HK1070472B - Selectively coupled two-piece antenna - Google Patents

Description

Selectively coupled two-segment antenna

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/315,289 filed on 27/8/2001.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The following applications by the common assignee contain certain common disclosures consistent with the present invention: "Balanced, recyclable, Mobile Phone Antenna", application No. 09/429,768, filed on 28/10/1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to antennas, and more particularly to selectively coupled two-piece antennas for mobile phones.

Description of the related Art

Personal communication devices such as mobile phones have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Whip antennas are commonly used in mobile phones. A disadvantage of whip antennas is that they are often attached to things and become damaged. To prevent such damage, many whip antennas are designed to be retractable into the mobile phone housing. Thus, whether used in cellular or satellite telephone systems, a typical mobile telephone has a whip antenna that can be retracted into the housing when not in use. A user wishing to send or receive a call may extend the antenna from the housing. Similarly, the antenna may be retracted into the housing when the user is not engaged in a call.

For many mobile phones, the center of the antenna is aligned with the user's head and/or hands when operating. Due to the pattern of standing waves in a typical whip antenna, the user's head and/or hand tends to block signals transmitted and received through the whip antenna. This blockage is also known as shadowing and tends to degrade mobile phone performance.

As technology advances, the size of mobile phones continues to decrease. Due to this reduction in size, a small-sized mobile phone contains less space to accommodate the whip antenna. Therefore, the retractable whip antenna used for such a small-sized mobile phone is also required to be shorter. Unfortunately, shorter whips are less able to avoid the signal shadowing effects described above.

Some mobile phones employ a helical antenna instead of a whip antenna. For these antennas, the helix protrudes slightly from the phone housing and is usually fixed. Thus, it is neither retractable nor extendable. User convenience is the motivation for using fixed helical antennas. The operation becomes simpler from the user's point of view if the user does not have to extend and retract the antenna. Also, a phone employing a fixed helical antenna can be made slightly smaller, since the housing of the phone does not have to accommodate the length of the retractable whip antenna. However, the shadowing problem described above is typically exacerbated for helical antennas.

Many phones today use a combination of a helical antenna and a whip antenna. One such method includes a configuration in which the helical antenna is disposed outside of the housing, and the extendable whip antenna passes through a central axis of the helical antenna.

Another method includes placing a helical antenna at the end of a whip antenna. When the whip antenna is retracted, only the helical antenna protrudes outside the housing. In a first variation of this method, the whip antenna and the helical antenna are electrically disconnected in both the extended and retracted positions. In a second variation of this method, the whip antenna and the helical antenna are electrically connected in the extended position and electrically disconnected in the retracted position.

Examples of such known devices are described in the following U.S. patents:

shimada et al U.S. patent 5,426,440,

U.S. patent 5,594,457 to Wingo,

elliot et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,789, and

U.S. patent 5,717,408 to Sullivan et al.

Many mobile phones employ digital circuits that generate signals with high frequency harmonics. In some cases, these harmonics may fall within the receive band of the mobile phone. When the antenna is retracted, it is usually close to such digital circuitry. Due to this proximity, antenna portions within the housing of the mobile phone may receive these signals and transmit them to components within the mobile phone that are designated to receive communication signals. This phenomenon is called self-interference, which is exacerbated as the size of the mobile phone becomes smaller. Self-interference causes interference with Radio Frequency (RF) communications and degrades mobile phone performance.

Self-interference can be mitigated by shielding the electronic components that generate high frequency harmonics within a grounded conductive housing. Alternatively, self-interference may be mitigated by shielding the indented portion of the antenna with a grounded conductive tube. However, these solutions are expensive and have several mechanical and spatial constraints. Another method includes grounding the antenna when the antenna is in its retracted position. This grounding creates a high input impedance for the antenna and requires the implementation of a matching circuit to match the antenna impedance to the impedance of other RF components. The matching circuit consumes space within the mobile phone and increases the cost of the phone.

Accordingly, it has been recognized that there is a need for a mobile phone antenna that reduces the shielding caused by the user when extended and provides a miniature, cost effective way to mitigate self-interference when retracted.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention is directed to a selectively coupled two-piece antenna for use in a mobile telephone having a housing and RF communication circuitry. A selectively coupled two-piece antenna comprising: a composite radiator selectively extendable from and retractable into the housing; and a communication interface connected to the RF communication circuit. The composite radiator has first and second radiating elements and a connecting element.

The connecting element connects the first and second radiating elements when the composite radiator is elongated. In this position, the communication interface connects the RF communication circuit to the first and second radiating elements. In this way, the RF communication circuit transmits and/or receives RF signals through both the first and second radiating elements as a top-loaded antenna.

However, when the composite radiator is retracted, the connecting element electrically isolates the first and second radiating elements. In this position, the composite radiator contacts the communication interface such that the first radiating element is electrically coupled to the RF communication circuit. Thus, in this position, the second radiating element is electrically disconnected from the RF communication circuitry. Thus, when the composite radiator is retracted, the RF communication circuit exchanges signals only with the first radiating element.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it limits self-interference when the composite radiator is retracted.

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

The features, nature, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements have like numerals wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone employing a whip antenna;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone employing a top-loaded antenna;

figure 2A is a block diagram of a selectively coupled two-piece antenna in an extended state;

figure 2B is a block diagram of the selectively coupled two-piece antenna in a retracted state;

figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a first implementation of a selectively coupled two-piece antenna in an extended state;

figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a first implementation of a selectively coupled two-piece antenna in a retracted state;

figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of a second implementation of a selectively coupled two-piece antenna in an extended state;

figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a second implementation of a selectively coupled two-piece antenna in a retracted state; and

fig. 5 is a view of the first radiating element.

Detailed description of the invention

1. Summary of the invention

Fig. 1A and 1B are block diagrams of an exemplary mobile phone 100 employing different types of antennas. The illustrated mobile telephone 100 includes a housing 102 that houses RF communication circuitry 112. In addition, the mobile telephone 100 includes an antenna that is coupled to the RF communication circuitry 112. RF communication circuitry 112 transmits and receives RF signals through the antenna. Fig. 1A shows a mobile phone 100 with a whip antenna 104.

Fig. 1B shows the mobile phone 100 with a top-loaded antenna 108. The top antenna 108 includes two radiating elements. As shown in fig. 1B, the top-loaded antenna 108 includes a helical antenna connected to a whip antenna 116. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other shapes of radiating elements may be employed.

Whip or topped mobile phone antennas are typically retractable. Typically, when the antenna is retracted into the mobile phone housing, it is still active. The retracted antenna will continue to receive RF signals and transmit them to RF communication circuitry 112. The mobile phone 100 includes electronic components (not shown) that generate signals having high frequency harmonics. These harmonics may fall within the reception band of the mobile phone. When the antenna is retracted, it is typically in close proximity to these electronic components. Due to this proximity, the retracted antenna will receive these harmonics and transmit them to the RF communication circuitry 112. This phenomenon is called self-interference. Self-interference causes interference with RF communications and degrades the performance of the mobile phone 100.

As described above, self-interference can be mitigated by shielding electronic components generating high frequency harmonics within a grounded conductive housing. Alternatively, self-interference may be mitigated by shielding the indented portion of the antenna with a grounded conductive tube. However, these solutions are expensive and have several mechanical and spatial constraints. Another method includes grounding the antenna when the antenna is in its retracted position. This grounding creates a high input impedance for the antenna and requires the implementation of a matching circuit to match the antenna impedance to the impedance of other RF components. The matching circuit consumes space within the mobile phone and increases the cost of the phone.

II. invention

The present invention provides an antenna that is configured as a roofer antenna when extended and as a helix antenna when retracted. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated topped antenna comprises a quarter wave whip antenna (also known as a monopole) connected to a half wave helical antenna.

Figures 2A and 2B are block diagrams of a selectively coupled two-piece antenna 200 according to a preferred embodiment. The antenna 200 includes a composite radiator 206 and a communication interface 214. The communication interface 214 is attached to, and housed within, the housing 102 of the mobile phone 100. Communication interface 214 is coupled to RF communication circuitry 112. The communication interface 214 is electrically connected to portions of the composite radiator 206 to establish an electrical connection between the RF communication circuit 112 and the antenna 200. The electrical connection of the interface 214 and the radiator 206 can be a direct (galvanic) connection or an indirect (e.g., capacitive or inductive) connection. The synthetic radiator 206 can be selectively extendable from the housing 102 and retractable into the housing 102. The composite radiator 206 includes a first radiating element 208, a connecting element 210, and a second radiating element 212. First radiating element 208 is preferably a quarter-wave whip antenna (also referred to as a monopole). However, other antenna types may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, any antenna element type may be used in which a first element distributes standing wave current/voltage over a longer distance than a second element. The connecting element 210 acts as a switch between the first and second radiating elements 208 and 212. The connecting element 210 electrically connects and disconnects the radiating elements 208 and 212 depending on whether the composite radiator 206 is extended or retracted.

Figure 2A illustrates a selectively coupled two-piece antenna 200 in an extended state. In this position, connecting element 210 electrically connects first radiating element 208 and second radiating element 212. In addition, the composite radiator 206 is electrically connected to a communication interface 214 at the second radiating element 212. When the first and second radiating elements 208 and 212 are electrically connected, the RF communication circuit 112 sends and/or receives RF signals through both radiating elements 208 and 212. Thus, when extended, the composite radiator 206 acts as a topped antenna.

Fig. 2B illustrates the antenna 200 in a retracted position. In this position, the synthetic radiator 206 is electrically connected with the communication interface 214 such that the radiating element 208 is electrically connected to the RF communication circuitry 112. Also, when the composite radiator 206 is retracted, the radiator 212 is completely within the housing 102. As described above, self-interference problems can occur when the radiating element is retracted into the housing 102. To mitigate these problems, connecting element 210 electrically disconnects radiating element 208 and radiating element 212. This disconnection prevents the second radiating element 212 from passing RF energy to the RF communication circuitry 112. Thus, when the composite radiator 206 is retracted, the RF communication circuit 112 only transmits and/or receives RF signals through the radiating element 208.

The connection element 210 may be implemented with an electronic switch, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, the connecting element 210 may be implemented by mechanical techniques, such as those described below with reference to fig. 3A-4B.

Fig. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a first implementation 300 of the antenna 200. Fig. 3A shows the antenna 200 in an extended position. Fig. 3B shows the antenna 200 in a retracted position. As described above, the antenna 200 includes the synthetic radiator 206 and the communication interface 214. The composite radiator 206 includes a first radiating element 208, a connecting element 210, and a second radiating element 212.

The radiating element 208 is electrically conductive. In a preferred embodiment, the radiating element 208 is a helical antenna formed from copper wire. However, in other embodiments, the radiating element 208 may be implemented in other shapes and other materials suitable for use in RF copper wire. In addition, the radiating element 208 is preferably covered with a protective plastic cover 340. The radiating element 208 is attached to the connecting element 210 by any suitable attachment means, such as glue, epoxy, press fit, etc.

The connecting element 210 includes a conductor portion 302 and an insulator portion 304. Conductor portion 302 is formed of any suitable conductive material suitable for RF communication. Insulator portion 304 is attached to conductor portion 302 and is formed of an electrically insulating dielectric material such as plastic. Conductor portion 302 is electrically connected to radiating element 208. The conductor part 302 comprises an outer surface 342, which outer surface 342 establishes an electrical connection with the communication interface 214 when the radiator 206 is retracted.

The connecting element 210 defines a connecting aperture 328. The connecting aperture 328 includes a conductive segment 344a and an insulative segment 344 b. Conductive segment 344a is defined by conductor portion 302 and insulative segment 344b is defined by insulative portion 304. When the composite radiator 206 is elongated, the conductive segment 344a coaxially surrounds and contacts the first contact portion 306 of the second radiating element 212, thereby electrically connecting the radiating elements 208 and 212. However, when the composite radiator 206 is retracted, the insulating segment 344b coaxially surrounds and contacts the first contact portion 306, thereby electrically insulating the radiating elements 208 and 212 from each other.

The connecting element 210 also includes a connection positioning slot 316 and an insulation positioning slot 314. The connection detents 316 and insulation detents 314 serve to retain the radiating element 212 in a fixed position relative to the connecting element 210. These positions depend on whether the synthetic radiator 206 is extended or retracted.

A connection positioning slot 316 is formed in the recess of the conductor portion 302. In particular, the connection detents 316 are formed in the conductive segments 344a of the connection apertures 328. When the composite radiator 206 is elongated, as shown in fig. 3A, the connection detents 316 engage with the locking mechanism 312, and the locking mechanism 312 is attached to the radiating element 212. Contact is established between the second radiating element 212 and the conductor portion 302 by engagement of the locking mechanism 312 by the connection detents 316. This contact electrically connects radiating elements 208 and 212.

An insulation positioning slot 314 is formed in the recess of the insulator portion 304. In particular, insulation positioning slot 314 is formed in insulation segment 344b of attachment aperture 328. When the composite radiator 206 is retracted, the insulating positioning slot 314 engages the locking mechanism 312. The radiating elements 208 and 212 are electrically isolated by engagement of the locking mechanism 312 by the insulative locating slot 314.

The locking mechanism 312 is a deformable, resilient tubular structure formed from a conductive material. Examples of such materials include beryllium copper (BeCu) and rubber loaded with conductive particles such as carbon and/or silver. The locking mechanism 312 coaxially surrounds and is attached to the first contact portion 306 at the locking mechanism fitting 348. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 312 includes one or more resilient "c-shaped" rings formed of BeCu, or any other conductive material that is resilient. These rings are distributed around the circumference of the first contact portion 306 at the locking mechanism fitting 348. During engagement with either of the connection detents 316 or the insulation detents 314, the locking mechanism 312 expands relative to the respective detent, thereby maintaining the second radiating element 212 in alignment with the connecting element 210. Once the locking mechanism 312 expands into one of these detents, an extension or retraction force is required to be applied to the radiating element 208 to change the alignment.

The locking mechanism engagement member 348 is formed around the circumference of the first contact portion 306. The locking mechanism mating piece 348 is configured for attachment of the locking mechanism 312. The locking mechanism engagement member 348 is a channel formed on a surface of the first contact portion 306. The locking mechanism 312 is attached to the first contact portion 306 at the locking mechanism engagement member 348. The locking mechanism 312 may be attached to the first contact portion 306 by any attachment technique known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques include soldering, welding, and adhesive mounting. The locking mechanism 312 may also be attached to the first contact portion 306 by the spring force imparted by the locking mechanism 312 on the locking mechanism mating piece 348, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The connecting element 210 also includes a mounting mechanism 318 and a mounting mechanism mating member 346. The mounting mechanism mating element 346 is configured for attachment of the mounting mechanism 318. A mounting mechanism assembly 346 is formed on the conductor portion 302 of the connecting element 210. More specifically, the mounting mechanism mating element 346 is formed on the outer surface 342 of the connecting element 210. The mounting mechanism mating element 346 is a channel formed in the outer surface 342 of the connecting element 210. The mounting mechanism 318 is attached to the connecting element at the mounting mechanism mating piece 346.

The mounting mechanism 318 is a deformable, resilient tubular structure formed from an electrically conductive material. Examples of such materials include beryllium copper (BeCu) and rubber loaded with conductive particles such as carbon and/or silver. The mounting mechanism 318 coaxially surrounds and contacts the connecting element 210 at the mounting mechanism mating member 346. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism 318 includes one or more resilient "c-shaped" rings formed from BeCu, or any other conductive material that is resilient. These rings are distributed around the connecting element 210 at the mounting mechanism fitting 346. The mounting mechanism 318 can be attached to the connecting element 210 by any attachment technique known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques include soldering, welding, and adhesive mounting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the mounting mechanism 318 can also be attached to the connecting element 210 by a spring force applied by the mounting mechanism 318 to the mounting mechanism mating piece 346.

In the retracted position shown in FIG. 3B, the mounting mechanism 318 engages a mounting detent 320 formed on the communication interface 214. The mounting mechanism 318 engages the mounting detent 320 by expanding relative thereto. Once the mounting mechanisms 318 are engaged with the mounting detents 320, a tensile force is required to be applied to disengage the mounting mechanisms 318 from the mounting detents 320.

Radiating element 212 includes a first end 322, a second end 324, a first contact portion 306, a second contact portion 308, a locking mechanism 312, and a whip portion 326. In a preferred embodiment, radiating element 212 is comprised of nickel titanium (NiTi). NiTi has a high memory factor. Thus, the radiating element 212 will be bent and return to its original shape. In other embodiments, radiating element 212 may be implemented with other shapes and other materials suitable for RF communication.

The first and second ends 322 and 324 are opposite each other. The first contact portion 306 is toward the first end 322 and the second contact portion 308 is toward the second end 324. Contact portions 306 and 308 are selectively connected by a whip portion 326.

As described above, the first contact portion 306 is coaxially surrounded by the conductive segment 344a or the insulating segment 344b of the connecting aperture 328. When the composite radiator 206 is elongated, as shown in fig. 3A, the first contact portion 306 is coaxially surrounded by the conductive segment 344 a. However, when the composite radiator 206 is retracted, as shown in fig. 3B, the first contact portion 306 is coaxially surrounded by the dielectric segment 344B. In a preferred embodiment, the first contact portion 306 and the connecting aperture 328 are substantially cylindrical. However, other shapes may be used as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the extended position shown in fig. 3A, the locking mechanism 312 engages the connection detents 316. The contact of the locking mechanism 312 with the connection detents 316 electrically connects the radiating elements 208 and 212. However, in the retracted position shown in FIG. 3B, the locking mechanism 312 engages the insulation positioning slot 314. In this position, neither the locking mechanism 312 nor the first contact portion 306 has any contact with the conductor portion 302 of the connection element 210. Thus, when retracted, first radiating element 208 and second radiating element 212 are electrically isolated.

Whip portion 326 electrically connects contact portions 306 and 308. In a preferred embodiment, whip portion 326 is covered with an insulating dielectric material such as plastic. In another embodiment, however, whip portion 326 is not covered.

The communication interface 214 is attached to the housing 102 and includes a conductive contact surface 310 and a mounting detent 320 formed on the contact surface 310. The communication interface 214 is connected to the RF communication circuitry 112 by wires or other means known to those skilled in the relevant art. The communication interface 214 is electrically connected to the second contact portion 308 when the composite radiator 206 is extended and the communication interface 214 is electrically connected to the conductor portion 302 of the connection element 210 when the composite radiator 206 is retracted.

The contact surface 310 defines an interface aperture 350 that coaxially surrounds a portion of the composite radiator 206. The interface aperture 350 has a first contact section 352a and a second contact section 352 b. The contact segments 352a and 352b are generally cylindrical. However, other shapes may be employed, as will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. When the synthetic radiator 206 is retracted, the connecting element 210 is disposed within the first contact segment 352 a. The second contact portion 308 of the second radiating element 212 is disposed within the second contact segment 352b when the composite radiator 206 is elongated.

The first contact segment 352a allows contact between the communication interface 214 and the conductor portion 302 of the connection element 210 while allowing the connection element 210 to fit in the interface aperture 350. The first contact segment 352a has a diameter that enables the connecting element 210 to be deployed therein. This diameter allows the connecting element 210 to touch the contact surface 310 and to frictionally slide in and out of the first contact segment 352 a. As described above, when the composite radiator 206 is retracted, as shown in fig. 3B, the mounting mechanism 318 engages the mounting detents 320. The mounting detents 320 are grooves formed on the contact surface 310 at the first contact segment 352 a. The contact of the outer surface 342 and the mounting mechanism 318 with the contact surface 310 establishes an electrical connection between the first radiating element 208 and the communication interface 214.

The second contact section 352b allows contact between the communication interface 214 and the second contact portion 308 of the radiating element 212 while allowing the second contact portion 308 to slide over the communication interface 214. Second contact segment 352b has a diameter that enables second contact portion 308 and whip portion 326 to be deployed therein. This diameter allows the second contact portion 308 to slide over the second contact section 352b with friction between the contact surface 310 and the second contact portion 308. Thus, when the composite radiator 206 is elongated, as shown in fig. 3A, the contact of the second contact portion 308 with the contact surface 310 establishes an electrical connection between the radiating element 212 and the communication interface 214. However, this diameter causes whip portion 326 to be deployed within second contact section 352b without touching contact surface 310. Thus, when the composite radiator 206 is retracted, as shown in fig. 3B, the absence of contact between the whip portion 326 and the second contact segment 352B electrically isolates the radiating element 212 from the communication interface 214.

As described above, fig. 3A illustrates the composite radiator 206 in an extended position. In this position, the mounting mechanism 318 of the connecting element 210 is disengaged from the mounting detents 320. The locking mechanism 312 engages the connection detents 316. Thus, radiating elements 208 and 212 are electrically connected. Also in this extended position, the second contact portion 308 of the radiating element 212 is in contact with the contact surface 310. In this manner, RF communication circuitry 113 transmits and/or receives RF signals via radiating elements 208 and 212, which are configured as a top-loaded antenna.

After the user applies a retraction force to the radiating element 208, the composite radiator 206 transitions from the extended position shown in fig. 3A to the retracted position shown in fig. 3B. As the composite radiator 206 retracts, the second end 324 contacts a stop mechanism 354 formed on the housing 102. At this point, after a retraction force is applied relative to the stop mechanism 354, the locking mechanism 312 disengages the connection detents 316 and engages the insulation detents 314.

The locking mechanism 312 engages the insulation positioning slot 314 and the mounting mechanism 318 engages the mounting positioning slot 320. This engagement places the composite radiator 206 in the retracted position shown in fig. 3B. In this position, radiating elements 208 and 212 are disconnected. Further, the radiating element 212 does not contact the communication interface 214. Thus, in the retracted position, the RF communication circuitry 112 transmits and/or receives RF signals only through the radiating element 208. Furthermore, since the second radiating element 212 is disconnected from the RF communication circuitry 112 at this position, the self-interference problem is mitigated.

After a user applies an elongation force to the radiating element 208, the composite radiator 206 transitions from the retracted position shown in fig. 3B to the elongated position shown in fig. 3A. The mounting mechanism 318 disengages from the mounting detents 320 due to the application of an elongation force to the composite radiator 206. This disengagement allows the composite radiator 206 to extend from the housing 102. The synthetic radiator 206 is extended from the housing 102 until the second end 324 abuts the communication interface 214. Second end 324 of second radiating element 212 is wider than the diameter of second contact segment 352 b. Thus, when the second end 324 abuts the communication interface 214, the elongation of the second radiating element stops. At this point, the elongation force causes the locking mechanism 312 to disengage the insulation positioning slot 314 and engage the connection positioning slot 316. This engagement places the composite radiator 206 in the extended position shown in fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a second implementation 400 of the antenna 200. Fig. 4A shows the antenna 200 in an extended position. Fig. 4B shows the antenna 200 in a retracted position. Similar to the implementation 300 described above with reference to fig. 3A and 3B, the implementation 400 of the antenna 200 includes a composite radiator 206 and a communication interface 214. The composite radiator 206 includes a first radiating element 208, a connecting element 210, and a second radiating element 212. However, in implementation 400, second radiating element 212 includes a retractable second contact portion 308'. When the antenna 200 is in the extended position, the retractable second contact portion 308' is extended. Thus, the second radiating element 210 has an elongated length LE. The LE is preferably about a half wavelength (λ/2). However, other electrical lengths may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art.

When the antenna 200 is in the retracted position, the retractable second contact portion 308' is retracted. Thus, the second contact portion 308' has a retracted length LR that is shorter than the extended length LE. Preferably, the LR is about one-quarter wavelength (λ/4). However, other electrical lengths may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art.

The retractable second contact portion 308' retracts after the user applies a retraction force to the radiating element 208. As the composite radiator 206 retracts, the second end 324 contacts a stop mechanism 354 formed on the housing 102. This contact causes a pressure to be imparted to the second contact portion 308 ', thereby retracting the second contact portion 308'.

The retractable second contact portion 308' is extended after a user applies an extension force to the radiating element 208. During the elongation of the composite radiator 206, after the second end 324 abuts the communication interface 214, the retracted second contact portion 308' elongates as the composite radiator continues to elongate.

The shortening of the second contact portion 308' when the composite radiator 206 is retracted mitigates parasitic coupling between the radiating element 208 and the second radiating element 212. Other techniques may be used to shorten the second radiating element 212 when the composite radiator 212 is retracted, as will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art.

As mentioned above, the radiating element 208 is preferably a helical antenna. However, other antenna types may be employed. Fig. 5 is a view of another radiating element 208'. As shown in fig. 5, the other radiating element 208' includes a plurality of teeth 402. The number and length of these teeth may be varied to form a topped antenna, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Conclusion III

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be applied to any type of wireless communication device. 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.

Claims (5)

1. A selectively coupled two-piece antenna for use in a mobile phone having a housing and radio frequency RF communication circuitry, said antenna comprising:

a composite radiator selectively extendable from and retractable into the housing, the composite radiator having

a) A first one of the radiating elements is provided,

b) a connecting element comprising a conductor portion and an insulator portion, wherein the conductor portion is electrically connected to the first radiating element;

c) a second radiating element having first and second contact portions electrically connected, wherein when said composite radiator is extended, said first contact portion is in contact with said conductor portion of said connecting element, and when said composite radiator is retracted, said first contact portion is in contact with said insulator portion of said connecting element; and

a communication interface attached to the housing, wherein the communication interface is electrically coupled to the second contact portion contained within the second radiating element when the composite radiator is extended, the communication interface being electrically coupled to the conductor portion of the connecting element when the composite radiator is retracted;

whereby when said composite radiator is extended said first and second radiating elements are electrically connected to RF communications circuitry and when said composite radiator is retracted said second radiating element is electrically disconnected from RF communications circuitry;

wherein the second radiating element comprises a conductor locking mechanism attached to the first contact portion; and the connecting element comprises:

an insulating detent formed on the insulator portion that engages the locking mechanism when the composite radiator is retracted, thereby electrically isolating the first and second radiating elements, an

A connection positioning groove formed on the conductor portion, the connection positioning groove engaging with the locking mechanism when the composite radiator is elongated, thereby electrically connecting the first and second radiating elements.

2. The selectively coupled two-piece antenna according to claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism disengages said connection detent to engage said isolation detent upon application of a retraction force against a stop mechanism formed on the housing.

3. The selectively coupled two-piece antenna according to claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism disengages said dielectric detent to engage said connection detent upon application of an elongation force to said first radiating element.

4. A selectively coupled two-piece antenna for use in a mobile phone having a housing and radio frequency RF communication circuitry, said antenna comprising:

a composite radiator selectively extendable from and retractable into the housing, the composite radiator having

a) A first one of the radiating elements is provided,

b) a connecting element comprising a conductor portion and an insulator portion, wherein the conductor portion is electrically connected to the first radiating element;

c) a second radiating element having first and second contact portions electrically connected, wherein when said composite radiator is extended, said first contact portion is in contact with said conductor portion of said connecting element, and when said composite radiator is retracted, said first contact portion is in contact with said insulator portion of said connecting element; and

a communication interface attached to the housing, wherein the communication interface is electrically coupled to the second contact portion contained within the second radiating element when the composite radiator is extended, the communication interface being electrically coupled to the conductor portion of the connecting element when the composite radiator is retracted;

whereby when said composite radiator is extended said first and second radiating elements are electrically connected to RF communications circuitry and when said composite radiator is retracted said second radiating element is electrically disconnected from RF communications circuitry;

wherein the connecting element comprises a conductive mounting mechanism attached to the conductor portion; and

wherein the communication interface includes a mounting detent that engages the mounting mechanism when the composite radiator is retracted.

5. The selectively coupled two-piece antenna according to claim 4, wherein said mounting mechanism disengages said mounting detent upon application of an elongation force to said first radiating element.