Here's one that will need some explaining.. I have a race timing business, that utilizes RFID antennae and tags.
Most of the time we use a ground-based antenna that is inside of a rubber mat or plastic threshold. On occasion it makes sense to use a vertical antenna setup instead - Typically scenarios where portability a and easier deployment is needed.
In these pictures, the big rectangle thing is a vertical antenna. The frame is built with Maker Pipe parts. There are 4 movable legs on the frame and two rigid uprights. On the legs, I cut out the plastic that is intended keep the the joints from moving. After fastening everything together I worked the legs back and forth until they became polished and movable with pressure.
To use these, we simply fold out the legs, and set the heavy RFID reader box on top of the back legs to keep the unit steady. When it's time to leave we flatten them up. The whole setup is very compact and take very little time to deploy.
