WO2022011249A1

WO2022011249A1 - Drop box

Info

Publication number: WO2022011249A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/041069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roman GREGOVSKY; Petr KABILKA; Andrew James HANNEMAN; Christopher Stephen GRUBISH
Original assignee: Preformed Line Products Co.
Priority date: 2020-07-09
Filing date: 2021-07-09
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: FR3112434A1; WO2022011252A1; FR3112435A1

Abstract

A drop box includes a housing defining an interior space and a hinge support located in the interior space. The drop box includes a plurality of trays. Each tray is pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between respective first and second positions. In an aspect, the top-most tray includes a plurality of segregated splice locations to permit splicing to occur without accessing any trays beneath the top- most tray. In an aspect, the drop box includes structure to secure the tray to inhibit movement of the tray.

Description

DROP BOX

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Benefit is claimed from U.S. Patent Application No. 63/050,083, filed July 9, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63/079,090, filed September 16, 2020, the entire contents and disclosures of these applications are incorporated, in entirety, herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to drop boxes, and associated methods, for use in communications, such as fiber optic communications.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A drop box is a relatively light and compact wall mountable enclosure (e.g., mountable to a structure) for termination/connection of communication wires, cables, fibers or the like (i.e., communication lines).

[0004] Such a drop box can be used at a distribution point and/or a building entry point for the communications lines. Within such a drop box, fusion splicing, direct termination, patching or the like can be performed and the drop box provides housing and thus protection for such. Often, splitting also occurs within the drop box. In some instances, the drop box is a network interface unit connecting a location/area to an overall network.

[0005] The drop box may include one or more trays. Each tray may contain respective splicing(s), direct termination(s), patching(s) or the like.

[0006] Several different people (e.g., communication technicians), may need to access a drop box. Each different person may need to focus their work upon only a certain portion of the contents with the drop box. It is possible that other portions within the drop box may need to be protected, isolated or the like so as to help avoid tampering, spoilage or the like of contents of such other portions. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified example summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present disclosure. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a drop box that includes a housing that has an interior space and a hinge support located in the interior space. The drop box includes a plurality of trays. Each tray is pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between respective first and second positions. A top-most tray includes a plurality of segregated splice locations to permit splicing to occur without accessing any trays beneath the top-most tray.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a drop box that includes a housing having an interior space and a hinge support located in the interior space. The drop box includes a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between first and second positions. The drop box includes structure to secure the tray to inhibit movement of the tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example drop box in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure and shows the drop box in an open condition.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example drop box of FIG. 1 and shows one of several example trays in a pivoted-up position.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example drop box of FIG. 1 , with a cover removed, and shows some details of the example tray.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the example tray. [0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the example tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. This description is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion of known concepts. Details that are known generally to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may have been omitted, or may be handled in summary fashion.

[0017] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosed subject matter. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, in the drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form.

[0018] The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, devices, components, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any illustrative embodiments set forth herein as examples. Rather, the embodiments are provided herein merely to be illustrative.

[0019] An example drop box 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown within FIG. 1. The drop box 10 includes a hollow body 12 and a lid 14 attached via a hinge 16 to the hollow body. It is to be appreciated that the shapes, sizes, constructions, configurations, structures, materials, etc. of the body 12, lid 14 and hinge 16 may be varied and are not limitations upon the present disclosure. It is to be noted that the drop box 10 is usable within the communications area and within an example area the drop box is useable within a network of lines, wires and the like. As such, the shapes, sizes, constructions, configurations, structures, materials, etc. of the body 12, lid 14 and hinge 16 may be selected to be suitable for use in the communications area and for use within a network of lines, wires and the like. Within a specific example, the network of lines includes fiber optic lines. As such, within a specific example, the shapes, sizes, constructions, configurations, structures, materials, etc. of the body 12, lid 14 and hinge 16 may be selected to be suitable for use within a network that includes fiber optic lines.

[0020] Within an example, the drop box 10 provides an interior space 18, i.e., within the hollow body 12 and enclosed via the lid 14, for line operations/manipulations (e.g., connections, splices, terminations, splitting, etc.) of communication lines (e.g., fiber optic lines). As an example, a main communication line that carries signals to a general area may be connected, within the drop box 10, so as to supply the signals to multiple secondary communication lines (e.g., lines extending to individual residences, offices or the like).

[0021]The drop box 10 includes at least one tray (e.g., 20, 22A-22C, see FIG. 2).

Within the shown examples in the figures, various example aspects of construction, configuration and structure of the trays 20 and 22A-22C may be seen. It is to be appreciated that these examples are for the operations/manipulations (e.g., connections, splices, terminations, splitting, etc.) of lines (e.g., fiber optic lines). It is possible that many line operations/manipulations are to be accomplished within the drop box 10. Moreover, it is possible that different line operations/manipulations are to be directed to different individual/groups of residences/offices. Still further, it is possible that different line operations/manipulations are to be performed/maintained by different persons (e.g., line technicians). Such different activities may include different activities performed on different trays. It is to be appreciated that the shown examples may be varied and that the shown example are not limitations upon the present disclosure. [0022] It is to be appreciated that the drop box includes a hinge support 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) and the trays 20, 22A-22C are movably (i.e., pivotally) supported upon the hinge support. The hinge support, and the structure(s) of the trays 20, 22A-22C for interacting with the hinge support may be varied. Variations are thus within the scope of this disclosure.

[0023]The body 12, the lid 14 and the trays 2022A-22C are configured such that the trays are located within the interior space 18 after all line operations/manipulations are accomplished. The body 12 and lid 14 help to provide security and protection from weather elements for the interior space 18 and thus the trays 20 and line operations/manipulations (e.g., connections, splices, terminations, splitting, etc.) located thereon. It is to be noted that FIG. 2 shows one of the trays (i.e., tray 20) has been moved (i.e., pivoted) to an up (i.e., pivoted-up) position, as viewed in FIG. 2, and the other trays (i.e., trays 22A-22C) are in respective down positions, as viewed in FIG. 2. The location of all of the trays 20, 22A-22C within the interior space 18 occurs when all of the trays are in their respective down positions.

[0024] Within the example shown (see FIG. 2), at least four trays 20, 22A-22C are shown (e.g., visible). It is to be noted that the number of trays 20 may be varied and that the number of trays is not a limitation upon the present disclosure. It is to be noted that, as one example, the trays 20, 22A-22C may have the same shape, size, construction, configuration, structure, material, etc. It is to be noted that, as another example, the trays 20, 22A-22C may have some similarities regarding shape, size, construction, configuration, structure, material, etc. It is to be noted that, as another example, some of the trays 20, 22A-22C may have the only some similarities regarding shape, size, construction, configuration, structure, material, etc. and that some others of the trays may few similarities regarding shape, size, construction, configuration, structure, material, etc. This variant is shown within the figures. Specifically, trays 22A- 22C are highly similar to each other, but tray 20 has several differences from trays 22A- 22C. So, variations regarding the trays 20, 22A-22C are to be understood and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0025] As mentioned, within the shown example, the top tray 20 is different from the other trays (e.g., the located beneath the top tray). The top tray 20 includes at least one structure that may help provide for possible protection isolated or the like for portions within the drop box. Such protection may help avoid tampering, spoilage or the like of contents (e.g., lines, splices or the like) at such portion. The portions may be portions other than the top tray 20 (e.g., the other trays 22A-22C, which are located beneath the top tray). The portions may be segregated portions on the top tray 20 itself.

[0026] As one example of a structure that may help provide for possible protection isolation or the like for portions within the drop box 10, note that the top tray 20 has a structure for securing the top tray relative to the body 12 to inhibit movement (e.g., upward pivoting) of the tray relative to the body 12. It is to be appreciated that such structure to inhibit relative movement may be varied and that such variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Some examples of such structure to inhibit relative movement include cooperating clips, latches and the like. Such structure(s) may provide a portion of the top tray that is clipped into, latched into or the like to a cooperating portion of the body. Of course, such structures could be reversed so that a portion of the body is clipped into, latched into or the like to a cooperating portion of the top tray 20. Some other examples of such structure to inhibit relative movement include apertures on the top tray 20 and/or the body 12 that receive a member, such as a screw, bolt, pin, wire, lock or the like.

[0027] Focusing upon the shown example top tray 20 and the possibility of helping provide for possible protection, isolation or the like for other portions (e.g., the other trays 22A-22C, which are located beneath the top tray) within the drop box 10, the presented example includes both: structure regarding a cooperating clip, latch and the like and structure to receive a member, such as a screw, bolt, pin, wire, lock or the like. Also, focusing upon the example top tray 20 and the possibility of helping provide for possible protection, isolation or the like for segregated portions on the top tray itself, the presented example includes such.

[0028] At one side of the top tray 20, the top tray includes a projection 30 extending laterally from the side. An aperture 32 extends through the projection 30. The body 12 includes an extending projection 36 that cooperates with the projection 30 and aperture 32 of the top tray 20. Specifically, the projection 36 of the body 12 is situation within the interior space 18 such that when the top tray 20 is moved toward its respective down position (e.g., via a closing movement), the projection 30 and aperture 32 of the top tray 20 move toward the projection 36 of the body 12.

[0029] The projection 36 of the body 12 includes at least a segment 38 that extends through the aperture 32 of the projection 30 of the top tray 20. Also, the segment 38 of projection 36 of the body 12 includes at least a finger or tooth that is positioned to spatially interfere with the projection 30 of the top tray 20 during such closing movement. The projection 36 of the body 12 and/or the projection 30 of the top tray 20 elastically deform (e.g., deflect) during such spatially interference during such closing movement. The projection 36 of the body 12 and the projection 30 of the top tray 20, and notably the finger/tooth, are configured such that once the closing movement is complete (i.e., the top tray 20 is in its closed/down position), the projection 36, and finger/tooth, can elastically return to an undeformed condition and overlap some of the projection 30 of the top tray 20. With such overlap, the top tray 20 is held by the projection 36, and finger/tooth. It should be appreciated, the function of holding inhibits movement of the top tray 20. The projection 36, and its finger/tooth, is an example of a clip and specifically an example of a snap clip.

[0030] Release of the top tray 20 to permit movement of the top tray 20 away from the closed/down position is via elastically deforming the projection 36 of the body 12 sufficiently far to remove the overlap and permit the projection 36 to relatively retract through and out of the aperture 32 of the projection 30 of the top tray 20. Of course, as mentioned, variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that there may be a reversal of such portions between the top tray 20 and the body 12.

[0031 ] Within an example, the aperture 32 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) through the projection 30 of the top tray 20 is a first aperture 32. A second aperture 42 through the projection 30 of the top tray 20 is also provided. Such second aperture 42 is located to align with a possible bore extending into the projection of the body 12 or other structure. A member (not shown), such as a screw, bolt or the like may extend through the second aperture 42 and into the bore or other structure. With the screw, bolt or the like in place, the screw, bolt or the like may help hold the top tray 20 in the closed/down position. It should be appreciated, the function of holding inhibits movement of the top tray 20. The screw, bolt or the like may have anti-tamper aspects (e.g., special driving surfaces) to help inhibit removal, defeat or the like. Of course, variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] In general, the projection 30, and portions thereof, of the top tray 20 is an example of structure to secure the top tray. Also in general, the projection 36, and portions thereof, of the body 12 is an example of structure to secure the top tray 20. [0033] It is to be understood that with the top tray 20 held/retained in the closed/down position, items, structures, etc. located beneath the top tray 20 cannot be readily accessed. So, the trays 22A-22C located beneath the top tray 20, and lines, splices, etc. located on such trays 22-A-22C cannot be readily accessed. Such may help inhibit damage, etc.

[0034] Such limitation of access may be beneficial. However, there may be circumstances in which a balance of providing some access and yet providing some help in inhibiting damage, etc. is useful. Such may be provided by at least one segregated portion (e.g., 50A) on the top tray 20. Separate splicing or the like may be performed/located within each segregated portion (e.g., 50A). As such, the segregated portions (e.g., 50A) may be referred to as segregated splice locations. It is to be appreciated that the number of segregated portions (e.g., 50A) may be varied. The shown example includes six segregated portions 50A-50F. Of course, the number may be greater or smaller than six.

[0035] Each segregated portion (e.g., 50A) includes wall segments 54 to at least bound a respective segregated location. Other wall segments 54 are also possible and are shown within the example. Within the shown example, each of the plurality of wall segments 54 extends transversely from a back wall that extends in a plane. There are at least some gap(s) between/in the wall segments 54. Respective line(s) (e.g., fiber optic lines) may be guided into the respective segregated locations through the gap(s). Activities (e.g., splicing) can occur within each segregated location and the segregation may help to avoid interference (e.g., damage) to other segregated location(s). Thus, segregated splice location(s) are provided.

[0036] Within the shown example, the wall segment(s) 54 of each segregated portion (e.g., 50A) provide a general oval outline. Such oval outline may help with routing of lines (e.g., fiber optic lines) and may help avoid acute bending of the lines. Acute bending of a line may cause damage (e.g., fiber fracture or the like) to that line. [0037]Within the shown example, each segregated portion (e.g., 50A) has at least one line retainer 56 extending transverse to the wall segments 54 of the segregated portion. Such retainer(s) 56 may help retain portions of lines within respective segregated portion (e.g., 50A).

[0038] With the above-described aspects and functions, protection and the like may be provided. If several different people (e.g., communication technicians), need to access a drop box, the above-described aspects and functions may help avoid potential issues such as accessing incorrect/undesired portions/structures, damages and the like.

[0039] As another possible aspect, the drop box 10 may include indicator (e.g., indicia, color coding or the like) that indicates possible matching of each segregated portions (e.g., 50A) to other structures of the drop box. With the shown example, there is matching indicia for line (e.g., fiber line) ports. Within the shown example see that segregated portion 50A has indicia “1/7” and “RU” and see that some ports have matching indicia “1/7” and “RU”. Such may be useful for ease and correctness of routing/using lines (e.g., fiber lines). Within the shown example the following matching indicia are present “2/8” and “BE”, “3/9” and “VE”, “4/10” and “JA”, “5/11” and “VI”, and “”6/12” and “BC”. Of course, such are just examples and variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] As an example of an aspect, a drop box includes a housing having an interior space, a hinge support located in the interior space, a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between first and second positions, and means (e.g., structure, arrangement, function or the like) to secure the tray to inhibit movement of the tray.

[0041] Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a second object generally correspond to object A and object B or two different or two identical objects or the same object.

[0042] Moreover, “example” is used herein to mean serving as an instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” and/or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” [0043] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

[0044] Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described herein should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

[0045] Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A drop box comprising: a housing defining an interior space; a hinge support located in the interior space; and a plurality of trays, each tray being pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between respective first and second positions; a top-most tray comprising a plurality of segregated splice locations to permit splicing to occur without accessing any trays beneath the top-most tray.

2. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the top-most tray comprises a plurality of wall segments to provide the plurality of segregated splice locations.

3. The drop box as set forth in claim 2, wherein the top-most tray comprises a back wall extending in a plane, the plurality of wall segments extends transversely from the back wall.

4. The drop box as set forth in claim 2, wherein each segregated splice location comprises at least one line retainer extending transverse to the wall segments that provide the respective splice location.

5. The drop box as set forth in claim 2, wherein each segregated splice location comprises a general oval shape, with the wall segments that provide the respective splice location extending is a general oval outline.

6. The drop box as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of segregated splice locations comprises a respective indicator, and the housing comprises structures that each comprise a respective indicator that correspond to a respective indicator of a respective of the plurality of segregated splice locations.

7. The drop box as set forth in claim 6, wherein the structures of the housing that each comprise a respective indicator are ports.

8. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , comprising structure to secure the top-most tray to inhibit movement of the top-most tray.

9. The drop box as set forth in claim 8, wherein the structure to secure the top-most tray to inhibit movement of the top-most tray comprises a portion configured to receive a fastener.

10. The drop box as set forth in claim 8, wherein the structure to secure the top-most tray to inhibit movement of the top-most tray comprises a clip.

11. The drop box as set forth in claim 8, wherein the structure to secure the top-most tray to inhibit movement of the top-most tray comprises structure on the tray.

12. The drop box as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the structure to secure the top most tray to inhibit movement of the top-most tray comprises structure on the housing, the structure on the tray interacts within the structure on the housing.

13. The drop box as set forth in claim 8, wherein the top-most tray covers an area when the top-most tray is in the first position and the structure to secure the top-most tray to inhibit movement of the top-most tray inhibits access to the area.

14. A drop box comprising: a housing defining an interior space; a hinge support located in the interior space; a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between a first position and a second position; and structure to secure the tray to inhibit movement of the tray between the first and second positions.

15. The drop box as set forth in claim 14, wherein the structure to secure the tray to inhibit movement of the tray comprises a portion configured to receive a fastener.

16. The drop box as set forth in claim 15, wherein the portion configured to receive a fastener comprises a portion configured to receive a screw.

17. The drop box as set forth in claim 14, wherein the structure to secure the tray to inhibit movement of the tray comprises a clip.

18. The drop box as set forth in claim 14, wherein the structure to secure the tray to inhibit movement comprises structure on the tray.

19. A drop box comprising: a housing defining an interior space; and a tray located in the interior space, the tray comprising: a first wall defining a first splice location to permit first splicing to occur; and a second wall defining a second splice location separate from the first splice location to permit second splicing to occur separate from the first splicing.

20. The drop box as set forth in claim 19, wherein at least one of the first wall or the second wall extends upwardly from a bottom of the tray.