EZ fit antenna base (side mount)

Abstract

An apparatus for securing an antenna to a surface by the use of an antenna mount with internal cabling routing, which prevents any cables from showing. With only one through hole required at the time of installation. A unique way to eliminate water penetration by the use of O rings, and gaskets clamped to the surface by a simple process, and therefore eliminating troublesome holes made by screws. While allowing free movement of the antenna for raising and lowering purposes. one nut installation that can be performed by a single relatively unskilled person. Simple to manufacture with a minimal number of parts. with a beautiful streamlined appearance, that can be used for mounting almost any standard antenna.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/937,691, filed on Jun. 29, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of marine electronics and more specifically to EZ fit antenna base (side mount), which is an apparatus for securing an antenna or similar object to a surface, allowing for multi dimensional movement for lowering purposes and to clear obstacles protruding from boat or any other object installed upon. The apparatus being to the most part hollow to allow for internal cable runs, therefore eliminating the unsightly appearance of external cabling as in all prior art.

The invention will improve the appearance because of the internal cable routing, whilst making the area safer as there are no cables to trip over, It also makes removal and re-installation very easy and fast, and always leaves the surface affixed to watertight. very easy to install by means of one hole drilled in surface and one securing nut, that can easily be accomplished by one unskilled person.

For many years antenna mounts have been used, especially in the marine industry for attaching an antenna to a surface, usually the side or top surface of a boat.

The antenna mount allows for a certain amount of movement so the antenna can be lowered for passing under bridges or other obstacles. although they have changed slightly in design over the years they are still basically the same as they have always been, which was perfectly acceptable in the beginning of radio technology as they were only used on commercial vessels where appearance, difficulty of installation and water tightness were of little or no importance.

However in today's luxury and leisure boat industry the need for a more hi-tech look, coupled with the high cost incurred with water seepage caused by existing installation methods has promoted this new invention to be developed. This invention is the first of its kind to totally eliminate the unsightly appearance of external cable routing and all the water leakage problems associated with this procedure. Previously existing antenna mounts have improved in appearance slightly over the years, by manufacturing them from polished stainless steel, or the use of chrome plating, but little or nothing has been accomplished regarding clumsy looks, poor installation design and the dependence of the installation technician to use enough caulk to prevent leaks.

As most existing mounts are rectangle based in shape they are difficult to be made to look aesthetic against the curvature in design of most modern boats. also all prior technology is externally cabled, which apart from being a trip hazard, allows the harsh marine environment to damage the external portions of cable in a very short length of time, together with at least four extra holes through the vessel where the cable enters causing potential water penetration areas.

The use of screws or nuts and bolts to hold the prior technology adds to unsightly appearance especially as these items appear to rust or corrode more aptly in harsh environments. The heads of screws are easily damaged during the installation process, giving them sharp edges and unsightly appearance, not to mention helping the tarnishing process to start.

This invention eliminates all of the above disadvantages, bringing antenna installation into the twenty first century.

I am a marine technician who has installed hundreds if not thousands of antenna's over the years, and I have always been disappointed that a beautiful hi tech antenna is mounted to a magnificent piece of marine architecture with such an antiquated embodiment.

The prior technology involves drilling at least eight holes through the surface of the vessel in question, four for the antenna mount itself, one for the cable to pass through at the side of the antenna mount, and another three for the bushing to conceal the hole for the cable, all these holes sealed with chalk, and many that spring leaks, often damaging the internal surfaces of the boat. I have had to confront this damage on many occasions, as any boat owners would confirm.

Also the screws that hold this apparatus in position often come loose with age and vibration, especially in fiberglass boats, causing even greater leaks and the loss of expensive antennas under way, which is a hazard in itself because of lost communication to shore.

My invention addresses and prevents all the above deficiencies, as well as streamlining the appearance, concealing all cabling, and makes for a simple yet stronger installation, with only one hole through the surface, no screws, and easily accomplished installation by one relatively unskilled individual.

It also allows for a fast and easy removal and re-install of the antenna for stowage when the boat is not being used, often for long periods of time, the expensive antenna can the be stowed inside the boat to keep it in pristine condition and away from the hands of thieves or out of storms and bad weather that can not only rip the antenna off the boat but damage the boat severely by its whipping actions throughout the storm. This would be virtually impossible with existing technology because the antenna cabling is permanently attached through the boat. This invention provides an optional plug and antenna coupling to overcome this problem and keeping the boat watertight at all times.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is ease of installation.

Another object of the invention is only one hole required for installation.

Another object of the invention is streamline appearance with no cables showing.

A further object of the invention is completely watertight construction and installation.

Yet another object of the invention is can be used to mount any standard antenna.

Still yet another object of the invention is circular design eliminates unsightly accidentally distorted positioning.

Another object of the invention is visually attractive in single or multiple applications.

Another object of the invention is minimal number of components making for ease of manufacture.

A further object of the invention is fewer tools needed for installation.

Yet another object of the invention is one person with little or no skill required for installation.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for securing an antenna to a surface comprising: A hollow antenna mount with an internal cable routing system where only one through hole in the surface is required for installation, a way to totally eliminate any water penetration, but permits easy and quick installation or removal of the antenna for replacements of any moving parts or stowage reasons. yet permits free and easy two plane movement for raising or lowering the antenna to clear obstacles. A simple one nut, screw free installation process that easily allows for one relatively unskilled person to perform. The streamline circular design with no external cables showing would enhance the appearance of any vessel.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for securing an antenna with one or more extension pieces to a surface comprising: An antenna mount with an internal cable routing system to attach antenna with extension pieces to a surface, allowing free movement of antenna and extension pieces for raising and lowering purposes.

Also In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for securing any other type object requiring to be joined to any surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

Drawing A is a side, front, top, and sectional view of the invention.

FIG. 1 Is a side view of the outer casing without the inner post assembly FIG. 5 installed.

FIG. 2 Is a side view with all parts of the invention assembled and shown installed through the side of a boat, the dotted line depicting the internal cable run.

FIG. 3 Is the front view from outside prior to insertion of the inner assembly FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 Is a front view from outside, with inner assembly FIG. 5 inserted depicting a few of the various parallel to surface positions achievable for the adjustment of the antenna.

FIG. 5 Is a top view of the inner post assembly, the dotted lines showing the internal cable run.

FIG. 6 Is a top view of the optional plug to prevent water penetration when antenna is not present or stowed.

• 30 Is the pivoted treaded antenna mount stub.
• 35 Are the gaskets to ensure water tight installation.
• 40 Is the backing washer to prevent nut #45 from damaging the gasket and enable even pressure on gaskets #35.
• 45 Is the nut to securely clamp the outer casing FIG. 1 to the surface.
• 50 Is the circlip to prevent the inner assembly FIG. 5 from coming out unless removal is required.
• 55 Is the inner post assembly prior to being inserted into the outer casing FIG. 1.
• 60 Is the slot or groove that holds the circlip #50 in position.
• 65 Are the dotted lines that show the internal cable run.
• 70 Are the grooves around the inner post assembly FIG. 5 that keep the O rings in position and prevent water seepage.
• 75 Is the side of the boat, or any other surface where antenna is to be mounted.
• 80 Is the outer casing.
• 85 Is the rivet, pin, or bolt that allows the antenna mount threaded stub #30 to pivot towards or away from the structure #75.
• 90 Is the optional plug that would make the outer casing #80 water tight when the antenna is stowed.
• 95 depicts the movement shown by arrows to and from the surface #75.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

This invention is an apparatus for securing an antenna, or similar stick like electronic device or object to a surface, usually a boat, but not limited to marine use. The said surface 75 could be on any structure, or body. The construction would normally be constructed in metal, such as stainless steel, alloy, brass or bronze, chrome plated, or anodized finish, but not limited to metal, any other material deemed suitable could be substituted for the whole said apparatus, or for parts of the said apparatus.

The said apparatus to be known as the antenna mount from this point forward comprising of two main parts, the outer casing 80, which should have a circular base plate, but could be any other shape, and the inner post assembly 55. Unlike any prior art the said antenna mount is hollow to facilitate the routing of the antenna cable internally. The inner post assembly 55 is itself two parts with a privet or other type of movable joint to enable the two parts to have a certain amount of movement, turning now to the drawings and particularly FIG. 5, the said certain amount of movement being depicted by the arrows 95, while the O rings 70 permits the inner post assembly 55 to be rotated in any direction without compromising the waterproofing. also on this diagram the dotted lines depict the hollow cable routing path, which allows the coax to be completely hidden from sight at all times.

The said outer casing 80 would be inserted into a single hole drilled through the surface 75 where it is to be located, a gasket 35 on the outside and a gasket 35 on the inside would prevent water penetration, while a washer 40 and a nut 45 also on the inside would be tightened to hold the outer casing 80 so it would be secured in place. Turning to FIG. 2, this shows all the afore mention parts clamped to the surface 75, with the nut 45 holding it in place, the inner post assemble 55 is also shown fitted in place in this diagram.

The said inner post assembly 55, complete with O ring/rings 70 in place would then be slid inside the outer casing 80, and prevented from coming back out by the insertion of a circlip 50 into its slot 60, or similar fixing device. In place of the inner post assembly 55 a plug 90 could be inserted to make the device completely waterproof while the antenna is absent.

Again unlike any prior art the said antenna mount is installed through a single pre drilled hole in the said surface 75, which can easily be accomplished by one unskilled person by tightening a single nut 45 on the internal side of the surface, which would compress an internal and external gasket 35 against both sides of the surface to prevent water or air penetration, the use of a washer 40 on the inner surface would prevent any damage to the inner gasket, there would be no screws or bolts used, as there is with all prior art to facilitate future leakage.

The said antenna mount after the installation process would allow three hundred and sixty degrees (a full circle) of parallel movement to the surface it is installed on, an example of some of the many positions possible is illustrated in FIG. 4 by dotted lines 65. There would also be an ample amount of movement towards and away from the said surface 75, facilitated by the rivets 85, or similar pivoting method, which join the antenna mount 30 to the other part of the inner post assembly 55, illustrated in FIG. 2 and shown by arrows 95, this would permit it to clear any obstacles protruding from the said surface 75 enabling free movement while raising and lowering, to pass under low structures or any other purposes.

The said inner post assembly 55 with its moving parts could be easily removed and replaced by means of a single circlip 50, or other securing method, if it were ever to get damaged or wear, without removing the outer casing and affecting the seal against the surface.

Yet another unique feature of the said antenna mount would be the fast and easy removal of the antenna, still coupled to the inner post assembly 55, by the simple removal of the circlip 50, and with the use of a coax quick connect. this feature would prevent theft or harsh weather damage to expensive antennas during absence. An optional plug 90 would be available to replace the inner post assembly to ensure weather protection to the inside of the structure it is installed upon, by means of O ring/rings 70, which totally eliminates any water penetration, through the aperture in the outer casing 80. For the first time ever antennas could be easily removed for stowage, and put back for use in a few seconds, by one unskilled person.

To summarize, the main advantages of the said antenna mount are the ease of installation using only one hole through the surface rather than eight in existing mounts, appearance with no external cabling or unsightly screws showing showing, existing mounts have seven screw heads showing that always cause leakage and rust marks, ease of manufacture with only three simple main parts, total waterproof installation and the ability to stow expensive antennas out of harm way, like weather or theft, when not in use.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing an antenna to a surface comprising:

A hollow antenna mount to enable internal cable routing;

A hollow Circular base plate secured by a nut washer and gaskets to prevent water penetration;

A base plate that can be left in place with or without the inner post assembly and antenna;

An optional plug that can replace the inner post assembly to prevent water penetration when inner post assembly absent;

A hollow inner post assembly holding the antenna mount and inserted through the base plate and secured in place by a circlip;

The hollow post assembly to facilitate one or more O rings to prevent water penetration;

Constructed in stainless steel or other alloy;

A single aperture installation process;

Totally eliminates water penetration;

Permits quick and easy installation or removal of said antenna;

Allows for fast and easy replacement of any moving parts;

Permits free movement of said antenna in any direction for raising and lowering purposes;

Simple one nut mounting enabling installation by one unskilled person; and

means of attaching the said antenna mount without screws, or bolts.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said antenna has one or more extensions attached.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said antenna is replaced by any other device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 being constructed of any other material other than stainless steel or other alloy.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 being used with external cable routing.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said hollow circular base plate is manufactured in another shape.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said single aperture installation could be multi aperture installation.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said simple one nut mounting could me multi nut mounting.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said mount without screws could be with screws and/or nuts and bolts.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said hollow parts are solid for use with external cable routing.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said O rings could be replaced by another means of seal.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said hollow circular base plate could be secured by other means.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said hollow circular base plate could be waterproofed by other means.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said free movement could be made ridged.