U.S. patent application number 11/740108 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for case for portable satellite terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Norsat International Inc.. Invention is credited to Petrus Bezuidenhout, Glen Allan Dwornik, Leonard Albert Russell, Michael John Schefter, Pervez Rafique Siddiqui, Sasa Trajko Trajkovic.
Application Number | 20070241155 11/740108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37682052 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trajkovic; Sasa Trajko ; et
al. |
October 18, 2007 |
CASE FOR PORTABLE SATELLITE TERMINAL
Abstract
A hard shell portable case for transportation and protection of
devices such as portable satellite terminals. Each case can be
equipped with shoulder straps such that it can be carried like a
backpack, a set of wheels so it can be rolled, attached to a MOLLE
frame so that it can be carried as a backpack and which allows
attachment of accessories. The cases and their interiors have been
designed to provide protection for the portable terminal, while the
exterior is shaped to conform to the shape of a wearer's back.
Inventors: |
Trajkovic; Sasa Trajko;
(Burnaby, CA) ; Bezuidenhout; Petrus; (Port
Coquitlam, CA) ; Schefter; Michael John; (Vancouver,
CA) ; Siddiqui; Pervez Rafique; (Vancouver, CA)
; Dwornik; Glen Allan; (New Westminster, CA) ;
Russell; Leonard Albert; (Delta, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VERMETTE & CO.
SUITE 320 - 1177 WEST HASTINGS STREET
VANCOUVER
BC
V6E2K3
CA
|
Assignee: |
Norsat International Inc.
Richmond
CA
|
Family ID: |
37682052 |
Appl. No.: |
11/740108 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11220549 |
Sep 8, 2005 |
7218289 |
|
|
11740108 |
Apr 25, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/579 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 3/08 20130101; H04B
1/086 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; H01Q 19/13 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/579 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/10 20060101
A45F003/10 |
Claims
1. A portable protective case, comprising: a) an impact-resistant
outer shell having one side having convex portion and concave
portion, wherein said convex portion is adapted to conform to a
wearer's lower back and said concave portion is adapted to conform
to said wearer's upper back; and b) a protective foam interior for
protecting contents of said case from; wherein said
impact-resistant outer shell has fastening means for attaching at
least one of the following transport means: i) shoulder straps; ii)
a MOLLE frame; and iii) a wheeled carriage.
2. A portable protective case according to claim 1, wherein said
fastening means are slots in said outer shell, said slots operative
to receive straps for fastening said transport means.
3. A portable protective case according to claim 1, wherein
dimensions of said case do not exceed about 27''.times. about
19.5''.times. about 13.2''.
4. A portable protective case according to claim 1, wherein said
impact-resistant outer shell has two halves, said side having
convex portion and concave portion forms part of a first one of
said halves.
5. A portable protective case according to claim 4, wherein said
case is closed by straps encircling the case.
6. A portable protective case according to claim 1, wherein said
case further comprises wheels at a first end of said case and a
handle at a second end of said case, said second end being opposite
said first end.
7. A portable protective case according to claim 1, wherein a sum
of the length, width and height of said case does not exceed 62
inches.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
No. 11/220,549, filed on Sep. 8, 2005, by Trajkovic et al.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to portable protective cases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Due to the high performance demands, Satellite News
Gathering (SNC) systems, systems for logging and transmitting data
from remote exploration sites, certain portable military
communication systems, and other systems using transmission of high
bit rate data require large parabolic antennas, high-power RF
amplifiers and complex electronics, and therefore are relatively
large.
[0004] Prior art portable communications systems require relatively
large containers or cases that allow for only short manual handling
between transportation between vehicles. One of the best-packaged
systems of this type, using only one (25''.times.24.5''.times.16'')
suitcase is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,891. Such a suitcase
cannot be checked onto an airplane with regular luggage. More
compact systems exist, (e.g. European Patents EP1440612 and
EP1380123) however, they are not very robust and are inconvenient
to transport. They are therefore inappropriate for many
applications, such as SNG and military applications.
[0005] Also known in the prior art are "wearable" communication
systems. Such systems usually have their electronics permanently
stowed in a backpack-type container. However, such systems (e.g.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,481 and U.S. patent applications 20040088780
and 20040113836) are used for specialized military purposes,
requiring electronics operating at lower frequencies and small
antennas, (e.g. personal protection devices, location beacons,
etc.). Such systems are totally inadequate for applications
requiring transmission of data at high bit rates.
[0006] More generally, the prior art also includes "convertible"
luggage systems that can be used either as a suitcase, backpack,
and/or a wheeled suitcase (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,749,503;
6,742,684; and 6,530,507). However, these do not provide any
protection for sensitive communications equipment. Specifically,
such prior art systems do not provide for a hard shell case
necessary to protect communications equipment.
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention addresses the above
drawbacks of the prior art by providing a novel mechanical design
of the communication unit and containment system, resulting in a
rugged and portable high performance system for high speed data
and/or video communications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention is an easily transportable communication unit
for high-speed data/video transmission via a terrestrial or
satellite communication system, and a containment system therefore.
For transportation, the unit can disassembled, folded down and
stowed in two cases, one containing primarily the antenna and RF
components and the other the baseband electronics.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment, the cases are airline-checkable
hard-shell cases, ergonomically sized and shaped for human backs,
and are equipped with fastening means for attachment of a soft
carrying handle, shoulder and waist pads and shoulder straps, a
carriage with wheels, and/or a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load
Carrying Equipment) frame. The MOLLE frame provides greater support
for the user when carrying the cases over uneven terrain or for
long distances. It also provides the opportunity to attach
accessories as may be required in, for example, military
applications.
[0010] The baseband housing for the baseband electronics and the
cases have been designed to provide three levels of shock and
vibration protection of the communication unit, namely:
[0011] a) the impact resistant shells of the cases themselves;
[0012] b) foam lining of the cases; and
[0013] c) a shock absorber mechanism within the baseband housing
for the baseband unit.
[0014] The configuration of the communication unit's parts allows
for compact stowage. The large 1 meter segmented antenna and RF
components are mounted on a rotatable platform to which they are
preferably pivotably attached by a quick-connect assembly
containing guiding pins and thumb screws. The platform is attached
to the baseband housing, which is equipped with two folding "legs"
that can be extended into positions such that, together with the
main body of the housing, three points of support are provided.
This eliminates the need for a tripod, thereby saving both space
and weight. The detachable quick-connect assembly provides an
excellent separation point between the antenna assembly and the
baseband housing that leads to compact stowage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Further features and advantages will be apparent from the
following detailed description, given by way of example, of a
preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows the fully expanded, operational form of the
communication unit;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows the antenna;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows the disassembled boom and feed assembly;
[0019] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) show the detail of the boom
attachment;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a back view of the antenna and baseband
housing;
[0021] FIG. 6 shows the baseband housing in isolation with its legs
folded;
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a side cutaway view of the compacted core of
the antenna/RF subsystem, showing the main segment of the antenna
with the plate containing RF electronics and elevation adjust rod,
3 other segments and the two parts of the boom/feed with LNBs;
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a side cutaway view of the compacted core of
the antenna/RF subsystem;
[0024] FIG. 9 shows the baseband unit within the baseband
housing;
[0025] FIG. 10 shows the baseband housing with two antenna segments
enclosed in the baseband case with protective foam;
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a three-quarter view of one of the cases,
closed and secured with straps;
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a front view of one of the cases with an
attached carriage and wheels;
[0028] FIG. 13 shows the case and attachment points for the MOLLE
frame;
[0029] FIG. 14 shows the MOLLE frame;
[0030] FIG. 15 shows the case attached to the MOLLE frame;
[0031] FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) show the attachment of shoulder and
waist pads and a soft carrying handle to the case;
[0032] FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) show the attachment of shoulder straps
and a soft carrying handle to the case;
[0033] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the case with shoulder and
waist pads and shoulder straps; and
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a three-quarter view of the case with shoulder
and waist pads and shoulder straps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a communication unit is shown that
is capable of transmitting and receiving data and video via
satellite, or terrestrial point-to-point, at speeds up to 4 Mb/s.
To achieve such high performance, while preventing undue
interference to or from other systems, a large (1 meter) parabolic
antenna must be employed, together with a powerful RF amplifier. In
the prior art this has resulted in relatively large communications
systems whose portability has been limited. The innovative design
of the present invention results in communication unit that is
compact and that is easily transported, assembled and
disassembled.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 100 consists of a
1 m diameter parabolic segmented antenna 101 with a boom assembly
102 with a feed horn and receiver assembly 103 mounted on the end.
The boom assembly 102 breaks into two parts for disassembly and
transport. On the lower back part of the antenna 101, the RF
transmit (Tx) electronics assembly 104 is mounted to a U-shaped
carrier 502. When the communications unit 100 is deployed, as shown
in FIG. 1, the antenna 101 and RF transmit electronics assembly 104
are mounted, (including alignment, azimuth and elevation adjustment
mechanisms) on the baseband housing 105 (i.e. the housing for the
"non-RF", or "baseband" (BB) electronics). The baseband housing 105
has a main body 108 and foldable legs 106, which together act as a
tripod, providing a stable platform for the communication unit
100.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the antenna 101 is shown, having six
segments 110. The edges and interfaces between adjacent antenna
segments 110 have a unique zig-zag configuration which imparts
greater rigidity, and improved RF performance, to the assembled
antenna 101 as compared to prior art antennas and reflectors. The
segments 110 may be fastened to one another, without use of tools,
by any appropriate quick-connect means, including clasps or clamps,
catches and latches, thumb screws, etc. The boom assembly 102
connects to a U-shaped carrier 502 behind the main segment 112. The
antenna 101 may be made of plastic with a metallic mesh inside or
any other suitable material.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows the various components of the boom assembly
102. The boom assembly 102 consists of an upper boom arm 301 with a
feed horn and receiver assembly 103 consisting of feed 302,
Transmit/Receive separator (OMT) 303 and receiver (LNB) with
Transmit Reject Filter (TRF) 304. The feed 302, OMT 303 and LNB
with TRF 304 are rotatable for polarization alignment by motor and
gear 305, or with manual override 306. The Transmit port of the OMT
303 is connected, via flexible waveguide 307, using quick-connect
interface, to solid waveguide 308 running inside the upper boom arm
301. The upper boom arm 301 is terminated with a quick connect
device 309 which engages a complementary quick connect device on
lower boom arm 311. When the upper and lower boom arms 301 and 311
are connected, the solid waveguide 308 connects to the waveguide
flange 310 of the lower boom arm 311. The lower boom arm 311 is
terminated with another quick-connect device 312 which connects to
the U-shaped carrier 502 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0039] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) show that the quick-connect device 312
on the lower boom arm 311 attaches to the waveguide flange 402,
mounted on the U-shaped carrier 502, which in turn is mounted on
the main reflector segment 112.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows the antenna 101 mounted to the baseband housing
105. The main reflector segment 112 is attached to the U-shaped
carrier 502 to which is attached the RF transmit (Tx) electronics
assembly 104. The U-shaped carrier 502 also has connected to it the
elevation gear 504, with elevation rod 505 and elevation motor 506.
The whole antenna assembly (antenna 101, RF transmit (Tx)
electronics assembly 104, U-shaped carrier 502, elevation gear 504,
elevation rod 505 and elevation motor 506) is mounted, via
quick-connect assemblies 507 and 508, on rotational platform 509
for azimuth alignment, driven by azimuth motor and gear-box 510.
The platform 509 and azimuth motor 510 are part of the baseband
housing 105.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows the baseband housing 105 with the legs 106
folded, after removal of the antenna assembly (not shown) from
rotational platform 509. Attachment points 602 are for the
attachment of the quick-connect assembly 507 (see FIG. 5).
Attachment point 603 is for attaching the elevation quick-connect
assembly 508 (see FIG. 5).
[0042] In the preferred embodiment the baseband housing 105 is made
of metal, preferably aluminium or composite, however, any suitable
material may be used.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows how parts of the communication unit 100 (see
FIG. 1) can be compactly arranged for storage and transport in a
portable case. The main segment 112 remains attached to the
U-Shaped carrier 502. The U-shaped carrier 502 encloses the RF
transmit (Tx) electronics assembly 104 (not shown). Also attached
to the U-shaped carrier 502 are the elevation gear 504, elevation
rod 505 and elevation motor 506. Three antenna segments 110 are
stacked on the main segment 112. Antenna segments 110 preferably
have patches of foam or rubber, or other suitable material,
attached to the back, to provide separation between segments and
protect them from scratching each other. The upper boom arm 301
with the feed horn and receiver assembly 103 is shown on top of the
uppermost antenna segment and the lower boom arm 311 is shown
adjacent the U-Shaped carrier 502.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a cut-away view of the communication unit
components of FIG. 7, arranged in the same manner as described in
FIG. 7, in a portable case 801. The case 801 has a bottom half 802
and top half 803. The case has an impact-resistant outer shell 805
and is filled with protective foam 804 with cut-outs for the
individual components of the communication unit.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows a cut-away view of the baseband housing 105 in
which the baseband unit 901 is suspended by means of 8 shock
absorbers 903. The baseband unit 901 contains the components needed
to process data to and from a laptop computer or similar device
into form suitable for the RF transmit (Tx) electronics assembly
104 and the feed horn and receiver assembly (see FIGS. 1-5).
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a cut-away view of a portable case 801
containing the baseband housing 105 and the remaining two antenna
segments 110. The case 801 is filled with protective foam 804,
which surrounds the baseband housing 105 and antenna segments 110,
providing shock and vibration protection. Therefore, during
transportation, the baseband unit 901 (see FIG. 9) is protected
from shock and vibration by impact-resistant outer shell 805, the
protective foam 804 and the shock absorbers 903 (see FIG. 9).
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, to disassemble the communication
unit 100 for storage and transport, the boom assembly 102 is
detached separated into two parts and the antenna segments 110 are
separated. The main segment 112 with U-shaped carrier 502, RE
transmit (Tx) electronics assembly 104, elevation gear 504, with
elevation rod 505 and elevation motor 506 are removed from the
rotatable platform 509, folded down and placed in one case 801
together with 3 antenna segments 110 and the boom assembly 102. The
baseband housing 105 with its legs 106 folded is placed into the
other case 801 with the 2 remaining antenna segments 110.
[0048] In the preferred embodiments the communications unit 100 has
a 24V DC input for connection to a vehicle battery or generator,
for example. Alternatively, or in addition, the communications unit
100 may be powered by 110/220 V AC.
[0049] FIG. 11 shows the external view of the case 801 with the two
parts 802 and 803 of the case 801 closed together and secured with
straps 1103. The external surface of the case has channels through
which the straps 1103 pass. The bottom surface of the case 801 is
ergonomically shaped for greater comfort when the case 801 is worn
as a backpack, either with shoulder straps attached directly to the
case 801 or with a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load Carrying
Equipment) frame (see below).
[0050] FIG. 12 shows the front (or top) view of the case 801
indicating the location of the lifting handles 1201. The case 801
is shown mounted on a carriage 1205 with wheels 1208. The carriage
1205 is connected to the case 801 by straps 1103. The frame of the
carriage 1205 can simply pass under the straps 1103 or, as shown in
the Figure, the straps can pass through loops 1206 on the
carriage.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 10, 13, 15 and 18, the ergonomic design
of one side 802 of the case 801 is shown. The ergonomic design
consists of a convex portion 806 and concave portion 807. The
convex portion is curved conform to the lower back of the wearer,
and the concave portion is curved to conform to the tipper back of
the wearer.
[0052] FIGS. 13-15 demonstrate the attachment of the case 801 to a
MOLLE frame 1301. Straps 1302 are passed through the backside of
the MOLLE frame 1301 and, together with case-securing straps 1103,
(see FIG. 11) through the slots 1105 on case 801.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the MOLLE frame 1301 may be
connected to the case 801 by passing the case-securing straps 1103
through the frame portion 1305 of the MOLLE frame 1301. The straps
1103 would also pass through slots 1105 in the shell of the case
801 as they normally do to secure the two halves of the case
together. In the preferred embodiment the slots 1105 are positioned
so that the straps 1103 are directly behind the shoulder 1601 and
waist 1602 pads of the MOLLE frame 1301.
[0054] In the preferred embodiment the case 801 is attached to the
MOLLE frame 1301 at points corresponding approximately to the
shoulder and waist level of a person carrying the case 801 on their
back.
[0055] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the case 801, mounted on the
MOLLE frame 1301. Referring to FIGS. 13-15, in the preferred
embodiment the MOLLE frame 1301 has shoulder pads 1601, waist pads
1602 and shoulder straps 1502. The MOLLE frame 1301 also includes
attachment points for tools and accessories and, therefore, is
especially useful in military and outdoor applications.
[0056] Due to the size, weight and hard exterior of the case 801,
it is preferable to use the MOLLE frame when carrying the case 801
over uneven terrain and/or for long distances. FIGS. 16(a) and
16(b) show an alternate embodiment of the case 801 having
additional slots 1604 (in addition to slots 1105, see FIG. 13). The
shoulder and waist pads 1601, 1602 are attached to the case 801 by
passing the straps of the shoulder and waist pads 1601, 1602
through slots 1105 and 1604. The conversion into a backpack is
completed by adding the shoulder straps 1701 as shown in FIGS.
17(a) and 17(b). The ends of the shoulder straps 1701 are attached
to case 801 by passing the strap ends through slots 1704. Once the
shoulder straps 1701 and the shoulder and waist pads 1601, 1602 are
attached to the case 801, the case 801 can be carried as a backpack
(however, without a MOLLE frame, in contrast to the embodiment of
FIGS. 13-15). A soft carrying handle 1605 may also be attached to
the case 801 by passing the ends thereof through slots 1606. This
handle 1605 is intended for short handling before the case 801 is
worn as a backpack.
[0057] FIGS. 18 and 19 show side and three-quarter views of the
case 801 with the shoulder straps 1701, waist pads 1602 and
shoulder pads 1601 attached.
[0058] In the preferred embodiments of the invention the cases 801
are made of any suitable flexible, impact-resistant material which
is relatively light and resistant to UV, mildew and corrosion.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 12-19, the preferred means for fastening
the shoulder straps 1701, shoulder and waist pads 1601, 1602, the
MOLLE frame 1301, the wheeled carriage 1205 and the soft handle
1605 to the case 801 is by straps passed through slots 1105, 1704,
1604 in the shell of the case 801. However, alternate fastening
means may be used. Several alternate fastening means will be
readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. For example, the
case 801 may have threaded holes in its outer shell operative to
receive screws, so that the shoulder straps 1701, shoulder and
waist pads 1601, 1602, the MOLLE frame 1301, the wheeled carriage
1205 and/or the soft handle 1605 can be screwed to the case 801.
Further examples of alternate fastening means include Velcro.RTM.
and/or any of a number of known quick release mechanisms.
[0060] Greater size, space and weight savings, versatility and
protection of the communications unit is achieved with the present
invention, where the case 801 can be attached to a carriage 1205,
MOLLE frame 1301 and/or backpack pads 1601, 1602 and straps
1701.
[0061] In an alternate embodiment of the case 801, portions of the
outer shell 805 at one end of the case 801 are cut out and wheels
are mounted so that they form an integral part of the case 801. A
soft handle 1605 is fastened to the case 801 at the other end as
shown in FIGS. 17, 17(a) and 18, so that the case 801 can be
wheeled along in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 12.
[0062] Although the embodiment of case 801 described throughout
this application has two halves 802 and 803, it will be readily
apparent to persons skilled in the art that many alternate
embodiments of the case will fall within the scope of the
invention. For example, rather than comprising two halves, the case
801 could have a hollow "container" portion and a lid. Further, the
lid and the hollow "container" portion may be connected by a hinge
(the two halves 802 and 803 of the preferred embodiment may also be
connected by a hinge).
[0063] The invention, as described above in detail, contains novel
features both in the communication unit itself, as well as in the
packaging for stowage and transportation. In case of the former,
they include the shape and configuration of the antenna segments,
the two-part boom/feed assembly with quick-connect devices, the RF
carrier hinged design, the integration of the azimuth alignment
motorized platform with the baseband housing, the baseband housing
with foldable legs for tripod-like stability and the shock
absorbers for the BB unit itself, all of which cooperate to form a
communications system that can be stowed in two airline checkable
cases. In case of the latter, the novel features include the
hard-shell cases, each of which is capable of being used as an
airline-checkable suitcase, as a wheeled case, as a backpack
mounted on a MOLLE frame, and/or as a backpack without the MOLLE
frame.
[0064] The novel features in the design of the communication unit
itself as explained in FIGS. 1-6 have made it possible to limit the
dimensions of the two cases to airline check-in requirements.
Currently, most U.S. domestic airlines allow each ticketed
passenger to check two bags. Each bag should generally not exceed a
linear dimension (length+width+height) of 62 inches. Also, each bag
should have a maximum weight of 70 pounds, or 31.8 kilograms (often
approximated to 32 kg). More specifically, in the preferred
embodiment, the size of each case is
27''.times.19.5''.times.13.2''. This enables easy manual
transportation of the communication unit.
[0065] Accordingly, while this invention has been described with
reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not
intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications
of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of
the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon
reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that
the appended claims will cover any such modifications or
embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.
* * * * *