Abstract: A hatch generally includes a hatch lid frame having a fixed opening defining a perimeter, a lens having a lens perimeter smaller than the opening perimeter such that the lens is insertable into the opening, and a gasket disposed between the hatch lid frame and the lens. The lens asserts a force upon the gasket to sealably secure the lens within the hatch lid frame. A method of securing a lens within a hatch lid frame generally includes inserting the lens into an opening of the hatch lid frame, asserting a force upon the lens to direct the lens in a direction, inserting a gasket between the lens and a perimeter of opening, and de-asserting the force applied to the lens to sealably secure the lens within the hatch lid frame.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a marine vessel included a slam latch and a frame and a cover having the slam latch disposed therein. The slam latch includes a housing having inner and outer portions and a pivotal handle for rotation between open and closed positions. A reciprocal fastening element including a second cam surface is adapted to engage the frame for retaining the cover against the frame. A spring biases the handle into a closed position and together with the first cam surface maintains the handle in an opened position when the handle is rotated through a predetermined angle. The latch also includes a push rod for converting the rotation of the handle to the reciprocal movement of the fastening element. The latch also includes a pair of seals to prevent water from passing through the latch.

Abstract: A hatch assembly with a removable cover comprises a generally rectangular frame member, a pair of two piece hinge assemblies and a mating cover which is rotatably attached to the frame member by the hinge assemblies. Each of the two piece hinge assemblies include a first hinge element which has a generally J-shaped pivot member and a second hinge element having a longitudinally extending generally cylindrical recess and a longitudinally extending slot along one side thereof. The generally cylindrical recess and slot are adapted to receive the J-shaped pivot member therethrough and into the recess when the cover is in a first position as for example 120° from its closed position. When the cover is rotated toward closure, the J-shaped pivot member is retained within the recess so that the cover can be rotated between about 110° and 0°. Then when rotated to 120° the cover can be readily removed from the frame.

Abstract: A roller furling apparatus is disclosed having a bearing device configured to be rotatably fixed relative to a stay, a furler housing having an opening into which the stay extends and an end portion rotatably mounted on the bearing device such that the furler housing is rotatable with respect to the bearing device and the stay. The furling device further has a drive portion about which a line is coiled so as to rotate the furler housing and drum flanges mounted on the furler housing so as to rotate with the housing, the flanges being spaced apart and located at opposite ends of the drive portion. A line guard is slidably mounted on, and extends between the spaced apart drum flanges, the line guard extending around a major portion of the peripheries of the drum flanges. At least one support member is connected to the line guard and to the bearing device to hold the line guard in a stationary position as the furler housing and drum flanges rotate.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a marine vessel includes an outer frame and a hatch cover hingedly attached to the outer frame on one side thereof. The assembly also includes an elongated hatch adjuster comprising a telescoping rod assembly which includes an outer tube, a tubular extension and a flexible coupling which connects the tubular extension and outer tube in axial alignment when in a first position. The rod is slidably received within the outer tube and tubular extension and maintains the assembly in axial alignment as the hatch cover is rotated from a closed position to an angle of at least about 135.degree.. As the hatch cover approaches 180.degree., the rod is withdrawn out of the outer tube which permits the flexible coupling to bend so that the hatch cover can be rotated a full 180.degree.. The hatch assembly also includes a clamp for fixing the rod and outer tube in a fixed position to thereby maintain the cover in a preselected position with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A plastic roller furling apparatus includes an elongated member or furling element and one or more longitudinally extending wires encased therein. The wire or wires of twisted stainless steel are extruded or molded into the member. The member also defines a central opening or passageway which is dimensioned to fit loosely around a stay on which the apparatus is installed. The furling element also includes one or two grooved luff foils which are formed in and extended along the length of the plastic member. Bearing means are also provided at or near the base of the plastic member and a furling drum or jib sail spool is used to rotate the plastic member about a stay to furl the sail. The plastic member may also include longitudinally extending segments which divide the plastic member into two pieces. The segments each include fastening means for fastening the two segments together along their length.

Abstract: A roller furling element for installation on a head stay of a sail boat, the element including two longitudinally extending hollow outer extrusions in an end-to-end abutting relationship. A two piece splice assembly joins the extrusions together and provides the torsional strength needed for a furling element. The two piece splice assembly includes a central axis and a longitudinally extending forward or nose portion having a curved outer surface and rearwardly extending projections each including a longitudinally extending groove. A tail piece includes a pair of longitudinally extending outwardly extending projections which are adapted to fit into the parallel notches in the forward portion. A transverse passageway extends into the nose and tail portions when the two portions are aligned so that a rod or button can be inserted.

Abstract: A marine hatch assembly includes a rectangular ring shaped frame, a hatch cover hinged to the frame and a pivotal adjustment mechanism or adjuster for maintaining the hatch in a predetermined open position. The adjusting mechanism or adjuster includes a pair of telescoping elements one of which has a flexible joint therein. This flexible joint is prevented from flexing by the other of the telescoping elements until that element is withdrawn to a point beyond the flexible joint i.e., when the hatch cover is rotated beyond a predetermined angle. The adjusting mechanism also includes a clamp for maintaining the telescoping elements in a fixed relationship with respect to one another in order to maintain the hatch in a predetermined open position.

Abstract: A hatch assembly includes a shaped lens or hatch cover and a rectangular shaped plastic frame member. The frame member includes an inwardly directed L-shaped cross section with an outwardly directed (away from the interior of the vessel) extension element at one end of one of the segments of the L-shaped cross section. The frame member surrounds the lens element or panel in a superposed and overlapping arrangement with a frame member abutting the vessel wall. The lens element is adjacent to and essentially surrounded by the outwardly directed extending element when the hatch is in the closed position. The hatch also includes a hinge for rotatably connecting the hatch cover and the frame member for opening and closing the hatch assembly and a gasket disposed between the outer peripheral area of the cover and the frame member. Releasable clamp member such as a dog and catch are provided for clamping the hatch in a closed position.

Abstract: A plastic roller furling apparatus includes an elongated member or furling element and a pair of longitudinally extending parallel wires encased therein. The wires of twisted stainless steel are extruded or molded into the member. The member also defines a central opening or passageway which extends therethrough. This passageway is dimensioned or sized to fit loosely around a stay in which the apparatus is installed. The furling element also includes one and preferably two grooved luff foils which are formed in and extended along the length of the plastic member. Split bearing means are also provided at or near the base of the plastic member and a furling drum or jib sail spool is provided for rotating the plastic member about a stay to furl the sail. The plastic member also includes first and second longitudinally extending segments which extend along the length of and divide the plastic member into two pieces.

Abstract: A plastic roller furling apparatus includes an elongated member or furling element and a pair of longitudinally extending parallel wires encased therein. The member also defines a central opening or passageway which extends therethrough. This passageway is dimensioned or sized to fit loosely around a stay in which the apparatus is installed. The furling element also includes one and preferably two grooved luff foils which are formed in and extend along the length of the plastic member. Split bearing elements are provided at or near the base of the plastic member and a furling drum or jib sail spool is provided for rotating the plastic member about a stay to furl the sail. The plastic member also includes first and second longitudinally extending segments which extend along the length of and divide the plastic member into two pieces. The segments each include integral fasteners for fastening the two segments together along their length.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate portion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A hatch assembly includes a first frame member having a generally J-shaped cross-section with a longitudinal extending or upright position and a generally parallel lip portion which is separated from the longitudinal portion by a horizontal section or riser. The assembly also includes a second frame member rotatably fixed to the first frame member. The second frame member includes a pair of elastomer seals fixed thereto so that a first of the seals engages the longitudinal portion of the J-shaped frame while the second seal engages the lip. The second frame member also includes a vent or small opening between the seals and a cavity for receiving any airborne water which passes through the vent. This vent is also constructed and arranged to drain air our of the cabin. In addition, the hatch assembly includes a hidden counterweight.

Abstract: A removable light controlling blind assembly for a marine vessel or the like includes two generally circular superimposed panels. Each of those panels has a plurality of translucent horizontal strips printed thereon and a plurality of alternating light transmitting strips separating the translucent strips. The two panels are movable in a linear direction to bring the strips into registration with one another. A flexible gasket is also provided and includes a groove for positioning the blind assembly in a port or hatch in the vessel.

Abstract: A hatch dog handle mechanism includes a rotatable hub assembly which includes a handle, a locking lug. A locking plate or portion of the frame is also provided for engagement by the locking lug. The locking lug is rotatable about a central axis through a limited arc by the handle. The handle is also rotatable through a limited are about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The mechanism also includes a locking element to prevent rotation of the handle about the second axis and a second locking element to prevent rotation of the handle about the first axis when in a first position with respect to the second axis.

Abstract: A port assembly for a marine vessel, including a lens element and three concentric stainless steel rings which are superimposed upon one another. A first of the rings includes a base portion forming an outer trim ring, a second portion which is generally parallel to the base portion and a sloping riser which defines an angle of between 105.degree. and 135.degree. with a base portion. The sloping riser also connects the base portion and the second portion. A second of the stainless steel stampings also includes a stepped cross-section with two risers and an intermediate potion connecting the two risers. The second of the risers also includes a sloped portion which is welded to the sloped portion of the sloped riser. A third stainless steel stamping, or clamping ring, is bolted to the intermediate portion of the second riser and, together with the base portion of the first ring, form a clamp for securing the port assembly to the wall of the vessel.