Patent Publication Number: US-2022238981-A1

Title: Pole mounting bracket

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to devices for mounting enclosures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pole mounting brackets for mounting telecommunications enclosures used in fiber optic distribution systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Numerous telecommunications enclosures exist today and are used in various applications. One such application is for use in fiber distribution to multiple dwelling units (MDU&#39;s). In many applications, telecommunications enclosures are configured to house various telecommunications components (e.g., adapters, splitter, cables, etc.) in a single main compartment. The telecommunications enclosures can be configured as boxes or housings that encloses various telecommunications components in an indoor or outdoor environment and that provide optical; connection points for connecting subscribers to a fiber optic network. 
     Certain telecommunications enclosures can be utilized as a final distribution point in a “Fiber to the X (FTTX)” network, for example in a network where individual fibers from the telecommunications enclosure are routed to individual living spaces in a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) or other subscriber locations. Telecommunications enclosures can have various sizes of widths and may be mounted to a surface, such as a wall or pole, by mechanical fasteners, such as screws. Enclosures can be mounted to a pole or wall through the use of an intermediate bracket. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,477,824; 7,558,458; 7,627,222; and PCT International Publication No. WO2019/209645 disclose example enclosure mounting brackets. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to universal pole mounting brackets for mounting telecommunications enclosures used in fiber optic distribution systems. The pole mounting brackets are adapted to mount telecommunications enclosures to a structure, such as, a pole. In one example, a bracket is “universal” to the extent it is configured to be compatible with multiple types and/or sizes of different enclosures. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pole mounting bracket. The pole mounting bracket can include a central support section that includes a first end and an opposite, second end. The central support section can be elongated along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The central support section defines a plurality of fastener openings along the longitudinal axis. The pole mounting bracket also includes a first lateral support member transversely aligned relative to the central support section and a second lateral support member transversely aligned relative to the central support section. The second lateral support member can be parallel to the first lateral support member. The first and second lateral support members can be stepped forwardly from the central support section to be positioned offset relative to the central support section. The first and second lateral support members can each define a plurality of apertures for receiving mounting structures adapted to operatively connect at least two different types of enclosures to the first and second lateral support members. In one example, the bracket defines at least first and second different aperture lay-outs or patterns respectively compatible with first and second different enclosure types and/or sizes. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to pole mounting bracket that includes a central support section having a first end and an opposite, second end. The central support section can be elongated along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The pole mounting bracket includes a upper section aligned parallel to the central support section and a lower section aligned parallel to the central support section and the upper section. A lateral support member can be transversely aligned relative to the central support section. The lateral support member can include a left portion that projects laterally out from the central support section and a right portion that projects laterally out from the central support section. The upper and lower sections can be stepped rearwardly from the central support section to be positioned offset relative to the central support section. The left and right portions of the lateral support member each defines an aperture for receiving a mounting structure adapted to operatively connect an enclosure to the lateral support member. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pole mounting bracket. The pole mounting bracket can include a central support section that includes a first end and an opposite, second end. The central support section can be elongated along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The central support section defines a plurality of fastener openings along the longitudinal axis. The central support section can include a first set of tab arms that extend from opposite sides of the central support section adjacent the first end and a second set of tab arms that extend from opposite sides of the central support section adjacent the second end. The pole mounting bracket can also include a first lateral support member transversely aligned relative to the central support section and a second lateral support member transversely aligned relative to the central support section. The second lateral support member can be parallel to the first lateral support member. The first and second lateral support members can be stepped forwardly from the central support section to be positioned offset relative to the central support section. The stepped portions between the central support section and the first and second lateral support members can each define a slot. The first and second lateral support members are adapted to operatively connect at least two different types of enclosures to the first and second lateral support members. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pole mounting bracket that mounts both a wall box and a plastic skirt together. The pole mounting bracket can include a central support section with a first end and an opposite, second end. The central support section can be elongated along a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The central support section defines a plurality of fastener openings along the longitudinal axis. A first lateral support member can be transversely aligned relative to the central support section; a second lateral support member can be transversely aligned relative to the central support section; a third lateral support member can be transversely aligned relative to the central support section; and a fourth lateral support member can transversely align relative to the central support section. The first, second, third, and fourth lateral support members can be parallel to one another. The first, second, third, and fourth lateral support members can be stepped forwardly from the central support section to be positioned offset relative to the central support section. The first and second lateral support members can each define a plurality of apertures for receiving mounting structures adapted to operatively connect at least two different types of enclosures to the first and second lateral support members. The third and fourth lateral support members can each define a plurality of apertures for receiving mounting structures adapted to operatively connect an enclosure skirt to the third and fourth lateral support members. 
     These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These 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 concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a rear perspective view of an pole mounting bracket in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front perspective view of the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the pole mounting bracket with a first enclosure type mounted to a post via the pole mounting bracket in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the pole mounting bracket mounted to the post including an enclosure skirt below the first enclosure type. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view showing the first enclosure type mounted to the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a second enclosure type shown mounted to the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the enclosure skirt of  FIG. 7  shown mounted to the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view showing two pole mounting brackets aligned end-to-end in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective of an alternative pole mounting bracket in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a rear view of an enclosure mounted to the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative pole mounting bracket in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of the pole mounting bracket of  FIG. 14  mounted to the post including the enclosure skirt below the first enclosure type. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of the enclosure skirt and the first enclosure type of  FIG. 16  mounted to the post. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a front view of the enclosure skirt mounted to the pole mounting bracket without the first enclosure type. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a back plate and organizer for the enclosure skirt in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments. 
     As presented at  FIGS. 1-5 , an example pole mounting bracket  10  for mounting at least two different types of telecommunications enclosures and optionally a skirt in an indoor or outdoor environment is shown. The pole mounting bracket  10  can be made from a variety of metallic materials. In one example, the pole mounting bracket  10  can be stamped from a single sheet of metal, such as, steel or aluminum. 
     As shown, the pole mounting bracket  10  includes a central support section  12  including a first end  14  and an opposite, second end  16 . The central support section  12  can be elongated along a longitudinal axis  18  between the first end  14  and the second end  16 . The central support section  12  can define a plurality of fastener openings generally represented by reference number  20  along the longitudinal axis  18 . In certain examples, a center opening  20   c  in the central support section  12  can have a diameter of about 0.6 inches and top and bottom openings  20   a ,  20   b  in the central support section  12  can have a diameter of about 0.4 inches, but the openings  20  can be other sizes as well. The plurality of fastener openings  20  can receive fasteners to connect or fix the pole mounting bracket  10  to a post  22  (e.g., pole)(see  FIGS. 6-7 ). Example fasteners can include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts. 
     The central support section  12  can include a first set of tab arms  24  that extends from opposite sides of the central support section  12  adjacent the first end  14  and a second set of tab arms  26  that extend from opposite sides of the central support section  12  adjacent the second end  16 . In certain examples, the first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  can be integrally formed with the central support section  12 . When the pole mounting bracket  10  is mounted to the post  22 , the first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  engage against an outer surface  28  of the post  22  to help align or stabilize the pole mounting bracket  10  on the post  22 . In certain examples, the first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  can be bent relative to the central support section  12  to define an angle θ that is in the range of 10-45 degrees. In certain examples, the first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  can be angled in the range of 20-24 degrees relative to the central support section  12 , although alternatives are possible. 
     In certain examples, the first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  can have a length L that extends from the central support section  12 . In certain examples, the length L is about 1 to 2 inches. Preferably, the length L is about 1.5 inches. The first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  can have a width W. In certain examples, the width W is about 0.5 inches. Preferably, the width W is about 1 inch. 
     The pole mounting bracket  10  can also include a first lateral support member  30  transversely aligned relative to the central support section  12  and a second lateral support member  32  transversely aligned relative to the central support section  12 . The second lateral support member  32  can be positioned parallel to the first lateral support member  30 . The first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can be stepped forwardly from the central support section  12  to be positioned offset relative to the central support section  12 . The first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  each include a left portion  34   a ,  34   b  that projects laterally out from the central support section  12  and a right portion  36   a ,  36   b  that projects laterally out from the central support section  12 . The left and right portions  34 ,  36  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  together expand a total length L 1 . In certain examples, the length L 1  is about 10 inches to about 20 inches. In certain examples, the length L 1  is at least 12 inches. In certain examples, the length L 1  is at least 14 inches. Preferably, the length L 1  is about 16 inches. The first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can each have a length L 2 . In certain examples, the length L 2  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  is about 5 to 8 inches. Preferably, the length L 2  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  is about 7 inches. 
     At least one of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can include tabs  38 . In the example shown, the first lateral support member  30  include tabs  38  that extend parallel to the central support section  12 . The tabs  38  can have a length L 3  (see  FIG. 3 ) that extends from the first lateral support member  30 . In certain examples, the length L 3  is about 1 to 3 inches. Preferably, the length L 3  is about 2 inches. 
     Stepped portions  40  can be provided between the central support section  12  and the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32 . As such, the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can be stepped forwardly from the central support section  12  to be positioned offset relative to the central support section  12 . In certain examples, the stepped portions  40  can define a slot  42  to allow the space needed to receive at least one strap (e.g., cable tie, snap hook, wire, bungee cord, springs, or rope)(not shown) for mounting around the post  22  to secure the pole mounting bracket  10  to the post  22 . The stepped portions  40  can be spaced a distance X (see  FIG. 4 ) relative to the central support section  12 . In certain examples, the distance X can be up to about 5 inches. In certain examples, the distance X is between about 1 inch to about 3 inches. Preferably, the distance X is about 0.5 inches. 
     The first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can each define a plurality of apertures  44  that have mounting structures  46  (e.g., internally threaded fastening elements such as press-fit fastening nuts) secured therein for mounting enclosures to the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  via fasteners such as bolts. There are at least two different sets of mounting structure  46  corresponding to two different enclosures. Fasteners, such as bolts, can be threaded through the mounting structures  46  to operatively connect at least two different types of enclosures to the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32 . That is, the plurality of apertures  44  can be arranged and configured to provide different configurations of mounting structures  46  for mounting different enclosures. 
     In one example, mounting structures  46   a  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can be arranged in a first mounting configuration to support a first type of enclosure  48  (see  FIG. 8 ). In another example, mounting structures  46   b  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can be arranged in a second mounting configuration to support a second type of enclosure  50  (see  FIG. 9 ). In certain examples, the first type of enclosure  48  is larger than the second type of enclosure  50 . 
     The first and second types of enclosures can be configured as housings such as boxes that enclose telecommunications components (e.g., optical connection points such as fiber optic adapters, passive optical splitters, wavelength division multiplexers, optical splices, cables, etc.) in an outdoor or outdoor environment. The first and second types of enclosures can be utilized as a final distribution point in a “Fiber to the X (FTTX)” network, for example in a network where individual fibers from the enclosures are routed to subscriber locations. 
     In certain examples, the first type of enclosure  48  can be a Budi-M type enclosure sold by Commscope® and the second type of enclosure  50  can be a Budi-S type enclosure sold by Commscope®. In other examples, the mounting structures  46   c  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  can be arranged in a third mounting configuration to support an enclosure skirt  52  (see  FIG. 10 ). 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , the pole mounting bracket  10  can be adapted to be aligned end-to-end with respect to another pole mounting bracket  10   a  via a mating alignment interface. The central support section  12  of the pole mounting bracket  10  can include a trailing end  54  and an insertion end  56  that defines a notch  58 . The trailing end  54  includes a projection  60  that extends in a direction parallel to the central support section  12  along the longitudinal axis  18 . The notch  58  can have a width Wi (see  FIG. 3 ). In certain examples, the width Wi is about 1 inch to 2 inches. Preferably, the width Wi is about 1.5 inches. The notches  58  and projections  60  of the pole mounting bracket  10  allow the pole mounting brackets  10 ,  10   a  to be aligned end-to-end. That is, the notch  58  at the insertion end  56  is configured to receive a projection  60   a  at a trailing end  54   a  of another pole mounting bracket  10   a . As shown, the first type of enclosure  48  is mounted to the pole mounting bracket  10  and the enclosure skirt  52  is mounted to another pole mounting bracket  10   a  below the first type of enclosure  48 . 
     In certain examples, the central support section  12  of the pole mounting bracket  10  can have a length L 4  (see  FIG. 3 ) defined between the insertion end  56  to the trailing end  54  of the central support section  12 . In certain examples, the length L 4  is about 15 inches to about 20 inches. Preferably, the length L 4  is about 18 inches. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an alternative pole mounting bracket  100  is shown. To the extent that the embodiments are similar, the description will not be repeated and will instead be directed to the primary differences. In general, the pole mounting bracket  100  differs in that it is configured for one type of enclosure. 
     The pole mounting bracket  100  can include a main support section  110  that has a first end  114  and an opposite, second end  116 . The main support section  110  can be elongated along a longitudinal axis  112  between the first end  114  and the second end  116 . The pole mounting bracket  100  includes a upper section  118  aligned parallel to the main support section  110  and a lower section  120  aligned parallel to the main support section  110  and the upper section  118 . The upper and lower sections  118 ,  120  are stepped rearwardly from the main support section  110  by stepped portions  122  to be positioned offset relative to the main support section  110 . The pole mounting bracket  100  also includes a lateral support member  124  transversely aligned relative to the main support section  110 . The lateral support member  124  includes a left portion  126  that projects laterally out from the main support section  110  and a right portion  128  that projects laterally out from the main support section  110 . The left and right portions  126 ,  128  of the lateral support member  124  can each define an aperture  130  for receiving a fastener  132  adapted to operatively connect an enclosure  134  to the lateral support member  124 . In certain examples, internally threaded fasteners of the type described above can be mounted (e.g., press-fit or otherwise secured in) apertures  130 . 
     The upper and lower sections  118 ,  120  can each include a pair of arms  136  on opposing sides  138 ,  140  thereof. Slots  142  can be defined by the pair of arms  136  and the upper and lower sections  118 ,  120  of the pole mounting bracket  100  at the opposing sides  138 ,  140  thereof. The slots  142  can be configured to receive at least one strap (not shown) for securing the pole mounting bracket  100  to a post. The main support section  100  can also include a tab  144  that is adapted to fit within an opening  146  defined at a rear side  148  of the enclosure  134  when the enclosure  134  is attached to the pole mounting bracket  100 . The upper and lower sections  118 ,  120  each define an aperture  150  for receiving a fastener, such as a screw, to mount the pole mounting bracket  100  to a post. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an alternative pole mounting bracket  200  is shown. To the extent that the embodiments are similar, the description will not be repeated and will instead be directed to the primary differences. In general, the pole mounting bracket  200  differs in that it is a single bracket used for mounting the first and second type of enclosures  48 ,  50  and the enclosure skirt  52 . 
     As shown, the pole mounting bracket  200  includes a central support section  212  including a first end  214  and an opposite, second end  216 . The central support section  212  can be elongated along a longitudinal axis  218  between the first end  214  and the second end  216 . The central support section  212  can define a plurality of fastener openings generally represented by reference number  220  along the longitudinal axis  218 . In certain examples, the diameter of the fastener openings are between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches, but the openings  220  can be other sizes as well. The plurality of fastener openings  220  can receive fasteners to connect or fix the pole mounting bracket  200  to a post  222  (e.g., pole)(see  FIGS. 16-18 ). Example fasteners can include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts. 
     The central support section  212  can include a first set of tab arms  224  that extends from opposite sides of the central support section  212  adjacent the first end  214 , a second set of tab arms  226  that extend from opposite sides of the central support section  122  adjacent the second end  216 , and a third set of tab arms  228  that extend from opposite sides of the central support section at a central location between the first and seconds ends  214 ,  216 . The first, second, third set of tab arms  224 ,  226 ,  228  having similar features to the first and second set of tab arms  24 ,  26  described above. 
     In certain examples, the first, second, third set of tab arms  224 ,  226 ,  228  can be integrally formed with the central support section  212 . When the pole mounting bracket  200  is mounted to the post  222 , the first, second, third set of tab arms  224 ,  226 ,  228  engage against the post  222  to help align or stabilize the pole mounting bracket  200  on the post  222 . 
     The pole mounting bracket  200  can also include a first lateral support member  230  transversely aligned relative to the central support section  212  and a second lateral support member  232  transversely aligned relative to the central support section  212 . The second lateral support member  232  can be positioned parallel to the first lateral support member  230 . The first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  can be stepped forwardly from the central support section  212  to be positioned offset relative to the central support section  212 . The first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  each include a left portion  234   a ,  234   b  that projects laterally out from the central support section  212  and a right portion  236   a ,  236   b  that projects laterally out from the central support section  212 . The left and right portions  234 ,  236  of the first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  together expand a total length L 5 . In certain examples, the length L 5  is about 10 inches to about 20 inches. In certain examples, the length L 5  is at least 12 inches. In certain examples, the length L 5  is at least 14 inches. Preferably, the length L 5  is about 16 inches. The left and right portions  234 ,  236  of the first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  can each have a length L 6 . In certain examples, the length L 6  of the left and right portions  234 ,  236  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  is about 5 to 8 inches. Preferably, the length L 6  of the left and right portions  234 ,  236  of the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32  is about 7 inches. 
     Stepped portions  240  can be provided between the central support section  212  and the first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232 . As such, the first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  can be stepped forwardly from the central support section  212  to be positioned offset relative to the central support section  212  as described above with reference to the first and second lateral support members  30 ,  32 . In certain examples, the stepped portions  240  can define a slot  242  to allow the space needed to receive at least one strap (e.g., cable tie, snap hook, wire, bungee cord, springs, or rope)(not shown) for mounting around the post  222  to secure the pole mounting bracket  200  to the post  222 . 
     The first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  can each define a plurality of apertures  244  that have mounting structures  246  (e.g., internally threaded fastening elements such as press-fit fastening nuts) secured therein for mounting enclosures to the first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232  via fasteners such as bolts. Fasteners, such as bolts, can be threaded through the mounting structures  246  to operatively connect the first and second type of enclosures  48 ,  50  to the first and second lateral support members  230 ,  232 . 
     The pole mounting bracket  200  includes third and fourth lateral supports  248 ,  250 . The third lateral support  248  includes tabs  252  that extend parallel to the central support section  212 . The tabs  252  can have a length L 7  that extend from left and right lateral support members  254  of the third lateral support  248 . In certain examples, the length L 7  is about 1 to 3 inches. Preferably, the length L 7  is about 2 inches. 
     The fourth lateral support  250  also includes left and right lateral support members  256 . The left and right lateral support members  254 ,  256  each include tie points  258  to organize/store drop cables when the enclosure skirt  52  is not used. The third and fourth lateral supports  248 ,  250  of the pole mounting bracket  200  are configured to support the enclosure skirt  52 . 
     The left and right portions  254 ,  256  of the third and fourth lateral support members  248 ,  250  together expand a total length L 8 . In certain examples, the length L 8  is about 10 inches to about 20 inches. In certain examples, the length L 8  is at least 14 inches. Preferably, the length L 8  is about 13 inches. The left and right portions  254 ,  256  of the third and fourth lateral support members  248 ,  250  can each have a length L 9 . In certain examples, the length L 9  of the left and right portions  254 ,  256  is about 2 to 5 inches. Preferably, the length L 6  of the left and right portions  254 ,  256  of the first and second lateral support members  248 ,  250  is about 4 inches. 
     In certain examples, the central support section  212  of the pole mounting bracket  200  can have a length L 10  defined between the first and second ends  214 ,  216  of the central support section  212 . In certain examples, the length L 10  is about 25 inches to about 30 inches. Preferably, the length L 10  is about 28 inches. 
       FIGS. 16-18  show both the first type of enclosure  48  and the enclosure skirt  52  mounted to the pole mounting bracket  400 . The pole mounting bracket  400  may be mounted to metal, aluminum, or wooden poles. In other examples, the pole mounting bracket  400  may be mounted to a Unistruct frame. In certain examples, a skirt back plate  260  (see  FIG. 19 ) may be mounted to the enclosure skirt  52  which can then be mounted to the pole  222 . The skirt back plate  260  is designed to help keep pests and flying insects out of the enclosure skirt  52 . The enclosure skirt  52  can also include an organizer  262  positioned within an interior  264  of the enclosure skirt  52 . 
     From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.