Patent ID: 12200158

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Certain terminology may be employed in the following description for convenience rather than for any limiting purpose. For example, the terms “forward” and “rearward,” “front” and “rear,” “right” and “left,” “upper” and “lower,” and “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made, with the terms “inward,” “inner,” “interior,” or “inboard” and “outward,” “outer,” “exterior,” or “outboard” referring, respectively, to directions toward and away from the center of the referenced element, the terms “radial” or “horizontal” and “axial” or “vertical” referring, respectively, to directions or planes which are perpendicular, in the case of radial or horizontal, or parallel, in the case of axial or vertical, to the longitudinal central axis of the referenced element, and the terms “downstream” and “upstream” referring, respectively, to directions in and opposite that of fluid flow. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.

In the figures, elements having an alphanumeric designation may be referenced herein collectively or in the alternative, as will be apparent from context, by the numeric portion of the designation only. Further, the constituent parts of various elements in the figures may be designated with separate reference numerals which shall be understood to refer to that constituent part of the element and not the element as a whole. General references, along with references to spaces, surfaces, dimensions, and extents, may be designated with arrows. Angles may be designated as “included” as measured relative to surfaces or axes of an element and as defining a space bounded internally within such element therebetween, or otherwise without such designation as being measured relative to surfaces or axes of an element and as defining a space bounded externally by or outside of such element therebetween. Generally, the measures of the angles stated are as determined relative to a common axis, which axis may be transposed in the figures for purposes of convenience in projecting the vertex of an angle defined between the axis and a surface which otherwise does not extend to the axis. The term “axis” may refer to a line or to a transverse plane through such line as will be apparent from context.

Hand-held (i.e. portable) communications systems, such as walkie-talkies and other portable radio transceiver, are typically used by military personnel, law enforcement officials, first responders, etc. Such systems typically utilize one or more conspicuous antennas, such as whip antennas, which typically consist of a straight flexible metal wire or rod. The bottom end of whip antennas are coupled to the radio receiver, transmitter, or transceiver. Whip antennas are typically designed to be flexible to reduce breaking. In addition, individuals may also carry separate devices for data and video that increase the probability of identifying the user and/or entanglement of the device's antenna. Consumers would benefit from solutions that allow portable communications systems to utilize inconspicuous antennas.

The present disclosure relates generally to mounting apparatus and specifically to portable radio mounting apparatus (“PRMA”). The instant disclosure seeks to provide PRMA that are operationally discrete and have a reduced visual and RF signature. The instant disclosure seeks to provide PRMA with integrated flexible antennas elements and arrays to reduce the probability that the antenna elements become entangled with a foreign object. The instant disclosure also seeks to provide a PRMA that utilizes textiles to provide structural support for the apparatus (e.g., waterproof textiles as well as reinforced textiles that have an enhanced ability to resist tears and rips (i.e. loss of structural integrity).

The instant disclosure further seeks to provide a textile-based portable radio enclosure that includes embedded antenna elements. As used herein, “portable radio” refers to hand-held (i.e. portable) communications systems, such as walkie-talkies and other portable radio transceiver known in the art, that send and/or receive data modulated via one or more communications protocols known in the art. For example, applicable communication protocols can include, but are not limited to, UHF, VHF, Long-Term Evolution (“LTE”), 3G, standards based on GSM/EDGE and/or UMTS/HSPA, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11 standards, GPSR, local area networking protocols, wide area networking protocols, Bluetooth, microwave, similar wireless communications protocols, or a combination of two or more thereof.

Turning now to the Figures. To be sure, the terms “open” state and “closed” state refer to an orientation of a portable radio mounting apparatus (“PRMA”) to receive and support a portable radio for wireless communication, respectively.FIGS.1-3depict a portable radio mounting apparatus (“PRMA”), generally100, in an “open” state and a “closed” state, according to some embodiments. The PRMA100includes a main body105, a landing pad110, an antenna element108, a RF connector113, a flange120, and a retaining element115. The main body105, the landing pad110, and the flange120are textile-based components (i.e. they are manufactured using textiles). Applicable textiles include, but are not limited to, waterproof textiles, denier, laminated textiles (e.g., laminated canvas and other coated textiles), canvas, Cordura®, nylon, high denier textiles, woven textiles, non-woven textiles, foams, and polymer-based textiles.

In certain embodiments, the applicable textiles exhibit waterproofing characteristics that at least adhere to IEC standard 60529, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; mechanical protection (i.e. cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance) characteristics that at least adhere to ANSI/ISEA 105 standards, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference; fire/flash/thermal exposure resistance characteristics at least adhering to the standards reflected in NFPA 2112, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference; chemical resistance characteristics that at least adhere to NFPA Standard 1994, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference; and/or reflective/visibility characteristics at least adhering to ANSI/ISEA 107-2015. These mechanical characteristics of the material allows the PRMA of the instant disclosure to perform in challenging environments where exposure to extreme temperatures, fire/flash/thermal exposure, chemical spills, and/or wet/water-logged environments is common.

In general, when in the “open” state, the landing pad110is pivoted away from the main body105and thereby exposes the retaining element115; the retaining element115receives a portable radio and thereby demountably secures the portable radio to the main body105; and the RF connector113demountably and conductively couples to the portable radio. In the “closed” state, the landing pad110is pivoted towards the main body105and peripherally extends around at least a portion of the portable radio in a manner to be positioned proximate to the retaining element115and the portable radio; and demountably coupled to the main body105via a demountable fastener.

The landing pad110laterally extends from the main body105. The main body105includes a first end111pivotably attached thereto as well as a second end112positioned opposite the first end111. Although the landing pad110is depicted as extending lengthwise along the main body105(i.e. the two components have similar heights), landing pads, in general, can partially extend lengthwise along the main body (discussed below). Alternatively, the landing pad110can extend from a bottom end107of the main body105. Here, the landing pad110can be asymmetrically or symmetrically positioned relative to the central axis of the main body105(discussed further below). At least one antenna element108is affixed to the landing pad110and each antenna element108is conductively coupled to a RF connector113via a cable114. The antenna element108can include a foam or other spacing material positioned thereunder to provide stability to the antenna element108as well as to keep the antenna element108from sitting directly on the portable radio while in the “closed” state. For example foam or spacing material can have a thickness from ⅛ (one-eighth of an inch) to ½ (half an inch). The RF connector113is positioned proximate to the main body105and can be a RF connector known in the art that utilize a standard connector type (e.g., SMA, TNC, BNC, etc.). The cable114can be a small diameter shielded coaxial cable known in the art (e.g., LMR-100, RG316, etc.) In some aspects, the cable114has fire retardant properties (e.g., LMR-100A-FR, FBT-200, UL 1666, and CSA FT4).

FIG.1Billustrates a block diagram of the RF”) connector conductively coupled to an embedded antenna element108via a partially embedded cable114, according to yet still other embodiments. The main body105can include holes that allow for the cables114to come through. Although the cable114is depicted as partially embedded within the landing pad110to reduce the probability that the component becomes entangled with a foreign object, the cable114and/or the antenna element108can be externally affixed to the landing pad; however, spacing between the antenna element108and any portable radio stored therein should be provided to reduce potential RF interference.

FIG.1Cillustrates a block diagram of a side view of a portable radio150positioned proximate to a multilayered structure175of the landing pad110that includes the antenna element108positioned proximate to an EMI shielding layer165that are together positioned between a first layer155and a second layer160, according to some embodiments. The first layer155and the second layer160form the external layers of the multilayered structure175with the antenna element108positioned proximate to the first layer155. The antenna element108is positioned within the multilayered structure175. Although not shown, the multilayered structure175can include additional layers and/or components than depicted. The first layer155and the second layer160are the external layers of the multilayered structure175.

In the “closed” state (discussed below), the EMI shielding layer165is positioned between the antenna element108and the portable radio150(and hence, the user) to reflect, block, absorb, shield at least a portion of the RF radiation that emanates from the antenna element108. The EMI shielding layer165can be any textile known in the art that reflects, blocks, absorbs, and/or shields EM radiation (e.g., RF radiation). For example, applicable EMI shielding textiles and materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene foams to provide shielding as well as separation of the antenna element108from the portable radio150to reduce RF interference and reduce the user's specific absorption rate (SAR). Applicable EMI shielding textiles include woven, nonwoven, natural, and synthetic textile that are coated, lined, and/or contain conductive material, such as a metal, aluminum foil, copper foil, graphene, silver, copper conductive ink, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and similar conductive materials.

In certain aspects, the PRMA100includes antenna elements108bthat are antenna elements that are replaceable with other copies of the antenna element108bthat operate on a different frequency. In other words, the PRMA100can exchange antenna elements of different frequencies.FIG.1Dillustrates a block diagram of a side view of the multilayered structure175that includes an internally positioned demountable fastener176, an antenna element108b, a pairing element170, and an antenna attachment site130, according to other embodiments. Here, the antenna attachment site130is positioned within the multilayered structure175(e.g., on the internal surface of the second layer160). The demountable fastener176demountably couples the first layer155to the second layer160. The demountable fastener176can be a hook and loop fastener, snap connector, zipper, other multicomponent demountable fastener known in the art that can facilitate one or more embodiments of the instant disclosure. To be sure, the antenna element108bincludes similar components and materials as well as can be manufactured in a similar manner as the antenna element108.

To open the multilayered structure175, the demountable fastener176must first be oriented and/or positioned as required to disengage from itself. Similarly, to close or seal the multilayered structure175, the demountable fastener176must be oriented and/or positioned as required to engage itself. To attach the pairing element170to the antenna attachment site130the pairing element170and the antenna attachment site130demountably engage each other when shifted in a common plane, which thereby forms a selective, intermitting, and conductive coupling therebetween. When coupled together, the antenna attachment site130and the pairing element170facilitate RF wave propagation between the portable radio and the antenna element108. To remove the antenna element108bthe pairing element170and the antenna attachment site130are removed from the common plane, which thereby breaks the selective, intermitting, and conductive coupling therebetween.

The fungibility of the antenna elements108allows PRMA100to generate or alter RF frequency coverage and RF radiation patterns thereof to meet individual needs, inclinations, and/or specifications. In addition, the quantity of the antenna elements108included in the PRMA100can be varied depending on the portable radio type and user-defined requirements.

The flange120is pivotably coupled to and laterally extends from the main body105opposite to the landing pad110. PRMA100also includes a second flange130pivotably coupled to and extending from the main body105. The second flange103is positioned orthogonal to both the flange120and the landing pad110. Alternatively, the second flange130can extend from the main body105orthogonal to at least one of the flange120and the landing pad110. The PRMA100can include any quantity (e.g., at least one) of the flange120and the second flange130to facilitate one or more embodiments of the instant disclosure. The flange120includes and the second flange130each include a copy of a first mating component132affixed thereto that mates with a copy of a second mating component140complementarily positioned on the landing pad110. For example, in the “open” state, the first mating component132and a second mating component140are positioned on opposite surface of the PRMA100; and the first mating component132is uncoupled from the second mating component140.

In other words, in the “open” state, the first mating component132and the second mating component140are oriented opposite each other and have complementary positioning to facilitate their mating together in the “closed” state). The second mating component140is peripherally positioned on the landing pad110proximate to the second end112. Although the mating component122is depicted as affixed to the flange120, the component can also be positioned on the main body105in embodiments that do not include the flange120.

In the “closed” state, the first mating components (e.g., the first mating component122and the first mating component132) demountably engages (i.e. mates with) the second mating components140to thereby form a demountable fastener (e.g., a hook and loop fastener, snap connector, zipper, other multicomponent demountable fastener known in the art to demountably couple textile components together) that demountably couples one or more of the flange120and the second flange130to the landing pad110. In other words, one or more of the flange120and the second flange130demountably couples to the landing pad110via the demountable fastener that is formed when one or more of the first mating component122and the first mating component132demountably engages (i.e. mates with) the second mating components140. For example, the mating component122and the mating component140can be formed using a metal(s), an alloy(s), a polymer(s), or a combination of two or more thereof. The mating component122and the mating component140together form a demountable fastener.

The second flange130, similar to the flange120, includes a first mating component122and the landing pad110includes second mating component140that demountably mates with a complimentary positioned copy of the second mating component140of the landing pad. When the second flange130is present, in the “open” state (e.g., seeFIG.1A), the landing pad110is pivoted away from one or more of the flange120and the second flange130.

Retaining elements of the instant disclosure are utilized to stabilize and secure the portable radio to the main body105. The main body105includes a second retaining element117positioned thereon and proximate to the retaining element115. The second retaining element117is oriented orthogonal to the retaining element115and together secure a portable radio to the surface of the main body. The retaining element115and the second retaining element117are each demountable fasteners that include one or more of a buckle, a strap, a latch, and an elastic cord. The retaining element115and the second retaining element117are each flexibly coupled to the main body105to allow the components to receive and secure the portable radio to the main body105. In the “open” state, the landing pad110is pivoted away from the second retaining element117, which is now exposed, and thereby allows the component to receive the portable radio and thereby secure the portable radio to the main body110. In the “closed” state, the landing pad110is positioned proximate to and at least partially extends around the second retaining element117(and, in other embodiments, the retaining element115.

FIG.3depicts a rear view of the PRMS100in the “closed” state ofFIG.1, according to certain embodiments. A rear surface315of the main body105can include one or more load-bearing attachment elements to mount the PRMA100on objects and/or apparel items that have complementary structures (e.g., backpacks, tactical vests, ballistic plate carriers, and similar items). For example, the rear surface315is depicted with a plurality of vertical straps310and horizontal straps305sewn together with spacing between the individual components (e.g., 1″-1.5″). There is a vertical stitch line down the middle of the each of the horizontal straps305to connect the components to the rear surface315. The alternatively, the vertical straps310and horizontal straps305can be bonded and/or stapled to the rear surface315. The vertical straps310and horizontal straps305can be woven together. The vertical straps310and the horizontal straps305can be replaced with Velcro, a hook(s), a clasp(s), or similar demountable fasteners; however, the weight of the portable radio as well as the operational requirements of the user (e.g., walking, running, erratic movements, adventure sports, etc.) and operational environment of the portable radio (e.g., recreational, commercial, military, disaster response, etc.) of the PRMA100should be taken in to consideration when determining a suitable load-bearing attachment element.

The antenna element108is a conductive object that transmits and receives radio waves. The antenna element108are preferably planar, flexible, and bendable electrically conductive structures that have a reduced visual signature (e.g., less than 2 mm thick). The antenna element108is formed (e.g., screen printing, coating, painting, similar application methods) using a conductive composition that includes a polymer(s) and fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene. Alternatively, the antenna element108can be formed via painting, casting, molding, additive deposition, and similar manufacturing processes. The antenna elements108preferably exhibit a gain greater than 0 dB (e.g., 1-5 dBi). When the landing pad110includes more than one copy of the antenna elements108, adjacent antenna elements108are positioned at least ½ wavelength apart to reduce RF interference between them. Not to be restricted by theory, when antenna elements108are positioned closer than ½ wavelength it causes movement of electrons in neighboring antenna elements. Here, the RF signal is not inducing electron movement, but rather such movement would be influenced by the other (i.e. adjacent) antenna element108. The electron movement caused by the neighboring antenna element is termed “interference.” As used herein, the term “null area” refers to a distance of up to a half wavelength from the antenna element and the gain is less than −3 dBi in any particular direction.

The fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene are blended with the polymer(s) to form a three-dimensional percolated network within the polymer(s) where the fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene are separated on a nanoscale within the polymer(s), which yields superior conductivity for the composition compared to un-percolated compositions that may rely more on the conductivity of the polymer. In preferred embodiments, a fully exfoliated single sheet of graphene is about 1 nm thick and substantially planar.

Alternatively, the antenna elements108could also be printed using other polymer-based conductive inks that contain metals that include, but are not limited to, silver, copper, carbon, nickel, or a combination thereof. Increase in resistance results in a decrease in the antenna element108performance efficiency. As used herein, “antenna efficiency” is defined as the ratio of power delivered to antenna element versus the power radiated therefrom. Here, an increase in electrical resistance decreases the amount of power available for radiation, which thereby decreases antenna element performance efficiency. Antenna elements are preferably screen printed using graphene and conductive polymer-based inks on 5 mil thick PET sheets.

In certain embodiments, the antenna element108includes an antenna array. For example, use of such antenna arrays could provide a statistical increase in gain, directionality, and circular polarization. Such antenna arrays include a variety of antenna types, including, but not limited to, dipole antennas, patch antennas or other planar antenna element designs suitable for use in antenna arrays. Such antenna arrays are preferably configured to include a single connection conductively coupled to transmission line such that power input from transmission line to the antenna array is split to the antenna elements of the array. Alternatively, such antenna arrays may be configured to include multiple connections conductively coupled to multiple transmission lines.

In certain embodiments, the fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene have surface imperfection (i.e. “wrinkles” or “kinks”) resulting from the presence of lattice defects in, or by chemical functionalization of the two-dimensional hexagonal lattice structure of the basal plane. Applicable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic, rayon, aramid, modacrylic, spandex, nylon, olefin, polyester, saran, sulfur, polypropylene, polyethylene, elastane, and similar polymers. The fully exfoliated graphene sheets (i.e. the graphene sheets) as well as the conductive composition are ideally generated as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,901 B2 by Prud'Homme et al; U.S. Pat. No. 8,278,757 B2 by Crain; US Patent Pub. No. 2011/0189452 A1 by Lettow et al.; and US Patent Pub. No. 2014/0050903 A1 by Lettow et al., which are each hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The fully exfoliated graphene sheets preferably have a surface area of about 2,630 m2/g to promote a low percolation threshold of, for example, 0.52 vol. %.

To be sure, neither carbon nanotubes (e.g., SWCNT or MWCNT) nor graphite are substitutions of the aforementioned fully exfoliated graphene sheets due the different inherit structural, electrical, and mechanical properties of the materials. For example, the fully exfoliated graphene sheets have a platy (e.g., two-dimensional) structure as opposed to the three-dimensional structure of carbon nanotubes and graphite.

Turning now toFIGS.4-7, which depicts various views of a PRMA400in an “open” state and a “closed” state, according to some embodiments. To be sure, the PRMA400includes similar elements, components, connections, and materials as the PRMA100. Here, unless otherwise stated, the first digit of the three-digit reference numerals used to designate elements of the PRMA100(i.e. 1##) is herein supplemented with a “4” to refer to the complementary elements of the PRMA400. The PRMA400includes a main body405, a landing pad410, an antenna element108, a RF connector413conductively coupled to the antenna element108, as well as a flange420and a retaining element415that extend laterally from opposing sides of the main body405. The flange420and the landing pad410extend laterally from opposing sides of the main body405. Although the landing pad410has a width that is greater than the flange420, the two components share the same height (which is less than that of the main body). As shown inFIG.7, the rear surface415includes a panel705, which replaces the horizontal straps305. The panel705includes horizontal slits730positioned therein and is affixed (e.g., via sewing, polymeric bonding, staples, or a combination of two or more thereof) to the rear surface715with a vertical stitch or demarcation line740. Vertical straps710are positioned on each side of the vertical stitch and affixed to the panel705to thereby form a webbing structure.

Turning now toFIGS.8-11, which depict various views of a PRMA800in an “open” state and a “closed” state, according to some embodiments. To be sure, the PRMA800includes similar elements, components, connections, and materials that have similar functions and characteristics as those of the PRMA100. Here, unless otherwise stated, the first digit of the three-digit reference numerals used to designate elements of the PRMA100(i.e. 1##) is herein supplemented with an “8” to refer to the complementary elements of the PRMA800.

The PRMA800includes a main body805, a landing pad810, antenna elements108, a RF connector813conductively coupled to each antenna element108(seeFIG.1B), retaining elements815as well as flanges820. Each copy of the flanges820laterally extends from opposing sides of the main body805. The landing pad810extends from a bottom end807of the PRMA800, which is positioned opposite the top end806. The landing pad810is symmetrically positioned relative to the central axis890of the main body805. In the “open” state depicted inFIG.8, the landing pad810has a width that is greater than that of the main body805. The rear surface1115includes a panel1105, which replaces the horizontal straps305, that has horizontal slits1130positioned therein and is affixed (e.g., via sewing, polymeric bonding, staples, or a combination of two or more thereof) to the rear surface1115with a vertical stitch or demarcation line1140. Vertical straps1110are positioned on each side of the vertical stitch and affixed to the panel1105to thereby form a webbing structure.

FIGS.12-15depict various steps of a process to convert a PRMS1200from an “open” state to a “closed” state, according certain embodiments. The PRMA1200includes similar elements, components, and materials that have similar functions, connections, and characteristics as those of the PRMA100. Here, unless otherwise stated, the first digit of the three-digit reference numerals used to designate elements of the PRMA100(i.e. 1##) is herein supplemented with an “8” to refer to the complementary elements of the PRMA800.

The PRMA1200includes a main body1205, a landing pad1210, a plurality of antenna elements108each conductively coupled to a RF connector813, and a retaining element1215. The landing pad1210extends from a bottom end1207. The landing pad1210extends lengthwise to be longer than the PRMA1200will receive (e.g., portable radio1260). The landing pad1210is symmetrically positioned relative to the central axis1290of the main body1205. The landing pad1210also includes a retaining element1270affixed thereto and positioned opposite to the bottom end1207. Here, the retaining element1270is depicted as flexible cord pivotably affixed at each end to the landing pad1210. In the “open” state, the landing pad810has a width that is greater than the main body1205.

To begin, inFIG.12, the retaining element1215receives the portable radio1260in the “open” state. Next, as depicted inFIG.13, the landing pad1210is pivoted towards the main body1205and positioned proximate to the retaining element1215and the portable radio1260. Subsequently, as depicted inFIG.14, the main body1210is wrapped around the retaining element1215and the portable radio1260towards a rear surface1215of the PRMA1200to allow the peripherally positioned second mating component1240to engage (i.e. mate with) first mating components1222(not shown) positioned on a rear surface1215. InFIG.15, the retaining element1270is pulled taut around the top of the portable radio1260to further secure the portable radio1260to the main body1205and thereby complete the conversion to the “closed” state. The portable radio1260is now ready to wirelessly communicate via the PRMA1200.FIG.16depicts the final product of the conversion process ofFIGS.12-15, according to yet still other embodiments.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Based on the foregoing, computer system, method and program product have been disclosed in accordance with the present invention. However, numerous modifications and substitutions can be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention has been disclosed by way of example and not limitation. As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.