LIGHT ENCLOSURE FOR TRACTOR/TRAILER INCORPORATING ANTENNA AND/OR RADIO COMPONENTS

Abstract: The invention relates to a marker light having a global positioning system antenna and a communications antenna mounted within a marker light housing. The marker light can be mounted to a mobile vehicle. The communications antenna can be a coaxial cable. The communications antenna can also be a cellular telephone antenna. The marker light can also include an infrared port to allow wireless communications between the marker light and an external device.

Description: L1GHT ENCLOSURE FOR TRACTOR/TRAILER INCORPORATING ANTENNA AND/OR RADIO COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For many businesses, it is increasingly important to trace mobile assets and the carriers of mobile assets. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of goods, such as computers, can be carried by mobile vehicles, such as tractor trailers for example. Generally, the owners of the mobile vehicles are responsible for delivery of the mobile goods. Cellular telephone technology is usually used to track the mobile goods by the owner. Global positioning system (GPS) technology can also be used to track the goods. However, tracking goods using either technology can be cumbersome because of the need for a separate cellular phone and GPS antenna mounted to the carrier vehicle. The cellular phone and GPS antennae would protrude from the carrier vehicles which would be impractical. When the carrier vehicle trailers are stacked on ships for overseas shipment, the protruding cellular phone and GPS antennae may be damaged. Installation time for separate antennas is time consuming and results in holes to the trailer body which have to be sealed. The protruding antennae can also be impractical from a security standpoint. Protruding antennae would not be conspicuous and could alert thieves to the existence of mobile assets on a carrier vehicle. Conspicuous placement of antenna would prevent thieves from removing the antenna. Also, owners might want to prevent the fact that the vehicle could be tracked from becoming publically known. The prior art discloses a GPS antenna mounted within a brake light, published in Research Disclosure, November 1998. As disclosed, mounting the GPS antenna within a brake light housing can help prevent damage or theft to the antenna. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an integrated unit to hold two types of antenna, a GPS antenna and a communications antenna, such as a cellular phone antenna. The invention integrates the two antenna as part of a marker light. The present invention improves upon the prior art by including both a GPS antenna and a communications antenna within a common housing. Inclusion of both types of antenna within a housing improves over the prior art by providing a single unit that allows for reception of various types of communications signals, rather than just a GPS signal. The present invention also improves over the prior art by the inclusion of an infrared port within the housing. The port can allow wireless communications with an external device for the purpose of a diagnostic check of the invention, for example. In one embodiment, the invention is a marker light having a lens housing, a global positioning system antenna mounted within the housing, a communications antenna mounted within the housing and a lighting device mounted within the housing. The marker light can include a circuit board, mounted within the lens housing, connected to the lighting device. The lens housing of the marker light can be made from a plastic material and can also be made from a light reflective material. The lens housing can have a front portion and a back portion and, one embodiment, the front portion and the back portion are sealed together to form a watertight unit. The lens housing of the marker light can have a plurality of support structures which can include a global positioning system antenna support structure, a circuit board support structure and a communications antenna support structure. The communications antenna can include a coaxial cable or a cellular telephone antenna. In this embodiment, the lighting device has at least one light emitting diode. In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a marker light having a lens housing, a global positioning system antenna mounted within the housing, a communications antenna mounted within the housing and a circuit board having an infrared port to provide communications between the circuit board and an external device and having at least one light emitting diode. The lens housing of the marker light can be made from a plastic material and can also be made from a light reflective material. The lens housing can have a front portion and a back portion and, one embodiment, the front portion and the back portion are sealed together to form a watertight unit. The lens housing of the marker light can have a plurality of support structures which can include a global positioning system antenna support structure, a circuit board support structure and a communications antenna support structure. The communications antenna can include a coaxial cable or a cellular telephone antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show embodiments for placement of a marker light on a mobile vehicle. Figure 3 illustrates a front sectional view of an embodiment of a marker light having antenna components. Figure 4 illustrates a back view of the marker light of Figure 3. Figure 5 illustrates a sectional top view of the marker light of Figure 3. Figure 6 shows a bottom sectional view of the marker light of Figure 3. Figure 7 shows a sectional side view of the marker light of Figure 3. Figure 8 illustrates a front sectional view of an embodiment of a GPS antenna and communications antenna within a marker light housing. Figure 9 show a sectional side view of the marker light of Figure 8. Figure 10 illustrates a front sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a marker light having antenna components. Figure 11 illustrates a sectional side view of the marker light of Figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the placement of a marker light 10 on a mobile vehicle 12, such as a tractor trailer for example. The marker light 10 can have a marker light lens housing 14 which can contain a GPS antenna 16 and a communications antenna 18. The marker light housing 14 can also be made from a molded plastic material. The marker light housing 14 can be made from a material that reflects light within the housing 14. The marker light 10 can be placed on a top portion 22 of an external side face 20 of a mobile vehicle 12. In a preferred embodiment, the marker light 10 is mounted to a top front corner 15 on the driver's side of the vehicle 12, shown in Figure 1. In an alternate embodiment, the marker light 10 can be mounted in a top middle position 17 on the driver's side of the vehicle 12, shown in Figure 2. The marker light 10 acts as a clearance light to show the edge of a mobile vehicle. Placement of the marker light 10 on a top portion 22 of the mobile vehicle 12 can provide the antennae 16, 18 with clear reception of GPS or communication signals, respectively. An embodiment of a front view of the marker light 10 is given in Figure 3 which shows a marker light lens housing 14, a GPS antenna 16 and a circuit board 24. The circuit board 24 can include a lighting device. The lighting device can be at least one incandescent bulb, in one embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device is at least one light emitting diode (LED). The marker light 10 can have a mounting apparatus 26 which allows the marker light 10 to be attached to a mobile vehicle 12. In one embodiment, the mounting apparatus 26 includes a plurality of holes. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a back view of the marker light 10. The marker light can have a plurality of input ports 28. The ports 28, in a preferred embodiment, include a GPS antenna port 30, a power cable port 32 and a communications antenna port 34. The GPS antenna port 30 can house a GPS antenna cable 36. The GPS antenna cable 36 attaches to the GPS antenna 16 at one end and to an output 42 at another end. In a preferred embodiment, the GPS antenna 16 is an active antenna in that power to the GPS antenna is provided through the GPS antenna cable. The power cable port 32 can house a power cable 38. The power cable 38 can provide power to the circuit board 24 from a power source 44. The power cable 38 can comprise two separate cables, a positive or power source cable and a negative or ground cable. The communications antenna port 34 can house a communications antenna cable 40. The communications antenna cable 40 can connect to the communication antenna 18 at one end and to an output 46 at another end. A top and bottom view of the marker light is shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. A top view of an embodiment of the marker light 10 is provided in Figure 5 which shows a housing 14, a GPS antenna 16, a GPS antenna port 30 and mounting apparatus 26. The housing 14 can be made from a molded plastic material. The housing 14 can include a GPS antenna support structure or pocket 50 to secure the GPS antenna 16 to the housing 14. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket 50 is molded into the plastic material of the housing 14. The GPS antenna 16 can then slide into the pocket 50, thereby securing the GPS antenna 16 to the housing 14. The housing 14 can have a front portion 52 and a back portion 54. The front 52 and back 54 portions can be sealed together during a manufacturing process, thereby enclosing the GPS antenna 16, communications antenna 18 and circuit board 24 within the housing 14. The housing 14 can also mclude a clip 56 to secure the GPS antenna cable 36 within the housing 14. The clip 56 can be molded into the plastic material of the housing 14. Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the marker light and shows a housing 14, a communications antenna 18, a communications antenna port 34, and a circuit board 24. In a preferred embodiment, the communications antenna cable 40 and the communications antenna 18 are formed of a coaxial cable. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shield of the communications antem a 18 is stripped to expose an inner cable of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable can be secured to the housing 14 by a support structure 58 attached to the communications antenna port 34. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure 58 is a channel 62 which can run along the length of the housing 14. The channel 62 can be molded into the plastic material of the housing 14. The antenna 18 can slide into the channel 62, along the length of the housing 14, when the antenna 18 is inserted into the housing 14, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the antenna 18 is laid into the support structure 58 and is sealed into the housing 14. In either embodiment, the communications antenna 18 must be held straight within the support structure 58. The length of a communications antenna 18 can affect the antenna wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the communications antenna 18 wavelength is 1/4 wave. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the antenna is 3.2 inches. If the communications antenna 18 is bent or not straight within the support structure 58, the length of the antenna 18 will not be correct and the antenna will not radiate properly. The housing 14 can also have a circuit board support structure or pocket 60 to secure the circuit board 24 to the housing 14. The pocket 60 can be molded into the plastic material of the housing 14. The circuit board 24 can slide into the pocket 60, which can secure the board 24 to the housing 14. The circuit board 24 can have an infrared port, in a preferred embodiment. The infrared (IR) port can provide communications between the circuit board 24 and an external device, such as a computer, without the need for wire connections or disassembly of the housing 14. The IR port can allow for a wireless diagnostic check of the marker light 10. Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a marker light 10. The figure shows a connection between the GPS antenna cable 36 and the GPS antenna 16. Also shown in the connection between the power input cable 38 and the circuit board 24. Figures 8 and 9 show a front and side view, respectively, of an embodiment of a GPS antenna 16 and communications antem a 18 within a marker light housing 10. In this embodiment, the marker light 10 has a housing 14, a GPS antenna 16 and a communications antenna 18. The communications antenna 18 is a coaxial cable in this embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the communications antenna 18 wavelength is 1/4 wave. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the antenna is 3.2 inches. A support structure or channel 62, which can run along the length of the housing 14, can secure the antenna 18 to the housing 14. The GPS antenna 16 can be mounted to a mounting surface 64 within the housing 72, in this embodiment. The marker light 10 can also be attached to a mobile vehicle 12. Figures 10 and 11 show a front and side view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of a marker light 70. In this embodiment, the marker light 70 has a housing 72, a GPS antenna 16 and a communications antenna 76. The communications antenna 76 is a cellular telephone antenna in this embodiment and extends the length of the housing 72. The GPS antenna 16 and communications antenna 76 can be mounted to a common surface 74 within the housing 72. The GPS antenna 16 can be attached to a GPS antenna cable 36 and the communications antenna 76 can be attached to a communications antenna cable 40. This embodiment of a marker light 70 can also be attached to a mobile vehicle 12. While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A marker light comprising: a lens housing; a global positioning system antenna mounted within the housing; a communications antenna mounted within the housing; and a lighting device mounted within the housing. 2. The marker light of Claim 1 further comprising a circuit board, mounted within the lens housing, to which the lighting device is attached. 3. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the lens housing comprises a plastic material. 4. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the lens housing comprises a light reflective material. 5. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the lens housing comprises a front portion and a back portion. 6. The marker light of Claim 5 wherein the front portion and the back portion are sealed together. 7. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the lens housing comprises a plurality of support structures. 8. The marker light of Claim 7 wherein the plurality of support structures comprises a global positioning system antenna support structure. 9. The marker light of Claim 7 wherein the plurality of support structures comprises a circuit board support structure. 10. The marker light of Claim 7 wherein the plurality of support structures comprises a communications antenna support structure. 11. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the communications antenna comprises a coaxial cable. 12. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the communications antenna comprises a cellular telephone antenna. 13. The marker light of Claim 1 wherein the lighting device comprises at least one light emitting diode. 14. A marker light comprising: a lens housing; a global positioning system antenna mounted within the housing; a communications antenna mounted within the housing; and a circuit board having an infrared port to provide communications between the circuit board and an external device and having at least one light emitting diode. 15. The marker light of Claim 14 wherein the lens housing comprises a plastic material. 16. The marker light of Claim 14 wherein the lens housing comprises a light reflective material. 17. The marker light of Claim 14 wherein the lens housing comprises a front portion and a back portion. 18. The marker light of Claim 17 wherein the front portion and the back portion are sealed together. 19. The marker light of Claim 14 wherein the lens housing comprises a plurality of support structures. 20. The marker light of Claim 19 wherein the plurality of support structures comprises a global positioning system antenna support structure. 21. The marker light of Claim 19 wherein the plurality of support structures comprises a circuit board support structure. 22. The marker light of Claim 19 wherein the plurality of support structures comprises a communications antenna support structure. 23. The marker light of Claim 14 wherein the communications antenna comprises a coaxial cable. 24. The marker light of Claim 14 wherein the communications antenna comprises a cellular telephone antenna.

Inventors: ANDERSON BRUCE L, KELLEY JOHN E, ANDERSON, BRUCE, L., KELLEY, JOHN, E.
Applicants: TERION INC, TERION, INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G01S5
IPC codes: B60Q1, G01S5, H01Q1, H01Q21