Patent Publication Number: US-11658471-B2

Title: Cable sealing unit with multiple sealing modules

Description:
This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/893,785, filed 5 Jun. 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,951,017, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/920,097, filed 13 Mar. 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,680,426, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/412,381, filed 31 Dec. 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,948,082, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/EP2013/063486, filed 27 Jun. 2013, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/667,326, filed 2 Jul. 2012 and U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/766,523, filed 19 Feb. 2013 and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for sealing cable entry points of enclosures within telecommunications systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Telecommunications systems typically employ a network of telecommunications cables capable of transmitting large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. The telecommunications cables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, or combinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. A typical telecommunications network also includes a plurality of telecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network of telecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures are adapted to house and protect telecommunications components such as splices, termination panels, power splitters and wavelength division multiplexers. It is often preferred for the telecommunications enclosures to be re-enterable. The term “re-enterable” means that the telecommunications enclosures can be reopened to allow access to the telecommunications components housed therein without requiring the removal and destruction of the telecommunications enclosures. For example, certain telecommunications enclosures can include separate access panels that can be opened to access the interiors of the enclosures, and then closed to re-seal the enclosures. Other telecommunications enclosures take the form of elongated sleeves formed by wrap-around covers or half-shells having longitudinal edges that are joined by clamps or other retainers. Still other telecommunications enclosures include two half-pieces that are joined together through clamps, wedges or other structures. Telecommunications enclosures are typically sealed to inhibit the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants. Pressurized gel-type seals have been used to effectively seal the locations where telecommunications cables enter and exit telecommunications enclosures. Example pressurized gel-type seals are disclosed by document EP 0442941 B1 and document EP 0587616 B1. Both of these documents disclose gel-type cable seals that are pressurized through the use of threaded actuators. Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,406 discloses a cable seal that is pressurized through the use of an actuator including a cam lever. While pressurized cable seals have generally proven to be effective, improvements in this area are still needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure allow a pressure actuated cable sealing unit to be readily adapted in the field or at the factory so as to accommodate cables of different numbers and sizes. In certain embodiments, the sealing unit can include a plurality of separately identifiable sealing modules that can be independently installed in and independently removed from the sealing unit. In certain embodiments, the design is cost effective and efficient since the sealing unit does not need to use separate actuation arrangement for separately pressurizing each sealing module, but instead all the cable sealing modules can be concurrently pressurized using the same actuation arrangement. In certain embodiments, the sealing modules can have a longer axial cable gel bonding/sealing lengths inside the modules as compared to axial bonding/sealing length at peripheries of the cable sealing modules. This is advantageous because cables often have scratches or inconsistencies at their outer surfaces caused by manipulation and handling during installation. Thus, the longer gel sealing length at the cable to insert interface helps insure that an adequate seal is provided around the cable. The peripheries of the cable sealing modules typically will contact gel of adjacent cable sealing modules or the interior surface of a housing opening receiving the sealing unit and therefore can provide an adequate seal with a shorter gel sealing length than the length of gel sealing surface required to insure an adequate seal about a cable. By varying the lengths of the inside and outside sealing surfaces of the cable sealing modules, the overall amount of sealant utilized in the modules can be conserved and modules can each have a compact, cost effective design. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an enclosure including a housing defining a housing opening that extends along an opening central axis. The enclosure further includes a sealing unit that can be inserted along the opening central axis into the housing opening. The sealing unit may include a sealant ring that surrounds the opening central axis when the sealing unit is positioned within the opening. The sealing unit may include an actuation arrangement that can have an inner and outer axial pressurization structures between which the sealant ring may be axially pressurized. The sealant ring may form an outer radial seal with an interior surface of the housing that defines the housing opening. The sealant ring may form an inner radial seal with an outward axial extension of the inner pressurization structure. The actuation arrangement may also include an actuator that can be accessible from outside the housing. The actuator may include an actuator shaft that couples to the outward axial extension of the inner pressurization structure. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sealing unit including a sealant ring and inner and outer axial pressurization structures for pressurizing the sealant ring. The sealing unit may further include an actuator for forcing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures together to pressurize the sealant ring. The actuator may include a threaded shaft and a handle assembly that threads on the threaded shaft to press the inner and outer pressurization structures together. The handle assembly may include a handle that is universally pivotally movable relative to the threaded shaft. 
     A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive 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 inventions and inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a telecommunications enclosure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the enclosure has a dome-style cover and a based secured together by a clamp; 
         FIG.  2    shows the telecommunications enclosure of  FIG.  1    with the dome-style cover of the enclosure removed from the base of the enclosure; 
         FIG.  3    shows a frame and a sealing unit of the enclosure of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the sealing unit is shown in a non-actuated position; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of the sealing unit of  FIG.  3    showing cable sealing modules of the sealing unit and also showing an actuation arrangement of the sealing unit; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view showing one example type of actuation arrangement that can be used to pressurize the sealing unit of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged view of a portion of the sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  7    shows the sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4    with and outer pressurization structure removed to better show sealing modules of the sealing unit; 
         FIG.  8    shows the pressurization arrangement of the sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4    with the cable sealing modules removed; 
         FIG.  9    shows the sealing modules of the sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4    in an assembled configuration with the actuation arrangement removed; 
         FIG.  10    shows a two port cable sealing module of the cable sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  11    shows a four port cable sealing module of the cable sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  12    shows a six port cable sealing module of the cable sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  13    shows an eight port cable sealing module of the cable sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  14    shows a two port cable sealing module of the cable sealing unit of  FIGS.  3  and  4    where the ports are configured for receiving and sealing flat drop cables; 
         FIG.  15    is an exploded view of the cable sealing module of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    shows the sealing unit of  FIG.  3    in an actuated position; 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded view of another telecommunications enclosure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is an exploded view of a sealing unit of the telecommunications enclosure of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a top view of the sealing unit of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  20    is an axially inner perspective view of a base of the telecommunications enclosure of  FIG.  17    with the sealing unit of  FIG.  18    partially inserted within the base and with a sealing unit retainer in a non-retaining position; 
         FIG.  21    shows the base and sealing unit of  FIG.  20    with the sealing unit fully inserted within the base and with the sealing unit retainer in a retaining position; 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  22 - 22  of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a partial cross-sectional view of the sealing unit of  FIG.  18    taken along a generally horizontal cross-sectional plane; 
         FIG.  24    is a cross-sectional view of another sealing unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the sealing threaded shaft made of a polymeric material; 
         FIG.  25    is a top view of still another sealing unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the sealing unit has an actuator handle assembly having a universal pivot arrangement; and 
         FIG.  26    is a cross-sectional view of the sealing unit of  FIG.  25   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 - 3    show a telecommunications enclosure  20  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The enclosure  20  includes a housing  22  having an end  24  defining a sealing unit opening  26 . The sealing unit opening  26  is defined by a base  27  of the enclosure  20 . The base  27  has a hollow sleeve-like configuration. A dome-style cover  29  is secured to the base  27  by a channel clamp  25 . The enclosure  20  also includes a sealing unit  28  (see  FIGS.  3  and  4   ) that fits within the sealing unit opening  26 . The sealing unit  28  includes a sealant arrangement  32  (see  FIG.  9   ) defining a plurality of cable ports  30 . When pressurized, the sealant arrangement  32  is configured for providing seals about structures (e.g., cables, plugs, etc.) routed though the cable ports  30  and is also configured for providing a peripheral seal between the housing  22  and the sealing unit  28 . The enclosure  20  further includes an actuation arrangement  31  (see  FIGS.  5  and  9   ) for pressurizing the sealant arrangement  32  within the sealing unit opening  26 . The actuation arrangement  31  is shown including an actuator  35  having a lever arm  36 . The sealant arrangement  32  is pressurized as the actuator  35  is moved from a non-actuated position P 1  (see  FIG.  3   ) toward an actuated position P 2  (see  FIG.  16   ). In other embodiments, actuation arrangements having alternative types of actuators (e.g., threaded, screw type actuators) can be used. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the actuation arrangement  31  includes inner and outer pressurization structures  60 ,  62  (e.g., plates, members, bodies, etc.). As shown at  FIG.  3   , a frame  190  supporting a plurality of optical components  192  (e.g., splice trays, optical splitter trays, splices, splitters, wavelength division multiplexers, slack storage devices, spools, etc.) is attached to the inner pressurization structure  60  and carried with the sealing unit  28 . The sealant arrangement  32  is positioned between the inner and outer pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . The actuator  35  includes a spring  52  for transferring a seal pressurization force from the lever arm  36  to the sealant arrangement  32 . When the lever arm  36  is moved toward the actuated positions, the lever arm  36  generates a pressurization force that presses the sealant arrangement  32  between the first and second pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . More specifically, a pressurization force from the lever arm  36  is transferred from lever cam surface  64  through the springs  52  and through shaft  170  to the inner and outer pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . In this way, the first and second pressurization plates  60 ,  62  are spring biased toward one another such that spring pressure is applied to the sealant arrangement  32  for pressurizing the sealant arrangement  32  to maintain the seals over an extended period of time. In other embodiments, different actuation configurations can be used. For example, as shown at  FIGS.  4  and  8   , the cam surface of the lever arm can act against a sleeve coupled to the outer pressurization structure, and the spring can be captured between an inner end of the shaft and the inner pressurization structure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the sealant arrangement  32  includes multiple separately identifiable cable sealing modules  33  that are collectively pressurized by the actuation arrangement  31 . When the actuation arrangement  31  is actuated, the cable sealing modules  33  are all axially pressurized between the inner and outer pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . As the cable sealing modules  33  are pressurized, sealant portions of the cable sealing modules  33  flows/deforms to fill voids within the sealing unit opening  26  to form the peripheral seal with the housing  22 , and to form seals around any cables or inserts positioned within cable ports  30 . 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for allowing the sealing arrangement  32  to be readily reconfigured to accommodate cables of different sizes, cross-sectional shapes/profiles and numbers. In this regard, the enclosure  20  can be sold as a kit with multiple cable sealing modules having different port configurations. The cable sealing modules  33  can have different port counts, different port sizes and different port shapes. By selecting certain ones of the cable sealing modules  33 , the cable sealing unit  28  can be customized to meet the needs of a given customer or a given application. In the case of a kit, an installer can select and install desired cable sealing modules  33  in the field to customize the enclosure  20  for a particular use, and can save unused cable sealing modules  33  for later use to re-configure the enclosure  20  as needed. The enclosure  20  can also be assembled in the factory. When factory assembled, the ability to select cable sealing modules  33  having different configurations allows one style of actuation arrangement  31  to be used to provide many different port configurations. This assists in manufacturing efficiency because many different port configurations can be provided without requiring different models of actuation arrangements  31  to be designed or stocked. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , the cable sealant arrangement  32  is shown including cable sealing modules  33   a ,  33   b ,  33   c ,  33   d  and  33   e . The cable sealing modules  33   a  each define one relatively large cable port  30   a  adapted for receiving a main trunk cable or main distribution cable. The main distribution cable may loop or pass through the enclosure  20  so that one portion of the cable enters the enclosure  20  through one of the cable ports  30   a  and another portion of the cable exits the enclosure  20  through the other cable port  30   a . Within the enclosure  20 , optical fibers of the distribution cable can be accessed for splicing to drop cables or for connecting to an optical splitter. The cable sealing module  33   b  (see  FIGS.  9  and  10   ) defines two cable ports  30   b . The cable sealing module  33   c  (see  FIGS.  9  and  11   ) defines four cable ports  30   c . The cable sealing module  33   d  (see  FIGS.  9  and  12   ) defines six cable ports  30   d . The cable sealing module  33   e  (see  FIGS.  9  and  13   ) defines eight cable ports  30   e . In other embodiments, a cable sealing module  33   f  (see  FIG.  14   ) including ports  30   f  adapted for receiving flat drop cables can also be used. In addition to the inserts specifically depicted, it will be appreciated that inserts having different numbers of cable openings, different shapes of cable openings, and different sizes of cable openings can also be used to accommodate different cable types. 
     As shown at  FIG.  9   , the sealant arrangement  32  is elongated along a major axis  41 . It will be appreciated that the major axis  41  corresponds to a major axis of the sealing unit opening  26 . The cable sealing modules  33   a  are spaced-apart from one another along the major axis  41  and are positioned at opposite lateral ends of the sealant arrangement  32 . The cable sealing modules  33   b - 33   e  are mounted along the major axis  41  between the cable sealing modules  33   a . The cable sealing modules  33   b ,  33   e  form a first row of cable ports positioned on one side of the major axis  41  (e.g., above the major axis) and the cable sealing modules  33   c ,  33   d  form a second row of cable ports positioned on an opposite side of the major axis  41  (e.g., below the major axis  41 ). The rows are parallel to the major axis  41  and extend between the cable sealing modules  33   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  15   , the cable sealing module  33   e  is depicted. It will be appreciated that other than the size, shape and number of ports provided, the cable sealing modules  33   b - 33   d  and  33   f  can have similar constructions. Thus, the description pertaining to the cable sealing module  33   e  is applicable to the other cable sealing modules  33   b ,  33   c ,  33   d  and  33   f  as well. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  15   , the cable sealing module  33   e  includes a body  90  having a total axial length L that extends between first and second axial ends  70 ,  72  of the body  90  along a central axis  91 . The body  90  can have a composite construction including a volume of sealant  74  at least partially contained axially between first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78 . The first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78  are respectively positioned adjacent the first and second ends  70 ,  72  of the body  90  and form axial end caps of the body  90 . The first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78  can be attached (e.g., bonded) to ends of the volume of sealant  74 . In other embodiments, the containment structures  76 ,  78  may not be attached to the volume of sealant  74 , but when assembled within the actuation arrangement  31  can be held in position relative to the volume of sealant  74 . 
     The first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78  are preferably constructed of a material that has a higher hardness and is less flowable than the sealant material constituting the volume of sealant  74 . Thus, when the volume of sealant  74  is pressurized to provide cable sealing, the first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78  assist in containing the volume of sealant  74  between the axial ends  70 ,  72  to limit the amount of volume of sealant  74  that is forced out of the sealing unit  28 . 
     As shown at  FIGS.  7  and  9   , the volumes of sealant  74  of the various cable sealing modules  33   a - 33   e  are in fluid communication with one another when assembled together to form the sealant arrangement  32  and are pressurized between the first and second pressurization structures  60 ,  62  when the actuation arrangement  31  is actuated. Outer portions of the volumes of sealant  74  of the modules  33   a - 33   e  are adapted to contact the interior of the base  27  to form the peripheral seal with the base  27  when the actuation arrangement  31  is actuated. 
     The harder material of the containment structures  76 ,  78  does not extend the total axial length L of the body  90 . Instead, only the volume of sealant  74  of the body  90  is located between the containment structures  76 ,  78 . Thus, the containment structures  76 ,  78  can move axially relative to one another as the volume of sealant  74  is axially compressed. For example, the containment structures  76 ,  78  can be moved axially with the first and second pressurization structures  60 ,  62  to assist in providing axial pressurization of the volumes of sealant  74  when the actuation arrangement  31  is actuated. In certain embodiments, the body  90  does not have any axial reinforcing structure that extends across the volume of sealant  74  and that interconnects containment structures  76 ,  78  Instead, the containment structures  76 ,  78  are connected together only by the volume of sealant  74 . As shown at  FIG.  15   , the containment structures  76 ,  78  can include truncated, conical parts  79  that project into the volume of sealant  74  in alignment with cable ports  30   e  that extend axially through the volume of sealant  74 . 
     The body  90  defines the plurality of reduced sized cable ports  30   e  that extend axially through the volume of sealant  74 . The volume of sealant  74  includes cable sealing surfaces  80  that define the reduced sized cable ports  30   e . Cable sealing surfaces  80  each have a first axial length L 1  (see  FIGS.  15  and  22   ) that extends axially between the first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78 . The volume of sealant  74  also includes an exposed outer sealing surface  84  that surrounds a periphery of the body  90  and that extends around the central axis  91 . The outer sealing surface  84  has a second axial length L 2  (see  FIGS.  15  and  22   ) that extends axially between the first and second containment structures  76 ,  78 . The first axial length L 1  is longer than the second axial length L 2  to provide effective sealing about cables routed through the cable ports  30   e . The first and second containment structures  76 ,  78  define openings  94  that align with the cable ports  30   e.    
     In certain embodiments, the first and second containment structures  76 ,  78  of the cable sealing module  33   e  interface with the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  such that the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  apply pressure axially through the first and second axial containment structures  76 ,  78  to the volume of sealant  74  when the actuation arrangement  31  is actuated. In certain embodiments, engagement portions  96  (e.g., tabs, lips, flanges, etc.) of the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  overlap the first and second containment structures  76 ,  78  such that the body  90  is captured axially between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . In certain embodiments, the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  mate, interlock or otherwise connect with the containment structures  76 ,  78 . For example, engagement portions  96  (e.g., projections) of the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  can fit within receptacles  102  defined by the containment structures  76 ,  78  (see  FIG.  6   ). 
     To load the cable sealing modules  33  between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 , the cable sealing modules  33  are manually compressed in an axial direction (i.e., the first and second containment structures  76 ,  78  are manually compressed together) to provide clearance for allowing the cable sealing modules  33  to fit between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , when the cable sealing modules  33  are not axially compressed, the receptacles  102  define an axial spacing S 1 . The engagement portions  96  of the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  define an axial spacing S 2 . In one example, the actuation arrangement  31  is configured such that the axial spacing S 2  is always smaller than the axial spacing S 1  defined by the cable sealing modules  33  when the cable sealing modules  33  are not axially compressed, even when the actuation arrangement  31  is in a fully expanded position. In this way, the cable sealing modules  33  are positively retained between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  by an interference fit such that the cable sealing modules  33  will not unintentionally fall out from between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  when the actuation arrangement  31  is fully de-actuated. To remove one of the cable sealing modules  33  between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 , the cable sealing module  33  is manually compressed in an axial direction until the axial spacing S 1  is less than the spacing S 2  and then the cable sealing module  33  can be manually pulled from between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . Similarly, to insert one of the cable sealing modules  33  between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 , the cable sealing module  33  is manually compressed in an axial direction until the axial spacing S 1  is less than the spacing S 2  and then the cable sealing module  33  can be manually inserted between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62  and then allowed to expand to lock the module between the pressurization structures  60 ,  62 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  13  and  15   , the body  90  is depicted as rectangular the outer sealing surface  84  forms an outer sealing band between the first and second containment structures  76 ,  78 . In certain embodiments, the body  90  has a wrap-around configuration for allowing cables to be laterally inserted in the cable port  30   e . As shown at  FIG.  15   , the wrap-around configuration is provided by manufacturing the volume of sealant  74  in two parts  74   a ,  74   b  which allows the body  90  to be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The parts  74   a ,  74   b  each define portions (e.g., half-portions) of each of the cable ports  30   e . Similarly, the first and second containment structures  76 ,  78  each include two parts  76   a ,  76   b ;  78   a ,  78   b  which respectively correspond to the parts  74   a ,  74   b  and which define portions (e.g., half-portions) of the openings  94 . 
     To route a cable through the sealing unit  28 , the sealing unit  28  is first de-actuated and removed from then housing  22 . The parts  74   a ,  76   a ,  78   a  are then removed from the actuation arrangement  31  to expose the cable ports  30   e . Fiber optic cables  106  are then loaded into the ports  30   e . The parts  74   a ,  76   a ,  78   a  are then re-installed in the actuation arrangement  31  and the sealing unit  28  is re-inserted into the housing  22  and the actuation arrangement  31  is actuated to compress the sealant arrangement  32  to provide seals about fiber optic cables  106  routed through the sealing unit  28  and to provide the peripheral seal with the base  27  of the housing  22 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates another telecommunications enclosure  320  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunications enclosure  320  includes a housing  322  having a dome  324  that connects to a base  326 . The telecommunications enclosure  320  also includes an insert assembly  328  that fits within the housing  322 . The insert assembly  328  includes a sealing unit  330  that fits within the base  326  and that defines a plurality of cable ports  332  (see  FIG.  18   ). The insert assembly  328  also includes a frame  334  attached to the sealing unit  330  and one or more telecommunications components  336  (e.g., optical splicing trays, optical splices, optical power splitters, optical power splitting trays, wavelength division multiplexers, fiber managers, slack fiber storage devices and/or other structures) mounted on the frame  334 . The frame  334  is housed within the dome  324  when the sealing unit  330  is fitted within the base  326 . The telecommunications enclosure  320  further includes a mounting bracket  338  for mounting the housing  322  at a desired mounting location (e.g., on a wall, on a pole, on a handle, or at any other location) via fasteners. 
     The base  326  of the housing  322  has a hollow, sleeve-like configuration and defines a main opening  340  that extends through the base  326  from an outer end  342  of the base  326  to an inner end  344  of the base  326 . The inner end  344  of the base  326  connects with an open end  346  of the dome  324  at sealed interface. Latches  348  are used to latch the dome  324  to the base  326 . The main opening  340  defines an opening central axis  341  that extends through the main opening  340 . The insert assembly  328  is inserted into and through the base  326  along the central axis  341 . In other examples, the base  326  can be eliminated and the sealing unit  330  can mount directly in the open end  346  of the dome  324  or in any other type of cable access opening defined by a housing. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the sealing unit  330  of the telecommunications enclosure  320  includes a sealant ring  350  (e.g., gel, rubber, silicone rubber, or like materials) that defines the cable ports  332 . The sealant ring  350  is formed by a plurality of cable sealing modules  33  of the type previously described. The cable sealant modules  33  are positioned within the sealing unit  330  such that the volumes of sealant  74  of adjacent cable sealing modules  33  contact each other. In this way, the volumes of sealant  74  cooperate to define the continuous sealant ring  350 . The sealing unit  330  also includes an actuation arrangement  352  for pressurizing the sealant ring  350  thereby causing the sealant ring  350  to form seals around cables routed through the cable ports  332 . 
     The actuation arrangement  352  includes inner and outer axial pressurization structures  354 ,  356  between which the sealant ring  350  is positioned. The axial containment structures  76 ,  78  of the cable sealing modules  33  interlock with or otherwise engage the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  354 ,  356  such that inner and outer axial pressurization structures  354 ,  356  and the axial containment structures  76 ,  78  work together to pressurize the volumes of sealant  74  forming the sealant ring  350 . Specifically, the cable sealing modules  33  are captured axially between portions of the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  354 ,  356  with the first axial containment structures  76  engaging the outer axial pressurization structure  356  and the second axial containment structures  78  engaging the inner axial pressurization structures  354 . Engagement portions  96  of the outer axial pressurization structure  356  fit within receptacles  102  of the first axial containment structures  76  and engagement portions  96  of the inner axial pressurization structure  354  fit within receptacles  102  of the second containment structures  78 . Sealant pressurization force is transferred axially from the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  354 ,  356  through the axial containment structures  76 ,  78  to the volumes of sealant  74  forming the sealant ring  350 . The first axial containment structures  76  correspond to the outer axial pressurization structure  356  and can be referred to as outer axial containment structures. The second axial containment structures  78  correspond to the inner axial pressurization structure  354  and can be referred to as inner axial containment structures. 
     The actuation arrangement  352  also includes an actuator  358  for forcing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  354 ,  356  together to pressurize the sealant ring  350 . When the sealing unit  330  is fitted within the base  326 , an axial inner side  360  (see  FIGS.  22  and  23   ) of the sealant ring  350  faces toward the dome  324  and an axial outer side  362  of the sealant ring  350  faces away from the dome  324 . The second axial containment structures  78  oppose the axial inner side  360  of the sealant ring  350  and the first axial containment structures  76  oppose the axial outer side  362  of the sealant ring  350 . The inner pressurization structure  354  restrains inward axial movement of the second axial containment structures  78  and the outer pressurization structure  356  retrains outward axial movement of the first axial containment structures  76 . The cable ports  332  extend axially through the sealant ring  350  along the central axis  341  of the main opening  340  such that cables can be directed through the base  326  and into the dome  324  by routing the cables through the cable ports  332 . When the sealant ring  350  is pressurized by the actuation arrangement  352 , an outer radial surface  349  of the sealant ring  350  forms an outer radial seal  351  with the interior of the base  326  and an inner radial surface  347  of the sealant ring  350  forms an inner radial seal  353  with an outer surface of a centrally located outer axial extension  355  (see  FIGS.  22  and  23   ) of the inner pressurization structure  354 . The inner and outer radial seals  351 ,  353  both extend continuously around the central axis  341 . In the depicted embodiment, the outer axial extension  355  is hollow so as to define an open chamber  357  around which the sealant ring  350  extends. By providing a sealant free region that extends through the sealant ring  350  and that is defined by the inner axial pressurization structure  354 , the total volume of sealant  74  used by the sealing unit  330  can be reduced. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  22  and  23   , the actuator  358  includes a handle  366  that is threaded on a threaded actuator shaft  368 . An inner end  370  of the threaded actuator shaft  368  is secured to the outer axial extension  355  of the inner pressurization structure  354  at an anchoring location  371 . The anchoring location  371  is positioned axially outward from the inner and outer radial seals  351 ,  353  and the overall configuration is arranged so that a seal is not required about the threaded actuator shaft  368 . The threaded actuator shaft  368  is mounted so as to not rotate relative to the inner pressurization structure  354 . The actuator  358  further includes a spring  372  positioned axially between the handle  366  and the outer pressurization structure  356 . The spring  372  is positioned around the threaded actuator shaft  368 . By threading the handle  366  in a first direction about the threaded actuator shaft  368 , the handle  366  compresses the spring  372  axially against the axial outer side  362  of the outer pressurization structure  356  thereby causing the inner and outer pressurization structures  354 ,  356  to be forced together such that the sealant ring  350  between the inner and outer pressurization structures  354 ,  356  is pressurized. By threading the handle  366  in a second direction about the threaded actuator shaft  368 , the spring  372  is decompressed thereby depressurizing the sealant ring  350 . While the actuator  358  is depicted including a handle  366  on a threaded actuator shaft  368 , it will be appreciated that other actuation configurations such as cam lever actuation devices having non-threaded actuator shafts or other structures can be used. 
     Referring to  FIG.  22   , the actuator  358  also includes a locking structure such as a fixed nut  373  anchored at a fixed axial location on the threaded actuator shaft  368 . The fixed nut  373  limits the distance the handle  366  can be axially retracted on the threaded actuator shaft  368  when the handle  366  is turned in the second direction about the threaded actuator shaft  368 . The position of the fixed nut  373  is selected such that the axial spacing S 2  never exceeds the axial spacing S 1 . 
     The anchoring location  371  can include a slot defined by the inner pressurization structure  354  that receives the inner end  370  of the threaded actuator shaft  368 . The threaded actuator shaft  368  can include an anti-rotation element that fits in the slot and includes one or more flats that oppose corresponding flats of the slot so that the threaded actuator shaft  368  is prevented from rotating relative to the inner pressurization structure  354 . In the example of  FIGS.  22  and  23   , the threaded actuator shaft  368  can be metal and the inner pressurization structure  354  can be plastic.  FIG.  24    shows an example having a plastic threaded actuator shaft  368 ′ that engages the inner axial pressurization structure  354 . 
     The insert assembly  328  further includes an exterior cable anchoring structure  374 . The exterior cable anchoring structure  374  is configured for allowing cables to be anchored to the insert assembly  328  at a position outside of the housing  322 . In the depicted embodiment, the exterior cable anchoring structure  374  includes two parallel cable anchoring plates  376  interconnected by a bridge plate  378 . The threaded actuator shaft  368  and the handle  366  extend between the cable anchoring plates  376 . The cable anchoring plates  376  include a plurality of cable tie-down locations  380  including openings for routing cable ties used to fasten the jackets of the cables routed into the housing  322  to the exterior cable anchoring structure  374 . The exterior cable anchoring structure  374  is positioned outwardly from the outer pressurization structure  356  and is fixed relative to the inner pressurization structure  354 . For example, the bridge plate  378  can be attached to exterior fastening sections  382  that are part of the outer axial extension  355  of the inner axial pressurization structure  354  and that extend axially through the outer pressurization structure  356 . The exterior fastening sections  382  are fastened to the bridge plate  378  of the exterior cable anchoring structure  374  to fix the exterior cable anchoring structure  374  relative to the inner pressurization structure  354 . 
     The insert assembly  328  can also include an interior cable anchoring structure  339  positioned on or near the frame  334 . The interior cable anchoring structure  339  can include fasteners, clamps, posts or other structures for securing the strength members (e.g., Kevlar members, fiber reinforced polymeric rods, or other structures) of the cables routed through the cable ports  332  to the frame  334 . The frame  334  is preferably connected to the inner pressurization structure  354  so that movement is not permitted between the frame  334  and the inner pressurization structure  354 . In this way, cables can be fixed relative to the inner pressurization structure  354  at locations both inside and outside the housing  322  of the telecommunications enclosure  320 . 
     The insert assembly  328  is configured to be inserted into the housing  322  through the outer end  352  of the base  326 . For example, the insert assembly  328  is inserted through the base  326  along the central axis  341  that extends through the main opening  340  of the base  326 . The insert assembly  328  is inserted through the base  326  until the sealing unit  330  is fully housed within the base  326 . Once the sealing unit  330  is fully housed within the base  326 , the inner pressurization structure  354  is anchored (e.g., fixed) relative to the base  326 . For example, a retainer  384  (see  FIGS.  20  and  21   ) can be used to fix the inner pressurization structure  354  relative to the base  326 . The retainer  384  can be a U-shaped retainer that is slideably mounted to the base  326 . In one example, the retainer  384  is not removable from the base  326 . The retainer  384  is moveable relative to the base  326  between a non-retaining position (see  FIG.  20   ) and a retaining position (see  FIG.  21   ). In the non-retaining position, the retainer  384  is disengaged from the inner pressurization structure  354  such that the inner pressurization structure  354  can be moved relative to the base  326 . Also, when the retainer  384  is in the non-retaining position of  FIG.  20   , the retainer  384  interferes with the ability to fit the dome  324  on the base  326 . Therefore, the retainer  384  prevents a technician from mounting the dome  324  to the base  326  before the inner pressurization structure  354  has been fixed relative to the base  326 . When the retainer  384  is slid relative to the base  326  to the retaining position of  FIG.  21    while the sealing unit  330  is fully inserted within the base  326 , the retainer  384  slides within slots (see  FIG.  23   ) defined by the inner pressurization structure  354  such that the inner pressurization structure  354  is prevented from moving along the central axis  341  by the retainer  384 . 
     To load the insert assembly  328  within the housing  322 , the insert assembly  328  is initially inserted through the base  326  until the sealing unit  330  is housed within the base  326 . Next, the retainer  384  is moved from the non-retaining position of  FIG.  20    to the retaining position of  FIG.  21    such that the inner pressurization structure  354  of the actuation arrangement  352  is fixed relative to the base  326 . Thereafter, the handle  366  can be threaded in the first direction about the threaded actuator shaft  368  to pressurize the sealant ring  350  thereby forming seals about cables routed through the cable ports  332  and forming the inner and outer radial seals  351 ,  353 . The dome  324  can then be fitted to the base  326  and secured in place by the latches  348 . As so configured, the frame  334  and the telecommunications components  336  are positioned within the dome  324 . The telecommunications enclosure  320  can be re-entered without disturbing the sealing unit  330  by unlatching the latches  348  and removing the dome  324  from the base  326 . A technician can then access the telecommunications components  336  on the frame  334  for servicing, maintenance, upgrades or other servicing needs. If desired, the retainer  384  can be removed to the non-retaining position and the inert assembly  328  can be pulled out from the outer end  342  of the base  326 . 
       FIGS.  25  and  26    show another sealing unit  430  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The sealing unit  430  includes a sealant ring  450  that can be of the type previously described herein. The sealing unit  430  includes an actuation arrangement  452  for pressurizing the sealant ring  450  thereby causing the sealant ring  450  to form seals around cables routed through cable ports defined by the sealant ring  450 . The actuation arrangement  452  includes inner and outer axial pressurization structures  454 ,  456  between which the sealant ring  450  is positioned. The inner and outer axial pressurization structures  454 ,  456  can be of the type previously described herein. The actuation arrangement  452  includes an actuator  458  for forcing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  454 ,  456  together to pressurize the sealant ring  450 . The actuator  458  includes a handle assembly  490  that is mounted on a threaded shaft  468 . An inner end  470  of the threaded shaft  468  is secured to an outer axial extension  455  of the inner axial pressurization structure  454  at an anchoring location  471 . The threaded shaft  468  is mounted so as to not rotate relative to the inner pressurization structure  454 . The handle assembly  490  includes a base  491  that is threaded on the threaded shaft  468  and a handle  466  that can be universally pivoted relative to the base  491 . The handle  466  is pivotally connected to an intermediate link  492  at a first pivot axis  493 . The intermediate link  492  is pivotally connected to the base  491  at a second pivot axis  494 . The first and second pivot axes  493 ,  494  are perpendicular relative to one another. In this way, the handle  466  can be universally pivoted relative to the base  491  and the threaded shaft  468  on which the base  491  is threaded. A spring  472  is positioned axially between the base  491  and the outer pressurization structure  456 . The spring  472  is positioned around the threaded shaft  468 . By manually turning the handle  466  in a first rotational direction about its central axis, the base  491  is threaded onto the threaded shaft  468  causing the base  491  to compress the spring  472  axially against the outer axial side of the outer axial pressurization structure  456  thereby causing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  454 ,  456  to be forced together such that the sealant ring  450  between the inner and outer axial pressurization structures  454 ,  456  is pressurized. By turning the handle  466  about its central longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction, the base  491  is unthreaded from the threaded shaft  468  thereby allowing the spring  472  to decompress thereby depressurizing the sealant ring  450 . The ability to universally pivot the handle  466  is advantageous particularly when many cables have been routed into the enclosure thereby making access to the handle  466  difficult. The universal pivot allows the handle  466  to be pivoted out from the cables routed to the enclosure thereby providing access to the handle  466  and allowing the actuation arrangement  452  to be easily pressurized and/or depressurized. In certain examples, the handle  466  can be detached from the intermediate link  492  by removing a pivot pin that extends along the first pivot axis  493 . Typically, the handle  466  would be disconnected from the intermediate link  492  after the actuation arrangement  452  has been fully pressurized. In this way, the overall assembly occupies less space. Moreover, the absence of the handle  466  deters an unauthorized person from depressurizing the sealant unit  430 . 
     It will be appreciated that various materials can be used to form the sealant arrangement. Example materials include elastomers, including natural or synthetic rubbers (e.g., EPDM rubber or silicone rubber). In other embodiments, polymeric foam (e.g., open cell or closed cell) such as silicone foam can be used. In still other embodiments, the sealing members may comprise gel and/or gel combined with another material such as an elastomer. The gel may, for example, comprise silicone gel, urea gel, urethane gel, thermoplastic gel, or any suitable gel or geloid sealing material. Gels are normally substantially incompressible when placed under a compressive force and normally flow and conform to their surroundings thereby forming sealed contact with other surfaces. Example gels include oil-extended polymers. The polymer may, for example, comprise an elastomer, or a block copolymer having relatively hard blocks and relatively elastomeric blocks. Example copolymers include styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene di-block or tri-block copolymers. In still other embodiments, the polymer of the gel may include one or more styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers. Example extender oils used in example gels may, for example, be hydrocarbon oils (e.g., paraffinic or naphthenic oils or polypropene oils, or mixtures thereof). The sealing members can also include additives such as moisture scavengers, antioxidants, tackifiers, pigments and/or fungicides. In certain embodiments, sealing members in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure have ultimate elongations greater than 100 percent with substantially elastic deformation to an elongation of at least 100 percent. In other embodiments, sealing members in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure have ultimate elongations of at least 200 percent, or at least 500 percent, or at least 1000 percent. Ultimate elongation can be determined by the testing protocol set forth at ASTM D412. 
     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. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND  
               
               
                 CORRESPONDING FEATURES 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                  20 
                 enclosure 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 housing 
               
               
                   
                  24 
                 end 
               
               
                   
                  25 
                 clamp 
               
               
                   
                  26 
                 sealing unit opening 
               
               
                   
                  27 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 sealing unit 
               
               
                   
                  29 
                 cover 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 cable ports 
               
               
                   
                  30a-30f 
                 cable ports 
               
               
                   
                  31 
                 actuation arrangement 
               
               
                   
                  32 
                 sealant arrangement 
               
               
                   
                  33a-33f 
                 cable sealing modules 
               
               
                   
                  35 
                 actuator 
               
               
                   
                  36 
                 lever arms 
               
               
                   
                  41 
                 major axis 
               
               
                   
                  52 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 inner pressurization structure 
               
               
                   
                  62 
                 outer pressurization structure 
               
               
                   
                  64 
                 cam surfaces 
               
               
                   
                  70 
                 first axial end 
               
               
                   
                  72 
                 second axial end 
               
               
                   
                  74 
                 volume of sealant 
               
               
                   
                  74a, 74b 
                 half-parts of sealant 
               
               
                   
                  76 
                 first axial containment structure 
               
               
                   
                  76a, 76b 
                 first half-parts of axial containment structure 
               
               
                   
                  78 
                 second axial containment structure 
               
               
                   
                  78a, 78b 
                 second half-parts of axial containment structure 
               
               
                   
                  79 
                 conical parts 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 cable sealing surfaces 
               
               
                   
                  84 
                 outer sealing surface 
               
               
                   
                  90 
                 body 
               
               
                   
                  91 
                 body axis 
               
               
                   
                  94 
                 openings 
               
               
                   
                  96 
                 engagement portions 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 receptacles 
               
               
                   
                 106 
                 fiber optic cables 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 actuator shaft 
               
               
                   
                 190 
                 frame 
               
               
                   
                 192 
                 optical components 
               
               
                   
                 320 
                 telecommunications enclosure 
               
               
                   
                 322 
                 housing 
               
               
                   
                 324 
                 dome 
               
               
                   
                 326 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 328 
                 insert assembly 
               
               
                   
                 330 
                 sealing unit 
               
               
                   
                 332 
                 plurality of cable ports 
               
               
                   
                 334 
                 frame 
               
               
                   
                 336 
                 telecommunications components 
               
               
                   
                 338 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                   
                 339 
                 interior cable anchoring structure 
               
               
                   
                 340 
                 main opening 
               
               
                   
                 341 
                 central axis 
               
               
                   
                 342 
                 outer end 
               
               
                   
                 344 
                 inner end 
               
               
                   
                 346 
                 open end 
               
               
                   
                 347 
                 inner radial surface 
               
               
                   
                 348 
                 latches 
               
               
                   
                 349 
                 outer radial surface 
               
               
                   
                 350 
                 sealant ring 
               
               
                   
                 351 
                 outer radial seal 
               
               
                   
                 352 
                 actuation arrangement 
               
               
                   
                 353 
                 inner radial seal 
               
               
                   
                 354 
                 inner axial pressurization structures 
               
               
                   
                 355 
                 outer axial extension 
               
               
                   
                 356 
                 outer axial pressurization structures 
               
               
                   
                 357 
                 open chamber 
               
               
                   
                 358 
                 actuator 
               
               
                   
                 360 
                 axial inner side 
               
               
                   
                 362 
                 axial outer side 
               
               
                   
                 366 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 368 
                 threaded actuator shaft 
               
               
                   
                 370 
                 inner end 
               
               
                   
                 371 
                 anchoring location 
               
               
                   
                 372 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 373 
                 fixed nut 
               
               
                   
                 374 
                 exterior cable anchoring structure 
               
               
                   
                 376 
                 cable anchoring plates 
               
               
                   
                 378 
                 bridge plate 
               
               
                   
                 380 
                 cable tie-down locations 
               
               
                   
                 382 
                 exterior fastening sections 
               
               
                   
                 384 
                 retainer 
               
               
                   
                 430 
                 sealing unit 
               
               
                   
                 450 
                 sealant ring 
               
               
                   
                 452 
                 actuation arrangement 
               
               
                   
                 454 
                 inner axial pressurization structure 
               
               
                   
                 455 
                 outer axial extension 
               
               
                   
                 456 
                 outer axial pressurization structure 
               
               
                   
                 458 
                 actuator 
               
               
                   
                 466 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 468 
                 threaded shaft 
               
               
                   
                 470 
                 inner end 
               
               
                   
                 471 
                 anchoring location 
               
               
                   
                 472 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 490 
                 handle assembly 
               
               
                   
                 491 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 492 
                 intermediate link 
               
               
                   
                 493 
                 first pivot axis 
               
               
                   
                 494 
                 second pivot axis 
               
               
                   
                 L 
                 total axial length 
               
               
                   
                 L1 
                 first axial length 
               
               
                   
                 L2 
                 second axial length 
               
               
                   
                 P1 
                 non-actuated position 
               
               
                   
                 P2 
                 actuated position 
               
               
                   
                 S1 
                 axial spacing 
               
               
                   
                 S2 
                 axial spacing