Flush-to-grade vault with wall-mounted cross-connect panels

Abstract

A vault is constructed for mounting in the ground and formed with at least one wall defining an interior space. At least one cross-connect panel is mounted on the wall in stationery relation thereto. Signal conductors are attached to the panel and extend through the wall. A top cover enables ingress to and digress from the interior space by service personnel.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A vault formed with side, top and bottom walls defining a rectangular interior space, at least one cross-connect panel mounted on at least one side wall in stationary relation thereto, and a plurality of telephone signal conductors attached to the panel and extending through the wall, the vault being mounted in the ground so that the top is flush to grade, and the top being movable without flexing the conductors between a closed position that makes the mount substantially waterproof and an open position that enables ingress to and egress from the interior space by service personnel.  
   
   
       22 . A vault according to  claim 21  comprising biasing means to assist in opening and closing the top.  
   
   
       23 . A vault according to  claim 22  wherein the biasing means comprises a spring mechanism.  
   
   
       24 . A vault according to  claim 22  wherein the biasing means comprises a hydraulic mechanism.  
   
   
       25 . A vault according to  claim 21  comprising a ladder mounted for permanent storage within the vault and facilitating ingress to and egress from the interior space.