Mounting device with integrated antenna

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to a mount for an electronic device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a mount having an integrally formed antenna housing.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Many conventional electronic devices which utilize one or more signals from an external source require a remotely mounted external antenna. For example, typical fixed-mount marine GPS units utilize such a remote mounted external antenna, which is usually mounted on a pole. The antenna is then connected to the GPS unit by means of a coaxial cable. As will be appreciated, in many instances, such an arrangement is unnecessary as well as cumbersome.

[0006] Accordingly, the need exists for a mount for mounting an electronic device, such as a GPS unit or other unit which requires signals from a remote source, having an antenna housing integrated therein. Such a device would alleviate the need to install a remote antenna or route cable, as is required with the prior art The present invention fills these and other needs, while overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] It is the principal object of the present invention to integrate a mount and an antenna.

[0008] This and other objects are achieved by a mount for an electronic device having all, or at least a portion of, an antenna housing integrally formed therein. Preferably, the mount is formed of molded plastic.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the mount has a mounting bracket portion which includes an integral antenna housing, and a base portion which is adjustably attached thereto. In particular, the antenna housing forms a cavity which receives an antenna. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna is a cylindrical, helical antenna, although other types of antennas may be utilized and are within the scope of the present invention. The antenna housing further includes a cap, which is then secured over the cavity having the antenna positioned therein. In a preferred embodiment, an exterior upper rim of the antenna housing, and an inner portion of the cap, are threaded, so that the cap may be screwed into place. Other manners of connecting the cap in place may be utilized.

[0010] At a location on the mounting bracket that is remote from the antenna housing, an electrical connector is provided. This electrical connector is adapted to connect with an electrical connector on the electronic device to which the mounting bracket will be secured. A co-axial cable connects the antenna, positioned in the antenna housing, to the connector.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting device is used in combination with a GPS unit. More particularly, the mounting device is utilized in conjunction with a marine GPS unit which further has sonar depth sounding (e.g., fish finding) capabilities. As will be appreciated, the mount can be utilized, or adapted for use, with other types of electronic devices.

[0012] The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the mount of the present invention, illustrated as connected to an electronic device; and

[0014] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the mount of the present invention, illustrated from a side of the mount which connects to an electronic device.

[0015] With reference now to the figures, the present invention, as illustrated, is directed to a mount for mounting an electronic device. The mount incorporates an integrated antenna housing, for housing an antenna.

[0016] In particular, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a mount of the present invention is denoted generally by reference numeral 10. Mount 10 has a mounting portion, namely, a bracket, denoted generally by reference numeral 12. The mounting bracket 12 is positioned on a base 14. Preferably, mounting bracket 12 is integrally formed of plastic, although other suitable materials may be utilized.

[0017] Base 14 may also be formed of plastic, or other suitable materials, such as metal. Mounting bracket 12 is adjustably mounted to base 14 in a conventional fashion. Adjustment knobs 16 may be utilized to position the mounting bracket in a desired location.

[0018] Base 14 has a foundation 18 having a plurality of openings 20 therein. As will be appreciated, openings 20 receive fasteners (not shown) for fastening the mount 10 to a surface, such as the deck of a marine craft. Base 14 also has a pair of upwardly extending arms 22 at opposite ends thereof. As illustrated, arms 22 are releasably secured to mounting bracket 12. Mounting bracket 12 is adapted for, and as illustrated is, connected to an electronic device 24. In particular, mounting bracket 12 has a plurality of openings 26 for receiving fasteners (such as screws) which pass through the openings 26 and into corresponding openings (not shown) in the rear of housing 28 of electronic device 24.

[0019] More particularly, mounting bracket 12 forms a substantially square or rectangular housing having a central opening 30 therein. As illustrated, central opening 30 exposes a selected portion of the electronic device. In particular, central opening 30 exposes an electrical connector 32 of the electronic device 24.

[0020] Further, bracket portion 12 has an integrally formed antenna housing 34. Preferably, antenna housing 34 is located at an upper portion of bracket 12, and is cylindrical in nature. It will be appreciated that antenna housing 34 may be located at other portions of the mount 10, and need not be cylindrical. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the cylindrical housing 34 receives a cylindrical, helical antenna 36. In particular, a portion of antenna 36 is snugly received within the cavity formed by antenna housing 34, while a remaining portion of antenna 36 extends upwardly from the cavity formed by antenna housing 34. Additionally, a cap 38, forming part of the antenna housing, is provided. Cap 38 is adapted to cover that portion of antenna 36 extending upwardly from the cavity formed by antenna housing 34. The antenna housing 34 forms an annular rim. Preferably, cap 38 releasably secures to the annular rim of the antenna housing 34. As illustrated, this is accomplished by a threaded arrangement. However, other fastening techniques could be utilized.

[0021] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a co-axial cable 40 connects antenna 36 to an electrical connector 42 located on the mounting bracket 12, but remotely from the antenna housing 34. Electrical connector 42 on the mounting bracket is adapted to connect with an electrical connector (not shown) on the electronic device 24.

[0022] In use, base 14 of mount 10 is mounted to a desired surface, such as the deck of a marine craft. Mounting bracket 12 is secured -to an electronic device 24, such as a GPS device, or combination GPS/sonar depth sounder device, and the combination thereof is secured to base 14 and adjusted by adjusting knobs 16, to a desired position. In particular, electrical connector 42 of mounting bracket 12 is connected to an exposed electrical connector on electronic device 24. Thus, electronic device 24, which requires signals obtained from a remote location, such as GPS signals obtained from a plurality of orbiting satellites, receives these signals through antenna 36 which is integrally mounted in the mounting device, thus relieving the user from separately mounting and wiring a remote antenna.

[0023] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

[0024] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

[0025] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.