THIEF HATCH

摘要

The disclosure provides systems and methods of manufacturing pertaining to an improved thief hatch. One embodiment provides a base, a cap, and an actuating mechanism disposed between the base and the cap. The base includes an annular lip that defines an opening that is configured to attach above an opening of a storage container such that the openings of the base and the container share a longitudinal center axis. The actuating mechanism is indirectly coupled to a seal such that in the resting position, the biasing mechanism exerts a biasing force on the seal toward the annular lip of the base to create a sealed connection. At least one structural constraint may protrude from the interior surface of the cap in a manner that prevents lateral movement of the actuating mechanism such that it moves exclusively along the longitudinal axis and cannot toggle during operation. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A thief hatch configured to couple with a storage container having an opening, said thief hatch comprising:
a base configured to affix to the storage container, said base comprising an annular lip that defines an opening, wherein said opening of said base and the opening of the storage container share a longitudinal center axis; a cap coupled to said base; a seal disposed between said base and said cap; an actuating mechanism disposed on an interior surface of said cap, said actuating mechanism configured to exert a biasing force on said seal to bias said seal against said annular lip of said base; and at least one structural constraint configured to prevent lateral movement of said actuating mechanism such that said actuating mechanism moves exclusively along said longitudinal center axis.