Abstract: The open hatch of barges is covered by a plastic sheet with plastic piping formed about the edges to receive water for weighting the sheet down on the hatch coaming rim and sealing the sheet in place. The plastic pipes comprise hollow folded over plastic pipes terminating at tapered ends on each side of a rectangular shaped sheet to form filling pipe structure and simple drawstring closure valving to be disposed above water level. Drainage pipes in the barge coaming receive plastic drain sleeves forming passageways from the upper sheet surface to remove any collected rainwater. Plastic air socks located on opposite ends and extending through the sheet permit a blower fan to tent up the sheet in transit for draining rainwater over the edge of the coaming.

Abstract: A tent structure of light-weight reinforced plastic sheet covers the hatch of a barge for weather protection of contents. The cover is stored in compact form aboard the barge for quick erection by a winch system when use is required. The array is secured over the coaming by fastening the cover to the deck at a series of positions with claw hook and chain assemblies. By erecting stored ridge poles to extend above the coaming, the cover thereover provides a pup-tent form which sheds water as a roof, permits loading above the coaming level, and permits loading or unloading in foul weather from the side. Very light-weight reinforced plastic permits a low cost throw-away type assembly with little manpower necessary for erection and produces maximum cargo capacity pay-load and lower maintenance cost by replacement of heavier steel hatch covers.

Abstract: A tent structure of light-weight reinforced plastic sheet covers the hatch of a barge for weather protection of contents. The cover is stored in compact form aboard the barge for quick erection by a winch system when use is required. The array is secured over the coaming by fastening the cover to the deck at a series of positions with claw hook and chain assemblies. By erecting stored ridge poles to extend above the coaming, the cover thereover provides a pup-tent form which sheds water as a roof, permits loading above the coaming level, and permits loading or unloading in foul weather from the side. Very light-weight reinforced plastic permits a low cost throw-away type assembly with little manpower necessary for erection and produces maximum cargo capacity pay-load and lower maintenance cost by replacement of heavier steel hatch covers.