Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to a rooftop-mounted off-air television antenna system, device and method including an integrated signal meter. The antenna portion of the device is mounted to the roof of a vehicle. An antenna adjustment mechanism is located inside of the vehicle cabin. The adjustment mechanism enables the user to adjust a position of the antenna on the roof, such as by rotating a dial that is coupled to the antenna. A signal meter is disposed in the adjustment mechanism and electrically connected to the antenna. A display of the signal meter readout is disposed in the adjustment mechanism in a location that can be easily viewed by a user during an aiming operation. The display allows the user to determine when the antenna has been positioned in order to obtain the approximate maximum signal strength possible given the vehicle&#39;s current location.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/433,175, filed Jan. 14, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to mobile television antenna systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile television antenna for use in a vehicle, including a signal meter display integrated into the antenna adjustment mechanism housing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    People like to watch television on the go and when away from home. For example, people who travel by recreational vehicles (RVs) and camping trailers desire to watch broadcast television either while in transit, or while at their destination. Such persons typically have two options for viewing television programming, off-air (over-the-air terrestrial broadcast) and satellite broadcast reception. 
         [0004]    Off-air television signals are transmitted from earth-based transmitters over the VHF and UHF frequency bands. These transmitted, sometimes called “off-air”, signals remain popular because the programming transmitted by these signals is free to view. In contrast, most television transmitted via satellite transmission requires payment of a subscription fee to view the transmitted programming. Off-air antennas also allow the user to receive local programming at a destination that corresponds to that destination, whereas satellite broadcasts contain local programming for only one location regardless of where the user is physically located. Sometimes purchasers of satellite transmission services supplement their subscription services with off-air reception in order to receive local programming that is not available or is sold for additional fees by the subscription service provider. This supplementation is becoming particularly prevalent with the 2009 switchover from analog to digital terrestrial television signals in the United States. 
         [0005]    Signal strength received from terrestrial transmitters weakens as the distance away from the transmitter becomes greater. At a certain distance from the transmitter, the signal will become too weak to be viable. For analog television signals that are too weak, the picture on the television appliance will become fuzzy or snowy if it can be received at all. For digital television signals, no picture will display on the television if the signal is too weak. Off-air antennas are usually mounted on the rooftop of a recreational vehicle (RV), camping trailer, or the like, in order to afford the best reception. One example of a roof-mounted off-air antenna for RVs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,793. 
         [0006]    Mounting an antenna outside of the vehicle lessens interference from electronics and a roof-mounted outdoor antenna is less likely to receive reflected ghost signals from the vehicle structure. In addition, mounting an antenna higher above the ground increases the amount of direct signal it can receive from a transmitter. 
         [0007]    The antenna mounted on the roof is connected to one or more television appliances in the vehicle using, for example, coaxial cable lines and splitters routed throughout the vehicle structure. Reception can be improved for directional antennas by aiming (e.g. rotating) the antenna towards the source of the broadcast signal. The source direction can be different for different channels due to different locations of the respective broadcast towers for each channel. 
         [0008]    Conventionally, the user is provided with an antenna adjustment mechanism inside of the vehicle cabin. The user typically scans for channels using the television appliance, and then rotates the roof-mounted antenna if the desired channel is not located. Following a rotation, the user performs another scan on the television to see if the desired channel is located. If not, a further rotation and scan is performed. This process is repeated until the desired channel is located or the user gives up trying to find the desired channel. If the channel is located, then the user can use a signal meter function built into the television appliance, if one exists, to tune or peak the signal strength by making adjustments to the antenna position while observing the television appliance. Some television appliances do not have a meter function. As can be appreciated from this description, the conventional method of locating television channels involves considerable guesswork. The user typically does not find the peak, or strongest direction, of the signal using the conventional method. Even if the television appliance decoder has the ability to display a signal meter on the television screen, the user may not be able to see it. Therefore, there is a need for an improved antenna system that allows a user to quickly and easily aim an off-air antenna. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present disclosure is directed to a rooftop-mounted off-air television antenna system, device and method, including an integral signal meter display. In one aspect of certain embodiments, the antenna portion of the device is mounted to the roof of a vehicle such as an RV. An antenna adjustment mechanism is located inside of the vehicle cabin in a place accessible to a user. The adjustment mechanism enables the user to adjust a position of the antenna on the roof, such as by rotating a dial that is mechanically linked to the antenna. Turning the dial correspondingly rotates the antenna. A signal meter is disposed in the adjustment mechanism and electrically connected to the antenna. A display of the signal meter readout is disposed in the adjustment mechanism in a location that can be easily viewed by a user during an aiming operation. The display allows the user first find the signal and then to determine when the antenna has been positioned in order to obtain the approximate maximum signal strength possible given the vehicle&#39;s current location. 
         [0010]    In another aspect of certain embodiments, an off-air television antenna system comprises a base, a riser disposed on the base and an antenna disposed on the riser. The antenna is configured to receive television signals in the VHF and UHF frequency bands from terrestrial transmitters. An adjustment device is separated from the base, riser and antenna, and comprises an adjustment knob and a display. The display is located adjacent to the adjustment knob and configured to indicate the relative strength of the television signals received by the antenna. A shaft mechanically couples the adjustment device to the antenna such that rotation of the knob rotates the antenna. 
         [0011]    In certain further aspects, the display comprises a plurality of individual lights in a row. An on/off switch and/or an attenuator can be provided to the adjustment device. A junction box can also be electrically connected to the antenna. A signal splitter can also be disposed in the base to direct the signal to the signal meter and to provide an output for the system. The riser and antenna can be secured together so that they rotate together as the knob is turned. Also, the shaft can comprise a first part configured to longitudinally slidably engage a second part, wherein the first and second parts are axially rotatable in unison. 
         [0012]    In a further aspect of certain embodiments, an off-air television antenna connectable to a vehicle is disclosed. An antenna is disposed on the exterior surface of the roof of the vehicle and is configured to receive television signals in the VHF and UHF frequency bands from terrestrial transmitters. An adjustment mechanism assembly is disposed on the interior ceiling surface of the vehicle. The adjustment mechanism assembly includes a housing, an antenna azimuth adjustment knob provided to the housing, and a signal meter display provided to the housing. 
         [0013]    In certain further aspects, an electric motor can be coupled to the antenna. A base and a riser can be disposed between the exterior surface of the roof of the vehicle and the antenna to fasten the antenna to the exterior surface of the roof. The base is securely fastened to the exterior surface, the riser is rotatably mounted on the base and the antenna is fastened to riser. A splitter can be disposed in the base and configured to direct signals received from the antenna to an output provided to the base and to a signal meter disposed in the adjustment mechanism assembly. The antenna can be mechanically coupled to the adjustment knob. A shaft can be secured to the adjustment knob and extend through the roof of the vehicle. The shaft can comprise a first part configured to longitudinally slidably engage a second part, with the first and second parts being axially rotatable in unison. The adjustment mechanism assembly can further include a signal attenuator. 
         [0014]    In another aspect of the invention, a method of providing UHF and VHF television signals to a television appliance in a vehicle comprises disposing an antenna unit on an exterior surface of a roof of the vehicle. An adjustment mechanism assembly is disposed inside of the vehicle. The adjustment mechanism assembly includes a signal meter display and an antenna adjustment device. The signal meter display is viewed while rotating the antenna adjustment device through a full cycle of travel to determine a position of the antenna that corresponds to a maximum reading indicated on the signal meter display. The antenna is positioned to align with the position corresponding to the maximum reading. 
         [0015]    In various further aspects, channels can be scanned with a television appliance. The signal can be attenuated with a signal attenuation device provided to the adjustment mechanism assembly. The antenna adjustment device can be mechanically linked to the antenna. Also, the riser can be used to securely locate the antenna above the exterior surface of the vehicle. 
         [0016]    Additional aspects are explained in the detailed description. The above summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, or describe each embodiment, aspect, example, implementation, feature or advantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an assembly view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment showing a cross-section of a vehicle roof. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment showing a cross-section of a vehicle roof. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a rear view of an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment showing a cross-section of a vehicle roof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an adjustment mechanism for an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a front view of an adjustment mechanism for an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a side view of an adjustment mechanism for an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is an electrical connection diagram for an off-air antenna system according to an example embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a top view showing various antenna components disposed in an antenna housing according to an example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, these example embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, embodiment, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention. The invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , an off-air antenna system  100  is shown. The antenna system  100  comprises an antenna  102  disposed on a riser  104  above a base  106 . An adjustment device or adjustment mechanism assembly  108  is operatively coupled to the antenna  102 . The antenna  102  is located atop the riser or shroud  104 , which is in turn atop the base  106 . 
         [0034]    The antenna  102 , riser  104  and base  106  are configured to be fastened to the top of the exterior of a vehicle, such as an RV. The adjustment mechanism assembly  108  is located inside of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism assembly  108  is fastened to the ceiling inside of the vehicle. Alternatively, the antenna  102 , riser  104  and base  106  can be mounted to a generally vertical surface, such as a side wall of a vehicle. In such alternative, the adjustment mechanism assembly  108  can also be located on the interior sidewall of the vehicle. 
         [0035]    The adjustment assembly mechanism  108  in one embodiment is mechanically linked to the antenna  102  via a shaft  110 . Thus an actuator  112 , such as a knob, can be turned by an operator or user located inside of the vehicle to correspondingly rotate the azimuth direction of the antenna  102 . The linkage can alternatively be electric. In such embodiment, the mechanical linkage is replaced with an electric motor  111  disposed in the base and/or riser to cause the antenna to rotate the antenna in response to an input, such as by an operator actuating a switch or other actuator on the adjustment assembly mechanism or by an electronic signal provided by a remote control or by a processor (for example, a signal decoder). 
         [0036]    The antenna can be any type suited to receive VHF and/or UHF television signals, or any other desired type of signal. For example, such signals can include FM, WiFi, cellular data and WiMAX as well as other directional signals, or a combination thereof. The antenna can be a directional antenna where received signal is maximized when the antenna is pointed in the direction of the source. 
         [0037]    The antenna components can be disposed inside of a housing. The housing can be formed of any suitable materials, such as plastics. The material selected for the housing surrounding the antenna elements is preferably electromagnetic wave permeable in order to minimize signal loss. Alternatively, the antenna components can be exposed (i.e. not in a housing or only partially housed) without departing from the scope of the invention. In a further alternative, the antenna elements can be affixed to or imprinted on a base or housing. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the antenna is shown fastened to a cross-section of a vehicle roof  113 . The roof may comprise several layers as indicated in  FIGS. 9-10  with the shaft  110  extending therethrough. Therefore, the distance between the base  106  and the adjustment mechanism assembly  108  can be varied or made adjustable to accommodate variable roof thicknesses. For example, compare the distance between these components in  FIG. 5  with  FIG. 9 . Adjustability in a mechanical arrangement can be accomplished by having a shaft slidably insertable into a hollow bore or aperture of a connector member. 
         [0039]    Various components of one embodiment are depicted in  FIG. 2 . A coaxial cable  150  spans from the internal adjustment mechanism assembly  108  to the external base  106 . Another cable  152  spans from the external base  106 , though the riser  104  and connects with the electronics in the antenna unit  102 . A 2-Way splitter (5-900 MHz, 0.8″×0.8″)  154  connects the cables  150  and  152  together inside of the exterior base  106  so that the output from the antenna system  100  is through the base above the roof of the vehicle and so that the signal meter can also receive the signal from the antenna unit for evaluation. 
         [0040]    The interior adjustment mechanism assembly  108  comprises an assembly as can be seen in the figure. The assembly  108  comprises an enclosure base  156  and cover  158 . The base  156  and cover  158  are fastened together by a plurality of screws  160  and form an enclosed area. The signal meter component  162  is disposed inside of the enclosed area. The signal meter component includes the display, which is made visible through the cover  158  by respective openings or via a window. The adjustment knob  112  protrudes outwardly from the cover  158  towards the interior of the vehicle in which it is mounted. A release lever  164  can be provided to prevent the knob  112  from being accidentally turned. The knob release lever  164  is biased outwardly with a spring  166 . The user thus presses the lever  164  inwards to make rotation of the knob  112  possible. A screw  168  fastens the knob  112  to the shaft  110 . 
         [0041]    The shaft  110  physically connects the knob  112  to the antenna unit  102 . Shaft  110  comprises a first portion  170  and second portion  172 . The first portion  170  is secured to the knob  112  and has an aperture defined therein for receiving at least a part of the second portion  172  therein. The second portion is coupled to the antenna unit  102 . It is understood however, that the male/female portions of the respective first  170  and second  172  portions of the shaft  110  could be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention. The shaft  110  can also be a one-piece shaft. However the two-piece configuration allows for easier assembly/disassembly and for height adjustability. 
         [0042]    The exterior base portion  106  receives the junction of the coaxial cables and the splitter  154  discussed above. The splitter  154  is retained in place with a screw  178 . The exterior base portion includes a base mount  174  into which a ring seal  176  is disposed. The ring seal  176  reduces the likelihood of moisture entering the cabin of the vehicle via the juncture of the riser  104  with the base  106 . The base mount  174  includes an upwardly protruding portion  180  that extends at least partially into the shroud  182  of the riser  104 . The upwardly protruding portion  180  includes a hollow central passage to permit passage of the shaft  110 . 
         [0043]    The riser  104  comprises a shroud  182  having a hollow central passage  184  to receive the upwardly protruding portion  180  and shaft  110 . A mounting plate  186  is disposed in an upper portion of the shroud  182 . A threaded end  183  of the shaft  110  protrudes past the mounting plate  186  and is secured thereto by a stop or washer  188 , nut  190  and screws  191 . A shroud cap  192  is secured to the top of the shroud  182  with a plurality of screws  194  to enclose the components inside of the shroud. It should be understood that in this configuration, the riser rotates as the knob  112  is turned. 
         [0044]    The antenna unit  102  is fastened to the top surface of the shroud cap  192  with a plurality of screws  196 . Thus, the antenna unit  102  rotates as the knob  112  is turned by a user. 
         [0045]    It should be understood, however, that the above-noted parts and structure can be altered without deviating from the scope of the invention unless specifically limited in the appended claims. 
         [0046]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 11-13 , the adjustment mechanism assembly  108  is shown. The assembly includes a housing  114  and an adjustment device  112 , such as a knob. The knob  112  is configured to be rotatable by a user in order to adjust the position or orientation of the antenna outside of the vehicle. In particular, the azimuth of the antenna  102  can be adjusted by rotating knob  112 . Other types of mechanisms  112  can be used, such as a switch, crank or lever, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0047]    The housing  114  includes a signal meter electrically connected to the antenna components. A visual indicator or display  118  of the signal strength further is provided to the housing. The display  118  is configured to provide a visual indication of the strength of the signal being received by the antenna  102 . The display can be a series of lights, as shown, that illuminate to show increasing strength. For example, no lights means no signal; one light is a weak signal and progressively more lights are lit as the signal increases up to the point that all lights are lit. The lights can be lit in equal proportions relative to the signal strength, or they can be disproportionate. Any number of lights may be used. Alternative display arrangements are also within the scope of the invention. For example, a digital readout or a gauge may be used. The lights may be LEDs or other suitable illumination source. The lights may also be the same color or different colors to indicate increasing or decreasing strength. In a further alternative, a single light may be provided that shifts color or intensity to indicate relative signal strength. A combination of the above and multiple display types can also be provided. 
         [0048]    An attenuator can also be included in the signal meter system. The attenuator allows the indicated signal strength to be scaled so that visual distinctions on the meter can be more easily made between multiple similarly-strong appearing signals. Attenuation can be implemented in an automatic manner where the electronics adjust scaling or resolution based upon a measured signal reading. Attenuation can also be implemented by providing an attenuation dial or knob  117  that the user can manually adjust. 
         [0049]    Additional status lights may also be provided to the housing. For example, a lock status light and a power status light can be provided to the housing  114 . That housing can further include an on/off switch  115 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , an example of connecting the antenna system  100  to television appliances is shown. The antenna  100  is connected to a junction box  200 . The box  200  is both grounded and connected to a 12 volt power source. The junction box  200  splits the antenna output (inputted to box  200  at connector  201 ) into one or more outputs, such as at first  202  and second  204  output connectors. The first output  202  being associated with a first television appliance TV 1  and the second output  204  being associated with a second television appliance TV 2 . It is understood that the television appliances can be either a television or a converter box that is subsequently connected to a television. The junction box  200  also can include a cable or satellite television signal input connector  206  to receive and combine with the output of the antenna  100  before output to the televisions. The junction box  200  can also include an amplifier and an on/off switch  208 . The junction box can be mounted to a wall panel in the vehicle or other suitable location. The junction box in other configurations can also have a single television output or more than two such outputs. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the antenna unit  102  includes the antenna elements  198  configured to receive the desired television signals, for example UHF and VHF signals. However the invention is not limited to the antenna components and configuration shown in  FIG. 15 . Other suitable antenna types, configurations components can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0052]    The antenna system  100  also can include an amplifier to amplify the signal being received by the antenna. An amplifier adjustment device can further be provided to the housing  114 . 
         [0053]    The antenna system  100  can further be used in conjunction with a power injector to supply both power and signal to the antenna system. Further detail regarding the power injector is described in the appendix to the incorporated U.S. Provisional Application 61/433,175. 
         [0054]    In use, the user turns the system  100  on (if not already on), rotates the antenna using the adjustment knob  112  while watching the display  118 , stopping at the point which provides the strongest signal strength as indicated by the signal meter display  118 . Then the instructions for the television appliance or converter are followed to scan in the available channels. 
         [0055]    In a further aspect, the antenna system  100  is configured to remain in a deployed condition at all times. Thus, it is not necessary to collapse the antenna portion on the roof prior to transit or deploy the antenna portion on the roof when viewing is desired. Plus, the low profile and aerodynamic shape of the antenna  102  may permit viewing of television, or other types of signals, while the vehicle is in motion because the antenna can remain deployed while in motion. 
         [0056]    In a further aspect, the antenna system can be configured so that the height of the antenna component above the roof of the vehicle is adjustable. This can be provided by either mechanical or motorized configurations. A height adjustment knob or switch can be incorporated into the interior housing  114 . Alternatively, azimuth or rotation adjustment knob  112  can be configured for multiple operations, such as push-pull plus rotational movement. 
         [0057]    In another aspect, the antenna assembly  102  on the roof of the vehicle can be motorized. An electric motor can be disposed in the antenna  102 , riser  104  and/or base  106  and operatively coupled to the antenna to selectively adjust the antenna rotation and/or height. Thus, for example, the rotation can be automated by the motor in response to manual or automatic input. Adjustable height can also be automated in a similar manner. 
         [0058]    Additionally, a micro-controller can be incorporated into the system and configured to automatically find and lock onto the direction of the strongest signal or another target location as desired or determined. In such arrangement, the user can push a “find” button or switch and the antenna system will automatically find the strongest signal or aim in a direction as determined by the control logic. In-motion tracking can also be provided by this configuration. In motion, the motors continually adjust the aim of the antenna to stay locked on to the target energy source. 
         [0059]    In yet another aspect, the antenna system can be configured without a signal meter. 
         [0060]    In a further aspect, the antenna orientation or position corresponding to a locked or acquired signal can be stored in memory provided to the antenna. Thus, the antenna can search for additional channels, which may require adjusting the orientation of the antenna, without re-locking on the one or more valid locations already located. Multiple antenna orientations can be stored in this manner so that the user is provided with the ability to more quickly switch or jump between channels that have already been located and stored in memory. Such jumping is faster than searching each time a new channel is selected. The input to the antenna system requesting a jump or switch can be provided by input by the user, such as pressing a button, or automatically by another means, such as a remote control or a control box or the television appliance providing a signal requesting a switch. The command to store a location can be provided automatically as well, including the system storing a position without external request, or manually. The user can also designate an invalid position that will be skipped in a subsequent search so that the invalid position does not get re-locked in a subsequent search. The system can also perform a general scan upon startup, or by a command of the user, and lock in a pre-determined number (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of signal source candidate orientations. Then the user can jump between these candidates rather than searching and locking orientations in a serial manner. Subsequent scans can be performed to re-populate the set of candidate orientations after one or more candidate orientations has been marked as invalid. 
         [0061]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0062]    For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.