Antenna mounts and antenna mounting kits for pole top installation and related assemblies

Abstract

The present application is directed to an antenna mounting kit. The kit includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting structure and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism includes a lower plate coupled to the mounting bracket and an upper plate configured to have an antenna secured thereto, and the upper plate of the securing mechanism is rotatably coupled to the lower plate of the securing mechanism. Other antenna mounting kits and antenna mounts are described herein.

Description

ANTENNA MOUNTS AND ANTENNA MOUNTING KITS FOR POLE TOP INSTALLATION AND RELATED ASSEMBLIESRelated Application(s)

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 638,484, filed April 25, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 746,027, filed January 16, 2025, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in full.Field

[0002] The present invention relates to telecommunications equipment, and in particular, kits for mounting an antenna on top of a mounting pole.Background

[0003] As shown in FIG. 1A, a small cell omni-directional antennas 10 may be mounted on top of a cylindrical mounting pole MP (e.g., a utility pole) using a variety of different mounting kits. As shown in FIG. IB, many pole top mounting kits 20 available today include a circular mounting plate 25 that may be easily installed on the top of the pole MP. In some instances, the mounting kit 20 may further use a ring mount 30 to secure the circular mounting plate 25 to the top of the pole MP. However, these pole top mount kits have their disadvantages. For example, the mounting kits have a large number of parts to manage which makes installation difficult. In addition, the antennas 10 being installed are very heavy and, therefore, typically require at least two technicians to complete the installation which increases the cost of installation. There may be a need for antenna mounting kits that would allow for easier installation on top of a mounting pole, as well as reduce installation costs.Summary

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an antenna mounting kit. The kit includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting structure and a securingmechanism. The securing mechanism includes a lower plate coupled to the mounting bracket and an upper plate configured to have an antenna secured thereto, and the upper plate of the securing mechanism is rotatably coupled to the lower plate of the securing mechanism.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of installing an antenna on a mounting pole utilizing an antenna mounting kit. The antenna mounting kit may include a mounting bracket and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include a lower plate coupled to the mounting bracket and an upper plate with the lower plate having a slot and the upper plate having a latching member. The method includes securing the upper plate of the securing mechanism to a bottom end of the antenna; securing the mounting bracket to the mounting pole via one or more fasteners such that the lower plate of the securing mechanism resides above a top edge of the mounting pole; aligning the latching member of the upper plate with the slot of the lower plate and lowering the antenna such that the latching member is received by the slot; moving the upper plate relative to the lower plate such that the latching member of the upper plate traverses within the slot of the lower plate; and securing the upper plate to the lower plate with a first fastener.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an antenna mounting kit. The kit includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting structure; and a securing mechanism configured to have an antenna secured thereto. The securing mechanism is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to s method of installing an antenna on a mounting pole utilizing an antenna mounting kit. The antenna mounting kit may include a mounting bracket and a securing mechanism. The mounting bracket may include a pair of opposing flanges extending upwardly therefrom, each flange comprising a slot, and the securing mechanism may include a pair of first fasteners. The method includes securing the securing mechanism to a bottom end of the antenna; securing the mounting bracket to the mounting pole via one or more second fasteners; sliding the pair of first fasteners within respective slots of the mounting bracket to create a pivot point; pivoting the securing mechanism relative to the mounting bracket about the pivot point until the antenna is in an upright position above the mounting pole; and securing the securing mechanism to the mounting bracket with a third fastener.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an antenna mount. The antenna mount includes a main body configured to be secured to a mounting pole, and antenna mountingsection and a flanged section. The antenna mounting section extends outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, an upper edge of the main body. The antenna mounting section is configured to be secured to a bottom end cap of an antenna. The flanged section extends outwardly from a lower edge of the main body. The flanged section includes a recessed area sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an antenna mount. The antenna mount includes a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The first and second plates include a plurality of aligned apertures configured to receive respective fasteners therethrough to secure the antenna mount to a mounting pole. The antenna mount further includes an antenna mounting section extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a top edge of the first plate. The antenna mounting section is configured to be secured to a bottom end cap of an antenna.

[0010] A further aspect of embodiments of the invention is an antenna mounting kit comprising: a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting pole having a longitudinal axis; an adapter mounted to the mounting bracket; and an antenna mounting bracket that includes a main panel that is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the mounting pole and a mounting ring attached to the main panel that is generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the mounting pole. The antenna mounting bracket is mounted to the adapter so that the mounting ring encircles the longitudinal axis of the mounting pole.

[0011] It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim and / or file any new claim, accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and / or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates an antenna mounted on top of a pole using a known mounting kit.

[0013] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the mounting kit used in FIG. 1A.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an antenna mount according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a side view of the antenna mount of FIG. 2A.

[0016] FIG. 2C is a top view of the antenna mount of FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the antenna mount of FIG. 2A.

[0018] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of an antenna assembly including the antenna mount of FIG. 2A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the antenna mount for the antenna assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0020] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are side and bottom views of the antenna mount shown of FIG. 2A mounted to a pole having a diameter of 114 millimeters.

[0021] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are side and bottom views of the antenna mount shown of FIG. 2A mounted to a pole having a diameter of 89 millimeters.

[0022] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are side and bottom views of the antenna mount shown of FIG. 2A mounted to a pole having a diameter of 76 millimeters.

[0023] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative configuration for the antenna mount of FIG. 2A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7B is a side view of the antenna mount of FIG. 7A.

[0025] FIG. 7C is a front view of the antenna mount of FIG. 7A.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an antenna assembly utilizing the antenna mount of FIG. 7A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 9A is a bottom perspective view of another antenna mount according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 9B is a partially transparent bottom perspective view of the antenna mount ofFIG. 9A

[0029] FIG. 9C is a side view of the antenna mount of FIG. 9A.

[0030] FIG. 9D is a rear view of the antenna mount of FIG. 9A.

[0031] FIG. 10A is a side view of an antenna assembly including the antenna mount of FIG. 9A illustrating a configuration for mounting an antenna to a mounting structure.

[0032] FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of an alternative mounting configuration for the antenna assembly of FIG. 10A.

[0033] FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of an antenna mounting kit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 1 IB is a rear perspective view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 11 A.

[0035] FIG. 11C is a front view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 11A.

[0036] FIG. 1 ID is a rear view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 11 A.

[0037] FIG. HE is a side view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 11 A.

[0038] FIG. 1 IF is a top view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 11 A.

[0039] FIG. 11G is a top perspective view of the securing mechanism of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. HA.

[0040] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of an antenna assembly utilizing the antenna mounting kit shown in FIGS. 11A-11E according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12B is a bottom perspective view of the antenna assembly of FIG. 12A.

[0042] FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate installation of the antenna mounting kit of FIGS. 11A-11E on a mounting pole according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are top views of the antenna mounting kit shown in FIGS. 11A- 11E illustrating the capability to fit different diameter mounting poles.

[0044] FIG. 15A is a rear perspective view of another antenna mounting kit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 15B is a front perspective view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 15A.

[0046] FIG. 15C is a side view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 15A.

[0047] FIG. 15D is a top view of the antenna mounting kit of FIG. 15A.

[0048] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the antenna mounting kit ofFIGS. 15A-15D

[0049] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an antenna mounting member of the antenna mounting kit of FIGS. 15A-15D

[0050] FIG. 17A is a rear perspective view of an antenna assembly utilizing the antenna mounting kit shown in FIGS. 15A-15D according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 17B is a bottom front perspective view of the antenna assembly of FIG. 17A.

[0052] FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B illustrate installation of an antenna on top of a mounting pole utilizing the antenna mounting kit of FIGS. 15A-15D.

[0053] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are top views illustrating the capability of the antenna mounting kit of FIGS. 15A-15D to fit different diameter mounting poles.

[0054] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of another antenna assembly utilizing an alternative antenna mounting kit according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 20B is an exploded view of the antenna assembly of FIG. 20A.

[0056] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B illustrate installation of an antenna on top of a mounting pole utilizing the antenna mounting kit shown FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B.

[0057] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a mounting pole with an antenna mounted at its upper end with an antenna mounting kit according to embodiments of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 23A is a partial perspective view of the antenna and mounting kit of FIG. 22.

[0059] FIG. 23B is a partial exploded perspective view of the antenna and mounting kit of FIG. 23A

[0060] FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B are front and rear perspective views of the pole mounting bracket of the mounting kit of FIG. 23A.

[0061] FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are front and rear perspective view of the adapter of the mounting kit of FIG. 23A.

[0062] FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B are front and rear perspective view of the antenna mounting bracket of the mounting kit of FIG. 23A.

[0063] FIG. 27 is a partial bottom perspective view of the antenna and mounting kit of FIG. 23ADetailed Description

[0064] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. 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 so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0065] In the figures, certain layers, components, or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. 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 so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0066] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0068] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0069] As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean"between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."

[0070] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0071] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper", "lateral", "left", "right" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to mounts and mounting kits for installing an antenna on top of a mounting structure such as a mounting pole. The antenna mounts and mounting kits provide for easier installation as well as provide reduced installation costs. In addition, the mounts and mounting kits provide flexibility by being adjustable to fit different diameter mounting poles. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-27.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, an antenna mount 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The antenna mount 100 is configured to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting structure (e.g., a mounting pole MP) (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3B). According to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna mount 100 may be configured to be secured to a range of different diameter mounting poles MP (i.e., adjustable) (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 5A-5B, and FIGS. 6A-6B)

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2D, the antenna mount 100 has a main body or spine 110. An antenna mounting section 120 is coupled to or integral with the main body 110. In some embodiments, the main body 110 has at least two apertures 112 configured to receive a fastener 150 therethrough. For example, in some embodiments, each aperture 112 is configured to receive a respective leg of a U-bolt to secure the antenna mount 100 to a mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3B). As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the antenna mounting section 120 extends outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, an upper edge of the main body 110. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, the antenna mounting section 120 includes a plurality of apertures 122, 124. At least some of the apertures 124 are configured to receive a respective fastener 11 to secure an antenna 10 thereto see, e.g., FIG. 3B). In some embodiments, the larger aperture 122 may be used to help position (e.g., center) the antenna mount 100 on the mounting pole MP. In some embodiments, the antenna mounting section 120 may have a generally triangular shape.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2D, in some embodiments, the antenna mount 100 further comprises a flanged section 130. The flanged section 130 extends outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a lower edge of the main body 110. In some embodiments, the flanged section 130 extends along a plane that is generally parallel with the antenna mounting section 120. In some embodiments, the flanged section 130 includes a recessed area 132. The recessed area 132 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIG. 3B) For example, in some embodiments, the recessed area 132 may have an arcuate shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the mounting pole MP.

[0076] In some embodiments, the antenna mount 100 may further include a support section 140 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, the main body 110. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the support section 140 may reside between the antenna mounting section 120 and the flanged section 130. In some embodiments, the support section 140 extends along a plane that is generally parallel with the antenna mounting section 120 (and the flanged section 130). Similar to the flanged section 130, the support section 140 may include a recessed area 142 that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 2B, the main body 110 has a height Hl and the antenna mounting section 120, flanged section 130, and support section 140 each have a respective length LI, L2, L3. In some embodiments, the length LI of the antenna mount section 120 is greater than thelengths L2, L3 of the flanged section 130 and the support section 140. In some embodiments, the length L3 of the support section 140 may be approximately equal to the length L2 of the flanged section 130.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, an antenna assembly 200 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly 200 utilizes the antenna mount 100 described herein to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting structure (e.g., a mounting pole MP). As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the antenna mounting section 120 of the antenna mount 100 may be secured to a bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10, for example, via fasteners 11 that are inserted through respective apertures 124 in the antenna mounting section 120. In some embodiments, the shape of the antenna mounting section 120 allows the antenna mounting section 120 to be position against the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 to avoid contact with the connectors 15 that extend outwardly therefrom (see also FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 5A-5B, and FIGS. 6A-6B). As further shown in FIG. 3B, as discussed above, the mounting pole MP is received by the respective recessed areas 132, 142 of the flanged section 130 and the support section 140. The recessed areas 132, 143 provide a larger contact surface area for the antenna mount 100 to be supported against the mounting pole MP. As shown in FIG. 3B, a U-bolt fastener 150 is received through the apertures 112 in the main body 110 of the antenna mount 100 and tightened with one or more securing components (not shown, but similar to the securing components 151, i.e., nuts 152, 154 and washers 153, illustrated in FIG. 8), thereby securing the antenna mount 100 (an antenna 10 mounted thereon) to the mounting pole MP.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 5A-5B, and FIGS. 6A-6B, according to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna mount 100 may be adjustable to fit mounting poles MP, MP', MP" having different diameters e.g., DI, D2, D3). For example, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate the antenna assembly 200 in which the antenna mount 100 is secured to a mounting pole MP having a first diameter DI. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate an antenna assembly 200' in which the antenna mount 100 is secured to a mounting pole MP' having a second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the mounting pole MP' is smaller than the first diameter DI of the mounting pole MP. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate an antenna assembly 200" in which the antenna mount 100 is secured to a mounting pole MP" having a third diameter D3. In some embodiments the third diameter D3 of the mounting pole MP" is smaller than the seconddiameter D2 of the mounting pole MP' and / or the first diameter DI of the mounting pole MP (z.e., DI > D2 > D3) In some embodiments, the antenna mount 100 may be configured to be secured to mounting poles MP, MP', MP" having a diameter DI, D2, D3 in a range of about 70 millimeters to about 120 millimeters.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, another antenna mount 300 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Properties and / or features of the antenna mount 300 may be as described above in reference to the antenna mount 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIGS. 7A-7C.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the antenna mount 300 has a main body or spine 310. The antenna mount 300 further has an antenna mounting section 320 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, an upper edge of the main body 310 and a flanged section 330 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a lower edge of the main body 310. As shown in FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, the antenna mounting section 320 and the flanged section 330 may extend along planes that are parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 7A, similar to the antenna mounting section 120 of antenna mount 100, the antenna mounting section 320 of antenna mount 300 comprises a plurality of apertures 322, 324, some of which are configured to receive a fastener 11 to secure the antenna mount 300 to the bottom end cap 12 of an antenna 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 8).

[0082] The antenna mount 300 differs from the antenna mount 100 in that the antenna mount 300 includes two support sections 340, 350 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, the main body 310. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, in some embodiments, both support sections 340, 350 reside between the antenna mounting section 320 and the flanged section 330. In addition, in some embodiments, both support sections 340, 350 may include a recessed area 342, 352 that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP. In some embodiments, the antenna mount 300 may further comprise one or more vertically-extending support members 360 between adjacent sections 320, 330, 340, 350 of the antenna mount 300. The one or more vertically-extending support members 360 may provide additional structural support to the antenna mount 300.

[0083] In some embodiments, the main body 310 of the antenna mount 300 includes a plurality of apertures 312 to receive multiple fasteners 150 e.g., U-bolts). For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the antenna mount 300 may be configured to be secured to a mounting pole MP bytwo U-bolt fasteners 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). In addition, in some embodiments, the apertures 312 may be positioned spaced apart in the main body 310 to accommodate different sizes of fasteners 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 7C).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 8, an antenna assembly 400 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The antenna assembly 400 may utilize the antenna mount 300 described herein to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting structure (e.g., a mounting pole MP). Properties and / or features of the antenna assembly 400 may be as described above in reference to the antenna assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIG. 8

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8, the antenna mounting section 320 of the antenna mount 300 is secured to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10, for example, via fasteners 11 that are inserted through respective apertures 324 in the antenna mounting section 320. In some embodiments, the shape of the antenna mounting section 320 positions the antenna mount 300 against the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 such that contact with the connectors 15 that extend outwardly from the bottom end cap 12 is avoided. As further shown in FIG. 8, the mounting pole MP is received by the respective recessed areas 332, 342, 352 of the flanged section 330 and the two support sections 340, 350. Two U-bolt fasteners 150 are received through respective apertures 312 in the main body 310 of the antenna mount 300 and tightened with one or more corresponding securing components 151 (i.e., nuts 152, 154 and washers 153), thereby securing the antenna mount 300 (an antenna 10 mounted thereon) to the mounting pole MP. Similar to the antenna mount 100 described herein, according to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna mount 300 may be configured to fit mounting poles MP, MP', MP" having different diameters (e.g., DI, D2, D3) (see e.g., FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 5A-5B, and FIGS. 6A-6B)

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, another antenna mount 500 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Properties and / or features of the antenna mount 500 may be as described above in reference to the antenna mounts 100, 300 and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIGS. 9A-9D.

[0087] According to embodiments of the present invention, similar to antenna mounts 100, 300, the antenna mount 500 may be configured (adjustable) to fit mounting poles MP, MP', MP" having different diameters (e.g., DI, D2, D3). As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, in some embodiments, the antenna mount 500 comprises a first (or back) plate 510 and a second (or front) plate 530. Thefirst plate 510 may be coupled to or integral with the second plate 530. In some embodiments, opposing side walls 512 extend outwardly from the back plate 510. As shown in FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, a lower wall 516 may extend outwardly from a lower edge of the back plate 510. In some embodiments, the side walls 512 and lower wall 516 may help to provide additional structural support to the antenna mount 500.

[0088] An antenna mounting section 520 extends outwardly from an upper edge of the back plate 510. The antenna mounting section 520 is configured to be secured to a bottom end cap 12 of an antenna 10 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A-10B). For example, in some embodiments, the antenna mounting section 520 includes a plurality of different sized and / or shaped apertures 522, 524, 526. One or more of the apertures 522, 524, 526 are configured to receive respective fasteners to secure the antenna mounting section 520 to the bottom of an antenna 10. The other apertures 522, 524, 526 may be used for welding locations. Similar to other antenna mounts 100, 300 described herein, in some embodiments, the antenna mounting section 520 may have a generally triangular shape which helps to position the antenna mounting section 520 against the antenna 10 such that contact with the connectors 15 that extend outwardly from the bottom end cap 12 may be avoided.

[0089] As noted above, the first plate 510 may be coupled to or integral with the second plate 530. In some embodiments, the opposing side walls 512 of the first plate 510 may comprise one or more protrusions 515 that are each configured to be received by a corresponding aperture 536 in the second plate 530, thereby allowing the two plates 510, 530 to be secured together. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusions 515 may be welded within the respective apertures 536 to secure the two plates 510, 530 together.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9D, the first plate 510 and the second plate 530 each include a plurality of respective apertures 517, 532. At least some of the apertures 517, 532 in the first and second plates 510, 530 are aligned such that respective fasteners 150 (e.g., a U- bolt) may be received therethrough. One or more securing components 151 (e.g., nuts 152, 154 and washers 153) may be used to tighten the fasteners 150 to secure the antenna mount 500 to the mounting pole MP (see also, e.g., FIGS. 10A-10B). In some embodiments, the first and / or second plate 510, 530 may also comprise one or more elongated slots 513, 534. The one or more slots 513, 534 may be used for welding locations. In some embodiments, the second plate 530 may comprise a flanged end 535. In some embodiments, the flanged end 535 may help to direct air flow to reduce wind load on the antenna mount 500.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, the antenna mount 500 may further comprise a support member 540. In some embodiments, the support member 640 may reside under the antenna mounting section 520 to help to support the load weight of the antenna 10 when secured to the antenna mount 500. A shown in FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D, in some embodiments, an end 641 of the support member 640 may extend through an opening 511 in the first plate 510.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, antenna assemblies 600, 600' according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The antenna assemblies 600, 600' may utilize the antenna mount 500 described herein to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting pole MP. Properties and / or features of the antenna assemblies 600, 600' may be as described above in reference to other antenna assemblies 200, 400 described herein and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B.

[0093] According to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna mount 500 may be configured to be adjustable with respect to how the antenna mount 500 can be secured to a mounting pole MP and the respective position of the antenna 10 relative to a top edge TE of the mounting pole MP. Similar to other antenna mounts 100, 300 described herein, the antenna mounting section 520 of the antenna mount 500 may be secured to the bottom of the antenna 10 (e.g., bottom end cap 12). However, as shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the antenna mount 500 allows for alternative configurations in which the antenna mount 500 may be secured against the mounting pole MP.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10A, in some embodiments, the antenna mount 500 may positioned such that the first plate 510 contacts (is secured against) the mounting pole MP. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, the antenna mount 500 may be positioned such that the second plate 530 contacts (is secured against) the mounting pole MP. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the first plate 510 is secured against the mounting pole MP, the antenna mounting section 520 of the antenna mount 500 (and the bottom of the antenna 10 secured thereto) is offset from the top edge TE of the mounting pole MP. In other words, the antenna 10 is not positioned directly above the mounting pole MP. In some embodiments, the end 541 of the support member 540 extending through the first plate 510 (see also, e.g., FIG. 9C) may engage or contact the top edge TE of the mounting pole MP to provide additional support to the antenna 10.

[0095] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the second plate 530 is secured against the mounting pole MP, the antenna mounting section 520 of the antenna mount 500 (and the bottomof the antenna 10 secured thereto) is positioned directly above the top edge TE of the mounting pole MP. In this configuration, the support member 540 may still engage or contact the top edge TE of the mounting pole to provide additional support to the antenna 10.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11G and FIGS. 12A-12B, an antenna mounting kit 700 according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. Properties and / or features of the antenna mounting kit 700 and / or the antenna assembly 800 may be as described above in reference to the antenna mounts 100, 300, 500 or antenna assemblies 200, 400, 600, 600' described herein and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIGS. HA-llG and FIGS. 12A-12B

[0097] According to embodiments of the present invention, similar to the antenna mounts 100, 300, 500 described herein, the antenna mounting kit 700 may be configured to fit mounting poles MP, MP', MP" having different diameters (e.g., DI, D2, D3) (see, e.g., FIGS. 13A-13B). As shown in FIGS. 11A-11E, the antenna mounting kit 700 comprises a mounting bracket 705 and a securing mechanism 730. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 705 is configured to be secured to a mounting pole MP, and the securing mechanism 730 is configured to secure an antenna 10 to the mounting bracket 705. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 705 comprises a first plate 710 and a second plate 720. The first plate 710 may be coupled to or integral with the second plate 720.

[0098] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 705 may further include a support member 740 coupled to and extending generally perpendicularly to the first plate 710 and / or the second plate 720. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the support member 740 may help to provide structural support to the mounting bracket 705 when an antenna 10 is mounted thereon.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11 A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. HE, in some embodiments, opposing side walls 712 may extend outwardly from the first plate 710 of the mounting bracket 705. In some embodiments, the side walls 712 may help to provide structural support to the mounting bracket 705 and the antenna mounting kit 700. In some embodiments, mounting bracket 705 includes a flanged section 724 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a bottom edge of the second plate 720. In some embodiments, the flanged section 724 includes a recessed area 725. The recessed area 725 is sized and configured to receive a portion of themounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A-12B). For example, in some embodiments, the recessed area 725 may have an arcuate shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the mounting pole MP.

[0100] As noted above, the first plate 710 is coupled to or integral with the second plate 720. In some embodiments, the opposing side walls 712 of the first plate 710 may comprise one or more tabs or protrusions 711, 713 that are each configured to be received by a corresponding recess 721 or aperture 723 in the second plate 720 which allows the two plates 710, 720 to be secured together. For example, in some embodiments, the tabs and / or protrusions 711, 713 may be welded within the respective recesses 721 or apertures 723 to secure the two plates 710, 720 together.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 each includes a plurality of apertures 717, 727. At least some of the apertures 717, 727 in the first and second plates 710, 720 are aligned such that a respective fastener 150 (e.g., a U-bolt) may be received therethrough. One or more securing components 151 (e.g., nuts 152, 154 and washers 153) may be used to tighten the fasteners 150 to secure the mounting bracket 705 to a mounting pole MP (see also, e.g., FIGS. 12A-12B). In some embodiments, the first plate 710 may also comprises one or more slots 716. The slots 716 are configured to receive respective tabs or protrusions 741 from the support member 740. For example, in some embodiments, the tabs 741 may be welded within the respective slots 716 to secure the support member 740 to the first plate 710.

[0102] In some embodiments, the securing mechanism 730 comprises a lower plate 732 and an upper plate 734. The securing mechanism 730 further includes at least two fasteners 735 that are used to secure the lower plate 732 to the upper plate 734. In some embodiments, the lower plate 732 of the securing mechanism 730 is coupled to the first plate 710 of the mounting bracket 705. In some embodiments, the lower plate 732 of the securing mechanism 730 is further coupled to the support member 740.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 11F and FIG. 11G, in some embodiments, the lower plate 732 of the securing mechanism 730 comprises one or more slots 731. In some embodiments, the lower plate 732 comprises a pair of T-shaped slots 731. The lower plate 732 also comprises at least one aperture 733 configured to receive a respective fastener 735 (see, e.g., FIG. 11B and FIG. HE).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 1 ID, in some embodiments, the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 comprises a plurality of apertures 738 which allows the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 to be secured to the bottom of an antenna 10 (e.g., secured to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10). At least one of the apertures 738 of the upper plate 734 isconfigured to align with the aperture 733 of the lower plate 732 such that the two plates 732, 734 may be secured together via fastener 735. The upper plate 734 further comprises one or more latching members 736 extending downwardly therefrom. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. HE, the upper plate 734 comprises two latching members 736. Each latching member 736 is configured to be received within a respective slot 731 of the lower plate 732. As described in further detail below, each latching member 736 is configured to traverse (move or slide) within a respective slot 731 as the upper plate 734 is moved (rotated) relative to the lower plate 732 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13A-13C).

[0105] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate an antenna assembly 800 utilizing the antenna mounting kit 700 to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting pole MP according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, the mounting bracket 705 is secured to the mounting pole MP via fasteners 150 and the securing mechanism 730 is configured to secure the antenna 10 to the mounting bracket 705 such that the antenna 10 is positioned above the mounting pole MP (i.e., above a top edge TE of the mounting pole MP). As shown in FIG. 12B, similar to the antenna mounts 100, 300, 500 described herein, in some embodiments, the shape of the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 allows the upper plate 734 to be secured to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 without interfering with the connectors 15 extending outwardly therefrom. As further shown in FIG. 12B, in some embodiments, the support member 740 is configured to contact a top edge TE of the mounting pole MP which helps to support the load weight of the antenna 10.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, installation of an antenna 10 on top of a mounting pole MP utilizing the antenna mounting kit 700 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 13A, the mounting bracket 705 is secured to the mounting pole MP via fasteners 150 and securing components 151. In addition, the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 is secured to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 to be installed. A first fastener 735i is secured to the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 and extends downwardly therefrom.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the antenna 10 is lowered toward the mounting kit 705 such that the first fastener 735i is received by one of the apertures 738 in the lower plate 732 of the securing mechanism 730 and the latching members 736 of the upper plate 734 of the securingmechanism 730 are each received by a respective slot 731 in the lower plate 732 of the securing mechanism 732.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 13B, the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 (an antenna 10 secured thereto) may then be moved (e.g., rotated or pivoted about the fastener 735i) as the latching members 736 traverse (or slide) within the slots 731 of the lower plate 732 (see also, e.g., FIG. 12A). Through rotation of the upper plate 734 of the securing mechanism 730 relative to lower plate 732 of the securing mechanism 730, and engagement of the latching members 736 within the T-shaped slots 731, the upper plate 734 becomes secured to the lower plate 732. To complete the installation, as shown in FIG. 12C, a second fastener 7352 is inserted through the aligned apertures 733, 738 in the lower and upper plates 732, 734 to lock the two plates 732, 734 in position and secure the antenna 10 to the mounting pole MP (via the antenna mounting kit 700).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, as noted above, according to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna mounting kit 700 may be configured to fit mounting poles MP, MP" having different diameters (e.g., DI, D3). For example, FIG. 14A illustrates an antenna assembly 800 in which the mounting bracket 705 for the antenna mounting kit 700 is secured to a mounting pole MP having a diameter DI. FIG. 14B illustrates an antenna assembly 800' in which the mounting bracket 705 of the antenna mounting kit 700 is secured to a mounting pole MP" having a smaller diameter D3.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 15A-15D, FIGS. 16A-16B, and FIGS. 17A-17B, another antenna mounting kit 900 and antenna assembly 1000 utilizing the antenna mounting kit 900 to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting pole MP according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. Properties and / or features of the antenna mounting kit 900 and / or the antenna assembly 1000 may be as described above in reference to the other antenna mounting kit 700 and / or antenna mounts 100, 300, 500 or antenna assemblies 200, 400, 600, 600', 800 described herein and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIGS. 15A-15D, FIGS. 16A-16B, and FIGS. 17A-17B

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 15A-15D, the antenna mounting kit 900 comprises a mounting bracket 910 and a securing mechanism 930 (see also FIG. 16A which illustrates the mounting bracket 910 alone and FIG. 16B which illustrates the securing mechanism 930 alone). In some embodiments, the securing mechanism 930 may be pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 910(see also, e.g., FIGS. 18A-18B). The mounting bracket 910 comprises a plurality of apertures 911 (see, e.g., FIG. 16A). At least some of the plurality of apertures 911 are configured to receive a respective fastener 150 (e.g., a U-bolt) therethrough to secure the mounting bracket 910 to a mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 17A-17B). As shown in FIG. 15B, in some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 911 may be configured to receive different sizes of fasteners 150i, 1502, thereby allowing the antenna mount 900 to be secured to different diameter mounting poles MP, MP" (e.g ., DI, D3) (see, e.g., FIGS. 19A-19B)

[0112] As shown in FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B and FIG. 16A, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 910 comprises opposing side walls 912 extending outwardly therefrom. The opposing side walls 912 may provide additional structural support to the mounting bracket 900 (i.e., when an antenna 10 is mounted thereon). In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 910 further comprises a flanged section 918 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a bottom edge of the mounting bracket 910. As shown in FIG. 15B and FIG. 16A, in some embodiments, the flanged section 918 includes a recessed area 915. The recessed area 915 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 17A-17B). For example, in some embodiments, the recessed area 915 may have an arcuate shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the mounting pole MP.

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 15A-15D and FIG. 16A, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 910 may further comprise an antenna support section 914. In some embodiments, the antenna support section 914 extends outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a top edge of the mounting bracket 910. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the antenna support section 914 is configured to engage with the securing mechanism 930 to secure an antenna 10 to the mounting pole MP. As shown in FIGS. 15A-15D and FIG. 16A, in some embodiments, the antenna support section 914 comprises a pair of flanges 916 extending upwardly therefrom. Each flange 916 comprises a slot 917 configured to receive a respective fastener 156. As described in further detail below, when received within a respective slot 917 of the flanges 916, the fasteners 156 create respective pivot points P between the securing mechanism 930 and the mounting bracket 910, thereby allowing the securing mechanism 930 to pivot relative to the antenna support section 914 of the mounting bracket 910 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 18A-18B).

[0114] In addition, as shown in FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B and FIG. 16A, in some embodiments, the antenna support section 914 comprises an aperture 919 that is configured to receive a fastener 158.In some embodiments, the aperture 919 may be elongated. As described in further detail below, the fastener 158 will be used to lock the securing mechanism 930 to the mounting bracket 910 and secure a mounted antenna 10 in an upright position on a mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 17A- 17B and FIG. 18B). As shown in FIG. 15B and FIG. 15D, in some embodiments, additional support brackets 962 may be used when the fastener 158 is inserted through the aperture 919 in the antenna support section 914, for example, when the aperture 919 has an elongated shape.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 15A-15D and FIG. 16B, the securing mechanism 930 comprises a main body 933 including a plurality of apertures 931. As shown in FIG. 17B, in some embodiments, the shape of the main body 933 is configured such that the securing mechanism 930 may be secured to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 without interfering with the connectors 15 extending outwardly therefrom. Some of the apertures 931 in the main body 933 of the securing mechanism 930 are configured to receive a respective fastener (not shown) to attach the securing mechanism 930 to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10. At least one of the apertures 931 in the main body 933 is configured to receive the fastener 158 that will be used to lock the securing mechanism 930 to the antenna support section 914.

[0116] As further shown in FIGS. 15A-15D and FIG. 16B, the main body 933 of the securing mechanism 930 further comprises opposing flanges 932 extending downwardly therefrom. Each flange 932 includes an aperture 934 that is configured to receive a respective fastener 156. As discussed in further detail below, after the fasteners 156 are inserted through the apertures 932 of the flanges 934, the fastener 156 may be slid into the slots 917 of the flanges 916 of the antenna support section 914 to pivotably couple the securing mechanism 930 to the mounting bracket 910.

[0117] In some embodiments, the main body 933 of the securing mechanism 930 may further comprise at least one pivot stop 936 extending downwardly therefrom. In some embodiments, the main body 933 may comprise two pivot stops 936. In some embodiments, the one or more pivot stops 936 reside adjacent to a flange 932. In some embodiments, the pivot stops 936 are configured to prevent the securing mechanism 930 (an antenna 10) from pivoting to far (i.e., greater than 90 degrees) relative to the antenna securing section 914 of the mounting bracket 910. In addition, the pivot stops 936 may also help to provide additional structural support to the antenna mounting kit 900 i.e., help support the load weight of the antenna 10).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 15B, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 910 may further comprise one or more support members 940, 950 coupled thereto. In some embodiments, themounting bracket 910 may comprise a plurality of slots 913 configured to receive a portion or tab of the support members 940, 950 to secure the support members 940, 950 thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the support members 940, 950 may be welded within the respective slots 913 to secure the support members 940, 950 to the mounting bracket 910. In some embodiments, each support member 940, 950 may include a respective recessed area 942, 952. Similar to the recessed area 915 of the flanged section 918, the recessed areas 942, 952 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIG. 17B). For example, in some embodiments, the recessed areas 942, 952 may have an arcuate shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the mounting pole MP.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, installation of an antenna 10 on top of a mounting pole MP utilizing the antenna mounting kit 900 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 18A, the securing mechanism 930 is mounted to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 and the mounting bracket 910 is secured to the mounting pole MP via fasteners 150. The fasteners 156 attached to the securing mechanism 930 are slid into respective slots 917 of the mounting bracket 910 to create a pivot point P between the mounting bracket 910 and securing mechanism 930. As shown in FIG. 18B, the antenna 10 (and securing mechanism 930) is pivoted upwardly (about pivot point P) relative to the mounting bracket 910 (and mounting pole MP) as the fastener 158 is received through the aperture 919 of the antenna support section 914 of the mounting bracket 910. The antenna 10 is pivoted into an upright position and / or until the pivot stops 936 of the securing mechanism 930 contact the antenna support section 914 of the mounting bracket 910. Finally, the fastener 158 (which has been received through the aperture 919 of the antenna support section 914) is tightened with a corresponding securing component (e.g., securing component 151 described herein) to lock the securing mechanism 930 to the mounting bracket 910, and thereby securing the antenna 10 in an upright position on top of the mounting pole MP, as shown in FIG. 18B.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, as noted above, according to embodiments of the present invention, the antenna mounting kit 900 may be adjustable to fit mounting poles MP, MP" having different diameters (e.g., DI, D3). For example, FIG. 19A illustrates an antenna assembly 1000 in which the mounting bracket 910 of the antenna mounting kit 900 is secured to a mounting pole MP having a diameter DI. FIG. 19B illustrates an antenna assembly 1000' in which the mounting bracket 910 of the antenna mounting kit 900 is secured to a mountingpole MP" having a smaller diameter D3. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 910 of the mounting kit 900 may have different apertures 911 configured to receive different sized fasteners 150i, 1502 (e.g., U-bolts) in order to accommodate mounting poles MP, MP" having different diameters DI, D3. As shown in FIG. 19A, in some embodiments, the antenna mounting kit 900 may be configured to receive a fastener 150i (e.g., U-bolt) to accommodate a mounting pole MP having a diameter DI. As shown in FIG. 19B, in some embodiments, the antenna mounting kit 900 may be configured to receive a smaller fastener 150i e.g., U-bolt) to accommodate a mounting pole MP having a smaller diameter D3.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, another antenna mounting kit 1100 and antenna assembly 1200 utilizing the antenna mounting kit 1100 to secure an antenna 10 to the top of a mounting pole MP according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. Properties and / or features of the antenna mounting kit 1100 and / or the antenna assembly 1200 may be as described above in reference to the antenna mounting kit 900 and antenna assembly 1000 described herein and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B.

[0122] The antenna mounting kit 1100 is similar to the antenna mounting kit 900 in that the antenna mounting kit 1100 includes fasteners 156 that create a pivot point P to help provide for easier installation of an antenna 10 on top of a mounting pole MP. As shown in FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, the antenna mounting kit 1100 comprises a mounting bracket 1110, an antenna mounting member 1120, and a securing mechanism 1130. In some embodiments, the antenna mounting member 1120 may be pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket 1110 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 21A-21B). The mounting bracket 1110 comprises a plurality of apertures 1111. At least some of the plurality of apertures 1111 are configured to receive a respective fastener 150 (e.g., a U-bolt) therethrough to secure the mounting bracket 1110 to a mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 21A-21B) Similar to the antenna mounting kit 900 described herein, in some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 1111 may be configured to receive different sizes of fasteners 150 thereby allowing the antenna mounting kit 1100 to be secured to different diameter mounting poles MP, MP" (e.g., DI, D3).

[0123] As shown in FIG. 20A, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 1110 may comprise opposing side walls 1112 extending outwardly therefrom. The opposing side walls 1112 may provide additional structural support to the mounting bracket 1110. In some embodiments, themounting bracket 1110 further comprises a flanged section 1118 extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a bottom edge of the mounting bracket 1110. In some embodiments, the flanged section 1118 includes a recessed area 1115. The recessed area 1115 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 21A). For example, in some embodiments, the recessed area 1115 may have an arcuate shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the mounting pole MP.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 20A, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 1110 further comprises an antenna support section 1114. In some embodiments, the antenna support section 1114 extends outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a top edge of the mounting bracket 1110. In some embodiments, the antenna support section 1114 extends along a plane that is parallel to the flanged section 1118. As described in further detail below, the antenna support section 1114 is configured to engage with the antenna mounting member 1120 and the securing mechanism 1130 to secure an antenna 10 to the mounting bracket 1110 (and to the mounting pole MP).

[0125] As shown in FIG. 20A, in some embodiments, the antenna support section 1114 comprises a pair of flanges 1116 extending upwardly therefrom. Each flange 1116 comprises an aperture (not shown) configured to receive a respective fastener 156. As described in further detail below, the fasteners 156 create respective pivot points P between the antenna mounting member 1120 and the mounting bracket 1110 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 21A-21B). In some embodiments, the antenna support section 1114 further comprises a downwardly extending flanged end 1117. As shown in FIG. 20A and FIG. 21B, in some embodiments, the flanged end 1117 of the antenna support section 1114 may be configured to engage an end 1132 of the securing mechanism 1130 to secure the antenna 10 in an upright position on the top of the mounting pole MP.

[0126] In addition, as shown in FIG. 20A, in some embodiments, the antenna support section 1114 comprises an aperture 1119 that is configured to receive a fastener 158. As described in further detail below, the fastener 158 will be used to lock the securing mechanism 1130 to the mounting bracket 1110 and secure a mounted antenna 10 in an upright position on a mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIGS. 17A-17B and FIG. 18B).

[0127] As shown in FIG. 20A, the antenna mounting member 1120 is configured to be secured to the bottom of the antenna 10 (e.g., the bottom end cap 12) via fasteners 158. As further shownin FIG. 20A, the securing mechanism 1130 may also be secured to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 via a fastener 158.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 20B, the antenna mounting member 1120 comprises a pair of flanges 1122 that extend downwardly from opposing ends. Each flange 1122 comprises an aperture (not shown) configured to receive a respective fastener 156. The fasteners 156 are received through aligned apertures in the flanges 1122 of the antenna mounting member 1120 and the flanges 1116 of the antenna support section 1114 of the mounting bracket 1110 to create pivot points P between the antenna mounting member 1120 and the mounting bracket 1110.

[0129] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20A, the mounting bracket 1110 may further comprise one or more support members 1140, 1150 coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the support members 1140, 1150 may include a recessed area 1142. Similar to the recessed area 1115 of the flanged section 1118, the recessed area 1142 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole MP (see, e.g., FIG. 17B). For example, in some embodiments, the recessed area 1142 may have an arcuate shape corresponding to an outer diameter of the mounting pole MP.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B, installation of an antenna 10 on top of a mounting pole MP utilizing the antenna mounting kit 1100 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 21A, the antenna mounting member 1120 and securing mechanism 1130 are mounted to the bottom end cap 12 of the antenna 10 via fasteners 158. The mounting bracket 1110 is secured to the mounting pole MP via fastener 150. As shown in FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B, the antenna 10 is pivoted upwardly (about pivot points P) relative to the mounting bracket 1110 (and mounting pole MP) until the fastener 158 is received through the aperture 1119 of the antenna support section 1114 of the mounting bracket 1110. In some embodiments, the antenna 10 is pivoted upwardly until the end 1132 of the securing mechanism 1130 engages the flanged end 1117 of the antenna support section 914 of the mounting bracket 1110. Finally, the fastener 158 is tightened (via similar securing components 151 described herein) to lock the antenna 10 to the mounting bracket 1110, thereby securing the antenna 10 in an upright position on top of the mounting pole MP, as shown in FIG. 21B.

[0131] Referring now to FIGS. 22-27, another antenna mounting kit, designated broadly at 1300, is shown therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 22, 23A, 23B and 27, the antenna mounting kit 1300 can enable the mounting of a cylindrical antenna 10' directly above a monopole MP.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B, the antenna mounting kit 1300 includes a pole mounting bracket 1310, an antenna mounting bracket 1330, and an adapter 1320. Referring to FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B, the pole mounting bracket 1310 is generally a square-cornered C-channel, with a main panel 1311 and flanges 1312 that extend from opposite edges of the main panel 1311. Two ribs 1313 extend between the flanges 1312. Mounting loops 1314 extend from the main panel 1311 and are configured to receive a band clamp (e.g., a Jubilee clamp) for attaching the pole mounting bracket 1310 to the mounting pole MP. Four mounting holes 1315 are arranged on the main panel 1311 in a generally square pattern between the loops 1314.

[0133] Referring now to FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B, the adapter 1320 is also a generally squarecornered C-channel, with a main panel 1321 and opposed flanges 1322. Windows 1323 that align with the loops 1314 are present in the main panel 1321. Holes 1324 that align with the holes 1315 are present between the windows 1323. Notably, the holes 1324 and windows 1323 are not centered vertically on the main panel 1321, but instead are offset to the lower end of the main panel 1321. Two mounting holes 1325 are present on each flange 1322 near their upper ends.

[0134] Referring now to FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B, the antenna mounting bracket 1330 includes a main panel 1331 with flanges 1332 extending from the edges of the main panel 1330. Two windows 1333 are present in the main panel 1331, and are eight mounting holes 1334, four of which align with the holes 1324. Two mounting holes 1335 are present in each flange 1332.

[0135] Still referring to FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B, a ring 1336 extends from the upper end of the main panel 1331 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main panel 1331. Four arcuate slots 1337 are present at 90-degree intervals in the ring 1336. Ribs 1338 extend between the flanges 1332 and the underside of the ring 1336 to provide support.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 23A and FIG. 24A, mounting of the antenna 10' can be achieved by first mounting the pole mounting bracket 1310 to the mounting pole MP. This can be accomplished by inserting a band clamp 1350 into each of the loops 1314 and encircling the mounting pole MP. Once the band clamps 1350 are tightened, the pole mounting bracket 1310 is securely mounted to the mounting pole MP. Next, the adapter 1320 is mounted to the pole mounting bracket 1310 by inserting fasteners (e.g., screws) into the holes 1315 and 1324; the loops 1314 extend through the windows 1323 in the main panel 1321. The antenna mounting bracket 1330 is then mounted to the adapter 1320 by aligning the holes 1335 with the holes 1325, then inserting fasteners (e.g., screws) into the aligned holes 1335, 1325. In this position, thering 1336 is positioned directly above the mounting pole MP, such that the longitudinal axis A of the mounting pole MP is encircled by the ring 1336. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring 1336 is spaced apart from the upper end of the mounting pole MP; this distance may be between about 0 millimeters and about 120 millimeters.

[0137] The antenna 10' is then mounted to the ring 1336 by inserting fasteners through the slots 1337 and into holes on the lower side of the antenna 10'. As can be seen in FIG. 27, ports 12' that extend downwardly from the lower surface of the antenna 10' through the ring 1336 are positioned to receive and connect with cables 1380 that are routed through the lumen of the mounting pole MP. Because the antenna 10' is spaced from the upper end of the mounting pole MP, a technician has sufficient room / space to easily make these connections.

[0138] Those of skill in this art will appreciate that the sequence of steps described above for the installation of the antenna 10' may differ. For example, in some embodiments the adapter 1320, the antenna mounting bracket 1330, and the antenna 10' may be assembled together (for instance, on the ground), then mounted as a subassembly onto the pole mounting bracket 1310 after it is mounted on the mounting pole MP. This may reduce the number of installation steps carried out at full pole height.

[0139] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An antenna mounting kit, comprising: a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting structure; and a securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprising a lower plate coupled to the mounting bracket and an upper plate configured to have an antenna secured thereto, wherein the upper plate of the securing mechanism is rotatably coupled to the lower plate of the securing mechanism.

2. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate, wherein the first and second plates have a plurality of apertures configured to receive one or more fasteners therethrough to secure the mounting bracket to the mounting structure.

3. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a support member coupled to the first plate and residing below the lower plate of the securing mechanism.

4. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a flanged section extending outwardly from a bottom edge, the flanged section having a recessed area sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole.

5. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower plate of the securing mechanism comprises a slot and the upper plate of the securing mechanism comprises a latching member, and wherein the latching member is configured to be received by, and traverse within, the slot when the upper plate is rotated relative to the lower plate.

6. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting structure is a mounting pole, and wherein the mounting bracket is adjustable to fit mounting poles having different diameters.

7. A method of installing an antenna on a mounting pole utilizing an antenna mounting kit, wherein the antenna mounting kit comprises a mounting bracket and a securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprises a lower plate coupled to the mounting bracket and an upper plate, wherein the lower plate comprises a slot and the upper plate comprises a latching member, the method comprising: securing the upper plate of the securing mechanism to a bottom end of the antenna; securing the mounting bracket to the mounting pole via one or more fasteners such that the lower plate of the securing mechanism resides above a top edge of the mounting pole; aligning the latching member of the upper plate with the slot of the lower plate and lowering the antenna such that the latching member is received by the slot; moving the upper plate relative to the lower plate such that the latching member of the upper plate traverses within the slot of the lower plate; and securing the upper plate to the lower plate with a first fastener.

8. The method according to Claim 7, wherein the antenna mounting kit comprises a second fastener extending from the upper plate of the securing mechanism, and wherein the second fastener is received by an aperture in the lower plate of the securing mechanism as the antenna is lowered.

9. An antenna mounting kit, comprising: a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting structure; and a securing mechanism configured to have an antenna secured thereto, the securing mechanism being pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket.

10. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 9, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a pair of opposing flanges extending upwardly therefrom, each flange comprises a slot, and wherein the securing mechanism comprises a pair of fasteners, each fastener configuredto be received within a respective slot of the pair of opposing flanges, thereby allowing the securing mechanism to pivot relative to the mounting bracket.

11. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a flanged section extending outwardly from a bottom edge, the flanged section having a recessed area sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole.

12. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket comprises an antenna support section extending outwardly from a top edge, and wherein the securing mechanism is configured to be secured to the antenna support section via a fastener.

13. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of Claims 10-12, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a pair of opposing flanges extending downwardly therefrom, each flange comprises an aperture configured to receive a respective fastener.

14. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the securing mechanism further comprises a pivot stop extending downwardly therefrom, the pivot stop being configured to contact the antenna support section when the securing mechanism is pivoted relative to the mounting bracket, thereby preventing the securing mechanism from pivoting too far relative to the mounting bracket.

15. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of Claims 9-14, wherein the mounting bracket comprises one or more support members coupled thereto.

16. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 15, wherein each support member comprises a recessed area sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole.

17. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 9, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a pair of opposing flanges extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a pair of opposing flanges extending downwardly therefrom, whereinapertures in each flange of the mounting bracket align with a respective aperture in each flange of the securing mechanism to receive a respective fastener therethrough to allow the securing mechanism to pivot relative to the mounting bracket.

18. The antenna mounting kit according to any one of Claims 9-17, wherein the mounting structure is a mounting pole, and wherein the mounting bracket is adjustable to fit mounting poles having different diameters.

19. A method of installing an antenna on a mounting pole utilizing an antenna mounting kit, wherein the antenna mounting kit comprises a mounting bracket and a securing mechanism, the mounting bracket comprises a pair of opposing flanges extending upwardly therefrom, each flange comprising a slot, and the securing mechanism comprises a pair of first fasteners, the method comprising: securing the securing mechanism to a bottom end of the antenna; securing the mounting bracket to the mounting pole via one or more second fasteners; sliding the pair of first fasteners within respective slots of the mounting bracket to create a pivot point; pivoting the securing mechanism relative to the mounting bracket about the pivot point until the antenna is in an upright position above the mounting pole; and securing the securing mechanism to the mounting bracket with a third fastener.

20. An antenna mount, comprising: a main body configured to be secured to a mounting pole; an antenna mounting section extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, an upper edge of the main body, the antenna mounting section configured to be secured to a bottom end cap of an antenna; and a flanged section extending outwardly from a lower edge of the main body, the flanged section including a recessed area sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole.21 . The antenna mount according to Claim 20, wherein the main body comprises at least two apertures configured to receive a fastener to secure the antenna mount to the mounting pole.

22. The antenna mount according to any one of Claim 20 or Claim 21, wherein the flanged section extends outwardly along a plane that is generally parallel to the antenna mounting section.

23. The antenna mount according to any one of Claims 20-22, wherein the antenna mounting section has a generally triangular shape.

24. The antenna mount according to any one of Claims 20-23, further comprising one or more support sections coupled to the main body and residing between the antenna mounting section and the flanged section.

25. The antenna mount according to Claim 24, wherein the one or more support sections each extend outwardly from the main body along a plane that is generally parallel with the antenna mounting section, each support section including a recessed area that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the mounting pole.

26. The antenna mount according to any one of Claim 24 or Claim 25, wherein the antenna mount further comprises one or more vertically-extending support members between the antenna mounting section and the one or more support sections and / or between the flanged section and the one or more support sections27. The antenna mount according to any one of Claims 20-26, wherein, when the antenna mount is secured to the mounting pole, the antenna mounting section is positioned above a top edge of the mounting pole.

28. The antenna mount according to any one of Claims 20-27, wherein the antenna mount is adjustable to fit mounting poles having different diameters.

29. An antenna mount, comprising: a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate, the first and second plates comprising a plurality of aligned apertures configured to receive respective fasteners therethrough to secure the antenna mount to a mounting pole; and an antenna mounting section extending outwardly from, and generally perpendicularly to, a top edge of the first plate, the antenna mounting section being configured to be secured to a bottom end cap of an antenna.

30. The antenna mount according to Claim 29, further comprising a support member residing below the antenna mounting section.

31. The antenna mount according to any one of Claim 29 or Claim 30, wherein the first and second plates comprise corresponding protrusions or apertures that are configured to engage to secure the first and second plates together.

32. An antenna mounting kit, comprising: a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a mounting pole having a longitudinal axis; an adapter mounted to the mounting bracket; and an antenna mounting bracket that includes a main panel that is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the mounting pole and a mounting ring attached to the main panel that is generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the mounting pole; wherein the antenna mounting bracket is mounted to the adapter so that the mounting ring encircles the longitudinal axis of the mounting pole.

33. The antenna mounting kit according to Claim 32, wherein the adapter has a main panel and pair of flanges on opposite edges of the main panel, the antenna mounting bracket has a pair of flanges that extend from opposite edges of the main panel of the antenna mounting bracket, and wherein each of the flanges of the adapter confronts a respective one of the flanges of the antenna mounting bracket.

34. The antenna mounting bracket according to Claim 33, wherein the flanges of the adapter extend away from the mounting pole, and the flanges of the antenna mounting bracket extend toward the mounting pole.

35. The antenna mounting bracket according to Claim 32, wherein the mounting ring is spaced apart from an upper end of the pole mounting bracket.

36. The antenna mounting bracket according to Claim 35, further comprising the mounting pole, and wherein the mounting ring is spaced apart from an upper end of the mounting pole.

37. The antenna mounting bracket according to Claim 36, wherein the mounting ring is spaced apart between about 0 millimeters and about 120 millimeters from the upper end of the mounting pole.

38. The antenna mounting bracket according to Claim 36, wherein the pole mounting bracket is mounted to the mounting pole via band clamps.

39. An assembly comprising: the mounting kit and mounting pole defined in Claim 36; and a cylindrical antenna mounted on the mounting ring.

40. The assembly according to Claim 39, wherein the antenna includes a plurality of ports on a lower surface thereof, and further comprising at least one cable routed through the mounting pole and attached to one of the plurality of ports.

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