WO2014097091A1

WO2014097091A1 - Antenna mounting

Info

Publication number: WO2014097091A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/060919
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephan KOTZE; Jürgen DRESEL; Thomas David Abbott
Original assignee: Poynting Antennas (Pty) Limited
Priority date: 2012-12-18
Filing date: 2013-12-13
Publication date: 2014-06-26

Abstract

This invention relates to a spring biased antenna mounting 10. The antenna mounting 10 consists of a base 12 and an antenna support 14 mounted on the base 12 and adapted to hold an antenna 15 in an operational position in which the antenna 15 extends in a predetermined axial alignment relative to the base 12. The mounting of the antenna support 14 permits displacement of the antenna support 14 relative to the base 12 to tilt the antenna 15 out of its operational position. The antenna mounting 10 further includes a plurality of spaced apart biasing means 16 linking the antenna support 14 to the base 12 such that, when the antenna support 14 is displaced, the biasing means 16 serve to return the antenna 15 to its operational position. The biasing means 16.1 to 16.4 are circumferentially spaced about the base and 12 and antenna support 14.

Description

ANTENNA MOUNTING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a mounting for an antenna. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a spring biased antenna mounting.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION An antenna or aerial is well known and widely used for transmitting or receiving radio or television signals.

Generally, the antenna is mounted on a stationary structure or movable object to provide such structure or object with means for transmitting or receiving signals. In the case with the antenna fitted to a movable object, such as a vehicle or human, it is known in the art to provide the antenna with a single tension coil spring mounting to permit for pivotal movement of the antenna. In use, when a force is imparted onto the antenna, such force is absorbed by the spring mounting as it allows the antenna to pivot or tilt without causing damage to the antenna. In addition, after the force has dissipated, the spring mounting causes the antenna to return to its normal operating or neutral position, which is generally considered to be in a vertical direction. When the antenna is caused to pivotalty displace from its normal operating position, it is desirable for the antenna to return to its normal operating position with as little as possible oscillation. In order to achieve this with using only a single coil tension spring, as described above, the preload of the spring needs to be very high. The preload of a spring is increased by either increasing the thickness of the wire or the diameter of the spring. Both of these make the spring heavier which is especially inconvenient when the antenna needs to be carried by a human. A further disadvantage of using a single coil spring is that its elasticity decreases relatively quickly and will need to be replaced when the spring no longer performs adequately.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to orovide an antenna mounting that will, at least partially, overcome the abovementioned difficulties and/or to provide an antenna mounting that will be a useful alternative to existing antenna mountings of the type described above. SUMMARY C Ξ INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided an antenna mounting comprising:

- a base;

- an antenna support mounted on the base and adapted to hold an antenna in an operational position in which the antenna extends in a predetermined axial alignment relative to the base;

- the mounting of the antenna support permitting displacement of the antenna support relative to the base to tilt the antenna out of its operational position: and

- a plurality of biasing means linking the antenna support to the base such that, when the antenna support is displaced, the biasing means serve to return the antenna to its operational position.

The biasing means may be circumferentially spaced about the base and the antenna support.

Each of the plurality of biasing means may comprise a resiliently deformable member which is located in a respective bore in the antenna support and an elongate anchor member that extends through the resiliently deformable member and engages with the resiliently deformable member to restrict movement thereof along the length of the bore. A first end region of the elongate anchor member may be secured to the base and an opposing second end region thereof may include a restraining member which is free to be displaced along the length of the bore.

The resiliently deformable member is sandwiched between the restraining member and a blind end of the bore wherein under the influence of the resiliently deformable member the restraining member is urged away from the blind end of the bore so to create tension in the elongate anchor member.

The resiliently deformable member may comprise a compression spring.

The restraining member may be shaped in at least one of a disc, cylinder, cross, and any other suitable shape to restrain movement of the resiliently deformable member.

The plurality of spaced apart biasing means may comprise four equally spaced biasing means.

The base and antenna support may include co-operating abutting surfaces which provide resistance to the relative displacement of the base and antenna. The co-operating abutting surfaces may comprise a domed upper surface on the base and a concaved lower surface on the antenna support.

Alternatively, the co-operating abutting surfaces may comprise a domed lower surface on the antenna support and a concaved upper surface on the base.

The domed surface may terminate in a circumferential groove at its foot and the concaved surface may terminate in a circumferential flange-like lip at its extremity, which circumferential flange-like lip is adapted to seat in the groove when the antenna is in its operational position.

The lower surface on the antenna support may be provided on an insert that is seated in a recess in a lower end of the antenna support.

The insert may consist of a polyurethane material.

The base may be mountable on an object such as at least one of a structure, vehicle, backpack, motorcycle, and the like.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION C ^' Έ DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of a non- limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: is a schematic perspective view of an antenna mounting in a position wherein an antenna (not shown) is being held in an operational position in accordance with the present invention; figure 2 is a schematic side view from a first angle of the antenna mounting of figure 1 ; figure 3 is a section view on line lll-lil^' in figure 2; figure 4 is a view similar to that of figure 3 with the antenna mounting in a tilted position; figure 5 is a schematic side view from a second angle of the antenna mounting of figure 1 ; figure 6 is a section view on line VI-VI' in figure 5; figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna mounting of figure 1 ; and figure 8 is a view similar to that of figure 1 with the antenna mounting holding an antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the accompanying drawings an antenna mounting in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The antenna mounting 10 consists of a base 12 and an antenna support 14 mounted on the base 12 and adapted to hold an antenna 15 (see figure 8) in an operational position in which the antenna 15 extends in a predetermined axial alignment relative to the base 12. Such arrangement is shown in figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 8. The mounting of the antenna support 14 permits displacement of the antenna support 14 relative to the base 12 to tilt the antenna 15 out of its operational position, as shown in figure 4.

Referring particularly to figures 3 and 4, the antenna mounting 10 further includes a plurality of spaced apart biasing means 16 linking the antenna support 14 to the base 12 such that, when the antenna support 14 is displaced, the biasing means 16 serve to return the antenna 15 to its operational position. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna mounting 10 includes four equally spaced biasing means 16.1 to 16.4, but it is envisaged that any number equal to or greater than two could be used. The biasing means 16.1 to 16.4 are circumferentially spaced about the base and 12 and antenna support 14.

The antenna support 14 is also provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart blind bores 18 for mounting in each one thereof therein at least part of one of the biasing means 16.1 to 16.4. The bores 18 extend into the antenna support 14 from its operatively upper end. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna mounting 10 includes four equally spaced bores 18.1 to 18.4, but it is envisaged that any number equal to or greater than two could be used.

Turning now to figure 3, all of the plurality of biasing means 16.1 to 16.4 are the same and hence only a first of the biasing means 16.1 will be described further below. The first biasing means 16.1 comprises a resiliently deformable member in the form of a first compression spring 20.1 located in a first of the bores 18.1 and a first elongate anchor member 22.1 . The elongate anchor member 22.1 extends through the spring 20.1 and engages with the spring 20.1 to restrict longitudinal movement thereof along the length of the bore 18.1 . The elongate anchor member 22.1 is, at a first end thereof 26.1 , secured to the base 12 and extends through the base 12 and antenna support 14 towards an operatively upper end of the spring 20.1 . Fasteners such as grub screws 28 are used for securing the elongate anchor member 22.1 to the base 12.

A first restraining member 24.1 is connected to an opposing second end 30.1 of the elongate anchor member 22.1 . The restraining member 24.1 is in the form of a disc. The restraining member 24.1 is free to be displaced aiong the length of the bore 18.1 , in use. Such displacement generally occurs when the base 12 and antenna support 14 are being displaced relative to each other. The restraining member 24.1 spans the width of the spring 20.1 so that the spring 20.1 is sandwiched between the restraining member 24.1 and a blind end of the bore 18.1 . The spring 20.1 urges the restraining member 24.1 away from the blind end of the bore 18.1 so to create tension in the elongate anchor member 22.1 .

A concaved operatively lower surface 32 on the antenna support 14 cooperates with a domed operatively upper surface 34 on the base 12 when they are in abutment. The concaved lower and domed upper surfaces 32 and 34 provide resistance to the relative displacement of the base 12 and antenna support 14. The concaved lower surface 32 terminates in a circumferential flange-like lip 36 at its extremity and the domed upper surface 34 terminates in a circumferential groove 38 at its foot. The lip 38 is adapted to seat in the groove 38 when the antenna 15 is in its operational position.

The antenna support 14 further includes a polyurethane insert 40 which is seated in recess at a lower end thereof. The concaved surface 32 is provided on the insert 40. The use of polyurethane for the insert 40 ensures that the co-operating surfaces 32 and 34 are more resistive to wear over time which prolongs the lifespan of the antenna mounting 10.

In use, and referring particularly to figure 8, the antenna 15 is attached to the antenna mounting 10 so that it is seated in a central bore 42. The base 12 is then mounted onto an object (not shown) such as a structure, vehicle, backpack, motorcycle, or the like by any means or method to provide such object with means for transmitting or receiving signals.

The biasing means 16.1 to 16.4 biases the antenna mounting 10 towards the operational position of the antenna 15 and causes it to remain in such position until a force acts on the antenna mounting 10 which is large enough to displace the antenna support 14. In its operational position, the forces exerted by all the circumferentially spaced apart biasing means 16.1 to 16.4 are in equilibrium. The springs 20.1 to 20.4 urge the respective restraining members 24.1 to 24.4 away from the blind ends of the bores respective 18.1 to 18.4 so that all the respective elongate members 22.1 to 22.4 are placed under equal tension. When the antenna mounting 10 is subjected to normal operating conditions, such as for example when the object onto which the antenna mounting 10 is mounted moves, a variety of forces will act onto the antenna mounting 10 and antenna 42. Since the antenna mounting 10 provides for relative displacement of the base 12 and antenna support 14, a resultant force, indicated by arrow A (see figure 4), causes the antenna support 14 to displace and tilt in the direction which the resultant force A acts on. In the example shown in figures 3 and 4, opposing first and third retaining members 24.1 and 24.3 are caused to move to respective positions illustrated in figure 4 which results in the tension in the third elongate member 22.3 being greater than the tension in the first elongate member 22.1 . As a result of the third spring 20.3 being in a more compressed state than the first spring 20. , a larger force acts on the third retaining member 24.3. When the resultant force A reduces to below a predetermined threshold, the greater tension in the third elongate member 22.3 will cause the base 12 and the antenna support 14 return to their respective positions wherein the antenna 15 is in its operational position. The friction between the upper and lower co-operating surfaces 32 and 34 provides resistance to the displacement of the antenna support 14 relative to the base 12. The friction ensures that oscillation is kept to a minimum when the antenna 15 returns to its operational position.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the restraining members 24.1 to 24.4 may also be in the shape of a cylinder, cross or any other suitable shape which allows the restraining members 24.1 to 24.4 to perform a restraining function on the springs 20.1 to 20.4. Further, instead of using grub screws 28 any other suitable fastening means and/or method may be used for securing the elongate anchor members 22.1 to 22.4 to the base 12. Also, the antenna 15 could be attached to the antenna support 14 in any other suitable manner.

It will further be appreciated that the foregoing example has been provided merely for the purposes of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. The present invention is also not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An antenna mounting comprising:

a base;

an antenna support mounted on the base and adapted to hold an antenna in an operational position in which the antenna extends in a predetermined axial alignment relative to the base; the mounting of the antenna support permitting displacement of the antenna support relative to the base to tilt the antenna out of its operational position; and

a plurality of biasing means linking the antenna support to the base such that, when the antenna support is displaced, the biasing means serve to return the antenna to its operational position.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the biasing means is circumferentially spaced about the base and the antenna support.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of biasing means comprises a resiliently deformable member which is located in a respective bore in the antenna member and an elongate anchor member that extends through the resiliently deformable member and engages with the resiiiently deformable member to restrict movement thereof alo length of the bore.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first end region of the elongate anchor member is secured to the base and an opposing second end region thereof includes a restraining member which is free to be displaced along the length of the bore.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 4, wherein the resiiiently deformable member is sandwiched between the restraining member and a blind end of the bore wherein under the influence of the resiiiently deformable member the restraining member is urged away from the blind end of the bore so to create tension in the elongate anchor member.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the restraining member is shaped in at least one of a disc, cylinder, cross, and any other suitable shape to restrain movement of the resiiiently deformable member.

The antenna mounting as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the resiiiently deformable member comprises a compression spring.

8. The antenna mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spaced apart biasing means comprises four equally spaced biasing means.

The antenna mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base and antenna support include co-operating abutting surfaces which provide resistance to the relative movement of the base and antenna support.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cooperating abutting surfaces comprise a domed upper surface on the base member and a concaved lower surface on the antenna support.

1 1 . The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 9, wherein the co- operating abutting surfaces comprise a domed lower surface on the antenna support and a concaved upper surface on the base.

The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein the domed surface terminates in a circumferential groove at its foot and the concaved surface terminates in a circumferential flange-like lip at its extremity, which circumferential flange-like lip is adapted to seat in the groove when the antenna is in its operational position.

13. The antenna mounting as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. wherein the lower surface on the antenna support is provided on an insert that is seated in a recess in a lower end of the antenna support.

14. The antenna mounting as claimed in claim 13, wherein the insert consists of a polyurethane material.

15. The antenna mounting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is mountabie on an object such as at least one of a structure, vehicle, backpack, motorcycle, and the like.

16. The antenna mounting substantially as herein described and/or exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.