Patent ID: 12218493

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1-3show a telecommunications enclosure20in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The enclosure20includes a housing22having an end24defining a sealing unit opening26. The sealing unit opening26is defined by a base27of the enclosure20. The base27has a hollow sleeve-like configuration. A dome-style cover29is secured to the base27by a channel clamp25. The enclosure20also includes a sealing unit28(seeFIGS.3and4) that fits within the sealing unit opening26. The sealing unit28includes a sealant arrangement32(seeFIG.9) defining a plurality of cable ports30. When pressurized, the sealant arrangement32is configured for providing seals about structures (e.g., cables, plugs, etc.) routed though the cable ports30and is also configured for providing a peripheral seal between the housing22and the sealing unit28. The enclosure20further includes an actuation arrangement31(seeFIGS.5and9) for pressurizing the sealant arrangement32within the sealing unit opening26. The actuation arrangement31is shown including an actuator35having a lever arm36. The sealant arrangement32is pressurized as the actuator35is moved from a non-actuated position P1(seeFIG.3) toward an actuated position P2(seeFIG.16). In other embodiments, actuation arrangements having alternative types of actuators (e.g., threaded, screw type actuators) can be used.

Referring toFIG.5, the actuation arrangement31includes inner and outer pressurization structures60,62(e.g., plates, members, bodies, etc.). As shown atFIG.3, a frame190supporting a plurality of optical components192(e.g., splice trays, optical splitter trays, splices, splitters, wavelength division multiplexers, slack storage devices, spools, etc.) is attached to the inner pressurization structure60and carried with the sealing unit28. The sealant arrangement32is positioned between the inner and outer pressurization structures60,62. The actuator35includes a spring52for transferring a seal pressurization force from the lever arm36to the sealant arrangement32. When the lever arm36is moved toward the actuated positions, the lever arm36generates a pressurization force that presses the sealant arrangement32between the first and second pressurization structures60,62. More specifically, a pressurization force from the lever arm36is transferred from lever cam surface64through the springs52and through shaft170to the inner and outer pressurization structures60,62. In this way, the first and second pressurization plates60,62are spring biased toward one another such that spring pressure is applied to the sealant arrangement32for pressurizing the sealant arrangement32to maintain the seals over an extended period of time. In other embodiments, different actuation configurations can be used. For example, as shown atFIGS.4and8, the cam surface of the lever arm can act against a sleeve coupled to the outer pressurization structure, and the spring can be captured between an inner end of the shaft and the inner pressurization structure.

Referring toFIG.8, the sealant arrangement32includes multiple separately identifiable cable sealing modules33that are collectively pressurized by the actuation arrangement31. When the actuation arrangement31is actuated, the cable sealing modules33are all axially pressurized between the inner and outer pressurization structures60,62. As the cable sealing modules33are pressurized, sealant portions of the cable sealing modules33flows/deforms to fill voids within the sealing unit opening26to form the peripheral seal with the housing22, and to form seals around any cables or inserts positioned within cable ports30.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for allowing the sealing arrangement32to be readily reconfigured to accommodate cables of different sizes, cross-sectional shapes/profiles and numbers. In this regard, the enclosure20can be sold as a kit with multiple cable sealing modules having different port configurations. The cable sealing modules33can have different port counts, different port sizes and different port shapes. By selecting certain ones of the cable sealing modules33, the cable sealing unit28can be customized to meet the needs of a given customer or a given application. In the case of a kit, an installer can select and install desired cable sealing modules33in the field to customize the enclosure20for a particular use, and can save unused cable scaling modules33for later use to re-configure the enclosure20as needed. The enclosure20can also be assembled in the factory. When factory assembled, the ability to select cable sealing modules33having different configurations allows one style of actuation arrangement31to be used to provide many different port configurations. This assists in manufacturing efficiency because many different port configurations can be provided without requiring different models of actuation arrangements31to be designed or stocked.

Referring toFIG.9, the cable sealant arrangement32is shown including cable sealing modules33a,33b,33c,33dand33c. The cable sealing modules33aeach define one relatively large cable port30aadapted for receiving a main trunk cable or main distribution cable. The main distribution cable may loop or pass through the enclosure20so that one portion of the cable enters the enclosure20through one of the cable ports30aand another portion of the cable exits the enclosure20through the other cable port30a. Within the enclosure20, optical fibers of the distribution cable can be accessed for splicing to drop cables or for connecting to an optical splitter. The cable sealing module33b(seeFIGS.9and10) defines two cable ports30b. The cable sealing module33c(seeFIGS.9and11) defines four cable ports30c. The cable sealing module33d(seeFIGS.9and12) defines six cable ports30d. The cable sealing module33c(secFIGS.9and13) defines eight cable ports30e. In other embodiments, a cable sealing module33f(seeFIG.14) including ports30fadapted for receiving flat drop cables can also be used. In addition to the inserts specifically depicted, it will be appreciated that inserts having different numbers of cable openings, different shapes of cable openings, and different sizes of cable openings can also be used to accommodate different cable types.

As shown atFIG.9, the sealant arrangement32is elongated along a major axis41. It will be appreciated that the major axis41corresponds to a major axis of the scaling unit opening26. The cable sealing modules33aare spaced-apart from one another along the major axis41and are positioned at opposite lateral ends of the sealant arrangement32. The cable sealing modules33b-33eare mounted along the major axis41between the cable sealing modules33a. The cable sealing modules33b,33eform a first row of cable ports positioned on one side of the major axis41(e.g., above the major axis) and the cable sealing modules33c,33dform a second row of cable ports positioned on an opposite side of the major axis41(e.g., below the major axis41). The rows are parallel to the major axis41and extend between the cable sealing modules33a.

Referring toFIGS.13and15, the cable sealing module33eis depicted. It will be appreciated that other than the size, shape and number of ports provided, the cable sealing modules33b-33dand33fcan have similar constructions. Thus, the description pertaining to the cable sealing module33eis applicable to the other cable sealing modules33b,33c,33dand33fas well.

Referring toFIGS.13and15, the cable sealing module33eincludes a body90having a total axial length L that extends between first and second axial ends70,72of the body90along a central axis91. The body90can have a composite construction including a volume of sealant74at least partially contained axially between first and second axial containment structures76,78. The first and second axial containment structures76,78are respectively positioned adjacent the first and second ends70,72of the body90and form axial end caps of the body90. The first and second axial containment structures76,78can be attached (e.g., bonded) to ends of the volume of sealant74. In other embodiments, the containment structures76,78may not be attached to the volume of sealant74, but when assembled within the actuation arrangement31can be held in position relative to the volume of sealant74.

The first and second axial containment structures76,78are preferably constructed of a material that has a higher hardness and is less flowable than the sealant material constituting the volume of sealant74. Thus, when the volume of sealant74is pressurized to provide cable sealing, the first and second axial containment structures76,78assist in containing the volume of sealant74between the axial ends70,72to limit the amount of volume of sealant74that is forced out of the sealing unit28.

As shown atFIGS.7and9, the volumes of sealant74of the various cable sealing modules33a-33eare in fluid communication with one another when assembled together to form the sealant arrangement32and are pressurized between the first and second pressurization structures60,62when the actuation arrangement31is actuated. Outer portions of the volumes of sealant74of the modules33a-33eare adapted to contact the interior of the base27to form the peripheral seal with the base27when the actuation arrangement31is actuated.

The harder material of the containment structures76,78does not extend the total axial length L of the body90. Instead, only the volume of sealant74of the body90is located between the containment structures76,78. Thus, the containment structures76,78can move axially relative to one another as the volume of sealant74is axially compressed. For example, the containment structures76,78can be moved axially with the first and second pressurization structures60,62to assist in providing axial pressurization of the volumes of sealant74when the actuation arrangement31is actuated. In certain embodiments, the body90does not have any axial reinforcing structure that extends across the volume of sealant74and that interconnects containment structures76,78Instead, the containment structures76,78are connected together only by the volume of sealant74. As shown atFIG.15, the containment structures76,78can include truncated, conical parts79that project into the volume of sealant74in alignment with cable ports30ethat extend axially through the volume of sealant74.

The body90defines the plurality of reduced sized cable ports30ethat extend axially through the volume of sealant74. The volume of sealant74includes cable sealing surfaces80that define the reduced sized cable ports30e. Cable sealing surfaces80each have a first axial length L1(seeFIGS.15and22) that extends axially between the first and second axial containment structures76,78. The volume of sealant74also includes an exposed outer sealing surface84that surrounds a periphery of the body90and that extends around the central axis91. The outer sealing surface84has a second axial length L2(seeFIGS.15and22) that extends axially between the first and second containment structures76,78. The first axial length L1is longer than the second axial length L2to provide effective sealing about cables routed through the cable ports30e. The first and second containment structures76,78define openings94that align with the cable ports30e.

In certain embodiments, the first and second containment structures76,78of the cable sealing module33einterface with the pressurization structures60,62such that the pressurization structures60,62apply pressure axially through the first and second axial containment structures76,78to the volume of sealant74when the actuation arrangement31is actuated. In certain embodiments, engagement portions96(e.g., tabs, lips, flanges, etc.) of the pressurization structures60,62overlap the first and second containment structures76,78such that the body90is captured axially between the pressurization structures60,62. In certain embodiments, the pressurization structures60,62mate, interlock or otherwise connect with the containment structures76,78. For example, engagement portions96(e.g., projections) of the pressurization structures60,62can fit within receptacles102defined by the containment structures76,78(seeFIG.6).

To load the cable sealing modules33between the pressurization structures60,62, the cable sealing modules33are manually compressed in an axial direction (i.e., the first and second containment structures76,78are manually compressed together) to provide clearance for allowing the cable sealing modules33to fit between the pressurization structures60,62. Referring toFIG.6, when the cable sealing modules33are not axially compressed, the receptacles102define an axial spacing S1. The engagement portions96of the pressurization structures60,62define an axial spacing S2. In one example, the actuation arrangement31is configured such that the axial spacing S2is always smaller than the axial spacing S1defined by the cable sealing modules33when the cable sealing modules33are not axially compressed, even when the actuation arrangement31is in a fully expanded position. In this way, the cable sealing modules33are positively retained between the pressurization structures60,62by an interference fit such that the cable sealing modules33will not unintentionally fall out from between the pressurization structures60,62when the actuation arrangement31is fully de-actuated. To remove one of the cable sealing modules33between the pressurization structures60,62, the cable sealing module33is manually compressed in an axial direction until the axial spacing S1is less than the spacing S2and then the cable sealing module33can be manually pulled from between the pressurization structures60,62. Similarly, to insert one of the cable sealing modules33between the pressurization structures60,62, the cable sealing module33is manually compressed in an axial direction until the axial spacing S1is less than the spacing S2and then the cable sealing module33can be manually inserted between the pressurization structures60,62and then allowed to expand to lock the module between the pressurization structures60,62.

Referring back toFIGS.13and15, the body90is depicted as rectangular the outer sealing surface84forms an outer sealing band between the first and second containment structures76,78. In certain embodiments, the body90has a wrap-around configuration for allowing cables to be laterally inserted in the cable port30c. As shown atFIG.15, the wrap-around configuration is provided by manufacturing the volume of sealant74in two parts74a,74bwhich allows the body90to be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The parts74a,74beach define portions (e.g., half-portions) of each of the cable ports30e. Similarly, the first and second containment structures76,78each include two parts76a,76b;78a,78bwhich respectively correspond to the parts74a,74band which define portions (e.g., half-portions) of the openings94.

To route a cable through the sealing unit28, the sealing unit28is first de-actuated and removed from then housing22. The parts74a,76a,78aare then removed from the actuation arrangement31to expose the cable ports30e. Fiber optic cables106are then loaded into the ports30e. The parts74a,76a,78aare then re-installed in the actuation arrangement31and the sealing unit28is re-inserted into the housing22and the actuation arrangement31is actuated to compress the sealant arrangement32to provide seals about fiber optic cables106routed through the sealing unit28and to provide the peripheral seal with the base27of the housing22.

FIG.17illustrates another telecommunications enclosure320in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunications enclosure320includes a housing322having a dome324that connects to a base326. The telecommunications enclosure320also includes an insert assembly328that fits within the housing322. The insert assembly328includes a sealing unit330that fits within the base326and that defines a plurality of cable ports332(seeFIG.18). The insert assembly328also includes a frame334attached to the sealing unit330and one or more telecommunications components336(e.g., optical splicing trays, optical splices, optical power splitters, optical power splitting trays, wavelength division multiplexers, fiber managers, slack fiber storage devices and/or other structures) mounted on the frame334. The frame334is housed within the dome324when the sealing unit330is fitted within the base326. The telecommunications enclosure320further includes a mounting bracket338for mounting the housing322at a desired mounting location (e.g., on a wall, on a pole, on a handle, or at any other location) via fasteners.

The base326of the housing322has a hollow, sleeve-like configuration and defines a main opening340that extends through the base326from an outer end342of the base326to an inner end344of the base326. The inner end344of the base326connects with an open end346of the dome324at sealed interface. Latches348are used to latch the dome324to the base326. The main opening340defines an opening central axis341that extends through the main opening340. The insert assembly328is inserted into and through the base326along the central axis341. In other examples, the base326can be eliminated and the sealing unit330can mount directly in the open end346of the dome324or in any other type of cable access opening defined by a housing.

Referring toFIGS.18and19, the sealing unit330of the telecommunications enclosure320includes a sealant ring350(e.g., gel, rubber, silicone rubber, or like materials) that defines the cable ports332. The sealant ring350is formed by a plurality of cable sealing modules33of the type previously described. The cable sealant modules33are positioned within the sealing unit330such that the volumes of sealant74of adjacent cable sealing modules33contact each other. In this way, the volumes of sealant74cooperate to define the continuous sealant ring350. The sealing unit330also includes an actuation arrangement352for pressurizing the sealant ring350thereby causing the sealant ring350to form seals around cables routed through the cable ports332.

The actuation arrangement352includes inner and outer axial pressurization structures354,356between which the sealant ring350is positioned. The axial containment structures76,78of the cable sealing modules33interlock with or otherwise engage the inner and outer axial pressurization structures354,356such that inner and outer axial pressurization structures354,356and the axial containment structures76,78work together to pressurize the volumes of sealant74forming the sealant ring350. Specifically, the cable sealing modules33are captured axially between portions of the inner and outer axial pressurization structures354,356with the first axial containment structures76engaging the outer axial pressurization structure356and the second axial containment structures78engaging the inner axial pressurization structures354. Engagement portions96of the outer axial pressurization structure356fit within receptacles102of the first axial containment structures76and engagement portions96of the inner axial pressurization structure354fit within receptacles102of the second containment structures78. Sealant pressurization force is transferred axially from the inner and outer axial pressurization structures354,356through the axial containment structures76,78to the volumes of sealant74forming the sealant ring350. The first axial containment structures76correspond to the outer axial pressurization structure356and can be referred to as outer axial containment structures. The second axial containment structures78correspond to the inner axial pressurization structure354and can be referred to as inner axial containment structures.

The actuation arrangement352also includes an actuator358for forcing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures354,356together to pressurize the sealant ring350. When the sealing unit330is fitted within the base326, an axial inner side360(seeFIGS.22and23) of the sealant ring350faces toward the dome324and an axial outer side362of the sealant ring350faces away from the dome324. The second axial containment structures78oppose the axial inner side360of the sealant ring350and the first axial containment structures76oppose the axial outer side362of the sealant ring350. The inner pressurization structure354restrains inward axial movement of the second axial containment structures78and the outer pressurization structure356retrains outward axial movement of the first axial containment structures76. The cable ports332extend axially through the sealant ring350along the central axis341of the main opening340such that cables can be directed through the base326and into the dome324by routing the cables through the cable ports332. When the sealant ring350is pressurized by the actuation arrangement352, an outer radial surface349of the sealant ring350forms an outer radial seal351with the interior of the base326and an inner radial surface347of the sealant ring350forms an inner radial seal353with an outer surface of a centrally located outer axial extension355(seeFIGS.22and23) of the inner pressurization structure354. The inner and outer radial seals351,353both extend continuously around the central axis341. In the depicted embodiment, the outer axial extension355is hollow so as to define an open chamber357around which the sealant ring350extends. By providing a sealant free region that extends through the sealant ring350and that is defined by the inner axial pressurization structure354, the total volume of sealant74used by the sealing unit330can be reduced.

Referring toFIGS.22and23, the actuator358includes a handle366that is threaded on a threaded actuator shaft368. An inner end370of the threaded actuator shaft368is secured to the outer axial extension355of the inner pressurization structure354at an anchoring location371. The anchoring location371is positioned axially outward from the inner and outer radial seals351,353and the overall configuration is arranged so that a seal is not required about the threaded actuator shaft368. The threaded actuator shaft368is mounted so as to not rotate relative to the inner pressurization structure354. The actuator358further includes a spring372positioned axially between the handle366and the outer pressurization structure356. The spring372is positioned around the threaded actuator shaft368. By threading the handle366in a first direction about the threaded actuator shaft368, the handle366compresses the spring372axially against the axial outer side362of the outer pressurization structure356thereby causing the inner and outer pressurization structures354,356to be forced together such that the sealant ring350between the inner and outer pressurization structures354,356is pressurized. By threading the handle366in a second direction about the threaded actuator shaft368, the spring372is decompressed thereby depressurizing the sealant ring350. While the actuator358is depicted including a handle366on a threaded actuator shaft368, it will be appreciated that other actuation configurations such as cam lever actuation devices having non-threaded actuator shafts or other structures can be used.

Referring toFIG.22, the actuator358also includes a locking structure such as a fixed nut373anchored at a fixed axial location on the threaded actuator shaft368. The fixed nut373limits the distance the handle366can be axially retracted on the threaded actuator shaft368when the handle366is turned in the second direction about the threaded actuator shaft368. The position of the fixed nut373is selected such that the axial spacing S2never exceeds the axial spacing S1.

The anchoring location371can include a slot defined by the inner pressurization structure354that receives the inner end370of the threaded actuator shaft368. The threaded actuator shaft368can include an anti-rotation element that fits in the slot and includes one or more flats that oppose corresponding flats of the slot so that the threaded actuator shaft368is prevented from rotating relative to the inner pressurization structure354. In the example ofFIGS.22and23, the threaded actuator shaft368can be metal and the inner pressurization structure354can be plastic.FIG.24shows an example having a plastic threaded actuator shaft368′ that engages the inner axial pressurization structure354.

The insert assembly328further includes an exterior cable anchoring structure374. The exterior cable anchoring structure374is configured for allowing cables to be anchored to the insert assembly328at a position outside of the housing322. In the depicted embodiment, the exterior cable anchoring structure374includes two parallel cable anchoring plates376interconnected by a bridge plate378. The threaded actuator shaft368and the handle366extend between the cable anchoring plates376. The cable anchoring plates376include a plurality of cable tie-down locations380including openings for routing cable ties used to fasten the jackets of the cables routed into the housing322to the exterior cable anchoring structure374. The exterior cable anchoring structure374is positioned outwardly from the outer pressurization structure356and is fixed relative to the inner pressurization structure354. For example, the bridge plate378can be attached to exterior fastening sections382that are part of the outer axial extension355of the inner axial pressurization structure354and that extend axially through the outer pressurization structure356. The exterior fastening sections382are fastened to the bridge plate378of the exterior cable anchoring structure374to fix the exterior cable anchoring structure374relative to the inner pressurization structure354.

The insert assembly328can also include an interior cable anchoring structure339positioned on or near the frame334. The interior cable anchoring structure339can include fasteners, clamps, posts or other structures for securing the strength members (e.g., Kevlar members, fiber reinforced polymeric rods, or other structures) of the cables routed through the cable ports332to the frame334. The frame334is preferably connected to the inner pressurization structure354so that movement is not permitted between the frame334and the inner pressurization structure354. In this way, cables can be fixed relative to the inner pressurization structure354at locations both inside and outside the housing322of the telecommunications enclosure320.

The insert assembly328is configured to be inserted into the housing322through the outer end352of the base326. For example, the insert assembly328is inserted through the base326along the central axis341that extends through the main opening340of the base326. The insert assembly328is inserted through the base326until the sealing unit330is fully housed within the base326. Once the sealing unit330is fully housed within the base326, the inner pressurization structure354is anchored (e.g., fixed) relative to the base326. For example, a retainer384(seeFIGS.20and21) can be used to fix the inner pressurization structure354relative to the base326. The retainer384can be a U-shaped retainer that is slideably mounted to the base326. In one example, the retainer384is not removable from the base326. The retainer384is moveable relative to the base326between a non-retaining position (seeFIG.20) and a retaining position (seeFIG.21). In the non-retaining position, the retainer384is disengaged from the inner pressurization structure354such that the inner pressurization structure354can be moved relative to the base326. Also, when the retainer384is in the non-retaining position ofFIG.20, the retainer384interferes with the ability to fit the dome324on the base326. Therefore, the retainer384prevents a technician from mounting the dome324to the base326before the inner pressurization structure354has been fixed relative to the base326. When the retainer384is slid relative to the base326to the retaining position ofFIG.21while the sealing unit330is fully inserted within the base326, the retainer384slides within slots (seeFIG.23) defined by the inner pressurization structure354such that the inner pressurization structure354is prevented from moving along the central axis341by the retainer384.

To load the insert assembly328within the housing322, the insert assembly328is initially inserted through the base326until the sealing unit330is housed within the base326. Next, the retainer384is moved from the non-retaining position ofFIG.20to the retaining position ofFIG.21such that the inner pressurization structure354of the actuation arrangement352is fixed relative to the base326. Thereafter, the handle366can be threaded in the first direction about the threaded actuator shaft368to pressurize the sealant ring350thereby forming seals about cables routed through the cable ports332and forming the inner and outer radial seals351,353. The dome324can then be fitted to the base326and secured in place by the latches348. As so configured, the frame334and the telecommunications components336are positioned within the dome324. The telecommunications enclosure320can be re-entered without disturbing the sealing unit330by unlatching the latches348and removing the dome324from the base326. A technician can then access the telecommunications components336on the frame334for servicing, maintenance, upgrades or other servicing needs. If desired, the retainer384can be removed to the non-retaining position and the inert assembly328can be pulled out from the outer end342of the base326.

FIGS.25and26show another sealing unit430in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The sealing unit430includes a sealant ring450that can be of the type previously described herein. The sealing unit430includes an actuation arrangement452for pressurizing the sealant ring450thereby causing the sealant ring450to form seals around cables routed through cable ports defined by the sealant ring450. The actuation arrangement452includes inner and outer axial pressurization structures454,456between which the sealant ring450is positioned. The inner and outer axial pressurization structures454,456can be of the type previously described herein. The actuation arrangement452includes an actuator458for forcing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures454,456together to pressurize the sealant ring450. The actuator458includes a handle assembly490that is mounted on a threaded shaft468. An inner end470of the threaded shaft468is secured to an outer axial extension455of the inner axial pressurization structure454at an anchoring location471. The threaded shaft468is mounted so as to not rotate relative to the inner pressurization structure454. The handle assembly490includes a base491that is threaded on the threaded shaft468and a handle466that can be universally pivoted relative to the base491. The handle466is pivotally connected to an intermediate link492at a first pivot axis493. The intermediate link492is pivotally connected to the base491at a second pivot axis494. The first and second pivot axes493,494are perpendicular relative to one another. In this way, the handle466can be universally pivoted relative to the base491and the threaded shaft468on which the base491is threaded. A spring472is positioned axially between the base491and the outer pressurization structure456. The spring472is positioned around the threaded shaft468. By manually turning the handle466in a first rotational direction about its central axis, the base491is threaded onto the threaded shaft468causing the base491to compress the spring472axially against the outer axial side of the outer axial pressurization structure456thereby causing the inner and outer axial pressurization structures454,456to be forced together such that the sealant ring450between the inner and outer axial pressurization structures454,456is pressurized. By turning the handle466about its central longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction, the base491is unthreaded from the threaded shaft468thereby allowing the spring472to decompress thereby depressurizing the sealant ring450. The ability to universally pivot the handle466is advantageous particularly when many cables have been routed into the enclosure thereby making access to the handle466difficult. The universal pivot allows the handle466to be pivoted out from the cables routed to the enclosure thereby providing access to the handle466and allowing the actuation arrangement452to be easily pressurized and/or depressurized. In certain examples, the handle466can be detached from the intermediate link492by removing a pivot pin that extends along the first pivot axis493. Typically, the handle466would be disconnected from the intermediate link492after the actuation arrangement452has been fully pressurized. In this way, the overall assembly occupies less space. Moreover, the absence of the handle466deters an unauthorized person from depressurizing the sealant unit430.

It will be appreciated that various materials can be used to form the sealant arrangement. Example materials include elastomers, including natural or synthetic rubbers (e.g., EPDM rubber or silicone rubber). In other embodiments, polymeric foam (e.g., open cell or closed cell) such as silicone foam can be used. In still other embodiments, the sealing members may comprise gel and/or gel combined with another material such as an elastomer. The gel may, for example, comprise silicone gel, urea gel, urethane gel, thermoplastic gel, or any suitable gel or geloid sealing material. Gels are normally substantially incompressible when placed under a compressive force and normally flow and conform to their surroundings thereby forming sealed contact with other surfaces. Example gels include oil-extended polymers. The polymer may, for example, comprise an elastomer, or a block copolymer having relatively hard blocks and relatively elastomeric blocks. Example copolymers include styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene di-block or tri-block copolymers. In still other embodiments, the polymer of the gel may include one or more styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers. Example extender oils used in example gels may, for example, be hydrocarbon oils (e.g., paraffinic or naphthenic oils or polypropene oils, or mixtures thereof). The sealing members can also include additives such as moisture scavengers, antioxidants, tackifiers, pigments and/or fungicides. In certain embodiments, sealing members in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure have ultimate elongations greater than 100 percent with substantially elastic deformation to an elongation of at least 100 percent. In other embodiments, sealing members in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure have ultimate elongations of at least 200 percent, or at least 500 percent, or at least 1000 percent. Ultimate elongation can be determined by the testing protocol set forth at ASTM D412.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND CORRESPONDING FEATURES

20enclosure22housing24end25clamp26sealing unit opening27base28sealing unit29cover30cable ports30a-30fcable ports31actuation arrangement32sealant arrangement33a-33fcable sealing modules35actuator36lever arms41major axis52spring60inner pressurization structure62outer pressurization structure64cam surfaces70first axial end72second axial end74volume of sealant74a,74bhalf-parts of sealant76first axial containment structure76a,76bfirst half-parts of axial containment structure78second axial containment structure78a,78bsecond half-parts of axial containment structure79conical parts80cable sealing surfaces84outer sealing surface90body91body axis94openings96engagement portions102receptacles106fiber optic cables170actuator shaft190frame192optical components320telecommunications enclosure322housing324dome326base328insert assembly330sealing unit332plurality of cable ports334frame336telecommunications components338mounting bracket339interior cable anchoring structure340main opening341central axis342outer end344inner end346open end347inner radial surface348latches349outer radial surface350sealant ring351outer radial seal352actuation arrangement353inner radial seal354inner axial pressurization structures355outer axial extension356outer axial pressurization structures357open chamber358actuator360axial inner side362axial outer side366handle368threaded actuator shaft370inner end371anchoring location372spring373fixed nut374exterior cable anchoring structure376cable anchoring plates378bridge plate380cable tie-down locations382exterior fastening sections384retainer430sealing unit450sealant ring452actuation arrangement454inner axial pressurization structure455outer axial extension456outer axial pressurization structure458actuator466handle468threaded shaft470inner end471anchoring location472spring490handle assembly491base492intermediate link493first pivot axis494second pivot axisL total axial lengthL1first axial lengthL2second axial lengthP1non-actuated positionP2actuated positionS1axial spacingS2axial spacing