Patent Publication Number: US-2021165179-A1

Title: Access control device for permitting access to a component while selectively blocking access to another type of component

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/959,898, filed Apr. 23, 2018, pending, which is a continuation U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/863,427, filed Sep. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,952,397, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/053,850, filed Sep. 23, 2014. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Cable and/or Internet service providers may offer a variety of transmission technologies (e.g., radio, telephone, coaxial cable, twisted pair, fiber optic, broadband, wireless broadband, and satellite communications). Generally speaking, these telecommunication system services are routed via a signal-carrying cable (e.g., coaxial) to a subscriber&#39;s residence or office. Before entering a subscriber&#39;s residence/office, such cables generally pass through a secure enclosure (i.e., “house box,” or “entry box”). During, for example, residential installation of cable service, the house box provides access to certain components necessary for installation of the cable service (e.g., coaxial male and female connectors that must be connected, installing a splitter (providing service connection endpoints at multiple locations within the residence/office), and/or an amplifier (boosting a signal being conveyed to a distal location within the residence/office). 
     The present disclosure relates to the above-mentioned telecommunication technologies, especially, enclosable house boxes and methods for installing telecommunication components. (Installing telecommunication components comprising: installation, removal, and modification). In particular, the disclosure provides a universal multi-purpose enclosure or enclosable house box for one or more types of telecommunication system components (e.g., a multi-purpose box that provides both RF network (coaxial cables) and fiber optic transmission technology). The multi-purpose house box may be configured to have an internal cavity that is large enough to allow the service provider (universal) flexibility in choosing and exchanging various components of various telecommunication systems of a variety of sizes (e.g., different telecommunication systems types, styles and manufacturers). The present disclosure shows an embodiment including a (first) fiber telecommunication system component(s) with an easily accessible (second) RF equipment (coaxial cable) system, but it should be appreciated that it may be desired to configure the box to house different types/sizes of telecommunication equipment. 
     In this embodiment, the universal house box may be configured to ensure safe and effective fiber handling (first telecommunication system) while allowing easy access for RF network changes and modifications (second telecommunication system). To do such, the enclosable box may provide an internal compartment panel that may both enclose (read: protect, prevent access to) a first type of telecommunication system, such as, fiber components (thereby minimizing inadvertent human error directed at/received by the second type of telecommunications system). In addition, the compartment panel and universal house box may be configured such that a second type of telecommunication system (e.g., non-fiber components, RF components) may be provided in (read: fit within) the space remaining (within the box) outside of the compartment created by/underneath the panel. Further, an upper surface of the panel may be configured to be mountable/attachable with a second communication system type component (e.g., a splitter). With the universal, multi-purpose house box, a telecommunications service provider may use only one box (instead of two) to provide both a first type of telecommunications service (e.g., a subscription cable television package (via RF equipment)), and a second type of telecommunications service (e.g., broadband (fiber optic-level) interna). 
     Not only does this embodiment remove the need for an unnecessary extra box (for dual-communication system type subscribers), but the panel, as an example, allows the service provider to be more efficient with human resources (by protecting (via access prevention) the first (fiber) communication system from untrained/under-trained installation technicians whose job function/task may be related to the second communication system only). 
     Thus, the service provider may have greater labor efficiency (by allowing untrained technicians to work on segregated fiber boxes). In a conventional telecommunication service installation in a conventional box, the technician must possess requisite knowledge of multiple systems each requiring a different skill or proficiency level. For example, an installation procedure may require the combined proficiency in each of fiber optic, coaxial and data communications systems. To address these requirements, a service provider may try training all technicians to the highest possible skill level (ensuring each technician an installation can be performed by a single technician). Alternatively, the service provider may try and manage technicians such that the “right” technician for the task at hand is delegated for the task. While this practice may result in greater efficiency, it may also adversely impact performance (e.g., if the installation is performed incorrectly). With respect to the latter, a technician installing coaxial cable may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of fiber optic cable (e.g., such as a need to maintain a minimum permissible bend radius to maintain signal integrity). In fiber-optic cables, the minimum permissible bend radius is very important. That is, inadvertently bending a fiber-optic cable beyond its permissible bend radius can result in a loss of signal performance. 
     Therefore, there is a need to overcome, or otherwise lessen the effects of, the disadvantages and shortcomings described above. For example, utilizing the disclosed box has, as an example, the advantage of allowing for error free installation of components related to a second telecommunication system (e.g., RF equipment, coaxial splitters) in an enclosable box that provides a hidden, nested compartment for equipment related to a first telecommunication system (e.g., fiber components). Thus, protecting the first telecommunication from harm, even if inadvertent (e.g., by an individual (service provider technician) who does not possess fiber optics handling training). 
     Related Art 
     House boxes (configured for telecommunication system components) are generally known. However, the majority of conventional house boxes are configured to house only one type of telecommunication system component (e.g., a fiber-only house box made by and for a specific manufacturer). Thus, with a conventional fiber house box, service providers must place at least two separate boxes on, for example, a homeowner&#39;s (residential) property with broadband subscriptions (The use of multiple component installation (house) boxes on a subscriber&#39;s residential property is undesirable both technically and esthetically). 
     Recently, some manufacturers have provided a large-size custom-built box on demand, but, as discussed above, conventional boxes are completely silent regarding providing access to certain components (e.g., RF equipment) while preventing access to (or hiding) other components (e.g., fiber optics components). For example, a service provider may desire to prevent access to components (e.g., fiber components) by individuals who do not have the requisite training to access those components (e.g., an untrained installation technician, residents who are attempting to install cable service on their own). 
     In other words, conventional boxes do not adequately allow for, inter alia, segregation of fiber components, proper fiber management and laser safety. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide a compartmentalized box for housing components for telecommunications systems, comprising: a first housing portion; a second housing portion pivotally coupled to the first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion cooperating to define an enclosure having a cavity, the second housing portion being pivotally movable relative to the first housing portion between an open configuration providing access to the cavity and a closed configuration; and a compartment panel disposed in the cavity and being pivotally coupled to the first housing portion, the compartment panel being pivotally movable relative to the first housing portion between a closed position and an open position, wherein when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the open configuration and the component panel is in the closed position, the component panel divides the cavity into a first compartment configured to house a first telecommunications system component therein and a second compartment configured to house a second telecommunications system component therein, the first compartment being open such that the first telecommunications system component is accessible to the user, and the second compartment being closed to block access to a second telecommunications system component, and when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the open configuration and the component panel is in the open position, the second compartment and the second telecommunications system component are accessible to the user. 
     The second telecommunication system component may be different than the first telecommunication system component. The second telecommunication system component may be a fiber optic system component. The first telecommunication system component may be an RF system component. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may both be constructed of weatherproof, durable material, the material being one of plastic and metal. The first housing portion or the second housing portion is configured to be attached or mounted to a utility pole and/or a residential or commercial building. 
     The disclosure also shows a compartmentalized box for housing components for telecommunications systems, comprising: a first housing portion; a second housing portion pivotally coupled to the first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion cooperating to define an enclosure having a cavity, the second housing portion being pivotally movable relative to the first housing portion between an open configuration providing access to the cavity and a closed configuration; a first telecommunications system component mounted to the first housing portion; a compartment panel disposed in the cavity and being pivotally coupled to the first housing portion, the compartment panel being pivotally movable relative to the first housing portion between a closed position and an open position; and a second telecommunications system component mounted to the compartment panel, the second telecommunications system component being accessible to a user when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the open configuration and the compartment panel is in the closed position, wherein when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the open configuration and the component panel is in the closed position, the component panel divides the cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment and the second telecommunications system component being accessible to the user and the second compartment being closed to block access to the first telecommunications system component, and when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the open configuration and the component panel is in the open position, the second compartment and the first telecommunications system component are accessible to the user. 
     The disclosure also provides an enclosable box for housing components from more than one telecommunication systems, comprising: a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a box mounting hinge that connects the first housing portion and the second housing portion, an internal telecommunication component compartment panel, a compartment panel mounting hinge that connects the internal telecommunication component compartment with one of the first and second housing portions, wherein the box mounting hinge is configured to allow the first housing portion and second housing portion to open and close in a clam like manner, the compartment panel mounting hinge is configured to allow the compartment panel to open and close an internal compartment or cavity that is large enough to enclose at least a first telecommunications systems component. 
     The upper surface of the compartment panel may be configured to be mounted by a second telecommunication component within the housing. The second telecommunication system may be different than the first telecommunication system. The first telecommunication system component may be a fiber optics telecommunication system component. The second telecommunication system component may be an RF component or coaxial cable component. The outer portion of either the first or second housing portions may be configured to be attached or mounted to a utility pole and/or a residential or commercial building. The enclosable box may further include a second box mounting hinge, and an entry hole is formed in the box between the box mounting hinges that provides enough clearance for cables/cords to be provided to the internal compartment of the box and/or the remaining cavity outside of the internal compartment within the box. The internal compartment panel, when closed, may be configured to provide a secure enclosure to one or more first telecommunication system components within a cavity enclosed by the internal compartment panel, the enclosable box is configured to, when the box and panel are both closed, provide a secure enclosure for housing one or more second telecommunication system components in the remaining cavity space of the box outside of the internal compartment cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of an exemplary network environment in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an exemplary interface port in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an exemplary coaxial cable in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary coaxial cable of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an exemplary prepared end of the exemplary coaxial cable of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a top view of one embodiment of a coaxial cable jumper or cable assembly which is configured to be operatively coupled to a multichannel data network. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box with a segregating or hidden compartment panel in an open state. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box with the segregating or hidden compartment panel in a closed state. 
         FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box with a segregating or hidden compartment panel in an open state. 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box with the segregating or hidden compartment panel in a closed state. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box with a segregating or hidden compartment panel in an open state (with components not yet installed). 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box with the segregating or hidden compartment panel in a closed state (with components not yet installed). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of an exemplary network environment  6  in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. In particular, cable connectors  2  and  3  may enable the exchange of data signals between a broadband network or multichannel data network  5 , and various devices within a home, building, venue or other environment  6 . For example, the environment  6  may include the following devices: (a) a point of entry (“PoE”) filter  8  operatively coupled to an outdoor cable junction device  10 ; (b) one or more signal splitters within a service panel  12  which distributes the data service to interface ports  14  of various rooms or parts of the environment  6 ; (c) a modem  16  which modulates radio frequency (“RF”) signals to generate digital signals to operate a wireless router  18 ; (d) an Internet accessible device, such as a mobile phone or computer  20 , wirelessly coupled to the wireless router  18 ; and (e) a set-top unit  22  coupled to a television (“TV”)  24 . In one embodiment, the set-top unit  22 , typically supplied by the data provider (e.g., the cable TV company), may include a TV tuner and a digital adapter for High Definition TV. 
     In some embodiments, the multichannel data network  5  may include a telecommunications, cable/satellite TV (“CATV”) network operable to process and distribute different RF signals or channels of signals for a variety of services, including, but not limited to, TV, Internet and voice communication by phone. For TV service, each unique radio frequency or channel is associated with a different TV channel. The set-top unit  22  converts the radio frequencies to a digital format for delivery to the TV. Through the data network  5 , the service provider can distribute a variety of types of data, including, but not limited to, TV programs including on-demand videos, Internet service including wireless or WiFi Internet service, voice data distributed through digital phone service or Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) phone service, Internet Protocol TV (“IPTV”) data streams, multimedia content, audio data, music, radio and other types of data/data services. 
     In some embodiments, the multichannel data network  5  is operatively coupled to a multimedia home entertainment network serving the environment  6 . In one example, such multimedia home entertainment network is the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (“MoCA”) network. The MoCA network increases the freedom of access to the data network  5  at various rooms and locations within the environment  6 . The MoCA network, in one embodiment, operates on cables  4  within the environment  6  at frequencies in the range of 1125 MHz to 1675 MHz. MoCA compatible devices can form a private network inside the environment  6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , coaxial cables  4 ,  29  may be provided at different locations and may be configured to distribute the data to the environment  6  via connectors  2  attached to the coaxial cables  4 . The cables  4 , through use of the connectors  2 , are connectable to various communication interfaces within the environment  6 , such as the female interface port  14  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the examples shown, female interface ports  14  are incorporated into: (a) a signal splitter within an outdoor cable service or distribution box  32  which distributes data service to multiple homes or environments  6  close to each other; (b) a signal splitter within the outdoor cable junction box or cable junction device  10  which distributes the data service into the environment  6 ; (c) the set-top unit  22 ; (d) the TV  24 ; (e) wall-mounted jacks, such as a wall plate; and (f) the router  18 . 
     In one embodiment, each of the female interface ports  14  includes a stud or jack, such as the cylindrical stud  34  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The stud  34  may have: (a) an inner, cylindrical wall  36  defining a central hole configured to receive an electrical contact, wire, pin, conductor (not shown) positioned within the central hole; (b) a conductive, threaded outer surface  38 ; (c) a conical conductive region  41  having conductive contact sections  43  and  45 ; and (d) a dielectric or insulation material  47 . 
     In some embodiments, stud  34  is shaped and sized to be compatible with the F-type coaxial connection standard. It should be understood that, depending upon the embodiment, stud  34  could have a smooth outer surface. The stud  34  can be operatively coupled to, or incorporated into, a device  40  which can include, for example, a cable splitter of a distribution box  32 , outdoor cable junction box  10  or service panel  12 ; a set-top unit  22 ; a TV  24 ; a wall plate; a modem  16 ; a router  18 ; or the junction device  33 . 
     During installation, the installer (installing technician) may couple a cable  4  to an interface port  14  by screwing or pushing the connector  2  onto the female interface port  34 . Once installed, the connector  2  receives the female interface port  34 . The connector  2  establishes an electrical connection between the cable  4  and the electrical contact of the female interface port  34 . 
     The coaxial cable  4  may extend along a cable axis or a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the cable  4  includes: (a) an elongated center conductor or inner conductor  44 ; (b) an elongated insulator  46  coaxially surrounding the inner conductor  44 ; (c) an elongated, conductive foil layer  48  coaxially surrounding the insulator  46 ; (d) an elongated outer conductor  50  coaxially surrounding the foil layer  48 ; and (e) an elongated sheath, sleeve or jacket  52  coaxially surrounding the outer conductor  50 . 
     The inner conductor  44  is operable to carry data signals to and from the data network  5 . Depending upon the embodiment, the inner conductor  44  can be a strand, a solid wire or a hollow, tubular wire. The inner conductor  44  is, in one embodiment, constructed of a conductive material suitable for data transmission, such as a metal or alloy including copper, including, but not limited, to copper-clad aluminum (“CCA”), copper-clad steel (“CCS”) or silver-coated copper-clad steel (“SCCCS”). 
     The insulator  46 , in some embodiments, is a dielectric having a tubular shape. In one embodiment, the insulator  46  is radially compressible along a radius or radial line  54 , and the insulator  46  is axially flexible along the longitudinal axis  42 . Depending upon the embodiment, the insulator  46  can be a suitable polymer, such as polyethylene (“PE”) or a fluoropolymer, in solid or foam form. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  (cross-sectional view), the outer conductor  50  includes a conductive RF shield or electromagnetic radiation shield. In such embodiment, the outer conductor  50  includes a conductive screen, mesh or braid or otherwise has a perforated configuration defining a matrix, grid or array of openings. In one such embodiment, the braided outer conductor  50  has an aluminum material or a suitable combination of aluminum and polyester. Depending upon the embodiment, cable  4  can include multiple, overlapping layers of braided outer conductors  50 , such as a dual-shield configuration, tri-shield configuration or quad-shield configuration. 
     In one embodiment, the connector  2  electrically grounds the outer conductor  50  of the coaxial cable  4 . The conductive foil layer  48 , in one embodiment, is an additional, tubular conductor which provides additional shielding of the magnetic fields. In one embodiment, the jacket  52  has a protective characteristic, guarding the cable&#39;s internal components from damage. The jacket  52  also has an electrical insulation characteristic. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , during installation, an installer or preparer may prepare a terminal end  56  of the cable  4  so that it can be mechanically connected to the connector  2 . To do so, the preparer removes or strips away differently sized portions of the jacket  52 , outer conductor  50 , foil  48  and insulator  46  so as to expose the side walls of the jacket  52 , outer conductor  50 , foil layer  48  and insulator  46  in a stepped or staggered fashion. In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the prepared end  56  has a two step-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the prepared end has a three step-shaped configuration (not shown), where the insulator  46  extends beyond an end of the foil  48  and outer conductor  50 . At this point, the cable  4  is ready to be connected to the connector  2 . 
     Depending upon the embodiment, the components of the cable  4  can be constructed of various materials which have some degree of elasticity or flexibility. The elasticity enables the cable  4  to flex or bend in accordance with broadband communications standards, installation methods or installation equipment. Also, the radial thicknesses of the cable  4 , the inner conductor  44 , the insulator  46 , the conductive foil layer  48 , the outer conductor  50  and the jacket  52  can vary based upon parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards or installation equipment. 
     In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a cable jumper or cable assembly  64  includes a combination of the connector  2  and the cable  4  attached to the connector  2 . In this embodiment, the connector  2  includes a connector body or connector housing  66  and a fastener or coupler  68 , such as a threaded nut, which is rotatably coupled to the connector housing  66 . The cable assembly  64  has, in one embodiment, connectors  2  on both of its ends  70 . In some embodiments, the cable assembly  64  may have a connector  2  on one end and either no connector or a different connector at the other end. Preassembled cable jumpers or cable assemblies  64  can facilitate the installation of cables  4  for various purposes. 
     The cable  4  may be a weatherized coaxial cable  29  that has the same structure, configuration and components as coaxial cable  4  except that the weatherized coaxial cable includes additional weather protective and durability enhancement characteristics. These characteristics enable the weatherized coaxial cable to withstand greater forces and degradation factors caused by outdoor exposure to weather. 
     During installation the installation technician may perform a folding process to prepare the cable  4  for connection to connector  2 . The preparer may fold the braided outer conductor  50  folded backward onto the jacket  52 . As a result, the folded section  60  may be oriented inside out. The bend or fold  62  may be adjacent to the foil layer  48  as shown. Certain embodiments of the connector  2  include a tubular post. In such embodiments, this folding process can facilitate the insertion of such post in between the braided outer conductor  50  and the foil layer  4   
     Depending upon the embodiment, the components of the cable  4  can be constructed of various materials which have some degree of elasticity or flexibility, which enables the cable  4  to flex or bend in accordance with broadband communications standards, installation methods or installation equipment. Further, the radial thicknesses of the cable  4 , the inner conductor  44 , the insulator  46 , the conductive foil layer  48 , the outer conductor  50  and the jacket  52  can vary based upon parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards or installation equipment. 
       FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box  100  (or “entry box,” “house box,” or “fiber box”). In particular,  FIG. 7  shows the parts of an embodiment of a secure enclosable box  100  that may be configured to provide housing for multiple types of telecommunication system components (i.e., a universal, multi-purpose housing). The enclosable box  100  may comprise a housing including a lower (first) housing portion  202  and an upper (second) housing  204 , which each may be configured to be permanently (or semi-permanently) pivotally joined together at corresponding first edges ( FIG. 9 :  208 A) by a mechanism  200 A allowing the box to pivotally open and close. For example, the first and second housing portions may be configured to be joined together by a box mounting hinge  200 A that is configured to allow the first and second housing portions to pivotally open, such as, by a force that causes the opposite (second) corresponding edges ( FIG. 9 :  208 B) of the first and second housing portions  202 ,  204  to move in opposite directions. The first and/or second housing portions  202 ,  204  may form an internal box cavity  206  (shown in primarily located in first housing portion  202 , but the cavity may be split between the housing portions and/or modified as desired). When the box is closed, the box may provide a secure enclosure providing protection from weather, fire and/or theft of two or more telecommunication installation systems (and their respective installation components). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the housing portions  202 ,  204  may be configured to provide a cavity  206  that is configured to house/enclose components (fiber optic converter  302  and a cable splitter  322 ) of two different types of telecommunication service  300 ,  320 . The fiber optic converter  302  and cable splitter  322  may be separated by panel  400 . Accordingly, the secure enclosure or box  100  may provide both fiber optic and coaxial cable systems  300 ,  320  each having at least one different type of telecommunication system component  302 ,  322 . 
     The lower housing portion  202  (or upper housing portion  204 ) may further include an opening  220  (as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ). Opening  220  may include a rubberized foam insert having an elongate slit to receive telecommunication cables while preventing the infiltration of debris (e.g., leaves, soil, pollen) into the cavity  206 . In other embodiments, the opening or aperture  220  of the housing  200  may employ a simple gasket (not shown) through which a fiber cable ( FIGS. 8 and 9 :  344 ) may be fed or a bulkhead connection (also not shown) may be employed. A bulkhead connection may employ a pre-terminated fiber module installed between an internal wall/bulkhead and the internal fiber-optic component (converter  302 ). Upper housing  204  may be further provided with oval-shaped, diagonal openings for ventilation  204   a . The secure enclosure or enclosable box  100  may be configured to provide a compartment clearance so as to provide universal flexibility when choosing components, irrespective of the service provider. This modular system may be pre-installed and/or pre-fabricated (to be provided to a technician for field installation). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the housing  200  may include a segregating component panel  400  that is configured to define a compartment within the box cavity that separates the coaxial splitter  322  from the fiber optics converter  302  (although other components may be substituted as necessary). The segregation panel  400  may be configured to allow one of the component  302 ,  322  to be mounted to either side of the panel  400  (shown in  FIGS. 7-9  configured to mount component  322  to the upper surface of panel  400 ). 
     One or more panel mounting hinges  400 A may be provided to pivotally attach the segregation component panel  400  and a component compartment base member  440 . The panel  400  may be provided with a pivoting mechanism. For example, panel mounting hinges  400   a . The edge of the box where panel mounting hinges  400   a  are located may be an edge that is different than the edge  208   a  ( FIG. 9 ) where box mounting hinges  200   a  are located, but the panel mounting hinges may be provided on any edge of the housing portion  202 . The panel hinge  400   a  may be configured to allow the panel  400  to open by pivoting relative to a base member  400  (thereby allowing access to components mounted beneath the segregating component panel  400  or to the underside thereof). As such, the hinged panel configuration of the secure enclosure  100  provides the service technician with additional options/choices when choosing telecommunication equipment/components and the manufacturers of such equipment/components. Furthermore, the secure enclosure  100  provides a standardized approach to combining the telecommunications equipment/components  302 ,  322  while maintaining a safe and effective approach to handling, maintaining and modifying the components  302 ,  322 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the hidden component compartment upper panel or door  400  may be configured to attach to a hidden compartment base or floor  440  that are each configured to have side edge surfaces that conform to the shape of an inner surface of the lower housing  202 . The component compartment base member  440  may have an external lower back (non-mounting) surface that is configured to rest substantially flush with the inner surface of housing  202 . Further, the base member  440  may have two sets of vertically protruding portions (four shown in  FIG. 7 ). The vertical protruding portions may (as discussed below) be configured to provide a boundary ensuring a minimum permissible bend radius of fiber-optic cables and/or include pivotally movable mounting portions (e.g., hinges) at the protruding end of the vertically protruding portions. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the base member  440  may be configured to conform to mimic the shape of lower surface  202 . The hidden compartment upper panel or door  400  may include mini protruding portions  400   b  that are configured to allow for installation of a specific type of telecommunication component (a coaxial configuration is shown, but other telecommunication configurations may be desirable). 
     Moreover, hidden compartment upper panel or door  400  may be provided with an extending side portion  402 , which may extend back toward base member/compartment floor  440  such that the extending portion  402  of the upper panel  400  touches or nearly touches the compartment floor  440 . In this configuration, the panel  400  may further include a cord extension portion  402 A, which may extend the panel  400  towards the opening  220 . In this respect, the panel  400 , with extending portions  402  and  402 A may completely (or nearly completely) enclose all components directed towards the first telecommunication system  300  (e.g., fiber converter  302 , other fiber components). Thus, the upper panel  400  and lower compartment floor (base member)  440  provide partitioning or segregation of the first telecommunication system  300 . Thus, a telecommunication service provider, may be able to install components outside of or on top of (mounted on top of) panel  400  without worrying about component  302  being disturbed (i.e., a coaxial cable only installer may install coaxial cable in a fiber box without being allowed access to the fiber portion of the box). In  FIG. 7 , the hidden compartment base or floor  440  may be configured to be mounted by the component  302 , such as, including two sets of three protruding cam portions (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     To facilitate retrofitting/modification of existing entry boxes, it may be desirable to produce a pre-fabricated retrofit kit or assembly comprising: the base panel  440  (see  FIG. 7 ) inserted within and affixed to the first housing portion  202  and a segregation panel  400  hinge-mounted to the base panel/member  440 . The axis of the compartment hinge  400 A of the segregation component panel  400  may be orthogonal to the hinge-axis of the box mounting hinge  200 A. In this embodiment, the fiber optic converter  302  may be affixed to the base panel  440  while the coaxial cable splitter  322  is mounted to the segregating panel  400 . It will also be appreciated that the fiber-optic converter  302  may be affixed to the underside of the segregating panel  400 . 
     The features of the first embodiment in  FIG. 7  are shown in more detail in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In particular,  FIGS. 8 and 9  show how the panel  400  of the house box  100  may provide an upper (easily accessible) compartment  206 A and an internal (hidden) enclosable component compartment  206 B.  FIG. 8  shows the upper component compartment  206 A being accessible when the panel  400  is in an open configuration (the panel  400  has an unhinged, un-mounted end opposite the mounted hinge  400   a  that is raised vertically above the mounted hinge  400 A). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the panel  400  may be configured such that components of a first telecommunication system  300  (e.g., fiber optic converter  302 ) may be disposed within the internal enclosable compartment  406  and, thus, segregated from a second separate type of telecommunication system  320  (e.g., coaxial cable components, such as, splitter  322 , amplifiers, transformers, power converters, etc.) resting above the nested compartment  206 B and separating component panel  400 . The segregation of respective components from different telecommunication systems prevents, for example, a service technician from inadvertently interfering with, damaging, or degrading the performance of the components within the internal enclosed compartment. In some embodiments, the telecommunication system component (the converter  302 ) may be provided along aside of the panel  400 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , the panel  400  is shown as mounted on compartment base member  440  via hidden mounting hinges  400 A. The separator panel  400  of  FIGS. 7-9 , segregates the first and second telecommunications systems  300 ,  320  by providing a component compartment (internal nested cavity)  206 B within the larger enclosure/box cavity  206 . In some embodiments, the compartment  206 B may be a size that is large enough to house a converter  302  and a channel  420  (described below). More specifically, the panel  400  may provide a component compartment  206 B that segregates components related to the first telecommunication systems  300  (e.g., converter  302  and fiber optic input cable  344  which is disposed through the input aperture  220 , and may be forced to travel around converter  302  via channel  420 ) from the remaining components (which may be directed towards another different telecommunications system), such as, splitter  322 . 
     The panel  400  (as shown) may be configured to enclose a peripheral channel  420  formed between an outer periphery  360  of the fiber-optic component  302  and the lower housing portion  202 . More specifically, the channel  420  may be a substantially rectangular shaped channel that ensures a maximum bend radius R (at each of the four corners of the rectangular channel  420 ) which is greater than the minimum bend radius r of a fiber optic cable (e.g., fiber optic cable  344 ). 
     To ensure the bend radius is proper, the channel  420  may provide a channel that encircles the component  302 . The channel may be configured to ensure the fiber optic cable  344  is properly shaped by utilizing three sides of the lower housing  202  in conjunction with the extending panel portion  402 . In other words, the channel  420  may have a width dimension (i.e., the dimension between fiber-optic system component  302  and the lower housing portion  202 , and/or the vertical wall  402  of the panel  400 ) which produces a maximum bend radius R (at each of the four corners of the rectangular channel  420 ) which is greater than the minimum permissible bend radius r of the fiber optic cable  344 . That is, the geometry of the channel  420  allows the fiber optic cable to follow an arcuate path or bend R which exceeds the minimum bend radius r of the fiber optic cable  344 . The bend radius R of the channel  420  must be greater than the minimum permissible bend radius r of the fiber optic cable  344  to prevent signal losses as the optical signal negotiates the arcuate path, curve or bend at each corner of the channel  420 . As the bend radius R of an optic fiber or filament decreases, the incident light energy is not fully reflected internally of the optic filament. That is, the light energy is refracted out of the filament causing a portion of the light energy to be absorbed, or a portion of the signal to be lost. As the level of refraction increases, signal quality decreases. 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box of  FIG. 8  with the segregating or hidden compartment panel  400  now in a closed state or position. The closed state/position is a state in which a component  322  for the second telecommunication system  322  may be installed while access is prevented/restricted to the component of the first telecommunication system  300  (hidden in  FIG. 9 ). The optic signal carried by the cable  344  may be converted to a digital signal by the fiber-optic converter  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , fiber optic converter  302  may be configured to convert an optic signal into a digital signal for transmission. The digital signal may be conveyed to the cable splitter  322  from the converter  302  via a short coaxial input cable  304 . The cable splitter  322  may split the received signal into multiple transmission signals, which may be subsequently output via coaxial output ports  364  attached to, for example, coaxial cables coaxial cables  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  that exit the housing  200  through output apertures  224  (such that they may be fed to the connections at the nearby house or residence). The component  322  may comprise a coaxial input port  354 , which may be configured to receive a signal from connected cable  304  from the fiber optic output port  366 . Further, the fiber optic input port  356  of the fiber optics component  302  may be configured to receive a fiber optic input signal from fiber optic cable  344 , which may be wrapped around the outer periphery  360  of the component  302 . The second telecommunication system  320  may be a coaxial cable system  320  that includes a cable splitter  322  configured to split a signal received via the input cable  304  into multiple signals exiting via corresponding output cables  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 . Accordingly, the secure enclosure or box  100  may provide both fiber optic and coaxial cable systems  300 ,  320  each having at least one different type of telecommunication system component  302 ,  322 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the housing portions  202 ,  204  may provide enclosure (box) mounting hinges along one edge  208 A and include aligned locking tabs  210  along the opposite edge  208 Bb (to facilitate opening/closing of the secure enclosure  100 ). The locking tabs  210  may be a molded U-shaped opening  212  on the opposite edge in one of the housing portions  202 ,  204  and a resilient clasp  214  integrally formed in the same opposite edge of the other of the housing portions  202 ,  204 . The locking tabs  210  may be augmented by a lock hole fitting portion  216  having aligned apertures  218  configured to allow the opposite end of the housing portions  202 ,  204  to be closed/fastened together, such as, by a padlock. In some embodiments, the panel  400  may be configured in a similar manner, such that, the panel may have an opening/clasp mechanism to open the compartment. In other embodiments, (as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) the internal compartment  206 B may be accessible via a back panel  202 A (In this embodiment, the panel may be permanently affixed so as to not provide easy access, via, for example, a tab/opening mechanism). 
       FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the secure enclosure or enclosable box  100 . In particular,  FIG. 10  shows a compartment panel  400  that includes two protruding cam portions  501  that may be attached to cam receiving portions  501 A of the compartment base member  440  such that the panel  400  may be pivotally repositioned to open and close the compartment cavity underneath the panel. The panel  440 , in  FIG. 10 , may a vertically extending wall that provides the panel at a height such that the panel, when closed (closed meaning that the panel is substantially parallel to a bottom floor of housing  202 ), provides a cavity/compartment large enough to enclose a component (e.g., fiber optics component  302 ). 
     In the same respect,  FIG. 11  shows how (in the second embodiment) the cam protruding portions  501  may be inserted into the cam receiving portions  501 A to provide a mechanism allowing the panel  400  to pivotally open and close. In  FIG. 11 , the panel  400  is pivotally opened such that the cavity  206 B, which is large enough and configured to hold a component  302 , is accessible. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the panel  400  may provide the cam protruding portions  501  on extending column portions on a raised edge of the panel  400 . In particular, the panel  400  may include raised partial ledges configured with the cam portions  501 . The ledges may also be provided such that they are on opposite sides of an opening that allows for cables/cords to enter the first or second compartments  206 A,  206 B. 
       FIG. 12  shows the second embodiment where the panel  400  is in a closed state or position. In particular,  FIG. 12  shows a configuration where the panel  400  splits the cavity  206  into two component compartments  206 A and  206 B. In  FIG. 12 , compartment  206 B is hidden (but contains the converter  302 ), while the upper compartment  206 A, which holds the component  322  is accessible. In this configuration, when closed (and/or locked), the second telecommunication system (coaxial system) is accessible, while the first telecommunication system (the fiber system) is hidden and/or protected from disturbance. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the upper and lower housing portions with panel  400  attached in the second embodiment pre-component installation. The housing portion  202  may be further configured to be mounted and/or attached to a utility/telephone pole and/or to a residential or commercial building. Further,  FIG. 13  shows a back panel  202 A that may provide a rear entry access door or panel that may be configured to open and close to enter the lower compartment  206 B, while not disturbing the other remaining portion of the cavity. 
       FIG. 14  shows the second embodiment (with the components removed) that may be pre-fabricated to be sold as a unit. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the panel  400  is configured with a grid like pattern to allow for mounting/attachment of a component (e.g., component  322 ) to the panel  400 . This grid like pattern may be a universal grid mounting pattern that allows for various makes and models of components (such as different types of splitters  322 ) to be mounted to the panel  400 . 
     Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 
     Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.