Thief hatch

Abstract

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.