Cable sealing arrangement for an enclosure

The present disclosure relates to sealing arrangements for sealing locations where cables enter/exit enclosures. The sealing arrangements can include first and second cable sealing modules each including a cable sealing surface. The cable sealing surfaces of the first and second cable sealing modules oppose and contact one another at a cable pass-through sealing interface. The sealing arrangements can be adapted to enhance cable diameter range-taking, sealant conformability, and/or sealant recovery from deformation.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications systems typically employ a network of telecommunications cables capable of transmitting large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. The telecommunications cables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, or combinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. A typical telecommunications network also includes a plurality of telecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network of telecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures are adapted to house and protect telecommunications components such as splices, termination panels, power splitters, and wavelength division multiplexers. It is often preferred for the telecommunications enclosures to be re-enterable. The term “re-enterable” means that the telecommunications enclosures can be re-opened to allow access to the telecommunications components housed therein without requiring the removal and destruction of the telecommunications enclosures. For example, certain telecommunications enclosures can include separate access panels that can be opened to access the interiors of the enclosures and then closed to re-seal the enclosures. Other telecommunications enclosures take the form of elongated sleeves formed by wrap-around covers or half-shells having longitudinal edges that are joined by clamps or other retainers. Still other telecommunications enclosures include two half-pieces that are joined together through clamps, or other structures. Further enclosures include domes attached to bases via clamps. Telecommunications enclosures are typically sealed to inhibit the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants. Example cable sealing arrangements for enclosures are disclosed by PCT International Publication Numbers WO 2014/005916; WO 2017/167819; WO 2018/048910; WO 2019/160995; and WO 2019/173663.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to sealing arrangements for sealing locations where cables enter/exit enclosures. The sealing arrangements can include first and second cable sealing modules each including a cable sealing surface. The cable sealing surfaces of the first and second cable sealing modules oppose and contact one another at a cable pass-through sealing interface. The sealing arrangements can be adapted to enhance cable diameter range-taking, sealant conformability, and/or sealant recovery from deformation. A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.

FIGS.1and2schematically depict a telecommunication enclosure20having a sealing arrangement22in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure20is preferably a re-enterable enclosure that includes first and second housing pieces24,26that define an interior for housing telecommunication components such as fiber optic splices, passive optical power splitters, wavelength division multiplexers, fiber optic adapters, fiber optic connectors, fiber management trays, cable loop storage locations, and other components. When the first and second housing pieces24,26are mounted together, the interior of the enclosure20is preferably environmentally sealed. A perimeter seal28can provide sealing between the first and second housing pieces24,26about the perimeter of the enclosure20. The first and second housing pieces24,26can be separated from one another to provide access to the interior of the enclosure20. The cable sealing arrangement22is provided at one end of the enclosure20. The cable sealing arrangement22includes cable sealing modules30,32that contact one another at a cable sealing interface34. The cable sealing modules30,32preferably contact the perimeter seal28and also provide sealing with respect to the first and second housing pieces24,26. The cable sealing modules30,32include cable sealing surfaces33,35that contact one another at the cable sealing interface34. The cable sealing interface34provides a location through which fiber optic cables36,38(seeFIG.2) can be routed into/out of the interior of the enclosure20while concurrently being sealed at the sealing arrangement22.FIG.1shows the sealing arrangement22in a non-deformed state, whileFIG.2shows the sealing arrangement22in a deformed state that accommodates and seals the fiber optic cables36,38.

FIGS.3and4show another telecommunication enclosure120having a sealing arrangement122in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure120is preferably re-enterable and includes first and second housing pieces124,126sealed at their perimeter by a perimeter seal128. The perimeter seal128preferably contacts a cable sealing arrangement122. The sealing arrangement122includes cable sealing modules130,132and133. The cable sealing module133is positioned between the cable sealing modules130,132. A first cable sealing interface134is defined between the cable sealing module130and the cable sealing module133, and a second cable sealing interface135is defined between the cable sealing module133and the cable sealing module132. Opposing cable sealing surfaces of the modules130,133define the first cable sealing interface134, and opposing sealing surfaces of the modules133,132define the second cable sealing interface135.FIG.3shows the sealing arrangement122in a non-deformed state in which no fiber optic cables are sealed within the sealing arrangement122, andFIG.4shows the sealing arrangement122in a deformed state in which the sealing arrangement122seals about the cables136,138at the cable sealing interfaces134,135.

It will be appreciated that the cables define cable axes that define cable pass-through directions/orientations through the sealing arrangements22. The pass-through directions/orientations are generally parallel with respect to the cable sealing surfaces of the sealing modules. The cable sealing modules also include axial ends that are generally perpendicular relative to the cable pass-through orientations.

It will be appreciated that the sealing arrangements22,122are preferably adapted to accommodate fiber optic cables having a wide range of size (e.g., diameter). To accommodate cables having a wide range of size, aspects of the present disclosure relate to spring arrangements for accommodating sealant displacement during cable sealing while maintaining the sealant under spring load. Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to configurations for enhancing the range-taking capability of the sealing arrangements by allowing portions of the sealant of the sealing arrangements to be efficiently removed to accommodate larger fiber optic cables.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to cable sealing arrangements including sealing modules that readily flow from a non-deformed state to a deformed state to conform to fiber optic cables and provide sealing effective sealing about the cables. The cable sealing modules also are preferably capable of effectively changing in shape from a deformed state to a recovered state when a cable is removed. In certain examples, the sealing modules can include a sealant that is quite soft to allow the sealant to readily and quickly conform to different sized fiber optic cables to provide effective sealing. In certain examples, the sealing modules also include structure that effectively provides containment of the soft sealing material, and has elastic properties that assists in reducing the recovery time required for the soft sealing to return to a state in which the deformation is less than 10, 5 or 2 percent.

In certain examples, sealing modules in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can include a hybrid or composite construction including a sealing portion having a first composition and a containment portion having a second composition. In certain examples, the first and second compositions can be compatible with one another and can be adapted to bond with respect to one another. In certain examples, the first and second compositions can both be elastomeric compositions. In certain examples, the first and second compositions can include the same base polymer. In certain examples, the sealing portion and the containment portion can both be elastomeric, but the sealing portion can be softer than the containment portion, and the containment portion can have a higher modulus of elasticity than the sealing portion. In certain examples, the containment portion can include a skin or layer of material provided at the axial end faces of a given sealing module. In certain examples, the containment portion can be a pre-molded structure, and the sealing portion can be molded over, through and or onto the containment portion. In certain examples, the sealing portion and the containment portion both have compression sets less than 10, 5 or 2 percent, but the recovery time for the containment portion is shorter than the recovery time for the sealing portion. In certain examples, the sealing material can have a gel composition, and the containment portion can have a rubber composition.

In certain examples in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the sealing material can have a hardness in the range of 10-60 Shore 000 and the containment material can have a hardness in the range of 5-30 Shore A. In a given cable sealing module, the sealing material is preferably softer than the containment material.

In a preferred example, the sealing portion of a given sealing module occupies a majority of the volume of the sealing module while the containment portion occupies a minority of the total volume of the sealing module.

In certain examples, the sealing portion and the containment portion can each have an elastomeric construction with a base composition that includes silicone (e.g., polysiloxanes or polymethylsiloxanes). In certain examples, the sealing portion and the containment portion can each include an elastomeric construction with a base composition that includes a thermoplastic elastomeric. Example thermoplastic elastomers can include styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, and other thermoplastic elastomers.

In certain examples, sealing modules in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can include a sealing portion molded over a plastic frame. In certain examples, the plastic frame can include fingers adapted to flex when cables are routed through a cable sealing interface. In certain examples, the fingers can be arranged in a V-shaped configuration when viewed along the cable pass-through orientation, and the cable pass-through location is defined through the V of the V-shaped configuration. In certain examples, the flexible fingers can be adapted to enhance sealing (e.g., conformability and conformability time) about cables routed through the cable sealing interface and can be configured for decreasing the time period for a sealing arrangement to recover from a deformed state to a recovered state. In certain examples, sealing modules in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can include a composite construction including an elastomeric sealing portion molded over a plastic frame and also molded onto, over, onto or through to an elastomeric containment portion that is harder and more elastic than the sealing portion and softer than the plastic frame. In certain examples, the containment portion can be adapted for maintaining containment of the sealing portion, deforming to provide cable range taking, and assisting in reducing a time period for the sealing arrangement to move from a deformed state to a recovered state after a cable has been removed.

FIG.5depicts a cable sealing module140in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the sealing module140can be utilized in the sealing arrangement22as the cable sealing modules30,32and within the sealing arrangement122as the cable sealing modules130,132. The cable sealing module140has a composite construction including a sealing portion142and a containment portion144. The sealing portion142and the containment portion144are preferably both elastomeric in construction and can have characteristics, compositions and properties of the type previously described. The containment portion144includes major walls146,148that are parallel to one another and that define axial end faces150,152of the sealing module140. The axial end faces150,152are oriented generally perpendicular with respect to a cable pass-through orientation154of the sealing module140. The sealing portion140is preferably molded between the major walls146,148with the major walls146,148covering axial end surfaces149a,149bof the sealing portion142. Preferably, the major walls146,148coincide with a majority or at least 75% of the axial end faces150,152of the sealing module140. In certain examples, the major walls146,148cover at least 75% of the surface area of each of the axial end faces149a,149bof the sealing portion142.

The sealing module140includes a cable sealing surface156that extends axially between the walls146,148. The major walls146,148extend up to (e.g., are flush with) the cable sealing surface156. The sealing portion142is exposed at the cable sealing surface156, and is also exposed at opposite ends157,159of the module140as well as at a side161of the sealing module140positioned opposite from the cable sealing surface156. The sealing portion142is molded between the major walls146,148of the containment portion144, and is also molded through openings158defined through a base159of the containment portion144.

The containment portion144includes a central rib160that extends along the length of the module140between opposite ends of the module157,159. The containment portion144also includes cross-supports162adjacent the ends157,159that connect the central rib160to the end walls146,148. The cross-supports162each include two segments162a,162bthat are angled relative to one another at an oblique angle. It will be appreciated that the rib160, the cross-supports162as well as the base159of the containment portion144are encased (e.g., over molded by, imbedded within) within the sealing portion142. The sealing portion142is exposed about an exterior perimeter surface that extends continuously about the perimeter of the module. For example, the perimeter surface extends at opposite sides of the module along the length of the sealing module140and also around the opposite ends of the sealing module140to provide a continuous sealing surface that loops about the perimeter of the sealing module140.

FIG.10depicts another sealing module140ain accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The sealing module140acan be incorporated into the sealing arrangement22as the cable sealing modules30,32or into the sealing arrangement122as the cable sealing modules130,132. The sealing module140aincludes a sealing portion142aand a containment portion144a. Sealing portion142ais molded over the containment portion144a, and both preferably have an elastomeric construction. The sealing portion142aand the containment portion144acan have material properties and chemical compositions of the type previously described herein.

FIG.11shows the sealing portion142ain isolation from the containment portion144, andFIGS.12-14show the containment portion144ain isolation from the sealing portion142a. The containment portion144aincludes major walls146a,148alocated at opposite axial end faces of the sealing portion142a. It will be appreciated that the sealing module140ahas the same basic construction as the sealing module140, except the walls146a,148abut provide a substantially smaller face coverage area as compared to the walls146,148of the sealing module140. In the depicted examples, the walls146a,148acover less than 75% of the axial end face surface area of the sealing portion142a. In one example, walls146a,148acover less than 60% of the surface area of the axial end faces of the sealing portion142a, or in the range of 30%-60% of the surface area of the axial end faces of the sealing portion142a.

FIG.15depicts another cable sealing module170in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the cable sealing module170can be utilized as the cable sealing modules30,32of the sealing arrangement22or as the cable sealing modules130,132of the sealing arrangement122. The cable sealing module170includes a sealing portion172(seeFIG.16) molded over a carrier frame174(seeFIG.17). In certain examples, the sealing portion172can have an elastomeric construction of the type previously described, and the carrier frame174can have a pre-molded plastic construction. The carrier frame174is encased within the sealing portion172and includes openings176through which the sealing portion172is molded. The carrier frame174include end tabs178for securing the cable sealing module170within a housing of a telecommunication enclosure (e.g., within a cover or base). The sealing portion172includes a main body180and also includes sealing ears182that project outwardly from the main body180adjacent opposite ends of the sealing portion172. The ears182extend across a width w of the sealing portion172between opposite axial end faces of the sealing portion. The ears182can have a tapered configuration that widens as the ears extend toward the main body180. In one example, the ears182have a truncated triangular shape when viewed from a perspective along the cable pass-through orientation of the module. In certain examples, the sealing module170can also include a containment portion at least partially covering the axial end faces and at least partially embedded within the sealing portion172. The containment portion can be harder than the sealing portion172and softer than the frame174.

FIGS.18-21depict another carrier frame174athat can be incorporated into the cable sealing module170or the cable sealing modules140,140a. The carrier frame174aincludes a base184defining openings186through which the cable sealing portion of a cable sealing module can be molded. The carrier frame182ais preferably encased within the sealing portion. End tabs187are provided at opposite ends of the carrier frame182for snapping the sealing module into a corresponding housing of a telecommunications enclosure. The carrier frame174apreferably includes a molded plastic construction and includes fingers188that are arranged in sets190corresponding to cable pass-through locations. Each cable pass-through location includes a first finger set190aadapted to be positioned adjacent to one axial end face of the cable sealing portion and a second finger set190badapted to be positioned adjacent to the opposite axial face of the cable sealing portion. The fingers188are preferably embedded within the sealing portion adjacent the axial end faces. Two sets190a,190bof fingers188correspond to each cable pass-through location. The cable pass-through locations are indicated atFIG.18by cable pass-through axes194. In the depicted example, three cable pass-through locations are provided.

Referring still toFIG.18, the fingers188of each set190converge as they extend toward the base184and are arranged in a generally V-shaped configuration with each pair of fingers straddling the cable pass-through axis194corresponding to its defined cable pass-through location. It will be appreciated that the wider dimension defined each set190of fingers188is positioned adjacent to the cable sealing surface of the sealing module. It will be appreciated that the fingers can have an elastic configuration, and can be constructed of a plastic material harder than the cable sealing portion and optional cable containment portion of their corresponding cable sealing module. When a cable is sealed between two sealing modules, the fingers188of a given finger set190flex apart as the sealing portion deforms to accommodate the cable. Once deflected, the fingers188have internal spring bias that urges the fingers188back toward their initial non-deflected state (e.g., neutral state, at rest state) which corresponds to the non-deformed state of the sealing portion. The spring bias of the fingers188is adapted to assist in moving the sealing portion from the deformed state back to the non-deformed state when the cable is removed from the sealing module, thereby reducing the recovery time of the sealing portion.

FIG.22shows another carrier frame174bin accordance with the principle so of the present disclosure. The carrier frame174bhas the same basic construction as the carrier frame174a, except the carrier frame174nincludes a larger number of smaller finger sets190c,190d. The finger sets190c,190dare adapted for accommodating smaller cables than the finger sets190a,190b.

FIGS.23and24depict another sealing module200in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the sealing module200can be incorporated into the sealing arrangement122of the telecommunications enclosure120as the middle module133. In the depicted example, the sealing module200includes a sealing portion202having an elastomeric construction of the type previously described, which is over-molded over a plastic carrier frame204(seeFIG.39). In alternative examples, sealing module200can also include also include a containment portion of the type previously described.

It will be appreciated that the sealing module200includes oppositely positioned cable sealing surfaces206,208that extend along the length of the sealing module200. Central openings210through the sealing module200are adapted for receiving axial connection links211of a containment frame of a telecommunication enclosure (e.g., see links211of containment frame213shown atFIG.57). The sealing portion202has a chamfered configuration adjacent the cable sealing surfaces206,208for reducing the width dimension of the cable sealing surfaces206,208along a cable pass-through orientation214. The chamfered configuration is depicted as including a truncated triangular profile when cut along a vertical plane parallel to the cable pass-through orientation214. The tapered configuration reduces the thickness of the sealing portion202at the cable sealing surfaces206,208in an orientation along the cable pass-through orientation214which allows for the cable sealing portion202to more readily and easily deform at the cable sealing surfaces206,208to accommodate different sized cables. It will be appreciated that corresponding chamfered configurations can be provided by the upper and lower sealing modules (e.g., sealing modules130,132) that oppose the cable sealing surfaces206,208when the sealing arrangement is installed within a telecommunication enclosure.

FIGS.25and28-30depict another cable sealing module220in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the cable sealing module220can be incorporated into the sealing arrangement122of the telecommunication enclosure120as the middle sealing module133. The cable sealing module220includes a sealing portion222(seeFIG.27) a containment portion224(seeFIG.26) and a carrier frame226(seeFIG.39). It will be appreciated that the sealing portion222and the containment portion224can each have an elastomeric composition and can have material properties and chemical compositions of the type previously described. The carrier frame226can have a molded plastic construction and can be embedded within the sealing portion222which preferably is over-molded over the carrier frame226. The sealing portion222is preferably molded in and over at least portions of the containment portion224. In a preferred example, the containment portion224is harder than the sealing portion222, and the carrier frame226is harder than the containment portion224.

The sealing portion222defines opposite cable sealing surfaces228,230adapted to be positioned at cable pass-through interfaces. The containment portion224includes opposite walls232,234positioned adjacent the cable sealing surface228. Walls232,234cover portions of axial end faces of the sealing portion222. In the depicted example, walls232,234cover less than 50% of each of the axial end faces of the sealing portion222, or in the range of 15-40% of each of the axial end faces of the sealing portion222. The containment portion224also includes a perimeter frame238, defined in part by the walls232,234that extends about a perimeter of the cable sealing module220. Portions222aof the sealing portion222are positioned outside the perimeter frame238on opposite ends of the cable sealing module220. The containment portion224defines an interior cavity240surrounded by the frame238. A bottom of the interior cavity240is defined by a base242defining openings244through which the sealing portion222is molded. The sealing portion222also fills the internal cavity240defined by the perimeter frame238. The sealing portion222also includes a lower portion223positioned below the base242. The lower portion223corresponds to a majority of the volume of the sealing portion222. The lower portion223defines openings225through which axial support links of a containment frame (e.g., frame213) can be received. In one example, the sealing portion222is molded over the axial support links.

FIGS.31and34-36disclose another cable sealing module250in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The cable sealing module250can be incorporated within the sealing arrangement122of the telecommunications enclosure120as the middle cable sealing module133. The cable sealing module250includes a sealing portion252, a containment portion254and the carrier frame226. Cable sealing surfaces258,260are provided at opposite sides of the cable sealing module250. The containment portion254includes containment walls262,264adapted to cover at least 60%, or at least 75% of a surface area of each of the axial end faces of the sealing portion252. The containment portion254includes a perimeter frame258having angled projections263at corners of the frame258. The angled projections263define a central channel259therein between in which at least a section of an end sealing section261of the sealing portion222is provided. The containment portion254can be harder than the sealing portion252, and the carrier frame226can be harder than the containment portion254.

FIGS.37and38depict a further cable sealing module280having the same basic construction as the cable sealing module220, except a lower cable sealing surface281has a chamfered configuration and a perimeter frame283of a containment portion285has angled projections287at its corners.

FIG.39depicts the carrier frame226. The carrier frame226includes end plates290interconnected by longitudinal beams292. Ribs294project inwardly from the end plates290. The end plates290are preferably positioned adjacent to the opposite ends of the sealing module220and the beams292preferably extend along the length of the cable sealing module220. The ribs294provide reinforcement of the end plates290and are embedded within the sealing portion222. It will be appreciated that a majority of the carrier frame226is preferably embedded and encased within the sealing module222.FIGS.40-43depict another carrier frame300that can be incorporated within middle cable sealing modules in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The carrier frame300includes end plates302adapted to be positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the cable sealing module, and longitudinal beams304that interconnect the end plates302. Ribs306project inwardly from each of the end plates302. Tabs308project upwardly from top sides of the end plates302.

FIGS.44-47depict another carrier frame320in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The carrier frame320preferably has a molded plastic construction and is adapted to be encased within middle sealing modules in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The carrier frame320has the same general design as the carrier frame300, except resilient fingers326have been added corresponding to predefined cable pass-through locations indicated by axes330. It will be appreciated that the fingers are arranged in pairs with each pair defining a tapered V-shaped configuration. The V-shaped configurations straddle their respective cable pass-through axes330. When a cable is sealed by a sealing module including the fingers, the fingers corresponding to the cable pass-through location in which the cable is inserted flex apart to accommodate deformation of the sealing portion of the module as the sealing arrangement moves from the non-deformed state to the deformed state. The fingers preferably have a resilient construction and assist in biasing the sealing portion from the deformed state back to the non-deformed state.

FIG.48depicts a further cable sealing module350in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The cable sealing module350includes a sealing portion352and a carrier frame354at least partially embedded within the sealing portion352. A spring356such as a leaf-spring is secured to the carrier frame354and abuts against one side of the sealing portion352. The carrier frame354defines a single opening358(seeFIG.49) through which the spring356is adapted to deflect when the sealing portion352is deformed as a fiber optic cable displaces a portion of the sealing portion354during sealing of the fiber optic cable. In certain examples, the sealing portion352is not required to extrude through any openings or other structures before contacting the spring356. It will be appreciated that the cable sealing module350is adapted for use as one of the sealing modules30,32of the sealing arrangement22or as one of the sealing modules130,132of the sealing arrangement122.

Referring still toFIGS.48and49, the lower portion of the carrier frame354is rounded and adapted to be received within a corresponding rounded receptacle defined by housing of the telecommunication enclosure in which the cable sealing module350is mounted.FIG.50shows an alternative configuration of a cable sealing module350awhere the rounded lower portion has been eliminated.

It will be appreciated that the spring356flexes and applies spring load to the sealing portion350when a cable displaces sealant material as part of the sealing process. Thus, flexation of the spring356provides both pressurization of the sealing portion352and also provides extra volume to accommodate sealant displaced from the sealing process.FIG.51depicts a first flexing configuration where maximum deflection of the spring356occurs at its mid region and minimum deflection of the spring356occurs adjacent to its ends. In other examples, the housing of the telecommunication enclosure in which the cable sealing module350is mounted can include structure that prevents or limits deflection of the mid region of the spring356(seeFIG.52). In this type of example, ends355of the spring are be free to move to accommodate deflection of the spring356. In this example, volume for accommodating displaced sealant is provided adjacent the ends355of the spring356as the spring deflects. In certain examples, this type of configuration can be adapted for providing enhanced sealing pressure adjacent a triple point of the enclosure.

FIGS.53and54depict a telecommunication enclosure400in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure400includes a housing402including first and second mating housing pieces402a,402b. The telecommunication enclosure400further includes a cable sealing arrangement404that mounts between the housing pieces402a,402badjacent one end of the housing402. The cable sealing arrangement404includes first and second cable sealing modules406,408having sealing surfaces410,412that define a cable pass-through region (i.e., a cable sealing interface). A containment frame414includes containment walls414a,414bthat oppose opposite axial end faces of the cable sealing modules406,408. The walls414a,414bdefine openings415corresponding to pre-defined cable pass-through locations417. At least one of the cable sealing modules406,408includes predefined tear-away locations418corresponding to at least some of the cable pass-through locations417. The cable tear-away locations418include volumes of sealant material419that can be torn away from a main body421of the module to reduce the overall sealant volume of the module so that the sealing arrangement can accommodate larger fiber optic cables. The tear-away locations418can be defined by pre-defined weakened regions423in the sealing module that readily allow the volumes of sealant material419to be torn from the main body421of the sealant module.FIG.55depicts the sealant modules406,408and the containment frame414in isolation from the remainder of the enclosure.

FIGS.56-58depict another telecommunication enclosure450in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure450includes a re-enterable housing452including first and second housing pieces452a,452bthat meet at a sealed perimeter interface. The telecommunication enclosure450also includes a cable sealing arrangement454including a top cable sealing module456, a bottom cable sealing module458and a middle cable sealing module457. The cable sealing modules456-458define upper and lower cable sealing interfaces469a,469bthrough which fiber optic cables can be routed into the interior of the telecommunications enclosure450.

The enclosure450includes a containment frame arrangement that preferably has a plastic construction that is harder than corresponding sealing portions and optional containment portions of the sealing modules456-458. The containment frame arrangement includes an upper containment frame213including axial containment walls215a,215bconnected by axial connection links211that extend through the middle cable sealing module457. The containment walls215a,215bdefine cable openings217a,217brespectively corresponding to the upper cable sealing interface469a. The cable openings217a,217bestablish locations for predefined cable pass-through locations219. The upper cable sealing module456defines predefined removable volumes of sealant material457corresponding to at least some of the cable pass-through locations219. The containment frame arrangement also includes a lower containment frame223corresponding to the lower cable pass-through interface469b. The lower containment frame223includes axial containment walls225a,225bdefining cable opening227a,227bthat correspond to pre-defined cable pass-through locations at the lower pass-through interface469b. The lower cable sealing module558defines removable sealant sections459having predefined volumes corresponding to at least some of the cable pass-through locations. Preferably, the removable sections having pre-defined volumes are defined by predefined weakened locations within the sealing material.FIG.58shows the sealing arrangement454in isolation from the remainder of the enclosure450.

In certain examples, the cable sealing arrangement404and the cable sealing arrangement454can have a modular configuration in which the selected ones of the cable sealing modules and selected containment frames can be divided into separate segments that can be individually installed within the telecommunication enclosure.FIGS.59-61show an example segmented sealing system. Example sealing segments460a-460ecorresponding to cable pass-through locations adapted for receiving cables of different sizes shown atFIG.62. Sealing segment460ais adapted for receiving two cables ranging in size from 0 to 8 mm in diameter. Sealing segment460bis adapted for receiving a cable having a diameter ranging from 8 to 14 mm. Sealing segment460cis adapted for receiving a cable ranging from 14 to 18 mm in diameter. Sealing segment460dis adapted for receiving a cable ranging in size from 18 to 23 mm in diameter. Sealing segment460eis adapted for receiving a grounding wire. It will be appreciated that the various segments can be mixed and matched to build a sealing arrangement customized to accommodate the desired number and size of cables needed to be routed into the enclosure. Each of the segments can be secured within a corresponding one of the housing pieces by a latch arrangement. For example, segmented containment frames470of the sealing segments460a-460ecan include tabs472that fit within corresponding openings474defined by the housing piece475. By pressing the oppositely positioned axial wall portions476a,476bof containment frames470axially together to compress the sealing material therein between, the sealing segments460a-460ecan be inserted into a channel478defined in the housing piece475. Thereafter, the segments460a-460ecan be released and the elasticity of the compressed sealing material pushes the frame segment wall portions476a,476baxially outwardly such that the tabs472fit within the corresponding openings474defined in the housing475. In other examples, recesses can be defined in the segmented containment frame wall portions and projections can be provided in the housing.

FIGS.63and64show still another cable sealing module500in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The cable sealing module includes a sealant portion502and a containment portion504. The sealant portion502and the containment portion504can have elastomeric configurations as previously described. In certain examples, the sealing portion502can include a gel and the containment portion504can include a rubber. The sealant portion502is softer than the containment portion504. In the depicted example, the cable sealing module includes a plurality of inserts505that fit between walls507a,507bof the containment portion504. Each of the inserts505includes a containment body509defining a cavity510in which a volume512of the sealant portion502is provided.

The inserts505fit within a main portion514of the cable sealing module500. For smaller cables, the inserts505remain in the cable sealing module500during sealing. However, for larger cables where a significant amount of sealant will be displaced by the cables, one or more of the inserts505can be removed corresponding to the desired pass-through location of the cable to reduce the amount of sealant displaced and to reduce the volume of space required in the sealing arrangement for accommodating displaced sealant. In this manner, the range of cable sizes that can be accommodated by the sealing modules is enlarged.

FIGS.65and66depict another telecommunication enclosure650in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure650includes a re-enterable housing652including first and second housing pieces652a,652bthat meet at a sealed perimeter interface. The telecommunication enclosure650also includes a sealing arrangement653for sealing one end of the re-enterable housing652. The sealing arrangement653provides sealed cable access locations for routing fiber optic cables into or out of the end of the housing652in a sealed manner. The sealing arrangement653includes one or more volumes of sealant656contained by a sealant containment frame structure658. The sealant containment frame structure658includes an inner containment wall670aand an outer containment wall670bbetween which the volumes of sealant656are captured. In the depicted example, the volumes of sealant656include a lower sealant block656a, a middle sealant block656band two upper sealant blocks656c. An upper cable sealing interface669ais defined between the middle sealing block656band the two upper sealing blocks656c. A lower cable sealing interface669bis defined between the middle sealing block656band the lower sealing block656a. It will be appreciated that fiber optic cables can be routed through the cable sealing interfaces669a,669binto the interior of the telecommunications enclosure650. Cables routed through the upper cable sealing interface669aare sealed between the middle volume of sealant656band one of the upper volumes of sealant656c. Cables routed through the lower cable sealing interface669bare sealed between the middle volume of sealant656band the lower volume of sealant656a. It will be appreciated that any of the volumes of sealant can include predefined removable sections that can be removed to provide a reduction in sealant volume to facilitate accommodation of larger fiber optic cables.

The inner and outer containment walls670a,670bof the cable sealant containment frame structure658can define a plurality of cable pass-through openings672. The cable pass-through openings672can include openings of different sizes. For example, cable pass-through openings672aare adapted for receiving smaller cables and are smaller in cross-sectional area, while cable pass-through openings672bare larger in cross-sectional and are adapted for receiving fiber optic cables having larger diameters. The sealant containment frame structure658also includes removable divider insert units680that mount within the containment walls670a,670bat the larger cable pass-through openings. In certain examples, the divider insert units are secured at the cable pass-through openings672bby snap-fit connections.

As shown atFIGS.69and70, each of the divider insert units680includes a U-shaped insert frame682including opposite side walls684a,684bconnected to a base wall686. The side walls684a,684bproject from the base wall686in a common direction. The divider insert unit680also includes a divider688that projects from the base wall686in the same direction as the side walls684a,684b. The divider688has a cantilevered configuration with a base end690and a free end692. The divider688has a flexible hinge694at the base end690for allowing the divider688to be flexed from a neutral position toward the first side wall684a, and from the neutral position to the second side wall684b. When the divider688is in the neutral position, the divider688is at a mid-location between the side walls684a,684b. First and second stops696aand696bcan be provided for limiting the amount the divider688can flex in the direction toward the first side wall684aand in the direction toward the second side wall684b. The side walls684can be configured to assist in providing a snap-fit connection with respect to the containment walls670a,670b. The hinge694can have a resilient construction that biases the divider688toward the neutral position.

When one of the divider insert units680is mounted within one of the inner or outer containment walls670a,670badjacent one of the larger pass-through openings672b, the divider688divides the pass-through opening into a first region698and a second region699(seeFIG.68). When the divider is in the neutral position, the first and second regions have the same size. When the divider688is flexed from the neutral position toward the first side wall684ato a first flexed position700aas shown in dashed line atFIG.70, the first region698is reduced in size and the second region699is increased in size. In contrast, when the divider688is flexed from the neutral position to a second flexed position700badjacent the second side wall684bas shown in dashed line atFIG.70, the first region688is enlarged and the second region699is reduced. InFIG.70, the neutral position of the divider688is shown in solid line. It will be appreciated that the divider688can be flexed at the hinge to accommodate cables having different cross-sectional sizes and shapes. For smaller cables, the divider can remain in the neutral position and cables can be routed through both the first and second regions698,699. For larger cables, the dividers688can be flexed to either the first flexed position700aor the second flexed position700bto provide increased space to accommodating the larger cable. In each of the positions, divider688assists in containing containment of the cable sealant within the sealant containment frame structure658.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to cable sealing arrangements including sealing modules that readily flow from a non-deformed state to a deformed state to conform to fiber optic cables and provide sealing effective sealing about the cables. The cable sealing modules also are preferably capable of effectively changing in shape from a deformed state to a recovered state when a cable is removed. In certain examples, the sealing modules can include a sealant that is quite soft to allow the sealant to readily and quickly conform to different sized fiber optic cables to provide effective sealing. In certain examples, the sealing modules also include structural inserts (e.g., frames, supports, etc.) that effectively provide structural support and flow control of the soft sealing material, and have elastic properties that assists in reducing the recovery time required for the soft sealing to return to a state in which the deformation is less than 10, 5 or 2 percent.

In certain examples, sealing modules in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can include a hybrid or composite construction including a sealing portion having a first composition and a structural insert portion having a second composition. In certain examples, the first and second compositions can be compatible with one another and can be adapted to bond with respect to one another. In certain examples, the first and second compositions can both be elastomeric compositions. In certain examples, the first and second compositions can include the same base polymer. In certain examples, the sealing portion and the structural insert portion can both be elastomeric, but the sealing portion can be softer than the structural insert portion, and the structural insert portion can have a higher modulus of elasticity than the sealing portion. In certain examples, the structural insert portion can be a pre-molded structure, and the sealing portion can be molded over, through and or onto the structural insert portion. In certain examples, the structural insert portion is fully enclosed (e.g., overmolded) within the sealing portion so that the structural insert portion is not exposed at an exterior of the sealing module. In certain examples, the sealing portion and the structural insert portion both have compression sets less than 10, 5, or 2 percent, but the recovery time for the structural insert portion is shorter than the recovery time for the sealing portion. In certain examples, the sealing material can have more of a gel composition, and the containment portion can have more of a rubber composition.

In certain examples in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the sealing material can have a hardness in the range of 10-60 Shore 000, or in the range of 5-25 Shore A, or in the range of 5-20 Shore A, or in the range of 5-15 Shore A, and the structural insert material can have a hardness in the range of 5-40 Shore A, or in the range of 5-30 Shore A, or in the range of 10-30 Shore A, or in the range of 20-30 Shore A. In a given cable sealing module, the sealing material is preferably softer than the structural insert material.

In a preferred example, the sealing portion of a given sealing module occupies a majority of the volume of the sealing module while the structural insert portion occupies a minority of the total volume of the sealing module.

In certain examples, the sealing portion and the structural insert portion can each have an elastomeric construction with a base composition that includes silicone (e.g., polysiloxanes or polymethylsiloxanes). In certain examples, the sealing portion and structural insert portion can each include an elastomeric construction with a base composition that includes a thermoplastic elastomeric. Example thermoplastic elastomers can include styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, and other thermoplastic elastomers.

FIG.71depicts another telecommunication enclosure750in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure750includes a re-enterable housing752including first and second housing pieces752a,752bthat meet at a sealed perimeter interface. The telecommunication enclosure750also includes a sealing arrangement753for sealing a first end of754the re-enterable housing752. In one example, the housing extends from the first end754to an opposite second end (not shown), and a hinge for pivoting the housing752between open and closed positions is at the first end754. In other examples, the hinge may be located at the opposite second end or along one of the sides of the housing752. The sealing arrangement753provides sealed cable access for routing fiber optic cables into or out of the first end754of the housing752in a sealed manner. The sealing arrangement753includes cable sealing modules756(e.g., cable sealing blocks) preferably contained by a sealant containment frame structure integrated with or carried with the housing752. In one example the sealing arrangement753includes two cable sealing modules756each carried with and contained by one of the first and second housing pieces752a,752b. The cable sealing modules756include cable sealing sides758that meet at a cable sealing interface757when the housing752is closed. It will be appreciated that cables can be routed through the cable sealing interface757and sealed between the cable sealing sides758with the cable sealing sides758elastomerically deforming to conform to outer profiles of the cables to provide sealing. The cables define cable axes759that define cable pass-through directions/orientations through the sealing arrangements753. The cable sealing modules756also include inner and outer axial sides760,762that are generally perpendicular relative to the cable pass-through orientations. When the sealing arrangement is installed in the housing752, the inner axial sides760face in an inward axial direction toward an interior of the housing752and the outer axial sides762face in an outward axial direction away from the interior of the housing752.

FIG.73depicts one of the cable sealing modules756in isolation from the housing752. The cable sealing module756is depicted as a sealing block having a composite construction including a sealing portion764and a structural insert portion766. The sealing portion764and the structural insert portion76preferably include mechanical/physical properties or characteristics of the type described above. In a preferred example, the sealing portion764and the structural insert portion766both have an elastomeric construction, with the structural insert portion766being more elastic than the sealing portion764such that the structural insert portion766has a faster recovery time than the sealing portion764. The sealing portion764and the structural insert portion766can each have a material composition of the type described elsewhere herein with respect to such components. In a preferred example, the structural insert766is constructed of a material that is harder than the material forming the sealing portion764. The cable sealing module766also includes a spring768depicted as a leaf spring.

In a preferred example, at least one of the structural insert portion766and the spring768is fully enclosed and embedded within the sealing portion764. In a preferred example, both the structural insert portion766and the spring768are fully enclosed (embedded within, encased within, encapsulated within, surrounded by, etc.) the sealing portion764. In certain examples, the sealing portion764is overmolded over the structural insert portion766and the spring768. In certain examples, the sealing portion764occupies a majority of the volume of the cable sealing module756. In certain examples, the sealing portion764is molded around and through the structural insert portion766. In certain examples, the structural insert portion766forms a skeletal frame that provides structural support to the sealing portion764and also provides containment of at least portions of the sealing portion764to assist in controlling movement of the sealing portion764when the cable sealing module766is pressurized during cable sealing. Thus, the structural insert portion766can assist in controlling positioning of the sealing portion764during cable sealing to ensure that the sealing portion764effectively conforms about the exterior of cables routed through the sealing arrangement753.

The spring768is also preferably overmolded within the sealing portion764adjacent to the structural insert portion766. When the sealing arrangement753is pressurized during cable sealing, the spring768can flex to accommodate movement of portions of the sealing portion764and to take-up sealant volume as volume of the sealing portion764is displaced by cables routed through the sealing arrangement753. Additionally, when the spring768is flexed, the spring768applies spring load to the sealing portion764to assist in maintaining the sealing portion764under pressure during sealing. The spring768preferably has a metal construction such as spring steel.

Referring toFIGS.73-80, the cable sealing module756has an outer shape defined by the sealing portion764. The outer shape of the cable sealing module756includes a length L1, a height H1, and an axial thickness T1. In use within the enclosure750, the length L1extends across the width of the housing752, the height H1extends along a height of the housing and the axial thickness T1extends along the cable pass-through orientation. The outer shape of the cable sealing module756includes the inner and outer axial sides760,762. The axial thickness T1extends between the inner and outer axial sides760,762. The outer shape of the cable sealing module756also includes opposite end surfaces770,772separated by the length L1of the cable sealing modules756.

The outer shape of the cable sealing module756further includes the cable sealing side758which extends along the length L1of the cable sealing module756and also extends between the inner and outer axial sides760,762of the cable sealing module756. In the depicted example, the cable sealing side758has been profiled to have a faceted configuration. The faceted configuration can include a primary sealing surface774and a chamfer surface776. In certain examples, the primary sealing surface774is oriented generally perpendicular with respect to the inner and outer axial sides760,762, and the chamfer surface776is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the primary sealing surface774and the inner and outer axial sides760,762. In the depicted example, the chamfer surface776provides a slanted/angled transition between the primary sealing surface774and the inner axial side760. In certain examples, the chamfer surface776is angled at an oblique angle (e.g., an oblique angle in the range of 30-60 degrees) with respect to the primary sealing surface774and/or one of the inner or outer axial sides760,762. In alternative examples, the chamfer surface776may provide a transition between the primary sealing surface774and the outer axial side762, or chamfer surfaces776may provide transitions from the primary sealing surface774to both the inner and outer axial sides760,762.

The outer shape of the cable sealing module756also includes a side778positioned opposite from the cable sealing side758such that the side778and the cable sealing side758are separated by the height H1. It will be appreciated that the spring768is embedded within the sealing portions764adjacent to the side778at a location between the structural insert portions766and the side778. Thus, the side778can be referred to as a spring side. When the cable sealing module756is installed within the housing752, the side778faces toward a pocket of the housing adapted for taking-up volume of the cable sealing module756during cable sealing when cables displaced portions of the sealing portion764. Thus, the side778can be referred to as a mounting pocket side. In certain examples, the spring768flexes into the pocket and portions of the sealing portions764flow into the pocket during sealing to accommodate the volume of sealant displaced by the cables routed through the sealing arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the profiled configuration of the cable sealing surface758assists in preventing extrusion and shearing of the sealing portion764when the housing752is closed and the sealing portion764is deformed about cables routed through the sealing arrangement753. For example, open volume777provided adjacent to the chamfer surface776provides an open region into which displaced sealant material of the sealing portion764can flow during sealing about a cable or about cables. In certain examples, the chamfer surface776extends along at least 30 or 40% of the length L1of the cable sealing module756. In certain examples, the chamfer surface776can include different sections or regions that are separated from one another along the length L1of the cable sealing modules756. In certain examples, the chamfer surface776can have a chamfer height dimension CH that extends along the height H1of the cable sealing module756and a chamfer thickness dimension CT that extends along the axial thickness T1of the cable sealing module756. In certain examples, the height dimension CH of the chamfer surface776is at least 5, 10, 15, or 20% as long as the height H1of the cable sealing module, and the thickness dimension CT of the chamfer surface776is at least 5, 10, 15, or 20% as long as the axial thickness T1of the cable sealing module756. In the depicted example, the chamfer surface776includes a first section779positioned adjacent one end of the cable sealing module756and a second section781positioned adjacent an opposite end of the cable sealing module756. The sections779,781of the chamfer surface776are separated along the length L1of the cable sealing module756by a spacing S1. A plurality of notches780are provided at the cable sealing module756in the region corresponding with the spacing S1. The notches780transition from the cable sealing side758to the inner axial face760. The notches780are separated from one another and from the sections779,781of the chamfer surface776by non-chamfered regions782.

Referring toFIGS.73and81-89, the structural insert portions766include a length L2that extends along the length L1of the cable sealing module756, a height H2that extends along the height H1of the cable sealing modules756and an axial thickness or depth T2that extends along the axial thickness T1of the cable sealing module. In one example, the length L2is at least 70, 80, or 90% as long as the length L1, the axial thickness T2is at least 70, 80, or 90% as long as the axial thickness T1, and the height H2is less than or equal to 70, 80, or 90% as long as the height H1. In certain examples, the axial thickness T2is at least 30, 40, or 50% as long as the axial thickness T1and less than or equal to 70, 80, or 90% as long as the axial thickness T1.

The structural insert portions766includes inner and outer primary (e.g., main) longitudinal walls784,786that extend along the length L2. The inner and outer primary longitudinal walls784,786include major sides that are parallel with respect to the inner and outer axial bases760,762. A major inner side785of the inner primary longitudinal wall784faces toward the inner axial side760and an outer major side787of the outer primary longitudinal wall786faces toward the outer axial side762. The inner and outer primary longitudinal walls784,786are parallel with respect to one another and are interconnected by cross-supports788. The cross-supports788extend along the axial thickness T2between the inner and outer primary longitudinal walls784,786. The cross-supports788also connect to a central reinforcing rail790that is parallel to the longitudinal walls784,786and is centered between the longitudinal walls784,786. An offset rail791also extends along the length L2and includes a central spring support surface792that faces toward the spring768and extends along a center line of the spring768. The offset rail791is offset from the central rail790in a direction toward the spring768and has a dimension RH in the height orientation H2that extends beyond central rail790and the longitudinal walls784,786toward the spring768. Posts793offset the offset rail791from the central reinforcing rail790.

The cross-supports788are separated by openings794that allow the sealing portion764of the cable sealing module756to flow through the structural insert portions766in the orientation of the height H2. When viewed along the length L2, the cross-supports788have a V-shaped configuration with each of the cross-supports788including a V-shaped notch796. Each notch796is tapered to expand as each notch796extends toward the cable sealing surface758. Each notch796has a closed end at the centered reinforcing rail790. The longitudinal walls784,786are also interconnected by end supports798that extend across the axial thickness T2. The end supports798include legs798a,798bthat are angled relative to one another such that the end supports798define V-shaped notches780that face outwardly from the ends of the structural insert portions766and are v-shaped when viewed in the orientation of the height H2.

The inner and outer primary longitudinal walls784,786each include first and second minor sides802,804that extend longitudinally along the length L2of the structural insert portion766and also extend between the major sides of each of the primary longitudinal walls784,786. The first minor sides802face toward the cable sealing side758and the second minor sides804face toward the spring768and the side778. A plurality of cable notches806are defined by the first minor sides802of the longitudinal walls784,786. In one example, the cable notches806are generally semi-circular in shape when viewed in an orientation along the thickness T2. In one example, the cable notches806have open sides807that face toward the cable sealing surface758. In certain examples, the cable notches806at the first minor sides802of the walls784,786are arranged in pairs with the cable notches806of each pair being coaxially aligned with respect to one another. It will be appreciated that each pair of co-axially aligned cable notches806defines a predefined cable pass-through location aligned along an axis809that passes through the structural insert portion along the axial thickness orientation T2.

The structural insert portion766further includes a plurality of spring support projections808that project outwardly from the second minor sides804of the longitudinal walls784,786in a direction toward the spring768. The spring support projections808are spaced apart from one another along the lengths of the second minor sides804of the longitudinal walls784,786. The spring support projections808are arranged in rows that are parallel to the offset rail791with the offset rail791being centered between the rows of spring support projections808.

In certain examples, the structural insert portions766can also include tabs810that project out from the major sides of the longitudinal walls784,786. The tabs810can be located near the ends of the structural insert portion766and can project from the major sides of the longitudinal walls784,786in the orientation of the axial thickness T2. The tabs810can include tabs810athat project from the inner primary longitudinal wall784toward the inner axial face766and outer tabs810bthat project from the outer primary longitudinal walls786toward the outer axial face762. The tabs810a,810bcan extend across the axial thickness T2and can have ends811adjacent the cable sealing side758that are angled. In one example, at least some of the tabs810have angled ends811having angles that are parallel to the chamfer surface776.

In certain implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes a hydrolyzation cured vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) gel or rubber. Additional information on such a material can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,642,891, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one example, the sealant and/or containment material can be made by reacting a cross-linker, a chain extender and a vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein include peroxide or heat cured vinyl-terminated PDMS material. In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes moisture (and/or ultraviolet light UV) cured PDMS material (various terminations possible, including silanol). In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes moisture (and/or UV) cured, silylated polyether (commonly silyl modified “MS polymer”) material. In certain implementations, the sealant and/or containment material includes polyether or polyester based polyurethane. In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes chemically crosslinked polyacrylate (acrylic or methacrylic) e.g. n-butyl acrylate or ethyl-hexyl acrylate with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes ionically crosslinked rubber. In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes chemically crosslinked styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) family thermo-plastic elastomer (TPE) gel (crosslinks in polystyrene phase only) or SBS family TPE rubber. In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes physically crosslinked triblock polyacrylate material (e.g. Kurarity®). In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes physically crosslinked triblock olefin material (e.g. Infuse). In other implementations, sealant and/or containment material for use in applications of the type disclosed herein includes hybrids and/or multiple combinations of above chemistries.

In other examples, the sealant and/or containment material can include an extended (e.g., oil extended) co-polymer gel such as a gel having a composition that includes di-block and/or tri-block co-polymers (e.g., hard-elastomer-hard block co-polymers such as styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene (SEPS) and/or styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene (SEBS) block co-polymers). Example sealants having extended co-polymer gels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,618,882; 5,442,004; 5,541,250; 5,994,446; and PCT International Patent Publication Nos. WO88/00603; WO94/182273; and WO93/23472, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Example sealing gels can include cross-linked rubber gels. Example sealing gels can include styrenic block copolymers (e.g., di-block and tri-block copolymers) such as cross-linked styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) family thermo-plastic elastomer (TPE) gels. Example sealing gels can include including extended (e.g., oil extended) co-polymer gels such as gels having a composition that includes di-block and/or tri-block co-polymers (e.g., hard-elastomer-hard block co-polymers such as styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene (SEPS) and/or styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene (SEBS) block co-polymers). Example sealing gels can include gels (e.g., silicone gels and other gels) of the type disclosed at U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/013,992 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Aspect 1. A sealing arrangement comprising:

first and second cable sealing modules each including a cable sealing surface, the cable sealing surfaces of the first and second cable sealing modules opposing and contacting one another at a cable pass-through sealing interface;

at least one of the first and second cable sealing modules including a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions respectively having different first and second chemical compositions, the first and second chemical compositions both having elastomeric properties.

Aspect 2. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 1, wherein the first portion is a gel and the second portion is a rubber.

Aspect 3. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the first and second chemical compositions include the same base chemical.

Aspect 4. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 3, wherein the base chemical includes silicone.

Aspect 5. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 3, wherein the base chemical includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

Aspect 6. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-5, wherein the second composition has a shorter compression set recovery time than the first composition.

Aspect 7. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 6, wherein the second portion shortens the compression set recovery time of the first portion as compared to the first portion recovering alone.

Aspect 8. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the first and second portions are bonded together.

Aspect 9. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein the first composition is more flowable that the second composition.

Aspect 10. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-9, wherein the first portion is molded between, through, within, and/or over the second portion.

Aspect 11. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-10, wherein the cable sealing module includes a length, a height and a thickness, wherein the cable sealing surface is defined along the length and the thickness, and wherein a pass-through orientation of the cables extends across the thickness of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 12. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 11, wherein the second portion defines a rib embedded in the first portion that extends along the length of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 13. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 12, wherein the second portion includes a base embedded in the first portion that extends long the length and thickness of the cable sealing module and that defines openings though which the first portion extends in the height orientation.
Aspect 14. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 12 or 13, wherein the second portion includes axial walls positioned at axial end faces of the cable sealing module separated by the thickness of the cable sealing module, wherein at least a portion of the first portion is contained between the axial walls.
Aspect 15. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 14, wherein the axial walls define at least 50 percent or at least 75 percent of the surface area of the axial end faces
Aspect 16. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 14, wherein the axial walls define 20-50 percent of the surface area of the axial end faces.
Aspect 17. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 14, wherein the axial walls extend to the cable sealing surfaces such that the first and second portions cooperate to define the cable sealing surfaces.
Aspect 18. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 14, wherein the axial walls are offset from the cable sealing surfaces such that the cable sealing surfaces are defined only by the first portion.
Aspect 19. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-18, wherein the cable sealing surfaces have a non-deformed state corresponding to when no cables are routed between the cable sealing modules and a deformed state corresponding to when cables are routed between the cable sealing modules, and wherein the second portion shortens the compression set recovery time from the deformed state to the non-deformed state of the first portion as compared to the first portion recovering alone.
Aspect 20. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 19, wherein the cable sealing surfaces do not include pre-defined cable-receiving recesses when in the non-deformed state.
Aspect 21. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 14, wherein the second portion includes struts that extend across the thickness between the axial end walls, and wherein the struts each include first and second segments that are angled at oblique angles with respect to one another.
Aspect 22. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-21, further comprising a plastic module frame embedded in the at least one cable sealing module.
Aspect 23. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 22, wherein the first portion is molded through and around the plastic module frame.
Aspect 24. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 22, wherein the plastic module frame includes retention tabs for retaining the at least one cable sealing module in a housing.
Aspect 25. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 24, wherein the second portion and the plastic module frame are individually pre-molded, and the first portion is then molded in place with respect to the second portion and the plastic module frame.
Aspect 26. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 22-25, wherein the plastic module frame defines a base with openings through which the first portion is molded, and sets of fingers that project from the base, the sets of fingers defining v-shapes when viewed along a cable pass-through orientation of the sealing arrangement.
Aspect 27. The sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-25, further comprising containment frames opposing opposite axial end faces of the cable sealing modules, the containment frames defining pre-determined cable pass-through openings.
Aspect 28. The sealing arrangement of Aspect 27, wherein the cable sealing modules and the containment frames are divided into a plurality of module sections that each form a portion of a length of the cable sealing arrangement.
Aspect 29. A cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-28, wherein the at least one cable sealing module includes a length a height and a thickness, wherein the thickness extends along a cable pass-through orientation of the cable sealing arrangement, and wherein the at least one cable sealing module includes ears at opposite ends of the cable sealing module that extend along the thickness of the cable sealing module and project outwardly from a main body of the cable sealing module in the height orientation, the ears being defined by the first portion of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 30. The cables sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-29, wherein the at least one cable sealing module is chamfered adjacent the cable sealing surface to reduce a thickness of the cable sealing surface as compared to a remainder of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 31. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-30, further comprising a leaf spring attached to the at least one cable sealing module.
Aspect 32. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 30, wherein the leaf spring is coupled to the cable sealing module by retaining features overmolded in the cable sealing module.
Aspect 33. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 32, wherein when the cable sealing module is mounted in an enclosure, opposite ends of the leaf spring flex to accommodate deformation of the cable sealing module while a mid-region of the leaf spring remains fixed.
Aspect 34. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-33, wherein the at least one cable sealing module includes a plurality of removable volume reducing inserts, each of the inserts including a volume of the first composition and a volume of the second composition.
Aspect 35. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 34, wherein the volumes of the first compositions are contained within the volumes of the second compositions.
Aspect 36. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 1-35, wherein the cable sealing surface are located at opposing outer sides of the cable sealing modules.
Aspect 37. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 11 or 19, wherein the first portion is a sealing portion and the second portion is a structural insert portion, wherein the sealing portion is softer than the structural insert portion
Aspect 38. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 37, wherein the sealing portion occupies majority of a volume of the cable sealing module and is overmolded over and through the structural insert portion.
Aspect 39. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 37 or 38, further comprising a leaf spring overmolded within the sealing portion.
Aspect 40. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 37 or 38, wherein the structural insert portion is fully encapsulated within the sealing portion.
Aspect 41. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 37-40, wherein the structural insert portion defines notches corresponding to pre-defined cable pass-through locations.
Aspect 42. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 41, wherein the sealing portion does not include pre-defined cable pass-through notches at the sealing surface of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 43. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 37-40, wherein the cable sealing module includes inner and outer axial sides that extend along the length and the height of the cable sealing module, wherein the cable sealing module includes a cable sealing side including the cable sealing surface that extends along the length and the thickness of the cable sealing module, wherein the structural insert portion includes first and second main walls that are parallel and spaced apart from one another along the thickness of the cable sealing module, wherein the structural insert portion includes cross-supports spaced apart from one another along the length of the cable sealing module that connect the first and second main walls, wherein the first and second main walls have major sides that are parallel with respect to the inner and outer axial sides, wherein the first and second major walls include first minor sides that face toward the cable sealing side, wherein the first minor sides define notches corresponding to pre-defined cable pass-through location, and wherein openings extend between the cross-supports in a height orientation for allowing the sealant portion to flow through the structural insert portion in the height orientation.
Aspect 44. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 43, wherein the cable sealing module includes a spring side positioned opposite the cable sealing side, wherein the height extends between the cable sealing side and the spring side, and wherein a leaf spring is encapsulated within the sealing portion at a location between the spring side and the structural insert portion.
Aspect 45. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 44, wherein the first and second main walls have second minor sides that face toward the leaf spring, and wherein rows of projections are provided at the second minor sides that project toward the leaf spring.
Aspect 46. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 45, wherein the structural insert portion includes a first longitudinal rail centered between and parallel to the first and second main walls, wherein the cross-supports connect to the first longitudinal rail.
Aspect 47. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 46, further comprising a centrally positioned second longitudinal rail that is offset from the first longitudinal rail by posts in a direction toward the spring, wherein the second longitudinal rail includes a longitudinal surface that faces toward the leaf spring, and wherein the longitudinal rail is centered between the rows of projections.
Aspect 48. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 43-47, wherein the cable sealing side includes a chamfer surface defined between the cable sealing surface and one of the inner and outer axial sides of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 49. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 48, wherein the chamfer surface is provided adjacent to only one of the inner and outer axial sides of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 50. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 48 or 49, wherein the chamfer surface has a height dimension equal to or greater than at least 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the height of the cable sealing module, and/or an axial dimension equal to or greater than at least 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the thickness of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 51. A cable sealing module comprising:

a module body including a length a height and a thickness, wherein the thickness extends along a cable pass-through orientation of the cable sealing arrangement, the module body including ears at opposite ends of the module body that extend along the thickness of the module body and project outwardly from a main body of the cable sealing module in the height orientation.

Aspect 52. The cable sealing module of Aspect 51, wherein the ears have a truncated triangular shape when viewed along a cable pass-through orientation.

Aspect 53. The cable sealing module of Aspect 51 or 52, wherein the module body includes a sealing gel molded over a plastic module frame.

Aspect 54. A sealing arrangement comprising:

first and second cable sealing modules each including a cable sealing surface, the cable sealing surfaces of the first and second cable sealing modules opposing and contacting one another at a cable pass-through sealing interface;

at least one of the first and second cable sealing modules being chamfered adjacent the cable sealing surface to reduce a thickness of the cable sealing surface as compared to a remainder of the cable sealing module.

Aspect 55. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 54, wherein both of the first and second cable sealing modules are chamfered adjacent the cable pass-through sealing interface.

Aspect 56. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 55, wherein the cable sealing modules each have a length, a thickness and a height, wherein the cable sealing surfaces are defined at exteriors of the cable sealing modules and extend along the thickness and the lengths of the sealing modules, and wherein the chamfering causes the thickness to narrow as the modules extend along the height toward the cable sealing surfaces.
Aspect 57. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 54, wherein the cable sealing surface extends between inner and outer axial sides of the cable sealing module, and wherein chamfer surfaces transition from the cable sealing surface to the inner axial side and from the cable sealing surface to the outer axial side.
Aspect 58. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 57, wherein the cable sealing side has a profile that is symmetric about a plane that bisects the cable sealing side and extends along the length of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 59. The cable sealing arrangement of Aspect 54, wherein the cable sealing surface extends between inner and outer axial sides of the cable sealing module, and wherein the cable sealing module is chamfered between the cable sealing surface and one of the inner axial and outer axial sides and is not chamfered between the cable sealing surface and the other of the inner and outer axial sides.
Aspect 60. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 54-59, wherein cable sealing module includes a chamfer surface between the sealing surface and an axial side of the cable sealing module, wherein the chamfer surface has a height dimension equal to or greater than at least 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the height of the cable sealing module, and wherein the chamfer surface has an axial dimension equal to or greater than at least 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the thickness of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 61. The cable sealing arrangement of any of Aspects 54-59, wherein cable sealing module includes a chamfer surface between the sealing surface and an axial side of the cable sealing module, wherein the chamfer surface has a height dimension equal to or greater than at least 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the height of the cable sealing module or wherein the chamfer surface has an axial dimension equal to or greater than at least 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the thickness of the cable sealing module.
Aspect 62. A sealing arrangement comprising:

first and second cable sealing modules each including a cable sealing surface, the cable sealing surfaces of the first and second cable sealing modules opposing and contacting one another at a cable pass-through sealing interface;

at least one of the first and second cable sealing modules having a sealing material molded over a plastic module frame, the plastic module frame including sets of fingers defining v-shapes when viewed in a cable pass-through direction, wherein cable pass-through locations are defined between the fingers defining the v-shapes.

Aspect 63. A sealing arrangement

first and second cable sealing modules each including a cable sealing surface, the cable sealing surfaces of the first and second cable sealing modules opposing and contacting one another at a cable pass-through sealing interface; and

a leaf spring that is flexed by at least one of the cable sealing modules in response to deformation of the cable sealing module, wherein a mid-region of the leaf spring is fixed and ends of the leaf spring are configured to flex to accommodate a volume of the cable sealing module displaced during sealing about a cable.