Patent Description:
This disclosure relates to a variable size seal, and more particularly, to a variable size seal for providing a seal with cables having different sizes and related methods.

Cabinets may be used to enclose and protect equipment, such as, for example, fiber optic equipment associated with fiber optic cables including optical fibers. For example, fiber optic equipment may be enclosed in cabinets and provide connections and circuitry for facilitating broadband voice, video, and data transmission. One example of a cabinet for enclosing fiber optic equipment is a fiber optic distribution outdoor cabinet, some of which may be intended to be installed in an outdoor environment exposed to the elements. In order to protect cables and equipment inside the cabinet, some such cabinets are constructed to provide a fluid-resistant barrier between the interior of the cabinet and the surroundings. However, the construction of such cabinets may suffer from a number possible drawbacks. For example, the construction of such cabinets often renders it difficult or impossible to repair or replace some parts of the cabinet and/or the cables and equipment inside the cabinet without replacing large portions of the cabinet, or even the entire cabinet. In addition, the portion of the cabinet at the location at which cables enter the cabinet cannot be removed or replaced without disconnecting the cables from the respective connection points inside the cabinet, which may render its removal or replacement difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, it may be desirable to run cables of different sizes into the cabinet while still providing a fluid-resistant seal between the cable and the portion of the cabinet through which the cable enters the cabinet. This may necessitate the use of different size seals to accommodate the different size cables, which may result in undesirably large or costly inventories of different size seals.

<CIT> discloses an arrangement having a grommet and a locking ring. The arrangement is used to mount the grommet in a housing wall opening in a housing wall. A method for assembling the grommet is also proposed. The grommet consists of an elastically deformable material and has a mounting section with a receiving pocket which is accessible in an axial direction A through a small pocket opening. On the outside of the grommit there are holding projections or other suitable holding means around the receiving pocket, to surround the grommit with the edge of the housing wall and to connect sealingly. After inserting the grommet into the housing wall opening, the locking ring is inserted through the pocket opening into the receiving pocket, and secures the grommet in the housing wall opening. A clamping force which improves the sealing effect is generated by the locking ring between an outer wall of the receiving pocket and the edge of the housing wall.

<CIT> discloses a cable-protecting sleeve arranged on an electric box. The sleeve comprises a sealed fixing end and a sleeve body, wherein an opening mouth is arranged on the sealed fixing end and connected with the sleeve body. A ring-shaped slot opens on the lateral surface of the sealed fixing end and is embedded with the slot on the electric box. A plurality of sleeve pipes are arranged from top to bottom inside the sleeve body in a ladder pattern, according to the areas of the diameter planes of the sleeve pipes. The cable-protecting sleeve has the advantages of reasonable structure and convenient use, and can prevent foreign solids or liquids from entering the electric box.

<CIT> discloses a sealing gland for forming a seal between a plurality of elongate members and a surface having an aperture, or a pipe, through which the elongate members extend. The sealing gland includes a main sealing portion for sealing to the surface or the pipe. Skirts extend from a base of the sealing gland, where each skirt includes a lumen extending from the base to a distant end of the skirt for receiving one of the elongate members. Each skirt provides a flexible seal for sealing around a periphery of the elongate member, and adjacent skirts are adjoined along a portion of the length of the skirts.

Some examples described herein may address one or more of these possible drawbacks.

The invention is defined in the independent claim to which reference should now be made.

This disclosure is generally directed to an entry module assembly including an entry module plate defining a plurality of apertures, each aperture configured to receive a cable therethrough, and a plurality of seals coupled to the entry module plate, each seal extending through an aperture of the entry module plate. Each seal is configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between a cable extending through the seal and the seal, and between the seal and the aperture in the entry module plate. Each seal includes a first seal section defining a first internal cylindrical surface defining a first internal diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first internal cylindrical surface and an external surface of a cable. The seal also includes a second seal section coupled to the first seal section and defining a second internal cylindrical surface defining a second internal diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the second internal cylindrical surface and an external surface of a cable. The first internal diameter and the second internal diameter differ from one another. Each seal includes a flange section coupled to the first seal section opposite the second seal section, the flange section defining an internal flange opening and an external flange portion projecting outwardly. The external flange portion defines a cross-section comprising a first flange seal surface and a second flange seal surface opposite the first flange seal surface, and wherein the first flange seal surface and the second flange seal surface are configured such that a first flange seal surface of a first seal and a second flange seal surface of a second seal abut one another at a seal interface providing a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first flange seal surface of the first seal and the second flange seal surface of the second seal.

Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

This disclosure is generally directed to variable size seals, and more particularly, to variable size seals for providing a seal with cables having different sizes and related methods. According to the claims, such seals are used with entry module assemblies for facilitating entry of cables into an enclosure. According to some examples, the enclosures described herein may be assembled on site and may be scalable to meet the capacity requirements of the equipment being enclosed by the enclosure. For example, some examples of the enclosure may be formed by a frame assembled from frame members coupled to one another by brackets. The frame members may be provided (or modified on-site) to build a frame (e.g., off-site or on-site) defining the desired interior dimensions, and the brackets may be used to couple the frame members to one another. Thereafter, panels may be attached to the frame to create the enclosure. In some examples, one or more of the panels may be pivotally coupled to the frame to provide one or more doors configured to pivot between open and closed orientations. The enclosure may include an entry module assembly configured to facilitate entry of cables from exterior the enclosure to the interior of the enclosure. In some examples, the entry module assembly may be configured to be at least a part of the floor of the enclosure, and in some examples, the entry module assembly may be part of another portion of the enclosure, such as, for example, at least a part of the back side of the enclosure, at least a part of a side of the enclosure, at least of part of the top of the enclosure, or at least a part of the front side of the enclosure. In some examples, the equipment to be enclosed in the enclosure may be assembled and/or coupled to the interior of the enclosure during and/or after completion of assembly of the enclosure.

In some examples, the entry module assembly may be configured such that at least a portion of the entry module assembly may be repaired or replaced without disconnecting the cables from cable connection points in the interior of the enclosure. For example, access to the entry module assembly may be gained by repositioning or removal of one or more panels of the enclosure. In some examples, access to the entry module assembly may be gained by opening one of more of the door panels. In some examples, access to the entry module assembly may be gained by removing one or more back panels of the enclosure. Once access to the entry module assembly has been gained, one or more portions of the entry module assembly may be repositioned, repaired, and/or removed. For example, the entry module assembly may include two of more selectively separable module plates that form one or more apertures through which one or more cables enter the enclosure. In some examples, because the module plate being removed includes a portion of an aperture that does not completely surround one or more of the cables, the module plate may be removed without necessarily disconnecting the one or more cables from their respective connection points. In some examples, two or more plates define one or more of the apertures through which the one or more cables pass, and thus, either or both of such module plates may be removed without disconnecting the one or more cables from the respective connection points of the cables in the interior of the enclosure. This example configuration may render repair and/or replacement of one or more portions of the entry module assembly less complex and less time consuming.

In addition, the seals, according to the claims, are configured to provide a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between a cable and one or more module plates of the entry module assembly. According to the claims, the seals are configured to provide such a seal for a number of cables having different sizes (e.g., cables having different size outer diameters). As explained herein, according to the claims, the seals have a plurality of seal sections, each defining an interior surface defining different diameters to accommodate cables of different sizes. Some such seals may be configured such that seal sections that do not have an interior diameter corresponding to an exterior diameter of the cable may be separated from the seal section having an interior diameter corresponding to (e.g., having the same size or a smaller size to provide a sealing fit) the exterior diameter of the cable. Such example seals may provide flexibility when selecting seals for use with different size cables, which may, for example, reduce inefficiencies associated with acquiring and/or storing different size seals for each cable size.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of an example enclosure <NUM> including a detailed perspective view of an example entry module assembly <NUM>. The example enclosure <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a cabinet for enclosing fiber optic equipment, such as fiber optic cables including optical fibers, and connections and circuitry for facilitating broadband voice, video, and data transmission. In some examples, the enclosure <NUM> may be a fiber optic distribution outdoor cabinet, which may be intended to be installed in an outdoor environment exposed to the elements. Other types of enclosures for enclosing other types of equipment are contemplated.

As shown in <FIG>, the example enclosure <NUM> defines an interior <NUM> and an exterior <NUM>. In the example shown, the interior <NUM> includes various structures <NUM> known to those skilled in the art for facilitating routing and/or connection of fiber optic cables including optical fibers. The example enclosure <NUM> shown includes a frame <NUM> and a plurality of exterior panels <NUM> secured to the frame <NUM> for enclosing the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. For example, the enclosure <NUM> includes a back panel <NUM> coupled to a back side of the frame <NUM>, a top panel <NUM> coupled to a top side of the frame <NUM>, a first side panel <NUM> coupled to a first side of the frame <NUM>, a second side panel <NUM> coupled to a second side of the frame <NUM> opposite the first side panel <NUM>, a first door panel <NUM> coupled to a front side of the frame <NUM> such that it pivots with respect to the frame <NUM>, and a second door panel <NUM> coupled to a front side of the frame <NUM> such that it pivots with respect to the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the enclosure <NUM> also includes a bottom panel <NUM> coupled to a bottom side of the frame <NUM>.

In some examples, the bottom panel <NUM> may include an opening configured to receive therein the entry module assembly <NUM>. In some examples, the entry module assembly <NUM> may form the majority (or entirety) of the bottom panel <NUM>. As explained herein, the entry module assembly <NUM> facilitates entry of cables, such as, for example, fiber optic cables, into the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. A plurality of seals <NUM> are provided to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between each of the one or more cables and the entry module assembly <NUM>, as explained in more detail herein.

The example enclosure <NUM> shown in <FIG> also includes a skirt <NUM> coupled to and extending around the periphery of the bottom of the frame <NUM>, which provides protection for cables entering the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM> through the bottom panel <NUM>. One or more of the first door panel <NUM> or the second door panel <NUM> may include a latch assembly <NUM> for securing the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the closed orientation. In the example shown, the latch assembly <NUM> includes an upper latch mechanism <NUM> and a lower latch mechanism <NUM>, each including a keeper configured to selectively engage a respective upper member of the frame <NUM> and lower member of the frame <NUM>. Although <FIG> shows the latch assembly <NUM> coupled to an interior side of the second door panel <NUM>, in some examples, a second latch mechanism may be coupled to the interior side of the first door panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial schematic plan view of the example enclosure <NUM> shown in <FIG> showing an example entry module assembly <NUM> from below. In the example shown, the bottom panel <NUM> forms a majority of the floor <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, the bottom panel <NUM> may be a single piece unitary construction, and in other examples, the bottom panel <NUM> may be formed from two or more panels coupled to one another to form the majority of the floor <NUM>. The example shown in <FIG> includes two entry module assemblies 12A and 12B. Some examples may only include a single entry module assembly <NUM>, and other examples may include more than two entry modules assemblies <NUM>. In the example shown, each of the entry module assemblies 12A and 12B is removably coupled to the bottom panel <NUM> by fasteners <NUM>, such as, for example, screws and/or nuts and bolts. Other ways of removably coupling the entry module assemblies 12A and 12B to the bottom panel <NUM> are contemplated. In some examples, a seal or gasket may be provided between the perimeter of one or more of the entry module assemblies 12A or 12B and the bottom panel <NUM> to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between one or more of the entry module assemblies 12A or 12B and the bottom panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the example entry module assembly <NUM> is coupled to the portion of the enclosure <NUM> by an example attachment bracket <NUM>, which is coupled to both the entry module assembly <NUM> and the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. A plurality of the seals <NUM> are provided to provide a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between each cable that enters the enclosure <NUM> and the entry module assembly <NUM>, as explained in more detail herein. In some examples, the seals <NUM> may include one or more of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and plastics, and/or any other suitable elastic materials for providing a fluid-resistant seal. The example shown in <FIG> includes fourteen seals <NUM> for receiving fourteen cables. Fewer or more seals <NUM> and cables are contemplated.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective exploded view of the example enclosure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, with the back panel <NUM> and a portion of the skirt <NUM> removed, for example, to show access to the example entry module assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the back panel <NUM> may be removed, for example, by separating it from a back side of the frame <NUM>. For example, the back panel <NUM> may be removably coupled to the frame <NUM> by one or more fasteners, and the one or more fasteners may be removed to facilitate removal of the back panel <NUM> from the back side of the frame <NUM>. In some examples, a back side of the skirt <NUM> and/or a lower back side frame member <NUM> may also be removed, for example, to provide access to the entry module assembly <NUM>. In some examples, the attachment bracket <NUM> may be removably coupled to the lower back side frame member <NUM>, for example, via one or more fasteners.

<FIG> are similar to <FIG> and show partial schematic plan views of example enclosures showing several example entry module assemblies <NUM> from below. For example, <FIG> shows example seals <NUM> having example flange sections <NUM>, each including an external flange portion <NUM> defining a cross-section including a first flange seal surface <NUM> and a second flange seal surface <NUM> opposite the first flange seal surface <NUM>. The first flange seal surface <NUM> and the second flange seal surface <NUM> are configured such that a first flange seal surface 60A of a first seal 38A and a second flange seal surface 62B of a second seal 38B abut one another at a seal interface <NUM> providing a substantially fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the first flange seal surface 60A of the first seal 38A and the second flange seal surface 62B of the second seal 38B, as explained in more detail herein.

In the example shown in <FIG>, each of the external flange portions <NUM> of the seals <NUM> is octagonal. In the example shown in <FIG>, each of the external flange portions <NUM> of the seals <NUM> is hexagonal. In the example shown in <FIG>, each of the external flange portions <NUM> of the seals <NUM> is square. As shown in <FIG>, in some examples, regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the external flange portion <NUM>, the external flange portions <NUM> may have a flange seal surface <NUM> defining a profile <NUM> configured to engage a complimentary profile <NUM> on an adjacent seal <NUM>. The profile <NUM> may define a number of different complimentary shapes, such as, for example, a square wave, a sinusoidal wave, a saw tooth wave, etc. In the example shown in <FIG>, each of the external flange portions <NUM> of the seals <NUM> is hexagonal, and the example entry module assembly <NUM> includes more than a single row of seals <NUM>, for example, with the rows abutting one another to provide a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between external flange portions <NUM> of the different rows. In some examples, the rows may be separated from one another. In some examples, the seals <NUM> of a given row may include external flange portions <NUM> having different cross-sectional shapes. In some such examples, adjacent seals <NUM> include first and second flange seal surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> that provide fluid-resistant seals (e.g., fluid-tight seals) between adjacent seals <NUM>. For example, an external flange portion <NUM> of a first seal <NUM> may be square-shaped, and one or more of the adjacent seals <NUM> may have external flange portions <NUM> that are hexagonal-shaped or octagonal-shaped.

<FIG> are a schematic perspective view of an example entry module assembly <NUM> and an exploded perspective view of the example entry module assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, respectively. In the example shown in <FIG>, the entry module assembly <NUM> includes a first module plate <NUM> including a first edge <NUM> defining a first edge profile <NUM>. The example entry module assembly <NUM> also includes a second module plate <NUM> including a second edge <NUM> defining a second edge profile <NUM>. In some examples, such as the example shown, the first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM> are configured to abut one another (see <FIG>), such that the first edge profile <NUM> and the second edge profile <NUM> define one or more apertures <NUM> therebetween (see <FIG>). For example, the first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM> are configured to abut one another, such that the first edge profile <NUM> and the second edge profile <NUM> define a plurality of apertures <NUM> therebetween. Features described herein as being associated with the first module plate <NUM> may instead be associated with the second module plate <NUM>, and features described herein as being associated with the second module plate <NUM> may instead be associated with the first module plate <NUM>.

In the examples shown in <FIG>, a plurality of the seals <NUM> are coupled to the entry module assembly <NUM>, and each of the seals <NUM> may define an interior passage <NUM> through which a respective cable <NUM> may pass. As explained above, the seals <NUM> may be configured to provide a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between an outer surface of a respective cable <NUM> and an interior surface defined by the interior passage <NUM> of a respective seal <NUM>, and a fluid-resistant-seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between an exterior surface <NUM> of the respective seal <NUM> and an interior surface of the respective aperture <NUM> of the entry module assembly <NUM>. For example, a respective cable <NUM> may pass through an interior passage <NUM> from exterior <NUM> relative to the enclosure <NUM> to the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, the seals <NUM> may be coupled to the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> by coupling the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> to one another, such that the respective seals <NUM> are received in a respective aperture <NUM>. For example, the exterior surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> may be configured to secure the seal <NUM> to an edge of a respective aperture <NUM>, for example, such that a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) is provided.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first edge profile <NUM> defines first aperture portions <NUM> and first edge segments <NUM> between at least some of the first aperture portions <NUM>. The example second edge profile <NUM> defines second aperture portions <NUM> and second edge segments <NUM> between at least some of the second aperture portions <NUM>. In some examples, the first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM> are configured to abut one another, such that at least some of the first edge segments <NUM> abut at least some of the second edge segments <NUM>, and at least some of the first aperture portions <NUM> and at least some of the second aperture portions <NUM> define the plurality of apertures <NUM>. In the example shown, the example apertures <NUM> defined by the first and second aperture portions <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially circular. In some examples, one or more of the apertures <NUM> may have a shape other than substantially circular. For example, one or more of the apertures <NUM> may be polygonal in shape (e.g., square-shaped, pentagonal-shaped, hexagonal-shaped, octagonal-shaped, etc.). In the example shown in <FIG>, each of the first and second aperture portions <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially identical. In some examples, the first and second aperture portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be different. In some examples, either the first aperture portions <NUM> or the second aperture portions <NUM> may be substantially a continuation of the respective first edge segments <NUM> or the second edge segments <NUM>, for example, such that the first edge profile <NUM> or the second edge profile <NUM> is substantially straight.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first edge segments <NUM> and the second edge segments <NUM> are substantially straight segments. In some examples, the first and second edge segments <NUM> and <NUM> may define complimentary but non-straight segments, such as, for example, interfitting square waves, interfitting sinusoidal waves, interfitting saw tooth profiles, etc. Such examples may serve to register the first module plate <NUM> with the second module plate <NUM>, for example, such that the first and second aperture portions <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned with one another. In some examples, one or more of the first edge segments <NUM> and one or more of the second edge segments <NUM> may define edge segments having different shapes.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first module plate <NUM> lies substantially in a first plane, and the second module plate <NUM> lies substantially in a second plane. Although lying in respective planes, one or more of the first module plate <NUM> or the second module plate <NUM> may also include non-planar aspects. In some examples, the first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM> are configured to abut one another, such that the first plane and the second plane are substantially coplanar and/or substantially parallel with respect to one another.

In some examples, the attachment bracket <NUM> may be coupled (e.g., removably) to one or more of the first module plate <NUM> or the second module plate <NUM>. In some examples, the attachment bracket <NUM> may be configured to removably couple the entry module assembly <NUM> to the enclosure <NUM>. For example, the attachment bracket <NUM> may be configured to removably couple the entry module assembly <NUM> to the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>, for example, to the frame <NUM> (e.g., to the lower back side frame member <NUM>) and/or to the bottom panel <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the attachment bracket <NUM> is removably coupled to the first module plate <NUM> (e.g., via one or more fasteners <NUM>) (<FIG>), and is removably coupled to the second module plate <NUM> (e.g., via one or more fasteners <NUM>). For example, the example second module plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes holes <NUM> configured to receive the example fasteners <NUM>. In the example shown, the attachment bracket <NUM> serves to removably couple the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> to one another. In some examples, the attachment bracket <NUM> may include a single part or two or more parts.

As shown in <FIG>, in some examples, the first module plate <NUM> defines a first remote edge <NUM> opposite the first edge <NUM>, and the second module plate <NUM> defines a second remote edge <NUM> opposite the second edge <NUM>. The entry module assembly <NUM> may also include at least one edge seal <NUM> coupled to one or more of the first remote edge <NUM> or the second remote edge <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the second remote edge <NUM> defines an edge flange <NUM>, and the edge seal <NUM> is coupled to an outboard side <NUM> of the edge flange <NUM>. The edge seal <NUM>, in some examples, may provide a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the entry module assembly <NUM> (e.g., the second module plate <NUM>) and the interior <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, the edge seal <NUM> may be adhesively secured to the edge flange <NUM>. (Even though the example second module plate <NUM> includes the example edge flange <NUM>, the second module plate <NUM> lies substantially in a plane.

<FIG> show an example seal <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of an example seal <NUM> for use in an example entry module assembly <NUM>, and <FIG> is a schematic side section view of the example seal <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The example seal <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a first seal section <NUM> defining a first internal cylindrical surface <NUM> defining a first internal diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first internal cylindrical surface <NUM> and an external surface of a cable <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The example seal <NUM> also includes a second seal section <NUM> coupled to the first seal section <NUM> and defining a second internal cylindrical surface <NUM> defining a second internal diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the second internal cylindrical surface <NUM> and an external surface of a cable <NUM>, for example, having a relatively smaller exterior diameter than the cable <NUM> received by the first internal cylindrical surface <NUM>. The example shown in <FIG> also includes a third seal section <NUM>, a fourth seal section <NUM>, and a fifth seal section <NUM>, with each of the third, fourth, and fifth seal sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> having respective internal cylindrical surfaces defining respective internal diameters, for example, similar to the first and second seal sections <NUM> and <NUM>, except with the respective internal diameters successively being relatively reduced to accommodate and provide a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) with respective cables having successively smaller corresponding exterior diameters.

In the example shown, the first seal section <NUM> further defines a first external surface <NUM> defining at least one first external dimension configured to pass through an aperture in a plate, such as, for example, the aperture <NUM> defined by the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> of the entry module assembly <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the second seal section <NUM> further defines a second external surface <NUM> defining at least one second external dimension configured to pass through an aperture in a plate, such as, for example, the aperture <NUM> defined by the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> of the entry module assembly <NUM>. For example, in the example shown in <FIG>, the at least one first external dimension of the first external surface <NUM> is greater than the at least one second external dimension of the second external surface <NUM>. In some examples, the third, fourth, and/or fifth seal sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> define respective third, fourth, and/or fifth external surfaces defining at least one first external dimension configured to pass through an aperture in a plate, such as, for example, the aperture <NUM> defined by the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> of the entry module assembly <NUM>.

The example seal <NUM> shown in <FIG> also includes a flange section <NUM> coupled to the first seal section <NUM> opposite the second seal section <NUM>. As explained with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, the example flange section <NUM> defines an internal flange opening <NUM> (<FIG>) and an external flange portion <NUM> projecting outwardly beyond the first and second external surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second seal sections <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The external flange portion <NUM> defines a cross-section including a first flange seal surface <NUM> and a second flange seal surface <NUM> opposite the first flange seal surface <NUM>, and wherein the first flange seal surface <NUM> and the second flange seal surface <NUM> are configured such that a first flange seal surface 60A of a first seal 38A and a second flange seal surface 62B of a second seal 38B (see <FIG> and <FIG>) abut one another at a seal interface <NUM>, providing a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first flange seal surface 60A of the first seal 38A and the second flange seal surface 62B of the second seal 38B. The first and second flange seal surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> serve to provide a fluid resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the flange sections <NUM> of adjacent seals <NUM>, which in, turn provides a fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) along the first and second edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the respective first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> the first and second edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM> provide a seam between the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM>, with the seals <NUM> positioned in the apertures <NUM>. In some examples, the flange sections <NUM> of the seals <NUM> collectively provide a fluid resistant seal for the seam. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some examples, the cross-section defined by the external flange portion <NUM> defines an external shape defining a parallelogram, and the seal interface <NUM> includes a first side of a parallelogram associated with the first flange seal surface <NUM> and a second side of a parallelogram associated with the second flange seal surface <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>).

In some examples, such as the example shown in <FIG>, the seal <NUM> also includes a flange transition section <NUM> coupling the first seal section <NUM> and the flange section <NUM> to one another, with the flange transition section <NUM> defining a flange groove <NUM> defining an outer groove surface configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the outer groove surface of the flange groove <NUM> and an internal surface of an aperture through a plate, such as, for example, an aperture <NUM> through the first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM>. In some examples, the outer groove surface of the flange groove <NUM> defines an external cylindrical groove surface defining an external groove surface diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the external cylindrical groove surface and an internal diameter of the aperture through the plate, for example, an aperture <NUM> through the first module plate <NUM> and the second module plate <NUM>.

In some examples, for example, as shown in <FIG>, the flange transition section <NUM> may define a transition lip <NUM> between the flange groove <NUM> and the first seal section <NUM>. In some examples, the seal <NUM> also includes a retainer lip <NUM> between the first external surface <NUM> and the second external surface <NUM> and projecting outwardly beyond the first external surface <NUM>. The retainer lip <NUM> is configured to prevent a cable tie from sliding longitudinally off the external surface of the associated seal section. For example, as shown in <FIG>, after a cable <NUM> has been inserted through a seal <NUM>, a cable tie <NUM> may be tightened and secured to the external portion associated with the seal section having an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the cable <NUM>. The cable tie <NUM> may be tightened around the external surface to improve the seal and/or security of the cable <NUM> through the seal <NUM>. The retainer lip <NUM> may assist with holding the cable tie <NUM> in the correct location on the external surface. In <FIG>, the cable tie <NUM> has been tightened around the external surface associated with the third seal section <NUM>. In some examples, retainer lips <NUM> may be provided between the external surfaces of the second seal section <NUM> and the third seal section <NUM>, between the external surfaces of the third seal section <NUM> and the fourth seal section <NUM>, and/or between the external surfaces of the fourth seal section <NUM> and the fifth seal section <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the external surfaces define outer cylindrical surfaces, and the transition lip <NUM> and/or the one or more of the retainer lips <NUM> are annular.

As shown in <FIG>, some examples of the seal <NUM> may include a separation groove <NUM> between the retainer lip <NUM> and the second external surface <NUM>. The separation groove <NUM> may be configured to facilitate separating the second seal section <NUM> from the first seal section <NUM> at the separation groove <NUM>. In some examples, separation grooves <NUM> may be provided between each of the seal sections to facilitate separating one or more of the seal sections from the seal section having an internal diameter corresponding to the external diameter of a cable <NUM> being passed through the seal <NUM>. In some examples, this may also serve to open the interior passage <NUM> of the seal <NUM>, so that a cable <NUM> may be passed through the seal <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, some examples of the seal <NUM> may include a tab <NUM> coupled to the seal section remote from the flange section <NUM> (e.g., the fifth seal section <NUM> in <FIG>). The tab <NUM> may provide a surface for pulling a seal <NUM> through an aperture in a plate, for example, an aperture <NUM> in the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM>. In some examples, the tab <NUM> may also serve as a fluid barrier at an end of the seal <NUM> prior to being removed when a cable <NUM> is passed through the seal <NUM>. This may permit one or more of the seals <NUM> to be incorporated into the entry module assembly <NUM>, even though one or more of the seals <NUM> does not receive a cable for entering the enclosure <NUM>. Such unused seals <NUM> will still help provide the fluid-resistant seal at the entry module assembly <NUM> and can be used at a later time if additional cables are inserted into the enclosure <NUM>. The tab <NUM> and one or more of the seal sections may be removed from one or more of the seals as needed, so that each of the additional cables can be passed through a seal, so that the seal can provide a fluid-resistant seal with the cable. In some examples, the tab <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> configured to receive, for example, a hook for pulling the seal <NUM> longitudinally partially through an aperture in a plate receiving the seal, for example, for pulling a seal <NUM> into an aperture <NUM> in the first and second module plates <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the edges of the aperture <NUM> are received in the flange groove <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Some examples of the seal <NUM> may include an internal transition section <NUM> between the first internal cylindrical surface <NUM> and the second internal cylindrical surface <NUM>, for example, forming a partial conical surface. In some examples, additional internal transition sections <NUM> may be provided between one or more of the other seal sections. In some examples, the seal <NUM> may also include an external transition section <NUM> between the first external surface <NUM> and the second external surface <NUM>, for example, between the retainer lip <NUM> and the second external surface <NUM>. In some examples, the external transition section <NUM> forms a partial conical surface. Additional external transition sections may be provided between one or more of the other seal sections.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, some examples may include indicia <NUM> on the external surfaces of one or more of the seal sections. The indicia <NUM> may include an indication for one or more of the seal sections of the external cable diameter that corresponds to the seal section. This may facilitate the selection of the appropriate seal section for a cable having a known external diameter. For example, the example seal <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> has indicia indicating "<NUM>," "<NUM>," "<NUM>," "<NUM>," and "<NUM>," for the first through fifth seal sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, which provides an indication of the exterior diameter of the cable <NUM> corresponding to the internal diameter associated with the internal cylindrical surface diameter for each of the seal sections. Thus, in one example method, the external diameter of the cable may be determined, the appropriate seal section may be determined based at least in part on the determined external diameter of the cable and the corresponding indicia, and the seal sections having smaller internal cylindrical surface diameters may be separated from the remainder of the seal, such that the appropriate (selected) seal section(s) remain(s). In some examples, this may also open the interior passage <NUM> for receipt of the cable <NUM> therethrough. For example, <FIG> shows an example seal <NUM> from which an example tab <NUM> has been separated and removed from an example selected seal section. Similarly, <FIG> shows an example seal <NUM> from which the second through fifth seal sections (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) have been removed, leaving the first seal section <NUM>, which has indicia <NUM> indicating an internal cylindrical surface diameter of "<NUM>. " Thereafter, the cable <NUM> may be passed through the seal <NUM> via the interior passage <NUM> and into the enclosure <NUM>.

An example process for providing a fluid-resistant seal between a cable and an aperture in a plate through which the cable extends is now described. The process may include providing a seal including a plurality of seal sections. Each of the plurality of seal sections may define an internal cylindrical surface defining an internal diameter. The internal diameters of at least some of the respective seal sections are different from one another. The process may also include selecting a seal section, from among the plurality of seal sections, having an internal cylindrical surface defining an internal diameter corresponding to an external diameter of the external surface of the cable. The process may also include inserting the seal into the aperture, and positioning the seal relative to the aperture, such that the seal provides a fluid resistant seal between an external surface of the seal and an internal surface of the aperture. The process may also include separating the selected seal section from at least one of the plurality of seal sections, and passing an end of the cable through the seal, such that the seal provides a fluid-resistant seal between the internal cylindrical surface of the selected seal section and the external surface of the cable.

In some examples of the process, the seal may include a tab at one end of the seal, and positioning the seal relative to the aperture may include engaging the tab and pulling the seal into the aperture. In some examples of the process, the seal may include a flange transition section between a flange section coupled to one end of the seal and the selected seal section. The flange section may define an external flange portion projecting outwardly, and the flange transition section may define a flange groove. In some such examples, positioning the seal relative to the aperture may include positioning the seal such that the flange groove receives an edge of the aperture.

In some examples of the process, separating the selected seal section from at least one of the plurality of seal sections occurs after inserting the seal into the aperture. In other examples, separating the selected seal section from at least one of the plurality of seal sections occurs prior to inserting the seal into the aperture.

In some examples, the seal is a first seal, the aperture is a first aperture, and the cable is a first cable. The first seal may include a first flange section coupled to one end of the first seal. The first flange section may include a first external flange portion defining a first cross-section including a first flange seal surface. In some such examples, the process may further include inserting a second seal into a second aperture in the plate adjacent the first aperture. The second seal may include a second flange section coupled to one end of the second seal, and the second flange section may include a second external flange portion defining a second cross-section including a second flange seal surface. The process may also include positioning the second seal in the second aperture, such that the first flange seal surface of the first seal and the second flange seal surface of the second seal abut one another at a seal interface providing a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first flange seal surface of the first seal and the second flange seal surface of the second seal.

Claim 1:
An entry module assembly comprising:
an entry module plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a plurality of apertures (<NUM>), each aperture configured to receive a cable there through; and
a plurality of seals coupled to the entry module plate (<NUM>, <NUM>), each seal extending through an aperture (<NUM>) of the entry module plate (<NUM>, <NUM>), each seal configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between a cable extending through the seal and the seal, and between the seal and the aperture (<NUM>) in the entry module plate (<NUM>, <NUM>), each seal comprising:
a first seal section (<NUM>) defining a first internal cylindrical surface (<NUM>) defining a first internal diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first internal cylindrical surface and an external surface of a cable; and
a second seal section (<NUM>) coupled to the first seal section (<NUM>) and defining a second internal cylindrical surface defining a second internal diameter configured to provide a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the second internal cylindrical surface and an external surface of a cable,
wherein the first internal diameter and the second internal diameter differ from one another;
wherein each seal further comprises a flange section (<NUM>) coupled to the first seal section (<NUM>) opposite the second seal section (<NUM>), the flange section (<NUM>) defining an internal flange opening and an external flange portion projecting outwardly,
wherein the external flange portion (<NUM>) defines a cross-section comprising a first flange seal surface (<NUM>) and a second flange seal surface (<NUM>) opposite the first flange seal surface (<NUM>),
characterised in that the first flange seal surface (<NUM>) and the second flange seal surface (<NUM>) are configured such that a first flange seal surface (<NUM>) of a first seal and a second flange seal surface (<NUM>) of a second seal abut one another at a seal interface providing a substantially fluid-resistant seal between the first flange seal surface of the first seal and the second flange seal surface of the second seal.