RADIO HOUSING FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE
Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a radio housing for an all-terrain vehicle.
Background of the Invention [2] An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a quad, quad bike, three-wheeler, fourwheeler or quadricycle is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure fat tires with a seat that is straddled by the operator along with handlebars for steering control. The rider sits on and operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give more stability at slower speeds. The vehicle is designed to handle a wide variety of terrain.
[3] Presently, users of such vehicles typically use handheld radios for communication, which can lead to difficulties in operation of the vehicle and possible safety issues.
[4] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.
[5] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
Summary of the Invention [6] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a radio housing for mounting to an all-terrain vehicle, the radio housing comprising a hollow body with an internal cavity for receiving radio components, the body having an open rear for access to the internal cavity, and mounting means for mounting the housing to the vehicle.
[7] In one embodiment, the body is a generally rectangular prism.
[8] In another embodiment, the radio housing comprises a base wall, side walls, a top wall, and a front wall which together the internal cavity.
[9] In another embodiment, the left side wall is longer than the right side wall such that the rear opening is angled towards the user in the vehicle saddle in use.
[10] In another embodiment, the radio housing is weatherproof.
[11] In another embodiment, the base wall and/or the front wall includes an aperture therein for cables to pass through.
2019100562 27 May 2019 [12] In another embodiment, the aperture includes sealing means to seal against the cables passing therethrough to avoid liquids or dust from getting into the internal cavity.
[13] In another embodiment, the internal cavity includes retaining means for holding a mic of the radio therein.
[14] In another embodiment, the retaining means includes a physical formation in the internal cavity.
[15] In another embodiment, the retaining means comprises an elastic band or net extending across the rear opening.
[16] In another embodiment, the rear opening is covered by a flap or hinged cover.
[17] In another embodiment, an antenna mount extends from one of the side walls for mounting an antenna of the radio thereon.
[18] In another embodiment, the radio housing is made from solid aluminium construction.
[19] In another embodiment, the radio housing is weatherproof or substantially waterproof.
[20] In another embodiment, the radio housing has a rear cover for the open rear, with the rear cover having sealing means for sealing with rear edges of the housing.
[21] The present invention also provides an assembly comprising the radio housing of the above and communication equipment, the communication equipment comprising a control head mounted within the internal cavity and a handheld mic extending from the control head.
[22] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
Brief Description of the Drawings [23] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[24] Figure 1 shows a quad bike with a radio housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[25] Figure 2 shows closer rear view of the radio housing; and [26] Figure 3 shows a side top perspective view of the radio housing.
Description of Embodiments [27] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.
2019100562 27 May 2019 [28] Figures 1 to 3 show a radio housing 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to a quad bike (all-terrain vehicle) 100. The radio housing 10 is mounted above a front left fender 105 of the vehicle 100, adjacent the handlebar 110 thereof for ease of user access and reach.
[29] The radio housing 10 in the embodiment comprises a hollow generally rectangular prism body with an open rear 22 for access to the internal cavity 20 thereof. The radio housing 10 comprises a base wall 12, side walls 14a and 14b, a top wall 16 and a front wall 18. The walls 12 to 18 together the internal cavity 20 of the radio housing. A rear opening 22 of the radio housing 10 is left open to allow easy access to the radio equipment 200 therein.
[30] The radio housing 10 is mounted to the left of the handlebar 110 in the example shown. The length of the left side wall 14a from the front wall 18 is longer than that of the right side wall 14b from the front wall 18. The rear edges of the top wall 16 and the base wall 12 are angled such that the rear opening 22 is angled towards the user in the vehicle saddle in use.
[31] The radio housing 10 is a weatherproof box that houses communication equipment, typically a UHF radio 200. The base wall 12 and/or the front wall 18 can include an aperture 24 therein for cables to pass through, such as a power cable to the vehicle battery. The aperture 24 preferably includes sealing means such as a rubber seal to seal against the cables passing therethrough to avoid liquids or dust from getting into the internal cavity 20.
[32] The communication equipment 200 in the example is a UHF radio 200 comprising a control head 210 mounted within the internal cavity 20 and a handheld mic 215 extending from the control head 210 via a coiled cable 220. The mic 215 and cable 220 can be quickly inserted and mounted within the internal cavity 20, and the mic 215 can be quickly retrieved via the open rear 22. ‘ [33] The internal cavity 20 can include retaining means for holding the mic 215 therein to avoid the mic 215 from falling in rough terrain for example. The retaining means can include a physical formation such as a ledge in the internal cavity 20 or can be additional retaining means such as an elastic band or net extending across the rear opening 22. Alternatively, the rear opening 22 can be covered by a flap or hinge cover which will increase the waterproofness of the rear housing 10. The housing can also include a clip holder for mounting the mic 215. The clip holder can be in the internal cavity 20 or it can be at an external surface of the side walls or top wall.
[34] An antenna mount 28 extends from the left side wall 14a, for mounting an antenna 225 of the radio 200 thereon.
2019100562 27 May 2019 [35] The radio housing 10 in the example is made from solid aluminium construction for protection of the radio from possible impacts. The radio housing can be bolted on or clamped on for hard wired UHF to the vehicle or to a rack thereof. The radio housing can include additional mounting means such as posts or clamps for mounting to the vehicle.
[36] The radio housing 10 is weatherproof or substantially waterproof. The radio housing 10 can be adapted to have increased waterproofness by having a rear cover for the open rear, with the rear cover having sealing means for sealing with rear edges of the housing.
[37] The invention provides a radio housing 10 which has the aerial and UHF radio parts in a single unit. The unit can be easily removed and moved to another vehicle/bike as needed of the user change bikes.
[38] The radio housing can be mounted to any bike with a rack. The radio housing can include an accessory and USB outlet in the box housing if needed.
[39] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiment shown.