The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 17, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 07, 1996
Charles W Ergen, Englewood, CO (US);
Bruce A McKenzie, Apopka, FL (US);
Other;
Abstract
A cover for protecting a direct broadcast satellite antenna having a flange around the outside perimeter of the antenna. The cover is fabricated from a waterproof, flexible sheet material, such as marine grade vinyl. The cover is sized to have a margin extending approximately one-half of the width of the flange beyond the outside edge of the antenna. A 'J clip' strip having one edge folded over in a 'J' configuration and having a width approximately the same dimension as the flange of the antenna, is positioned along the outer face of the cover with the opposite edge of the strip aligned even with the edge of the cover. The strip is sewn or otherwise attached to the cover material to form the completed cover. A gap of approximately 6' can be provided along one portion of the perimeter of the cover to provide clearance for the supporting structure and ventilation to the inside of the antenna. As the 'J' strip is installed on the flange of the antenna, it is continuously worked around the perimeter which causes the 'J' strip to be folded back on the cover material with the edge of the strip contacting the surface of the flange and providing a leveraging effect to tighten the cover material and securely retain it across the face of the antenna.