Abstract: A miniature antenna which is rugged, extremely light-weight and which is especially adapted for reception across the entire FM band comprising an omnidirectional half-wave dipole having feed structure comprised of curved overlapping dipole element points connected to a solid state amplifier having staggered tuned input and output circuits. The input to the amplifier is maintained essentially balanced to preserve the omnidirectional pattern of the dipole.The physical location of the solid state amplifier is such that it is directly connected to the feed point of the dipole eliminating transmission line losses.The coaxial cable is employed in a diplexed manner for connecting the DC power supply to the solid state amplifier and for connecting the amplified output signal to an impedance converter which is to provide proper impedance match for the antenna input signals of an FM tuner/receiver.

Abstract: In an antenna for television, radio or the like, including antenna elements radiating from a boom, a self-locking hinge intermediate the ends of an antenna element for permitting folding of the element for convenient boxing, or the like and for permitting unfolding and elongation of the element for use; the hinge comprising a hinge connection that is spaced from one side of the element and a snap latch that is spaced from the opposite side of the element, thereby rigidifying and strengthening the hinge connection.