Integrated base fixture for a telecommunications enclosure

Details Integrated base fixture for a telecommunications enclosure Integrated base fixture for a telecommunications enclosure

1999-08-09

2001-07-10

Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)

Electricity: conductors and insulators

Conduits, cables or conductors

Single duct conduits

C174S1520GM, C174S15300A, C174S151000, C248S056000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06259024

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to telecommunications generally, and more specifically to enclosures for telecommunications cables and equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Optical fiber communication networks have gained wide acceptance in place of the use of electrical cable systems, due to the significantly enhanced bandwidth capabilities of optical fiber and its immunity to electromagnetic and radiomagnetic interference. Very significant advantages are achievable by the use of optical fiber rather than electrical conduction media. Nevertheless, a continuing problem with the deployment of optical fiber systems is providing a method to terminate optical fiber cables so as to make electrical or optical connections to fibers within the cables while providing adequate environmental protection and allowing for easy installation. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,913,522, 5,155,794 and 5,602,954 to Nolf et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,253 to Franckx et al. are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. These patents describe an enclosure for a butt splice of optical fiber cables. The enclosure generally includes an end cap and a dome-shaped cover, which together form a hollow article for use as a butt splice case for optical fibre cables. Cable ports (outlets) are provided in the end cap through which the cables pass. On a new installation, only some of the outlets may be required, and some may therefore be temporarily blocked. The outlets are made with closed ends which are simply cut off as required. Typically, a blade, such as a saw, utility knife or the like is used.
Securing cables in the cable ports of the end cap in the field presents a problem. Normally, the enclosure would be mounted to a pole or, in some cases, under ground. To work on the enclosure, the enclosure is removed from its mounting. The closed end (plug) of one of the cable ports is cut after the enclosure is removed from its mounting. Both the end cap and the dome-like enclosure are typically round in shape, and tend to roll away when unrestrained. Thus, it is difficult to saw the plug of the cable port.
FIG. 1
shows a conventional apparatus
90
used to support and restrain the end cap
10
of a fiber optic enclosure (not shown) while one of the cable ports
11
-
15
is being cut. The apparatus
90
resembles a vise, and is effective to prevent movement or rotation of the end cap
10
.
The apparatus of
FIG. 1
has disadvantages. The apparatus is large and bulky, and must be carried around from one work site to the next. It can easily become lost.
An improved apparatus for supporting an end cap is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an end cap for a telecommunications enclosure. The end cap has a plurality of cable receptacle tubes. The end cap has a pair of pivotally mounted legs. The legs are pivotable to positions in which they prevent the end cap from rolling.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4913522 (1990-04-01), Nolf et al.
patent: 5155794 (1992-10-01), Nolf et al.
patent: 5249253 (1993-09-01), Franckx et al.
patent: 5315489 (1994-05-01), McCall et al.
patent: 5588076 (1996-12-01), Peacock et al.
patent: 5602954 (1997-02-01), Nolf et al.
patent: 5835658 (1998-11-01), Smith
patent: 5977486 (1999-11-01), Fujita
Splice Closure Installation Instructions, 1 page, No date.

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