Patent Publication Number: US-2018041618-A1

Title: Shroud assembly for communication site

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/454,578, filed Aug. 7, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,742,886, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/863,363, filed Aug. 7, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     With increasing cellular telephonic communications, an increasing number of communication sites (also called “cell sites” or “cell towers”) are employed to improve the cellular signals in a cellular network and handle the volume of devices connected to the network. A communication site is a cellular telephone site in which antennas and electronic communications equipment are placed. The site is typically on an elevated structure, such as a radio mast, tower, or at a high place, to create a cell in a cellular network. The elevated structure may support antennas, one or more sets of transmitter/receiver transceivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, a GPS receiver for timing, primary and backup electrical power sources, and sheltering. The increasing number of cell sites improves overlap for “handover” to or from other cell sites. A handover occurs when a device&#39;s signal transfers from one cell site to another, while in use, to either select the strongest immediate signal, or while the device is in motion, such as in a train or car. 
     Although sometimes called “cell towers,” the site&#39;s antennas and electronic communications equipment may be mounted on a building rather than a discrete tower. Cell sites are also commonly called base transceiver stations (BTS), mobile phone masts, or base stations sites. Oftentimes, the cell site will be a co-location for multiple mobile operators, and therefore will include multiple base stations at a single site. 
     Some cities and municipalities require that cell sites, for safety and aesthetic reasons, be covered or be inconspicuous to the general public. Therefore, the mast, antennas, and electronic communications equipment of the cell site are typically disguised as something else, for example, a flag pole, street lamp, or a tree (e.g., a palm tree), or as rooftop structures or urban features, such as chimneys or panels designed to blend with their surroundings. These installations are generally referred to as concealed cell sites or stealth cell sites. Most commonly, cell sites are covered with a shroud to disguise the electronic communications equipment. 
     The shrouds are typically manufactured from materials that will not interfere with the radio signals transmitting to and from the cell sites. These materials are commonly referred to as “radio-frequency (RF) transparent.” The maximum range of the cell site, affecting the desired density of cell sites in a given area, depends on many circumstances, including the design and materials of the shrouds covering the antennas. Device signals do not require a clear line of sight to an antenna, but a higher amount of radio interference will degrade or eliminate reception. A shroud designed with materials that are more RF transparent will increase the effectiveness of the cell site. 
     In addition, the shrouds are typically configured to provide access to the cell sites on a regular basis for servicing and general maintenance of the antennas and electronic communications equipment contained within the shroud. In that regard, shrouds are typically designed as a non-metallic panel system that is constructed using non-metallic fasteners, such as screws. Because of the many fasteners involved in these shrouds, maintenance can be time consuming, and oftentimes dangerous work at high heights. For example, removing the panels in heavy winds or rain can be treacherous for the technician and a hazard for bystanders on the ground below. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for improved communication site shroud design to provide enhanced accessibility to the internal components of the site and increased safety for the technicians. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to fulfilling these and other needs. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a shroud assembly for a communication site is provided. The shroud assembly generally includes a wall portion, and a door portion movably coupled to the wall portion, wherein the door portion is configured for selective positioning in at least first and second positions relative to the wall portion, and wherein the wall portion and the door portion define a cover assembly having an inner chamber. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a shroud assembly for a communication site is provided. The shroud assembly generally includes a wall portion, and a door portion movably coupled to the wall portion, wherein the door portion is configured for selective positioning in at least first and second positions relative to the wall portion, and wherein the wall portion and the door portion define a cover assembly having an inner chamber. The shroud assembly further includes a track system operably coupled to the door portion for sliding movement of the door portion relative to the wall portion. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the cover assembly may be configured for surrounding at least a portion of the communication site. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the cover assembly may be radio-frequency transparent. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the cover assembly may be made from non-metallic materials. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the door portion may be in a closed position when in the first position. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the door portion may be in an opened position when in the second position. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the cover assembly may be fixed in position relative to the communication site. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shroud assembly may have a substantially circular cross-section when the door portion is in the first position. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shroud assembly may include a rotation assembly for allowing circumferential rotation of the cover assembly relative to the communication site. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shroud assembly may include a stopping device for selectively stopping circumferential rotation. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the door portion may be hingedly coupled to the wall portion with a hinge assembly. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, one or more hinges in the hinge assembly may be radio-frequency transparent. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, one or more hinges in the hinge assembly may be made from non-metallic materials. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, one or more hinges in the hinge assembly may be made from a material including fiberglass, fibers, plastics, resins, structural foams, or combinations thereof. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the one or more hinges in the hinge assembly may be made by laying up multiple sheets of material. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the door portion may include at least first and second door panels. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second door panels may be hingedly coupled to one another. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shroud assembly may include a track system operably coupled to the door portion. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the track system may include at least a first track. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the track system may include at least a second track. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the track system may be designed to maintain the door portion in an opened position when the door portion is subjected to wind pressure. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shroud assembly may further include a mounting assembly for mounting the shroud assembly to the communication site. 
     In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the shroud assembly may have a substantially rectangular cross-section when the door portion is in the first position. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shroud assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the shroud assembly coupled to a communication site; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  with the door in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  with the door in an opened position; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  with the door in an opened position and the cover assembly rotated with respect to the communication site; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the underside of the mounting system of the first end of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are cross-sectional side views of a portion of the rotation system of the first end of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the mounting system of the second end of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the rotation system of the second end of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up perspective view of the inner chamber of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the door track system; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of the door track system components and the rotation system components, including the track bearing assembly, of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  with the door in a fully-opened position; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  with the door in a partially-opened position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the inner chamber of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  showing a hinge assembly; 
         FIG. 15  is a close-up perspective view of the inner chamber of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  showing a latch assembly in a closed position; 
         FIG. 16  is a close-up perspective view of the inner chamber of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the latch assembly in an opened position; 
         FIGS. 17-20  are cross-sectional side views of alternate embodiments of the door track system components of the shroud assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 21-23  are top views of a shroud assembly for a communication site formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure showing the door in a respective closed, intermediate, and open positions; 
         FIGS. 24-26  are top views of a shroud assembly for a communication site formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure showing the door in a respective closed, intermediate, and open positions; 
         FIGS. 27-29  are top views of a shroud assembly for a communication site formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure showing the door in a respective closed, intermediate, and open positions; and 
         FIG. 30  is an isometric view of a shroud assembly for a communication site formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result. 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to shroud assemblies for cell sites. In general, examples of the shroud assemblies are movably openable and closeable to allow for improved access to internal components. The embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES have been designed for use with cell sites for cellular communication. However, the assemblies of the present disclosure may also be used in other types of shrouding applications. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a shroud assembly  20  designed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The shroud assembly  20  includes a cover assembly  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover assembly  22  includes a wall portion  26  and a door portion  24  movably coupled to the wall portion  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the shroud assembly  20  has first (top) end  30  and a second (bottom) end  32 . The cover assembly  22  defines an inner chamber  34  to protect at least a portion of the communication site C contained within the shroud assembly  20  between the first and second ends  30  and  32 . Comparing  FIG. 3  with  FIG. 2 , the door portion  24  is openable to allow access to the inner chamber  34  for access to the communication site C (electronic communications equipment not shown in the inner chamber  34 ). 
     Orientation language, such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, and “underside”, are used in the specification with reference to the orientation of the shroud assembly  20  on a communication site C, as shown in  FIG. 1 . This language is intended to help the reader and is not intended to be limiting. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud assembly  20  has a substantially circular cross-section (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), and thereby is substantially tubular is shape. Therefore, the cover assembly  22  may make up at least a portion of the length of a tube for surrounding the communication site C. Other cross-sectional shapes for the shroud assembly  20  are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the shroud assembly  20  may be square (see, e.g., alternate embodiments in  FIGS. 21-29 ) or another polygonal shape. 
     To enable radio frequency communication, the cover assembly  22  may be substantially radio frequency (“RF”) transparent. In that regard, the cover assembly  22  may be made from non-metallic materials, such as fibers, plastics, resins, structural foams, or combinations of these materials, such as a composite. As non-limiting examples, a suitable fiber material may be fiberglass, a suitable plastic material may be polypropylene, a suitable resin material may be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and a suitable structural foam may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The non-metallic materials may be formed by molding, vacuum-forming, or sheet lay-up techniques. 
     As seen in the illustrated embodiment, the wall portion  26  of the cover assembly  22  includes at least one shroud panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall portion  26  is a panel having a cross-sectional shape that defines a portion of a circle. In other embodiments, the wall portion  26  may be constructed from one or more discrete shroud panels. As non-limiting examples, these shroud panels may be coupled to one another or coupled to a frame to define the wall portion  26  of the cover assembly  22 . 
     The door portion  24  may also be constructed from one or more shroud panels. As seen in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the door portion  24  is a door assembly constructed from two panels  74  and  76 . Like the cover assembly  22 , the door portion  24  may also be substantially RF transparent and may be manufactured from non-metallic materials, as described above. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the door portion  24  is a door assembly defining a folding door. In that regard, the door assembly may include a hinged coupling  72  between the first and second panels  74  and  76 . A hinged configuration allows the door assembly to fold on itself as the door assembly opens, and to extend as a portion of the cover assembly when the door assembly closes (see  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). Suitable hinges in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described in greater detail below. 
     In addition to the door portion  24  being foldable, the door portion  24  of the illustrated embodiment is configured for selective positioning in at least first and second positions relative to the wall portion  26 . In comparing  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the door portion  24  is shown to be positioned in at least first and second positions, shown as respective closed ( FIG. 2 ) and opened ( FIG. 3 ) positions relative to a fixed wall portion  26 . The door portion  24 , however, is positionable in any number of positions relative to the wall portion  26 . 
     The door portion  24  in the illustrated embodiment is hingedly coupled to the wall portion  26  by hinges  70  (see also  FIG. 14  for an exemplary hinge design). In accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure, other movable door configurations besides a hinged configuration are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the door portion may have a slidable configuration relative to the wall portion  26 , wherein the door portion would be configured to slide relative to the wall portion, on either on inside or an outside surface of the wall portion. In such a slidable configuration, a track system may be optionally included to enable the sliding relationship. 
     As described in greater detail below, the door portion  24  of the illustrated embodiment is movable along a track system  28  for controlled opening and closing movement (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10-13 ). However, a track is not required to enable the door portion  24  being movably coupled to the wall portion  26 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , at or near its first and second ends  30  and  32 , the shroud assembly  20  includes a mounting assembly  36  including respective first and second mounting systems  40  and  42  for mounting the shroud assembly  20  at the communication site C. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting system  40  at the first end  30  includes a mounting portion  44  fixedly coupled to a cross bar  46 . The cross bar  46  includes a bracket  48  for attaching to a rod R in the communication site C. In some embodiments, the mounting system  40  may have one or more cross bars  46  to support the shroud assembly  20  on the communication site C. 
     Likewise, the second mounting system  42  is substantially similar to the first mounting system  40 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, mounting portion  44  is shown as a mounting ring; however, other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Mounting portion  44  may be manufactured as a single component, or may be constructed from multiple components that are tied together either, for example, in an overlapping configuration or with mounting portion tie bracket  106 . As non-limiting examples, mounting portion  44  may be mountable to structures in different mounting configurations, such as a spoke configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG. 30 ), or may be directly mounted to a surface, such as a roof, plate, disk, or other suitable mounting surface. 
     Although shown as including two mounting systems  40  and  42  in the illustrative embodiment for stabilization of the assembly  20  on the communication site C, other mounting configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly  20  may include only one of the two mounting systems  40  and  42 . In another embodiment, the assembly  20  may include more than two mounting systems. 
     The mounting systems  40  and  42  may include metal components, and therefore, may be positioned along the height of the communication site C so as not to interfere with communication from the communication site C. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting systems  40  and  42  are not configured to rotate. However, comparing the orientation of the cover assembly  22  in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the shroud assembly  20  may be configured to include a rotation assembly  38  (see  FIGS. 5-9 ), so as to enable rotation of the cover assembly  22  relative to the communication site C and the mounting assembly  36 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the wall portion  26  is coupled to the mounting assembly  36  with wall portion brackets  110  and  112 . In other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, the mounting assembly  36  itself may be configured for rotational mounting relative to the communication site C, as opposed to including a separate rotational assembly for rotating the cover assembly  22  relative to the mounting assembly  36 . 
     The advantage of rotation of the cover assembly  22  is that an operator can access the communication site C from any position on the perimeter of the shroud assembly  20  without the shroud assembly  20  needing to include multiple openable doors. Because of such rotational capability, the openable door portion  24  is rotatable to be positioned in any radial position relative to the communication site C. 
     Another advantage of a rotation is that the cover assembly  22  can be positioned relative to the communication site C for improved RF transparency. For example, a door portion  24  may provide reduced RF transparency compared to a wall portion  26 . By rotating the cover assembly  22 , the door portion  24  can be positioned in a radial position relative to the communication site C to least inhibit RF transparency. 
     The rotation assembly  38  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5-9 . First, referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , close-up views of the first (upper) rotation system  50  in the illustrated embodiment of the shroud assembly  20  of  FIGS. 2-4  are provided. Rotation of the shroud assembly  20  is achieved by a rotation system  50  including at least one rotating portion  52  and a bearing assembly  54  supported by mounting system  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, rotating portion  52  is shown as a rotating ring; however, other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , bearing assembly  54  is coupled to mounting portion  44  and includes a bearing  58  in a vertical orientation (see  FIG. 6 ) and bearing  60  in a horizontal orientation (see  FIG. 7 ). As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , mounting portion  44  provides translational support to the cover assembly  22  through bearing  58 . Although supported in translation, cover assembly  22  is configured for easy rotation relative to the mounting portion  44  by the bearing assembly  54 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , bearing  60  is coupled to mounting portion  44  and acts to provide lateral support and center the cover assembly  22  during rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting portion  44  provides axial positioning to the cover assembly  22  through bearing  60  of bearing assembly  54 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing assembly  54  includes a plurality of wheel bearings  58  and  60  attached to the underside of the mounting portion  44 . However, other bearing surfaces are within the scope of the present disclosure. As non-limiting examples, rotation can be achieved by making use of an interface of self-lubricating, low friction surfaces, or may use different bearings types, such as needle or ball bearings. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , close-up views of the second (lower) rotation system  150  in the illustrated embodiment of the shroud assembly  20  of  FIGS. 2-4  are provided. Bearing assembly  154  is coupled to mounting portion  144  and includes bearings  158  and  160 , similar to the first rotation system  50  described above. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5-9 , the rotation assembly  38  of the illustrated embodiment includes first and second rotating systems  50  and  150  and bearing assemblies  54  and  154 . However, one rotating portion and bearing assembly may be sufficient in the shroud assembly  20  to enable rotation. The rotating system  50 , like the mounting assembly  36 , may include metal components, and therefore, may be positioned along the height of the communication site C so as not to interfere with communication from the communication site C. 
     Rotating portions  52  and  152  may be manufactured as a single component, or may be constructed from multiple components that are tied together, for example, in an overlapping configuration or with rotating portion tie brackets  64  or  164 , as can be seen in  FIG. 5  (upper rotation system  50 ) and  FIG. 8  (lower rotation system  150 ). As can be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , track mounting supports  56  and  156  may be optionally used to couple the respective tracks  80  and  82  of track system  28  to the rotating portions  52  and  152  of the rotating assembly  38 . For increased support, tie brackets  64  and  164  may provide additional coupling locations for tracks  80  and  82  of track system  28 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the rotation assembly  38  may also include a stop system  62  to allow the operator to prevent rotation of the cover assembly  22  relative to the communication site C, for example, while servicing the components in the inner chamber  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stop system  62  is shown as a removable pin that is inserted through a hole in the rotating portion  152  and through a hole in the mounting portion  144  to stop the rotation of the rotation assembly  38 . However, other stopping mechanisms are within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, clamps may be used to stop the rotation of the cover assembly  22 . Likewise, although the illustrated embodiment shows the stop system  62  near the second (bottom) shroud end  32 , the stop system  62  may be installed near the first (top) shroud end  30 . 
     As mentioned above, the door portion  24  may be openable and closable relative to the shroud panel by being movable along a track system  28  (compare  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud assembly  20  includes first and second tracks  80  and  82  for guiding the door portion  24  as shown in  FIG. 3 . However, in certain embodiments, one track may be sufficient. In other embodiments, the shroud assembly  20  may not include any track system. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the first and second tracks  80  and  82  are shown as having open tracks for receiving track bearings assembly  88 . Other tracks configurations, for example, as can be seen in the alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 15-18 , are within the scope of the present disclosure. Track configurations may be designed to match the contours of the track bearing assembly  88 , such that the track bearing assembly does not “pop” out of the tracks  80  and  82 . The track bearing design is particularly advantageous for the upper track  80 , because the force of gravity can cause the bearing assembly  88  to come out of the track  80  unless there is a support below the bearing assembly  88 . 
     Because the shroud assembly  20  has a circular cross-section in the illustrated embodiment, the tracks  80  and  82  are configured to be arcuate in shape, defining a portion of a circle (see  FIG. 12 ). However, other non-circular track configurations are also within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, other types of arcuate, oval-shaped, or even polygonal shaped tracks. Although bearing assemblies may travel more easily through curved tracks, tracks having corner turns are also within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the lower track  82  is illustrated, with track bearing  88  shown as being configured to move within the track  82 . Track arm  86  is positioned to be coupled to the first panel  74  of the door portion  24 . The track arms  86  extends a length beyond the first panel  74  to space the door edge  92  from the pivot point  90  of the track arm  86  in the track  82 . Such positioning allows for complete movement of the track arm  86  through track  82  without the door portion  24  interfering with the movement of the track arm  86  in the track  82 . 
     Although not illustrated in the drawings, upper track  80  is substantially similar to lower track  82  but in a reverse configuration, including upper track arm  84 , relative to the door portion  24 . The illustrated embodiment includes upper and lower tracks  80  and  82 ; however, some embodiments of the present disclosure may only include one track  80  or  82 . 
     In this configuration, the track system  28  provides resistance to shutting for the door portion  24  when exposed to wind. Referring to  FIG. 12 , a door closing vector  102  is defined between the hinged coupling  72 , between the first and second door panels  74  and  76 , and the pivot point  90  of the track arm  86 . When the door portion  24  is in the fully-opened position, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the door closing vector  102  is not tangential to the circular track  82  at pivot point  90 . Wind force W pressing against second door panel  76  will generally act on pivot point  90  in the direction of door closing vector  102 , and in this configuration, will not advance the track bearing  88  within the track  82 . As a result, the door portion  24  stays in an opened position, even if second door panel  76  is subjected to the wind force W. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the door closing vector  102  is nearly tangential to circular track  82  at pivot point  90 . In this orientation, wind pressing against second door panel  76  may cause the door portion  24  to close relative to the wall portion  26 . 
     As described above, hinged couplings  72  used in the shroud assembly  20 , for example, between the door portion  24  and the wall portion  26  and between first and second door panels  74  and  76  of the door portion  24 , may be RF transparent. Referring to  FIG. 14 , hinged couplings  72  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include hinges  70  and a hinge pin  78 . 
     As a non-limiting example, the hinges  70  may be made from a fiberglass lay-up using continuous fibers. However, injection molded fiberglass hinges using milled fibers are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The advantage of a fiberglass lay-up of continuous fibers is that continuous fibers provide enhanced strength over milled fibers, and the profile of the hinge is more compact, reducing the risk of interference between the door portion  24  and the wall portion  26  during hinge rotation. In addition, other RF transparent materials, such as fibers, plastics, resins, or combinations of these materials, may be used to form the hinges. 
     The hinges  70  may be integrated during the manufacture of the wall portion  26 , first door panel  74 , and second door panel  76  such that the profile of the hinge is more compact, reducing the risk of interference between the door portion  24  and the wall portion  26  during hinge rotation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge pin  78  is made from a continuous fiberglass rod. However, in other embodiments, discrete sections of rod may be used to create hinge pin  78 . Likewise, other RF transparent materials, such as fibers, plastics, resins, structural foams, or combinations of these materials, such as a composite, may be used to form the hinges  70  and hinge pin  78 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , when the cover assembly  22  is in the closed position, the wall portion  26  and door portion  24  may be fixedly coupled using latch assembly  94 . Latch assembly  94  includes at least one wall latch portion  96  and at least one door latch portion  98 . When the cover assembly  22  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 15 , a latch pin  100  is inserted through receptacles in the respective wall and door latch portions  96  and  98  to couple the wall portion  26  and door portion  24 . 
     To provide additional latch integrity, the latch assembly  94  may include additional wall and door latch portions at various positions along the respective wall and door portions  26  and  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly  94  includes a second wall latch portion  118  and a second door latch portion  120 . In other embodiments, any number of latch pairs may be included, for example, positioning each latch pair at specific distances along the length of the door portion  24 . 
     When using multiple wall and door latch portions at various positions along the respective wall and door portions  26  and  24 , the latch assembly  94  may include a connecting assembly between latch pairs. In the illustrated embodiment, a connecting assembly shown as a connecting pin  114  is coupled to the handle assembly  108  (see  FIG. 2 ) and also to the latch pins  100  by couplings  122  and  124 . When the connecting pin  114  is moved from the first latched position (see  FIG. 15 ) to the second unlatched position (see  FIG. 16 ), the latch pins  100  disengage from the wall latch portions  96  and  118 . 
     When the communication site C is opened, a handle assembly  108  (see  FIG. 2 ) coupled to latch pin  100  can be used to slide the latch pin  100  out of the wall latch portions  96  and decouple the latch assembly  94 . Such decoupling allows for opening of the door portion  24  with respect to the wall portion  26 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     The latch assembly  94 , like the hinges  70 , may be substantially RF transparent and may be manufactured from non-metallic materials, such as fiberglass lay-up sheets. 
     In use, a technician will be elevated to gain access to the shroud assembly  20  of the communication site C. The technician will unlatch the door portion to allow openability of the door portion relative to the wall portion. Then, the technician will open the door portion providing access into the inner chamber  34  of the shroud assembly  20 . If the technician needs to access another area of the inner chamber  34 , the technician may rotate the cover assembly  22 , so that the door opening accesses another radial segment of the inner chamber  34 . If rotation is not required, the technician may use stop system  62  to fix the radial position of the cover assembly with respect to communication site C. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 21-30 , shroud assemblies in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The shroud assemblies are substantially identical in materials and operation as the previously described embodiment, except for differences regarding the shape of the mounting assembly and cover assembly ( FIGS. 21-29 ) and the mounting assembly configuration ( FIG. 30 ), which will be described in greater detail below. For clarity in the ensuing descriptions, numeral references of like elements of the shroud assembly  20  are similar, but are in the  200  series for the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 21-23 , in the  300  series for the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 24-26 , in the  400  series for the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 27-29 , and in the  500  series for the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 21-23 , the shroud assembly  220  includes a cover assembly  222  defining an inner chamber  234 , wherein the cover assembly has a substantially rectangular (or square) cross-sectional shape when in the closed position (see  FIG. 21 ). Likewise, the mounting assembly  236  is also substantially rectangular. 
     The cover assembly  222  includes at least one door portion  224  movably coupled to a mounting assembly  236 . Like the previously described embodiment, the door portion  224  is a door assembly defining a folding door. In that regard, door assemblies  224 , may include a hinged coupling  272  between first and second panels  274  and  276 . 
     Door portion  224  is shown to be positioned in respective closed ( FIG. 21 ), partially opened ( FIG. 22 ), and fully opened ( FIG. 23 ) positions relative to inner chamber  234 . Door portion  224  may be openable and closable relative to the inner chamber  234  by being movable along a track system  228 . As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 21-23 , the shroud assembly  220  may include an optional second door portion  224  to provide alternate access to the inner chamber  234 . 
     As a result of the rectangular cross-section of the illustrated embodiment, various track shapes and door configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 21-23 , an arcuate track  282  guides track arm  286  of the first panel  274  such that the first and second panels  274  and  276  move in combination around pivot point  272 , resulting in door portion  224  being movable between closed, partially opened, and fully opened positions. 
     Referring now to the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 24-26 , polygonal track  382  guides track arm  386  of the first panel  374  such that the first and second panels  374  and  376  move in combination around pivot point  372 , resulting in door portion  324  being movable between closed, partially opened, and fully opened positions. Like the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 21-23 , the shroud assembly  320  of  FIGS. 24-26  may also include an optional second door portion  324  to provide alternate access to the inner chamber  334 . 
     Referring now to the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 27-29 , discrete linear tracks  482   a  and  482   b  guide each track arm  486  of the first and second panels  474  and  476  such that the door portion  424  is movable between closed, partially opened, and fully opened positions by each door portion  474  and  476  being movable only in discrete linear tracks  482   a  and  482   b.    
     Like the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 21-23 , the shroud assemblies  320  of  FIGS. 24-26 and 420  of  FIGS. 27-29  may also include an optional second door portion  424  to provide alternate access to the inner chamber  434 . In some embodiments, the cover assemblies may include more than two door portions. 
     Referring now to the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the communication site C 2  includes a top surface T coupling interface for coupling with the shroud assembly  520 . In that regard, the top surface T of the communication site C 2 , has a significantly larger diameter than rod R in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , but a smaller diameter than the shroud assembly  520 . To interface with the top surface T of the communication site C 2 , the mounting assembly  536  includes mounting portions  518  extending radially inwardly from mounting portion  544  for mounting the shroud assembly  520  on top of the communication site C 2 . The mounting portions  518  can be coupled to the communication site C 2  using fasteners (not shown) or any other suitable coupling system. 
     The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.