for a jacking wheel 26, together with cooperating linking elements, which will release the sealed condition of all closed panels upon initial opening movements of a first pair of panels. The jacking wheel means 26 is rigidly afiixed to the second pane 22 so as to extend past the position of the third panel 28, and in this way the movement of the second panel 22, in its folding sequence, applies a lifting movement to the third panel 28 to release its sealing means. Linking members between the

panels

22 and 28 cooperate with the jacking wheel 26 to apply a lifting movement to a leading edge of the panel. 28 and this removes the sealing means of that panel out of engagement with below deck supporting structure for the panel. In addition, the panels 28 and 3% are hinged together in such a manner that they can be pivoted relative to one another in one direction only; that is, in a direction which lifts the hinging means between

the'panels

28 and 30 so that lower faces of the panels will be moved toward one another. The hinging arrangement is such that the panels cannot be reversely folded in a pivotal direction which would move the upper faces of the two

panels

28 and 30 toward one. another;

and, in fact, the upper surfaces of those panels are main- 7 tained at coextensive planar positions relative to one an-,

other during initial folding movements of the assembly.

Thus, when the jacking wheel means 26 lifts the panel 23 upwardly away from its sealed position in thehatchway,

there is a simultaneous lifting of theadjoining panel 30 upwardly awayfrom its sealed position in the hatchway;

This initial movement causes all panels to be lifted to 7 break their sealed relationship with the hatchway all at once. By separating the sealing gaskets and other sealing devices from cooperating members within the hatchway, the panels are free to slide toward the end of the hatchway where they will be stacked when they are folded to open the hatchway. Roller members'34 are provided at the trailing edges of each hatch cover series to assist in the sliding movements of the assembly. For the hatch cover 12, which is illustrated in FIGURE 3, all of the separate panels will be moved toward the point of at tachment 24 of the first panel 20 to a portion of the deck.

Thus it can be seen that the hatch cover assemblies'are made up, of pairs of panels, which may be of any convenient number but which are illustrated in a typical embodiment as having two pairs of panels for each as sembly. V

Referring to FIGURES 4 and 5, the jacking wheel means is illustrated in greater detail. The jacking wheel 26 includes a mounting member 36 which is rigidly mounted to or otherwise affixed to the second panel22 of the series of panels in an assembly. The mounting member 35 of the jacking wheelextends beyond a trailing edge of the panel 22 (considering the trailing edge to be the edge which follows the direction of folding move ment when a panel assembly is folded for opening the hatchway), and a roller or otherbearing member 33 is provided at the trailing end of the mounting member 36.

tained below the surface of the deck when the hatch cover assembly is closed. By extending the jacking wheel means beyond the trailing edge of the second panel 22, it can be seen that the jacking wheel will overlap the leading edge of the adjoining, third panel 28. In this manner, when the first pair of

panels

20 and 22 are actuated for a folding movement, the second panel 22 will act as a lever to lift the second'pair of panels 28 and 39. The jacking wheel means 26 carries with it a novel, below deck linking means for engaging and lifting the second pair of

panels

28 and 30 upon initial folding movements of the first pair of

panels

20 and 22. The linking means includes two linking

elements

40 and 42 which provide for a connection between the adjacent pairs of panels at the adjoining edges of

panels

22 and 28. One of the linking elements of the linking means is arranged to engage and lift a leading edge of the panel 28 so as to lift it away from its sealed engagement with the below deck supporting structure. As discussed above, the lifting of panel 28 also effects a lifting of the adjoining panel 30 since a reverse folding of the

panels

28 and 30 is prevented by a suitable limiting means on the hinge device between those two panels.

FIGURES 6 through 8 illustrate schematically the geometry of the jacking wheel means and the cooperating structure of the linking means of this invention. In FIG- URE 6 the adjoining

panels

22 and 28 are shown in their horizontally closed positions within the hatchway. The jacking wheel means 26 is shown in outline form only, and the roller member 38 of the jacking wheel is illustrated to show its relative positions during an opening movement of the hatch cover assembly. The linking element 4!) is pivotally mounted at 44 to a portion of the panel 22. This pivotal mounting provides for an attachment of the linking member to the panel 22 while perrnitting movement of the linking element 40 only in a direction upwardly past the upper surface of the panel 22. A second linking element 42 of the linking means is suitably mounted for pivotal movement at 46 on a trailing end of the first linking element 40. The second linking element 42 extends beyond the trailing edge of the panel 22 and is attached to the adjoining panel 28 in any suitable manner, such as by welding or bolting a trailing edge of the element 42 to a portion of the panel 28. FIG- URE 7 illustrates the relative positions of the members during an initial folding movement of a first pair of panels in a hatch cover assembly. During this initial movement, the roller 38 of the jacking wheel means rolls along its track toward the end of the hatchway at which the assembly will be stacked. The roller 38 will act as a fulcrum point about which the linking

elements

40 and 42 can operate as a lever to lift the leading edge of the panel 28. The element 48 remains in its original position during these initial movements, but the linking element 42 pivots on its axis 46 relative to the element 40 and engages the leading edge of the adjoining panel 28 to lift the panel upwardly away from the supporting structure upon which it normally rests when the entire assembly is closed. Although the element 42 has been described as being welded to or bolted to the leading edge of the panel 28, it could likewise be mounted for limited pivotal movement at its trailing end with the main body of the element 42 being positioned to engage a portion of the panel 28 for lifting the same upon folding movement of the panel 22. FIGURE 8 illustrates the positions of the

panels

22 and 28 in a final, folded condition. The panel 28 is illustrated in phantom line positions to show its series of movements from the position shown in FIGURE 7 to the final stacked position shown in solid lines for the panel 28. Of course, it will be understood that the panel 28 and its associated panel 30 are brought to a folded position upon actuation of the hydraulic actuating means 18 connected between those two panels. As the panel 28 reaches the upright vertical position, the first linking member 40 swings outwardly from its original position within the panel 22 so as to provide proper spacing between the stacked adjoining panels. Thus there is provided a novel means for linking adjoining panels together while at the same time causing a desired unsealing of all panels and a proper stacking of all panels when the hatch cover assembly is opened.

FIGURES 9 through 13 illustrate the below deck supporting ledge structure and associated sealing means for supporting and sealing the entire hatch cover assembly in a closed position. The sealing means used with this invention comprises a gasket strip of suitable composition which is carried by the various panels in appropriate positions for sealing the panels relative to each other and to the entire perimeter of the hatchway. In addition, a separate sealing device cooperates with the sealing gasket to compress the gasket upon closure of the panels within the hatchway. The sealing device may be in the form of a metal bar element carried by structure which will cause the bar member to compress an opposed gasket upon closure of the hatch cover assembly.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a typical joint and sealing arrangement between adjoining panels havin the hinge actuatig means 18. One of the pair of panels includes a U-shaped structure 48 which functions as a gasket retaining device, and a gasket strip 50 is fixed within the confines of the gasket retainer for that panel. The adjoining panel includes a metal bar 52 which runs for the entire length of the panel edge in the same manner as does the gasket, and the metal bar functions as a compression means for engaging and compressing the gasket 50 contained within the gasket retainer 48.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a preferred sealing arrangement for sealing opposed edges or" separate sets of hatch cover assemblies. Thus, in a typical closure for hatchways, there will be two sets of hatch cover assemblies mounted at opposite ends of the hatchway, as shown in FIGURE 1. The two sets 12 and 14 will be moved toward and away from each other for closing and opening the hatchway, and when in their closed position, adjoining edges of the two sets will meet for sealing the hatchway at its center portion. The FIGURE 10 illustrates a gasket retainer 48 carried by an edge of one of the hatch cover sets in a position to oppose the compression bar 52 car- IiBd by an edge of the other set. The gasket retainer includes a gasket 50 which extends for the entire length of the panel edge with which it is associated, and the'compression bar 52 also extends for the entire length which is to be sealed between the opposed panels.

FIGURE 11 shows a preferred sealing arrangement at a jacking wheel point of the hatch cover assembly. It will be appreciated that the pivotal movement between adjoining panels at the jacking wheel point is just the opposite from the direction of pivotal movement between panels having the panel hinge 18, and therefore, a modified sealing arrangement is provided at the jacking wheel junction of panels. In this arrangement, the panel 28 will contain an upwardly directed gasket retainer 48 having a gasket means extending across the entire length of the panel edge. The adjoining panel 22 carries a downwardly projecting compression bar 52 which will compress the gasket means of the other panel when the two panels are moved to their planar positions as shown.

FIGURE 12 shows the main hinge mounting for attaching the leading edges of the hatch cover assemblies to a below deck portion of the hatchway. The main hinge includes a member 54 which is attached to the leading edge of a first panel of the assembly, and this member is pivotally linked to a member 56 afied to a below deck portion of the ships structure adjoining the hatchway opening. A mounting pin 58 provides for the pivotal movement between the

members

54 and 56 and the pin 58 rides in a slotted opening 60 formed within the mounting member 56. The size and shape of the slot 60 permits a limited amount of movement of the pivot point of the hinge, and this prevents any binding between the plurality panel associated with the'main hinge, and a compression bar 52 is positioned on a ledge within the hatchway to contain the gasket means 50 upon closure of the hatch cover assembly.

FIGURE 13 shows in cross section the supporting ledge means and sealing means for the sides of the hatchway running in the longitudinal direction of the ship. The supporting ledge 69 is mounted at a below deck level so as to present a supporting surface for the plurality of panels making up the hatch covers. The level at which the support ledge is fixed determines the upper surface level of the entire hatch cover assembly, and in accordance with this invention the support ledge is placed at a level to provide for a flush mounting of a closed hatch cover relative to the remainder of the ships deck. The support ledge 60 includes a track means 62 for the roller members 38 of the jacking wheels and for the trailing, bearing members 34 of the hatch covers. In addition, a compression bar 52 is carried by the support ledge. As with the other sealing arrangements, a sealing gasket 50 is carried within a gasket retainer 48 of the panel, and the gasket position is opposed to the compression bar 52 so as to effect a tight-compressed seal upon closure of the panels.

Thus, when the panels are opened, all gasket means 50 arecarried upwardly away from their respective sealing bars, and the open hatchway leaves no exposed gasket material which may be damaged or otherwise harmed during the loading and unloading of the cargo space within .the ship. All gaskets are protected by gasket retainers, as

carried by the separate panels, and this provides for an improved sealing system without a loss of sealing efiiciency.

Other features of the hatch cover'assembly include bumper devices 7:) (FIGURE 3) mounted between opposed faces of the stacked panels, and latching means 72 are provided for locking the panels into stacked positions, if desired. Although, the power actuating means 18 have been only shown schematically, it will be understood that all necessary connections and control devices will be provided for actuating the same.

Modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structures are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is: V

1. In a water-tight hatch cover assembly made up of the upper surface level of said hatchway so that upper surfaces of said panels will be aligned with one another when said hatchway is closed by said panels,

articulation means betweenall adjoining panels for ar ticulating all of the panels of said assembly to one another, said articulation means being'mounted for positioning entirely below the surface of the hatch cover when said panels are moved into flat, closed positions in said hatchwa whereby the entire hatch cover assembly provides for a smooth uninterrupted cover when the hatchway is closed, and jacking wheel means carried between adjoining panels of said assembly which fold to bring their upper surfaces toward one another, said jacking wheel means being rigidly affixed to an edge of a panel at least three panels connected at their adjoining edges 8 a v V which begins a folding movement prior to the beginning of a folding movement for an adjoining panel, said jacking wheel means extending beyond an edge of said adjoining panel, and said jacking wheel means having a bearing element for engaging and'moving along a support ledge when said panels are folded or unfolded, and

linking means connected between said adjoining panels for cooperation with said jacking wheel means, said linking means including a lever means for engaging and lifting the leading edge of a panel which adjoins a panel carrying said jacking wheel means, whereby an opening movement of the panels carrying the jacking wheel means will cause a lifting and unsealing of an adjoining panel.

2. The improvement of claim 1 and including sealing. device means carried by said supporting ledge for engag ing and sealing said hatch cover panels where they are placed in flat, closed positions in said hatchway.

3. A water-tight hatch cover assembly for covering and sealing a hatchway comprising:

two pairs of articulated panels adapted to close said hatchway when the panels are lying side by side in a horizontal plane, and including means for folding said panels about their points of articulation for opening said hatchway, all of said panels being articulated by means which are positioned entirely below the upper surfaces of the hatch cover panels when the panels are all in fiat, closed positions over said hatchway,

support ledge means carried within the hatchway and about its entire perimeter for supporting said panels in their closed position, said support ledge means being mounted below the upper surface level-of the closed hatch cover assembly, said support ledge means further carrying a sealing means for cooperating with sealing means carried by said panels, whereby a water-tight seal is effected upon closure of said hatchway,

jacking wheel means carried between adjoining pairs of said hatch cover panels, said jacking wheel means being rigidly afiixed to a trailing edge of a panel in a first of said two pairs and said jacking wheel means extending past a leading edge of an adjoining panel 7 in thesecond of said two pairs of panels, said jacking wheel means having a bearing element forengaging and moving along said support ledge means upon movement of' said articulated pairs of panels, and linking means connected between said adjoining pairs of panels for cooperation with said jacking wheel means, said linking means including a lever meansfor engaging and lifting the leading edge of a panel which adjoins a panel carrying said jacking wheel means, whereby an opening movement of the panel carrying the jacking wheel means will cause a lifting and unsealing of an adjoining panel.

4. The improvement of claim 3 wherein said hatch cover assembly comprises a series of at least four articulated panels with means for pivotally mounting afirst panel of said's eries to one end of the hatchway opening,

and means for lifting and folding pairs of panels at points i means comprises two elements'pivotally connected :0. one another, with one of said elements pivotally connected to said panel carrying the jacking wheel 'means' and with the second of said elements being secured to the leading edge of said adjoining panel, said one element functioning as a spacing means for spacing adjoining panels when in a fully open, face to face relationship and said second element functioning as said lever means for initially lifting a leading edge of said adjoining panel when the entire hatch cover assembly is being opened.

6. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said linking means comprises two elements pivotally connected to one another, with one of said elements pivotally connected to said panel carrying the jacking wheel means and with the second of said elements being secured to the leading edge of said adjoining panel, said one element functioning as a spacing means for spacing adjoining panels when in a fully open, face to face relationsip and said second element functioning as said lever means for initially lifting a leading edge of said adjoining panel when the entire hatch cover assembly is being opened.

7. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the hatch cover assembly includes means for pivotally mounting a first panel to one end of the hatchway opening, and including 10 power means for folding all panels of the hatch cover assembly in accordance with a sequence which begins a folding movement of said first panel and its next adjacent panel prior to the initiation of folding movements for remaining panels of said hatch cover assembly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ANDREW H. FARRELL, Primary Examiner.

MILTON BUCHLER, Examiner.