Fittings Patents (Class 248/342)
  • Publication number: 20090184227
    Abstract: A display system and method for displaying a clothing accessory in which the system includes a support member with a generally planar base frame. An elongated support arm extends outwardly from a forward portion of the base frame. The base frame may be positioned, at least partially, within an interior portion of the clothing accessory while the support arm is positioned to extend outwardly from an opening in a facial portion of the clothing accessory. A free end portion of the support arm may be coupled with a display structure so that the support member and the clothing accessory depend from the display structure. A free end portion of a secondary arm, which extends outwardly from a rearward portion of the base frame, may be positioned to extend outwardly from a rear opening in a rearward portion of the clothing accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Coby R. Rowe, Paolo Della Bordella, Jaime Daretta
  • Publication number: 20090159773
    Abstract: A suspension device for a detachably secured load-attachment means and being fixable to a supporting structure is comprised of a bearing bolt mounted to the supporting structure and defining a bearing bolt axis, at least one attachment member mounted concentrically to the bearing bolt axis, at least two adjacent arms extending radially between the bearing bolt and the at least one attachment member and connecting the bearing bolt to a first attachment member, and a cutout disposed between each of the at least two adjacent arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Rainhard Nordbrock
  • Publication number: 20090146036
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a device and associated methods for storing, displaying, and shaping apparel items, linens, and the like. The device includes a plurality of suspended bands, each suspended band being suspended vertically and having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion and the rear portion being attached one to another at a plurality of predetermined connection points, thereby providing a plurality of loops in each suspended band, wherein the plurality of loops is configured to store, display, and shape a plurality of articles, each of the plurality of articles placed in one of the plurality of loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Kopp, James T. Kopp, SR.
  • Patent number: 7540461
    Abstract: A ceiling fan anchoring bracket and housing assembly for quick and easy installation of the ceiling fan housing for either hugger or down-rod fans is disclosed. The assembly comprises of hook-up pins and stationary lock-up pin fastened on and protruding from the anchoring bracket. The stationary lock-up pin latchingly locks the housing of the fan by spring or urging mechanism. The bracket and housing assembly enables the user to install the ceiling fan housing to the anchoring bracket without having to resort to using tools. All a user needs to do is to align and engage one side of the housing to the hook-up pins on the bracket and push the opposite side of the housing onto the stationary lock-up pin on the bracket through a spring action to complete the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai Liang
  • Patent number: 7527232
    Abstract: An assembly for suspending an object from a surface includes a down rod having a width, an upper end, and a lower end for engaging the object. A ball member is also provided. The ball member has a generally hemispherical body with a longitudinal axis and a bore extending through the body obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball member also has a diameter wherein the ball member is connected to the upper end of the down rod. A hanger bracket is also provided. The hanger bracket has an upper end for being mounted to the surface and a bottom end that defines a socket. The socket includes an opening through it that is smaller than the diameter of the ball member. The socket's opening defines a radius so that the ball is received in the socket such that the down rod extends through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Fanimation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Frampton, Peter S. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7510160
    Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket and an adapter formed with a head and a down rod connector. The head has a lower face seated in a socket formed in the hanger bracket and an opposing upper face, and a first axis perpendicular to the upper face. The down rod connector depends downwardly from the lower face thereof to a free end adapted to be secured to a down rod, and includes a front face facing a front end of the socket, an opposing rear face facing a rear end of the socket, and a second axis extending longitudinally thereof. There is a salient angle of less than 180 degrees between the first axis and the second axis facing the front end of the socket, and the front end of the socket is received in a notch formed in the front face of the down rod connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cliff Wang
  • Publication number: 20090071408
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allows at least a reservoir portion of a bird feeder to be relieved of its mounted hanging condition and replaced thereto in a facilitated manner. A mounting structure normally remains in an attached state with an elevated support, such as a tree limb, pole or the like, and a bottle or other reservoir for containing feed material (or reservoir assembly, which may optionally also include a feeding station, decorative parts, etc.) is selectively engageable therewith. Advantageously, cooperating structure of the reservoir itself and the mounting structure allow coupling and uncoupling of each. By virtue of this arrangement, when exhausted of feed, a spent reservoir (or the entire reservoir assembly) can be easily removed from its suspended above-ground state, and either refilled and replaced, or more preferably, simply recycled and replaced with a new pre-filled reservoir/reservoir assembly, in the manner of a cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Publication number: 20080283708
    Abstract: A loop line comprised of a pair of side by side cords of equal length and knots equispaced along said cords for joining the cords together and defining loops between the knots. The cords preferably are limp monofilament with knots tied or are string or thin rope made of several strands braided, twisted or woven together and the knots for joining the cords together are formed by interlacing, braiding or looping the cords. The strands are selected from at least one of polymer, polyester or metal wire fibres. For hanging an item, the loop line has a proximal end terminating at a knot and a distal end terminating in a knot, the proximal end of the loop line is wrapped around or inserted in a hole in the item, the distal end is passed through a loop formed in the loop line at the knot at the proximal end to form a hitch attached to the item, and the loop line is hung from a knot formed in the loop line at the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robina B. Bernard
  • Publication number: 20080237227
    Abstract: A T-bar clip assembly that securely couples to T-bar structures that are used to construct suspended ceiling is disclosed. The T-bar assembly is configured to support one or more electrical fixtures and provide power feeds to the one or more electrical fixtures. The T-bar clip assembly comprises support brackets that secure to the T-bar structures and one or more housing structures that attach to a portion of the support brackets to form one or more corresponding junction box enclosures. The junction box enclosures provide the power feeds to the one or more electrical fixtures at locations that are substantially flush with support flanges of the T-bar structure, an outer surface of the removable ceiling tiles or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Brian S. Hendrickson, Walter Blue Clark
  • Patent number: 7419128
    Abstract: An internally expanding and locking apparatus for installing inside the pipe stub of a typical outdoor lighting pole and expanding with locking teeth to grasp the inner walls of the pipe stub, the apparatus including a swivel base, a clamp screw inserted through the swivel base, a ramp nut passing over the clamp screw so as to be positioned offset from the swivel base, and a mounting nut threadably installed on the clamp screw and configured to engage the ramp nut so as to control the position of the ramp nut relative to the swivel base as the clamp screw is rotated during use of the pipe mounting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Intencity Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Raymond Bruck, Patrick Stuart Mullins
  • Publication number: 20080179480
    Abstract: Various systems including brackets and associated wires are disclosed for suspending fixtures from ceilings and the like. The systems improve over the prior art in several ways. Attachment of the wire to the bracket is faster and easier. The attachment can be made more rigid. Several different components can be combined to adapt to different suspension requirements. Brackets can be provided with structure to make more stable connections to cement and masonry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Fernando R. Masas
  • Publication number: 20080169403
    Abstract: A projection system comprising: a screen and a projector spaced from the screen to project an image onto the screen, the screen and projector being suspended respectively from housings located in or on the ceiling or a wall of the room; each housing supporting an axially extending rod that supports a plurality of flexible suspension lines that are connected to an upper surface of the screen or a mount for a projector; and means to rotate each rod whereby the screen and projector can be lowered into an operative position or the lines can be wound onto the rods to lift the screen or projector into a stored position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: CINEWARE PTY LTD
    Inventor: Glen Rooney
  • Publication number: 20080099640
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a mounting assembly for a sprinkler reducer. The assembly includes a mounting bracket having a locking unit, a latitudinal support bar to which the mounting bracket is movably coupled, and a pair of longitudinal support units which are coupled to opposite ends of the support bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: AF USA, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Kafenshtok, Charles V. Oaks
  • Patent number: 7341232
    Abstract: Various systems including brackets and associated wires are disclosed for suspending fixtures from ceilings and the like. The systems improve over the prior art in several ways. Attachment of the wire to the bracket is faster and easier. The attachment can be made more rigid. Several different components can be combined to adapt to different suspension requirements. Brackets can be provided with structure to make more stable connections to cement and masonry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Fernando R. Masas
  • Patent number: 7334767
    Abstract: A frame assembly for mounting recessed fixtures that can be manually installed without the use of tools. One embodiment of the invention includes a primary mounting frame for recessed installation, the primary mounting frame defining an open interior to accommodate a fixture and including a border flange along the outer edge of the open interior. A ratcheting fastener is rotationally coupled to the primary mounting frame and can be manually secured by depressing it toward the border flange to secure the primary mounting frame between opposite surfaces of a substrate. The ratcheting fastener can be rotated to engaged or disengaged from ratcheting teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Doug S. Wright
  • Patent number: 7331555
    Abstract: A recessed fixture for mounting into an opening in a wall structure defining front and rear wall surfaces comprises a pot defining a fixture chamber to be received in the opening of the wall structure and having a peripheral wall, an end wall and a peripheral flange for abutment with the wall structure. A clip is provided having a surface-abutting portion. The clip is so mounted to the peripheral wall of the pot so as to reciprocate between a retracted position where the clip is inside the fixture chamber and an extended position where the surface-abutting portion is outside the fixture chamber and abuts the rear surface of the wall structure. A fastener is coupled to both the clip and the pot for reciprocatively moving the clip between retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Les Luminaires Eureka Lighting
    Inventor: Guy St-Pierre
  • Patent number: 7287738
    Abstract: An article for mounting from or against the ceiling is removably coupled to a base fixedly secured to the ceiling, by a person standing on the floor, supporting the article on an elongated rod, and thrusting the article against the base to couple the article and the secured base. The article is removed by inserting the rod into the article, exerting a force on the rod to uncouple the article from the base, and supporting the article on the rod as the article is lowered. The article is thus positioned on or hung from the ceiling, without being manually contacted by the person. The article may be used to mount other devices, such as a sign, smoke detector, etc. or may include such device as a part of the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Accessmount LLC
    Inventor: Nelson Douglas Pitlor
  • Patent number: 7264214
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stock bar and T-bar coupling structure for mounting a sprinkler. In the present invention, a locking bracket is easily securely coupled to a T-bar using an elastic locking unit and a wing bolt. Furthermore, a stock bar made of standard rectangular pipe is coupled to the locking bracket by a first locking unit such that the stock bar crosses over the T-bar. Because this locking bracket is manufactured as a separate component from the stock bar, the present invention can be used without limiting the distance between the T-bars. Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that a standard rectangular pipe can be easily used as a stock bar merely by cutting the pipe to a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 7255315
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure for sprinklers. In the sprinkler mounting structure of the present invention, a latitudinal support unit has an elastic unit at each of opposite ends thereof, so that the latitudinal support unit can be reliably mounted to a pair of longitudinal support units merely by pushing the latitudinal support unit downwards on the longitudinal support unit. Furthermore, a mounting bracket, which is movably fitted over the latitudinal support unit to be adjusted in position, firmly holds a sprinkler reducer only by the rotation of a locking unit, coupled to the mounting bracket, in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 7243891
    Abstract: A bracket for attachment to a support for mounting a fixture, and method for installing the same are provided. The bracket includes a base having first and second sides. The bracket also includes first and second flanges extending from the first side of the base, the first and second flanges defining an elongate aperture therebetween. The elongate aperture further extends from the first side of the base towards the second side of the base. The elongate aperture is adapted to movably receive one end of the fixture so that the fixture may be mounted to, and demounted from, the bracket by sliding the end of the fixture at least partially along the length of the elongate aperture and wherein the first and second flanges are structured to contact the support to provide lateral support to the base and the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Chang Wu, Jeffrey F. Jacumin, Brian J. Severson
  • Patent number: 7240884
    Abstract: A mounting device of a sprinkler comprises: a main body provided with a pair of side plates and an upper plate disposed on upper portions of the side plate; a rail mounting portion formed at lower ends of the side plates and insertedly fixed to a support rail; a support bar fixing portion formed at an upper side of the main body, for supporting the support bar; and a locking member inserted in the side plates in a lateral direction, for preventing the rail mounting portion from being separated from the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Paradise Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Min Shim
  • Patent number: 7168670
    Abstract: A ceiling fan anchoring bracket and housing assembly for quick and easy installation of the ceiling fan housing for either hugger or down-rod fans is disclosed. The assembly comprises of hook-up pins and lock-up pin fastened on and protruding from the anchoring bracket. The lock-up pin latchingly locks the housing of the fan by spring or urging mechanism. The bracket and housing assembly enables the user to install the ceiling fan housing to the anchoring bracket without having to resort to using tools. All a user needs to do is to align and engage one side of the housing to the hook-up pins on the bracket and push the opposite side of the housing onto the lock-up pin on the bracket through a spring action to complete the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai Liang
  • Patent number: 7170015
    Abstract: A joist has a front surface and first and second opposite side surfaces. The side surfaces extend in a rearward direction from the front surface. They also extend in a lateral direction perpendicular to the rearward direction. An electrical box has a hole configured to receive a fastener that fastens the box to the first side surface. The box further has a side wall and a rear wall together defining a cavity that is isolated by the box from the hole. The cavity is configured to extend along both side surfaces of the joist and to contain electrical connections. The side wall extends laterally beyond the hole and the rear wall is located rearwardly beyond the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Roesch, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7150544
    Abstract: A light assembly leveler (10) is disclosed having a threaded central nipple (13) mounted to the ceiling fan switch housing (11), an upper mounting disk (14), a lower mounting disk (15), a bowl-shaped translucent light diffusor (16), a cap (18) and a finial (19). The upper mounting disk (14) has a central passage (23) through which the nipple (13) extends and a concave bottom bearing surface (24). The lower mounting disk has a convex top bearing surface (28) with a central opening (29) therethrough defined. The top bearing surface is configured to mate with or bear against the bottom bearing surface of the upper mounting disk to allow rotary movement of the lower mounting disk relative to the upper mounting disk. The cap has an upper peripheral rim (34) and a centralized concave lower bearing surface (35) with a central opening (36) therethrough. The cap is configured to abut the diffusor. A finial (38) is threaded onto the lower end of the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Pearce, Richard Orion Millaway
  • Patent number: 7124991
    Abstract: A lighting and transport system includes a cabinet having an interior with an access panel that can be opened and closed for enabling a user to access the interior when the panel is open. The interior has a plurality of receptacles that include at least one vertically extending tall receptacle that is about as tall as the cabinet. A larger receptacle is provided that is shorter than the vertically extending tall receptacle and a plurality of smaller receptacles are provided that are each smaller in volume than the larger receptacle. At least one tripod is provided that is sized and shaped to be stored inside the cabinet within the tall receptacle. A plurality of electric lighting units are sized and shaped to be contained with the smaller receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: John P. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7104513
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting a downrod, and therefore a fixture, to a ceiling, according to which an adapter is disposed in a bore of a hanger ball that is connected to the ceiling, a portion of the downrod is disposed in a bore of the adapter and the downrod is between the hanging ball and the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Diani, LLC.
    Inventor: Frank Blateri
  • Patent number: 7097157
    Abstract: A modular adjustable hoist has a winch and a cable for hoisting an object. An electric motor is coupled to the winch for winding and unwinding the cable. An adjustable frame is used for securing the winch to a support or in a free standing position. The support can include a door frame, a wall, and an automotive vehicle. Legs can be attached to the adjustable frame for providing stability to the hoist for use with or without the structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Lester B. Lodrick
  • Patent number: 7080813
    Abstract: An assembly for suspending an object from a surface includes a down rod having a width, an upper end, and a lower end for engaging the object. A ball member is also provided. The ball member has a generally hemispherical body with a longitudinal axis and a bore extending through the body obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball member also has a diameter wherein the ball member is connected to the upper end of the down rod. A hanger bracket is also provided. The hanger bracket has an upper end for being mounted to the surface and a bottom end that defines a socket. The socket includes an opening through it that is smaller than the diameter of the ball member. The socket's opening defines a radius so that the ball is received in the socket such that the down rod extends through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fanimation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Frampton, Peter S. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7028963
    Abstract: A mounting bracket (30) for securing a ceiling fan (12) to a ceiling joist (10) has two mounting arms (68) and a support ring (60). The two mounting arms (68) are disposed on opposite sides of the support ring (60) and extend upward for securing to the ceiling joist (10). A down rod (34) of the ceiling fan (12) is suspended from the support ring (60). The two mounting arms (68) each have exteriorly face portions (25) into which respective recesses (58) are formed. Two magnets (56) are disposed interiorly within respective ones of the recesses (58). A ceiling fan canopy (28) has at least a portion thereof defined by a rim portion (21) which is made of a ferrous material. The canopy (28) is disposed around the mounting bracket (30) and the rim portion (21) is magnetically secured to the mounting bracket (30) by the two magnets (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Litex Industries, Limited
    Inventors: David Silva, Claire M. Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 7009110
    Abstract: A prepackaged fan and fixture mounting assembly for securing an electrical fixture, such as a ceiling fan, light fixture, or similar device to an overhead joist or other suitable structure. The mounting assembly includes an electrical box having a closed top, a sidewall, and an open bottom that define an electrical wiring enclosure. Provided within the electrical box are integral holsters for temporary storage of device fasteners. A bracket is provided attached to a recessed area in the sidewall for securing the mounting assembly to an appropriate surface. An electrical fan or fixture is installed to the electrical box by removing the device fasteners from their respective holsters and securing them through the mounting ring of the electrical fixture and into the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6981678
    Abstract: A fan ball for mounting a ceiling fan is described, wherein the fan ball has damping means for preventing the fan ball from mechanically transferring any appreciable degree of vibration to the fan, thereby preventing undesirable noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Craftmade International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Fu-Liang
  • Patent number: 6981679
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus which facilitates the installation, maintenance, service, and/or replacement of a light fixtures on a substrate. The inventive apparatus comprises a main brace, main clamp, and a universal nut. The main brace ideally consists of two mounting surfaces and one support surface having a clamp channel. The main clamp consists of one or more retaining spring arms and retaining teeth and attaches to the main brace adjacent to the clamp channel. The main clamp is affixed to the main brace through the use of mechanical securing means. The universal nut has a threaded bore, a circumferential channel, and one or more retaining notches. The threaded bore of the universal nut is designed to receive a threaded mounting stem which may be attached to a light fixture. Either with or without a mounting stem, the universal nut slides into the main clamp, which is attached to the main brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Nate Mullen
  • Patent number: 6932578
    Abstract: A mounting system (10) for supporting a ceiling fan assembly (11) of the type having a motor, motor housing (46), a plurality of blades (47) and a downrod (29) to a support surface C, which includes a mounting plate (14) coupled to a support surface C, a mounting bar (24) coupled to the mounting plate (14), a suspending hangar (28) coupled to the downrod (29), a canopy (32) journalled to the downrod (29), and screws which couple the canopy (32) to the mounting plate (14). The screws (42) permits adjustable movement of the canopy (29) between a lower position wherein the majority of the weight of the ceiling fan assembly (11) is supported by the mounting bar (24) through the suspending hangar (28) and an upper position wherein the majority of the weight of the ceiling fan assembly (11) is supported by the mounting plate (14) through the canopy (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6877703
    Abstract: A suspending structure of ceiling fan generally comprises a mounting bracket, a C-shape ring and a canopy. Wherein both the mounting bracket and the C-shape ring are provided with a gap respectively, when the gap of the mounting bracket is aligned to that of the C-shape ring the downrod is is permitted to allow for the entrance of the downrod. And then the C-shape ring is revolved to make its gap not aligned with that of the mounting bracket, such that the entrance of the downrod is enclosed, that is to say, the downrod will be rigidly fixed and the disengagement of it can be definitely prevented, thereby the suspending structure of ceiling fan of the present invention is very safe in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: David Tang
  • Patent number: 6872054
    Abstract: A ceiling fan mounting system for mounting a fan to a canted ceiling with its fan blades rotated in a horizontal plane. The system has an elongated hanger bar (118) suspended from a ceiling mounting plate (170). The fan downrod is attached to a multi-lope ball (160) that is seated in a canopy seat (182). The canopy can be mounted to the ceiling plane in only one position, a position that orients the hanger bar parallel to the canted ceiling, parallel to the mounting plate and parallel to the fan blades horizontal plane of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20040200944
    Abstract: A bracket for attachment to a support for mounting a fixture, and method for installing the same are provided. The bracket includes a base having first and second sides. The bracket also includes first and second flanges extending from the first side of the base, the first and second flanges defining an elongate aperture therebetween. The elongate aperture further extends from the first side of the base towards the second side of the base. The elongate aperture is adapted to movably receive one end of the fixture so that the fixture may be mounted to, and demounted from, the bracket by sliding the end of the fixture at least partially along the length of the elongate aperture and wherein the first and second flanges are structured to contact the support to provide lateral support to the base and the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Chang Wu, Jeffrey F. Jacumin, Brian J. Severson
  • Patent number: 6761540
    Abstract: A suspension device for a ceiling fan includes a bracket mounted on the ceiling. A bearing seat is engaged in the bracket. A central hole is defined and extends through the bearing seat. A first slot and a second slot are defined in an inner periphery of the central hole. A first indention and a second indention are defined in a top portion of the bearing seat. A cover is mounted to the top portion of the bearing seat. The cover includes a first channel defined to communicate with the first slot and a second channel defined to communicate with the second slot and the second indention. A shaft is partially received in the central hole. A pin extends through the hollow shaft and has two opposite ends selectively engaged in the bearing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Chi Tseng
  • Publication number: 20040065798
    Abstract: A system for releasably coupling an article to a support structure includes a plurality of adapters having a desired geometry that cooperates with the coupling and the article to (a) securely but releasably support the article, (b) provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and (c) structurally support the article. Each of the adapters varies from at least one other adapter in at least one aspect, such as size, shape, dimension, etc., for use with different articles to be mounted thereon. Specifically, for a light fixture, for example, a fixed base can be mounted to a ceiling over an electrical “splice box.” A mount is releasably couplable to the base using an installation and removal tool, and the adapter provides an interface between the mount and the light fixture. The adapter has a sidewall with one or more openings or passages therethrough to provide access for an installation and removal tool to engage the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Nelson Douglas Pitlor
  • Patent number: 6682036
    Abstract: An improved ceiling feature and particularly a ceiling feature that can be installed easily to anchor a holding dish. It mainly includes a ceiling plate fastened to the ceiling for engaging with a bolt. The holding dish may be coupled with the bolt in the direction of the ceiling. By depressing a stem end of a fastening mechanism, the elastic plate set may be moved to move the latch notches formed thereon so that the latch notches may wedge in the screw pitches of the bolt to anchor the holding dish without dropping. Then a glass shade and a cap may be coupled and a nut may be fastened to hold the ceiling feature securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Dong Guan Bright Yin Huey Lighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6669159
    Abstract: An improved ceiling feature and particularly a ceiling feature that can be installed easily to anchor a holding dish. It mainly includes a ceiling plate fastened to the ceiling for engaging with a bolt. The holding dish may be coupled with the bolt in the direction of the ceiling. By depressing a stem end of a fastening means, an elastic plate set and a tongue may be moved thereby the tongue may be latched on a screw thread pitch of the bolt to anchor the holding dish without dropping. Then a glass shade and a cap may be coupled and a nut may be fastened to hold the ceiling feature securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dong Guan Bright Yin Huey Lighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6637710
    Abstract: A fixture bracket suspension assembly is mounted directly to a drop ceiling runner. The runner has a stem and a base wall with a pair of flanges extending out from the stem in a generally inverted T shape. The flanges are adapted to support ceiling tiles and the stem has cross member positioning slots located along its length. The bracket assembly comprises a screw and a bracket. The screw has a head portion and a stem portion for supporting a suspension wire adapted to be mounted to a fixture. The bracket has a base plate with an opening through which the screw stem portion passes. The base plate has a top surface for supporting the screw head adjacent the base wall of the runner. The bracket has two pair of spaced apart opposing legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Pascal Toupin
  • Patent number: 6616112
    Abstract: A suspension device for a ceiling lamp includes a tubular body connected to a base member of the ceiling lamp and a shaft having a first end received in the tubular body and a second end connected to a lamp set. A through hole is defined in the tubular body and two P-shaped channel defined in an inner periphery of the through hole. Two blocking plates are located in the P-shaped channel. Two protrusions are diametrically extending from the shaft and selectively engaged between the two blocking plates to hold the shaft in place in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Chi Tseng
  • Publication number: 20030160142
    Abstract: A suspension system is disclosed for suspending lightheads, monitors, cameras, or other medical apparatus from an overhead structure at a selectable height. A drop tube has a selected portion thereof surroundingly encompassed by a receiving element that has a variable inside diameter substantially conforming to a frustum of a cone. A mounting plate rigidly connects with the overhead structure and with the receiving element. The mounting plate has an opening through which an end of the drop tube passes. A wedge-shaped element has a variable outer diameter substantially conforming to a frustum of a cone. The wedge-shaped element compressively inserts into the receiving element and surroundingly encompasses the selected portion of the drop tube to effectuate a compressive clamping of the selected portion of the drop tube inside the receiving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: STERIS INC. & Ondal Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Brahler, Klaus Steger
  • Patent number: 6595664
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for connecting a fixture to a support, the bracket assembly comprising in combination a male subbracket for connection to one of the fixture or support, a female subbracket for connection to the other one of the fixture and the support, the subbrackets being complementarily configured for coupling to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher, Tien S. Lowe, Chad J. Ricker
  • Patent number: 6439527
    Abstract: A fitting includes a mounting frame to be fixed on a ceiling wall, and having right and left anchored walls for holding an upright suspension rod which is connected to a fan motor casing. A protective cover member includes an annular abutment wall secured on the anchored walls by two fastening members. Each fastening member includes an enlarged head, a distal shank portion, and a proximate shank portion larger than the distal shank portion so as to form an abutment shoulder to abut against the annular abutment wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Hsiu-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 6405986
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a loudspeaker, luminaire or similar apparatus, comprising a housing in which the apparatus is received and at least one resilient structure attached to the housing and to the apparatus, the length of the resilient structure between its points of attachment being such that when the apparatus is received in the housing the resilient structure is deformed and exerts a force retaining the apparatus in the housing, withdrawal of the apparatus from the housing requiring further deformation of the resilient means through a state of maximum deformation to a state of lesser deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Martin Audio Limited
    Inventor: David John Swadling
  • Publication number: 20020066845
    Abstract: An article to be mounted from or against the ceiling is removably coupled to a secured base fixedly secured to the ceiling, by a person standing on the floor of the room, supporting the article on the end of an elongated rod, and thrusting the article against the secured base with sufficient force to couple the article and the secured base. The article is removed from the secured base by inserting an end of the rod into the article, exerting a force on the rod to uncouple the article from the secured base, and supporting the article on the end of the rod as the article is lowered. The article is thus positioned on the ceiling, or hung from it, without being manually contacted by the person. The article may be a mounting member provided with fastening means such as hooks from which overhead signs may be hung and quickly interchanged without using a stepladder; of the article may be a smoke detector and alarm assembly which is directly mounted to the secured base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Nelson Douglas Pitlor
  • Patent number: 6394873
    Abstract: A balloon suspension device for a plurality of air-filled balloons for simulating a cluster of lighter-than-air balloons. An elongated rod suspended vertically supports a plurality of horizontal brackets slidably mounted thereon, each bracket having a flange for attachment of a balloon. A weight tethered to the balloons gives the impression the balloons are floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Robina B. Bernard
  • Patent number: 6354287
    Abstract: There is provided a blower unit for a range hood which is in compliance with the provision of UL Standards in which a connecting work for a power supply cord or the like suspended from a ceiling or the like of a building and an inner cord or the like and a maintenance work for the connected section can be carried out easily from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kudoh
  • Patent number: 6345800
    Abstract: A universal load-bearing hanger bracket for hanging a lighting fixture below a grid ceiling has opposed shaped hanger strips which when joined together form an elongated bracket body having a base end with a T-bar channel for securing the hanger bracket to the T-bar of the grid ceiling to thus provide an “on-grid” suspension, and a rail gripping structure above the T-bar channel for securing the hanger bracket to an optional mounting rail of a grid ceiling for an “off-grid” suspension. A hanger bracket assembly is further described wherein an electrical junction box is secured to the body of the hanger bracket and wherein a female plug having a downwardly facing plug end is provided at the bottom wall of the junction box so as to extend through the grid ceiling to provide an accessible electrical outlet next to the suspension location for the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Herst, Michael Tran