USRE23310E - Standoff insulator - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 19, 1950 K. ERIKSEN Erm. Re. 23,310

STAND-OFF INSULATOR Original Filed Feb. 14, 1948 INVENTOR. KENNETH ERIKSEN CARL W.CONCELMAN Ewig/W4@ ATTOR NEY Reuued Dec. 19, 1950 STANDOFF INSULATOR Kenneth Eriksen and Carl W. Concehnan, Brookield, Conn., assignors to Hazeltine Research, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Original No. 2,476,407, dated July 19, 1949, Serial No. 8,414, February 14, 1948. Application for reissue July 15, 1950, Serial No. 173,964

Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part o! tllls reissue speelilcation: matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue Claims.

The present invention relates to stand-off insulators and, particularly, to such insulators adapted to support an antenna in spaced relation to a conductive surface, such as the body of an automobile.

Stand-oi! insulators heretofore proposed for mounting antennas on thin rigid surfaces, such as the top or side of an automobile, have required the use of an excessively complex construction involving an unduly large number of structural components. They have thus been not only unduly expensive to manufacture but also have been expensive to install since they require an excessive installation time. When the antenna is mounted on the top or side of an automobile, the previously proposed arrangements have frequently made it necessary to mutilate a significant portion of an inner protective and decorative fabric, particularly when the antenna is mounted on the top of the automobile.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to providea new and improved stand-off insulator which avoids one or more of the disadvantages and limitations of prior such insulators.

It is a further object oi the invention to provide a stand-off insulator which is very simple in construction and is easily, readily and quickly installed with both a minimum of effort and of the number of tools required.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a new and improved stand-off insulator which when mounted on a ground plane may be installed from one side only thereof.

It is still an additional object of the invention to provide, in an antenna installation for a vehicle, a stand-off insulator having a novel securing means.

IIt is yet another object of the invention to provide a stand-oil insulator which employs a minimum number of simple and inexpensive electrical and mechanical parts In accordance with the invention, a stand-off insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member [of sheet material] comprises an externally threaded mounting structure which includes a projecting portion provided [adjacent one end thereof] with [a plurality of peripherally] spaced latch elements. These latch elements are [transversely] movable to permit the r insertion of the one end of the projecting portion through an aperture in the conductive member and thereafter to latch the projecting portion in the aperture. Thestand-oir insulator also comprises a [insulator] structure which includes 2 A [means for securing the insulator structure to the mounting structure. One of these structures includes] a member threaded onto the threaded mounting structure for clamping the conductive member between the latch elements and the lastmentioned member. One of the aforesaid structures of the stand-of insulator includes means for supporting the antenna in insulated spaced relation to the conductive member. [The standoff insulator further includes means for supporting the antenna from the insulator structure] For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects thereof, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, and. its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing, Fig. l is an elevational view partially in cross section showing a stand-oi! insulator embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a detail view of a sleeve element utilized in the insulator arrangement; and Fig. 3 illustrates a slightly modiiied form of the present invention.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. i of the drawing, the stand-od insulator is utilized to support an antenna Il in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member I2 of sheet material which may, for example, be the top of an automobile. A coaxial transmission line I3 leading from a wave-signal apparatus, not shown. is coupled to the antenna Il. The insulator arrangement comprises a mounting structure I4 which includes a hollow cylindrical metal sleeve l5, the constructional i'eatures of which a-re more clearly apparent from Fig. 2 of the drawing, having on one end thereof a collar Il of frusto-eonical coniiguration. The sleeve I5 with its collar I1 is longitudinally slotted.` over the major portion of its length to provide a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient iingers I8. The slotted segments of the collar, l! thus provide on the remote end of each of the iingers I8 is wedge-shaped latch element I9 with a shoulder 20 facing the other end of the sleeve. The ilngers I8 are resiliently movable transversely of a longitudinal axis common to the fingers to permit the insertion of the ngers I9 through an aperture 2l provided in the conductive sheet member i2. An externally vthreaded sleeve member 22 is press iitted over that end of the sleeve l5 which is remote from the latch elements I9.

The stand-of! insulator also includes a hollow insulator structure 23 having means for securing the insulator structure 23 tothe mounting structure Il. The means last mentionedmay. for example, comprise internal threads 24 provided on a dome-shaped insulator I. One of the structures Il and 23 includes means movable along a longitudinal axis of the mounting structure Il for causing the latch elements I9 firmly to securerthe projecting portion of the mounting structure including the fingersv I8 thereof in the aperture 2|. In the arrangement disclosed, the means last mentioned is a part of the mounting structure Il and comprises a clamping member 25 internally and externally threaded, this member being threaded onto'the sleeve member 22 to clamp the conductive member I2 between the shoulders 20 of the latch elements I9 and the clamping member 25. The elements 22 and 25 Y each have provision made for holding them with a wrench in order that the member 25 may be suitably tightened down. The mounting structure Il also includes a hollow sleeve member 26, which is insertable into the hollow projecting portion of the sleeve I after the insertion of this portion within the aperture 2|, to restrain the latch elements I9 against further transverse movement.

The transmission line I3. extends through the sleeve I5 of the mounting structure I4 and an internally threaded and apertured conductive cap member 21 is threaded onto the sleeve member 22 'of the mounting structure mechanically to clamp and electrically to connect the outer conductor 2l of the coaxial transmission line I3 to the mounting structure.

The internally threaded insulator I is threaded onto the clamping mem-ber 25 to secure the insulatorstructure 23 to the mounting structure Il.

y The coaxial transmission line I3 has an inner conductor 29 which extends through the apertured cap 21 in insulated relation therewith. Means, comprising a coupling structure 33, is provided for supporting the antenna |I on the insulator structure 23 and'for electrically connecting the inner conductor 29 of the transmission line to the antenna. 'I'he coupling structure 33 comprises a inner conductive sleeve 3| which is secured within an axial aperture 32 of the insulator I. The sleeve 3| has a flange 33 at one end to engage the interior surface of the insulator I and a flange 3l intermediate its ends to engage the exterior` surface of the insulator I. An outer end of the sleeve 3| carries a threaded portion 35 for receiving an internally threaded conductive cap vmember 36 which is integral with theV antenna Il and secures the latter to the coupling structure 30. The sleeve 3| is radially slotted to receive the bent-over end of the transmission-line inner conductor 23 and also has an external circumferential groove at this end so that the end of the conductor 29 can be wound around to lie in this groove and thereby be securely clamped between the sleeve 3| and cap member 36. The coupling structure 30 thus not only serves to support theantenna I I on the insulator structure 23, but also serves electrically to connect the inner conductor 29 of the transmission line I3 to the antenna II.

.The mounting structure I4 preferably includes a metallic washer 31 interposed between the clamping member v25 and the upper side of the conductive member I2. A rubber gasket 38 preferably is interposed between the broad base of the insulator I and the top surface ofthe conductive member I2 to provide a watertight joint therebetween. y

The method of assembly of the stand-oil insulator is best described by star-ting with the mounting structure I4'. The hole 2| is first drilled or otherwise formed, in the, conductive member I2. After assembling the washer 31 on the end of the metal sleeve I5, the latter is then inserted intorthe.l hole 2| suiliciently far that the shoulders 20 of\the latch elements I1 engage. the underside of the member I2. The sleeve member 26 is next forced downwardly into the sleeve I5 to prevent further inward ilex'ing of the flexible lingers I3. The clamping member 25 is now threaded onto the externally threaded member 22 rmly to clamp the shoulders 20 of the latching element I1 against the underside of the conductive member I2. Then the coaxial transmission line I3 is prepared for insertion upwardly within the sleeve 25, the outer conductor 28 of the transmission line being bent outwardly over the top portions of the elements IB, 22, and 26. The inner conductor 29, with its insulation thereon, is now inserted through the aperture of the cap 21 and the latter is threaded into the member 22 to.clamp the line outer conductor 23 to the mounting structure Il.

After positioning the rubber gasket 33 and inserting the inner conductor 29 of the transmission line through the sleeve 3| of the coupling structure 30, the insulator structure 23 is next screwed onto the member 25 and tightened down against the member I2. The internal conductor 29 is next wound around the groove in the end of the sleeve 3| and the cap 35 is screwed onto the portion 35 of the latter to complete the assembly.

Thenovel stand-oil insulator described provides a rigid construction for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member,'ensures a positive electrical connection between the external conductor ofa coaxial cable and the conductive member,

and further ensures a positive electrical connection between the inner conductor of the transmission line and the antenna. All the parts of `the assembly are simple in construction, easily installed and readily replaceable. The broadbase insulator structure 23 provides ample rigidity for the antenna II in a transverse direction.

Two stand-olf insulators having substantially the construction above described may be utilized to support a vertical antenna in insulated spaced relation to the side 39o! an automobile as shown in Fig. 3. elements of Fig. 3, which correspond to similar elements of Fig. 1 being designated by the. same reference numerals. In the instant arrangement, the coupling structure 30 is formed with a transverse bore III and a setscrew 4I may be used to hold the antenna I I in a fixed position relative to the insulator structure 23.

It will be apparent from the above description of the invention that a stand-oil' insulator embodying the invention has the advantage that it is possible to mount an antenna on a conductive surface by operations performed from one side only of the latter. Such installation requires a minimum number of simple tools and can be accomplished in a very short period oi time by an unskilled person. The stand-oi! insulator of the present invention has the additional advantage that it not only provides a very rigid mounting for an antenna but one which may be readily waterproofed. Further, positive and secure electrical connections between an associated transmission line and both the antenna and its supporting conductlvesurface member are assured.

casio The stand-oil insulator is simple in construction and involves only a comparatively few inexpensive components easily manufactured ln quantity.

While there have been described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modiflcations may be made therein without departing from the invention, and it is, therefore, aimed to cover all such vchanges and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Whatisclaimedis:

l. A stand-off insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member of sheet material comprising, a mounting structure including a projecting portion provided adjacent one end thereof with a plurality of peripherally spaced latch elements transversely movable to permit the insertion of said one end of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture, each of said latch eiements including a wedge-shaped portion having a shoulder facing the other end of said projecting portion, said structure including longitudinally movable means for clamping said conductive member between said means and the shoulders of said latch elements, and an insulator structure including means for attachment to said mounting structure, and means for supporting said antenna from said insulator structure.

2. A stand-oil insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member of sheet material comprising, a mounting structure including a sleeve longitudinally slotted at one end thereof and having at said one end a longitudinally slotted collar of frusto-conical configuration to provide a plurality of crcumferentially spaced resilient nngers each having on said one rend thereof a wedge-shaped latch element with a shoulder portion facing the other end of said sleeve' and movable transversely to permit the insertion of said fingers in an aperture of said conductive member and thereafter to latch said fingers in said aperture, an insulator structure including means for attachment to said mounting structure, one of said structuresincluding means for causing said latch elements rmly to secure said fingers in said aperture, and means for supporting said antenna from said insulator structure.

3. A stand-olf insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member of sheet material comprising, an externally threaded mounting structure including a projecting portion provided adjacent one end thereof with a plurality of peripherally spaced latch elements transversely movable to permit the insertion of said one end oi' said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member yan thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture, an insulator structure including means for attachment to said mounting structure, one of said structures including a member threaded onto said threaded mounting structure for clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said last-mentioned member, and means for supporting said antenna from said insulator structure.

4. A stand-oi! insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member of sheet materia-l comprising, an externally threaded mounting structure including a projecting portion provided adjacent one end thereof with a plurality of peripherally spaced latch elements transversely movable to permit the insertion of said one end of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture, said mounting structure including an externally and internally threaded clamping member threaded onto said threaded portion of said mounting structure for clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said last-mentioned member, an internally threaded insulator structure threaded onto said clamping member for attachment to said mounting structure, and means for supporting said antenna from said insulator structure.

5. A stand-off insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member, and for coupling a coaxial transmission line to said antenna, comprising: an externally threaded, hollow, conductive, mounting structure including a hollow pro- `iecting portion provided adjacent one end thereof with a plurality of peripherally spaced latch elements transversely movable to permit the insertion of said one end of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture; said structure including an externally and internally threaded clamping member threaded onto said mounting structure for clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said clamping member; an internally threaded insulator structure threaded onto said clamping member for attachment to e said mounting structure; an internally threaded and apertured conductive cap member threaded onto said clamping member and adapted electrically and mechanically to connect to said mounting structure the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line which extends through said hollow portion thereof; said transmission line having an inner conductor extending through said apertured cap in insulated relation therewith; and means for supporting said antenna von said insulator structure and for elec- .trically connecting said inner conductor to said antenna.

6. AV stand-off insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member comprising: an externally threaded mounting structure including a projecting portion provided with spaced latch elements movable to permit the insertion of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture; and a structure including a member threaded onto said threaded mounting structure for clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said last-mentioned member; one of said structures including means for supporting said antenna in insulated spaced relation to said conductive member.

7. A stand-op' insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a. conductive member comprising: an externally threaded mounting structure including a projecting portion provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced latch elements movableto permit the insertion of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereaperture; and a structure including a memberv threaded onto said threaded mounting structure lor clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said last-mentioned member; one of said-structures including means for supporting said antenna in insulated spaced relation to said conductive member.

8.' A stand-og' insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member comprising: an externally threaded mounting structure including a Proiecting portion provided with spaced latch elements movable to permit the insertion of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture; a structure including a member threaded o nto said threaded mounting structure for clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said last-mentioned member; and an internally 'threaded and apertured conductive cap member threaded onto said mounting structure and adapted electrically and mechanically to connect to said mounting structure the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line which extends through said mounting structure; said secondmentioned structure including means for supporting said antenna in insulated spaced relation to said conductive member and including means for electrically connecting the inner conductor of said transmission line to said antenna. 9. A stand-017 insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member comprising: an externally threaded hollow mounting structure including a projecting portion provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced latch elements movable to permit the insertion of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in 'said aperture; an insulator structure including a member threaded onto said threaded mounting structure for clamping said conductive member l said mounting structure and adapted electrically and mechanically to connect to said structure the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line which extends through said mounting structure; said insulator structure including means for supporting thereon said antenna in insulated spaced relation to said conductive menibe'r and for electrically connecting the inner conductor of said transmission line to said antenna.

10. A stand-og' insulator for supporting an antenna in insulated spaced relation to the surface of a conductive member comprising: an ezternally threaded hollow mountingvstructure in cluding a protecting portion provided with spaced latch elements movable to permit the insertion of said projecting portion through an aperture in said conductive member and thereafter to latch said projecting portion in said aperture; an insulator structure including a member threaded onto said threaded mounting structure for clamping said conductive member between said latch elements and said last-mentioned member; and

REFERENCES CITED l The following references are of record in the tile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,910,226 Austin May 23. 1933 2,219,327 Miller Oct. 29, 1940 2,420,826y Ingang May 20, 1947 2,424,804 De Swart July 27. 1947 Bryers -c Jan. 20, 1948

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