US20050275319A1

US20050275319A1 - Enclosure for telecommunications equipment

Info

Publication number: US20050275319A1
Application number: US10/865,727
Authority: US
Inventors: David Wittmeier; Larry Woody
Original assignee: Charles Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Charles Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2004-06-10
Filing date: 2004-06-10
Publication date: 2005-12-15

Abstract

The invention provides an outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment. The enclosure includes a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. The base section is open at an upper end and a lower end and is made of a non-metallic material. The enclosure also includes a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. The dome has an open lower end of the dome that is engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space in the enclosure. The dome is made of a non-metallic material. A latching mechanism is arranged at the upper end of the base section and the lower end of the dome. The latching mechanism is operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation. A mounting frame is supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section. The mounting frame has two or more legs and each leg is secured to the base section by at least one fastener. Two or more mounting stakes are attachable to the base section using the fasteners connecting the mounting frame legs to the base section. A bonding/grounding strap is provided that has first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame. Each of the first and second ends of the bonding/grounding strap has a keyhole slot for receiving a fastener. The keyhole slots having a first portion that is larger than a head of the fastener such that the head can pass through the first portion and a second portion that is smaller than the head of the fastener such that the head is prevented from passing through the slot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a housing for telecommunications equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At particular points in telecommunications systems, there is a need to splice large pair count cables. One example of such a point would be branching location where one or more large copper cables are divided into a number of smaller cables. A single branching location could have thousands of copper wire splices. Typically, these splices are housed in large outdoor metal cabinets. Such cabinets can be up to five feet tall, three feet across and one foot deep. These metal cabinets are also used to house large fiber-optic and cable television equipment either separately or in the same enclosure with the copper splices.
The metal cabinets used in these applications generally comprise several pieces of painted galvanized steel that are assembled together with metal hardware to form the cabinet. These cabinets have front doors, and sometimes rear doors, that provide access to the interior of the cabinet. The cabinets are generally secured to the ground using separate metal stakes or mounted on concrete pads.
Unfortunately, these metal cabinets have a number of drawbacks. For example, they are not particularly resistant to dings, dents and scratches and can become quite beat-up over time or even during the installation process. This adversely affects not only the appearance of the cabinet, but also makes it more susceptible to corrosion. Moreover, because these cabinets are constructed of multiple pieces that are bolted together, they can be difficult to seal against the weather. The doors to the cabinet also can easily be knocked or left open or ajar by careless technicians further compromising the security and integrity of the cabinet. These issues are of particular concern in areas subject to flooding because floodwater can infiltrate the cabinet and the telecommunications equipment can become submerged.
Another significant issue with these metal cabinets is that access to the interior can be awkward and quite limited. In particular, when installing equipment or performing maintenance in a metal cabinet, the only access is through the doors. If there are only doors on the front of the cabinet, the technician will have unrestricted access to only one side of the equipment. While this can be alleviated somewhat by providing an extra set of doors on the rear of the cabinet, access to the sides will still be limited and, as noted above, the extra doors increase the potential for ajar, misaligned or otherwise improperly sealed parts that compromise the integrity of the cabinet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment. The enclosure includes a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls. The base section is open at an upper end and a lower end and is made of a non-metallic material.
The enclosure also includes a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls. The dome is open at a lower end and the lower end of the dome is engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space in the enclosure. The dome is made of a non-metallic material.
A latching mechanism is arranged at the upper end of the base section and the lower end of the dome. The latching mechanism is operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation.
A mounting frame is supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section. The mounting frame has two or more legs and each leg is secured to the base section by at least one fastener. Two or more mounting stakes are attachable to the base section using the fasteners connecting the mounting frame legs to the base section.
A bonding/grounding strap is provided that has first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame. Each of the first and second ends of the bonding/grounding strap has a keyhole slot for receiving a fastener. The keyhole slots having a first portion that is larger than a head of the fastener such that the head can pass through the first portion and a second portion that is smaller than the head of the fastener such that the head is prevented from passing through the slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of an exemplary outdoor telecommunications enclosure constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 showing the dome removed from the base section.
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the base section of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 taken in the plane of line 6-6 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 taken in the plane of line 7-7 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 7B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 taken in the plane of line 7-7 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 taken in the plane of line 8-8 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the base section and mounting frame of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 showing the bonding/grounding strap in an attached position.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the base section and mounting frame of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 showing the bonding/grounding strap shifted into a release position.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the base section and mounting frame of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 showing the bonding/grounding strap removed from the mounting frame.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of a flap latch of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 in an unlatched position.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of a flap latch of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 in a latched position.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 showing the attached mounting stakes.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the outdoor telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 showing the enclosure attached to an equipment pad.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the mounting bracket used to secure the outdoor telecommunications enclosure to the equipment pad in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary outdoor telecommunications equipment enclosure 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As described in greater detail below, the enclosure 10 of the present invention has a rugged, substantially weather resistant and weather-tight construction that makes it ideal for outdoor telecommunications applications. Advantageously, the enclosure 10 also has a relatively large volume that makes it particularly applicable to telecommunications applications involving splicing of large pair count cables. Such applications can involve thousands of copper wire splices. The enclosure 10 could also be used at locations in telecommunications systems having both copper wire and fiber optic equipment. For example, the enclosure 10 of the present invention could be configured to accommodate from 1,800 to 3,600 copper splice pairs and/or passive fiber optic equipment. The enclosure 10 could also be used to house large cable television equipment such as splitters or amps and active electronics. For use in such applications, the enclosure 10 should have an internal volume of approximately 10 cubic feet or larger.
To help ensure that the enclosure 10 is secure against both unauthorized entry and adverse weather conditions, the illustrated enclosure has a relatively simple construction including a base section 12 and a single-piece cover or dome 14. In the illustrated embodiment, both the base section 12 and dome 14 have a rectangular configuration. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the base section 12 has a front wall 16, a rear wall 18 and opposing lateral sidewalls 20 and is open at the top and bottom. The dome 14 has a front wall 22, rear wall 24, opposing lateral sidewalls 26 and a top wall 28 and is open at the bottom. The dome 14 nests in a telescoping fashion over the base section 12 with the open bottom of the dome 14 fitting over the open top of the base section 12 so as to define an interior space within the enclosure 10. In this case, the top wall 28 of the dome 14 is pitched so as to prevent an accumulation of snow or water on top of the enclosure 10.
Advantageously, the single piece, solid wall construction of the dome 14 eliminates the joints or seams that result from the multi-piece construction of the upper portion of existing metal cabinets. As will be appreciated, this effectively eliminates the opportunity for water leakage into the interior of the enclosure 10, thereby creating a “bell-jar” effect. Additionally, by eliminating the doors, the risk that a technician will not securely close the enclosure 10 is substantially reduced. An additional advantage of the single piece, solid dome 14 is that a technician has unrestricted 3600 access to the interior of the enclosure 10 when the dome is lifted off the base section 12. As a result, it is much easier to install and maintain the equipment in the enclosure 10 as compared to having to work through a doorway on a conventional metal telecommunications cabinet.
To provide protection against dents and scratches as well as corrosion resistance, the base section 12 and cover 14 are constructed of a non-metallic material, preferably plastic. Conventional metal telecommunications enclosures are generally painted to provide some protection against corrosion. However, these metal enclosures can get dented, scratched or otherwise banged up during installation and over time. This can result in damage to the paint leaving an area that is both unsightly and susceptible to corrosion. Through the use of a non-metallic dome 14 and base section 12, the potential for such corrosion damage is eliminated with the present invention. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dome 14 and base section 12 are made of a high-density polyethylene plastic material. Moreover, to ensure that the dome 14 and base section 12 have the rigidity and strength necessary for an enclosure of this size, the dome and base section can be made using a rotational molding process. Other processes capable of producing large objects economically also could be used (e.g., twin sheet blow molding, injection molding, etc.)
To support the cabling, splices or other electronics, the enclosure includes an internal mounting frame 30 (see FIG. 4). The illustrated mounting frame includes a pair of legs 32 that are joined at their upper ends by a crossbar 34. The internal mounting frame 30 can be made of metal to ensure that it has sufficient strength to support the cables, wire bundles or any other equipment housed in the enclosure. In particular, the mounting frame 30 can be made of galvanized steel that is powder coat painted to provide corrosion resistance. A non-metallic internal mounting frame could also be used.
Each leg 32 of the mounting frame 30 is attached to a respective one of the lateral sidewalls 20 of the base section 12. In this case, each leg 32 has a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration and a lower end of each leg is received in a corresponding C-shaped slot 36 in the base section 12 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9 and 10). The C-shaped slots 36 in the base section 12 are formed in channels 38 arranged on the inside of each of the lateral sidewalls 20 of the base section (see FIGS. 8-10). The legs 32 are secured in the C-shaped slots 36 via bolts 40 (see FIGS. 5 and 8). In this case, the base section 12 also includes channels 42 on the inside of the front and rear walls 16, 18 of the base section. These channels 42 can be used as desired to receive and support any additional mounting frame legs, for example, if the mounting frame 30 includes three legs.
The upper end of the base section 12 includes a neck 44 that is configured to assist technicians in placing the dome 14 on the base section as shown in FIG. 4. The neck has a tapered or beveled leading edge 46 (see FIGS. 4 and 7A) that helps direct the dome 14 over the neck 44 when the dome is lowered onto the base section 12. This tapered or beveled edge 46 also defines an inward curl at the top of the base section 12 that helps enhance the rigidity of the base section. The neck 44 ends at a vertical rib 48 that extends around the base section 12 and against which the lower edge 50 of the dome 14 abuts when the dome is secured to the base section (see FIGS. 4 and 13). The lower edge 50 of the dome 14 can also be curled inward as best shown in FIG. 7A to enhance the rigidity of the dome.
To further assist technicians in placing the dome 14 on the base section 12, the dome 14 includes four vertically extending ridges 52 (see FIGS. 1-4). In this case, one vertical ridge 52 extends down the center of each side of the dome 14. The vertical ridges 52 on the two lateral sidewalls 26 of the dome 14 align with the legs 32 of the internal mounting frame 30 to facilitate proper placement of the dome 14 on the base section 12. The vertical ridges 52 on the front and rear walls 22, 24 of the dome align with a third leg of the internal mounting frame in the event one is provided. In addition to helping with proper alignment of the dome 14, the corresponding channels formed on the inside surface of the dome 14 by the vertical ridges 52 provide additional clearance space around the internal mounting frame 30. The illustrated dome 14 also includes horizontally extending ridges 54 on each of the lateral sidewalls 26 that a technician can use as handles during removal and replacement of the dome 14.
To secure the dome 14 to the base section 12, the illustrated enclosure 10 includes a latching system or mechanism 56 that operates automatically when the dome 14 is lowered onto the base section 12. Advantageously, the latching mechanism 56 is arranged at the lower edge 50 of the dome 14 and the upper edge or neck 44 of the base section 12 (see FIGS. 1-3 and 12-13) so as to provide, along with the solid single piece dome, a bell jar effect that provides protection against rising floodwaters. The illustrated latching mechanism 56 includes a pair of flap latches 58 with one flap latch 58 being arranged at the lower edge of each of the lateral sidewalls 26 of the dome (see FIG. 2). A portion of each flap latch 58 overhangs a slot or window extending upward from the lower edge 50 of the dome 14. The overhanging portion of each flap latch includes an opening 59 that is adapted to snap over a corresponding post 60 arranged on the neck 44 of the base section 12.
The flap latches 58 are constructed of a resiliently flexible material, such as plastic, and are secured to the dome 14 in such a way that the flap latches 58 will deflect in an outward direction over the posts 60 as the dome 14 is lowered onto the base section 12 with the post extending into the slot or window in the dome behind the flap latch (see FIG. 12). Once the dome 14 reaches its fully closed position, the openings 59 in the flap latches 58 are aligned with the posts 60 on the neck 44 of the base section 12. This allows the flap latches 58 to snap back inward over the posts 60 thereby securing the dome 14 to the base section 12 (see FIG. 13). To further prevent any unintentional dislodging of the dome 14, it can then be fastened in place via bolts 62 that can be threaded into the ends of the posts 60. As in the case of the illustrated embodiment, the bolts 62 can be conveniently attached to the base section 12 by short chains 63 so that they are not misplaced. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other latching or securing systems can be used. For example, one or more rotary locks may be provided at the lower edge of the dome that would engage complementary receptacles provided in the neck of the base section. One or more rotary locks also could be provided at a higher location on the dome. These higher rotary locks would engage complementary receptacles provided on the internal mounting structure.
If desired, such as to facilitate operation of the equipment housed in the enclosure 10, the joint between the dome 14 and the base section 12 can be configured to allow some airflow through the enclosure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by arranging a plurality of indentations 64 along the upper vertical rib 48 and neck 44 of the base section 12 (see FIGS. 2, 9 and 10). This arrangement places the airflow passages relatively low on the enclosure 10 so as not to adversely impact the bell jar effect achieved by using the large single piece dome 14 and low latching mechanism 56. Each indentation 64 extends horizontally along the upper edge of the upper vertical rib 48 and then vertically into the neck 44 as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. When the dome 14 is on the base section 12, the indentations 64 form airflow paths underneath the lower edge 50 of the dome 14 through which air can flow into the enclosure 10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the airflow paths could be formed in a variety of different ways, however, it is preferred that they be located at a relatively low point on the enclosure 10 so as preserve the bell jar effect.
To help stabilize the enclosure when it is mounted in the ground, the base section 12 has a plurality of integrally formed, horizontally extending channels 66 (see FIGS. 1-4). The channels 66 extend into the interior of the base section 12 and define corresponding ridges on the inside surface of the walls of the base section 12. This arrangement provides the walls of the base section 12 with a corrugated configuration that increases their strength and rigidity. When in use, at least a portion of the base section 12 is typically filled with dirt and/or gravel and buried in the ground. Underground cable can be fed into the interior space of the enclosure 10 through the open lower end of the base section 12. The corrugated configuration of the walls of the base section 12 allows the dirt or gravel to infiltrate better around the base section thereby making the base section harder to remove from the ground. To simplify retrofitting of the enclosure 10 into applications that previously had used conventional metal telecommunications cabinets or to facilitate repair or replacement of the equipment housed in the enclosure, the base section 12 can have a split configuration. Specifically, the base section 12 could comprise mating front and rear housing sections that could be separated from each other without disturbing (e.g., removal of) the internal mounting frame 32.
A flange 68 that extends outward at the lower end of the base section 12 further enhances the stability of the base section in the ground. As best shown in FIG. 7B, in the illustrated embodiment, the flange 68 includes a horizontal upper leg 70 that extends outward away from the walls of the base section 12, a vertically extending connecting portion 72 and a lower leg 74 that extends horizontally back inwards toward the center of the base section 12. This curled back construction of the flange 68 provides the base section 12 with additional rigidity as well as a solid base for mounting either in the ground or above ground on a pad or the lid to a below grade enclosure or vault as described in greater detail below.
For applications in which the enclosure 10 is mounted in the ground, the base section 12 is adapted to receive mounting stakes 76. When used, two mounting stakes 76 are typically driven into the ground to a depth where the upper ends of the stakes extend up into the base section 12. The upper ends of the stakes are then connected to the base section 12 (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 5, the lower leg of the flange 68 on the base section 12 includes a cutout portion 78 that allows the stakes 76 to pass upwards into the inside of the base section 12. To enhance the stability of the base section 12 and mounting frame 32, in the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 10 is adapted such that the stakes 76 are received in the channels 38 on the inside of the lateral sidewalls 20 of the base section 12 in which the legs 32 of the mounting frame 30 are supported (see FIGS. 5 and 14). In particular, the legs 32 are received in the slots 36 in the bodies of the channels 38 themselves while the stakes 76 are received in the inside facing groove defined by the channels 38. The stakes 76 can be secured to the base section 12 using the same bolts 40 used to secure the mounting frame legs 32 in the slots 36. If desired, the channels 42 on the inside of the front and rear walls could also be used as attachment points for, mounting stakes.
Advantageously, the base section 12 can be dimensioned such that the channels 38 are spread apart a distance corresponding to a standard stake spacing distance used with existing metal cabinets. This allows the enclosure 10 to be retrofitted into locations that previously had used a metal cabinet without removing the existing stakes. In a retrofit situation, the new enclosure 10 can simply be lowered down over the existing stakes. As can be appreciated, eliminating the need to dig holes for new stakes around buried utility lines substantially simplifies the installation process.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when mounting the enclosure 10 on a pad 91, pad mounting bolts 92 can be extended into the pad through the flange 68. A generally L-shaped bracket 94 can also be provided at each bolt location. As best shown in FIG. 16, each bracket 94 includes a first vertical leg 96 that is received in a respective one of the inward facing grooves defined by the channels 38 on the lateral sidewalls 20 of the base section 12. The vertical leg 96 can be secured in the groove using the same bolts 40 used to secure the mounting frame legs 32 in the slots 36. The channels 42 on the inside of the front and rear walls of the base section could also be used as attachment points for the brackets 94. To receive the pad mounting bolts 92, each bracket includes a second horizontal leg 98 that extends into the space between the upper and lower legs 70, 74 of the flange 68. This second leg 98 includes an opening through which the pad mounting bolts 92 extend when the enclosure 10 is secured to the pad 91. To provide support for the flange 68, the second horizontal leg 98 of the bracket 94, in this case, has an increased thickness that substantially corresponds to the distance between the upper and lower legs 70, 74 of the flange 68. Thus, the second horizontal leg 98 prevents the flange 68 from deflecting when the pad mounting bolts 92 are tightened down into the pad 91.
For supporting the cables or other equipment in the enclosure 10, the mounting frame 30 can include a bonding or grounding strap or bracket 80 that is adapted for easy installation and removal. In the illustrated embodiment, the bonding/grounding strap 80 includes an attached bond bar 81 (see FIGS. 9-11) that can be used for grounding the equipment housed in the enclosure 12. To facilitate attachment to the mounting frame 30, each end of the bonding/grounding strap 80 includes a keyhole shaped slot 82 that, in this case, has a relatively larger lower portion 86 and a relatively smaller upper portion 88 (as best shown in FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 9, the smaller upper portion 88 of the keyhole slot 82 is sized smaller than the head of a conventional mounting bolt 84 received in the mounting frame legs 32. Accordingly, when the bolt 84 extends through the upper portion 88 of the keyhole slot 82 and is tightened down, the bonding/grounding strap 80 is secured to the mounting frame 30. The lower portion 86 of the keyhole slot 82 (best shown in FIG. 11) is sized larger than the head of the bolt 84 so as to allow the bonding/grounding strap 80 to be installed and removed without completely removing the mounting bolts 84. In particular, to remove the bonding/grounding strap 80, the mounting bolts 84 can be loosened so that the bonding/grounding strap 80 can be lifted into a release position wherein the bolt heads are aligned with the larger lower portion 86 of the keyhole slots 82 as shown in FIG. 10. The bonding/grounding strap 80 can then be pulled generally horizontally off the mounting frame 30 with the bolt heads passing through the larger portion 86 of the keyhole slots 82 (see FIG. 11).
The same procedure is used in reverse to install the bonding/grounding strap 80. Specifically, the bonding/grounding strap 80 is placed on the mounting frame 30 with the bolt heads extending through the larger lower portion 86 of the keyhole slots 82 (see FIG. 10). The bonding/grounding strap 80 is then lowered so that the bolts are arranged in the smaller upper portion 88 of the keyhole slots 82 (see FIG. 9). The bolts 84 can then be tightened down on the bonding/grounding strap 80 securing it in position. As will be appreciated, the enclosure 10 alternatively could have a conventionally configured bonding/grounding strap. Moreover, the mounting frame 30 and the enclosure 10 could be adapted to receive bonding/grounding straps already used in existing metal cabinets. This makes it much easier to replace metal telecommunications cabinets already installed in the field with the enclosure of the present invention. In particular, the bonding/grounding strap for the existing metal cabinet can be removed and reattached to the mounting frame 30 of the enclosure 10 without having to remove any of the equipment attached to the bonding/grounding strap. Likewise, the base section 12 of the enclosure 10 could be adapted to receive the mounting frame used in conventional metal telecommunications cabinets. In such a case, when replacing the metal cabinet, the mounting frame could be removed from the existing metal cabinet and remounted in the new enclosure 10.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:

a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material;

a single-piece, solid dome having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration and including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the dome being open at a lower end, the lower end of the dome being engageable with the upper end of the base section so as to define an interior space, the dome being made of a non-metallic material;

a latching mechanism operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation;

a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base; and

a bracket having first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame, the first and second ends of the bracket each having a keyhole slot for receiving a fastener, the keyhole slots having a first portion that is larger than a head of the fastener such that the head can pass through the first portion and a second portion that is smaller than the head of the fastener such that the head is prevented from passing through the slot.

2. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.

3. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the top wall of the dome is pitched.

4. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.

5. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 4 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.

6. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein a neck is provided at the upper end of the base section, the neck having a leading edge that tapers inwardly as it extends upward.

7. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 6 wherein the lower edge of the dome curls inwardly.

8. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.

9. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.

10. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 9 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.

11. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 10 wherein each of the bolts is connected to the enclosure by a flexible link.

12. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.

13. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 12 wherein the base section includes a flange extending outward from the lower end thereof.

14. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim ˜1 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.

15. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 14 further including two or more mounting stakes each mounting stake being receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.

16. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 15 wherein the mounting stakes are securable in the grooves in the channels using fasteners securing the mounting frame legs in the slots in the channels.

17. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 1 wherein the dome includes ridges extending vertically on each of the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls.

18. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:

a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base section by at least one fastener; and

two or more mounting stakes each being attachable to the base section using the at least one fastener connecting a respective one of the mounting frame legs to the base section.

19. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.

20. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.

21. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 20 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.

22. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein a neck is provided at the upper end of the base section, the neck having a leading edge that tapers inwardly as it extends upward.

23. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 22 wherein the lower edge of the dome curls inwardly.

24. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.

25. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.

26. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 25 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.

27. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 26 wherein each of the bolts is connected to the enclosure by a flexible link.

28. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.

29. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 28 wherein the base section includes a flange extending outward from the lower end thereof.

30. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.

31. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 30 wherein each mounting stake is receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.

32. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 18 wherein the dome includes ridges extending vertically on each of the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls.

33. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:

a base section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the base section including a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls, the base section being open at an upper end and a lower end and being made of a non-metallic material, the base section having a plurality of horizontally extending grooves in the front wall, rear wall and lateral sidewalls and having a flange extending outward from the lower end of the base section;

a latching mechanism arranged near the lower end of the dome, the latching mechanism being operable to automatically latch the dome and base section together when the dome is arranged on the base section in a predetermined correct orientation; and

a mounting frame supported on the base section so as to be arranged in the interior space when the dome is engaged with the base section, the mounting frame having two or more legs with each leg being secured to the base section;

wherein the dome includes ridges extending vertically on each of the front wall, rear wall and sidewalls that form corresponding channels on the inside surface of the dome, the vertically extending ridge on each of the sidewalls of the dome aligning a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame when the dome is arranged on the base section in the predetermined correct orientation.

34. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.

35. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the top wall of the dome is pitched.

36. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.

37. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 36 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.

38. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein a neck is provided at the upper end of the base section, the neck having a leading edge that tapers inwardly as it extends upward.

39. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 38 wherein the lower edge of the dome curls inwardly.

40. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.

41. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.

42. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 41 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.

43. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 42 wherein each of the bolts is connected to the enclosure by a flexible link.

44. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.

45. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 33 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.

46. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 45 further including two or more mounting stakes each mounting stake being receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.

47. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 46 wherein the mounting stakes are securable in the grooves in the channels using fasteners securing the mounting frame legs in the slots in the channels.

48. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:

a bracket having first and second ends each of which is attachable to a respective one of the legs of the mounting frame.

49. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the mounting frame is made of metal.

50. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the dome and base section are made of high-density polyethylene.

51. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 50 wherein the dome and base section are rotationally molded.

52. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the base has a single-piece construction.

53. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the latching mechanism comprises resiliently flexible flap latches arranged adjacent the lower end of the dome, each flap latch having an opening engageable with a post arranged adjacent the upper end of the base section.

54. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 53 wherein the latching mechanism further includes bolts engageable with the posts to lock the posts in engagement with the flap latches.

55. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein the base section has a plurality of horizontally extending channels formed therein.

56. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 48 wherein each leg of the mounting frame is received in a slot in a respective channel formed in the base section.

57. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 56 further including two or more mounting stakes each mounting stake being receivable in a groove defined by a respective one of the channels.

58. An outdoor enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment, the enclosure comprising:

two or more mounting brackets having a first section attachable to the base section using the at least one fastener connecting the a respective one of the mounting frame legs to the base section and a second leg that is connectable to a mounting substrate.

59. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 58 wherein the base section includes a flange that extends outward from the lower end thereof.

60. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 59 wherein the second leg of the mounting bracket is connectable to the mounting substrate through the flange.

61. The outdoor telecommunications enclosure of claim 60 wherein the second leg of the mounting bracket extends into an interior space within the flange.