Abstract: A wideband antenna (10) includes a plurality of conductive strands (12) randomly interconnected and further coupled to a feedpoint (19) and a sheath (52) structurally retaining the plurality of conductive strands. The sheath can be a thin dielectric coating and the plurality of conductive strands can each be taller than one-quarter wavelength. The wideband antenna can have low dielectric losses while maintaining a multi-octave bandwidth. Air can be used as a dielectric between the plurality of conductive strands.

Abstract: A multiband element antenna (120) used in combination with a unique metal chassis design that enhances antenna performance and that enables the design of a compact and efficient antenna system. A cellular flip phone (100) that has a conductive chassis includes a flip up antenna (120) that pivots between an extended and a retracted position. The antenna (120) pivots at a point that is located on one edge of the top of the cell phone body (102). The conductive chassis of the flip cover (104) is grounded to the flip phone body (102) at a single point or single surface that is substantially opposite the antenna RF feed (122). Conductive surfaces of the cellular flip phone body (102) are grounded at a single point that is near the antenna RF feed point (122). This grounding arrangement has been found to control the flow of induced currents on the conductive portions of the flip cover (104) and body (102), thereby improving the performance of the device's antenna (120).

Abstract: A dual radiator galvanically coupled antenna for a portable communication device. The antenna includes separate elongate and upper radiators that respectively galvanically couple to phone circuits in extended and retracted states. An insulator, preferably thermoplastic, mechanically connects and electrically separates the elongate and upper radiators. In a preferred embodiment, a shaped conductor provides an electrode with a cup having a thinned wall which crimps onto an end of an upper helical radiator to make electrical contact thereto. The shaped conductor also forms an exposed galvanic electrical contact, and an enlarged knurled portion for mechanical connection to the insulator. A separate enlarged galvanic contact is formed at a terminal end of the elongate conductor. An additional preferred embodiment includes an upper rod galvanically coupled to the electrode and electrically parallel with the helical radiator.