Abstract: A grade level utility enclosure for underground utilities connections having a tapered vertical wall structure extending continuously around an open interior region within the tapered vertical wall structure, a rim extending around a top opening to the interior of the enclosure and a bottom edge on which the enclosure is supported, a removable lid adapted for mounting on the rim over the top opening, the tapered vertical wall structure including a first wall panel section and a second wall panel section, the first wall panel section panel is smaller in circumference than the second wall panel section, and an upright rigid support bar adapted for use as a cable rack having a first end positioned in a first pocket located in the rim and a second end positioned in a second pocket located in a bracket positioned on an inside surface of the second wall panel section.

Abstract: An underground utilities vault having side panels and a lid, the side panels each include a side wall section and an end wall section that are hinged together such that the side panels lay flat for shipping and storage and then when assembled comprise a side wall and an end wall perpendicular to one another at a hinge point, and wherein the side panels include a plurality of clamps for connecting the side panels together.

Abstract: A grade level utility enclosure for underground utilities connections having a tapered vertical wall structure extending continuously around an open interior region within the tapered vertical wall structure, a rim extending around a top opening to the interior of the enclosure and a bottom edge on which the enclosure is supported, a removable lid adapted for mounting on the rim over the top opening, the tapered vertical wall structure including a first wall panel section and a second wall panel section, the first wall panel section panel is smaller in circumference than the second wall panel section, and an upright rigid support bar adapted for use as a cable rack having a first end positioned in a first pocket located in the rim and a second end positioned in a second pocket located in a bracket positioned on an inside surface of the second wall panel section.

Abstract: A locking system for a utility vault including an I-beam extending across an opening in utility vault, a two-piece lid positioned in the opening over the I-beam, brackets positioned on opposite ends of each piece of the two-piece utility lid for engaging an inside wall surface of the utility vault and the I-beam, and a three-tier locking system positioned at an end of one piece of the two-piece lid to lock the lid to the vault including a L-bolt lock, a padlock and a lockable door on an upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: A locking system for a utility vault including an I-beam extending across an opening in utility vault, a two-piece lid positioned in the opening over the I-beam, brackets positioned on opposite ends of each piece of the two-piece utility lid for engaging an inside wall surface of the utility vault and the I-beam, and a three-tier locking system positioned at an end of one piece of the two-piece lid to lock the lid to the vault including a L-bolt lock, a padlock and a lockable door on an upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: A stubbed terminal housing for fiber optic cable management in a utility vault or pedestal housing having a body portion, a cavity within the body portion, a plurality of fiber optic fiber ports extending from the body portion for entry and exiting of fiber optic fibers, and a mounting portion extending from the body portion for attaching the stubbed terminal housing to the utility vault or pedestal housing.

Abstract: A stubbed terminal housing for fiber optic cable management in a utility vault or pedestal housing having a body portion, a cavity within the body portion, a plurality of fiber optic fiber ports extending from the body portion for entry and exiting of fiber optic fibers, and a mounting portion extending from the body portion for attaching the stubbed terminal housing to the utility vault or pedestal housing.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a drop cable splice enclosure includes a base having an entry hole for receiving a drop cable inserted through a compression grommet assembly, from outside the enclosure. The cable can be prepared for splicing, outside the enclosure. The grommet assembly (and the optionally prepared cable) are inserted into the entry hole, from outside the enclosure. The assembly includes upper and lower pressure plates, a compressible grommet between them, and an adjustment mechanism to apply a compression force to the grommet. The grommet assembly is rotatable to lock it in a keyed section in the entry hole. The adjustment mechanism is then tightened, from outside the enclosure, to compress the grommet between the pressure plates, which seals the grommet in the enclosure base, at the same time sealing the cable in the passageway through the grommet.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a drop cable splice enclosure includes a base having an entry hole for receiving a drop cable inserted through a compression grommet assembly, from outside the enclosure. The cable can be prepared for splicing, outside the enclosure. The grommet assembly (and the optionally prepared cable) are inserted into the entry hole, from outside the enclosure. The assembly includes upper and lower pressure plates, a compressible grommet between them, and an adjustment mechanism to apply a compression force to the grommet. The grommet assembly is rotatable to lock it in a keyed section in the entry hole. The adjustment mechanism is then tightened, from outside the enclosure, to compress the grommet between the pressure plates, which seals the grommet in the enclosure base, at the same time sealing the cable in the passageway through the grommet.

Abstract: A locking system for securely closing the lid on an enclosure, such as a grade level box, includes an L-bolt connected to a spring-biased slide member positioned on the underside of the lid. The L-bolt rotates in a slotted housing that securely retains the L-bolt under the lid. The slide member engages an abutment on the inside of the enclosure, when the lid is forced down over an opening in the enclosure, e.g., by foot pressure. Downward force on the lid progressively causes the latch to retract against the spring-bias from contact with the abutment and then snaps the latch into a spring-biased locking position under the abutment. The L-bolt is accessed from outside the lid, rotated by a proprietary socket wrench or similar tool, to retract the latch from its locking position sufficiently for removing the lid from the enclosure.

Abstract: A locking system for securely closing the lid on an enclosure, such as a grade level box, includes an L-bolt connected to a spring-biased slide member positioned on the underside of the lid. The L-bolt rotates in a slotted housing that securely retains the L-bolt under the lid. The slide member engages an abutment on the inside of the enclosure, when the lid is forced down over an opening in the enclosure, e.g., by foot pressure. Downward force on the lid progressively causes the latch to retract against the spring-bias from contact with the abutment and then snaps the latch into a spring-biased locking position under the abutment. The L-bolt is accessed from outside the lid, rotated by a proprietary socket wrench or similar tool, to retract the latch from its locking position sufficiently for removing the lid from the enclosure.

Abstract: An underground electrical utilities vault and distribution enclosure system comprises a grade level box, for storing underground cables, and a two-part lid comprising a pair of side-by-side cover plates that close the top of the box. One of the split cover plates has an access opening that interlocks with an above-ground pedestal housing. Connections to underground cables contained in the grade level box are made on a frame structure disposed in the pedestal housing. The split cover may contain a removable plug that normally rests at ground level before service is provided to the premises. When connections are provided to the premises, the plug is removed and the pedestal housing, having a base of the same configuration as the access opening, is snap-locked in the opening left by removing the plug. The interior of the pedestal housing contains connecting brackets such as mounting bars and/or a universal mounting plate for making the above-ground connections.

Abstract: A grade level box for use with underground utilities connections having vertical walls reinforced with exterior vertical and horizontal ribs integrally molded with the wall structure.