U.S. patent application number 10/294652 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for junction box.
Invention is credited to Koessler, Juergen.
Application Number | 20040094318 10/294652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32825886 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040094318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koessler, Juergen |
May 20, 2004 |
JUNCTION BOX
Abstract
A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base
member having a recessed region and a lid member positionable over
the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure. The
lid member and the base member are coupleable on one side by one or
more hinges and on a side opposite the one or more hinges by a
clasp assembly. The clasp assembly is capable of being locked and
unlocked by two independent locking mechanisms. A plurality of
concentric lower flanges may extend from a lower surface of the
base member, such that a first cable conduit may be slidably
engaged to one of the plurality of lower flanges. A plurality of
concentric upper flanges may extend from an upper surface of the
base member, such that a second cable conduit may be slidably
engaged to one of the plurality upper flanges. One or more upper
knock-out elements may be located on the upper surface of the base
member inside a diameter of the outermost one of the plurality of
concentric upper flanges. The one or more upper knock-out elements
may be removable from the base member to form an upper aperture
therein, such that a cable may extend from an interior of the
second cable conduit through the upper aperture and into the
enclosure.
Inventors: |
Koessler, Juergen;
(Vancouver, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OYEN, WIGGS, GREEN & MUTALA
480 - THE STATION
601 WEST CORDOVA STREET
VANCOUVER
BC
V6B 1G1
CA
|
Family ID: |
32825886 |
Appl. No.: |
10/294652 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/14 20130101; H02G
3/12 20130101; H02G 3/10 20130101; H02G 3/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/050 |
International
Class: |
H02G 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components, the apparatus comprising: a base member
having a recessed region therein; and a lid member positionable
over the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure,
the lid member and base member coupleable on one side by one or
more hinges and on a side opposite the one or more hinges by a
clasp assembly, the clasp assembly comprising: a base clasp flange
extending outwardly from the base member; a lid clasp flange
extending outwardly from the lid member; and an intermediate clasp
member, wherein the base and lid clasp flanges may both be
independently locked to, and unlocked from, the intermediate clasp
member.
2. A junction box according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of
concentric lower flanges extending from a lower surface of the base
member, wherein a first cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
one of the plurality of lower flanges; a plurality of concentric
upper flanges extending from an upper surface of the base member,
wherein a second cable conduit may be slidably engaged to one of
the plurality upper flanges; and one or more upper knock-out
elements located on the upper surface of the base member inside a
diameter of an outermost one of the plurality of concentric upper
flanges, the one or more upper knock-out elements removable from
the base member to form an upper aperture therein, such that a
cable may extend from an interior of the second cable conduit
through the upper aperture and into the enclosure.
3. A junction box according to claim 2 comprising one or more lower
knock-out elements located on the lower surface of the base member
inside a diameter of an outermost one of the plurality of
concentric lower flanges, the one or more lower knock-out elements
removable from the base member to form a lower aperture therein,
such that a cable may extend from an interior of the first cable
conduit through the lower aperture and into the enclosure.
4. A junction box according to claim 2 comprising a lower aperture
located on the lower surface of the base member inside a diameter
of the innermost one of the plurality of concentric lower flanges,
such that a cable may extend from an interior of the first cable
conduit through the lower aperture and into the enclosure.
5. A junction box according to claim 4 comprising an elastomeric
plug sized and shaped to fill the lower aperture when the lower
aperture is not in use.
6. A junction box according to claim 2 comprising a first back
knock-out element located on a recessed surface of the base member,
the first back knock-out element removable from the base member to
form a first back aperture therein, such that a cable may extend
through the first back aperture and into the enclosure.
7. A junction box according to claim 2 comprising a first back
aperture located on a recessed surface of the base member, such
that a cable may extend through the first back aperture and into
the enclosure.
8. A junction box according to claim 7 comprising an elastomeric
plug sized and shaped to fill the first back aperture when the
first back aperture is not in use.
9. A junction box according to claim 7 comprising an elongated
knock-out element contiguous with the first back aperture on the
recessed surface of the base member, the elongated knock-out
element removable from the base member to form an elongated first
back aperture.
10. A junction box according to claim 9, wherein the elongated
knock-out element comprises a plurality of smaller knock-out
elements, each of which is independently removable from the base
member.
11. A junction box according to claim 9 comprising a pair of
knock-out screw holes, located on the recessed surface of the base
member on opposing sides of the elongated first back aperture, the
screw holes operative to receive fasteners, such that a cable
adapter may be mounted to the base member.
12. A junction box according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate
clasp member comprises a first intermediate clasp aperture and the
base clasp flange comprises a first base clasp aperture, the first
base clasp aperture alignable with the first intermediate clasp
aperture when the lid member is positioned over the recessed region
of the base member such that the base clasp flange may be locked
to, and unlocked from, the intermediate clasp member by inserting a
locking mechanism through the first intermediate clasp aperture and
at least partially through the first base clasp aperture.
13. A junction box according to claim 12, wherein the locking
mechanism is a locking screw comprising a keyhole, wherein a
specialized key may be inserted into the keyhole.
14. A junction box according to claim 13, wherein the lid clasp
flange comprises a first lid clasp aperture, the first lid clasp
aperture alignable with the first base clasp aperture and the first
intermediate clasp aperture when the lid member is positioned over
the recessed region of the base member such that the specialized
key may be inserted through the first lid clasp aperture and into
the keyhole.
15. A junction box according to claim 14, wherein the lid clasp
flange comprises a second lid clasp aperture and the intermediate
clasp flange comprises a second intermediated clasp aperture, the
second lid clasp aperture alignable with the second intermediate
clasp aperture when the lid member is positioned over the recessed
region of the base member such that the lid clasp flange may be
locked to, and unlocked from, the intermediate clasp member by
inserting a locking mechanism through the second lid clasp aperture
and at least partially through the second intermediate clasp
aperture.
16. A junction box according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of
concentric upper flanges comprises an innermost upper flange and an
outermost upper flange.
17. A junction box according to claim 16, wherein the outermost
upper flange comprises an outer circumferential surface, the outer
circumferential surface sized such that an inner circumferential
surface of a first sized cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
the outer circumferential surface.
18. A junction box according to claim 17, wherein the first sized
cable conduit is a nominal 2" cable conduit.
19. A junction box according to claim 16, wherein the innermost
upper flange comprises an outer circumferential surface, the outer
circumferential surface sized such that an inner circumferential
surface of a second sized cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
the outer circumferential surface.
20. A junction box according to claim 19, wherein the second sized
cable conduit is a nominal 11/4 cable conduit.
21. A junction box according to claim 16, wherein the outermost
upper flange comprises a slot that extends from the upper surface
of the base member through the outermost upper flange.
22. A junction box according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of
concentric lower flanges comprises an innermost lower flange, an
intermediate lower flange and an outermost lower flange.
23. A junction box according to claim 22, wherein the outermost
lower flange comprises an outer screw hole extending radially
through the outermost lower flange and the intermediate lower
flange comprises an intermediate screw hole radially aligned with
the outer screw hole.
24. A junction box according to claim 23, wherein the outermost
lower flange comprises an inner circumferential surface, the inner
circumferential surface sized such that an outer circumferential
surface of a first sized cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
the inner circumferential surface and wherein a screw may be
inserted through the outer screw hole to bear against the outer
circumferential surface of the cable conduit.
25. A junction box according to claim 24, wherein the first sized
cable conduit is a nominal 2" cable conduit.
26. A junction box according to claim 23, wherein the intermediate
lower flange comprises an inner circumferential surface, the inner
circumferential surface sized such that an outer circumferential
surface of a second sized cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
the inner circumferential surface and wherein a screw may be
inserted through the outer screw hole and the intermediate screw
hole to bear against the outer circumferential surface of the cable
conduit.
27. A junction box according to claim 26, wherein the second sized
cable conduit is a nominal 1" cable conduit.
28. A junction box according to claim 23, wherein the innermost
lower flange comprises an outer circumferential surface, the outer
circumferential surface sized such that an inner circumferential
surface of a third sized cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
the outer circumferential surface and wherein a screw may be
inserted through the outer screw hole and the intermediate screw
hole to bear against an outer circumferential surface of the cable
conduit.
29. A junction box according to claim 28, wherein the third sized
cable conduit is a nominal {fraction (3/4)}" cable conduit.
30. A junction box according to claim 2 comprising a first side
knock-out element located on a first side of the of the base
member, the first side knock-out element removable from the base
member to form a first side aperture therein, such that a cable may
extend through the first side aperture and into the enclosure.
31. A junction box according to claim 30 comprising a second side
knock-out element located on a second side of the base member
opposite the first side of the base member, the second side
knock-out element removable from the base member to form a second
side aperture therein, such that a cable may extend through the
second side aperture and into the enclosure.
32. A junction box according to claim 3, wherein the one or more
lower knock-out elements comprise an inner knock-out element
located inside a diameter of an innermost one of the plurality of
concentric lower flanges.
33. A junction box according to claim 32, wherein the one or more
lower knock-out elements comprise a second knock-out element
located outside the diameter of the innermost one of the plurality
of concentric lower flanges and inside the diameter of a second one
of the plurality of concentric lower flanges, the innermost one of
the plurality of concentric lower flanges attached to the second
knock-out element and removable therewith.
34. A junction box according to claim 33, wherein the one or more
lower knock-out elements comprise a third knock-out element located
outside the diameter of the second one of the plurality of
concentric lower flanges and inside the diameter of the outermost
one of the plurality of concentric lower flanges, the second one of
the plurality of concentric lower flanges attached to the third
knock-out element and removable therewith.
35. A junction box according to claim 1 comprising a pair of side
flanges, one of which is mounted to either side of the base member,
each of the side flanges comprising an angled member which extends
outwardly from the side of the base member.
36. A junction box according to claim 1, wherein a mounting
position of the side flanges on the base member is adjustable, such
that the side flanges may be moved closer to or further from the
lid member.
37. A junction box according to claim 36, wherein the side flanges
are secured to the interior framework of a vertical wall.
38. A junction box according to claim 35, wherein the side flanges
are made of metal.
39. A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components, the apparatus comprising: a base member
having a recessed region therein; a lid member positionable over
the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure, the
lid member and base member coupleable on one side by one or more
hinges; a plurality of concentric lower flanges extending from a
lower surface of the base member, wherein a first cable conduit may
be slidably engaged to one of the plurality of lower flanges; a
plurality of concentric upper flanges extending from an upper
surface of the base member; and one or more upper knock-out
elements located on the upper surface of the base member inside a
diameter of the outermost one of the plurality of concentric upper
flanges, the one or more upper knock-out elements removable from
the base member to form an upper aperture therein, such that a
cable may extend from an interior of the second cable conduit
through the upper aperture and into the enclosure, wherein the
plurality of concentric upper flanges comprises an innermost upper
flange and an outermost upper flange, the outermost upper flange
comprising a first outer circumferential surface, the first outer
circumferential surface sized such that an inner circumferential
surface of a first sized cable conduit may be slidably engaged to
the first outer circumferential surface and the innermost upper
flange comprising a second outer circumferential surface, the
second outer circumferential surface sized such that an inner
circumferential surface of a second sized cable conduit may be
slidably engaged to the second outer circumferential surface.
40. A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components, the apparatus comprising: a base member
having a recessed region therein; a lid member positionable over
the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure, the
lid member and base member coupleable on one side by one or more
hinges; a plurality of concentric lower flanges extending from a
lower surface of the base member; a plurality of concentric upper
flanges extending from an upper surface of the base member, wherein
an upper cable conduit may be slidably engaged to one of the
plurality upper flanges; and one or more upper knock-out elements
located on the upper surface of the base member inside a diameter
of the outermost one of the plurality of concentric upper flanges,
the one or more upper knock-out elements removable from the base
member to form an upper aperture therein, such that a cable may
extend from an interior of the upper cable conduit through the
upper aperture and into the enclosure, wherein the plurality of
concentric lower flanges comprises an outermost lower flange having
an outer screw hole extending radially through the outermost lower
flange, an intermediate lower flange having an intermediate screw
hole radially aligned with the outer screw hole, and an innermost
lower flange, the outermost lower flange comprising a first inner
circumferential surface, the first inner circumferential surface
sized such that an outer circumferential surface of a first sized
cable conduit may be slidably engaged to the first inner
circumferential surface and wherein a screw may be inserted through
the outer screw hole to bear against the outer circumferential
surface of the first sized cable conduit, the intermediate lower
flange comprising a second inner circumferential surface, the
second inner circumferential surface sized such that an outer
circumferential surface of a second sized cable conduit may be
slidably engaged to the second inner circumferential surface and
wherein a screw may be inserted through the outer screw hole and
the intermediate screw hole to bear against the outer
circumferential surface of the second sized cable conduit, and the
innermost lower flange comprising an outer circumferential surface,
the outer circumferential surface sized such that an inner
circumferential surface of a third sized cable conduit may be
slidably engaged to the outer circumferential surface and wherein a
screw may be inserted through the outer screw hole and the
intermediate screw hole to bear against an outer circumferential
surface of the third sized cable conduit.
41. A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components, the apparatus comprising: a base member
having a recessed region therein; a lid member positionable over
the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure, the
lid member and base member coupleable on one side by one or more
hinges and on a side opposite the one or more hinges by a clasp
assembly, the clasp assembly comprising: a base clasp flange
extending outwardly from the base member; a lid clasp flange
extending outwardly from the lid member; and an intermediate clasp
member, wherein the base and lid clasp flanges may both be
independently locked to, and unlocked from, the intermediate clasp
member; a plurality of concentric lower flanges extending from a
lower surface of the base member, wherein a first cable conduit may
be slidably engaged to one of the plurality of lower flanges; a
plurality of concentric upper flanges extending from an upper
surface of the base member, wherein a second cable conduit may be
slidably engaged to one of the plurality upper flanges; one or more
upper knock-out elements located on the upper surface of the base
member inside a diameter of the outermost one of the plurality of
concentric upper flanges, the one or more upper knock-out elements
removable from the base member to form an upper aperture therein,
such that a cable may extend from an interior of the second cable
conduit through the upper aperture and into the enclosure; a first
back aperture located on a recessed surface of the base member,
such that a cable may extend through the first back aperture and
into the enclosure; and an elongated knock-out element contiguous
with the first back aperture on the recessed surface of the base
member, the extended knock-out element removable from the base
member form an elongated the first back aperture.
42. A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components, the apparatus comprising: a base member
having a recessed region therein; a lid member positionable over
the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure, the
lid member and base member coupleable on one side by one or more
hinges; a plurality of concentric lower flanges extending from a
lower surface of the base member, wherein a first cable conduit may
be slidably engaged to one of the plurality of lower flanges; a
plurality of concentric upper flanges extending from an upper
surface of the base member, wherein a second cable conduit may be
slidably engaged to one of the plurality upper flanges; one or more
upper knock-out elements located on the upper surface of the base
member inside a diameter of the outermost one of the plurality of
concentric upper flanges, the one or more upper knock-out elements
removable from the base member to form an upper aperture therein,
such that a cable may extend from an interior of the second cable
conduit through the upper aperture and into the enclosure; a first
back aperture located on a recessed surface of the base member,
such that a cable may extend through the first back aperture and
into the enclosure; and an elongated knock-out element contiguous
with the first back aperture on the recessed surface of the base
member, the extended knock-out element removable from the base
member to form an elongated first back aperture.
43. A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing
electrical components, the apparatus comprising: a base member
having a recessed region therein; and a lid member positionable
over the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure,
the lid member and base member coupleable on one side by one or
more hinges; a plurality of concentric lower flanges extending from
a lower surface of the base member, wherein a first cable conduit
may be slidably engaged to one of the plurality of lower flanges; a
plurality of concentric upper flanges extending from an upper
surface of the base member, wherein a second cable conduit may be
slidably engaged to one of the plurality upper flanges; and one or
more upper knock-out elements located on the upper surface of the
base member inside a diameter of the outermost one of the plurality
of concentric upper flanges, the one or more upper knock-out
elements removable from the base member to form an upper aperture
therein, such that a cable may extend from an interior of the
second cable conduit through the upper aperture and into the
enclosure.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention pertains to apparatus for housing electrical
connections and/or other electrical components. Particular
embodiments of the invention have application housing terminal
connectors for telephone, cable television and/or other
telecommunications lines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the telecommunications industry, it is often necessary to
electrically connect and/or reconfigure connections by way of which
telecommunications signals are provided to subscribers. Such
connections may have to be made or to be reconfigured to provide
service to one or more subscribers in a building, a group of
buildings or individual units within a building.
[0003] It is desirable to provide a plurality of relatively easily
replaceable, interchangeable and reconfigurable connections in a
single location (for a particular building, for example), such that
connections and/or changes to connections may be made with a
minimum effort. A device capable of providing one or more
electrical connections is referred to herein as a "terminal
connector".
[0004] There is a general desire to locate terminal connectors in
weather resistant housings which may be conveniently located in
outdoor locations, such that connections may be made, changed
and/or reconfigured by service technicians of telecom companies or
other service providing organizations without having to enter
buildings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for
housing electrical components is disclosed. The apparatus comprises
a base member having a recessed region and a lid member
positionable over the recessed region of the base member to form an
enclosure. The lid member and the base member are coupleable on one
side by one or more hinges and on a side opposite the one or more
hinges by a clasp assembly. The clasp assembly is capable of being
locked and unlocked by two independent locking mechanisms.
[0006] A plurality of concentric lower flanges may extend from a
lower surface of the base member, such that a first cable conduit
may be slidably engaged to one of the plurality of lower
flanges.
[0007] A plurality of concentric upper flanges may extend from an
upper surface of the base member, such that a second cable conduit
may be slidably engaged to one of the plurality upper flanges. One
or more upper knock-out elements may be located on the upper
surface of the base member inside a diameter of the outermost one
of the plurality of concentric upper flanges. The one or more upper
knock-out elements may be removable from the base member to form an
upper aperture therein, such that a cable may extend from an
interior of the second cable conduit through the upper aperture and
into the enclosure.
[0008] Further features and applications of the invention are
described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In drawings which depict non-limiting embodiments of the
invention:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a junction box in a closed
configuration according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevated plan view of a front side of the
junction box of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an elevated plan view of a back side of the
junction box of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an elevated plan view of the top of the junction
box of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an elevated plan view of the bottom of the
junction box of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an elevated plan view of a hinged side of the
junction box of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an elevated plan view of a clasp side of the
junction box of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG.
1 in an open configuration;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a particular type of cable
adapter mounted to the junction box of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a partial isometric exploded view showing the
clasp assembly of the junction box of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG.
8 housing a first type of grounding bar;
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of the junction box of
FIG. 11 housing a first type of terminal connector;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG.
8 housing a second type of grounding bar;
[0023] FIG. 14 depicts an isometric view of the junction box of
FIG. 13 housing a second type of terminal connector;
[0024] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a junction box in closed
configuration according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is an elevated plan view of a front side of the
junction box of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is an elevated plan view of a back side of the
junction box of FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 18 is an elevated plan view of the top of the junction
box of FIG. 15;
[0028] FIG. 19 is an elevated plan view of the bottom of the
junction box of FIG. 15;
[0029] FIG. 20 is an elevated plan view of a hinged side of the
junction box of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 21 is an elevated plan view of a clasp side of the
junction box of FIG. 15; and,
[0031] FIG. 22 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG.
15 in an open configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Throughout the following description, specific details are
set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the
invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these
particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been
shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
[0033] The invention disclosed herein relates to a junction box
apparatus for housing one or more terminal connectors and/or other
electrical components. Although it may be used for a wide variety
of applications, the junction box of the present invention is
particularly suited for housing surge protecting terminal
connectors, which are widely used in the telecommunications
industry. The junction box is designed with a number of features
making it suitable for outdoor use. Such features include: a
locking clasp mechanism that simultaneously provides security for
the junction box and dual accessibility to the junction box for
both subscribers and service technicians; a terminal connector
platform located on the junction box lid to provide easy access to
terminal connectors housed in the junction box, such that
connections may be safely and easily made, changed and/or
reconfigured; a plurality of "knock-out" apertures at various
locations on the base of the junction box that provide access to
the junction box for various types of cables and conduits; mounting
features located on the base of the junction box (i.e. away from
the terminal connectors and/or other components) which permit the
junction box to be mounted to the outside of a building or other
support structure via a variety of fasteners; and sealed cable
entry and water drainage features that help to weatherproof the
junction box and the terminal connectors and/or other components
housed therein. These features may be provided individually or in
any combination.
[0034] Throughout the following description, the term "cable" is
used to describe any wire, conduit, cable or the like which is
capable of carrying electrical signals or power. As used in the
following description, "cable(s)" may comprise one individual cable
or a plurality of individual cables. "Cable(s)" should also be
understood to include fiber optic cables and pluralities of
individual cables which may be grouped together and enclosed in a
single sheath or conduit. In general, cables used to carry
telecommunications signals comprise two individual cables, one of
which is a ground cable and the other of which is a signal carrying
cable. In operation, the junction box of the present invention
receives one or more cables and houses one or more terminal
connectors (and/or other electrical components). Terminal
connectors facilitate connections between the various cables
received by the junction box.
[0035] FIGS. 1 through 7 depict various views of a junction box 10
according to a particular embodiment of the invention in a closed
configuration. FIG. 8 depicts junction box 10 in an open
configuration.
[0036] When junction box 10 is in its closed configuration depicted
in FIGS. 1 through 7, junction box 10 forms a substantially hollow,
six sided enclosure having a front side 14, a back side 20, a
bottom side 16, a top side 18, a clasp side 12 and a hinge side 22.
Preferably, junction box 10 is made out of PVC, another plastic or
another suitably non-conducting, waterproof and flame-retardant
material.
[0037] Throughout the following description, a number of
conventions are employed to simplify the explanation of the
invention. Where the invention comprises a plurality of similar
elements, the individual elements are referred to using a reference
numeral followed by a letter (for example, hinge 44A) and the group
of elements is referred to collectively using the reference numeral
alone (for example, hinges 44). The words "inward" and "inwardly"
refer to a direction that extends from the outside of junction box
10 towards the interior of junction box 10. Similarly, the words
"outward" and "outwardly" refer to a direction that extends from
the interior of junction box 10 towards the outside of junction box
10.
[0038] Junction box 10 comprises a base member 24 and a lid member
26, which are joined to one another on hinge side 22 by a plurality
of hinges 44. Hinges 44 facilitate pivotal movement of lid member
26 relative to base member 24, such that lid member 26 may swing
open from base member 24 on clasp side 12. In the closed
configuration of FIGS. 1 through 7, clasp assembly 70 may fasten
lid member 26 to base member 24 on clasp side 12. In the
illustrated embodiment, the height and width of lid member 26 are
slightly larger than the height and width of base member 24, such
that the edges 25 (FIG. 8) of base member 24 fit slidably inside
the edges 27 of lid member 26 and edges 27 of lid member 26
slidably overlap edges 25 of base member 24. As shown in FIG. 1,
the recess inside base member 24 is relatively deep in comparison
to that of lid member 26.
[0039] FIG. 3 depicts back side 20 of junction box 10. Back side 20
comprises a plurality of mounting locations 46, which may be used
to mount junction box 10 to the wall of a building or other
suitable support structure (not shown). Screws, bolts or other
fasteners (not shown) may extend from the inner surface 270 (FIG.
8) of base member 24, through apertures (not shown) in mounting
locations 46 and into or through the support structure.
Alternatively, screws, bolts or other fasteners may extend from the
support structure, through apertures in mounting locations 46 and
into junction box 10. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, mounting
locations 46 are elongated, such that fasteners may be inserted
through mounting locations 46 in a range of positions. Mounting
locations 46 may comprise pre-threaded apertures to accept threaded
fasteners. Preferably, mounting locations 46 are surrounded by
stand-off flanges 42 (FIG. 4) that extend outwardly from back side
20, such that when junction box 10 is mounted to a wall or other
support structure, back side 20 of junction box 10 is separated
slightly from the support structure. This separation facilitates
water drainage between backside 20 and the support structure. In
the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 3), junction box 10 is formed
without apertures in mounting locations 46. In such embodiments, if
required, apertures may be "knocked-out" of mounting locations 46
by driving fasteners through the body of junction box 10 or
otherwise.
[0040] Back side 20 of junction box 10 incorporates a circularly
shaped back aperture 90 (FIG. 3). Back aperture 90 facilitates
direct access to the interior of junction box 10 for one or more
cables (not shown). Typically, although not necessarily, such a
cable extends from back side 20 of junction box 10 directly into
the building or support structure to which junction box 10 is
mounted. Back aperture 90 may comprise a grommet (not shown) which
extends around its circular edge, such that when an electrical
cable is fed through back aperture 90, a seal is formed around the
cable. Such a grommet may be made of rubber, silicone or other
suitable materials. Preferably, the grommet is made of materials
which are elastomeric and waterproof.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, back aperture 90 is not in
use and, consequently, is filled with a removable plug 94.
Preferably, plug 94 is made out of a material or materials which
are elastomeric and waterproof, such as rubber, silicone or
plastic. When inserted, plug 94 provides a substantially waterproof
seal with the circular edge of back aperture 90. In some
embodiments (not shown), plug 94 may be pierced to provide an
aperture therein. When plug 94 is pierced in this manner, it may
function as a grommet to form a waterproof seal around a cable
inserted through back aperture 90.
[0042] In other embodiments (not shown), plug 94 may be a
"knock-out" element, which may be knocked or punched out from base
member 24 to leave a corresponding aperture. A knock-out element,
such as knock-out plug 94, may be implemented, for example, by
forming the walls of base member 24, such that they have relatively
thin regions which surround the desired shape of knock-out plug 94.
In this manner, knock-out plug 94 may be removed from base member
24 (if it is desired to run a cable through back aperture 90) or,
alternatively, knock-out plug 94 may be left in place in base
member 24 to provide a waterproof wall.
[0043] In this description, an element referred to as a "knock-out"
element, may be "knocked-out" or "punched out" from the body of
junction box 10 to leave a correspondingly shaped aperture in base
member 24 or lid member 26. Such a knock-out element may be formed
integrally with base member 24 or lid member 26 or may be a
separate piece, which snaps into base member 24 or lid member 26.
Such a knock-out element may be implemented, for example, by
forming the walls of junction box 10, such that they have
relatively thin regions which surround the desired knock-out
element. In addition, the term "knock-out" is used in this
description in conjunction with the aperture which may be formed by
a knock-out element. For example, in some embodiments, back
aperture 90 may be a knock-out aperture, which is formed when
circular knock-out plug 94 is removed from base member 24.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, back side 20 of base member 24
may also incorporate an elongated knock-out element 272. Knock-out
element 272 may comprise a semi-circular lower portion 274 and
elongated sidewalls 276, which extend upward toward back aperture
90. In some embodiments (not shown) knock-out element 272 may
actually comprise a plurality of smaller knock-out elements. When
plug 94 is knocked-out or removed from back aperture 90 and
knock-out element 272 is knocked-out of base member 24, the
resultant elongated aperture 283 in the back side 20 of base member
24 is shaped to facilitate connection to a particular type of
telecommunications cable adapter 282. As shown in FIG. 9, cable
adapter 282 receives a conduit 284 containing cable 286 and has its
own enclosed space 288 in which cable 286 has an elbow 289. Elbow
289 causes cable 286, which enters cable adapter 282 from a certain
location, to exit cable adapter 282 from a different, spaced apart
location.
[0045] Back side 20 of base member 24 may also comprise a plurality
of mounting holes 280 which may be used to mount cable adapter 282
to base member 24. Mounting screws, bolts or other fasteners 285
may be inserted between inner surface 270 of base member 24 and
cable adapter 282 through mounting holes 280. In the illustrated
embodiment, mounting holes 280 are slightly elongated on their
vertical dimension (FIG. 8) to provide for easier mounting.
Mounting holes 280 may be knockout holes.
[0046] Inner surface 270 of base member 24 may comprise a brace
278, which extends a small distance inwardly from inner surface
270. In the illustrated embodiment, brace 278 is shaped and
positioned to follow the perimeter of knock-out element 272 and
back aperture 90 (FIG. 8). Brace 278 may provide additional
structural support to base member 24, particularly when elongated
aperture 283 is created by removing both knock-out element 272 and
back aperture 90 from back side 20 of base member 24.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, terminal connector 290 may be mounted on
the inner surface 270 of base member 24. In the illustrated
embodiment, terminal connector 290 is mounted to base member 24
using fasteners 292, which extend from an inner side of terminal
connector 290 into mounting holes 48 (FIGS. 12 and 14). Although
the number of fasteners 292 and/or mounting holes 48 may vary in
different embodiments, the illustrated embodiment includes four
fasteners 292 and four associated mounting holes 48. In the
illustrated embodiment, mounting holes 48 comprise stand-off
extensions 294 (FIG. 14) that extend inwardly from inner surface
270 of base member 24. Preferably, mounting holes 48 are
threaded.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners 292 comprise
threaded metallic shafts (which are partially inserted into
mounting holes 48) and nuts, which screw onto an inward side of the
threaded shafts to hold terminal connector 290 in place.
Additionally or alternatively, terminal fasteners 292 may be
metallic screws, which thread through terminal connector 290 into
mounting holes 48. In general, terminal connector 290 may be
mounted to base member 24 by any suitable means. Preferably,
however, fasteners 292 are conductive, so that they may
additionally be used to form connections on terminal connector
290.
[0049] Although mounting holes 48 and terminal connector 290 may be
positioned at any suitable location on an inner wall of junction
box 10, the location shown in the illustrated embodiment is
preferable, because this location maintains a separation between
terminal connector 290 and other cables, components and terminal
connectors which may be housed in junction box 10.
[0050] Terminal connector 290 includes a terminal bar 294, which
extends between fasteners 292 and mounting holes 48. In typical
applications, terminal bar 294 is a conductive grounding bar and
extends between all of fasteners 292, such that all of fasteners
292 are electrically grounded to terminal bar 294. In alternative
embodiments, terminal bar 294 may be non-conductive or may comprise
a plurality of smaller terminal bars, which are electrically
isolated from one another.
[0051] Cables (not shown) may be connected to terminal connector
290 using a variety of connection means, such as screw connectors,
crimp connectors, apertured connectors, "U-shaped" connectors and
the like. In the illustrated embodiment, terminal connector 290 is
shown with two screw on connectors 298. In general, however,
connectors 298 may be any type of electrical connector.
[0052] Top side 18 of base member 24 comprises a substantially
circular top knock-out aperture 50 (FIG. 4), which may be used when
cable access to junction box 10 is required through top side 18 of
base member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, top knock-out
aperture 50 comprises two concentric, substantially circular
flanges: outer flange 56 and inner flange 58. Providing two flanges
56 and 58 permits conduits of different sizes to be mounted to box
10. If cable access to junction box 10 through top side 18 of base
member 24 is required, then a user may remove (i.e. knock-out) a
portion of knock-out aperture 50 that is interior to outer flange
56.
[0053] Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of outer
flange 56 is sized to receive and slidably engage the inner
circumferential surface of an industry-standard cable conduit (not
shown). For example, the outer circumferential surface of outer
flange 56 may be sized to receive the inner circumferential surface
of a nominal 2" (50 mm) cable conduit. Although 2" steel and PVC
cable conduits are widely used in the telecommunications industry,
cable conduits made out of almost any material may be mounted to
flange 56. The size of outer flange 56 may be varied to accommodate
conduits of different sizes. Gravity and, possibly, frictional
contact between the outer surface of outer flange 56 and the inner
surface of the cable conduit, act to secure the conduit to junction
box 10 and to provide a substantially waterproof seal. When top
aperture 50 is knocked-out, a cable may be extended from the cable
conduit, through top side 18 of base member 24 and into junction
box 10.
[0054] Inner flange 58 is concentric with outer flange 56 and has
an outer circumferential surface sized to receive and slidably
engage the inner circumferential surface of a smaller-sized cable
conduit (not shown). For example, the outer circumferential surface
of inner flange 58 may be sized to slidably engage the inner
circumferential surface of a nominal 11/4" (32 mm) Schedule 40 PVC
cable conduit. Typically, in the telecommunications industry, such
11/4" cable conduits are made from PVC, but cable conduits made
from almost any material may be mounted to flange 58. The size of
inner flange 58 may be varied to accommodate conduits of different
sizes. Gravity and the frictional contact between the outer surface
of inner flange 58 and the inner surface of the cable conduit act
to secure the conduit to junction box 10 and to provide a
substantially waterproof seal. When top aperture 50 is knocked-out,
a cable may be extended from the cable conduit, through top side 18
of base member 24 and into junction box 10.
[0055] Because top aperture 50 may be exposed to rain water, it is
desirable to avoid having water or moisture pool on top surface 18
of junction box 10. When a cable conduit is engaged to outer flange
56, water accumulation is not normally an issue, because water may
simply drain away from top aperture 50. However, when a cable
conduit is engaged to inner flange 58, water may tend to accumulate
in the region between inner flange 58 and outer flange 56. For this
reason, outer flange 56 includes a slot 60 that extends outwardly
from the top side 18 of base member 24 to the rim of outer flange
56 (FIGS. 3 and 4). When a cable conduit is engaged to inner flange
58, slot 60 provides water drainage away from the region between
inner flange 58 and outer flange 56. This drainage helps to prevent
water from leaking into junction box 10 through top aperture
50.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, junction box 10 also
comprises a circular top aperture cover 52 (FIG. 1), which is sized
to slidably and frictionally engage the inner circumferential
surface of outer flange 56. Cover 52 prevents water accumulation on
top side 18 of junction box 10. If top aperture 50 has not been
knocked-out, then cover 52 prevents water accumulation in the
region inside inner flange 58. If top aperture 50 was initially
knocked-out and then, at some later point in time, it is desired to
close top aperture 50 (because, for example, there is no longer any
need to run cable into junction box 10 through top aperture 50),
then cover 52 may be placed on top aperture 50 to prevent rainwater
and other moisture from entering junction box 10. Top aperture
cover 52 may comprise a lip 62, which extends in a radial direction
atop outer flange 56. Lip 62 helps to move water away from top
aperture 50, and facilitates easy removal of cover 52 from top
aperture 50.
[0057] Bottom side 16 of base member 24 comprises a substantially
circular bottom knock-out aperture 30 (FIG. 5), which is used when
cable access to junction box 10 is required through bottom side 16
of base member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom knock-out
aperture 30 includes three concentric, circular flanges: outer
flange 38, inner flange 36 and middle flange 37. If cable access to
junction box 10 is required through bottom side 16 of base member
24, then a user may knock-out a first knock-out element 33 from
bottom knock-out aperture 30 and feed the cable through the
resulting hole (not shown). Preferably, the first knock-out element
33 of bottom aperture 30 is located inside a diameter of inner
flange 36. A grommet (not shown) may be used to form a seal around
an inserted cable. Preferably, the grommet is elastomeric and
waterproof, to prevent water from entering box 10 by way of bottom
knock-out aperture 30. In alternative embodiments, bottom aperture
30 may comprise a preformed first aperture (not shown) which is
preferably located inside the diameter of inner flange 36. Such a
preformed first aperture may be filled with a an elastomeric plug
when not in use.
[0058] Preferably, the inner circumferential surface of outer
flange 38 is sized to receive and slidably engage the outer
circumferential surface of an industry standard cable conduit (not
shown). For example, the inner circumferential surface of outer
flange 38 may be sized to receive the outer circumferential surface
of a nominal 2" (50 mm) PVC Schedule 40 cable conduit, which is
widely used in the telecommunications industry. Cable from the
cable conduit may be inserted into junction box 10 through a
knocked-out portion of bottom aperture 30.
[0059] The slidable engagement between the inner surface of outer
flange 38 and the outer surface of the cable conduit may provide a
friction fit that helps to secure the cable conduit to flange 38.
Bottom aperture 30 also comprises a screw-hole 32, which extends
outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of flange 38. To
assist with securing the cable conduit to flange 38, fastening
screw 34 (FIG. 1) may be inserted through screw-hole 32 and flange
38 to bear against the outer surface of the cable conduit.
[0060] Middle flange 37 is concentric with outer flange 38 and has
an inner circumferential surface sized to receive and slidably
engage the outer circumferential surface of a smaller-sized cable
conduit (not shown). For example, the inner circumferential surface
of middle flange 37 may be sized to slidably engage the outer
circumferential surface of a nominal 1" (25 mm) PVC Schedule 40
cable conduit. Such 1" conduits are commonly used in the
telecommunications industry. Cable from the cable conduit may be
inserted into junction box 10 through a knocked-out portion of
bottom aperture 30.
[0061] The slidable engagement between the inner surface of middle
flange 37 and the outer surface of the cable conduit may provide a
friction fit that helps to secure the cable conduit to middle
flange 37. Middle flange 37 of bottom aperture 30 also comprises a
partial slot 35 (FIGS. 5 and 14) that extends upwardly from the
bottom rim of flange 37 partway through flange 37 toward bottom
side 16 of junction box 10. When a cable conduit is slidably
engaged to the inner circumferential surface of middle flange 37,
fastening screw 34 may be inserted through screw-hole 32, outer
flange 38 and partial slot 35 to bear against the outer surface of
the cable conduit and to assist with securing the cable conduit to
flange 37. Partial slot 35 may be implemented as a simple aperture
(i.e. a screw hole).
[0062] Inner flange 36 is concentric with both outer flange 38 and
middle flange 37 and has an outer circumferential surface sized to
receive and slidably engage the inner circumferential surface of a
smaller-sized cable conduit (not shown). For example, the outer
circumferential surface of inner flange 36 may be sized to slidably
engage the inner circumferential surface of a nominal 3/4" (18 mm)
PVC Schedule 40 cable conduit, which is widely used in the
telecommunications industry. Cable from the cable conduit may be
inserted into junction box 10 through a knocked-out portion of
bottom aperture 30.
[0063] The slidable engagement between the outer surface of inner
flange 36 and the inner surface of the cable conduit may provide a
friction fit that helps to secure the cable conduit to inner flange
36. In addition, when a cable conduit is slidably engaged to the
outer circumferential surface of inner flange 36, fastening screw
34 may be inserted through screw-hole 32, outer flange 38 and
partial slot 35 in middle flange 37. In this manner, screw 34 may
be made to bear against the outer surface of the cable conduit to
assist with securing the cable conduit to the outer circumferential
surface of inner flange 36.
[0064] As discussed above, conduits mounted to flanges 36, 37, 38
of bottom aperture 30 may be made of PVC or steel, as is common in
the telecommunications industry. However, conduits made from almost
any material may be secured to flanges 36, 37, 38.
[0065] If the cable contained in a conduit is too thick to fit
through inner knock-out section 33, then one or more additional
knock-out sections may be removed from bottom aperture 30 to
provide a larger aperture into junction box 10. For example, bottom
aperture 30 may comprise a plurality of separate knock-out elements
(not shown). A first, inner knock-out element (not shown) may be
located interior to inner flange 36, such that when it is knocked
out, all flanges 36, 37, 38 are still present on base member 24. A
second, mid-sized knock-out element (not shown) may be located
interior to middle flange 37, but exterior to inner flange 26. Such
a mid-sized knock-out element may be attached to inner flange 36,
such that when the mid-sized knock-out element is knocked out,
inner flange 36 is removed from base member 24, forming a larger
aperture into box 10. A third, large-sized knock-out element (not
shown) may be located interior to outer flange 38 and exterior to
middle flange 37. Such a large-sized knock-out element may be
attached to middle flange 37 (and possibly, to inner flange 36),
such that when the large-sized knock-out element is knocked out,
middle flange 37 (and possibly, inner flange 36) are removed from
base member 24, forming an even larger aperture into box 10.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, bottom side 16 of base member
24 also includes one or more additional knock-out apertures 40A,
40B (FIG. 5). When knocked-out, apertures 40 may be used to provide
access to junction box 10 for additional cables and/or individual
cables. Optionally, apertures 40 may be fitted with an elastomeric
and waterproof grommet (not shown) to provide additional protection
from water and moisture entering the interior of junction box 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, bottom side 16 of base member 24
also includes an aperture 41 for the drainage of moisture. Aperture
41 may comprise one or more knockout elements. In addition,
aperture 41 may be fabricated with a partially preformed aperture
therein.
[0067] Hinged side 22 and clasp side 12 of base member 24 may have
one or more additional knock-out side apertures 300, 302 (FIG. 8)
for admitting additional cables and/or cable conduits into junction
box 10. For example, knock-out side apertures 300, 302 may be sized
to receive 1" (25 mm) cable conduits common in the
telecommunications industry. Knock-out side apertures 300, 302 may
generally be sized to fit conduits of various sizes. After either
side knock-out aperture 300, 302 is removed, its rim may be fitted
with an elastomeric and waterproof grommet (not shown) which
prevents moisture from entering junction box 10.
[0068] Locking clasp assembly 70 may be used to secure junction box
10 in its closed configuration (FIGS. 1 through 7) by securing base
member 24 to lid member 26 on clasp side 12 of junction box 10.
Locking clasp assembly 70 may include a plurality of security
measures which are useful to facilitate independent access to the
interior of junction box 10 by two independent people/organizations
and to prevent unwanted vandalism or tampering with the contents of
junction box 10. Access for two different people/organizations is
useful, for example, to provide independent access to the service
technicians of two different telecom (or other service)
organizations technicians or to provide independent access to
telecom (or other) service technicians and to telecom
subscribers.
[0069] The components and operation of locking clasp assembly 70
shown in FIG. 10. Locking clasp assembly 70 comprises: a lid flange
72, which extends outwardly from clasp side 12 of lid member 26; a
base flange 76, which extends outwardly from clasp side 12 of base
member 24; and an intermediate clasp member 74.
[0070] When junction box 10 is in its closed orientation, lid
member 26 and base member 24 are brought together with intermediate
clasp member 74 between the two. Intermediate clasp member 74 is
fixed to base flange 76 by a locking screw 89 (FIG. 8), which
screws from intermediate clasp member 74 into base flange 76
through a screw hole 86 (FIG. 3). Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8,
locking screw 89 has a head that requires a special key or tool to
operate. Service technicians from the telecommunications company
(or other service organization that owns, maintains or operates the
components inside junction box 10) may be provided with copies of
the special key or tool, such that they are the only ones able to
operate locking screw 89. Preferably, aperture 84 in lid flange 72
is sufficiently large to accommodate the head of locking screw 89,
which protrudes through aperture 84 of lid flange 72, such that the
head of locking screw 89 may be accessed with the proper key or
tool. Hood extension 82 of lid flange 72 helps to prevent people
from tampering with locking screw 89.
[0071] In addition to being mounted to base flange 76, intermediate
clasp member 74 may be fixed to lid flange 72 by a conventional
screw 88 (FIG. 1). Screw 88 extends from lid flange 72 into
intermediate clasp member 74 through screw hole 78. Clasp assembly
70 maintains junction box 10 in its closed orientation, because
locking screw 89 secures intermediate clasp member 74 to base
flange 76 and conventional screw 88 secures intermediate clasp
member 74 to lid flange 72.
[0072] In the closed orientation, a subscriber (or other user) may
lock lid flange 72 to intermediate clasp member 74 by inserting a
conventional key or combination padlock (not shown) through locking
hole 80. The padlock prevents unauthorized entry into junction box
10, because it locks lid flange 72 to intermediate flange member
74. With locking screw 89 locking intermediate clasp member 74 to
base flange 76, lid member 26 may not be separated from base member
24. When a subscriber (or other user) wants to access junction box
10, they simply unscrew conventional screw 88 from screw hole 78
and remove their padlock from hole 80, detaching lid flange 72 from
intermediate flange member 74. In this manner, lid member 26 is
allowed to swing away from base member 24, leaving intermediate
clasp 74 attached to base flange 76 via locking screw 89.
[0073] A service technician (i.e. a second user) with the special
key or tool required to operate the locking screw 89 may
independently open junction box 10, even though a lock has been
placed through hole 80. Using the special tool, the service
technician may unscrew locking screw 89 through hole 84 in lid
flange 72, such that intermediate clasp member 74 may be separated
from base flange 76. In this manner, junction box 10 may be opened
by separating lid member 26 from base member 24, leaving
intermediate clasp 74 attached to lid flange 72 by screw 88 and the
padlock inserted through hole 80.
[0074] The above described dual locking mechanism of clasp assembly
70 provides the advantage that junction box 10 is always locked and
is secure from tampering. The dual opening mechanism of clasp
assembly 70 is advantageous, because a first user (such as a
subscriber) may independently access junction box 10. Such access
to junction box 10 may allow a subscriber to perform simple
maintenance or minor changes to the connections in junction box 10
without requiring the presence of a service technician. The dual
opening mechanism of clasp assembly 70 has the additional advantage
that a service technician, may also independently access junction
box 10 without requiring the subscriber to remove their lock from
hole 80. The service technician may then make more substantial
changes or repairs to the connections and/or other components
contained in junction box 10. The dual independent access clasp
assembly 70 may also permit dual independent access to technicians
from two of more different service providing organizations, such as
a telecom company and a cable company, for example.
[0075] As depicted in FIG. 8, a terminal connector platform 204 may
be mounted to the inner surface 250 of lid member 26 by fasteners
206. Fasteners 206 may be screws which screw into screw holes (not
shown) formed integrally on inner surface 250 of lid member 26.
[0076] Junction box 10 may house various types of terminal
connectors and/or other electrical components, which may be mounted
on platform 204 or directly on inner surface 250 of lid member 26.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, terminal connector
platform 204 comprises a number of features designed to accommodate
various types of terminal connectors or other components, which may
be mounted thereon. These features are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
which depict a first type of grounding bar 216 and a first type of
terminal connector 200, and to FIGS. 13 and 14, which depict a
second type of grounding bar 230 and a second type of terminal
connector 202. Typically (although not necessarily), terminal
connectors, such as terminal connectors 200, 202, are provided by
the telecommunications company or other service providing
organization that owns and/or maintains junction box 10 and/or
operates the services requiring junction box 10.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, platform 204 may comprise a plurality of
apertures 208, which may be used for mounting various types of
terminal connectors and/or other electrical components (not shown)
to lid member 26 of junction box 10. Apertures 208 may also be used
as additional or alternative mounting apertures through which
fasteners (not shown) may extend to mount platform 204 to inner
surface 250 of lid member 26.
[0078] Platform 204 may also comprise a plurality of tie strap
brackets 242, which may be used (in conjunction with tie straps) to
restrain cables on the inside of junction box 10. Preferably, tie
strap brackets 242 are positioned at spaced apart locations on
platform 204.
[0079] Preferably, platform 204 comprises a screw hole 214, which
is surrounded by a stand-off flange 212 that projects inwardly from
platform 204 (FIG. 8). Screw hole 214 and stand-off flange 212 may
be used to mount and support different types of grounding bars.
Such grounding bars may provide a common ground connection to
terminal connectors housed in junction box 10.
[0080] FIG. 11 depicts a first type of grounding bar 216 which is
used in conjunction with terminal connectors 200 of FIG. 12.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, elevated section 217B of grounding bar
216 extends inwardly from the base of grounding bar 216 to fit over
stand-off flange 212 and is mounted to stand-off flange 212 by a
threaded fastener (not shown) inserted into screw hole 214.
Grounding bar 216 is also mounted to platform 204 by fasteners 220,
which screw respectively into screw holes 210 of platform 204.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, grounding bar 216 comprises
three elevated sections 217A, 217B, 217C, which extend inwardly
from the base of grounding bar 216. Terminal connectors 200 may be
grounded and fastened to elevated sections 217 of grounding bar
216. Terminal connectors 200 may comprise metallic
mounting/grounding brackets 222, each of which may be fastened to
an associated one of elevated sections 217 by fasteners (not
shown). Such fasteners may comprise conventional metallic threaded
studs and nuts. Additionally or alternatively, such fasteners may
support other types of electrical connectors, such as tab
connectors, screw connectors, crimp connectors and the like. Any
type of electrical connector capable of connecting to the fasteners
or connecting directly to grounding bar 216 may be used.
[0082] In operation, telecommunications cables entering junction
box 10 may be connected to one another by connecting their ground
wires to the common grounding bar 216 and by connecting their
respective signal wires to connectors 224, 226 on either side of a
terminal connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, connectors
224, 226 are screw type connectors. In general, connectors 224, 226
may be any type of electrical connector.
[0083] The location of terminal connectors 200 on lid member 26 of
junction box 10 facilitates easy connection and changing of
connections. When junction box 10 is opened terminal connectors 200
and their connectors 224, 226 stand out from inner surface 250 of
lid member 26 rather than being recessed on the inside of base
member 24. When junction box 10 is closed, terminal connectors 200
are housed in the relatively deep recess of base member 24.
[0084] FIG. 13 depicts a second type of grounding bar 230, which is
used in conjunction with the terminal connectors 202 of FIG. 14.
Referring to FIGS. 8, 13 and 14, platform 204 may comprise a slot
234 and a pair of brackets 236 located at either end of slot 234.
Grounding bar 230 may be inserted into slot 234 in an orientation
that is substantially orthogonal to platform 204 and each end of
grounding bar 230 may be inserted through a corresponding one of
brackets 236. In this manner, slot 234 and brackets 236 help to
secure grounding bar 230 in place on platform 204. Transversely
extending tab 232 of grounding bar 230 extends over and is mounted
to stand-off flange 212 by a fastener (not shown), which may be
threadably inserted into screw hole 214.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, grounding bar 230 comprises a
plurality of inwardly projecting members 238, one of which
corresponds with each terminal connector 202. Although the number
of terminal connectors 202 and inwardly projecting members 238 may
vary, the illustrated embodiment depicts six terminal connectors
202. Each of terminal connectors 202 has a grounding hood (not
shown) on a first end thereof. The grounding hood of each terminal
connector 202 fits slidably over a corresponding one of inwardly
projecting members 238 to form a friction fit with the inwardly
projecting member 238. The friction fit between inwardly projecting
members 238 and the grounding hood of terminal connectors 202
establishes the ground connection for terminal connectors 202 and
assists in mounting the first end of terminal connectors 202 to
platform 204. As best seen in FIG. 8, platform 204 may comprise a
plurality of apertures 240. Apertures 240 may be sized, positioned
and shaped, such that specially designed legs (not shown) on a
second end of terminal connectors 202 may project through apertures
240 and extend under platform 204 to secure the second end of
terminal connectors 202 to lid member 26.
[0086] Each of terminal connectors 202 comprises two specialized
connectors 242, 244 which may be specifically designed to receive
the signal carrying wires of conventional telecommunications cables
(not shown). In operation, telecommunications cables entering
junction box 10 may be connected to one another by connecting their
ground wires to the common grounding bar 216 and by connecting
their respective signal carrying wires to specialized connectors
242, 244.
[0087] The location of terminal connectors 202 on lid member 26 of
junction box 10 facilitates easy connection and changing of
connections. When junction box 10 is opened, terminal connectors
202 and their connectors 242, 244 stand out from inner surface 250
of lid member 26 rather than being recessed on the inside of base
member 24. When junction box 10 is closed, terminal connectors 202
are housed in the relatively deep recess of base number 24.
[0088] FIGS. 15-22 depict a junction box 10' according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention. Junction box 10' is
substantially similar to junction box 10 of FIGS. 1-14, except that
junction box 10' is designed to be mounted in the interior of a
wall. Typically, although not necessarily, junction box 10' is
mounted to the interior of a wall during the wall's fabrication. As
junction box 10' is similar to junction box 10, the features of
junction box 10' are depicted and referred to in this description
using the same reference numerals as the similar features of
junction box 10 followed by a "prime" symbol (').
[0089] Using fasteners 23', a pair of flanges 28A', 28B'
(collectively, 28') are mounted to junction box 10' on its clasp
side 12' and hinge side 22'. Although fasteners 23' are depicted as
nuts and bolts, any suitable fasteners may be used to mount flanges
28' to junction box 10'. Junction box 10' includes a pair of holes
29' on each of clasp side 12' and hinge side 22'. Fasteners 23'
extend through flanges 28' and holes 29' to mount flanges 28' to
junction box 10'. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, holes 29' may be
elongated to provide positional adjustability for flanges 28'.
[0090] Flanges 28' are provided for junction box 10' to the
framework of a wall, such that at least a portion of base member
24' extends towards the interior of the wall. A variety of mounting
schemes are possible. For example, flanges 28' may be fastened to
the wooden or metal studs of a wall. Junction box 10' may be
oriented such that lid member 26' opens towards the exterior of a
building or lid member 26' opens towards the interior of a
building. Flanges 28' may be made of metal or other suitable
materials.
[0091] Junction box 10' comprises a top aperture 50', a bottom
aperture 30', a back aperture 90', an elongated back aperture 272'
and a pair of side apertures 300', 302'. Preferably, these
apertures are knock-out apertures and are substantially similar to
the corresponding knock-out apertures of junction box 10 described
above. Each of these apertures may also comprise a plurality of
knock-out elements, such that a variety of sizes of apertures may
be formed. In the illustrated embodiment, upper aperture 50' and
lower aperture 30' do not have concentric flanges 56, 58 and 36,
37, 38, which respectively surround upper aperture 50 and lower
aperture 30 of junction box 10. However, in alternative
embodiments, upper aperture 50' and lower aperture 30' may be
constructed with such concentric flanges.
[0092] The interior of junction box 10' (FIG. 22) may be
substantially similar to and include substantially similar features
as the interior of junction box 10 (FIGS. 8, 11-14).
[0093] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light
of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are
possible in the practice of this invention without departing from
the spirit or scope thereof. For example:
[0094] Terminal connector platform 204 is not required by the
invention. The features of platform 204, such as stand-off flange
212, screw hole 212 and apertures 240 for example, may be formed
integrally on inner surface 250 of lid member 26.
[0095] The illustrated terminal connectors 200, 202 of FIGS. 12 and
14 comprise surge protection modules commonly used in the
telecommunications industry. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that many variations of terminal connectors could be
mounted to platform 204 or mounted directly on inner surface 250 of
lid member 26. In general, the specific terminal connectors used
inside junction box 10 may be varied without departing from the
invention. The invention should be understood to accommodate any
type of suitable terminal connector that may be mounted on a
terminal connector platform or directly on inner surface 250 of lid
member 26.
[0096] In addition to terminal connectors, various other types of
electrical components may be housed in junction box 10. Such other
components may include, for example: capacitors, switches, relays,
ADSL splitters, HDSL splitters, circuit boards, amplifiers, cable
splitters and routers.
[0097] If junction box 10 houses different types of terminal
connectors (i.e. terminal connectors different from terminal
connectors 200, 202 of FIGS. 13 and 14) or other electrical
components, junction box 10 may require a modified platform 204.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many
implementations of platform 204, which may be employed to house
alternative or additional terminal connectors or electrical
components.
[0098] Locking clasp assembly represents a preferred embodiment of
how base flange 76 and lid clasp 72 may both be independently
locked to, and unlocked from, intermediate clasp number 74. Other
embodiments are possible. For example, locking screw 89 may be
replaced by a conventional screw having a locking pin that may be
inserted through its tip to lock intermediate clasp number 74 to
base clasp flange 76.
[0099] Although junction box 10 has been depicted and described as
having a dual-locking clasp assembly 70, dual locking clasp
assembly 70 is not necessary. Junction box 10 may include a
conventional single locking clasp or a non-locking clasp.
[0100] Similar alterations and modifications as those discussed
above may be made to junction box 10' and its components.
[0101] Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed
in accordance with the substance defined by the following
claims.
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