GB2432054A

GB2432054A - Portable ground mount for offset satellite dish

Info

Publication number: GB2432054A
Application number: GB0522207A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Cyril Watkin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-01
Filing date: 2005-11-01
Publication date: 2007-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-01
Also published as: GB2432054B; GB0522207D0

Abstract

A portable offset satellite antenna system which is easily collapsed for transportation. The basis of the system is a lightweight framework, which when attached to an offset satellite dish at either end of its vertical axis, transforms the combination into a self-supporting, free-standing antenna system, fully adjustable for azimuth, signal elevation of between 5{ to 90{ and sloping ground in any plane. The frame comprises a plurality of members whereby adjacent members are adjustably fixed to one another by a thumbscrew. The antenna elevation is adjusted by means of an elevation arm comprising a telescopic unit. The frame can be secured to the ground.

Description

I

PORTABLE GROU1'D MOUNT FOR OFFSET SATELLiTE DISH The invention relates to a lightweight framework, which when attached to an offset satellite dish at either end of its vertical axis, transforms the combination into a self-supporting, free-standing satellite antenna system, fully adjustable for azimuth, signal elevation of between 5 to 90 , and sloping ground in any plane.

The traditional method of mounting a domestic satellite dish for television reception has been to start with a vertical pole usually attached to the wall of a house. The dish is then mounted on the pole by means of brackets which are secured to the pole by u-bolts and clamps. Dish adjustments for azimuth and elevation are made by slackening clamps and bolts and manually positioning the dish face until the desired signal is received, and fmally all bolts are tightened.

Fine tuning for peak signal levels is difficult to achieve because moving the dish face by hand against the friction of the clamps distorts the signal reading. Repeated installations, perhaps with over tightening of the clamps, alter the pole's circular profile to an oval shape which further adds to the difficulty of azimuth adjustments. When there became a need some years ago for a portable dish system for people on the move, the best the industry could offer was a heavy ground plate still retaining the vertical pole and crude fixing arrangements. In order for the pole to be vertical a level ground was necessary, often a problem when say camping or caravanning.

Today little has changed except that the heavy ground plate has been substituted by a lightweight aluminium tripod, but the vertical pole and original fixings still remain together with the need of level ground.

Several solutions to these problems have been sought in the following patents:-US 5,646,638 8th July 1997 issued to Winegard John Randall (US) Sperry Randy Lee (US) US 5,760,751 2nd June 1998 issued to Gipson Richard (US) US 6,682,029 27th Jan 2004 issued to Dierkes Barry (US) None of the above have mechanisms inbuilt into the design for sloping ground adjustments, and rely on heavy weight bases, with one adding up to 6 gallons of water ballast to counteract the unstable nature of using a satellite dish with its feed-arm and LNB on the earth-ward end of its vertical axis.

The present invention takes a dish with an offset value of 22.5 together with the mounting body which holds a removable feed-arm with an LNB, but without the clamps and fixing brackets, rotates it by 1350 such that the feed-arm is at the sky-ward end of the dish's vertical axis, with a ground securing plate bolted to the opposite earth-ward end of the vertical axis, and adds a lightweight hinged and adjustable framework which is free-standing, self-supporting for signal reception and is adjustable for irregular and sloping ground. The only assembly required is to insert the feed ann containing the LNB holder into its socket within the mounting body. This assembly detail could be avoided if a collapsible feed-ann dish was Fig 1 shows very simply the theory of this transposition.

Fig 1(A) shows that when a dish with an offset angle of 22.5 is set up in the NORMAL mode to receive a signal of 22.5 elevation, the dish face will be truly vertical. Figs 1(B) to 1(E) show the relationship between received signal and dish elevation as the dish is rotated by 135 from the NORMAL mode into the UPTURNED mode. Finally Fig 1(F) is the UPTURNED equivalent of Fig 1(A) but the dish face is now at 45 to the ground, which reduces the wind loading and offers far greater stability, yet can be fully supported by a simple, inexpensive and lightweight framework. Fig 1(D) shows that the highest signal elevation obtainable for an offset dish of 22.5 is 67.5 in the UPTURNED mode.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a framework which supports the dish and is stable in high winds, and can be easily and precisely adjusted to within a fraction of a degree for both elevation and azimuth, resulting in the best possible signal strength.

A further object of the invention is to provide a framework which is extremely lightweight, collapsible and can be easily transported even by a child. The 60 cm prototype model used for field trials had a combined dish and frame weight of only 2.25 kilogrammes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a framework of simple design which could result in low manufacturing costs and if damaged would be easy to repair on-site by unskilled labour.

The framework can be made from wood, plastic or lightweight metal.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Fig 2 shows a perspective view of the stand from above.

Fig 3 provides a side elevation of the deployed antenna.

Fig 4 also provides a side elevation of the deployed antenna but with additional rotation of the elevation anm Fig 5 is a real elevation showing how the stabilising arm and feet can be adjusted for uneven ground without affecting the vertical position of the elevation arm.

Fig 6 is a side elevation showing how the elevation arm and dish ground securing plate can be interchanged to receive signal elevation angles greater than 67.5 .

Fig 7 is a side elevation of the aiitenna collapsed for carrying or wall mounting.

Fig 8 is a rear elevation of Fig 7 showing mounting brackets.

Fig 9 provides side elevation of an antenna enclosed in a plastic radome for adverse weather conditions.

Fig 10 shows a view of the antenna being carried by an adult.

Fig 11 shows an antenna with an alternative channelled elevation arm.

Fig 12 and 13 show telescopic elevation arms for very low signal elevations.

Referring to Fig 2, the basic framework I consists of the following main parts, An elevation arm 10 with ends ii and 12, drilled along its vertical centre line starting from end 12 with equidistant holes for attachment bolts 14 and 16, with permanently fixed attachment jaws 13 at end 11.

A stabilising arm 20 with drilled ends 21 and 22 and a central hole 23.

A vertical adjustment plate 25 with a radial channel 24 centred on hole 23 of the stabilising arm 20, centrally positioned and attached by two screws 50 (only one visible) to the stabilising arm 20. The combined unit of stabilising arm 20 and vertical adjustment plate 25 is attached to the elevation arm 10 by bolt 14 through hole 23 of the stabilising arm with locking by thumbscrew 15 and by bolt 16 through the radial channel 24 and locked by thumbscrew 17.

A left stabilising foot 30 with drilled end 31 and plain end 32. End 31 is joined by bolt 26 to end 21 of the stabilising arm 20 and locked with thumbscrew 27.

A ground securing hinge 36, which is free to swivel, is attached by screw 50 to end 32 of the left stabilising foot 30.

A right stabilising foot 40 with drilled end 41 and plain end 42. End 41 of the right stabilising arm 40 is bolted with bolt 28 to end 22 of the stabilising arm 20 and locked with thumbscrew 29. A ground securing hinge 36, which is free to swivel, is attached by screw 50 to end 42 of the right stabilising foot 40.

The dish 3 rests on the ground through an attachment arm 71 bolted to the dish rim by bolt 82 locked by thumbscrew 83, and connected by bolt 73 to a swivelling ground securing plate 72 locked by thumbscrew 74.

The whole framework 1 is then attached to the dish mounting body 2 with bolt 60 passing horizontally through the holes of the pivoting jaws 13 and the holes 8 in the mounting body 2. This pivoting framework can then be adjusted on the ground to alter both the elevation and azimuth of the antenna which can then be locked by thumbscrew 61.

When the antenna is first deployed, it should be set as Fig 3, with the elevation arm 10 positioned at right angles to the ground. In order to establish the correct position for the stabilising arm the following procedure would be performed. An elevation guide 100 is placed across the face of the dish 3 with the dial 101 having been adjusted on pivot 102 for an offset value of 22.5 and locked in position by screw 103.

The stabilising arm 20 is repositioned on the elevation arm 10 using bolts 14 and 16, until the elevation angle indicated by the plumb line and weight 104, registering on the signal elevation scale 105, is about five degrees less than the minimum elevation for the country in which reception is required on one or more satellites. These figures would be obtained from international look-up tables showing Magnetic Azimuth, Elevation and LNB offset angles. The five degree allowance is for sloping ground.

Fig 4 shows another view of the deployed antenna, with the framework this time rotated by 17 until the elevation arm is at 90 to the face of the dish. The normal working elevation range for most European countries could be found between the setting of Fig 3 and Fig 4. following each resetting of the stabilising arm.

On location a compass bearing would be established from the look-up tables, a wooden pointer (not shown) placed on the ground to the line of that bearing, the dish and stand placed over the pointer with the feed-arm 4 exactly in line with the pointer, then a ground peg 75 inserted into the dish ground-securing plate 72.

First adjust the angular setting of the LNB 6, then, the elevation angle would be set with the guide 100, and finally the elevation arm 10 vertical setting would be adjusted with the aid of the spirit level 106 set in the top of the elevation arm 10, and locked by thumbscrews 15 and 17, remove guide 100. Provided an accurate compass bearing has been obtained, these adjustments should result in the correct signal being received, which, with a signal meter mounted in the meter holder 107 would then be peaked by the operator placing both palms on the ground and holding each stabilising leg 30 and 40 with the thumb and first finger, lifting the legs just clear of the ground whilst at the same time moving the stabilising feet 30 and 40 a millimetre at a time to the right or left for the azimuth adjustment (1mm is roughly equivalent to 0.2 azimuth) until maximum signal level is indicated on the meter. Then without altering the azimuth setting, a forward or backward adjustment would be made to peak the signal meter again for the best elevation setting. When set up is complete, the elevation arm should be locked with thumbscrew 61, and ground pegs 75 inserted in both foot hinges 36 for added stability in high winds.

Fig 5 shows how the stabilising arm 20 and feet 30 and 40 could be set to accommodate an uneven ground profile 99 whilst still positioning the elevation arm vertically.

Fig 6 shows how the working range of the elevation setting in the UPTURNED mode of 5 to 67.5 could be extended to 90 when the framework I and the dish ground securing plate 72 have been interchanged. This changes the operation back to the NORMAL mode for this additional range which is more likely to be used in Equatorial Regions of the world when the satellites would be directly overhead.

Figs 7 shows an end elevation of the antenna collapsed and housing the detached LNB feed-arm 4 using clips 34 mounted on the stabilising feet 30 and 40. The unit is held against the waIl 115 for storage or transportation using wall brackets 110.

Fig 8 shows a rear elevation of Fig 7 giving a clearer view of the stowed position of the LNB feed-arm 4, held by clips 34, together with the wall brackets 110.

Fig 9 shows the antenna with a plastic radome cover 120 for arctic or desert climates to prevent the build-up of snow or sand on the dish face 3, which would severely reduce the received signal strength. This cover does not cause any noticeable loss in signal strength. In addition, it shows the hinges 36 on the stabilising feet 30 and 40 have been replaced by attachment arm 71 and ground securing plate 72 if a larger ground footprint is required for very soft terrain.

Fig 10 shows how the collapsed antenna system, weighing only 2.25 Kgs, could be carried to a remote site using the hand and fmgers to grip the parked feed-arm 4 / stabilising arm 20.

Fig 11 shows a simplified perspective view of a dish with a collapsible feed arm 4, and an alternative elevation arm 10 with a vertically channelled slot 18 instead of drilled holes as in Fig 2. This provides an easier initial setting-up procedure for the country of operation minimum elevation setting as described in fig 3. Bolts 14 and 16 do not have to be repositioned, only thumbscrews 15 and 17 need to be unlocked and the stabilising arm 20 moved along the channel to the desired position and the thumbscrews relocked.

Fig 12 shows a simplified view of a further alternative. The dish has no convenient mounting body so another attachment arm 71 is used for connecting the elevation arm 10 which in this example consists of two sections with a central channel 18 running along each vertical axis, the first section arm 1OA has the attachment jaws 13 at end 11, the second section arm 1 OB is bolted to the stabilising arm 20. Both are then joined together by bolts 84 and 86 passing through each of their channels and when unlocked by thumbscrews 85and 87 form a telescopic elevation arm whose linear length can be varied by sliding one along the other. This arrangement provides for the very low elevation angles in single figures which are required if operating in northern Scandinavia with a dish with a high offset angle of 26 .

Fig 13 shows another alternative feed arm assembly, using a telescopic sliding tube 10, with a locking band and screw 91, and an attachment band with a bolt 92 together with a further securing bolt 14, locked by thumbscrews 15 and 17. The jaws 13 are now attached to the mounting body 2.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An antenna support framework with a means of attachment for ground mounting an offset satellite antenna in which each element of the framework assembly is bolted to an adjacent member and its position relative to that adjacent member is fully adjustable with the ability to lock the said position by means of a thumbscrew.

2. A framework as claimed in Claim 1 is attached to the antenna at a convenient point on the feed arm mounting body close to the intersection of the feed arm socket axis and the dish vertical axis, which is the major axis of an oval antenna and the minor axis of an elliptical antenna.

3. A framework as claimed in Claim I is mounted to the antenna at a point as claimed in Claim 2 with a horizontal bolt through the attachment jaws of the elevation arm and the feed arm mounting body, allowing the framework assembly to rotate around the bolt axis when the ground position of the stabilising feet is adjusted.

4. The pivoting mechanism as claimed in Claim 3 can be locked with a thumb screw securing the open framework for deployment or the closed framework for transportation and storage.

5. The framework as claimed in Claim 1 can be anchored to the ground with pegs through the stabilising feet ground hinges or plugged and screwed into a concrete base for a fixed installation.

6. The framework as claimed in Claim 1 in which the rectangular vertical adjustment plate has a radial channel cut into the plate face, the channel arc is centred on the vertical centre line with the arc symmetrical about the said vertical centre line.

7. The framework as claimed in Claim 1 in which the elevation arm has a series of equally spaced drilled holes along the vertical centre line.

8. The framework as claimed in Claim I in which the elevation arm has a channel cut along the vertical centre line.

9. The framework as claimed in Claim 1 in which the elevation arm is made from two sections of arm, each with a central channel cut along the vertical centre line and bolted together through each channel to form a telescopic unit with a linearly adjustable length.

The framework as claimed in Claim 1 in which the elevation arm is made from two sections of tubing of different diameters, such that one slides within the other forming a telescopic unit, with a locking band on the larger diameter tube to prevent movement of the inner tube once adjusted to the required length.

11. An attachment plate is bolted to the dish rim at the intersection of the non feed arm end of the vertical axis and the dish rim, to which apparatus can be attached.

12. A ground securing plate is attached to the attachment plate as claimed in Claim 10 for securing the dish to the ground using ground pegs in a portable installation and using plugs and screws in a concrete based fixed installation.

13. If the framework as claimed in Claim 1 and attached as claimed in Claim 2 and the ground securing plate as claimed in Claim 11 are interchanged, then the signal elevation adjustment can be further extended from 67.5 to 90 .

14. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from wood, metal or plastic materials, or from any combination of these materials.

15. An antenna framework substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A portable satellite dish system for hand-carrying by the operator to site, said portable satellite dish system comprising: an offset dish with attached feed arm mounting body incorporating a feed arm socket, rotated into the UPTURNED mode such that the said feed arm socket is at the skyward end of the dish major axis, (minor axis in the case of an elliptical offset dish), a detachable feed arm having first and second ends, a feed horn receiver connected to said first end of said detachable feed ann, said second end of said detachable feed arm inserted into the said socket of the said feed arm mounting body, an elevation arm having first and second ends, attachment jaws having one open and one closed end, said closed end of said attachment jaws rigidly mounted to the said first end of said elevation arm, a stabilising arm having a longer and shorter side together with first and second ends and a centre position, a vertical adjustment plate having a longer and shorter side rigidly mounted to the said centre position of the said stabilising arm, with the said shorter side of the said vertical adjustment plate at right angles to the said longer side of the said stabilising arm, said centre position of said stabilising arm including said vertical adjusting plate is pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said elevation ann, each arm being adjustable and lockable using a thumbscrew, a left stabilising foot having first and second ends has its said first end pivotally bolted to the said first end of the said stabilising arm, each arm being adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, a right stabilising foot having first and second ends has its said first end pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said stabilising arm, each arm being I0 adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, a left ground hinge pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said left stabilising foot being fuily adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, a right ground hinge pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said right stabilising foot being fully adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, an attachment arm having first and second ends, said first end of said attachment arm is rigidly connected to the said dish at the earthward end of the said dish major axis (minor axis in elliptical dish), a ground securing plate is pivotally bolted to said second end of said attachment arm, being fuily adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, said open end of the said attachment jaws pivotally bolted to the said feed arm mounting body close to the intersection of the said feed arm socket axis and the said offset dish major axis (minor axis on an elliptical offset dish), being adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew allowing the said dish to be changed from a closed carrying position to an open deployed position and vice versa, and once in the deployed position, altering the ground position of the said stabilising feet either forwards or backwards, increases or decreases the elevation angle of said dish which is registered on the elevation guide mounted on the said dish face.

2. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 in which the said elevation arm has a series of equally spaced drilled holes along the said elevation arm vertical centre line.

3. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 in which the said elevation arm has a channel cut along the vertical centre line.

4. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim I in which the said elevation arm is made from two sections of arm, each with a central channel cut along the vertical centre line and bolted together through each channel to form a telescopic unit with a linearly adjustable length.

A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 in which the said elevation arm is made from two sections of tubing of different diameters, such that one slides within the other forming a telescopic unit, with a clamping lock on Is the larger diameter tube to prevent movement of the inner tube once adjusted to the required length.

6. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 in which the said feed arm will be withdrawn from the said feed arm socket and attached to the said stabilismg arm when a closed position is required for transportation.

7. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 in which the said rectangular vertical adjustment plate has a radial channel cut into the plate face with the channel arc centred on the vertical centre line, which is a line parallel to the shorter side of the said vertical adjustment plate, with the arc symmetrical about the said vertical centre line.

8. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 can be anchored to the ground in a temporary installation with ground pegs through the said ground securing plate and the said ground hinges attached to the said stabilising feet, or in a fixed installation into a concrete base with plugs and screws.

9. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 1 can have its signal elevation adjustment increased from 67.5 degrees to 90 degrees by interchanging the said attachment jaws and the said ground securing plate and rotating the dish back to the NORMAL mode position.

10. A portable satellite dish system for hand-canying by the operator to site, said system comprising: an offset dish, with attached mounting body incorporating a pivoting feed arm with first and second ends, rotated into the UPTURNED mode such that the said mounting body is at the skyward end of the said dish major axis, (minor axis in the case of an elliptical offset dish), a feed horn receiver connected to said first end of said pivoting feed arm, an elevation arm having first and second ends, attachment jaws having one open and one closed end, said closed end of said attachment jaws rigidly mounted to the said first end of said elevation arm, a stabilising arm having a longer and shorter side together with first and second ends and a centre position, a vertical adjustment plate having a longer and shorter side rigidly mounted to the said centre position of the said stabilising arm, with the said shorter side of the said vertical adjustment plate at right angles to the said longer side of the said stabilising arm, said centre position of said stabilising arm including said vertical adjusting plate is pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said elevation ann, each arm being adjustable and lockable using a thumbscrew, a left stabilising foot having first and second ends has its said first end pivotally bolted to the said first end of the said stabilising arm, each arm being adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, a right stabilising foot having first and second ends has its said first end pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said stabilising arm, each arm being adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, a left ground hinge pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said left stabilising foot being fuily adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, a right ground hinge pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said right stabilismg foot being fully adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, an attachment arm having first and second ends, said first end of said attachment arm is rigidly connected to the said dish at the earthward end of the said dish major axis (minor axis in elliptical dish), a ground securing plate is pivotally bolted to said second end of said attachment arm being fully adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew, said open end of the said attachment jaws pivotally bolted to the said second end of the said pivoting feed arm close to the intersection of the said pivoting feed arm axis and the said offset dish major axis, being adjustable and lockable with a thumbscrew allowing the said dish to be changed from a closed carrying position to an open deployed position and vice versa, and once in the deployed position, altering the ground position of the said stabilising feet either forwards or backwards, increases or decreases the elevation angle of said dish which is registered on the elevation guide mounted on the said dish face.

11. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 in which the said elevation arm has a series of equally spaced drilled holes along the said elevation arm vertical centre line.

12. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 in which the said elevation arm has a channel cut along the vertical centre line.

13. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 in which the said elevation arm is made from two sections of arm, each with a central channel cut along the vertical centre line and bolted together through each channel to form a telescopic unit with a linearly adjustable length.

14. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 in which the said elevation arm is made from two sections of tubing of different diameters, such that one slides within the other forming a telescopic unit, with a clamping lock on the larger diameter tube to prevent movement of the inner tube once adjusted to the required length.

15. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 in which the said pivoting feed arm is folded into the said dish face when a closed position is required for transportation.

16. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 in which the said rectangular vertical adjustment plate has a radial channel cut into the plate face with the channel arc centred on the vertical centre line, which is a line parallel to the shorter side of the said vertical adjustment plate, with the arc symmetrical about the said vertical centre line.

17. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 can be anchored to the ground in a temporary installation with ground pegs through the said ground securing plate and the said ground hinges attached to the said stabilising feet, or in a fixed installation into a concrete base with plugs and screws.

18. A portable satellite dish system according to Claim 10 can have its signal elevation adjustment increased from 67.5 degrees to 90 degrees by interchanging the said attachment jaws and the said ground securing plate and rotating the dish back to the NORMAL mode position.

19. Items as claimed in any preceding claim can be made from wood, metal or plastic materials, or from any combination of these materials.

20. A portable satellite dish system substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.