The present invention relates to a mounted antenna for use in a wireless communication system, and in particular, to a mounting device and associated method for mounting an antenna within a cavity of a finished wall. The mounting device comprises a platform and a plurality of support legs, each of the plurality of support legs having a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end is pivotally coupled to the platform. The platform has a coupling mechanism for attaching an antenna to the platform. The mounting device also includes a biasing element for supplying a constant force to the plurality of support legs sufficient to propel the free end of each support leg in an outwardly direction from the platform and engage a surface within a wall cavity to support the mounting device.
1. A mounting device for mounting an antenna, comprising:
a platform and a plurality of support legs, each of the plurality of support legs having a free end and a fixed end, the fixed end pivotally coupled to the platform, the platform having a coupling mechanism for attaching an antenna to the platform; and
a biasing element for supplying a constant force to the plurality of support legs sufficient to propel the free end of each support leg in an outwardly direction from the platform and engage a surface within a wall cavity to support the mounting device.
2. The mounting device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support legs comprises a fastener coupled to the free end thereof for securing each of the plurality of support legs to a vertical surface within the wall cavity.
3. The mounting device according to claim 2 , wherein the fastener includes a set of barbs.
4. The mounting device according to claim 2 , wherein the fastener includes an elastomer end cap.
5. The mounting device according to claim 1 , wherein the biasing element includes a spring.
6. The mounting device according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling mechanism includes an opening in the platform.
7. The mounting device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of support legs are drawn towards a generally perpendicular position relative to a bottom surface of the platform when the plurality of support legs is collapsed.
8. A method of mounting an antenna comprising:
providing a platform and a plurality of support legs coupled to the platform, the platform having a coupling mechanism for attaching an antenna to the platform;
providing a biasing element for supplying a constant force to the plurality of support legs sufficient to propel a free end of each support leg in an outwardly direction from the platform and engage a surface within a wall cavity to support the platform;
collapsing the plurality of support legs towards a generally perpendicular position relative to a bottom surface of the platform;
inserting the antenna and the platform into the wall cavity through an opening in a finished wall; and
securing each of the plurality of support legs to a surface within the wall cavity to support the antenna and the platform.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the surface within the wall cavity is a vertical surface.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of support legs comprises a fastener coupled to the free end thereof for securing each of the plurality of support legs to the vertical surface.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the fastener includes a set of barbs.
12. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the fastener includes an elastomer end cap.
13. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the biasing element includes a spring.
14. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the coupling mechanism includes an opening in the platform.
15. The method according to claim 8 , further including positioning a deflector in the wall cavity to guide the antenna and the platform to the elevated position within the wall cavity.
16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein positioning the deflector includes sliding at least one of the plurality of support legs along a sloped surface of the deflector.
17. An system for mounting an antenna within a wall cavity, the system comprising:
a platform and a plurality of support legs, each of the plurality of support legs having a free end and a fixed end, the fixed end pivotally coupled to the platform;
a biasing element for supplying a constant force to the plurality of support legs sufficient to propel the free end of each support leg in an outwardly direction from the platform and secure the free end of each of the plurality of support legs to a vertical surface within a wall cavity to maintain the mounting device in an elevated position within the wall cavity; and
a deflector positioned in the wall cavity for guiding the antenna and the platform to the elevated position within the wall cavity.
18. The system according to claim 17 , wherein each of the plurality of support legs comprises a fastener coupled to the free end thereof for securing the mounting device to the vertical surface.
19. The system according to claim 17 , wherein the plurality of support legs is drawn towards a generally perpendicular position relative to a bottom surface of the platform when the plurality of support legs is collapsed and the plurality of support legs is propelled outwardly from the platform to a generally expanded position when the plurality of support legs is secured to the vertical surface within the wall cavity.
20. The system according to claim 17 , wherein the deflector includes a sloped surface on which at least one of the plurality of support legs slides as the antenna and platform are positioned in the wall cavity.
21. The system according to claim 17 , wherein the deflector includes an overhang portion.