Adjustable antenna apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

An antenna apparatus configured to be malleable in shape, length and configuration. The apparatus can include a cap portion, body portion, and connection portion. The body portion can include an elongated piece of shape-retaining deformable material. A cover portion that covers the shape-retaining deformable material along the length of the elongated piece. The cover can have a bond between the elongated piece and the cover. The bond between the cover and the elongated piece is along the entire interior surface of the cover. An outer cover may be bonded to the cover. The cap portion can be coupled to the first end of the body portion and the connection portion can be coupled to the second end of the body portion.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICEPATENT APPLICATIONADJUSTABLE ANTENNA APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOFSPECIFICATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application: 63 / 582,878 filed September 15, 2023, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to antennas, more specifically it relates to adjustable and malleable antennas for durable uses.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the past, adjustable dipole antennas were fabricated using telescoping antenna elements that extended in opposite directions. The antennas were adjusted to a specific frequency by adjusting the lengths of the telescoping antenna elements. Using adjustable dipole antennas that comprise telescoping antenna elements have several drawbacks. When the antenna is adjusted to receive low frequency signals, the antenna elements must be extended to relatively long lengths. In addition, long antenna elements adversely effected antenna performance by swaying in the wind.

[0004] Additionally, these metal antenna configurations are fragile and can be easily broken or destroyed when placed in rugged and demanding environments such as rain, mud, snow, and other elements.

[0005] Furthermore, there is a need for more durable antenna construction that can withstand the elements while also being easily adjusted by a user.

[0006] There exists a need for an improved antenna design that allows a user to adjust not only the length, but configuration of the antenna as well as .BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure is related to an adjustable antenna apparatus configured to be coupled to an electronic receiving device.

[0008] In another aspect, this disclosure is related to an adjustable antenna apparatus, comprising a body portion, cap portion, and connection portion. The body portion can have a first end and a second end and can be comprised of an elongated piece of first material having flexible qualities and a strip of flexible material enclosed within the length of said elongated piece of first material. The cap portion can be coupled to the first end of the body portion and the connection portion coupled to the second end of the body portion. The strip of flexible material can be easily bent and has a degree of rigidity which allows said apparatus to retain its form when bent or straightened. The body portion can be adapted to be adjust shape between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration can receive a first type of signal, and a second configuration can receive a second type of signal respectively. The cover portion can be comprised of a second material and the outer cover portion can be comprised of a third material.

[0009] In yet another aspect, this disclosure is related to a method of manufacturing an adjustable antenna apparatus. The flexible materials, such as a wire can be heated and coextrude with a tie layer or cover portion. An outer cover layer can be either co-extruded or extruded onto the exterior surface of the cover portion. To couple the connection portion and / or the cap portion, the wire can be inducted heated to remove the cover layer as well as the outer cover layer to expose the bare wire. The connection portion and / or cap portion can then be coupled to directly to the wire using any suitable means.

[0010] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary,the detailed description and any preferred and / or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable antenna apparatus of the present disclosure in a first configuration.

[0012] Fig. IB is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable antenna apparatus of the present disclosure in a second configuration.

[0013] Fig. 1C is an enlarged cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable antenna apparatus of the present disclosure shown in Fig. 1A having a first cap configuration.

[0014] Fig. ID is an enlarged cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable antenna apparatus of the present disclosure shown in Fig. 1A having a second cap configuration.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a perspective sectional view of the adjustable antenna apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken about the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an antenna apparatus of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which arealso referred to herein as "examples," are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0020] Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0021] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0022] References in the specification to "one embodiment" indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0023] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0024] As used herein, the term "and / or" refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0025] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "include," "for example," "such as," and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "front," "back," "rear," "upper," "lower," "right," and "left" in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with "front," "back," and "rear" being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0030] As used herein, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

[0031] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could betermed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0032] The present disclosure relates to an antenna apparatus configured to be malleable in shape, length and configuration. As shown in Figs. 1-5, the antenna apparatus can have a body portion 40, a cap portion 18 and a connection portion 30. The body portion can include an elongated piece 12 of shape-retaining deformable material. The body portion 40 can be configurable in various different orientations and moveable between a first configuration to a second configuration as shown in Figs. 1A-1B. A first cover portion 14 can be a shape-retaining deformable material along the length of the elongated piece. The cover 14 can have a bond between the elongated piece and the cover. The bond between the cover and the elongated piece of the wire 12 can be along the entire interior surface of the cover 14. An outer cover 20 may be bonded to the cover 14. The elongated piece can have a first end and a second end.

[0033] The first end can have a cap portion 18 and the second end can have a connection portion 30. In some exemplary embodiments, the elongated piece 12 of shape retaining deformable material can be a metal wire. The elongated piece of shape retaining deformable material can be communicatively coupled to the connection portion 30. The connection portion 30 can be coupled to various apparatus that may require an antenna that have a comparable receiving portion to the connection portion. The connection portion can have a first end 31 and a second end 33. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection portion can have an interior cavity 32. The interior cavity 32 can have a male connection port 34 that can interface with the wire 12 within the body portion of the apparatus. In alternative embodiments, a female connection port could be substituted. The connection port 34 can interface directly with a corresponding electrical apparatus such as a two-way radio, cellular communication device, radio, or other apparatus that may utilize an antenna.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, an elongated piece of shape-retaining deformable material of the present disclosure can be metal wire 12. The wire 12 can take any suitable composition. In some exemplary embodiments, a mild steel wire can be provided. The wire 12 can be flexible enough to be bent or tied into a particular shape necessary to accomplish a task, but still rigid enough to retain a shape into which it is bent. The diameter ofthe wire 12 also affects flexibility and shape retention. A diameter between about 0.40-0.70mm or about 0.62mm provides both flexibility and necessary shape retention; however, other diameters may be used depending on the application for which the twist tie device 10 will be used. In other exemplary embodiments, the wire 12 can be between 14-gauge and 20-gauge wire. A cover portion 14 can be bonded to the wire 12 along its entire length. The cover portion 14 can be formed by coextruding the wire 12 through an extrusion head 16 along with a polymer or other material. The cover portion 14 can be a tie-layer that can be comprised of any suitable material that can form a bond with the wire 12. In some exemplary embodiments, the tie-layer can include an adhesive and / or a funcitonalizer component. T

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure can be formed by first heating the wire 12 to approximately 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit and then drawn through the extrusion head 16 as shown in Fig. 2. As the wire 12 moves through the extrusion head 16 a layer of liquid polymer can be deposited evenly around the wire 12 to form the cover portion 14. During this process, the polymer forming the cover portion 14 can be cured so that it adheres to the wire 12. This cover portion 14 forms a bond around the entire perimeter of the wire 12 and along the entire length of the wire 12. The bond prevents the wire 12 from slipping out of the cover 14. In some exemplary embodiments, a polymer can be used to make the cover portion 14 can typically be a solid thermoplastic polymer, such as 85A Duro EXXON SANTOPRENE® 8291-85TL, or a similar type of polymer. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover portion can be a thermoplastic polymer containing a functionalizer to better bind to the elongated portion or wire 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover portion 14 can be a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) material.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the body portion 40 can optionally have an outer cover portion 20. The outer cover portion 20 can be coextruded over the cover portion 14. Alternatively, the outer cover portion 20 can be extruded in a second step around the cover portion 14. This outer cover portion 20 can typically a different material than the cover 14. In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the outer cover portion 20 can be comprised of a softer material. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the material of the outer cover portion 20 can have a lower durometer than the cover portion 14. One exemplarysuitable material for the outer cover 20 can be 15A Duro TEKNOR APEX® Uniprene UN-2005 TPV, however, other solid thermoplastic polymer can also be used. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover portion 14 can be comprised of a thermoplastic material having a durometer between about 70-100 Shore A, or about between 70-85 Shore A and the outer cover 20 can have a durometer between about 5-30 or between about 10-20 shore A.

[0037] The lower durometer of the outer cover 20 can provide a high friction surface. The high friction surface can provide a grip against an external environment. The generally high friction of the outer cover 20 may be increased further by extruding ribs 24 into the outer surface as shown in Fig. 4 to define a texturized gripping surface 25. The gripping surface 25 can extend between points 26 and 27 on the left side of the antenna device 10 of the present disclosure as shown in Fig. 4. The gripping surface 25 can provide a strong grip when the body portion 40 can be wrapped around itself, and provides friction when the device is wrapped around objects. The texturized gripping surface 25 may have other embossed patterns that provide a texturized surface; however, ribs 24 are well suited to the extrusion process by which the antenna apparatus 10 is made. In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of the body 30 can have a non-gripping surface 28 can extend between points 26 and 1 on the right side of the twist tie device 10 as shown in FIG. 4. The non-gripping surface 28 is characterized by a smoother texture than the gripping surface 25. Indicia, such as logos or other labels, may be placed on the non-gripping surface 28 and will be easier to read than if placed on the gripping surface 25.

[0038] The cover 14 and outer cover 20 are bonded tightly so that no water may enter between the wire 12 and either cover 14, 20. However, the ends of the wire 12 are not initially protected by either cover 14, 20. The ends of the wire 12 may be coated with a protective paint or clear coat to prevent corrosion of the ends of the wire 12, but this is not necessary. A cap portion 18 can be coupled or formed to the first end 41 of the body portion 40 to ensure a watertight seal. In some exemplary embodiments, the cap portion 40 can be comprised of the same material as the outer cover 20 as shown in Fig. 1C. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cap portion 18 may include an additional conductive portion that may amplify the signal of the antenna 10 while also providing a more rigid end to protect the first end of the body portion 40 as shown in Fig. ID. In some exemplary embodiments, a cap portion 18 can be comprised of a thirdmaterial that is more rigid in structure, but can similarly be thermoformed to the cover of the body portion 40 to form a watertight seal. The body portion 40 can have any desired radius 48 depending upon the application desired by a user. Similarly, embodiments having an interior cover 14 and an outer cover 20 can have a combined radius 48 to adequately protect the wire for external elements.

[0039] The connection portion 30 can be coupled to the second end of the body portion 40.The connection portion 30 can have a coupling interface that can take any suitable form including but not limited to a threaded portion or a groove 36 to interface with a respective apparatus port. Additionally, the connection portion 30 can have a prong member that is communicatively coupled to the wire 12 within the body portion to allow for the wire to function as an antenna for an electronic device and be communicatively coupled to the devices as such. The connection 30 portion can have an interfacing means that communicatively couples the wire 12 of the body portion to the connection portion.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments where the body portion is preformed, a cap portion 18 and / or connection portion 30 can be formed on the respective ends of the body portion.For cap portions 18 and connection portions that interface and are communicatively coupled to the wire or elongated material 12 of the body portion 30, a portion of the body portion 30 must be removed to couple the respective components to the wire 12. The wire 12 induction heated to soften and / or burn-off the cover portion 14 to expose the bare wire 12. The head inducted into the wire transfers conductively into the tie-layer 14 to release the bond and the continued conduction into the outer layer 20 shrinks it away from the end of the body portion 30. The connection portion 30 and / or cap portion 18 can then be coupled to the expose bare wire using any suitable means. In some exemplary embodiments, the cap portion 18 and / or connection portion 30 can be crimped, mechanically fastened, or welded to the wire 12.

[0041] The deformable nature of the antenna allows for a user to easily adjust the length and the configuration of the antenna to take the desired shape and length necessary for any desired application. Similarly, the antenna apparatus can be molded and formed to all it to be hung or attached to an apparatus or other object to be easily stored or hung in a desired or usable position. The durability of the antenna apparatus also allows for more abuse andenvironmental protection that current antenna designs as the wire portion is coated and flexible and not rigid like current antenna available that can easily be broken.1. The adjustability and flexibility of the body portion also allow a user to adjust how and what type of signals a device coupled to the antenna can receive depending upon the desired application of the user. The body portion 30 of the antenna 10 of the present disclosure can be moved between one or more configurations. A first configuration of the body portion can be a generally linear configuration as shown in Fig. 1A A user can form different coil diameters based upon the user's desired application. As shown in Figs. IB, the body portion 40 can be coiled in a first diameter 42 to receive a first type of signal. Alternatively, the body portion 30 can be coiled in a second diameter to receive a different signal. This can provide a tunable antenna for various types of applications and signals. Additionally, by coiling or adjusting the body portion 30, the overall length of the antenna body can be altered. This can be advantageous for storage as well as radio signal frequency tuning. The flexibly body portion 30 allows for a user to change the coil diameter, coil spacing, and length of the antenna apparatus 10 of the present disclosure. The formable body portion 30 allows a user to also adjust the shape of the antenna for utilitarian purposes in hanging the antenna on an object or wrapping the body portion around an object to maintain the position of the antenna and any corresponding apparatus coupled to the antenna, such as a radio. In some exemplary embodiments, the coil diameter can be configured for a first range of wavelength transmissions. A second coil diameter can be configured to receive a second range wavelength transmissions.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, alternative embodiments of the antenna body can be comprised of a tube-like, elongate piece of first material 14 having characteristics including, but not limited to, soft, lightweight, and flexible qualities, such as found in sponge (or foam) rubber (any variation of first materials of the rubber-like variety would work well depending on the application and / or particular manufacturing technique). The tube-like, elongate piece 14 of first material encloses a flexible strip / wire 12 of second material having characteristics including, but not limited to, flexible qualities that allow the strip 12 to retain its new shape when bent, such as a flexible wire. In the preferred embodiment, the tube-like, elongated piece 14 of first material is a sponge (or foam) rubber piece 14, and the flexible strip 12 of second material is a strip 12 offlexible metal. These embodiments may include only a single cover layer as previously disclosed.

[0043] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

2. An adjustable antenna apparatus, comprising: a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the body portion is comprised of an elongate piece of first material having a first flexible quality and cover portion completely enclosing the exterior surface along the length of the elongated piece of first material; a cap portion coupled to the first end of the body portion; and a connection portion coupled to the second end of the body portion, wherein the connection portion is communicatively coupled to the elongated piece of first material having a first flexible quality; wherein said body portion is bendable and has a degree of rigidity which allows said apparatus to retain its form when bent or straightened; wherein said body portion is adapted to adjust shape configuration between a first configuration and a second configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the connection portion is coupled to a receiving device for receiving one or more signals.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an outer cover covering the cover portion, the outer cover bonded to the cover portion, wherein the cover portion has an interior surface, the cover portion being bonded to said elongated piece of shape-retaining deformable material along the entire interior surface of said cover portion, wherein the cover portion and the outer cover resist taking a permanent set due to being compressed or twisted, due to a bonded nature of the elongated piece, cover portion, and outer cover; and a break in the elongated piece is prevented from exiting the outer cover and the cover, due to the bonded nature of the elongated piece, cover portion, and outer cover.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, is configured to receive a first type of signal in the first configuration and a second type of signal in the second configuration.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cap portion is comprised of the same material as the outer cover portion and is thermally formed to the outer cover portion at the first end to fully encase the elongate piece of first material.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cap portion is comprised of a material that is different than the outer cover portion, wherein cap portion is communicatively coupled to the elongate piece of first material.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cap portion is configured to amplify a signal transmitted of the antenna apparatus and protect the first end of the body portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cover portion is comprised of a second material and the outer cover is comprised of a third material, wherein the second material is different than the third material.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second material is solid thermoplastic polymer and the third material is different thermoplastic polymer.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second material is a thermoplastic polymer with a durometer between 70-100 Shore A and the third material is a thermoplastic polymer with a durometer between 10-30 Shore A.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first configuration is a linear configuration, and the second configuration is a coiled configuration.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cap portion is comprised of a metal material.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the coiled configuration can have a first coil diameter for a first range of wavelength transmissions.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the coiled configuration can have a second coil diameter for a second range wavelength transmissions.

Images