WO2022011252A1

WO2022011252A1 - Drop box

Info

Publication number: WO2022011252A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/041074
Authority: WO
Inventors: 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: FR3112435A1; WO2022011249A1; FR3112434A1

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 tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between first and second positions. The hinge support has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions and/or the tray has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions.

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 may 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 may 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] 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 and/or handled so as to help avoid tampering, spoilage or the like of contents of such other portions.

[0006] The drop box may include one or more trays. Each tray may be moved between two positions (e.g., first and second positions). It is useful to have each tray retained in a position as needed to easily permit needed access, work tasks and the like. 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 including a housing defining an interior space, a hinge support located in the interior space, and a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between first and second positions. The hinge support has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions and the tray has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially torn-away 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 with one of several example trays in a pivoted-up position.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a plan view of an example tray useable within the example drop box of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an example hinge support useable within the example drop box of FIG. 1 .

[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, perspective view, partially torn away, of portions of an example tray secured onto an example hinge support within the example drop box of FIG. 1. [0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, reverse angle perspective view, partially torn away, of portions of an example tray secured onto an example hinge support within the example drop box of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view, partially torn away, of the example tray on the example hinge support, with the tray in a first, pivoted-down position relative to the hinge support.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view, partially torn away, of the example tray on the example hinge support, with the tray having been pivoted up and away an intermediate amount from the first, pivoted-down position shown in FIG. 5, such that the example tray is in an intermediate position in FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view, partially torn away, of the example tray on the example hinge support, with the tray in a second, pivoted-up position relative to the hinge support, with the tray having been pivoted up and away a full amount from the first, pivoted-down position shown in FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 8A is a schematic section view, partially torn away, of the example tray on the example hinge support, with the tray in the first, pivoted-down position relative to the hinge support as shown in FIG. 5.

[0019] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of portions shown in FIG. 8A, partially torn away, and shows an example flexible beam portion of the example tray that is located on a first side of an example flexible beam portion of the example hinge support and shows that there is no interference between the two flexible beam portions.

[0020] FIG. 9A is an enlarged schematic section view, partially torn away, of the example tray on the example hinge support, with the tray in the intermediate position relative to the hinge support as shown in FIG. 6, and showing the two flexible beam portions interfering with each other and causing each to flex.

[0021] FIG. 9B is an enlarged schematic perspective view, partially torn away, of portions shown in FIG. 9A, and shows lines that schematically represent the flexing movement of the two flexible beam portions.

[0022] FIG. 10A is a schematic section view, partially torn away, of the example tray on the example hinge support, with the tray in the second, pivoted-up position relative to the hinge support as shown in FIG. 7. [0023] FIG. 10B is an enlarged view, partially torn away, of portions shown in FIG. 10A, and shows an example flexible beam portion of the example tray that is located on a second side of the example flexible beam portion of the example hinge support and shows that there is no interference between the two flexible beam portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Provided herein are examples of drop boxes in accordance with the present disclosure. Within an example, a drop box includes a housing that defines an interior space; a hinge support located in the interior space and a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between first and second positions. The hinge support has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions and the tray having a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions.

[0028] An example drop box 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown within FIG. 1 . The drop box 10 include 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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). For facilitating any or all of such possible aspects, the drop box 10 includes multiple trays 20. Upon each tray 20, line operations/manipulations (e.g., connections, splices, terminations, splitting, etc.) are performed/accomplished/retained.

[0031] The body 12, the lid 14 and the trays 20 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. 1 shows one of the trays 20 has been moved (i.e., pivoted) to an up (i.e., pivoted-up) position, as viewed in FIG. 1 , and the other trays are in respective down positions, as viewed in FIG. 1 . The location of all of the trays 20 within the interior space 18 occurs when all of the trays are in their respective down positions.

[0032] Within the example shown in FIG. 1 , at least three trays 20 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 may have the same shape, size, construction, configuration, structure, material, etc. It is to be noted that, as another example, the trays 20 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 may have the same or many 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. So, variations regarding the trays 20 are to be understood and within the scope of this disclosure. [0033] It is to note that one tray (i.e., it would have been a top tray, not shown) has been removed from the drop box 10 within FIG. 1 . In general, all of the trays 20 are removable from the drop box 10. The removal of the top tray within FIG. 1 is to allow replacement, if needed. Within the present disclosure, the removal of the top tray allows better viewing of certain parts/portions. It is to be noted that the removed top tray (not shown) may be different regarding any/all of shape, size, construction, configuration, structure, material, etc. as compared to the trays 20 that remain present within FIG. 1.

[0034] Within FIG. 1 , various example aspects of construction, configuration and structure of the trays 20 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 to be appreciated that the shown examples may be varied and that the shown example are not limitations upon the present disclosure. [0035] The drop box 10 includes an example hinge support 22 and the trays 20 are movably (i.e., pivotally) supported upon the hinge support. The example hinge support 22 is show to be a separate piece attached/secured to the body 12 at the interior space 18 of the body. Within the shown example, the hinge support 22 has retainer portions that interact with mating retainer portions of the body 12. The retainer portions may be configured for relative sliding motion, snap-in motion, or the like. However, it is to be appreciated that such attachment/securement to the body 12 may be varied. For example, the hinge support 22 may be an integral portion of the body 12. As such, the hinge support 22 being separate, but attached to the body 12, or the hinge support 22 and the body 12 being integral need not be limitations upon the present disclosure. Variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2A shows an example of one of the trays 20. FIG. 2B shows an example of the hinge support 22. It is to be noted that FIG. 2B shows the example hinge support 22 has at least five locations to receive a respective tray 20. It is to be appreciated that the number of locations to receive a respective tray 20 may be varied. So, in different examples, there may be a different number of locations to receive respective trays 20. The different number may be more than five or even less than five.

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged, partial views (note that FIG. 4 is a reverse angle as compared to FIG. 3) to help show an example of structures for connection/attachment of a tray 20 onto the hinge support 22. Of course, the structures may be varied from the shown example.

[0038] Focusing upon the tray 20 (e.g., see FIG. 2A), the tray includes a stanchion 30 extending a relatively short distance from a generally planar body 32 of the tray. A peg 34 extends transversely from the stanchion 30 and extends in a direction that is parallel to a back edge 36 of the tray 20. Note that the peg 34 is mostly hidden in FIG. 4 (i.e., only a small portion is visible). The peg 34 has a cylindrical shape. The peg 34 extends into an open notch 38 in the tray 20 at the back edge 36. A cylindrical length of the peg 34 is less than a length of the open notch 38.

[0039] Focusing upon the hinge support 22 (e.g., see FIG. 2B), the hinge support includes a plurality of loops 42. The number of loops 42 corresponds to the number of trays 20 that may be present. So, for the shown example, there are five loops 42. To attach/support the tray 20 onto the hinge support 22, the peg 34 is placed (i.e., inserted) into the loop 42. Note that the peg 34 is mostly hidden in FIG. 4. As viewed in FIG. 3, the movement of the peg 34 into the loop 42 is from left to right.

[0040] Also, the hinge support 22 (see FIG. 2B) has a plurality of extending resilient tabs 44. The number of tabs 44 is equal to the number of loops (e.g., five) and thus the number of trays 20. Each tab 44 is resiliently (i.e., elastically) deformable. Also, each tab 44 extends from the remainder of the hinge support 22. As the peg 34 is placed into the loop 42, the back edge 36 of the tray 20 engages with and interferes with the tab 44. The tab 44 flexes (i.e., deforms/deflects) because of such interference. As the peg 34 reaches a fully inserted position, the tab 44 clears the back edge 36 at the open notch 38. The tab 44 thus ceases to have interference with the tab 44 clears the back edge 36 and the tab returns from the elastically deformed/deflected condition to extend into the open notch 38. The tab 44 then may help retain the tray 20 onto the hinge support 22, with the peg 34 within the loop 42. To remove/release the tray 20 from the hinge support 22, the tab 44 is flexed/deflected (e.g., via pushing thereon from a finger or a tool) to the point of clearing out of the way of the back edge 36 of the tray 20. In such a condition, the tray 20 may be moved (e.g., right to left with reference to FIG. 3) relative to the hinge support 22 to move the peg 34 out of the loop 42.

[0041] Recall that each tray 20 is movable (pivotable) relative to the hinge support 22 and the body 12. FIG. 1 shows two trays 20 (i.e., the trays located toward the left as viewed in FIG 1 ) in respective first, pivoted down positions and one tray 20 (i.e., the tray located toward the right as viewed in FIG 1) in a respective second, pivoted-up position. FIGS. 5-7 show enlarged portions of an example tray 20 and hinge support 22, in a sequence, as the tray begins in the first, pivoted down position (FIG. 5), is moved through an intermediate position, which is between the first and second positions,

(FIG.6) and is moved to the second, pivoted-up position (FIG. 7). The drop box 10, and specifically an example tray 20 and example hinge support 22, has/have structures/functions in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The example tray 20 has the resilient portion 50 that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions and the example hinge support 22 has the resilient portion 52 that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions. Within an example, the hinge support 22 has plural resilient portions 52. Within an example, the hinge support 22 has a number of resilient portions 52 that equals the number of trays 20 (i.e., one each for each respective tray). Within an example, plural trays 20 each have a respective resilient portion 50. Within an example, all of the trays 20 each have a respective resilient portion 50.

[0042] Focusing upon the example resilient portion 50 of the example tray 20 shown with the figures (see FIG. 2A as an example), the resilient portion 50 is elastically deformable. The resilient portion 50 may flex when pressure or force is applied (e.g., bears upon), and then return to an original non/deformed/non-flexed condition after the pressure or force is removed. Within the shown example, the resilient portion 50 is a beam 50 that extends across a span gap 56 on the tray 20 at the back edge 36. The beam 50 is connected at both of its ends to other portions of the tray 20, with one end connected to the stanchion 30. Within the shown example, a protrusion 58 extends from the beam 50 and is located midway between the two ends of the beam.

[0043] Focusing upon the example resilient portion 52 of the example hinge support 22 shown with the figures (see FIG. 2B as an example), the resilient portion 52 is elastically deformable. The resilient portion 52 may flex when pressure or force is applied (e.g., bears upon), and then return to an original non/deformed/non-flexed condition after the pressure or force is removed. Within the shown example, the resilient portion 52 is a cantilever beam 52 that extends within a span gap 64 on the hinge support 22. The cantilever beam 52 is connected one end to a center portion of the hinge support 22, with the other end, which is a distal end, of the cantilever beam being free. Within the shown example, a protrusion 66 extends from the cantilever beam 52 and is located adjacent to the free end of the cantilever beam.

[0044] FIGS. 8A-10B show further enlarged portions of the example tray 20 and hinge support 22 to provide example details during the movement of the tray from the first, pivoted down position (FIGS. 5, 8A and 8B), through the intermediate position (FIGS. 6, 9A and 9B) and to the second, pivoted-up position (FIGS. 7, 10A and 10B). It is to be noted that within FIGS. 8A-10B only the enlarged portions of the example tray 20 and hinge support 22, in section, are shown and other portions of the drop box 10 are not shown so as to better view the details of the example tray and hinge support.

[0045] Within FIGS. 8A and 8B, the example tray 20 is in the first, pivoted down position. This position may be considered to be a 0° position. Also, this position may be considered to be a starting position, since such position is a typical position when the tray 20 is within the drop box 10 when the drop box is providing typical/normal operation (e.g., no technician accessing any of the trays for line operations/manipulations). [0046]As shown in FIG. 8B, the beam (resilient member) 50 of the tray 20 does not interfere with the beam (resilient member) 52 of the hinge support 22. The beams 50 and 52 are in a non-flexed/non-deformed condition. Specifically, there is no elastic deformation of the beams 50 and 52. Each of the beams 50 and 52 resides in its own space and is not pressing onto the other of the beams 50 and 52 in interference (e.g., a competition trying to reside in the same space).

[0047] Within FIGS. 9A and 9B, a force or pressure F is applied to the tray 20 to move the tray from the first, pivoted down position. Such force is a lifting force. Moreover, since the tray 20 is retained by the hinge support for rotational/pivot movement, the force F may be considered to be a tilt, pivot or rotational force. Such lifting force may be applied by a technician, or other person, seeking to access underlying trays, such as for the purpose of for line operations/manipulations or similar.

[0048] Within FIGS. 9A and 9B, the tray is at an intermediate position between the first, pivoted down position and the second, pivoted up position. With the first position considered to be a 0° position and the second position considered to be a 90° position, the intermediate position is between those two angular values. This intermediate position is achieved the tray 20 is being lifted, which may occur to permit access to an underlying tray for line operations/manipulations or similar.

[0049]As shown in FIG. 9B, there is interference occurring between the beam (resilient member) 50 of the tray 20 and the beam (resilient member) 52 of the hinge support 22. Within an example, the protrusion 58 (see FIG. 2A) of the beam 50 interferes with and bears upon the protrusion 66 (see FIG. 2B) on the beam 52. The beams 50 and 52 are in a flexed/deformed condition. Specifically, there is elastic deformation of the beams 50 and 52. Each of the beams 50 and 52 is pressing onto the other of the beams 50 and 52 in interference (e.g., a competition trying to reside in the same space). Within FIG. 9B an example, representative deformation line 72 is provided to indicate elastic deformation of the beam 50. Also, an example, representative deformation line 74 is provided to indicate elastic deformation of the beam 52. It is to be appreciated that the example deformation lines 72 and 74 are to indicate that elastic deformations are occurring. The positions of the example deformation lines 72 and 74 may be somewhat fictional/accentuated within FIG. 9B so as to more easily provide appreciation of the elastic deformations that are occurring. So, the example deformation lines 72 and 74 need not be representative of actual displacement amounts due to elastic deformations. Further, the deformation lines 72 and 74 are only illustrative examples and are not to be considered as limitations upon the present disclosure.

[0050] It is to be noted that the elastic deformations of the beams 50 and 52 helps to avoid breakage of the beams. The elastic deformation is shared between the beams 50 and 52, rather than only a single member/element needing to accomplish all of the needed elastic deformation.

[0051] Within FIGS. 10A and 10B, the example tray 20 is in the second, pivoted up position. This position may be considered to be a 90° position. Also, this position may be considered to be an ending position, since such position is when the tray 20 is moved up and out of the way so that a technician or the like may access any of the underlying trays for line operations/manipulations.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10B, the beam (resilient member) 50 of the tray 20 does not interfere with the beam (resilient member) 52 of the hinge support 22. The beams 50 and 52 are in a non-flexed/non-deformed condition. Specifically, there is no elastic deformation of the beams 50 and 52. Each of the beams 50 and 52 resides in its own space and is not pressing onto the other of the beams 50 and 52 in interference (e.g., a competition trying to reside in the same space).

[0053] It is to be appreciated that within an example the beams 50 and 52 are constructed, configured, sized and relatively placed so that the resiliencies of the beams to resist elastic deformation are sufficiently large so as to greater than a weigh force from the tray 20. As such the tray 20 stays in the second, pivoted up position until a return force (i.e., in a direction opposite to the lifting force F shown in FIG. 9A) is applied to the tray. The beam 50 of the tray 20 is simply resting upon the beam 52 of the hinge support 22.

[0054] It is to be appreciated that, although the beams 50 and 52 are elastically deformable, the deformation does cause a storage of elastic energy that biases the beams 50 and 52 toward a nondeformed condition. Such nondeformed condition exists at either the first or second positions (FIGS. 5, 8A and 8B show the first position, and FIGS. 7, 10A and 10B show the second position). So, there is a bias toward either the first or second positions from the intermediate position (FIGS. 6, 9A and 9B shows an example intermediate position). Again, the beams 50 and 52 store of elastic energy during deformation. As such, beams may provide a force via the stored energy. Thus, the beams 50 and 52, which are resilient portions of the tray 20 and the hinge support 22, respectively, may bias the tray into either the first position or the second position. [0055] As mentioned, the beams 50 and 52 are nondeformed in the first or second positions of the tray 20. It is to be understood that that the beams to have some resistance to being elastically deformed. As mentioned, if is an external force (e.g., force F as shown in Fig. 9A) that causes the elastic deformation. So, at the first or second positions of the tray 20, the beams 50 and 52 are at rest (e.g., nondeformed condition). The resistance to deformation thus helps retain the tray 20 in either of the first and second positions. Accordingly, the beams 50 and 52, which are resilient portions of the tray 20 and the hinge support 22, respectively, may provide a retaining force to retain the tray in either the first position or the second position.

[0056] As an example of an aspect, a drop box includes a housing having an interior space, a hinge support located in the interior space, and a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between first and second positions. As shown within various pictures and images, as the tray is moved from the first (e.g., down) position portions on both the tray and the hinge support elastically flex. So, the hinge support has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions and the tray has a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first and second positions.

[0057] As some examples of some other aspects: the resilient portions of the hinge support and the tray bias the tray into either the first position or the second position, the resilient portions of the hinge support and the tray provide a retaining force to retain the tray in either the first position or the second position, and/or the resilient portions of the hinge support and the tray are resilient beam members.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.”

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein at least one of: the hinge support comprises a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first position and the second position, or the tray comprises a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first positon and the second position.

2. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the resilient portion of the hinge support biases the tray into at least one of the first position or the second position, or the resilient portion of the tray biases the tray into at least one of the first position or the second position.

3. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the tray comprises: 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.

4. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first wall or the second wall extends upwardly from a bottom of the tray.

5. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the resilient portion of the hinge support interferes with and bears upon another portion of the drop box to cause elastic deformation of the resilient portion of the hinge support during movement of the tray between the first position and the second position, or the resilient portion of the tray interferes with and bears upon another portion of the drop box to cause elastic deformation of the resilient portion of the tray during movement of the tray between the first position and the second position.

6. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the resilient portion of the hinge support is a resilient beam member, or the resilient portion of the tray is a resilient beam member.

7. The drop box as set forth in claim 6, wherein the resilient beam member of the hinge support comprises a cantilever resilient beam member.

8. The drop box as set forth in claim 7, wherein a protrusion of the cantilever resilient beam member is configured to interfere with and bear upon another portion of the drop box to cause elastic deformation of the cantilever resilient beam member during movement of the tray between the first position and the second position.

9. The drop box as set forth in claim 6, wherein the resilient beam member of the tray comprises a protrusion configured to interfere with and bear upon another portion of the drop box to cause elastic deformation of the resilient beam member during movement of the tray between the first positon and the second position.

10. The drop box as set forth in claim 9, wherein the protrusion of the resilient beam member of the tray is located midway between at first end and a second end of the resilient beam member of the tray.

11 . The drop box as set forth in claim 10, wherein the first end of the resilient beam member of the tray is connected to a stanchion of the tray.

12. The drop box as set forth in claim 1 , comprising: a second tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between a third positon and a fourth position, wherein at least one of: the hinge support comprises a second resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the second tray between the third position and the fourth position, or the second tray comprises a second resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the second tray between the third position and the fourth position.

13. The drop box as set forth in claim 12, wherein the hinge support, the tray, and the second tray are configured such that when the tray is in the first position and the second tray is in the third position, the tray and the second tray are located within the interior space of the housing with the tray stacked upon the second tray.

14. The drop box as set forth in claim 12, wherein the hinge support, the tray, and the second tray are configured such that the tray is movable between the first position and the second position while the second tray remains in the third position.

15. The drop box as set forth in claim 12, wherein the tray is over the second tray and the hinge support, the tray, and the second tray are configured such that the tray remains in the second position to allow access to the second tray when the second tray is in at least one of the third position or the fourth position.

16. A drop box comprising: a housing defining an interior space; a hinge support located in the interior space; and a first tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between a first position and a second position; and a second tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between a third position and a fourth position, wherein: the hinge support, the first tray, and the second tray are configured such that at least one of: the first tray remains in at least one of the first position or the second position while the second tray moves between the third positon and the fourth position, or the second tray remains in at least one of the third positon or the fourth position while the first tray moves between the first position and the second position.

17. The drop box as set forth in claim 16, wherein at least one of: the hinge support comprises a resilient portion that elastically deforms during at least one of movement of the first tray between the first position and the second position or movement of the second tray between the third position and the fourth position, the first tray comprises a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the first tray between the first positon and the second position, or the second tray comprises a resilient portion that elastically deforms during movement of the second tray between the third positon and the fourth position.

18. A drop box comprising: a housing defining an interior space; a hinge support located in the interior space; and a tray pivotally mounted on the hinge support for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein: the hinge support comprises a resilient beam member that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first position and the second position, and the tray comprises a resilient beam member that elastically deforms during movement of the tray between the first positon and the second position.

19. The drop box as set forth in claim 18, wherein at least one of: the resilient beam member of the hinge support comprises a protrusion configured to interfere with and bear upon another portion of the drop box to cause elastic deformation of the resilient beam member of the hinge support during movement of the tray between the first position and the second position, or the resilient beam member of the tray comprises a protrusion configured to interfere with and bear upon another portion of the drop box to cause elastic deformation of the resilient beam member of the tray during movement of the tray between the first positon and the second position.

20. The drop box as set forth in claim 18, wherein the tray comprises: 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.