Patent Publication Number: US-2018046228-A1

Title: Enclosure mounting and transportation platform

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/373,795, filed Aug. 11, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/416,925, filed Nov. 3, 2016, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to enclosures, and more particularly to the shipping and mounting of enclosures. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Outdoor network enclosures are used widely throughout telecommunications and other network applications. They can protect a wide range of electronic equipment including radios, multicarrier power amplifiers (MCPA), power supplies, batteries, and wireless cell site backhaul equipment. These cabinets can protect base station equipment from environmental conditions while minimizing operating expenses and energy consumption. 
     Installation methods for outdoor enclosures vary. Techniques may involve pour-on-site concrete platforms, pre-cast concrete platforms, direct bury pedestals, and other mounting solutions. 
     Packaging for shipping these outdoor enclosures typically involves mounting the product to a pallet formed of wood or other materials. The pallet is typically is disposed of once the product arrives on the customer&#39;s site. 
     SUMMARY 
     As a first aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of shipping and installing an enclosure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) mounting an enclosure on a platform; (b) shipping the enclosure mounted on the platform to a remote location; and (c) installing the platform and enclosure at the remote location. Use of the platform as both a shipping pallet and an installation platform can reduce cost and waste. 
     As a second aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to an integrated enclosure and platform, comprising: an enclosure; and a platform, the enclosure secured to the platform for shipping, the platform including features configured to enable the platform to be mounted in the ground on site. 
     In some embodiments, an anchor is employed to mount the platform and enclosure in the ground. In some embodiments, the anchor is a pad or vault, which may include features that receive conduit that is subsequently routed to the enclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a platform according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a helical anchor to be used with the platform of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a locking bar to be used with the platform of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a main retainer bracket to be used with the platform of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the platform of  FIG. 1  with an enclosure mounted thereon. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the platform and enclosure of  FIG. 5  along with accessories packaged for shipping. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a deployment site for the platform and enclosure of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the helical anchor of  FIG. 2  and the main retainer bracket of  FIG. 4  mounted on the deployment site of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the enclosure and platform of  FIG. 5  being mounted on the deployment site of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective section view of the platform and deployment site of  FIG. 5  with the enclosure removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the installed platform and enclosure of  FIG. 9  with side and end panels added. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a cabinet and platform or pallet mounted to an underground vault according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the vault of  FIG. 12  illustrating a support frame mounted thereon and the routing of cable ducts. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the vault, support frame and cable ducts of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a cabinet and platform or pallet mounted to an underground pad according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the pad of  FIG. 15  illustrating the routing of cable ducts. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the pad of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the cabinet, pallet, support frame, vault, and cable ducts of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the cabinet, pallet, pad and cable ducts of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The presented disclosure however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. 
     Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should he interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.” 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may be directed to a concept that involves the creation of a single device, such as a platform or pallet, to accomplish both shipping and mounting of enclosures, and in particular telecommunications enclosures. In some embodiments, the enclosure may be shipped and delivered on this multi-purpose platform, then installed on site using the same device. The platform should be a durable, environmentally stable platform structure, which is large enough compared to the applied enclosure to provide a stable transportation device. As discussed below, this platform may include details that allow the enclosure to be attached, either via typical hardware, or perhaps with detail features that allow the enclosure to interlock with the surface of the platform. Also, shock absorbing features may be included into the platform assembly, either via secondary accessories, or built into the structure of the platform (i.e. crush or crumble zones within the material of the platform). 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary platform, designated broadly at  100 , that may be used for both shipping and mounting of a telecommunications enclosure. The platform  108  includes a generally rectangular main panel  102  that is typically horizontally disposed. The main panel  102  has an upper surface  103 , a lower surface  104 , two opposed side surfaces  105 , and two opposed end surfaces  106 . Four feet  108  support the underside of the main panel  102  at the corners. In some embodiments, the feet  108  may be formed of a shock-absorbing material to provide shock absorption for the platform  100 . The platform  100  typically has a “footprint” of at least 3 feet×4 feet, and is typically between about 4 and 6 inches in thickness. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the platform  100  includes a number of openings to facilitate use of the platform  100 . Two conduit slots  110  extend between the upper and lower surfaces  103 ,  104 . Two locking bar slots  112  extend between the side surfaces  105  and pass through the conduit slots  110 . A main retainer slot  114  extends between the end surfaces  106  and is open to the lower surface  104 ; the main retainer slot  114  passes through the conduit slots  110  and intersects with the locking bar slots  112 . Four vertical anchoring holes  116  are located near the corners of the main panel  102 . 
     The platform  100  should be formed of a material that provides strength, resilience, resistance to environmental elements, and the like. Exemplary materials for the platform  100  include polymeric materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, any of which may be provided in solid form or as a structural foam. 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate additional components used to secure the platform  100  in place.  FIG. 2  shows a helical anchor  120  with a shaft  122  having a square top end  124  and a blade  126  that follows a helical path around and along the shaft  122 . A hole  128  extends through the top end  124 .  FIG. 3  shows one of two elongate locking bars  130  of rectangular cross-section.  FIG. 4  illustrates a main retainer bracket  140 . The main retainer bracket  140  is elongate and rectangular in cross-section. Two slots  142  are present near the ends of the main retainer bracket  140  and are sized to receive the locking bars  130 . A C-shaped bracket  144  extends horizontally from the center of the main retainer bracket  140 ; two holes  146  are located on opposite sides of the C-shaped bracket  144 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , the platform  100  underlies an attached enclosure  200 . The enclosure  200  may be any typical enclosure used to house telecommunications or other equipment; exemplary enclosures are shown, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/311,589, filed Mar. 22, 2016, the disclosure of Which is hereby incorporate herein in its entirety. in the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure  200  is attached to the platform  100  via anchoring fasteners (not shown) that are inserted into the anchoring holes  116 . However, those of skill in this art will recognize that many other securing configurations may be suitable, including those in which the enclosure  200  includes features that mate with or otherwise engage features in the platform  100 . 
     It is anticipated that, in sonic embodiments, the platform  100  will replace a shipping pallet for the enclosure  200 , such that the platform  100  and enclosure  200  are shipped together as a single integrated unit from the factory to the deployment site. As shown in  FIG. 6 , additional components of the system may he employed during shipping to serve as buffers, shock absorbers and the like. For example, the locking bars  130  and the main retainer bracket  140  may be positioned on the top of the enclosure  200 , and accessory platform panels  300 ,  310  (described in greater detail below) may be positioned to protect portions of the sides of the enclosure  200 . 
     Once delivered to the deployment site, the integrated enclosure  200  and platform  100  would remain assembled, and placed directly on the customer&#39;s site. The platform  100  may replace the traditional concrete or metal platform or plinth, and is permanently used as the mounting platform. 
     Installation of the enclosure  200  and platform  100  are discussed below. Outdoor enclosures typically require an anchor system to stabilize the enclosure, to prevent accidental toppling of the enclosure. The mounting structure must meet requirements for impact and atmospheric conditions, such as high wind speeds. Also, typically the enclosure  200  is connected to incoming underground conduits that provide power, signals, and the like, so installation of the platform  100  should consider this need also. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , installation of the enclosure  200  begins with the preparation of the site. This may include the rough grading of the site along with the installation of the aforementioned underground conduits (designated herein at  230 ). The helical anchor  120 , employed to provide stability, is also driven into the ground. Both the conduits  230  and the helical anchor  120  are located in pre-defined positions that align with, respectively, the anticipated locations of the conduit slots  110  and the C-shaped bracket  144  of the main retainer bracket  140 . In some embodiments, insertion of the helical anchor  120  may be followed by mechanical resistance measurements to assure that the anchor provides a desired level of retention regardless of soil conditions. Although a helical anchor  120  is shown herein, it is recognized that a variety of alternative anchoring members may be suitable, including straight rods or stakes driven to an appropriate depth, either manually or mechanically inserted into the earth. 
     Once the helical anchor  120  is secured, the main retainer bracket  140  is installed (see  FIG. 8 ). The main retainer bracket  140  is used to connect the anchor  120  to the platform  100  and can provide a stable, above-grade attachment point for the platform  108 . The top end  124  of the helical anchor  120  is inserted into the C-shaped bracket  144  of the main retainer bracket  140 . Pins, bolts or the like are inserted into the holes  146  of the C-shaped bracket  144  and the holes  128  in the top end of  124  of the helical anchor  120  to secure the main retainer bracket  140  to the helical anchor  120 . It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the anchor and the main retainer bracket may be formed as a single component. 
     The platform  100  and enclosure  200  are then moved into place on the site (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The main retainer bracket  140  is positioned in the main retainer slot  114 , and the conduits  230  are routed through the conduit slots  110 . The locking bars  130  are fully inserted into the locking bar slots  112  in the side surfaces  105  of the main panel  102  and through the slots  142  in the main retainer bracket  140 . Through this action, the locking bars  130  lock the platform  100  to the main retainer bracket  140 , which in turn fixes the platform  100  relative to the ground via the helical anchor  120 . 
     Notably, the use of the illustrated configuration enables independent anchor installation, and allows the platform  100  to remain connected to the enclosure  200  during installation. Also, the arrangement allows the shaft  122  and blade  126  of the helical anchor  120  to be positioned below grade, the main retainer bracket  140  to be above grade, and the enclosure/platform unit  100 ,  200  to be positioned above grade, all while retaining access underground via the locking bars  130  and the main retainer bracket  140 . 
     Once the locking bars  130  have been installed, the integrated enclosure/platform unit  100 ,  200  is securely attached to the helical anchor  120 . Final details may be added to cosmetically secure the platform  100 . Also, final grading around the platform  100  may be conducted once the locking bars  130  are installed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , it is also anticipated that accessory components could be added to the system, primarily to add work surfaces outside the perimeter of the enclosure. For example, side panel  300  may be added to the side of the platform  100  by inserting stubs  302  into the locking bar slots  112 . Similarly, end panel  310  can be added to the end of the platform  100  by inserting a stub  312  into the main retainer slot  114 , or into additional optional slots  314  on the end of the platform  100 . The addition of the work surfaces provided by the side and end panels  300 ,  310  can allow the platform size to be optimized for transportation and still provide adequate work platforms outside the perimeter of the enclosure  200 . For example, some enclosures have door swings that are equivalent to the depth of the enclosure, and these work accessory components could be added to allow the platform  100  to be expanded to include this door swing area. The accessories may be attached to the main platform via mechanical fasteners, or through details/features in the platform that allow direct connection between components. 
     As discussed above and as shown in  FIG. 6 , it is anticipated that the main retainer bracket  140 , the locking bars  130 , and the side and end panels  300 ,  310  may be utilized as part of the protective packing details for shipment, replacing traditional cardboard or foam packing details. As such, this system may essentially eliminate all traditional packaging components, other than perhaps an exterior carton or plastic film wrap. 
     The use of the integrated transportation and mounting platform may reduce or eliminate the need for the traditional mounting pad or platform. In addition, labor savings are anticipated by avoiding the need to remove the enclosure from the packing material and transferring it to the traditional concrete pad. 
     The mounting platforms discussed above may be installed in the ground as discussed above, or may be installed with anchoring components that facilitate the routing and connection of conduits  230 . Referring now to  FIGS. 12-14 and 18 , an anchoring vault for supporting a platform, designated broadly at  400 , is shown therein. The vault  400  includes two side walls  402 , two end walls  404 , and a skeletal support frame  406  that form a box-like structure. Both the side walls  402  and end walls  404  are shown as comprising an open grid, but any or all of these components may be solid. The side walls  404  include notches  405  in their lower edges to receive conduits  230 . The end walls  402  and end walls  404  may be formed of a polymeric material. The frame  406 , which is typically formed of a metallic material, rests on ledges  402   a ,  404   a  attire upper edges of the side and end wails  402 ,  404 . The frame  406  includes holes  407  at either end to receive conduits. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 18 , the vault  400  is installed below ground. As can be seen in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , conduits  230  are routed from outside of the vault  400  inwardly through the notches  405 , then upwardly through the holes  407  to enter the platform  100 . The platform  100  can be mounted to the frame  406  through fasteners  412  or other means, or in some embodiments by use of locking bars and the like, as described above. 
     An alternative installation technique is shown in  FIGS. 15-17 and 19 , which illustrate an anchoring pad  500 . The anchoring pad  500  includes two end wails  504  with notches  505  in their lower edges. Rails  510  span the upper ends of the end walls  504 . A bracket  512  with holes  514  is mounted between the rails  510  near the end walls  504 . The end walls  504 , rails  510  and brackets  512  are typically formed of a metallic material. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 16 , conduits  230  can he routed from outside the mounting pad  500  through the notches  505  in the end walls  504 , then upwardly through the holes  514 . From there the conduits  230  can he routed through the platform  100  and into the cabinet  200 . The platform  100  is mounted to the rails  510  via fasteners  516  or other means. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.