Importance

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Abstract

This invention provides a hatch cover suitable for use with fluid ducts having a wide range of diameters, the hatch cover is formed from a plate of a resilient material and is generally of an elongated shape. The resilient material forming the plate has sufficient elasticity to be able to conform to the curvature of the inner surface of a fluid duct when the cover is in place and is held against the inner surface to cover an opening through the duct wall. A flexible gasket material is secured to at least the entire circumferential edge portion of the outer major surface of the resilient plate. The resilient plate is secured to the duct by a plurality of clamping mechanisms attached to the outer surface of the resilient plate so as to press on the outer surface of the duct when clamped, and thus to cause the outer surface of the hatch cover to press against the inner surface of the duct. The gasket material on the outer surface of the plate assists in forming a relatively fluid tight seal between the gasket material and the inner surface of the duct and the outer surface of the resilient plate. The material forming the resilient plate should have sufficient flexibility and elasticity to conform to the curvature of the inner surface of the duct when clamped.

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First Claim