Abstract: A cover arrangement for a container, for example for a ship's hatchway, has a cover element which is hinged at one side. The hinging includes a lost motion connection, which allows automatic engagement and disengagement of mutually engageable member at that side for cleating. This is achieved by movement of the cover element in its closed position within the scope of the lost motion connection. The cover element may include other automatic cleating member on other sides; the cleating is preferably effected by final closing movement of the cover element under gravity.

Abstract: A container and cover arrangement such as a ship's hold and hatch cover comprises a plurality of cover elements. Hinges are provided for inter-connecting adjacent ones of the cover elements so as to permit pivotal movement of the cover elements outwardly of the container in response to a pulling force. A latching arrangement is provided which comprises an engagement portion on the container and a latch element displaceably mounted on a cover element for co-operating latching engagement with the engagement portion. The latch element is displaceable in response to said pulling force prior to movement of the cover elements to permit release of engagement between the latch element and engagement portion.