Patent ID: 6054958
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A quarter-wave retractable antenna, comprising:a quarter wave helix;a cylindrical antenna rod longitudinally spaced apart from said helix, said antenna rod having a conductive core with a radial width, and an outer surface and including opposing first and second ends defining a central axis through the center thereof, said second end having a lower contact in electrical communication with said core and positioned on the outer surface of said antenna rod; anda conductive cylindrical component having top and bottom ends and inner and outer surfaces, said top end connected to said helix and said bottom end configured with a cylindrical opening to receive a portion of the first end of said antenna rod therein, wherein a layer of non-conductive material is disposed intermediate of said component inner surface and said rod such that the first end of said antenna rod is spaced apart from and concentrically aligned with said cylindrical component and mechanically secured theretogether to define a capacitive coupling therebetween,wherein said retractable antenna is configured to linearly extend and retract about the central axis, said antenna having an operable extended position and an associated extended signal path, and wherein said helix, said capacitive coupling, and said antenna rod are included in the extended signal path to together define about a quarter wave length impedance.