Patent ID: 8299974
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: B60R,H01Q,H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of making a vehicle antenna having a support film of a dielectric material and antenna elements of an electrically conductive material carried on the support film, the method comprising the steps of: fixing a plug-type connector or an electronic device directly to the support film at the base of the antenna elements so as to be electrically connected with the antenna elements; providing the planar support film with at least one projecting tab before or after fixing the plug-type connector or the electronic device to the support film; forming a cutout associated with the projecting tab in the support film; deforming the support film along a crease line; thereafter inserting the tab into the cutout while deforming the support film and antenna elements into a three-dimensional shape corresponding generally to an inner surface of a motor-vehicle outside-mirror housing; and fitting the deformed support film and antenna elements into the outside-mirror housing before installing a mirror in the housing.