Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – With radio cabinet
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-26
2001-05-22
Phan, Tho (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
With radio cabinet
C343S906000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236369
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to antennas, and specifically to retractable antennas for mobile communication devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Retractable antennas used in mobile communication devices, such as cellular telephones, typically comprise a whip, which extends out of the case of the telephone, and a connector at the base of the whip. When the antenna is fully extended, the connector engages a receptacle in the case. The receptacle must hold the connector firmly, so as to provide both mechanical support and electrical contact to the whip. To fulfill these requirements, the connector generally comprises a resilient structure such as a spring clip, which is soldered or welded to the base of the whip. The clip is compressed and held by the receptacle when the antenna is pulled out into the extended position. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacle may include a resilient retainer element, such as a spring, to hold the connector in place.
The connector itself and the steps involved in fastening it with sufficient precision to the whip are costly. Moreover, the connector itself and the joint between the connector and the whip increase the overall weight of the antenna and are prone to failure with use over the life of the communication device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved antenna for mobile communication devices.
It is a further object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a retractable antenna at reduced cost.
It is yet a further object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a retractable antenna with improved reliability.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a retractable antenna for a mobile communication device comprises a rod of resilient, conductive material. A base portion of the rod is formed, preferably by introducing one or more bends in the rod, so as to serve as a connector for the antenna. To extend the antenna out of the device, the rod is pulled out through the receptacle until the bent base portion is drawn into the receptacle and compressed thereby. The compression provides both firm mechanical support and electrical contact to the rod, which serves as the whip of the antenna. The entire antenna is thus formed of a single piece of the conductive material, affording advantages of reduced cost and weight and improved reliability relative to antennas known in the art.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with relation to mobile communication devices, it will be appreciated that the principles of the present invention may similarly be applied to produce antennas for other communication devices and systems, as well.
There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retractable antenna for a communication device having an antenna receptacle, including:
a whip portion, including a conductive rod; and
a connector, which includes a base portion of the conductive rod that is formed so as to be received and retained by the receptacle.
Preferably, the base portion is bent so as to have a radial outer dimension greater than a diameter of the rod and, most preferably, greater than a radial inner dimension of the receptacle, so that the base portion is compressed radially when it is received by the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the base portion is formed so as to include multiple bends.
Preferably, the conductive rod includes a resilient material, most preferably a superelastic material.
Preferably, the base portion provides electrical contact between the whip portion and the receptacle.
Further preferably, the connector includes only the base portion of the conductive rod, substantially without any other conductive element.
There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing an antenna, including:
providing a conductive rod to serve as a whip portion of the antenna; and
forming a base portion of the conductive rod so as to serve as a connector, which is received and retained by an antenna receptacle.
Preferably, forming the base portion includes bending the base portion so that it has a radial outer dimension greater than a diameter of the rod, wherein bending the base portion most preferably includes forming multiple bends therein. Further preferably, the rod includes elastic material, and bending the base portion includes exerting a sufficient pressure on the rod so that it becomes plastic.
In an alternative embodiment, providing the rod and forming the base portion include casting the rod and base portion in a die.
Preferably, forming the base portion includes forming a resilient structure, which is compressed radially when it is received by the receptacle.
Further preferably, forming the base portion includes forming the connector using only the base portion of the conductive rod, substantially without any other conductive element.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 3182329 (1965-05-01), Biesecker
patent: 3560981 (1971-02-01), Pestka
patent: 5546094 (1996-08-01), Egashira
patent: 5748150 (1998-05-01), Rudisill
patent: 5757325 (1998-05-01), Saldell
patent: 5856806 (1999-01-01), Koleda
patent: 6037906 (2000-03-01), Engblom
Barkay Dov
Krishtul Izhak
Popper Yachin Boaz
Galtronics Ltd.
Ladas and Parry
Phan Tho
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