5,649,316
`[11] Patent Number:
`United States Patent 15
`Jul. 15, 1997
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Prudhommeetal.
`
`
`US005649316A
`
`[54]
`
`IN-VEHICLE ANTENNA
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Dennis C. Prudhomme, Bloomingdale;
`Eugene Propp, Evanston, both of Il.
`:
`.
`[73] Assignee: Elden, Ine., Elmburst, Ill
`[21] Appl. No.: 406,111
`[22] Filed:
`Mar. 17, 1995
`[51] Ent, C18 encccceccescancesseessessnsscssensesssnsesee HOSK 11/02
`[52] US. CU. oecescssessecessees 455/345; 455/351; 455/575;
`343/711; 343/807
`[58] Field of Search .u..........ccscssescsescssssceesnes 455/345, 346,
`455/347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 89, 90; 343/711,
`712, 713, 795, 807,806
`.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[561
`
`7/1940 Staubly ...........00
`2,206,793
`serene 343/712
`2,964,746 12/1960 Trucnak,Jr et al.
`343/713
`342/906
`3,090,960
`5/1963 Ingledew ences
`
`3,099,797
`7/1963 Piccinini
`..
`© 305/312
`
`3,816,837
`6/1974 Smith ..........
`. 343/713
`3,896,448
`7/1975 Killen et al.
`.
`-- 343/713
`
`4,210,357
`7/1980 Adachi
`.....
`. 296/84 B
`4,675,687
`6/1987 Elliott
`.W.......esssssesssssecsssenseaseess 343/715
`
`..........
`
`«» 340/825.54
`7/1988 Takeuchi et al.
`4,760,394
`
`. 343/712
`4,788,550 11/1988 Chadima, Jr.
`..
`4,905,270
`2/1990 On.....e.seceneoee
`a. 379/58
`2/1990 Bardonetal
`w= 455/89
`4,905,304
`6/1991 Blaese ........
`. 343/713
`5,027,128
`
`
`wee 343/713
`5,285,210
`2/1994 Sato etal. ..
`8/1994 Had208lO srvscsecseeeceoccneeee 343/713
`5,343.214
`5,353,039 10/1994 Tsukada etal.
`ww. 343/713
`5,365,242 11/1994 Shima .acessssssssssssescssceesssnssssee 434/713
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2157633 10/1985 United Kingdom .sssssssseuee 343/711
`Primary Examiner—Reinhard J. Eisenzopf
`Assistant Examiner—Lee Nguyen
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Thomas W. Tolpin
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A cellular telephone system has a special cellular telephone
`antenna that can be hidden from view soas to deter thieves
`and vandalsas well as prevent damage to the antenna during
`car washes. In the preferred form, the cellular telephone
`antenna comprises arear view mirror-mounted antenna. The
`:
`.
`cellular telephone antenna can also comprise a sun visor
`mounted antenna, side view mirror-mounted antenna, glove
`compartment-mounted antenna, or dashboard-mounted
`antenna.
`
`11 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`SAMSUNG 1067
`SAMSUNG1067
`SAMSUNG v. SMART MOBILE
`SAMSUNGv. SMART MOBILE
`IPR2022-01004
`IPR2022-01004
`
`1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 15, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
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`5,649,316
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`FIG.
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`2
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`

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`US. Patent
`Jul. 15, 1997
`FIG. 6
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
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`5,649,316
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`102
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`108
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`i04
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`5,649,316
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`1
`IN-VEHICLE ANTENNA
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention pertains to antennas and, more particularly,
`to antennas for car phones.
`Cellular mobile telephoneserviceutilizes radio transmis-
`sion to provide direct-dial telephone service to car phones in
`automobiles, vans, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Since
`there are no overhead telephone lines which connect the
`vehicles, both speech and signaling are transmitted by radio
`waves. This is accomplished through the use of special tones
`rather than applying a voltage level or detecting a currentas
`is done in overhead telephone lines. The tones will ring the
`mobile telephone to indicate an incoming call or will indi-
`cate a busy signal.
`Until recent years, the growth of mobile telephones had
`been restricted due to the limited number of radio channels
`ayailable and the limited range, ie. 25-30 miles, of single
`base transmitting units. Subsequently, the cellular concept
`was developed to provide high quality mobile service for
`more customers at an affordable cost. The basic concept of
`a cellular system is to reduce the area covered by the
`transmitter by reducing the power of transmissions. In this
`manner, concentrated areas of population can have more
`transmitting stations and therefore, more channels because
`each transmitter handles numerous telephone conversations.
`Moreover, because the lower power transmitters cover less
`area,
`the same frequency can be reused in a common
`geographical area.
`Jn a cellular system, the service area is divided into
`regions called cells. Each cell has equipment to switch,
`transmit, and receive calls to and from the mobile telephone
`units located in the cell. A typical cell can have a radius of
`one to 12 miles. Each cell transmitter and receiver operates
`on a specified channel. Desirably, each channel is used for
`many simultaneous conversations at locations which are far
`enoughapart to avoid interference. As the number of mobile
`users grow, the overloaded cells can be split or divided into
`smaller cells by adding more transmitters.
`Cell sites form the radio link between individual cellular
`telephones and the telephone system. Each cell station is
`equipped with a transmitter and receiver coupled to an array
`of antennas. Thecell sites also have a telephone switching
`network and other support equipment. The cells are located.
`where they will operate most effectively in the radio envi-
`ronment. In urban area, cell sites are usually found on top of
`the tall buildings. In rural areas, cell sites are located at the
`highest levels, such as on mountains or on radio towers. To
`minimize interference, adjacent cells use different frequen-
`cies.
`
`2
`channels assigned to the cellular system, such as in the
`800-900 MHzrange. The band from 824-849 MHzis often
`used to receive signals from the mobile units. The transmit-
`ter can tune to the appropriate FM band. The band from
`869-894 MHzis often used to transmit signals to the mobile
`units. The mobile units transmits at a low power. The base
`station transmits at a higher power.
`Generally, each cellular telephone has a small integrated
`circuit or chip providing a numeric assignment module
`(NAM). The NAM chip is programmed usually by the
`cellular telephone dealer or installer to contain the informa-
`tion that uniquely identifies the cellular telephone with a cell
`site. The information programmed in the NAM chip includes
`the telephone number and serial number of the cellular
`telephone. The computers at the MTSOandthecell site use
`this information to identify the particular cellular telephone
`when transmitting and receivingcalls.
`Most cellular telephone manufacturers and supplies offer
`hands-free accessories that make it unnecessary to hold the
`handset while talking on the cellular telephone. A typical
`hands-free installation, includes a small microphone, which
`clips onto the windshield’s sun visor to pick up the driver’s
`end of the conversation and a speaker in the control head of
`the cellular telephone. Removing the handset from its cradle
`restores the cellular telephone to its normal operation and
`deactivates the microphone external speaker (speaker
`phone) to end the hands-free mode.
`Whenthe handsetis lifted or a button is pressed to place
`a call, the MTSO automatically selects an available channel.
`The user hears the normal dial tone and can continue dialing,
`i.e. pressing the alpha/numeric buttons, in the same manner
`as a stationary telephone with overhead telephone lines. An
`incoming call to the mobile unit is signaled by a ringing tone
`and is answered simply by lifting the handset or pressing the
`receive button. The mobile telephonetransmitteris linked by
`a voice channel to another telephone, such as another mobile
`telephone or a stationary telephone.
`Each cell site has at least one setup channel dedicated to
`signal between the cell and its mobile units. The remaining
`channels are for conversations. Two channels are required
`for duplex operation. A mobile telephone unit is called by
`transmitting its number over the setup channel. This occurs
`when the cellular telephone is taken off-hook. The cellular
`transmitter links to an available set-up channel and send a
`request tone to the serving cell site. The cell site assigns a
`voice channelset over which dialing and voice signals will
`take place. The cellular control circuit automatically
`switchesto the voice channel. Thecell site interprets incom-
`ing dial tones and send the digits along to the MTSO which
`will connect the cellular telephone to the recipient tele-
`phone. Whenthe recipient telephone is taken off-hook, the
`telephone are linked and a conversation can take place. As
`Thecell sites are interconnected and controlled by radio
`vehicles move (roam) out of the cells and the cellular signal
`transmission by switching circuitry through a central mobile
`becomes weaker, the MTSO switches to another cell to
`telephone switching office (MTSO). The MTSOislinked to
`the cell sites by a group of voice circuits for conversations,
`establish a new voice channel with a stronger signal, by a
`switching procedure known as a handoff. Handoffs take
`together with one or more data links for signaling and
`control. A call initiated by a mobile telephone unit can be
`place so rapidly by a computerized switching system, that
`cellular users do not even know that it has occurred.
`interconnected by the MTSOtoastationary telephonejust
`as any other telephonecall.
`In most mobile cellular phone installations, the phone
`receives its power from a vehicle battery. If it is part of a
`The mobile telephone units have a telephone control unit,
`a handset, a mobile telephone antenna, and interconnecting
`permanent
`installation,
`the phone may be permanently
`cables. Each mobile telephone unit is assigned a ten digit
`connected, or hard wired, to the vehicle’s electrical system.
`If the phoneis intended to be removed occasionally, a quick
`telephone number. The control unit performs all the func-
`disconnect plug or an adapter that lets the telephonetakeits
`tions associated with normal telephoneuse. Thereceiver and
`power from the vehicle’s cigarette lighter can be used.
`transmitter provide a transceiver and they are the means by
`which signals are sent between the cellular telephone and the
`For permanentinstallations, the transceiver/logic unit can
`be mountedin the trunk of the automobile and connected to
`cell site. The receiver can tune to frequency modulated (FM)
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`5,649,316
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`3
`the control head and car battery by cables. This location also
`places a trunk-mounted transceiver close to a rear trunk-
`mounted antenna. This arrangement shortens the length of
`feedline cable connecting the rear antennato the transceiver.
`Generally,
`the shorter the feedline cable in cellular
`telephones, the stronger the transmission and the better the
`reception.
`An antenna is a length of wire that radiates or captures
`tadio signals. Without an antenna, the cellular telephone
`would be virtually useless since the telephone would have
`no meansto transmit and receive signals to and from a cell
`site. Because of the microwave frequencies utilized in
`cellular telephones, it is possible to make the cellular tele-
`phone antennas quite small. Cellular telephone antennas
`come in many shapes and sizes. Someantennasare intended
`for permanent mounting and some for easy removal. Some
`are intended for vehicle use and others are to be attached to
`a portable phone. Some antennas are mounted on metal.
`Other antennas are mounted on glass.
`An antenna typically needs a ground plane to provide a
`surface to launch radio waves, even though there is no
`electrical connection between it and the antenna. A ground
`plane should have a radius equal to at least one quarter ofthe
`wavelength of the radio wave. Since the frequencies used by
`cellular telephone wavelengths are quite short, very little in
`the way of a ground plane is needed. Generally for an
`antenna to radiate an omnidirectional signal, i.e. one that
`tadiates outwardly in all directions from the antenna, the
`antenna should be mounted as close to the center of the
`ground plane as possible.
`Roof-mounted antennas are secured to the roof of the
`vehicle. Metal roofs provide a convenient ground plane. The
`roof is also the highest point on the vehicle so that signals
`emitted from and transmitted to the antenna areless likely to
`be obstructed by nearby objects. The roof-mounted antenna
`can be connectedto the internal dome light on the ceiling.
`The cable can then be placed in the ceiling liner for
`connection to the telephone. Roof-mounted antennas require
`a hole in the roof. Roof-mounted antennas usually extend at
`least a foot above the roof of the car. Roof-mounted antennas
`are not very popular with automobile drivers because they
`can be easily damaged by low garage doors and car washes.
`Roof-mounted antennas are not very popular with truck
`drivers because they can be readily damaged by low over-
`passes. Furthermore, roof-mounted antennas are not easily
`accessible for removal or repair.
`Trunk-mounted antennas can be mounted on the trunk of
`an automobile through a hole in the trunk or with a clip that
`attachesto the edge of the trunk. The cable can be positioned
`in the space between the trunk and the body of the car. The
`metal trunk provides the groundplane. Elevated feed anten-
`nas can also be used in which the signal is received into the
`antenna aboveits base.
`
`Magnhetic-mount antennas are intended for easy installa-
`tion and removal on the roof or trunk lid of a car. The
`magnetic-mount antenna has a base with a powerful perma-
`nent magnet that holds base of the antenna firmly to the
`metal surface of the vehicle.
`External glass-mounted antennas are mounted on the
`exterior surface of the vehicles’s rear window. The external
`glass-mounted antenna have an antenna rod, base, and a
`mounting plate. The mounting plate is cemented to the rear
`window with a weatherproof adhesive or can be placed on
`the rear window with a suction cup. The base, which can also
`serve as a mountingplate, containsa circuit that substitutes
`for the metal ground plane that would otherwise be provided
`
`4
`by the roof or trunk ofthe car. The other parts of the antenna
`are glued to the inside of the window directly opposite the
`outside portion. The signal transmitted to and from the
`external glass-mounted antenna are coupled through the
`glass by capacitive action, which allows a current to develop
`between the twosection of the antenna system without any
`physical connection between them. The coaxial cable is
`connected to the inner portion of the external glass-mounted
`antenna and extends into the vehicle’s rear deck to the
`telephone. The efficiency of external glass-mounted anten-
`nas can be adversely effected by the rear window defogger
`and rear window heating elements. External glass-mounted.
`antennas are useful but do not perform as well as roof-
`mounted antennas,
`
`External cellular antennas typically have a pigtail or
`squiggle providing a phasing coil partwayupits length. The
`phasing coil serves to divide the antenna into two antennas:
`one above the phasing coil and one below the phasingcoil.
`The phasing coil is designed to maintain the proper phase
`relationship of the radio waves received by the antenna so
`that each half of the antenna receives the proper portion of
`the signal. A 5 dB antenna usually has two phasing coils or
`pigtails to properly distribute the signal.
`The efficiency of external antennas can be adversely
`effected by external weather conditions, e.g. ice, snow,sleet,
`rain, winds, smog. Furthermore, external antennas can be
`readily bent, broken, or otherwise damaged in car washes.
`External antennas are also attractive to thieves since external
`antennas are readily accessible and can be easily removed
`with proper tools. Sometimes, external antennas are broken
`in parking garages and parking lots by vandals.
`In-vehicle antennas mount inside the vehicle. In-vehicle
`rear window antennas can be secured to the inside surface of
`the rear windowsof vehicles but peel-back double sided tape
`or by Velcro tabs. The rear window antennas are mounted
`vertically in the center of the rear window, but can also be
`attached instead to the front or side windows. In-vehicle
`antennas perform almost as well as external glass-mounted
`antennas.
`
`It is, therefore, desirable to develop an improved cellular
`telephone system and antenna for use in vehicle which
`overcomes most, if not all, of the preceding problems.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
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`An improved cellular telephone antenna and cellular
`telephone system is provided for use with vehicles. The
`novel antenna and cellular telephone system are attractive,
`economical, reliable and effective. The inventive antennae
`and telephone system are useful in many types of vehicles,
`such as: automobiles, station wagons, vans, trucks, jeeps,
`taxicabs, buses, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, road-
`grading equipment, backhoe,
`tractors, and agricultural
`vehicles.
`
`The cellular telephone system has a vehicle antenna-
`housing connected to the vehicle. The cellular telephone
`antenna is secured to the antenna-housing. A coaxial cable
`connects the antenna to the cellular telephone. The cellular
`telephone hasa transceiver with a handset and is connected.
`to a battery in the vehicle. Remarkably, the placement and
`shape of the cellular telephone antenna and housing
`described herein decrease telephone interference and
`improve reception and the strength of the telephonesignals,
`because.a shorter coaxial cable is used to connect
`the
`telephone to the antennae.
`In the preferred form, the cellular telephone antennais an
`in-vehicle antenna positioned in an in-vehicle antenna-
`
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`5,649,316
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`5
`housing in the interior of a vehicle. Desirably, the antenna
`provides a disguise antenna which is hidden from view to
`make the antenna less visible and accessible to thieves and
`vandals and, therefore, minimizes antenna theft. Since the
`anti-theft antenna is encased in a protective housing,
`it
`cannot be bent, broken,or otherwise damagedin car washes.
`Advantageously, the in-vehicle antennais not contacted and
`adversely effected by external weather conditions, e.g. ice,
`snow, sleet, rain, winds, smog.
`The novel antenna is also less obstructive to the passen-
`gers and providea greater unimpaired rangeof vision for the
`driver. Furthermore, the cellular telephone antenna enhances
`the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of the vehicle.
`In one preferred embodiment, the in-vehicle antenna-
`housing comprises a rear view mirror.
`In another
`embodiment, the in-vehicle antenna-housing comprises a
`glove compartment. In a further embodiment, the in-vehicle
`antenna-housing comprises a sun visor positioned above the
`front windshield in proximity to a driver or passenger above
`a front seat of the vehicle. This is particularly useful for
`hands-free operation, where a small microphoneis clipped,
`pinned orotherwise secured onto the windshield’s sun visor
`to pick up the driver’s end of the conversation. In this
`manner, the sun visor is already connected to the electrical
`system of the vehicle. In still another embodiment, the
`in-vehicle antenna-housing comprises a dashboard.
`the
`In some circumstances,
`it may be desirable that
`vehicle housing comprises a side view mirror mounted
`externally on the side of the car adjacent a car door, cither
`on the driver side or the passenger side. Remotely operated
`power-moveable side mirror are particularly adaptable for
`cellular telephone antennas, since they are already con-
`nectedto the electrical power source of the vehicle, e.g. the
`car battery.
`While it is preferred that the antenna be encased in the
`housing, it may be desirable in some circumstances that the
`antennae which extends externally upwardly from the mirror
`housing or other antenna-housing.
`A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided
`in the following description and claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG.1 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle with a cellular
`telephone system in accordance with principles of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the interior of the
`vehicle;
`FIG. 3 is a front view of a rear view mirror;
`FIG.4 is a side view of a rear view mirror housing;
`FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the rear view mirror
`housing with an internal cellular telephone antenna; and
`FIG.6 is an enlarged front view of the cellular telephone
`antenna mounted on an antenna-board.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The vehicle 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates an
`automobile with:tires 11; an exterior body 12 having a hood
`14, roof 16, trunk 18, doors 20; front windshield 22 (front
`window), side windows 24 and 25, side view mirrors 26, an
`interior engine compartment 28, vehicle battery 30, trunk
`compartment 32,a steering wheel 34, ceiling 36, dashboard
`38, driver’s seat 40 (FIG.2), front passenger seat 42, center
`console 44, drive shift 46, glove compartment 48, rear view
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`mirror 50, sun visor 52, AM/FM radio 54, speedometer 56,
`tachometer 58, and cellular telephone system 60. While the
`particular vehicle shown is an automobile,
`it is to be
`understood that the inventive cellular telephone system and
`antenna can be used with other types of vehicles, such as:
`station wagons, vans,
`trucks, jeeps, buses, motorcycles,
`all-terrain vehicles, road-grading equipment, backhoes,trac-
`tors and other agricultural vehicles.
`The cellular telephone system has a cellular telephone
`antenna 62 (FIGS. 5 and 6) which is secured by a clip, screw,
`or other fasteners to a vehicle antenna-housing 64. The
`antenna can extend externally upwardly or outwardly from
`the vehicle antenna-housing.
`:
`In the preferred embodiment, the antenna 62 is hidden
`from view and is encased and positioned within and sur-
`rounded by the vehicle antenna-housing 64. The vehicle
`antenna-housing can comprise:
`the sun visor, glove
`compartment, ceiling fabric, doors, rear view mirror, or side
`view mirror.
`
`Preferably, the vehicle-antenna housing is an in-vehicle
`antenna-housing assembly comprising a rear view mirror
`housing 64. The rear view mirror housing can be made of
`plastic, preferably impact-resistantplastic. If desired, metal,
`wood or other materials can be used.
`
`The rear view mirror housing 64 (FIGS. 4 and 5) has a
`rear housing portion 66 which matingly engages and is
`secured to a front housing portion 68. A rear view mirror 70
`(FIGS.3 and 4) is clipped, bonded, or otherwise securely
`fastened to and peripherally surrounded by the front mirror
`portion. The rear view mirror is located at a position for
`viewing by the driver of the vehicle. The rear view mirror
`can be made of glass and coated with silver or other
`reflective coating. In some circumstances, it may be desir-
`able that the mirror be made ofreflective plastic or polished
`metal.
`
`An extension arm 70 (FIGS.4 and 5) providing a mizror-
`mounting arm is securely fastened or otherwise connected to
`the back 72 of the rear housing portion. A universal swivel
`joint 74 connects the extension arm to a mounting plate 76
`or mounting bracket. The mounting plate is bolted or oth-
`erwise secured to the ceiling of the vehicle or windshield.
`The extension arm, swivel joint, and mounting plate provide
`an articulated arm 78 which enables the mirror housing and
`mirror to be moved 360 degrees to position desired by the
`driver so that the driver can view rearwardly approaching
`vehicles through the back window (rear windshield). In
`some circumstances, it may be desirable to use a hollow or
`tubular extension arm and mounting plate. so that
`the
`antenna-cable 80 can extend through and be hidden from
`view in the hollow or tubular extension arm and mounting
`plate.
`The back of the rear housing can have one or more
`mirror-housing windows82 facing the front windshield at a
`location above or below the extension arm. The mirror-
`housing windows permit light, radio waves, and telephone
`signals to enter and exit the interior of the rear housing. The
`mirror-housing windows communicate with the front wind-
`shield and cellular telephone antenna within the mirror
`housing so that radio wave and telephone signals can pass
`through the front windshield and mirror-housing windows
`and be received by and radiate from the cellular telephone
`antenna. In some circumstances, it may also be desirable to
`have mirror-housing windows in the sides of the mirror
`housing facing the side windows.
`The rear view mirror housing can also contain dimming
`circuitry to vary the reflectiveness of the mirror in response
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`5,649,316
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`to the intensity of light from rearwardly approaching
`vehicles, as well as for daytime and nighttime driving.
`The omnidirectional
`in-vehicle cellular telephone 62
`antenna comprises a mirror-mounted cellular telephone
`antenna securely mounted and positioned in the interior of
`the rear view mirror housing behind the rear view mirror.
`The antenna can be positioned horizontally or vertically.
`The antenna is tuned to receive and transmit telephone
`signals. More specifically, the antenna transmits telephone
`signals along a frequency modulated band to anothertele-
`phone. The antenna also receives telephone signals from
`another telephone along frequency modulated channels. The
`antenna can also be tuned to receive AM radio signals and
`FM radio signals for the AM/FM radio.
`Thecellular telephone antenna can be made of copper or
`other conductive metal. The antenna is adhesively or ther-
`mally bonded or otherwise secured and mounted to a gen-
`erally planar or flat light-transmissive antenna-board 84
`(FIG.6) or circuit board. The board can be made ofplastic
`and canbe transparentor translucentto facilitate the passage
`of radio wave and telephone signals to the antenna. The
`antenna is soldered or connected by conductive metal or
`wires to the base 86 (FIG. 5) or annular rim of the cable-
`connecting socket or adapter 88, that is bonded or otherwise
`secured to the board. The adapter 88 can be positioned
`rearwardly or forwardly to facsilitate attachment to the
`coaxial cable 80.
`
`In the illustrative embodiment, the cellular telephone
`antenna has aligned outwardly-diverging flared antenna sec-
`tions 90 and 92 (FIG. 6). The antenna sections are tapered
`away from the center of the antenna and antenna-board. The
`cross sectional area of each flared antenna section increases
`stepwise towards the center of the antenna and antenna-
`board. One antenna section 90 has a thicker inner antenna
`portion 94 with a transversely extending central foot portion
`96 and has an elongated thinner outer portion 98 connected
`by an inwardly diverging frustro-conical tapered portion 99
`to the thicker inner antenna portion 94. The inner antenna
`portion 94 is thicker, i.c. has a larger cross section, than the
`outer antenna portion 98. The other antenna section 92 has
`a thicker, but shorter, inner antenna portion 100, a much
`thinner outer antenna portion 102, and an intermediate
`thickness antenna portion 104 between the inner and outer
`antenna portions. The intermediate antenna portion 104 is
`connected by inwardly diverging firustro-conical tapered
`portions 106 and 108 to the inner and outer antenna portions
`100 and 102. The cross section area of the intermediate
`portion 104 is greater than the outer portion 102 but less than
`the inner portion 100.
`the
`The cellular vehicular telephone system includes:
`antenna 62, cellular telephone 110 (FIGS. 1 and 2), coaxial
`feeder cable 80, and battery 30. The battery provides an
`electrical power source which powersthe cellular telephone
`system. In the illustrative embodiment, a vehicle battery in
`the engine compartmentis wired to the cellular telephone by
`power cable 112. The coaxial cable 80 connects the antenna
`to the cellular telephone. Desirably, the coaxial feeder cable
`and said mirror-mounted antennae have matching imped-
`ances to substantially minimize standing waves andloss of
`transmission power.
`In the illustrated embodiment, an externally threaded
`antenna-connector 88 (FIG. 5) providing a cable adapter is
`secured to the board and electrically connected to the
`antenna. The antenna-connector has an interior port or
`opening and provides a female cable-receiving connector,
`plug, or adapter. The antenna-connector matingly engages
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`and receives the L-shaped male connector 114 on the
`antenna feedline cable (coaxial cable).
`The coaxial cable can comprises a center conductor
`surrounded by an electrical insulating layer and a shield of
`thin braided copper wire. The center conductor and shield
`are encased in another insulation ayer. The antenna input
`impedance should match the antenna feeder cable to prevent
`standing waves and loss of transmission power. The
`L-shaped male connector on the coaxial cable is connected
`to the female connector 88 on the internal cellular antenna.
`The other male TNC connector on the cable is connected to
`the cellular phone transceiver 116.
`The cable can also be connected to the AM and/or FM
`vehicle radio, either directly, or through a splitter
`connection, or by a separate cable connected to another
`adapted plug/socket on the board. The length of the cable
`can be hidden from view by running, positioning and
`burying the cable under the dashboard, car molding and
`fabric in the ceiling and/or door.
`Theillustrated rear view mirror-mounted antenna can also
`be used for: a visor-mounted antenna, a dashboard-mounted
`antenna, a side view mirror-mounted antenna, a door-
`mounted antenna, a glove compartment-mounted antenna.
`All of the above described antennas are useful as cellular
`telephone antennas and can also be connected to the AM
`and/or FM vehicle radio. While the illustrated antenna is
`preferred for reasons of economyandeffectiveness, in some
`circumstances it may be desirable to use an antenna have a
`different shape and orientation.
`The cellular vehicle mobile telephone has a telephone
`control unit 116 (FIG. 1), handset 118, and cradle 120. The
`telephone control unit comprises a transceiver and provides
`a logic unit. The cellular telephone can comprise an analog
`cellular telephone, digital cellular telephone, or preferably a
`dual mode cellular telephone that has both an analog capac-
`ity and a digital capacity of 832 radio frequency (RF)
`channels with 3 watts power. The telephone can transmit
`from 824-849 MHz and can receive from 969-894 Mhz.
`Thecellular telephone can have a frequencystability of 2.5
`PPM,a channel spacing of 30 KHZ, and a duplex spacing of
`45 MHz. Thecellular telephone can operate on a supply
`voltage of 11-16.5 volts with a current of 1.5 amps.
`The transceiver can be mounted under the dashboard by
`amounted bracket andbolts or other fasteners. If desired,the
`transceiver can be mounted under the driver’s seat, front
`passenger seat, in the glove compartment, or in the trunk.
`The transceiver can contain an amplifier, demodulator, and
`circuitry for tuning to telephone signals received by said
`cellular telephone antenna, as well as carrier oscillators,
`amplifiers, and circuitry for transmitting telephone signals
`through the cellular telephone antenna. The transceiver can
`be contained in a black box, such as of 30 mm heightx210
`mm lengthx90 mm width and weighing about 0.7 kg. Other
`size and weight transceivers can be used.
`The handset 118 (FIGS. 1 and 2) can include a handset-
`housing which can be moldedout of impact-resistantplastic.
`The handset-housing can comprise two or more separable
`parts separated by a parting line for access into the interior
`of the handset. The handset housing can include a back 122
`and a front 124.
`
`The back ofthe handset has a convex shape and generally
`faces towards the driver when the telephone is not in use.
`Whenin use, the back of the handsetfits comfortably in the
`palm of the user’s hand. The upperportion of the back of the
`handset has a rectangular handset-display window 126 to
`indicate and display the telephone number being called/
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`dialed. The handset display-window is positioned to be
`readily viewed by the driver.
`The back of the handset has a keypad 128 (FIG. 2) with
`finger-engageable, depressible, resilient keys 130 positioned
`below the display window. The keys can be rectangular or
`circular. The keys can include: alpha numeric buttons 132,
`a send/receive button 134, a clear/stop/end button 136, a
`recall button, a store button, and automatic dialing buttons
`for user-programmed stored telephone numbers.
`A speaker 140 (FIG. 2) can be mounted in the back of the
`handset below the keys for handsfree telephone discussions
`in conjunction with a speaker-microphone 142 mounted on
`the sun visor or on the ceiling in proximity to the sun visor.
`The microphonecan be hardwired to the cradle or base unit
`of the cellular telephone. The microphone wire can be
`hidden from view by running, positioning and burying the
`wire under the dashboard, car molding and fabric in the
`ceiling and/or door.
`The front of the handset has a finger-grippable concave
`handle 144 (FIG. 1) which extends between and integrally
`connects the top earpiece 146 to the bottom mouthpiece 148.
`The handset can be 61 mm height<62 mm widex200 mm
`length and a weight of about 0.4 kg. Other size and weight
`handsets can be us