Apparatus for opening and closing hatch cover

Apparatus for opening and closing hatch covers of accordion type consisting of at least three cover panels having each one end edge portion hingedly connected to those of adjacent cover panels and adapted to be folded together in accordion shape at a storage station with that so-called first cover panel which is located nearest to the storage station in closed condition of the hatch, being provided with arm members pivotally connected each one to the storage station, and comprising a pivot arm having one end pivotally mounted on a support table adjacent to the storage station and adapted to be swung reciprocatingly between a horizontal stand-by position below horizontal studs provided on at least one side surface of cover panels of odd numbers counted from said first panel and a vertical tilting position in which the pivot arm will tilt each panel of odd number into vertical position, means for actuating said pivot arm, such as hydraulic jacks, provided on the deck adjacent to said support table and having an operating end thereof connected to said pivot arm, and driving means, such as endless chain, means connected to a last cover panel remotest from the first panel and causing said last panel to be reciprocated between a hatch closing position and a storage position, said apparatus being characterized in that said pivot arm has a telescopic construction so as to permit its length from one end thereof connected to said support table to its opposite end to be selectively varied.