BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to equipment enclosures. More particularly, the disclosure concerns enclosures that house temperature-sensitive equipment, such as telephone and data communications apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
By way of background, outdoor equipment enclosures are used to house many different types of devices and equipment. Examples include, but are not limited to, enclosures for telephone or data network communications apparatus. It is occasionally necessary to open such equipment enclosures in the field in order to install or service the components therein. This can expose the components to wind, rain, snow and temperature extremes. It is to improvements in outdoor equipment protection that the present disclosure is directed. In particular, the disclosure presents a novel cover assembly and method for use with an outdoor equipment enclosure that allows access to the enclosure interior while protecting the interior components from exposure to the environment.
SUMMARY
A cover assembly is disclosed for use with an outdoor equipment enclosure when the enclosure is opened up for access. The equipment enclosure is of a type that includes an equipment enclosure housing having a top portion, a bottom portion, plural side portions, and an interior equipment chamber accessible via an opening in at least one of the housing side portions. The equipment enclosure further includes a service entrance door associated with the opening, the door being positionable between a closed position wherein the opening is covered and an open position wherein the opening is exposed. The cover assembly includes a frame that is positionable above the housing top portion. The frame is configurable between an open unfolded position and a closed folded position. A cover is supportable on the frame in the unfolded position. The cover has a top portion and plural side portions that enclose the enclosure housing side portions when the cover is deployed. This provides an area surrounding the enclosure housing top and side portions that is sequestered from an environment outside of the cover when it is necessary to access the interior equipment chamber via the service entrance door.
In an example embodiment, the service entrance door may be pivotally attached to one of the side portions of the enclosure housing, and the frame may be sized so that the service entrance door can be fully opened when the cover is deployed. Additional service entrance doors may also be pivotally attached to corresponding side portions of the enclosure housing, in which case the frame may be sized so that all of the service entrance doors can be fully opened at the same time when the cover is deployed.
In an example embodiment, the frame have a rectangular configuration in the unfolded position, and may have a linear configuration in the folded position. The frame may be provided by a set of rigid frame members that are pivotally interconnected. These rigid frame members may include (1) a pair of pivotally interconnected rear frame members that open to form a rear side of the frame, (2) a pair of pivotally interconnected right side frame members that open to form a right side of the frame, (3) a pair of pivotally interconnected left side frame members that open to form a left side of the frame, (4) a pair of pivotally interconnected front frame members that open to form a front side of the frame, and (5) a pair of first and second diagonal frame members, the first diagonal frame member being pivotally connected to a first one of the rear frame members and to a pivotal junction of one of the right side frame members and a first one of the front frame members, and the second diagonal frame member being pivotally connected to a second one of the rear frame members and to a pivotal junction of one of the left side frame members and a second one of the front frame members.
In an example embodiment, the frame members are channel shaped. The channel-shaped frame members may be arranged such that, when the frame is in the folded position, (1) the right side frame members, a right-hand one of the diagonal frame members, and a right-hand one of the front frame members will nest within a right-hand one of the rear frame members, and (2) the left side frame members, a left-hand one of the diagonal frame members, and a left-hand one of the front frame members will nest within a left-hand one of the rear frame members. The channel-shaped frame members may likewise be arranged such that, when the frame is in the folded position (1) the right side frame members, the left side frame members, the front frame members and the diagonal frame members are disposed between the rear frame members, (2) the front frame members are disposed between the diagonal frame members, (3) the right side frame members are disposed between a right-hand one of the diagonal frame members and a right-hand one of the rear frame members, and (4) the left side frame members are disposed between a left-hand one of the diagonal frame members and a left-hand one of the rear frame members.
In an example embodiment, the frame may further include a wind latch to maintain the frame in the unfolded position. The wind latch may be situated at any convenient location. For example, it may extend between a right-hand one of the diagonal frame members and one of the right side frame members. Additional wind latches could also be used.
In an example embodiment, the cover may include one or more view windows comprising light transmissive material. The cover may also include one or more seams that can be opened to allow access to a cover interior, or to accommodate mounting structure for the equipment enclosure. The cover side portions may be sized so that they extend from the frame to ground level when the cover assembly is deployed for use with the equipment enclosure.
In an example embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a mounting bracket for removably mounting the assembly to the equipment enclosure. The mounting bracket may be constructed using a channel member that is configured to receive a frame member of the frame, such as one of the rear frame members. The mounting bracket may be provided with a first clasp on the channel member that defines a first slot. The first slot slidably receives an end of the frame member. The frame member itself may be provided with a second clasp that defines a second slot. The second slot opposes the first slot and slide ably receives an end of the channel member. The first and second clasps are operable to interconnect the frame member and the channel member, and to prevent the frame member from being pulled away from the channel member without sliding movement of the frame member relative to the channel member. The channel member may also mount a retractable pin that is operable to engage a pin-receiving opening in the frame member when frame member and the channel member are operably interconnected by the first and second clasps. The retractable pin prevents the frame member and the channel member from being slidably removed from their respective engagement with the first and second clasps. The retractable pin may be biased toward a position of engagement with the pin-receiving opening by a biasing member, and a handle may be provided for retracting the pin when it is time to remove the frame.
In a further aspect, the cover assembly is mounted to the equipment enclosure to form a combination.
In a still further aspect, a method is provided for using the cover assembly to maintain a sequestered environment around the equipment enclosure. The method includes removably mounting the frame above the housing top portion while the frame is substantially in its folded position. The frame is then unfolded to its unfolded position, and the cover is mounted over the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of an example embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an example equipment enclosure that may be used with a cover assembly according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an example cover assembly that may be used in combination with the equipment enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the cover assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing a frame portion of the cover assembly of FIG. 2, with the frame being in an unfolded configuration;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 2 in a folded configuration;
FIG. 6 is a right front perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 2 in an unfolded configuration;
FIG. 7 is a left front perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 2 in an unfolded configuration;
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 2 in a partially folded configuration;
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing the frame of FIG. 2 in a fully folded configuration;
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing the equipment enclosure of FIG. 1 carrying a mounting bracket for removably mounting the cover assembly of FIG. 2;
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view showing the equipment enclosure and the cover assembly mounting bracket shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged rear perspective view showing the cover assembly mounting bracket of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged front perspective view showing the cover assembly mounting bracket of FIG. 10;
FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2 showing a mounting portion thereof that mounts to the cover assembly mounting bracket of FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear perspective view showing the frame mounting portion of FIG. 14 in more detail;
FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14, but showing the frame mounted to the cover assembly mounting bracket of FIG. 10;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged rear perspective view showing the frame mounting portion and the cover assembly mounting bracket of FIG. 16 in more detail;
FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14, but showing a channel portion of the cover assembly removed to illustrate a mounting clamp portion thereof; and
FIG. 19 is an enlarged rear perspective view showing the frame mounting portion and the cover assembly mounting clamp portion of FIG. 18 in more detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawing figures, which are not necessarily to scale, like reference numerals are used to represent like elements in all of the several views. FIG. 1 illustrates an example outdoor equipment enclosure 2 that may be used for installing any of various devices and apparatus in an outdoor environment. The equipment enclosure 2 is configured as a housing that includes a top panel 4, a bottom panel 6 and four side panels 8, 10, 12 and 14 that define an interior equipment chamber 16. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the side panel 8 is a front panel, the side panel 10 is a right side panel, the side panel 12 is a left side panel, and the side panel 14 is a rear panel. Other enclosure configurations may also be used. The interior equipment chamber 16 includes suitable mounting structure 17 for mounting various types of equipment (not shown), such as telephone or data network communications apparatus.
One or more of the side panels 8-14 may be formed with openings that allow access to the interior equipment chamber 16. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a first access opening 18 formed on the front panel 8, a second access opening 20 formed on the right side panel 10, and a third access opening 22 formed on left side panel 12. A first service entrance door 24 covers the front access opening 18 to form part of the front panel 8, a second service entrance door 24 covers the right side access opening 20 to form part of the right side panel 10, and a third service entrance door 26 covers the left side access opening 22 to form part of the left side panel 12. The service entrance doors 24, 26 and 28 can be mounted to the equipment enclosure 2 using hinges (shown on doors 24 and 26) or other suitable attachment arrangements.
The equipment enclosure 2 can be mounted on an upright mounting pole 29 some distance above ground level. Any suitable attachment arrangement (not shown) may be used. In a typical installation, the top portion 4 of the equipment enclosure 2 might be eight feet above the ground. The mounting pole 29 itself may be twenty-thirty feet high. For example, it might be a telephone pole.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a cover assembly 30 is arranged to fully enclose the equipment enclosure 2. The cover assembly 30 includes a flexible cover 32 that can be made from any suitable sheet material, including but not limited to fabric material, polymeric material, etc. The cover 32 includes a top portion 34 and plural side portions 36-42 that enclose the side panels 8-14 of the equipment enclosure 2 when the cover is deployed. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the cover top portion 34 is rectangular, and there are four side portions, namely, a front portion 36, a right side portion 38, a left side portion 40, and a rear portion 42. This provides an area surrounding the enclosure housing top 4 and side panels 8-14 that is sequestered from the environment outside of the cover when it is necessary to access the interior equipment chamber 16 via any of the service entrance doors 24-26.
The side portions 36-42 of the cover 32 preferably extend to ground level in order to fully protect the interior equipment chamber 16 (and the components therein) from ambient conditions outside the cover, such as wind, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. To allow entry into the cover interior, the cover 32 may be provided with an access seam 44 that can be opened and closed. An adjustable seam closure device, such as a zipper, tie members, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., may be provided for opening and closing the seam 44. Although only one access seam 44 is shown, additional seams of like construction could also be added. If the cover 32 is made from a non-light transmissive material, one or more view windows 46 comprising light transmissive material may be provided in one or more of the cover side portions 36-42.
As additionally shown in FIG. 3, the cover 32 is designed to be installed while accommodating the mounting pole 29. In particular, an opening 48 may be formed in the top portion 34 of the cover 32 to allow the mounting pole 29 to pass therethrough. In addition, the cover 32 may be provided with installation seams 50, 52 and 54 that can be opened and closed to allow the rear portion 42 of the cover 32 to be separated and then rejoined around the mounting pole 29 during installation. The installation seams 50 and 52 extend between the top portion 34 and the rear portion 42 of the cover 32. The installation seam 54 divides the rear portion 42 of the cover into subportions 42A and 42B.
Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover assembly 30 further includes a frame 60 that supports the cover 32 in its installation position. The frame 60 is positionable above the top portion 4 of the equipment enclosure 2. In particular, as described in more detail below, the frame may be mounted to the equipment enclosure 2 by way of a specially designed mounting bracket (reference number 100) that allows the frame to be attached and detached when desired. The frame 60 can be made of any suitable rigid material, including metals, polymers, composites and the like. It is configurable between an open unfolded position, as shown in FIG. 4, and a closed folded position, as shown in FIG. 5. The unfolded position of FIG. 4 is used for supporting the cover 32. The folded position of FIG. 5 is used when the cover 32 is not installed. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the frame 60 may be sized so that at least one, and preferably all, of the service entrance doors 24, 26 and 28 can be fully opened (at the same time) when the frame is in the unfolded position for deployment of the cover 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 60 has a rectangular configuration in the unfolded position (FIG. 4), and a linear configuration (FIG. 5) in the folded position.
As additionally shown in FIGS. 6-7, the frame 60 may be provided by a set of rigid frame members that are pivotally interconnected. These rigid frame members may include (1) a pair of pivotally interconnected rear frame members 62 and 64 that open to form a rear side 66 of the frame, (2) a pair of pivotally interconnected right side frame members 68 and 70 that open to form a right side 72 of the frame, (3) a pair of pivotally interconnected left side frame members 74 and 76 that open to form a left side 78 of the frame, (4) a pair of pivotally interconnected front frame members 80 and 82 that open to form a front side 84 of the frame, and (5) a pair of first and second diagonal frame members 86 and 88. The first diagonal frame member 86 is pivotally connected to the left rear frame member 62 and to a pivotal junction of the front left side frame member 76 and the left front frame member 80. The second diagonal frame member 88 is pivotally connected to the right rear frame member 64 and to a pivotal junction of the front right side frame member 70 and the right front frame member 82. Each of the various frame members may be channel shaped to facilitate collapsing the frame 60 to the linear folded position.
With additional reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the channel-shaped frame members are arranged such that, when the frame 60 is in the folded position, (1) the right side frame members 68/70, the right diagonal frame member 88, and the right front frame member 82 will nest within the right rear frame member 64, and (2) the left side frame members 74/76, the left diagonal frame member 86, and the left front frame member 80 will nest within the left rear frame member 62. With continuing reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the channel-shaped frame members are likewise arranged such that, when the frame 60 is in the folded position (1) the right side frame members 68/70, the left side frame members 74/76, the front frame members 80/82, and the diagonal frame members 86/88 are disposed between the rear frame members 62/64, (2) the front frame members 82/84 are disposed between the diagonal frame members 86/88, (3) the right side frame members 68/70 are disposed between the right diagonal frame member 86 and the right rear frame member 64, and (4) the left side frame members 74/76 are disposed between the left diagonal frame member 88 and the left rear frame member 62.
With particular reference now to FIG. 8, it may be seen that the right side frame members 68/70 and the left side frame members 74/76 are arranged with their channel sections back-to-back. These side frame member pairs 68/70 and 74/76 are sized so that they respectively nest within nominal channel portions 88A and 86A of the diagonal frame members 88 and 86. As can be seen, the remaining channel portions 86B and 88B of the diagonal frame members 86 and 88 that do not receive any side frame members may be of enlarged depth to provide increased strength and rigidity. As further shown in FIG. 8, the diagonal frame members 86 and 88 are sized so that they respectively nest within the channel sections of the front frame members 80 and 82. The front frame members 80 and 82 are themselves sized to respectively nest within the channel sections of the rear frame members 62 and 64. As shown in FIG. 9, the foregoing sizing of the various frame member channel sections allows the rear frame members 62 and 64 to be completely folded so that their channel sections are in contacting relationship. The front frame members 82 and 84 will likewise be in contacting relationship in the folded position, with the side frame members 68/70 and 74/76, as well as the diagonal frame members 86 and 88, being fully nested within the front frame member channel sections, thereby providing the aforementioned folded linear configuration.
As can be seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the frame 60 may further include a wind latch 90 to maintain the frame in the unfolded position. The wind latch 90 extends between the right diagonal frame member 88 (where it is pivotally connected) and the front right side frame member 70 (where it slidably mounted and lockable in an open frame position. Although not shown, a second wind latch could be added to extend between the left diagonal frame member 88 and the front left side frame member 76.
Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a mounting bracket 100 may be used to removably mount the frame 60, and thus the cover assembly 30, to the equipment enclosure 2. As additionally shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the mounting bracket 100 may include a channel member 102 and a pair of mounting plates 104 and 106 for attaching the channel member to the back portion 14 of the equipment enclosure 2, at its juncture with the top portion 4. The channel member 102 is configured to receive a frame member of the frame 60, namely the right rear frame member 64. As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 13, the front side of the channel member 102 mounts a first clasp 108. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the clasp 108 is spaced from the surface of the channel member 94 so as to define a first slot 110. The slot 110 is adapted to slidably receive a mounting end 64A of the right rear frame member 64, which is shown in FIG. 14, and also in the enlarged view of FIG. 15. As best shown in FIG. 15, the mounting end 64A may be formed with central cutout that provides room to receive the clasp 108. This prevents the left rear frame member 62 from binding on the clasp 108 as the frame 60 is opened to the unfolded position.
As shown in both of FIGS. 14 and 15, the frame member 64 itself includes a second clasp 112. The clasp 112 is spaced from the surface of the frame member 64 so as to define a second slot 114. As can be additionally seen in FIG. 16, and also in the enlarged view of FIG. 17, the second slot 114 slide ably receives a mounting end 102A of the channel member 102. For clarity, FIG. 17 shows the mounting bracket 100 with the mounting plate 106 removed from the channel member 102.
The first and second clasps 108 and 112 are operable to interconnect the right rear frame member 64 and the channel member 102 in order to prevent the frame member from being pulled away from the channel member without relative sliding movement between these components. This operational interconnection provided by clasps 108 and 112 is illustrated in FIG. 18, and also the enlarged view of FIG. 19, which removes the channel member 102 so as not to obscure the first clasp 108. As is best shown in FIG. 19, the first and second clasps 108 and 112 are arranged so that the second slot 114 opposes the first slot 108, thereby interlocking the right rear frame member 64 and the channel member 102.
As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 17 and 19, the channel member 102 mounts a retractable pin mechanism 116 that includes a retractable pin 118. The retractable pin 118 is operable to engage a pin-receiving opening 120 in the right rear frame member 64 when that frame member and the channel member 102 are operably interconnected by the first and second clasps 108 and 112. The retractable pin 118 prevents the right rear frame member 64 and the channel member 102 from being slidably removed from this interconnected configuration. As best shown in FIGS. 12, 17 and 19, the retractable pin 118 is mounted on a support fitting 122, and is forwardly biased by a coil spring biasing member 124 toward a position of engagement with the pin-receiving opening 120. A rearward portion of the retractable pin 118 is bent 90 degrees to provide a handle 126 for retracting the pin. The handle 126 can also be seen in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13.
A method may now be described for using the cover assembly 30 to maintain a sequestered environment around the equipment enclosure 2. The method may be initiated by removably mounting the frame 60 to the mounting bracket 100 while the frame is substantially in its folded position. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 60 will now be positioned above the housing top panel 4. However, unlike the configuration of FIG. 5, the service entrance doors 24, 26 and 28 will normally be closed insofar as the cover 30 is not yet in place to protect the interior equipment chamber 16 from outside environmental conditions. The frame 60 may now be unfolded by fanning it out from the folded position shown in FIG. 5 to the unfolded position shown in FIG. 4. Once the frame 60 is fully unfolded, and assuming the wind latch 90 is locked, the cover 30 may be placed over the frame and arranged as shown in FIG. 2. For this operation, the cover seams 50, 52 and 54 shown in FIG. 3 will be initially open, allowing the cover 30 to be placed on the frame 60 without interference from the pole 29. The cover seams 50, 52 and 54 may thereafter be closed to complete the installation. At this point, service personnel may enter the interior area within the cover 30 by opening the seam 44 (or by other means). One or more of the service doors 24, 26 and 28 may then be opened to access the interior equipment chamber 16.
Accordingly, a cover assembly has been disclosed for use with an outdoor equipment enclosure when the enclosure is opened up for access. Although various embodiments have been described, it should be apparent that many variations and alternative embodiments could be implemented in accordance with the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In should therefore be understood that the invention is not to be in any way limited except in accordance with the spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20140167582
