WO2012154577A2

WO2012154577A2 - Telecommunications enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2012154577A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/036571
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Ray Mertesdorf; Matthew J. Holmberg
Original assignee: Adc Telecommunications, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-05-10
Filing date: 2012-05-04
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: WO2012154577A3

Abstract

A telecommunications enclosure includes a telecommunications enclosure locking system. The telecommunications enclosure locking system includes a base, a cover, a lock, a releasing key, and a releasing key retainer. The base is adapted for mounting to a structure. The cover is moveable between a closed position and an opened position. The cover and the base define an enclosed interior when the cover is at the closed position. The interior is open for access when the cover is at the opened position. The lock is moveable between a locking configuration and a releasing configuration. The lock automatically moves to the locking configuration when the cover is moved to the closed position and thereby automatically locks the cover to the base when the cover is moved to the closed position. The releasing key is adapted to move the lock from the locking configuration to the releasing configuration. The releasing key retainer is adapted to receive and retain the releasing key when the lock is in the releasing configuration and is also adapted to eject and release the releasing key when the lock is in the locking configuration.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENCLOSURE

This application is being filed on 04 May 2012, as a PCT international patent application in the name of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries except the us, and Daniel Ray Mertesdorf and Matthew J. Holmberg, both citizens of the U.S., applicants for the designation of the US only, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 61/484,548 filed May 10, 2011, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The inventive aspects of this disclosure pertain to enclosures, cabinets, and hubs for telecommunications networks and the locking thereof. Such enclosures, cabinets, and hubs can be used to enclose terminated ends of telecommunications cables and in managing telecommunications cable connections.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunication cabling systems typically include cabinets/enclosures that house terminations and connections/interconnections of telecommunication cables. The telecommunication cables can include electrical cable, fiber optic cable, and/or hybrid cable that includes both electrical and optical conductors. The cabinets/enclosures typically allow the terminations of the various cables to be connected, disconnected, and/or reconnected to other terminations of the various cables and may house connectivity equipment such as splices, splitters, wave division multiplexers, etc. In this way, routing of signals across a

telecommunications network can be configured and reconfigured as desired. For example, a trunk cable from a main office of a telecommunications provider or a data center may be branched to various branch cables at the cabinet/enclosure. Each of the branch cables may then be routed to an end-user or to another

cabinet/enclosure.

Such cabinets/enclosures may be arranged with a base and a cover. The base may be adapted for mounting to/on a structure (e.g., a wall or a panel). The cover may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. An interior of the cabinet/enclosure may be defined between the base and the cover when the cover is in the closed position. The cabinet/enclosure may provide access control to the interior of the cabinet/enclosure by way of a locking mechanism that can lock the cover to the base when the cover is in the closed position. The cabinet/enclosure may provide environmental protection to the interior by way of a seal that seals an interface between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position (e.g., for outdoor deployment). There is a need for maintaining such covers in the closed position. There is also a need for providing limited access to such interiors, such as with a security feature. SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications enclosure with a telecommunications enclosure locking system. The telecommunications enclosure locking system includes a base, a cover, a lock, a releasing key, and a releasing key retainer. The base is adapted for mounting to a structure. The cover is moveable between a closed position and an opened position. The cover and the base define an enclosed interior when the cover is at the closed position. The interior is open for access when the cover is at the opened position. The lock is moveable between a locking configuration and a releasing configuration. The lock

automatically moves to the locking configuration when the cover is moved to the closed position and thereby automatically locks the cover to the base when the cover is moved to the closed position. The releasing key is adapted to move the lock from the locking configuration to the releasing configuration. The releasing key retainer is adapted to receive and retain the releasing key when the lock is in the releasing configuration and is also adapted to eject and release the releasing key when the lock is in the locking configuration.

In certain embodiments, the lock includes a bi-stable linkage with a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration. The bi-stable linkage is configured in the first stable configuration when the lock is in the locking configuration. The releasing key retainer is connected to the bi-stable linkage. The bi-stable linkage causes the releasing key retainer to eject the releasing key when the bi-stable linkage is configured in the first stable configuration. In other embodiments, the bi-stable linkage also causes the releasing key retainer to release the releasing key when the bi-stable linkage is configured in the first stable configuration. In still other embodiments, the releasing key retainer receives the releasing key by insertion of the releasing key into the releasing key retainer. The insertion of the releasing key into the releasing key retainer causes the bi-stable linkage to move from the first stable configuration toward the second stable configuration. In further embodiments, continued insertion of the releasing key into the releasing key retainer causes the bi-stable linkage to move to the second stable configuration.

In certain embodiments, the lock further includes a pair of resilient locking arms, and the bi-stable linkage includes a pair of links. Each of the resilient locking arms is rotatably connected to a corresponding one of the links. The links are rotatably connected to each other. The pair of the resilient locking arms urges the bistable linkage toward one of the stable configurations. In further embodiments, the resilient locking arms are rotatably connected to the corresponding links and the links are rotatably connected to each other by pin joints.

In certain embodiments, the releasing key is a card key. The releasing key retainer can include a pair of squeezing jaws adapted to inwardly squeeze and thereby retain the card key when the lock is in the releasing configuration. The pair of squeezing jaws can be adapted to inwardly squeeze and thereby retain the card key when the bi-stable linkage is in the second stable configuration. In further embodiments, each of the squeezing jaws is connected to a corresponding one of the links by a flexure. In further embodiments, the pair of the squeezing jaws, the pair of the links of the bi-stable linkage, and the pair of the resilient locking arms are arranged symmetrically.

In certain embodiments, a sealing perimeter is defined between the base and the cover when the cover is at the closed position. The lock and the releasing key retainer are positioned outside the sealing perimeter.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, left side, and front perspective view of a telecommunications enclosure having exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. l ;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. i ;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 with a cover in a closed position;

FIGS. 6-11 are right side elevation views of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 with the cover of FIG. 5 opening from the closed position;

FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 with the cover of FIG. 5 in an open position;

FIG. 13 is a top, left side, and rear perspective view of a base of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a top, right side, and front perspective view of the base of FIG. 13; FIG. 17 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a bottom, left side, and rear perspective view of the cover of FIG.

5 with a card key partially inserted;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a top, right side, and rear exploded perspective view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 22; FIG. 24 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a top, left side, and front exploded perspective view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 26:

FIG. 28 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 26

FIG. 30 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 26:

FIG. 31 is a bottom, left side, and rear perspective view of the

telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 with the card key of FIG. 19 partially inserted;

FIG. 32 is the bottom, left side, and rear perspective view of FIG. 31, but with a cross-section taken through the partially inserted card key, thereby revealing a locking-latch apparatus;

FIG. 33 is the bottom, left side, and rear perspective view of FIG. 31 , but with a cross-section taken through the fully inserted card key, thereby revealing the locking-latch apparatus of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a bottom, left side, and front cross-sectional perspective view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 with the card key of FIG. 19 partially inserted;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the locking-latch apparatus of

FIG. 32 with the card key of FIG. 19 partially inserted; and

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the locking-latch apparatus of FIG. 32 with the card key of FIG. 19 fully inserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structure. Unless otherwise noted, orientations given in this disclosure, include orientations given in the Brief Description of the Drawings above, are example orientations. The various components and features of the present disclosure can have orientations that are the same as or different from the orientations illustrated and described.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, a telecommunications enclosure 40 (e.g., cabinet) is shown. In the depicted embodiments, the telecommunications enclosure 40 includes a base 42 and a cover 44 that rotatably mounts to the base 42, as shown at FIGS. 5-12. The cover 44 is moveable between a closed position 46 (see FIG. 5) and an open position 48 (see FIG. 12). When the cover 44 is in the closed position 46, the base 42 and the cover 44 protect an enclosed interior 50 of the

telecommunications enclosure 40 from the environment. When the cover 44 is in the open position 48, the cover 44 provides access to the interior 50 of the telecommunications enclosure 40. In certain embodiments, the cover 44 is removably mounted to the base 42 (e.g. by a snap-in hinge 52, described in detail below). The telecommunications enclosure 40 is adapted for mounting to a structure 54 (e.g., a wall or a panel), as shown at FIG. 2.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, a locking-latch apparatus 56, described in detail below and illustrated at FIGS. 13, 15, 19, 22, 26, 32, 33, 35, 38, and 39, secures the cover 44 to the base 42 when the cover 44 is in the closed position 46. In preferred embodiments, a key 58 (see FIGS. 31-33, 35, 38, and 39) is used to release the locking-latch apparatus 56 and thereby allow the cover 44 to be moved from the closed position 46 toward the open position 48 (i.e., opened). In preferred embodiments, the key 58 is retained by the locking-latch apparatus 56 when the cover 44 is at any position other than the closed position 46, and the cover 44 is automatically secured to the base 42 when the cover 44 is at the closed position 46. Thus, the key 58 is retained when the cover 44 is not secured to the base 42 by the locking-latch apparatus 56. In certain embodiments, the key 58 is retained within the locking-latch apparatus 56. In certain embodiments, the key 58 is automatically ejected from the locking-latch apparatus 56 when the cover 44 is at the closed position 46. In certain embodiments, the key 58 is a card key, and the cover 44 and/or the locking-latch apparatus 56 includes a card key slot 60 that receives the card key 58. Additional details concerning the locking-latch apparatus 56 are described below.

Multiple users (e.g., service and/or installation technicians) of the

telecommunications enclosure 40 may be issued card keys 58 that allow them to open the cover 44, as described above. Each of the card keys 58 may be able to open multiple telecommunications enclosures 40 and thereby give the users access to the interiors 50 of the multiple telecommunications enclosures 40. The users may thereby service a telecommunications network that includes a plurality of the telecommunications enclosures 40. It may be desired that the telecommunications enclosures 40 are kept locked and properly secured when in normal operation and when they are not being serviced. By having the key 58 retained by the

telecommunications enclosure 40 when the cover 44 is not in the closed position 46 and/or not latched to the base 42, the user cannot walk away with the key 58 without the cover 44 being properly returned to the closed position 46 and/or properly latched to the base 42. In addition, by having the key 58 automatically eject from the telecommunications enclosure 40 when the cover 44 is returned to the closed position 46 and/or properly latched to the base 42, the user is reminded to take the key 58 when the user leaves the telecommunications enclosure 40.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover prop 62 (see FIGS. 5-12) is provided to automatically hold the cover 44 in the open position 48 upon the cover 44 being opened to the open position 48. When it is desired to release the cover prop 62 from holding the cover 44, a prop release 64 can be pressed to disengage the cover prop 62 from the cover 44. Additional details concerning the cover prop 62 are described below.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, a sealing arrangement 66 is provided to seal a sealing interface 68 between the cover 44 and the base 42 when the cover 44 is at the closed position 46. The sealing interface 68 defines a sealing perimeter 70 between the base 42 and the cover 44. In certain embodiments, the sealing arrangement 66 may include a first sealing member 72 that is attached to the base 42 and a second sealing member 74 that is attached to the cover 44. In certain embodiments, the sealing interface 68 may include an upper segment 76u along the sealing perimeter 70, a left vertical segment 76LV along the sealing perimeter 70, a right vertical segment 76_RV along the sealing perimeter 70, a left sloping segment 76LS along the sealing perimeter 70, a right sloping segment 76RS along the sealing perimeter 70, and a lower segment 76L along the sealing perimeter 70. The sealing interface 68 may further include a transitional segment 78UL, along the sealing perimeter 70, between the upper segment 76u and the left vertical segment 76LV; a transitional segment 78UR, along the sealing perimeter 70, between the upper segment 76u and the right vertical segment 76RV; a transitional segment 78L, along the sealing perimeter 70, between the left vertical segment 76LV and the left sloping segment 76LS; a transitional segment 78R, along the sealing perimeter 70, between the right vertical segment 76RV and the right sloping segment 76RS; a transitional segment 78LL, along the sealing perimeter 70, between the left sloping segment 76LS and the lower segment 76L; and a transitional segment 78LR, along the sealing perimeter 70, between the right sloping segment 76RS and the lower segment 76_L. The segments 76_Us 76_Lv, 76_RV, 76_Ls, 76_RS, 76_L, 78UL, 78UR, 78_l, 78R, 78LL, and 78LR together provide a seal between the base 42 and the cover 44 along the sealing perimeter 70 when the cover 44 is at the closed position 46. As depicted, the segments 76u, 76_LV, 76_RV, 76_Ls, 76_RS, 78UL, 78UR, 78_l, 78_r, 78_LL, and 78_LR correspond to the first sealing member 72 and the segment 76L corresponds to the second sealing member 74. Additional details concerning the sealing arrangement 66 are described below.

The sealing members 72, 74 may be made of elastomeric material (i.e., rubber), plastic, or other suitable sealing material. The sealing members 72, 74 are preferably resilient and able to withstand compression along the sealing perimeter 70 over time.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-18, the base 42 will be described in greater detail. In the depicted embodiment, the base 42 is adapted for connection to the structure 54 (e.g. the wall) at three attachment locations 80_ls 80₂, 80₃. The attachment locations 801, 80₂ are included on a mounting bracket 82 that can be pre-mounted to the structure 54 by fasteners 84₁₅ 84₂. The mounting bracket 82 includes a mounting tab 86 that is received by a mounting slot 88. The mounting slot 88 is included in a base wall 90 of the base 42. The mounting slot 88 and the mounting tab 86 both angle upwardly away from the structure 54 (see FIGS. 33 and 34). By first pre- mounting the mounting bracket 82 to the structure 54, the mounting slot 88 can be positioned over the mounting tab 86 and slid downwardly over the mounting tab 86. The upward angle of the mounting slot 88 and the mounting tab 86 can guide the base 42 to contact the structure 54 as the base 42 is slid downwardly over the mounting tab 86. The pre-mounting of the mounting bracket 82 adds convenience and accuracy to the mounting of the base 42 to the structure 54 as the mounting bracket 82 is relatively small and easy to handle. The attachment locations 801, 80₂ and the fasteners 84 _ls 84₂ can be hidden upon the base 42 being mounted over the mounting bracket 82. After the base 42 is hung from the mounting bracket 82, a fastener 84₃ can fasten the base 42 to the structure 54 at the attachment location 80₃. The fastener 84₃ can prevent the mounting slot 88 from further sliding relative to the mounting tab 86 and thereby prevent the mounting slot 88 from being removed from the mounting tab 86. As depicted, the attachment location 80₃ is included on a tab 92 that extends downwardly from the base wall 90. As depicted, the fastener 84₃ is not hidden. In other embodiments, the attachment location 80₃ and the fastener 84₃ can be hidden (e.g., behind the cover 44 or a portion of the cover 44 when the cover 44 is at the closed position 46). As depicted, the attachment locations 80_l5 80₂, 80₃ do not have openings that extend into the enclosed interior 50 of the

telecommunications enclosure 40 and thereby do not provide potential for environmental exposure to the enclosed interior 50.

In the depicted embodiment, the base 42 is generally rectangular in shape. The base 42 includes the base wall 90, a first sidewall 94, an oppositely disposed second sidewall 96, a top wall 98, and a bottom region 100. The sidewall 94 includes an upper portion 94U and a lower portion 94L. The sidewall 96 includes an upper portion 96U and a lower portion 96L. The lower portions 94L, 96L correspond with and bound the bottom region 100. As depicted, a cable entrance block 102 may be mounted in the bottom region 100 between the lower portions

94L, 96L and abutting the base wall 90. As depicted, the bottom region 100 and the cable entrance block 102 extend horizontally from the base wall 90 to beyond the upper portions 94U, 96U of the sidewalls 94, 96. The base wall 90 includes a plurality of ribs 104 and a plurality of component attachment locations 106. Various telecommunications components can be mounted within the interior 50 via the component attachment locations 106. As depicted at FIGS. 13 and 14, the base 42 defines a first axis A2 and a second axis A4. The first axis A2 is defined within hinge attachment mounts 108 that are positioned adjacent and above the top wall 98. The second axis A4 is defined within cover prop mounting holes 110 that are positioned within each of the sidewalls 94, 96. Latching catches 112 are provided on each of the lower portions 94L, 96L of the sidewalls 94, 96. The latching catches 112 are recessed within the sidewalls 94, 96 and extend outwardly. An engaging surface 114 of each of the latching catches 112 faces rearwardly.

The sidewalls 94, 96 and the top wall 98 are formed of an outer member 116 and an inner member 118 with a plurality of ribs 120 extending between the outer member 116 and the inner member 118. A plurality of pockets 122 are defined between the outer member 116, the inner member 118, and the ribs 120. As depicted, the pockets 122 open rearwardly. Draft angles can be defined individually and collectively between the outer member 116, the inner member 118, and the ribs 120. The draft angle or angles can facilitate the removal of the base 42 from a mold tool and also provide a nesting tapering fit between the base 42 and the cover 44.

A flange member 124 joins to the outer member 116 and the inner member 118. The flange member 124 may also join to at least some of the ribs 120 and define bottoms of the pockets 122. As depicted, the flange member 124 is continuous along the first sidewall 94, the top wall 98, and the second sidewall 96. Along the transitional segment 78LL, the left sloping segment 76LS, the transitional segment 78_L, and the left vertical segment 76LV, the flange member 124 is recessed within and between the outer member 116 and the inner member 118 and thereby forms a channel 126L. The channel 126_L generally faces forwardly and toward the cover 44. Along the transitional segment 78_LR, the right sloping segment 76RS, the transitional segment 78_R, and the right vertical segment 76RV, the flange member 124 is recessed within and between the outer member 116 and the inner member 118 and thereby forms a channel 126R. The channel 126R generally faces forwardly and toward the cover 44.

Along the upper segment 76u, the inner member 118 extends forwardly beyond the outer member 116, the flange member 124 and the outer member 116 meet at a corner, and the flange member 124 and the inner member 118 form an "L" shape 128. The "L" shape may define an angle in a range of about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees. The "L" shape may open upwardly and forwardly and generally face toward the cover 44. Along the transitional segments 78UL and 78UR, the flange member 124, the outer member 116, and the inner member 118 smoothly transition from the channels 126L and 126R to the "L" shape 128. A transitional shape 130 is thus formed between the channel 126L and the "L" shape 128, and a transitional shape 132 is thus formed between the channel 126R and the "L" shape 128 (see FIGS. 16-18). In the depicted embodiment, the transitional shapes 130 and 132 are mirror images of each other. The transitional shape 130 smoothly transitions from the channel 126L to the "L" shape 128 as it changes direction from a predominantly vertical orientation to a predominantly horizontal orientation. The transitional shape 132 smoothly transitions from the channel 126R to the "L" shape 128 as it changes direction from a predominantly vertical orientation to a predominantly horizontal orientation.

As depicted at FIGS. 16-18, 37, and 38, the sealing member 72 of the sealing arrangement 66 is positioned within the channels 126L and 126R. In preferred embodiments, the sealing member 72 is a single piece sealing member. As depicted at FIGS. 34 and 35, the same sealing member 72 is also positioned in the "L" shape 128. As depicted at FIGS. 16 and 17, the same sealing member 72 is positioned in the transitional shape 130 between the channel 126_L and the "L" shape 128. As depicted at FIGS. 16 and 18, the same sealing member 72 is positioned in the transitional shape 132 between the channel 126R and the "L" shape 128. The sealing member 72 thereby provides sealing between the base 42 and the cover 44 along the segments 76u, 76_LV, 76_RV, 76_LS, 76_RS, 78_UL, 78UR, 78_L, 78_R, 78_LL, and 78_LR as the sealing member 72 smoothly follows the segments.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, the cover 44 will be described in greater detail. In the depicted embodiment, the cover 44 is adapted for rotational connection to the base 42 about the axis A2. The axis A2 may be defined by the snap-in hinge 52. The cover 44 may be secured to the base 42 by the locking-latch apparatus 56 by moving the cover 44 to the closed position 46. As depicted, both the snap-in hinge 52 and the locking-latch apparatus 56 are positioned outside the sealing perimeter 70. The cover 44 may be separated and removed from the base 42 by disengaging the locking-latch apparatus 56 and the snap-in hinge 52.

In the depicted embodiment, the cover 44 is generally rectangular in shape. The cover 44 includes a front wall 134, a first sidewall 136, an oppositely disposed second sidewall 138, a top wall 140, and a bottom wall 142. The sidewall 136 includes an upper portion 136U and a lower portion 136L. The sidewall 138 includes an upper portion 138U and a lower portion 138L. The lower portions 136L, 138L correspond with the lower portions 94L, 96L of the sidewalls 94, 96 of the base 42. As depicted at FIG. 19, the locking-latch apparatus 56 may be mounted within the bottom wall 142 between the lower portions 136L, 138L and abut the front wall 134. As depicted at FIGS. 19 and 32-34, the bottom wall 142 and the locking-latch apparatus 56 extend horizontally from the front wall 134 to an intermediate position 144. As depicted at FIGS. 19 and 21, latches 146 of the locking-latch apparatus 56 protrude rearwardly beyond the intermediate position 144. The latches 146 are positioned between the lower portions 136L, 138L of the sidewalls 136, 138. An engaging surface 148 of each of the latches 146 faces forwardly. The engaging surfaces 148 are adapted to engage the engaging surfaces 114 of the latching catches 112 of the base 42 and thereby secure the cover 44 to the base 42 in the closed position 46.

The sidewalls 136, 138 and the top wall 140 are formed of an outer member

150 and an inner member 152 with a plurality of ribs 154 extending between the outer member 150 and the inner member 152. A plurality of pockets 156 are defined between the outer member 150, the inner member 152, and the ribs 154. As depicted, the pockets 156 open rearwardly. Draft angles can be defined individually and collectively between the outer member 150, the inner member 152, and the ribs 154. The draft angle or angles can facilitate the removal of the cover 44 from a mold tool and also facilitate the nesting tapering fit between the base 42 and the cover 44. The outer member 150 and the inner member 152 merge together and form a merged member 158 at an intermediate position 160 of the sidewalls 136, 138 and the top wall 140 (see FIG. 37).

The outer member 150 and the inner member 152 continue from the sidewalls 136, 138 to form the bottom wall 142. At the bottom wall 142, the outer member 150 and the inner member 152 extend to meet the front wall 134. The outer member 150, the inner member 152, and the front wall 134 thereby form a pocket 162 (see FIG. 36). The pocket 162 houses the locking-latch apparatus 56.

The inner member 152 at the bottom wall 142 forms a protrusion 164 that mounts the second sealing member 74 (see FIG. 36). As depicted, sealing between the base 42 and the cover 44 along the segment 76L is accomplished by the second sealing member 74. The inner member 152 at the sidewalls 136, 138 and the top wall 140 forms a continuous protrusion 166 that interfaces with and sealingly engages the first sealing member 72.

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 21, 32-34, 36, 39, and 40, the locking-latch apparatus 56 will be described in greater detail. The locking-latch apparatus 56 provides the telecommunications enclosure 40 with a telecommunications enclosure locking system. The locking-latch apparatus 56 includes a releasing key retainer 168 (see FIGS. 39 and 40). The lock 56 is moveable between a locking configuration 170 (see FIG. 39) and a releasing configuration 172 (see FIG. 40). The lock 56 automatically moves to the locking configuration 170 when the cover 44 is moved to the closed position 46 and thereby automatically locks the cover 44 to the base 42 when the cover 44 is moved to the closed position 46. The releasing key 58 is adapted to move the lock 56 from the locking configuration 170 to the releasing configuration 172. The releasing key retainer 168 is adapted to receive and retain the releasing key 58 when the lock 56 is in the releasing configuration 172 and is also adapted to eject and release the releasing key 58 when the lock 56 is in the locking configuration 170.

In the depicted embodiment, the lock 56 includes a bi-stable linkage 174 with a first stable configuration 176 and a second stable configuration 178. The bi-stable linkage 174 is configured in the first stable configuration 176 when the lock 56 is in the locking configuration 170. The releasing key retainer 168 is connected to the bistable linkage 174. The bi-stable linkage 174 causes the releasing key retainer 168 to eject the releasing key 58 when the bi-stable linkage 174 is configured in the first stable configuration 176. The bi-stable linkage 174 also causes the releasing key retainer 168 to release the releasing key 58 when the bi-stable linkage 174 is configured in the first stable configuration 176. In the depicted embodiment, the releasing key retainer 168 receives the releasing key 58 by insertion of the releasing key 58 into the releasing key retainer 168 through the slot 60. The insertion of the releasing key 58 into the releasing key retainer 168 causes the bi-stable linkage 174 to move from the first stable configuration 176 toward the second stable

configuration 178. Continued insertion of the releasing key 58 toward the releasing key retainer 168 causes the bi-stable linkage 174 to move to the second stable configuration 178. The lock 56 further includes a pair of resilient locking arms 180, 182, and the bi-stable linkage 174 includes a pair of links 184, 186. Each of the resilient locking arms 180, 182 is rotatably connected to a corresponding one of the links 184, 186. The links 184, 186 are rotatably connected to each other. The pair of the resilient locking arms 180, 182 urges the bi-stable linkage 174 toward one of the stable configurations 176, 178. In the depicted embodiment, the resilient locking arms 180, 182 are rotatably connected to the corresponding links 184, 186 and the links 184, 186 are rotatably connected to each other by pin joints 188.

The releasing key retainer 168 can include a pair of squeezing jaws 190, 192 adapted to inwardly squeeze and thereby retain the card key 58 when the lock 56 is in the releasing configuration 172. The pair of squeezing jaws 190, 192 can be adapted to inwardly squeeze and thereby retain the card key 58 when the bi-stable linkage 174 is in the second stable configuration 178. In the depicted embodiment, each of the squeezing jaws 190, 192 is connected to a corresponding one of the links 184, 186 by a flexure 194, 196. The pair of the squeezing jaws 190, 192, the pair of the links 184, 186 of the bi-stable linkage 174, and the pair of the resilient locking arms 180, 182 are arranged symmetrically. The links 184, 186 can be the same link part.

As mentioned above, the sealing perimeter 70 is defined between the base 42 and the cover 44 when the cover 44 is at the closed position 46. The lock 56 and the releasing key retainer 168 can be positioned outside the sealing perimeter 70, as depicted.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A telecommunications enclosure locking system comprising:

a base adapted for mounting to a structure;

a cover that is moveable between a closed position and an opened position, the cover and the base defining an enclosed interior when the cover is at the closed position, the interior being open for access when the cover is at the opened position; a lock that is moveable between a locking configuration and a releasing configuration, the lock automatically moving to the locking configuration when the cover is moved to the closed position and thereby automatically locking the cover to the base when the cover is moved to the closed position, the lock including a bistable linkage with a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration, the bi-stable linkage configured in the first stable configuration when the lock is in the locking configuration;

a releasing key adapted to move the lock from the locking configuration to the releasing configuration; and

a releasing key retainer adapted to receive and retain the releasing key when the lock is in the releasing configuration and adapted to eject and release the releasing key when the lock is in the locking configuration, the releasing key retainer connected to the bi-stable linkage, the bi-stable linkage causing the releasing key retainer to eject the releasing key when the bi-stable linkage is configured in the first stable configuration.

2. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 1, wherein the bistable linkage also causes the releasing key retainer to release the releasing key when the bi-stable linkage is configured in the first stable configuration.

3. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 1, wherein the releasing key retainer receives the releasing key by insertion of the releasing key into the releasing key retainer, wherein the insertion of the releasing key into the releasing key retainer causes the bi-stable linkage to move from the first stable configuration toward the second stable configuration.

4. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 3, wherein continued insertion of the releasing key into the releasing key retainer causes the bistable linkage to move to the second stable configuration.

5. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 1 , wherein the lock further includes at least one resilient locking arm rotatably connected to the bistable linkage, wherein the at least one resilient locking arm urges the bi-stable linkage toward one of the stable configurations.

6. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 1, wherein the lock further includes a pair of resilient locking arms and the bi-stable linkage includes a pair of links, wherein each of the resilient locking arms is rotatably connected to a corresponding one of the links, wherein the links are rotatably connected to each other, and wherein the pair of the resilient locking arms urges the bi-stable linkage toward one of the stable configurations.

7. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 6, wherein the resilient locking arms are rotatably connected to the corresponding links and the links are rotatably connected to each other by pin joints.

8. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 1, wherein the releasing key is a card key.

9. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 6, wherein the releasing key is a card key, wherein the releasing key retainer includes a pair of squeezing jaws adapted to inwardly squeeze and thereby retain the card key when the lock is in the releasing configuration.

10. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 6, wherein the releasing key is a card key, wherein the releasing key retainer includes a pair of squeezing jaws adapted to inwardly squeeze and thereby retain the card key when the bi-stable linkage is in the second stable configuration.

11. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 10, wherein each of the squeezing jaws is connected to a corresponding one of the links by a flexure.

12. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 11, wherein the pair of the squeezing jaws, the pair of the links of the bi-stable linkage, and the pair of the resilient locking arms are arranged symmetrically.

13. The telecommunications enclosure locking system of claim 1, wherein a sealing perimeter is defined between the base and the cover when the cover is at the closed position and wherein the lock and the releasing key retainer are positioned outside the sealing perimeter.

14. A telecommunications enclosure comprising:

a base;

a moveable cover, wherein the base and the cover define an enclosed interior, wherein the cover is moveable to access the interior;

a lock for locking the cover closed to the base;

a lock release device for unlocking the lock;

wherein the lock release device is retained by the lock in a recess and is not accessible to an operator and cannot be grasped by the operator until the cover is closed to the base and the lock is relocked.

15. The telecommunications enclosure of claim 14, wherein the lock release device is planar.

16. The telecommunications enclosure of claim 15, wherein the lock release device is card shaped.

17. The telecommunications enclosure of claim 14, wherein the lock release device is ejected from the recess upon relocking of the lock for grasping by the operator.

18. The telecommunications enclosure of claim 15, wherein the lock release device is ejected from the recess upon relocking of the lock for grasping by the operator.

19. The telecommunications enclosure of claim 16, wherein the lock release device is ejected from the recess upon relocking of the lock for grasping by the operator.

20. The telecommunications enclosure of claim 14, wherein the base and cover are hingedly connected.

21. A method of using a telecommunications enclosure comprising:

providing a base, a moveable cover and a lock for locking the cover closed to the base, wherein the base and the cover are locked together;

inserting a lock release device into a recess of the lock to unlock the lock, wherein the lock release device is not accessible to an operator and cannot be grasped by the operator until the cover is closed to the base and the lock is relocked.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the lock release device is planar.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the lock release device is card shaped.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the lock release device is ejected from the recess upon relocking of the lock for grasping by the operator.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the lock release device is ejected from the recess upon relocking of the lock for grasping by the operator.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the lock release device is ejected from the recess upon relocking of the lock for grasping by the operator.