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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A portable communication system comprising:
a carrying case that includes a first side shell with a first hinged edge,
a first free edge and a first receptacle portion, a second side shell with
a second hinged edge, a second free edge, and a second receptacle portion,
wherein said second side shell is made of a material that is
electromagnetically transmissive, a hinge for operatively joining said
first hinged edge and said second hinged edge, a means for releasably
latching said first free edge to said second free edge so that said
carrying case can be placed in a closed condition that conceals said first
receptacle portion and said second receptacle portion or in an open
condition which exposes said first receptacle portion and said second
receptacle portion, and a hand grip that is operatively connected to at
least one of said first side shell and said second side shell;
a radio that is located in said first receptacle portion;
an antenna that is located in said second receptacle portion, wherein said
second side shell covers said antenna to reduce exterior visual
indications of the presence of said antenna;
means for operatively connecting said radio and said antenna;
a reflector for directing electromagnetic radiation relative to said
antenna that is located between said antenna and said radio when said
carrying case is in an open condition and serves to at least partly cover
said antenna when said carrying case is in said open condition; and
a liner that is located between said antenna and said reflector, wherein
said liner substantially reduces interior visual indications of the
presence of said antenna when said carrying case is in said open
condition.
2. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, further
including:
means for covering said reflector to camouflage said reflector when said
carrying case is in said open condition.
3. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, further
including:
means for covering said radio so that when said carrying case is in said
open condition, the presence of said radio can be camouflaged.
4. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, further
including:
means for covering said radio so that when said carrying case is in said
open condition, the presence of said radio is camouflaged, said means for
covering includes a computer terminal or means for visually simulating a
computer terminal.
5. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising:
means for deploying said radio from a first radio location to a second
radio location that is different than said first radio location when said
carrying case is in an open condition.
6. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, further
including:
means for covering said radio; and
means for deploying said radio from a first radio location to a second
radio location that is different than said first radio location when said
carrying case is in an open condition, wherein when said radio is in said
first radio location, said means for covering substantially camouflages
the presence of said radio and when said radio is in said second radio
location, an operator interface portion of said radio is exposed.
7. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said radio includes a computer terminal or means for simulating a computer
terminal;
said portable communication system further including means for deploying,
when said carrying case is in said open condition, said radio from a first
radio location at which substantially only said computer terminal or said
simulated computer terminal of said radio is visible to a second radio
location that is different than said first location and exposes an
operator panel of said radio.
8. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said second side shell is visually opaque.
9. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said second side shell is substantially continuous in the area overlying
said antenna.
10. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said antenna includes a spiral antenna.
11. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 1, further
including:
means for deploying said reflector from a first reflector location to a
second reflector location between said antenna and said radio when said
carrying case is in said open condition.
12. A portable communication system comprising:
a carrying case that includes a first side shell with a first hinged edge,
a first free edge and a first receptacle portion, a second side shell with
a second hinged edge, a second free edge and a second receptacle portion,
a hinge for operatively joining said first hinged edge and said second
hinged edge, a means for releasably latching said first free edge to said
second free edge so that said carrying case can be placed in a closed
condition that conceals said first receptacle portion and said second
receptacle portion or in an open condition which exposes said first
receptacle portion and said second receptacle portion, and a hand grip
that is operatively connected to at least one of said first side shell and
said second side shell;
a radio that is located in said first receptacle portion;
an antenna that is located in said second receptacle portion;
means for operatively connecting said radio and said antenna;
a reflector for directing electromagnetic radiation relative to said
antenna and at least partly covering said antenna when said carrying case
is in said open condition; and
first means for deploying said reflector from a first reflector location to
a second reflector location between said antenna and said radio when said
carrying case is in said open condition.
13. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein:
said reflector includes a first portion and a second portion that is
movable relative to said first portion.
14. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein:
said reflector includes a first portion, a second portion, and second means
for deploying said second portion from a third reflector location at which
said first and second portions provide a first surface area for directing
electromagnetic radiation relative to said antenna to a fourth reflector
location at which said first and second portions provide a second surface
area for directing electromagnetic radiation relative to said antenna that
is greater than said first surface area.
15. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein:
said antenna includes a spiral antenna.
16. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 12, further
comprising:
a liner that is located between said antenna and said reflector, said liner
substantially reducing interior visual indications of the presence of said
antenna when said carrying case is in said open condition;
means for covering said reflector to disguise the presence of said
reflector when said carrying case is in said open condition;
second means for deploying said radio from a first radio location to a
second radio location that is different than said first radio location
when said carrying case is in said open condition; and
means for covering said radio so that when said carrying case is in said
open condition and said radio is in said first radio location, the
presence of said radio is camouflaged and when said radio is in said
second radio location, an operator interface of said radio is exposed;
wherein said second side shell is made of a material that is
electromagnetically transmissive and covers said antenna to reduce
exterior visual indications of the presence of said antenna.
17. A portable communication system comprising:
a carrying case that includes a first side shell with a first hinged edge,
a first free edge and a first receptacle portion, a second side shell with
a second hinged edge, a second free edge, and a second receptacle portion,
a hinge for operatively joining said first hinged edge and said second
hinged edge, a means for releasably latching said first free edge to said
second free edge so that said carrying case can be placed in a closed
condition that conceals said first receptacle portion and said second
receptacle portion or in an open condition which exposes said first
receptacle portion and said second receptacle portion, and a hand grip
that is operatively connected to at least one of said first side shell and
said second side shell;
a radio that is located in said first receptacle portion;
a spiral antenna that is located in said second receptacle portion and
includes a first arm and a second arm which is separate from said first
arm; and
a reflector for directing electromagnetic radiation relative to said spiral
antenna that is located between said radio and said spiral antenna and
serves to, at least partly, cover said antenna when said carrying case is
in said open condition;
means for operatively connecting said radio to said antenna.
18. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
said spiral antenna includes an archimedean spiral antenna.
19. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
said second side shell has a circumference approximately equal to the
wavelength of the signal to which said antenna is responsive.
20. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
said hinge means includes means for adjusting the angle of said second side
shell to said first said shell when said case is in said open condition.
21. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 17, further
including:
a liner that is located between said spiral antenna and said reflector,
said liner substantially reducing interior visual indications of the
presence of said spiral antenna;
first means for deploying said reflector from a first reflector location to
a second reflector location between said antenna and said radio when said
carrying case is in said open condition;
means for covering said reflector to disguise the presence of said
reflector;
second means for deploying said radio from a first radio location to a
second radio location that is different than said first radio location
when said case is in said open condition; and
means for covering said radio so that when said carrying case is in said
open condition and said radio is in said first radio location, the
presence of said radio is camouflaged and when said radio is in said
second radio location, an operator interface of said radio is exposed;
wherein said second side shell is made of a material that is
electromagnetically transmissive and reduces external visual indications
of the presence of said antenna in said second receptacle portion of said
second side shell.
22. A portable communication system comprising:
a carrying case that includes a first side shell with a first hinged edge,
a first free edge and a first receptacle portion, a second side shell with
a second hinged edge, a second free edge, and a second receptacle portion,
wherein said second side shell is made of a material that is
electromagnetically transmissive, a hinge for operatively joining said
first hinged edge and said second hinged edge, a means for releasable
latching said first free edge to said second free edge so that said
carrying case can be placed in a closed condition that conceals said first
receptacle portion and said second receptacle portion or in an open
condition which exposes said first receptacle portion and said second
receptacle portion, and a hand grip that is operatively connected to at
least one of said first side shell and said second side shell;
a radio that is located in said first receptacle portion;
an antenna that is located in said second receptacle portion, wherein said
second side shell covers said antenna to reduce exterior visual
indications of the presence of said antenna;
means for operatively connecting said radio and said antenna;
means for deploying said radio from a first radio location to a second
radio location that is different than said first radio location when said
case is in said open condition; and
means for covering said radio so that when said carrying case is in said
open condition and said radio is in said first radio location, the
presence of said radio is camouflaged, and when said carrying case is in
said open condition and said radio is in said second radio location, an
operator interface of said radio is exposed.
23. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:
said means for covering includes a computer terminal or means for visually
simulating a computer terminal.
24. A portable communication system, as claimed in claim 22, further
including:
a liner that is located adjacent to said antenna to substantially reduce
interior visual indications of the presence of said antenna when said
carrying case is in said open condition;
a reflector for directing electromagnetic radiation relative to said
antenna that is located between said liner and said radio when said
carrying case is in said open condition and at least partly covers said
antenna when said carrying case is in said open condition;
means for covering said reflector to camouflage said reflector when said
carrying case is in said open condition; and
means for deploying said reflector from a first reflector location to a
second reflector location between said antenna and said radio when said
carrying case is in said open condition.
25. A portable communication system comprising:
a carrying case that includes a first side shell with a first hinged edge,
a first free edge and a first receptacle portion, a second side shell that
includes a second hinged edge, a second free edge, a second receptacle
portion and is made of a material that is electromagnetically
transmissive, a hinge for joining said first hinged edge and said second
hinged edge, means for releasably latching said first free edge and said
second free edge so that said case can be placed in a closed condition in
which said first receptacle portion and said second receptacle portion are
concealed and an open condition in which said first receptacle portion and
said second receptacle portion are exposed, and a hand grip that is
operatively connected to at least one of said first side shell and said
second side shell;
a radio that is located in said first receptacle portion, said radio
includes a computer terminal or means for simulating a computer terminal;
means for deploying said radio from a first radio location at which
substantially only said computer terminal or said means for simulating a
computer terminal are visible when said carrying case is in said open
condition to a second radio location that exposes an operator panel of
said radio when said carrying case is in said open condition;
a substantially rectangular spiral antenna located in said second
receptacle portion, wherein said second side shell substantially reduces
exterior visual indications of the presence of said antenna in said second
receptacle portion of said second side shell;
a liner that is located in said second receptacle portion and covering said
antenna to reduce interior visual indications of the presence of said
antenna;
a reflector that is located between said liner and said radio to direct
electromagnetic radiation relative to said antenna and to at least partly
cover said antenna when said carrying case is in said open condition;
means for deploying said reflector from a first reflector location to a
second reflector location between said antenna and said radio when said
carrying case is in said open condition; and
means for covering said reflector to disguise the presence of said
reflector when said carrying case is in said open condition. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communication systems and, in particular,
to a portable communication system that an individual can carry from place
to place.
2. Description of the Related Art
A basic communication system includes an antenna, a transmitter or
receiver, or a combination of a transmitter and a receiver, which is
typically referred to as a transceiver. In many instances, a portable
communication system is desirable so that an individual can either
transmit or receive from any number of locations. Many such portable
communication systems have been devised. However, in many situations, the
ability to prevent an observer from readily identifying a portable
communication system as a communication system is needed. In these
situations, present portable communication systems leave much to be
desired. Specifically, in many portable communication systems, the antenna
and/or the transmitting and receiving device are readily apparent to the
casual observer. For instance, the antenna in many portable communication
systems is either a prominent external component of the system or its
presence can be readily discerned from the packaging of the system. In
other portable communication systems, the transmitting and/or receiving
device, if not a perceptible external aspect of the system, is readily
identifiable upon deployment of the system.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a portable communication system
whose identity as a communication system is not readily discernible to an
observer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a portable communication system with
functional components that are not readily discernible to an observer. As
a consequence, the portable communication system of the present invention
lends itself to situations in which the ability to discreetly operate a
communication system is needed and, in particular, to situations in which
communications are conducted in the VHF and UHF bands.
One embodiment of the invention includes a hinged carrying case with a
first side shell that contains a radio, which can be either a transmitter,
a receiver, or a transceiver, and a second side shell that contains an
antenna which is connected to the radio. In one embodiment, the antenna is
a rectangular spiral antenna. The system further includes a reflector that
is located between the antenna and the radio when the carrying case is
open and serves to shield the radio and the operator from electromagnetic
radiation as well as cooperate with the antenna to direct electromagnetic
radiation to or from another communication device. Also included in the
system is an interior liner that covers the antenna and thereby reduces
interior visual indications of the presence of the antenna when the
carrying case is open. Further, the reflector also covers at least part of
the antenna when the carrying case is in an open condition and, as a
consequence, supplements the coverage of the antenna by the interior liner
as well as makes inspection of the liner and underlying antenna difficult.
In addition, the second side shell covers the antenna in a manner that
substantially eliminates any exterior visual indication of the presence of
the antenna while also allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass to or
from the antenna.
In another embodiment of the system, a cover is provided for the reflector
that camouflages the presence of the reflector when the case is in an open
condition. Consequently, the reflector can appear to be simply the
retaining structure that is commonly used in suitcases and the like to
keep the items on one side of the suitcase separate from the items on the
other side of the suitcase or, in a briefcase, the file folder portion.
Further embodiments include a device for deploying a reflector from a
stowed to an operative location and a two-piece reflector in which the two
pieces can be moved with respect to one another so that the area of the
reflector can be adjusted.
In yet a further embodiment of the system, the radio is provided with a
cover that camouflages the presence of the radio. One cover that is
particularly useful includes a computer terminal, e.g., a keyboard and a
CRT or a simulation thereof. Consequently, when the case is in an open
condition, it appears to be merely a laptop or other portable computer.
The system also includes a device for, when the case is in an open
condition, deploying the radio from a location at which substantially only
the cover for the radio is visible to a location at which the operator
panel of the radio is accessible. This device facilitates the deployment
of the radio as well as its concealment by allowing the user to relatively
quickly place the radio in its concealed position if the need should arise
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A-1B are various perspective views of the exterior of the carrying
case portion of the portable communication system of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the carrying case portion of the portable communication
system in an open condition in which the radio is covered by a cap that
includes either a computer terminal or a simulation thereof;
FIG. 3 illustrates the carrying case portion of the portable communication
system in an open condition in which the radio is deployed and the
reflector portion of the antenna is extended;
FIG. 4A illustrates a spiral antenna housed in one side of the carrying
case;
FIG. 4B illustrates a rectangular archimedean spiral antenna housed in one
side of the carrying case;
FIG. 5 illustrates the reflector in an extended state and the electrical
connector between the antenna/reflector and the radio;
FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-section of the carrying case portion of the
portable communications system that shows the two-piece reflector in a
stowed condition that inhibits inspection of the liner and underlying
antenna;
FIG. 7 is a lateral cross-section of the carrying case portion of the
portable communication system that illustrates the two-piece reflector in
a deployed condition in which one of the reflector surfaces has been
extended away from the other reflector surface to increase the overall
reflector surface area;
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section of the portion of the carrying case
that contains the antenna, the reflector, and flex circuit that connects
the antenna to the reflector;
FIG. 9 illustrates the interior of the portion of the carrying case and, in
particular, the mounts used in placing the radio in stowed and deployed
positions;
FIGS. 10A-10C are front, side and rear views of the radio and the baseplate
that cooperates with the mounts in the carrying case to place the radio in
stowed and deployed positions;
FIG. 11A is a rear cross-sectional view of the portion of the carrying case
that contains the radio which illustrates the engagement between the
baseplate and the mounts;
FIG. 11B is a front cross-sectional view of the portion of the carrying
case that contains the radio;
FIG. 12A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the portion of the carrying
case that contains the radio which illustrates the radio in a deployed
condition;
FIG. 12B is a front view of the position of the carrying case that contains
the radio which illustrates the radio in a deployed condition and the
engagement between the baseplate and the latches of the carrying case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a portable communication system 10,
hereinafter system 10, with communication componentry that is camouflaged
to prevent an observer from readily identifying the system 10 as a
communication system. As a consequence, the system 10 can be used in
situations in which the ability to discreetly use a communication system
is of interest.
With reference to the Figures, the system 10 includes a carrying case 12
with a first side shell 14. The first side shell 14 provides a first
receptacle portion 16 for housing a radio, a first hinged edge 18, and a
first free edge 20. The carrying case 12 also includes a second side shell
22 that includes a second receptacle portion 24 for housing an antenna and
a reflector, a second hinged edge 26, and a second free edge 28. The first
hinged edge 18 of the first side shell 14 and the second hinged edge 26 of
the second side shell 22 are joined by hinges 30. Similarly, the first
free edge 20 of the first side shell and the second free edge 28 of the
second side shell 22 can be selectively connected or disconnected by
latches 32. When the latches 32 are connected, the hinges 30 and the
latches 32 cooperate to keep the carrying case 12 in the closed condition
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B. Conversely, when the latches 32 are released,
the hinges 30 keep the first shell 14 joined to the second shell 22 but
allow the carrying case 12 to be placed in the open condition illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 3. The carrying case 12 also includes a grip 34 that
facilitates portage of the carrying case 12 by an individual. In addition,
the carrying case 12 includes runners 36 for use in standing the carrying
case 12 as shown in FIG. 4A-4B.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of hinged braces 38 are also
provided to hold the second side shell 22 at about a point about
50.degree.-70.degree. angle relative to the first side shell 14 when the
case 12 is in an open condition. The 50.degree.-70.degree. angle
adequately positions the antenna housed in the second receptacle portion
24 of the second side shell 22 for communication with many other
communication devices and, in particular, with many of the satellite
communication systems when the system 10 is located at some point between
.+-.50.degree. latitude. If it is necessary to position the antenna at a
different angle or angles, the hinged braces 38 can be provided with an
adjustment mechanism. With respect to satellite communications, this may
be necessary if the system 10 is used outside the .+-.50.degree. latitude
or if the position of a satellite or satellite system relative to the
system 10 requires it.
The system 10 further includes a radio 40, which can be either a
transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. The radio 40 is housed in the first
receptacle portion 16 of the first side shell 14. The first side shell 14
is made of a material that camouflages any external indications of the
presence of the radio 40 in the carrying case 12. Preferably, the first
side shell is made of a visually opaque material.
The system 10 further includes a spiral antenna that is located within the
second receptacle portion 24 of the second side shell 22. A particular
embodiment of the spiral antenna is the archimedean spiral antenna 44,
illustrated in FIG. 4A, that includes a first arm 46a and a second 46b.
The pitch angle of each arm varies with the radius and substantially equal
spacing is maintained between the first and second arms 46a, 46b as they
spiral outwardly. Alternatively, a rectangular archimedean spiral, as
illustrated in FIG. 4B, can be used. The rectangular archimedean spiral
more completely fills the second receptacle portion 24 and, as a
consequence, provides higher gain and improved low frequency coverage. The
second side shell is made of a material that camouflages any external
indications of the presence of the antenna 44 within the second side shell
22 as well as permits electromagnetic radiation to flow to or from the
antenna 44. Suitable materials include plastic, wood, cloth, and leather.
Further, in one embodiment, there is a relationship between the second
side shell and the antenna. Specifically, the circumference of the second
side shell 22 is substantially equal to the wavelength of the signal to
which the antenna is responsive.
The system 10 further includes a deployable reflector 50 that, when stowed,
is located within the second receptacle portion 24 of the second side
shell 22. The reflector 50 shields the radio 40 from electromagnetic
radiation that may interfere with the operation of the radio 40. The
reflector 50 also shields the operator from electromagnetic radiation. In
addition, the reflector 50, when the antenna 44 is being used to transmit
an electromagnetic signal, aids in directing the signal towards, for
example, a satellite. The reflector 50 includes a first portion 52 that
has a first lower edge 54, a first upper edge 56, a first right edge 58,
and a first left edge 60. The reflector 50 also includes a second portion
62 that is connected to the first portion 52 with a first deployment
mechanism that permits the effective area of the reflector 50 to be
varied. The second portion 62 includes a second lower edge 64, a second
upper edge 66, a second right edge 68, and a second left edge 70.
The first deployment mechanism, with reference to FIG. 5, includes a pair
of rails 71a, 71b that are operatively attached to the first portion 52
and engage the second right edge 68 and second left edge 70 of the second
portion 62 so that the second portion 62 can slide towards and away from
the first portion 52 in a parallel fashion. The deployment mechanism also
includes a spring/ball detent mechanism comprised of a spring/ball
mechanism 72 located on the second portion 62 and oriented so that the
ball can engage one of a pair of holes 73a, 73b in the first portion 52.
(Other detent mechanisms are also feasible.) When the ball engages the
hole 73a, the reflector 50 has an effective area of essentially only the
first portion 52, since the first portion 52 completely overlaps the
second portion 62. In contrast, when the ball engages the hole 73b, the
reflector has an effective area extending from the first lower edge 54 to
the second upper edge 66 and from the first right edge 58 and second right
edge 68 to the first left edge 60 and the second left edge 70, as shown in
FIGS. 3, 5, and 7. Actuation of the button portion of the mechanism allows
the ball to be disengaged from a hole and the second portion 62 to be
moved relative to the first portion.
As an alternative to the use of rails 71a, 71b and spring/ball detent
mechanism, a hinge connecting the first and second portions of the
reflector 50 and brace can be used to alter the effective area of the
reflector.
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second deployment mechanism 74 attaches
the reflector 50 to the second side shell 22 as well as permits the
reflector 50 to be moved from a stowed location within the second
receptacle portion 24 to a deployed location when the case is in an open
condition that permits the area of the reflector 50 to be varied, as
previously discussed. The second deployment mechanism 74 includes a first
pair of parallel hinges 76a, 76b that are each pivotally connected to both
the interior of the second side shell 22 and the first right edge 58 of
the first portion 52 of the reflector 50, and a second pair of parallel
hinges 78a, 78b that are each pivotally connected to both the interior of
the second side shell 22 and the first left edge 60 of the first portion
52 of the reflector 50. A detent mechanism is used to lock the parallel
hinges in the deployed orientation illustrated in FIG. 7 and thereby
deploy the reflector as shown in 7. Release of the detent mechanism allows
the hinges to pivot to the orientation shown in FIG. 6 and the reflector
50 to be placed in a stowed condition.
With reference to FIGS. 5-8, a cable 82 is also included in the system 10
to connect the radio 40 to the antenna 44. The cable 82 includes a
two-lead flex circuit 83 that extends from the antenna 44 to the reflector
50. Specifically, one end of one lead of the flex circuit 83 is
operatively connected to a terminal end of first arm 46a of spiral antenna
44 and one end of the other lead is operatively connected to a terminal
end of second arm 46b of antenna 44. The opposite ends of the flex circuit
83 from those connected to the antenna 50, extend through the reflector 50
and are connected to one end of a two-lead coaxial cable 84. The other end
of the two-lead coaxial cable engages a connector that completes the
circuit to the radio 40. The flex circuit 83 and two lead coaxial cable 84
in addition to electrically connecting the radio to the antenna 44 form a
slot line that acts as an impedance matching network between the
approximately 150 .OMEGA. impedance of antenna 44 and the approximately 50
.OMEGA. impedance of the radio 40.
With specific reference to FIGS. 6-8, the system 10 further includes a
liner 86 that is attached to the interior of the second side shell 22 and
covers the antenna 44 to substantially eliminate any internal visual
indication of the presence of the antenna 44. The liner 86 can be made of
any material that permits electromagnetic radiation to be passed between
the antenna 44 and the reflector 50. For instance, the liner 86 can be
made of cotton, linen, plastic or leather.
The system 10 also includes a cover 90 for the reflector 50 that
camouflages the reflector 50 and thereby reduces internal visual
indications of the presence of the reflector 50. The cover 90 can also be
made of any material that is capable of transmitting electromagnetic
radiation between the antenna 44 and the reflector 50. For instance, the
cover 90 can be made of cotton, linen, plastic or leather. Alternatively,
the cover 90 can include paint. In FIG. 2, the reflector 50 and cover 90
appear, at least to the casual observer, to be merely the file folder
portion of a briefcase. In a suitcase model, the reflector 50 and the
cover 90 may appear to be simply the divider used to prevent the clothes
or items in one side of a suitcase from getting mixed up with the clothes
on the other side of the suitcase. For concealment, the two lead coaxial
cable 84 can be positioned behind the cover 90.
With particular reference to FIGS. 2-3, 10, 11 and 12, the system 10
additionally includes a cap 94 for covering the radio and thereby reducing
any interior visual indications of the presence of the radio 40. In the
illustrated embodiment of the system 10, the cap 94 is either a computer
terminal comprised of, for example, a CRT 96 and a keyboard 98 or a
facsimile thereof. Consequently, when the case 12 is in an open condition
and the radio is not deployed (as in FIG. 2), the system 10 appears to
merely contain a portable or laptop computer device, which has become a
relatively common item in recent years. Other cap configurations designed
to meet a particular situation or application are feasible.
In addition, the system 10 includes a third deployment mechanism 106 that
permits the radio 40 and the cap 94 to be lifted from a stowed position
(FIG. 2) to a deployed position (FIG. 3) in which an operator panel of the
radio 40 is accessible to an operator. The deployment mechanism 106 also
permits the radio 40 to be relatively quickly concealed so that
substantially only the cap 94 is visible. With reference to FIGS. 9-12,
the third deployment mechanism 106 includes a pair of slotted rails 108a,
108b, that are located in the first receptacle 16 and engaged by a first
pair of feet 110a, 110b that are part of a baseplate 112 that is attached
to the underside of the radio 40. The slotted rails 108a, 108b, are formed
as part of a vacuum-shaped plastic mounting plate 114 that resides in the
first receptacle 16 of the first side shell 14. The plastic character of
the slotted rails provides enough flexibility to allow insertion of the
feet 110 during assembly but rigid enough when combined with the
arrow-shape of the feet 110 to resist efforts at removal of the baseplate
112 and the radio 40 from the case 12. The baseplate 112 also includes a
second pair of feet 116a, 116b that serve both to support the baseplate
112 and radio in a level condition when the radio is in a stowed condition
and to engage the latches 32 of the carrying case 12 when the radio is
deployed and thereby provide a stable platform for the radio 40.
With reference to FIGS. 11-12, the operation of the third deployment
mechanism 106 is illustrated. In FIGS. 11A-11B the first pair of feet
110a, 110b engage the pair of slotted rails 108a, 108b and the second pair
of feet 116a, 116b contact the mounting plate 114 so that the cap 94 is
substantially even with edge of the first side shell 14. As a consequence,
the radio 40 is substantially hidden by the cap 94. Additionally, any
computer terminal or facsimile thereof incorporated in the cap 94 will be
in an operative position that does not invite closer inspection. To place
the radio 40 in the deployed position illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, the
radio 40 is lifted and then pulled towards the latches 32. When this
happens, the first pair of feet 110a, 110b slide along the slotted rails
108a, 108b towards the latches 32. After the radio 40 has been lifted and
pulled towards the latches 32, the baseplate 112 is positioned so that the
second pair of | | |
