Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e. – impellers) – Support mounting – carrier or fairing structure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-25
2001-03-20
Verdier, Christopher (Department: 3745)
Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e., impellers)
Support mounting, carrier or fairing structure
C416S005000, C248S343000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203279
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an assembly for suspending an object from a surface. More particularly, it concerns a method for suspending an object, such as a ceiling fan or a light fixture from a sloped ceiling.
2. Description of Related Art
Devices for suspending objects, such as ceiling fans and light fixtures, from surfaces, such as ceilings, have typically involved a hanger bracket attached to the surface which engages the object to be hung. The difficulties of mounting such objects from sloped ceilings have been overcome through the use of hanger brackets which have a socket that engages a ball member on the top of a downrod to form a ball and socket joint. The lower end of the downrod, in turn, engages the object to be hung. This mounting scheme allows the downrod to pivot in the hanger bracket so that the object may hang downward despite the angle of the ceiling.
A common configuration for such devices is to have a gap in the socket of an appropriate width such that the downrod can pass through the gap when mounting the ball member in the socket. This configuration is frequently used as it allows for convenient mounting of objects for installation purposes and unmounting of objects for purposes such as servicing the objects. But with this configuration, the gap in the socket could potentially spread over time depending upon the elasticity of the material from which it is made and the weight of the object which is hung. The present invention therefore addresses these shortcomings in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improvement on the above common configuration. In the present invention, a plate is provided that can be attached to either side of the gap after mounting the ball member which does not interfere with the pivoting motion of the ball member in the socket. This present invention provides a distinct advantage over prior configurations as the plate enhances the stability of the socket and prevents it from spreading and/or losing its integrity over time.
In one aspect of the invention, an assembly is provided for suspending an object from a surface, such as a ceiling. The assembly includes a downrod rod with a top ball member and a lower end that engages the object. The assembly further includes a hanger bracket that is mounted to the surface, the bottom end of which defines a socket joint which is adapted to receive the ball member. The socket has a gap through which the downrod can pass when mounting the ball member in the socket. A plate is then provided which is attached to the socket on both sides of the gap and is shaped so that, when attached, it does not interfere with the pivoting movement of the ball member in the socket. In one embodiment, the plate is flat and semi-circular and is shaped to cover the gap when attached to the socket. The assembly can be used to suspend any object from any surface, but is particularly suited for suspending ceiling fans and light figures from ceilings.
In another aspect of the invention, a ceiling fan is provided which includes the above described apparatus for suspension from the ceiling.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for suspending an object from a surface is provided. This method includes the steps of mounting a hanger bracket with a socket joint to a surface, mounting a downrod with a ball member in the socket joint by passing the downrod through a gap in the socket joint, and attaching a plate to the socket on both sides of the gap which is shaped so that it does not interfere with the movement of the ball member in the socket. In one embodiment, the plate is flat and semi-circular and is shaped to cover the gap when attached to the socket. This method can be used to suspend any object from any surface, but is particularly suited for suspending ceiling fans and light fixtures from ceilings.
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Lathrop David
Moody John
Emerson Electric Co.
Howrey Simon Arnold & White , LLP
Verdier Christopher
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