Patent Publication Number: US-10770783-B2

Title: Data communications system for a vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/873,836 filed on Jan. 17, 2018 entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/587,167 filed on May 4, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,003,124), entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS CASE HAVING AN INTERNAL ANTENNA ARRAY, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/379,219 filed on Dec. 14, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,680,208), entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS CASE HAVING AN INTERNAL ANTENNA ARRAY, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,905 filed Mar. 7, 2016 entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS CASE HAVING AN INTERNAL ANTENNA ARRAY and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/395,394 filed Sep. 16, 2016 entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS CASE HAVING AN INTERNAL ANTENNA ARRAY, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/447,374 filed Jan. 17, 2017, entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS CASE HAVING AN INTERNAL ANTENNA ARRAY, each of the above noted applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This present disclosure generally relates to the field of data communications. 
     More specifically, the present disclosure relates to facilitating various types of communications, including secure, high-speed data communications, and voice communications when current end user devices may detect that little or no wireless or voice signal is available. Network failures and slow data communications occur for a myriad of reasons—from crowded networks to natural disasters—leading to frustrations in a society that is growing ever dependent on the ability to transmit and receive communications, including secure, high-speed data. Further, obtaining data and voice communication in remote areas without readily available power supplies, internet connectivity, and/or where cellular coverage is weak or non-existent can be difficult if not impossible, which can be especially undesirable for public safety officials and others that often rely on data and voice communications for work projects in rural environments and in disaster relief situations. 
     Conventional data communication units are large, bulky, and difficult to transport, and thus are typically retained in a generally fixed or permanent location. Additionally, conventional, portable antennas are typically located on the outside of a data communications unit, creating a cumbersome device that is not aesthetically pleasing, where the antennas are freely exposed to external wear, tear and breakage. 
     What is needed then are improvements to data communication units. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure is a data communications system for a vehicle having an exterior surface and an interior space, the data communications system including a support frame positionable within the interior space of the vehicle. A case is movable between an open and a closed position and includes a mounting system, the case mountable to the exterior surface of the vehicle via the mounting system. The system includes a power supply and a router device communicated with the power supply, one or more of the power supply and the router device mounted to the support frame. An antenna array is mounted within the case, the antenna array communicated with the router device, the antenna array including at least two cellular antennas. 
     In some embodiments, the router device and the power supply can be positioned on the support frame. In some embodiments, at least one wireless antenna can also be mounted to the support frame and electrically communicated with the router device. In some embodiments, the mounting system can include at least one case rail mounted to the case and at least one vehicle rail mountable to the vehicle, the case rail and the vehicle rail securable together to mount the case to the vehicle. 
     The data communications system of the present disclosure can be utilized in one application in various vertical markets for failover when there is a power outage or the Wide Area Network (WAN) is down. The data communications system of the present disclosure can also be used in areas where cellular coverage may appear to be weak or even non-existent in order to amplify or increase the wireless or voice signal detected by an end user device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. The data communications system of the present disclosure may also be deployed for events, such as sales meetings, sporting, entertainment or news events, etc. The data communications system of the present disclosure can also be used for military, police, fire, rescue, or other combat and/or emergency vehicles. 
     One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a portable data and voice communications system for a vehicle that allows for reliable wireless and cellular communications and/or GPS location services when power outages or signal disruptions occur. 
     Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a portable, data and voice communications system for a vehicle that allows for reliable wireless and cellular communications and/or GPS location services in areas where signal strength is weak or nonexistent. 
     Another objective of the present disclosure is to allow for greater mobility and durability for portable data and voice communications systems. In conventional portable data and voice communications systems, antennas have not been housed inside protective carrying cases and thus have not been capable of withstanding significant impact. 
     Numerous other objects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following description of certain embodiments, including the drawings and figures attached hereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a data communications apparatus of the present disclosure with a lid of the apparatus in an open position to provide access to internal components of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the data communications apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the lid in the closed position. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed cross section view of another embodiment of a data communications case of the present disclosure having hollow case sidewalls, the apparatus having an antenna mounted to a mounting bracket and the mounting bracket adhered to an inner side of a lid of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing an annular gasket positioned on a base of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  showing the annular gasket compressed between the lid and the base of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the lid of the apparatus in an open position. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  with the lid of the apparatus in a closed position. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross section view of the base of  FIG. 1  showing one or more fastening straps adhered to an inner side of the case and secured around corresponding internal components of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a data communications apparatus of the present disclosure having an antenna array with multiple pairs of cellular antennas. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a data communications apparatus of the present disclosure having an antenna array with multiple antennas contained within an antenna housing. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a data communications apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-section view of another embodiment of a data communications apparatus of the present disclosure where a base of the case has a charging port sized to receive the plug of an adapter to recharge the power source. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial cross-section view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  with a cap for the charging port in a closed position over the charging port. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of another embodiment of a data communications apparatus of the present disclosure including a second outer protective case having multiple second case cushion foam layers. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support frame for a data communications system of the present disclosure for a vehicle. 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of the support frame of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a right side view of the support frame of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a left side view of the support frame of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the support frame of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a back elevation view of the support frame of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of a case for a data communications system of the present disclosure for a vehicle with a mounting system. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the case of  FIG. 23  in an open position. 
         FIG. 25  is a side perspective view of the support frame of  FIG. 17  and the case of  FIG. 23  mounted to a vehicle. 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the case of  FIG. 23  mounted to a vehicle via the mounting system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims. 
     In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. Positional terms used herein such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing that is being referred to in the accompanying description. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use. 
     An embodiment of the data communications apparatus  10  containing various components is shown in  FIG. 1 . Apparatus  10  can include a case  12  including a base  42  and a lid  44  connectable to base  42 . Lid  44  can be movable with respect to base  42  between an open position and a closed position. In  FIG. 1 , lid  44  is shown pivotally connected to base  42  via hinge  38 , such that lid  44  can rotate with respect to base  42  between an open and a closed position. One or more latches or clasps  39  can secure lid  44  to base  42  when lid  44  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, lid  44  can be detachable from base  42  such that lid  44  can be connectable on base  42  and secured thereto via two or more latches or clasps  39  positioned around the periphery of case  12 . Moving lid  44  from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , can provide a user access to the internal components of case  12 . Case  12  can include a handle  46  which can be grasped by a user to facilitate carrying apparatus  10  and case  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the sidewalls of case  12  can be a hollow structure having an inner and an outer shell as shown in  FIG. 3 . The outer and inner shells of case  12  can be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to polypropylene, which can help provide impact resistance, waterproofing, crush-proofing, and dustproofing characteristics to case  12 . The outer and inner shells of case  12  may also comprise various other polymers including polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, nylon, silicone rubber, polycarbonates, and various other polymers known in the art. In some embodiments, case  12  can be a solid structure having a single, thicker shell, as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , case  12  can include an inner surface  13 , which can include base inner surface  13   a  and lid inner surface  13   b . Base inner surface  13   a  can define a base cavity  15   a , and lid inner surface  13   b  can define a lid cavity  15   b . Components contained within case  12  can be positioned in either base cavity  15   a  or lid cavity  15   b.    
     In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can include an annular gasket  48  positioned on case  42 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4-5 . When lid  44  is in the closed position, annular gasket  48  may be compressed between lid  44  and base  42  to form an annular seal between base  42  and lid  44 . The annular seal formed by annular gasket  48  can be a waterproof seal such that when lid  44  is in a closed position, annular gasket  48  can help protect the internal components of apparatus  10  from exposure to liquids, as well as dust and other potential contaminants. Annular gasket  48  can be made from a rubber or elastomer material, or any other suitable material for forming a seal between base  42  and lid  44 . Annular gasket  48  can help ensure that pressure equalization within case  12  is maintained. In some embodiments, case  12  may include an automatic-pressure release valve  50 . As apparatus  10  is operated, heat can be generated inside case  12  which can increase the pressure inside case  12 . Pressure relief valve  50  can be configured to sense or determine the pressure inside case  12 , and automatically open to release pressure within case  12  when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     In certain embodiments, case  12  meets or exceeds U.S. military specifications for ruggedized equipment. For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the interior dimensions of case  12  are approximately 18.0-20.0 inches in length by 12.0-14.0 inches in width by 6.0 to 8.0 inches in height; and the exterior dimensions of case  12  are approximately 19.0-21.0 inches in length by 15.0-17.0 inches in width by 7.0-9.0 inches in height. For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the weight of case  12  when empty is approximately six to eight pounds. The size and weight of case  12  can be varied in different applications to increase or decrease the size and weight of case  12  and apparatus  10  as desired for different uses and to accommodate varying numbers of internal components as necessary. A case designed to be easily portable and easy to transport can be beneficial in various situations and applications, for instance when used by emergency responders and other public safety officials who can conveniently transport apparatus  10  to disaster relief areas or other remote areas without power, wireless service, and/or voice service. The size and weight of case  12  and apparatus  10  can also be varied for business and sales persons that may travel frequently and desire to have ready access to data and voice communications capabilities. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , apparatus  10  can include a router device  14  secured within case  12 , and a rechargeable wireless power supply  24  secured within case  12 . Router device  14  can selectively receive power from power supply  24 . Apparatus  10  can include an AC/DC adapter  16 . Power supply  24  can be connected to adapter  16  and adapter  16  can be plugged into an external power grid in order to recharge power supply  24  between uses of apparatus  10 , or while apparatus  10  is being used and power supply  24  is depleted. In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can include a second power source which can be a second standalone power source such as a battery or load cell which can be connected to power source  24 . A second standalone power source can help prolong the usable life of apparatus  10  when apparatus  10  is used in remote area or areas without access to a utility power grid. In some embodiments, the second standalone power source can be configured to provide multiple days of additional power to apparatus  10 . In some embodiments, the second external power source can be contained in its own, waterproof protective case such that the second standalone power source is protected as described herein. Case  12  and the case for the second standalone power source can be positioned side by side or on top of one another and the secondary power source can be connected to power source  24 . 
     A power switch  22 , a main fuse  18 , and an auxiliary fuse  20  can also be secured within case  12 . Power switch  22  can be in electrical communication with power supply  24  and router device  14  and can be selectively toggled by a user to turn on apparatus  10  and supply power from power supply  24  to router device  14 . Main fuse  18  and auxiliary fuse  20  can be utilized to power additional electrical devices if desired, for instance external lighting sources, which can be beneficial in times of power outages or in remote locations away from electrical power grids. Power supply  24 , router device  14 , power switch  22 , main fuse  18  and auxiliary fuse  20  can be connected to one another by low voltage (approximately 9V to 36V) electrical wiring that is coated with a suitable insulating material (e.g., flame-retardant polyvinyl chloride), having an approximate thickness of 0.007-0.011 inches. An insulated coating on the electrical wiring can help reduce electromagnetic interference between the wiring, as well as with other electrical components of apparatus  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, router device  14  comprises a built-in modem, a cellular gateway, WAN/LAN switchable ports, and a wireless network adapter. In certain embodiments, router device  14  is capable of utilizing a firewall to block unauthorized access to communications sent and/or received via router device  14 . In certain embodiments, router device  14  is capable of enabling multiple, segmented wireless networks, which can either be public or private wireless networks. The multiple wireless networks may have separate and different service set identifiers (SSIDs), each of which may be defined with passcodes. It is advantageous that router device  14  be capable of encrypting data communications via various encryption protocols (e.g., encrypting WiFi communications with WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc.). It may also be advantageous that router device  14  be programmable to allow for load balancing. 
     Further, each wireless network may be capable of having multiple users. In some embodiments, each wireless network and SSID can simultaneously accommodate multiple users. In some embodiments, router device  14  can enable multiple separate wireless networks and SSIDs, such that apparatus  10  can accommodate additional users on the separate wireless networks. Router device  14  may utilize either static or dynamic IP addressing schemas. In certain embodiments, router device  14  may enable 802.11 wireless connectivity utilizing distinct wireless frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, or 5.9 GHz). In certain embodiments, router device  14  may enable 802.11 wireless connectivity in a, b, g, n, and/or ac standard configurations. In certain embodiments, router device  14  may be programmed via a cloud based device manager. In certain embodiments, router device  14  can include multiple cellular gateways such that router device  14  may accommodate and communicate with more than one cellular carrier. 
     In certain embodiments, router device  14  may have multiple WAN/LAN/RJ-45 ports for failover if a user wishes to directly connect to router device  14 . In certain embodiments, router device  14  may comprise a Gobi® radio 
     An antenna array  31  can be in electrical communication with router device  14 . Antenna array  31  can include one or more cellular antennas  32 , one or more wireless network (e.g. Wi-Fi®) antennas  34 , and at least one global positioning system (GPS) antenna  36  secured, retained within, or attached to an inside surface  13  of case  12 . In certain embodiments, antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  of antenna array  31  may be attached to lid inside surface  13   b  of lid  44 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12 , antenna array  31  can be secured in, retained within, or attached to base  42  of case  12 . In some embodiments, each antenna  32 ,  34 , and  36  of antenna array  31  can be separately mounted or attached within case  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, each of the antennas of antenna array  31  can be contained together in an antenna housing  64 , and antenna housing  64  can be contained within or attached to either base  42  or lid  40  of case  12  at a single location, as shown in  FIG. 12 . The location of antenna array  31  inside case  12  is beneficial because conventional, portable antennas are typically located on the outside of a data communications unit, creating a cumbersome device that is unaesthetically pleasing where the antennas are freely exposed to external wear, tear and breakage. In contrast, antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36 , as well as the other electrical components of apparatus  10  are protected by case  12  when lid  44  is in the closed position, which can help prevent damage to the integral electrical and/or communication components of apparatus  10 . When lid  44  is in the closed position, case  12  can enclose and protect power supply  24 , router device  14 , and antenna array  31 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , two cellular antennas  32  are utilized to cover frequencies across 700 and 800 MHz as well as all global cellular frequencies from 698-960 MHz and 1710-2700 MHz. Cellular antennas  32  of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  may require a ground plane. For the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and discussed above, It has been discovered that vertical polarity cellular antennas requiring a ground plane may be particularly advantageous. Ground plane independent cellular antennas and horizontal polarity cellular antennas, however, may also be used in other embodiments. Cellular antennas  32  of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  may allow for multiple user and multiple-input and multiple-output (MiMo) applications. As shown in  FIG. 9 , cellular antennas  32  can be positioned at a cellular antenna separation distance  54  from one another within case  12  to help reduce frequency interference between cellular antennas  32 . In one embodiment, cellular antenna separation distance  54  is at least 12 inches. 
     In certain embodiments, GPS antenna  36 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , can be included in the data communications case. In one embodiment, the GPS antenna has an operating frequency of 1575 MHz, but many other operating frequencies may be utilized. In one embodiment, GPS antenna  36  can have a low-noise amplifier gain of 26 decibels, and an impedance of 50 ohms. A plurality of GPS antennas may be used. The GPS antenna(s) may be active or passive GPS antennas. 
     In certain embodiments, the wireless antennas  34 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , have a frequency range of 2.4/5 GHz. In certain embodiments, the wireless antennas  34  enable multiple user and multiple-input and multiple-output applications. In certain embodiments, a user may be able to utilize a virtual private network (VPN) with any combination of the multiple wireless networks and/or any wired network port. In certain embodiments, more than two wireless antennas can be used to further increase the capacity of the wireless network and to further support MiMo applications. 
     Antenna cables  52  may connect various components inside the case  12  to the antennas  32 ,  34 ,  36 . The antenna cables  52  may be channeled through a conduit  51 , which allows for discrete and organized bundling of the antenna cables  52  and other cables connecting components within the case. Various components inside the case  12  may also be interconnected wirelessly. It is advantageous to utilize cables having as short as a length as possible to avoid attenuation. It is also advantageous to utilize low attenuation cables. 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 , antennas  32 ,  34 ,  36  are securely mounted within case  12  to lid inside surface  13   b  of lid  44 . Apparatus  10  can include a plurality of mounting brackets  55  which can be adhered to lid inside surface  13   b . Each antenna  32 ,  34 , and  36  of antenna array  31  can be secured inside lid  44  to a corresponding mounting bracket  55 . In some embodiments, each mounting bracket  55  can be substantially L-shaped. A first bracket portion  55   a  of bracket  55  can be positionable substantially parallel to lid inside surface  13   b , first bracket portion  55   a  being adhered to lid inside surface  13   b . A second bracket portion  55   b  can extend away from lid inside surface  13   b  when mounting bracket  55  is adhered to lid inside surface  13   b . A corresponding antenna, shown as GPS antenna  36  (by way of example only) in  FIG. 3 , can be mounted to second bracket portion  55   b . In one embodiment of the invention, second bracket portion  55   b  may be shaped and sized to serve as a ground plane for any one or more than one of the antennas of the antenna array. 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each mounting bracket  55  can include at least one resilient polymer stud  56  having a stud length  59 . Polymer studs  56  can be adhered to an inner surface  13  of case  12 , and in some embodiments to lid inner surface  13   b , and to first bracket portion  55   a  of a corresponding mounting bracket  55  such that mounting brackets  55  are adhered to lid inner surface  13   b  via polymer studs  56 . Particularly, one end of each stud  56  can be adhered to lid inner surface  13   b , and an opposing end of each stud  56  can be attached or adhered to first portion  55   a  of a corresponding mounting bracket  55 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each mounting bracket  55  can have an internal grommet or hole within the first portion  55   a  of mounting bracket  55  and each polymer stud  56  can have a threaded receptacle such that first portion  55   a  of mounting bracket  55  can be secured to polymer stud  56  by a screw, bolt, or other suitable fastener  57 . In some embodiments, a washer  53  can be positioned between mounting bracket  55  and fastener  57  to help disperse the force of fastener  57  against mounting bracket  55 . 
     In other embodiments, one end of each stud  56  can be adhered to lid inner surface  13   b , and an opposing end of each stud  56  can be adhered to first portion  55   a  of a corresponding mounting bracket  55 . In still other embodiments, each polymer stud  56  and corresponding mounting bracket  55  can be integrally formed together as one continuous or unitary piece. 
     In certain embodiments, studs  56  can have a circular longitudinal cross section including a diameter of at least 0.5 inches and a stud length of at least 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, studs  56  can have a diameter of about 0.825 inches and a length of about 1.25 inches. Studs  56  can therefore extend inward from lid inner surface  13   b  a distance of at least 0.5 inches. Studs  56  can be comprised of a resilient polymer capable of dampening shock and vibration, such as polychloroprene. In certain embodiments, each stud  56  may be secured to lid inner surface  13   b  of lid  44  by a structural adhesive  61 , such as a structural cyanoacrylate. One example of a suitable structural cyanoacrylate adhesive is BP Blue™, which can be purchased from Tech-Bond Solutions™ of Columbus, Ohio. In certain embodiments, the opposite ends of each stud  56  can also be secured to corresponding mounting brackets  55  via a similar structural adhesive, such as the structural cyanoacrylate discussed herein. While other mechanisms may be used to secure the antennas within case  12 , structurally adhering studs  56  to corresponding inner surface  13  of case  12  via structural adhesives such as structural cyanoacrylates can allow antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  to be secured within case  12  without having to penetrate case  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , mounting brackets  55  used to secure antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  within case  12  should be configured to allow for secure placement of antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  on corresponding mounting brackets  55  via suitable antenna fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts) and to provide any necessary ground plane for antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36 . Mounting brackets  55  and the fasteners used to hold antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  in place on corresponding mounting brackets  55  within case  12  may include powder coated steel or stainless steel. 
     Mounting brackets  55  can be positioned at a predetermined distance away from the inside of case  12  via polymer studs  56 , in some embodiments a distance of at least 0.5 inches, such that antennas are located at a sufficient distance from lid inner surface  13   b  of lid  44  so that case  12  may be comfortably closed, and so that antenna array  31  may have unimpeded, open-air exposure when lid  44  is in the open position. Affixing antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  to mounting brackets  55  on inner surface  13  of case  12  can allow for case  12  to be waterproof and dustproof and can help reduce the problem of antennas  32 ,  34 , and  36  being easily dislocated or knocked off a data communications unit. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , Apparatus  10  can include a plurality of fastening straps  26  adhered to case  12 . Each of power supply  24 , router device  14 , and power switch  22  can be secured within case  12  with at least one corresponding fastening strap  26 . Fastening straps  26  may incorporate hook and loop fasteners, zippers, removable adhesives, buttons, snaps, clips, or any other suitable fastening members to secure fastening straps  26  together around corresponding components of apparatus  10  to secure the components within case  12 . Fastening straps  26  in some embodiments can include audible snap closures. Fastening straps  26  can be adhered or structurally bonded to either base  42  or lid  44  as desired to secure the various components of apparatus  10  to either base  42  or lid  44 . 
     In some embodiments, fastening straps  26  may be sewn, adhered, or otherwise attached to corresponding polymer strips  60 . Polymer strips  60  can be adhered to inside surface  13  of case  12  by a polymer strip structural adhesive  62  such as a structural cyanoacrylate. As such, fastening straps  26  can be adhered to case  12  via polymer strips  60 . A polymer strip structural adhesive  62  including a structural cyanoacrylate can form a covalent bond between polymer strips  60  and inside surface  13  of case  12  to help provide a strong and reliable attachment of polymer strips  60  to case  12 . Adhering polymer strips  60  and fastening straps  26  to case  12  can help maintain the integrity of case  12  as polymer strips  60  and fastening straps  26  are not secured to case  12  by mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts that can penetrate case  12 . 
     In some embodiments, fastening straps  26  may be sewn to the polymer strips  60  using sewing thread that meets or exceeds U.S. military specifications. In other embodiments, fastening straps  26  can be adhered to polymer strips  60 . In still other embodiments, the fastening straps  26  may be adhered directly to inner surface  13  of case  12 . 
     Polymer strips  60  may comprise polychloroprene, nylon-reinforced polychloroprene, or another suitable polymer. Polymer strips  60  made of nylon-reinforced polychloroprene have been found to be particularly advantageous. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , router device  14 , power supply  24 , and power switch  22  can be secured in base  42  via suitable fastening strips  26 , and each antenna  32 ,  34 , and  36  of antenna array  31  can be secured within lid  44  via a corresponding mounting bracket  55 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12 , one or more of power supply  24  and/or router device  14  can be secured in lid  44  via fastening strips  26 , and antenna array  31 , positioned within antenna housing  64 , can be secured within base  42  by fastening straps  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , and also shown in  FIG. 6 , the communications components positioned within case  12  can be further secured and protected within case  12  by a base foam cushion  65  positioned within base  42 , and a lid foam cushion  69  positioned within lid  44 . Foam cushions  65  and  69  can at least partially surround or support components positioned within base  42  and lid  44  respectively. Foam cushions  65  and  69  can be oriented and shaped to allow a surface of respective components positioned in base  42  and lid  44  to be exposed when lid  44  is in the open position for ease of operation of apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, base foam cushion  65  and lid foam cushion  69  can each include open cell foam having a foam density greater than or equal to 2 pounds per cubic foot. In some embodiments, base foam cushion  65  and lid foam cushion  69  can each include open cell foam having a foam density greater than or equal to about 4 pounds per cubic foot. 
     In certain embodiments, apparatus  10  can include an additional removable cushion  75  placeable between lid  44  and base  42  when lid  44  is moved to the closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Removable cushion  75  can help prevent interference and damage between components positioned in base  42  and components positioned in lid  44  when lid  44  is moved to the closed position. Removable cushion  75  can generally pad the components contained in case  12  when lid  44  is in the closed position. 
     Each of foam cushions  65  and  69  may include multiple layers in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, at least one of the foam layers in each foam cushion  65  and  69  can have cutouts or recesses for receiving various components housed in case  12 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , base foam cushion  65  can have a first base foam cushion layer  66  and a second base foam cushion layer  68 . First base foam cushion layer  66  can be positioned between second base foam cushion layer  68  and base  42 , and particularly a bottom of base  42 . In some embodiments, first base foam cushion layer  66  can rest against the bottom of base  42  and second base foam cushion layer  68  can rest against first base foam cushion layer  66  and can include one or more cutouts or recesses for receiving the components positioned in base  42 . In some embodiments, first base foam cushion layer  66  and second base foam cushion layer  68  can have varying foam densities, with the foam density of second base foam cushion layer  68  being greater than the foam density of first base foam cushion layer  66 . For instance, first base foam cushion layer  66  in some embodiments can have a foam density between about 1 and 3 pounds per cubic foot and second base foam cushion layer  68  can have a foam density between about 3 and 5 pounds per cubic foot. In one embodiment, first base foam cushion layer  66  can have a foam density of about 2 pounds per cubic foot, and second base cushion layer  68  can have a foam density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot. Cushioning foam layers with varying densities can provide varying impact dissipation characteristics on the internal components of case  12  when case  12  is dropped from a high distance or case  12  is otherwise subjected to a large external force, to help protect the internal components housed in case  12  from damage due to the external force. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , in some embodiments, the lid  44  contains a lid foam cushion  69 , albeit less thick due to the difference in depth of the cavities  15   a  and  15   b  between the base  42  and lid  44 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 6 . Lid foam cushion layer  69  can help provide added support, protection, and gravitational force deceleration for components, including antenna array  31  in some embodiments, positioned in lid  44 , in the event case  12  is dropped from a high distance or exposed to external forces. Lid foam cushion  69  of lid  44  can also contain cutouts or recesses for the exposure of components positioned in lid  44  of case  12  when lid  44  is in the open position. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , lid foam cushion  69  positioned in lid  44  can include a first lid foam cushion layer  70  and a second lid foam cushion layer  72 . First lid foam cushion layer  70  can be positioned between second lid foam cushion layer  72  and lid  44 , and particularly the top of lid  44 . First lid foam cushion layer  70  can be positioned against lid  44 , and second lid foam cushion layer  72  can be positioned against first lid foam cushion layer  70 , the second lid foam cushion layer  72  including multiple cutouts or recesses for receiving components positioned within lid  44 . In some embodiments, first and second lid foam cushion layers  70  and  72  can have varying foam densities, with second lid foam cushion layer  72  having a foam density that is greater than the foam density of first lid foam cushion layer  70 . For instance, first lid foam cushion layer  70  in some embodiments can have a foam density between about 1 and 3 pounds per cubic foot and second lid foam cushion layer  72  can have a foam density between about 3 and 5 pounds per cubic foot. 
     Wireless power supply  24  may be used to power any component in case  12 . In certain embodiments, wireless power supply  24  may be charged via AC/DC adapter  16 . Wireless power supply  24  in other embodiments can also be configured to receive a charge via a solar panel charger, a cigarette lighter adapter, or various other chargers and/or adapters known in the art. Power supply  24  may have additional output ports for charging laptops, notebooks, notepads, cellular phones, etc. In certain embodiments, various adapters that allow for power to be supplied to other external components may also be housed within case  12  and connected to power supply  24 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , base  42  can include a charging port  80  defined in a side of base  42 . Charging port  80  can be positioned such that a plug of AC/DC adapter can be received through charging port  80  and connected to power supply  24  positioned within case  12 . By having a charging port  80  defined in base  42  which can provide access to power supply  24 , case  12  can be placed in a closed position as power supply  24  and apparatus  10  are being recharged, which can help save space. In some embodiments, charging port  80  can include a smooth inner grommet which can provide a smooth internal contact surface as the plug of AC/DC adapter  16  is inserted through charging port  80 , which can help prevent damage to AC/DC adapter  16 . 
     In some embodiments, a plug access channel  82  can be defined in base foam cushion layer  65  and particularly second base foam cushion layer  68 , plug access channel  82  providing access to power supply  24  from charging port  80  and through second base foam cushion layer  68 . In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can include a charging port cap  84  which can be pivotally attached to an exterior of base  42 . Charging port cap  84  can be rotated to an open position to provide access to charging port  80  and power supply  24 . Once charging of power supply  24  is complete, charging port cap  84  can be rotated to a closed position over charging port  80  to block access to charging port  80 . In some embodiments, charging port cap  84  can include an outer gasket or seal  86  which can be disposed against base  42  around charging port  80  when charging port cap  84  is in the closed position over charging port  80 , gasket  86  forming a seal around charging port to help prevent liquids or other contaminates from entering case  12  via charging port  80 . In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can include a releasable fastener, such as snap fit member, a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, hooks, clasps, etc., which can selectively retain charging port cap  84  in the closed position over charging port  80 . 
     Another embodiment of a data communications case  12 , shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , includes an antenna array  31  having a first pair  74  of cellular antennas  32 , and a second pair  76  of cellular antennas  32 . In some embodiments, first pair  74  of cellular antennas  32  can be positioned at least 12 inches apart from one another within case  12 , and second pair  76  of cellular antennas  32  can be positioned at least 12 inches apart from one another within case  12 , which can help reduce frequency interference between cellular antennas  32 . In other words, cellular antenna separation distance  54  between first pair  74  of cellular antennas  32  can be greater than or equal to about 12 inches, and second cellular antenna separation distance  77  can be greater than or equal to about 12 inches. Each pair  74  and  76  of cellular antennas  32  can be capable of sending and receiving a signal across a cellular network, such that apparatus  10  of  FIGS. 10-11  when used can accommodate cellular service with two different cellular carriers. 
     In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , antenna array  31  is contained in an antenna array housing  64  retained or secured to base  42  using one or more fastening straps  26 . Antenna array  31  and antenna array housing  64  can also be described as being a singular antenna with multiple antenna elements. In one embodiment, the antenna housing  64  can contain five isolated high performance antenna elements, including two cellular antenna elements utilizing distinct wireless frequencies and supporting MiMo; two dual band wireless antenna elements supporting MiMo and diversity operation for WIFI and WiMax wireless networks; and one GPS antenna element. In some embodiments, the antenna elements in antenna array housing  64  can be ground plane independent such that antenna array  31  can be positioned either in lid  44  or in base  42  of case  12 , and the antenna elements can maintain a generally high performance even when mounted on a non-metallic surface. 
     Having antenna array  31  compactly arranged within a durable case  12 , and particularly within a compact antenna housing  64 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , can help reduce the space necessary to accommodate antenna array  31  within case  12 . As such, the overall size, weight, and profile of case  12  can be reduced if desired. In some embodiments, the overall size of case  12  in  FIG. 12  can be about 15 inches in length by 11 inches in width. Having a smaller overall size of case  12  can further help make case  12  more convenient to transport. For instance, for a smaller office setting where less communication capabilities are needed, case  12  of  FIG. 12  can easily be transported between various locations on site as desired. Additionally, hospitals having nurses moving from room to room and documenting patient status can carry a smaller case  12  with them such that they have wireless access with them at all times and can update patient records on a hospital network or system in real time as they move from patient to patient. Similarly, traveling sales forces can conveniently carry a smaller case  12  with them to remote business meetings to ensure they have wireless and cellular service. Other uses and applications of the relatively smaller case of  FIG. 12  will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 13 , a GPS antenna can be removed from antenna array  31 , and AC/DC adapter  16  can be positioned and retained on lid  44  such that the overall dimensions of case  12  can be reduced. AC/DC adapter  16  can generally be located in position corresponding to the location of the GPS antenna on lid  44  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Another embodiment of a data communications apparatus  10  is shown in  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, a second outer case  90  including a second base  92  and second lid  94  can be selectively enclosed around case  12 . Second case  90  can provide an additional layer of protection for the communications components positioned within case  12 . In some embodiments, one or more second case foam cushion layers can be positioned in second case  12  and can surround case  12  when second case  90  is in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, second case  90  can include a first second case foam cushion layer  100 , a second second case foam cushion layer  102 , and a third second case foam cushion layer  104 . In some embodiments, second case  90  can also include a pressure release valve configured to release pressure inside second case  90  if the pressure rises above a predetermined threshold. 
     In some embodiments, first second case foam cushion layer  100  can have a foam density that is greater than the foam density of second second case foam cushion layer  102 , and second second case foam cushion layer  102  can have a foam density that is greater than the foam density of third second case foam cushion layer  104 . In some embodiments, the foam density of first second case foam cushion layer  100  can be between about 3 and 5 pounds per cubic foot, the foam density of second second case foam cushion layer  102  can be between about 2 and 3 pounds per cubic foot, and the foam density of third second case foam cushion layer  102  can be between about 1 and 2 pounds per cubic foot. In some embodiments, the foam density of first second case foam cushion layer  100  can be about 4 pounds per cubic foot, the foam density of second second case foam cushion layer  102  can be about 2.8 pounds per cubic foot, and the foam density of third second case foam cushion layer  102  can be about 1.8 pounds per cubic foot. Second case foam cushion layers  100 ,  102 , and  104  can be made from either open cell or closed cell foam materials. In some embodiments, first second case foam cushion layer  100  can be made from closed cell foam, and second and third second case foam cushion layers  102  and  104  can be made from open cell foam. While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  shows three second case foam cushion layers, in other embodiments, varying numbers of foam cushion layers can be implemented in second case  90 . 
     Having a second protective case  90  with foam cushion layers can provide additional protection to the communications components of case  12 , which can be beneficial in emergency, military, or other situations where it may be advantageous to drop apparatus  10  from a high altitude, for instance when it is desirable to drop apparatus  10  from a helicopter. Having additional protection and foam cushion layers around the communications components of apparatus  10  can help absorb the impact as apparatus  10  is dropped from a higher altitude. 
     While  FIGS. 1-16  show various components, including power supply  24 , router device  14 , antenna array  30 , cellular antennas  32 , wireless antennas  34 , GPS antennas  36 , power switch  22 , adapter  16 , etc., in various orientations and positions within case  12 , base  42 , and lid  44 , each of the various components within case  12  can be positioned in either base  42  or lid  44  of case  12 . In some embodiments, a portion of the antennas in antenna array  30  can be positioned within base  42 , and a portion of the antennas in antenna array  44  can be positioned in lid  44 . Among other reasons, it may be advantageous to position the antennas of the antenna array in various positions within the case when using different size cases, due to varying numbers of different types of antennas used, or to shorten cable length between the antennas and the router device. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure, shown in  FIGS. 17-26 , is a data communications system  100  for a vehicle  92  having an interior space  92   a  and an exterior surface  92   b . A support frame or housing  15  can be configured to mount inside the vehicle  92  or in the interior space  92   a  of the vehicle  92 . In some embodiments, a support frame  15  can be configured to mount to a dashboard, door, floorboard, or other portion of the vehicle chassis inside the vehicle. The support frame  15  can be made from any number of suitable materials including but not limited to aluminum or steel and including aramid or para-aramid synthetic fibers, such as Kevlar. One or more components of the communications system  100  can be positioned on the support frame  15 . For instance in some embodiments, one or more of the router device  14 , the power switch  22 , the main and auxiliary fuses  18  and  20 , the power supply  24 , and/or the wireless antennas  34  can be mounted on the frame  15 . As such, the control for the communications system  10  can be positioned in the interior of the vehicle and be accessible by a passenger or driver of the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, router device  14  can be a dual modem capable router device, such that router device  14  can be utilized with two modems to create multiple wireless networks. The router device may include a Gobi-enabled chipset. In some embodiments, router device  14  can have a built in modem, and support frame  15  can be configured to hold a second modem either above or below router device  14  which can be connected to router device  14  to enable multiple wireless networks. Wireless antennas  34  in some embodiments can be mounted to the support frame  15  and connected to router device  14  to send and receive wireless communications. 
     In some embodiments, the support frame  15  can have a first power supply slot  25   a  and a second power supply slot  25   b  defined in the front surface of the support frame  15 . The communications system can include first and second power supplies  24  and  24   a , each power supply slot  25   a  and  25   b  being sized to receive a corresponding power supply  24  and  24   a , respectively, in the support frame  15 . The power supplies  24  and  24   a  can be retained within slots  25   a  and  25   b  respectively by one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members can be adjustable straps  27  and/or one or more adjustable clamps  29  which can be adjusted by the user to selectively secure or release the power supplies  24  and  24   a  from slots  25   a  and  25   b  respectively. Straps  27  and clamps  29  can help prevent power supplies  24  and  24   a  from sliding out of slots  25   a  and  25   b  respectively during movement, acceleration, and braking of the vehicle. 
     Case  12  of the data communications system  100  shown in  FIGS. 23-26  can be configured to be mounted to an exterior surface  92   b  of the vehicle  92 . In some embodiments, the case  12  can be configured to be mounted to a top, side, front, or exterior bed of the vehicle  92 . In some embodiments, the case  12  can include a mounting system  17  which can mount the case  12  to the vehicle  92 . In some embodiments, the mounting system  17  can include a support plate  17   a  secured to a bottom or top of the case  12 . In some embodiments, the support plate  17  can be adhered, welded, or otherwise secured to the case  12  such that the integrity of the case is not compromised with holes or other perforations. Thus in some embodiments the components of the mounting system  17  can be connected or mounted to support plate  17   a  as opposed to case  12 . The support plate  17   a  can be comprised of a number of suitable materials, including the same materials that comprise support frame  15 . 
     One or more case rails  17   b  can be secured or mounted to the plate  17   a  on the case  12 . In other embodiments, the case rails  17   b  can be mounted, welded, or adhered directly to the case  12 . Corresponding vehicle rails  17   c  can be secured or mounted to the exterior surface of the vehicle  92 . Once vehicle rails  17   c  are mounted to the vehicle via one or more bolts, screws, tap screws, magnets, welds, etc., case  12  can be received onto vehicle rails  17   c  via case rails  17   b . Each of case rails  17   b  and vehicle rails  17   c  can include one or more flanges with corresponding holes. Holes on the flanges of case rails  17   b  can be aligned with corresponding holes on the flanges of vehicle rails  17   c , and a securement pin  17   d  can be inserted through the holes to secure case rails  17   b  to vehicle rails  17   c . In some embodiments, the position of case  12  on vehicle rails  17   c  can be adjustable. When the securement pin  17   d  is removed, case  12  can be slid off of vehicle rails  17   c  such that case  12  can be selectively removed from the vehicle. 
     In other embodiments, the mounting system  17  can be any suitable structure for securing or mounting the case  12  to the vehicle  92 , including but not limited to, removable bolts, screws, fasteners, adhesives, snapfit or interference fasteners, etc. The mounting system  17  can allow the case to be removed from the vehicle  92  such that case  12  and other components of the data communications system  100  (i.e. the support frame  15  and related components) can be taken with the user once the user has reached a desired destination in the vehicle for continued use of the data communications equipment. 
     An array of cellular antennas  31  can be mounted inside the case  12 . The antenna array  31  can include two or more cellular antennas  32  and at least one gps antenna  36 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the antenna array  31  can include four cellular antennas  32 , or two pairs of cellular antennas, and two gps antennas  36 . With two pairs of cellular antennas  32  in the antenna array  31 , the data communications system can support cellular service across two cellular networks. Each antenna of the antenna array  31  can be molecularly bonded to the case  12  via mounting brackets and a structural adhesive as previously described herein, such that when case  12  is closed the case  12  can be substantially liquid and dust proof. Antennas of the antenna array  31  can be connected within the case  12  either to the base  42  or the lid  40  of the case  12 . 
     Antennas in the antenna array  31  within the case  12  can be electrically connected to the components inside the vehicle via electrical conduits or cables  50 . A conduit port  90  can be positioned on a side of the case  12  and electrical conduits  50  can extend from the antenna array  31  through the conduit port  90  and into the vehicle to connect to other components of the communications system positioned on the support frame  15  inside the vehicle. The electrical conduits or cables  50  in some embodiments can be extended or run through a window of the vehicle and be secured along the chassis of the vehicle to retain the conduits  50  out of the area occupied by the passengers or drivers of the vehicle. In other embodiments, a conduit hole can be formed through the chassis or frame of the vehicle, and the electrical conduit  50  of the communications system can be run through the conduit hole in the vehicle. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 25-26 , the case  12  and associated components can be mounted to an exterior surface  92   a  of the vehicle  92 , and the support frame  15  and associated components can be mounted within the interior space  92   b  of the vehicle  92 , the support frame  15  shown mounted to a dashboard of the vehicle  92  in  FIG. 25 . Electrical conduits or cables  50  run between the case  12  and the support frame  15  to electrically connect the components of the data communications system  100 . In other embodiments, components on the support frame  15  and components within the case  12  can be communicated wirelessly. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the case  12  can include a support structure  94  which can be connected between the lid  40  and the base  42  of the case. The support structure  94  can be expandable and collapsible, the support structure  94  expanding when the lid  40  is opened, and collapsing when the lid  40  is closed. In some embodiments, the support structure  94  can be a plurality of support members pivotally connected together which can achieve a substantially straightened orientation when the lid is opened and the support members are expanded. The support members in some embodiments can be locked in the straight or expanded position as desired by the user. Such an orientation can prevent lid  40  from closing, for instance due to a wind or other external force acting upon the lid  40 , such as when the vehicle is moving. 
     In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the support structure  94  can include a hydraulic or pneumatic piston system. Hydraulic or pneumatic pressure within the piston system can resist closure of the lid system, or bias the lid towards the open position. The piston system can be designed such that when forces such as wind resistance are applied to the lid, the lid remains in the open position. The resistance can be overcome by a manual force from the user to move the lid to the closed position, where the case  12  can be locked in the closed position. In other embodiments, the pressure within the piston system can be selectively released when the lid  40  is to be closed. 
     In some embodiments, the support structure  94  may include an actuator that is controllable remotely, such as from within the vehicle, so that the case could be opened and closed remotely. In some embodiments the actuator can be a motor or other mechanical device for moving components of the support structure, such as pivoting support members. In other embodiments, the actuator can be a hydraulic or pneumatic pump and control system for selectively providing and releasing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure within a piston to selectively open and close the lid  44  on the case  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the case  12  can include a rigid base liner  96  and rigid lid liner  98 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . The rigid base liner  96  and rigid lid liner  98  can be connected to the base  42  and lid  44  respectively, and the antenna array  31  and/or support structure  94  can be connected to one or more of the rigid base liner  96  and the rigid lid liner  98 . The rigid base liner  96  and rigid lid liner  98  can provide structural support for the internal components of the case, and can be made from any suitable rigid material such as plastic, composite, metal, wood, etc. 
     Data communications systems  100  such as those shown in  FIGS. 17-26  can be used in a variety of vehicles, including military and emergency services vehicles, such as armored cars, military transport and attack vehicles, mobile emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, and firetrucks, as well as other suitable civilian vehicles. 
     It is contemplated that the size, shape, and configuration of the data communications case and its various components discussed herein may widely vary. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful DATA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.