Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6484657
-
Patent Number
6,484,657
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, June 13, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, November 26, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Morano; S. Joseph
- Wright; Andrew
Agents
- Scott; Christopher J.
- Meroni, Jr.; Charles F.
- Meroni & Meroni, P.C.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 114 361
- 114 173
- 114 177
- 114 178
- 114 201 R
- 114 211
- 114 227
- 114 74 A
- 049 4761
- 049 504
- 052 209
- 105 37707
- 105 37708
- 296 213
- 296 21601
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The present invention discloses a system for controlling environmental conditions in connection with ceiling hatch use particularly on watercraft. The invention generally comprises a suspended support platform, a water diversion conduit cooperatively associated with a water exhaust aperture in the platform, and a water collection and containment structure for collecting and containing fresh water. The platform is suspended from a watercraft hatch for capturing and diverting water away from the watercraft hatch, yet allows continual airflow, heat exchange and filtered light to enter the hatched cabin. The platform is suspended so as to allow for easy removal of the platform from the path of egress through the watercraft. Manually adjustable baffle structures may be included at the perimeter of the platform to allow for prevention of wind blown rain from escaping the platform through the opening between the water collection receptacle and the underside of the watercraft deck.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for controlling environmental conditions in connection with ceiling hatch use, and more particularly, to a system for controlling the ingress and egress of airflow, heat, light, and matter in connection with ceiling hatch use on watercraft.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Watercraft art is ancient. Watercrafts have been used for leisure, sport and livelihood for ages and those who have followed such pursuits have continually endeavored to improve upon their respective water borne vessel. Myriad accessories are available to watercraft enthusiasts for improving upon the watercraft experience. Notably, among the myriad watercraft accessories available, ceiling hatches for controlling the climate of watercraft cabins are often viewed as an essential feature to any water going vessel having an enclosed space for occupancy.
The marketplace for hatch accessories, in particular, has provided a lucrative niche for manufacturers of marine-oriented products. Conspicuously absent from the marketplace is a product enabling consumers the opportunity to outfit a watercraft with a simple system for comprehensively controlling environmental conditions attendant to hatch use. More specifically, a product is needed that allows occupants of hatched cabins to leave hatches open during wet weather, thus allowing continual airflow, heat exchange and filtered light to enter the hatched cabin during wet weather, while capturing otherwise airborne water entering the hatched cabin, preventing captured water from damaging the interior, and diverting captured water away from the hatch for further use and/or disposal thereof. Systems for controlling isolated environmental conditions attendant to hatch use such as those outlined above are known in the prior art and some are described hereinafter.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,232, which issued to Ross et al., discloses an Inverted Cargo Hatch Tent. This patent teaches a system for diverting water away from the contents of a cargo hold having a cargo hatch having exemplary rectangular coaming dimensions in the range of 30×40 feet to 60×85 feet. The system includes an inverted pliable sloping liner having an apex, which is the point where water accumulates under gravitational attraction. A drain line communicates with the apex to divert water away from the surface of the liner and the underlying cargo. The liner is contiguously mounted between the cargo hatch cover and the hatch coaming, enabling the system to collect water and divert water coming in contact with the sloped liner. Due to the snug liner mounting to the cargo hatch coaming, this system does not allow for unobstructed airflow to and from the cargo hold. Further, this system does not allow for heat to readily escape from the cargo hold. Still further this system does not allow for light to readily penetrate the cargo hold. Still further this system does not allow occupants to easily escape through the hatch as a path of egress in the event of the necessity to do so. The Inverted Cargo Hatch Tent thus blocks light and water and other airborne matter from entering or exiting the cargo hatch. The system thus effectively shields the applicable cargo hatch, but does not allow for free airflow and heat exchange, thus detracting from its capability to comprehensively control environmental conditions attendant to the use of ceiling hatches in occupancy based applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,580, which issued to Davidson, discloses a Marine Door Unit. This patent teaches a marine door system wherein the frame portion of the marine door unit includes water collection and diversion channels for diverting water away from watercraft gear and equipment storage compartments to which the marine door unit is attached. A drain tube further diverts collected water away from the compartment. A door is hingably connected to the frame portion, thus allowing entry into the storage compartment. The frame includes a support rail, which supports a sealing gasket for further sealing the marine door unit when the door is closed. Water leakage past the gasket is collected and diverted through the channels and away from the unit via the drain tube. Due to the snug water seal cooperatively associate with door closure on the unit, this system does not allow for unobstructed airflow to and from the storage compartment. Further, this system does not allow for heat to readily escape from the storage compartment. Still further this system does not allow for light to readily penetrate the storage compartment. The Marine Door Unit thus blocks light and water and other airborne matter from entering or exiting the storage compartment, keeping the compartment dry for storage. The system effectively shields the applicable storage compartment from environmental conditions, but does not allow for free airflow and heat exchange, thus detracting from its capability to comprehensively control environmental conditions attendant to the use of ceiling hatches in occupancy based applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,422, which issued to Muller, discloses a Hatch Ventilator Awning For Boats. This patent teaches a waterproof awning, which can be unrolled from a compact state for storage and be securely affixed over a boat hatch as an aid to prevent water from entering the boat cabin below the boat hatch and for funneling air into the hatch opening for better boat cabin ventilation. This hatch ventilator awning for boats does not prevent wind blown water from entering the hatch via the open funnel end. Further, the awning is affixed over a boat hatch thus preventing occupants in the boat cabin from adjusting or removing the awning from below the deck of the boat. Still further, the awing does not allow for easy ingress and egress of occupants from the hatch in the event of an emergency. The awning, thus allows for free airflow and filtered light to enter the boat cabin, but allows wind blown water to enter the cabin and frustrates boat cabin occupants from adjusting or easily removing the awning from within the cabin. These features both detract from its ability to comprehensively control environmental conditions attendant to the use of a watercraft hatch and compromises occupant safety by thwarting easy removal of the awning from a critical path of egress.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,834, which issued to Pinder, discloses a Rain Shield. This patent teaches a shield for roof vents consisting of two hingedly connected panels. The first panel is integrally attached to a vent cap and has dimensions greater in magnitude than the vent cap, thus blocking rain from entering the vent. The second panel is adjacent the first panel with an end opposite the hinge joint connected to a slide means slidably engaged with tracks on the roof adjacent the vent. This rain shield does not prevent wind blown water from entering the vent blown from positions lateral to the rain shield. Further, the rain shield is affixed integral with a vent cap exterior to the living space below the vent, thus preventing occupants from adjusting or removing the rain shield from within the vented room. The rain shield, thus allows for free airflow and filtered light to enter the vented room, but allows wind blown water to enter the room and frustrates cabin occupants from adjusting or easily removing the rain shield from within the room. These features both detract from the ability of the Rain Shield to comprehensively control environmental conditions attendant to the use of an occupancy based application for a ceiling hatch and decreases ease of occupant use by requiring occupants to adjust or remove the rain shield from an exterior roof location. Additionally, the Rain Shield does not allow for the collection and containment of valuable fresh water for further marine vessel use.
None of the prior art discloses a system for use in combination with a hatch having a suspended water collection means allowing for simultaneous collection, diversion and containment of water, filtering of light, circulation of air, exchange of heat, and shield for the prevention of other foreign matter from entering a hatched cabin or hatched room. Further, none of the prior art discloses a system for use in combination with a hatch having a suspended water collection means, which may be easily adjusted or removed from its suspended overlapping disposition below the ceiling hatch by an occupant from within the cabin or room, thus allowing for easy ingress and egress through the ceiling hatch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one objective of the present invention is to provide a system for comprehensively controlling environmental conditions in connection with the use of ceiling hatches in occupancy based applications. In this regard, an objective of the present invention is to provide a suspended support platform for allowing simultaneous collection, diversion and containment of water, filtering of light, circulation of air, exchange of heat, and shielding of other foreign matter from entering a hatched cabin or hatched room. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a suspended support platform, which may be easily adjusted or removed from a suspended overlapping disposition below a ceiling hatch by an occupant from within the hatched cabin or hatched room, thus allowing for easy ingress and egress through the ceiling hatch as desired by room occupants. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a suspended support platform to enhance occupant privacy in a cabin. Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a suspended support platform to deter passersby from entering a hatched cabin or hatched room through a ceiling hatch.
To attain these objectives, the claimed invention generally comprises in combination a ceiling hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane of a cabin or room ceiling. The ceiling hatch is positioned in a cabin or room ceiling adjacent to support structure corresponding to a cabin or room ceiling structure. The cabin or room ceiling structure adjacent the ceiling hatch further has bracket fastening means receiving structure. The ceiling hatch has pre-selected horizontal hatch size dimensions as selected by those desirous of a ceiling hatch.
The environmental control system further comprises a platform suspended below the ceiling hatch and adapted to support matter inferior to the ceiling hatch. The platform further comprises a substantially planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface. The upper support surface faces opposite the ceiling hatch and the lower exposed surface faces a floor surface opposite the ceiling hatch. The platform also comprises an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of the planar portion having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface. The hem flange includes at least one liquid outlet aperture for exhausting liquid from the upper support surface and through the inner retaining and outer exposed surfaces.
The environmental control system further comprises at least one suspension means for suspending the platform below the ceiling hatch. The suspension means has at least one spatially superior attachment structure and at least one spatially inferior attachment structure opposite the spatially superior attachment structure. The spatially superior attachment structure is attached to the support structure adjacent the ceiling hatch and the spatially inferior attachment structure is attached to the platform.
The environmental control system further comprises at least one liquid conduit structure for diverting liquid away from the platform. The liquid conduit structure has one liquid inlet end and at least one liquid outlet end opposite the liquid inlet end. The liquid inlet end is cooperatively associated with the liquid outlet aperture for receiving exhausted liquid from the liquid outlet aperture.
The environmental control system comprises at least one liquid collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water. The liquid collection and containment structure includes at least one liquid receiving aperture. The liquid receiving aperture is cooperatively associated with the liquid outlet end for receiving exhausted liquid from the liquid outlet end.
Other claimed features of the environmental control system include baffle means supported at the perimeter of the platform and manually adjustable for preventing wind blown rain from escaping the platform through the opening between the platform and the underside of the ceiling hatch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features of our invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following detailed description of our patent drawings, as follows:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system.
FIG. 2
is a fragmentary side view of the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system.
FIG. 3
is a fragmentary top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system.
FIG. 4
is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the preferred suspension means, platform and one exemplary orientation of the baffle means.
FIG. 5
is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the support platform and an alternative exemplary orientation of the baffle means.
FIG. 6
is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternative suspension means and platform.
FIG. 7
is a fragmentary side view of an alternative suspension means, platform, and ceiling hatch.
FIG. 8
is a fragmentary side view of the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred Embodiment
Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system
100
is generally illustrated in
FIG. 1
(perspective view),
FIG. 2
(fragmentary side view) and
FIG. 8
(side view). The preferred embodiment of environmental control system
100
generally comprises in combination, a watercraft hatch
110
, a platform
120
, a suspension means, namely, a hinge assembly
130
, a conduit union
140
, a water diversion tube
150
, and a water collection and containment structure
160
.
Watercraft hatch
110
as shown in
FIG. 1
, FIG.
2
and
FIG. 3
is spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane of a cabin or room ceiling. Watercraft hatch
110
is positioned in a cabin or room ceiling adjacent to support structure
112
which corresponds to a cabin or room ceiling support structure. Support structure
112
must be capable of receiving and securing holding bracket fastening means
138
. Watercraft hatch
110
may include a frame portion
114
and frame portion
114
may provide an added support structure for receiving bracket fastening means
138
. Watercraft hatch
110
is constructed having pre-selected hatch perimeter dimensions
221
as selected by the consumer desirous of incorporating a watercraft hatch into a boat.
The environmental control system further consists of platform
120
being suspended below watercraft hatch
110
as shown in
FIG. 1
, FIG.
2
and FIG.
8
. Platform
120
is adapted to support matter inferior to watercraft hatch
110
and is constructed of a strong rigid material such as plastic, fiberglass, wood, or metal. Stainless steel is the preferred material as it is both rust-resistant and difficult to penetrate by would-be passersby intent on entering a hatched cabin or hatched room uninvited. Platform
120
, when made of metal may be machine pressed into the desired configuration. Platform
120
must further be capable of receiving and securely holding platform fastening means.
Platform
120
further comprises a planar portion
121
as shown in FIG.
1
and FIG.
4
and has an upper support surface
122
(
a
) and a lower exposed surface
122
(
b
) as shown in FIG.
8
. Upper support surface
122
(
a
) faces opposite watercraft hatch
110
and lower exposed surface
122
(
b
) faces a floor surface
123
opposite watercraft hatch
110
as further shown in FIG.
1
and FIG.
8
. Planar portion
121
preferably lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which watercraft hatch
110
lies. Planar portion
121
has pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions
220
of greater magnitude than pre-selected hatch perimeter dimensions
221
such that the difference therebetween results in a suspended margin of perimeter overlap
222
as shown in FIG.
3
. Suspended margin of perimeter overlap
222
has an inner perimeter
223
and an outer perimeter
224
. The perpendicular distance
225
between inner perimeter
223
and outer perimeter
224
is preferably substantially constant. This means that watercraft hatch
110
is the same shape as platform
120
, but smaller in size, and spatially positioned such that suspended margin of overlap
222
has an equal thickness on all sides.
The pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions
220
may be dependent on the distance
226
between the plane in which
120
planar portion lies and the plane in which watercraft hatch
110
lies as shown in
FIG. 2. A
substantially positive correlation preferable exists between perpendicular distance
225
and distance
226
. The substantially positive correlation preferably varies in about a one unit to one unit ratio. In the case of a positive correlation between two variables, high measurements on one variable tend to be associated with high measurements on the other variable and low measurements on one variable with low measurements on the other. In other words, the two variables vary together in the same direction. A substantially positive correlation is one in which the difference between pairs of variables is always the same.
It is anticipated that distance
226
may be pre-selectively chosen from a range between about 7.62 cm and about 15.24 cm, the preferred distance
226
being about 10.16 cm. This distance is chosen as a compromise. In rooms where headroom is limited, as is normally the case on watercraft, space must be conserved when suspending bulky structures from overhead. Distances of greater magnitude than those here cited tend to result in an unwieldy platform. Planar portion
121
is preferably rectangular shaped, the four corners of planar portion
121
preferably being rounded as shown in
FIG. 1
, FIG.
3
and FIG.
4
. The preferred radius of the rounded comers is about 2.54 cm. Rounded corners are useful, particularly in preferred scenarios where stainless steel is being used as platform material. The combination of a low ceilings and sharp rigid corners raises safety concerns, thus giving rise to a preferred rounded corner.
Platform
120
also has an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange
124
about the perimeter of planar portion
121
having an inner retaining surface
125
(
a
) and an outer exposed surface
125
(
b
) as shown in FIG.
1
and FIG.
4
. Hem flange
124
has at least one water outlet aperture
126
for exhausting water from upper support surface
122
(
a
) and through inner retaining surface
125
(
a
) and outer exposed surface
125
(
b
). Hem flange
124
preferably has an upwardly extended height dimension of about 5.08 cm. This dimension serves to better retain water from spilling over hem flange
124
, yet allow occupants to manually adjust matter, which may be supported on platform
120
.
The environmental control system generally further comprises at least one suspension means for suspending platform
120
below watercraft hatch
110
. The suspension means must have at least one spatially superior attachment structure and at least one spatially inferior attachment structure opposite the spatially superior attachment structure. The spatially superior attachment structure being attached to support structure
112
adjacent watercraft hatch
110
and the spatially inferior attachment structure must be attached to platform
120
. The suspension means must have a releasable attachment structure embodied either in the spatially superior attachment structure or the inferior attachment structure so that platform
120
may be selectively moved from the path of egress provided by watercraft hatch
110
. The path of egress is a serious safety concern and must be kept in mind when constructing various means for suspension. The suspension means also allows air, heat, light, and water to ingress and egress through watercraft hatch
110
.
More specifically, the suspension means of the preferred embodiment of environmental control system
100
is further defined by hinge assembly
130
as shown in
FIG. 1
,
FIG. 2
, FIG.
3
and FIG.
4
. Hinge assembly
130
is preferably located adjacent one corner of planar portion
121
such that the planes in which lie the adjacent two portions of hem flange
124
intersect at a hinge joint
131
as shown in FIG.
1
. Hinge assembly
130
further comprises a rigid bracket member
132
having an upper flange portion
133
and a lower hinge attachment portion
134
opposite upper flange portion
133
. Flange portion
133
has fastening means receiving structure
135
for secure attachment to support structure
112
.
Hinge assembly
130
further comprises a hinge structure
136
, such as a piano hinge, having a first rigid wing member
137
(
a
) and a second rigid wing member
137
(
b
). First rigid wing member
137
(
a
) and second rigid wing member
137
(
b
) are jointed about a substantially vertical axis of rotation running through hinge joint
131
. First rigid wing member
137
(
a
) is integrally attached to rigid bracket member
132
and second rigid wing member
137
(
b
) has platform fastening means receiving structure for attachment to platform
120
. For example, platform fastening means receiving structure may comprise bolt receiving apertures or be constructed of material capable of being welded to platform
120
. Bracket fastening means
138
securely attach upper bracket member
132
to support structure
112
as shown in
FIG. 3
or frame portion
114
as shown in FIG.
1
. Platform fastening means securely attach second rigid wing member
137
(
b
) to platform
120
, thus allowing platform
120
to be spatially repositioned about the substantially vertical axis of rotation at least
90
rotational degrees for easy ingress and egress through watercraft hatch
110
.
The preferred embodiment of the environmental control system
100
may also include as part of its preferred suspension means an upwardly extending positioning bracket
170
as shown in
FIG. 1
,
FIG. 2
, FIG.
4
and
FIG. 5
integrally formed with platform
120
and a mounting bracket
171
as shown in FIG.
1
and FIG.
3
. Mounting bracket
171
has a superior bracket end and an inferior bracket end. The superior bracket end is securely attached to support structure
112
adjacent watercraft hatch
110
at a point preferably diagonally opposite hinge assembly
130
. The inferior bracket end has positioning bracket attachment means
174
for releasable attachment to positioning bracket
170
as shown in FIG.
2
and FIG.
3
. Positioning bracket attachment means
174
is releasably attached to positioning bracket
170
, thus allowing positioning bracket
170
to releasably retain platform
120
in position inferior to watercraft hatch
110
. At the election of the occupant, the occupant need only release positioning bracket attachment means
174
and rotate platform
120
at least
90
rotational degrees about the substantially vertical axis of rotation to allow for easy ingress and egress through watercraft hatch
110
as shown in FIG.
3
.
The preferred embodiment of environmental control system
100
further comprises at least one rigid tubular conduit union
140
for diverting water away from platform
120
as shown in FIG.
2
and FIG.
3
. Conduit union
140
has one water inlet end and one tube-engaging end opposite the water inlet end. The water inlet end is integrally formed with hem flange
124
adjacent water outlet aperture
126
. Conduit union
140
preferably extends laterally from outer exposed surface
125
(
b
). This configuration is preferable to save headroom space and to eliminate a the possible safety concern of head injury by a downwardly extending structure.
The preferred embodiment of environmental control system
100
further comprises at least one flexible water diversion tube
150
for diverting water away from conduit union
140
as shown in
FIG. 1
, FIG.
2
and FIG.
8
. Water diversion tube
150
has one conduit union-engaging end and at least one water outlet end opposite the conduit union-engaging end. The conduit union-engaging end is snugly engaged with the tube-engaging end. Conduit union
140
is preferably located adjacent hinge assembly
130
. This configuration is preferable so that when platform
120
is pivoted about the substantially vertical axis of rotation, a shorter water diversion tube
150
may be utilized, thus conserving space. Water diversion tube
150
is preferably translucent to enable occupants to visually inspect the contents of water diversion tube
150
.
The preferred embodiment of environmental control system
100
further comprises at least one water collection and containment structure
160
for receiving and containing exhausted water from upper support surface
122
(
a
) as shown in FIG.
1
. Water collection and containment structure
160
has at least one water receiving aperture
161
cooperatively associated with the water outlet end for receiving exhausted water from the water outlet end. Water collection and containment structure
160
may either take the form of a water jug
160
(
a
) or similar liquid container as shown in
FIG. 1
or a watercraft bilge
160
(
b
) as shown in FIG.
1
and FIG.
8
. In this manner, occupants may either collect and contain water in water jug
160
(
a
) for sundry fresh water uses on watercraft or occupants may elect to divert fresh water to watercraft bilge
160
(
b
) to freshen bilge water.
The environmental control system
100
may also comprise baffle means
230
as shown in FIG.
4
and FIG.
5
. Manually adjustable baffle means
230
are supported generally at the perimeter of platform
120
with the bottom edge thereof being adapted to be engaged with planar portion
121
for preventing wind blown rain from escaping platform
120
through the opening between platform
120
and the underside of watercraft hatch
110
. Baffle means
230
may be manually adjusted according to the direction of wind blown rain as desired by the occupant.
First Alternative Embodiment
The first alternative embodiment of the environmental control system is the same as the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system
100
save for the specific suspension means for suspending platform
120
below watercraft hatch
110
and required added structure being given to hem flange
124
.
The suspension means of the first embodiment as shown in
FIG. 6
is further defined by two laterally opposed mounting brackets
180
, each mounting bracket having a superior mounting flange portion
181
and an inferior sliding flange receiving portion
182
. Each superior mounting flange portion
181
has mounting bracket fastening means receiving structure
183
for secure attachment to support structure
112
adjacent watercraft hatch
110
. Hem flange
124
has at least two oppositely aligned sliding flange portions
185
each being supported by one upwardly extending flange support wall
184
. Flange support walls
184
are upward extensions of hem flange
124
. Sliding flange portions
185
are releasably and slidably engaged with inferior sliding flange receiving portions
182
, thus allowing platform
120
to be releasably and slidably positioned inferior to watercraft hatch
110
. At the election of the occupant, the occupant need only slidably release platform
120
to allow for easy ingress and egress through watercraft hatch
110
.
Second Alternative Embodiment
The second alternative embodiment of the environmental control system is the same as the preferred embodiment of the environmental control system
100
save for the specific suspension means for suspending platform
120
below watercraft hatch
110
, required added structure being given to hem flange
124
, additional support structure attachment means
115
, platform fastening means receiving structure, and optionally a locking means to prevent platform
120
from sliding out of position under watercraft hatch
110
.
The suspension means of the second embodiment as shown in
FIG. 7
in which water craft hatch
110
has a watercraft hatch lid covering with hinge mechanism being omitted to allow depiction of support structure attachment means
115
. The suspension means of the second embodiment is further defined by at least two flexible hanging members
190
located opposite one another. Each flexible hanging member
190
has a superior attachment end
191
and at least one inferior attachment end
192
. Flexible hanging members
190
may comprise rope, chain, cord, straps and the like. Each superior attachment end
191
is releasable attached to support structure attachment means
115
for attachment to support structure
112
adjacent watercraft hatch
110
. Support structure attachment means
115
are removably attached to support structure
112
adjacent watercraft hatch
110
. Each inferior attachment end
192
has platform attachment means
194
for attaching each inferior attachment end
192
to platform
120
. Platform attachment means
194
is removably attached to platform
120
, thus allowing platform
120
to be releasably hung in position inferior to watercraft hatch
110
for easy ingress and egress through watercraft hatch
110
at the election of the occupant. Optionally, occupants may desire to include a locking means to prevent platform
120
from sliding out of position under watercraft hatch
110
.
The reader will see that the preferred environmental control system provides a system for comprehensively controlling environmental conditions in connection with the use of ceiling hatches in occupancy based applications. In this regard, the present invention provides a suspended support platform for allowing simultaneous collection, diversion and containment of water, filtering of light, circulation of air, exchange of heat, and shielding of foreign matter from entering a hatched cabin or hatched room. The reader will further see that the present invention provides a suspended support platform, which may be easily adjusted or removed from a suspended overlapping disposition below a ceiling hatch by an occupant from within the hatched cabin or hatched room. This allows for easy ingress and egress through the ceiling hatch as desired by hatched cabin or hatched room occupants. The reader will further see that the present invention also provides a suspended support platform to enhance occupant privacy in a hatched cabin or hatched room. The reader will still further see that present invention also provides a suspended support platform to deter passersby from entering a hatched cabin or hatched room through a ceiling hatch, particularly when the platform is constructed from a strong rigid material such as stainless steel.
It is foreseen that the concepts herein described may be extended and applied to environmental control systems of the type herein described to ceiling hatches in all occupancy-based applications. The environmental control system herein illustrated and described is used primarily for descriptive and illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of concept application to the application as shown. Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to some embodiments it is not intended that the novel device be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings.
Claims
- 1. An environmental control system for use in combination with a watercraft hatch comprising, in combination:a watercraft hatch, the watercraft hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, said watercraft hatch being adjacent support structure, the support structure having bracket fastening means receiving structure, said watercraft hatch having pre-selected horizontal hatch size dimensions; a platform, the platform being suspended below the watercraft hatch, said platform being adapted to support matter inferior to said watercraft hatch, said platform having platform fastening means receiving structure, said platform further comprising: a planar portion, the planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface, the upper support surface facing opposite said watercraft hatch, the lower exposed surface facing a floor surface opposite said watercraft hatch; an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of said planar portion; the hem flange having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface, said hem flange having at least one water outlet aperture for exhausting water from said upper support surface through said inner retaining surface and said outer exposed surface; a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being located adjacent one corner of said planar portion such that the planes in which the adjacent two portions of said hem flange lie intersect at a hinge joint, the hinge assembly further comprising: a rigid bracket member, the rigid bracket member having an upper flange portion and a lower hinge attachment portion opposite the upper flange portion, the flange portion having fastening means receiving structure for secure attachment to the support structure; a hinge structure, the hinge structure having first and second rigid wing members, the first and second rigid wing members jointed about a substantially vertical axis of rotation, said first rigid wing member being integrally attached to said flanged member, said second rigid wing member having platform fastening means receiving structure for attachment to said platform; bracket fastening means securely attaching upper bracket member to said superior support structure; platform fastening means securely attaching said second rigid wing member to said platform, thus allowing said platform to be spatially repositioned about the substantially vertical axis of rotation at least 90 rotational degrees for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch at the election of the occupant; at least one rigid tubular conduit union for diverting water away from said platform, the conduit union having one water inlet end and one tube-engaging end opposite the water inlet end, said water inlet end being integrally formed with said hem flange adjacent the water outlet aperture, said conduit union extending laterally from said outer exposed surface; at least one flexible water diversion tube for diverting water away from said conduit union, the water diversion tube having one conduit union-engaging end and at least one water outlet end opposite the conduit union-engaging end, said conduit union-engaging end being snugly engaged with the tube-engaging end; and at least one water collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water, the water collection and containment structure having at least one water receiving aperture, the water receiving aperture being cooperatively associated with the water outlet end for receiving exhausted water from said water outlet end.
- 2. An environmental control system for use in combination with a watercraft hatch comprising, in combination:a watercraft hatch, the watercraft hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, said watercraft hatch being adjacent support structure, the support structure having bracket fastening means receiving structure, said watercraft hatch having pre-selected horizontal hatch size dimensions; a platform, the platform being suspended below the watercraft hatch, said platform being adapted to support matter inferior to said watercraft hatch, said platform having platform fastening means receiving structure, said platform further comprising: a planar portion, the planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface, the upper support surface facing opposite said watercraft hatch, the lower exposed surface facing a floor surface opposite said watercraft hatch; an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of said planar portion; the hem flange having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface, said hem flange having at least one water outlet aperture for exhausting water from said upper support surface through said inner retaining surface and said outer exposed surface; at least two laterally opposed mounting brackets, each mounting bracket having a superior mounting flange portion and an inferior sliding flange receiving portion, each superior mounting flange portion having mounting bracket fastening means receiving structure for secure attachment to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch; at least one rigid tubular conduit union for diverting water away from said platform, the conduit union having one water inlet end and one tube-engaging end opposite the water inlet end, said water inlet end being integrally formed with said hem flange adjacent the water outlet aperture, said conduit union extending laterally from said outer exposed surface; at least one flexible water diversion tube for diverting water away from said conduit union, the water diversion tube having one conduit union-engaging end and at least one water outlet end opposite the conduit union-engaging end, said conduit union-engaging end being snugly engaged with the tube-engaging end; and at least one water collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water, the water collection and containment structure having at least one water receiving aperture, the water receiving aperture being cooperatively associated with the water outlet end for receiving exhausted water from said water outlet end.
- 3. The environmental control system of claim 2 wherein said hem flange has at least two oppositely aligned sliding flange portions, each sliding flange portion being supported by an upwardly extending flange support wall, each flange support wall being an upward extension of said hem flange, the sliding flange portions being releasably and slidably engaged with the inferior sliding flange receiving portions, thus allowing said platform to be releasably and slidably positioned inferior to said watercraft hatch for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch at the election of the occupant.
- 4. An environmental control system for use in combination with a watercraft hatch comprising, in combination:a watercraft hatch, the watercraft hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, said watercraft hatch being adjacent support structure, the support structure having bracket fastening means receiving structure, said watercraft hatch having pre-selected horizontal hatch size dimensions; a platform, the platform being suspended below the watercraft hatch, said platform being adapted to support matter inferior to said watercraft hatch, said platform having platform fastening means receiving structure, said platform further comprising: a planar portion, the planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface, the upper support surface facing opposite said watercraft hatch, the lower exposed surface facing a floor surface opposite said watercraft hatch; an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of said planar portion; the hem flange having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface, said hem flange having at least one water outlet aperture for exhausting water from said upper support surface through said inner retaining surface and said outer exposed surface; at least two flexible hanging members located opposite one another, each flexible hanging member having a superior attachment end and at least one inferior attachment end, each superior attachment end having support structure attachment means for attachment to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch, the support structure attachment means being removably attached to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch, each inferior attachment end having platform attachment means for attaching each inferior end to said platform, the platform attachment means being removably attached to said platform, thus allowing said platform to be releasably hung in position inferior to said watercraft hatch for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch; at least one rigid tubular conduit union for diverting water away from said platform, the conduit union having one water inlet end and one tube-engaging end opposite the water inlet end, said water inlet end being integrally formed with said hem flange adjacent the water outlet aperture, said conduit union extending laterally from said outer exposed surface; at least one flexible water diversion tube for diverting water away from said conduit union, the water diversion tube having one conduit union-engaging end and at least one water outlet end opposite the conduit union-engaging end, said conduit union-engaging end being snugly engaged with the tube-engaging end; and at least one water collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water, the water collection and containment structure having at least one water receiving aperture, the water receiving aperture being cooperatively associated with the water outlet end for receiving exhausted water from said water outlet end.
- 5. An environmental control system for use in combination with a watercraft hatch comprising, in combination:a watercraft hatch, the watercraft hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, said watercraft hatch being adjacent support structure, the support structure having bracket fastening means receiving structure, said watercraft hatch having pre-selected horizontal hatch size dimensions; a platform, the platform being suspended below the watercraft hatch, said platform being adapted to support matter inferior to said watercraft hatch, said platform having platform fastening means receiving structure, said platform further comprising: a planar portion, the planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface, the upper support surface facing opposite said watercraft hatch, the lower exposed surface facing a floor surface opposite said watercraft hatch; an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of said planar portion; the hem flange having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface, said hem flange having at least one water outlet aperture for exhausting water from said upper support surface through said inner retaining surface and said outer exposed surface; at least one suspension means for suspending said platform below said watercraft hatch, the suspension means having at least one spatially superior attachment structure and at least one spatially inferior attachment structure opposite the spatially superior attachment structure, the spatially superior attachment structure being attached to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch, the spatially inferior attachment structure being attached to said platform; at least one rigid tubular conduit union for diverting water away from said platform, the conduit union having one water inlet end and one tube-engaging end opposite the water inlet end, said water inlet end being integrally formed with said hem flange adjacent the water outlet aperture, said conduit union extending laterally from said outer exposed surface; at least one flexible water diversion tube for diverting water away from said conduit union, the water diversion tube having one conduit union-engaging end and at least one water outlet end opposite the conduit union-engaging end, said conduit union-engaging end being snugly engaged with the tube-engaging end; and at least one water collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water, the water collection and containment structure having at least one water receiving aperture, the water receiving aperture being cooperatively associated with the water outlet end for receiving exhausted water from said water outlet end.
- 6. The environmental control system of claim 5 wherein said planar portion lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which said watercraft hatch lies.
- 7. The environmental control system of claim 6 wherein said planar portion has pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions of greater magnitude than the pre-selected hatch perimeter dimensions such that the difference therebetween results in a suspended margin of perimeter overlap, the suspended margin of perimeter overlap having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter.
- 8. The environmental control system of claim 7 wherein the perpendicular distance between the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter is substantially constant.
- 9. The environmental control system of claim 8 wherein the pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions are dependent on the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said watercraft hatch lies.
- 10. The environmental control system of claim 9 wherein a substantially perfect positive correlation exists between the perpendicular distance between said inner perimeter and said outer perimeter and the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said watercraft hatch lies.
- 11. The environmental control system of claim 10 wherein the substantially perfect positive correlation varies in about a one unit to one unit ratio.
- 12. The environmental control system of claim 11 wherein the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said watercraft hatch lies is pre-selectively chosen from a range between about 7.62 cm and about 15.24 cm.
- 13. The environmental control system of claim 12 wherein the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said watercraft hatch lies is about 10.16 cm.
- 14. The environmental control system of claim 13 wherein said hem flange has a upwardly extended height dimension of about 5.08 cm.
- 15. The environmental control system of claim 11 wherein said planar portion is rectangular shaped, the four corners of said planar portion being rounded, the rounded corners having a radius of about 2.54 cm.
- 16. The environmental control system of claim 5 wherein said suspension means is further defined by a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being located adjacent one corner of said planar portion such that the planes in which the adjacent two portions of said hem flange lie intersect at a hinge joint, the hinge assembly further comprising:a rigid bracket member, the rigid bracket member having an upper flange portion and a lower hinge attachment portion opposite the upper flange portion, the flange portion having fastening means receiving structure for secure attachment to the support structure; a hinge structure, the hinge structure having first and second rigid wing members, the first and second rigid wing members jointed about a substantially vertical axis of rotation, said first rigid wing member being integrally attached to said flanged member, said second rigid wing member having platform fastening means receiving structure for attachment to said platform; bracket fastening means securely attaching upper bracket member to said superior support structure; platform fastening means securely attaching said second rigid wing member to said platform, thus allowing said platform to be spatially repositioned about the substantially vertical axis of rotation at least 90 rotational degrees for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch at the election of the occupant.
- 17. The environmental control system of claim 16, wherein said suspension means further comprises:an upwardly extending positioning bracket integrally formed with said platform; a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket having a superior bracket end and an inferior bracket end, the superior bracket end being securely attached to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch, the inferior bracket end having positioning bracket attachment means for releasable attachment to the positioning bracket, the positioning bracket attachment means being releasably attached to said positioning bracket, thus allowing said positioning bracket to releasably retain said platform in position inferior to said watercraft hatch for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch at the election of the occupant.
- 18. The environmental control system of claim 5 wherein said suspension means is further defined by two laterally opposed mounting brackets, each mounting bracket having a superior mounting flange portion and an inferior sliding flange receiving portion, each superior mounting flange portion having mounting bracket fastening means receiving structure for secure attachment to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch.
- 19. The environmental control system of claim 18 wherein said hem flange has two oppositely aligned sliding flange portions, each sliding flange portion being supported by an upwardly extending flange support wall, each flange support wall being an upward extension of said hem flange, the sliding flange portions being releasably and slidably engaged with the inferior sliding flange receiving portions, thus allowing said platform to be releasably and slidably positioned inferior to said watercraft hatch for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch at the election of the occupant.
- 20. The environmental control system of claim 5 wherein said suspension means is further defined by at least two flexible hanging members located opposite one another, each flexible hanging member having a superior attachment end and at least one inferior attachment end, each superior attachment end having support structure attachment means for attachment to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch, the support structure attachment means being removably attached to support structure adjacent said watercraft hatch, each inferior attachment end having platform attachment means for attaching each inferior end to said platform, the platform attachment means being removably attached to said platform, thus allowing said platform to be releasably hung in position inferior to said watercraft hatch for easy ingress and egress through said watercraft hatch.
- 21. The environmental control system of claim 5 wherein said water diversion tube is translucent.
- 22. The environmental control system of claim 5 wherein said water collection and containment structure is a watercraft bilge.
- 23. The environmental control system of claim 16 wherein said conduit union is located adjacent said hinge assembly.
- 24. The environmental control system of claim 5 further comprising baffle means supported at the perimeter of said platform, the baffle means being manually adjustable for preventing wind blown rain from escaping said platform through the opening between said platform and the underside of said watercraft hatch.
- 25. An environmental control system for use in combination with a vehicular ceiling hatch comprising, in combination:a vehicular ceiling hatch, the vehicular ceiling hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, said vehicular ceiling hatch being adjacent support structure, said vehicular ceiling hatch having pre-selected horizontal hatch size dimensions; a platform, the platform being suspended below the vehicular ceiling hatch, said platform being adapted to support matter inferior to said vehicular ceiling hatch, said platform further comprising: a substantially planar portion, the planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface, the upper support surface facing opposite said vehicular ceiling hatch, the lower exposed surface facing a floor surface opposite said vehicular ceiling hatch; an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of said planar portion; the hem flange having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface, said hem flange having at least one liquid outlet aperture for exhausting liquid from said upper support surface through said inner retaining surface and said outer exposed surface; at least one suspension means for suspending said platform below said vehicular ceiling hatch, the suspension means having at least one spatially superior attachment structure and at least one spatially inferior attachment structure opposite the spatially superior attachment structure, the spatially superior attachment structure being attached to support structure adjacent said vehicular ceiling hatch, the spatially inferior attachment structure being attached to said platform; at least one water conduit structure for diverting water away from said platform, the water conduit structure having one water inlet end and at least one water outlet end opposite the water inlet end, said water inlet end being cooperatively associated with the water outlet aperture for receiving exhausted water from said liquid outlet aperture; and at least one water collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water, the water collection and containment structure having at least one water receiving aperture, the water receiving aperture being cooperatively associated with the water outlet end for receiving exhausted water from said water outlet end.
- 26. The environmental control system of claim 25 wherein said planar portion lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which said vehicular ceiling hatch lies.
- 27. The environmental control system of claim 26 wherein said planar portion has pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions of greater magnitude than the pre-selected hatch perimeter dimensions such that the difference therebetween results in a suspended margin of perimeter overlap, the suspended margin of perimeter overlap having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter.
- 28. The environmental control system of claim 27 wherein the perpendicular distance between the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter is substantially constant.
- 29. The environmental control system of claim 28 wherein the pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions are dependent on the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said vehicular ceiling hatch lies.
- 30. The environmental control system of claim 29 wherein a substantially positive correlation exists between the perpendicular distance between said inner perimeter and said outer perimeter and the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said vehicular ceiling hatch lies.
- 31. The environmental control system of claim 30 wherein the substantially positive correlation varies in about a one unit to one unit ratio.
- 32. The environmental control system of claim 25 further comprising baffle means supported at the perimeter of said platform, the baffle means being manually adjustable for preventing wind blown rain from escaping said platform through the opening between said platform and the underside of said vehicular ceiling hatch.
- 33. An environmental control system for use in combination with a ceiling hatch comprising, in combination:a ceiling hatch, the ceiling hatch being spatially and fixedly positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, said ceiling hatch being adjacent support structure, said ceiling hatch having pre-selected horizontal hatch-size dimensions; a platform, the platform being suspended below the ceiling hatch, said platform being adapted to support matter inferior to said ceiling hatch, said platform further comprising: a substantially planar portion, the planar portion having an upper support surface and a lower exposed surface, the upper support surface facing opposite said ceiling hatch, the lower exposed surface facing a floor surface opposite said ceiling hatch; an upwardly extending contiguous hem flange about the perimeter of said planar portion; the hem flange having an inner retaining surface and an outer exposed surface, said hem flange having at least one liquid outlet aperture for exhausting liquid from said upper support surface through said inner retaining surface and said outer exposed surface; at least one suspension means for suspending said platform below said ceiling hatch, the suspension means having at least one spatially superior attachment structure and at least one spatially inferior attachment structure opposite the spatially superior attachment structure, the spatially superior attachment structure being attached to support structure adjacent said ceiling hatch, the spatially inferior attachment structure being attached to said platform; at least one liquid conduit structure for diverting liquid away from said platform, the liquid conduit structure having one liquid inlet end and at least one liquid outlet end opposite the liquid inlet end, said liquid inlet end being cooperatively associated with the liquid outlet aperture for receiving exhausted liquid from said liquid outlet aperture; and at least one liquid collection and containment structure for receiving and containing exhausted water, the liquid collection and containment structure having at least one liquid receiving aperture, the liquid receiving aperture being cooperatively associated with the liquid outlet end for receiving exhausted liquid from said liquid outlet end.
- 34. The environmental control system of claim 33 wherein said planar portion lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which said ceiling hatch lies.
- 35. The environmental control system of claim 34 wherein said planar portion has pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions of greater magnitude than the pre-selected hatch perimeter dimensions such that the difference therebetween results in a suspended margin of perimeter overlap, the suspended margin of perimeter overlap having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter.
- 36. The environmental control system of claim 35 wherein the perpendicular distance between the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter is substantially constant.
- 37. The environmental control system of claim 36 wherein the pre-selected hem perimeter dimensions are dependent on the distance between the plane in which said planar portion lies and the plane in which said ceiling hatch lies.
- 38. The environmental control system of claim 37 further comprising baffle means supported at the perimeter of said platform, the baffle means being manually adjustable for preventing wind blown rain from escaping said platform through the opening between said platform and the underside of said ceiling hatch.
US Referenced Citations (23)