Turret bushing guard

Abstract

An enclosure that includes a first section, a second section, and a port. The second section is movably connected to the first section. The port is movably connected between the first section and the second section. The port includes a body with an aperture. The body is movable relative to the second section to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture.

Description

PCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025)Attorney Docket No. 34704-2436 (990-317 WO)Turret Bushing GuardCross-Reference to Related Application:

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 695,417, filed September 17, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field:

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an enclosure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an enclosure with an egress opening with an adjustable angular position.Background:

[0003] Guards or enclosures may be positioned around equipment (e.g., electrical equipment) to provide protection for the equipment. The enclosures may provide protection from the elements (e.g., precipitation) and / or limit the ability for wildlife to access the equipment. For example, an enclosure can be positioned around an electrical device and can limit access from wildlife to assist in preventing injury to the wildlife and / or damage to the equipment.

[0004] To enable the ingress and egress of electrical conductors, enclosures may include flexible features (e.g., fingers) on one or more sides of the enclosure. The flexible features may extend along at least a portion of a side of the enclosure to permit an electrical conductor to pass through the flexible features are a variety of angles.

[0005] However, the flexible features may still provide access to wildlife. For example, flying animals (e.g., bees and other insects) may be able to fit between adjacent fingers and access the interior of the enclosure. Additionally, fingers may fatigue or fail, which may create larger openings sufficient for climbing animals (e.g., squirrels) to enter the enclosure. It therefore may be beneficial to include an opening that limits access toPCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) wildlife over the lifetime of the enclosure, and permits a conductor to ingress / egress at different anglesSummary:

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can overcome various of the aforementioned and other disadvantages associated with known enclosures and offer new advantages as well.

[0007] According to one aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure there is provided an enclosure that includes a body and an opening that is movable relative to the body.

[0008] According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosure that includes a first section, a second section, and a port. The second section is movably connected to the first section. The port is movably connected between the first section and the second section. The port includes a body with an aperture. The body is movable relative to the second section to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture.

[0009] According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosure that includes an enclosure body and a port. The enclosure body has an internal volume and a cutout that provides communication with the internal volume. The port is positioned within the internal volume and is movable relative to the enclosure body. The port includes a port body positioned within the cutout and an aperture extending through the port body. The port body is movable relative to the enclosure body to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture.

[0010] According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosure that includes a first section, a second section, and a port. The second section is movably connected to the first section between an open position that can expose an internal volume and a closed position that can at least partially enclose the internal volume. The port is at least partially disposed within the internal volume. The port includes a body with an aperture. The body is movable relative to the second section to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture relative to the second section.PCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025)

[0011] The disclosure herein should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art given the following enabling description and drawings. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following enabling disclosure is directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and presupposes that those aspects within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan are understood and appreciated.Brief Description of the Drawings:

[0012] Various aspects and advantageous features of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill when described in the detailed description of preferred embodiments and reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an enclosure with a port in a first position.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first section of the enclosure of FIG. 1 .

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second section of the enclosure of FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the port of the enclosure of FIG. 1 .

[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 .

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 .

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 , viewed along section8-8.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 , viewed along section9-9.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 with the port in a second position.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 with the port in a third position.Detailed Description:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an enclosure 100 that includes a first section 105 and a second section 1 10. The first section 105 and the second section 110 may combine toPCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) form a substantially enclosed perimeter, which as described below, may include a volume for housing an electrical device. In the illustrated closed position, the interior volume may be substantially inaccessible.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the first section 105 may be movable relative to the second section to expose the internal volume 1 15. In the illustrated example, the first section 105 may be pivotable relative to the second section 1 10. However, other examples may permit other forms of relative movement (e.g., relative translation between the first and second sections 105, 110).

[0026] In some forms, the first section 105 and the second section 1 10 may be freely movable between the opened position and the closed position. For example, the first section 105 may be movable to an infinite number of positions relative to the second section 1 10.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the first section 105 includes a body 120 with a lower end and an upper end (e.g., lower and upper used in relation to the orientation of FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the upper end may include a first cutout 125 and the lower end may include a second cutout 130.

[0028] In some forms, the first cutout 125 and the second cutout 130 may have a curved shape (e.g., a substantially semi-circular shape). However, the first cutout 125 and / or the second cutout 130 may include another shape (e.g., elliptical, triangular, rectangular, etc.).

[0029] In some forms, the first cutout 125 may have a smaller width than the second cutout 130. However, the first cutout 125 may have a width that is equal to or larger than the width of the second cutout 130 in other examples.

[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the first section 105 may include a first connector 135. The first connector 135 may be a portion of a hinged connector to permit rotation between the first and second sections 105, 1 10. In the illustrated example, the first connector 135 may include a pair of spaced apart sections (e.g., cylindrical sections). However, other examples may include other forms of connectors (e.g., hooks) and / or may include a different number of connectors 135 (e.g., one, three, etc.).

[0031] In some forms, one of the first connectors 135 may be disposed at a lower end of the first section proximate to the second cutout 130. The other first connector 135 mayPCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) be spaced apart and disposed proximate to the upper end. However, other examples of the first section 105 may include one or more of the first connectors 135 disposed at different locations.

[0032] The first section 105 may include first fasteners 140, which may be disposed on an opposite edge of the body 120 from the first connectors 135. In the illustrated example, the first fasteners 140 may be a pair of spaced apart elongated members (e.g., male members). However, other examples may include a different number of first fasteners and / or a different type of fastener (e.g., a female fastener, a magnet, etc.).

[0033] In some forms, each first fastener 140 may include a substantially U-shaped body. For example, each first fastener 140 may include an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. The first fastener 140 may be compressible with the application of an external force.

[0034] In certain forms, each first fastener 140 may include a protrusion 145 on the outer surface. The protrusion 145 may be a ramped protrusion and may increase in thickness in a direction away from a curved end of the respective first fastener 140. As described in more detail below, the protrusions 145 may assist in securing the first section 105 to the second section 110 in the closed position.

[0035] In certain forms, a tab 150 may be disposed between the pair of first fasteners 140. The illustrated tab 150 may be a substantially elongated rectangular member, although other examples may include other shapes. As described in more detail below, the tab 150 may provide a surface for a technician to grip to manipulate the first section 105 between the opened and closed positions.

[0036] The second section 1 10 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The second section 110 may include a body 155 that has a similar shape to the first section 105. For example, the body 155 may have a curved outer surface that has substantially the same radius of curvature as the body 120 so that the enclosure 100 includes a substantially uniform curvature when the enclosure 100 is in the closed position.

[0037] In some forms, the second section 110 may include second connectors 160 on a first edge of the body 155. The second connectors 160 may include a complementary shape to the first connectors 135. For example, the second connectors 160 may be formed as a hook, which may be able to connect to the first connectors 135. In somePCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) forms, the second connectors 160 may connect to the first connectors 135 with a snap fit. Once connected, each second connectors 160 may be able to move about the respective first connector 135 to permit the pivoting movement of the first and second sections 105, 110.

[0038] In some forms, second fasteners 165 may be disposed on the body 155 on an opposite edge from the second connectors 160. The second fasteners 165 may be complementary to the first fasteners 140. For example, each second fastener 165 may include an opening sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the first fasteners 140. The illustrated second fasteners 165 may have a substantially rectangular shape, although other examples may include other shapes.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1 , once the first and second connectors 135, 160 are connected, the first section 105 can move (e.g., rotate) relate to the second section 110. As the first section 105 moves toward the second section 110 (e.g., and the internal volume 1 15 becomes less exposed), the first fasteners 140 are moved into engagement with the second fasteners 165. The first fasteners 140 may be inserted into the opening of the respective second fastener 165 until the internal volume 115 is no longer exposed. At that point, each protrusion 145 may pass through the respective second fastener 165, thereby securing each first fastener 140 relative to the respective second fastener 165. The protrusions 145 may limit the inadvertent withdrawal of the first fasteners 140 and maintain the enclosure 100 in the closed position.

[0040] Each illustrated first fastener 140 may be compressible by a technician, which may decrease the maximum outer width of the respective fastener 140. By decreasing the outer width, the protrusions 145 may be able to move through the second fasteners 165, thus permitting the enclosure 100 to move to the open position where the internal volume 1 15 is exposed.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 4, the second section 110 may include a first cutout 170 at the upper end and a second cutout 175 at the lower end. The second cutout 175 may be similar in size and shape to the second cutout 130. In the closed position, the second cutout 130 of the first section 105 may be position substantially adjacent to the second cutout 175 of the second section 110. The second cutouts 130, 175 may form a substantially closed perimeter (e.g., a circular perimeter).PCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025)

[0042] In some forms, the first cutout 170 may be an elongated slot that extends along at least a portion of the body 155. For example, the first cutout 170 may extend along the outer surface of the body 155 to approximately a common plane with the upper of the second fastener 165 (although the first cutout 170 can extend to any position).

[0043] In some forms, the arc angle of the first cutout 170 may be between about 1 degree and about 180 degrees. In some forms, the arc angle of the first cutout 170 may be between about 10 degree and about 165 degrees. In some forms, the arc angle of the first cutout 170 may be between about 30 degree and about 150 degrees. In some forms, the arc angle of the first cutout 170 may be between about 45 degree and about 135 degrees. In some forms, the arc angle of the first cutout 170 may be between about 60 degree and about 120 degrees. In some forms, the arc angle of the first cutout 170 may be about 90 degrees.

[0044] In some forms, the width of the first cutout 170 may be approximately the width of the first cutout 125 of the body 120. However, other examples may include a first cutout 170 with a larger or smaller width as compared to the first cutout of the body 120. In the closed position, the first cutouts 125, 170 may form a substantially closed perimeter.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, a port 180 may include an elongated body 185. The illustrated body 185 may have a substantially curved shaped, which may be substantially similar to the curvature of the bodies 120, 155. For example, the body 185 may have a substantially U-shaped curvature that may be substantially similar to the curvature of each of the upper portions of the bodies 120, 155.

[0046] In some forms, the body 185 of the port 180 may be substantially symmetrical about at least one axis. For example, the body 185 may be substantially symmetrical about a plane that extends through a center of the body 185 and not through either end of the body 185. In some forms, the body 185 may not be symmetrical.

[0047] With continued reference to FIG. 5, an aperture 190 may be formed through the surface of the body 185. In the illustrated example, the aperture 190 may be formed substantially in the center of the body 185 (e.g., through the plane of symmetry). Although in other example, the aperture 190 may be formed in other locations along the body 185.

[0048] In some forms, the aperture 190 may extend from the surface of the body 185. For example, the aperture 190 may extend toward the outer surface of the body 185 (e.g.,PCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) the convex surface of the body 185). In other examples, the aperture 190 may only be a hole through the surface of the body 185 and may not extend away from the body 185.

[0049] In certain forms, the aperture 190 may taper or narrow away from the surface of the body 185. As will be described in more detail below, the opening of the aperture 190 may be sized to receive an electrical conductor. In certain examples, the size of the aperture 190 may be adjustable (e.g., by rotating the aperture) to permit the egress of multiple conductors or a conductor having a larger diameter.

[0050] In one form, a channel 195 may be disposed proximate (e.g., adjacent) to the aperture. The channel 195 may be in communication with the aperture 190 but may not extend through body 185. For example, the opening to the channel 195 may be oriented obliquely relative to the opening of the aperture 190.

[0051] The illustrated body 185 may also include grooves 200, which may be formed on an inner surface of the body 185. The illustrated grooves 200 may be disposed at a regular interval along the inner surface of the body 185. However, other examples of the body 185 may have grooves at irregular intervals or may include a substantially smooth inner surface.

[0052] In some forms, the body 185 may include a tab 205. The illustrated tab 205 may be disposed on an outer surface of the body 185 adjacent to the aperture 190. For example, the tab 205 may extend from the surface of the body on an opposite side of the aperture 190 from the channel 195.

[0053] In certain forms, the tab 205 may be substantially rectangular in shape. The tab 205 may also include a raised center portion that can be grasped by a technician.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the first section 105, the second section 110, and the port 180 may be assembled to form the enclosure 100. Specifically, the port 180 may be oriented so that it is positioned proximate to the first cutouts 125, 170.

[0055] In some forms, the port 180 may be oriented so that it extends between the first and second sections 105, 1 10. For example, the illustrated example of FIGS. 6 and 7 shows the body 185 of the port 180 exposed in the first cutout 170 of the second section 110. In this position, the port 180 may block the internal volume 115 from being exposed through the first cutouts 125, 170.PCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025)

[0056] In certain forms, the width of the first cutout 170 may be approximately the width of the outermost width of the aperture 190. As described in more detail below, this may permit the aperture 190 to move within the first cutout 170. Specifically, the aperture 190 may be able to move at least partially along the length of the first cutout 170 of the second section 1 10 (e.g., along the entire length).

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the port 180 may be positioned so that the grooves 200 are disposed within the internal volume 115 and the tab 205 is disposed outside of the internal volume 1 15. The tab 205 may ride along the outer surface of the second section 1 10 as the aperture 190 moves. This may act as a guide for the movement of the port 180, and may also be used by the technician to assist in moving the port 180.

[0058] In some forms, the grooves 200 may assist in securing the port 180 at discrete positions. For example, the second section 1 10 may include an internal structure that can engage with the grooves 200. When engaged, the port 180 may be locked in place, which may limit the port 180 and the aperture 190 from inadvertently moving. To move the port 180, the technician may disengage the groove 200 from the second section 110 (e.g., by applying an inwardly directed force) and slide the aperture 190 to the desired position. Alternatively, the technician may move the port 180 by ratcheting the port 180 between the different grooves 200.

[0059] In certain forms, the grooves 200 may assist in retaining the port 180 in position when the enclosure 100 is in the open position. For example, the port may remain connected to the second section 110 when the enclosure 100 is in the open position.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the body 185 of the port 180 may be moved so that the aperture 190 is positioned at a variety of different angles. For example, the illustrated port 180 may be able to move between a range of about 90 degrees. In some forms, the grooves 200 may permit the body 185 to remain locked in the desired position.

[0061] In use, the enclosure 100 may receive an electrical device (e.g., an electrical bushing - not shown). For example, the enclosure 100 may be in the open position (see e.g., FIG. 2) and the electrical device may be received within the internal volume 115. The electrical device may include conductors that extend from the body of the electrical device. These conductors may need to extend out of the internal volume 1 15 so thatPCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) electrical communication may continue when the enclosure 100 moves the closed position. For example, the conductors may pass through the cutouts 125, 130, 170, 175.

[0062] In some forms, the second cutouts 130, 175 may receive at least a portion of the electrical device. For example, the larger second cutouts 130, 175 may be sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical device so that at least a portion of the electrical device may protrude from the enclosure 100.

[0063] An electrical conductor (not shown) may also extend out of the enclosure 100. In some forms, the electrical conductor may pass through the aperture 190. The angle at which the conductor extends from the electrical device may vary depending on the location and use of the electrical device. Therefore, the enclosure 100 should accommodate electrical conductors at a variety of angles.

[0064] In some forms, the width of the aperture 190 may be substantially the same as the width of the electrical conductor. This may permit the conductor to extend through the aperture 190 but may limit the ingress of other things within the internal volume 115. Specifically, the aperture 190 may be sized so that when the electrical conductor is received within the aperture, animals (e.g., insects, birds, squirrels, etc.) may be limited to prevented from accessing the internal volume 1 15 through the aperture 190.

[0065] Because the opening of the aperture 190 itself is small and does not provide variability for different angles of extension by electrical conductors, the movement of the port 180 permits electrical conductors which extend at different angles to egress the internal volume 115. For example, a technician can move the port 180 (e.g., between positions shown in FIGS. 1 , 10, and 11 , or any unillustrated positions in between) based on the orientation of the electrical conductor. Thus, the enclosure 100 may be usable with a wide variety of electrical devices and the port 180 can be moved to accommodate these differences.

[0066] Once the electrical device is positioned within the internal volume 115, the first section 105 may be moved (e.g., pivoted) toward the second section 110 so that the enclosure 100 moves toward the closed position. The first fastener 140 may be received within the respective second fastener 165 so that the first section 105 is secured to the second section 110. The protrusions 145 may be received through the respective second fasteners 165 with a snap fit to limit inadvertent movement of the first section 105 relativePCT / US25 / 46521 16 September 2025 (16.09.2025) to the second section 1 10. In some examples, an additional securing feature (e.g., a zip tie, a lock, a magnet, a screw, etc.) may be used to further secure the first section 105 relative to the second section 110 in the closed position.

[0067] The first fasteners 140 may be disengageable from the respective second fasteners 165 so that a technician can later move the first and second sections 105, 110 relative to one another to expose the electrical device (e.g., to perform an inspection and / or maintenance).

[0068] In some forms, the channel 195 may receive a support (e.g., a support cable - not shown) that can further support the enclosure 100 when the channel 195 has received the electrical device.

[0069] One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the exact dimensions and materials are not critical to the disclosure and all suitable variations should be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure if deemed suitable for carrying out the objects of the disclosure.

[0070] One of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that it is well within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan to modify one or more of the constituent parts for carrying out the various embodiments of the disclosure. Once armed with the present specification, routine experimentation is all that is needed to determine adjustments and modifications that will carry out the present disclosure.

[0071] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the adaptation of the features described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . An enclosure comprising: a first section; a second section movably connected to the first section; and a port movably connected between the first section and the second section, wherein the port includes a body with an aperture; wherein the body is movable relative to the second section to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture.

2. The enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the body is movable between a number of discrete positions.

3. The enclosure of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second section includes a cutout that provides communication to an internal volume, and wherein the port is disposed within the internal volume and protrudes at least partially through the cutout.

4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein a width of the port is greater than a width of the cutout.

5. The enclosure of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body is movable between a first position and a second position 90 degrees apart from the first position.

6. The enclosure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body includes a substantially U-shape.

7. The enclosure of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first section is pivotably connected to the second section, and wherein the first section includes a first fastener that is selectively secured to a second fastener of the second section when the first section and the second section are in a closed position.

8. An enclosure comprising: an enclosure body having an internal volume and a cutout that provides communication with the internal volume; and a port positioned within the internal volume and movable relative to the enclosure body, wherein the port includes, a port body positioned within the cutout, andan aperture extending through the port body; wherein the port body is movable relative to the enclosure body to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture.

9. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the port body is movable between a number of discrete positions.

10. The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the port body includes a plurality of spaced apart grooves, and wherein the enclosure body is configured to engage with one or more grooves to retain the port body in the discrete position.1 1 . The enclosure of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a width of the port is greater than a width of the cutout.

12. The enclosure of any one of claims 8 to 1 1 , wherein the port body is movable between a first position and a second position 90 degrees apart from the first position.

13. The enclosure of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the body includes a substantially U-shape.

14. The enclosure of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the enclosure body includes a first section and a second section that is movable relative to the first section.

15. An enclosure comprising: a first section; a second section movably connected to the first section between an open position configured to expose an internal volume and a closed position configured to at least partially enclose the internal volume; and a port at least partially disposed within the internal volume, wherein the port includes a body with an aperture; wherein the body is movable relative to the second section to selectively adjust an orientation of the aperture relative to the second section.

16. The enclosure of claim 15, wherein the body is movable between a number of discrete positions.

17. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein the body includes a plurality of spaced apart grooves, and wherein the second section is configured to engage with one or more grooves to retain the body in the discrete position.

18. The enclosure of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the body is movable between a first position and a second position 90 degrees apart from the first position.

19. The enclosure of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the body includes a substantially U-shape.

20. The enclosure of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the first section is pivotably connected to the second section, and wherein the first section includes a first fastener that is selectively secured to a second fastener of the second section when the first section and the second section are in a closed position.

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