Locking Apparatus for Outdoor Network Terminal

An enclosure for retaining at least one networking component includes a shell defining an interior volume and including an upper retention member forming a channel and a retention bracket that is at least partially disposable within the interior volume of the shell. The retention bracket includes a base panel having an upper hook member adapted to engage the upper retention member of the shell to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell, and a retaining panel extending distally from the base panel. The retaining panel includes a lower platform and a distal platform. The base panel, the lower platform of the retaining panel, and the distal platform of the retaining panel cooperate to receive and retain the at least one networking component.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to networking systems, and, more particularly, to locking apparatuses for networking components.

BACKGROUND

A conventional passive optical network (PON) includes one or more optical line terminals (OLTs) at a central location connecting to one or more optical last mile termination units (LMTUs) disposed at respective customer premises (e.g., physical locations serviced by the PON) via one or more optical fibers. A PON is typically implemented using a point-to-multipoint topology in which a feeder optical fiber from an OLT serves multiple last mile termination units. In some examples, an LMTU may be in the form of an optical network terminal (ONT) or an optical network unit (ONU) that is optically connected to the OLT via a respective distribution optical fiber received at the LMTU. Such ONTs are typically disposed within enclosures that may be affixed to a structure, a pole, and/or other suitable stationary objects.

Because of continued advancements to PON technologies, better and/or higher-powered ONTs have been developed which may be dimensionally larger than existing units. Such ONTs may require replacement retention mechanisms (e.g., brackets, straps, etc.) in order to securely retain the ONT within the enclosure. Such mechanisms may require on-site modifications and/or alterations to the existing enclosure (e.g., by removing portions of the enclosure or other retention features), and ultimately may not provide for securely retaining the ONT. Further, such modifications may be time-consuming and may lead to improper installations. Further still, such modifications to the existing enclosure may result in the enclosure no longer being capable of securely retaining other ONT models due to the removal of necessary retention features and/or material.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices having improved functionalities.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect, an enclosure for retaining at least one networking component includes a shell defining an interior volume and including an upper retention member forming a channel and a retention bracket that is at least partially disposable within the interior volume of the shell. The retention bracket includes a base panel having an upper hook member adapted to engage the upper retention member of the shell to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell, and a retaining panel extending distally from the base panel. The retaining panel includes a lower platform and a distal platform. The base panel, the lower platform of the retaining panel, and the distal platform of the retaining panel cooperate to receive and retain the at least one networking component.

In some examples, the shell may additionally include a lower retention member that forms a channel. The base panel of the retention bracket may additionally include a lower hook member that engages the lower retention member to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell.

In some approaches, the upper hook member of the base panel includes a stop member to limit lateral movement of the retention bracket relative to the upper retention member. Further, in examples, the lower platform may include a passthrough opening to accommodate at least one transmission cable.

In some forms, the enclosure may further include at least one ventilation opening formed on the base panel and/or the retaining panel. Further, in some examples, the base panel of the retention bracket may further include a chamfered surface to slidably engage a corresponding chamfered surface of the upper retention member.

The base panel of the retention bracket may additionally include a grooved region that receives a securing fastener. In some of these examples, the securing fastener may be a hook and loop member that releasably retains the at least one networking component.

In some examples, the retaining panel may be adjustable to receive at least one networking component having different dimensions than the at least one networking component.

In accordance with a second aspect, a retention bracket adapted to retain an optical network terminal is provided that includes a base panel and a retaining panel. The base panel has an upper hook member adapted to engage a portion of a shell of a housing to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell. The retaining panel extends distally from the base panel and includes a lower platform and a distal platform. The base panel, the lower platform of the retaining panel, and the distal platform of the retaining panel cooperate to receive and retain the at least one networking component.

Although the figures show parts with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, blended, and/or irregular. Use of terms such as up, down, top, bottom, side, end, front, back, etc. herein are used with reference to a currently considered or illustrated orientation. If they are considered with respect to another orientation, it should be understood that such terms must be correspondingly modified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed examples of the disclosure provide a number of advantages over existing techniques for securing and retaining components of passive optical networks (PONs). Generally speaking, a component of a PON, as utilized herein, may be in the form of a last mile termination unit (e.g., an optical network terminal (ONT) or an optical network unit (ONU) disposed at customer premises). Such a component may be securely retained within an existing enclosure using a bracket or locking apparatus. The brackets described herein may accommodate dimensionally larger networking components without the need for modifications to the enclosure and/or the networking component to achieve a secure fit. Further, in some examples, the brackets described herein may eliminate the need for additional securing mechanisms. Last, in some examples, the brackets described herein may be adjustable in nature to securely accommodate and retain various networking components having different sizes and/or shapes.

Turning now to the Figures, an enclosure100is provided for retaining at least one networking component10(e.g., an ONT, ONU, and/or any other device). The enclosure100may include a shell102defining an interior volume102aand a retention bracket120. More specifically, the illustrated shell102of the enclosure100includes a rear panel103a, a number of sidewalls103b, and a door103c. While the illustrated enclosure100is in the form of a generally rectangular box, it is to be appreciated that the enclosure100may take any number of suitable shapes, forms, and/or configurations.

An upper retention member104is coupled with (i.e., attached therewith) or otherwise formed on the rear panel103aof the shell102. More specifically, the upper retention member104is in the form of a ledge extending along a length of the rear panel103a. The upper retention member104and the back panel103acooperate to form a channel104a. In the illustrated example, the upper retention member104has an open upper portion, while the lower portion thereof is operably coupled with the rear panel103aof the shell102. However, it is to be appreciated that in other examples (not illustrated), an opposite configuration may be provided.

In some examples, a lower retention member110is also coupled with (i.e., attached therewith) or otherwise formed on the rear panel103aof the shell102. The lower retention member110may also be in the form of a ledge extending along a length of the rear panel103a. The lower retention member110and the back panel103acooperate to form a channel110a. In the illustrated example, the lower retention member110has an open lower portion, while the upper portion thereof is operably coupled with the rear panel103aof the shell102. However, it is to be appreciated that in other examples (not illustrated), an opposite configuration may be provided.

It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the upper retention member104(and, in examples where a lower retention member110is provided) may be coupled with or otherwise formed on any one of the sidewalls103band/or the door103c.

The retention bracket120may be at least partially disposed and/or otherwise positionable within the interior volume102aof the shell102. The retention bracket120includes a base panel122and a retaining panel140operably coupled together. In some examples, the retention bracket120is in the form of a unitary component, and in other examples, the base panel122and the retaining panel140are operably coupled together via any number of suitable approaches such as, for example, fasteners, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and the like. The retention bracket120may be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example, polymeric materials, metals, and the like. Other examples are possible.

Generally speaking, the base panel122is adapted to slidably couple with the shell102. The base panel122includes an upper hook member124extending and/or protruding away from a rear surface122aof the base panel122and extending along a length thereof. In some examples, the upper hook member124may be integrally formed with the base panel122. In yet other examples, the upper hook member124may be operably coupled with the base panel122via any number of suitable approaches. The upper hook member124and the base panel122cooperate to form an upper hook channel124a. In the illustrated example, the upper hook member124has an open lower portion, while the upper portion thereof is operably coupled with the base panel122of the retention bracket120. However, it is to be appreciated that in other examples (not illustrated), an opposite configuration may be provided.

In some examples, the base panel122may also include a lower hook member130extending and/or protruding away from the rear surface122aof the base panel122and extending along a length thereof. In some examples, the lower hook member130may be integrally formed with the base panel122. In yet other examples, the lower hook member130may be operably coupled with the base panel122via any number of suitable approaches. The lower hook member130and the base panel122cooperate to form a lower hook channel130a. In the illustrated example, the lower hook member130has an open upper portion, while the lower portion thereof is operably coupled with the base panel122of the retention bracket120. However, it is to be appreciated that in other examples (not illustrated), an opposite configuration may be provided.

The retaining panel140extends distally from the base panel122and includes a retaining panel body142, a lower platform144extending from the retaining panel body142, and a distal platform148also extending from the retaining panel body142. In some examples, each of a front surface122bof the base panel122, the retaining panel body142, the lower platform144, and the distal platform148are generally planar in shape. More specifically, the lower platform144, which extends outwardly from the retaining panel body142, is provided as a ledge to retain a portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the networking component10.

The distal platform148also extends outwardly from the retaining panel body142and is provided to engage an outer portion of the networking component10. The base panel122, the retaining panel body142, the lower platform144, and the distal platform148cooperate to receive and retain the networking component10. As illustrated inFIGS.7-9, a portion of the networking component10may be inserted into an opening defined by the base panel122, the retaining panel body142, the lower platform144, and the distal platform148, whereupon the front surface122bof the base panel abuts a portion (e.g., a rear surface) of the networking component10, the retaining panel body142abuts a different portion (e.g., a side surface) of the networking component10, the lower platform144abuts a different portion (e.g., a lower or cutout ledge portion) of the networking component10, and the distal platform148abuts still a different portion (e.g., a front surface) of the networking component10. The distance between the front surface122bof the base panel122and the distal platform148of the retaining panel140may be provided so as to closely match a corresponding dimension (e.g., a depth dimension) of the networking component10such that the distal platform148frictionally engages the networking component10to prevent distal movement.

Further, the lower platform144is provided and dimensioned to support and constrain the networking component10in the generally vertical direction and serve as a “euro brace” in conjunction with the base panel122and the retaining panel body142. In the illustrated example, the networking component10includes a cut-out portion that interrupts the generally rectangular prismatic arrangement thereof. Such an arrangement may be provided to accommodate a concealed power and/or data transmission port. When coupled with the networking component10, the networking component10rests on the lower platform144at a ledge formed by the cut-out portion. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the lower platform144may instead support a bottom surface of the networking component10. In any of these arrangements, the lower platform144provides an additional point of stability to secure the networking component10.

Prior to or after disposing the networking component10within the retention bracket120, the retention bracket120may be coupled with the shell102. More specifically, in some examples, the channel104aformed by the rear panel103aand the upper retention member104may be dimensioned to receive the upper hook member124. Further, the upper hook channel124aformed by the upper hook member124and the rear surface122aof the base panel122may be dimensioned to receive the upper retention member104. So arranged, the upper retention member104may mate or otherwise nest with the upper hook member124.

Similarly, in examples where the lower retention member110and the lower hook member130are provided, the channel110aformed by the rear panel103aand the lower retention member110may be dimensioned to receive the lower hook member130. Further, the lower hook channel130aformed by the lower hook member130and the rear surface122aof the base panel122may be dimensioned to receive the lower retention member110. So arranged, the lower retention member110may also mate or otherwise nest with the lower hook member130.

The retention bracket120(along with the networking component10, if previously coupled therewith) may be coupled with the shell102of the enclosure100using a number of approaches. In a first example, the retention bracket120may be positioned so that the upper hook member124is disposed above the upper retention member104. The retention bracket120may then be lowered such that the upper hook member124mates with the upper retention member104, thereby allowing the upper hook member124to be slidably disposed within the channel104a. It is to be appreciated that in examples where the lower hook member130and the lower retention member110are provided,

In a second example, the retention bracket120may be positioned to the side of the upper retention member104(and the lower retention member110, if provided). The upper hook member124of the retention bracket120may then slidably engage the upper retention member104(and the lower hook member130may similarly slidably engage the lower retention member110, if provided) by moving the retention bracket120in a generally horizontal or lateral direction relative to the shell102such that the upper hook member124is disposed within the channel104aand the upper retention member104is disposed within the upper hook channel124a.

In some approaches, the upper hook member124may include a stop member124bthat prevents or otherwise limits lateral movement of the retention bracket120past a certain point with respect to the upper retention member104. As such, the stop member124bmay prevent the retention bracket120(and thus, the networking component10coupled therewith) from decoupling from the shell102. As before, in examples where the lower hook member130is provided, a stop130bmay also be included thereon to additionally prevent or otherwise limit lateral movement of the retention bracket120.

The enclosure100may include any number of additional features to assist with securing the networking component10therein. For example, the base panel122of the retention bracket120may include any number of chamfered or otherwise angled surfaces128that may slidably engage a corresponding chamfered or otherwise angled surface carried by the upper retention member104and/or the rear panel103aof the shell102. Such a configuration may provide for better alignment and positioning of the retention bracket120relative to the shell102.

Further, in some examples, the base panel122and/or the retaining panel140may include any number of ventilation openings126,146, respectively. These ventilation openings126,146may be positioned and dimensioned to be disposed adjacent to corresponding ventilation openings11of the networking component10to provide for increased airflow to the networking component10. In the illustrated example, the ventilation opening146of the retaining panel140occupies a significant portion of an overall area of the retaining panel body142such that the retaining panel body142is generally in the form of an outer frame. However, in other examples (not illustrated) the retaining panel body142may include additional material and have a smaller ventilation opening or openings146relative to its overall size.

Additionally, in these and other examples, the retaining panel140may include a passthrough opening145to provide clearance for a data and/or power transmission cable to be coupled with the corresponding power and/or data transmission port of the networking component10.

In yet other examples (not illustrated), the retaining panel body142of the retention bracket120may be adjustable to accommodate networking components10of varying sizes (e.g., networking components having varying thicknesses). More specifically, the retaining panel body142may be in the form of a telescoping member that may selectively extend or retract relative to the base panel122. So arranged, the distal platform148may be extended or retracted to retain differently dimensioned networking components.

The retention bracket120may additionally include an optional grooved region129on the base panel122. This grooved region129may allow a securing fastener (e.g., a hook and loop member150) to be positioned thereon to further secure the networking component10with the retention bracket120. As an example, the securing fastener may wrap around a periphery of the networking component10and the retention bracket120to further prevent the networking component10from becoming decoupled with the retention bracket120.

So arranged, the enclosure100and the retention bracket120thereof may be used to safely retain larger networking components. As such, the retention bracket120may be used with existing shells102without needing to make modifications to the shell102or the networking device10. Put differently, the retention bracket120may be provided as a retrofittable component. In some examples, the retention bracket120may be relatively thicker (e.g., between approximately 10 mm and approximately 50 mm) than previously incorporated brackets, thereby increasing a space between the rear panel103aand the networking component10to provide for increased airflow and ventilation.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Numerous alternative examples could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, “A, B or C” refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A and B such as (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A and B such as (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

By way of example, and not limitation, the disclosure herein contemplates at least the following examples:

1. An enclosure for retaining at least one networking component, the enclosure comprising a shell defining an interior volume, the shell including an upper retention member forming a channel, a retention bracket adapted to be at least partially disposed within the interior volume of the shell, the retention bracket including a base panel having an upper hook member adapted to engage the upper retention member of the shell to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell, and a retaining panel extending distally from the base panel, the retaining panel including a lower platform and a distal platform, wherein the base panel, the lower platform of the retaining panel, and the distal platform of the retaining panel cooperate to receive and retain the at least one networking component.

2. The enclosure of example 1, wherein the shell further comprises a lower retention member forming a channel, the base panel of the retention bracket further including a lower hook member adapted to engage the lower retention member of the shell to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell.

3. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the upper hook member of the base panel includes a stop member to limit lateral movement of the retention bracket relative to the upper retention member.

4. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the lower platform includes a passthrough opening to accommodate at least one transmission cable.

5. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising at least one ventilation opening formed on the base panel.

6. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising at least one ventilation opening formed on the retaining panel.

7. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the base panel of the retention bracket further includes a chamfered surface to slidably engage a corresponding chamfered surface of the upper retention member.

8. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the base panel of the retention bracket further includes a grooved region adapted to receive a securing fastener.

9. The enclosure of example 9, wherein the securing fastener comprises a hook and loop member adapted to releasably retain the at least one networking component.

10. The enclosure of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the retaining panel is adjustable to receive at least one networking component having different dimensions than the at least one networking component.

11. A retention bracket adapted to retain an optical network terminal, the retention bracket including a base panel having an upper hook member adapted to engage a portion of a shell of a housing to slidably couple the retention bracket with the shell, and a retaining panel extending distally from the base panel, the retaining panel including a lower platform and a distal platform, wherein the base panel, the lower platform of the retaining panel, and the distal platform of the retaining panel cooperate to receive and retain the at least one networking component.

12. The retention bracket of example 11, further including a lower hook member formed on the base panel, the lower hook member adapted to engage a portion of the shell of the housing to slidably couple the retention bracket therewith.

13. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-12, wherein the upper hook member of the base panel includes a stop member to limit lateral movement.

14. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-13, wherein the lower platform of the retaining panel includes a passthrough opening to accommodate at least one transmission cable.

15. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-14, further comprising at least one ventilation opening formed on the base panel.

16. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-15, further comprising at least one ventilation opening formed on the retaining panel.

17. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-16, wherein the base panel

further includes a chamfered surface for sliding engagement with the shell.

18. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-17, wherein the base panel further includes a grooved region adapted to receive a securing fastener.

19. The retention bracket of example 18, wherein the securing fastener comprises a hook and loop member adapted to releasably retain the at least one networking component.

20. The retention bracket of any one of examples 11-19, wherein the retaining panel is adjustable to receive at least one networking component having different dimensions than the at least one networking component.

Finally, any references, including, but not limited to, publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety 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.