Adjustable clamp for wireless signal receiving device, such as a WNTD

Abstract

A bracket (10) for attaching a wireless signal receiving device, such as a WNTD or dish type antenna to a pole (12) includes a clamp (14) for securing the bracket to the pole, a mounting plate (16) for attaching the bracket to wireless signal receiving device; and an adjustment mechanism connecting the plate and clamp. The adjustment mechanism allows the clamp to move relative to the plate about first (X) and second (Y), axes. The adjustment mechanism includes a first rotatable member (43) having a first arcuate portion defining teeth (62) which controls the relative movement about the X axis and an associated drive cog or the like for rotating the toothed portion and a second rotatable member (80) including a second arcuate portion defining teeth (115) and a drive cog or the like for controlling relative movement of the clamp relative to the plate about the Y axis. 20 25 25 61 62 23 O ct 2 02 5 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 5 2 5 6 1 6 2 2 3 O c t 2 0 2 5 5 / 16 Fig. 6 43 58 63 43 52 Fig. 5 56 62 46 45 50 44 48 60 64 64 54 80 46 53 43 80 43 48 45 64 58

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2025901125 filed on 3 April 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an adjustable bracket for mounting a Wireless Network Termination Devices (WNTD) also known as NBN premises antennas particular for the NBN’s fixed wireless network. However it may also have applications for mounting other wireless signal receiving devices such as a dish type antenna / satellite dish or the like. Background

[0003] Dish type antennas are commonly used to receive signals such as satellite TV signals. They are also used for many other signals such as 3G, 4G, 5G and the like. Satellite TV signals have a relatively large wavelength of the order of a few cm and as a consequence require a only small dish antenna-which might be 1m diameter. The antenna is typically attached to a vertical pole mounted on a roof, or in the ground, via an adjustable bracket which can be used to adjust the orientation of the dish to achieve the optimum signal.

[0004] The NBN’s fixed wireless network uses Wireless Network Termination Devices (WNTD) to connect a premises or home to the 5G wireless network. The 5G network uses signals having a relatively small wavelength in the order of 1 to 10 mm. This requires the WNTD to be very accurately aligned to obtain the optimum signal. With existing brackets currently used to mount WNTD, adjustment of the brackets to get the necessary accurate alignment can be difficult, somewhat unreliable and, is at best, slow and painstaking.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to present a adjustable bracket that is easier to use and install and is more accurate and reliable.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims. Summary

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for attaching a wireless signal receiving device, such as an WNTD, dish type antenna or the like, to a pole, the bracket comprising: a clamp for securing the bracket to the pole; and a plate for attaching the bracket to the wireless signal receiving device; and wherein the plate and clamp are connected by an adjustment mechanism that allows the clamp to move relative to the plate about two, preferably orthogonal, axes and wherein the adjustment mechanism includes at least one arcuate portion defining teeth and an associated drive cog or the like which controls the relative movement of the plate and clamp about at least one axis.

[0007] Preferably, the clamp includes a second arcuate portion defining teeth and a second drive cog or the like for controlling relative movement of the clamp relative to the plate about the other second orthogonal axis.

[0008] It is preferred that the bracket includes a first rotatable member which is pivotally mounted to the mounting plate for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, in use, and the first rotatable member defines the first arcuate portion defining teeth.

[0009] Preferably, the bracket includes a second rotatable member which is pivotally mounted to the first rotatable member for rotation about a generally vertical axis, in use, and the second rotatable member defines the second arcuate portion defining teeth.

[0010] In a preferred aspect, the two axes pass approximately through the middle of the first and second rotatable members.

[0011] The mounting plate may comprises a plate portion for attachment to the wireless signal receiving device and two side plates extending away from the rear of the plate portion, to which the first rotatable member is mounted for rotation about the first axis. 2025256162   23 Oct 2025

[0012] Each side plate may define an arcuate slot whose centre of curvature is on the first axis for receiving guide pins for guiding rotation of the first rotatable member about the first axis.

[0013] The first rotatable member may define first and second opposed plates to which the second rotatable member is mounted for rotation relative to the first rotatable member about the second axis.

[0014] The second rotatable member may define first and second opposed plates which attach to the first and second plates of the first rotatable member and at least some of the plates of the define an arcuate slot whose centre of curvature is on the first axis for receiving guide pins for guiding rotation of the second rotatable member about the second axis.

[0015] The drive cogs are preferably turned using a socket head cap screw.

[0016] Typically, the clamp comprises an arcuate recessed portion of the second rotatable member and a second clamp portion mounted to the second rotatable member defining a corresponding arcuate recess for receiving an clamping a post therebetween. The recesses are toothed for gripping the pole.

[0017] Advantageously, the mount enables a much more accurate alignment of the wireless signal receiving device / WNTD, more quickly and reliably than with existing mounts.

[0018] The invention also encompasses an assembly of a pole, adjustable bracket according to the invention, and a wireless signal receiving device.

[0019] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable bracket for mounting a dish type antenna attached to a pole; Figure 2 shows a front view of the bracket and pole shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the bracket only from the right side; Figures 4 is a rear perspective view of the bracket only from the left side; Figure 5 is a rear top perspective view of the bracket with a mounting plate removed to show a first rotatable member; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a first rotatable member shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a bottom view of the first rotatable member of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a rear top perspective view of the bracket with a mounting plate and the first rotatable member removed to show the second rotatable member; Figure 9 is a rear top perspective view of the second rotatable member shown separately; Figure 10 is a bottom view of the second rotatable member of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a clamp member: Figure 12 is a left side view of the adjustable bracket of Figure 3; Figure 13 is a right side view of the adjustable bracket of Figure 3; Figure 14 is a photographic view from below of an adjustable bracket embodying the invention; Figure 15 is a photographic view of the bracket of Figure 14, showing a drive cog for rotating the bracket about a horizontal axis; Figure 16 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 14; 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 Figure 17 is a top view of the bracket of Figure 14; Figure 18 is a close up view of the bracket of Figure 14 showing a drive cog for rotation of the bracket about a vertical axis; and Figure 19 is a bottom view of the bracket of Figure 14; Description of Embodiments

[0021] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an adjustable bracket 10 for mounting a wireless signal receiving device, such as a WNTD, (not shown), attached to a pole 12. The bracket includes a clamp generally shown at 14 for clamping the bracket to the pole 12 and a mounting plate 16 on the opposite side of the bracket to the clamp 14, for attachment to the WNTD. The bracket 10 allows for adjustment of the mounting plate about two orthogonal axes a first X horizontal (elevation) axis and a second Y vertical axis (azimuth) and which is orthogonal to the X axis.

[0022] As is best seen in Figure 2, the mounting plate 16 is a generally rectangular metal plate 18 which defines four apertures 20 which receive threaded fasteners in the form of screws or bolts for attaching a WNTD to the front face 30 of the bracket. The arrangement of screw holes is to suit the fitting provided on the WNTD.

[0023] However if the bracket were to be used for the purpose of mounting e.g. a dish type antenna, the size and shape of the plate 18 and number of apertures would be varied to suit the fittings provided by the particular model of dish type antenna.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a side plate extends away from the rear face 32 of the plate 16 on each lateral side. Figure 3 best shows the right side plate 34, as oriented in Figure 3, and Figure 4 best shows the opposite left side plate 36, which is slightly larger than side plate 34.

[0025] As is best seen in Figure 3, the right side plate 34 defines a circular aperture 35 midway between the top and bottom of the side plate and an arcuate slot 34A which subtends an angle of about 30o and whose centre of curvature is the aperture 35. A series 37 of small holes extend in a circle around the aperture 35 at the same radius from the aperture 35 as the arcuate slot 34A. 2025256162   23 Oct 2025

[0026] As is best seen in Figure 4, the left side plate 36 defines a circular aperture 38 midway between the top and bottom of the right side plate and an arcuate slot 39 above the aperture and which subtends an angle of about 20o whose centre of curvature is the aperture 38. Below the aperture 38 there is a further arcuate slot 40 which is marked with a scale 41 from -15 degrees on one side of 0 degrees to 30o on the other side to indicate the degree of rotation of a first rotatable member (described below) relative to the mounting plate about the horizontal first axis X. A series 42 of small holes extends in a circle around the aperture 38 at the same radius from the aperture 38 as the arcuate slot 39.

[0027] With reference to Figures 5 to 7 in particular, a first rotatable support member 43 is mounted between the side plates 34 and 36. The adjustable bracket 10 is shown with the mounting plate removed in Figure 5 so that the rotatable support member 43 is visible. The rotatable support member is also shown separately in Figures 6 and 7. The support member 43 is generally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with a front wall 44, opposed side walls 45, 46 and a top and bottom wall 48 and 50, respectively.

[0028] The top wall 48 defines an aperture 52 equidistant between the two side walls 44, 46. The bottom wall also defines an aperture 54 equidistant between the two side walls 44, 46, which is co-axial with the aperture 52. The axis which passes through the two apertures 52, 54 is the second vertical axis “Y” of rotation of the bracket for orientating the antenna. The top wall also defines a square aperture 53.

[0029] There are also coaxial apertures 56, 58 respectively, approximately in the centre of the side walls 44, 46. In the assembled bracket 10, these holes are coaxial with the apertures 35, 38 in the side plates 34, 36. The axis which passes through the two apertures is the X axis of the bracket for orientating the antenna. The first rotatable support member rotates about that X axis relative to the mounting plate. As is best seen in Figure 16, a rivet 38A passes through the coaxial apertures 38 and 58. A rivet 35A also passes through the coaxial apertures 35 and 56 as shown in Figure 14. The first rotatable support member 43 can rotate about the horizontal axis X and about the rivets 35A, 38A relative to the mounting plate 16.

[0030] The larger side wall 46 has an arcuate base 60 which subtends an angle of about 30-40o and whose centre of curvature is the aperture 58, the arcuate base 60 defines a series of teeth 62. A line 63 is marked which is visible through the aperture 40 in the mounting plate and indicates 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 the degree of movement of the first rotatable member about the horizontal X axis on the scale 41. Two square holes 64 are defined in the side walls above the apertures 56 and 58.

[0031] As is best seen in Figure 7, as well defining the central hole 54, the bottom wall 50 defines an arcuate slot 66, whose centre of curvature is the aperture 54, a circular hole 68 adjacent to the wall 46 and two groups 70, 72 of three and five holes respectively.

[0032] A second rotatable support member 80 is mounted to the first rotatable support member and is rotatable relative to the first support member about the vertical axis “X” passing though the two apertures 52, 54. Figure 8 show the first rotatable support member removed from the bracket so that the second rotatable support member 80 is more visible. Figures 9 and 10 show the second rotatable support member 80 separately.

[0033] The second rotatable support member 80 comprises an upper plate 82 and a lower plate 84 connected by a front wall 86. The front wall defines a large aperture 88 in its centre and two circular holes 90 either side of the aperture. Both the upper plate and the lower plate define arcuate toothed recesses 92, 94, which define one side of the clamp 14 and in use receive and grip one side of a mounting pole (refer to Figure 1). The distal edges of the front wall defines projecting flanges 96, 98.

[0034] In the assembled bracket 10, the upper plate 82 of the second rotatable member locates on top of the top wall 48 of the first rotatable member and the lower plate 84 locates on top of the bottom wall 50 of the first rotatable member.

[0035] With reference to Figure 9 in the centre of the upper plate there is an aperture 102 which in the assembled bracket is coaxial with an aperture 100 in the lower plate and also with the apertures 52 and 54, in the first rotatable support member and the Y axis. In the assembled adjustable bracket 10 as shown in Figures 14 a rivet 102A passes through the holes 102 and 52 and with reference to Figure 19 a second rivet 100A passes through the holes 100 and 50 connecting the first and second rotatable support members and allowing relative rotation of the two members about the vertical Y axis passing through the apertures.

[0036] The upper plate 82 defines an arcuate recess 104 whose centre of curvature is the aperture 102. Adjacent the recess there is a group of three small holes 106. On the right hand side of the upper plate, as oriented in Figure 9, there is a further arcuate slot 110 whose centre of 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 curvature is the aperture 102 and which is marked with a scale from 10 degrees either side of 0 degrees to indicate the degree of rotation of the second rotatable member relative to the first member about the vertical axis Y. Between the slot 110 and the hole 102 there is a group of 6 holes 108.

[0037] Turning to Figure 10, the underside of the second rotatable member defines a square aperture 112. One side of the lower member defines a toothed arcuate portion 114 whose centre of curvature is the aperture 102 and defines a series of teeth 115.

[0038] As is best seen in Figures 3, 8 and 11 the clamp 14 which grips the pole is defined by and between the second rotatable member 80 and a second clamp element 120. With reference to Figure 11 in particular, the second clamp element comprises an upper plate 132 and a lower plate 134 connected by a front wall 136. The front wall defines a large aperture 138 in its centre and two circular holes 140 either side of the aperture (also seen in Figure 4). Both the upper plate and the lower plate define arcuate toothed recesses 142, 144, which define one side of the clamp 14 and in use receive and grip one side of a mounting pole (refer to Figure 1). The distal edges of the front wall defines projecting wings 146, 148.

[0039] The upper plate and lower plate define two spaced apart holes 150. These holes are used to attach a brace 160 between the plates 142, 144 to strengthen and stiffen the clamp element and inhibit it from deforming under load.

[0040] With reference to Figures 12 and 13 in particular, two internally threaded tubes 162 are fixed in the holes 90 of the second rotatable member and these receive threaded bolts 164 which pass through the holes 140 in the second clamp element. It will be appreciated that clockwise rotation of the bolts 164 will draw the second clamp element towards the second rotatable member and close the gap between the toothed arcuate portions and tighten the clamp. Turning the bolts in the anti-clockwise rotation will tend to release it. The teeth improve the grip of the clamp on the pole.

[0041] Figures 14 to 18 are photographic views of the assembled adjustable bracket. The views of the assembled bracket show some additional components not shown in Figures 1 to 13. It will be appreciated that, in use, as shown in Figure 1, the clamp 14 is attached to a pole for mounting the dish and the dish is mounted to the plate 16. The orientation of the dish can be 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 adjusted about the horizontal X-axis and the vertical Y-axis. It will also be appreciated that, once adjusted, the bracket should not move or wobble.

[0042] The movement and control of the adjustment is achieved using drive cogs which mesh with the toothed arcuate portion 62 of the first rotatable member and toothed arcuate portion 114 of the second rotatable member. These drive cogs are omitted from Figures 1 to 13 but shown in the photographic views 14 to 18.

[0043] Figures 14 and 15 show the drive cog 170 which meshes with the toothed arcuate portion 62 of the first rotatable member for controlling the rotation of the adjustable bracket and dish about the horizontal X axis. Turning the drive cog rotates the first rotatable member relative to the mounting plate 16 about the horizontal X axis. As is best seen in Figures 16 and 19, rotation of the drive cog is effected by turning a socket head cap screw 172, mounted on the other side of the plate 36, to which the cog is fixed 172, using an allen key or the like. Rotation of the socket head cap screw 172 turns the cog 170 through the same angle which in turn moves the toothed portion 62 and second rotatable member. Also visible in Figure 16 is the line 63 through the aperture 40 and the associated scale 43, which indicates the degree of rotation about the X axis.

[0044] Also visible in Figure 16 is a nut and bolt 174 which is loosely mounted through the square hole 64 and arcuate slot 39 in the side plate 36, which guides the rotation and assists in ensuring the rotation is true. As can be seen from Figure 14, a similar nut and bolt arrangement 176 is mounted in the square hole 64 in the opposite side plate 34 and which locates in and can pass along guide slot 34A.

[0045] Figure 18 shows the drive cog 180 which engages with the arcuate toothed portion 114 of the second rotatable member for turning the second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member about the vertical Y axis. Figure 14 shows the socket head cap screw 181 which turns the drive cog 180, for vertical rotation of the second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member about the Y axis.

[0046] With reference to Figure 17, there is shown a nut and bolt 184 which is loosely mounted in to extend through the square hole 53 and arcuate slot 104 in the top of the second rotatable member, which guides the rotation of the second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member about the vertical Y axis and assists in ensuring that the rotation is true. As can be seen 2025256162   23 Oct 2025 from Figure 14 a similar nut and bolt arrangement 186 is mounted in the square hole 112 in the opposite side plate 34 and which locates in and can pass along guide slot 66.

[0047] In use, the mounting plate 16 is attached to a WNTD using fasteners such as bolts and the apertures 20. The clamp is mounted on the pole 12 and the clamp 14 tightened by tightening the bolts 164 with the WNTD pointing in approximately the correct direction. The orientation of the WNTD can then be adjusted by turning the hex nuts 181 and 172 to adjust the horizontal and vertical orientation of the WNTD relative to the pole.

[0048] Once the orientation of the WNTD is correct the orientation of the bracket can be fixed against movement by screwing tek screws through one or more of the holes in each group of holes 37, 42, 70, 72, 108 or 106. More than one hole is provided in each group so that if the bracket has to be adjusted another hole can be used to fix the bracket.

[0049] It is to be noted that having the axes of rotation, particularly the horizontal axis in generally the centre of the bracket makes the adjustment of the bracket easier and the WNTD is better balanced on the bracket 10.

[0050] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A bracket for attaching a wireless signal receiving device, such as a WNTD or dish type antenna to a pole, the bracket comprising:a clamp for securing the bracket to the pole; anda mounting plate for attaching the bracket to wireless signal receiving device; and whereinthe plate and clamp are connected by an adjustment mechanism that allows the clamp to move relative to the plate about first and second, preferably orthogonal, axes and wherein the adjustment mechanism includes at least a first arcuate portion defining teeth which controls the relative movement about at least the first axis and an associated drive cog or the like for rotating the toothed portion.

2. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the clamp includes a second arcuate portion defining teeth and a drive cog or the like for controlling relative movement of the clamp relative to the plate about the other second orthogonal axis.

3. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bracket includes a first rotatable member which is pivotally mounted to the mounting plate for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, in use, and wherein the first rotatable member defines the first arcuate portion defining teeth.

4. A bracket as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bracket includes a second rotatable member which is pivotally mounted to the first rotatable member for rotation about a generally vertical axis, in use, and wherein the second rotatable member defines the second arcuate portion defining teeth.

5. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the two axes pass approximately through the middle of the first and second rotatable members.

6. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mounting plate comprises a plate portion for attachment to the wireless signal receiving device and two side plates extending2025256162   23 Oct 2025away from the rear of the plate portion, to which the first rotatable member is mounted for rotation about the first axis.

7. A bracket as claimed in claim 6 wherein each side plate defines an arcuate slot whose centre of curvature is on the first axis for receiving guide pins for guiding rotation of the first rotatable member about the first axis.

8. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first rotatable member defines first and second opposed plates to which the second rotatable member is mounted for rotation relative to the first rotatable member about the second axis.9 A bracket as claimed in claim 8 wherein the second rotatable member defines first and second opposed plates which attach to the first and second plates of the first rotatable member and at least some of the plates of the define an arcuate slot whose centre of curvature is on the first axis for receiving guide pins for guiding rotation of the second rotatable member about the second axis.

10. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drive cogs are turned using a socket head cap screw.

11. A bracket as claimed in claim 4 or any preceding claim when dependent on claim 4 wherein the clamp comprises an arcuate recessed portion of the second rotatable member and a second clamp portion mounted to the second rotatable member defining a corresponding arcuate recess for receiving and clamping a post therebetween and wherein the recesses are toothed for gripping the pole.

12. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the mounting plate, and first and second rotatable members define a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners such as tek screws or the like for fixing the relative orientation of the first and second rotatable members.13 An assembly of a pole, an adjustable bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 12 clamped on the pole and a Wireless Network Termination Device mounted on the mounting plate.

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