Antenna mast transport and deployment system

[0001] Not Applicable.

[0002] Not Applicable.

[0003] This invention relates generally to antenna systems and more particularly to an antenna system mounted to and deployed from a truck.

[0004] The Patriot Missile System, used by the United States military, includes a variety of subsystems. One such subsystem is the “antenna mast group” (AMG). The AMG includes a truck, e.g., a 5-ton, Model M-942 truck, that transports two antenna masts and associated equipment. The truck also provides a platform from which the two antenna masts are deployed to a vertical orientation. The two antenna masts, when deployed to the vertical orientation, each support two antennas used for communications. Each of the two antennas is coupled to a respective rotator, adapted to independently rotate each of the two antennas to point to a desired direction.

[0005] The truck used as part of the conventional AMG is a relatively large truck, having a gross vehicle weight (GWV) greater than fifteen thousand pounds, not including the antenna masts and antenna mast deployment mechanisms. The conventional AMG, due to its large size and heavy weight, particularly the large size and heavy weight of the truck, must be transported to a battlefield by a large aircraft, for example a C5 aircraft. The C5 aircraft can only carry one conventional AMG. The requirement to transport the AMG with a large aircraft, which can only carry one AMG, limits the ability to rapidly deploy multiple Patriot Missile Systems, and therefore multiple AMGs, to remote battlefields.

[0006] Once transported to a battlefield, the conventional AMG requires approximately 30 minutes to deploy to an operational configuration. Deployment includes a variety of steps, including, but not limited to, attaching electronic cables associated with the antennas, and deploying the two antenna masts to a vertical orientation at a height of up to eighty-four feet.

[0007] Another antenna mast system made by AB WIBE, a company located in Sweden, is referred to herein as the WIBE system. The WIBE system includes two relatively small antenna masts mounted on the top of a modified high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). The HMMWV will be recognized to be a military vehicle used throughout the world, including the United States, primarily as a platform with which to carry troops and light supplies. The HMMWV curb weight is approximately 6,400 pounds, not including payload & crew.

[0008] The HMMWV used as part of the WIBE system has a structural strength capable of carrying two relatively small antenna masts. The longer of the two antenna masts can be deployed to an operational height of less than eighty-four feet, and can carry a head load of approximately ninety pounds in winds up to sixty-two miles per hour. During transport, the two antenna masts are horizontally oriented and positioned on the top of the HMMWV so as to be parallel to the central axis of the HMMWV. During deployment of the two antenna masts, each of the two antenna masts is first rotated to a vertical orientation and then extended to operational height.

[0009] The WIBE system has no geared mechanisms with mechanical advantage to assist with deployment of the antenna masts from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation. Instead the deployment of each of the two antenna masts from horizontal to vertical is performed manually.

[0010] Furthermore, the WIBE system is not adapted to transport and deploy the larger and heavier antenna masts required by the Patriot Missile System. The antenna masts required by the Patriot Missile System must deploy vertically up to eighty four feet and must be capable of carrying heavy loads, for example, two hundred fifty pounds per antenna mast, in high winds, for example, up to ninety-six mile per hour gusts.

[0011] It would, therefore, be desirable to overcome the aforesaid and other disadvantages.

[0012] The present invention provides a Light Antenna Mast Group (LAMG) having at least one antenna mast coupled to and deployed from a truck small enough to be transported on a medium size transport aircraft, for example a C130 aircraft. With this arrangement, a lightweight antenna system is provided that can be transported throughout the world relatively quickly and efficiently. While the invention is primarily shown and described to include two antenna masts meeting the height and strength requirements of an antenna mast used in an antenna mast group (AMG) subsystem used as part of the Patriot Missile System, it should be appreciated that the invention is applicable to antenna systems in general in which it is desirable to have relatively light, high strength antenna masts. Also, while the invention is shown in conjunction with communication systems, it is understood that the invention is applicable to any system that requires antennas, for example a radar system, surveillance camera systems, and infrared (I/R) camera (night vision) systems.

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, an antenna apparatus includes a support frame for coupling to the rear of a vehicle isolated frame and capable of providing support for a vehicle cap structure including at least one antenna mast. The vehicle cap structure also includes a first antenna mast deployment mechanism coupled to the antenna mast and adapted to linearly move the antenna mast in a direction substantially parallel to a major axis of the vehicle, and a second antenna mast deployment mechanism coupled to the antenna mast and adapted to rotate the antenna mast to a substantially vertical orientation. In one particular embodiment, the antenna apparatus is adapted for attachment to a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna mast is capable of carrying a two hundred fifty pound head load at an extended vertical height of eighty-four feet in winds of up to ninety-six miles per hour gusts.

[0014] With this particular arrangement, a relatively small and lightweight vehicle cap structure is provided that can be coupled to a relatively small and lightweight vehicle. With the first and second antenna mast deployment mechanisms, the antenna mast can be rapidly deployed.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes the vehicle cap structure and the support frame described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), capable of supporting the antenna mast when the antenna mast carries a two hundred fifty pound head load at an extended vertical height of eighty-four feet in winds of up to ninety-six miles per hour gusts.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a prior art antenna mast group (AMG) 10 used as part of the Patriot Missile System includes an M-942 truck 12. The AMG 10 is shown in a deployed configuration.

[0028] Two antenna masts 14a, 14b, each having telescoping tubes, are carried by and deployed from the truck 12. Two antennas 16a–16d are mounted at or near the top of each respective antenna mast 14a, 14b. Each of the antennas 16a–16d is coupled to a respective rotator 18a–18d, which allows independent rotational control of the antennas 16a–16d so that each of the antennas 16a–16d can be independently pointed to a desired direction. The truck 12 includes four outriggers 20a–20d, used to stabilize the truck 12 and antenna masts 14a, 14b.

[0029] Each of the antenna masts 14a, 14b is shown in a vertical position corresponding to a deployed configuration. However, each of the two antenna masts 14a, 14b is in a horizontal position during transport. During deployment, each of the antenna masts 14a, 14b is rotated to a vertical position by a hydraulic system and extended to operational height by a pneumatic system.

[0030] During transport, the antennas 16a–16d and associated rotators 18a–18d are stowed on the truck 12 and are not coupled to the antenna masts 14a, 14b. Rather, as part of the deployment of the antenna masts 14a, 14b, the rotators 18a–18d and the associated antennas 16a–16d are attached to the antenna masts 14a, 14b and adjusted for elevation. The adjustment requires time that tends to extend the overall deployment time of the AMG 10.

[0031] During deployment, following attachment of the rotators 18a–18d and the antennas 16a–16d, the antenna masts 14a, 14b are rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position by a hydraulic system (not shown) aboard the truck 12. Also during deployment, as described above, each of the antenna masts 14a, 14b are raised to operational height by a pneumatic system.

[0032] Each of the antenna masts 14a, 14b can be independently deployed to heights as high as approximately eighty-four feet. When so deployed, the antennas 16a–16d can be higher than eighty-four feet. The operational height of the deployment is determined by communication requirements. When a communication link can be established with the antennas 18a–18d at a lower height, there is no need to raise the antenna masts 14a, 14b further.

[0033] As is known, when the antenna masts are raised to high elevations, the AMG 10 becomes less stable. The AMG is specified to operate in winds as high as ninety-six miles per hour (gusts) with the antenna masts 14a, 14b each deployed to eighty four feet. Thus, the outriggers 20a–20d are used to provide added stability.

[0034] The AMG 10 weighs more thirty-five thousand pounds, which makes it difficult to transport the AMG with an aircraft. Only one AMG can be transported on a large aircraft.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2, a light antenna mast group (LAMG) 30 in accordance with the present invention includes an antenna cap structure 33 having two antenna masts 34a, 34b, each with telescoping tubes. Two antennas 36a–36d are mounted at or near the top of each respective antenna mast 34a, 34b. Each of the antennas 36a–36d is coupled to a respective rotator 38a–38d, which allows independent rotational control of the antennas 36a–36d so that each of the antennas 36a–36d can be independently pointed to a desired direction. The vehicle cap structure 33 can be coupled to a vehicle 32, here shown as a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) 32. While shown and described to have telescoping tubes, it is understood that the antenna masts can have a variety of structures for facilitating raising and lowering of the antenna masts.

[0036] Each of the antenna masts 34a, 34b is shown in a vertical position corresponding to a deployed configuration. However, each of the two antenna masts 34a, 34b is in a horizontal position during transport. During deployment, each of the antenna masts 34a, 34b is moved horizontally by a first antenna mast deployment mechanism (not shown) and rotated to a vertical position by a second antenna mast deployment mechanism (not shown). The first and the second antenna mast deployment mechanisms are further described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The first and second antenna mast deployment mechanisms provide a user with a mechanical advantage.

[0037] In one embodiment, each of the two antenna masts 34a, 34b can be independently deployed to heights as high as eighty-four feet. When so deployed, the height of the antennas 36a–36d can be more than eighty-four feet. For example, the height of the center of the highest antennas 36b, 36d can be approximately 88 feet. It is understood that the height of the deployment is determined by communication requirements. When a communication link can be established with the antennas 36a–36d at a lower height, there is no need to raise the antenna masts 34a, 34b further.

[0038] When the antenna masts 34a, 34b are raised to higher elevations, the LAMG 30 becomes less stable. In one embodiment, the LAMG 30 can operate in winds as high as ninety-six miles per hour with the antenna masts 34a, 34b each deployed to eighty-four feet, and with each antenna mast carrying a head load of two hundred fifty pounds. Guide wires (not shown) are used to stabilize each of the two antenna masts. The guide wires are further described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 8.

[0039] In other embodiments, the antenna masts are capable of deployment to heights greater than or less than eighty-four feet. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the antenna masts are capable of deployment to a height greater than seventy-five feet. In other embodiments, the antenna masts are capable of operation in maximum winds of more than or less than ninety-six miles per hour, each antenna mast carrying a head load of more than or less than two hundred fifty pounds. For example, in one particular embodiment, each of the antenna masts is capable of carrying a head load of at least two-hundred pounds when deployed to a height of at least seventy-five feet in winds of at least ninety miles per hour.

[0040] While the invention is primarily shown and described in conjunction with the Patriot Missile System, it is understood that the invention is applicable to mobile antenna systems in general, including, but not limited to, communication and radar antenna systems.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, in which like elements of FIG. 2 are shown having like reference designations, the LAMG 30 is shown in a configuration suitable for transport. The LAMG 30 includes the vehicle cap structure 33, including the antenna masts 34a, 34b, first antenna mast deployment mechanisms 50a, 50b, second antenna mast deployment mechanisms 51a, 51b, antenna mast extension mechanisms 54a, 54, an antenna storage system 52, and a plurality of guide wire spools collectively designated as 48, 49. The antenna rotators 38a, 38b are coupled to the antenna mast 34a and antenna rotators 38c, 38d are coupled to the antenna mast 34b.

[0042] During transport, the antenna masts 34a, 34b are stowed in a substantially horizontal position as shown. The rotators 38a, 38b are coupled to the antenna mast 34a with a hinge 42a. Similarly, the rotators 38d, 38d are coupled to the antenna mast 34b with a hinge 42b (not shown). The rotator 38a has a mounting portion 39a to which a first antenna 36a can be mounted, the rotator 38b has a mounting portion 39b to which a second antenna 36b can be mounted, the rotator 38c has a mounting portion 39c to which a third antenna 36c can be mounted, and the rotator 38d has a mounting portion 39d to which a fourth antenna 36d can be mounted. The mounting portions 39b and 39d are extended to allow the second and fourth antennas 38b, 38d to mount above the first and third antennas 38a, 38c respectively when vertically deployed. The antennas 36a–36d include respective antenna dishes, which in combination are referred to herein as the antennas 36a–36d.

[0043] With this particular arrangement, the rotators 34a–34d can remain coupled to the antenna masts 34a, 34b during transport. During transport the rotators 34a–34d are folded back as shown on respective hinges 42a, 42b so as to eliminate what would otherwise be a protrusion in front of the vehicle 32 by the mounting portions 39b, 39d if those mounting portions 39b, 39d were to protrude forward.

[0044] During transport, the antennas 36a–36d, each of which includes an antenna dish as shown and as described above, are stored apart from the antenna masts 34a, 34b in the antenna storage system 52. The antenna storage system is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Let it suffice here to say that the antenna storage system 52 has features and characteristics that facilitate placement of the antennas 36a–36d upon the antenna storage system 52 and removal of the antennas 36a–36d from the antenna storage system 52. With such features and characteristics, during deployment, the antennas 36a–36d can be rapidly removed from the antenna storage system 52.

[0045] During deployment, the rotators 38a–38d are pivoted on their respective hinges 42a, 42b to align with the antenna masts 34a, 34b. The hinges 42a, 42b can be locked into such alignment position with screw and knob structures 44a–44d (44c, 44d not shown). It will be appreciated that having the rotators 38a–38d affixed to the antenna shafts 34a, 34b allows a user to more rapidly deploy the LAMG 30 than if the user were required to perform a mounting step to attach the rotators 38a–38d to the antenna shafts 34a, 34b.

[0046] Each of the two antenna masts 34a, 34b includes a plurality of telescoping tubes (outer tube shown) of decreasing diameter, which can be deployed in a telescoping fashion to extend each of the antenna masts 34a, 34b. In one particular embodiment the telescoping tubes have a hexagonally shaped cross section. However, in other embodiments, antenna masts having other cross-sectional shapes can be used.

[0047] Each antenna mast 34a, 34b has a plurality of mounting rings, collectively designated as mounting rings 46, 48 respectively. Each of the plurality of mounting rings 46, 48 is coupled to the end of a telescoping tube. Each of the plurality of mounting rings 46, 48 can be used to attach a guide wire. The mounting rings 46, 48 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0048] As described above, the LAMG 30 includes the plurality of guide wire spools, collectively designated as guide wire spools 48, 49, coupled to a respective antenna mast 34a, 34b. Each of the plurality of guide wire spools 48, 49 includes a guide wire (not shown) that can be coupled, upon deployment of the LAMG 30, to one of the plurality of mounting rings 46, 48 respectively. The guide wire spools 48, 49 are described in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 8.

[0049] Also as described above, the LAMG 30 includes the first antenna mast deployment mechanisms 50a, 50b. The first antenna mast deployment mechanisms 50a, 50b allow a user to independently move each antenna mast 34a, 34b in a direction outward from the vehicle 32, while each of the antenna masts 34a, 34b remains substantially horizontal and substantially aligned with the central axis of the vehicle 32. Once the antenna masts 34a, 34b are moved outward from the vehicle 32 in a horizontal direction, the two second antenna mast deployment mechanisms 51a, 51b allow a user to independently rotate each respective antenna mast 34a, 34b to a substantially vertical orientation. The position of the first and second antenna mast deployment mechanisms 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b relative to the antenna masts 34a, 34b using a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, a position near a center of gravity of each respective antenna mast 34a, 34b. This selected position results in a relatively low torque required to erect the antenna masts 34a, 34b to a vertical orientation. The first and second antenna mast deployment mechanisms 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b are shown in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 5.

[0050] Deployment of the LAMG 30 system is performed in a sequence of unordered steps, including but not limited to, configuring the rotators 38a–38d to be vertically aligned with the antenna masts 34a, 34b by way of the hinges 44a–44d, locking the rotators into the vertical alignment by way of the screw and knob structures 44a–44d, removing the antennas 36a–36d from the antenna storage system 52, attaching the antennas 36a–36d to the mounting portions 39a–39d respectively, moving the antenna masts 34a, 34b horizontally outward from the central axis of the vehicle 32 by means of the first antenna mast deployment mechanisms 50a, 50b respectively, rotating the antenna masts 34a, 34b to a substantially vertical orientation by means of the second antenna mast deployment mechanisms 51a, 51b respectively, and elevating the antenna masts by way of the antenna extension mechanisms 54a, 54b respectively. With the arrangement of the present system, the deployment steps can be rapidly performed.

[0051] At any point of the above process, the user can optionally attach one or more of the guide wires (not shown), contained in and pulled from the plurality of guide wire spools 48, 49 to a respective one of the plurality of mounting rings 46, 48. The guide wire spools 48, 49 remain coupled to the antenna masts 34a, 34b until the antenna masts 34a, 34b are vertically extended to operational height. The guide wire spools 48, 49 provide a spring tension to the guide wires. Therefore, the guide wires pay out without tangling as the antenna masts are vertically extended to operational height. Thereafter, the user detaches the used guide wires spools 38, 39 from the antenna masts 34a, 34b and couples the guide wires spools 38, 39 to stakes (not shown) implanted into the ground. The guide wires spools 38, 39 can be locked to restrict further payout of the guide wires from the guide wire spools 38, 39.

[0052] While the vehicle 32 is shown to be an HMMWV, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the vehicle 32 can be another type of vehicle, wherein the vehicle is selected to be capable of supporting the weight and functions of the vehicle cap structure 33.

[0053] While two antenna masts 34a, 34b are shown, it will be understood that the invention applies equally well to fewer than two or more than two antenna masts. Also, while particular features of the invention, for example the antenna storage system 52, are shown to be at particular locations on the vehicle 32, it will be understood that other positional arrangements are within the scope of this invention.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, in which like elements of FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown having like reference designations, the vehicle 32, here shown to be an HMMWV 32, includes first, second, third, and fourth support frames 60a–60d respectively. The fourth support frame 60d is coupled to a cross member 62 associated with an isolated frame of the vehicle 32. The first support frame 60a, the second support frame 60b, and the third support frame 60c will be recognized to be support frames associated with a conventional HMMWV vehicle. However, the fourth support frame 60d, in accordance with the present invention, provides additional structure that allows the vehicle cap structure 33 (FIG. 3) to mount to the vehicle 32 without damage to the vehicle 32 and without damage to the vehicle cap structure 33. The fourth support frame 60d also provides additional structure that allows the vehicle 32 to provide a stable platform for the antenna masts 34a, 34b when vertically deployed.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, in which like elements of FIGS. 2–4 are shown having like reference designations, the first antenna mast deployment mechanism 50a includes an outer slide rail 70 having and end 70a and an inner slide rail 72 having an end 72a. The inner slide rail 72 can move substantially linearly in an x-direction 80 relative to the outer slide rail 70. A screw rod 74 is coupled between the end 72a of the inner slide rail 72 and the end 70a of the outer slide rail 70. The inner slide rail 72 is internally threaded to accept the screw rod 74. The end 70a of the outer slide rail is coupled to the screw rod 74 in a way that allows the screw rod 74 to turn, but not to move in any other direction. The antenna mast 34a is coupled to the inner slide rail.

[0056] The second antenna mast deployment mechanism 51a includes a gear reduction mechanism 76 coupled to the inner slide rail and to the antenna mast 34a. A bellows 75 surrounds a portion of the outer slide rail 70 and a portion of the inner slide rail 72.

[0057] In operation, a user, either with a crank or with a hand-held motor assembly (not shown), turns the screw rod 74 from and end of the screw rod 74 proximate the end 70a of the outer slide rail 70. Being internally threaded, as described above, the inner slide rail 72 moves in an x-direction 80 in response to the user turning the screw rod 74. Therefore, when the user turns the screw rod 74, the antenna mast 34a moves substantially linearly in the x-direction 80, which is perpendicular to the central axis of the vehicle 32 (FIG. 3). The screw rod 74 provides a mechanical advantage to the user so that the deployment of the antenna mast in the x-direction 80 is achieved with relative ease.

[0058] The user similarly operates the gear reduction mechanism 76, either with a crank or with a hand-held motor assembly (not shown). When so operated, the gear reduction mechanism 76 allows the user to rotate the antenna mast 34a substantially about a plane described by a y-axis 82 and a z-axis 84, and therefore to rotate the antenna mast 34a to a substantially vertical orientation as shown. The gear reduction mechanism 76 provides a mechanical advantage to the user so that the deployment of the antenna mast 34a to a vertical orientation is achieved with relative ease.

[0059] The bellows 75 can extend and retract in the x-direction 80. Therefore, as the user deploys the antenna mast in the x-direction 80, the bellows 75 protects the inner slide rail 72 and the outer slide rail 70 from environmental contaminants.

[0060] Once the user deploys the antenna mast 34a in the x-direction 80 and rotates the antenna mast 34a to a substantially vertical orientation, the user can operate the antenna mast extension mechanism 54a to extend the antenna mast 34a upward in a telescoping fashion.

[0061] While the deployment in the x-direction 80 by turning the screw rod 74 is described to be performed either with a crank or with a hand-held motor assembly, in other embodiments, the deployment in the x-direction 80 is performed by a motor assembly integral to the first antenna mast deployment mechanism 50a.

[0062] Also, while the rotation of the antenna mast 34a by operating the gear reduction mechanism 78 is described to be performed either with a crank or with a hand-held motor assembly, in other embodiments, the rotation is performed by a motor assembly integral to the second antenna mast deployment mechanism 51a.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 6A, in which like elements of FIGS. 2–5 are shown having like reference designations, the antenna mast 34a has a plurality of extendible telescoping tubes (not shown), each of which has one of the mounting ring 46a–46e coupled to an end of each tube that will be uppermost when deployed to a vertical orientation. One or more guide wires can be attached to each of the mounting rings 46a–46e as described above.

[0064] The two rotators 38a, 38b are coupled to the antenna mast 34a with the hinge 42a. As described above in conjunction with FIG. 3, the rotator 38a has a mounting portion 39a to which a first antenna 36a can be mounted, and the rotator 38b has a mounting portion 39b to which a second antenna 36b can be mounted. The mounting portion 39b is longer to allow the second antenna 38b (FIG. 3) to mount above the first antenna 38a (FIG. 3) when vertically oriented.

[0065] The hinge 42a allows the rotators 38a, 38b, including the mounting portions 39a, 39b, to be folded back as shown during transport. Thus, during transport, the mounting portion 39b does not extend beyond the front of the vehicle 32 (FIG. 3).

[0066] A holding structure 41 retains the rotators 38a, 38b, holding the hinge 42a in an open position, as shown, during transport.

[0067] The screw and knob structures 44a, 44b are used in combination with the retention features 45a, 45b to hold the hinge in a closed position for vertical deployment of the antenna mast 34a. The closed position is shown in FIG. 6B.

[0068] While two rotators 38a, 38b are shown, it will be understood that, in other embodiments, the invention can equally well have more than two or fewer than two rotators.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 6B, in which like elements of FIGS. 2–6A are shown having like reference designations, the screw and knob structures 44a, 44b are engaged with the retention features 45a, 45b and the screw and knob structures 44a, 44b are tightened. Therefore, the mounting structures 39a, 39b are locked into substantial vertical alignment with the antenna mast 34a in a position suitable for mounting the antennas 36a, 36b (FIG. 3) to the mounting structures 39a, 39b and for rotating the antenna mast 34a to a vertical position with the second antenna mast deployment mechanism 51a (FIGS. 3, 5).

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 7A, in which like elements of FIG. 3 are shown having like reference designations, the antenna storage system 52 includes a handle 104, which is pulled by a user in order to move the antenna storage system 52 to facilitate storing the antennas 36a–36d on the antenna storage system 52, and therefore, to facilitate removing the antennas 36a–36d from the antenna storage system 52. Movement of the antenna storage system 52 is described in conjunction with FIG. 7B.

[0071] The antenna storage system 52 includes a mounting tray 106 and side bars 108a, 108b (108b not shown), each adapted to hold the antennas 36a–36d in position during transport. The antenna storage system 52 also includes a locking mechanism 102 and a hold-down strap 100, each adapted to lock the antenna storage system 52 into a fixed position during transport and to retain the antennas 36a–36d in the antenna storage system 52.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 7B, in which like elements of FIGS. 3 and 7A are shown having like reference designations, the antenna storage system 52 includes the mounting tray 106 having first and second mounting tray portions 106a, 106b moveably coupled to each other with a hinge 110. The first and second mounting tray portions 106a, 106b are adapted to both slide relative to each other in a direction 116 and to rotate about the hinge 10. The first mounting tray portion 106a is coupled to a surface 33a (FIG. 3) of the vehicle cap structure 33 (FIG. 3). The second mounting tray portion 106b can, therefore, move linearly along the surface 33a of the vehicle cap structure 33, and can pivot relative to the surface 33a of the vehicle cap structure 33.

[0073] The antenna storage system 52 also includes four dampers 112a–112d and a spring 114 adapted to control the pivoting of the second mounting tray portion 106b relative to the first mounting tray portion 106a. With this particular arrangement, a user can slide and pivot the second mounted tray portion 106b, relative to the first mounting tray portion 106a, and therefore relative to the vehicle cap structure 33 (FIG. 3).

[0074] While four dampers 112a–112d and one spring 114 are shown, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments more than four or fewer than four dampers and more than one spring can also be used. Also, while the antenna storage system 52 is shown to hold the four antennas 36a–36d, other embodiments of the antenna storage system can hold more than four or fewer than four antennas.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 8, a guide wire spool 120 can be the same as or similar to each of the plurality of guide wire spools 48, 49 shown in FIG. 3. The guide wire spool 120 includes a first guide wire drum 122 and a second guide wire drum 124, each adapted to spool a respective guide wire (not shown). The first guide wire drum 122 includes a first drum plate 122a and a second drum plate 122b. The second guide wire drum 124 includes a first drum plate 124a and a second drum plate 124b. The second drum plates 122b, 124b of the first and second guide wire drums 122, 124 respectively can be the same structure or can be separate structures. Each of the guide wire drums has a drum diameter (not shown) about which a guide wire (not shown) is spooled.

[0076] The guide wire spool 120 includes an axle 126 about which the first and second guide wire drums 122, 124 can turn. The guide wire spool 120 also includes a spring 128 coupled to a post 130 and to the axle 126. The spring provides increasing oppositional force as the first and second guide wire drums 122, 124 turn in a clockwise direction. Therefore, as a guide wire pays out from each of the guide wire drums 122, 124, the spring 128 maintains increasing tension on the guide wires.

[0077] Each of the guide wires passes though a guide plate 132, having first and second guide plate holes 132a, 132b though which a respective guide wire passes.

[0078] The guide wire spool 120 also includes a first mounting structure 134 coupled to one of the antenna masts 34a, 34b (FIG. 3) and a second mounting structure 136 coupled to and detachable from the first mounting structure 134. The second mounting structure 136 is adapted to allow a user to detach the guide wire spool 120 from one of the antenna mast 34a, 34b and to attach the guide wire spool 120 to a steak (not shown) in the ground adapted to receive the second mounting structure 136. With this particular arrangement, the guide wire spool 120 can be coupled to one of the antenna masts as the guide wire is paid out during vertical extension of the antenna masts 34a, 34b (FIG. 3). The spring 128 maintains tension upon the guide wires during the pay out. When the antenna masts 34a, 34b have been deployed to operational height, which can be any height less than the maximum height. The guide wire spools, of which the guide wire spool 120 is but one example, can be coupled to a stake in the ground.

[0079] The tension provided by the spring 128 is selected in accordance with a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, providing an ability to maintain sufficient tension to avoid tangles as the guide wire pays out during vertical extension of the antenna mast 34a, 34b (FIG. 3). The tension is also selected to be low enough so that a user can detach the cable spool 120 from the vehicle by way of the second mounting structure 136, and further pay out the guide wire as the cable spool 120 is coupled to a stake in the ground.

[0080] It should be recognized that once the guide wire spool is coupled to a stake in the ground, it would be advantageous to lock the first and second cable drums 122, 124 so that they can no longer turn, and so, no further guide wire can pay out. Any of a variety of known locking mechanisms can be used to provide this function. For example a locking pin or a brake mechanism can be used.

[0081] While one spring 128 is shown, in other embodiments, more than one spring can be used. Also, while a coil spring 128 is shown to have coils with increasing diameter wound in a plane perpendicular to the axle 126, in other embodiments, other spring arrangements can be used. For example a coil spring having coils of substantially equal diameter can be placed about the axle 126. Also, while two cable drums 122, 124 are shown to be coupled together, in other embodiments fewer than two or more than two cable drums can be provided with this invention.

[0082] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention, it will now become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating their concepts may be used. It is felt therefore that these embodiments should not be limited to disclosed embodiments, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.