US2514167A - Radio antenna - Google Patents

Description

R. J. SCOTT RADIO ANTENNA July 4, 1950 Filed May 28, 1945 Patented July 4, 1950 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 2,514,167 Ramo ANTENNA Application May 28, 1945, Serial No. 596,127

1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in antennae, such as used for the transmission land/or reception of radiant energy, intelligence, etc., from and by radio transmitting and receiving apparatuses, particularly mobile types yof radio transmitting and/ or receivingsets as provided to automobiles, though adaptable to substantially all forms of land, marine and, in `some instances, airborne vehicles.

An object of the invention is to provide a radio antenna of the telescopic lcollapsible type, which primarily, consists of a mast made up of an assembly of telescopically interengaged sections so constructed and relatively'arranged Aas to afford materially improved `electrical characteristics, similarly improved over-all mechanical construction, with coincidental features of rugged durability, solidity of construction and assembly stability of and between its movable parts, and proofing of the same against the deteriorating actions or effects of climatic conditions and/or elements.

It is also an important object of the invention to provide an antenna mast oi the indicated character, wherein the telescopic mast sections or members will have portions thereof so frictionally interengaged as to positively `ensure their collective and/or individual firm, though movable retention, in telescopically collapsed, distended or partially distended positions or relationships.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide the antenna mast sections or members with novel means which will effectually function to maintain firm, positive frictional, and movable and wiping electrical contact, therebetween, hence, preventing relative play, rattling or other vibratory movement between said mast members, and also, maintaining constantpositive electrical connection therebetween with resultant sustained and dependable operational efficiencies.

The invention also aims to provide a radio antenna of the collapsible mast type, wherein connection between the sections or members thereof is so effected and kept as to prevent the passage of moisture thereby into the receiving member or members, and so, prevent corroding, rusting and other deterioration of the housed portions when they are in telescopically collapsed, distended or partially distended rela-v tivity.

Heretofore, in the production of telescopic mast types of radio antennae, I am aware that consideration has been given to providing the sections thereof with frictional and other forms of means for effecting movable mechanical and electrical interconnection 'therebetween.` Such products have, however, not proven satisfactory because of, amongst other reasons, ineffectual mechanical holding or retention of th'e mast 'sections in telescopicallycollapsed, distended or partially distended relationships; the entrancer of moisture between and into the tubular sections lof the mast, thereby corroding, rusting or otherwise effecting parts ldeterioration of the un-y protected or untreated mast sections when ex'-V posed to the elements, and detrimental and "objectionable rattling or other vibratory motion between the mast sections, irrespective of their' relative positioning, all of which 'are contributory to faulty electrical conductivity of the antenna.

The noted difficulties, as well as others, are eliminated by and through the use of my improved antenna.

Other objects of the invention will bein part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, I have in the accompanying drawings and in the de-r tailed following description based thereupon, set

innermost tubular` member of the antenna mast;` showing its connection with the mast rod section.

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 3, looking in the direction 'in which the arrows point. f

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal section, illustrating the connection between the normally outer end of the outermost tubular member of the antenna mast andA inner member thereof.

Figure 6 is a transverse section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5, looking in the direction inwl which the arrows point.

Figure '7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal section, illustrating the mounting of spring contact members upon the normally inner end of the innermost of the tubular mast section members and the engagement of such means with the inner surface of the outermost of said tubular mast member.

Figure 8 is a transverse section taken on the line 8 8 of Figure 7, looking in the direction in which the arrows point, and

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in elevation showing the manner in which the normally inner end of the antenna mast rod is formed.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, the antenna mast comprises a tubular main member I, a tubular secondary member 2 and a rod 3, capped or ended with a spherical element 4. The respective diameters of the members I and 2 are such that the former slidably receives the latter therein, while the diameter of the rod 3 is such that it, in turn, is slidably received in the secondary member 2, i. e., the member 2 and the rod 3 are, at times, telescopic-ally engaged with each other and are each, at times, telescopically engaged or received within the main member I. It is preferable that the length of the secondary member 2 be somewhat greater than the length of the main member I, while the length of the rod 3 is greater than the length of the secondary member 2. Hence, when these constituent elements are in telescoped or collapsed positions, they will assume the relativity shownin Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.

If desired', the tubular main and secondary members I and 2 may be made of hard brass tubing having their exterior surfaces plated or provided with other suitable finish. The rod 3, preferably, is constructed of stainless steel. Obviously, however, the materials from which the tubular main and secondary members I and 2 and the rod 3 are made, may be varied or chianged, as conditions or preference may dicta e.

The tubular main member I is adapted to be supportingly engaged or received within the socket portion of the usually vertically positioned tubular or sleeve-like mounting bracket, generally indicated by the numeral 5, the detailed construction and characteristics of which are described and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 596,126, filed May 2B, 1945, now abandoned, and, to some extent, rather generally hereinafter described.

The normally outer end portion of the tubular main member I is annularly enlarged or expanded, as at 6, and its point of jointure with the body portion of said member provides an internal annular shoulder 'I.

The tubular secondary member 2 is longitudinally slidably received within the main member.

I and hasits normally outer end similarly annularly enlarged or expanded, as at 8, providing an internal annular shoulder 9 at its point of jointure with the body'of said member.

In order that yieldable frictional connection engaging and seating upon the aforesaid washer Y II and having al plurality of relatively spaced, longitudinally disposed bowed or arcuately formed arms I2 integral with and extended therefrom whereby to eect their relative positioning within the annularly enlarged portion 6 in the manner shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. The free or outer ends of the arms I2 terminate inwardly of the open outer end of the annular portion 6 of said m-ain member and receive and support thereupon a second washer I3. A felt or fiber washer I4 is arranged within the outer open end portion of the enlarged annular portion 6, resting upon the adjacent side of the washer I3.

To maintain the element assembly designated by the numerals Ill, II, I3 and I4 in desired relationship within the annularly enlarged portion 6 of the main member I and to prevent longitudinal displacement thereof via its normally outer end, the outer end of the annular enlarged portion 6 is inturned or anged, in a suitable manner, as indicated by the numeral I5, whereby the extremity thereof will be arranged in closed relationship to that portion ofthe sec# ondary member 2 passing therethrough-as indi-V cated in Figure 5 `of the drawings.

The bowed or arcuate formations of the arms I2 of the spider spring I0 are such that they will normally have positive frictional engagement with adjacent portions of the outer surface of the secondary member 2, as it is received within the main member I and, at times, is slid, shifted or adjusted with relation thereto.`

The annularly enlarged outer end portion B of the tubular secondary member 2 receives and supports therein, at its internal annular shoulder 9, a washer I6. A spring member I'I of substantially U-shaped cross-sectional formation and having its extremities arcuately formed or bowed, as well shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, is received within the annularly enlarged portion 8 of the secondary member 2 and has positive spring frictional engagement with the outer surfaces of a particularly adjacent portion of the rod 3. At this point, it may be noted that the width of cross-sectional area of the spring I'I is such that it has snug accommodation or reception within said annularly enlarged portion 8. A second washer IB is engaged with the normally outer end of the spring I'I within the annularly enlarged portion 8 and has a feltor fiber washer I9 engaged with or bearing upon its outer side, said washers I8 and I9 receiving the rod 3 therethrough, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings and the latter washer having physical engagement or contact with the rod, for a purpose which will be hereinafter described.

To maintain the assembly of elements I6, II,

I8 and I9, in proper close and relatively longitudinally immovable relation within the annular-v ly enlarged portion 8 of the secondary member 2, the outer or free end of the latter is inturnedor flanged in the manner indicated by the numeral 20, permitting of sliding passage of the rod 34 and are correspondingly secured at certain of.

their ends to adjacent portions of the outer surface of said secondary member 2, by spot-welding, riveting, etc., as indicated at 22. These diametrically opposed spring arms..2l, becauseof their arcuate cross-.Sectional forms, have snug or embracing engagement with adjacent portions of the secondary member 2 and, as will be `noted upon reference to Figure 7, in particular, their inner ends or unsecured end portions diverge from adjacent portions of the secondary member 2, i. e., they are, in eiect, relatively outwardly Iiared. Consequently, upon this divergent or flaring disposition of the free end portions of the spring arms 2|, it will be noted that the same will have yieldable or spring frictional bearing engagement with adjacent portions of the inner surface of the main member in the fashion well shown in Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings. Because of such engagement, eiectual anti-rattling means will be accorded to the inner end portion of the secondary member 2 and particularly, to that portion of the same as shall be within the main member at those times when the constituent elements of my improved antenna mast are in collapsed, distended or partially distended positions.

The hereinbefore described spring members I0, |1 and 2|, as will be understood, eifectually function to provide positive anti-rattling means to the constituent elements of the antenna mast. It is, moreover, of note that said spring members will function to movably retain or secure the secondary member 2 and the rod 3 of the antenna mast construction in any of their various relatively adjusted positions; also, that they will serve to eiect and maintain constant and dependable electrical connection and conductivity between the members I and 2 and the rod 3.

My improved antenna mast, following assembly of its hereinbefore described constituent members, has a suitable quantity of grease or other lubricant injected or otherwise delivered into its telescopically interengaged main and secondary members I and 2, respectively. Following the injection of this lubricant supply, the normally inner or lower end of the tubular main member I is effectually closed by a metal plug 23, or its equivalent, having a screw threaded outwardly opening pocket 24 formed therein. The closure plug 23, of course, may be secured within the normally inner or lower end of the member I in various manners, though in the present embodiment, I choose to eiTect its securing by peening or indenting an adjacent portion of said member I as indicated at 25.

The grease or lubricant supplied to the interior of the tubular main and secondary members I and 2 will be brought into contact with the felt 0r ber washers I4 and i9, hereinbefore described. In consequence, said washers will become saturated and, because of their frictional engagement or contact with the secondary member 2 and the rod 3, respectively, they will cause the surfaces of the same to have a covering film of protective grease or lubricant applied thinly and uniformly thereto and thereover, especially, at those times when the tubular secondary member 2 and/or the rod 3 is or are moved to their respective distended or partially distended positions. This thin film-like coating of grease or lubricant, obviously, will serve to protect the exposed surfaces of the secondary member 2 and the rod 3 from deterioration due to prolonged subjection to the elements or climatic conditions.

The rod 3, slidably received Within the tubular secondary member 2, has its inner end portion, i. e., that portion thereof engaged within said member 2, obliquely bent or offset in the fashion shown in the Figures 2, '7 and 9 of the drawings. This obliquely offset portion of the rod will have its free extremity bindingly or frictionally engaged with a portion of the inner side of the secondary member 2 and, accordingly, will be accorded means, in additionto the spring I1, whereby its secure anti-rattling though movable retention in any one of a number of longitudinally adjusted positions with relation to said member .2, will beassured. To prevent longitudinal displacement of the rod 3 Afrom its receiving tubular secondary member 2, I may and preferably do effect an enlargement or shoulder portion 26 therein, by swaging, stamping or other well known methods, preferably, at a point somewhat in proximity to its oblique and normally inner end portion. Moreover, itV will be noted that by reason of the forming of the enlargement or shoulder 23 in the rod 3, the obliquing of the inner end portion of the rod 3 will be facilitated.

To secure the improved antenna mast within its mounting bracket 5, aforesaid, a coupling or connecting screw 21 is engaged through the lower portion of the bracket mounting liner or lining material 28 and is turned into engagement with the screw-threaded pocket 24 formed in the closure plug 23.

Electrical conductivity between the improved antenna mast members engaged and supported in the mounting bracket 5 and the radio apparatus to which it is provided, is effected by means of a suitable lead-in conductor, indicated in its entirety by the numeral 29. One end of this lead-in is electrically connected to the radio apparatus (not shown). Its remaining end portion is securely engaged in and through a nipple 30 ixedly carried upon and extending from an appropriate and preferably lower portion of the bracket 5, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. The conductor per se, is passed into the bottom or lower portion of the bracket antenna mast receiving socket Where it engages an apertured flat contact terminal 3| adjacent and engaging the lower end of the tubular main member I (see Figure 2). Positive mechanical and electrical connection of the terminal 3| to said member I is effected by the coupling screw 21 which passes through the aperture in the terminal 3| and thence, into screw-threaded engagement with the downwardly opening pocket 24 in the closure plug 23 of the main member I. To reinforce and protect the connection of the lead-in 29, just described, a sheathing of woven wire fabric 29' is, preferably, engaged over the latter throughout its length, and that portion thereof in proximity to the nipple 3l), cappingly engages over the same and is secured thereto by soldering or other means. A. tubular guard sleeve 32 of rubber or like material is engaged over the adjacent end portion ofthe lead-in 29 and its sheathing 29 and over the exterior of the nipple 3U for `weather-prooing and similar purposes.

It is manifest that certain changes and/or modifications of the arrangements and constructions herein disclosed, are within the province of the teachings of the invention. I, therefore, do not intend that such disclosure shall or should be construed as limiting the ambit of my invention to any extent, save that as is within the scope of and the inventive spirit expressed by the hereto appended claim.

I claim:

An antenna mast, including telescopically engaged tubular members, a rod telescopically received in the innermost one of the tubular members, the normally outer end portion of said innermost tubular member having a chamber thereingand a member madeofspring sheetlike material of substantially U-shaped cross-sectional formation received in said chamber and retained therein against relative longitudinal movement, the opposite side edges of said mem- 5 ber having tensioned bearing on adjacent portions of the chamber walls, and the opposite sides of the member being outwardly transversely bowed throughout their respective lengths and having tensioned bearing on adjacent and oppo- 10 site portions of said rod.

RUSSELL J. SCOTT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 15 file of this patent:

Number Number Name -Date Kopanski Mar. 28, 1939 Mace Nov. 7, 1939 Snyder Oct. 8, 1940 Ludwig Aug. '12, 1941 Aske Dec. 9, 1941 Mace Oct. 6, 1942 Snyder Mar. 14, 1944 Wagenknecht Mar. 14, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Sweden Feb. 13, 1906

Images