Hatch Assembly

Abstract

The hatch assembly includes a frame having a frame opening, a hatch for opening and closing the frame opening, and a plurality of pivot assemblies. Each of at least two pairs of pivot assemblies provides a hatch pivot located on or adjacent to one side of the hatch, an engagement mechanism configured to releasably engage the pivot assembly to couple the hatch to the frame, and an actuation mechanism. The engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pins, each of which is movable between an extended position in which it engages the pivot assembly and a retracted position in which it disengages from the pivot assembly. The pins are oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the pins in each pair of pins converge such that the hatch remains coupled to the frame when the hatch is pivoted between the closed and open positions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application is based on Australian Patent Application No. 2021901799, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a hatch assembly having a pivoting hatch that is configurable to pivot from one or more sides. [Background technology]

[0003] The hatch is disposed over the hatch opening and is movable between a closed position and an open position to provide access through the hatch opening. The hatch is typically pivotally mounted to a frame having the hatch opening that allows it to pivot between the open and closed positions.

[0004] Typically, the hatch is pivotally connected to one side of the hatch and frame. For example, for a vertically placed hatch in a vertical wall, the hatch may be pivotally mounted to pivot open on the left or right side, or on the top or bottom side. When mounting the hatch, it is necessary to decide which side the hatch will be rotated to.

[0005] The hatch may be removable from the frame such that it is accessible through a hatch opening provided through the frame.

[0006] The hatch assembly is desirably configurable such that the hatch can be closed and pivoted open from a closed position by pivoting about two or more or all sides of the hatch. It may also be desirable to provide a hatch that can be further configured to be detached from the frame.

[0007] The configurable hatch assembly is preferably uncomplicated and easily configured among the different available configurations. Object of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hatch assembly which overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings, or which at least provides a useful choice for the public. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hatch assembly comprising: a frame having a frame opening; a hatch for opening and closing the frame opening, a plurality of pivot assemblies, an engagement mechanism, and an actuation mechanism; The plurality of pivot assemblies include at least two pairs of pivot assemblies each providing a hatch pivot axis on or adjacent one side of the hatch; the engagement mechanism is configured to releasably engage the pivot assembly to couple the hatch to the frame; the engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pins, each of the pins being movable between an extended position in engagement with the pivot assembly and a retracted position in disengagement from the pivot assembly; the actuation mechanism is configured to move the pin between the extended position and the retracted position to selectively couple the hatch to the frame by all of the pivot assemblies and any pair of the pivot assemblies; (i) all of the pivot assemblies are engaged by all of the pins to couple the hatch to the frame in a closed position; (ii) any one of said pair of pivot assemblies engaged by a corresponding pair of said pins to selectively couple said hatch to said frame and pivot about said hatch pivot axis on or adjacent to either one of at least two sides of said hatch; The pins provide a hatch assembly in which the longitudinal axes of the pins in each pin pair are oriented to converge such that the hatch remains coupled to the frame when the hatch is pivoted between a closed position and an open position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is also configured to move all of the pins to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame, and optionally to remove the hatch from the frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pairs of pivot assemblies each provide a hatch pivot axis adjacent to one side or sides of the hatch, such that the plurality of pivot assemblies provide a hatch pivot axis adjacent to each side or sides of the frame, and the actuation mechanism is configured to selectively couple the hatch to the frame by any pair of the pivot assemblies engaged by a corresponding pair of the pins, and to selectively pivotally couple the hatch to the frame and pivot on the hatch pivot axis adjacent to any side or side of the hatch.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more pivot assemblies include at least two pivots. The one or more pivot assemblies having at least two pivots are shared between two adjacent hatch pivots for two adjacent sides of the hatch and the frame. A pivot assembly is used in two adjacent pairs of pivot assemblies.

[0013] In some embodiments, each pivot assembly includes at least two pivots, and each pivot assembly is shared between two adjacent hatch pivots for two adjacent sides of the hatch and frame. Each pivot assembly is used by two adjacent pairs of pivot assemblies.

[0014] In some embodiments, each pivot assembly is associated with a corner of the hatch and frame.

[0015] In some embodiments, each pair of adjacent pivot assemblies provides a hatch pivot, and the actuation mechanism is configured to selectively pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by any pair of adjacent pivot assemblies engaged by a corresponding pair of adjacent pins.

[0016] In some embodiments, the number of hatch pivots is equal to the number of pivot assemblies.

[0017] In some embodiments, the angle between the longitudinal axis of each said pin and the corresponding hatch pivot axis is between 20 degrees and 70 degrees, or between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. Preferably, the angle between the longitudinal axis of each said pin and the corresponding hatch pivot axis is half the corner angle of the hatch and frame. Preferably, for each said pin, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the pin and the corresponding hatch pivot axis is the same.

[0018] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism provides a plurality of closed positions for selectively coupling the hatch to the frame in closed positions, hi some embodiments, in each of the closed positions, a handle of the actuation mechanism is aligned towards a corner region of the hatch.

[0019] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism provides a plurality of open positions, and the hatch is pivotally coupled to the frame and pivoted on the hatch pivot in each of the open positions, hi some embodiments, a handle of the actuation mechanism is oriented away from the corresponding hatch pivot in each of the open positions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes a cam that moves the pins between the extended and retracted positions. Each of the pins is coupled to a cam by a cam follower and a connecting element extending between the cam follower and the pin. The cam includes at least one cam surface that acts on the cam follower to move the cam follower between a radially inner and a radially outer position and to move the pins between the retracted and extended positions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connecting elements are struts.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cam radially captures the cam follower such that rotation of the cam moves the cam follower between a radially inner position and a radially outer position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cam includes a first cam and a second cam, the first cam including at least one first cam surface for moving the pin between the retracted and extended positions to couple the hatch to the frame in a closed position and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of pivot assemblies, and the second cam including at least one second cam surface movable relative to the at least one first cam surface and for moving a pair of the pins that engage a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame, and optionally remove the hatch from the frame.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second cam is movable relative to the first cam to move a pair of the pins that engage a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one first cam surface and the at least one second cam surface are aligned to move the pin between the retracted position and the extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of pivot assemblies, the second cam is moved relative to the first cam to move the at least one second cam surface out of alignment with the at least one first cam surface and move a pair of the pins engaging a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame, and optionally remove the hatch from the frame.

[0026] In some embodiments, rotation of the first cam moves the pins between the retracted position and the extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies, and movement of the second cam laterally relative to the axis of rotation of the first cam moves a pair of the pins engaging a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and, optionally, remove the hatch from the frame.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first cam and the second cam are rotatably fixed to one another, and the first cam and the second cam rotate together to move the pin between a retracted position and an extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position, and a pair of the pivot assemblies pivotally couple the hatch to the frame.

[0028] In some embodiments, a first cam radially captures the cam follower such that the cam follower moves between a radially inner position and a radially outer position with rotation of the first cam, moves the pin between the retracted position and the extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position, pivotally couples the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies, and The second cam radially captures the cam follower such that the cam follower moves between a radially inner position and a radially outer position by movement of the second cam relative to the first cam, and moves a pair of the pins that engage a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and, optionally, remove the hatch from the frame.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first cam includes a first track for capturing the cam follower and the second cam includes a second track for capturing the cam follower, the first track and the second track aligned to move the pin between the retracted position and the extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies. The second cam moves relative to the first cam to move the second track out of alignment with the first track to move a pair of the pins that engage a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame.

[0030] In some embodiments, each of the pins is coupled to the actuation mechanism by a connection element received within a channel or passageway. In some embodiments, the channel or passageway is curved such that the connection element is curved when received within the channel or passageway such that the pins extend at a preferred angle between the longitudinal axis of each of the pins and the corresponding hatch pivot axis. In some embodiments, the connection element is curved when received within the channel or passageway such that an end of the connection element opposite the pin extends at a preferred angle from the actuation mechanism.

[0031] In some embodiments, the connecting elements are struts, hi some embodiments, the channels or passages are curved and the struts elastically deform to be received within the curved channels or passages and elastically deform as the struts move along the curved channels or passages, moving the pins between the retracted and extended positions such that the pins extend at a preferred angle between a longitudinal axis of each pin and the corresponding hatch pivot axis.

[0032] Each pivot assembly includes a pivotally coupled first portion and a second portion. For example, in a preferred embodiment, each pivot assembly includes a ball-and-socket joint. The first portion is fixed to or formed with the frame or hatch. The second portion is releasably engaged by a pin to couple the hatch and frame by the pivot assembly. When the hatch and frame are separated from the pivot assembly by disengaging the pin from the second portion, the second portion remains coupled to the first portion.

[0033] Each pivot assembly includes a hole that receives a corresponding pin when in the extended position.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ball includes a hole for receiving the pin and a slot between the hole and one side of the ball, the hole opening to one side of the ball to allow the pin to be withdrawn from the ball as the hatch moves from the closed position out of the open position to avoid damage to the pivot assembly, the hatch or the frame. The ball includes a cavity extending through the ball between the hole and an exterior of the ball to provide resiliency to the ball to allow the pin to be withdrawn from the ball.

[0035] The hole in the ball is offset from a central axis of the ball to allow the hatch to pivot more than 90 degrees from the closed position to the open position.

[0036] Each pivot assembly is attached to the hatch or frame and the engagement mechanism is attached to the other of the hatch or frame. In some embodiments, each pivot assembly is attached to the frame and the engagement mechanism is attached to the hatch. The hatch or frame is coupled to the pivot assembly only by pins that engage the pivot assembly. This allows the hatch to be coupled to the pivot assembly only by pins that engage the pivot assembly.

[0037] In some embodiments, each pivot assembly includes a spring that returns the pivot assembly to the closing direction when the pin retracts from the pivot assembly. One or more of the pivot assemblies include the two pivots and two springs, each associated with a corresponding one of the pivots. For example, the pivot assembly includes a ball and a socket, the ball being fitted with a pair of keys, each of the keys being configured to rotate relative to the ball about a corresponding one of the pivots, the socket including a pair of corresponding keyways that receive the keys to limit movement of the ball pivoting about the two pivots, and each of the springs acting between the ball and the corresponding key to return the ball to the closing direction. In some embodiments, the first key is configured to rotate relative to the ball about the first pivot axis and is received in a corresponding first keyway in the socket to prevent the first key from rotating relative to the socket about the first pivot axis and allow the ball to rotate about the second pivot axis, and the second key is configured to rotate relative to the ball about the second pivot axis and is received in a corresponding second keyway in the socket to prevent the second key from rotating relative to the socket about the second pivot axis and allow the ball to rotate about the first pivot axis.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hatch or pivot assembly may include a key member, and the other of the hatch and pivot assembly has a corresponding keyway that is engaged by the key. For example, the hatch includes a key associated with each pivot assembly, and each pivot assembly includes a corresponding keyway, e.g., a ball includes a keyway. When the hatch is coupled to the corresponding pivot assembly, the key is received in the key slot. The key and keyway are configured such that the key engages and disengages with the keyway by pivoting the hatch about the hatch pivot axis on the opposite side of the hatch. The shape of the key and keyway can prevent or limit the hatch from disengaging from the coupled pivot assembly (pair) when the hatch is opened. For example, the key and keyway are dovetail shaped.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hatch assembly comprising: a frame having a frame opening; A hatch for opening and closing the frame opening, A plurality of pivot assemblies; An engagement mechanism; an actuation mechanism; The plurality of pivot assemblies each include at least two pivots, and each adjacent pair of pivot assemblies each provide a hatch pivot adjacent to one side of the hatch, such that each pivot assembly is shared between two adjacent hatch pivots for two adjacent sides of the hatch. the engagement mechanism is configured to releasably engage a pivot assembly to couple the hatch to the frame; the engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pins, each pin movable between an extended position in engagement with the pivot assembly and a retracted position in disengagement from the pivot assembly; the actuation mechanism is configured to move the pin between the extended position and the retracted position to selectively couple the hatch to the frame with all of the pivot assemblies and any pair of the pivot assemblies; (i) all of the pivot assemblies are engaged by all of the pins to couple the hatch to the frame in a closed position; (ii) any one of said pair of pivot assemblies engaged by a corresponding pair of said pins to selectively couple said hatch to said frame and pivot about said hatch pivot axis on or adjacent to either one of at least two sides of said hatch; The pins provide a hatch assembly in which the longitudinal axes of the pins in each pin pair are oriented to converge such that the hatch remains coupled to the frame when the hatch is pivoted between a closed position and an open position.

[0040] A second aspect of the invention may include any one or more features of the above hatch assembly associated with the first aspect of the invention. definition

[0041] The terms "rectangular" or "square" or other such shapes are not intended to be limited to the precise geometric shapes described. For example, a square or rectangular hatch or opening may be generally square or rectangular, but may have one or more sides with rounded corners or some curvature. Furthermore, each "side" of a hatch may be understood to be a side of the hatch that extends between a pair of pivot assemblies about which the hatch can pivot. For example, a hatch assembly according to the present invention may be understood to include a circular hatch and frame, and three pivot assemblies providing three pairs of adjacent pivot assemblies, and have three sides.

[0042] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprises," "including," and the like shall be interpreted in their inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," rather than in their exclusive or specific sense.

[0043] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0044] The citation of any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be, regarded as an acknowledgment or implied that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor of any country in the world.

[0045] The invention may also be broadly stated as consisting of the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0046] Other aspects of the present invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

[0047] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] Figures 1A-1D show a hatch assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows the hatch assembly in a closed configuration. Figures 1B and 1C each show the hatch assembly in an open configuration, where the hatch of the assembly can be pivoted open and closed about a hatch pivot at one end as shown. Figure 1D shows the hatch assembly in a separated or released configuration, where the hatch can be removed from the frame of the hatch assembly. [Diagram 2] 2A-2D show the same hatch assembly configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, except that the hatch remains within the hatch frame and hidden details are shown to show the operation of the actuation and engagement mechanisms of the hatch assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B show the hatch assembly of FIGS. 1A-1D and a close-up view of the pivot assembly of the hatch assembly with the hatch engaged with the pivot assembly. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B show close-up views of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 1A-1D and the pivot assembly of the hatch assembly with the hatch detached from the pivot assembly. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 1A to 1D as viewed from the outside of the hatch assembly. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 1A-1D as viewed from the inside of the hatch assembly. [Figure 7] 7A-7D show another hatch assembly in closed, open, and separated configurations, respectively, corresponding to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, with hidden details shown to show operation of the actuation and engagement mechanisms of the hatch assembly. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the hatch of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 7A to 7D, as viewed from the outside of the hatch. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the hatch of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 7A to 7D, as viewed from inside the hatch. [Figure 8C] 7A-7D is an exploded view of the frame of the hatch assembly from the outside of the frame, with the inner cap of the hatch also shown. [Figure 9-10] 9A-9D are views of the ball of the pivot assembly of the hatch assembly of FIG. 7A-7D, FIG. 9 being a side view and FIG. 10 being an isometric view. [Figure 11] 7A to 7D show the hatch assembly with the hatch in a fully open position. [Figure 12-13]FIG. 7B shows a pivot assembly for the hatch assembly of FIGS. 7A-7D. [Figure 14] 7A-7D show the ball of the pivot assembly of the hatch assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through the center of the ball of the pivot assembly of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 7A-7D. [Figure 16] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view from below of the pivot assembly of FIGS. 7A-7D. [Figure 17] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view from above of the hatch assembly of FIGS. 7A-7D. [Figure 18] 18A-18D show the same hatch assembly configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, but applied to a suitcase. [Figure 19] 19A-19D show another hatch assembly according to another embodiment of the invention embodied in a manhole cover. [Figure 20] 13 shows diagrammatically another hatch assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the hatch can be pivoted about two adjacent hatch pivot axes. [Figure 21] 13 shows diagrammatically another hatch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the hatch can be pivoted about three adjacent hatch pivot axes. [Figure 22] 13 shows a schematic of another hatch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, where the hatch can be pivoted about two hatch pivot axes on either side of the hatch. [Figure 23] 23A and 23B show the hatch assembly of FIGS. 7A-7D but with an alternative pivot assembly, including an enlarged view of the pivot assembly in the area indicated by the circle in FIG. 23B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] A hatch assembly according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1A-1D, where the hatch is shown in various configurations. The hatch assembly 1 includes a frame 2 having an opening 3, a hatch 4 closing the opening 3, and a number of pivot assemblies 5. The hatch 4 is coupled to the frame 2 by the pivot assemblies 5 to allow the hatch 4 to pivot relative to the frame 2 between a closed position covering or closing the opening 3 as shown in Figure 1A, and an open position providing access to the opening 3 by the frame opening or opening the opening 3 as shown in Figures 1B and 1C. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of pivot assemblies are provided on each side of the hatch and frame. Each pivot assembly 5 is associated with each corner of the hatch and frame.

[0050] The hatch assembly is configured such that the hatch is pivotable about a plurality of hatch pivots relative to the frame pivot. Each hatch pivot is located on or adjacent to one side of the hatch or frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the hatch is openable and closable about a hatch pivot on any of its (four) sides or adjacent sides. Although the drawings only show the hatch pivoted open on both sides or adjacent sides about a hatch pivot, it is understood that in the illustrated embodiment, the hatch can be pivoted open on both sides or adjacent sides of the hatch pivot. Additionally, in the most preferred embodiment, the hatch assembly is also configured to allow the hatch to be removably removed from the frame, as shown in FIG. 1D.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the hatch has four sides, however the hatch and corresponding frame / frame opening can have three or more sides. Additionally, the present invention may be incorporated into a hatch assembly including a circular hatch and frame, as shown in Figures 19A-19D.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each pivot assembly 5 is attached to the frame 2. Referring to Figure 6A, each pivot assembly 5 includes a first portion 5a that is fixed to or formed with the frame 2, and a second portion 5b that is coupled to the first portion 5a and adapted to pivot relative to the first portion 5a (which is thus also the frame). During normal use, the second portion 5b remains coupled to the first portion 5a.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot assembly includes a ball and socket joint, where a ball socket (first portion 5a) is fixed to the frame and a ball socket (second portion 5b) is received within the ball socket. The ball is configured to rotate within the socket so as to pivot relative to the frame. Other pivot assembly configurations are contemplated, for example the male / female orientation of parts 5a, 5b may be reversed.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, each pivot assembly is adapted to pivot about at least two axes. For example, each pivot assembly may be adapted to pivot about two orthogonal pivot axes. Although a ball and socket joint may provide more than one pivot, the ball may only pivot about two axes in use.

[0055] The hatch assembly 1 further includes an engagement mechanism configured to releasably engage the pivot assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement mechanism is attached to the hatch 4. The engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pins 6. Each pin is configured to be moved into releasable engagement with the pivot assembly 5. Each pin is configured to move between an extended position for engaging the pivot assembly and a retracted position for disengaging from the pivot assembly. The hatch 4 is coupled to the pivot assembly 5 when the pins 6 are in the extended position and is decoupled from the pivot assembly 5 when the pins 6 are in the retracted position.

[0056] The second portion 5b of the pivot assembly 5 includes a hole 5c (see FIG. 6A) for receiving the corresponding pin 6 when the pin 6 moves to the extended position. In the extended position, the pin 6 is received within the hole 5c of the pivot assembly 5 and engages the pivot assembly 5 to couple the hatch 4 and the pivot assembly 5 together. When the pin 6 moves to the retracted position, the pin 6 disengages from the hole 5c and disengages from the pivot assembly 5, and the hatch 4 is separated from the pivot assembly 5. The pivot assembly may include a biasing element (spring) that biases the pivot assembly in a closing direction such that the holes are properly aligned to receive the corresponding pins when the pins move from the retracted position to the extended position to engage the pivot assembly. For example, the biasing element / spring may be a rubber band that exerts tension between the ball and ball socket to return the ball to a closing direction when the pin retracts from the ball.

[0057] The hatch assembly 1 further includes an actuation mechanism 7 for moving the pins 6 between an extended position and a retracted position to selectively couple the hatch to the frame in a number of different configurations. The hatch is configured in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1A by the multiple pins being extended to engage multiple pivot assemblies (i.e., all pins engage all pivot assemblies). With one pair of pins 6 in an extended position engaging each pair of pivot assemblies and all other pins retracted to disengage from the other pivot assemblies, the hatch is coupled to the frame by only one pair of pivot assemblies and configured to pivot the hatch between closed and open positions on one side of the hatch and frame or adjacent to the hatch pivot. With one pair of pins in an extended position and the remaining pins in a retracted position, the hatch is pivotally coupled to the frame by the pair of pivot assemblies.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to couple the hatch to the frame by any pair of pins and a corresponding pair of pivot assemblies such that the hatch is selectively configured to pivot open and closed on either side of the hatch and frame opening or adjacent to the hatch pivot.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, each pair of adjacent pivot assemblies of the plurality of pivot assemblies provides a hatch pivot. Each pivot assembly is used on an adjacent hatch pivot. Thus, the number of hatch pivots is equal to the number of pivot assemblies. For example, the hatch has four sides, four pivot assemblies, and four corresponding pins. The four pivot assemblies provide a total of four pairs of pivot assemblies on or adjacent to one of the hatch and frame. A pair of adjacent pins engages with a corresponding pair of adjacent pivot assemblies. Thus, by selectively engaging any one of the four pairs of pins with a corresponding pair of pivot assemblies, the hatch may be configured to pivot about the hatch pivot on any one of the four sides of the hatch and frame or adjacent to the hatch pivot.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4B, each pivot assembly provides at least two pivots 5d, 5e, each pivot assembly being shared between two adjacent hatch pivots for two adjacent sides of the hatch and frame. Each pair of pivot assemblies 5 provides a hatch pivot for one side of the hatch and frame, with the pivot of one pivot assembly aligned with the pivot of the other pivot assembly of the pair. Four pairs of pivot assemblies 5 with each pin pair 6 are identified in FIG. 3 as pairs 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, each pair providing one of four hatch pivots A1, A2, A3, A4. However, as mentioned above, a hatch assembly according to the present invention may have three, four or more sides, with each pair of three, four or more pivot assemblies providing three, four or more hatch pivots.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the hatch is selectively coupled to the frame by any pair of adjacent pins 6 and a corresponding pair of adjacent pivot assemblies 5, each pair of adjacent pivot assemblies providing a hatch pivot on a side of the hatch or on a side adjacent to that side. However, the hatch assembly 1 may further include one or more additional pivot assemblies (not shown) located between the pair or pairs of adjacent pivot assemblies providing the hatch pivot. The pivot assembly located between the pair of adjacent pivot assemblies providing the hatch pivot may provide only a single pivot. The pivots of one of the pivot assemblies of the hatch and the frame are aligned to provide the hatch pivot.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 3, each pin 6 has a longitudinal axis 6a. In accordance with the present invention, the pins are oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the pins in each pair of pins converge. The pins converge in a direction from the corresponding pair of pivot assemblies toward the center of the hatch, i.e., toward the central region or centerline of the hatch. For illustrative purposes, the hatch 4 is coupled to each pair of pivot assemblies 5, and for each pair of pins 6 pivoting about each hatch pivot axis, the longitudinal axes 6a of the pins 6 converge toward the centerline L1, L2 of the hatch 4. For example, the longitudinal axes of the pins of pair 5-1 converge to pass through the centerline L1 of the hatch periphery, and the longitudinal axes of the pins of pair 5-2 converge toward the centerline L2 of the hatch periphery. The pins are oriented such that the longitudinal axes 6a of the pins in each pair of pins extend and converge at a relative angle from the pivot assembly of the pair. Each opposing angle extends between the pin longitudinal axis 6a and a corresponding hatch pivot, e.g., opposing angle B and hatch pivot A1. Each opposing angle may be half the corner angle, or half the angle between the hatch pivots on adjacent sides of the hatch. For example, in the illustrated embodiment including a rectangular hatch, the angle between the longitudinal axis 6a and the hatch pivot is 45 degrees. Although other angles are possible, it is preferred that the angle between the pin longitudinal axis and the hatch pivot is between 20 degrees and 70 degrees, or between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. In the most preferred embodiment, for each pin, the angle between the pin longitudinal axis and the corresponding hatch pivot is the same.

[0063] The longitudinal axes 6a of the pair of pins 6 converge at an angle to the hatch pivot axes A1, A2, A3, A4 so that the hatch 4 remains coupled to the pair of pivot assemblies 5 when pivoted from a closed position to a fully open position about the hatch pivot axes. The pins that engage the pivot assemblies converge at an angle to the hatch pivot axes so that the hatch cannot be separated from the pivot assemblies when the hatch is open. No other coupling means, other than the pair of pins, are required to couple the hatch to each pivot assembly. The hatch 4 is coupled to the pivot assemblies 5 only by the pins 6.

[0064] The actuation mechanism 7 provides at least one position in which all pins 6 are moved to an extended position to engage all pivot assemblies 5, thereby coupling the hatch 4 to the frame 2 in a closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 7 provides four closed positions in which all pins are moved to an extended position, thereby coupling the hatch to the frame in a closed position. FIG. 1A shows the actuation mechanism 7 in one of the four closed positions. In the closed positions, the handle 8 of the actuation mechanism is aligned towards a corner area of ​​the hatch. In each closed position, the handle points to a corner of the hatch, indicating to the user that the hatch is coupled or locked closed.

[0065] The actuation mechanism 7 also provides an open position for each pair of pivot assemblies and hatch pivots for coupling the hatch to the frame. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the four-sided actuation mechanism provides four open positions, each of which is coupled to the frame 2 by a pair of pivot assemblies such that the hatch 4 pivots about a corresponding hatch pivot on one side of the hatch and frame or on one side adjacent thereto. Figures 1B and 1C show the actuation mechanism 7 in two of the four open positions. In each open position, the handle 8 of the actuation mechanism is either away from the corresponding hatch pivot or toward the open side of the hatch and frame to indicate to the user which side the hatch is to be opened to.

[0066] 6A and 6B, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 7 includes a cam 9 that moves the pins 6 between extended and retracted positions. Each pin is coupled to the cam 9 by a cam follower 10 and a connecting element 11 that extends between the cam follower 10 and the pin 6. The cam follower may be an end of a connecting element. Rotation of the cam 9 moves the cam follower 10 and the connecting pin 6, causing the pin 6 to move between the extended and retracted positions.

[0067] The cam 9 provides a cam surface 12 which acts on the cam follower 10 to cause movement of the cam follower 10. As the cam 9 rotates, the cam follower 10 moves along the cam surface 12 between a radially inner position and a radially outer position, causing the pin 6 to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0068] 2A-2D, to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position, the cam 9 rotates to the closed position to move the cam followers to a radially outward position, thereby moving all pins to an extended position to couple the hatch 4 to the frame 2 by all pivot assemblies, as shown in FIG. 2A. To pivotally couple the hatch 4 to the frame 2 by a pair of pivot assemblies 5 and pivot to a corresponding hatch pivot on the hatch side or adjacent to that side, the cam 9 rotates to the open position to move two cam followers 10 to a radially outward position, and the other cam follower 10 to a radially inward position to move one pair of pins 6 to an extended position, and the remaining pins 6 to a retracted position (FIGS. 2B and 2C).

[0069] In some embodiments, the pin 6 may be biased to the extended position by a biasing element or spring (not shown). The spring may be located on the connection element 11, on the cam follower end of the connection element 11 that couples the cam follower 10 to the pin 6, or on the pin or pin end of the connection element 11. The cam surface 12 may act on the cam follower to pull the cam follower radially inward against the action of the biasing element to move the pin to the retracted position, and the cam follower 10 to a radially outward position to move the pin 6 to the extended position under the action of the biasing element. Alternatively, the pin may be biased to the retracted position, and the cam may move the cam follower radially outward against the action of the spring element to move the pin to the extended position, and the cam may move the cam follower radially inward under the action of the biasing element to move the pin to the retracted position.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 9 includes a track 13 that radially traps the cam follower such that rotation of the cam 9 moves the cam follower between a radially inner position and a radially outer position. One side 12 of the track 13 acts on the cam follower 10 to move it to a radially inner position, while the other side 14 moves it to a radially outer position. In such an embodiment, the pin 6 may not be biased by a biasing element. However, if the pin is biased outwardly, only the cam surface 12 may be provided. If the pin is biased inwardly, only the cam surface 14 may be provided.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 1D and 2D, the actuation mechanism is further configured to move all of the pins 6 to a retracted position so that the hatch 4 can be optionally removed from the frame 2.

[0072] 6A and 6B, to move all of the pins 6 to the retracted position, the cam 9 includes first cam surfaces 12, 14 for moving one pair of cam followers to a radially outer position and, when the other cam follower is moved to a radially inner position, for moving one pair of pins 6 to an extended position and for moving the remaining pins 6 to a retracted position to pivotally couple the hatch to the frame as described above.

[0073] The cam 9 also includes second cam surfaces 15, 17 (FIG. 6B) that are movable relative to the first cam surfaces 12, 14, and moves a pair of cam followers 10, which are in a radially outer position, from a radially outer position to a radially inner position, so that all of the pins 6 are in a retracted position that separates the hatch from the frame.

[0074] The cam 9 includes a first cam 18a, 18b and a second cam 19. The first cam 18a, 18b is provided with a first cam surface 12, 14, and the second cam 19 is provided with a second cam surface 15, 17. The first cam rotates to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. The second cam 19 is movable relative to the first cam 18a, 18b to move the pair of extension pins to the retracted position. The second cam moves laterally, i.e., perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the first cam. A key 20 (FIG. 6B) and a keyway 21 (FIG. 6A) are provided on the first and second cams to guide the lateral movement of the second cam relative to the first cam.

[0075] First and second cams 18a, 18b, 19 rotate together in a rotationally fixed manner such that relative rotation between the first and second cams is prevented. The first and second cams are rotatably fixed together by a key 20 and a keyway 21. Rotation of the first and second cams together actuates pin 6 between retracted and extended positions to couple the hatch to the frame in a closed position by engaging multiple pins of a multiple pivot assembly, and pivotally couple the frame to the hatch by a pair of pins and a corresponding pair of pivot assemblies to pivot on a hatch pivot at or near one of the hatch and the frame.

[0076] Fig. 2C shows the actuation mechanism 7 in an open position, with a pair of pins 6 in the extended position engaged with a corresponding pair of pivot assemblies, and all other pins in the retracted position, so that the hatch is pivotally coupled to the frame about pivot axis A4. In the open position, one pair of cam followers 10 engages the second cam surfaces 15, 17 at a radially outer position, and the other cam follower 10 engages the first cam surfaces 12, 14 at a radially inner position. To move the pair of extension pins to the retracted position, the second cam 19 moves relative to the first cams 18a, 18b from an engaged position, in which the pair of pins engages the corresponding pair of pivot assemblies, as shown in Fig. 2C, to a disengaged position, in which all pins are disengaged from the pivot assemblies, as shown in Fig. 2D.

[0077] When in the engaged position, the second cam 19 rotates with the first cams 18a, 18b as described above. The second cam 19 moves relative to the first cams 18a, 18b from the hatch pivot A4 toward the retracted pins as shown in FIG. 2D to the disengaged position. The second cam 19 moves laterally relative to the first cams 18a, 18b to move between the engaged and disengaged positions. The second cam 19 and the second cam surfaces 15, 17 move a pair of cam followers engaged with the second cam surfaces 15, 17 relative to the movement of the first cams 18a, 18b and the first cam surfaces 12, 14 to move the engaged pins from the extended position to the retracted position, retracting all the pins without moving the pins already retracted to separate and release the hatch from the frame. The hatch can then be removed from the frame as shown in FIG. 1D.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the second cam 19 includes a second track 16 that radially captures the cam follower such that moving the second cam 19 between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the first cams 18a, 18b moves the cam follower between a radially outer position and a radially inner position. One side 15 of the track 16 acts on the cam follower to move the cam follower 10 to a radially inner position and the other side 17 of the track moves the cam follower to a radially outer position. In such an embodiment, the pin 6 may not be biased by a biasing element. However, the second cam may only have a cam surface 15 if the pin is biased outwardly and only a cam surface 17 if the pin is biased inwardly.

[0079] 6A and 6B, the first cams 18a and 18b include a first portion 18a and a second portion 18b coupled to each other. The second portion 18b provides an opening 22 in the first cam for receiving the second cam 19 such that the second track 16 or second cam surface 15 is aligned with the first track 13 or first cam surface 12 when the second cam 19 is in the engaged position. When the actuation mechanism is in the open or closed position, the pair of cam followers engage the second track or second cam surface 15 and the first track 13 or first cam surface 12 at a radially outward position. When the second cam 19 moves to a disengaged position relative to the first cams 18a, 18b, the second track 16 or cam surface 15 moves to a misaligned position relative to the first track 13 or cam surface 12 and the pair of cam followers 10 are moved to a radially inward position by the second cam surface 15.

[0080] Rotatably mounted on the spigot 26 are the first cams 18a, 18b and the second cam 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the spigot extends from the hatch. The cam follower 10 is held in the first cam or between the first and second cams depending on the rotational position of the actuating mechanism. A cover 23 is disposed on the first and second cams and the actuating mechanism is held together by fasteners 24 which extend through the hatch 4 and the first and second cams to engage the cover 23.

[0081] As noted above, each pin 6 is coupled to the actuation mechanism 7 by a connection element 11. The connection element 11 is received in a channel or passage 25 in the hatch (FIG. 6A). In the illustrated embodiment, the passage 25 is curved. The connection element is curved such that when received in the passage, the pin extends from the hatch at a preferred angle, for example, 45 degrees in the illustrated embodiment. Preferably, all pins extend at the same angle. The connection elements are also curved such that the end of the connection element opposite the pin extends from the actuation mechanism 7 at a preferred angle. Preferably, all connection elements extend from the actuation mechanism at the same angle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection elements preferably extend radially from the axis of rotation of the cam 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the passage and the connection elements includes an inflection point such that the pin extends at a preferred angle and both ends of the connection element extend from the actuation mechanism at a preferred angle.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 11 is a strut. The strut 11 elastically deforms to be received in the curved passage 25, and as the strut 11 moves along the curved passage, it elastically deforms to move the pin 6 between the retracted and extended positions. Alternatively, the strut may be straight. The strut and pin may be integrally formed as a unitary member. The strut and pin may have the same cross section extending from the actuation mechanism to the pivot assembly.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the connection elements 11 and pins 6 are rotationally symmetrically positioned on the hatch 4, allowing the hatch to be coupled in multiple directions within the frame 2. For example, for a rectangular hatch the hatch can be inserted into the frame in one of two ways, and for a square hatch the hatch can be inserted into the frame in one of four ways.

[0084] A second exemplary embodiment of a hatch assembly 201 will now be described with reference to Figures 7-17. Features of the second embodiment 201 that are the same as or similar to features of the first embodiment 1 described above are referenced with the same numerical references as described above, and will not be described further for the sake of brevity.

[0085] 7A-7D correspond to FIGS. 2A-2D and show hatch 4 in closed, open and separated configurations, respectively.

[0086] As noted above, the handle 8 is pivotally fixed to the first and second cams 18a, 18b, 19 such that rotation of the handle 8 moves one pair of pins 6 to an extended position and the remaining pins 6 to a retracted position. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1D, the second cam 19 is coupled to or formed with the handle 8 for moving the pair of pins 6 from the extended position to the retracted position by lateral movement of the handle 8 relative to the first cams 18a, 18b provided by keys and keyways 20, 21 between the first and second cams.

[0087] Similarly, in the second embodiment 201, the handle 8 is rotatably fixed to the first and second cams 18a, 19, and rotation of the handle 8 moves one pair of pins 6 to an extended position and the remaining pin 6 to a retracted position. However, in the second embodiment, the handle 8 does not move laterally. With reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the actuation mechanism of the second embodiment 201 includes a second handle 8a attached to the second cam 19. The second handle 8a is rotatably fixed to the second cam 19. The second cam 19 is rotatably fixed to the first cam 18a by a key 220 and a keyway 221. The key and keyway 220, 221 guide the lateral movement of the second cam 19 and the second handle 8a relative to the first cam 18a and the handle 8. Lateral movement of the second handle 8a relative to the first cam 18a and handle 8 provided by the keys and keyways 220, 221 effects lateral movement of the second cam 19, moving the pair of pins 6 from an extended position to a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 7D). The hatch includes a body portion 4b and an outer cover 4a as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The main portion may be formed of a foam material, such as expanded polypropylene foam. The outer cover covers the cams and associated components of the actuation mechanism and may be formed of a plastic material. The peripheral area of ​​the hatch is tapered or angled to engage a corresponding tapered or angled surface of the frame. A seal may be formed or provided around the periphery of the hatch and / or the frame.

[0088] 9 and 10 show the ball of the pivot assembly of the hatch assembly 201. The ball 205b is provided with a hole 205c for receiving the pin 6. The ball has a slot 205d between the hole 205c and the side of the ball 205b, so that the hole 205c opens on the side of the ball 205b. When the hatch 4 is opened beyond the fully open position (e.g., the open position shown in FIG. 11), the hole opening on one side of the ball allows the pin to "escape" from the ball to avoid damage to the pivot assembly, the hatch or the frame. To give the ball elasticity to deflect the side of the hole 205c to allow the pin 6 to escape the ball, the ball includes a cavity 205e extending through the ball between the hole 105c and the exterior of the ball. The cavity 205e extends around the hole 205c to both sides of the slot 205d. The cavity is, for example, a C-shaped cavity extending through the ball 205b. The cavity 205e extends parallel to the hole 205c.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 205c is offset from the central axis of the ball 205b. The longitudinal axis of the hole is offset from the central axis of the ball, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the hole 205c passes through the center of the ball. The hole 205c has a longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis of the ball. The offset hole 205c allows the hatch to pivot from the closed position to an open position more than 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 11, and to open the hatch to an open position more than 90 degrees from the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset hole 205c allows the hatch to open approximately 170 degrees from the frame.

[0090] As previously mentioned, the pivot assembly 5, 205 may include a resilient element / spring that returns the pivot assembly to the closed orientation when the pin 6 retracts from the pivot assembly. Referring to Figures 12-17, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring 233 is a torsion spring. The torsion spring 233 acts between the socket / first portion 205a and the ball / second portion 205b to return the pivot assembly to the closed orientation.

[0091] The pivot assembly 205 is configured to provide two pivots (5d and 5e in FIG. 15) and two springs 233, one associated with a respective pivot. Each spring is configured to bias the pivot assembly in a closing direction about a corresponding pivot. As shown, where the pivot assembly provides two orthogonal pivots 5d, 5e, the springs 233 are positioned orthogonal to each other.

[0092] The pivot assembly 205 includes a pair of keys 231a, 231b and keyways 232a, 232b configured to allow the ball 205b to be pivoted about two pivots 5d, 5e, i.e., the pair of keys and keyways limit the movement of the ball, which is pivoted about two axes. The ball is selectively pivoted about the first pivot 5d or the second pivot 5e to open and close the hatch.

[0093] Each key 231a, 231b is coupled to the ball 205b to rotate about a respective pivot 5d, 5e relative to the ball 205b and is received in an associated keyway 232a, 232b in the socket 205a to prevent relative rotation of the keys 231a, 231b. Each spring 233 acts between the ball 205b and each key 231a, 231b to return the ball 205b to the closing direction. The first key 231a rotates about a first pivot 5d relative to the ball 205b and is received in a corresponding first keyway 232a in the socket to prevent the first key 231a from rotating about the first pivot 5d relative to the socket 205a and to allow the ball 205b to rotate about the second pivot 5e. Similarly, the second key 231b rotates about the second pivot axis 5e relative to the ball 205b and is received in a corresponding second keyway 232b in the socket 205a, preventing the second key 231b from rotating about the second pivot axis 5e relative to the socket 205a and allowing the ball 205b to rotate about the first pivot axis 5d. Each spring 233 biases each key 231a, 231b against the rotation of the ball, biasing the ball in a closing direction relative to the socket. When the pivots are perpendicular, the first key and keyway are perpendicular to the second key and keyway. For example, the first key and keyway extend on a first plane, the second key and keyway extend on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and the first and second planes extend through the center of the ball about which the ball is pivoted. Transform

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot assembly is attached to the frame and the engagement mechanism is attached to the hatch. However, in some embodiments, the pivot assembly may be attached to the hatch and the engagement mechanism may be attached to the frame. In such embodiments, a first portion of the pivot assembly is fixed to or formed with the hatch and a second portion is coupled to the first portion and adapted to pivot relative to the first portion. In such embodiments, a pin of the engagement mechanism extends inwardly from the frame to engage the pivot assembly and retracts back into the frame to disengage from the pivot assembly. In such embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the pin converges to the centerline of the hatch, ensuring that the hatch remains coupled to the frame by the pair of pivot assemblies when pivoted open.

[0095] Alternative actuation mechanisms are also possible. For example, alternative connection elements may be provided, for example the struts in the actuation mechanism may be replaced by cables or hydraulic or pneumatic systems, or the actuation mechanism may include an electrical system that drives the pins between retracted and extended positions by an electrical actuator such as a solenoid. Such an arrangement may be used when the pivot assembly is mounted to the hatch and the pins and actuation mechanism are mounted to the frame 2 or other member mounted to the frame. For example, the cables may be routed in a passage that extends around the frame between the drive mechanism and the pins. In such an embodiment, each pin is biased by a spring into engagement with a corresponding pivot assembly on the hatch, so that the cables can operate under tension to retract the pins.

[0096] The hatch assembly according to the invention can be utilized whenever a hatch is required to open or close access to a space, for example a wall or ceiling cavity of a building, such as a door or window. Figures 18A-18D show the hatch assembly 1 of Figures 1A-1D assembled into a baggage item 100 (suitcase). The frame 2 of the hatch assembly 1 forms part of or is assembled into the case of the baggage item. Figures 19A-19D show a hatch assembly in the form of a circular manhole cover assembly 101. The circular hatch assembly 101 comprises a circular hatch frame 102 having a frame opening 103, a circular hatch 104, and three pivot assemblies 5. The pivot assemblies 5 are equally spaced around the hatch 104 and the frame 102. The hatch 104 can be rotated open about any one of three hatch pivots A1, A2, A3 shown in Figure 19A, each hatch pivot being provided by a pair of adjacent pivot assemblies 5. The manhole assembly 101 functions as described above, but may provide three hatch pivots, couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position, and have an actuating mechanism for separating and removing the hatch from the manhole. The actuating mechanism may be enclosed within the outer cover of the manhole cover or under the top cover so as to be invisible when the manhole cover is closed. The actuating mechanism is accessible and operable by a key 27 inserted into a keyway 28 in the top cover of the manhole cover 104 to activate the actuating mechanism.

[0097] The example embodiment of Figures 1A-1D includes a pair of pivot assemblies associated with each side of the hatch, each pivot assembly associated with one corner of the hatch and including two pivots, each pivot assembly being shared between adjacent hatch pivots and both sides of the hatch. The number of pivot assemblies is equal to the number of sides of the hatch, and the number of adjacent pairs of pivot assemblies is equal to the number of sides of the hatch. However, in some embodiments, the number of pivot assemblies may be more or less than the number of sides or corners of the hatch. For example, a four-sided hatch assembly may include pivot assemblies associated with three corners of the hatch, as shown in Figure 20. The three pivot assemblies 5f, 5g provide two pairs of pivot assemblies, each providing a hatch pivot. The pivot assembly 5f located between the other two pivot assemblies 5g may have two pivots shared by two adjacent hatch pivots. The other two pivot assemblies 5g may have two pivot axes aligned with one of the pivot axes of the two-pivot pivot assembly 5f, or only a single pivot axis. The engagement mechanism includes four pins 6, three of which releasably engage the three pivot assemblies 5f, 5g, and a fourth pin which engages a corner of the frame 2 without a pivot assembly. Such an arrangement provides a four-sided hatch selectively configurable to pivot to an open position on two adjacent sides of the hatch or on two adjacent hatch pivot axes.

[0098] In another exemplary embodiment, the hatch assembly may include two adjacent pivot assemblies, each associated with one corner of the hatch, each pivot assembly having two pivots, and the other pivot assemblies each having one pivot, aligned with only one of the pivot axes of the adjacent pivot assemblies having two pivots. For example, referring to FIG. 21, a four-sided hatch assembly may have two adjacent pivot assemblies 5f, each associated with one corner of the hatch and having two pivots, and two adjacent pivot assemblies 5g, located at or adjacent opposite corners of the hatch, each having a single pivot. Such a configuration provides a hatch that is selectively configurable to pivot to an open position on three adjacent sides of the hatch or on three adjacent hatch pivot axes adjacent to the hatch.

[0099] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hatch assembly may include a pair of pivot assemblies associated with each of two or more sides of the hatch, with each pivot assembly having only a single pivot axis. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, a four-sided hatch assembly may have two adjacent pivot assemblies 5g having a single pivot on one side of the hatch and two adjacent pivot assemblies having a single pivot on the opposite side of the hatch. Such a configuration provides a hatch that is selectively configurable to pivot to an open position on two opposing sides of the hatch.

[0100] 23A and 23B, in some embodiments, the hatch 4 may include a key member 330 that engages with a corresponding keyway 331 of the corresponding pivot assembly 305. The hatch key 330 is received in the pivot assembly keyway 331 of the ball 305b of the corresponding pivot assembly 305 when the hatch 4 is coupled to the corresponding pivot assembly 305. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the ball 305b may include the key 330 and the hatch 4 may include the corresponding keyway 331. The key 330 and keyway 331 are configured to engage and disengage with the keyway (when the pin 6 in the corresponding pivot assembly 305 is retracted) by pivoting the hatch 4 in the opposite direction relative to the pivot assembly 305 about the hatch pivot axis. The key and keyway are shaped to resist or limit dislodging of the hatch 4 from the (pair of) coupled pivot assemblies 305 when the hatch 4 is open, for example to prevent or limit dislodging of the hatch from the pivot assembly along the longitudinal axis of the pin 6 coupled to the pivot assembly. By way of example, in the illustrated example the key 330 and keyway 331 are dovetail shaped. The key and keyway, in addition to the angled / converging pin, can secure the hatch 4 to the pivot assembly 305 to prevent or inhibit dislodging of the hatch 4 from the coupled pivot assembly 305 when the hatch 4 is open.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the engagement mechanism includes a pair of pins that engage a corresponding pair of pivot assemblies to selectively couple the hatch to the frame in a closed, multiple, pivotable configuration, the pins being oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the pins in each pair of pins converge such that the hatch remains coupled to the frame when the hatch is pivoted open.

[0102] The hatch assembly according to the present invention provides a simple configuration that easily provides multiple hatch pivots and, in a preferred embodiment, allows the hatch to be completely removed from the frame. The hatch is coupled to the frame by pins that engage only the pivot assemblies. Pairs of pins positioned such that their longitudinal pin axes converge simplify selective coupling of the hatch to the frame. Furthermore, the present invention provides easy configurability of the hatch. An actuation mechanism actuates an engagement mechanism to couple the hatch to the frame in a closed configuration and a multiple pivot open configuration and, in a preferred embodiment, provides a further release configuration that allows the hatch to be removed from the frame.

[0103] Where reference is made in the foregoing description to integers or components having known equivalents, those integers are hereby combined as if set forth separately.

[0104] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing the advantages attendant thereto. Therefore, it is intended that such changes and modifications are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A hatch assembly, comprising: A frame having a frame opening; A hatch for opening and closing the frame opening; A plurality of pivot assemblies; An engagement mechanism; An actuating mechanism, wherein the plurality of pivot assemblies each provide a hatch pivot adjacent to or on one side of the hatch, with at least two pairs of pivot assemblies; the engagement mechanism is configured to releasably engage the pivot assemblies to couple the hatch to the frame; the engagement mechanism includes a plurality of pins, each pin being movable between an extended position engaging the pivot assembly and a retracted position disengaging from the pivot assembly; the actuating mechanism is configured to move the pins between the extended position and the retracted position to selectively couple the hatch to the frame by all the pivot assemblies and any one pair of the pivot assemblies; (i) all the pivot assemblies are engaged by all the pins to couple the hatch to the frame in a closed position; (ii) any one pair of the pivot assemblies is engaged by a corresponding pair of the pins to selectively couple the hatch to the frame and pivot the hatch about the hatch pivot adjacent to or on either one of at least two sides of the hatch; the pins are oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the pins in each pair of pins converge so that the hatch remains coupled to the frame when the hatch is pivoted between the closed position and the open position. A hatch assembly.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to move all the pins to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame.

3. A plurality of pairs of pivot assemblies each provide a hatch pivot adjacent to or on one side of the hatch such that the plurality of pivot assemblies provide the hatch pivot adjacent to each side or each adjacent side of the frame. The actuation mechanism is configured to selectively couple the hatch to the frame by any pair of the pivot assemblies engaged by a corresponding pair of the pins, selectively and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame, and pivot on the hatch pivot adjacent to any side or surface of the hatch. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One or more of the pivot assemblies include at least two pivots, and one or more of the pivot assemblies are shared between two adjacent hatch pivots for two adjacent sides of the hatch and the frame. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Each of the pivot assemblies includes at least two pivots, and each of the pivot assemblies is shared between two adjacent hatch pivots for two adjacent sides of the hatch and the frame. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Each of the pivot assemblies is associated with a corner of the hatch and the frame. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The pairs of adjacent pivot assemblies each provide a hatch pivot, and the actuation mechanism is configured to selectively and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by any pair of adjacent pivot assemblies engaged by a corresponding pair of adjacent pins. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The number of the hatch pivots is equal to the number of the pivot assemblies. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

9. For the assembly according to claim 1 or 2, the angle between the longitudinal axis of each pin and the corresponding hatch pivot is 20 degrees to 70 degrees, or 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

10. For the assembly according to claim 1 or 2, the angle between the longitudinal axis of each pin and the corresponding hatch pivot is half of the corner angle of the hatch and the frame.

11. For each of the pins, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the pin and the corresponding hatch pivot is the same for the assembly according to claim 9.

12. The actuating mechanism provides a plurality of closed positions for selectively coupling the hatch to the frame in a closed position for the assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

13. For the assembly according to claim 12, at each of the closed positions, the handle of the actuating mechanism is aligned towards the corner region of the hatch.

14. The actuating mechanism provides a plurality of open positions, and the hatch is pivotally coupled to the frame at each of the open positions and pivoted on the hatch pivot for the assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

15. For the assembly according to claim 14, at each of the open positions, the handle of the actuating mechanism is oriented away from the corresponding hatch pivot.

16. The actuating mechanism includes a cam that moves the pins between the extended position and the retracted position, Each of the pins is coupled to the cam by a cam follower and a connecting element extending between the cam follower and the pin, and the cam includes at least one cam surface that acts on the cam follower to move the cam follower between a radially inward position and a radially outward position and move the pin between the retracted position and the extended position for the assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the connecting element is a strut. **Claim 18** The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the cam radially captures the cam follower and moves the cam follower between a radially inner position and a radially outer position by rotation of the cam. **Claim 19** The cam includes a first cam and a second cam, The first cam includes at least one first cam surface for moving the pin between the retracted position and the extended position, coupling the hatch to the frame in the closed position, and pivotally coupling the hatch to the frame by a pair of pivot assemblies. The second cam is movable relative to the at least one first cam surface and includes at least one second cam surface for moving a pair of pins engaging corresponding ones of the pair of pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame. The assembly according to claim 16. **Claim 20** The assembly according to claim 19, wherein the second cam is movable relative to the first cam and moves a pair of pins engaging corresponding ones of the pair of pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position. **Claim 21** The at least one first cam surface and the at least one second cam surface are aligned to move the pin between the retracted position and the extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of pivot assemblies, and The second cam is moved relative to the first cam to move the at least one second cam surface out of alignment with the at least one first cam surface and move a pair of pins engaging corresponding ones of the pair of pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame. The assembly according to claim 19.

22. The rotation of the first cam moves the pin between the retracted position and the extended position, couples the hatch to the frame in the closed position, pivotally couples the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies, and when the second cam moves laterally relative to the axis of rotation of the first cam, a pair of the pins engaging a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies move from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame. The assembly according to claim 19.

23. The first cam and the second cam are rotatably fixed to each other, and when the first cam and the second cam rotate together, the pin moves between the retracted position and the extended position to couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies. The assembly according to claim 19.

24. The first cam radially captures the cam follower such that the cam follower moves between a radially inner position and a radially outer position by rotation of the first cam, moves the pin between the retracted position and the extended position, couples the hatch to the frame in the closed position, pivotally couples the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies, and the second cam radially captures the cam follower such that the cam follower moves between a radially inner position and a radially outer position by movement of the second cam relative to the first cam, moves a pair of the pins engaging a corresponding pair of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame. The assembly according to claim 19.

25. The first cam includes a first track for capturing a cam follower, the second cam includes a second track for capturing the cam follower, and the first track and the second track are arranged to move the pin between the retracted position and the extended position, couple the hatch to the frame in the closed position, and pivotally couple the hatch to the frame by a pair of the pivot assemblies. Also, The second cam is moved relative to the first cam to move the second track out of alignment with the first track, and move a pair of the pins engaging corresponding pairs of the pivot assemblies from the extended position to the retracted position to separate the hatch from the frame and optionally remove the hatch from the frame, the assembly of claim 24.

26. Each of the pins is coupled to the actuating mechanism by a connecting element received within a channel or passageway, the assembly of claim 1 or 2.

27. The channel or passageway is curved such that the connecting element is curved when received within the channel or passageway so that the pin extends at a preferred angle between the longitudinal axis of each pin and a corresponding hatch pivot, the assembly of claim 26.

28. The connecting element is curved when received within the channel or passageway such that an end of the connecting element opposite the pin extends at a preferred angle from the actuating mechanism, the assembly of claim 27.

29. The connecting element is a strut, the assembly of claim 26.

30. The channel or passage is curved, and the strut is elastically deformed so as to be received within the curved channel or passage, and elastically deformed when the strut moves along the curved channel or passage, moving the pin between the retracted position and the extended position, the pin extending at a preferred angle between the longitudinal axis of each pin and the corresponding hatch pivot, the assembly of claim 29.

31. Each of the pivot assemblies includes a ball socket joint, the assembly of claim 1 or 2.

32. The ball includes a hole for receiving the pin and a slot between the hole and one side of the ball, the hole opening to one side of the ball such that the pin can be withdrawn from the ball when the hatch moves out of the closed position to the open position, avoiding damage to the pivot assembly, the hatch or the frame, the assembly of claim 31.

33. The ball includes a cavity extending through the ball between the hole and the outside of the ball, imparting elasticity to the ball such that the pin can be removed from the ball, the assembly of claim 32.

34. The ball includes a hole for receiving the pin, the hole being offset from the central axis of the ball such that the hatch can pivot more than 90 degrees from the closed position to the open position, the assembly of claim 31.

35. Each of the pivot assemblies includes a spring for returning the pivot assembly in a closing direction when the pin retracts from the pivot assembly, the assembly of claim 1 or 2.

36. One or more of the pivot assemblies includes the two pivots and two springs each associated with a corresponding one of the pivots, the assembly of claim 35.

37. The pivot assembly includes a ball and a socket, A pair of keys are attached to the ball, and each key is configured to rotate relative to the ball about a corresponding pivot, The socket includes a pair of corresponding keyways for receiving the keys to limit the movement of the ball pivoting about two of the pivots, and Each spring acts between the ball and the corresponding key to return the ball in the closing direction, The assembly according to claim 36.

38. The first key is configured to rotate relative to the ball about a first pivot, received in a corresponding first keyway in the socket to prevent the first key from rotating relative to the socket about the first pivot, and configured to allow the ball to rotate about a second pivot, and The second key is configured to rotate relative to the ball about a second pivot, received in a corresponding second keyway in the socket to prevent the second key from rotating relative to the socket about the second pivot, and configured to allow the ball to rotate about the first pivot, the assembly according to claim 37.

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