US20210194114A1 - Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method - Google Patents
Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210194114A1 US20210194114A1 US17/195,286 US202117195286A US2021194114A1 US 20210194114 A1 US20210194114 A1 US 20210194114A1 US 202117195286 A US202117195286 A US 202117195286A US 2021194114 A1 US2021194114 A1 US 2021194114A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- router
- lan
- vehicle
- repeater
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
- H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
- H01Q1/325—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle
- H01Q1/3275—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle mounted on a horizontal surface of the vehicle, e.g. on roof, hood, trunk
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/42—Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
- H01Q21/28—Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
- H04B7/14—Relay systems
- H04B7/15—Active relay systems
- H04B7/155—Ground-based stations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/005—Moving wireless networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
- H04W84/04—Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
- H04W84/042—Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
- H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
- H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to external vehicle antenna housings and a method of installing antennas on recreation vehicles, trailers, boats, and trucks having sleeper compartments.
- Radio and television antennas that receive broadcast signals.
- the antennas may be mounted on the roof or other exterior location on the vehicle to improve signal reception.
- Radio and television antennas may be enclosed in an antenna housing. Due to wind resistance, the intermediate mast may be designed to have a narrow cross-section.
- the top portion of the antenna housing may be an aerodynamically shaped circular housing, a square housing, a wing-shaped housing, or the like.
- Wireless routers provide Internet transmissions over a local area network (LAN) that frequently follow a standard known as WiFi. Campgrounds and truck stops may provide LAN routers as a service for customers. Available LAN systems have limited range and the walls of a vehicle substantially reduce the effective range for LAN transmissions that are normally designed to be indoor devices used to connect computers and other internet connected devices.
- LAN local area network
- LTE Long-Term Evolution
- GSM/EDGE Global Systems for Mobile Communications/Enhanced Data Rates for GSM
- UMTS/HSPA Universal Mobile Telecommunication System/High Speed Packet Rate
- LTE increases capacity and speed of wireless communication for mobile devices.
- LTE systems use a different radio interface that are combined with core network improvements made in the fourth generation (4G) cellular networks for data speed improvements.
- LTE systems are used to improve cellular communications where cell reception is limited.
- LTE systems include an antenna that may be mounted on the roof of a vehicle for better signal reception and are connected to a booster inside the vehicle that amplifies the signal.
- attaching a separate LTE antenna, LAN antenna, radio antenna and television antenna on a vehicle is undesirable because each installed antenna may require a separate mount, requires additional labor, increases wind resistance, creates a potential water leak path, and is visually objectionable.
- Vehicle manufacturers attach and connect cables to radio and television antennas mounted on the vehicle at a factory when the walls and ceiling are accessible because nearly all vehicles are provided with a radio and a television.
- LAN and LTE devices are not pre-installed because the added cost of the antennas or LAN router or LTE booster is not warranted if the customer does not require LAN or LTE reception. But for customers who want improved reception, adding LAN and LTE antennas after the vehicle is manufactured increase costs due to the need to disassemble walls and ceiling panels to run wiring or cables from a wall receptacle to the roof mounted antennas.
- This disclosure is directed to solving the above problems and other problems as summarized below.
- the disclosed method and apparatus solve the above problems by providing a combination antenna housing as original equipment on a vehicle that includes a detachably connected intermediate housing portion that facilitates retrofitting a router/repeater including an antenna and/or an LTE antenna into the combination antenna housing.
- the detachably connected intermediate housing portion may be attached with threaded fasteners, connected by a hinge, threaded connection, bayonet mount, or the like.
- the terms “detachably connect” or “detachably connected” should be construed to mean to be connected in such a way as to be partially or fully separable and includes alternative arrangements to the disclosed fasteners such as a hinge, mating threaded portions, a bayonet mount, latches, or the like that permit accessing the interior of the housing to install an antenna or a repeater/router.
- a combination antenna apparatus is disclosed that is assembled to a roof or other exterior location on a vehicle.
- the combination antenna housing comprises a base adapted to be attached to the roof or another exterior location on the vehicle, a housing detachably connected to the base that defines an enclosed space, a seat, or a receptacle, for a repeater/router including a LAN antenna (hereinafter referred to as a “repeater/router”).
- the base defines an area adapted to securely receive the repeater/router within the enclosed space.
- the repeater/router may be adapted to communicate wirelessly or through a cable with a second rebroadcasting repeater/router (hereinafter referred to as a “rebroadcaster”) inside the vehicle.
- the repeater/router may communicate with the rebroadcaster, for example, by sharing the 2.4 gHz frequency that is used for connecting with the host.
- a passive antenna may be installed within the enclosed space to provide enhanced reception to LAN enabled devices inside the vehicle.
- the passive antenna may include an outer portion in close proximity to the repeater/router to pick up signals from the repeater/router and transfer the signals picked up from the repeater/router to an inside portion of the passive antenna.
- a radio antenna and a television antenna may also be enclosed within the housing.
- the base may include an outer flange adapted to be attached to the vehicle with fasteners, either directly or with a bracket, and a raised ring inside the outer flange.
- the raised ring may define a cavity inside the raised ring and also may inhibit any water from entering the cavity.
- the cavity may be cup-shaped and may also define a pocket or receptacle for receiving the repeater/router and securing the repeater/router inside the enclosed space.
- a conduit may be provided that may extend as much as several inches above the cavity and the raised ring and into the enclosed space. Cables are routed through the opening in the conduit that is spaced above the roof or other mounting surface and then is connected to the repeater/router and at least one antenna.
- the combination antenna apparatus may further comprise an O-ring or other type of seal that is assembled to the raised ring that establishes a seal around the cavity.
- the housing may include a lower surface that includes a rib that engages the O-ring or seal when the housing is attached to the base.
- the rib engages the O-ring or seal when the housing is attached to the base.
- a plurality of fasteners may be inserted into a plurality of internally threaded receptacles secured to the base to detachably connect the intermediate housing to the base. Seals may also be provided around the fasteners.
- the repeater/router may be enclosed within the interior space, and the rebroadcaster may be disposed inside the vehicle and may be wirelessly connected to the LAN antenna.
- the repeater/router may be enclosed within the interior space, and the rebroadcaster may be disposed inside the vehicle and may be connected by a cable, for example an ethernet cable, to the repeater/router.
- the combination antenna apparatus may further comprise an LTE antenna secured within the intermediate housing and connected through a cable to an LTE booster disposed inside the vehicle.
- LTE as referred to in this application should be construed to comprise cellular data and voice communication systems.
- the combination antenna apparatus may further comprise a wiring conduit that extends through the base and into the intermediate housing in an elevated relationship to the base, wherein cables are routed through the wiring conduit from inside the vehicle for connection to a plurality of antennas inside the housing.
- the LTE antenna may be attached to the roof by securing the LTE antenna to the wiring conduit.
- a method for providing a vehicle with one or more communication links.
- the method includes the steps of first assembling a plurality of cables or wires within a wall of the vehicle that extend from inside the vehicle to an exterior location on the vehicle. Next, an antenna is attached to one of the cables and the antenna is provided within a housing assembled to the vehicle. A second one of the cables is secured inside the housing without electrically connecting the second cable to another apparatus after which assembly of the vehicle is completed.
- the plurality of cables may be of different types.
- a coaxial cable may be provided for a television
- another coaxial cable may be provided for an AM/FM radio
- an ethernet cable may be provided for LAN signals
- a power wire may be provided to provide power to a repeater/router.
- the ethernet cable may include a power over ethernet (POE) wire instead of using a separate power wire.
- POE power over ethernet
- the housing may have at least two portions and the method may further comprise opening the housing by fully or partially separating the at least two portions of the housing after completing assembly of the vehicle.
- a repeater/router may be assembled inside the housing and the second one of the cables may be attached to the repeater/router.
- a rebroadcaster may be provided that is operatively connected to the repeater/router by, for example an ethernet cable or by a wireless link.
- the rebroadcaster may be disposed within the vehicle or within the housing.
- a third cable may be connected to an LTE antenna after the housing is opened and after completing assembly of the vehicle.
- the third cable may be connected between the LTE antenna and an LTE booster.
- a LAN system for vehicles such as recreational vehicles, trailer, boats, and sleeper cabs.
- the LAN system comprises an access point router that sends and receives LAN signals.
- a housing is provided that is adapted to be attached to a vehicle, either directly or with a bracket, that houses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and a repeater/router that sends and receives LAN signals between the access point and the repeater/router.
- the housing includes a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably connected to the base.
- a LAN enabled device may be used to send and receive LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the access point, or send and receive secondary LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the repeater/router disposed in the housing or the rebroadcaster inside the vehicle.
- the system may further comprise a rebroadcaster disposed inside the vehicle that is adapted to send and receive secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing.
- the LAN enabled device is adapted to communicate with the rebroadcaster.
- the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing may be transmitted through a cable extending between the receiver/router and the rebroadcaster.
- the cable may be installed in the vehicle when the vehicle is assembled, and the enclosure portion may be removed from the base to install the repeater/router on the base as a retrofit with the enclosure portion being reattached to the base after the repeater/router is installed.
- a passive antenna may be provided that includes an outer portion disposed inside the combination antenna housing and an inner portion disposed inside the vehicle.
- the outer portion of the passive antenna is placed close to the antennas of the repeater/router to capture bleed-over EMF that is passively transmitted through the passive antenna to the inner portion inside the vehicle.
- LAN enabled devices inside the vehicle can then link to the repeater/router through the passive antenna.
- the passive antenna provides sufficient signal quality for devise such as laptops, phones, tablets, and the like to function with improved range even if a rebroadcaster is not provided inside the vehicle.
- a long-term evolution (LTE) system comprising a cellular system that sends and receives mobile phone/cell phone data signals.
- a housing is adapted to be attached to a vehicle that encloses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and an LTE antenna for receiving mobile phone/cell phone data signals.
- the housing includes a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably connected to the base.
- a mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster is disposed inside the vehicle and connected to the LTE antenna.
- the mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster is adapted to send and receive secondary mobile phone/cell phone data signals between the mobile phone signal/cell phone data signal booster and a cell phone.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a recreational vehicle including a LAN system made in accordance with one embodiment of this disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combination antenna apparatus made in accordance with one embodiment of this disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the combination antenna apparatus shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base portion of the antenna housing with a repeater/router an LTE antenna and a passive LAN antenna.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base portion of the antenna housing.
- a recreation vehicle 10 is shown that is within range of a base station 12 through an access point router 14 .
- Local Area Network (LAN) signals 16 are transmitted between the access point router 14 and the recreation vehicle 10 .
- LAN Local Area Network
- this disclosure is also applicable to truck sleeper cabins, boats, or camping trailers.
- the recreation vehicle 10 includes a roof 18 upon which a combination antenna apparatus generally indicated by reference numeral 20 is mounted.
- the combination antenna apparatus 20 is mounted directly on the roof but it should be understood that the apparatus could be mounted on a bracket attached to the roof or at another exterior location on the vehicle.
- the combination antenna apparatus 20 includes a housing 22 that encloses a plurality of antennas as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the housing 22 includes a base 24 , an intermediate portion 26 , and a top portion 28 .
- a television antenna 29 a and a radio antenna 29 b is provided in the top portion 28 of the housing 22 and is connected by a cable 27 a and 27 b , respectively, wiring or cables to a television 31 a and radio 31 b inside the recreational vehicle 10 .
- the intermediate portion 26 and top portion 28 are separable in the illustrated embodiment but may also be combined into a single part.
- the base 24 is adapted to be attached to the roof 18 of the recreation vehicle 10 with fasteners and is caulked or otherwise sealed to prevent any water from leaking into the recreation vehicle 10 from around the base 24 .
- the intermediate portion 26 of the housing 22 is separated from the base 24 to illustrate the base 24 with a repeater/router 30 seated on the base 24 .
- a pair of repeater/router antennas 32 are part of the exterior repeater/router antenna 32 and function to send and receive LAN signals 16 to and from the access point router 14 .
- the intermediate portion 26 is configured to cooperatively engage the base 24 .
- the intermediate portion 26 is detachably connected by four bolts to the base 24 .
- Other types of detachable connectors such as a hinge, cooperating threaded portions, a bayonet connector, or the like are to be understood to detachably connect the intermediate housing to the base.
- the detachable connectors may be used to provide access for installing antennas or a repeater/router 30 in the enclosed space above the base 24 inside the intermediate housing 26 .
- the recreation vehicle has walls 34 (shown in FIG. 1 ) that block reception of LAN signals from the access point router 14 .
- the combination antenna apparatus 20 mounted on the roof 18 or on another exterior location on the vehicle is better positioned to send and receive LAN signals 16 from the access point router 14 .
- the repeater/router 30 repeats or retransmits the LAN signals 16 wirelessly to rebroadcaster 36 inside the vehicle 10 .
- the rebroadcaster 36 may be connected by a cable 38 , such as a ethernet cable, through the walls 34 or roof 18 to the exterior repeater/router 30 .
- a power supply 39 may be connected by a power supply wire 40 for the exterior repeater/router 30 .
- the power supply wire 40 may be a separate wire or may be a power over ethernet cable (COE).
- COE power over ethernet cable
- the wire 40 or cable is installed inside the walls 34 and roof 18 of the of the recreation vehicle 10 along with other wires or cables (not shown) when the recreation vehicle is built in the factory prior to when the inner wall panels are installed.
- coaxial cables for an entertainment system 31 a and 31 b including a television and/or radio are normally installed when the recreation vehicle is assembled at the factory because they are almost universally required by purchasers.
- Internet and LTE services are less frequently required and are normally installed as aftermarket equipment.
- this disclosure solves the problems relating to retrofitting repeater/routers and LTE antennas on vehicles after manufacturing by preinstalling the wires or cables 38 , 40 in the walls 34 and roof 18 and securing the outside ends thereof to the antenna housing 22 .
- an exterior router/repeater 30 and/or or an LTE antenna 48 are desired by the purchaser, they may be easily installed by opening the housing 22 , attaching the devices, and closing the housing 22 to re-establish an effective seal between the intermediate portion 26 and the base 24 .
- a LAN enabled device 46 may connect to the access point router 14 through the rebroadcaster 36 , a passive LAN antenna 48 , or the exterior repeater/router 30 .
- the passive LAN antenna 48 includes an inner portion 50 that extends into the recreation vehicle.
- An outer portion 52 of the passive LAN antenna 48 is disposed outside the vehicle and is passively connected to the repeater/router 30 .
- the recreation vehicle 10 may have interior walls 54 through which LAN signals 16 may be retransmitted by the rebroadcaster 36 , a passive LAN antenna 48 , or the exterior repeater/router 30 and received by the LAN enabled device 46 .
- An LTE antenna 56 may be provided inside the housing 22 to improve cell phone communications in areas where cell phone signals are weak and reception is not reliable.
- the LTE antenna 56 may be attached to a receptacle in the base 24 or may be attached with a zip-tie to part of the housing 22 .
- the LTE antenna is connected by a cable 61 to a booster 57 mounted inside the vehicle 10 to boost the signal that is transmitted through an inside antenna as a mobile phone or cell phone data signal.
- the base 24 includes a repeater/router receptacle 62 .
- the receptacle 62 may be a cavity defined by the base 24 and intermediate housing 26 that is adapted to receive a repeater/router 30 or may alternatively be an area, seat, or receptacle for a repeater/router 30 .
- the repeater/router 30 or antenna may be secured by a zip tie, screws, or other types of fasteners to the base 24 that are capable of securely holding the device 30 within the combination antenna apparatus 20 .
- a rectangular receptacle 62 is integrally formed in the base 24 with sides that are configured to restrain movement of the repeater/router 30 .
- Bosses 63 may be integrally molded, or otherwise provided on the base 24 for receiving screws.
- the repeater/router 30 may be securely fastened to the base 24 by attachment bosses 63 .
- Router antenna receptacles 64 may also be provided to further secure the repeater/router 30 to the base 24 .
- the base 24 is constructed to prevent water leakage into the housing 22 .
- the base 24 includes a central portion 66 that may receive the repeater/router 30 and/or the LTE antenna 56 that are installed after the vehicle 10 is assembled.
- a raised inner ring 68 extends around the central portion 66 .
- the ring 68 is circular but may also be provided in a different shape.
- the ring 68 is continuous to inhibit any water that could possibly seep between the base 24 and the intermediate portion 26 from reaching the central portion 66 where it could damage the repeater/router 30 .
- a base mounting flange 70 extends outwardly from the raised inner ring 68 and defines a plurality of fastener holes 72 .
- a conduit 74 is provided in the central portion 66 that extends from the base 24 and into the intermediate portion 26 of the housing 22 .
- the conduit 74 may be up to several inches in height and is intended to function to prevent water from flowing over the base 24 and entering the opening in the base 24 where the wires or cables 38 , 40 enter the housing 22 .
- An intermediate housing flange 76 extends outwardly from the intermediate portion 26 of the housing 22 and is substantially parallel to the base mounting flange 70 .
- the intermediate housing flange 76 defines a plurality of fastener receiving holes 78 corresponding to the location of the fastener holes 88 defined by the raised ring 68 .
- An O-ring seal 82 is fitted into an O-ring channel 84 defined by two upstanding, flanges that extend toward the intermediate housing flange 76 .
- a rib 86 is provided on the intermediate housing flange 76 to engage the O-ring seal 82 when the intermediate housing 26 is secured to the base 24 .
- the O-ring seal 82 is compressed by the rib 86 inside the O-ring channel 84 to tightly seal the intermediate portion 26 to the base 24 .
- a plurality of fastener seals 88 are provided within the fastener holes 78 that cooperate with a corresponding plurality of small circular ribs 90 that are oriented to form a seal around the fasteners that are used to secure the intermediate portion 26 to the base 24 .
- the fastener seals 88 prevent water from leaking into the area below the base 24 .
- the fastener seals 88 may be co-molded with the base or otherwise assembled in to the fastener holes 78 .
- the housing 22 may have at least two portions, and the method may include the additional steps of opening the housing 22 by partially or fully separating the intermediate portion 26 from the base 24 of the housing 22 after completing assembly of the vehicle 10 .
- a repeater/router 30 is assembled inside the housing 22 and the second one of the cables, such as a power wire and/or signal cable, is assembled to the repeater/router 30 to provide power to the repeater/router 30 .
- the rebroadcaster 36 disposed in the vehicle may be operatively connected to the repeater/router 30 by a wireless or wired connection.
- At least one or more “extra” wires or cables may be connected to the housing before completing assembly of the vehicle.
- a third cable may be provided that can later be connected between a LTE antenna and an LTE booster.
- the third cable is connected to the LTE antenna after the housing is opened and after completing assembly of the vehicle 10 .
- the LTE booster is installed inside the vehicle and is connected by the cable to the LTE antenna.
- the LTE booster receives mobile phone signal or cell phone data signals from a cellular network and repeats the signal inside the vehicle by sending and receiving secondary mobile phone signals or cell phone data signals with a cellphone inside the vehicle.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Support Of Aerials (AREA)
- Details Of Aerials (AREA)
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
An antenna housing facilitates retrofitting a repeater/router and/or an LTE antenna on a vehicle. The combination antenna housing comprises a housing including a base adapted to be assembled to the vehicle, an intermediate portion, and an upper antenna enclosure portion for a radio and television antenna. A method for providing a vehicle with one or more communication links includes the steps of first assembling a plurality of cables within a wall of the vehicle that extend from inside the vehicle to a location on a roof of the vehicle. A radio and television antenna is attached to one or more of the cables within the combination antenna housing. An extra cable is secured inside the housing without electrically connecting the extra cable to another device until after assembly of the vehicle is completed.
Description
- This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/847,373 filed Apr. 13, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,944,159 issued Mar. 9, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/943,054 filed Apr. 2, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,622,709 issued Apr. 14, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/480,969 filed Apr. 3, 2017, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
- This disclosure relates to external vehicle antenna housings and a method of installing antennas on recreation vehicles, trailers, boats, and trucks having sleeper compartments.
- Recreation vehicles, trailers, boats, trucks having sleeper compartments are provided with radio and television antennas that receive broadcast signals. The antennas may be mounted on the roof or other exterior location on the vehicle to improve signal reception. Radio and television antennas may be enclosed in an antenna housing. Due to wind resistance, the intermediate mast may be designed to have a narrow cross-section. The top portion of the antenna housing may be an aerodynamically shaped circular housing, a square housing, a wing-shaped housing, or the like.
- Wireless routers provide Internet transmissions over a local area network (LAN) that frequently follow a standard known as WiFi. Campgrounds and truck stops may provide LAN routers as a service for customers. Available LAN systems have limited range and the walls of a vehicle substantially reduce the effective range for LAN transmissions that are normally designed to be indoor devices used to connect computers and other internet connected devices.
- Long-Term Evolution (LTE) refers to a standard for using high-speed wireless communications for mobile devices and data terminals based upon Global Systems for Mobile Communications/Enhanced Data Rates for GSM (GSM/EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System/High Speed Packet Rate (UMTS/HSPA) technologies. Generally, LTE increases capacity and speed of wireless communication for mobile devices.
- LTE systems use a different radio interface that are combined with core network improvements made in the fourth generation (4G) cellular networks for data speed improvements. LTE systems are used to improve cellular communications where cell reception is limited. LTE systems include an antenna that may be mounted on the roof of a vehicle for better signal reception and are connected to a booster inside the vehicle that amplifies the signal. However, attaching a separate LTE antenna, LAN antenna, radio antenna and television antenna on a vehicle is undesirable because each installed antenna may require a separate mount, requires additional labor, increases wind resistance, creates a potential water leak path, and is visually objectionable.
- Vehicle manufacturers attach and connect cables to radio and television antennas mounted on the vehicle at a factory when the walls and ceiling are accessible because nearly all vehicles are provided with a radio and a television. LAN and LTE devices are not pre-installed because the added cost of the antennas or LAN router or LTE booster is not warranted if the customer does not require LAN or LTE reception. But for customers who want improved reception, adding LAN and LTE antennas after the vehicle is manufactured increase costs due to the need to disassemble walls and ceiling panels to run wiring or cables from a wall receptacle to the roof mounted antennas.
- When cables are routed through the roof or walls of a vehicle, generally a hole is cut in the roof or wall and the cable is pulled through the hole into a base of the antenna mount. Caulking or on another type of sealant is applied around the base. If there are any gaps in the caulking or a crack develops in the caulking, water may leak into the hole in the roof or wall and may cause interior damage.
- This disclosure is directed to solving the above problems and other problems as summarized below.
- The disclosed method and apparatus solve the above problems by providing a combination antenna housing as original equipment on a vehicle that includes a detachably connected intermediate housing portion that facilitates retrofitting a router/repeater including an antenna and/or an LTE antenna into the combination antenna housing. The detachably connected intermediate housing portion may be attached with threaded fasteners, connected by a hinge, threaded connection, bayonet mount, or the like. As used herein, the terms “detachably connect” or “detachably connected” should be construed to mean to be connected in such a way as to be partially or fully separable and includes alternative arrangements to the disclosed fasteners such as a hinge, mating threaded portions, a bayonet mount, latches, or the like that permit accessing the interior of the housing to install an antenna or a repeater/router.
- According to one aspect of this disclosure, a combination antenna apparatus is disclosed that is assembled to a roof or other exterior location on a vehicle. The combination antenna housing comprises a base adapted to be attached to the roof or another exterior location on the vehicle, a housing detachably connected to the base that defines an enclosed space, a seat, or a receptacle, for a repeater/router including a LAN antenna (hereinafter referred to as a “repeater/router”). The base defines an area adapted to securely receive the repeater/router within the enclosed space.
- The repeater/router may be adapted to communicate wirelessly or through a cable with a second rebroadcasting repeater/router (hereinafter referred to as a “rebroadcaster”) inside the vehicle. The repeater/router may communicate with the rebroadcaster, for example, by sharing the 2.4 gHz frequency that is used for connecting with the host. Alternatively, a passive antenna may be installed within the enclosed space to provide enhanced reception to LAN enabled devices inside the vehicle. The passive antenna may include an outer portion in close proximity to the repeater/router to pick up signals from the repeater/router and transfer the signals picked up from the repeater/router to an inside portion of the passive antenna. A radio antenna and a television antenna may also be enclosed within the housing.
- The base may include an outer flange adapted to be attached to the vehicle with fasteners, either directly or with a bracket, and a raised ring inside the outer flange. The raised ring may define a cavity inside the raised ring and also may inhibit any water from entering the cavity. The cavity may be cup-shaped and may also define a pocket or receptacle for receiving the repeater/router and securing the repeater/router inside the enclosed space. A conduit may be provided that may extend as much as several inches above the cavity and the raised ring and into the enclosed space. Cables are routed through the opening in the conduit that is spaced above the roof or other mounting surface and then is connected to the repeater/router and at least one antenna. The combination antenna apparatus may further comprise an O-ring or other type of seal that is assembled to the raised ring that establishes a seal around the cavity.
- The housing may include a lower surface that includes a rib that engages the O-ring or seal when the housing is attached to the base. The rib engages the O-ring or seal when the housing is attached to the base. A plurality of fasteners may be inserted into a plurality of internally threaded receptacles secured to the base to detachably connect the intermediate housing to the base. Seals may also be provided around the fasteners.
- The repeater/router may be enclosed within the interior space, and the rebroadcaster may be disposed inside the vehicle and may be wirelessly connected to the LAN antenna. Alternatively, the repeater/router may be enclosed within the interior space, and the rebroadcaster may be disposed inside the vehicle and may be connected by a cable, for example an ethernet cable, to the repeater/router.
- The combination antenna apparatus may further comprise an LTE antenna secured within the intermediate housing and connected through a cable to an LTE booster disposed inside the vehicle. LTE as referred to in this application should be construed to comprise cellular data and voice communication systems.
- The combination antenna apparatus may further comprise a wiring conduit that extends through the base and into the intermediate housing in an elevated relationship to the base, wherein cables are routed through the wiring conduit from inside the vehicle for connection to a plurality of antennas inside the housing. The LTE antenna may be attached to the roof by securing the LTE antenna to the wiring conduit.
- According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is disclosed for providing a vehicle with one or more communication links. The method includes the steps of first assembling a plurality of cables or wires within a wall of the vehicle that extend from inside the vehicle to an exterior location on the vehicle. Next, an antenna is attached to one of the cables and the antenna is provided within a housing assembled to the vehicle. A second one of the cables is secured inside the housing without electrically connecting the second cable to another apparatus after which assembly of the vehicle is completed.
- The plurality of cables may be of different types. For example, a coaxial cable may be provided for a television, another coaxial cable may be provided for an AM/FM radio, an ethernet cable may be provided for LAN signals, and a power wire may be provided to provide power to a repeater/router. The ethernet cable may include a power over ethernet (POE) wire instead of using a separate power wire.
- The housing may have at least two portions and the method may further comprise opening the housing by fully or partially separating the at least two portions of the housing after completing assembly of the vehicle. A repeater/router may be assembled inside the housing and the second one of the cables may be attached to the repeater/router. A rebroadcaster may be provided that is operatively connected to the repeater/router by, for example an ethernet cable or by a wireless link.
- The rebroadcaster may be disposed within the vehicle or within the housing.
- A third cable may be connected to an LTE antenna after the housing is opened and after completing assembly of the vehicle. The third cable may be connected between the LTE antenna and an LTE booster.
- According to another aspect of this disclosure, a LAN system is disclosed for vehicles such as recreational vehicles, trailer, boats, and sleeper cabs. The LAN system comprises an access point router that sends and receives LAN signals. A housing is provided that is adapted to be attached to a vehicle, either directly or with a bracket, that houses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and a repeater/router that sends and receives LAN signals between the access point and the repeater/router. The housing includes a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably connected to the base. A LAN enabled device may be used to send and receive LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the access point, or send and receive secondary LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the repeater/router disposed in the housing or the rebroadcaster inside the vehicle.
- According to other aspects of the LAN system, the system may further comprise a rebroadcaster disposed inside the vehicle that is adapted to send and receive secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing. The LAN enabled device is adapted to communicate with the rebroadcaster.
- The secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing may be transmitted through a cable extending between the receiver/router and the rebroadcaster.
- The cable may be installed in the vehicle when the vehicle is assembled, and the enclosure portion may be removed from the base to install the repeater/router on the base as a retrofit with the enclosure portion being reattached to the base after the repeater/router is installed.
- A passive antenna may be provided that includes an outer portion disposed inside the combination antenna housing and an inner portion disposed inside the vehicle. The outer portion of the passive antenna is placed close to the antennas of the repeater/router to capture bleed-over EMF that is passively transmitted through the passive antenna to the inner portion inside the vehicle. LAN enabled devices inside the vehicle can then link to the repeater/router through the passive antenna. The passive antenna provides sufficient signal quality for devise such as laptops, phones, tablets, and the like to function with improved range even if a rebroadcaster is not provided inside the vehicle.
- According to another aspect of this disclosure, a long-term evolution (LTE) system is provided that comprises a cellular system that sends and receives mobile phone/cell phone data signals. A housing is adapted to be attached to a vehicle that encloses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and an LTE antenna for receiving mobile phone/cell phone data signals. The housing includes a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably connected to the base. A mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster is disposed inside the vehicle and connected to the LTE antenna. The mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster is adapted to send and receive secondary mobile phone/cell phone data signals between the mobile phone signal/cell phone data signal booster and a cell phone.
- The above aspects of this disclosure and other aspects will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a recreational vehicle including a LAN system made in accordance with one embodiment of this disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combination antenna apparatus made in accordance with one embodiment of this disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the combination antenna apparatus shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base portion of the antenna housing with a repeater/router an LTE antenna and a passive LAN antenna. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base portion of the antenna housing. - The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to practice the disclosed concepts.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , arecreation vehicle 10 is shown that is within range of abase station 12 through anaccess point router 14. Local Area Network (LAN) signals 16 are transmitted between theaccess point router 14 and therecreation vehicle 10. While a recreation vehicle is illustrated inFIG. 1 , this disclosure is also applicable to truck sleeper cabins, boats, or camping trailers. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , therecreation vehicle 10 includes aroof 18 upon which a combination antenna apparatus generally indicated byreference numeral 20 is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, thecombination antenna apparatus 20 is mounted directly on the roof but it should be understood that the apparatus could be mounted on a bracket attached to the roof or at another exterior location on the vehicle. Thecombination antenna apparatus 20 includes ahousing 22 that encloses a plurality of antennas as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Thehousing 22 includes abase 24, anintermediate portion 26, and atop portion 28. Atelevision antenna 29 a and aradio antenna 29 b is provided in thetop portion 28 of thehousing 22 and is connected by acable television 31 a andradio 31 b inside therecreational vehicle 10. Theintermediate portion 26 andtop portion 28 are separable in the illustrated embodiment but may also be combined into a single part. Thebase 24 is adapted to be attached to theroof 18 of therecreation vehicle 10 with fasteners and is caulked or otherwise sealed to prevent any water from leaking into therecreation vehicle 10 from around thebase 24. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 3 , theintermediate portion 26 of thehousing 22 is separated from the base 24 to illustrate the base 24 with a repeater/router 30 seated on thebase 24. A pair of repeater/router antennas 32 are part of the exterior repeater/router antenna 32 and function to send and receive LAN signals 16 to and from theaccess point router 14. Theintermediate portion 26 is configured to cooperatively engage thebase 24. In the illustrated embodiment, theintermediate portion 26 is detachably connected by four bolts to thebase 24. Other types of detachable connectors such as a hinge, cooperating threaded portions, a bayonet connector, or the like are to be understood to detachably connect the intermediate housing to the base. The detachable connectors may be used to provide access for installing antennas or a repeater/router 30 in the enclosed space above thebase 24 inside theintermediate housing 26. - The recreation vehicle has walls 34 (shown in
FIG. 1 ) that block reception of LAN signals from theaccess point router 14. Thecombination antenna apparatus 20 mounted on theroof 18 or on another exterior location on the vehicle is better positioned to send and receive LAN signals 16 from theaccess point router 14. The repeater/router 30 repeats or retransmits the LAN signals 16 wirelessly torebroadcaster 36 inside thevehicle 10. Alternatively, therebroadcaster 36 may be connected by acable 38, such as a ethernet cable, through thewalls 34 orroof 18 to the exterior repeater/router 30. Apower supply 39 may be connected by apower supply wire 40 for the exterior repeater/router 30. Thepower supply wire 40 may be a separate wire or may be a power over ethernet cable (COE). Thewire 40 or cable is installed inside thewalls 34 androof 18 of the of therecreation vehicle 10 along with other wires or cables (not shown) when the recreation vehicle is built in the factory prior to when the inner wall panels are installed. - According to the method disclosed, coaxial cables for an
entertainment system cables walls 34 androof 18 and securing the outside ends thereof to theantenna housing 22. If an exterior router/repeater 30 and/or or anLTE antenna 48 are desired by the purchaser, they may be easily installed by opening thehousing 22, attaching the devices, and closing thehousing 22 to re-establish an effective seal between theintermediate portion 26 and thebase 24. - A LAN enabled device 46 (shown in
FIG. 1 ) may connect to theaccess point router 14 through therebroadcaster 36, apassive LAN antenna 48, or the exterior repeater/router 30. Thepassive LAN antenna 48 includes aninner portion 50 that extends into the recreation vehicle. Anouter portion 52 of thepassive LAN antenna 48 is disposed outside the vehicle and is passively connected to the repeater/router 30. Therecreation vehicle 10 may haveinterior walls 54 through which LAN signals 16 may be retransmitted by therebroadcaster 36, apassive LAN antenna 48, or the exterior repeater/router 30 and received by the LAN enableddevice 46. - An
LTE antenna 56 may be provided inside thehousing 22 to improve cell phone communications in areas where cell phone signals are weak and reception is not reliable. TheLTE antenna 56 may be attached to a receptacle in the base 24 or may be attached with a zip-tie to part of thehousing 22. The LTE antenna is connected by acable 61 to abooster 57 mounted inside thevehicle 10 to boost the signal that is transmitted through an inside antenna as a mobile phone or cell phone data signal. - Referring to
FIGS. 3-5 , thebase 24 includes a repeater/router receptacle 62. Thereceptacle 62 may be a cavity defined by thebase 24 andintermediate housing 26 that is adapted to receive a repeater/router 30 or may alternatively be an area, seat, or receptacle for a repeater/router 30. The repeater/router 30 or antenna may be secured by a zip tie, screws, or other types of fasteners to the base 24 that are capable of securely holding thedevice 30 within thecombination antenna apparatus 20. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , arectangular receptacle 62 is integrally formed in the base 24 with sides that are configured to restrain movement of the repeater/router 30. Bosses 63 may be integrally molded, or otherwise provided on thebase 24 for receiving screws. The repeater/router 30 may be securely fastened to thebase 24 by attachment bosses 63.Router antenna receptacles 64 may also be provided to further secure the repeater/router 30 to thebase 24. - The
base 24 is constructed to prevent water leakage into thehousing 22. Thebase 24 includes acentral portion 66 that may receive the repeater/router 30 and/or theLTE antenna 56 that are installed after thevehicle 10 is assembled. A raisedinner ring 68 extends around thecentral portion 66. In the illustrated embodiment, thering 68 is circular but may also be provided in a different shape. Thering 68 is continuous to inhibit any water that could possibly seep between the base 24 and theintermediate portion 26 from reaching thecentral portion 66 where it could damage the repeater/router 30. - A
base mounting flange 70 extends outwardly from the raisedinner ring 68 and defines a plurality of fastener holes 72. Aconduit 74 is provided in thecentral portion 66 that extends from thebase 24 and into theintermediate portion 26 of thehousing 22. Theconduit 74 may be up to several inches in height and is intended to function to prevent water from flowing over thebase 24 and entering the opening in thebase 24 where the wires orcables housing 22. Anintermediate housing flange 76 extends outwardly from theintermediate portion 26 of thehousing 22 and is substantially parallel to thebase mounting flange 70. Theintermediate housing flange 76 defines a plurality offastener receiving holes 78 corresponding to the location of the fastener holes 88 defined by the raisedring 68. - An O-
ring seal 82 is fitted into an O-ring channel 84 defined by two upstanding, flanges that extend toward theintermediate housing flange 76. Arib 86 is provided on theintermediate housing flange 76 to engage the O-ring seal 82 when theintermediate housing 26 is secured to thebase 24. The O-ring seal 82 is compressed by therib 86 inside the O-ring channel 84 to tightly seal theintermediate portion 26 to thebase 24. - A plurality of fastener seals 88 are provided within the fastener holes 78 that cooperate with a corresponding plurality of small
circular ribs 90 that are oriented to form a seal around the fasteners that are used to secure theintermediate portion 26 to thebase 24. The fastener seals 88 prevent water from leaking into the area below thebase 24. The fastener seals 88 may be co-molded with the base or otherwise assembled in to the fastener holes 78. - The method of providing a
vehicle 10 with one or more communication antennas for an entertainment system, internet repeater/router, and/or LTE antenna and booster comprises a first step of assembling a plurality of cables or wires (e.g. 27 a, 27 b, 38, 40) within awall 34 of the vehicle that extend from inside thevehicle 10 to thecombination antenna apparatus 20 on aroof 18 or other exterior location on thevehicle 10. A first antenna for television or radio signals is attached to a first one of the cables and is provided within a housing assembled to the roof of the vehicle. An “extra” or second one of the cables or wires is secured inside thehousing 22 without electrically connecting the second one of the cables to another apparatus in thehousing 22 and subsequently completing assembly of thevehicle 10. Additional “extra” cables may be run to thehousing 22 and left unconnected. - The
housing 22 may have at least two portions, and the method may include the additional steps of opening thehousing 22 by partially or fully separating theintermediate portion 26 from thebase 24 of thehousing 22 after completing assembly of thevehicle 10. Next, a repeater/router 30 is assembled inside thehousing 22 and the second one of the cables, such as a power wire and/or signal cable, is assembled to the repeater/router 30 to provide power to the repeater/router 30. Therebroadcaster 36 disposed in the vehicle may be operatively connected to the repeater/router 30 by a wireless or wired connection. - At least one or more “extra” wires or cables may be connected to the housing before completing assembly of the vehicle. For example, a third cable may be provided that can later be connected between a LTE antenna and an LTE booster. The third cable is connected to the LTE antenna after the housing is opened and after completing assembly of the
vehicle 10. The LTE booster is installed inside the vehicle and is connected by the cable to the LTE antenna. The LTE booster receives mobile phone signal or cell phone data signals from a cellular network and repeats the signal inside the vehicle by sending and receiving secondary mobile phone signals or cell phone data signals with a cellphone inside the vehicle. - The embodiments described above are specific examples that do not describe all possible forms of the disclosure. The features of the illustrated embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation. The scope of the following claims is broader than the specifically disclosed embodiments and also includes modifications of the illustrated embodiments.
Claims (11)
1. A LAN system comprising:
an access point router that sends and receives LAN signals;
a housing adapted to be attached to a vehicle that encloses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and a repeater/router that sends and receives secondary LAN signals between the access point router and the repeater/router, the housing including a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably secured to the base; and
a LAN enabled device being adapted to selectively—
send and receive LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the access point, or
send and receive secondary LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the repeater/router disposed in the housing.
2. The LAN system of claim 1 further comprising:
a rebroadcaster disposed inside the vehicle that is adapted to send and receive the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing, and wherein the LAN enabled device is adapted to send and receive signals to and from the rebroadcaster.
3. The LAN system of claim 2 wherein the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing are transmitted through a cable extending between the repeater/router and the rebroadcaster.
4. The LAN system of claim 2 wherein an extra cable is installed in the vehicle when the vehicle is assembled, and wherein the enclosure portion is at least partially removed from the base to install the repeater/router on the base as a retrofit with the enclosure portion being reattached to the base after the repeater/router is installed.
5. The LAN system of claim 1 further comprising:
a passive antenna including an outside portion disposed outside the vehicle and an inner portion disposed inside the vehicle, wherein the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing are passively transmitted through the passive antenna between the repeater/router and the LAN enabled device.
6. A long-term evolution (LTE) system comprising:
a cellular system that sends and receives primary mobile phone/cell phone data signals;
a housing adapted to be attached to a vehicle that encloses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and an LTE antenna for receiving primary mobile phone/cell phone data signals, the housing including a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably connected to the base; and
a mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster disposed inside the vehicle and connected to the LTE antenna, wherein the mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster is adapted to send and receive secondary mobile phone signal/cell phone data signals between a cell phone and the mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster and a cell phone.
7. A LAN system for receiving LAN signals from an access point router and transmitting LAN signals to the access point router, the LAN system comprising:
a housing adapted to be attached to a vehicle that encloses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and a repeater/router, the repeater/router receives the LAN signals between the access point router and the repeater/router, the repeater/router transmits the LAN signals to the access point router, the housing includes a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably secured to the base;
a rebroadcaster disposed inside the vehicle that is adapted to send and receive secondary LAN signals with the repeater/router in the housing, wherein the rebroadcaster sends and receives secondary LAN signals; and
a LAN enabled device being adapted to selectively—
send and receive LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the access point, or
send and receive secondary LAN signals between the LAN enabled device and the rebroadcaster.
8. The LAN system of claim 7 wherein the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing are transmitted through a cable extending between the repeater/router and the rebroadcaster.
9. The LAN system of claim 7 wherein the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing are transmitted through a wall of the vehicle between the repeater/router and the rebroadcaster.
10. The LAN system of claim 7 further comprising:
a passive antenna including an outside portion disposed outside the vehicle and inside the housing adjacent a second antenna connected to the repeater/router and an inner portion disposed inside the vehicle, wherein the secondary LAN signals from the repeater/router in the housing are passively transmitted through the passive antenna between the repeater/router and the LAN enabled device.
11. A long-term evolution (LTE) system that communicates with a cellular system that sends and receives primary mobile phone/cell phone data signals, the LTE system comprising:
a housing adapted to be attached to a vehicle that encloses a television antenna, a radio antenna, and an LTE antenna for receiving primary mobile phone/cell phone data signals, the housing including a base attached to the vehicle and an enclosure portion that is detachably connected to the base; and
a mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster disposed inside the vehicle and connected to the LTE antenna, wherein the mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster is adapted to send and receive secondary mobile phone/cell phone data signals between a cell phone and the mobile phone/cell phone data signal booster.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/195,286 US20210194114A1 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2021-03-08 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762480969P | 2017-04-03 | 2017-04-03 | |
US15/943,054 US10622709B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2018-04-02 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
US16/847,373 US10944159B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-04-13 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
US17/195,286 US20210194114A1 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2021-03-08 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/847,373 Division US10944159B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-04-13 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210194114A1 true US20210194114A1 (en) | 2021-06-24 |
Family
ID=63671085
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/943,054 Active 2038-07-05 US10622709B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2018-04-02 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
US16/847,373 Active US10944159B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-04-13 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
US17/195,286 Abandoned US20210194114A1 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2021-03-08 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/943,054 Active 2038-07-05 US10622709B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2018-04-02 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
US16/847,373 Active US10944159B2 (en) | 2017-04-03 | 2020-04-13 | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US10622709B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11329684B2 (en) * | 2016-06-17 | 2022-05-10 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Radio frequency signal boosters for vehicles |
US11722165B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2023-08-08 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Radio frequency signal boosters for vehicles |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10622709B2 (en) * | 2017-04-03 | 2020-04-14 | Magnadyne Corporation | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
CN117651018B (en) * | 2024-01-29 | 2024-03-29 | 合肥岭雁科技有限公司 | Combined router with signal expansion |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6538612B1 (en) * | 1997-03-11 | 2003-03-25 | Lael D. King | Satellite locator system |
US7755551B2 (en) * | 2005-11-10 | 2010-07-13 | Laird Technologies, Inc. | Modular antenna assembly for automotive vehicles |
US7768465B2 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2010-08-03 | Laird Technologies, Inc. | Vehicle-mount stacked patch antenna assemblies with resiliently compressible bumpers for mechanical compression to aid in electrical grounding of shield and chassis |
US8254304B2 (en) * | 2008-12-14 | 2012-08-28 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Channel capacity adaptive repeater |
US9083414B2 (en) * | 2012-08-09 | 2015-07-14 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | LTE MIMO-capable multi-functional vehicle antenna |
SE1650680A1 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2017-11-20 | Icomera Ab | Wireless communication system |
US10622709B2 (en) * | 2017-04-03 | 2020-04-14 | Magnadyne Corporation | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method |
US10276932B2 (en) | 2017-04-13 | 2019-04-30 | Winegard Company | Antenna Positioning System |
-
2018
- 2018-04-02 US US15/943,054 patent/US10622709B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-04-13 US US16/847,373 patent/US10944159B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-03-08 US US17/195,286 patent/US20210194114A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11329684B2 (en) * | 2016-06-17 | 2022-05-10 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Radio frequency signal boosters for vehicles |
US11722165B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2023-08-08 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Radio frequency signal boosters for vehicles |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10944159B2 (en) | 2021-03-09 |
US20200243955A1 (en) | 2020-07-30 |
US20180287250A1 (en) | 2018-10-04 |
US10622709B2 (en) | 2020-04-14 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210194114A1 (en) | Combination external vehicle antenna housing and installation method | |
US10790578B2 (en) | Modular small cell architecture | |
US9692115B2 (en) | Antenna radome with removeably connected electronics module | |
US7646355B2 (en) | Enclosure with ground plane | |
US8237617B1 (en) | Surface wave antenna mountable on existing conductive structures | |
KR102035370B1 (en) | Antenna module having a transmitting and receiving antenna element | |
US9455494B2 (en) | In-vehicle multimedia device having antenna module and tuner part module integrated therein | |
US20140062804A1 (en) | Strand mountable antenna enclosure for wireless communication access system | |
US20110237299A1 (en) | Gps mast module and mobile radio installation | |
EP2760249B1 (en) | Method and system for distributing data packets on communication channel and stationary modular transceiver devices for performing the method and system | |
US6513756B1 (en) | Installation of single passenger interface unit and method thereof | |
KR102086172B1 (en) | Integrated antenna module for vehicle | |
GB2296385A (en) | Antenna | |
US20240107630A1 (en) | Small cell access node | |
CN112889184A (en) | Base station antenna device and adapter thereof | |
CN204067567U (en) | Dwarf forms car antenna | |
US20230216204A1 (en) | Small cell access node and antenna support bracket for use therein | |
EP2472740A1 (en) | Wireless train communication system | |
CN214901324U (en) | Wireless relay type explosion-proof call system of coal conveying system | |
CN205376710U (en) | Multi -system combiner platform | |
US12040853B1 (en) | Method and system for a multi-frequency rail car antenna array | |
KR100724812B1 (en) | Architecture of a base station of a radio communications system | |
KR102600315B1 (en) | Rear spoiler with built-in vehicle antenna | |
CN217691629U (en) | Vehicle-mounted built-in antenna box | |
US10020868B2 (en) | Communication module assembly |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MAGNADYNE CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CAREN, BARRY L.;HOCKETT, MARK E.;WONG, CM;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:055524/0759 Effective date: 20180327 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |