Patent ID: 6025786
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A transmitter unit for a remote control convenience system, said transmitter unit comprising:a housing;at least one selector located on the housing and manually actuatable for requesting remote control performance of a function by a remotely located receiver;transmit circuitry located within said housing operatively connected to said at least one selector for outputting an electrical signal, conveying a message requesting performance of the function, in response to actuation of said at least one selector;a flexible antenna operatively connected to receive the electrical signal from said transmit circuitry and outputting a signal intended for reception by the receiver and conveying the message requesting performance of the function, said antenna having a stored coiled position inside said housing and an extended position extending outside of said housing; andmeans for mounting said antenna to said housing permitting withdrawal and retraction of said antenna relative to said housing between the stored coiled position and the extended position;wherein said means for mounting said antenna includes a spool that is rotatable relative to said housing, said antenna has two ends, one end of the antenna is attached to said spool, and said transmitter unit further including pull means attached to the other end of said antenna so that pulling of said pull means extends the antenna, said pull means is a ring.