Fixture support member assembly
A fixture support member assembly comprises a downrod configured to support a fixture from an elevated structure, the downrod having a sidewall molded onto an exterior surface thereof.
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Downrods are used to support and/or suspend fixtures such as ceiling fans, pendants, chandeliers, or other items from a ceiling or other structure. Such downrods are typically fabricated to engage the fixture on one end and a ceiling/ceiling fixture on the other end. Such downrods are generally a metallic pipe and do not readily enhance the ornamentation or decoration of the attached fixture.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
The preferred embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof are best understood by referring to
In the embodiment illustrated in
In some embodiments of the present invention, fixture support member 9 is fabricated by placing downrod 10 within a mold configured to produce a desired ornamentation of sidewall 12 and enhancing surface 34 (e.g., the “twisting” or “spiraling” appearance illustrated in
Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable a downrod 10 to be fabricated having a decorative molded exterior surface 34.
Claims
1. A fixture support member assembly, comprising:
- a downrod configured to support a fixture from an elevated structure, the downrod having a sidewall molded onto an exterior surface thereof.
2. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall extends at least partially between first and second ends of the downrod.
3. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall extends circumferentially about the downrod.
4. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the downrod comprises a cylindrical downrod.
5. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises a mixture of stone powder and a resin.
6. The support member assembly of claim 5, wherein the resin is a polyresin.
7. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the downrod is configured having a cylindrical cross section.
8. A method of manufacturing a fixture support member assembly, comprising:
- disposing a downrod within a mold; and
- pouring a resin mixture within the mold to form a sidewall on the downrod.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising disposing the downrod in a silicone mold.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a hardening agent to the resin mixture.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising disposing a cylindrical downrod in the mold.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising forming the sidewall to extend circumferentially about the downrod.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein pouring a mixture within the mold comprises pouring a mixture of stone powder and a polyresin within the mold.
14. A fixture support member assembly, comprising:
- a downrod coupleable at one end to an elevated structure,
- the downrod having a sidewall molded to an exterior surface thereof; and
- a ceiling fan coupleable to a second end of the downrod.
15. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall extends at least partially between the first and second ends of the downrod.
16. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall extends circumferentially about the downrod.
17. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall comprises a resin and stone powder mixture.
18. The fixture support member assembly of claim 17, wherein the resin comprises a polyresin.
19. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the downrod comprises a cylindrical downrod.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 27, 2007
Applicant: Craftmade International, Inc. (Coppell, TX)
Inventor: Walter Phelps Brookins (Dallas, TX)
Application Number: 11/472,154
International Classification: F04D 29/00 (20060101);