Patent ID: 12237563

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Consistent with present principles, antenna adapters may be used to affix antennas to vehicles and other objects in a manner that minimizes the potential for theft while keeping the visual aesthetics of the antenna oriented as desired by the user. The adapters may also help prevent damage due to antenna removal as described above, while still allowing for rotational orientation of the antenna as unique to the user's own desire. The antenna can also be swiftly removed and re-installed without damage using proper and unique tools.

Accordingly, an antenna adapter/assembly consistent with present principles may be configured for mounting a specific antenna to a given mount. The adapter may also be configured in a shape that is specific to the mount design itself. The adapter piece that is specific to the antenna may therefore act as an interface between the antenna and the vehicle mount, and may be made with smooth exterior and interior surfaces so that the adapter does not break when engaged with the antenna and/or mount (e.g., may have corners that are smooth/rounded). The lower half/portion of the antenna adapter may be designed to connect to a specific vehicle and may include male or female threads in various non-limiting examples. Different adapters may be configured for application to different vehicles by means of different adapter threads or other engagement elements.

The upper half/portion of the antenna adapter may be designed specifically to interface with the lower main part of the antenna itself. The defining overall shape of the upper half/portion of the adapter may be cylindrical in shape in certain non-limiting embodiments. The very top surface of the adapter may be flat, coned/convex, recessed, hollow or another design. The cylindrical shape of the adapter may connect to/interact with the lower main antenna body, creating a close fit (e.g., interference fit).

The antenna body and antenna adapter may therefore rotate axially independent of each other, even when engaged with each other. Little to no torque is therefore transmitted between the two bodies.

Additionally, a retaining element or feature may be used that holds the antenna body from moving up and down axially on the antenna adapter once installed on the antenna adapter. The retaining feature can include a set-screw that engages a groove in the adapter. A retaining clip may additionally or alternatively be engaged with the groove. These aspects function to allow the two bodies (antenna and adapter) to rotate axially while not being able to move up or down vertically with respect to each other. What's more, when the adapter is installed on the vehicle and the antenna body is installed over the adapter with the retaining device/element, the antenna can be rotated axially freely in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction without transmitting a torque to the antenna adapter threads to loosen and unscrew the adapter, preventing the antenna itself from being loosened from the mount along with the adapter (and removed). This provides advantages over antennas and mounts that only use threaded-type connections for instance, where the antenna can be removed by applying an unscrewing force to the antenna itself to unscrew it from the vehicle.

Additionally, in some examples engaging the antenna with the mount via the retaining device/adapter may involve use of tools that make it less likely for the antenna itself to be stolen but still allow for the owner of the antenna, equipped with the right tool(s), to easily and relatively effortlessly remove and replace the antenna without concern for damage.

As an additional aspect, since the antenna itself is free to spin three hundred sixty (360) degrees axially according to the longitudinal axis of the adapter with which it is engaged, methods for orientation control are enabled such that the user can align the antenna whichever direction the user pleases for his/her personal preference. In non-limiting examples, this may be accomplished via a spring-detent ball that detents into different parts of the antenna at incremental angles of rotation. Additionally or alternatively, other methods employing friction between the antenna adapter and the antenna body may also be used to control and stabilize the rotational orientation (e.g., an interference fit between the two bodies).

With the foregoing in mind, reference is now made toFIG.1. This figure shows a vehicle100, which in the present instance is a pickup truck. However, the vehicle100might also be a car, van, off road vehicle/ATV, semitrailer, motorcycle, motor home, boat, train, airplane, etc. In any case, as may be appreciated fromFIG.1, the vehicle100includes an antenna mount110that is electrically connected to a vehicle radio and/or onboard computer120of the vehicle100. The mount110may therefore communicate terrestrial and/or satellite radio signals received from a connected antenna130to the radio/computer120. The received signals may be frequency modulation (FM) signals, amplitude modulation (AM) signals, and/or XM signals in different examples. The radio/computer120may then generate corresponding audio signals that may then be output as audio via one or more speakers in the vehicle100.

However, note that present principles are not necessarily limited to receipt of radio and satellite audio signals. Accordingly, antennas consistent with present principles may also include Wi-Fi antennas, Bluetooth antennas, ultrawideband antennas, and other types of antennas including television antennas.

As also shown inFIG.1, the antenna130may be bullet-shaped or another shape for an aerodynamic profile, reducing drag on the vehicle and making the vehicle more fuel-efficient compared to using other antennas such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) antennas that create more wind resistance. As mentioned above, the antenna130may be both mechanically and electrically connected to the mount110via a conductive antenna adapter140. The adapter140may therefore both receive the antenna130and engage the antenna mount110.

In one example, the adapter140may receive the antenna130using an upper end segment with a groove in it as will be described further below. Also per this example, the adapter140may engage the antenna mount110via a threaded lower end segment. The lower end segment may engage reciprocal threads on the mount110, just as the vehicle's stock or OEM antenna might. Any appropriate size of male and female reciprocal threads may therefore be used for the mount110and adapter140. So, for example, the mount110may include female threads while the lower end segment of the adapter140may include male threads to screw into and removably engage with the female threads on the mount110.

Additionally, since mount and antenna configurations may vary by vehicle manufacturer, different adapters of different types may be separately configured for different vehicle makes and models consistent with present principles. Also note that reciprocal screw threads need not necessarily be used and that other forms of removable engagement of the adapter140with the mount110may be used instead. These might include interference/snap fit engagement, cotter pins extendable through holes in the mount110/adapter140, and other types of configurations.

However, regardless of adapter shape and engagement means, adapters consistent with present principles may still be rigid and conductive. As such, the adapters may be made of one or more types of metal, such as aluminum, silver, copper, gold, iron, and/or steel (e.g., stainless steel). In certain specific example embodiments, the adapter may be made of 6061 solid billet aluminum. Other suitable materials may additionally or alternatively be used, including conductive polymers and other types of conductive materials, as well as various rubbers and plastics as desired.

Likewise, the antenna130itself may be rigid and conductive. As such, the antenna130may be made of one or more types of metal, such as aluminum, silver, copper, gold, iron, and/or steel. In certain specific example embodiments, the antenna130may be made of 6061 solid billet aluminum and may have a hard anodize black with ultraviolet fade resistance finish that helps prevent chipping and color fade. Other suitable materials may additionally or alternatively be used, including conductive polymers and other types of conductive materials.

FIG.2shows a spaced-apart view of the mount110, antenna130, and adapter140. As may be appreciated from this figure, male threads200on a lower end segment221of the adapter may be screwed into female threads210on inner exposed sidewalls of a hole or opening in the mount120. The hole or opening may therefore extend vertically within the central interior of the mount120as already configured to engage a stock or OEM antenna.

The antenna130may be in the size and/or shape of a fifty (50) caliber bullet/ammo round for improved aerodynamics. As such, the antenna130may have a bottom rim132as shown. The cartridge case may also have a frusto-conical section134above the rim132and that terminates in yet another frusto-conical section136that slopes inward at an even greater degree than the section134. A cylindrical portion138above the section136establishes the other end of the cartridge itself, and the conical bullet139with rounded point extends out of that. Additionally, note that while a 50-caliber bullet is shown per this example, an antenna consistent with present principles may be configured in the size and/or shape of other aerodynamic bullet/cartridges as well (including .22 short, .22 long, 9 mm, .357 Magnum, .38 special, 40 caliber, .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, etc.).

Turning to the adapter140, it may be at least partially cylindrical. As such, the adapter140as shown inFIG.2is generally cylindrical along its upper end segment220. Additionally, the top surface230of the adapter140may be generally flat in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis270of the adapter140. However, this upper surface230may also be coned/convex, recessed/concave, hollow, or another suitable shape based on a desired implementation.

As also shown inFIG.2, the adapter140may include a first element, which in the present instance is a groove240or other equivalent type of opening or indentation located in the sidewalls of the upper end segment220. The groove240or other element may circumscribe the sidewalls along the exterior surface of the segment220in a horizonal plane. Another element may then be extended into the groove240to engage the antenna adapter140with the antenna130. The other element may be/include a set screw, a C-clip, a retaining ring, or another type of coupler.

Therefore, in one specific implementation, the coupler may extend through a hole in the antenna130and into the groove240after the antenna130has been slid over the upper end segment220until the lower/bottom horizonal face250of the antenna130abuts a horizonal ridge260on the adapter140that extends laterally away from the adapter140, which in turn aligns the hole in the antenna130with the groove240. The set screw or other coupler may then be extended into the groove240and remain extended when the antenna130is rotated axially with respect to the adapter140according to the long axes270,280of the adapter140and antenna130. The axes270,280themselves may be parallel if not coaxial.

Accordingly, when the antenna130is engaged with the adapter140via the groove240and set screw (or other coupling element), the antenna130may rotate axially clockwise or counterclockwise independent of the adapter140(e.g., rotate while the adapter140remains stationary). So little torque may be transmitted between the antenna130and adapter140according to this configuration that the adapter140(and hence antenna130) may not be unscrewed from the mount110by rotating the body of the antenna130itself, reducing the potential for theft.

To also reduce the potential for theft and owing to the set screw or other element extending into the groove240, the set screw may prevent the antenna130from being moved up or down vertically with respect to the adapter140, meaning the antenna130cannot be easily slid off the adapter140by merely applying upward force to the antenna body with one's hand.

Therefore, in certain non-limiting examples the length of the set screw may be configured so that the screw extends, when fully screwed in, from an exterior surface of the antenna130(with which its head sits flush) and into the groove240, but may not be long enough to engage or contract the apex/inner apogee of the groove240itself, allowing the aforementioned axial rotation with little to no torque applied between the antenna130and adapter140. Alternate coupling elements, such as a C-clip or retaining ring, may be similarly configured to sit flush with the exterior surface of the antenna130but not engage the apex/inner apogee of the groove240. Additionally note that, regardless of coupling type, the screw or other element may sit flush with the exterior surface of the antenna130not just for aesthetics but also to reduce wind drag.

FIG.2also shows that the adapter140may include yet another element configured to maintain the antenna130at a particular radial orientation with respect to the antenna adapter140when engaged therewith. In certain non-limiting examples, this element may include a spring plunger290configured to at least partially extend into any of plural interior, radially-spaced holes or other inner areas/openings in the antenna130. Each radially-spaced opening may be configured to receive a same respective portion of the spring plunger that is extendable into the antenna130to maintain the antenna130at a particular radial orientation with respect to the antenna adapter140.

Accordingly, the spring plunger290may include a spring inside its body that forces a dome-shaped plunger knob outward under spring bias. The knob may thus extend laterally beyond the periphery of the cylindrical lower section228of the upper end segment220(cylindrical section below the groove240) under spring bias, but may be pushed inward to sit flush with the periphery of the section228by overcoming the spring bias.

Spring bias may therefore be overcome once the upper segment220is inserted into a cylindrical cavity or hole in the antenna130(that has an opening at the lower/bottom horizonal face250) and the antenna130is rotated axially. This action pushes the knob inward (in a lateral direction perpendicular to the long axis270) as the knob is forced out of one of the radially-spaced holes due to the rotation. This aspect will be discussed in greater detail in reference toFIGS.3A-3C, as will the set screw coupling element. But for now, understand that the plunger290may, while the antenna adapter140is engaged with the antenna130, inhibit axial rotation of the antenna130with respect to the antenna adapter140yet still permit axial rotation of the antenna130with respect to the antenna adapter140under force overcoming the spring bias of the spring plunger290.

However, before describingFIGS.3A-3C, note with respect toFIG.2that the upper surface230and cylindrical upper section/surface222of the upper end segment220(cylindrical section above the groove240) may include additional holes or openings224,226in fluid communication with each other. For example, the openings may be cylindrical tubes fluidly connected to each other. The one or more sidewall openings224on the section222may even be configured, on at least an outer portion thereof, in a hexagonal shape of a predetermined size so that an authorized user with the correct hex wrench/Allen wrench can insert the tool into the opening224and use the tool's leverage to relatively easily screw/unscrew the adapter140from the antenna mount110. As for the opening226on the upper surface230, it may be provided as a vent to vent air that might otherwise compress within or get trapped within the rest of the inner chamber established by the opening(s)224when the end-user uses a wrench or other tool to mount the adapter140on the mount110as just described.

Also note before moving on to other figures that the cylindrical upper section222may include an O-ring or washer-style ring223either made of black rubber (or other material) or made integral with the rest of the section222. Either way, the ring223may be disposed between the main body of the section222and the top surface230. Further, as may also be appreciated from this figure, the top surface230may include outer edges that slope down obliquely to meet the ring223, and the ring223itself may be rounded in the vertical dimension in addition to being circular in the horizontal plane. The apex of the vertical rounding being at a vertical midpoint of the ring223.

What's more,FIG.2shows that beneath the ridge260, the adapter walls may form an inverted conical frustrum215with sidewalls sloping downward and inward as shown. The bottom face of the conical frustrum215may then meet the male threads200as shown. This conical frustrum215may provide not only aesthetic appeal but also, in at least some implementations, a tight-fitting relationship with the antenna and mount and a smooth surface between the three components to prevent breaking.

Reference is now made toFIGS.3A-3C. These figures show lower perspective views of the adapter140being engaged with the antenna130. More specifically, these figures show how the antenna130may interface with the adapter140using a set screw retaining method, where the set screw is partially threaded so that once screwed in the screw sits part way into the groove240of the adapter140.

As shown inFIG.3A, the adapter's upper section220(combination of the sections222,228, and groove240) has not yet been inserted into a hollow cylindrical inner area300of the antenna130.FIG.3Bthen shows the upper section220as inserted into the area300.FIG.3Cthen shows that a set screw310configured with a hexagonal hole320for engaging a hex wrench/Allen wrench (e.g., the same wrench having a certain size to engage the hole(s)224) may be screwed into a sidewall hole340in the lower section of the antenna130using the wrench.

Before moving on to the description of other figures, note particularly with respect toFIG.3Athat the inner sidewalls of the antenna130that define the hollow inner area300may include, on lower end portions thereof, respective radially-spaced holes/openings350in a same horizontal plane with respect to the long/vertical axis280. The holes350may each be configured to closely receive the dome-shaped plunger knob of the spring plunger290.

Accordingly, once the adapter140has been engaged with the antenna130as shown inFIGS.3B and3C, the antenna130may be rotated axially with respect to the adapter140so that the plunger knob may be aligned with and inserted into a respective hole350owing to the spring bias of the plunger290forcing the knob into the hole350when aligned therewith. Then as the antenna130continues to be rotated, spring bias may be overcome as the knob is forced out the respective hole350it is in and across a ridge between respective holes350before possibly being aligned with another hole350(in which case the spring bias may again force the knob into the next respective hole350with which it is aligned). This aspect therefore allows the user to relatively easily turn the antenna130to a desired radial orientation with respect to the mount110and/or vehicle itself and then let the plunger290maintain the antenna130in that orientation notwithstanding vehicle vibrations and the passing of wind that might be experienced while driving.

Reference is now made toFIG.4. This figure shows a cross-sectional side view of the antenna130as removably engaged with the antenna adapter140via the fitting together of the reciprocal cylindrical elements of the antenna130and adapter140and also the insertion of the set screw310into the groove240. As mentioned above, the set screw310may sit partially inside the groove240, with it being reiterated again that other elements besides a set screw might additionally or alternatively be used. Those elements might include a C-clip and/or retaining ring.

As also shown in this figure, the plunger290has been engaged with a respective hole350in the inner cylindrical surface of the antenna130, allowing the antenna130to be held to a user's specified orientation.

FIG.4also shows that the fluidly-connected holes224,226collectively establish a hollow inner chamber370. The holes224,226may therefore establish intersecting hollow cylindrical tubes bored through or otherwise formed into the adapter140. Further note here that the adapter140according toFIG.4has two opposing holes/openings224that are opposite each other on the sidewalls of the cylindrical upper section222.

As may also be appreciated fromFIG.4, the hollow cylindrical inner area300may include two sections arranged along the axis280. The lower section that receives the adapter140may have a larger diameter, and the upper section above the adapter140may have a smaller diameter to create a ridge400that abuts the top surface230when the adapter140is fully disposed within the area300. The upper section of the area300may thus remain hollow even after the adapter140has been engaged with the antenna130.

Turning toFIGS.5and6A-6B, these figures show other example adapters that may be used consistent with present principles. These other example adapters might be used when engaging an antenna/adapter combination with an antenna mount of a different vehicle make and/or model than the one associated with the adapter140. Note that the adapters shown in these figures may be configured the same as the adapter140save for differences set forth below and, as such, each of them may receive the same antenna130without altering the configuration or dimensions of the antenna130itself.

Specifically in reference toFIG.5, an adapter500is shown. The adapter500may be similar to the adapter140but may not include the conical frustrum215. As such, the adapter500may have male threads510similar to those on the adapter140, but possibly with a different, smaller diameter. The adapter500may also include an O-ring/washer520similar to the ring223.

Turning toFIGS.6A and6B, these figures show yet another example adapter600consistent with present principles. The adapter600may be used for vehicles with male-threaded antenna mounts established in part by a vertical male-threaded post that extends upward out of the surface of the vehicle.

The perspective view ofFIG.6Ashows the adapter600as having similarly-configured lengthwise halves610,620that may each be cylindrical. Each half610,620may include one or more respective sidewall openings615,625that may be similar to the sidewall openings224. Each half610,620may also include a groove630,640similar to the groove240. Each half610,620may further include a washer-style O-ring ring617,627similar to the washer-style ring223, as well as a respective horizonal face619,629similar to the surface230. As such, the faces619,629may respectively include openings613,623similar to the opening226and may therefore be in fluid communication respectively with the sidewall openings615,625(as well as each other in some examples).FIG.6Aalso shows that the halves610,620may include spring plungers650,660similar to the plunger290.

It may therefore be appreciated based onFIG.6Athat the adapter600may be flipped vertically one way or the other to engage a given post of a given size on a vehicle's antenna mount. With this in mind, reference is now made to the cross-sectional perspective view ofFIG.6B.

Note that different vehicle models, even from the same manufacturer, might have different-sized antenna mount posts and/or different-diameter male threads on the bottom of the posts for engaging an antenna (or in this case, antenna adapter). For instance, the post might be an M6 post or M7 post, and as such, the diameter of the opening613may be configured to receive an M6 post into hollow cavity650(similar to cylindrical inner area300). The male threads of the M6 post may then be engaged with reciprocal female threads on a distal portion of the inner cylindrical surface defining the cavity650, with the user screwing the adapter600onto the M6 post.

Likewise, the diameter of the opening623may be configured to receive an M7 post into cavity660(also similar to cylindrical inner area300). The male threads of the M7 post may then be engaged with reciprocal female threads on a distal portion of the inner cylindrical surface defining the cavity660, with the user screwing the adapter600onto the M7 post.

Thus, a single adapter600may be provided to a user owning a vehicle of a certain make/manufacturer that is known to use both M6 and M7 antenna mount posts, saving materials costs and aiding with user installation. Also note that other sizes besides M6 and M7 are encompassed by present principles.

Turning now toFIG.7, an example process flow is shown for a method of manufacture of a device consistent with present principles. Beginning at step700, an antenna adapter body may be formed or configured to receive an antenna and engage an antenna mount. This may be done by forming the adapter body using computer numerical control (CNC) machining, other subtractive manufacturing techniques, injection molding, 3D printing, or other methods to configure the body according to the specifications set forth herein.

The process may then move to step710where one or more grooves may be etched into the sidewalls of the adapter body, if the groove(s) was not pre-formed at step700. Note that the etched groove(s) may be similar to the groove240, for example.

From step710the process may then move to step720. At step720one or more spring plungers like the plunger290may be manufactured and installed on the adapter body. Then at step730one or more set screws like the screw310(or other engagement members as discussed above) may be manufactured.

Thereafter, at step740an aerodynamic bullet-shaped antenna may be manufactured. As such, the antenna may include plural radially-spaced openings for receiving the spring plunger that was manufactured at step720. The antenna itself might be manufactured through CNC machining, other subtractive manufacturing techniques, injection molding, 3D printing, etc.

Moving on toFIG.8A, this figure shows an example process flow for a method of providing a device consistent with present principles. The providing steps of this figure may or may not include the manufacturing steps discussed above in reference toFIG.7. The providing steps of this figure may additionally or alternatively include transferring various items business to business, shipping the various items to consumers or other parties, and/or selling the items to consumers or other parties.

In any case, the process may begin at step800where an antenna adapter may be provided that is configured to receive a vehicle antenna and that is configured to engage an antenna mount on a vehicle. The process may then proceed to step810where one or more first elements may be provided as part of the antenna adapter. The first element(s) may be configured to assist a user in removable engagement of the adapter with the antenna and, as such, may include a groove and/or a coupling element such as a set screw, C-clip, etc.

From step810the process may then proceed to step820. At step820a second element may be provided as part of the antenna adapter. The second element may be configured to maintain the antenna at a particular radial orientation with respect to the antenna adapter when engaged therewith. So, for example, the second element might be a plunger such as the plunger290. Then at step830the aerodynamic bullet-shaped antenna itself may be provided.

Turning toFIG.8B, this figure then shows steps in a process that an end-user might use once the device has been provided to him or her. At step840, the user may screw an antenna adapter consistent with present principles onto an antenna mount of a vehicle. Then at step850the user may slide the bullet-shaped aerodynamic antenna over/onto the mounted adapter and screw in the adapter's set screw to removably engage the antenna with the adapter. Thereafter the process may proceed to block860where the user may twist the mounted antenna to orient the antenna in a desired radial orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adapter, with the plunger290then maintaining the antenna in that orientation (e.g., until the user turns the antenna again). Thus, the user might orient the antenna for the antenna logo to either face forward in the same direction as the vehicle itself or to face outward orthogonally with respect to the forward axis of the vehicle.

Now in reference toFIGS.9A-E, these figures show example specifications for the aerodynamic bullet-shaped antenna130consistent with present principles.FIG.9Ashows the antenna130in side elevational view,FIG.9Bshows the antenna130in side cross-sectional view,FIG.9Cshows the bottom portion of the antenna130in enlarged partial side view, andFIG.9Dshows a bottom plan view of the antenna130. Additionally,FIG.9Eshows perspective, side elevational, and screw head/top plan views of the set screw310. Note that the set screw310may be a flat nose set screw with a black finish all around or possibly everywhere but the end of the screw310opposite the head. The set screw310may be made of stainless steel if desired. Also if desired, the threads of the set screw310may be coated with an anti-seize coating to make screwing/unscrewing easier.

Also note that a laser-etched logo900may be provided on a lower portion of the antenna130to assist with alignment of the antenna130on the mount in a user-desired radial orientation. The logo900may be on an opposite side of the antenna130as the threaded opening340for the set screw310.

Further note that the upper section of the area300may be hollow according to the specification shown for weight reduction of the antenna130.

Additionally, while recognizing that drawings form part of the specification in the United States, for completeness it is noted that the product dimensions and other specifications and information set forth inFIGS.9A-E, as well as the other figures discussed below, are incorporated by reference into this detailed description. Also note that the product dimensions ofFIGS.9A-20are expressed in inches unless stated otherwise (e.g., with millimeters being abbreviated “MM”).

Now in reference toFIGS.10A-F, these figures show various example specifications for the adapter600consistent with present principles. Here the adapter600may be made of 303 stainless steel. The adapter600may not include any finish, or may include a polished finish.

FIG.10Ashows the adapter600in perspective view,FIG.10Bshows the adapter600in front side cross-sectional view,FIG.10Cshows the adapter600in rear side elevational view,FIG.10Dshows the adapter600in front side elevational view,FIG.10Eshows the adapter600in rear side cross-sectional view, andFIG.10Fshows a bottom section of the adapter600in partial side elevational view.

Of note here is that a respective notch1000may be included on and circumscribe each cylindrical end segment of the adapter600in a transverse/horizontal plane. The two notches1000at opposing end segments may thus each receive a respective rubber O-ring617,627as described above.

Also of note is that the overall length of the adapter600according to its longitudinal axis may be in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 inches, and preferably may be 1.76 inches in non-limiting example embodiments. Additionally, the overall width/depth of the adapter (as a diameter owing to the cylindrical configuration) may be in the range of 11.00 to 11.04 millimeters.

Now in reference toFIGS.11A-E, these figures also show various aspects of the adapter600, some in relation to the antenna130.FIG.11Ashows a side elevational view of the adapter600itself,FIG.11Bshows a top or bottom plan view of the adapter600, andFIG.11Cshows a side cross-sectional view of the adapter600.FIG.11Dthen shows a side cross-sectional view of the adapter600as coupled to the antenna130, andFIG.11Eshows a side elevational view of the adapter600as coupled to the antenna130.

As best shown inFIGS.11A and11C, each of the two notches1000has now been filled with a respective rubber O-ring617or627, with both O-rings617,627being configured the same per this example.

Particularly with respect toFIG.11B, note that the flange of the plunger290may not extend past the outer diameter surface of the adapter600(even though the knob of the plunger290does so). And note particularly with respect toFIG.11Ethat a hexagonal wrench1100is shown that may be provided with any or all of the other parts of these figures consistent with present principles.

With respect toFIG.12, this figure shows specifications for the adapter500in various views similar to the views ofFIGS.10A-F, with the adapter500having 10-24 integral male threads1200according to this example. The adapter500may be made of 303 stainless steel with no finish if desired. Note that per this figure, the adapter500may have an overall length according to the adapter's longitudinal axis in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 inches, and preferably a length of 1.52 inches in non-limiting example embodiments. Additionally, the overall greatest width/depth of the adapter500along the cylindrical upper portion (as a diameter owing to the cylindrical configuration) may be in the range of 11.00 to 11.04 millimeters.

FIG.12also shows that a notch1210similar to the notches1000may be included on the adapter500as well. This notch1200may therefore be configured to receive the rubber O-ring520described above.

With respect toFIG.13, this figure shows specifications for the adapter500in various views similar to the views ofFIGS.10A-F, with the adapter500having ¼-20 integral male threads1300according to this example. Again the adapter500may be made of 303 stainless steel with no finish if desired. Per this figure, the adapter500may still have an overall length according to the adapter's longitudinal axis in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 inches, and preferably a length of 1.52 inches in non-limiting example embodiments. Additionally, the overall greatest width/depth of the adapter500along the cylindrical upper portion (as a diameter owing to the cylindrical configuration) may be in the range of 11.00 to 11.04 millimeters.FIG.13also still shows the notch1210to receive the rubber O-ring520described above.

Turning toFIG.14, this figure shows specifications for the adapter500per the 10-24 male threads configuration according to perspective, front side elevational, and side cross-sectional views. Note that the plunger290/spring detent may be secured within the adapter500using red Loctite. Also note that the O-ring520is shown as now disposed within the notch1210.

FIG.15shows specifications for the adapter500per the ¼-20 male threads configuration according to perspective, front side elevational, and side cross-sectional views. Again the plunger290/spring detent may be secured within the adapter500using red Loctite. And again the O-ring520is shown as now disposed within the notch1210.

FIG.16Athen shows the adapter500as coupled to the antenna130in side elevational view, whileFIG.16Bshows the adapter500as coupled to the antenna130in side cross-sectional view. Again a hex wrench1600is shown that may be used consistent with present principles and, as such, may be provided with the assembly shown inFIG.16A.

With respect toFIG.17, this figure shows specifications for the adapter140in various views similar to the views ofFIGS.10A-F, with the adapter140having 5/16-18 cut and integral male threads1700according to this example. The adapter140may be made of 303 stainless steel with no finish in this example.

Note that per this figure, the adapter140may have an overall length according to the adapter's longitudinal axis in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 inches, and preferably a length of 1.51 inches in non-limiting example embodiments. Additionally, the overall greatest width/depth of the adapter140along the cylindrical upper portion (as a diameter owing to the cylindrical configuration) may be in the range of 11.00 to 11.04 millimeters.

FIG.17also shows that a notch1710similar to the notches1000may be included on the adapter140as well. This notch1710may therefore be configured to receive the rubber O-ring223described above.

FIG.18shows a side elevational view of the adapter140perFIG.17and according to various additional example specifications. Here too the adapter140may include a black, removable O-ring223.

FIG.19Athen shows the adapter140as coupled to the antenna130in side elevational view, whileFIG.19Bshows the adapter140as coupled to the antenna130in side cross-sectional view. Again a hex wrench1900is shown that may be used consistent with present principles and, as such, may be provided with the assembly shown inFIGS.19A and19B.

Turning toFIG.20, this figure shows various example specifications for the plunger290.

Before concluding, it is to be understood that any combination of elements described above may be provided as a kit to an end-user/consumer or other entity. Thus, an example kit might include an aerodynamic bullet-shaped antenna, one of the antenna adapters described above (including a set screw or other coupling elements), and a hex tool for installation.

Also note that components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodiments in any appropriate combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

“A system having at least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” and “a system having at least one of A, B, C”) includes systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.

It is to be understood that whilst present principals have been described with reference to some example embodiments, these are not intended to be limiting, and that various alternative arrangements may be used to implement the subject matter claimed herein. Accordingly, while particular techniques and devices are herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present application is limited only by the claims.