Devices, Systems, Methods for Using and Methods for Packaging Antenna Systems
AssigneeDISH Network L.L.C.
InventorsWilliam Roberts, Matthew Bailey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are antenna devices, system, and method for packaging and configuring an antenna system into a first configuration and a second configuration. The antenna system may include one or more swivel plates coupling components of the antenna such that they are configured for rotation about one or more axis. Locking apparatuses for each swivel plate may be provided for locking the antenna system into a desired configuration or state. The antenna system may be configured into a first configuration and/or a first state for use and into a second configuration and/or second state for shipping, packaging and storage.
Claims20
A device for configuring an antenna system into each of a first configuration and a second configuration, comprising:
- a backing structure;
- a feed arm;
- a first swivel plate, attached to each of and positioned between the backing structure and the feed arm, configured to facilitate horizontal rotation of the feed arm into at least one of a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the horizontal rotation arises in a plane perpendicular to a plane along which the backing structure extends upwards for a given height;
- a locking apparatus configured for securing the first swivel plate at each of a first angle when the antenna system is configured into the first configuration, and a second angle when the antenna system is configured into the second configuration;
- wherein the antenna system, when in the first configuration is configured for operational use and, when in the second configuration is configured for at least one of storage and shipping in a single package.
A method for installing an antenna, comprising:
- rotating a feed arm from a second configuration into a first configuration using a first swivel plate coupling a backing structure to the feed arm;
- and
- locking the feed arm into the first configuration;
- wherein the antenna, when in the second configuration, is configured for at least one of storage, shipping and packaging;
- and
- wherein the antenna, when locked in the first configuration, is configured for operational use.
A system for shipping and installing an antenna, comprising:
- a package;
- an antenna;
- a folding mechanism for configuring the antenna into at least one of a first configuration and a second configuration;
- wherein when in the first configuration, the antenna is configured for operational use;
- wherein when in the second configuration, the antenna is configured for at least one of shipping, storage and packaging;
- a locking apparatus configured for use in securing the antenna in either the first configuration or the second configuration;
- wherein by use of the folding mechanism and the locking mechanism, an installer may configure an antenna received in the second configuration into the first configuration;
- wherein, upon configuring the antenna into the first configuration, the antenna is ready for installation onto a mounting structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.