Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BELOW GRADE ENCLOSURE
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This paragraph has intentionally been deleted.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The enclosure described herein is in the field of protective
enclosures for
telecommunications, electrical, optical, or other types of equipment installed
in outdoor
locations. In some embodiments, the enclosures provide protection to equipment
installed in a
below grade installation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Telecommunications equipment is crucial to the data networks
relied upon
by modern society. The data networks include any type of network for the
transport of data,
without regard to the format of the data or the method of transport. The
telecommunications
equipment includes network interconnections and devices for fiber optic
networks, copper-
based networks, and other telecommunication technologies as they may be
developed in the
future. The networks require interconnection points and equipment for the
operation of the
networks at various locations. Many of these interconnections and equipment
locations are
distributed and are not located inside buildings. As a result, enclosures to
protect the
equipment from the outdoor environment are a necessary component of such
networks.
[0004] One example of such an enclosure is an enclosure for an
outdoor distribution
hub for a fiber optic network. Outdoor Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH) products
serve as a
passive interface between the telecommunication provider's feeder network and
their individual
distribution cables serving their customers. FDHs are sometimes referred to as
fiber hubs or
service access terminals, and they perform a similar function as the
traditional telephone
network Serving Area Closure (SAC) does for copper networks. The FDH is
exemplary of the
type of the below grade enclosures described herein, but is not limiting as to
the use or design
of such enclosures.
[0005] The principle function of an FDH is to provide mechanical and
environmental protection for fiber optic components in an enclosure that
permits fiber optic
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communications service to be divided among customers, broadcast fashion. In
some
embodiments, an FDH also provides a management system for optical splitters,
fiber, and
connectors providing considerable flexibility to the optical plant network.
This enables the
local feeder/distribution/loop network to be configured to cost-effectively
meet the needs of
both the service provider and their customer. In addition, the FDH serves as a
convenient test
access point to verify the integrity of the service provider network and the
customer equipment.
[0006] Depending on the specific needs of the service provider, the
feeder cable
side of the FDH often will be used to terminate Outside Plant (OSP) fiber
optic cables to
smaller size distribution fiber cable to serve individual customers. Since the
FDHs store cable
splices and optical connector cross-connects, they must be capable of
resisting damage from the
outside plant environment they will occupy. In some cases, the FDHs may be
located below
grade, on a pad as a ground-mounted closure, or on a pole as a pole-mounted
closure. The FDH
is usually secured with a lock that prevents access by the public or other non-
service provider
personnel. The FDH is not intended to provide access for customers, either
residential or
business.
[0007] Optical feeder cable enters the closure (often from the rear or
bottom of the
closure) and is spliced to optical fiber in the FDH's splice panel. Output
fiber pigtails or
jumpers from the splitter module are used as optical pathways between the
optical signal
provided by the service provider in the feeder cable to optical pathways to
the customer
receiving this service as optical cross-connects. The splitter output fibers
are terminated on the
optical distribution panel, which provides a direct pathway to the local
customer for the service.
Each fiber from the distribution cable to the customer is terminated on the
rear side of the
optical cross-connect panel. All routing pathways within the FDH meet general
acceptable fiber
and cable handling and geometry requirements used in the industry. In
addition, the FDH is
equipped with a parking area to store optical fibers not in use prior to
deployment as cross
connects on the fiber cross-connect panel being used as optical input to a I
xN optical splitter
module.
[0008] In other embodiments, the enclosures described herein may provide
environmental protection for components of copper networks, coaxial networks,
electrical
conduit, low voltage electronic systems, or any other interconnections or
equipment that
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requirea environmental protection. The equipment installed in the enclosure
may include any
type of equipment necessary for the operation of the network.
[0009] In some embodiments, the below grade enclosure includes a lift
assist
system to allow a network technician to raise the enclosure to above ground
level for more
convenient access to the interior of the enclosure.
100101 FDHs and other similar enclosures are most commonly located in
OSP
uncontrolled environments. It is possible, however, that these closures could
be used inside a
building in a controlled environment.
[0011] Until recently, optical connectors were traditionally found in
the service
provider's Central Office (CO) (head end) or in remote locations that are
environmentally
controlled, such as Cable Entrance Vaults (CEVs) or Remote Terminals (RTs).
More recently,
as broadband fiber architectures have penetrated the local distribution loop,
connectors are
increasingly found in optical nodes (Hybrid Fiber Coax [HFC] networks) and
optical network
units (FTTC networks). The enclosures for these network elements, although
typically not
hermetically sealed, do provide robust mechanical and environmental protection
for the
optoelectronic equipment. In addition, the heat dissipated from the
electronics is often
sufficient to maintain a relatively dry environment.
[0012] FDHs, however, contain only passive optical components. In
keeping with
the need for easy craft access in an OSP environment, both for the service
provider and the
customer, it is desirable to avoid hermetically sealing the FDH. Therefore,
the optical
connectors and possible optical components will be subjected to the harsh OSP
environment.
Similarly, enclosures for networks of other types may also need to provide
environmental
protection to active or passive network components or interconnections.
[0013] The enclosures for such networks, such as for outdoor FDHs, may
be
deployed in a variety of locations. A brief description of each deployment
environment is
provided below.
[0014] In some deployments, the enclosures are deployed in a protected
environment such as a Cable Entrance Vault (CEV), telecommunications closet,
computer
room, or similar location. The enclosure need provide only minimal
environmental protection
(dust and water spray resistance are applicable).
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[0015] In other deployments, an enclosure designed for attachment to a
building
exterior may be utilized. In such deployments, full frontal access is
generally required. The
enclosure may be required to be flood proof in some applications.
[0016] In ground level outdoor deployments, primary mechanical and
environmental protection comes from the outer enclosure (e.g., pedestal and
cabinet), which
may contain smaller sub-enclosures dedicated to the needs of the service
provider and the
customer. These may be either flood-proof or rain-resistant.
[0017] In other deployments, the enclosures are installed on an aerial
pole or stand.
In this environment, free-breathing enclosures are acceptable provided they
use fiber, cable,
and fusion splices meeting current Telcordia environmental requirements.
[0018] In other deployments, the enclosures are installed below grade in
conjunction with a handhole or similar installation.
[0019] The enclosure described and claimed herein may be used in various
embodiments in any of the deployment types. In some embodiments, the
enclosures have
specific features to provide improved performance over other enclosures in a
below grade
deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The inventive enclosure described and claimed herein is for
telecommunications equipment. The enclosure is formed from an enclosure body
with a top, a
bottom, and three side walls forming an cubical enclosure with an open side.
The enclosure
body has a top compression rail, a bottom compression rail and two side
compression rails
adjacent to the open side of the enclosure body along the top, bottom and side
walls of the
enclosure body, respectively. The enclosure includes a door for attachment
over the open side
of the enclosure body. A rotatable latch is attached to the door. A cam is
attached to the latch
on the inside surface of the door. Several compression plates are pivotally
attached to the
inside surface of the door along the inside edges of the plates. Several
actuating rods are
pivotally attached to the cam at one end, and pivotally attached to a
compression plate at the
other end. Rotation of the latch causes rotation of the cam, thereby causing
the actuating rods
to extend, pivoting the compression plates to compress the compression rails
between the
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=
compression plates and the inside surface of the door, thus securing the door
in place and
creating a seal between the door and the enclosure body.
[0021] In one embodiment of the enclosure there are four
compression plates for
engaging the top compression rail, bottom compression rail, and two side
compression rails of
the enclosure body. Some embodiments of the enclosure have one or more gasket
attached to
the inside surface of the door or to the compression rails.
[0022] Some embodiments of the enclosure include a lift assist
system to reduce the
force needed to raise and lower the enclosure from an underground position for
service. The
lift system is made of a frame sized to receive the enclosure body, and one or
more lift brackets
pivotally attached to the frame and attached to the bottom of the enclosure
body. The lift
brackets pivot from a stowed position in which the enclosure body is disposed
within the frame
to a service position in which the enclosure body is disposed outside the
frame. In some
embodments, one or more lift assist struts are included to reduce the force
needed to move the
enclosure body from the stowed position to the service position and back. The
lift assist struts
are pivotally attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to a lift
bracket.
[0023] Some embodiments of the invention include a top component
for securing
the enclosure body within the frame when the enclosure body is in the stowed
position. The
top component may be made of one or more stile pivotally attached to the
frame, and one or
more rail attached to the stiles to secure the enclosure body within the frame
in the stowed
position. The top component may be pivoted away from the enclosure body to
allow the
enclosure body to be raised to the service position.
[0024] One method of using the enclosure in a below grade vault,
comprises the
steps of installing the lift assist system in the below grade vault, attaching
the enclosure body to
the lift brackets of the lift system in the service position, installing
equipment within the
enclosure body, securing the door to the enclosure body, and lowering the
enclosure body to
the stowed position.
[0025] The method of using the enclosure may also include the steps
of raising the
enclosure body to the service position, removing the door from the enclosure
body, servicing
the equipment installed within the enclosure body, securing the door to the
enclosure body, and
lowering the enclosure body to the stowed position.
CA 02906653 2015-10-01
[0026] The step of securing the door to the enclosure body may comprise
the steps
of disposing the door over the open side of the enclosure body, and rotating
the latch to pivot
the compression plates to compress the compression rails between the
compression plates and
the inside surface of the door.
[0027] The method of using the enclosure may also include the steps of
pivotally
attaching a top component to the frame, wherein the top component has at least
one rail for
securing over the enclosure body in the stowed position, pivoting the top
component into a
lowered position to secure the enclosure body in the stowed position, and
pivoting the top
component into a raised position to allow the enclosure body to be lifted to
the service position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Figure lA is a perspective view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure.
[0029] Figure 1B is a front view of an embodiment of the below grade
enclosure.
[0030] Figure 1C is a side view of an embodiment of the below grade
enclosure.
[0031] Figure 1D is a top view of an embodiment of the below grade
enclosure.
[0032] Figure lE is a perspective view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure.
[0033] Figure 1F is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an
embodiment of
the below grade enclosure.
[0034] Figure 1G is a side view of an embodiment of the below grade
enclosure.
[0035] Figure 1H is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure.
[0036] Figure II is a perspective view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure.
[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure.
[0038] Figure 3 is a view of the inside of a portion of an embodiment of
the below
grade enclosure.
[0039] Figure 4 is a view of the inside of a portion of an embodiment of
the below
grade enclosure.
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[0040] Figure 5 is a side exploded view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure with a lift assist system.
[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the
below
grade enclosure with a lift assist system.
[0042] Figure 7 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure with a lift assist system in a below grade installation.
[0043] Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the below grade
enclosure with
a lift assist system.
[0044] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the below
grade
enclosure with a lift assist system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The below grade enclosure provides below grade connectivity in an
outside
plant environment when deployed in a below-grade vault. It may also be
installed in above
grade installations if desired. In some embodiments, the below grade enclosure
provides for up
to 72 hours of water intrusion protection when fully submerged in a below
grade installation.
The enclosure may be configured to support a variety of deployment strategies,
including
without limitation, fiber distributed split to cross-connect configurations
from 144 to 432 ports,
copper network installations, and other network technologies. In some
embodiments, the
enclosure provides a "swing-up and lock" door mechanism or a "vertical pull-up
and lock"
door mechanism for easy and quick single-door access to the interior of the
enclosure. In other
embodiments the enclosure is provided with a lift assist system to provide for
lifting the
enclosure from a below grade position to an above grade position for easier
access by a
technician.
[00461 In outside application environments where placement or easement
permitting
is not cost-effective, the below grade enclosure can leverage existing below
grade assets or
facilities in polymer concrete or HDPE vaults and hand-holes by providing
environmental
protection and connectivity across a variety of transport and configuration
methods. In
environments where above grade placement of cabinets, pole-mounted or on the
ground, is
prohibited, the below grade enclosure meets the requirement without
sacrificing necessary
environmental protection and functionality, such as the key fiber management
rules of access,
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CA 02906653 2015-10-01
bend radius protection, physical fiber protection, and route diversity that
exist in current
platforms that are standard in the industry.
[0047] In some embodiments, the below grade enclosure can also provide
below
grade connectivity to the traditional telephone network Serving Area Closure
(SAC) that utilize
existing copper networks.
[0048] Even though the below grade enclosure was designed to provide
below
grade connectivity, it can also be used in the various other network
applications such as; indoor
applications, Outdoor wall applications or Ground-Level Applications when
deployed in areas
susceptible to flooding.
[0049] In some embodiments, the enclosure and door described below may
be
constructed of .090 or 0.125 aluminum sheet material. In many embodiments, all
enclosure
parts are powder coated for additional protection. In some embodiments, 300
series stainless
steel fasteners and hardware are used throughout the enclosure. In some
embodiments, the
latching mechanism is constructed of 300 series stainless steel or 0.125
aluminum with 300
series stainless steel fasteners and hardware. In some embodiments, an EPDM
rubber gasket is
used for sealing the door to the enclosure to prevent water intrusion.
[0050] The latching mechanism utilizes a single latch to operate the
system and seal
the enclosure from harsh outside environments. The latching mechanism is
operated by a latch
attached to a cam mechanism that activates four rods that are attached to four
specially
designed plates that are attached to the door at the top, the bottom, left and
right sides of the
door by means of brackets. Once the latch is activated the four plates engage
to the inside wall
of the top, bottom and sides of the enclosure to create the compression seal
required to close the
cabinet and maintain the seal from the outside environment.
[0051] Referring now of Figures lA through 11, an embodiment of the
inventive
enclosure is depicted. The depicted embodiment of the enclosure body 100 is
provided with a
top 102, three sides 104, and a bottom 106 attached together to form the body
of the enclosure
100 with one open side. In many embodiments, the body 100 of the enclosure is
cuboid, and
may be a rectangular cuboid. The top, sides and bottom may be formed from a
single sheet or
separate sheets, and seams may be welded or otherwise permanently joined to
form the body of
the enclosure. Door 108 is provided to removably cover and seal the open side
of the enclosure
body. In some embodiments, the door 108 fits between the edges of sides 104,
top 102 and
8
bottom 106 as depicted in Figures lA through 11, while in other embodiments
door 108 overlaps
the edges of sides 104, top 102 and bottom 106. A latch 110 is provided in the
door 108 to allow
a user to unseal the door 108 and access the interior of the enclosure 100.
Door 108 may be
removed from the enclosure body by actuating the latch 110 and removing the
door 108 as
shown in Figure 1E. Door 108 may be attached to the body 100 via a hinge on
one side or it may
be completely removable upon releasing the latch 110.
100521 Referring now to Figure 1F, a detailed exploded view of a
portion of the
enclosure 100 is depicted. The top 102 and sides 104 are not shown for
clarity. Door 108 is
provided with a mounting hole for latch 110, which is rotatably secured in the
hole to cam 112.
Four actuating rods 114 are pivotally attached at one end to the cam 112. As
the latch is rotated,
cam 112 rotates and causes the actuating rods 114 to move substantially
linearly back and forth
towards the edges of door 108. The four actuating rods 114 are pivotally
attached at their other
end, or at a point away from their first end, to compression plates 116 via a
bracket, ball joint or
other pivotal connection. As the actuating rods 114 are moved back and forth
by the rotation of
cam 112, the rods 114 pull back and forth on the compression plates 116. The
compression plates
116 extend substantially parallel to the edges of door 108. Each compression
plate 116 is
pivotally attached to the door 108 at one or more points such as brackets 118.
The attachment
points 118 are disposed closer to the inner edge 117 of the plates 116 so that
as the actuating rods
114 pull inwardly on the plates 116, the outer edges 119 of the compression
plates 116 move
away from the inner surface of door 108, and as the actuating rods 114 push
outwardly on the
compression plates 116, the outer edges of the compression plates 116 pivot
toward the inner
surface of door 108. Mounting brackets 118 may be provided on the inner
surface of door 108
for pivotal attachment of compression plates 116.
100531 In some embodiments, on the inner surface of bottom 106 and on
the inner
surface of the top 102 (not depicted), one or more mounting brackets 120 are
provided. In some
embodiments, the mounting brackets 120 provide an adjustable attachment for
vertical stiles 121
for the attachment of equipment. In the depicted embodiment two vertical
stiles 121 are
provided. Mounting brackets 120 may be provided with lengthwise slots or a
series of holes to
allow for the adjustability of the location of the vertical stiles 121. In
other embodiments,
varying types of mounting brackets or hardware may be used depending on the
type of
equipment to be installed in the enclosure.
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CA 2906653 2020-03-18
[0054] Side, top and bottom compression rails 122 and 124,
respectively, are attached
to the inner surfaces of the top 102 and bottom 106, respectively, or are
incorporated into flanges
around the inside of the open side of the body 100. The flanges may have a lip
extending
outwardly therefrom to engage a seal provided on the inside of door 108, or
vice versa. The
spacing of the compression rails 122 and 124 is disposed so that when the
latch 110 is in the
open position, compression plates 116 are retracted from the surface of the
door 108 sufficiently
to allow the compression plates 116 to be inserted between compression rails
122 and 124,
allowing door 108 to be securely seated against the open side of the enclosure
body. As the latch
110 is rotated, cam 112 translates the actuating rods 114 thus pivoting the
compression plates
116 and causing the outer portions of compression plates 116 to engage
compression rails 122
and 124. In some embodiments, the compression plates 116 engage flanges or
other features
attached to or incorporated into compression rails 122 and 124 or into the
body 100. As the latch
110 continues to rotate, compression plates 116 apply force on the door
pulling it toward
compression rails 122 and 124, and seating door 108 securely against the
enclosure body and
creating a water resistant or water tight seal.
[0055] As shown in Figure 1!, in some embodiments the door 108 may be
pivotally
attached at one edge to the enclosure body to allow it to be rotated open
after the latching
mechanism has been disengaged by counter-rotation of the latch 110. In some
embodiments, one
or more seals or gaskets 126 are provided on the interior surface of door 108
to engage the
surface of compression rails 122 and 124. In some embodiments, the gaskets 126
may be
provided on the outside of the compression rails 122 and 124. In some
embodiments, flanges or
other features may be provided on the door 108, compression rails 122 and 124,
or both to
engage gaskets 126.
[0056] Referring now to Figure 2, a perspective view of an embodiment
of the
invention depicts an embodiment having a hinge pivotally attaching the door
108 to the
enclosure body 100.
[0057] Referring now to Figure 3, a detailed view of the inside of
door 108 is
depicted showing cam 112, actuating rods 114, and compression plates 116 in a
closed position
such as when it is sealed onto the body 100. The cam 112 is positioned to
rotate the outer edge
of plates 116 toward the door 108 to exert force on rails 122 and 124. One or
more seals or
gaskets 126 may be provided on door 108 to provide a water resistant or water
tight seal between
CA 2906653 2020-03-18
door 108 and the enclosure body 100. In some embodiments flange 128 may be
provided along
the outer edge of compression plates 116.
[0058] Referring now to Figure 4, the cam 112 has been rotated to
retract the plates
116 away from the door 108 and to release pressure from rails 122 and 124. The
rotation of cam
112 causes actuating rods 114 to retract away from compression plates 116
causing them to pivot
so that their outer edges rotate away from the inside surface of door 108.
This position releases
the seal between door 108 and enclosure body 100, and allows door 108 to be
inserted into or
retracted from the opening in body 100.
[0059] Referring now to Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9, an embodiment of the
below ground
enclosure with a frame and lift assist system is depicted in various
configurations. A frame 500
is provided for supporting the enclosure 100 and providing a means for lifting
the enclosure 100
above ground level to allow easy access to the interior of the enclosure 100.
In the embodiment
depicted in the referenced figures, the frame 500 comprises rails and stiles
forming a cuboid
frame. In other embodiments the frame 500 may be a paralleliped or have only a
top frame with
legs extending downwardly. The exact configuration of frame 500 is not
limiting of the
invention. In the depicted embodiment the frame 500 defines a cuboid volume in
which the
enclosure 100 is disposed as shown in Figure 7.
[0060] In the depicted embodiment, stiles 502 and rails 504 form side
frames which
are connected by end rails 506 and 508 to form the frame 500. In other
embodiments the sides
and ends of the frame 500 may be formed from sheet material, or may have other
configurations
such as triangular braces. The top surface of frame 500 is open to allow
enclosure 100 to be
raised and lowered into the frame 500. The rails and stiles may be formed from
metal channel or
other materials that are suitably rigid and suitable for below grade
installation.
[0061] At the upper edge of one of the ends of frame 500, one or more
lift brackets
510 are pivotally attached to the frame 500. In some embodiments the pivotal
attachment is a
bolt 523 as shown in Figure 9. The lift brackets 510 are attached so that they
may be pivoted
between a horizontal stowed position located down in the volume defined by
frame 500 and a
vertical service position extending upwardly from the top edge of frame 500,
as desired. The
brackets 510 are shown in the vertical service position in Figure 6. The top
of brackets 510 are
attached to the bottom surface 106 of enclosure 100 by welding, bolts, screws
or other suitable
means of attachment.
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[0062] Strain relief brackets 512 may be provided on the bottom
surface of enclosure
100 or on brackets 510 to engage frame 500 when the enclosure is in the
lowered position.
Strain relief brackets 512 reduce the strain on the pivotal attachment of the
brackets 510 to frame
500 when the enclosure is in the horizontal stowed position.
[0063] In some embodiments, the frame also comprises a top component
for securing
the enclosure 100 within frame 500 when it is in the horizontal stowed
position. In the
embodiment depicted in Figures 5 to 9, the top component is pivotally attached
to the frame 500
so that it may be pivoted up to allow the enclosure 100 to be pivoted up for
service. In the
depicted embodiment, the top component is attached to the opposing end of the
frame 500 with
respect to the attachment of brackets 510. The depicted embodiment of the top
component
comprises at least one stile 516 and at least one rail 518, attached
perpendicularly to each other
to create the top component. Ends of stiles 516 are pivotally attached to
frame 500 to allow it to
pivot upwardly from the frame. A rail 518 may be disposed to cross the
enclosure 100 when the
enclosure and the top component are stowed and to secure it in place. The top
component may
be provided with locking means or other means of securing it in the closed
position to prevent
unauthorized access to the enclosure 100.
[0064] In some embodiments, one or more struts 520 may be provided to
assist with
the raising and lowering of the enclosure 100 from and into frame 500. The
struts 520 are
attached between the frame 500 and brackets 510. In the depicted embodiment,
the rod end of
each strut 520 is pivotally attached, such as by a ball and socket, to a
bracket 521 attached to
frame 500. Similarly, the tube end of each strut 520 is pivotally attached,
such as by a ball and
socket, to one of the brackets 510. In some embodiments, the struts 520 are
gas struts. The
struts 520 assist in the lowering of the enclosure 100 into frame 500 by
preventing it from an
uncontrolled drop of the enclosure 100 into the frame 500 and by assisting in
controlled lifting of
the enclosure 100 to the raised service position.
[0065] In some embodiments, the frame 500 is constructed of G-90
Galvanized steel
or 300 series stainless steel with 300 series stainless steel fasteners and
hardware.
[0066] As depicted in Figure 7, in some installations the enclosure
100 and the frame
500 are placed in a vault, or hand-hole, 700. In some installations the vault
700 is made of
polymer concrete or HDPE, though other materials may be used in some
installations. The
frame 500 is installed on base 702 at the bottom of vault 700. Once installed
into the vault 700,
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the enclosure 100 may be raised using one hand for service and stowed into the
vault 700 using
one hand. The vault 700 is typically installed so that the enclosure 100 is
disposed below ground
level 704 in the horizontal stowed position.
[0067] The various embodiments of the enclosure may be used by various
methods.
In one embodiment of the enclosure, it is used by installing the enclosure in
a desired location,
installing equipment within the enclosure body, and securing the door to the
enclosure body.
[0068] In embodiments of the enclosure having the lift assist system,
a method of
using the enclosure comprises the steps of installing the lift assist system
in a desired location
such as a below grade vault, attaching the enclosure body to the lift brackets
of the lift system in
either the stowed position or the service position, installing equipment into
the enclosure, and
securing the door to the enclosure body. During the method at relevant points,
the enclosure
body may be raised or lowered from the stowed position within the frame (shown
in Figure 7) to
the service position (shown in Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9).
[0069] Another method of using the invention may comprise raising the
enclosure
body from the stowed position to the service position, removing the door from
the enclosure
body, servicing equipment installed in the enclosure body, securing the door
to the enclosure
body, and lowering the enclosure body to the stowed position. In other methods
the top
component is used to secure the enclosure body in the stowed position by
pivoting it down over
the enclosure body. The top component is pivoted away from the enclosure body
to allow the
enclosure body to be raised to the service position.
[0070] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted,
as well as
components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present
invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the
intent to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become
apparent to those
skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may
develop alternative
means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from
the scope of
the present invention.
[0071] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations
are of utility
and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations
and are
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contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the
various figures need be
carried out in the specific order described.
=
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