Abstract: An car antenna having anti-theft features including a rod for receiving radio-frequency signals; a support base to be secured to a support surface; and a joint secured in the base. The rod or the joint includes an elastic element for allowing the base and joint to be unidirectionally coupled and snapped together. The joint may also include articulating portions allowing the antenna position to be adjusted.

Abstract: A flex antenna for a collar-mounted receiver-stimulator of an animal training device includes a conductive mounting element for connecting and disconnecting the flex antenna to and from a mounting connector of the receiver-stimulator. A flex conductor is connected between the conductive mounting element and a conductive coil support. An insulative rod is attached to the conductive coil support and supports an antenna coil having one end electrically connected to the conductive coil support. An insulative waterproof sheath is disposed on the entire flex antenna except an exposed portion of the conductive connecting/disconnecting structure. The sheath includes a cylindrical portion around the antenna coil and the conductive coil support and a portion of the diameter which gradually decreases from the first diameter to a second diameter and then increases to a third diameter. The second diameter is at a midpoint of the flex conductor to confine flexing to the midpoint.

Abstract: An antenna means to be mounted on a personal telephone is disclosed. The antenna means comprises a helical radiator, an elongated radiator extendable through the helical antenna, and a coupling means for activating the extendable elongated radiator, when in extended position. A more compact antenna means, with less need for receiving depth inside the telephone, is achieved by permitting the extendable elongated radiator, when in a retracted position, to extend at least partially inside the helical radiator. In the extended position the elongated radiator may be coupled to the telephone directly or via the helical antenna.

Abstract: A multi-band antenna comprising a device which is capable of functioning during at least a lower frequency band of operation and at least a higher frequency band of operation. The antenna comprises an elongated radiating element having a helical radiating element connected to one end thereof with one end of the helical radiating element being received by a non-conductive insulator. An outer conductive shell embraces the non-conductive insulator and at least partially encloses a portion of the helical radiating element. The straight radiating element acts as the antenna radiator during both the high and low frequency bands of operation.

Abstract: A multi-band antenna comprising a device which is capable of functioning during at least a lower frequency band of operation and at least a higher frequency band of operation. The antenna comprises an elongated radiating element having a helical radiating element connected to one end thereof with one end of the helical radiating element being received by a non-conductive insulator. An outer conductive shell embraces the non-conductive insulator and at least partially encloses a portion of the helical radiating element. The straight radiating element acts as the antenna radiator during both the high and low frequency bands of operation.

Abstract: An antenna (10) includes a first block-like portion (12) and a second mast portion (16) unitary with the first portion (12) at a first selected location. The first portion (12) has a selected area and shape to transceive a desired frequency band and includes a feed point (14) at a second selected location adapted to be electrically connected to a signal line (42) of an electrical article (52). The first portion (12) provides a wide frequency band and the second portion (16) provides flexibility for the antenna (10).

Abstract: An antenna unit operating for two frequency bands either when contained or pulled out. A fixed antenna unit 20 and a slide antenna unit 30 are provided. A helical antenna 21 is provided in the fixed antenna unit 20. A first monopole antenna 31 having the same axis as the helical antenna 21, a second monopole antenna 32, and an antenna cover 33 for holding the second monopole antenna 32 on the extended axis of the first monopole antenna 31 are provided in the slide antenna unit 30. The first monopole antenna 31 is held at the position where is not electromagnetically connected to the helical antenna 21 when the slide antenna unit 30 is pulled out, and the second monopole antenna 32 is held at the position where it is electromagnetically connected to the helical antenna 21.

Abstract: An UHF antenna system having inner antenna conductor and an outer antenna conductor having end caps. The inner conductor is supported by one of the end caps. This provides an electrical short to the outer antenna conductor and a thermal short to ambient.

Abstract: A variable extended cable antenna designed for cellular telephone use and which has two electrical functions; first, as a fully extended directly coupled helical top loaded 3/4 wave antenna and second, as a 1/4 wave helical antenna when it is recessed down into the cellular telephone.

Abstract: An antenna includes a dipole (20) with upper and lower elongated conductors (22, 24) and a feedline (40) for carrying radio frequency currents to the dipole by connecting the feedline to the lower end (30) of the upper conductor and to the upper end (32) of the lower conductor, which produces maximum gain. A spacer (50) spaces the center of the feedline by a distance (A) of about 3 centimeters from the center of the lower conductor, to produce minimum losses while providing a compact antenna. A toroidal ferrite core (110) lies at the bottom of the lower conductor and the feedline is in the form of a wire pair that is wrapped a plurality of times about the ferrite core to prevent signals radiated by the lower conductor and picked up by the feedline, from passing to the radio. A tuning member (150) of electrically conductive material can be slid along the spacer to tune the antenna without changing its height (B).

Abstract: A retractable antenna assembly with a rod disconnect mechanism includes a conductive resilient member positioned intermediate the top load element and the rod. The resilient member translates in a transverse direction corresponding to the extension and retraction of the antenna to disconnect the rod from the top load element when the antenna is retracted.

Abstract: An antenna for small mobile devices comprises an antenna rod retractable in an antenna cover, the rod having an extended position, when the device operates in an active mode, or a retracted position, when the device operates in a passive mode. The electrical length of the antenna is different in the respective modes. Further, the antenna rod comprises an upper section and a lower section, separated from each other by an intermediate electrically insulating portion, wherein the upper section forms an antenna in a passive mode and the two sections in the active mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rod antenna for use in a portable transmitting/receiving apparatus. The rod antenna is housed in a case of the portable transmitting/receiving apparatus so as to be freely inserted thereinto and drawn therefrom and is electrically connected to a feeder section provided in the case. The rod antenna includes an antenna element having a column formed of insulating material and a conductive film formed on an outer surface of the column along a longitudinal direction of the column so as to have a predetermined length corresponding to transmitted/received waves.

Abstract: Antenna mounts to enable a conventional antenna to be securely attached to a motor vehicle, such as a standard pick-up truck, and electrically connected to a radio that is carried by the truck. To increase the strength of the antenna mounts and thereby reduce the possibility that the antenna will snap off when subjected to high winds and other loads, the mounts are located through an existing hole that is established in a wall which surrounds the bed of many pick-up trucks. In one case, where the antenna mount is substantially recessed within a cavity below the existing hole in the wall, a fastener secures the antenna mount to the bottom of the cavity. In another case, where the antenna mount is partially recessed within the cavity, a pair of L-shaped clips are attached between opposite sides of the antenna mount and the top of the wall.

Abstract: A fixed dual frequency band antenna for a dual frequency band radio transceiver where the two frequency bands are not harmonically related. The antenna includes a straight radiating antenna portion terminated by a helical wire radiating antenna portion, with the total electrical length of the antenna being approximately three quarters of the wavelength at the center frequency of the higher of the two frequency bands. A conductive radiating cap terminates the helical portion and a conductive antenna base is connected to the straight portion at the end opposite the helical portion. A matching circuit coupled between the base and the transceiver circuitry is arranged to substantially cancel the reactive portion of the impedance of the antenna for both frequency bands and to substantially equalize the resistive portion of the impedance of the antenna to the resistive portion of the output impedance of the radio transceiver.

Abstract: A tunable capacitive coupling to a monopole antenna is provided which integrates the tuning mechanism into the supporting structure for the antenna. The base of the antenna is insulated from and supported by a cylindrical clamping assembly such as a metal compression ferrule in cooperation with an adjustment collar. This clamping mechanism enables the ferrule to be tightened like a drill bit in a chuck at any position along the base of the antenna. The coupling capacitance formed between the antenna radiator and the compression ferrule is proportional to the insertion depth of the antenna into the compression ferrule, thereby enabling the antenna to be tuned. The coupling method of the present invention enables repeatable tuning of the antenna either upward or downward in frequency within the band of frequencies accommodated by the particular antenna.

Abstract: A radio device comprising a housing having an opening and a retaining surface, an antenna support sleeve inserted in the opening and a rod antenna mounted for sliding movement in the antenna support sleeve between extended and retracted positions, the antenna including a stop surface the sleeve including a first resilient, inwardly-directed member which abuts the stop surface when the antenna is in its fully extended position to block sliding removal of the antenna from the sleeve, the first member being outwardly displaceable using a tool to allow the stop surface to be slid past the first member and thereby enable sliding removal of the antenna from the sleeve and a second resilient member which engages the retaining surface to prevent removal of the sleeve from the housing.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for a portable radio apparatus, such as a cellular phone, having a housing with a signal line therein includes a helical antenna extending from the housing and having first and second helical portions which are electrically separated from each other and a rod antenna movable relative to the helical antenna between a retracted position, in which the rod antenna is removed from within the helical antenna into the interior of the housing, and an extended position, in which the rod antenna extends through the helical antenna to the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An antenna for a portable radio unit includes a helical element, a rod-like whip element, a helical element power supply terminal, a whip element power supply terminal, a ground conductor, and a ground connection terminal. The helical element is arranged on a portable radio unit housing, and its diameter, pitch, and length are set in accordance with a carrier frequency having a wavelength .lambda.. The whip element is extended and stored by reciprocating inside a helical portion of the helical element, and is completely stored in the portable radio unit housing. The whip element has a length of .lambda./2. The helical element power supply terminal is connected to one end of the helical element to supply power only to it when the whip element is stored. The whip element power supply terminal is arranged at a predetermined position of the helical element to supply power to the whip element through the helical power supply terminal and the helical element when the whip element is extended.

Abstract: A rod-shaped vehicle antenna according to the present invention, includes a rod-shaped antenna element having small- and large-diameter portions arranged alternately at regular pitches along the longitudinal direction of a rod-shaped conductor. When the outside diameter of each of the small-diameter portions is D1, that of each of the large-diameter portions is D2, and the pitch (length of each of the small- and large-diameter portions) is P, P is set within the following range:(D2.times.6).ltoreq.P.ltoreq.(D2.times.7). The ratioof D1 to D2, that is, D1/D2 is set within the following range:0.7.ltoreq.(D1/D2).ltoreq.0.85.

Abstract: A radio communication apparatus is disclosed having a transceiver which receives and transmits signals; an excitation link which is connected to the transceiver; and a rod antenna which is electrically connected at a first tip to the excitation link in an extended position and electrically disconnected from the excitation link in a retracted position. A first coil is located around the rod antenna in a housing, where the first coil has a first end connected to the excitation link. Further, a conducting ring is located over the housing, where the conducting ring contacts a second end of the first coil. An insulating element is located at a second tip of the rod antenna, and a conductive plate is located over the insulating element. The conductive plate is perpendicular to the rod antenna and is parallel to the conducting ring.

Abstract: An approach for connection of an antenna employs an antenna including at least one antenna contact; an antenna collar slidably coupleable with the antenna and including at least one antenna feedpoint; and an antenna coupler/connector insertable into the antenna collar. The approach may also be characterized as involving moving an antenna by sliding the antenna within an antenna collar, moving an antenna contact at an end of the antenna away from an antenna feedpoint in the antenna collar; and inserting an antenna coupler/connector into the antenna collar including contacting the antenna feedpoint with a contact pad on the antenna coupler/connector.

Abstract: A diplexer for coupling plural electronic circuits to a common antenna, wherein the antenna has at least a portion which is in the shape of a rod. The diplexer includes a set of dielectric sleeves encircling the rod-shaped portion of the antenna. The diplexer is constructed of plural branches, each of which has a filter for passing signals in a portion of the spectrum different from the portions of the spectra passed by other ones of the branches. Inductors and capacitors employed in respective ones of the branches are formed by electrical elements disposed on surfaces of the sleeves. Such elements include bands of electrically conductive material which serve as plates of capacitors, and elongated conductive strips which serve as inductors. Resistive material may also be placed on surfaces of the sleeves for construction of resistors of the branches in the event that such resistors are required in the electrical filtering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radio transmitting and receiving device with a housing (8) and an antenna (1) which has a rod (2) which can be retracted and extended through an opening (10) in the housing. The rod (2) can be secured in its respective end positions by a magnetic force.

Abstract: An antenna assembly has a first helical antenna and a second rod antenna extending through inside said first antenna in the axis direction. When the antenna is retracted, the upper end of a conductive portion of the second antenna passes through the first antenna to be positioned below the lower end of the first antenna, and when the antenna is extended, the lower end portion of the conductive portion of the second antenna is electrically connected to the upper end portion of the first antenna. Therefore, the length of the second antenna can be reduced as compared with a length defined based on wavelengths of transmitted signals. Consequently, an antenna assembly which requires a smaller housing space can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an antenna assembly which, when a rod antenna unit is retracted in the radio housing, permits transmission and reception with no influence thereon by the retracted rod antenna unit and which resonates with two frequencies when the rod antenna unit is in its extended position. Feeding metal pipe (9) connected to a secondary antenna (14) formed by a helical antenna element has contact springs (18) for elastic contact with a rod antenna unit (2). When the rod antenna unit (2) is retracted position, the contact springs (18) contact an insulating cover (11) wrapped around the rod antenna unit (2), electrically disconnecting a primary antenna (20) from the feeding metal pipe (9). Hence, only the secondary antenna (14) serves as an antenna without being affected by the primary antenna (20).

Abstract: An antenna system for a communication device. A whip antenna is surrounded by a helical antenna. A switch couples the helical antenna to the signal source when the whip antenna is in a retracted position. The whip antenna is comprised of an upper conductive portion, a lower conductive portion, and a dielectric portion which isolates the upper and lower conductive portions from each other. A conductive sleeve member surrounds the whip antenna and is slidably mounted thereon. In a first embodiment, when the whip antenna is extended, the conductive sleeve member slides over the dielectric portion, coupling the upper and lower conductive portions together. As the whip antenna is retracted, the helical antenna pushes the conductive sleeve member to the top end of the whip antenna, isolating the whip antenna from the helical antenna. In a second embodiment, the helical antenna is an integral part of the conductive sleeve member.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a cellular phone includes a rotatable detent portion attached to the helix of the antenna. A fixed detent member permanently attached to the phone includes a passageway to allow the antenna and rotatable detent to pass therethrough. A biased teeth is mounted between a plurality of guide detents formed on the inner surface within the fixed detent member and the base of the phone. While the teeth ring is allowed to move axially, it is keyed to prevent rotation. Accordingly, the detents formed on the rotatable detent member cause the rotatable detent member to rotate as it passes between the guide detents and as it engages the teeth ring. The forced rotations cause the detents of the rotatable detent portion to become engaged and disengaged with a latching undercut portion formed on a bottom portion of the guide detents.

Abstract: An antenna configuration includes a rod antenna and a helical antenna that are independently operable. The helical antenna is composed of a helical coil installed within an antenna housing mounted on a main body of a communication device. A feeding connector is electrically coupled to a bottom portion of the helical coil to thereby connect the helical antenna to a circuit of the communication device. The rod antenna is composed of a rod functioning as a conductive metal core wire. The rod is surrounded by the helical coil and the feeding connector and is extendable from and retractable into the main body of the communication device. When the rod is retracted into the main body, the helical coil operates as the exclusive radiating element and operation of the rod antenna is disabled. When the rod is extended from the main body, the rod electrically short-circuits and disables operation of the helical coil, and thereby operates as the exclusive radiating element.

Abstract: A portable radio device antenna apparatus has a retractable antenna element mounted on the casing of a radio device. The antenna element includes a straight element having an electrical length of .lambda./2 and a helical coil having an electrical length of .lambda./4 and attached to the upper end of the straight element. The casing contains an impedance matching circuit having a pair of terminals and serving to perform impedance matching of the straight element. When the straight element is pulled out from the casing, a feeding metal piece connected to a radio circuit and a lower connection metal piece connected to one terminal of the impedance matching circuit are simultaneously connected to the short-circuit metal fixture of the antenna element, and an upper connection metal piece connected to the other terminal of the impedance matching circuit is brought into contact with the straight element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broadband antenna having a first and a second helical antenna (203, 207) wherein the antennas (203, 207) have different resonance frequencies. An antenna which has essentially a larger bandwidth than the bandwidth of an individual helical antenna is formed in coaction between the helical antennas (203, 207), by arranging the antennas coaxially and in generally the same axial positions, wherein the helical antennas (203, 207) are separated galvanically, possibly with the exception of at respective supply points. When fitted to portable equipment, the helical antennas (203, 207) can be combined with an axially movable straight wire antenna.

Abstract: An antenna assembly according to the present invention has a rod antenna movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a helical antenna having a plurality of helical portions which are electrically separated from one another. The rod antenna extends through the inside of the helical antenna when the rod antenna is in the extended position and the rod antenna is removed from the inside of the helical antenna when the rod antenna is in the retracted position. The antenna assembly also includes connecting metal piece for electrically connecting the plurality of helical portions when the rod antenna is in the retracted position so that the plurality of helical portions become operable as a single helical antenna.

Abstract: Continuous, elongated nickel plated graphite fibers are bound with an epoxy and are formed into a structural shape (11). An area (13) of the epoxy is removed by bead blasting to expose a layer of the plated graphite fibers (14), which are aligned in the desired direction of radio frequency current propagation. The bead blasted area (13) is then silver plated to obtain good contact to the plated graphite fibers (14) and resultant high conductivity from the structural shape (11).

Abstract: A compression spring, enclosed within a portion of a guide member, provides a bias force to automatically extend an antenna in response to release of the antenna from a retracted position. The portion of the guide member enclosing the spring is nonlinearly aligned with another portion of the guide member that is adapted to receive the antenna when retracted. The retractable antenna assembly solves the awkward requirement for the use of two hands to extend an antenna on portable telecommunication instruments, without increasing the size or significantly adding to the weight of such instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-action, two-piece antenna structure whose first antenna part, preferably a helix antenna (1), is fixedly connected to the antenna port of a radio communications set, and the second antenna port, preferably a rod antenna (2), is movable with respect to the first antenna part. In an active position, the second antenna part (2) is coupled to the first antenna part (1), forming a serial connection whose electrical length is as great as or greater than the electrical length of the first antenna part alone.

Abstract: A retractable antenna for use with a cellular telephone wherein the retractable antenna is removably mounted on the upper end of the telephone. The retractable antenna includes an antenna housing which extends upwardly from the upper end of the telephone and which has a matching circuit provided therein. A helical radiator is positioned in the antenna housing and has its lower end operatively connected to the matching circuit. An elongated radiator is selectively vertically movably positioned in the antenna housing and the telephone and is movable between extended and retracted positions with respect to the antenna housing and the telephone housing. The lower end of the elongated radiator is electrically connected to the upper end of the helical radiator when the elongated radiator is in its extended position. The elongated radiator is electrically disconnected from the helical radiator when the elongated radiator is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A spring-driven pinion gear, rotatably mounted in an enclosure supporting an antenna, automatically extends the antenna upon release of a latch. The pinion gear has a plurality of gear teeth that mate with a gear tooth form provided on an external surface of the antenna. The antenna extender system embodying the present invention, provides a compact and economical system for automatically extending an antenna in portable telecommunication instruments.

Abstract: An antenna device for a piece of equipment for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals, wherein the antenna device comprises a first extendable antenna (2), which is movable between an extended position, where it is coupled to the circuitry of the piece of equipment and a retracted position where it is not coupled to the circuitry, the extendable antenna (2) on its lower portion having first holding device (10) cooperating with a second holding device (9) arranged on a guide (5) for the first antenna such that the first antenna is releasably locked in the extended position. According to the invention the first antenna (2) is releasably locked by the first and second holding devices comprising mutually magnetically attractive elements (9,10).

Abstract: A retractable antenna system for an electrical device includes a rod antenna movable to an extended position or to a retracted position, an electrical coil carried by one end of the rod antenna and movable therewith to the extended and retracted positions, and a coil antenna carried by the electrical device coaxially with the rod antenna such as to enclose the electrical coil and to be electromagnetically coupled thereto in the retracted position of the rod antenna and electrical coil.

Abstract: A transceiver (10) having a retractable antenna (12) that substantially reduces interference when the antenna is in a retracted position. The transceiver (10) includes transceiver circuitry (T), operating at a predetermined frequency, electrically connected to the retractable antenna (12). The retractable antenna (12) includes two antenna elements (20, 22). A first antenna element (20) comprises a whip antenna element, movable within a conductive tube (14) housed within a cellular telephone case (C). A second antenna element (22) comprises a helical coil antenna element extending from the whip antenna element (20) and located outside the case (C). In the retracted position, a first contact assembly (76) contacts the whip antenna element (20). The first contact assembly (76) is electrically connected to the transceiver circuitry (T) through a conductor (96) which is a predetermined multiple of a quarter wavelength at the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerial for a motor vehicle having an aerial base portion which can be fitted onto the body of a vehicle, and is provided with a capacitive ground coupling. According to the invention, the aerial base portion, ground coupling, aerial wire and the connected end of the high frequency line are embedded in a single component elastomer body which is provided with a locking configuration for locking in an opening of a wall of the body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A helical antenna (17)is permanently mounted onto the housing (15) of a radio transmitter/receiver, such as a mobile cellular telephone. An elongate antenna (18) is mountable within the housing so as to be movable between a retracted position (FIG. 1) and an extended position (2). The elongate antenna (18) has a conductive portion (18c) arranged to short-circuit the helical antenna (17) when said helical antenna is placed in its extended position.

Abstract: An antenna assembly (120) includes a threaded casing (140) movably mounted on an antenna element (150). The antenna element (150) and threaded casing (140) have corresponding catches (155, 145) that engage when positioned with a particular orientation. The antenna element forms a torque driver that secures the threaded casing (140) to a support structure (125) when the catches engage and the antenna element (150) rotated, thereby installing the antenna element (150).

Abstract: A retractable antenna for use with portable communication equipment comprising two electrically independent electromagnetic radiators in a single package with two modes of operation, retracted and extended. When the antenna is in its retracted position, a short normal-mode monofilar helical radiator is functional. When the antenna is in its extended position, a thin linear radiating element is functional. A switch is provided which connects the internal circuitry of the device to the linear radiating element when the antenna is in its extended position and which connects the internal circuitry of the device to the helical radiator when the antenna is in its retracted position. In each of the extended and retracted positions, the linear radiator and the helical radiator are isolated from one another. A modified form of the antenna is also disclosed.

Abstract: This extendable antenna is related to an extendable antenna for a portable radio transceiver. The antenna has a first antenna portion and a second antenna portion connected with a connecting portion of the first antenna portion. The first antenna has a loading coil which is enclosed in a top end cap. When the second antenna portion is retracted into a housing, the connecting portion is held by a holding member disposed in the top of the housing, and the connecting portion is ellectrically connected with the circuitry of the transceiver via the holding member. Furthermore, the electrical length of the loading coil is a quarter wavelength, while the physical length of the loading coil is much less than a quarter wavelength. Accordingly, even if the top end cap is only located out of the housing, the first antenna portion detects a radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A rotatable antenna is disclosed in which a radiator and matching network comprise a contiguous electrically conductive spring wire. The matching network comprises a coil extending generally perpendicular to the radiator. A 50 ohm coaxial cable has its ground conductor electrically connected to an electrically conductive sleeve which overlies the coil while the main conductor of the coaxial cable is tapped to the coil so that the matching network substantially matches the radiator impedance to the transmission line impedance. The matching network is rotatable with respect to a mounting member so that the radiator becomes rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the radiator.

Abstract: An antenna handling mechanism incorporated in a portable radio communication apparatus and including an antenna which can be pulled out of the casing of the apparatus, as desired. When the antenna is received in the casing, the lower end of thereof is locked by a latch mechanism disposed in the casing. In this condition, as the tip of the antenna is pressed, the latch mechanism unlocks the lower end of the antenna and, at the same time, pushes the antenna out of the top of the casing by a pushing stroke. When the antenna being inserted into the casing reaches a predetermined position, the latch mechanism locks the lower end of the antenna.

Abstract: An antenna mount 31 consisting of a hollow bulging member is formed so as protrude locally from the top of a portable telephone housing 30. A first antenna 10 with an electrical length of .lambda./4 is provided inside the antenna mount so that the base end Q of the first antenna is connected to a feeder cable 15. A second antenna 20 with an electrical length of 3 .lambda./4 is installed parallel to the first antenna 10 at a prescribed distance from the first antenna so that the second antenna can be freely extended from and retracted into the housing 30 via the antenna mount 31 and so that the base end 23 of the second antenna 20 is connected to the earthing means 32 of the housing 30 when the second antenna is extended from the housing 30, thus providing a J-form antenna formed by the first and second antennas 10 and 20. It is desirable that the first and second antennas 10 and 20 each be equipped with an element-shortening means.

Abstract: A portable radio, eg a radio telephone, includes a slim, flexible antenna (2) retractable within a compartment (1a) of the radio housing (1). A flexible insulating sleeve (9) is provided in the compartment (1a) around the antenna (2) such that the antenna is able to slide relatively freely therein when the antenna is moved between the extended and retracted position. The sleeve (9) prevents the flexible antenna (2) from rattling against the internal parts of the housing (1) and helps to provide a more positive feel when the antenna is extended or retracted.

Abstract: The invention is a two-ended fastener having one end suitable for attaching the fastener to a base with a second end having a special thread that is substantially cylindrical at its root and sharp at its crown. This thread is designed to mate with the radially inward surfaces of a round wire helical spring so that the helical spring may simply be threaded to the fastener. By utilizing the special thread described, a high degree of surface contact between the fastener and the spring is made possible, increasing spring retention. The special thread inner diameter may be made slightly larger than the interior diameter of the spring so that the helical spring will be slightly expanded when threaded to the fastener. An elastic force between the threaded portion of the spring and the fastener further helps retain the spring to the fastener. This elastic force increases as an attempt is made to unthread the spring from the fastener.