Enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system

#The present invention relates to satellite antenna systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an enclosed mobile satellite antenna system that provides for an easily manually transportable enclosed mobile/transportable satellite antenna system that does not require set up or assembly.

#The current state of the art and practice for enclosed, environmentally protected mobile satellite radome antenna system receiving signals for digital television, such as Ku-band and Ka-band signals, and digital radio is to mount the antenna to the roof or top, flat surface of a vehicle or other structure. Typically, these satellite antenna systems are mounted to a top surface, directly or with a bracket, and have one or more wire harnesses to communicate between a remote, an external radome antenna to control antenna position and signal acquisition, and a wire harness dedicated for power. The radomes themselves—the enclosure housing the antenna and peripheral devices—for mounted mobile satellite systems are generally spherical with the base having a similar or larger diameter than the cover at its widest point and a flat bottom.

#This current configuration used for such systems limits their use on structures and vehicles without a flat roof or flat mounting surface or higher profile vehicles like tractor-trailer trucks. When mounted at an angle (or not flat), current designs for mobile satellite antennas will lose dynamic range. Moreover, the spherical shape and large base footprint make mounting to a flat side of a structure cumbersome and, in the case of some vehicles, such as tractor trailers, unsafe because of the limited space between the truck and trailer. Such systems also typically must be mounted in a manner in which they are not easily removable, which limits the versatility of the system and can require permanent alterations to the structure. In addition, the multiple wires needed to connect components inside the structure with components outside the structure can be cumbersome and make installation difficult. The geometry of such systems also makes them difficult and awkward to transport from place to place.

#These as well as other objects and advantages of this invention will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

#FIG. 1 is an enclosed mobile satellite antenna system according to one example embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is an enclosed mobile satellite antenna system according to one example embodiment.

#Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there can be seen an enclosed mobile satellite antenna system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Enclosed mobile satellite antenna system 100 includes an enclosure 101 with a satellite antenna system therein for acquiring and transmitting a satellite signal. Enclosure 101 includes a cover 102 and a base 104. Enclosure 101 is dielectric and is preferably made out of a ultra-violet protected lightweight plastic or other electromagnetic wave permeable material. Enclosure 101 is environmentally protected to prevent satellite antenna and related structure contained therein, such as one or more antenna positioning motors, antenna positioning control electronics, a satellite signal collecting and amplifying device, and ancillary electronics and devices to provide feedback to a user regarding the satellite antenna system and signal acquisition function and status, from becoming damaged by the outside environment.

#In one embodiment, cover 102 can include a top surface 106 and a plurality of flat, angled side surfaces 108. Top surface 106 can be flat or slightly curved. Angled side surfaces 108 diverge at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to top surface 106. The inner surface of the top surface 106 of cover 102 can be concave in order to increase the interior volume of the enclosure. Concave inner surface of top surface 106 also serves to minimize signal loss caused by water contacting the enclosure.

#In one embodiment, base 104 can include a flat bottom surface 110 and a plurality of flat, angled side surfaces 112. Angled side surfaces 112 of base 104 diverge at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to bottom surface 110. Base 104 preferably has a footprint small enough to fit on current brackets commonly found on the back of long-haul trucks for logistical communication hardware. The use of such existing brackets to mount an enclosed mobile satellite antenna system 100 results in cost savings and easier installation. Base 104 can further include a plurality of feet 120 on which enclosure 101 can rest to prevent damage to bottom surface 110. Base 104 can also include a coaxial connector 122 to which a cable can be connected for powering and/or receiving signals from or sending signals to the satellite antenna system contained inside the enclosure 101. Connector 122 can protrude out of one of the angled side surfaces 112 or out of bottom surface 110.