Patent ID: 6204824
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
An antenna for receiving electromagnetic signals, comprising:a body section, housing electronic components, said body section having hinged portions; andat least two arm sections hingedly attached to said body section at said hinged portions, said arm sections housing a conductor electrically connected to said electronic components, said arm sections disposed on opposite sides of said body section, each of said hinged portions including a hub fixedly attached to said body section and a bore formed in each of said arm sections, said hub disposed in said bore,wherein said arm sections pivot about said hinged portions and are movable between a first position in which said arm sections extend from said body section in substantially opposite directions to a second position in which said arm sections extend from said body section subtending an angle less than 180.degree.,and wherein said hinged portions further comprise locking means for locking respective said arm sections in said first and second positions, said locking means comprises:at least one protuberance disposed on one of said hub and an inner wall of each of said bores; andat least two indentations formed in the other of said hub and said inner wall of each of said bores, said protuberance selectively engageable in said indentations,wherein when said protuberance is engaged in a first indentation, said arm section is secured in said first position, and when said protuberance is engaged in a second indentation, said arm section is secured in said second position.