GB2477573A

GB2477573A - Satellite antenna mount with cam adjustment means

Info

Publication number: GB2477573A
Application number: GB1002111A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wen-Chao Chen
Original assignee: Azure Shine International Inc
Current assignee: Azure Shine International Inc
Priority date: 2010-02-09
Filing date: 2010-02-09
Publication date: 2011-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-09
Also published as: GB2477573A8; GB201002111D0; GB2477573B

Abstract

A satellite antenna mount comprises a first pivoting bracket 32 with an adjustment cam 33 where the cam 33 can be operated from a location external to the surface of the mount such that it adjusts the position of the bracket 32 relative to that of a mount plate 31. A pivot point 311 is provided between the bracket 32 and the mount plate 31. The cam 33 comprises of a shaft 333, a disc 331 and a connection portion 332. The connection portion 332 may be cylindrical and may be coaxial with the shaft 333. The disc 331 may be circular with its centre offset from that of the shaft 333. Alternatively, the disc 331 may be non-circular in shape with a geometric centre aligned with that of the shaft 333. The shaft 333 may be hexagonal shaped to facilitate adjustment of the cam 33 by a spanner or wrench. The connection portion 332 and the disc 331 may be arranged to fit within cam slots 312. When the cam shaft 333 is rotated the disc 331 and cam slots 312 cause the mount plate 31 to rotate relative to the bracket 32. First and second cam arrangements may be provided in a satellite antenna mount to make adjustments in orthogonal directions for the azimuth and elevation of the antenna.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

ANTENNA MOUNT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to satellite communications and, more particularly, to an antenna mount for a satellite antenna.

[0002] The rapid and increasing development of satellite technology has brought us convenience in our daily life. Specifically, products that support global satellite positioning, satellite telecommunicating, satellite broadcasting, satellite navigating or the like, have brought people closer geographically and put the world under a global village. Moreover, satellite broadcasting has realized "real-time" TV programs in the broadcasting industry, which renders it possible to play various programs at every corner of the world.

[0003] Traditional satellite broadcasting technology may be classified into stationary broadcasting and mobile broadcasting. With respect to the stationary broadcasting, a satellite antenna system may be constructed on the ground or a suitable fixed construction. Such type of broadcasting may download satellite parameters, actuate an antenna system so as to aim at a target satellite, and establish a bi-directional signal and data link between the ground station and the satellite. As to the mobile broadcasting, a satellite antenna may be mounted on a mobile vehicle and thus may receive satellite signals while the vehicle is moving.

[0004] In practical use, a satellite antenna may often be controlled in a specific orientation to receive a target signal. Accordingly, in either stationary broadcasting or mobile broadcasting or even non-satellite broadcasting systems, a mechanism for the adjustment of antenna orientation is generally required for adjusting and controlling the orientation of a satellite antenna.

[0005] Recently, cam structures have been developed for elevation and azimuth adjustment in orientation adjusting mechanisms. Based on the design that the geometric center of the cain structure and a driving shaft center are not in line with each other, which is termed an "eccentric" or "asymmetric" characteristic, the rotation of the driving shaft may change the distance between the geometric center and the driving shaft center and in turn cause the rotation of another transmission component. The transmission component then causes the rotation of a satellite antenna, thereby adjusting and controlling the satellite antenna in a desired orientation.

[00061 In some conventional designs, the driving shaft of a cam structure is coupled to a stationary component such as a bracket. Moreover, a transmission component driven by the cam structure needs to maintain contact with the cam structure. Therefore, in practical use, it is generally necessary to use a fastening component to secure the driving shaft of the cam structure to the stationary component. Moreover, it is necessary to design the transmission component with a guiding device that matches the cam structure in geometric outline.

Accordingly, the cam structure is able to control the angle of rotation of the transmission component so as to adjust and control the orientation of the satellite antenna. The fastening components generally may include nuts, bolts or a combination thereof.

[00071 An example of the above-mentioned conventional designs may be found in U.S. Patent No. 7, 439, 930 (hereinafter "the 930 patent"), which is discussed below. FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are substantially the reproduction of FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6a and 8a of the 930 patent, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8E, an antenna mount PA2 includes a clamp bracket PA4, a movable bracket PA6, a base bracket PA8, a first cam PA54 and a second cam PA6O. The clamp bracket PA4 has a mounting surface PA 12, which has a raised first cam mount PA14 and a pivot connection hole PA16. The movable bracket PA6 is pivotably coupled to the base bracket PA8 via a fastener PA 10. The base bracket PA8 has a base portion PA2O with a first cam slot PA24 and a bolt hole PA22 adapted for the adjustment of the movable bracket PA6 in conjunction with the first cam mount PAI4 and the pivot connection hole PA 16, respectively. The fastener PAlO is secured to a side of the base bracket PAS via the pivot connection hole PA16 and the bolt hole PA22. Furthermore, the first cam mount PA14 extends through the first cam slot PA24. The first cam PA54 has a mounting hole PA56 and is placed over the first cam mount PA14.

[00081 The first cam PA54 is rotatable with respect to the first cam mount PA 14. When a contact edge PA58 of the first cam PA54 abuts at least one first cam guide PA26 of the base bracket PA8, the first cam mount PA 14 may push the base bracket PA8 to rotate about the pivot connection hole PA 16. Similarly, the second cam PA6O has a mounting hole (not numbered), which allows the second cam PA6O to pivotably coupled to the base bracket PA8 so that when a contact edge (not numbered) of the second cam PA6O abuts at least one second cam guide PA46 of the movable bracket PA6, the movable bracket PA6 may rotate about the fastener PA 10.

[00091 In the 930 patent, the fastener PAlO may include a nut and bolt. To secure the driving shaft of a cam structure to a stationary component via the nut and bolt, it may be necessary to design the cam structure with a threaded hole or threaded section. Such connection, however, may require several sets of nuts and bolts, which may inevitably incur an increase in material cost and assembly time.

[00101 Moreover, in the above-mentioned conventional designs, the transmission component generally may be directly coupled to the satellite antenna and the guide component may be often positioned on the transmission component. In such an arrangement, at a normal state of use, the cam structure may frequently rub against the guide component. Consequently, the guide component may need a frequent replacement, which may inevitably incur an increase in material cost.

[0011] It may therefore be desirable to have an antenna mount that may achieve the above issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Examples of the present invention may provide an antenna mount for a satellite antenna. The antenna mount may include an adjustment plate with a first cam slot, a first bracket and a first cam. The first bracket includes a first base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall extends from the first base and has a second cam slot aligned with the first cam slot. The second sidewall extends in parallel with the first sidewall from the first base. The first cam is adapted to attach the adjustment plate to an inner surface of the first sidewall. Furthermore, the first cam includes a first shaft and a first disc coupled with the first shaft. The first shaft protrudes from the first sidewall through the first and second cam slots and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall. The first disc is adapted to fit within the first cam slot so that the adjustment plate is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall.

[0013] Some examples of the present invention may also provide an antenna mount for a satellite antenna. The antenna mount may include a first bracket, an adjustment plate, a first cam, a second bracket and a second cam. The first bracket includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall extending in parallel with and spaced apart from the first sidewall, a first flange extending between the first and second sidewall and a second flange between the first and second sidewall extending in parallel with and spaced apart from the first flange. The adjustment plate is attached to an inner surface of the first sidewall. The first cam includes a first shaft and a first disc. The first shaft protrudes from the first sidewall and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall. The first disc, coupled with the first shaft, is adapted to rotate the adjustment plate with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall. The second bracket includes a third sidewall attached to the first flange and a fourth sidewall attached to the second flange. The second cam includes a second shaft and a second disc. The second shaft protrudes from the third sidewall and rotatable with respect to the third sidewall. The second disc, coupled with the second shaft, is adapted to rotate the first bracket with respect to the third sidewall as the second shaft is rotated from the exterior of the third sidewall.

[00141 Examples of the present invention may further provide an antenna mount for a satellite antenna. The antenna mount may include an adjustment plate with a first cain slot, a first bracket, a first cam and a second cam. The first bracket includes a first sidewall and a first flange including a recess. The first cam is adapted to attach the adjustment plate to the first sidewall. Furthermore, the first cam includes a first shaft and a first disc coupled with the first shaft. The first disc is adapted to fit within the first cam slot so as to allow the adjustment plate to rotate in a first tangential direction. The second cam includes a second shaft and a second disc coupled with the second shaft. The second disc is adapted to fit within the recess so as to allow the first bracket to rotate in a second tangential direction orthogonal to the first tangential direction.

[0015] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be drawn from the following detailed embodiments of the present invention with attached drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[00161 The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings examples which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: [00171 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a satellite antenna in accordance with an example of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 2A is a fragmentary perspective view of an elevation adjustment member of the satellite antenna illustrated in FIG. 1; [0019] FIG. 213 is a perspective view of a first bracket of the elevation adjustment member as viewed in a direction "A" in FIG. 2A in accordance with an example of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a first bracket in accordance with another example of the present invention; [0021] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a first bracket in accordance with still another example of the present invention; [0022] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method of operating the elevation adjustment member illustrated in FIG. 2A in accordance with an example of the present invention; [0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the azimuth adjustment member and the clamp of the satellite antenna illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an example of the present invention; [0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an antenna mount illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an example of the present invention; [0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an antenna mount illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with another example of the present invention; [00261 FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an antenna mount in accordance with still another example of the present invention; [0027] FIG. 7B is still a perspective view of the antenna mount 10-1 illustrated in FIG. 7A; and [0028] FIGS. 8A to 8E are diagrams of an antenna mount in prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00291 Reference will now be made in detail to the present examples of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like portions.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a satellite antenna 100 in accordance with an example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the satellite antenna 100 may include an antenna mount 10 and an antenna dish 20. Moreover, the antenna mount 10 may include a connecting member 1, an elevation adjustment member 3, an azimuth adjustment member 5 and a clamp 7. The connecting member 1 may be adapted to couple with a connecting arm 21 of the satellite antenna 100. The clamp 7 may be adapted to secure the antenna mount 10 to a mounting pole 22. The elevation adjustment member 3 and the azimuth adjustment member 5 may be respectively adjusted in elevation angle and azimuth angle by using a wrench, for example, an open-end wrench 81 or a box-end wrench 82, which will be discussed in paragraphs below.

[0031] FIG. 2A is a fragmentary perspective view of the elevation adjustment member 3 illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2A, the elevation adjustment member 3 may include an adjustment plate 31, a first bracket 32 and a first cam 33. The adjustment plate 31, which may take the form of a planar sheet, has a first pivot hole 311, a first cam slot 312, a first guide slot 313 and a first pivot slot 314. In the present example, the first guide slot 313 may have a curved shape with a center of curvature at the first pivot hole 311. The first guide slot 313 may be adapted to confine the movement of the connecting member I within a predetermined arc length with respect to the first bracket 32. Furthermore, the first pivot slot 314 may have a curved shape with a center of curvature at the first pivot hole 311. The first pivot slot 314 may be adapted to confine the movement of the adjustment plate 3 lwithin a predetermined arc length with respect to the first bracket 32. Skilled persons in the art will understand that the curve-shaped first guide slot 313 may have a curvature different from that of the curve-shaped first pivot slot 314. The shapes, arc lengths and curvatures of the first guide slot 313 and first pivot slot 314 should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner not explicitly set forth in the appended claims.

[00321 The first cam 33 may include a disc 331, a shaft 333 and a connecting portion 332 between the disc 331 and the shaft 333. The connecting portion 332, which may include but is not limited to a cylindrical shape, may be coaxial with the shaft 333 at a first point Cl. The shaft 333 may have but is not limited to a hexagonal shape so as to facilitate the adjustment of the first cam 33 by a tool such as the open-end wrench 81 or the box-end wrench 82 from the exterior of the first bracket 32. The disc 331 may include a circular disc with a center at a second point C2, wherein the first and second points Cl and C2 are eccentric with respect to each other. In other examples, the disc 331 may have a non-circular shape (not shown) with a geometrical center at the first point Cl.

[0033] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the first bracket 32 of the elevation adjustment member 3 as viewed in a direction "A" illustrated in FIG. 2A. Referring to FIG. 2B, the first bracket 32 may include a base 32A and a pair of first and second sidewalls 32B and 32C extending in parallel with each other from the base 32A. The first sidewall 32B has a second pivot hole 321, a second cam slot 322, a second guide slot 323 and a second pivot slot 324.

The shaft 333 of the first cam 33 may protrude from the first sidewall 3 2B through the first and second cam slots 312, 322 and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall 32B. The shapes or profiles and the relative positions of the second pivot hole 321, second cam slot 322, second guide slot 323 and second pivot 324 may be respectively similar to those of the first pivot hole 311, first cam slot 312, first guide slot 313 and first pivot slot 314 described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 2A. Accordingly, when the adjustment plate 31 is attached to an inner surface (not numbered) of the first sidewall 32B, the second pivot hole 321, second cam slot 322, second guide slot 323 and second pivot slot 324 may be aligned with the first pivot hole 311, first cam slot 312, first guide slot 313 and first pivot slot 314 of the adjustment plate 31, respectively. In one example, the second cam slot 322 may have a size or diameter smaller than that of the first cam slot 312.

[00341 The second sidewall 32C may have a third guide slot 326 and a third pivot hole 325 (illustrated in FIG. 5). The shapes or profiles and the relative positions of the third pivot hole 325 and third guide slot 326 may be respectively similar to those of the second pivot hole 321 and second guide slot 323. Accordingly, when the adjustment plate 31 is attached to the inner surface of the first sidewall 32B, the second pivot hole 321 and second guide slot 323 of the adjustment plate 31 may be aligned with the third pivot hole 325 and third guide slot 326, respectively.

10035] The first bracket 32 may further include a first and a second flanges 32D and 32E each extending from a side (not numbered) of the base 32A between the sidewalls 32B and 32C and being flush with the sidewalls 32B and 32C. In the present example, the flanges 32D and 32E may substantially extend away from the sidewalls 32B and 32C. The first and second flanges 32D and 32E may each have a fourth pivot hole 327 and a mounting hole 329 and the first flange 32D may further include a recess 328. The recess 328 may be adapted to hold a disc of a second cam, which will be discussed later by reference to FIG. 5. The fourth pivot holes 327 of the flanges 32D and 32E may be aligned with each other as the mounting holes 329 of the flanges 32D and 32E are aligned with each other and vice versa.

[0036] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a first bracket 32' in accordance with another example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2C, the first bracket 32' may be similar to the first bracket 32 described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 2B except that, for example, a first flange 32D' may include a recess 328' having an open end (not numbered) at the peripheral of the first flange 32D'. The open-end recess 328' may facilitate loading/unloading of the second cam onto/off the first flange 32D'. The first flange 32D' may further include an indicator 330, which may take the form of a triangular hole, for pointing to an azimuth reading.

[00371 FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a first bracket 32" in accordance with still another example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2D, the first bracket 32" may be similar to the first bracket 32 described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 2B except that, for example, one or more ribs 32R may be provided to reinforce the first bracket 32". In the present example, the ribs 32R may extend across the base 32A from one of the sidewalls 32B and 32C to another.

[00381 Furthermore, the first flange 32D may include a depressed section 32-1 near the recess 328. The depressed section 32-1 may be bent toward the second flange 32E arid may facilitate loading/unloading of the second cam onto/off the first flange 32D. Moreover, each of the first and second flanges 32D and 32E may include a notch 32-2 at one or more of its corners.

[0039] FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method of operating the elevation adjustment member 3 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Referring to FIG. 3A, the adjustment plate 31 may be attached to an inner surface (not numbered) of the first sidewall 32B by setting the first cam 33 into the first cam slot 311 and the second cam slot 322 so that the disc 331 of the first cam 33, either circular or non-circular, may be fitted into the first cam slot 311 to engage snugly with the adjustment plate 31. Accordingly, the rotary motion of the first cain 33 may cause the adjustment plate 31 to rotate about the first pivot hole 311. A fastener (not shown), such as a set of bolt and nut, may be used to couple the adjustment plate 31 to the first sidewall 32B through the first pivot hole 311, which allows the adjustment plate 31 to pivot around the first pivot hole 311.

[00401 Referring to FIG. 3B, by rotating the shaft 333 with an appropriate tool, for example, the wrench 81 or 82 illustrated in FIG. 1, the adjustment plate 31 may pivot around the first pivot hole 311 as the shaft 333 and in turn the disc 331 rotate about the first center Cl. For example, the shaft 333 may rotate counterclockwise so that the center of the disc 331 may move from the point C2 to another point C2'.

[00411 Referring to FIG, 3C, the adjustment plate 31 and the disc 331 are rotated from the position (shown in phantom) illustrated in FIG. 3A to another position illustrated in FIG. 3B.

Also referring to FIG. I, the connecting member 1, which will be discussed by reference to FIG. 6, may translate the rotary motion to the antenna dish 20. Elevation angles of the satellite antenna 100 may thereby be adjusted.

[00421 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the azimuth adjustment member 5 and the clamp 7 of the satellite antenna 100 illustrated in FIG. I in accordance with an example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the azimuth adjustment member 5 may include a second bracket 51 and a second cam 52. The second cam 52 may include a disc 521, a shaft 523 and a connecting portion 522 between the disc 521 and the shaft 523. The shapes or profiles of the disc 521, the connecting portion 522 and the shaft 523 may be similar to those of the disc 331, the connecting portion 332 and the shaft 333 of the first cam 33 described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0043] The second bracket 51 may include a base 51 A and a pair of first and second sidewalls 51 B and 51 C extending in parallel with each other from the base 51 A. The first sidewall 51 B has a first indicator slot 511, a third cam slot 512 and a fifth pivot hole 513. The shaft 523 may protrude from the first sidewall 51 B through the third cam slot 512 and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall SiB of the second bracket 51. The second sidewall SiC has a second indicator slot 514 and a sixth pivot hole 515, The shapes or profiles and the relative positions of the fifth pivot hole 513 and first indicator slot 511 may be respectively similar to those of the sixth pivot hole 515 and second indicator slot 514. Accordingly, the fifth pivot hole 513 and first indicator slot 511 may be aligned with the sixth pivot hole 515 and second indicator slot 514, respectively.

[00441 The connecting portion 522, which may include but is not limited to a cylindrical shape, may be coaxial with the shaft 523 at a first point C3. The shaft 523 may include but is not limited to a hexagonal shape so as to facilitate the adjustment of the second cam 52 by the wrench 81 or 82 illustrated in FIG. 1 from the exterior of the second bracket 51. The disc 521 may include a circular disc with a center at a second point C4, wherein the first and second points C3 and C4 are eccentric with respect to each other. In other examples, the disc 521 may have a non-circular shape (not shown) with a geometrical center at the first point C3.

[0045] The second bracket 51 may further include a first and a second flanges 516 and 517 each extending from a side (not numbered) of the base 51 A between the sidewalls SiB and 51 C. Each of the flanges 516 and 517 has a pair of openings (not numbered) to allow a pair of U-shaped bars 71 and 72 of the clamp 7 to extend through across the base 51 A. The pair of U-shaped bars 71 and 72 may include threaded portions (not numbered) to facilitate the engagement with a pair of clamping members 73 and 74 of the clamp 7. Each of the clamping members 73 and 74 may include sawtooth portions 731 and 741 for securely clamping the mounting pole 22 shown in FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the antenna mount 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, an elevation scale SC1 may be arranged along the third guide slot 326 on an outer surface of the second sidewall 32C of the first bracket 32. When the first cam 33 is rotated, the elevation scale SC1 may facilitate the adjustment of the antenna dish 20 for a desired elevation angle.

[00471 Moreover, an azimuth scale SC2 may be arranged near the first indicator slot 511 on an outer surface of the first sidewall 51 B of the second bracket 51. In another example, the azimuth scale SC2 may be arranged near the second indicator slot 514 on an outer surface of the second sidewall 51 C of the second bracket 51. One or more of the first and second indicator slots 511 and 514 may expose an indicator such as the azimuth indicator 330 illustrated in FIG. 2C. When the second cam 52 is rotated, the azimuth scale SC2 together with the azimuth indicator 30 may facilitate the adjustment of the antenna dish 20 for a desired azimuth angle.

[0048] To assemble the elevation adjustment member 3 and the azimuth adjustment member 5, the first and second flanges 32D and 32E of the first bracket 32 of the elevation adjustment member 3 may be attached to the first and second sidewalls 51 B and SiC of the second bracket 51 of the azimuth adjustment member 5. Specifically, the disc 521 of the second cam 52 may be placed in the recess 328 of the first flange 32D of the first bracket 32, and then the shaft 523 of the second cam 52 may be placed in the fifth pivot hole 513 of the first sidewall 51B of the second bracket 51. The disc 521 may be sized to fit snugly within the recess 328 so that when the shaft 523 is rotated by a wrench from the exterior of the first sidewall 51 B, the first bracket 32 may rotate about the fifth pivot hole 513. The tangential direction of the rotary motion of the first bracket 32 with respect to the second cam 52 may be orthogonal to that of the rotary motion of the adjustment plate 31 with respect to the first cam 33.

[00491 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the antenna mount 10 of the satellite antenna 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 6, the connecting member 1 may have a pair of pivot holes 12, a pair of mounting holes 13 and a number of connection holes 11. The connection holes 11 may facilitate the connecting member 1 to couple with the connecting arm 21.

Furthermore, the pivot holes 12 and mounting holes 13 may facilitate the connecting member 1 to couple with the elevation adjustment member 3. Specifically, the connecting member 1 may be connected to the connecting arm 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 by a number of fasteners (not shown) through the connection holes 11. Also referring to FIGS. 2A and 6, the elevation adjustment member 3 may be connected to the connecting member 1 by a fastener (not shown) through the pivot holes 12, 311, 321 and 325, and further by another fastener (not shown) through the mounting hole 13 and the guide slots 323 and 313.

[0050] In operation, when the first cam 33 is rotated with respect to a first plane, i.e., the first sidewall 32B of the first bracket 32, the connecting member 1 coupled with the adjustment plate 31 may move along in the guide slots 313, 323 and 326 so that the rotary motion of the adjustment plate 31 may be translated via the connecting arm 21 to the antenna dish 20. Elevation angles of the antenna dish 20 of the satellite antenna 100 may thereby be adjusted. Moreover, when the second cam 52 is rotated with respect to a second plane, i.e., the first sidewall SiB of the second bracket 51, the connecting member 1 coupled with the elevation adjustment member 3 may pivot about the second cam 52 as the first bracket 32 pivots about the second cam 52 so that the rotary motion of the first bracket 32 may be translated via the connecting arm 21 to the antenna dish 20. Azimuth angles of the antenna dish 20 may thereby be adjusted.

10051] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an antenna mount 10-1 in accordance with still another example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7A, the antenna mount 10-1 may be similar to the antenna mount 10 described and illustrated with reference to in FIG. 5 except that, for example, the elevation adjustment member 3 and the azimuth adjustment member 5 of the antenna mount 10-1 may include a first cam device 34 and a second cam device 53 in place of the first cam 33 and the second cam 52 of the antenna mount 10, respectively.

Moreover, a first cam hole 317, a first cam slot 37, a second cam hole 35 of the elevation adjustment member 3 and a second cam slot 518 of the azimuth adjustment member 5 of the antenna mount 10-1 may take place of the first, the second cam slot 312, 322, the recess 328 and the third cam slot 512 of the antenna mount 10, respectively.

[0052] The first cam device 34 may be similar in function to the first cam 33, i.e., to adjust the elevation angle, even though the first cam device 34 may include a different mechanical structure and operate in a different manner. Specifically, the first cam device 34 may include a first disc 341, a shaft 342 and a second disc 343 between the first disc341 and the shaft 342.

The first disc 341 may include a circular disc with a center at a first point CS. The function of the first disc 341 is substantially the same as the disc 331 of the first cam 33, which will be discussed later. The shaft 342 may be substantially the same as the shaft 333 of the first cam 33 in both structure and function arid thus may facilitate the adjustment of the first cam device 34 by a tool from the exterior of the first bracket 32. The second disc 343 may include a circular disc with a center at a second point C6, wherein the first and second points C5 and C6 are eccentric with respect to each other. The size or diameter of the second disc 343 may be greater than that of the first disc 341. Moreover, the first cam device 34 may further include a threaded bar 344, a washer 345 and a screw nut 346. The threaded bar 344, which may have a cylindrical shape, may be coaxial with the shaft 342 and second disc 343 at the second point C6. The threaded bar 344 may be plugged into the first sidewall 32B of the first bracket 32 through the first cam slot 37 and the first cam hole 317, and is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall 32B. The threaded bar 344 may be locked with the screw nut 346 through the washer 345 so that the adjustment plate 31 may be attached to an inner surface (not numbered) of the first sidewall 32B. The first disc 341 may be therefore fitted into the first cam slot 37 to engage snugly with the first sidewall 32B, which will be discussed below.

110053] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the antenna mount 10-1 illustrated in FIG. 7A.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the first cam slot 37 may be disposed on the outer surface (not numbered) of the first sidewall 32B, to which the first disc 341 may be fitted. The first cam slot 37 may have a size or diameter greater than that of the first cam hole 317. By adjusting the first cam device 34, i.e., applying a force to cause a rotary motion of the first cam device 34 via the shaft 342, the adjustment plate 31 may rotate about the second pivot hole 321 in a fashion similar to the rotation of the adjustment plate 31 of the antenna mount 10 described and illustrated through FIGS. 3A to FIG. 3C. Accordingly, the adjustment plate 31 may be adjusted in elevation angle.

[0054] Referring back to FIG. 7A, the second cam device 53 for the adjustment of azimuth angle may be similar to the first cam device 34 in both structure and operating manner.

Specifically, the second cam device 53 may include a first disc 531, a shaft 532 and a second disc 533 between the first disc 531 and the shaft 532. The first disc 531 may include a circular disc with a center at a first point C7, the shaft 532 may be of a hexagonal shape, and the second disc 533 may include a circular disc with a center at a second point C8 and a size or diameter greater than that of the first disc 531. The second cam device 53 may include a threaded bar 534, a washer 535 and a screw nut 536 (not shown in FIG. 7A). The threaded bar 534, which may have a cylindrical shape, may be coaxial with the shaft 532 and second disc 533 at the second point C8, which is eccentric with the first point C7. The threaded bar 534 may be plugged into the first sidewall SiB of the second bracket 51 through the second cam slot 518 and the second cam hole 35, and is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall 51 B. The threaded bar 344 may be locked with the screw nut 536 through the washer 535 so that the first bracket 32 may be attached to an inner surface (not numbered) of the first sidewall SiB.

The first disc 531 may be therefore fitted into the second cam slot 518 to engage snugly with the first sidewall 51 B, wherein the second cam slot 518 may be disposed on the outer surface (not numbered) of the first sidewall SIB of the second bracket 51. The second cam slot 518 may have a size or diameter greater than that of the second cam hole 35. By adjusting the second cam device 53, i.e., applying a force to cause a rotary motion of the second cam device 53 via the shaft 532, the elevation adjustment member 3 may rotate about the fifth pivot hole 513 and therefore adjusted in azimuth angle.

[0055] In describing representative examples of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of operating the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0056] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the examples described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular examples disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim: 1. An antenna mount for a satellite antenna, the antenna mount comprising: an adjustment plate with a first cam slot; a first bracket comprising: a first base; a first sidewall extending from the first base and having a second cam slot aligned with the first cam slot; and a second sidewall extending in parallel with the first sidewall from the first base; and a first cam adapted to attach the adjustment plate to an inner surface of the first sidewall, the first cam comprising: a first shaft protruding from the first sidewall through the first and second cam slots and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall; and a first disc coupled with the first shaft and adapted to fit within the first cam slot so that the adjustment plate is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall.
2. The antenna mount of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a circular profile having a first center point eccentric to the first coaxial point.
3. The antenna mount of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a non-circular profile having a first geometric center point that overlaps the first coaxial point.
4. The antenna mount of claim 1, wherein the first bracket further comprises: a first flange extending from a side of the first base between the first and second sidewalls; and a second flange extending in parallel with the first flange from another side of the first base between the first and second sidewails..
5. The antenna mount of claim 4 further comprising a second bracket that comprises: a second base; a first sidewall extending from the second base and attached to the first flange; and a second sidewall extending in parallel with the first sidewall of the second bracket from the second base and attached to the second flange.
6. The antenna mount of claim 5, wherein the first flange includes a recess and the first sidewall of the second bracket has a third cam slot, further comprising a second cam that includes: a second shaft protruding from the first sidewall of the second bracket through the third cam slot and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket; and a second disc coupled with the second shaft and adapted to fit within the recess so that the first bracket is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket as the second shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall of the second bracket.
7. The antenna mount of claim 6, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a circular profile having a second center point eccentric to the second coaxial point.
8. The antenna mount of claim 6, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a non-circular profile having a second geometric center point that overlaps the second coaxial point.
9. The antenna mount of claim 6 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall of the first bracket arid coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is adapted to move with a rotary motion of the adjustment plate so as to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna dish.
10. The antenna mount of claim 9, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the first bracket have slots aligned with each other to confine the movement of the connecting member therein.
11. The antenna mount of claim 6 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall of the first bracket and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is adapted to move with a rotary motion of the first bracket so as to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna dish.
12. The antenna mount of claim 6, wherein the tangential direction of the rotary motion of the adjustment plate is orthogonal to that of the rotary motion ofthe first bracket.
13. An antenna mount for a satellite antenna, the antenna mount comprising: a first bracket comprising: a first sidewall; a second sidewall extending in parallel with and spaced apart from the first sidewall; a first flange extending between the first and second sidewall; and a second flange between the first and second sidewall extending in parallel with and spaced apart from the first flange; an adjustment plate attached to an inner surface of the first sidewall; a first cam comprising: a first shaft protruding from the first sidewall and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall; and a first disc coupled with the first shaft and adapted to rotate the adjustment plate with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall; a second bracket comprising: a third sidewall attached to the first flange; and a fourth sidewall attached to the second flange; and a second cam comprising: a second shaft protruding from the third sidewall and rotatable with respect to the third sidewall; and a second disc coupled with the second shaft and adapted to rotate the first bracket with respect to the third sidewall as the second shaft is rotated from the exterior of the third sidewall.
14. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a circular profile having a first center point eccentric to the first coaxial point.
15. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a non-circular profile having a first geometric center point that overlaps the first coaxial point.
16. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the third sidewall about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a circular profile having a second center point eccentric to the second coaxial point.
17. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the third sidewall about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a non-circular profile having a second geometric center point that overlaps the second coaxial point.
18. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the adjustment plate has a first cam slot and the first disc is adapted to fit within the first cam slot.
19. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the first flange includes a recess and the second disc is adapted to fit within the recess.
20. The antenna mount of claim 13 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is adapted to move with a rotary motion of the adjustment plate so as to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna dish.
21. The antenna mount of claim 20, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the first bracket have slots aligned with each other to confine the movement of the connecting member therein.
22. The antenna mount of claim 13 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is adapted to move with a rotary motion of the first bracket so as to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna dish.
23. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the tangential direction of the rotary motion of the adjustment plate is orthogonal to that of the rotary motion of the first bracket.
24. An antenna mount for a satellite antenna, the antenna mount comprising: an adjustment plate with a first cam slot; a first bracket comprising: a first sidewall; and a first flange including a recess; a first cam adapted to attach the adjustment plate to the first sidewall, the first cam comprising: a first shaft; and a first disc coupled with the first shaft and adapted to fit within the first cam slot so as to allow the adjustment plate to rotate in a first tangential direction; and a second cam comprising: a second shaft; and a second disc coupled with the second shaft and adapted to fit within the recess so as to allow the first bracket to rotate in a second tangential direction orthogonal to the first tangential direction.
25. The antenna mount of claim 24, wherein the first shaft is rotatable about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a circular profile having a first center point eccentric to the first coaxial point.
26. The antenna mount of claim 24, wherein the second shaft is rotatable about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a circular profile having a second center point eccentric to the second coaxial point.
27. The antenna mount of claim 24 further comprising a connecting member coupled with the adjustment plate and an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is adapted to move with a rotary motion of the adjustment plate so as to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna dish.
28. The antenna mount of claim 24 further comprising a connecting member coupled with the adjustment plate and an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is adapted to move with a rotary motion of the first bracket so as to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna dish.
29. The antenna mount of claim 24, wherein the first disc is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall.
30. The antenna mount of claim 24 further comprising a second bracket including a second sidewall attached to the first flange, wherein the second disc is rotatable with respect to the second sidewall as the second shaft is rotated from the exterior of the second sidewall.
31. An antenna mount as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of Figures 1 to 7B.Amendments to claims have been filed as follows 1. An antenna mount for a satellite antenna, the antenna mount comprising: an adjustment plate having a first cam slot and a first pivot hole, wherein the first pivot hole allows the adjustment plate to rotate thereabout; 4 a first bracket comprising: a first base; a first sidewall extending from the first base and having a second cam slot aligned with the first cam slot and a second pivot hole located at the geometric center of the first sidewall; and a second sidewall extending in parallel with the first sidewall from the first base; and a first cam to attach the adjustment plate to an inner surface of the first sidewall, the first cam comprising: a first shaft assembled by insertion through the first and second cam slots to protrude from the first sidewall, the first shaft to be rotatable with respect to the first sidewall; and a first disc coupled with the first shaft to fit within the first cam slot so that the adjustment plate is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall, * * wherein the second pivot hole and the first pivot hole are aligned with one another. *�S.* 2. The antenna mount of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first *: .: sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a circular profile having a first *: * center point eccentric to the first coaxial point.: * *, 3. The antenna mount of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first * * * sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a non-circular profile having a first geometric center point that overlaps the first coaxial point.4. The antenna mount of claim 1, wherein the first bracket further comprises: a first flange extending from a side of the first base between the first and second sidewalls; and a second flange extending in parallel with the first flange from another side of the first base between the first and secondsidewalls.5. The antenna mount of claim 4 further comprising a second bracket that comprises: a second base; a first sidewall extending from the second base and attached to the first flange and having a third pivot hole, wherein the third pivot hole is located at the geometric center of the first sidewall of the second base, and wherein the third pivot hole allows the second bracket to rotate thereabout; and a second sidewall extending in parallel with the first sidewall of the second bracket from the second base and attached to the second flange.6. The antenna mount of claim 5, wherein the first flange includes a recess and the first sidewall of the second bracket has a third cain slot, further comprising a second cam that includes: a second shaft assembled by insertion through the third cam slots to protrude from the first sidewall of the second bracket and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket; and a second disc coupled with the second shaft to fit within the recess so that the first bracket is * rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket as the second shaft is rotated : from the exterior of the first sidewall of the second bracket. * I.: 7. The antenna mount of claim 6, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the first : . sidewall of the second bracket about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a * * circular profile having a second center point eccentric to the second coaxial point.8. The antenna mount of claim 6, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall of the second bracket about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a non-circular profile having a second geometric center point that overlaps the second coaxial point.9. The antenna mount of claim 6 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall of the first bracket and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is to move with a rotary motion of the adjustment plate so as to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna dish.10. The antenna mount of claim 9, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the first bracket have slots aligned with each other to confine the movement of the connecting member therein.11. The antenna mount of claim 6 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall of the first bracket and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is to move with a rotary motion of the first bracket so as to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna dish.12. The antenna mount of claim 6, wherein the tangential direction of the rotary motion of the adjustment plate is orthogonal to that of the rotary motion of the first bracket.13. An antenna mount for a satellite antenna, the antenna mount comprising: a first bracket comprising: a first sidewall having a first pivot hole located at the geometric center of the first sidewall; a second sidewall extending in parallel with and spaced apart from the first sidewall; * a first flange extending between the first and second sidewall; and I...* a second flange between the first and second sidewall extending in parallel with and * spaced apart from the first flange; * an adjustment plate attached to an inner surface of the first sidewall and having a second * :* pivot hole, wherein the second pivot hole allows the adjustment plate to rotate thereabout; * wherein the second pivot hole and the first pivot hole are aligned with one another; a first cam comprising: a first shaft protruding from the first sidewall and rotatable with respect to the first sidewall; and a first disc coupled with the first shaft to rotate the adjustment plate with respect to the first sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall; a second bracket comprising: a third sidewall attached to the first flange and having a third pivot hole, wherein the third pivot hole is located at the geometric center of the third sidewall, and wherein the third pivot hole allows the second bracket to rotate thereabout; and a fourth sidewall attached to the second flange; and a second cam comprising: a second shaft protruding from the third sidewall and rotatable with respect to the third sidewall; and a second disc coupled with the second shaft to rotate the first bracket with respect to the third sidewall as the second shaft is rotated from the exterior of the third sidewall.14. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a circular profile having a first center point eccentric to the first coaxial point.15. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the first shaft is rotatable with respect to the first sidewall about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a non-circular profile having a first geometric center point that overlaps the first coaxial point. **..* : S 16. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the third *: .: sidewall about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a circular profile having a second center point eccentric to the second coaxial point.r * 17. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the second shaft is rotatable with respect to the third * sidewall about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a non-circular profile having a second geometric center point that overlaps the second coaxial point.18. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the adjustment plate has a first cam slot and the first disc is to fit within the first cam slot.19. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the first flange includes a recess and the second disc is to fit within the recess.20. The antenna mount of claim 13 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is to move with a rotary motion of the adjustment plate so as to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna dish.21. The antenna mount of claim 20, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the first bracket have slots aligned with each other to confine the movement of the connecting member therein.22. The antenna mount of claim 13 further comprising a connecting member coupled between the adjustment plate and the second sidewall and coupled with an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is to move with a rotary motion of the first bracket so as to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna dish.23. The antenna mount of claim 13, wherein the tangential direction of the rotary motion of the adjustment plate is orthogonal to that of the rotary motion of the first bracket.24. An antenna mount for a satellite antenna, the antenna mount comprising: an adjustment plate having a first cam slot and a first pivot hole, wherein the first pivot hole allows the adjustment plate to rotate thereabout; a first bracket comprising: * : * a first sidewall having a second pivot hole located at the geometric center of the first sidewall; and a first flange including a recess; a first cam to attach the adjustment plate to the first sidewall, the first cam comprising: a first shaft; and a first disc coupled with the first shaft to fit within the first cam slot so as to allow the adjustment plate to rotate in a first tangential direction; and a second cam comprising: a second shaft; and a second disc coupled with the second shaft to fit within the recess so as to allow the first bracket to rotate in a second tangential direction orthogonal to the first tangential direction, wherein the second pivot hole and the first pivot hole are aligned with one another.25. The antenna mount of claim 24, wherein the first shaft is rotatable about a first coaxial point, and the first disc includes a circular profile having a first center point eccentric to the first coaxial point.26. The antenna mount of claim 24, wherein the second shaft is rotatable about a second coaxial point, and the second disc includes a circular profile having a second center point eccentric to the second coaxial point.27. The antenna mount of claim 24 further comprising a connecting member coupled with the adjustment plate and an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is to move with a rotary motion of the adjustment plate so as to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna dish.28. The antenna mount of claim 24 further comprising a connecting member coupled with the adjustment plate and an antenna dish of the satellite antenna, wherein the connecting member is to move with a rotary motion of the first bracket so as to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna U...* . dish.* : * 29. The antenna mount of claim 24, wherein the first disc is rotatable with respect to the first *. sidewall as the first shaft is rotated from the exterior of the first sidewall.* 30. The antenna mount of claim 24 further comprising a second bracket including a second sidewall * attached to the first flange and the second sidewall having a third pivot hole, wherein the third pivot hole is located at the geometric center of the second sidewall, and wherein the third pivot hole allows the second bracket to rotate thereabout and wherein the second disc is rotatable with respect to the second sidewall as the second shaft is rotated from the exterior of the second sidewall.