US20160214792A1 - Tank manway with non-corrosive cover - Google Patents
Tank manway with non-corrosive cover Download PDFInfo
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- US20160214792A1 US20160214792A1 US15/092,323 US201615092323A US2016214792A1 US 20160214792 A1 US20160214792 A1 US 20160214792A1 US 201615092323 A US201615092323 A US 201615092323A US 2016214792 A1 US2016214792 A1 US 2016214792A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- opening
- latch
- base
- hatch
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/10—Manholes; Inspection openings; Covers therefor
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A manway hatch is provided for use with a tank defining a chamber in which fluid is stored and/or transported. The manway hatch comprises a base and a cover. The base is configured to be fixed to the tank and defines an opening configured to communicate with the tank chamber. The cover is removably positioned in a covering relationship with the opening and presents an inner cover surface facing the tank chamber. The inner surface is formed at least substantially of a synthetic resin or other non-corrosive material.
Description
- This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,042, filed May 15, 2013, entitled TANK MANWAY WITH NON-CORROSIVE COVER, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/770,909, filed Feb. 28, 2013, entitled TANK MANWAY WITH NON-CORROSIVE COVER, each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to a manway hatch. More particularly, the present invention concerns a manway hatch associated with a tank for storage and/or transport of a fluid.
- 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
- Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that manway hatches are often used to enable controlled access to storage and/or transport tanks. Such tanks may contain fluids that lead to degradation of exposed metal of conventional manway covers.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a manway hatch is provided for use with a tank defining a chamber in which fluid is stored and/or transported. The manway hatch comprises a base and a cover. The base is configured to be fixed to the tank. The base defines an opening configured to communicate with the tank chamber. The cover is removably positioned in a covering relationship with the opening in the base. The cover includes a metal plate at least substantially spanning the opening, and a corrosion-resistant shell encapsulating the plate, such that the shell isolates the plate from the fluid.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a manway hatch is provided for use with a tank defining a chamber in which fluid is stored and/or transported. The manyway hatch comprises a base, a cover, and a multi-stage latch mechanism. The base is configured to be fixed to the tank. The base defines an opening configured to communicate with the tank chamber. The cover is shiftable between a closed position, in which the cover sealingly engages the base in a covering relationship with the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the cover so as to permit chamber ingress and egress through the opening. The cover presents an inner cover surface that generally faces the opening when the cover is in the closed position. The base and the inner cover surface are at least substantially formed of a synthetic resin. The latch mechanism is shiftable amongst a latched condition, an intermediate venting condition, and an unlatched condition. The latch mechanism secures the cover in the closed position when the latch mechanism is in the latched condition. The latch mechanism permits at least substantially unrestricted shifting of the cover to the open position when the latch mechanism is in the unlatched condition. The latch mechanism permits limited shifting of the cover out of the closed position, such that pressure from the chamber may be released through the opening while the cover is prevented from shifting to the open position, when the latch mechanism is in the venting condition.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a manway hatch is provided for use with a tank defining a chamber in which fluid is stored and/or transported. The manway hatch comprises a base and a cover. The base is configured to be fixed to the tank. The base defines an opening configured to communicate with the tank chamber. The cover is shiftable between a closed position, in which the cover is in a covering relationship with the opening in the base, and an open position, in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the cover so as to permit chamber ingress and egress through the opening. The cover presents an inner cover surface that generally faces the opening when the cover is in the closed position. The base and the inner cover surface are at least substantially formed of a synthetic resin. The cover includes a drip lip projecting from the inner cover surface, such that the drip lip extends into the opening when the cover is in the closed position and at least in part over the opening when the cover is in the open position.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. These concepts are further described below in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- Various other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a portion of a tank and a manway hatch constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the manway hatch ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned top perspective view of the manway hatch ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , particularly illustrating the integration of the reinforcement plate in the cover; -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the reinforcement plate of the manway hatch ofFIGS. 1-3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view the manway hatch ofFIGS. 1-4 , particularly illustrating a closed latch component condition; -
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the portion of the manway hatch similar toFIG. 5 , particularly illustrating an intermediate venting latch component condition; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the manway hatch ofFIGS. 1-3 , particularly illustrating the cover in a partially open cover position; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the manway hatch ofFIG. 7 , particularly illustrating the cover in a fully open cover position; and -
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the base and latch components of the manway hatch ofFIGS. 1-3 , with the cover being removed, particularly illustrating an open latch component condition. - The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments.
- The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. While the drawings illustrate, and the specification describes, certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments.
- With initial reference to
FIG. 1 , atank 10 including amanway hatch 12 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Thetank 10 preferably defines achamber 14 for storage and/or transport of fluid, although it is permissible for the tank to be configured for any storage and/or transport means. For instance, the tank might be configured for storage and/or transport of a gas. - In a preferred embodiment, the
tank 10 and thechamber 14 are configured to store and/or transport oil field fluids, such as acids or petroleum. Such fluids may in some instances be caustic or have other properties which may lead to damage or degradation of certain materials brought into contact with the fluid. For instance, a fluid that causes corrosion of metal might suitably be contained in thetank 10. - The
hatch 12 preferably includes a base 16 fixed to thetank 10 viafasteners 18. The base x defines anopening 20 that communicates with thetank chamber 14. Thehatch 12 further preferably includes acover 22 that is removably positioned in a covering relationship with theopening 20 in thebase 16. Preferably, thecover 22 at least substantially spans the entirety of theopening 20. Most preferably, thecover 22 sealingly engages the base 16 when closed so that communication with the chamber 14 (through the opening 20) is prevented, as will be subsequently described. - In a preferred embodiment, the
base 16 includes a generallyannular flange 24 and asidewall 26 extending generally orthogonally from theflange 24 and presenting anouter end 28. Agroove 30 is preferably formed in theouter end 28 of thesidewall 26, and agasket 32 is preferably received in thegroove 30. As best shown inFIG. 5 , thegasket 32 preferably provides a seal between thecover 22 and thesidewall 26 when thecover 22 is in the closed position. It is noted thatFIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of this seal. That is, it is preferable that the fit between thecover 22 and the base 16 be tight enough to deform the gasket, in contrast to the “just-contacting” configuration shown inFIG. 5 for the sake of clarity. - The
hatch 12 is preferably generally circular in shape, although any one or more of a variety of shapes may be suitable. For instance, the hatch might be generally rectangular, octagonal, or elliptical without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also permissible within some aspects of the present invention for the cover to be of a different general shape than the base while still at least substantially spanning the entirety of the opening. - A
hinge assembly 34 preferably pivotally couples thecover 22 to thebase 16, such that thecover 22 is pivotable between a closed position (see, for instance,FIG. 1 ), in which the cover sealingly engages the base 16 in a covering relationship with theopening 20, and an open position (see, for instance,FIG. 8 ), in which thecover 22 is out of the covering relationship with theopening 20 such that theopening 20 is substantially unobstructed by thecover 22 so as to permitchamber 14 ingress and egress through theopening 20. Intermediate cover positions are also permissible and will be discussed in more detail below. - It is also permissible for the
cover 22 and the base 16 to be coupled in a non-hinged manner or to lack coupling mechanisms. - As best shown in
FIG. 3 , thehinge assembly 34 preferably includes anupper bracket 36 fixed to thecover 22 and alower bracket 38 fixed to thebase 16. Theupper bracket 36 preferably includes anupper plate 40, atab 42 extending generally radially outwardly from theupper plate 40, and a pair ofupper arms 44 extending from theupper plate 40 toward thelower bracket 38. Each of theupper arms 44 preferably defines anelongated slot 46. Thelower bracket 38 preferably includes alower plate 48 and a pair oflower arms 50 extending from thelower plate 48 toward theupper bracket 36. Each of thelower arms 50 preferably defines ahole 52. Ahinge pin 54 preferably extends through theholes 52 and theslots 46 to pivotally interconnect theupper brackets 36 and thelower brackets 38. - In a preferred embodiment, the
lower bracket 38 further includes astopper bar 56 extending between and interconnecting thelower arms 50. As best shown inFIG. 8 , contact between thestopper bar 56 and theupper arms 44 of theupper bracket 36 preferably prohibits pivoting of thecover 22 relative to the base 16 past a generally orthogonal open position (seeFIG. 8 ). However, it is permissible for no stopping mechanism to be provided or for a stopping mechanism to be provided that is configured to prohibit movement past a different angle. An alternatively configured stopping mechanism might be provided, as well. - In a preferred embodiment, a
vent 58 is provided in thecover 22. Thevent 58 is preferably configured to release overly high pressure in thechamber 14. In preferred embodiment, thevent 58 is configured to operate when pressure in thechamber 14 reaches 6 psi. It is permissible, however, for thecover 22 to be devoid of a vent or for a vent to be provided that is operational at a different threshold pressure. It is also permissible for the vent to be of any kind known in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. - The
cover 22 also preferably includes aninformation plate 60. Theinformation plate 60 may suitably include information regarding the manufacturer of thehatch 12 and/or thetank 10, the company that owns thetank 10, the contents of thetank 10, etc. It is also permissible for more information plates or no information plates to be provided. - Still further, the
cover 22 preferably includes ahandle 62 configured to be grasped by a user during opening of thecover 22, as will be discussed in more detail below. Any type of suitable handle known in the art is permissible without departing from the scope of the present invention. - In a preferred embodiment, the
cover 22 includes ametal plate 64 at least substantially spanning theopening 20 and ashell 66 encapsulating theplate 64, such that theshell 66 isolates the plate from the fluid. It is also permissible according to some aspects of the present invention for the plate to span less than a substantial part of the opening or be eliminated altogether. Theplate 64 is preferably molded in theshell 66, although other means of encapsulation are permissible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, the shell might includes two halves that are secured about the plate. - In a preferred embodiment, the
shell 66 is at least substantially formed of a corrosion resistant material, where the term corrosion is to be broadly interpreted as potentially including any form of chemical degradation due to interactions with the environment. The exact substance against which theshell 66 should be resistant will vary according to the particular application for which thetank 10 is being used and is not necessarily limited substances in a particular state of matter (e.g., liquids or gases). However, it is noted that the preferred embodiment is especially suitable for use with oil and other forms of liquid fossil fuel and related materials. - In a preferred embodiment, the
plate 64 is at least substantially formed of stainless steel, while theshell 66 is at least substantially formed of a synthetic resin. More preferably, the shell is at least substantially formed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Thebase 16 is likewise preferably at least substantially formed of a synthetic resin such as UHMWPE. However, any one or more of a variety of materials may be suitable. - For instance, a suitable alternative for the UHMWPE might be a material having characteristics such as the following: a weight-average molecular weight of the order of 1×10̂6 g/mol, a density of approximately 1 gm/cm̂3, high abrasion resistance and impact strength (e.g., 30 ft. lb/in. at room temperature), low coefficients of static and/or dynamic friction, and resistance to selected chemicals of relevance. Variations from the above are permissible, however, with the most critical feature being that the material of the shell is at least substantially resistant to degradation by the fluid carried in the chamber of the tank.
- It is also permissible according to some aspects of the present invention for only a portion of the
shell 66 to be at least substantially formed of UHMWPE or a similar material. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, theshell 66 presents aninner shell surface 68 that generally faces theopening 20 when thecover 22 is in the closed position. It is permissible according to some aspects of the present invention for only the inner shell surface, which is the most likely portion of the cover to come into contact with the fluid, to be at least substantially formed of UHMWPE or a similar material. In such an embodiment, generally non-fluid-contacting portions of the cover might be formed of an entirely different material. - A suitable alternative for the stainless steel might be any material having mechanical properties capable of withstanding the pressures exerted by a fluid in the tank and any pressures or forces exerted on the cover during operation of the hatch or during usage of the tank.
- In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theplate 64 defines a plurality ofperforations 70 therethrough. Theshell 66 preferably fills each of saidperforations 70. Theperforations 70 thus serve to decrease the weight of theplate 64 and to allow additional securing of theplate 64 in theshell 66. It is permissible, however, for the plate to be devoid of perforations or to include more or fewer perforations without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also permissible for the perforations to be of any shape or of a variety of shapes. Rather than the preferred circular perforations, for instance, the perforations could be in the form of slits or in the form of both slits and circles. A variety of sizes and densities are permissible, as well. - In a preferred embodiment, the
cover 22 further includes adrip lip 72 extending generally orthogonally from theinner shell surface 68, such that thedrip lip 72 extends into theopening 20 when the cover is in the closed position and at least in part over theopening 20 when thecover 22 is in a fully open position. With respect to the fully open position, as best shown inFIG. 8 , it is noted that theinner shell surface 68 is laterally offset from theopening 20 such that alateral gap 74 is defined therebetween. Preferably, thedrip lip 72 extends across thelateral gap 74 toward thesidewall 26 of thebase 16 and presents anend 72a that extends radially inwardly of thesidewall 26. - In a partially open position, as best shown in
FIG. 7 , theend 72a remains inside theopening 20. - Preferably, the
drip lip 72 is positioned adjacent thehinge assembly 34. Such positioning provides protection for the hinge assembly against the dripping of fluids thereonto and ensures that the drip lip is adjacent the lowermost end of the cover surface when thecover 22 is open. It is permissible within the scope of certain aspects of the present invention, however, for the drip lip to be positioned elsewhere relative to the hinge assembly. - Preferably, the
drip lip 72 comprises acurved body 76 includingside retaining walls 78. In a preferred embodiment, the retainingwalls 78 retain fluid on thebody 76 of thedrip lip 72 or, if thecover 22 is positioned appropriately, direct fluid toward and over theend 72a of thedrip lip 72 and into theopening 20 and thechamber 14. Such fluid may be from any source, including but not limited to condensation on theinner shell surface 68. For instance, as shown inFIG. 8 , when thecover 22 is in the fully open position and theinner shell surface 68 is thus at least substantially upright, condensation (not shown) on theinner shell surface 68 would flow onto thebody 76 of thedrip lip 72 and be retained thereon by the retainingwalls 78. As shown inFIG. 7 , when thecover 22 is moved toward its closed position, thus sloping thedrip lip 72 toward the opening, the condensation would be directed over theend 72a and into theopening 20 and thechamber 14. - It is permissible according to some aspects of the present invention, however, for the hatch to be devoid of a drip lip, to include multiple drip lips, or to include one or more alternatively configured drip lips.
- In a preferred embodiment, the
hatch 12 further includes amulti-stage latch mechanism 80 including a plurality ofshiftable latch components 82. Thelatch components 82 are preferably evenly spaced about the perimeter of thecover 22, although uneven spacing and/or other positional variations are permissible. - The
latch mechanism 80 is preferably shiftable amongst a latched condition, an intermediate venting condition, and an unlatched condition, each of which will be described in greater detail below. Each of thelatch components 82 is preferably shiftable amongst latched, intermediate venting, and unlatched positions which correspond with the latched, venting, and unlatched conditions, respectively, of thelatch mechanism 80, with operation of thelatch components 82 thereby effecting shifting of thelatch mechanism 80 as a whole. -
FIGS. 1-3 and 5 illustrate the latched condition, in which thelatch mechanism 80 secures thecover 22 in the closed position.FIG. 9 illustrates the unlatched condition, in which thelatch mechanism 80 permits at least substantially unrestricted shifting of thecover 22 to the open position (seeFIGS. 7 and 8 ). - As shown in
FIG. 5 , thelatch mechanism 80 is also preferably shiftable to an intermediate venting configuration in which thelatch mechanism 80 permits limited shifting of thecover 22 out of the closed position, such that aventing gap 84 is formed between theinner shell surface 68 and thegasket 32, but prevents thecover 22 from shifting to the open position. In this intermediate venting configuration, pressure from thechamber 14 may be released through the ventinggap 84 when thelatch mechanism 80 and, preferably, thelatch components 82 are in the venting condition. It is also permissible for a vacuum in the chamber to be equalized via theventing gap 84. - Preferably, such multi-stage shifting is effected by the use of eccentric disk-and-
socket latch components 82. More particularly, in a preferred embodiment, each of thelatch components 82 includes asocket 86 presenting acurved surface 88 defining acentral point 90. Eachsocket 86 is preferably integrally formed with thecover 22, although non-integral sockets are permissible. Each latch component x further preferably includes adisk element 92 rotatable about an axis and presenting acurved face 94 configured to slidingly engage thecurved surface 88 of thesocket 86 when thedisk element 92 is rotated. Alever 96 preferably extends from eachdisk element 92, such that swinging of thelever 96 effects rotation of thedisk element 92. - Preferably, the
curved face 94 of thedisk element 92 is eccentric relative to the rotational axis of thedisk element 92. That is, the geometric longitudinal axis of thedisk element 92 is preferably offset relative to the rotational axis of thedisk element 92, such that the distance from the rotational axis of thedisk element 92 to thecurved face 94 varies in length about thedisk element 92. Such eccentricity is readily apparent inFIGS. 1-3, 5, 6, and 9 , in which apin 98 extends through eachdisk element 92 and marks the axis of rotation of thedisk element 92. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , when thelatch components 82 are in the latched condition, the distance between the axis of rotation and the portion of thecurved face 94 of therespective disk element 92 adjacent thecentral point 90 of thecurved surface 88 of therespective socket 86 is maximized. As the levers x and, in turn, the disk elements x, are rotated, this distance gradually decreases until it is at least substantially minimized, as shown inFIG. 6 . This provides a space in which thecover 22 can shift away from the base 16 into an intermediate venting position while still being prevented from shifting all the way into an open position. InFIG. 6 , for instance thecover 22 has shifted into the space such that the previously described ventinggap 84 is formed between theinner shell surface 68 and thegasket 32, thus enabling communication between thechamber 14 and the atmosphere (and, thus, modulation of the pressure in the tank 10) prior to the full opening of the cover. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6 , asecondary gap 100 is formed between thecurved face 94 of thedisk element 92 and thecurved surface 88 of the socket. In some instances, the secondary gap may be larger or smaller than shown or may be non-existent. For instance, high initial pressures in the chamber might instead result in the cover shifting all the way into contact with the disk elements, eliminating the secondary gap. - In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated, shifting of the
latch components 82 from the latched condition to the intermediate venting condition occurs upon rotation the respective disk elements x by approximately ninety (90) degrees. However, it is permissible for other amounts of rotation to be required for the shift to occur. - Preferably, shifting of the
cover 22 to the intermediate position is enabled without requiring any pivoting of thecover 22 relative to thebase 16. More particularly, theslot 46 in each arm x of the upper hinge bracket x is preferably configured to accommodate such shifting of thecover 22, with the position of thehinge pin 54 in theslot 46 varying according to the position of thecover 22 relative to thebase 16. It is permissible, however, for other shifting accommodations to be used, including those requiring pivoting. - In a preferred embodiment, each of the
latch components 82 includes acatch mechanism 102 including aprojection 104 extending from the interface between thelever 96 and thedisk element 92. Theprojection 104 defines arecess 106 configured to receive anend portion 108 of the correspondingsocket 86 such that thelever 96 and thedisk element 92 of each latch component x is removably retained relative to the correspondingsocket 86 by the interengagement of theprojection 104 and theend portion 108. - In a preferred embodiment, each of the
latch components 82 is adjustable so as to vary the location of thedisk element 92 relative to thesocket 86 when the latch component x is in the latched and venting positions. Preferably, such adjustability is afforded by a corresponding nut andbolt assembly 110 connecting thelatch component 82 to thebase 16. As best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , each nut andbolt assembly 110 preferably includes anut 112 threadably interconnected with abolt 114. Thepin 98 about which thedisk element 92 rotates preferably extends through thenut 112, while thebolt 114 is preferably pivotally fixed to thebase 16. Tightening of thenut 112 relative to thebolt 114 prior to assembly of the latch component x thus positions the latch component x closer to thebase 16. Thecover 22 is therefore secured more tightly to the base 16 when thelatch mechanism 80 is in the latched configuration and is retained more closely to the base 16 (albeit with the ventinggap 84 therebetween) when the latch mechanism is in the intermediate venting configuration. Loosening of thenut 112 preferably has an opposite effect. - Preferably, positioning of the
nut 112 above thebolt 114 reduces the risk of contaminant ingress into thenut 112 and subsequent locking thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , when thelatch components 82 are in the open configuration, they may be shifted radially outwardly via pivoting of thebolts 114 relative to thebase 16. Such pivoting enables thelatch components 82 to be positioned in a manner such that they do not obstruct theopening 20. - Although the above-described
latch mechanism 80 is preferred, it is permissible within the scope of some aspects of the present invention for an alternatively configured latch mechanism to be provided. It is also permissible according to some aspects of the present invention for dual-stage latch mechanisms to be provided, for the hatch to include latches having additional stages, or for the hatch to be entirely devoid of latches. - It is also noted that shifting of the cover or a portion thereof among its closed, venting, and open positions may in some instances occur without each of the latch components being in an identical configuration. For instance, a portion of the cover might shift to the intermediate venting position upon the operation of an adjacent set of the latch components to the intermediate configuration, with the remainder of the cover remaining in the closed position due to the remaining latch components being in a closed configuration.
- In operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user preferably first shifts each of the
latch components 82 of thehatch 12 to the intermediate configuration. If necessary, thecover 22 is then permitted to shift away from thebase 16 via axial shifting in theslots 46 to thereby form theventing gap 84 between theinner shell surface 68 and thegasket 32, with pressure from thechamber 14 being released or a vacuum in thechamber 14 being neutralized via theventing gap 84. Some shifting of thecover 22 may occur simply by thegasket 32 being removed from compression. The user then shifts each of thelatch components 82 radially outwardly to the open configuration, grasps thehandle 62, and lifts thecover 22 such that it pivots relative to thebase 16 via thehinge assembly 34. Thecover 22 is preferably at least substantially free from fluid-related degradation due to theshell 66 yet retains sufficient strength for the application due at least in part to theplate 64. When thecover 22 is in the fully open position, the arms x abut thestopper bar 56, preventing any further rotation, and theopening 20 is at least substantially unobstructed. During the opening process and while thecover 22 is held in the open position, thedrip lip 72 directs any fluid or condensate that falls from thecover 22 or is otherwise directed thereon into theopening 22 and, in turn, into thechamber 14. Maintenance work or other procedures associated with thetank 10 may then be performed as necessary. - The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.
Claims (12)
1. A manway hatch for use with a tank defining a chamber in which fluid is stored and/or transported, said manway hatch comprising:
a base configured to be fixed to the tank,
said base defining an opening configured to communicate with the tank chamber;
a cover shiftable between a closed position, in which the cover sealingly engages the base in a covering relationship with the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the cover so as to permit chamber ingress and egress through the opening,
said cover presenting an inner cover surface that generally faces the opening when the cover is in the closed position,
said base and said inner cover surface being at least substantially formed of a synthetic resin; and
a multi-stage latch mechanism shiftable amongst a latched condition, an intermediate venting condition, and an unlatched condition,
said latch mechanism securing the cover in the closed position when the latch mechanism is in the latched condition,
said latch mechanism permitting at least substantially unrestricted shifting of the cover to the open position when the latch mechanism is in the unlatched condition,
said latch mechanism permitting limited shifting of the cover out of the closed position, such that pressure from the chamber may be released through the opening while the cover is prevented from shifting to the open position, when the latch mechanism is in the venting condition.
2. The manway hatch of claim 1 ,
said latch mechanism including a plurality of shiftable latch components,
each of said latch components being shiftable amongst latched, intermediate venting, and unlatched positions which correspond with the latched, venting, and unlatched conditions, respectively, of the latch mechanism.
3. The manway hatch of claim 2 ,
said latch components being spaced about the perimeter of the cover.
4. The manway hatch of claim 2 ,
each of said latch components including—
a socket presenting a curved surface, and
a rotatable disk element that rotates when the latch component is shifted amongst the latched, venting, and unlatched positions,
said disk element presenting a curved face configured to slidingly engage the curved surface of the socket when the disk element is rotated.
5. The manway hatch of claim 4 ,
said disk element presenting a rotational axis about which the disk element rotates,
said curved face being eccentric relative to the rotational axis.
6. The manway hatch of claim 4 ,
each of said latch components being adjustable so as to vary the location of the disk element relative to the socket, when the latch component is in the latched and venting positions.
7. The manway hatch of claim 6 ,
said sockets being fixed to the cover,
each of said latch components including a nut and bolt assembly connecting the disk element to the base, with the nut and bolt assembly providing adjustment of the latch component.
8. The manway hatch of claim 4 ,
each of said latch components further including a lever extending from the disk element, such that swinging of the lever effects rotation of the disk element.
9. The manway hatch of claim 1 ,
said base and said inner cover surface being at least substantially formed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
10. The manway hatch of claim 1 ,
said cover including—
a metal plate at least substantially spanning the opening, and
a synthetic resin shell encapsulating the plate, such that the shell isolates the plate from the fluid.
11. The manway hatch of claim 1 ,
said cover further comprising a drip lip extending generally orthogonally from the inner cover surface, such that the drip lip extends into the opening when the cover is in the closed position and at least in part over the opening when the cover is in the open position.
12. The manway hatch of claim 1 ; and
a hinge pivotally interconnecting the base and the cover,
said hinge including a pin-and-slot connection such that the limited shifting of the cover as the latch mechanism is shifted between the venting and latched conditions does not require pivoting movement of the cover relative to the base.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/092,323 US20160214792A1 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2016-04-06 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201361770909P | 2013-02-28 | 2013-02-28 | |
US13/895,042 US9334108B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2013-05-15 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
US15/092,323 US20160214792A1 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2016-04-06 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
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US13/895,042 Division US9334108B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2013-05-15 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
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US20160214792A1 true US20160214792A1 (en) | 2016-07-28 |
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US13/895,042 Active 2033-12-10 US9334108B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2013-05-15 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
US15/092,323 Abandoned US20160214792A1 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2016-04-06 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
Family Applications Before (1)
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US13/895,042 Active 2033-12-10 US9334108B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2013-05-15 | Tank manway with non-corrosive cover |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2572894A (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2019-10-16 | Capsa Solutions Ltd | Improvements in and relating to containers |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9221522B2 (en) * | 2014-01-07 | 2015-12-29 | Austin Theodore Mohrfeld | Vent cap system for a suction pile |
US9458595B2 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-10-04 | Austin MOHRFELD | Heavy duty vent cap system for a suction pile |
FR3035384B1 (en) * | 2015-04-21 | 2017-04-21 | De Dietrich | FULL AND RAPID OPENING / CLOSING DEVICE FOR MANHOLE |
CN104828418A (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2015-08-12 | 扬州北方空压机有限公司 | Rapidly-opened manhole cover |
USD791269S1 (en) * | 2015-11-17 | 2017-07-04 | Kelso Technologies Inc. | Core loading plate |
US20170305660A1 (en) * | 2016-04-20 | 2017-10-26 | Cody Brunelle | Roof accessible wear panel for aggregate delivery unit |
US10661815B2 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2020-05-26 | Amsted Rail Company, Inc. | Railway car hatch cover latch |
USD909254S1 (en) | 2018-12-04 | 2021-02-02 | Glenn Cook | Bonnet for a tanker |
SG11202108360WA (en) * | 2019-02-05 | 2021-08-30 | Ibau Hamburg Ingenieurgesellschaft Ind Mbh | Dome cover |
CN113280029B (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2023-03-14 | 福建永福电力设计股份有限公司 | Offshore wind power suction pile suction pump cabin cover latch structure and working method thereof |
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US4248160A (en) * | 1979-03-12 | 1981-02-03 | Acf Industries, Incorporated | Railway hatch cover and strap latching assembly |
US4368674A (en) * | 1981-01-28 | 1983-01-18 | Aero Plastics Of K.C., Inc. | Hatch cover for railroad hopper cars |
US4441431A (en) * | 1981-07-23 | 1984-04-10 | Acf Industries, Incorporated | Railway hatch cover and strap safety tab latching assembly |
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US6095365A (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2000-08-01 | The Heil Company | Pivoting hatch cover assembly |
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EP2036836A1 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2009-03-18 | Spitzer Silo-Fahrzeugwerke GmbH | Cover device to close an opening in a container |
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US5425466A (en) * | 1992-11-24 | 1995-06-20 | Convault, Inc. | Combination manway cover and emergency pressure relief apparatus |
WO2002074581A1 (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-26 | Stag Ag | Closing device for a filler neck disposed on a container |
NL2002660C2 (en) * | 2009-03-24 | 2010-09-27 | Veenvoort B V De | Covering material for water- or weather-proofing. |
CA2767249C (en) * | 2009-07-14 | 2016-09-20 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Vent with improved seal |
-
2013
- 2013-05-15 US US13/895,042 patent/US9334108B2/en active Active
-
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US4248160A (en) * | 1979-03-12 | 1981-02-03 | Acf Industries, Incorporated | Railway hatch cover and strap latching assembly |
US4368674A (en) * | 1981-01-28 | 1983-01-18 | Aero Plastics Of K.C., Inc. | Hatch cover for railroad hopper cars |
US4441431A (en) * | 1981-07-23 | 1984-04-10 | Acf Industries, Incorporated | Railway hatch cover and strap safety tab latching assembly |
US4788088A (en) * | 1985-10-04 | 1988-11-29 | Kohl John O | Apparatus and method of making a reinforced plastic laminate structure and products resulting therefrom |
US6095365A (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2000-08-01 | The Heil Company | Pivoting hatch cover assembly |
US6595716B1 (en) * | 2000-09-15 | 2003-07-22 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Cam lever assembly for manhole center |
US20050028946A1 (en) * | 2003-04-17 | 2005-02-10 | Weishar William B. | Impactable door |
US7427089B2 (en) * | 2005-08-01 | 2008-09-23 | American Railcar Industries, Inc. | Apparatus and method for securing a hatch cover to a hatch port |
US20070235463A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-10-11 | Wyler Norman C | Manway sealing system |
EP2036836A1 (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2009-03-18 | Spitzer Silo-Fahrzeugwerke GmbH | Cover device to close an opening in a container |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2572894A (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2019-10-16 | Capsa Solutions Ltd | Improvements in and relating to containers |
GB2572894B (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2020-10-14 | Capsa Solutions Ltd | Improvements in and relating to containers |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9334108B2 (en) | 2016-05-10 |
US20140237902A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CLAY AND BAILEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DAVID, DONALD R.;HOLMES, BRADFORD E.;REEL/FRAME:038223/0162 Effective date: 20130523 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |