Gain pattern overlap reduction

A wireless communication device comprising:

• a top cover;
• a bottom cover that is substantially parallel to the top cover;
• an antenna comprising one or more antenna elements disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover, the one or more antenna elements being configured to provide a first gain pattern at a millimeter-wave radio frequency, the antenna having a boresight direction directed out of a side surface of the device between the top cover and the bottom cover;
• and
• an electrically-conductive device comprising at least one conductive surface that is disposed between the antenna and the bottom cover and is approximately parallel with the top cover, the electrically-conductive device having a length that is at least a length of the antenna, and a width that extends away from the antenna in an opposite direction from the boresight direction, wherein the antenna, in combination with the electrically-conductive device, is configured to provide a second gain pattern that is different from the first gain pattern.