Ceiling fan stabilizer

Abstract

A circular metal plate, preferably 12 inches in diameter, providing a circular aperture at its center, preferably 3 inches in diameter, for the ceiling fan wiring comprises a ceiling fan stabilizer. Three bolt holes are provided for molly bolts which mount the stabilizer to the ceiling. The bolt holes are evenly spaced from each other and equidistant from the central aperture and the outer edge of the stabilizer. Closer to the edge of the aperture, two diametrically opposed slots are provided for the mounting bolts of the fan.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/045,072, filed Sep. 3, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to home repair and improvement devices and accessories, and in particular to a ceiling fan stabilizer. The use of a ceiling fan provides a substantial cooling and air circulation effect for minimal cost, but brings with it certain mechanical challenges. Among these is the possibility that the fan may have been installed in a manner that leads to unstable high-speed rotation, whether the instability occurs immediately or as the drywall and other ceiling materials age and deteriorate. Such an instability causes the fan to wobble as it rotates, and may even result in the fan falling from the ceiling during operation, imposing a risk of injury and damage to property. A ceiling fan stabilizer, which effectively provides a secure and stable mount for the ceiling fan without risk of instability, would resolve these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a ceiling fan stabilizer. The stabilizer is comprised of a circular metal plate, preferably 12 inches in diameter, providing a circular aperture at its center, preferably 3 inches in diameter, for the ceiling fan wiring. Three bolt holes are provided for molly bolts which mount the stabilizer to the ceiling. The bolt holes are evenly spaced from each other and equidistant from the central aperture and the outer edge of the stabilizer. Closer to the edge of the aperture, two diametrically opposed slots are provided for the mounting bolts of the fan.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the stabilizer 10, the aperture 11, the bolt holes 12, and the slots 13.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment mounted on a ceiling fan, displaying the stabilizer 10, the aperture 11, the bolt holes 12, and the fan 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a ceiling fan stabilizer 10.

It is to be understood that while the invention is intended for use with a ceiling fan, this is not intended as a limitation. With suitable modifications or with no modifications at all, the invention may be used with many types of electrical devices and machinery which are ceiling mounted and designed to rotate, such as dental X-ray machines, light fixtures, engine hoists, and other industrial equipment and machinery.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a circular metal plate 10, preferably twelve inches in diameter, providing a circular aperture 11 at its center, preferably 3 inches in diameter, for the ceiling fan wiring. Three bolt holes 12 are provided for molly bolts which mount the stabilizer 10 to the ceiling. The bolt holes 12 are evenly spaced from each other and equidistant from the central aperture and the outer edge of the metal plate 10. Closer to the edge of the aperture 11, two diametrically opposed slots 13 are provided for the mounting bolts of the fan 14. The stabilizer 10 is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user affixes the stabilizer 10 to the hub of the fan 14, using the slots 13 which are provided, and passing the wiring of the fan 14 through the central aperture 11. The user then connects the wiring to house current wires in the ceiling, and mounts the stabilizer 10 with the attached fan 14 to the ceiling with molly bolts, using the bolt holes 12 which are provided.

The stabilizer 10 is preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material with substantial structural strength, such as steel or aluminum alloy. Components and methods listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and methods could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan stabilizer, comprising:

(a) a metal plate;

(b) said metal plate being circular in shape;

(c) an aperture being centered in said metal plate;

(d) said aperture being circular in shape;

(e) a plurality of bolt holes;

(f) said plurality of bolt holes being configured to fit a plurality of mounting bolts;

(g) said mounting bolts being configured to secure said metal plate to a ceiling;

(h) a plurality of slots;

(i) said plurality of slots being configured to fit a plurality of fan mounting bolts;

(j) said plurality of fan mounting bolts being configured to secure a fan to said metal plate.

2. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said metal plate has a diameter of twelve inches.

3. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 2, wherein said aperture has a diameter of three inches.

4. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said plurality of bolt holes are equidistant apart from each other and equidistant from the center of said metal plate.

5. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 4, wherein said plurality of bolt holes are half way between the outer edge of said aperture and the outer edge of said metal plate.

6. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said plurality of bolt holes are half way between the outer edge of said aperture and the outer edge of said metal plate.

7. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said plurality of bolt holes is equal to three in number.

8. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 5, wherein said plurality of bolt holes is equal to three in number.

9. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 6, wherein said plurality of bolt holes is equal to three in number.

10. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said plurality of mounting bolts are molly bolts.

11. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said plurality of slots are equal to two in number.

12. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 11, wherein said plurality of slots are diametrically opposite of each other.

13. The ceiling fan stabilizer of claim 12, wherein said plurality of slots are located closer to the outer edge of said aperture than the outer edge of said metal plate.