Antenna extender apparatus

• US 5,403,197 A
• Filed: 08/30/1993
• Issued: 04/04/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
• Inventors: Ernst, David J., Murphy, Scott R., Kaspari, Daniel K.
• Primary Examiner(s): DESMOND, EUGENE
• Application Number:
  US08/114,266
• Time in Patent Office: 582 Days
• Field of Search: 343/702, 343/906, 439/165, 439/916, 439/4
• US Class Current: 439/165
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/084 Pivotable antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/242 specially adapted for hand-held use
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/405 Radome integrated radiating elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 11/08 Helical antennas
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/916 Antenna

Abstract

An adjustable rugged antenna coupler assembly for primary use in portable radios. Connector means in combination with a pair of gasket means, signal carrying means and encasement means combine to provide an improved adjustable antenna coupler assembly. The connector means is mated with complementary threadings in the radio casing thereby providing an antenna coupler readily adjustable such that the antenna is always pointed in a desired direction, such as skyward.

Claims

1. An apparatus for connecting an antenna to a radio having an antenna coupler support means, said apparatus comprising:

connector means for structurally mating the antenna to the radio;

flexible signal carrying means for coupling the antenna to the radio;

gasket means affixed to the connector means for sealing the radio and the connector means from environmental contamination and for providing frictional resistance between the connector means and the radio; and

encasement means for protecting and supporting the connector means, the signal carrying means and the gasket means, such that rotational movement of the encasement means in the plane of the connector means provides angular adjustment of the antenna coupler support means and the attached antenna.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector means is comprised of a cylindrical shaped, metallic, externally threaded, hollow lug bushing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible signal carrying means is comprised of a coiled coaxial cable.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gasket means is comprised of a pair of O-rings.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the encasement means is comprised of a top and a bottom member of molded polyurethane.

6. An apparatus for connecting an antenna to a signal and support structure, said apparatus comprising:

bearing means for structurally mating the antenna to the radio;

a flexible coiled coaxial cable extending through the bushing means and connecting the antenna;

gasket means affixed to the bearing means for sealing the radio and the connecting apparatus from environmental contamination for providing frictional resistance between the connector means and the radio; and

encasement means for protecting and supporting the bearing means, the flexible coiled coaxial cable and the gasket means, such that rotational movement of the encasement means in the plane of the bearing means provides angular adjustment of the antenna coupler support means and attached antenna.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the bearing means is comprised of a cylindrical shaped, metallic, externally threaded, hollow lug bushing.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the gasket means is comprised of a pair of O-rings.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the encasement means is comprised of a top and a bottom member of molded polyurethane.