Communication antenna and equipment

This invention relates to a communication antenna and in particular it is concerned with a communication antenna for a mobile phone. A communication antenna () having a driven element () extending between a feed point () and an attachment point () to a top loaded element in which the driven element () is longer than the shortest distance (P) between the feed point () and the attachment point (), the driven element () being configured to follow a meandering path between the feed point () and the attachment point (). The driven element () is at least in part in the form of straight sections joined to give a zigzag configuration (). Alternatively the driven element () is at least in part in the form of curved sections. At least a pair of parasitic elements () can be provided with the members of the pair () being disposed on opposite sides of, and off-set from, the driven element () and parallel to a straight ling (P) linking the feed point () to the attachment point (); the parasitic elements () serving to provide impedance matching and increased bandwidth and providing shielding against radiation from the antenna in a predetermined direction. Typically passive elements can be incorporated with the parasitic elements () to provide for the overall reduction in the size of the antenna (