Support apparatus for an inflatable antenna

摘要

A support apparatus for an inflatable communications antenna system includes a case the size of airline carry-on luggage that is dimensioned to store a deflated antenna and its accompanying power, control and inflation systems.

主权项

1. A support apparatus for an inflatable communications antenna system, said system including an inflatable antenna, a power module, controller and a transceiver, said apparatus comprising:
a case having a hingedly attached lid and defining a chamber for housing said antenna in a deflated state, said power module, controller and said transceiver, and comprising a plurality of hollow tubes coupled within the chamber, each of which have an opening defined in at least one exterior side wall of the case, wherein the at least one exterior side wall defines an outer periphery of the case; and a plurality of support legs slidably stowable within the hollow tubes within the case and telescopically extendable outwardly from within the case from said respective openings, each said support leg comprising an elongated member with a foot attached to an underside of an outer end thereof, wherein the plurality of support legs are configured to extend beyond the outer periphery of the case to support the case and the antenna when in an inflated state.