Patent · US Expired

Retractable antenna for electronic devices

US6573868B2 · kind B2 · utility

34Cited by
20References
48Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 28, 2001
Grant dateJun 3, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 19, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01Q1/244
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A retractable antenna system is disclosed that enables electronic devices to engage in wireless communication. A preferred embodiment includes a retractable antenna disposed within a cavity in the electronic device and an actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting the antenna from within the cavity. The antenna system is preferably disposed within the housing of a communications card such as a PC Card. The retractable antenna may be rigid or flexible, and may be a single piece design or telescopic. The antenna system may also include two or more retractable antennas, a light source attached to the antenna, a control mechanism used to determine antenna functionality based on the positioning of the antenna, and the retractable antenna may be connected modular portion of the communication card.

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