Weather proof bulk hold hatch

Abstract

A vessel hatch cover has a first plurality of sliding panels that allow a bulk hose receptacle to move across the width of a vessel hold without exposing the underlying bulk material. The first plurality of panels forms a loading portion which itself forms one of a second plurality of second sliding panels which allow the loading portion to move fore and aft so as to position the bulk hose receptacle in virtually any location over the hold without ever exposing the underlying hold to the elements. Thus, loading can occur in inclement weather without fear of contamination, reducing demurrage and in port vessel time.

1 . A hatch for closing a hold of a vessel while permitting loading and unloading thereof without exposing contents of the hold to the weather, the hatch comprising:
 at least one loader portion having multiple sliding panels movable over each other, at least one of the panels incorporating a receptacle to accommodate a bulk loading hose for filling the hold, the panels being slidable for displacing the receptacle for distributing material loaded into the hold, the sliding panels movable in a side to side direction for moving the loading receptacle over the hold;   at least one forward hatch cover having multiple sliding panels movable over each other in a forwards and aft direction;   at least one rear hatch cover having multiple sliding panels movable over each other in a forwards and aft direction;   wherein the loader portion, forward hatch cover and rearward hatch cover are assembled together for covering the hold, the loader portion being movable in a forwards and aft direction in correspondence with loading of the hold, the forward hatch cover and rearward hatch cover following the loader portion so that the contents of the hold are no exposed.   
     
     
         2 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the sliding panels are made of metal or plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one forward hatch cover is made of flexible material supported by a frame, the flexible material being collapsible and expandable as the loader portion moves forwards and rearwards over the hold. 
     
     
         4 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein at least one sliding panel has a rain barrier for preventing rain water from entering the hold between the sliding panels. 
     
     
         5 . The hatch cover according to  claim 4  wherein the forward hatch cover has downwardly extending legs along the sides thereof, side rails mounted on opposite exterior sides of the hold for receiving the legs which are slidable therein. 
     
     
         6 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the rear hatch cover has downwardly extending legs along the sides thereof, side rails mounted on opposite exterior sides of the hold for receiving the legs which are slidable therein. 
     
     
         7 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one bulk receptacle is pivotably mounted for maintaining a horizontal orientation to better accommodate a bulk loading apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the sliding panels are connected to a moving device for automatic movement of the panels in coordination with the movement of the bulk loading apparatus. 
     
     
         9 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  further comprising an air outlet incorporated into an end or at least one sliding panel for ventilating the hold during loading. 
     
     
         10 . The hatch cover according to  claim 9  wherein the at least one air outlet incorporates or is connected to at least one exhausting fan. 
     
     
         11 . The hatch cover according to  claim 10  wherein the at least one air outlet is connected to a filtration system. 
     
     
         12 . The hatch cover according to  claim 5  further comprising wheels attached to the legs for rolling within the side rails. 
     
     
         13 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  where the bulk receptacle incorporates a shield to protect a bulk loading apparatus to be attached to the receptacle for preventing water from entering the hold. 
     
     
         14 . The hatch cover according to  claim 6  further comprising wheels attached to the legs for rolling within the side rails. 
     
     
         15 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one loader portion includes two or more receptacles. 
     
     
         16 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the loader portion, forward hatch cover and rearward hatch cover are assembled together to form a modular loading unit, and wherein multiple modular units are assembled together to form the hatch cover. 
     
     
         17 . The hatch cover according to  claim 1  wherein the moving panels are made of metal, plastic, a flexible material and combinations thereof.