US20070284132A1 - Method of making closure housing for sealing - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is provided for making a closure housing for sealing. The method includes forming a plurality of housings. At least one of the housings is formed as a concave housing with an open face. The method also includes aligning one or more layers, such as for example an elastomeric film or conformable selant, on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method also includes securing the elastomeric films on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The elastomeric films are adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings.

Description

BACKGROUND
• Closure housings have been used in the telecommunications industry and electrical utilities industry for the purpose of protecting cables from outside environmental elements. Such closure housings can be installed above-ground as aerial closures, buried underground, placed in hand-holes, or mounted on poles. The outer perimeter of the closure housing provides mechanical protection from environmental elements such as rains, floods, winds, and snow, and other water or dirt particles that may harm the splice or connector.
SUMMARY
• Embodiments of the invention, for example, can advantageously include a method of making a closure housing for sealing. The method can include forming several housings. At least one of the housings can be formed as a concave housing with an open face. The method can also include aligning one or more elastomeric films on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method can also include securing the elastomeric films on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The elastomeric films are adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings to seal the cables from environmental conditions.
• Also, for example, embodiments of the invention can advantageously include an alternative method of making a closure housing for sealing. The method can include forming several housings. At least one of the housings can be formed as a concave housing with an open face. The method can also include aligning one or more flexible layers on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method can also include securing the flexible layers on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method can also include covering the flexible layers with the elastomeric films in a substantially planar configuration across the flexible layers. The elastomeric films are adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings to seal the cables from environmental conditions.
• Also, for example, embodiments of the invention can advantageously include an alternative method of making a closure housing for sealing. The method can include forming several housings. At least one of the housings can be formed as a concave housing with an open face. The method can also include aligning one or more flexible layers on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method can also include securing the flexible layers on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method can also include covering the flexible layers with the conformable sealants in a substantially planar configuration across the flexible layers. The conformable sealants are adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings to seal the cables from environmental conditions.
• In operation, the invention advantageously provides improved protection and watertight sealing of one or more cables and/or joining components from harmful environmental conditions in the communications industry (such as telecommunications industry), utilities industry (such as electrical utilities industry), or other industries involving the distribution of cables and/or the transmission of optical light or electricity, seeking improved solutions regarding sealing solutions, re-enterability solutions, pressure condition solutions, space condition solutions, and weight condition solutions advantageously provided by the invention.
• In one aspect of the invention, the inclusion of the elastomeric film, flexible layer, and/or conformable sealant, in combination with the hollow nature of the concave housing, advantageously provides a solution for a closure housing that offers improved sealing, while at the same time providing a closure housing that is re-enterable to an extent not provided in existing closure housings.
• Further, in another aspect, the invention advantageously provides improved mechanical cable stress and strain relief based on pressure changes during periods of operation. The relatively soft surface of the layers mounted to the housings can deform to accommodate pressure changes, without placing undue stress on the outer perimeter of the housings. The compliance of the deformable layers mounted to the housings allows for significant changes in the shape of the closure while maintaining a watertight seal. Because the volume protected from water is only marginally larger than the volume of the splice, and generally significantly smaller than the entire volume of the interior of the closure housing, the influence of pressure changes are advantageously minimized, as compared to rendering the entire volume of the closure housing watertight.
• Further, the hollow nature of the concave housing advantageously provides increased room or space for the displacement of large cables inside the closure housing. Further, the hollow nature of the concave housing advantageously provides a lightweight solution for a closure housing, and the decrease in weight importantly allows for easier installation and transport, as well as a reduction in cost associated with the manufacture of such a closure housing.
• In the past, closure housings have demonstrated problems that have not as yet been overcome in the art. Prior closure housings, and the sealing mechanism thereof, have demonstrated significant changes in shape with changing temperatures. Such changes in shape have caused loss of the seal and failure of the water and dirt particle barrier properties important to the sealing function. Prior closure housings also have presented the problem of not being easily re-enterable, which is significant in cases where cable repair or splice repair is necessary. The excess materials and heavier weight associated with prior closure housings contributed to increased waste and more difficult transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1ais an isometric view of a housing in an open position, showing the hollow concave interior of the housing.
• FIG. 1bis an isometric view of a housing in an open position, showing gas bladders filling the concave interior of the housing.
• FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a closure housing in an open position, including a layer across the open face of the housing, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the closure housing ofFIG. 2 in a closed position according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the closure housing ofFIG. 2 including one or more cables according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the closure housing ofFIG. 3 including one or more cables according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a closure housing taken along line6-6 ofFIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a closure housing in an open position, including layers across the open face of the housing, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the closure housing ofFIG. 7 in a closed position according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the closure housing ofFIG. 7 in an open position including one or more cables according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the closure housing ofFIG. 8 in a closed position including one or more cables according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a closure housing taken along line11-11 ofFIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a closure housing including endseals according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a closure housing including arcuate channels according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a closure housing having arcuate channels in a closed position including one or more cables according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 15ais an isometric view of removable walls having arcuate channels according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 15bis an isometric view of a housing prior to installation of the removable walls ofFIG. 15a,according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 15cis an isometric view of a housing after installation of the removable walls ofFIG. 15a,according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a housing after installation of adapter walls including arcuate channels according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a closure housing including one or more cables according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a housing receiving a barb to secure a layer thereto according to an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a housing having an adhesive thereon to secure a layer thereto according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As shown in the Figures, the invention includes a plurality ofhousings12, at least one of which comprises aconcave housing12 with an open face. Embodiments of the invention can include, for example, facingmated housings12, where two or more of the plurality ofhousings12 areconcave housings12 with an open face, and where the open face of one of theconcave housings12 faces and mates with the open face of anadjacent housing12. Embodiments can also include one or more hinges, such as a living hinge, or other fasteners positioned atcircumferential perimeter15 portions of each of thehousings12 to join eachhousing12 with anadjacent housing12. Also, for example, embodiments can include clips, bolts, or other fasteners used to maintain theentire closure housing10 in the closed position or hold theelastomeric film20 in a sealed configuration.
• Thehousings12 can be made by various processes, for example, injection molding, blow molding, spin molding, extrusion molding, vacuum molding, rotational molding, and thermal forming. Embodiments of thehousings12 can be made from various materials, for example, aluminum, steel, metal alloys, and plastics, particularly thermoplastics, such as polyolefins, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyvinyls, and other polymeric materials. Theplastic housing12 embodiments can use a metal reinforcing strip for increased stability and strength.
• As shown inFIG. 1a,thehousings12 can be hollow and concave. Theconcave housings12 can include a large concavity or a small concavity, and can include, for example, a concavity such as within a hollow rectangular box having an open face, or a concavity such as within a hollow semi-circular sphere having an open face. The closure can include, for example, embodiments where the volume between an inside wall of theconcave housing12 and theelastomeric film20 is substantially free of filler material.
• As shown inFIG. 1aand implemented inFIG. 7, for example, the closure can include embodiments where the volume between an inside wall of theconcave housing12 and theflexible layer22 is substantially free of filler material. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1bthe closure can include embodiments, for example, wherecompressible gas bladders70 are positioned in the concave cavity of theconcave housing12. Also, the closure can include embodiments whererupturable gas bladders70 are positioned in the concave cavity of theconcave housing12. The material used to makegas bladders70 is usually polyethylene. The diameter, height, and pressure of thegas bladders70 may vary. Thegas bladders70, for example, can be “bubble wrap.” Thegas bladders70, for example, can include nitrogen filledbladders70. Thegas bladders70 advantageously apply a relatively consistent pressure to thecables30 and/or joiningcomponent35 inside theclosure housing10. Also, embodiments of thegas bladders70 can be pre-assembled with a film on the top and/or bottom of thegas bladder70.
• Also, as shown inFIG. 14, the closure can include embodiments where a portion of the wall of theconcave housing12 comprises one ormore orifices72, to let air penetrate within the volume inside theconcave housing12.
• As shown in the Figures, embodiments of thehousing12 can, for example, include one or moreflexible layers22 mounted on acircumferential perimeter15 portion of theconcave housings12 across the open face of each of theconcave housings12. Alternatively, for example, thehousing12 can include one or moreelastomeric films20 orconformable sealants20 mounted on acircumferential perimeter15 portion of theconcave housings12 across the open face of each of theconcave housings12.
• For example, as shown inFIGS. 2-6, theflexible layer22, or alternatively theelastomeric film20, can be mounted to thehousing12 by aligning one or moreelastomeric films20 to one or more of theconcave housings12 in a substantially planar configuration across acircumferential perimeter15 of the open face of eachconcave housing12, and securing theelastomeric films20 on theconcave housings12.
• Also, for example, as shown inFIGS. 7-14, thehousing12 can include both aflexible layer22 and anelastomeric film20 mounted thereon, in which case each of the one or moreelastomeric films20 covers a surface portion of each of the flexible layers22. Also, for example, as shown inFIGS. 7-14, thehousing12 can include both aflexible layer22 and aconformable sealant20 mounted thereon, in which case theconformable sealant20 covers a surface portion of each of the flexible layers22. Also, for example, thehousing12 can include both an elastomeric film and a conformable sealant mounted thereon, in which case the conformable sealant covers a surface portion of each of the elastomeric film.
• Also, for example, thehousing12 can include two flexible layers and an elastomeric film mounted thereon. One example of such an embodiment provides a first flexible layer in the form of a rubber material mounted to theconcave housing12. The second flexible layer is in the form of a woven or non-woven web of strands covering the first flexible layer. Finally, an elastomeric film also covers the first flexible layer while at the same time co-continuously interpenetrating the second flexible layer web of strands.
• Also, for example, thehousing12 can include two flexible layers and a conformable sealant mounted thereon. One example of such an embodiment provides a first flexible layer in the form of a rubber material mounted to theconcave housing12. The second flexible layer is in the form of a porous substrate covering the first flexible layer. Finally, a conformable sealant also covers the first flexible layer while at the same time co-continuously interpenetrating the second flexible layer porous substrate.
• Also, for example, thehousing12 can include one elastomeric film layer mounted thereon across the open face on thecircumferential perimeter15 of thehousing12, while at the same time featuring a cable pre-wrapped with a separate elastomeric film that is housed within thehousing12. This embodiment offers the advantages of having multiple points of sealing. The elastomeric film that wraps the cable acts as a first point of sealing, and theelastomeric film layer20 that is mounted to the housing acts as a second point of sealing.
• In accordance with the invention, the flexible layer can be any layer that is flexible, the elastomeric film can be any layer exhibiting elastomeric properties, and the conformable sealant can be any material capable of conforming itself to an adjacent structure. For example, a rubber material can be both a flexible layer and an elastomeric film. Also, for example, a polymeric gel material can be a flexible layer, an elastomeric film, and a conformable sealant as well. Also, for example, a grease material can be a conformable sealant.
• Theelastomeric film20 typically includes at least a polymer and an oil portion. Embodiments of theelastomeric film20 can include, for example, a polymeric thermoplastic hydrophobic gel sealant including at least a portion of oil.
• The properties of the polymer which make it most suited for this application are good compatibility with the oil, and rubber-like morphology, meaning flexible chains with some significant molecular flexibility between cross-linking sites. Examples of polymers that are useful can include oil-filled silicones, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyepoxys, polyacrylates, polyolefins, polysiloxanes, polybutadienes (including polyisoprenes), and hydrogenated polybutadienes and polyisoprenes, as well as copolymers, including block copolymers and graft copolymers. The blocks of the block copolymers may include the above polymers and poly(monoalkenylarenes) including polystyrene. Examples of these bock copolymers can include particularly SEBS (Styrene, ethylene-butylene, Styrene), SEPS (Styrene, ethylene-propylene, Styrene), similar Styrene-rubber-Styrene polymers, di-block, tri-block, graft- and star-block copolymers, and block copolymers with blocks which are non-homogeneous. Closed-cell foamed materials, and those incorporating microbubbles or other soft (or hard) fillers can also be included.
• Embodiments of the invention can feature theelastomeric film20 as a thermoplastic or alternatively as being cured in place. In the form of thermal cures, room temperature vulcanizable cures (RTV cures), UV-initiated cures, e-beam cures, radiation initiated cures, and cures from exposure to air and/or moisture. Theelastomeric film20 typically has greater cohesion than adhesion.
• The portion of oil in theelastomeric film20 can be, for example, in the range of about 50% to about 98% of theelastomeric film20, or more particularly, in the range of about 85% to about 98% of theelastomeric film20. Also, for example, embodiments of theelastomeric film20 can include filler particles, such as polymeric spheres or glass microspheres. One example of such filler particles is deformable bubbles, where theelastomeric film20 is formed by foaming and adding discrete bubbles. The added bubbles can be polymeric or glass microbubbles. Addition of such filler particles or bubbles allows theelastomeric film20 to demonstrate volume compliance which will further allow conformity of theelastomeric film20 in operation.
• Embodiments of the oil can include, for example, an extender such as synthetic oils, vegetable oils, silicones, esters, hydrocarbon oils, including particularly naphthinic oils and paraffinic oils and blends, and also possibly some small percentage of aromatic oils. Some compositions within theelastomeric film20 are intermediate between the polymer and the oil. For example, theelastomeric film20 can include a liquid rubber which may not become part of the gel-forming polymer network. Examples of such a liquid rubber can include polybutene of moderate molecular weight, and low molecular weight EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber). Adding a liquid rubber to the polymer and oil can tailor the characteristics of the sealant by increasing the tack, for example. Takifiers, antioxidants, colorants, UV stabilizers, and others can be added.
• Typically, the oil is advantageously hydrophobic to keep water out. Also, typically, the oil advantageously reduces the amount of chain entanglements and the number of crosslinks per volume, thereby making the material softer in the gel form. Also, typically, the oil advantageously reduces the viscosity of either the precursor (before curing) or the melted thermoplastic. Also, typically, the oil is relatively inexpensive thereby reducing the cost of the total formulation.
• As mentioned previously, aconformable sealant20 can be used with thehousing12 in various embodiments. Embodiments of theconformable sealant20 provide the required mechanical properties of low shear yield point, and higher adhesion than cohesion. Embodiments of theconformable sealant20 can include, for example, a thickener cooperating with at least a portion of oil.
• The thickener can include, for example, an organic polymeric composition. The organic polymeric composition can include, for example, polymers including polyurethanes, polyesters, polyepoxys, polyacrylates, polyolefins, polysiloxanes, polybutadienes (including polyisoprenes) and hydrogenated polybutadienes and polyisoprenes, as well as block copolymers. The blocks of the block copolymers can include, for example, the above polymers and poly(monoalkenylarenes) including polystyrene. These bock copolymers can include particularly SEB (Styrene, ethylene-butylene), SEP (Styrene, ethylene-propylene), SEBS (Styrene, ethylene-butylene, Styrene), SEPS (Styrene, ethylene-propylene, Styrene), similar Styrene-rubber polymers, di-block, graft- and star-block copolymers, and block copolymers with blocks which are non-homogeneous.
• Also, for example, the thickener can include an inorganic sol composition. The inorganic sol composition can include, for example, alumina, silica, or clay. Also, for example, the thickener can include a soap composition. The soap composition can include, for example, metal complex soaps, aluminum complex soaps, lithium complex soaps, or calcium complex soaps. Also, for example, the thickener can be a greases, waxes (including polyethylene and polypropylene waxes), or viscoelastic polymeric hydrophobic composition including at least a portion of oil. Theconformable sealant20 can also be prepared from shearing gels, for example, as understood by those skilled in the art.
• The portion of oil in theconformable sealant20 can be, for example, in the range of about 50% to about 98% of theconformable sealant20, or more particularly, in the range of about 70% to about 98% of theconformable sealant20. For example, the oil can be a hydrocarbon oil, including particularly naphthinic oils and paraffinic oils and blends, and also possibly aromatic oils. Also, for example, embodiments of theconformable sealant20 can include filler particles, such as polymeric spheres or glass microspheres. One example of such filler particles is deformable bubbles, where theconformable sealant20 is formed by foaming or by adding discrete bubbles. The added bubbles can be polymeric or glass microbubbles. Addition of such filler particles or bubbles allows theconformable sealant20 to demonstrate volume compliance which will further allow conformity of theconformable sealant20 in operation.
• As mentioned previously, aflexible layer22 can be used with thehousing12 in various embodiments. Theflexible layer22 can include, for example, a rubber, elastomer, or other elastic material. Theflexible layer22 can be used alone by itself, or alternatively theflexible layer22 can be used in cooperation with theelastomeric film20 and/orconformable sealant20. An adhesive may be applied between theflexible layer22 and theelastomeric film20 orconformable sealant20 in those cases in which multiple layers are utilized with thehousing12. Additionally, theflexible layer22 can include, for example, a woven web of strands or a non-woven web of strands, capable of co-continuously interpenetrating with theelastomeric film20. Theflexible layer22 can also include, for example, a porous substrate capable of co-continuously interpenetrating with theconformable sealant20. Theflexible layer22 can also include, for example, open-cell foams and open geometry webs. Theflexible layer22 can be capable of deforming to seal a solid object such as acable30.
• As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, theflexible layer22 can be mounted to thehousing12 in various ways. For example, a fastener can be inserted through theelastomeric film20 and theflexible layer22 when theelastomeric film20 and theflexible layer22 are mounted to thehousing12. Such fasteners can include screws, bolts, self-tapping screws, ‘christmas tree’ fasteners, trim panel retainers, or other types of fasteners. Also, for example, an adhesive62 can be used to mount theflexible layer22 to thehousing12. Also, for example, embodiments can include abarb60 extending from theflexible layer22, and a slot defined in thehousing12, where thebarb60 is capable of being inserted through the slot. In such an example, it would be difficult to remove thebarb60 from the slot in thehousing12 after thebarb60 was inserted therethrough. Other methods of bonding can be envisioned, including thermal and thermal compression techniques.
• As shown inFIGS. 5,10, and14, thehousing12 can be used to seal thecables30 and/or joiningcomponents35 from water, particles, or other environmental elements outside the closure. A first portion of each of thecables30, for example, can be interposed between the facinghousings12 and layers mounted to thehousings12. A second portion of each of thecables30, for example, can extend outside of the facinghousings12 and layers mounted to thehousings12. Embodiments of thecable30 can include, for example, a copper oraluminum wire cable30, apreterminated cable30, a glassoptical fiber cable30, a polymeroptical fiber cable30, a hybrid wire andfiber optic cable30, or any other type ofcable30 that conducts light and/or electricity.
• Thehousing12 can advantageously operate to seal asingle cable30 or a series ofcables30 from water or other environmental elements. Embodiments can include, for example, acable30 or series ofcables30 joined to anothercable30 or series ofcables30 within the closure via a joiningcomponent35, or asingle cable30 run all the way through the closure as a single unit, or, for example, both can occur within a single closure. Each of thecables30 passing inside or through the closure is configured along a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the open face of theconcave housing12. The circumferential perimeter portions are joined by one or more fasteners at opposite sides of the open face to retain theclosure housing10 in the closed or shut position with thecables30 sealed therein.
• In some embodiments that do not include a joiningcomponent35 joining two ormore cables30, asingle cable30 running through the closure may need to be sealed from water or other environmental elements after a cable repair material is applied for repair or maintenance of thecable30. In such a case where a cable repair material surrounds one ormore cables30 within the closure, the worn or torn portion of thecable30 that contains the cable repair material interfaces a portion of at least one of theelastomeric films20, for example, after being interposed between the facinghousings12 of the closure. Embodiments of the cable repair material applied to thecable30 can include, for example, tapes, mastics, foams, epoxys, encapsulants, shield bond connectors, braid, #6 ground wire, and other types of cable repair materials.
• If a joiningcomponent35 is used to join two ormore cables30, thehousing12 advantageously operates to seal not only eachcable30 run inside or through the closure, but also to seal the joiningcomponent35 inside the closure from water or other environmental elements. Embodiments of the joiningcomponent35 can include, for example, a splice or other joiningcomponent35 having connectors therein (including discrete connectors, modular connectors, tap connectors, preterminated connector, or other connectors). Also, for example, in some applications the joiningcomponent35 can include a termination, where thecable30 is joined with a terminal piece of electrical or fiber optic equipment.
• The joiningcomponent35 can interface a portion of each layer mounted to eachhousing12 and can thereby be interposed between the layers mounted to thehousings12. For example, the joiningcomponent35 can interface a portion of theelastomeric film20 mounted on each of thehousings12, thereby being interposed between theelastomeric films20 mounted to thehousings12. Embodiments including any or all of theflexible layer22,elastomeric film20, and/orconformable sealant20 advantageously operate to prevent external particles and fluids from accessing the portion of the one ormore cables30 interposed between theflexible layers22,elastomeric films20, and/orconformable sealants20.
• In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 17, if more than onecable30 is desired to enter the closure housing on either side, and if theseveral cables20 are too close together, then there may be a small space which exists between thecables30 of which theelastomeric film20 does not fill the volume. In such a case, theconcave housing12 would not include side walls52 (neither fixed nor removable) oradapters54, such as shown inFIG. 15b.Because the side walls are not included in theconcave housing12, a clip, clamp, orother fastener80 or series of clips, clamps, orfasteners80 can be used to clamp the facing layers ofelastomeric film20 to each other at the portion between thecables30, thereby closing the volume of space between thecables30 and sealing thecables30 from water, dirt, or other environmental particles.
• In some embodiments, if desirable, thehousing12 can be designed to better interface or seal a particular diameter ofcable30. For example,concave housings12 ofFIG. 1 can be redesigned to include a set of one or more walls having one or more substantiallyarcuate channels50 configured to receive acable30 having a substantially equal diameter as thearcuate channels50. Thearcuate channels50 on the walls are typically located at the position on thecircumferential perimeter15 of thehousing12 where thecable30 will be placed. Also, for example, as shown inFIG. 15 the set of one or more walls can beremovable walls52 capable of being removed from theconcave housing12 and replaced with a second set of one or more walls having one or more substantiallyarcuate channels50 configured to receive one ormore cables30 having substantially equal diameters as thearcuate channels50 of the second set of walls.FIG. 15bshows thehousing12 before installation of theremovable walls52, andFIG. 15cshows thehousing12 after installation of theremovable walls52.
• Also, for example, as shown inFIG. 16, theconcave housings12 can include a set of one or moreremovable adapter walls54 positioned on a set of fixed walls on thecircumferential perimeter15 of each of theconcave housings12, where theadapter walls54 can include one or more substantiallyarcuate channels50 configured to receive acable30 having a substantially equal diameter as thearcuate channels50.
• As shown in the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 6,11, and12, a volume of space can exist between theelastomeric film20 mounted to one of thehousings12 and theelastomeric film20 mounted to another of the housings12 (between the cable and the joining component), whereby the volume of space is advantageously compliant to changes in air pressure. The space can advantageously allow the volume of the space to be compressed responsive to increases of the external pressure of the volume inside theconcave housing12 outside theelastomeric film20.
• As shown inFIG. 12, for example, a portion of thecircumferential perimeter15 of the open face of each of thehousings12 can include anendseal40 of elastomeric material applied thereon. Also, for example, theendseal40 of elastomeric material can alternatively be spirally wrapped or otherwise wrapped around thecable30 to surround thecable30 at a position on thecable30 configured to align or to interface with a portion of thecircumferential perimeter15 of the open face of thehousing12. Also, for example, theendseal40 could include arubber gasket endseal40, understood by those skilled in the art, having a split portion to fit over thecable30, where therubber gasket endseal40 thereby forms a sealed interface with thecable30.
• The endseal40 material, as understood by those skilled in the art, includes polymers and formulations including, for example, oils, plasticizers, and other polymeric materials, rubber tape with or without adhesive, vinyl tape, as well as materials that would be considered mastic. The endseal40 material can also be the same material as used in the aforementionedelastomeric film20.
• In operation, the invention advantageously provides improved protection and watertight sealing of one ormore cables30 and/or joiningcomponents35 from harmful environmental conditions in the communications industry (such as telecommunications industry), utilities industry (such as electrical utilities industry), or other industry involving the distribution ofcables30 and/or the transmission of optical light or electricity, seeking improved solutions regarding sealing solutions, re-enterability solutions, pressure condition solutions, space condition solutions, and weight condition solutions advantageously provided by the invention.
• The inclusion of theelastomeric film20,flexible layer22, and/orconformable sealant20, in combination with the hollow nature of theconcave housing12, advantageously provides a solution for aclosure housing10 that offers exceptional sealing, while at the same time providing aclosure housing10 that is re-enterable to an extent not provided inprevious closure housings10.
• Further, the invention advantageously provides improvedmechanical cable30 stress and strain relief based on inevitable pressure changes during periods of operation. The relatively soft surface of the layers mounted to thehousings12 can deform to accommodate pressure changes, without putting undue stress on the outer perimeter of thehousings12. The compliance of the deformable layers mounted to thehousings12 allows for significant changes in the shape of the closure while maintaining a watertight seal. Because the volume protected from water is only marginally larger than the volume of the splice, and generally significantly smaller than the entire volume of the interior of theclosure housing10, the influence of pressure changes are advantageously minimized, as compared to rendering the entire volume of theclosure housing10 watertight.
• Further, the hollow nature of theconcave housing12 advantageously provides increased room or space for the displacement oflarge cables30 inside theclosure housing10. Further, the hollow nature of theconcave housing12 advantageously provides a lighter solution for aclosure housing10, and the decrease in weight importantly allows for easier installation and transport, as well as a reduction in cost associated with the manufacture of such aclosure housing10.
• Although the aforementioned detailed description contains many specific details for purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations, changes, substitutions, and alterations to the details are within the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the invention described in the detailed description is set forth without imposing any limitations on the claimed invention. The proper scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their appropriate legal equivalents.

Claims (21)

1. A method comprising:

forming a plurality of housings, at least one of which comprises a concave housing with an open face;

aligning one or more elastomeric films on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings; and

securing the elastomeric films on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings, the elastomeric films adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

2. The method as defined byclaim 1, further comprising:

applying an endseal of elastomeric material aligned with the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings.

3. The method as defined byclaim 1, further comprising:

maintaining a significant space between an inside wall of the concave housing and the elastomeric film.

4. The method as defined byclaim 1, further comprising:

filling a portion of volume between an inside wall of the concave housing and the elastomeric film with gas bladders.

5. The method as defined byclaim 1, further comprising:

aligning one or more cables along a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the open face of the concave housing;

positioning the open face of one of the housings to face the open face of an adjacent housing, thereby defining a plurality of facing housings;

interposing a portion of one or more cables between the elastomeric films on the facing housings; and

sealing the cables from environmental conditions.

6. The method as defined byclaim 5, further comprising:

preventing external particles and fluids from accessing the portion of the one or more cables interposed between the elastomeric films.

7. The method as defined byclaim 5, further comprising:

joining two or more cables with a joining component;

interposing a portion of the joining component between the elastomeric films on the facing housings, the elastomeric films adapted to interface the joining component when the joining component is interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings; and

sealing the joining component from environmental conditions.

8. A method comprising:

forming a plurality of housings, at least one of which comprises a concave housing with an open face;

aligning one or more flexible layers on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings;

securing the flexible layers on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings; and

covering the one or more flexible layers with one or more elastomeric films in a substantially planar configuration across the flexible layers, the elastomeric films adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

9. The method as defined byclaim 8, further comprising:

applying an endseal of elastomeric material aligned with a portion of the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings.

10. The method as defined byclaim 8, further comprising:

substantially preventing filler material from occupying a portion of volume between an inside wall of the concave housing and the flexible layer.

11. The method as defined byclaim 8, further comprising:

filling a portion of volume between an inside wall of the concave housing and the flexible layer with gas bladders.

12. The method as defined byclaim 8, further comprising:

aligning one or more cables along a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the open face of the concave housings;

positioning the open face of one of the housings to face the open face of an adjacent housing, thereby defining a plurality of facing housings;

interposing a portion of one or more cables between the elastomeric films on the facing housings; and

sealing the cables from environmental conditions.

13. The method as defined byclaim 12, further comprising:

preventing external particles and fluids from accessing the portion of the one or more cables interposed between the elastomeric films.

14. The method as defined byclaim 12, further comprising:

joining two or more cables with a joining component;

interposing a portion of the joining component between the elastomeric films on the facing housings, the elastomeric films adapted to interface the joining component when the joining component is interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings; and

sealing the joining component from environmental conditions.

15. A method comprising:

forming a plurality of housings, at least one of which comprises a concave housing with an open face;

aligning one or more flexible layers on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings;

securing the flexible layers on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings; and

covering the one or more flexible layers with one or more conformable sealants in a substantially planar configuration across the flexible layers, the conformable sealants adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the conformable sealants on the housings to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

16. The method as defined byclaim 15, further comprising:

applying an endseal of elastomeric material aligned with a portion of the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings.

17. The method as defined byclaim 15, further comprising:

maintaining a significant space between an inside wall of the concave housing and the flexible layer.

18. The method as defined byclaim 15, further comprising:

filling a portion of volume between an inside wall of the concave housing and the flexible layer with gas bladders.

19. The method as defined byclaim 15, further comprising:

aligning one or more cables along a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the open face of the concave housings;

positioning the open face of one of the housings to face the open face of an adjacent housing, thereby defining a plurality of facing housings;

interposing a portion of one or more cables between the conformable sealants on the facing housings; and

sealing the cables from environmental conditions.

20. The method as defined byclaim 19, further comprising:

preventing external particles and fluids from accessing the portion of the one or more cables interposed between the conformable sealants.

21. The method as defined byclaim 19, further comprising:

joining two or more cables with a joining component;

interposing a portion of the joining component between the conformable sealants on the facing housings, the conformable sealants adapted to interface the joining component when the joining component is interposed between the conformable sealants on the housings; and

sealing the joining component from environmental conditions.

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