Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for deploying an inflatable antenna

US5166696A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
5References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 20, 1990
Grant dateNov 24, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 20, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01Q1/081
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Provided is a method and apparatus for deploying an inflatable antenna from a compressed storage position on the trailer bed of a transport vehicle. A support structure is provided having a pair of spaced apart actuating rails for engagement with the antenna during deployment and a storage compartment stored on the trailer bed of the transport vehicle. The storage compartment is formed of a base wall which is pivotally affixed to both the trailer bed and one end of the compressed antenna, and a deployment structure affixed to the opposing end of the compressed antenna. The deployment structure is partitioned lengthwise to form first and second shelter compartments which are hinged together at one end and pivotable with respect to one another between a closed storage position and an open A-frame position. The shelter compartments further have engaging means for engagement with the support structure actuating rails when opened to the A-frame position to pull the deployment structure and the compressed antenna away from the base wall while inflating the compressed antenna. In operation, the base wall and the deployment structure are elevated from the trailer bed and the deployment str…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.