DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The illustrations and descriptions herein specifically describe the alignment device of the present invention being used to simultaneously align a vehicle mounted antenna (or other fixture mounted object) horizontally and vertically (in pitch) along a direction of travel of a vehicle, i.e., along a thrust line of a vehicle (the desired orientation). It is therefore apparent that the apparatus and method described herein is particularly useful for alignment of a vehicle mounted antenna, but this preferred application of the alignment device is not the only application for which the present invention can be used. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the apparatus and method could be similarly extended for use in aligning any fixture-mounted object. The scope of the invention is therefore not limited to alignment of a vehicle mounted antenna.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an alignment device 20 for simultaneously horizontally and vertically aligning a fixture-mounted object with respect to a predetermined desired orientation. Referring also to FIG. 2 , which illustrates the first embodiment of the alignment device 20 as an assembly comprising: a mounting plate 22 having a first side 24 and a second side 26 ; a plurality of positioners 28 , a plurality of distancing pins 29 , and a suction device 30 each extending outwardly from the second side 26 of the mounting plate 22 ; a level 32 , preferably digital, and a laser 34 supported by a laser mount 36 mounted to the first side 24 of the mounting plate 22 ; and a vacuum generator 38 positioned on the first side 24 of the mounting plate 22 . The vacuum generator 38 is in fluid communication with the suction device 30 positioned on the second side 26 of the mounting plate 22 through a hole 40 defined in the mounting plate 22 . A toggle switch 42 adapted to switch the suction device 30 on and off is coupled to a plurality of air hose connectors or air intake valves 44 in fluid communication with the vacuum generator 38 by means commonly understood in the art. Toggle switch 42 preferably extends outwardly from an extension plate 46 secured to the mounting plate 22 and overhanging the first side 24 such that toggle switch 42 and air hose connectors 44 are accessible from the first side 24 of the mounting plate 22 without interference with the laser 34 or level 32 . Preferably, the suction device 30 is a bellows style suction cup in communication with a venturi vacuum generator; however, another type of suction device or vacuum generator could instead be used. While not illustrated herein, if desired, the alignment device assembly of the first embodiment 20 could also include a level, protractor, or other degreed rotational indicator to indicate a rotational orientation of an object about a central axis of the object. This would allow for reorienting the object into a desired rotational or other angular orientation relative to a mounting position of the object on the fixture.

[0031] According to the first embodiment, the level 32 is preferably positioned vertically along one end of the mounting plate 22 (from a top 48 to a bottom 50 of the first side 24 of the mounting plate 22 ) such that a viewing window is viewable. Thus, the level 32 indicates a vertical orientation (pitch) of an object. Preferably, the laser 34 is substantially centrally disposed along a horizontal centerline of the mounting plate 22 , as measured from a left end 52 to a right end 54 of the mounting plate 22 . The laser 34 projects laser light onto a projection surface (partially illustrated as 64 in FIG. 10 ), thereby visually delineating a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation of an object.

[0032] The alignment device assembly 20 is adapted to receive a fixture-mounted object. The plurality of positioners 28 on the second side 26 of the mounting plate 22 are preferably positioned such that an object fits easily, yet snuggly, therebetween. Preferably, each of the plurality of positioners 28 is coupled with a corresponding threaded fastener 56 , or other securing means, which are preferably accessible from the first side 24 of the mounting plate 22 . Each threaded fastener 56 extends through a correspondingly positioned hole 58 in the mounting plate 22 and into a corresponding threaded opening 60 defined in a corresponding one of the plurality of positioners 28 . Preferably, each of the plurality of positioners 28 is extensible or retractable to a desired length by means of rotation of the corresponding threaded fastener 56 in order to extend or retract the positioners 28 , as may be desired. This allows for the alignment device 20 to be used with objects having a variety of thicknesses. Alternately, other types of positioners 28 could be employed so long as they are adapted to properly position the object with respect to the alignment device 20 . Further, it is preferable that a location of each of the plurality of positioners 28 be adjustable with respect to the mounting plate 22 (e.g., be repositioned on the mounting plate) such that a single alignment device 20 could be used to align objects having a variety of sizes and shapes. Preferably, the plurality of distancing pins 29 serve as spacers and establish a set off distance between the object and the second side of the mounting plate 22 such that the suction device or other clamping device functions properly. Preferably, the length of the plurality of distancing pins 29 is also extensible or retractable. Preferably, the plurality of distancing pins 29 are at least three distancing pins arranged in a triangular arrangement about the suction device. However, alternate geometric arrangements and numbers could instead be employed. Additionally, a pair of handles 62 preferably extends outwardly substantially adjacent opposing ends of the first side of the mounting plate (left end 52 , right end 54 ). The pair of handles 62 can serve as grasping members for positioning the alignment device 20 upon the object, for providing a hand hold for a technician when maneuvering or reorienting the object during alignment, and for manually stabilizing the reoriented object while the object is being secured to the fixture in the aligned orientation.

[0033] As already noted, the alignment device is preferably adapted for simultaneously aligning a fixture-mounted object horizontally and vertically into a predetermined desired orientation. A preferred method of using an alignment device 20 according to the present invention will now be described. The object is first loosely attached to a fixture by loosely mounting the object to brackets or other securing devices which have been securely attached to the fixture. The object is loosely mounted to allow for some play in all dimensions for reorientation of the object into the desired horizontal and vertical (pitch) orientation relative to the fixture and possibly a desired rotational alignment. The alignment device is then installed thereon and utilized to adjust the object into alignment with the predetermined desired orientation. Once the object is properly oriented, the object can be manually stabilized in the desired orientation while securing the object to the brackets such that the desired orientation is maintained. Because the indicators for both horizontal and vertical alignment (the laser and the level) are integral with the alignment device, the horizontal and vertical orientation or alignment can be visually monitored to insure that the object is not misaligned during the securing process. As necessary, the horizontal and vertical alignment can therefore be monitored and readjusted simultaneously with securing the object to the fixture.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 , and 10 , an exemplary antenna 70 , such as an antenna for a collision warning system or other type of system utilizing a vehicle mounted antenna, is illustrated. The antenna 70 is first loosely mounted to a pair of brackets 72 (or other securing device) which have been securely mounted to a vehicle 76 using screws and washers 77 (or other types of fastening devices). The antenna 70 can therefore be reoriented relative to the brackets 72 , yet still be retained thereby. With respect to an antenna for a collision warning system, each one of the pair of brackets 72 is preferably installed on a bumper 78 of the vehicle 76 substantially equidistant from a centerline 88 of the vehicle 76 (as illustrated in FIG. 4 ). In this manner, loosely securing an antenna 70 to the brackets 72 will cause a centerline of the antenna 70 to be initially positioned substantially at the centerline 88 of the vehicle 76 (illustrated in FIG. 10 ) with a face 71 of antenna 70 projecting outward away from the vehicle. The antenna 70 can be loosely mounted to brackets 72 using screws 80 and washers 81 (or other known fastening devices) inserted through slotted openings 82 defined in the brackets 72 , and further inserted into corresponding threaded holes 84 defined in sides of the antenna 70 . The arrangement of the slotted openings 82 in the pair of brackets allows some play in the adjustment of an attitude, pitch, and position of the antenna 70 in three dimensions. Thus, because the antenna is loosely mounted to the brackets, the antenna position relative to the bumper of the vehicle can be adjusted. While illustrated in a horizontal orientation on the brackets, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the slots could additionally or alternately be provided in a vertical and or other angular arrangement on the brackets. Thus, the antenna could potentially be rotated to some degree by merely loosening or tightening appropriate screws 80 or other fastening devices while adjusting the orientation of one side of the antenna without having to fully release the antenna from the brackets or the brackets from the vehicle. Also, while illustrated with respect to the connection of the antenna with the brackets, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that slots could similarly be provided along the connection of the brackets with the bumper 78 .

[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the assembly of the first embodiment of the alignment device 20 installed on the exemplary vehicle bumper mounted antenna of FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the antenna 70 fits securely between the plurality of positioners 28 . According to the first embodiment of the alignment device 20 , the alignment device 20 is preferably removably engaged to the face 71 of antenna 70 using a suction device 30 on the second side 26 of mounting plate 22 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). A vacuum drawn through the vacuum generator 38 provides suction to the suction device 30 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ), and thus engages the alignment device 20 with the face 71 of antenna 70 . This is preferably accomplished by drawing compressed ambient air into the vacuum generator 38 . Alternatively, tanks of compressed air or other vacuum generating means could instead be utilized. Once the alignment device 20 is engaged to the antenna 70 , the alignment device 20 does not move relative to the antenna 70 during the alignment process. The antenna 70 is released from engagement with the alignment device 20 when the vacuum condition is removed from the suction device.

[0036] Once the antenna 70 has been engaged by the alignment device 20 , the level 32 can be used to indicate a vertical orientation (pitch) of the antenna. When the level 32 indicates that the desired vertical orientation has been achieved, the antenna 70 is in vertical alignment. The desired vertical angular orientation may vary depending on the application, i.e., the desired vertical alignment of antenna 70 may be a true vertical orientation or may be at a predetermined pitch angle relative to vertical. Horizontal alignment is obtained by rotating or maneuvering the alignment device 20 , and thus the antenna coupled thereto, until a beam of light emitted from the laser 34 on alignment device 20 is substantially aligned with a predetermined horizontal component of the desired orientation. In the preferred application of an antenna for a vehicle collision warning system, the desired orientation would be substantially along a thrust line 86 of the vehicle, as illustrated in FIG. 10 . Because both the laser 34 and the level 32 are attached to the alignment device 20 , simultaneous adjustment of the antenna 70 in both the horizontal and vertical directions should be possible by only a single technician. If a degreed rotational indicator is also coupled with the alignment device, then the single technician could also align the antenna relative to a desired rotational orientation. When the antenna 70 has been properly oriented in the desired orientation, the technician can quickly and accurately tighten the antenna 70 to the brackets 72 using one hand while simultaneously holding the antenna 70 in the proper orientation using the handles 62 of the alignment device 20 . Once the antenna 70 has been securely attached to the brackets 72 by tightening of the securing screws 80 , and before the alignment device 20 is disengaged from antenna 70 , a last quick visual check of the laser light and the level can be performed to ensure that neither the horizontal nor the vertical alignment were disturbed during the securing process. One benefit of the alignment device 20 of the present invention is that it can be successfully employed with any device or method for determining a thrust line of a vehicle or any other desired alignment orientation.

[0037] FIGS. 7 a , 7 b , and 8 illustrate an expandable adjustable stabilizing frame 102 that can be used in combination with the first embodiment of alignment device 20 to form a second embodiment of alignment device 100 shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention cooperatively utilized with the first embodiment of the alignment device 20 and engaged with an antenna 70 mounted to a vehicle 76 in preparation for alignment. While the stabilizing frame 102 is illustrated herein having a particular size, shape, and configuration, one skilled in the art would understand that the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 can be formed in any shape, size, or configuration so long as it defines an adjustable sized space 104 for receiving and securing a fixture-mounted object. As illustrated, the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 has a plurality of adjustable threaded stabilizers 106 adapted to extend or retract, thus enabling the adjustment and maintenance of a particular orientation of a fixture-mounted object relative to the fixture. Using the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 in conjunction with the alignment device 20 of the first embodiment allows for a finer, steadier, more precise adjustment of the antenna position and orientation during alignment. Further, utilizing the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 in conjunction with the alignment device 20 of the first embodiment allows a single technician to maintain an object in a desired orientation even when the technician has released manual hold of the alignment device 20 . Still further, the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 can continue to stabilize the object in the desired orientation even when the alignment device 20 has been released or removed from the object.

[0038] FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating how one particular embodiment of the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 of FIG. 7 a is assembled. As shown, the adjustable stabilizing frame 102 comprises: a pair of substantially parallel beams 108 , 109 , which are moveable relative to one another; a pair of substantially parallel cross members 110 , 111 separating the beams 108 , 109 ; and a plurality of threaded stabilizers 106 extending through and beyond correspondingly threaded receiving holes 112 defined in predetermined locations through the beams 108 , 109 . The beams 108 , 109 and cross members 110 , 111 are assembled such that they substantially define a space 104 therebetween. Each threaded stabilizer 106 includes a threaded rod 107 , having ends extending beyond opposing sides of the beams. Threaded rods 107 are therefore longer than a depth of the threaded receiving holes 112 in beams 108 , 109 . A knob 116 is disposed on ends of each threaded rod 107 extending beyond one side of beams 108 , 109 . A gripping member 118 is disposed on ends of each threaded rod 107 extending beyond another side of beams 108 , 109 .

[0039] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 , end portions 120 a - 120 d , respectively, of each end of cross members 110 , 111 have a narrower diameter than an intermediate portion of the cross members, thereby forming respective lips 124 in the cross members 110 , 111 . One end portion 120 a , 120 b of each of the pair of cross members 110 , 111 is slideably inserted into receiving holes 122 defined in the first beam 108 . The end portions 120 a , 120 b are securely coupled to the first beam 108 by any means now known or later developed, including but not limited to: friction fit, securing fasteners, adhesives, or any combination thereof. The remaining end portions 120 c , 120 d of cross members 110 , 111 slideably extend through and beyond receiving holes 126 defined in the second beam 109 such that the second beam 109 is slideable thereon. The receiving holes 122 , 126 defined in beams 108 , 109 , respectively, are preferably smaller in diameter than the lips 124 formed on cross members 110 , 111 . Thus, a distance between the lips defines a minimum separation distance between the beams 108 , 109 , and thus a minimum width of the space 104 .

[0040] A biased spring 128 and a washer 130 are inserted onto the end portions 120 c , 120 d of cross members 110 , 111 extending beyond the second beam 109 , thereby biasing the second beam 109 toward the first beam 108 . A securing screw 132 or other known securing device maintains the spring 128 and washer 130 on cross members 110 , 111 , respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 7 b , handles 134 coupled to beams 108 , 109 provide leverage for moving the second beam 109 against the biasing force of springs 128 into an expanded form. A length of the end portions 120 c , 120 d extending beyond the second beam 109 and a length and biasing force of the springs 128 determine a maximum separation distance between the beams 108 , 109 , and thus a maximum width of the space 104 .

[0041] For illustrative purposes only, the operation of the second embodiment will now be described in relation to use in aligning the vehicle mounted antenna of FIGS. 3 and 4 . However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the alignment device 100 could be adapted for use with any of a variety of fixture-mounted objects.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 9 , in operation, the expandable stabilizing frame 102 is disposed about a periphery of a vehicle mounted antenna 70 . The biasing springs 128 snug the two beams 108 , 109 inward against the antenna 70 and mount the stabilizing frame 102 securely thereto. The alignment assembly 20 of the first embodiment is then secured to the antenna 70 as described earlier, such that the alignment assembly 20 and the stabilizing frame 102 combine to form a second embodiment of the alignment device 100 . After the alignment is performed using alignment assembly 20 , the gripping members 118 of the plurality of adjustable threaded stabilizers 106 can be positioned to contact the bumper 78 of vehicle 76 . This is accomplished by turning of knobs 166 , thereby rotating threaded rod 107 through threaded opening 112 and moving gripping members 118 into contact with the vehicle 76 . Once the gripping members 118 of the stabilizing frame 102 are firmly in contact with the vehicle, the alignment assembly 20 can be disengaged from the antenna 70 by switching toggle switch 42 to off, thereby shutting off suction from the suction device. Once the alignment assembly 20 is disengaged, the gripping members 118 maintain the antenna 70 in the desired orientation until the antenna 70 can be tightly secured to the bumper 78 of the vehicle 76 , thus preventing inadvertent misalignment of antenna 70 during the securing process. Additionally, small adjustments of the adjustable threaded stabilizers 106 in contact with the bumper 78 of the vehicle 76 allow finer, more careful adjustment of the orientation of the antenna during the alignment process.

[0043] Using the alignment device assembly 20 alone or in cooperation with the stabilizing frame 102 described above allows a single technician to quickly and easily secure an object in a desired orientation. Additionally, when using the stabilizing frame 102 , the object can be stabilized in the desired orientation and the alignment assembly 20 can be removed from the object while the stabilizing frame 102 remains to maintain the orientation until the object is tightly secured to the mounting brackets.

[0044] Having thus described several embodiments of the invention, it is apparent that using the alignment device described above allows a single technician to quickly and easily secure an antenna in a desired orientation which is preferably along a thrust line of a vehicle. It is recognized, however, that those skilled in the art may make various modifications or additions to the preferred embodiments chosen to illustrate the invention herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present contribution to the art. Thus, while the alignment device described herein is illustrated with respect to the alignment of a vehicle mounted antenna for a collision warning system, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the alignment device described herein could be adapted to simultaneously align, horizontally, vertically, and possibly rotationally, any of a variety of objects other than antennas, which are mounted to any of a variety of fixtures other than vehicle bumpers. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, alternate fixtures may include: automobiles, buses, trains, wheelchairs, golf carts, motorcycles, cranes or other construction vehicles. Further, a fixture may also be a stationary object such as would be convenient for mounting an antenna or other object. Additionally, while it has been described herein that the object is to be aligned with a thrust line of a vehicle, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the object may instead be aligned according to other desired orientations. Further, while the cross members are illustrated as being fixed relative to each other, it is possible that the cross members could also be adjustably related. Also, while it has been illustrated that the narrow diameter end portions of the cross members are inserted into corresponding diameter holes in the beams, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other means of attachment could be employed such that the cross member had a substantially consistent diameter throughout. Moreover, while it is herein illustrated that the adjustable stabilizing frame has a beam or side piece which is moveable relative to the other portions of the frame and which employs biased springs to secure the frame about an object, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the stabilizing frame could instead employ a partially or completely detachable beam or side piece utilizing other securing means, such as but not limited to: clips, pins, expandable bands, or straps and buckles, to insert the frame about an object and secure the moveable beam into position on the frame. Even further, while it was herein illustrated that the alignment device is detachably secured to the object by means of suction provided to the suction device by a vacuum generator, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other detachable securing methods or apparatuses can instead be employed. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, securing methods or apparatuses such as screws, pins, clips, tacky strips, magnets, and dissolvable adhesives may be used. Moreover, while various embodiments having various arrangements of the levels and laser have been illustrated, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternate embodiments having different arrangements could instead be used. Still further, while the antenna alignment device is illustrated for use on a forward facing collision warning device, it could likewise be used to align an antenna for a rearward facing system, which would indicate obstacles in the path of a vehicle as it is backing up, or even in a side facing system. The antenna alignment device could also be used in combination with a computer system that can be programmed to automatically perform alignment and stabilization using the antenna alignment device of the current invention. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited merely thereto. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the protection sought and to be afforded hereby should be deemed to extend to the subject matter claimed and all equivalents thereof fairly within the scope of the invention.