Enclosure for telecommunications equipment
The invention provides an outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment. The enclosure includes a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. The base section is open at an upper end and a lower end and is made of a non-metallic material. The enclosure also includes a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. The dome has an open lower end of the dome that is engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space in the enclosure. The dome is made of a non-metallic material. A latching mechanism is arranged at the upper end of the base section and the lower end of the dome. The latching mechanism is operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation. A mounting frame is supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section. The mounting frame has two or more legs and each leg is secured to the base section by at least one fastener. Two or more mounting stakes are attachable to the base section using the fasteners connecting the mounting frame legs to the base section. A bonding/grounding strap is provided that has first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame. Each of the first and second ends of the bonding/grounding strap has a keyhole slot for receiving a fastener. The keyhole slots having a first portion that is larger than a head of the fastener such that the head can pass through the first portion and a second portion that is smaller than the head of the fastener such that the head is prevented from passing through the slot.
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This invention pertains to a housing for telecommunications equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAt particular points in telecommunications systems, there is a need to splice large pair count cables. One example of such a point would be branching location where one or more large copper cables are divided into a number of smaller cables. A single branching location could have thousands of copper wire splices. Typically, these splices are housed in large outdoor metal cabinets. Such cabinets can be up to five feet tall, three feet across and one foot deep. These metal cabinets are also used to house large fiber-optic and cable television equipment either separately or in the same enclosure with the copper splices.
The metal cabinets used in these applications generally comprise several pieces of painted galvanized steel that are assembled together with metal hardware to form the cabinet. These cabinets have front doors, and sometimes rear doors, that provide access to the interior of the cabinet. The cabinets are generally secured to the ground using separate metal stakes or mounted on concrete pads.
Unfortunately, these metal cabinets have a number of drawbacks. For example, they are not particularly resistant to dings, dents and scratches and can become quite beat-up over time or even during the installation process. This adversely affects not only the appearance of the cabinet, but also makes it more susceptible to corrosion. Moreover, because these cabinets are constructed of multiple pieces that are bolted together, they can be difficult to seal against the weather. The doors to the cabinet also can easily be knocked or left open or ajar by careless technicians further compromising the security and integrity of the cabinet. These issues are of particular concern in areas subject to flooding because floodwater can infiltrate the cabinet and the telecommunications equipment can become submerged.
Another significant issue with these metal cabinets is that access to the interior can be awkward and quite limited. In particular, when installing equipment or performing maintenance in a metal cabinet, the only access is through the doors. If there are only doors on the front of the cabinet, the technician will have unrestricted access to only one side of the equipment. While this can be alleviated somewhat by providing an extra set of doors on the rear of the cabinet, access to the sides will still be limited and, as noted above, the extra doors increase the potential for ajar, misaligned or otherwise improperly sealed parts that compromise the integrity of the cabinet.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention provides an outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment. The enclosure includes a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls. The base section is open at an upper end and a lower end and is made of a non-metallic material.
The enclosure also includes a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls. The dome is open at a lower end and the lower end of the dome is engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space in the enclosure. The dome is made of a non-metallic material.
A latching mechanism is arranged at the upper end of the base section and the lower end of the dome. The latching mechanism is operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation.
A mounting frame is supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section. The mounting frame has two or more legs and each leg is secured to the base section by at least one fastener. Two or more mounting stakes are attachable to the base section using the fasteners connecting the mounting frame legs to the base section.
A bonding/grounding strap is provided that has first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame. Each of the first and second ends of the bonding/grounding strap has a keyhole slot for receiving a fastener. The keyhole slots having a first portion that is larger than a head of the fastener such that the head can pass through the first portion and a second portion that is smaller than the head of the fastener such that the head is prevented from passing through the slot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to
To help ensure that the enclosure 10 is secure against both unauthorized entry and adverse weather conditions, the illustrated enclosure has a relatively simple construction including a base section 12 and a single-piece cover or dome 14. In the illustrated embodiment, both the base section 12 and dome 14 have a rectangular configuration. As shown in
Advantageously, the single piece, solid wall construction of the dome 14 eliminates the joints or seams that result from the multi-piece construction of the upper portion of existing metal cabinets. As will be appreciated, this effectively eliminates the opportunity for water leakage into the interior of the enclosure 10, thereby creating a “bell-jar” effect. Additionally, by eliminating the doors, the risk that a technician will not securely close the enclosure 10 is substantially reduced. An additional advantage of the single piece, solid dome 14 is that a technician has unrestricted 3600 access to the interior of the enclosure 10 when the dome is lifted off the base section 12. As a result, it is much easier to install and maintain the equipment in the enclosure 10 as compared to having to work through a doorway on a conventional metal telecommunications cabinet.
To provide protection against dents and scratches as well as corrosion resistance, the base section 12 and cover 14 are constructed of a non-metallic material, preferably plastic. Conventional metal telecommunications enclosures are generally painted to provide some protection against corrosion. However, these metal enclosures can get dented, scratched or otherwise banged up during installation and over time. This can result in damage to the paint leaving an area that is both unsightly and susceptible to corrosion. Through the use of a non-metallic dome 14 and base section 12, the potential for such corrosion damage is eliminated with the present invention. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dome 14 and base section 12 are made of a high-density polyethylene plastic material. Moreover, to ensure that the dome 14 and base section 12 have the rigidity and strength necessary for an enclosure of this size, the dome and base section can be made using a rotational molding process. Other processes capable of producing large objects economically also could be used (e.g., twin sheet blow molding, injection molding, etc.)
To support the cabling, splices or other electronics, the enclosure includes an internal mounting frame 30 (see
Each leg 32 of the mounting frame 30 is attached to a respective one of the lateral sidewalls 20 of the base section 12. In this case, each leg 32 has a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration and a lower end of each leg is received in a corresponding C-shaped slot 36 in the base section 12 (see, e.g.,
The upper end of the base section 12 includes a neck 44 that is configured to assist technicians in placing the dome 14 on the base section as shown in
To further assist technicians in placing the dome 14 on the base section 12, the dome 14 includes four vertically extending ridges 52 (see
To secure the dome 14 to the base section 12, the illustrated enclosure 10 includes a latching system or mechanism 56 that operates automatically when the dome 14 is lowered onto the base section 12. Advantageously, the latching mechanism 56 is arranged at the lower edge 50 of the dome 14 and the upper edge or neck 44 of the base section 12 (see
The flap latches 58 are constructed of a resiliently flexible material, such as plastic, and are secured to the dome 14 in such a way that the flap latches 58 will deflect in an outward direction over the posts 60 as the dome 14 is lowered onto the base section 12 with the post extending into the slot or window in the dome behind the flap latch (see
If desired, such as to facilitate operation of the equipment housed in the enclosure 10, the joint between the dome 14 and the base section 12 can be configured to allow some airflow through the enclosure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by arranging a plurality of indentations 64 along the upper vertical rib 48 and neck 44 of the base section 12 (see
To help stabilize the enclosure when it is mounted in the ground, the base section 12 has a plurality of integrally formed, horizontally extending channels 66 (see
A flange 68 that extends outward at the lower end of the base section 12 further enhances the stability of the base section in the ground. As best shown in
For applications in which the enclosure 10 is mounted in the ground, the base section 12 is adapted to receive mounting stakes 76. When used, two mounting stakes 76 are typically driven into the ground to a depth where the upper ends of the stakes extend up into the base section 12. The upper ends of the stakes are then connected to the base section 12 (see
Advantageously, the base section 12 can be dimensioned such that the channels 38 are spread apart a distance corresponding to a standard stake spacing distance used with existing metal cabinets. This allows the enclosure 10 to be retrofitted into locations that previously had used a metal cabinet without removing the existing stakes. In a retrofit situation, the new enclosure 10 can simply be lowered down over the existing stakes. As can be appreciated, eliminating the need to dig holes for new stakes around buried utility lines substantially simplifies the installation process.
As shown in
For supporting the cables or other equipment in the enclosure 10, the mounting frame 30 can include a bonding or grounding strap or bracket 80 that is adapted for easy installation and removal. In the illustrated embodiment, the bonding/grounding strap 80 includes an attached bond bar 81 (see
The same procedure is used in reverse to install the bonding/grounding strap 80. Specifically, the bonding/grounding strap 80 is placed on the mounting frame 30 with the bolt heads extending through the larger lower portion 86 of the keyhole slots 82 (see
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims
1. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:
- a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material;
- a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the dome being open at a lower end, the lower end of the dome being engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space, the dome being made of a non-metallic material;
- a latching mechanism operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation;
- a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base; and
- a bracket having first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame, the first and second ends of the bracket each having a keyhole slot for receiving a fastener, the keyhole slots having a first portion that is larger than a head of the fastener such that the head can pass through the first portion and a second portion that is smaller than the head of the fastener such that the head is prevented from passing through the slot.
2. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.
3. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the top wall of the dome is pitched.
4. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.
5. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 4 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.
6. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein a neck is provided at the upper end of the base section, the neck having a leading edge that tapers inwardly as it extends upward.
7. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 6 wherein the lower edge of the dome curls inwardly.
8. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.
9. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.
10. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 9 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.
11. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 10 wherein each of the bolts is connected to the enclosure by a flexible link.
12. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.
13. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 12 wherein the base section includes a flange extending outward from the lower end thereof.
14. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim ˜1 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.
15. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 14 further including two or more mounting stakes each mounting stake being receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.
16. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 15 wherein the mounting stakes are securable in the grooves in the channels using fasteners securing the mounting frame legs in the slots in the channels.
17. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the dome includes ridges extending vertically on each of the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls.
18. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:
- a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material;
- a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the dome being open at a lower end, the lower end of the dome being engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space, the dome being made of a non-metallic material;
- a latching mechanism operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation;
- a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base section by at least one fastener; and
- two or more mounting stakes each being attachable to the base section using the at least one fastener connecting a respective one of the mounting frame legs to the base section.
19. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.
20. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.
21. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 20 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.
22. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein a neck is provided at the upper end of the base section, the neck having a leading edge that tapers inwardly as it extends upward.
23. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 22 wherein the lower edge of the dome curls inwardly.
24. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.
25. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.
26. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 25 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.
27. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 26 wherein each of the bolts is connected to the enclosure by a flexible link.
28. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.
29. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 28 wherein the base section includes a flange extending outward from the lower end thereof.
30. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.
31. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 30 wherein each mounting stake is receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.
32. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the dome includes ridges extending vertically on each of the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls.
33. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:
- a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material, the base section having a plurality of horizontally extending grooves in the front wall, rear wall and lateral sidewalls and having a flange extending outward from the lower end of the base section;
- a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the dome being open at a lower end, the lower end of the dome being engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space, the dome being made of a non-metallic material;
- a latching mechanism arranged near the lower end of the dome, the latching mechanism being operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation; and
- a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base section;
- wherein the dome includes ridges extending vertically on each of the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls that form corresponding channels on the inside surface of the dome, the vertically extending ridge on each of the sidewalls of the dome aligning a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame when the dome is arranged on the base section in the predetermined correct orientation.
34. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.
35. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the top wall of the dome is pitched.
36. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.
37. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 36 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.
38. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein a neck is provided at the upper end of the base section, the neck having a leading edge that tapers inwardly as it extends upward.
39. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 38 wherein the lower edge of the dome curls inwardly.
40. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.
41. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.
42. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 41 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.
43. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 42 wherein each of the bolts is connected to the enclosure by a flexible link.
44. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.
45. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.
46. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 45 further including two or more mounting stakes each mounting stake being receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.
47. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 46 wherein the mounting stakes are securable in the grooves in the channels using fasteners securing the mounting frame legs in the slots in the channels.
48. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:
- a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material;
- a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the dome being open at a lower end, the lower end of the dome being engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space, the dome being made of a non-metallic material;
- a latching mechanism operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation;
- a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base; and
- a bracket having first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame.
49. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.
50. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.
51. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 50 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.
52. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.
53. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.
54. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 53 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.
55. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.
56. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.
57. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 56 further including two or more mounting stakes each mounting stake being receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.
58. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:
- a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material;
- a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the dome being open at a lower end, the lower end of the dome being engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space, the dome being made of a non-metallic material;
- a latching mechanism operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation;
- a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base section by at least one fastener; and
- two or more mounting brackets having a first section attachable to the base section using the at least one fastener connecting the a respective one of the mounting frame legs to the base section and a second leg that is connectable to a mounting substrate.
59. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 58 wherein the base section includes a flange that extends outward from the lower end thereof.
60. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 59 wherein the second leg of the mounting bracket is connectable to the mounting substrate through the flange.
61. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 60 wherein the second leg of the mounting bracket extends into an interior space within the flange.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 10, 2004
Publication Date: Dec 15, 2005
Applicant: Charles Industries, Ltd. (Rolling Meadows, IL)
Inventors: David Wittmeier (Evanston, IL), Larry Woody (Arlington Heights, IL)
Application Number: 10/865,727