US20220145612A1 - Method of Forming a Foldable or Collapsible Plastic and/or Composite Utility Enclosure - Google Patents
Method of Forming a Foldable or Collapsible Plastic and/or Composite Utility Enclosure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220145612A1 US20220145612A1 US17/223,089 US202117223089A US2022145612A1 US 20220145612 A1 US20220145612 A1 US 20220145612A1 US 202117223089 A US202117223089 A US 202117223089A US 2022145612 A1 US2022145612 A1 US 2022145612A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hinge
- sides
- molds
- composite
- enclosure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910021389 graphene Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003733 fiber-reinforced composite Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002241 glass-ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G9/00—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water
- H02G9/10—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water in cable chambers, e.g. in manhole or in handhole
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/343—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
- E04B1/34315—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts
- E04B1/34321—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts mainly constituted by panels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
- B29C65/565—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits involving interference fits, e.g. force-fits or press-fits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C69/00—Combinations of shaping techniques not provided for in a single one of main groups B29C39/00 - B29C67/00, e.g. associations of moulding and joining techniques; Apparatus therefore
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/54—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations, e.g. feeding or storage of prepregs or SMC after impregnation or during ageing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D11/1846—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/20—Details of walls made of plastics material
- B65D11/22—Reinforcing for strengthening parts of members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/343—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
- E04B1/34336—Structures movable as a whole, e.g. mobile home structures
-
- E04B1/34357—
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/343—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
- E04B1/34384—Assembling details for foldable, separable, collapsible or retractable structures
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/343—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
- E04B1/344—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport with hinged parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/0017—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor moulding interconnected elements which are movable with respect to one another, e.g. chains or hinges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
- B29C45/14754—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles being in movable or releasable engagement with the coating, e.g. bearing assemblies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
- B29C65/562—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits using extra joining elements, i.e. which are not integral with the parts to be joined
- B29C65/564—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits using extra joining elements, i.e. which are not integral with the parts to be joined hidden in the joint, e.g. dowels or Z-pins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
- B29C66/543—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining more than two hollow-preforms to form said hollow articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
- B29C66/549—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles said hollow-preforms being interconnected during their moulding process, e.g. by a hinge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/721—Fibre-reinforced materials
- B29C66/7212—Fibre-reinforced materials characterised by the composition of the fibres
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
- B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2023/10—Polymers of propylene
- B29K2023/12—PP, i.e. polypropylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2309/00—Use of inorganic materials not provided for in groups B29K2303/00 - B29K2307/00, as reinforcement
- B29K2309/08—Glass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/10—Building elements, e.g. bricks, blocks, tiles, panels, posts, beams
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/22—Hinges, pivots
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/7134—Crates, e.g. for bottles
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2103/00—Material constitution of slabs, sheets or the like
- E04B2103/04—Material constitution of slabs, sheets or the like of plastics, fibrous material or wood
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/081—Bases, casings or covers
Definitions
- the invention relates to underground utility enclosures for providing protection for below ground devices such as water meters, valves, telecom hardware, and the like and, more particularly, to a foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure.
- Utility enclosures are used to protect buried meters, valves, and telecom hardware and need to be capable of withstanding heavy loads that may be placed on the cover of the utility enclosure.
- Concrete utility enclosures are commonly used in or near roadways and driveways since they are heavy duty and are capable of withstanding heavy loads placed on the cover.
- Concrete utility enclosures are formed by a wall of concrete that extends around the utility. A lip extends about the top of the utility enclosure in the interior of the utility enclosure. The cover of the utility enclosure fits into the interior of the utility enclosure and rests on the lip. The concrete lip provides sufficient support to the cover to enable the utility enclosure to withstand the force of heavy loads.
- Concrete utility enclosures present some disadvantages, however. Concrete utility enclosures are difficult to transport and install. They are bulky and take up space. During transport, concrete utility enclosures are prone to being chipped, and significant amounts of concrete utility enclosures become non-usable because of damage incurred in transport. Installation of concrete utility enclosures is difficult because of the weight of the utility enclosures. Installation of a concrete utility enclosure generally requires the effort of two people because the utility enclosures weigh in excess of two hundred pounds each. The weight of the concrete utility enclosures also presents some danger of physical injury to the persons installing the utility enclosure.
- Plastic utility enclosures are known.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,750 discloses a plastic utility enclosure that is durable, lightweight, and capable of being located in roadways or driveways and withstanding heavy loads.
- plastic utility enclosures also are bulky and take up space during transportation. What is needed is a foldable utility enclosure that takes up reduced space when folded.
- This invention is a foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side.
- Each of the sides has a first end and a second opposite end.
- the first end of the first side is connected to the first end of the third side by means of a first hinge.
- the second opposite end of the second side is connected to the second opposite end of the third side by means of a second hinge.
- the second opposite end of the first side is connected to the second opposite end of the fourth side by means of a third hinge.
- the first end of the second side is connected to the first end of the fourth side by means of a fourth hinge.
- the third side is constructed to rotate on the first and second hinges only away from the first side.
- the fourth side is constructed to rotate on the third and fourth hinges only towards the first side.
- the third side and the fourth side are constructed to rotate until the first side engages the second side and the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure is in a folded configuration.
- the folded plastic/composite utility enclosure when in a folded configuration has only 15 to 20 percent of the thickness compared to an unfolded configuration.
- the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side are curved.
- the first end of the third side is positioned slideably over the first end of the first side and the first end of the fourth side is positioned slideably over the first end of the second side.
- the second opposite end of the first side abuts against the second opposite end of the fourth side and the second opposite end of the third side abuts against the second opposite end of the second side.
- the second opposite ends are angled.
- Each end of each side has spaced-apart hinge members.
- Each hinge member has a central hole.
- Each hinge is formed of the hinge members and each hinge has a single hinge pin that extends through the central holes of the hinge members that form the hinge.
- Each hinge member is positioned in a housing. The housing has an open interior to help anchor the housing in the ground.
- Each edge of each side has a plurality of spaced-apart hinge members wherein hinge members on one side engage the hinge members on another side to form the hinge.
- One or more of the hinges may have a reversibly insertable locking pin that prevents the sides from rotating on the hinges and prevents the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure from folding.
- the foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure of this invention can be made of any type of plastic or composite, preferably plastic imbedded with fibers such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or ceramic fibers or imbedded with particles such as glass particles.
- plastic/composite and various openings or cutouts makes the utility enclosure light weight.
- the hinges allow the utility enclosure to be folded flat for storage and transportation.
- the pairs of sides are symmetrical which facilitates manufacturing.
- the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure is ideal for housing underground utilities. However, it can be used to house or contain any desired device.
- the present invention provides of method of forming and assembling the foldable plastic and/or composite utility enclosure.
- Molds are provided to form the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side.
- the molds are constructed to form a central hole in each hinge member.
- Material including plastic or composite suitable for molding is placed in the molds to form the sides.
- the central hole of the hinge member is molded with two molding parts, wherein one or both of the molding parts have a solid central portion that forms the central hole.
- the sides are removed from the molds after the curing of the plastic in the molds.
- the sides are assembled to form the utility enclosure while the sides are still hot from the molding process and the hinge pins are inserted into the central holes of the hinge members to form the hinges to prevent the sides from warping during cooling.
- the plastic used to form the sides is, preferably, a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic.
- the thermoplastic is, preferably, polypropylene.
- FIG. 1 is a top, front, perspective view of the utility enclosure of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is perspective view from an exterior surface of a first side the utility enclosure.
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view from an interior surface of the first side.
- FIG. 3A is perspective view from an exterior surface of a third side.
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view from an interior surface of the third side.
- FIG. 4 is a top, interior surface view of the second side of the utility enclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a top, interior surface view of the third side of the utility enclosure.
- FIG. 6 is a top, exterior surface view of the first side of the utility enclosure.
- FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the utility enclosure laying with its first side on a horizontal plane in an unfolded configuration.
- FIG. 7B shows the utility enclosure of FIG. 7A in a semi-folded configuration.
- FIG. 7C shows the utility enclosure of FIG. 7A in a completely folded configuration.
- FIG. 8A shows an enlarged top view of an end of a second side and an end of the third side in an unfolded configuration.
- FIG. 8B show an enlarged top view of the end of the second side and an end of a fourth side in an unfolded configuration.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B show the same views as 8 A and 8 B but with the utility utility enclosure in a semi-folded configuration.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B show the same views 8 A and 8 B but with the utility enclosure in a completely folded configuration.
- FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the utility enclosure with a top cover inserted in a top end of the utility enclosure.
- FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the top cover having an opening with a door.
- FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the utility enclosure with a bottom cover attached reversibly to a bottom end of the utility enclosure.
- FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of corner with a hinge connecting two sides, with a locking pin inserted through the hinge members to prevent rotation of the sides on the hinge and to prevent folding of the foldable plastic utility enclosure.
- FIG. 15 shows two molding parts which form the hinge member and form a central hole in the hinge member when a side is being formed in a molding process.
- FIG. 1 is a top, front, perspective view of the utility enclosure 10 of the present invention.
- the utility enclosure 10 is rectangular and has a first side 11 , a second side 12 opposite the first side 11 , a third side 13 , and a fourth side 14 opposite the third side 13 .
- the first side 11 and the second side 12 form a first pair of sides and the third side 13 and the second side 14 form a second pair of sides.
- the utility enclosure 10 has a top end 15 , a bottom end 16 , and an interior 17 .
- An interior ledge 18 is formed on each side in the interior 17 near the top end 15 to support a cover (see FIGS. 11 and 12 ).
- each side 11 , 12 , 13 , and 14 are joined together with hinges 20 , 21 , 22 , and 23 to form the rectangular utility enclosure 10 , with a hinge in each corner of the rectangle.
- the hinges 20 , 21 , 22 , and 23 are made up of hinge members 24 .
- Each hinge member 24 has a central hole 25 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B ) for the insertion of a hinge pin 26 to form the hinge, as is known in the art.
- the hinge members 24 are formed in open hollow housings 27 , the housings 27 having interiors 28 .
- First side 11 has a first end 30 and a second opposite end 31 .
- the second side 12 has a first end 32 and a second opposite end 33 .
- the third side 13 has a first end 34 and a second opposite end 35 .
- the fourth side 14 has a first end 36 and a second opposite end 37 .
- the first ends 30 and 32 of the sides 11 and 12 (first pair of sides) form curved corners which end with curved extensions 38 .
- the second opposite ends 31 and 33 of sides 11 and 12 are also curved and form acute angles 39 .
- the first ends 34 and 36 of sides 13 and 14 (second pair of sides) and the second opposite ends 35 and 37 of sides 13 and 14 form obtuse angles 40 .
- the first ends 34 and 36 of the sides 13 and 14 fit over the curved extensions 38 of sides 11 and 12 and the first ends 34 and 36 may be slightly curved to match the curved extensions 38 .
- the second opposite end 35 of the third side 13 forms an obtuse angle 40 between an interior surface 45 (see FIG. 3B ) of the third side 13 and an interior surface 42 (see FIG. 2B ) of the first side 11 .
- the obtuse angle 40 extends from the top end 15 of the utility enclosure 10 to the bottom end 16 of the utility enclosure 10 .
- the second opposite end 37 of the fourth side 14 forms an acute angle 39 between an interior surface 45 A of the fourth side 14 and an interior surface 42 of the first side 11 and the acute angle 39 extends from the top end 15 of the utility enclosure 10 to the bottom end 16 of the utility enclosure 10 .
- the angled edges of the second opposite ends 35 and 37 of sides 13 and 14 abut the angled edges of the ends 31 and 33 of the sides 11 and 12 .
- the sides 11 , 12 , 13 , and 14 may have openings 19 to accommodate wires, pipes, tubing, and the like.
- FIG. 2A is perspective view from an exterior surface 41 of the first side 11 , separated from the utility enclosure 10
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view from an interior surface 42 of the first side 11 .
- the hinge members 24 , the housings 27 , and the interiors 28 can be seen in more detail. Grooves or spaces 43 between the hinge members 24 accommodate the housings 27 of the hinge members 24 that engage the first side 11 to complete the formation of the hinges 23 .
- FIG. 3A is perspective view from an exterior surface 44 of the third side 13 separated from the utility enclosure 10 and FIG. 3B is a perspective view from an interior surface 45 .
- the hinge members 24 , the housings 27 , and the interiors 28 can be seen in more detail.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B further show latches 46 which lock the third side 13 to the first side 11 to prevent the utility enclosure 10 from folding. Grooves 47 between the hinge members 24 accommodate the housings 27 of the hinge members 24 that engage the third side 13 to complete the formation of the hinges 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 .
- the housings 27 strengthen the hinges 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 and protect them from external forces.
- the first side 11 and the second side 12 are identical to each other and the third side 13 and the fourth side 14 are identical to each other, including with regard to hinging and folding features.
- FIG. 4 is a top, interior surface view of the second side 12 .
- FIG. 5 is a top, interior surface view of the third side 13 .
- FIG. 6 is a top, exterior surface view of the first side 11 .
- the utility enclosure 10 is formed by inserting the housings 27 on end 35 of the third side 13 in between the housings 27 on end 31 of the second side 12 and inserting the housings 27 on end 34 of the third side 13 in between the housings 27 on end 30 of the first side 11 .
- the pins 26 are then inserted through the holes 25 to form the hinges 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 .
- the fourth side 14 is added to sides 11 and 12 in the same way to complete the assembly of the utility enclosure 10 .
- FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the utility enclosure 10 laying with its first side 11 on a horizontal plane, shown by double arrow 50 .
- the utility enclosure 10 is in an unfolded configuration.
- FIG. 7B shows the utility enclosure 10 in a semi-folded configuration.
- FIG. 7C shows the utility enclosure 10 in a completely folded configuration.
- the utility enclosure 10 has about 15% to 25% of the thickness, compared to the unfolded configuration, preferably about 20%.
- FIG. 8A shows an enlarged top view of the end 33 of the second side 12 and the end 35 of the third side 13 in an unfolded configuration.
- FIG. 8B shows an enlarged top view of the end 32 of the second side 12 and the end 36 of the fourth side 14 in an unfolded position.
- the utility enclosure 10 cannot fold in a direction opposite to that shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10C because the end 35 of side 13 abuts the end 33 of side 12 , shown by arrow 51 , at an angle relative to sides 12 and 13 .
- the end 35 of side 13 cannot move around the end 33 of side 12 .
- the end 36 of side 14 can move around end 32 of side 12 , as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10C , because end 36 overlaps end 32 , shown by arrow 52 .
- FIGS. 9A and 9B show the same views as FIGS. 8A and 8B but with the utility enclosure 10 in a semi-folded configuration.
- Arrow 53 in FIG. 9A shows the extent to which end 35 of side 13 has moved away from end 33 of side 12 .
- Arrow 54 in FIG. 9B shows the extent to which end 36 of side 14 has moved over and around the curved extension 38 of end 32 of side 12 .
- FIGS. 10A and 10B show the same views as FIGS. 8A and 8B but with the utility enclosure 10 in a completely folded configuration with the first side 11 engaging the second side 12 .
- the folding of the utility enclosure 10 is reversible and the utility enclosure 10 can be restored to its unfolded configuration by pulling the first side 11 and the second side 12 apart.
- FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the utility enclosure 10 with a top cover 60 inserted in the top end 15 .
- the top cover 60 can have handles or openings for removing the cover 60 .
- FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of a top cover 61 having an opening 62 with a door 63 .
- the interior 17 of the utility enclosure 10 can be viewed and accessed by raising the door 63 .
- FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the utility enclosure 10 with a bottom cover 64 attached reversibly to the bottom end 16 by methods known in the art.
- the use of a bottom cover 64 allows the utility enclosure 10 to be used as any type of utility enclosure for any type of articles.
- FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of corner with a hinge connecting two sides, with a locking pin 70 inserted through the hinge members 24 to prevent rotation of the sides on the hinge and to prevent folding of the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure.
- An insertion hole 71 is on the top end 15 to insert the locking pin 70 .
- Each hinge member 24 has an upper groove 72 and a bottom groove 73 through which the locking pin 70 passes. The locking pin 70 can be retained in an opening 74 in the bottom hinge member.
- the sides 11 , 12 , 13 , and 14 of the utility enclosure 10 are formed separately in molds.
- the plastic material forming the side hardens in the mold within a few minutes.
- the side is hot when it comes out of the mold and the temperature of the side can range from 180 to in excess of 250 degrees F.
- the outer surface of the side is hardened but the interior part of the side can still be molten.
- each side is removed from the mold and allowed to cool. As the side begins to cool it will start to warp immediately which renders the side useless.
- the side may be placed in a cooling rack immediately after it comes out of the mold.
- the cooling rack holds the side in a fixed configuration until the internal plastic is solidified and the temperature has cooled below 180 degrees F.
- the cooling rack prevents the side from warping but the side has to remain in the cooling rack for up to 60 minutes. This amount of time makes the manufacturing process impractical.
- hinge members are made of glass-reinforced thermoplastic the time required to drill the central hole in the hinge member is up to 20 minutes.
- the drill bit wears out after three or four holes are drilled. This amount of time and wearing out of the drill bit also makes the manufacturing process impractical.
- FIG. 15 shows two molding parts 101 and 102 of a mold 100 , wherein the two molding parts 101 and 102 form the hinge member.
- Part 101 has a solid central portion 103 that forms the central hole in the hinge member.
- part 102 has a solid central portion 104 that forms the central hole in the hinge member.
- the utility enclosure can be assembled with the hinge pins inserted in the central holes of the hinge members, within about 10 minutes after removing the sides from the molds. Assembling the utility enclosure and inserting the hinge pins in the hinge members while the sides are still hot from the molding process surprisingly prevent the sides from warping during cooling. In addition, the utility enclosures can be allowed to cool in the folded configuration to facilitate shipping or storage.
- the material used to form the sides can be any polymer or any composite, preferably a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or a thermoplastic polymer-graphene composite.
- the thermoplastic is, preferably, polypropylene.
- Glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene has improved dimensional stability, reduced warpage, increased rigidity, and increased strength. Heat deflection temperature at 264 psi is increased up to 300° F. (150° C.) for 40% glass fiber reinforced polypropylene.
- Polypropylene's coefficient of thermal expansion is cut in half with 40% glass reinforcement. Glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene has good impact strength, very good mold filling capability, excellent stiffness, good dimensional stability, and low creep under load at elevated temperatures (RTP Company, Winona, Minn.).
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/663,391, filed on Oct. 25, 2019, the contents of that application being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The invention relates to underground utility enclosures for providing protection for below ground devices such as water meters, valves, telecom hardware, and the like and, more particularly, to a foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure.
- Utility enclosures are used to protect buried meters, valves, and telecom hardware and need to be capable of withstanding heavy loads that may be placed on the cover of the utility enclosure. Concrete utility enclosures are commonly used in or near roadways and driveways since they are heavy duty and are capable of withstanding heavy loads placed on the cover. Concrete utility enclosures are formed by a wall of concrete that extends around the utility. A lip extends about the top of the utility enclosure in the interior of the utility enclosure. The cover of the utility enclosure fits into the interior of the utility enclosure and rests on the lip. The concrete lip provides sufficient support to the cover to enable the utility enclosure to withstand the force of heavy loads.
- Concrete utility enclosures present some disadvantages, however. Concrete utility enclosures are difficult to transport and install. They are bulky and take up space. During transport, concrete utility enclosures are prone to being chipped, and significant amounts of concrete utility enclosures become non-usable because of damage incurred in transport. Installation of concrete utility enclosures is difficult because of the weight of the utility enclosures. Installation of a concrete utility enclosure generally requires the effort of two people because the utility enclosures weigh in excess of two hundred pounds each. The weight of the concrete utility enclosures also presents some danger of physical injury to the persons installing the utility enclosure.
- Plastic utility enclosures are known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,750 discloses a plastic utility enclosure that is durable, lightweight, and capable of being located in roadways or driveways and withstanding heavy loads. However, plastic utility enclosures also are bulky and take up space during transportation. What is needed is a foldable utility enclosure that takes up reduced space when folded.
- This invention is a foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side. Each of the sides has a first end and a second opposite end. The first end of the first side is connected to the first end of the third side by means of a first hinge. The second opposite end of the second side is connected to the second opposite end of the third side by means of a second hinge. The second opposite end of the first side is connected to the second opposite end of the fourth side by means of a third hinge. The first end of the second side is connected to the first end of the fourth side by means of a fourth hinge.
- The third side is constructed to rotate on the first and second hinges only away from the first side. The fourth side is constructed to rotate on the third and fourth hinges only towards the first side. The third side and the fourth side are constructed to rotate until the first side engages the second side and the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure is in a folded configuration. The folded plastic/composite utility enclosure when in a folded configuration has only 15 to 20 percent of the thickness compared to an unfolded configuration.
- The first end of the first side and the first end of the second side are curved. The first end of the third side is positioned slideably over the first end of the first side and the first end of the fourth side is positioned slideably over the first end of the second side. The second opposite end of the first side abuts against the second opposite end of the fourth side and the second opposite end of the third side abuts against the second opposite end of the second side. The second opposite ends are angled.
- Each end of each side has spaced-apart hinge members. Each hinge member has a central hole. Each hinge is formed of the hinge members and each hinge has a single hinge pin that extends through the central holes of the hinge members that form the hinge. Each hinge member is positioned in a housing. The housing has an open interior to help anchor the housing in the ground. Each edge of each side has a plurality of spaced-apart hinge members wherein hinge members on one side engage the hinge members on another side to form the hinge. One or more of the hinges may have a reversibly insertable locking pin that prevents the sides from rotating on the hinges and prevents the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure from folding.
- The foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure of this invention can be made of any type of plastic or composite, preferably plastic imbedded with fibers such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or ceramic fibers or imbedded with particles such as glass particles. The use of plastic/composite and various openings or cutouts makes the utility enclosure light weight. The hinges allow the utility enclosure to be folded flat for storage and transportation. The pairs of sides are symmetrical which facilitates manufacturing. The foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure is ideal for housing underground utilities. However, it can be used to house or contain any desired device.
- The present invention provides of method of forming and assembling the foldable plastic and/or composite utility enclosure. Molds are provided to form the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side. The molds are constructed to form a central hole in each hinge member. Material including plastic or composite suitable for molding is placed in the molds to form the sides. The central hole of the hinge member is molded with two molding parts, wherein one or both of the molding parts have a solid central portion that forms the central hole. The sides are removed from the molds after the curing of the plastic in the molds. The sides are assembled to form the utility enclosure while the sides are still hot from the molding process and the hinge pins are inserted into the central holes of the hinge members to form the hinges to prevent the sides from warping during cooling. Assembling the sides and inserting hinge pins to form the utility enclosure is completed within approximately 10 minutes after removing the sides from the molds. The plastic used to form the sides is, preferably, a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic. The thermoplastic is, preferably, polypropylene.
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FIG. 1 is a top, front, perspective view of the utility enclosure of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is perspective view from an exterior surface of a first side the utility enclosure. -
FIG. 2B is a perspective view from an interior surface of the first side. -
FIG. 3A is perspective view from an exterior surface of a third side. -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view from an interior surface of the third side. -
FIG. 4 is a top, interior surface view of the second side of the utility enclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a top, interior surface view of the third side of the utility enclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a top, exterior surface view of the first side of the utility enclosure. -
FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the utility enclosure laying with its first side on a horizontal plane in an unfolded configuration. -
FIG. 7B shows the utility enclosure ofFIG. 7A in a semi-folded configuration. -
FIG. 7C shows the utility enclosure ofFIG. 7A in a completely folded configuration. -
FIG. 8A shows an enlarged top view of an end of a second side and an end of the third side in an unfolded configuration. -
FIG. 8B show an enlarged top view of the end of the second side and an end of a fourth side in an unfolded configuration. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B show the same views as 8A and 8B but with the utility utility enclosure in a semi-folded configuration. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B show the same views 8A and 8B but with the utility enclosure in a completely folded configuration. -
FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the utility enclosure with a top cover inserted in a top end of the utility enclosure. -
FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the top cover having an opening with a door. -
FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the utility enclosure with a bottom cover attached reversibly to a bottom end of the utility enclosure. -
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of corner with a hinge connecting two sides, with a locking pin inserted through the hinge members to prevent rotation of the sides on the hinge and to prevent folding of the foldable plastic utility enclosure. -
FIG. 15 shows two molding parts which form the hinge member and form a central hole in the hinge member when a side is being formed in a molding process. - While the following description details the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of arrangement of the parts or the illustrations disclosed herein, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways.
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FIG. 1 is a top, front, perspective view of theutility enclosure 10 of the present invention. Theutility enclosure 10 is rectangular and has afirst side 11, asecond side 12 opposite thefirst side 11, athird side 13, and afourth side 14 opposite thethird side 13. Thefirst side 11 and thesecond side 12 form a first pair of sides and thethird side 13 and thesecond side 14 form a second pair of sides. Theutility enclosure 10 has atop end 15, abottom end 16, and an interior 17. Aninterior ledge 18 is formed on each side in the interior 17 near thetop end 15 to support a cover (seeFIGS. 11 and 12 ). The edges of eachside hinges rectangular utility enclosure 10, with a hinge in each corner of the rectangle. The hinges 20, 21, 22, and 23 are made up ofhinge members 24. Eachhinge member 24 has a central hole 25 (seeFIGS. 2A and 2B ) for the insertion of ahinge pin 26 to form the hinge, as is known in the art. Thehinge members 24 are formed in openhollow housings 27, thehousings 27 havinginteriors 28. -
First side 11 has afirst end 30 and a secondopposite end 31. Thesecond side 12 has afirst end 32 and a secondopposite end 33. Thethird side 13 has afirst end 34 and a secondopposite end 35. Thefourth side 14 has afirst end 36 and a secondopposite end 37. The first ends 30 and 32 of thesides 11 and 12 (first pair of sides) form curved corners which end withcurved extensions 38. The second opposite ends 31 and 33 ofsides acute angles 39. The first ends 34 and 36 ofsides 13 and 14 (second pair of sides) and the second opposite ends 35 and 37 ofsides obtuse angles 40. The first ends 34 and 36 of thesides curved extensions 38 ofsides curved extensions 38. The secondopposite end 35 of thethird side 13 forms anobtuse angle 40 between an interior surface 45 (seeFIG. 3B ) of thethird side 13 and an interior surface 42 (seeFIG. 2B ) of thefirst side 11. Theobtuse angle 40 extends from thetop end 15 of theutility enclosure 10 to thebottom end 16 of theutility enclosure 10. The secondopposite end 37 of thefourth side 14 forms anacute angle 39 between an interior surface 45A of thefourth side 14 and aninterior surface 42 of thefirst side 11 and theacute angle 39 extends from thetop end 15 of theutility enclosure 10 to thebottom end 16 of theutility enclosure 10. The angled edges of the second opposite ends 35 and 37 ofsides ends sides sides openings 19 to accommodate wires, pipes, tubing, and the like. -
FIG. 2A is perspective view from anexterior surface 41 of thefirst side 11, separated from theutility enclosure 10, andFIG. 2B is a perspective view from aninterior surface 42 of thefirst side 11. Thehinge members 24, thehousings 27, and theinteriors 28 can be seen in more detail. Grooves orspaces 43 between thehinge members 24 accommodate thehousings 27 of thehinge members 24 that engage thefirst side 11 to complete the formation of the hinges 23. -
FIG. 3A is perspective view from anexterior surface 44 of thethird side 13 separated from theutility enclosure 10 andFIG. 3B is a perspective view from aninterior surface 45. Thehinge members 24, thehousings 27, and theinteriors 28 can be seen in more detail.FIGS. 3A and 3B further show latches 46 which lock thethird side 13 to thefirst side 11 to prevent theutility enclosure 10 from folding.Grooves 47 between thehinge members 24 accommodate thehousings 27 of thehinge members 24 that engage thethird side 13 to complete the formation of thehinges - The
housings 27 strengthen thehinges utility enclosure 10 is placed in the ground to protect an underground device, soil, rocks, and cement can fill theinteriors 28 of thehousings 27 which will prevent theutility enclosure 10 from moving or folding. Thefirst side 11 and thesecond side 12 are identical to each other and thethird side 13 and thefourth side 14 are identical to each other, including with regard to hinging and folding features. -
FIG. 4 is a top, interior surface view of thesecond side 12.FIG. 5 is a top, interior surface view of thethird side 13.FIG. 6 is a top, exterior surface view of thefirst side 11. Theutility enclosure 10 is formed by inserting thehousings 27 onend 35 of thethird side 13 in between thehousings 27 onend 31 of thesecond side 12 and inserting thehousings 27 onend 34 of thethird side 13 in between thehousings 27 onend 30 of thefirst side 11. Thepins 26 are then inserted through theholes 25 to form thehinges fourth side 14 is added tosides utility enclosure 10. -
FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of theutility enclosure 10 laying with itsfirst side 11 on a horizontal plane, shown bydouble arrow 50. Theutility enclosure 10 is in an unfolded configuration.FIG. 7B shows theutility enclosure 10 in a semi-folded configuration.FIG. 7C shows theutility enclosure 10 in a completely folded configuration. As thesecond side 13 is rotated away from thefirst side 11 thefourth side 14 is rotated towards thefirst side 11. Thesecond side 12 moves inward towards thefirst side 11. In the folded configuration theutility enclosure 10 has about 15% to 25% of the thickness, compared to the unfolded configuration, preferably about 20%. -
FIG. 8A shows an enlarged top view of theend 33 of thesecond side 12 and theend 35 of thethird side 13 in an unfolded configuration.FIG. 8B shows an enlarged top view of theend 32 of thesecond side 12 and theend 36 of thefourth side 14 in an unfolded position. Theutility enclosure 10 cannot fold in a direction opposite to that shown inFIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10C because theend 35 ofside 13 abuts theend 33 ofside 12, shown byarrow 51, at an angle relative tosides end 35 ofside 13 cannot move around theend 33 ofside 12. However, theend 36 ofside 14 can move around end 32 ofside 12, as shown inFIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10C , becauseend 36 overlaps end 32, shown byarrow 52. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B show the same views asFIGS. 8A and 8B but with theutility enclosure 10 in a semi-folded configuration.Arrow 53 inFIG. 9A shows the extent to which end 35 ofside 13 has moved away fromend 33 ofside 12.Arrow 54 inFIG. 9B shows the extent to which end 36 ofside 14 has moved over and around thecurved extension 38 ofend 32 ofside 12.FIGS. 10A and 10B show the same views asFIGS. 8A and 8B but with theutility enclosure 10 in a completely folded configuration with thefirst side 11 engaging thesecond side 12. The folding of theutility enclosure 10 is reversible and theutility enclosure 10 can be restored to its unfolded configuration by pulling thefirst side 11 and thesecond side 12 apart. -
FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of theutility enclosure 10 with atop cover 60 inserted in thetop end 15. Thetop cover 60 can have handles or openings for removing thecover 60.FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of atop cover 61 having anopening 62 with adoor 63. The interior 17 of theutility enclosure 10 can be viewed and accessed by raising thedoor 63. -
FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of theutility enclosure 10 with abottom cover 64 attached reversibly to thebottom end 16 by methods known in the art. The use of abottom cover 64 allows theutility enclosure 10 to be used as any type of utility enclosure for any type of articles. -
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of corner with a hinge connecting two sides, with a lockingpin 70 inserted through thehinge members 24 to prevent rotation of the sides on the hinge and to prevent folding of the foldable plastic/composite utility enclosure. Aninsertion hole 71 is on thetop end 15 to insert the lockingpin 70. Eachhinge member 24 has anupper groove 72 and abottom groove 73 through which thelocking pin 70 passes. The lockingpin 70 can be retained in anopening 74 in the bottom hinge member. - The
sides utility enclosure 10 are formed separately in molds. The plastic material forming the side hardens in the mold within a few minutes. The side is hot when it comes out of the mold and the temperature of the side can range from 180 to in excess of 250 degrees F. The outer surface of the side is hardened but the interior part of the side can still be molten. In a standard procedure, each side is removed from the mold and allowed to cool. As the side begins to cool it will start to warp immediately which renders the side useless. To prevent warping of the side, the side may be placed in a cooling rack immediately after it comes out of the mold. The cooling rack holds the side in a fixed configuration until the internal plastic is solidified and the temperature has cooled below 180 degrees F. The cooling rack prevents the side from warping but the side has to remain in the cooling rack for up to 60 minutes. This amount of time makes the manufacturing process impractical. - Another problem arises when drilling a
central hole 25 in thehinge member 24 for insertion of ahinge pin 26. Since the hinge members are made of glass-reinforced thermoplastic the time required to drill the central hole in the hinge member is up to 20 minutes. In addition, the drill bit wears out after three or four holes are drilled. This amount of time and wearing out of the drill bit also makes the manufacturing process impractical. - In order to overcome these manufacturing problems, the mold was designed to form the central hole in the hinge member during the molding process of the side.
FIG. 15 shows twomolding parts mold 100, wherein the twomolding parts Part 101 has a solidcentral portion 103 that forms the central hole in the hinge member. Likewise,part 102 has a solidcentral portion 104 that forms the central hole in the hinge member. The combination of central holes, formed bypart 101 andpart 102 and extended across the plurality of spaced apart hinge members, forms the hinge. With the hinge member reduced in mass, the cooling time in the mold is reduced. At the end of curing in the molds, the sides are removed from the molds with the central hole formed in the hinge member. The utility enclosure can be assembled with the hinge pins inserted in the central holes of the hinge members, within about 10 minutes after removing the sides from the molds. Assembling the utility enclosure and inserting the hinge pins in the hinge members while the sides are still hot from the molding process surprisingly prevent the sides from warping during cooling. In addition, the utility enclosures can be allowed to cool in the folded configuration to facilitate shipping or storage. - The material used to form the sides can be any polymer or any composite, preferably a glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or a thermoplastic polymer-graphene composite. The thermoplastic is, preferably, polypropylene. Glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene has improved dimensional stability, reduced warpage, increased rigidity, and increased strength. Heat deflection temperature at 264 psi is increased up to 300° F. (150° C.) for 40% glass fiber reinforced polypropylene. Polypropylene's coefficient of thermal expansion is cut in half with 40% glass reinforcement. Glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene has good impact strength, very good mold filling capability, excellent stiffness, good dimensional stability, and low creep under load at elevated temperatures (RTP Company, Winona, Minn.).
- The foregoing description illustrates and describes the disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the preferred embodiments but, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments are capable of being formed in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and are capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the invention concepts as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain the best modes known by applicant and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses thereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Also, it is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments. It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated above in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention as recited in the following claims.
Claims (18)
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US17/729,587 US11766834B2 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2022-04-26 | Method of forming a foldable or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure |
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US17/223,089 US11338524B1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2021-04-06 | Method of forming a foldable or collapsible plastic and/or composite utility enclosure |
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- 2021-04-06 US US17/223,089 patent/US11338524B1/en active Active
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2022
- 2022-04-26 US US17/729,587 patent/US11766834B2/en active Active
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220255299A1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2022-08-11 | Afl Telecommunications Llc | Foldable and/or Collapsible Plastic/Composite Utility Enclosure |
US20220294193A1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2022-09-15 | Afl Telecommunications Llc | Foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure |
US11670918B2 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2023-06-06 | Afl Telecommunications Llc | Foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure |
US11670917B2 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2023-06-06 | Afl Telecommunications Llc | Foldable and/or collapsible plastic/composite utility enclosure |
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Publication number | Publication date |
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US11338524B1 (en) | 2022-05-24 |
US20220250332A1 (en) | 2022-08-11 |
US11766834B2 (en) | 2023-09-26 |
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