ANTENNA MOUNTING SYSTEM

Abstract

An antenna mounting system that includes abase member, a plurality of spaced retaining attachment section and retaining members is provided. The base member has a central passage that is configured to receive an antenna shaft. The plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections are coupled to the base member. A retaining member is coupled to each retaining attachment section. Each retaining member has an engagement portion that is configured to engage an upper surface of a ceiling and a biasing portion that is configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling.

Claims

1. An antenna mounting system comprising: a base member, the base member having a central passage configured to receive an antenna shaft; a plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections coupled to the base member; and a retaining member coupled to each retaining attachment section, each retaining member having an engagement portion configured to engage an upper surface of a ceiling and a biasing portion configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling.

2. The antenna mounting system of claim 1, further wherein the base member includes: a disk portion, the disk portion having the central passage; and a sidewall extending from a first surface of the disk portion at least partially around the central passage, each retaining attachment section located within the sidewall.

3. The antenna mounting system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections further includes: a first retaining wall; and a second retaining wall spaced from the first retaining wall, the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall at least in part extending from the sidewall towards the central passage.

4. The antenna mounting system of claim 3, further comprising: a first retaining arm extending from the first retaining wall, the first retaining arm configured to hold a first portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member; and a second retaining arm extending from the second retaining wall, the second retaining arm configured to hold a second portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member, further wherein the first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall towards the second retaining arm and the second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall towards the first retaining arm.

5. The antenna mounting system of claim 3, further comprising: a ledge portion coupled to an end of one of the first and second retaining walls, the ledge portion including a retaining groove.

6. The antenna mounting system of claim 3, wherein the disk portion having a retaining member cutout section for at least one retaining attachment section, the retaining member cutout section located between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of the at least one retaining attachment section.

7. The antenna mounting system of claim 2, further comprising: a ring portion defining the central passage, the ring portion attached to the disk portion of the base member via opposable positioned attaching members.

8. The antenna mounting system of claim 7, wherein the disk portion of the base member has a pair of opposable positioned domed cutout sections, the opposable positioned domed cutout sections positioned between the ring portion and the central passage.

9. The antenna mounting system of claim 2, wherein the disk portion further includes a second surface configured to engage a surface of an antenna.

10. An antenna mounting system comprising: a base member, the base member including, a disk portion having a first surface and a second surface, the disk portion having a central passage configured to receive an antenna shaft; a sidewall extending from the first surface of the disk portion at least partially around the central passage; a plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections coupled the disk portion and sidewall; and a retaining member coupled to each retaining attachment section, the retaining member having an engagement portion configured to engage an upper surface of a ceiling and a biasing portion configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling.

11. The antenna mounting system of claim 10, wherein each retaining attachment section further includes: a first retaining wall; a second retaining wall spaced from the first retaining wall, the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall at least in part extending from the sidewall towards the central passage; a first retaining arm extending from the first retaining wall, the first retaining arm configured to hold a first portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member; and a second retaining arm extending from the second retaining wall, the second retaining arm configured to hold a second portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member, further wherein the first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall towards the second retaining arm and the second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall towards the first retaining arm.

12. The antenna mounting system of claim 11, further comprising: a ledge portion coupled to an end of the second retaining wall, the ledge portion including a retaining groove.

13. The antenna mounting system of claim 11, wherein the disk portion having a retaining member cutout section for each retaining attachment section, each retaining member cutout section located between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of an associated retaining attachment section.

14. The antenna mounting system of claim 10, further comprising: a ring portion defining the central passage, the ring portion attached to the disk portion of the base member via opposable positioned attaching members.

15. An antenna mounting system and antenna for a distributed antenna system, the system comprising: a base member including a disk portion having a first surface and a second surface, the disk portion having a central passage; a plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections coupled the first surface of the disk portion around the central passage; a retaining member coupled to each retaining attachment section, the retaining member having an engagement portion configured to engage an upper surface of ceiling and a biasing portion configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling; and an antenna system including, an antenna having a first surface configured to engage the second surface of the disk portion, an antenna shaft configured to be received within the central passage of the disk portion of the base member, and a retaining nut configured to threadably engage threads on the antenna shaft to couple the antenna system to the disk portion of the base member.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the base member further comprises: a sidewall extending from the first surface of the disk portion at least partially around the central passage.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein each retaining attachment section further includes: a first retaining wall; a second retaining wall spaced from the first retaining wall, the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall at least in part extending from the sidewall towards the central passage; a first retaining arm extending from the first retaining wall, the first retaining arm configured to hold a first portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member; and a second retaining arm extending from the second retaining wall, the second retaining arm configured to hold a second portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member, further wherein the first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall towards the second retaining arm and the second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall towards the first retaining arm.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: a ledge portion coupled to an end of the second retaining wall, the ledge portion including a retaining groove.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the disk portion having a retaining member cutout section for each retaining attachment section, each retaining member cutout section located between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of an associated retaining attachment section.

20. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a ring portion defining the central passage, the ring portion attached to the disk portion of the base member via opposable positioned attaching members.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof will be more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following figures in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an antenna mounting system according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a retaining member of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 without the retaining members.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 with the retaining members.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 without the retaining members.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 without the retaining members.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an antenna attached to the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 and the antenna mounted in a suspended ceiling.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a top view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 and the antenna mounted in a suspended ceiling.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the antenna mounting system of FIG. 1 and the antenna mounted in a suspended ceiling.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of another antenna mounting system according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0024] In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the subject matter described. Reference characters denote like elements throughout Figures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0026] Embodiments provide an antenna mounting system to mount a DNS antenna in a suspended or false ceiling. FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an antenna mounting system 100 of one example embodiment. The antenna mounting system 100 includes a base member 102. The base member 102, in this example, includes a disk portion 103 with a central passage 130. The disk portion 103 includes a first surface 103a upon which a sidewall 104 extends around the central passage 130. Within the sidewall 104 is formed a plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections 105-1 through 105-n. The retaining attachment sections may generally be identified by 105. Retaining members 120-1 through 120-n are coupled to respective retaining attachment sections 105. The retaining members may generally be identified by 120.

[0027] An example of a retaining member 120 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The retaining member 120, in this example, includes an engaging portion 122 that is generally U-shaped and a biasing portion 124. The biasing portion 124, in this example, is formed with coils. The retaining member 120 further includes first end portion 121a and a second end portion 121b that may engage portions of a respective retaining attachment section 105, as discussed below, to generate a bias force on the engaging portion 122.

[0028] The base member 102, of an embodiment is further illustrated in detail in FIGS. 3 through 5. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates the side perspective view of the base member 102, FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the base member 102 and FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the base member 102. As discussed above, the base member 102 includes a disk portion 103. The disk portion 103 includes the first surface 103a and an oppositely positioned second surface 103b.

[0029] As also discussed above, a sidewall 104 extends from the first surface 103a of the disk portion 103. The sidewall 104 in this example embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape. Each retaining attachment section 105 formed in the sidewall 104 includes an arm cutout section 107 as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The arm cutout section 107 forms retaining arms 108a and 108b in the respective retaining attachment section 105. The arm cutout section 107 includes a mounting cutout region 107a and a holding cutout region 107b. The mounting cutout region 107a extends from a top edge 105a of the retaining attachment section 105 to the holding cutout region 107b. The holding cutout region 107b is larger than the mounting cutout region 107a. The retaining arms 108a and 108b extend towards each other and are separated by the mounting cutout region 107a.

[0030] Each respective retaining member 120 is coupled to an associated retaining attachment section 105. In particular, the biasing portion 124 is positioned so that opposite end sections of the coils of the biasing portion 124 of the retaining member 120 are received around respective retaining arms 108a and 108b of the retaining attachment section 105 as best illustrated in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the second end portion 121b of the retaining member is received within a bore (not shown) in a respective one of the retaining arms 108a and 108b.

[0031] Each retaining member 120 further includes a pair of spaced retaining walls 112a and 112b as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The retaining walls 112a and 112b extend inward toward the central passage 130. One of the retaining walls, such as retaining wall 112b, includes a ledge portion 114. The ledge portion 114 is coupled to an outer edge of the retaining wall 112b. The ledge portion 114 includes a surface groove 115. The surface grooves 115 in respective ledge portions 114 are designed to hold first end portion 121a of a respective retaining member 120 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The first end portion 121a of each respective retaining member 120 is positioned with a respective surface groove 115 to cause a pre-tension within the retaining member 120. This pre-tension, as described below, automatically causes the respective retaining member 120 to engage an upper surface of a suspended celling during installation.

[0032] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the disk portion 103 further incudes retaining member cutout sections 116-1 through 116-n. The retaining member cutout section may be generally indicated by 116. The cutouts 116-1 through 116-n are used during production of the antenna mounting system 100. In other embodiments with a different production process the cutout 116-1 through 116-n are not used. Each cutout section 116, in the example of FIG. 4, is associated with a respective retaining attachment section 105. Moreover, each cutout section 116 extends between retaining walls 112a and 112b of its associated retaining attachment section 105. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, each cutout section 116 incudes a wider extending portion 116a that is positioned under a ledge portion 114 of an associated retaining wall 112b. In the example embodiment of the antenna mounting system 100, the wider extending portion 116a generally follows the shape of an edge 114a of its associated retaining wall 112b.

[0033] As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the disk portion 103 in this example embodiment includes a ring portion 140 that defines the central passage 130. The ring portion 140 is attached to the disk portion 103 via opposably positioned attaching members 142a and 142b. The ring portion 140 can be selectively removed from the disk portion 103 to form a larger central passage 130 when needed. The ring portion 140 may be removed by rotating the ring portion 140 relative to disk portion 103. This rotational motion will break the attaching member 142a and 142b allowing the ring portion 140 to be removed. This embodiment further includes domed cutout sections 150a and 150b in the disk portion 103. The domed cutout sections 150a and 150b extend into the disk portion 103 from opposable sides of the ring portion 140. Further, the domed cutout sections 150a and 150b are positioned 90 degrees from the attaching members 142a and 142b in this example embodiment. The domed cutout sections 150a and 150b provide extra room for equipment, such as cables, to pass through if needed. In other embodiments, different designs for cutout sections 150a and 150b may be used such as, but not limited to, n-fold designs.

[0034] As discussed above, the antenna mounting system 100 provides a mounting system in a suspended ceiling for an antenna, such as an antenna used in a DAS. An example if an antenna system 200 mounted to the antenna mounting system 100 is illustrates in FIG. 7. An antenna shaft 204, that is attached to the antenna 202, is positioned within the central passage 130 in the disk portion 103 of the antenna mounting system 100. A threaded retaining nut 206, that threadably engages a threaded portion of the antenna shaft 204, locks the antenna 202 to the antenna mounting system 100. As further illustrated, communication cables 210 and 212 that are in communication with the antenna 202 are housed within the antenna shaft 204.

[0035] An illustration of the antenna mounting system 100 mounting the antenna system 200 to a suspended ceiling 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10. As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the engaging portion 122 of each retaining member 120-1 through 120-n engages an upper surface 302a of the suspended ceiling 300. The biasing portion 124 of each retaining member 120-1 through 120-n provides a bias force on the engaging portion 122 to engage the upper surface 302a of the suspended ceiling 300. This force along with an upper surface 202a of the antenna 202 (as best illustrated in FIG. 7) abutting a lower surface 302b of the suspended ceiling 300 retains the antenna system 200 in place in the suspended ceiling 300.

[0036] In mounting the antenna mounting system 100 and antenna system 200 to a suspended ceiling 300, a hole is cutout of the suspended ceiling 300. The communication cables 210 and 212 are routed through the hole in the suspended ceiling 300 and the antenna shaft 204 and are coupled to the antenna system 200. The antenna shaft 204 is positioned through the central passage 130 in the disk portion 103 of the antenna mounting system 100. The threaded retaining nut 206 is then used to threadably engages a threaded portion of the antenna shaft 204 to lock the antenna 202 to the antenna mounting system 100. The engaging portions 122 of the retaining members 120 are positioned in a straight up position by a technician to allow the sidewall 104 of the base member to be received within the hole of the suspended ceiling 300. Once the engaging portions 122 clear the upper surface 302a of the suspended ceiling 300, the biasing portions 124 of the retaining members 120 cause the engaging portions 122 of the retaining members 120 to rotate to engage the upper surface 302a of the suspended ceiling 300 thereby automatically locking the antenna mounting system 100 and antenna system 200 to the suspended ceiling 300.

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of an antenna mounting system 400 that includes two retaining attachment sections 105-1 and 105-2 with two retaining members 120-1 and 120-2. Similar to the examples discussed above, the disk portion 103 of the base member 102 includes a central passage 130 and each retaining attachment section 105-1 and 105-2 includes spaced retaining walls 112a and 112b to retain an associated retaining member 120-1 and 120-2. The example of FIG. 11 further includes support walls 402-1 and 402-2. The support walls 402-1 and 402-2, in this example, are opposably positioned and are coupled between sections of sidewall 104. Further the support walls 402-1 and 402-2 of this example are positioned within a parameter defined by the sidewall 104 and are spaced apart from each other by at least the retaining attachment sections 105-1 and 105-2.

Example Embodiments

[0038] Example 1 includes an antenna mounting system including a base member, a plurality of spaced retaining attachment section and retaining members. The base member has a central passage that is configured to receive an antenna shaft. The plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections are coupled to the base member. A retaining member is coupled to each retaining attachment section. Each retaining member has an engagement portion that is configured to engage an upper surface of a ceiling and a biasing portion that is configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling.

[0039] Example 2 includes the antenna mounting system of Example 1, further wherein the base member includes a disk portion and a sidewall. The disk portion includes the central passage. The sidewall extends from a first surface of the disk portion at least partially around the central passage. Each retaining attachment section is located within the sidewall.

[0040] Example 3 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 1-2, wherein at least one of the plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections further includes a first retaining wall and a second retaining wall that is spaced from the first retaining wall. The first retaining wall and the second retaining wall, at least in part, extend from the sidewall towards the central passage.

[0041] Example 4 includes the antenna mounting system of Example 3, further including a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm. The first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall. The first retaining arm is configured to hold a first portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member. The second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall. The second retaining arm is configured to hold a second portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member. Further wherein the first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall towards the second retaining arm and the second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall towards the first retaining arm.

[0042] Example 5 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 3-4, further including a ledge portion that is coupled to an end of one of the first and second retaining walls, the ledge portion including a retaining groove.

[0043] Example 6 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 3-5, wherein the disk portion has a retaining member cutout section for at least one retaining attachment section. The retaining member cutout section located between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of the at least one retaining attachment section.

[0044] Example 7 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 2-6, further including a ring portion that defines the central passage. The ring portion is attached to the disk portion of the base member via opposable positioned attaching members.

[0045] Example 8 includes the antenna mounting system of Example 7, wherein the disk portion of the base member has a pair of opposable positioned domed cutout sections. The opposable positioned domed cutout sections positioned between the ring portion and the central passage.

[0046] Example 9 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 2 8, wherein the disk portion further includes a second surface configured to engage a surface of an antenna.

[0047] Example 10 includes an antenna mounting system including a base member, a sidewall, a plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections and a retaining member coupled to retaining attachment section. The base member includes a disk portion that has a first surface and a second surface. The disk portion has first a central passage that is configured to receive an antenna shaft. The sidewall extends from the first surface of the disk portion at least partially around the central passage. The plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections are coupled the disk portion and sidewall. The retaining member has an engagement portion that is configured to engage an upper surface of a ceiling and a biasing portion that is configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling.

[0048] Example 11 includes an antenna mounting system of Example 10, wherein each retaining attachment section further includes a first retaining wall and a second retaining wall that is spaced from the first retaining wall. The first retaining wall and the second retaining wall at least in part extend from the sidewall towards the central passage. A first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall. The first retaining arm is configured to hold a first portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member. A second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall. The second retaining arm is configured to hold a second portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member. Further wherein the first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall towards the second retaining arm and the second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall towards the first retaining arm.

[0049] Example 12 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 10-11, further including a ledge portion coupled to an end of the of the second retaining wall, the ledge portion including a retaining groove.

[0050] Example 13 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 10-12, wherein the disk portion has a retaining member cutout section for each retaining attachment section. Each retaining member cutout section is located between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of an associated retaining attachment section.

[0051] Example 14 includes the antenna mounting system of any of the Examples 10-13, further including a ring portion that defines the central passage. The ring portion is attached to the disk portion of the base member via opposable positioned attaching members.

[0052] Examples 15 includes an antenna mounting system and antenna for a distributed antenna system, the system includes a base member, a plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections, and a retaining member coupled to each retaining attachment section. The base member includes a disk portion that has a first surface and a second surface. The disk portion has a central passage. The plurality of spaced retaining attachment sections are coupled to the first surface of the disk portion around the central passage. The retaining member is coupled to each retaining attachment section. The retaining member has an engagement portion that is configured to engage an upper surface of ceiling and a biasing portion that is configured to provide a bias force on the engagement portion to engage the upper surface of the ceiling. The system further includes an antenna system including an antenna, an antenna shaft and a retaining nut. The antenna has a first surface that is configured to engage the second surface of the disk portion. The antenna shaft is configured to be received within the central passage of the disk portion of the base member. The retaining nut is configured to threadably engage threads on the antenna shaft to couple the antenna system to the disk portion of the base member.

[0053] Example 16 includes the system of claim 15, wherein the base member further includes a sidewall extending from the first surface of the disk portion at least partially around the central passage.

[0054] Example 17 includes the system of any of the Examples 15-16, wherein each retaining attachment section further includes a first retaining wall, second retaining wall, a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm. The second retaining wall is spaced from the first retaining wall. The first retaining wall and the second retaining wall at least in part extend from the sidewall towards the central passage. The first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall. The first retaining arm is configured to hold a first portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member. The second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall. The second retaining arm is configured to hold a second portion of the biasing portion of the retaining member. Further wherein the first retaining arm extends from the first retaining wall towards the second retaining arm and the second retaining arm extends from the second retaining wall towards the first retaining arm.

[0055] Example 18 includes the system of any of the Examples 15-17, further including a ledge portion that is coupled to an end of the second retaining wall. The ledge portion includes a retaining groove.

[0056] Example 19 includes the system of any of the Examples 17-18, wherein the disk portion has a retaining member cutout section for each retaining attachment section. Each retaining member cutout section is located between the first retaining wall and the second retaining wall of an associated retaining attachment section.

[0057] Example 20 includes the system of any Examples 15-20, further including a ring portion that defines the central passage. The ring portion is attached to the disk portion of the base member via opposable positioned attaching members.

[0058] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.