Abstract:
A satellite antenna cover includes a substantially rigid and concave surface configured to permit the reception and transmission of satellite communication signals, a curved outer rim emanating there from, and at least one secure antenna attachment member integrally formed on the outer rim. The antenna attachment member includes a body configured substantially as a raised bridge, and at least one elongated and resilient tab extending away from the raised bridge-like body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This utility patent application is a continuation of pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/982,671, filed on Nov. 4, 2004 and published on May 4, 2006 under US 2006/0092089 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     When rain or snow collects in the bottom portion of an uncovered satellite dish of a standard parabolic configuration, the moisture content scatters the broadcast signal and prevents it from focusing properly on the feed horn. When enough of a TV broadcast signal is scattered, the picture is lost on the TV set. After a heavy snowfall, the sheer weight of the snow pulls the aim of the dish down below the satellite arc resulting in compromised picture quality for the user. Repeated heavy snowfall or hail may lead to perforation of the satellite dish, reducing the accuracy of the signal-receiving (reflective) surface. In some satellite dish antennas, the added weight of snow puts unnecessary stress on the actuator and motor which causes premature failure of either or both.  
         [0003]     On clear days, a certain amount of the sun&#39;s heat and UV (Ultra Violet) rays are focused back at the feed horn, raising the temperature of the LNB (Low Noise Block) down converter unit, causing undesired noise or interference in the transmitted picture and accelerating the breakdown of the components. In light colored fiberglass antennas or solid metal antennas from which the paint has peeled off, prolonged heat and UV exposure may cause melting of the feed horn.  
         [0004]     To combat these weather-related problems, the satellite antenna industry is encouraging antenna owners to use satellite dish covers. Some satellite dish covers are made from slick cloth-like material with the installed cover defining a somewhat vertical surface to help rain, snow, hail and/or various debris, such as leaves, pine needles, bird droppings and the like, slide off the cover. The cover material passes satellite signals through with virtually no signal attenuation and allows focusing of the same via the feed horn. The cloth-like cover is normally stretched on the front signal-receiving face while being attached to the back of the satellite dish via a drawstring arrangement or the like.  
         [0005]     A tightly stretched satellite dish cover made of weatherproof cloth-like material reflects the sun&#39;s energy away from the satellite dish while maintaining the antenna at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new satellite antenna. Unfortunately, this type of cloth-like arrangement deteriorates over time and leads to sagging of the dish cover in certain areas, which affects signal reception quality.  
         [0006]     Some satellite covers incorporate corporate logos, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) labels or private labeling from mass distributors. Some flat planar-array antennas eliminate covers entirely by printing text and/or graphics directly on the signal-receiving face of the antenna. Other satellite antennas use the signal-receiving face for application of decals, labels, 35 mm film strips and/or the like. None of the satellite antennas use covers of substantially rigid configuration that can securely snap around the entire signal-receiving perimeter of the antenna and permit transmission of satellite signals. Such satellite antenna covers would be well suited for decorative and advertising use as well as for mass-manufacturing at a reasonable cost to the user.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to a satellite antenna cover.  
         [0008]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the satellite antenna cover comprises a substantially concave surface configured to permit the reception and transmission of satellite communication signals, a curved outer rim emanating from the substantially concave surface, and at least one secure antenna attachment member integrally formed on the curved outer rim. The integrally formed antenna attachment member comprises a body configured substantially as a raised bridge, and at least one elongated and resilient tab extending away from the raised bridge-like body.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the satellite antenna cover comprises a substantially concave body configured to permit the reception and transmission of satellite communication signals. The concave body has a front surface and a rear surface. The cover also comprises a curved outer lip emanating from the concave body. The curved outer lip provides a raised border for the rear surface of the concave body. The curved outer lip is configured to frictionally wrap around the entire outer rim of an associated satellite antenna dish.  
         [0010]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the satellite antenna cover comprises a substantially concave body configured to permit the reception and transmission of satellite communication signals. The concave body has a front surface and a rear surface. The cover also comprises a curved outer lip emanating from the concave body. The curved outer lip provides a raised border for the rear surface of the concave body. The curved outer lip is configured to snap onto the entire outer rim of an associated satellite antenna dish. The snapped on outer lip is sufficiently tensioned to prevent removal of the concave body without the use of tools.  
         [0011]     These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from a review of the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The present invention is generally shown by way of reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a satellite dish antenna equipped with a dish cover constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the satellite dish antenna and dish cover of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a back elevational view of a satellite dish antenna equipped with a dish cover constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a satellite antenna dish equipped with a dish cover constructed in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a satellite antenna dish equipped with a dish cover constructed in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a satellite antenna dish equipped with a dish cover constructed in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the exemplary embodiments in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0021]     Some embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the related drawings of  FIGS. 1-7 . Additional embodiments, features and/or advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description or may be learned by practicing the invention. In the figures, the drawings are not to scale with like numerals referring to like features throughout both the drawings and the description.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a satellite dish antenna  10  equipped with a dish cover  12  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Dish cover  12  shrouds the entire front signal-receiving face of antenna dish  14  ( FIG. 2 ) with the outer surface of the signal-receiving face being of a generally concave configuration, as generally shown in  FIG. 1 . Dish cover  12  may be made from generally rigid weather-proof material which does not inhibit transmission of satellite communication signals and avoids the sagging problems encountered in prior art arrangements.  
         [0023]     For example, dish cover  12  may be manufactured from durable and generally rigid plastic adapted to permit transmission of satellite communication signals to/from antenna dish  14  ( FIG. 2 ) and effectively protect the signal-receiving face of antenna dish  14  from damaging UV radiation by the sun, inclement weather and/or various debris such as vegetation, bird droppings and the like, i.e. it is generally waterproof, cold crack resistant, high heat resistant, tear resistant and the like. In accordance with the general principles of the present invention, the term “plastic” is generally defined herein as any of various organic compounds produced by polymerization, and capable of being molded, extruded, and/or cast into various shapes.  
         [0024]     Dish cover  12  ( FIGS. 1-2 ) conforms substantially to the outer contours of the generally concave signal-receiving face of antenna dish  14 . Dish cover  12  is provided with a generally curved outer lip  18  ( FIG. 2 ) which frictionally wraps around the outer rim of antenna dish  14 . Dish cover  12  is adapted to snap on antenna dish  14  with outer lip  18  providing secure snap fit attachment for dish cover  12  around the entire signal-receiving perimeter of antenna dish  14 .  
         [0025]     The “snap-on” dish cover  12  may be configured for removal by the user without the use of tools. Alternatively, the snap fit attachment provided by outer lip  18  may be sufficiently tensioned to prevent removal by the user without the use of tools. The need for complicated dish cover attachment setups involving cables, ties and the like, as practiced in prior art devices, is avoided.  
         [0026]     Once installed over antenna dish  14 , dish cover  12  provides a generally rigid concave outer surface  13  ( FIG. 1 ) suitable for decorative and/or advertising use. For example, outer surface  13  may include a sports team logo  17 , as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Other usage of outer surface  13  may include applying text and/or graphics in the form of decals, labels, stickers and the like using a variety of processes such as screen printing, silk-screen printing and the like. Applied text and/or graphics may depict political or humorous messages, slogans, product advertising and/or the like. Outer lip  18  ( FIG. 2 ) is integrally formed on rigid outer surface  13  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a back elevational view of a satellite dish antenna  16  equipped with a dish cover  22  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As generally depicted in  FIG. 4 , dish cover  22  conforms substantially to the outer contours of a generally concave signal-receiving face  19  of antenna dish  24 . Dish cover  22  includes generally curved outer flaps  20  ( FIGS. 3-4 ) adapted to securely grip portions of outer rim  25  and back surface  23  of antenna dish  24 , as generally shown in  FIG. 4 . Dish cover  22  is adapted to snap on antenna dish  24  with outer flaps  20  providing secure snap fit attachment for dish cover  22  around the entire signal-receiving perimeter of antenna dish  24 .  
         [0028]     Dish cover  22  shrouds the entire signal-receiving face  19  of antenna dish  24  while permitting transmission of satellite communication signals to/from antenna dish  24 . Dish cover  22  may be constructed from generally rigid weather-proof plastic which avoids the sagging problems encountered in prior art devices. The plastic material effectively protects signal-receiving face  19  from damaging UV radiation by the sun, inclement weather and/or various debris such as vegetation, bird droppings and the like, i.e. it is generally waterproof, cold crack resistant, high heat resistant, tear resistant and the like.  
         [0029]     Once installed over antenna dish  24 , dish cover  22  provides a generally rigid concave outer surface  15  ( FIG. 4 ) suitable for decorative and/or advertising use. Outer flaps  20  are integrally formed on rigid outer surface  15 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a satellite antenna dish  30  equipped with a dish cover  26  in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Dish cover  26  is of a substantially flat configuration relative to the outer contours of a generally concave signal-receiving face  29  of antenna dish  30 . Dish cover  26  includes generally curved outer flaps  32  adapted to securely grip portions of outer rim  34  and back surface  36  of antenna dish  30 , as generally shown in  FIG. 5 . Dish cover  26  is adapted to snap on antenna dish  30  with outer flaps  32  providing secure snap fit attachment for dish cover  26  around the entire signal-receiving perimeter of antenna dish  30 .  
         [0031]     Dish cover  26  shrouds the entire signal-receiving face  29  of antenna dish  30  while permitting transmission of satellite communication signals to/from antenna dish  30 . Dish cover  26  may be constructed from generally rigid weather-proof plastic which avoids the sagging problems encountered in prior art devices. The plastic material effectively protects signal-receiving face  29  from damaging UV radiation by the sun, inclement weather and/or various debris such as vegetation, bird droppings and the like, i.e. it is generally waterproof, cold crack resistant, high heat resistant, tear resistant and the like.  
         [0032]     Once installed over antenna dish  30 , dish cover  26  provides a generally rigid flat outer surface  27  ( FIG. 5 ) suitable for decorative and/or advertising use. Outer flaps  32  are integrally formed on rigid outer surface  27 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a satellite antenna dish  40  equipped with a dish cover  38  in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Dish cover  38  is of a substantially convex configuration relative to the outer contours of a generally concave signal-receiving face  42  of antenna dish  40 . Dish cover  38  includes generally curved outer flaps  44  adapted to securely grip portions of outer rim  46  and back surface  48  of antenna dish  40 , as generally shown in  FIG. 6 . Dish cover  38  is adapted to snap on antenna dish  40  with outer flaps  44  providing secure snap fit attachment for dish cover  38  around the entire signal-receiving perimeter of antenna dish  40 .  
         [0034]     Dish cover  38  shrouds the entire signal-receiving face  42  of antenna dish  40  while permitting transmission of satellite communication signals to/from antenna dish  40 . Dish cover  38  may be constructed from generally rigid weather-proof plastic which avoids the sagging problems encountered in prior art devices. The plastic material effectively protects signal-receiving face  42  from damaging UV radiation by the sun, inclement weather and/or various debris such as vegetation, bird droppings and the like, i.e. it is generally waterproof, cold crack resistant, high heat resistant, tear resistant and the like.  
         [0035]     Once installed over antenna dish  40 , dish cover  38  provides a generally rigid convex outer surface  39  ( FIG. 6 ) suitable for decorative and/or advertising use. Outer flaps  44  are integrally formed on rigid outer surface  39 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a satellite antenna dish  50  equipped with a dish cover  52  in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Dish cover  52  is adapted to shroud the entire front signal-receiving face of antenna dish  50  which is generally concave. Dish cover  52  permits transmission of satellite communication signals to/from antenna dish  50 . The concave signal-receiving face of antenna dish  50  terminates with an extended and generally curved outer rim  54 .  
         [0037]     Dish cover  52  may be made from generally rigid weather-proof material, such as plastic, which does not inhibit transmission of satellite communication signals and protects the signal-receiving face of satellite dish  50  from damaging UV radiation by the sun, inclement weather and/or various debris such as vegetation, bird droppings and the like. This type of dish cover material is generally waterproof, cold crack resistant, high heat resistant, tear resistant and the like.  
         [0038]     Dish cover  52  conforms substantially to the outer contours of the generally concave signal-receiving face and extended outer rim  54  of antenna dish  50 . Dish cover  52  is provided with a plurality of generally elongated spring-like terminal tabs, such as tab  56 , adapted to snap over outer rim  54  of antenna dish  50 , as generally depicted in  FIG. 7 . Dish cover  52  is configured to snap on antenna dish  50  via the terminal tabs, such as tab  56 , providing a secure snap fit attachment for dish cover  52  around the entire signal-receiving perimeter of antenna dish  50 . The “snap-on” dish cover  52  may be easily removed by the user without the use of any tools. Once installed over antenna dish  50 , dish cover  52  provides a generally rigid concave outer surface suitable for decorative and/or advertising use.  
         [0039]     A person skilled in the art would readily recognize that various other satellite cover attachment arrangements may be utilized, provided such other attachment arrangements do not depart from the intended purpose of the present invention.  
         [0040]     The satellite antenna cover of the present invention is not limited for use on satellite antennas of the concave signal-receiving (reflective) face type. For example, each one of the exemplary dish cover embodiments, generally shown and described hereinabove in reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , may be readily modified for use on satellite antennas of the flat planar-array type. For example, one such flat planar-array antenna that would be well suited for use with the satellite antenna cover of the present invention incorporates a plurality of receivers on its face adapted to collect signals sent by one or more satellites. The collected signals are transmitted via appropriate circuitry to an amplifier (LNB) which is integrated at the back of the antenna.  
         [0041]     Other components and/or configurations may be utilized, provided such other components and/or configurations remain within the intended scope of the present invention. Other materials may be used to construct the satellite dish cover of the present invention, provided such other materials do not deviate from the intended scope and spirit of the present invention. The generally rigid outer surface of the signal-receiving face of the satellite dish cover of the present invention offers users convenient medium for decorative and/or advertising use.  
         [0042]     A person skilled in the art would appreciate that exemplary embodiments described hereinabove are merely illustrative of the general principles of the present invention. Other modifications or variations may be employed that are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.  
         [0043]     Moreover, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Thus, it is intended that the invention cover all embodiments and variations thereof as long as such embodiments and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.