Television distribution component enclosure

An enclosure for a television distribution component and method for assembling the same includes a mounting plate, a plurality of extensions extending from the mounting plate and a housing receiving the electrical component. The housing has a plurality of openings aligned with the extensions. The housing having a cover wall generally parallel to the mounting plate and a plurality of side walls, said cover wall includes a first plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of extensions, a first side wall of the plurality of side walls includes a plurality of openings for electrically connecting to the electrical component.

CROSS REFERENCE

This Application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 29/502,633 filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to satellite television receiving device, and, more specifically, to a bracket for mounting the devices on or near a display or television.

BACKGROUND

To facilitate satellite broadcast service for a residential subscriber, a satellite service provider installs one or more “satellite dish” antennas at the subscriber's residence. The satellite dish is positioned to provide an unobstructed line-of-sight (LOS) with the satellite service provider's satellite(s) for signal reception. For rural or suburban single-family residences, the satellite dish will commonly be placed on the roof, attached to an exterior wall with appropriate (e.g., southern) exposure, or mounted on a pole in the yard, as long as line of sight with the satellite is not obstructed by trees, mountains or other structures.

For potential subscribers in more urban, higher-density housing environments, such as “multi-dwelling units” (MDU) in which individual housing units for residents or tenants are contained within one building or several buildings within one complex (e.g., apartments, condominiums, office suites, commercial and hotels), the provision of individual satellite dishes to each subscriber may be impractical or even prohibited. Not all residents of multi-dwelling units have an exterior wall or balcony with appropriate exposure, and those that do may be blocked by adjacent structures. Additionally, building codes and community rules (e.g., condominium association rules) may restrict the use of satellite dishes.

To address these issues, satellite service providers may install local content distribution systems within hotels and large multi-dwelling units to service multiple units/subscribers from a single satellite dish resource. A common dish may be used for multiple units/subscribers. Various electrical components are used to distribute the signals to the individual units/subscribers. Reducing the time and reducing the number of service personnel used to installer service an item is desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an enclosure for mounting a television distribution component that is easy to initially mount and that allows service personnel easy access for making upgrades or servicing. The present example is particularly suitable for multiple-dwelling units (MDU's), but may also be used for other types of residential or commercial applications.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an enclosure for an electrical component comprises a mounting plate, a plurality of extensions extending from the mounting plate and a housing receiving the electrical component. The housing has a plurality of openings aligned with the extensions. The housing having a cover wall generally parallel to the mounting plate and a plurality of side walls, said cover wall comprising a first plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of extensions, a first side wall of the plurality of side walls comprising a plurality of openings for electrically connecting to the electrical component.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a method comprises, in a first position of a housing, aligning a first extension, a second extension, a third extension and a fourth extension of a mounting plate with a respective first opening, a second opening, a third opening and a fourth opening in a cover wall of the housing. The method further comprises, in a second position, aligning the first extension with the second opening, the second extension with the first opening, the third extension with a fifth opening of the cover wall and the fourth extension with a sixth opening of the cover wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, a satellite television broadcasting system10is illustrated. The satellite television broadcasting system10includes an operational headend or network operations center (NOC)12that generates wireless uplink signals through a transmitting antenna14which are received by a receiving antenna16of a satellite18. The wireless signals, for example, may be digital and in a first format used for satellite communications. A transmitting antenna20generates wireless downlink signals directed to various receiving systems including stationary systems such as those in a building22or property with multiple buildings. The building22may be a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) with individual unit configurations.

The wireless signals may have various types of data associated with them including various channel information such as a channel or program guide, metadata, location information and the like. The guide data may be received from the network operations center12or external headend. The wireless signals may also have various video and audio signals associated therewith.

The program guide data may be received from a program guide module26. The program guide module26may communicate various objects to the network operations center12. Various types of data may be communicated about the programming and grid guide including the channel number, a network identifier, program data such as a start and end time of airing, title, numerical identifier, content data such as actors, descriptions, ratings and the like. Program guide data may include the relative positions of the data, the line structures for forming the grid for the program guide and the like.

A content provider28may provide content to the network operations center12. The content provider28may include various television networks that provide programming and content for a particular channel as well as on-demand and pay-per-view providers that provide content for communication at particular times over channels specified at the network operations center12.

Building22includes a receiving antenna (e.g., satellite dish)40that receives the wireless signals from the satellite18. Although only one antenna40is illustrated, more antennas may be provided.

The antenna or plurality of antennas40are in communication with a single-wire multi-switch (SWM) module42. As will be described below, more than one single-wire multi-switch may be included within a system. The single-wire multi-switch module42is used to multiplex signals on one or more outputs. In some examples, the multiplexed output signals may have frequencies designated for use by particular user receiving device tuners within building22.

A splitting module44is in communication with the single-wire multi-switch module42. The splitting module44may split the channel signals for distribution to various unit configurations46. Each unit configuration46corresponds to a user receiving device configuration within each of the individual units48within the building22. The splitting module44and unit configuration46are described further below. By way of example, four individual units48are illustrated, each having a respective unit configuration46.

An enclosure60may be used to enclose various television distribution components. Also, various connectors or openings for connecting or receiving wires for electronically connecting the antennas to the electrical components and for electrically connecting the electrical components to the unit configurations may be provided at the enclosure60. The enclosure60may be mounted in various locations on the building22. Details of the enclosure60are set forth below.

Referring now toFIG. 2, one example for a unit configuration46is set forth. As will be described further below, various numbers of user receiving devices may be used. In this example, a first user receiving device is a recording user receiver device210. A digital video recorder is provided as an example of a memory used for recording content. The digital video recorder212may comprise a hard drive or other types of chip-based memory such as FLASH memory. The user receiving device210may be used for receiving satellite signals or terrestrial over the air signals. Further, the user receiving device210may be used for receiving cable television signals. Of course, it should be noted that various numbers of recording user receiving devices210and user receiving devices214,216may be used in a particular configuration. Each of the recording user devices210and the user receiving devices214,216are in communication with a splitter220. The splitter220ultimately receives signals from the splitting module44.

A DIRECTV® Ethernet Coaxial Adapter (DECA)230may be in communication with an internet service provider232and the splitter220. Between the ISP232and DECA a category5cable234may be used. Of course, often suitable IP cables may be used. The DECA230is used to convert the internet service provider signals into a coaxial format for communication to the splitter220through a coaxial cable236. The coaxial cable may be RG6 or RG11 depending on the distance. Longer distances may require RG11. The splitter220may distribute the internet signals to the recording user receiving device210and the user receiving devices214,216. Likewise, signals from the recording user receiving device210and the user receiving devices214,216may be communicated to the splitter220and ultimately to the internet service provider232through the DECA230.

A power injection (PI) module240may be used to inject power onto the cable from the splitting module44. A relatively low power such as 29 watts may be provided to the splitting module44. Both channel signals and power may thus occupy the same cable.

Both the DECA230and the PI module240require power from a power source250. Although not illustrated, the recording user receiving device210, the user receiving device214and the user receiving device216all require power.

The cable connections between the splitter228and the user receiving devices210,214,216and the splitter220and the splitting module44may all be coaxial cable.

Referring now to theFIG. 3, a first example of a splitting module44is set forth relative to a side wall308of the enclosure. The single-wire multi-switch module42includes a first port310that is capable of transmitting multiplexed channel signals therethrough. The first port310is also capable of receiving input power to power the single-wire multi-switch module42. Ultimately the power into port310may originate from one PI module240from one unit configuration46as is illustrated inFIG. 2.

The second port312of the single-wire multi-switch module42is used for receiving power. In this example the second port312is a dedicated power input port.

The single-wire multi-switch module42may also include a third port314. The third port314is a dedicated channel output port. A plurality of channels may be multiplexed onto the same wire extending from the output port314.

The splitting module44may include a first diode steered splitter module320. The first diode steered splitter module320may include a fourth port322that is in communication with a first multi-dwelling unit. In particular, the fourth port322may be in communication with the PI module240located in the first multi-dwelling unit illustrated inFIG. 2.

The diode steered splitter module320may also include a fifth port324that is in communication with a second multi-dwelling unit. In particular, the fifth port324may be in communication with a second PI module240located in a second multi-dwelling unit.

The diode steered splitter module320also includes a fourth port326that is in communication with the first port310of the single-wire multi-switch42. Port326may receive multiplexed channel signals from the first port310. The diode steered splitter module320may communicate the multiplexed channel signals from the sixth port326to the fourth and fifth ports322,324. Likewise, power from the PI modules240located in different multi-dwelling units may communicate power to the sixth port326. A description of the power communication is described below. Generally, the port322or324having the highest voltage provides the output through the sixth port326.

A second diode steered splitter module330is configured in similar manner to the diode steered splitter module320described above. In this example a seventh port332and an eighth port334are in communication with PI modules240located in a third and fourth multi-dwelling unit. A ninth port336is in communication with a two-way splitter340. In particular, a tenth port346of the two-way splitter is in communication with the ninth port336. An eleventh port342is in communication with the second port312of the single-wire multi-switch. A twelfth port344is in communication with the third port314of the single-wire multi-switch42. The two-way splitter340splits the signal from the tenth port346. In reverse, the two-way splitter340combines the signals from the eleventh port342and the twelfth port344at the tenth port346.

In this manner, when a power signal is selected at the diode steered splitter module330, the eleventh port342provides power to the dedicated power port312. In the reverse direction multiplexed channel signals from the third port314are combined with the power signal from the eleventh port342.

The enclosure60described above may include the single-wire multi-switch module42and the splitting module44. The single-wire multi-switch module42may include a plurality of inputs350,352,354,356and358. The inputs350,358may be connected to the antennas40A,40B. Antennas40A,40B are shown rather than a single antenna40as was illustrated inFIG. 1. Antennas40A and40B are shown to illustrate that more than one antenna may be used to communicate with different satellites. In a typical DIRECTV system, one antenna40A may be used to communicate with five satellites. However, the additional antenna40B may be used to communicate international content from a separate satellite. Connectors360,362,364,366and368may interconnect the satellite antennas with the SWM module42.

The outputs of the diode steered splitter modules320,330,320′,330′ are coupled to the outputs370,372,374and376. Other outputs used in the figure below are378,380,382and384. The outputs370-384may represent openings in a wall or connectors. The connectors may be integrated with the ports322-334and extend through the openings. The outputs370-384are outputs to individual customer premises.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a splitting module44′ suitable for a larger multi-dwelling unit as set forth. In this example the splitting module configuration is duplicated twice so that eight outputs are formed. The same reference numbers are used for the same components as those ofFIG. 3. The lower half of the figure is labeled with primed reference numerals. In addition to the above, splitters410are used to split the satellite signals received through the antennas40A,40B. The splitters410split each signal and are used for joining a first group of ports350-358on the first SWM module42with the second group of ports350′-358′ on respective SWM modules42′.

By joining the SWM modules42and42′ more unit configurations or receiving devices can be added to the system. By joining SWM modules, an antenna connection can be shared therebetween. An initial system capable of a limited number of unit configurations can be deployed to keep costs low such as shown inFIG. 3. As more subscribers are added, more SWM modules may be added together in the manner illustrated inFIG. 4. More than two SWM modules may be added together when more unit configurations are required.

It should be noted that the splitter modules410,320and330may all have integrated connectors that are received through the outputs370-384.

Referring now toFIG. 5, one example of a diode steered splitter module320is illustrated. Each of the diode steered splitters may be configured in a similar manner. In this example diode steered splitter module320includes the port326which is split into the port322and port324. Internally, a common input node N1associated with input326has a capacitor C1between the node N1and the port322. A diode D1having an anode D1A and a cathode D1C is in parallel with the capacitor C1. Further, a capacitor C2is disposed between the node N1and the port324. A second diode D2having a cathode D2C and an anode D2A is set forth. The anodes D2A, D1A and one end of the capacitors C1and C2are electronically coupled to the respective port322,324. Ports322,324act as output nodes. Ports322,324may represent connectors that are disposed through the outputs370-384. The connectors may be threaded. The cathodes are electrically coupled to the node N1. In this manner, the highest voltage across the diodes allows the diode to conduct toward the input port326. This in turn powers the SWM module.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a single-wire multi-switch module ofFIGS. 3 and 4(switch module)42is illustrated in further detail. In this example, five inputs350,352,354,356and358are illustrated. The single-wire multi-switch module42may also include output ports310and314, as described above, that is used for generating an output that is communicated to the various units.

The inputs350-358may receive external channel signals having various frequencies and or polarizations corresponding to the transponders of the satellite. The inputs include frequencies that correspond to program guide data.

The inputs350-358correspond to the transponders for the different orbital locations of the satellite. The single-wire multi-switch module42assigns a frequency for each tuner module within the user receiving devices that desire a channel signal. Thus, each of the tuner modules is assigned a different frequency band for communication. A modulator module640is used for providing the modulated signals. Each of the user receiving devices thus generates a request for a channel from one of the inputs350-358. The channels are then modulated into the frequency corresponding to the tuner of the user receiving device. The frequency signals may be combined onto the outputs310-314using a multiplexer642. The splitter module44illustrated above splits the combined signal for each tuner or user receiving device. Every tuner may receive every requested channel but only the channel (frequency) corresponding thereto is displayed. A controller644controls the communication and the modulator modules640to provide the proper signal for the user device within the unit. Various numbers of devices and/or tuners may be provided depending upon the size of the single-wire multi-switch module. Program guide data may be communicated through the inputs350-358.

Referring now toFIG. 7A, an exploded perspective view of the enclosure60is illustrated relative to a wall710or other mounting feature. The enclosure60, as mentioned above, may be used to house the electrical components illustrated inFIG. 3 or 4. The enclosure60comprises a mounting plate712and a housing714into which an electrical component or components are mounted.

A plurality of fasteners716are used to secure the mounting plate712to the wall710. The fasteners716may be threaded fasteners such as screws. The fasteners716may be spaced to coincide with typical stud or wall spacing. The details of the mounting plate712and the housing714will be described in further detail below.

The mounting plate has extensions720,722,724and726extending therefrom. The extensions720-726are used to position the housing714relative to the mounting plate712. The extensions720-726have fasteners730,732,734and736(not shown) that are used to securely mount the housing714to the extensions720-726. The fasteners may be conventional flat or phillips head screws or a unique pattern to increase security.

The extensions720-726align with openings740,742,744and746through the housing714. The openings740-746are used when the housing is in a first position as illustrated inFIG. 7. Each of the openings740-746have a wide portion sized to receive a head730H of the fasteners730-736. In the first position, the housing714is then moved in a downward position so that the narrow part of the opening aligns with a shaft730S of the respective fasteners730-736. Only one fastener730is shown by way of example. Other fasteners732-736may be configured in the same manner. The fasteners730-736may then be tightened so that the housing714is between the fasteners730-736and the respective extensions720-726. This configuration is illustrated best inFIG. 7B.

As will be further described below, the openings748,750are used when the housing714is in a second position. The opposite or inside of the housing714faces outward. This will be further described below. In the second position opening742aligns with the extension720, opening740aligns with the extension724, opening750aligns with extension722and opening748aligns with extension726. The second position is formed when the housing714is rotated about a lateral axis. As will be described further below, threads on the fasteners730-736extend into threads with the respective extensions720-726.

Referring now toFIG. 8, the enclosure60is illustrated mounted to a cinder block810. The cinder block810is secured to the mounting plate712with a U-bolt812and nuts814. The U-bolt812is sized to be received in an opening816of cinder block810.

Referring now toFIG. 9, an interior view of the housing714is illustrated. The components fromFIGS. 3 and 4are labeled therein. That is, the SWM module42is illustrated relative to the splitters410and the diode steered splitter modules320,330,320′ and330′. Various wires are used to interconnect the various components. The wires are generally illustrated as reference numeral910. Various fasteners912are used to secure the splitter modules410,320,330,320′ and330′, to the housing714.

A plurality of extensions916may be used to secure the SWM module42to the housing714.

Referring now toFIG. 10, the housing714is shown with a second SWM module42′. The SWM module42′ is physically mounted to the standoffs916through the use of fasteners1010. The fasteners1010may be screwed.

Referring now toFIG. 11, mounting plate712is illustrated in further detail. The mounting plate712may include a plurality of openings1110used for receiving the fasteners716illustrated inFIG. 7. As mentioned above, the openings1110may be spaced laterally so that the mounting plate712can be mounted directly to studs or other wall supports.

Openings1112are used to receive the U-bolts812illustrated inFIG. 8. As mentioned above, the U-bolts812secure the mounting plate712to a cinder block. It is common for cinder blocks to be used as weight to secure an outdoor unit to a building roof.

Another plurality of openings1114are used for receiving fasteners for the various splitters and other electrical components as was illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10.

The mounting plate712may also have a plurality of studs1116A-D mounted thereto. The studs1116may be threaded studs that are secured to the mounting plate712. The threaded studs1116may be self-clinching studs that are installed by placing them in properly sized holes in the mounting plate712and squeezing them into place with a standard press. The squeezing action embeds a head of a stud into the mounting plate712. One example of a suitable stud is a flush-head stud manufactured by Penn Engineering. Stud openings1118inFIG. 11are partially obscured by the studs1116.

Referring now toFIG. 12, extensions720,722,724and726are illustrated relative to studs1116A-1116D. Each extension may have a threaded opening therein for receiving threads on the studs1116. Each extension720-726may also be used to receive fasteners730-736for securing the housing714to the respective extensions720-726. The studs1116A and1116C may be located the same distance from a top edge1220of the mounting plate712. The studs1116A and1116B and extension720and722may be located the same distance from the left edge1222. The distance between the extensions724and726from a right edge1224may be the same. However, the distance from the left edge1222to the extensions720and722may be different than the distance from the right edge to the extensions724and726. The distance from each of the extensions722and726from the bottom edge1226may also be different. The extension726may be further from the bottom edge1226than the extension722.

Referring now toFIG. 13, a U-bolt812is illustrated in further detail. The U-bolt812includes a longitudinal portion1310and two extensions1312. The extensions1312include threads1314. As was illustrated inFIG. 8, the U-bolts812may be secured with nuts814that cooperate with the threads1314.

Referring now toFIG. 14, a cover wall1410of the housing714is illustrated. The housing714also includes the plurality of openings740-750as described above. Openings740,742,744and746correspond to the positions of the extensions720-726respectively illustrated inFIG. 12.

The housing714may also include a plurality of side walls including a top side wall1450, a bottom side wall1452, a left side wall1454and a right side wall1456.

The openings740and742are bi-directionally elongated openings. By bi-directionally elongated, the openings740,742are generally circular in the middle and have opening extensions1420and1422. Extension1420extends toward top side wall1450. Opening extension1422extends toward the bottom side wall1452. The openings740and742are used when the housing714is both in a first position for normal operation and a second position for a servicing position. In the first or normal position, the opening extension1420receives the shaft of the fasteners730-732. In the second position, the lower opening extension1422receives the shaft of the respective fastener730-732. The openings744-750may be referred to a uni-directional. That is, openings744-750have only one extending portion. Openings744and746have opening extensions1420that extend toward the top side wall1450. The extending portions receive the shaft of the fasteners734-736when the housing is in the first position. When the housing is in the reverse or servicing position, the openings748and750receive the fasteners736and734respectively so that the respective shafts of the fasteners736and734rest within the opening extension1422. Thus, as mentioned above, different openings may be used for the servicing position and the regular closed position of the housing714.

A lateral axis1440is illustrated inFIG. 14. For servicing, the housing714is rotated about the axis1440and the openings740and742align with extensions722and720, respectively. Opening extension1420corresponds to extension724and opening746corresponds to extension726. When the housing714is rotated into the service position, the view illustrated inFIG. 9 or 10is made available. By rotating the housing714, a sole service technician up on a ladder or other restricted access area may easily service the electrical components within the housing714.

Referring now toFIG. 15, a bottom view of the housing714is illustrated. The left side wall1454and right side wall1456are illustrated together with the top side wall1450. The top view is similar. The side walls1450-1456may extend to be adjacent to the mounting plate illustrated above. This prevents animals from entering the enclosure.

Referring now toFIG. 16, a preform1610having the plurality of openings in the bottom side wall1452, left side wall1454and cover wall1410is set forth. The side walls1450-1456are illustrated prior to bending the preform. The preform1610may be stamped or otherwise machined then bent to form the housing714.

The top side wall1450, the left side wall1454and the bottom side wall1452include a plurality of vent openings1620for ventilating the housing714. The vent openings1620may be sized to restrict access to bonds. The preform1610may also be formed of a metal material that acts as a heat sink for the SWM modules and/or the splitter modules illustrated above. After forming the preform1610, the side walls1450-1456may be bent along the dashed lines to form the housing714.

Referring now toFIG. 17, a method for securing the enclosure is set forth. In step1710, the mounting plate is attached to a building. As mentioned above, U-bolts may be used to attach the mounting plate to cinder blocks that rest on or are secured to the building or fasteners may be used to mount the mounting plate directly to a wall or other surface. In step1720the housing is aligned with the extensions on the mounting plate. In step1722the housing is secured to the extensions using fasteners. The cover wall of the housing has openings therein that are used to receive the fasteners that couple to the extensions therein. The housing is secured between the head of the fastener and the extension. In step1724the cables that connect to the outdoor unit or satellite antennas and the cables that connect to the unit configurations are made.

Referring now toFIG. 18, a method for forming the mounting plate is set forth. In step1810studs are attached to the mounting plate. As mentioned above, the studs may be press fit into openings within the mounting plate. The studs may have exterior threads. In step1812the standoff may be coupled to the studs. The standoffs may have threaded holes therein to receive the threads on the studs. In step1814the mounting plate with the standoffs are attached to a building. Of course, the standoffs may be mounted to the mounting plate securing mounting the mounting plate to the building. In step1816electronics are coupled within the housing. In step1818the housing is coupled to the standoffs of the mounting plate. As mentioned above, the standoffs may use fasteners that are tightened to secure the cover wall against the extensions. The head of the fasteners force the cover wall toward an outward end of the extensions.

Referring now toFIG. 19, a method for servicing the electrical components within the enclosure60is set forth.

In step1910the fasteners coupling the cover wall to the standoffs are loosened. In step1910the cables attached to or through the right side wall are also loosened. In step1914, the housing is removed from the standoffs. It should be noted that the irregular shape of the openings allows the housing to be removed without having to remove the fasteners fully. The openings are aligned with the fastener head and removed in a lateral or outward direction (parallel to the direction of the extensions away from the mounting plate). In step1916the housing may be rotated about a lateral access1440as was illustrated inFIG. 14. In step1918the openings of the rotated housing are aligned with the standoffs of the mounting plate. As was described above, the openings on the right side of the housing that align with the standoffs are different in the reverse position after the housing has been rotated. In step1920the personnel performs the work such as adding components or changing components. In step1922the reversed housing is rotated again about the lateral axis to be placed in the regular position or original position. In step1924the openings of the housing are aligned with the appropriate standoffs. In step1926the head of the fasteners are tightened so that the housing is second between the fastener and the standoffs.

In step1928cables are either connected or reconnected. The reconnection may establish further connections to new unit housings that are available through adding a new SWM module.