Patent Abstract:
A junction box has a base member and a lid member. A plurality of concentric flanges extend from surfaces of the base member. The flanges can receive conduits. Knock out elements are located within the diameters of the flanges. The knock out elements may be removed to permit cables to pass into an interior of the junction box. The lid is hinged to the base member and can be held shut by a clasp assembly.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention pertains to apparatus for housing electrical connections and/or other electrical components. Particular embodiments of the invention have application housing terminal connectors for telephone, cable television and/or other telecommunications lines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the telecommunications industry, it is often necessary to electrically connect and/or reconfigure connections by way of which telecommunications signals are provided to subscribers. Such connections may have to be made or to be reconfigured to provide service to one or more subscribers in a building, a group of buildings or individual units within a building. 
     It is desirable to provide a plurality of relatively easily replaceable, interchangeable and reconfigurable connections in a single location (for a particular building, for example), such that connections and/or changes to connections may be made with a minimum effort. A device capable of providing one or more electrical connections is referred to herein as a “terminal connector”. 
     There is a general desire to locate terminal connectors in weather resistant housings which may be conveniently located in outdoor locations, such that connections may be made, changed and/or reconfigured by service technicians of telecom companies or other service providing organizations without having to enter buildings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A junction box for receiving electrical cables and for housing electrical components is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base member having a recessed region and a lid member positionable over the recessed region of the base member to form an enclosure. The lid member and the base member are coupleable on one side by one or more hinges and on a side opposite the one or more hinges by a clasp assembly. The clasp assembly is capable of being locked and unlocked by two independent locking mechanisms. 
     A plurality of concentric lower flanges may extend from a lower surface of the base member, such that a first cable conduit may be slidably engaged to one of the plurality of lower flanges. 
     A plurality of concentric upper flanges may extend from an upper surface of the base member, such that a second cable conduit may be slidably engaged to one of the plurality upper flanges. One or more upper knock-out elements may be located on the upper surface of the base member inside a diameter of the outermost one of the plurality of concentric upper flanges. The one or more upper knock-out elements may be removable from the base member to form an upper aperture therein, such that a cable may extend from an interior of the second cable conduit through the upper aperture and into the enclosure. 
     Further features and applications of the invention are described below. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In drawings which depict non-limiting embodiments of the invention: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a junction box in a closed configuration according to one embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevated plan view of a front side of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an elevated plan view of a back side of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevated plan view of the top of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is an elevated plan view of the bottom of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is an elevated plan view of a hinged side of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an elevated plan view of a clasp side of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 8 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG. 1 in an open configuration; 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a particular type of cable adapter mounted to the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10 is a partial isometric exploded view showing the clasp assembly of the junction box of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 11 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG. 8 housing a first type of grounding bar; 
     FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of the junction box of FIG. 11 housing a first type of terminal connector; 
     FIG. 13 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG. 8 housing a second type of grounding bar; 
     FIG. 14 depicts an isometric view of the junction box of FIG. 13 housing a second type of terminal connector; 
     FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a junction box in closed configuration according to another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 16 is an elevated plan view of a front side of the junction box of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 17 is an elevated plan view of a back side of the junction box of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 18 is an elevated plan view of the top of the junction box of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 19 is an elevated plan view of the bottom of the junction box of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 20 is an elevated plan view of a hinged side of the junction box of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 21 is an elevated plan view of a clasp side of the junction box of FIG. 15; and, 
     FIG. 22 is an elevated plan view of the junction box of FIG. 15 in an open configuration. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
     The invention disclosed herein relates to a junction box apparatus for housing one or more terminal connectors and/or other electrical components. Although it may be used for a wide variety of applications, the junction box of the present invention is particularly suited for housing surge protecting terminal connectors, which are widely used in the telecommunications industry. The junction box is designed with a number of features making it suitable for outdoor use. Such features include: a locking clasp mechanism that simultaneously provides security for the junction box and dual accessibility to the junction box for both subscribers and service technicians; a terminal connector platform located on the junction box lid to provide easy access to terminal connectors housed in the junction box, such that connections may be safely and easily made, changed and/or reconfigured; a plurality of “knock-out” apertures at various locations on the base of the junction box that provide access to the junction box for various types of cables and conduits; mounting features located on the base of the junction box (i.e. away from the terminal connectors and/or other components) which permit the junction box to be mounted to the outside of a building or other support structure via a variety of fasteners; and sealed cable entry and water drainage features that help to weatherproof the junction box and the terminal connectors and/or other components housed therein. These features may be provided individually or in any combination. 
     Throughout the following description, the term “cable” is used to describe any wire, conduit, cable or the like which is capable of carrying electrical signals or power. As used in the following description, “cable(s)” may comprise one individual cable or a plurality of individual cables. “Cable(s)” should also be understood to include fiber optic cables and pluralities of individual cables which may be grouped together and enclosed in a single sheath or conduit. In general, cables used to carry telecommunications signals comprise two individual cables, one of which is a ground cable and the other of which is a signal carrying cable. In operation, the junction box of the present invention receives one or more cables and houses one or more terminal connectors (and/or other electrical components). Terminal connectors facilitate connections between the various cables received by the junction box. 
     FIGS. 1 through 7 depict various views of a junction box  10  according to a particular embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration. FIG. 8 depicts junction box  10  in an open configuration. 
     When junction box  10  is in its closed configuration depicted in FIGS. 1 through 7, junction box  10  forms a substantially hollow, six sided enclosure having a front side  14 , a back side  20 , a bottom side  16 , a top side  18 , a clasp side  12  and a hinge side  22 . Preferably, junction box  10  is made out of PVC, another plastic or another suitably non-conducting, waterproof and flame-retardant material. 
     Throughout the following description, a number of conventions are employed to simplify the explanation of the invention. Where the invention comprises a plurality of similar elements, the individual elements are referred to using a reference numeral followed by a letter (for example, hinge  44 A) and the group of elements is referred to collectively using the reference numeral alone (for example, hinges  44 ). The words “inward” and “inwardly” refer to a direction that extends from the outside of junction box  10  towards the interior of junction box  10 . Similarly, the words “outward” and “outwardly” refer to a direction that extends from the interior of junction box  10  towards the outside of junction box  10 . 
     Junction box  10  comprises a base member  24  and a lid member  26 , which are joined to one another on hinge side  22  by a plurality of hinges  44 . Hinges  44  facilitate pivotal movement of lid member  26  relative to base member  24 , such that lid member  26  may swing open from base member  24  on clasp side  12 . In the closed configuration of FIGS. 1 through 7, clasp assembly  70  may fasten lid member  26  to base member  24  on clasp side  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the height and width of lid member  26  are slightly larger than the height and width of base member  24 , such that the edges  25  (FIG. 8) of base member  24  fit slidably inside the edges  27  of lid member  26  and edges  27  of lid member  26  slidably overlap edges  25  of base member  24 . As shown in FIG. 1, the recess inside base member  24  is relatively deep in comparison to that of lid member  26 . 
     FIG. 3 depicts back side  20  of junction box  10 . Back side  20  comprises a plurality of mounting locations  46 , which may be used to mount junction box  10  to the wall of a building or other suitable support structure (not shown). Screws, bolts or other fasteners (not shown) may extend from the inner surface  270  (FIG. 8) of base member  24 , through apertures (not shown) in mounting locations  46  and into or through the support structure. Alternatively, screws, bolts or other fasteners may extend from the support structure, through apertures in mounting locations  46  and into junction box  10 . Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, mounting locations  46  are elongated, such that fasteners may be inserted through mounting locations  46  in a range of positions. Mounting locations  46  may comprise pre-threaded apertures to accept threaded fasteners. Preferably, mounting locations  46  are surrounded by stand-off flanges  42  (FIG. 4) that extend outwardly from back side  20 , such that when junction box  10  is mounted to a wall or other support structure, back side  20  of junction box  10  is separated slightly from the support structure. This separation facilitates water drainage between backside  20  and the support structure. In the illustrated embodiment (FIG.  3 ), junction box  10  is formed without apertures in mounting locations  46 . In such embodiments, if required, apertures may be “knocked-out” of mounting locations  46  by driving fasteners through the body of junction box  10  or otherwise. 
     Back side  20  of junction box  10  incorporates a circularly shaped back aperture  90  (FIG.  3 ). Back aperture  90  facilitates direct access to the interior of junction box  10  for one or more cables (not shown). Typically, although not necessarily, such a cable extends from back side  20  of junction box  10  directly into the building or support structure to which junction box  10  is mounted. Back aperture  90  may comprise a grommet (not shown) which extends around its circular edge, such that when an electrical cable is fed through back aperture  90 , a seal is formed around the cable. Such a grommet may be made of rubber, silicone or other suitable materials. Preferably, the grommet is made of materials which are elastomeric and waterproof. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, back aperture  90  is not in use and, consequently, is filled with a removable plug  94 . Preferably, plug  94  is made out of a material or materials which are elastomeric and waterproof, such as rubber, silicone or plastic. When inserted, plug  94  provides a substantially waterproof seal with the circular edge of back aperture  90 . In some embodiments (not shown), plug  94  may be pierced to provide an aperture therein. When plug  94  is pierced in this manner, it may function as a grommet to form a waterproof seal around a cable inserted through back aperture  90 . 
     In other embodiments (not shown), plug  94  may be a “knock-out” element, which may be knocked or punched out from base member  24  to leave a corresponding aperture. A knock-out element, such as knock-out plug  94 , may be implemented, for example, by forming the walls of base member  24 , such that they have relatively thin regions which surround the desired shape of knock-out plug  94 . In this manner, knock-out plug  94  may be removed from base member  24  (if it is desired to run a cable through back aperture  90 ) or, alternatively, knock-out plug  94  may be left in place in base member  24  to provide a waterproof wall. 
     In this description, an element referred to as a “knock-out” element, may be “knocked-out” or “punched out” from the body of junction box  10  to leave a correspondingly shaped aperture in base member  24  or lid member  26 . Such a knock-out element may be formed integrally with base member  24  or lid member  26  or may be a separate piece, which snaps into base member  24  or lid member  26 . Such a knock-out element may be implemented, for example, by forming the walls of junction box  10 , such that they have relatively thin regions which surround the desired knock-out element. In addition, the term “knock-out” is used in this description in conjunction with the aperture which may be formed by a knock-out element. For example, in some embodiments, back aperture  90  may be a knock-out aperture, which is formed when circular knock-out plug  94  is removed from base member  24 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, back side  20  of base member  24  may also incorporate an elongated knock-out element  272 . Knockout element  272  may comprise a semi-circular lower portion  274  and elongated sidewalls  276 , which extend upward toward back aperture  90 . In some embodiments (not shown) knock-out element  272  may actually comprise a plurality of smaller knock-out elements. When plug  94  is knocked-out or removed from back aperture  90  and knock-out element  272  is knocked-out of base member  24 , the resultant elongated aperture  283  in the back side  20  of base member  24  is shaped to facilitate connection to a particular type of telecommunications cable adapter  282 . As shown in FIG. 9, cable adapter  282  receives a conduit  284  containing cable  286  and has its own enclosed space  288  in which cable  286  has an elbow  289 . Elbow  289  causes cable  286 , which enters cable adapter  282  from a certain location, to exit cable adapter  282  from a different, spaced apart location. 
     Back side  20  of base member  24  may also comprise a plurality of mounting holes  280  which may be used to mount cable adapter  282  to base member  24 . Mounting screws, bolts or other fasteners  285  may be inserted between inner surface  270  of base member  24  and cable adapter  282  through mounting holes  280 . In the illustrated embodiment, mounting holes  280  are slightly elongated on their vertical dimension (FIG. 8) to provide for easier mounting. Mounting holes  280  may be knockout holes. 
     Inner surface  270  of base member  24  may comprise a brace  278 , which extends a small distance inwardly from inner surface  270 . In the illustrated embodiment, brace  278  is shaped and positioned to follow the perimeter of knock-out element  272  and back aperture  90  (FIG.  8 ). Brace  278  may provide additional structural support to base member  24 , particularly when elongated aperture  283  is created by removing both knock-out element  272  and back aperture  90  from back side  20  of base member  24 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8, terminal connector  290  may be mounted on the inner surface  270  of base member  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, terminal connector  290  is mounted to base member  24  using fasteners  292 , which extend from an inner side of terminal connector  290  into mounting holes  48  (FIGS.  12  and  14 ). Although the number of fasteners  292  and/or mounting holes  48  may vary in different embodiments, the illustrated embodiment includes four fasteners  292  and four associated mounting holes  48 . In the illustrated embodiment, mounting holes  48  comprise stand-off extensions  296 A,  296 D (FIG. 14) that extend inwardly from inner surface  270  of base member  24 . Preferably, mounting holes  48  are threaded. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners  292  comprise threaded metallic shafts (which are partially inserted into mounting holes  48 ) and nuts, which screw onto an inward side of the threaded shafts to hold terminal connector  290  in place. Additionally or alternatively, terminal fasteners  292  may be metallic screws, which thread through terminal connector  290  into mounting holes  48 . In general, terminal connector  290  may be mounted to base member  24  by any suitable means. Preferably, however, fasteners  292  are conductive, so that they may additionally be used to form connections on terminal connector  290 . 
     Although mounting holes  48  and terminal connector  290  may be positioned at any suitable location on an inner wall of junction box  10 , the location shown in the illustrated embodiment is preferable, because this location maintains a separation between terminal connector  290  and other cables, components and terminal connectors which may be housed in junction box  10 . 
     Terminal connector  290  includes a terminal bar  294 , which extends between fasteners  292  and mounting holes  48 . In typical applications, terminal bar  294  is a conductive grounding bar and extends between all of fasteners  292 , such that all of fasteners  292  are electrically grounded to terminal bar  294 . In alternative embodiments, terminal bar  294  may be non-conductive or may comprise a plurality of smaller terminal bars, which are electrically isolated from one another. 
     Cables (not shown) may be connected to terminal connector  290  using a variety of connection means, such as screw connectors, crimp connectors, apertured connectors, “U-shaped” connectors and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, terminal connector  290  is shown with two screw on connectors  298 . In general, however, connectors  298  may be any type of electrical connector. 
     Top side  18  of base member  24  comprises a substantially circular top knock-out aperture  50  (FIG.  4 ), which may be used when cable access to junction box  10  is required through top side  18  of base member  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, top knock-out aperture  50  comprises two concentric, substantially circular flanges: outer flange  56  and inner flange  58 . Providing two flanges  56  and  58  permits conduits of different sizes to be mounted to box  10 . If cable access to junction box  10  through top side  18  of base member  24  is required, then a user may remove (i.e. knock-out) a portion of knock-out aperture  50  that is interior to outer flange  56 . 
     Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of outer flange  56  is sized to receive and slidably engage the inner circumferential surface of an industry-standard cable conduit (not shown). For example, the outer circumferential surface of outer flange  56  may be sized to receive the inner circumferential surface of a nominal 2″ (50 mm) cable conduit. Although 2″ steel and PVC cable conduits are widely used in the telecommunications industry, cable conduits made out of almost any material may be mounted to flange  56 . The size of outer flange  56  may be varied to accommodate conduits of different sizes. Gravity and, possibly, frictional contact between the outer surface of outer flange  56  and the inner surface of the cable conduit, act to secure the conduit to junction box  10  and to provide a substantially waterproof seal. When top aperture  50  is knocked-out, a cable may be extended from the cable conduit, through top side  18  of base member  24  and into junction box  10 . 
     Inner flange  58  is concentric with outer flange  56  and has an outer circumferential surface sized to receive and slidably engage the inner circumferential surface of a smaller-sized cable conduit (not shown). For example, the outer circumferential surface of inner flange  58  may be sized to slidably engage the inner circumferential surface of a nominal 1¼″ (32 mm) Schedule 40 PVC cable conduit. Typically, in the telecommunications industry, such 1¼″ cable conduits are made from PVC, but cable conduits made from almost any material may be mounted to flange  58 . The size of inner flange  58  may be varied to accommodate conduits of different sizes. Gravity and the frictional contact between the outer surface of inner flange  58  and the inner surface of the cable conduit act to secure the conduit to junction box  10  and to provide a substantially waterproof seal. When top aperture  50  is knocked-out, a cable may be extended from the cable conduit, through top side  18  of base member  24  and into junction box  10 . 
     Because top aperture  50  may be exposed to rain water, it is desirable to avoid having water or moisture pool on top surface  18  of junction box  10 . When a cable conduit is engaged to outer flange  56 , water accumulation is not normally an issue, because water may simply drain away from top aperture  50 . However, when a cable conduit is engaged to inner flange  58 , water may tend to accumulate in the region between inner flange  58  and outer flange  56 . For this reason, outer flange  56  includes a slot  60  that extends outwardly from the top side  18  of base member  24  to the rim of outer flange  56  (FIGS.  3  and  4 ). When a cable conduit is engaged to inner flange  58 , slot  60  provides water drainage away from the region between inner flange  58  and outer flange  56 . This drainage helps to prevent water from leaking into junction box  10  through top aperture  50 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, junction box  10  also comprises a circular top aperture cover  52  (FIG.  1 ), which is sized to slidably and frictionally engage the inner circumferential surface of outer flange  56 . Cover  52  prevents water accumulation on top side  18  of junction box  10 . If top aperture  50  has not been knocked-out, then cover  52  prevents water accumulation in the region inside inner flange  58 . If top aperture  50  was initially knocked-out and then, at some later point in time, it is desired to close top aperture  50  (because, for example, there is no longer any need to run cable into junction box  10  through top aperture  50 ), then cover  52  may be placed on top aperture  50  to prevent rainwater and other moisture from entering junction box  10 . Top aperture cover  52  may comprise a lip  62 , which extends in a radial direction atop outer flange  56 . Lip  62  helps to move water away from top aperture  50 , and facilitates easy removal of cover  52  from top aperture  50 . 
     Bottom side  16  of base member  24  comprises a substantially circular bottom knock-out aperture  30  (FIG.  5 ), which is used when cable access to junction box  10  is required through bottom side  16  of base member  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, bottom knock-out aperture  30  includes three concentric, circular flanges: outer flange  38 , inner flange  36  and middle flange  37 . If cable access to junction box  10  is required through bottom side  16  of base member  24 , then a user may knock-out a first knock-out element  33  from bottom knock-out aperture  30  and feed the cable through the resulting hole (not shown). Preferably, the first knock-out element  33  of bottom aperture  30  is located inside a diameter of inner flange  36 . A grommet (not shown) may be used to form a seal around an inserted cable. Preferably, the grommet is elastomeric and waterproof, to prevent water from entering box  10  by way of bottom knock-out aperture  30 . In alternative embodiments, bottom aperture  30  may comprise a preformed first aperture (not shown) which is preferably located inside the diameter of inner flange  36 . Such a preformed first aperture may be filled with a an elastomeric plug when not in use. 
     Preferably, the inner circumferential surface of outer flange  38  is sized to receive and slidably engage the outer circumferential surface of an industry standard cable conduit (not shown). For example, the inner circumferential surface of outer flange  38  may be sized to receive the outer circumferential surface of a nominal 2″ (50 mm) PVC Schedule 40 cable conduit, which is widely used in the telecommunications industry. Cable from the cable conduit may be inserted into junction box  10  through a knocked-out portion of bottom aperture  30 . 
     The slidable engagement between the inner surface of outer flange  38  and the outer surface of the cable conduit may provide a friction fit that helps to secure the cable conduit to flange  38 . Bottom aperture  30  also comprises a screw-hole  32 , which extends outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of flange  38 . To assist with securing the cable conduit to flange  38 , fastening screw  34  (FIG. 1) may be inserted through screw-hole  32  and flange  38  to bear against the outer surface of the cable conduit. 
     Middle flange  37  is concentric with outer flange  38  and has an inner circumferential surface sized to receive and slidably engage the outer circumferential surface of a smaller-sized cable conduit (not shown). For example, the inner circumferential surface of middle flange  37  may be sized to slidably engage the outer circumferential surface of a nominal 1″ (25 mm) PVC Schedule 40 cable conduit. Such 1″ conduits are commonly used in the telecommunications industry. Cable from the cable conduit may be inserted into junction box  10  through a knocked-out portion of bottom aperture  30 . 
     The slidable engagement between the inner surface of middle flange  37  and the outer surface of the cable conduit may provide a friction fit that helps to secure the cable conduit to middle flange  37 . Middle flange  37  of bottom aperture  30  also comprises a partial slot  35  (FIGS. 5 and 14) that extends upwardly from the bottom rim of flange  37  partway through flange  37  toward bottom side  16  of junction box  10 . When a cable conduit is slidably engaged to the inner circumferential surface of middle flange  37 , fastening screw  34  may be inserted through screw-hole  32 , outer flange  38  and partial slot  35  to bear against the outer surface of the cable conduit and to assist with securing the cable conduit to flange  37 . Partial slot  35  may be implemented as a simple aperture (i.e. a screw hole). 
     Inner flange  36  is concentric with both outer flange  38  and middle flange  37  and has an outer circumferential surface sized to receive and slidably engage the inner circumferential surface of a smaller-sized cable conduit (not shown). For example, the outer circumferential surface of inner flange  36  may be sized to slidably engage the inner circumferential surface of a nominal ¾″ (18 mm) PVC Schedule 40 cable conduit, which is widely used in the telecommunications industry. Cable from the cable conduit may be inserted into junction box  10  through a knocked-out portion of bottom aperture  30 . 
     The slidable engagement between the outer surface of inner flange  36  and the inner surface of the cable conduit may provide a friction fit that helps to secure the cable conduit to inner flange  36 . In addition, when a cable conduit is slidably engaged to the outer circumferential surface of inner flange  36 , fastening screw  34  may be inserted through screw-hole  32 , outer flange  38  and partial slot  35  in middle flange  37 . In this manner, screw  34  may be made to bear against the outer surface of the cable conduit to assist with securing the cable conduit to the outer circumferential surface of inner flange  36 . 
     As discussed above, conduits mounted to flanges  36 ,  37 ,  38  of bottom aperture  30  may be made of PVC or steel, as is common in the telecommunications industry. However, conduits made from almost, any material may be secured to flanges  36 ,  37 ,  38 . 
     If the cable contained in a conduit is too thick to fit through inner knock-out section  33 , then one or more additional knock-out sections may be removed from bottom aperture  30  to provide a larger aperture into junction box  10 . For example, bottom aperture  30  may comprise a plurality of separate knock-out elements (not shown). A first, inner knock-out element (not shown) may be located interior to inner flange  36 , such that when it is knocked out, all flanges  36 ,  37 ,  38  are still present on base member  24 . A second, mid-sized knock-out element (not shown) may be located interior to middle flange  37 , but exterior to inner flange  26 . Such a mid-sized knock-out element may be attached to inner flange  36 , such that when the mid-sized knock-out element is knocked out, inner flange  36  is removed from base member  24 , forming a larger aperture into box  10 . A third, large-sized knockout element (not shown) may be located interior to outer flange  38  and exterior to middle flange  37 . Such a large-sized knock-out element may be attached to middle flange  37  (and possibly, to inner flange  36 ), such that when the large-sized knock-out element is knocked out, middle flange  37  (and possibly, inner flange  36 ) are removed from base member  24 , forming an even larger aperture into box  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, bottom side  16  of base member  24  also includes one or more additional knock-out apertures  40 A,  40 B (FIG.  5 ). When knocked-out, apertures  40  may be used to provide access to junction box  10  for additional cables and/or individual cables. Optionally, apertures  40  may be fitted with an elastomeric and waterproof grommet (not shown) to provide additional protection from water and moisture entering the interior of junction box  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, bottom side  16  of base member  24  also includes an aperture  41  for the drainage of moisture. Aperture  41  may comprise one or more knockout elements. In addition, aperture  41  may be fabricated with a partially preformed aperture therein. 
     Hinged side  22  and clasp side  12  of base member  24  may have one or more additional knock-out side apertures  300 ,  302  (FIG. 8) for admitting additional cables and/or cable conduits into junction box  10 . For example, knock-out side apertures  300 ,  302  may be sized to receive 1″ (25 mm) cable conduits common in the telecommunications industry. Knock-out side apertures  300 ,  302  may generally be sized to fit conduits of various sizes. After either side knock-out aperture  300 ,  302  is removed, its rim may be fitted with an elastomeric and waterproof grommet (not shown) which prevents moisture from entering junction box  10 . 
     Locking clasp assembly  70  may be used to secure junction box  10  in its closed configuration (FIGS. 1 through 7) by securing base member  24  to lid member  26  on clasp side  12  of junction box  10 . Locking clasp assembly  70  may include a plurality of security measures which are useful to facilitate independent access to the interior of junction box  10  by two independent people/organizations and to prevent unwanted vandalism or tampering with the contents of junction box  10 . Access for two different people/organizations is useful, for example, to provide independent access to the service technicians of two different telecom (or other service) organizations technicians or to provide independent access to telecom (or other) service technicians and to telecom subscribers. 
     The components and operation of locking clasp assembly  70  shown in FIG.  10 . Locking clasp assembly  70  comprises: a lid flange  72 , which extends outwardly from clasp side  12  of lid member  26 ; a base flange  76 , which extends outwardly from clasp side  12  of base member  24 ; and an intermediate clasp member  74 . 
     When junction box  10  is in its closed orientation, lid member  26  and base member  24  are brought together with intermediate clasp member  74  between the two. Intermediate clasp member  74  is fixed to base flange  76  by a locking screw  89  (FIG.  8 ), which screws from intermediate clasp member  74  into base flange  76  through a screw hole  86  (FIG.  3 ). Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, locking screw  89  has a head that requires a special key or tool to operate. Service technicians from the telecommunications company (or other service organization that owns, maintains or operates the components inside junction box  10 ) may be provided with copies of the special key or tool, such that they are the only ones able to operate locking screw  89 . Preferably, aperture  84  in lid flange  72  is sufficiently large to accommodate the head of locking screw  89 , which protrudes through aperture  84  of lid flange  72 , such that the head of locking screw  89  may be accessed with the proper key or tool. Hood extension  82  of lid flange  72  helps to prevent people from tampering with locking screw  89 . 
     In addition to being mounted to base flange  76 , intermediate clasp member  74  may be fixed to lid flange  72  by a conventional screw  88  (FIG.  1 ). Screw  88  extends from lid flange  72  into intermediate clasp member  74  through screw hole  78 . Clasp assembly  70  maintains junction box  10  in its closed orientation, because locking screw  89  secures intermediate clasp member  74  to base flange  76  and conventional screw  88  secures intermediate clasp member  74  to lid flange  72 . 
     In the closed orientation, a subscriber (or other user) may lock lid flange  72  to intermediate clasp member  74  by inserting a conventional key or combination padlock (not shown) through locking hole  80 . The padlock prevents unauthorized entry into junction box  10 , because it locks lid flange  72  to intermediate flange member  74 . With locking screw  89  locking intermediate clasp member  74  to base flange  76 , lid member  26  may not be separated from base member  24 . When a subscriber (or other user) wants to access junction box  10 , they simply unscrew conventional screw  88  from screw hole  78  and remove their padlock from hole  80 , detaching lid flange  72  from intermediate flange member  74 . In this manner, lid member  26  is allowed to swing away from base member  24 , leaving intermediate clasp  74  attached to base flange  76  via locking screw  89 . 
     A service technician (i.e. a second user) with the special key or tool required to operate the locking screw  89  may independently open junction box  10 , even though a lock has been placed through hole  80 . Using the special tool, the service technician may unscrew locking screw  89  through hole  84  in lid flange  72 , such that intermediate clasp member  74  may be separated from base flange  76 . In this manner, junction box  10  may be opened by separating lid member  26  from base member  24 , leaving intermediate clasp  74  attached to lid flange  72  by screw  88  and the padlock inserted through hole  80 . 
     The above described dual locking mechanism of clasp assembly  70  provides the advantage that junction box  10  is always locked and is secure from tampering. The dual opening mechanism of clasp assembly  70  is advantageous, because a first user (such as a subscriber) may independently access junction box  10 . Such access to junction box  10  may allow a subscriber to perform simple maintenance or minor changes to the connections in junction box  10  without requiring the presence of a service technician. The dual opening mechanism of clasp assembly  70  has the additional advantage that a service technician, may also independently access junction box  10  without requiring the subscriber to remove their lock from hole  80 . The service technician may then make more substantial changes or repairs to the connections and/or other components contained in junction box  10 . The dual independent access clasp assembly  70  may also permit dual independent access to technicians from two of more different service providing organizations, such as a telecom company and a cable company, for example. 
     As depicted in FIG. 8, a terminal connector platform  204  may be mounted to the inner surface  250  of lid member  26  by fasteners  206 . Fasteners  206  may be screws which screw into screw holes (not shown) formed integrally on inner surface  250  of lid member  26 . 
     Junction box  10  may house various types of terminal connectors and/or other electrical components, which may be mounted on platform  204  or directly on inner surface  250  of lid member  26 . In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, terminal connector platform  204  comprises a number of features designed to accommodate various types of terminal connectors or other components, which may be mounted thereon. These features are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, which depict a first type of grounding bar  216  and a first type of terminal connector  200 , and to FIGS. 13 and 14, which depict a second type of grounding bar  230  and a second type of terminal connector  202 . Typically (although not necessarily), terminal connectors, such as terminal connectors  200 ,  202 , are provided by the telecommunications company or other service providing organization that owns and/or maintains junction box  10  and/or operates the services requiring junction box  10 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8, platform  204  may comprise a plurality of apertures  208 , which may be used for mounting various types of terminal connectors and/or other electrical components (not shown) to lid member  26  of junction box  10 . Apertures  208  may also be used as additional or alternative mounting apertures through which fasteners (not shown) may extend to mount platform  204  to inner surface  250  of lid member  26 . 
     Platform  204  may also comprise a plurality of tie strap brackets  242 , which may be used (in conjunction with tie straps) to restrain cables on the inside of junction box  10 . Preferably, tie strap brackets  242  are positioned at spaced apart locations on platform  204 . 
     Preferably, platform  204  comprises a screw hole  214 , which is surrounded by a stand-off flange  212  that projects inwardly from platform  204  (FIG.  8 ). Screw hole  214  and stand-off flange  212  may be used to mount and support different types of grounding bars. Such grounding bars may provide a common ground connection to terminal connectors housed in junction box  10 . 
     FIG. 11 depicts a first type of grounding bar  216  which is used in conjunction with terminal connectors  200  of FIG.  12 . Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, elevated section  217 B of grounding bar  216  extends inwardly from the base of grounding bar  216  to fit over stand-off flange  212  and is mounted to stand-off flange  212  by a threaded fastener (not shown) inserted into screw hole  214 . Grounding bar  216  is also mounted to platform  204  by fasteners  220 , which screw respectively into screw holes  210  of platform  204 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, grounding bar  216  comprises three elevated sections  217 A,  217 B,  217 C, which extend inwardly from the base of grounding bar  216 . Terminal connectors  200  may be grounded and fastened to elevated sections  217  of grounding bar  216 . Terminal connectors  200  may comprise metallic mounting/grounding brackets  222 , each of which may be fastened to an associated one of elevated sections  217  by fasteners (not shown). Such fasteners may comprise conventional metallic threaded studs and nuts. Additionally or alternatively, such fasteners may support other types of electrical connectors, such as tab connectors, screw connectors, crimp connectors and the like. Any type of electrical connector capable of connecting to the fasteners or connecting directly to grounding bar  216  may be used. 
     In operation, telecommunications cables entering junction box  10  may be connected to one another by connecting their ground wires to the common grounding bar  216  and by connecting their respective signal wires to connectors  224 ,  226  on either side of a terminal connector  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, connectors  224 ,  226  are screw type connectors. In general, connectors  224 ,  226  may be any type of electrical connector. 
     The location of terminal connectors  200  on lid member  26  of junction box  10  facilitates easy connection and changing of connections. When junction box  10  is opened terminal connectors  200  and their connectors  224 ,  226  stand out from inner surface  250  of lid member  26  rather than being recessed on the inside of base member  24 . When junction box  10  is closed, terminal connectors  200  are housed in the relatively deep recess of base member  24 . 
     FIG. 13 depicts a second type of grounding bar  230 , which is used in conjunction with the terminal connectors  202  of FIG.  14 . Referring to FIGS. 8,  13  and  14 , platform  204  may comprise a slot  234  and a pair of brackets  236  located at either end of slot  234 . Grounding bar  230  may be inserted into slot  234  in an orientation that is substantially orthogonal to platform  204  and each end of grounding bar  230  may be inserted through a corresponding one of brackets  236 . In this manner, slot  234  and brackets  236  help to secure grounding bar  230  in place on platform  204 . Transversely extending tab  232  of grounding bar  230  extends over and is mounted to stand-off flange  212  by a fastener (not shown), which may be threadably inserted into screw hole  214 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, grounding bar  230  comprises a plurality of inwardly projecting members  238 , one of which corresponds with each terminal connector  202 . Although the number of terminal connectors  202  and inwardly projecting members  238  may vary, the illustrated embodiment depicts six terminal connectors  202 . Each of terminal connectors  202  has a grounding hood (not shown) on a first end thereof. The grounding hood of each terminal connector  202  fits slidably over a corresponding one of inwardly projecting members  238  to form a friction fit with the inwardly projecting member  238 . The friction fit between inwardly projecting members  238  and the grounding hood of terminal connectors  202  establishes the ground connection for terminal connectors  202  and assists in mounting the first end of terminal connectors  202  to platform  204 . As best seen in FIG. 8, platform  204  may comprise a plurality of apertures  240 . Apertures  240  may be sized, positioned and shaped, such that specially designed legs (not shown) on a second end of terminal connectors  202  may project through apertures  240  and extend under platform  204  to secure the second end of terminal connectors  202  to lid member  26 . 
     Each of terminal connectors  202  comprises two specialized connectors  242 ,  244  which may be specifically designed to receive the signal carrying wires of conventional telecommunications cables (not shown). In operation, telecommunications cables entering junction box  10  may be connected to one another by connecting their ground wires to the common grounding bar  216  and by connecting their respective signal carrying wires to specialized connectors  242 ,  244 . 
     The location of terminal connectors  202  on lid member  26  of junction box  10  facilitates easy connection and changing of connections When junction box  10  is opened, terminal connectors  202  and their connectors  242 ,  244  stand out from inner surface  250  of lid member  26  rather than being recessed on the inside of base member  24 . When junction box  10  is closed, terminal connectors  202  are housed in the relatively deep recess of base member  24 . 
     FIGS. 15-22 depict a junction box  10 ′ according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Junction box  10 ′ is substantially similar to junction box  10  of FIGS. 1-14, except that junction box  10 ′ is designed to be mounted in the interior of a wall. Typically, although not necessarily, junction box  10 ′ is mounted to the interior of a wall during the wall&#39;s fabrication. As junction box  10 ′ is similar to junction box  10 , the features of junction box  10 ′ are depicted and referred to in this description using the same reference numerals as the similar features of junction box  10  followed by a “prime” symbol (′). 
     Using fasteners  23 ′, a pair of flanges  28 A′,  28 B′ (collectively,  28 ′) are mounted to junction box  10 ′ on its clasp side  12 ′ and hinge side  22 ′. Although fasteners  23 ′ are depicted as nuts and bolts, any suitable fasteners may be used to mount flanges  28 ′ to junction box  10 ′. Junction box  10 ′ includes a pair of holes  29 ′ on each of clasp side  12 ′ and hinge side  22 ′. Fasteners  23 ′ extend through flanges  28 ′ and holes  29 ′ to mount flanges  28 ′ to junction box  10 ′. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, holes  29 ′ may be elongated to provide positional adjustability for flanges  28 ′. 
     Flanges  28 ′ are provided for mounting junction box  10 ′ to the framework of a wall, such that at least a portion of base member  24 ′ extends towards the interior of the wall. A variety of mounting schemes are possible. For example, flanges  28 ′ may be fastened to the wooden or metal studs of a wall. Junction box  10 ′ may be oriented such that lid member  26 ′ opens towards the exterior of a building or lid member  26 ′ opens towards the interior of a building. Flanges  28 ′ may be made of metal or other suitable materials. 
     Junction box  10 ′ comprises a top aperture  50 ′, a bottom aperture  30 ′, a back aperture  90 ′, an elongated back aperture  272 ′ and a pair of side apertures  300 ′,  302 ′. Preferably, these apertures are knock-out apertures and are substantially similar to the corresponding knock-out apertures of junction box  10  described above. Each of these apertures may also comprise a plurality of knock-out elements, such that a variety of sizes of apertures may be formed. In the illustrated embodiment, upper aperture  50 ′ and lower aperture  30 ′ do not have concentric flanges  56 ,  58  and  36 ,  37 ,  38 , which respectively surround upper aperture  50  and lower aperture  30  of junction box  10 . However, in alternative embodiments, upper aperture  50 ′ and lower aperture  30 ′ may be constructed with such concentric flanges. 
     The interior of junction box  10 ′ (FIG. 22) may be substantially similar to and include substantially similar features as the interior of junction box  10  (FIGS. 8,  11 - 14 ). 
     As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example; 
     Terminal connector platform  204  is not required by the invention. The features of platform  204 , such as stand-off flange  212 , screw hole  214  and apertures  240  for example, may be formed integrally on inner surface  250  of lid member  26 . 
     The illustrated terminal connectors  200 ,  202  of FIGS. 12 and 14 comprise surge protection modules commonly used in the telecommunications industry. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations of terminal connectors could be mounted to platform  204  or mounted directly on inner surface  250  of lid member  26 . In general, the specific terminal connectors used inside junction box  10  may be varied without departing from the invention. The invention should be understood to accommodate any type of suitable terminal connector that may be mounted on a terminal connector platform or directly on inner surface  250  of lid member  26 . 
     In addition to terminal connectors, various other types of electrical components may be housed in junction box  10 . Such other components may include, for example: capacitors, switches, relays, ADSL splitters, HDSL splitters, circuit boards, amplifiers, cable splitters and routers. 
     If junction box  10  houses different types of terminal connectors (i.e. terminal connectors different from terminal connectors  200 ,  202  of FIGS. 13 and 14) or other electrical components, junction box  10  may require a modified platform  204 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many implementations of platform  204 , which may be employed to house alternative or additional terminal connectors or electrical components. 
     Locking clasp assembly represents a preferred embodiment of how base flange  76  and lid flange  72  may both be independently locked to, and unlocked from, intermediate clasp member  74 . other embodiments are possible. For example, locking screw  89  may be replaced by a conventional screw having a locking pin that may be inserted through its tip to lock intermediate clasp member  74  to base flange  76 . 
     Although junction box  10  has been depicted and described as having a dual-locking clasp assembly  70 , dual locking clasp assembly  70  is not necessary. Junction box  10  may include a conventional single locking clasp or a non-locking clasp. 
     Similar alterations and modifications as those discussed above may be made to junction box  10 ′ and its components. 
     Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7