Maritime hatch

Abstract

A two-way openable maritime hatch in which the articulating components that open the hatch, and hold it in an open position, are enclosed within a waterproof seal of the hatch when in closed position. The design uses a double hinge structure, which facilitates opening the hatch in either a forward- or aft-facing position. Elastic gaskets may be used to hold the hatch open in specific positions or at specific angles. Each of the hinge systems are independently operable.

1 . A hatch comprising:
 a base frame surrounding a central opening;   a weatherproofing element disposed on said base frame and surrounding said central opening;   a window element; and   an opening system attaching said window element to said base frame and comprising:
 a first base hinge element rotatably attached to said base frame at a first corner of said base element; 
 a second base hinge element rotatably attached to said base frame at a second corner of said base frame; 
 a first window hinge element rotatably attached to said window element at a first corner of said window element, said first window hinge element connected to said first base hinge element by a first connection arm; and 
 a second window hinge element rotatably attached to said window element at a second corner of said window element, and said second window hinge element connected to said second base hinge element by a second connection arm; 
   wherein said window element is sized and shaped such that when said hatch is closed, said window element is held against said weatherproofing element to form a seal effective to inhibit moisture penetration between said weatherproofing element and window element.   
     
     
         2 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said base frame is generally in a configuration of a rounded rectangle. 
     
     
         3 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said base frame is sized and shaped to facilitate passage of an adult human through said central opening. 
     
     
         4 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein when said hatch is closed, said window element held against said weatherproofing element forms a watertight seal. 
     
     
         5 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said weatherproofing element comprises a rubber gasket. 
     
     
         6 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said base frame comprises at least one locking element; and   said window element comprises at least one latch comprising a handle element and a latching extension;   wherein said handle element is operable to rotate said latching extension to be received by said at least one locking element when said hatch is closed.   
     
     
         7 . The hatch of  claim 6 , wherein said at least one latch comprises four latches, each latch of said four latches disposed adjacent a corresponding locking element in said base element. 
     
     
         8 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said first base hinge element and said second base hinge element are coaxially attached to said base element at a first axis of rotation. 
     
     
         9 . The hatch of  claim 8 , wherein when said first base hinge element and said second base hinge element are rotated at said first axis of rotation, said window element opens in a first direction hinged at said first axis of rotation. 
     
     
         10 . The hatch of  claim 9 , wherein said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element are coaxially attached to said window element at a second axis of rotation. 
     
     
         11 . The hatch of  claim 10 , wherein when said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element are rotated at said second axis of rotation, said window element opens in a second direction hinged at said second axis of rotation. 
     
     
         12 . The hatch of  claim 11 , wherein said first base hinge element and said second base hinge element are operable independently of said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element. 
     
     
         13 . The hatch of  claim 12 , wherein said first direction and second direction are opposing directions. 
     
     
         14 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element are coaxially attached to said window element at an axis of rotation. 
     
     
         15 . The hatch of  claim 14 , wherein when said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element are rotated at said axis of rotation, said window element opens in a direction hinged at said axis of rotation. 
     
     
         16 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said first base hinge element and said second base hinge element each comprise an elastic gasket imparting compressive friction to each of said first base hinge element and said second base hinge element effective to inhibit rotation of said first base hinge element and said second base hinge element. 
     
     
         17 . The hatch of  claim 6 , wherein said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element each comprise an elastic gasket imparting compressive friction to each of said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element effective to inhibit rotation of said first window hinge element and said second window hinge element. 
     
     
         18 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein when said hatch is closed, said opening system is contained within said weatherproofing element and said window element. 
     
     
         19 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said hatch is installed on a vessel to cover a porthole. 
     
     
         20 . The hatch of  claim 1 , wherein said window element is transparent or translucent.