Abstract:
A radio-frequency device holder can include a base support member for the radio-frequency device holder to be positioned on a window sash and panels forming a box-like structure above the support member. The panels can be designed to replicate a window air conditioner. The side accordion members can be designed to replicate air conditioner side accordion members.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention relates to a holder for a satellite TV dish which can be conveniently used in a window of an apartment, house, or other habitable building.  
         [0002]     A number of references disclose satellite dish holders, as for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,424. As disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 4A of U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,424, a block-like building element  10  is utilized. Outer skin layers  12  may be constructed from material such as ABS, which is substantially transparent to electromagnetic waves.  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,019 discloses an antenna deployment system for a vehicle which features a cabinet  12  and a platform  14  which holds the antenna assembly  20  mounted thereto.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,441,799 discloses a polyurethane foam concealment panel which is substantially radio-frequency (RF) transparent and which can be camouflaged by application of paint and other coatings to match the exterior surfaces of buildings.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,404,405 discloses a releasable mounting for a satellite dish antenna, with the mounting intended specifically for suspending a dish satellite outside of the window.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,496,138 discloses an electromagnetic wave radar device in which a mounting for the device serves to conceal the radar device from view.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,913 discloses a satellite dish mounting which can be used to direct the dish antenna in a variety of directions and can be used adjacent to a window.  
         [0008]     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,340 discloses a mounting system for mounting a satellite dish indoors, but which can be extended outdoors through a window opening.  
         [0009]     While many of the references suggest ways to conceal a satellite dish, none of the references have the specificity of the subject application with respect to the use of a satellite dish in a window in a practical way.  
         [0010]     For example, a number of the references previously discussed disclose structure for concealing satellite dishes, but such structure is as objectionable as the dishes themselves in that structure is created that is unusual and non-conforming to an apartment or house usage.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     Accordingly, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a holder which conceals a radio-frequency (RF) device yet conceals such device in an acceptable and useful manner.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of the subject invention to provide structure which can conceal a RF device, yet which is efficient and easy to use.  
         [0013]     It is but another object of the subject invention to provide structure for concealing a RF device, yet providing structure which can be easily accessed by the user.  
         [0014]     It is but one more object of the subject invention to provide a RF device holder which appears to be an air conditioner.  
         [0015]     In accordance with the objects of the subject invention, a RF device holder is the subject of the present application, which holder is designed to, in all respects, appear to be an air conditioning unit. Under such circumstances, the holder can be used in windows of apartments, houses, or other structures, and from outward appearances will appear to be an air conditioning unit. The holder is easily accessible from inside the house by a simple catch mechanism which allows the back to be lowered and the RF device to be placed in the unit or removed therefrom.  
         [0016]     The holder is surrounded by structure, which as in the case of a window air conditioner, creates a secure window treatment which will keep out elements and also serve to secure the window from unwanted entry.  
         [0017]     Appropriate panels of the RF device holder are substantially transparent to electromagnetic waves, such that the reception of the RF device mounted or contained therein is not hindered. That is, the RF device can function in a manner that is acceptable for the intended use of the RF device. The RF device holder can be large enough so that the RF device is rotatable within the unit to permit acceptable reception.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of a radio-frequency (RF) device holder inserted within a window in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  discloses a close-up isometric view of the RF device holder of  FIG. 1  showing the satellite dish in phantom within the unit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the unit of  FIG. 1  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]     The present invention provides a solution for mounting and/or holding various radio-frequency (RF) devices. More particularly, the present invention provides an RF-friendly enclosure that can be used to mount or hold RF devices such as RF receivers and/or RF transceivers. For example, in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein, the present invention can be used to house any of a plurality of RF devices including, but not limited to, a cellular phone base station, a satellite dish, a two-way radio, a wireless access point, a base station for a conventional wireless telephone, or any other similar RF-based device.  
         [0023]     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented as a RF device enclosure or holder  10  as shown generally in  FIG. 1  having side panels  12  and  14 , end panel  16 , and a top  18 . The RF device holder  10  will be quickly recognized as being very similar to a window air conditioning unit. End and top panels  16  and  18  can be made of RF-friendly material or a material that is otherwise substantially transparent to electromagnetic waves so that a satellite dish or other RF-based device can function within the unit. In another embodiment, side panels  12  and  14  also can be RF-friendly as disclosed herein.  
         [0024]     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the RF device holder  10  has a bottom  20  on which a satellite dish  22  is positioned on a satellite dish plate  24 . As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , accordion sides  26  and  28  are insertable below the window sash  30 , which is part of an apartment or house siding  32  which is shown to be brick. With specific attention to  FIG. 3 , the windowsill  34  has a window receptacle, and which insert member  36  is positioned. The satellite plate  24  is secured to the bottom  20  of RF device holder  10  by screws  38  or another appropriate fastening mechanism.  
         [0025]     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , the satellite dish  22  has a rotation swivel device  40  which enables the satellite dish  22  to be positioned in any of a variety of desirable positions. The holder  10  has a back member  42  with a lower hinge  44  and an upper clasp  46  which can be opened to insert or remove or otherwise adjust satellite dish  22 . The window sash  48  is shown above with sash angle  50  resting against the top  12  of the RF device enclosure  10 . Masonry structure  52  is shown below windowsill member  34 .  
         [0026]     As appreciated from  FIG. 1 , the RF device holder  10  for all intents and purposes has the appearance of an air conditioner, as both the holder itself and the surrounding structure, i.e., accordion sides  26  and  28 , give the impression of being such a unit. As can be appreciated from  FIG. 3 , a satellite dish  22  can be quickly placed within the holder  10  to enable use of satellite dish  22 . The back  42  of the holder  10  can be opened and dropped down to allow access to satellite dish  22 .  
         [0027]     Unlike prior references that disclose satellite dish holders, the present invention is very useful to enable a person to quickly utilize the inside of holder  10  by access through back panel  42 . Notably, the back panel  42  can be perforated or vented, for example to allow electrical service into the holder  10  and/or to allow for ventilation of any electrical and/or RF components disposed within the holder  10 .  
         [0028]     The appearance as an air conditioning unit in the first instance enables the holder  10  to be utilized without attracting undue attention to lessen any potential problems of theft of satellite dish  22  or any other RF device contained therein. In addition, the present invention allows one to utilize an RF device without running afoul of building or home association rules and/or guidelines that disfavor the use or mounting of such devices.  
         [0029]     While the present invention has been largely described with reference to a satellite dish, as noted, the present invention can be used as a holder for any of a variety of RF-devices whether receivers, transmitters, and/or transceivers. For example, the present invention can be used to mount a cellular phone base station, a satellite dish, a two-way radio, a wireless access point such as an 802.11 wireless access point, or a base station for communicating with one or more conventional indoor wireless telephones.  
         [0030]     The various RF devices can be secured to mounting plates fashioned according to the particular dimensions of the RF device to be mounted and as described herein. In another embodiment, such RF devices can be placed within the holder  10  without any mounting plate, for example in those cases where the RF device is free-standing or self-supporting.  
         [0031]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the holder  10  can include a short range wireless transmitter or transceiver (not shown). For example, the short range wireless transmitter or transceiver can be configured to communicate using any of the 802.11 family of wireless communications protocols. In another example, such a transmitter or transceiver can communicate over a 900 MHz and/or a 2.4 GHz wireless communication link, or variants thereof, as are commonly used by conventional wireless telephones and wireless telephone base stations.  
         [0032]     Such a short range wireless transmitter or transceiver can be mounted to the back  42  or placed or otherwise secured within the holder  10 . In such an embodiment, rather than extend cables from the RF device to other local devices such as televisions, cellular phones, computer systems, or other devices that may be communicatively linked with the RF device, signals received by the RF device supported by the holder  10  can be provided to the short range wireless transmitter or transceiver via a connecting wire or cable to be re-broadcast. Notably, the back  42  still can have one or more openings to allow for electrical service into the holder  10 .  
         [0033]     As noted, the holder  10  can be designed to keep out elements and also secure the window from unwanted entry. For example, the various components of the holder  10  that have exposure to the outside can be weatherized. Similarly, the holder  10 , and any portions of the holder  10  that contact the building within which the holder  10  is to be installed, can be sealed such that elements are prevented from entering. The holder  10  also can be secured to the window from the inside such that the holder  10  cannot be removed without unlocking the securing mechanism.  
         [0034]     It will be appreciated that the present invention may be adapted for utilization beyond the specific environments discussed herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but is defined by the scope and spirit of the following claims.