Patent ID: 6573868
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
An antenna system comprising:a retractable antenna including a first end and a second end; and an actuating mechanism for moving the antenna between an extended position and a retracted position, the actuating mechanism comprising: an elongated tube at least partially disposed in an electronic device, the elongated tube including a first end and a second end, at least a portion of the antenna being configured to be stored in the tube when the antenna is in the retracted position; a resilient member disposed in the first end of the elongated tube; an antenna extender slidingly disposed within the elongated tube proximate the resilient member; a selector slidingly disposed within the elongated tube, the selector including a first end attached to the antenna and a second end configured to engage the antenna extender; and a plurality of guide tracks disposed on an inner surface of the elongated tube, the guide tracks being sized and configured to guide the movement of the antenna extender and the selector through the elongated tube such that the antenna is selectably movable between the extended position and the retracted position.