Ceiling Attachment Patents (Class 248/343)
  • Patent number: 6609692
    Abstract: A procedure to attach securely a lamp on a ceiling allowing easy electrical connection and the use of a lamp with the most elegant upper end. This is possible by using a spring to support the lamp, which will allow to pull down the lamp in order to do the electrical connection. The electrical wires come through ceiling and are covered by the upper end of the lamp. The lamp released will be pressed against the ceiling by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: David Darian Muresan, David Muresan
  • Patent number: 6607086
    Abstract: A hanger assembly comprised of a longitudinal member and end brackets attached to and pivotable with respect to the member. The length of the longitudinal member is selected to span the maximum distance typically encountered with overhead joists and beams. The hanger assembly provides the advantages of being of simple construction, inexpensive, capable of spanning a wide range of distances between joists, and allowing easy squaring of junction boxes with the room in which they are installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20030141426
    Abstract: A medical suspension system (10) includes a ceiling plate (30) configured for mounting to a support structure (16). The ceiling plate supports a device (12), such as a lighthead or video monitor, which is mounted to the ceiling plate via an articulated arm (50) and a spindle (40), which is centrally mounted to the ceiling plate. A second device (14) is mounted to the ceiling plate, not through the spindle (40), in the conventional manner, but via an adapter plate (62), which is mounted directly to the ceiling plate. This increases the number of devices which are readily carried by the support structure without extending the spindle length which conventionally occurs when additional hubs are added to the main spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jorg Wagner, Klaus Steger, Yury Keselman, David Jesurun, Roland D. Block
  • Patent number: 6598846
    Abstract: A ceiling fan hanger ball is provided with features to permit universal acceptance of downrods there from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Prime Home Impressions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Lackey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6595479
    Abstract: An electrical fixture mounting assembly is provided for quickly and easily mounting an electrical fixture to a brace assembly. The electrical fixture mounting assembly includes an electrical box, a brace assembly and a bracket. The brace assembly is mounted between joists located above an aperture in a ceiling. A bracket is snap-fitted onto the brace assembly. Protrusions on the bracket prevent substantial movement of the bracket during installation of the electrical box. Tabs on the bracket engage openings in the electrical box, thereby facilitating alignment of the electrical box with the bracket. An electrical box is secured to the brace assembly by the bracket and fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Johnson, Richard Swanson
  • 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: 6578808
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a device, such as a loudspeaker enclosure, through an opening in a barrier, such as a ceiling or wall of a room, including a support for positioning on the back side of the barrier adjacent the barrier opening, and at least one spring having a first end attached to the support and a second end configured for freedom of movement. The spring is held in a set position by a set latch on the support until the device is inserted through the opening and selectively engages the spring, whereupon the second end of the spring is released to allow the spring force to act on the device in a manner tending to pull the device further through the opening, toward the back side of the barrier, and into a mounted position relative to the barrier. For dismounting the device, the second end of the spring may be inserted into a retaining latch on the support by selective engagement of the spring by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Sound Advance Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Bertagni, Eduardo Bertagni, Richard Jung, Joie Puckett, Dennis Grudt
  • Patent number: 6568836
    Abstract: A track mounting system for supporting equipment, such as a dental light, includes a pan-shaped carriage which is suspended from the track mounting system and to which the light or other equipment is attached. The track mounting system includes a pair of spaced, parallel tracks which are engaged by rollers rotatably mounted on inner walls of the carriage. At least one of the rollers is formed from a relatively hard material and is concave to mate with the complementary surface on one of the tracks to provide resistance against side loads. Other rollers are formed from a relatively soft material and are convex to provide a light frictional resistance to movement of the carriage along the tracks that inhibits drift, over-travel and other inadvertent movement of the carriage, while reducing noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Wahl
  • Patent number: 6554231
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a reducer support beam of a sprinkler system to a ceiling support rail of a drop ceiling in a building. The mounting device comprises an adjustable clamp portion and a mount portion. The clamp portion has opposing ceiling support rail engagement portions separated by a clamping space sized and shaped for receiving a portion of the ceiling support rail of the drop ceiling. The clamp portion is adapted to adjustably move the rail engagement portions relative to one another between a loosened position and a clamped position to vary the clamping space separating the rail engagement portions. The clamping space is sized to receive the ceiling support rail when the rail engagement portions are in the loosened position. The rail engagement portions are adapted to securely engage the ceiling support rail when the rail engagement portions are in the clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Dong-A Flexible Metal Tubes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Lim Choi
  • Patent number: 6520468
    Abstract: A suspension bracket for mounting a suspension fan having a fan motor including a motor shaft having an upper end with an enlarged support. The bracket includes a body for fixing on a ceiling, and a mount connected below the body and including a substantially horizontal aperture for engaging the support. The aperture has a side opening for accommodating the motor shaft and allowing the support to be moved laterally to the aperture. The bracket includes a fixing plate for closing the side opening of the aperture to retain the support in with the mount in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Using Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwing Wah Lee, Xue Qian Fu
  • Publication number: 20030029983
    Abstract: A bar hanger and mounting clip assembly for securing an electrical box between two opposed Tee bar elements in a ceiling structure is provided which comprises a spanning bar which spans between the two opposed Tee bar elements; first and second clips at opposed ends of the spanning bar for attaching the spanning bar to the two opposed Tee bar elements; an electrical box; and a mounting clip for securing the electrical box to the spanning bar, the mounting clip including a tension leg for initially holding the electrical box in position on the spanning bar before the clip is securely fastened to the electrical box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Jerome Pfaller
  • Publication number: 20030006353
    Abstract: A hanger bar assembly for supporting an outlet box between spaced apart support elements including a first channel member being longitudinally slidingly engagable with a second channel member forming a longitudinally adjustable support bar. The first channel member has a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves and the second channel member having a plurality of longitudinally extending rails slidingly received in the grooves such that lateral movement between the first and second channel members is resisted. A clamping device is provided for urging the first and second channel members into respective forced engagement thereby restricting movement between the first and second channel members. A securement device attached to the support bar for securing the support bar to the spaced support elements is further provided. The first and second channel members have apertures formed therein to accommodate fasteners for securing end plates to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Harsh Gupta, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 6502966
    Abstract: A ceiling lamp junction box double-constraint lighting rod mounting structure comprised of sockets installed through openings in the side of a junction box and plug-ended rods inserted into each socket. Each plug-ended rod has catch holes respectively formed in the top surface and two sides of its tip and, correspondingly, a spring and a retaining element are installed at the top ends and the lateral ends of each socket. When the retaining elements are their the normal state, the free ends of the retaining elements are pushed into the bores of the sockets by tensile components. After a plug-ended rod is inserted into the bore of a socket, the catch holes at its tip are respectively infixed by the engaging end of the spring and the free ends of the retaining elements projecting slightly into the bore such that the plug-ended rod is maintained in place by both the spring and the retaining elements and cannot be pulled out while mechanically constrained within the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6499692
    Abstract: A suspension arrangement for suspending an air conditioning system from an aircraft airframe structure includes a first suspension unit including plural individual suspension rods, and a second suspension unit including a base frame supported from vertical carrier members. Upper ends of the carrier members are secured to load-carrying suspension points of the airframe structure. Upper ends of the suspension rods are secured to load-introduction points on the base frame. Bottom ends of the suspension rods are secured to suspension points on the components of the air conditioning system. The frame provides a greater number and variety of suspension locations to accommodate a greater number of suspension rods for suspending the air conditioning system, with a smaller number of vertical carrier members being secured to corresponding suspension points on the airframe structure. An intermediate mounting support arrangement may further be provided between the suspension rods and the suspension frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Kelnhofer
  • Patent number: 6491270
    Abstract: A bar hanger and mounting clip assembly for securing an electrical box between two opposed Tee bar elements in a ceiling structure is provided which comprises a spanning bar which spans between the two opposed Tee bar elements; first and second clips at opposed ends of the spanning bar for attaching the spanning bar to the two opposed Tee bar elements; an electrical box; and a mounting clip for securing the electrical box to the spanning bar, the mounting clip including a tension leg for initially holding the electrical box in position on the spanning bar before the clip is securely fastened to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Jerome Pfaller
  • Publication number: 20020179797
    Abstract: Device for fitting a load-bearing bracket for a shelf or the like, for example, to an upright support. At its end facing the upright support (2) the bracket (1) is designed with two vertically separated engaging members (6, 7) and the upright has at least one vertical row of spaced fitting apertures (18). The device comprises an adapter (8) and a fitting member (15) for fitting the adapter to the upright support (2). Two opposite sides of the adapter (8) each have a vertical row of spaced fitting apertures (12), the apertures on one side of the adapter having an interval that is equal to the distance between engaging members (6, 7) of the bracket (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Pedro Cunha
  • Patent number: 6487825
    Abstract: A holder for supporting insulation in a building has an elongated supporting section for the insulation to rest on. Two arms extend in parallel from the two ends of the supporting section, and each arm carries a U-shaped member which can be pushed onto a stud or beam by elastically spreading apart the legs of the U-shaped member. Each U-shaped member is provided with at least one hook-like portion which is elastically urged onto the respective stud or beam to anchor the holder thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Francisco J. Sillik
  • Patent number: 6488097
    Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Publication number: 20020171019
    Abstract: An electrical fixture mounting assembly is provided for quickly and easily mounting an electrical fixture to a brace assembly. The electrical fixture mounting assembly includes an electrical box, a brace assembly and a bracket. The brace assembly is mounted between joists located above an aperture in a ceiling. A bracket is snap-fitted onto the brace assembly. Protrusions on the bracket prevent substantial movement of the bracket during installation of the electrical box. Tabs on the bracket engage openings in the electrical box, thereby facilitating alignment of the electrical box with the bracket. An electrical box is secured to the brace assembly by the bracket and fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Steven J. Johnson, Richard Swanson
  • Patent number: 6474846
    Abstract: A flush lighting system includes a support ring for attachment, typically to the underside surface, of a lighting fixture containment space, and a finishing ring which can lockably engage the support ring, either directly using threaded members, or by the use of raised dimples on the support ring which interfits with a groove on the finishing ring. The finishing ring preferably contains apertures and radius grooves for accommodating plaster or dry wall compound. A raised abbreviated radial width inner surface transition lies at the inner most portion of the face of the finishing ring. Inside the raised transition and extending axially is an engagement structure for mating with the support ring, through either a groove or apertures for threaded attachment against a radially outwardly existing axial surface of the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Victor Kelmelis, Maurice Cohen
  • Patent number: 6465736
    Abstract: A horizontally extending brace secured across ceiling beams is coupled with an externally threaded metal rod whose lower ends extend into an electrical box rated at a given weight limit to thread with a reducing coupler at one end, at an opposite end of which a nipple is arranged to thread, with the nipple receiving the electrical cables passing upwardly from an electrical fixture connected with it, such that the weight of the fixture threaded to the nipple is supported substantially only by the coupler, the nipple, the metal rod and the horizontally extending brace, and not by the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry J. Spadaro
  • Publication number: 20020139913
    Abstract: A ceiling mount for a medical light shall positions a light body at different points of a treatment table in a simple manner. A bracket system is fastened to a lifting arm that can be actuated by a motor and which has at its free end a bracket guided in parallel for the mounting flange of the bracket system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Ryszard Kummerfeld, Lothar Petermann
  • Patent number: 6457848
    Abstract: A down light fixture is assembled from parts that are substantially snap engageable and is installed through a ceiling orifice and supported by the ceiling without requiring permanent attachment to an existent support beam or the like. The light fixture comprises a can adapted to receive a lighting unit and installable through the ceiling orifice from its exposed side, and a decorative trim member removably and securely engageable with the can. The can is further provided with a flange on its free end that is positioned adjacent the exposed surface of the ceiling about the insertion orifice after the can has been inserted into the ceiling therethrough. The decorative trim member is rotatingly, removably and securely engageable with the flange to provide an exterior trim to the fixture. Several parts of the lighting fixture are removable and replaceable to vary the appearance of the light fixture without removal of such fixture from the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nutech Lighting Corp.
    Inventors: David Wolf, Eugene Diaconu
  • Patent number: 6443412
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening a suspension device (15) to a support (13), especially to a ceiling (5). The device comprises a flange (1) which can be mounted on the support (13), a support tube (3) connected with a first end to said flange (1), and has an arm (4) which is connected to the second end of the support tube (3) opposite the first end and which is provided on a swivel bearing (5). The inventive device also comprises an anchoring element (7) which, in addition to the flange (1) and independent of said flange (1), can be mounted on the support (13), and comprises a securing element (6). The securing element extends from the anchoring element (7) up to the arm (4) through the support tube (3), is fastened to the arm (4) at a fastening point (20), and is connected to the anchoring element (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Mavig GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Kuhn
  • 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: 6435463
    Abstract: A system of suspending a tree includes a hook secured to an overhead support such as a ceiling joist or beam or structure dedicated to this purpose. A swivel is then secured to the hook. A tree grip is secured to the swivel and then to the main leader of the Christmas tree. The tree will then hang plumb due to the force of gravity. Optionally, a pulley may be employed to assist in the raising of the tree. The pulley is secured to the hook by a loop. The tree grip is secured to the top of the tree. A cable is securely attached to the trunk of the tree below the apex of the tree. The cable is threaded through the sheave of the pulley and may be pulled to raise the tree until the tree grip can be attached to the hook. The free end of the cable may then be attached to the trunk of the tree to provide additional security of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Nevin A. Zezza
  • Patent number: 6409415
    Abstract: A clip is adapted to connect a ceiling grid strip or the like with a curtain track or the like. The clip is capable of selective rotation with respect to the grid strip of 90°, without becoming disengaged from the grid strip. The grid strip is generally rectangular and has a pair of diagonally opposed upper grip portions each being provided with inwardly facing slots and each being affixed to the top of the clip at the extreme corners. A pair of oppositely disposed lower grip portions are provided on the lower side of the clip to retain a track. In one variation of the invention, the lower grip portions are provided on a separate piece which is attached to the clip top with a swivel post so that there is a more extensive and more reliable means for changing orientation. In another variation, the clip top has a downwardly depending extension and means to retain some other element are provided at the bottom of the extension. Such means may be a flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: In Pro Corporation
    Inventor: Ellis I. Toder
  • Patent number: 6402112
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly for a lighting fixture that allows for the adjustment and positioning of a lamp about both a horizontal and a vertical axis using only one locking mechanism. The support assembly includes a first support member that is pivotably attached to a second support member. The support assembly also includes a cylindrical sleeve to which the second support member is adjustably engaged. Both support members include at least one leg extending therefrom. The locking mechanism includes a pivoting brake shoe that can engage the cylindrical sleeve so as to secure the lamp into position about a vertical axis. The locking mechanism also includes a thumbscrew that is housed within a slot defined within a leg of the first support member, and that engages both the brake shoe and a leg on the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Daniel F. Francis, Orlando S. Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20020064050
    Abstract: A suspension system for suspending linear fixtures from an overhead structure has joiner supports mounted to adjacent end portions of the linear fixtures. The joiner supports have adjacent first alignment receiving slots extending inwardly from the end portions and at least one adjacent clamping surface accessible from each of the end portions. The system has a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the linear fixtures from the overhead structure. The hanger member has a bridge member connected to the wire and a pair of opposing tongue insert portions. Each of the tongue insert portions extends along a corresponding one of the alignment receiving slots of the joiner supports to loosely juxtaposition the end portions of the linear fixtures to the hanger member permitting a first stage adjustable mechanical connection. The hanger member further comprises at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Pascal Toupin, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Patent number: 6367757
    Abstract: A hanging device is characterized, by comprising a base frame to be mounted to a ceiling beam, a second frame to be lifted to the base frame, a base body hung from the second frame, a means for lifting up the second frame together with the device body to the base frame through a hole formed to a ceiling board under the ceiling beam, a flange mounted to the device body so as to fit the ceiling board, and a means for engaging the second frame in the base frame at a position in such that the device body is set up to the ceiling board and simultaneously, the flange fits to the under surface to the ceiling board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Aramaki Technica Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriyoshi Aramaki
  • Patent number: 6357714
    Abstract: A ceiling fan support system is provided which contains multiple, perimeter downrods connected between a ceiling fan housing and supporting structure attached to a ceiling. The perimeter rods may provide some or all of the supporting structure to suspend the ceiling fan housing. In order to accommodate sloped ceilings, the perimeter downrods may be made of adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Quorum International, L.P.
    Inventor: Aaron Mitchell Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020027185
    Abstract: A suspension bracket (10) for mounting a suspension fan having a fan motor (20) including a motor shaft (21) having an upper end provided with an enlarged support (22). The bracket (10) comprises a body (1) for fixing on a ceiling, and a mount (2) connected below the body (1) and formed with a substantially horizontal aperture (5) for engaging the support (22). The aperture (5) has a side opening (6) for accommodating the motor shaft (21) to allow the support (22) to be moved laterally to the aperture (5). The bracket (10 ) includes a fixing plate (3) for subsequently closing the side opening (6) of the aperture (5) to retain the support (22) in engagement by the aperture (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Using Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwing Wah Lee, Xue Qian Fu
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6336613
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket for mounting a lighting reflector is disclosed, useful for conveniently mounting a lighting reflector to a lighting fixture housing by sliding engagement, for easily adjusting the reflector in relation to the housing, thereby focusing or directing light, and for setting the optimal position of the reflector using a spring-biased pin, operable with only a single hand, thereby allowing the user to mount and adjust the reflector using one hand, while freeing the user's second hand for holding the reflector during mounting and adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: C.E.W. Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter L. Roth
  • Patent number: 6332597
    Abstract: A supporting structure, including a bracket brace and a bracket is disclosed. Preferably, the brace has an inside section and an outside section that move relative to each other. A portion of the inside section can be positioned completely within the outside section and each of the inside and outside sections have a pair of vertical portions. The brace also has a slot extending through the inside and outside sections. The bracket is coupled to the inside section of the brace and to each of the vertical portions of the outside sections of the brace. The bracket also has a coupling members in the form of threaded openings to secure a supported member; such as an electrical junction box, against the brace to prohibit relative movement between the brace and the bracket. The brace and bracket allow new, heavier lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to be safely supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Richard Swanson
  • Patent number: 6311943
    Abstract: A suspension structure for a ceiling fan includes a suspension rod, a support disk secured to the suspension rod, a locking block slidably mounted on the suspension rod, and a slide cover rotatably mounted on the suspension rod. The support disk is provided with a tubular base secured on a lower end of the suspension rod. An outer thread is formed on a lower end of the tubular base. A plurality of locking openings are laterally defined in the tubular base. The locking block is provided with a plurality of locking inserts each secured in a respective locking opening of the tubular base of the support disk. The slide cover defines a receiving chamber for receiving the locking block and the tubular base therein. An inner thread is formed on a lower end of the receiving chamber of the slide cover and is engaged with the outer thread of the tubular base of the support disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: David Tang
  • Patent number: 6312146
    Abstract: A system for hanging a lamp at any of a plurality of locations includes an electrical box positioned at a fixed location in a ceiling. A mounting plate has an exterior periphery with a circular central aperture there through and with holes adapted to the periphery and screws extending there through. A slip plate has a large exterior diameter greater than the diameter of the mounting plate. The slip plate is formed with a slot along the majority of one diametric extent. A small washer located between the slip plate and the mounting plate has a central aperture there through essentially equal to the diameter of the central aperture of the mounting plate and the width of the slot. A flanged cylinder has a cylindrical central extent, a central bore, a flanged interior upper end located above and in contact with the mounting plate, and a flanged exterior end in contact with the slip plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Tognacci
  • Patent number: 6298623
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a stand-alone adjustable trim strip system that can be used for the attachment of lighting and signs. The trim strip system is designed to conceal hardware used for attaching lighting and signs and also provides for a system that can be adapted to accommodate architectural design. The system has the capability of being suspended from the structure of a building by wires or rods or can be affixed to walls or ceilings by using fasteners. The system is comprised of one or more trim strips and brackets that can be shaped into different polymeric shapes or can be arranged in a grid format. The system has the ability to attach electric lighting and signs while providing for an aesthetically pleasing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 6293510
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting luminaires (A) includes a lower mounting plate (30a) having a front face (32a) and a back face (34a) adapted for attachment to a luminaire. An upper mounting plate (30b), having a front face (32b) and a back face (34b), is adapted for attachment to an electrical assembly (20). The upper and lower mounting plates are identical in configuration. The upper mounting plate selectively engages the lower mounting plate so that the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are in locking relation. A hinge (50) operatively connects the upper and lower mounting plates. The hinge is adapted to swing down and suspend the luminaire while the appropriate electrical connections are made and pivot to a substantially horizontal position once the upper and lower mounting plates have been placed in locking relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Reed A. Bradford, James H. Toney
  • Patent number: 6283430
    Abstract: A socket housing that is designed to be mounted on a reflector includes a socket plate having generally L-shaped plate having a tab extending from an end of a first segment of the L-shaped plate and an enclosure including a pair of side walls. A first side wall includes a slotted opening that receives the tab when the socket plate is mounted on the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: John S. Schubert, Joellen M. Skonberg
  • Patent number: 6272794
    Abstract: A recessed fixture housing in which the major components are designed with taper fits to allow the components to be pressed together in assembly to create an air-seal engagement construction. The fixture housing also provides a junction box accessible from either the room side or the attic side of a fixture, while maintaining a sealed fixture housing. Further, a recessed fixture frame for use with a housing of maximal size to be installed between building structural members with mounting bars having protruding tabs. Mounting bar brackets are inset from each frame side an amount sufficient to accommodate the tabs between the building structural member and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Graham M. Rippel, Mark O. Jones, Robert J. Wedekind, Robert C. Ferzan
  • Patent number: 6273388
    Abstract: A mounting base 3, for example, a bezel assembly, which can be fixed, by means of screws 4, directly to a wall or ceiling, or to a conduit box 2, has cover members 5 movable between open position and closed positions. The open positions provide access to the screws so that the mounting base can be fitted or removed. The cover members are retained by the mounting base so that they can be moved between the open and closed positions without becoming detached. Each cover member is preferably hinged to the mounting base so that it can be pivoted away from the screw into the open position without becoming detached. The hinge preferably comprises a shell 8 and a pin 9, the shell being open to enable it to be fitted to the pin. A resilient tab 6 can be provided to snap fit the cover member to the base and secure it in the closed position, prior to fitting a removable head 1 to the base. The invention may be used in the field of fire detection to conceal screws to prevent vandalism or theft of a fire detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Apollo Fire Detectors Limited
    Inventor: Alan Capaldi-Tallon
  • Patent number: 6263619
    Abstract: A three piece mounting device for attaching a fan or similar electrical fixture to a cathedral ceiling. The mounting device of the present invention comprises a rectangular box having an open top and an optionally enclosed bottom, and a pair of opposed extended side walls shaped to engage the center point of cathedral ceilings. The opposed extended side walls are inserted into slots or other mechanical engagement devices in opposing walls of the rectangular box, are of substantially uniform thickness throughout their height and incorporate a plurality of score lines to permit easy truncation of the opposed side walls to adapt to a plurality of ceiling angles. The mounting device of the present invention may include an inverted integral electrical outlet box in the rectangular box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6260810
    Abstract: A device for mounting a sprinkler to a ceiling support rail in a building is disclosed. This device consists of two vertical sidewalls integrated into a U-shaped single structure by a top wall. The two sidewalls are bent inwardly at their lower ends to form clip flanges for gripping the head of the ceiling support rail positioned between the two sidewalls. A first bolt hole is formed at the lower portion of each sidewall. A first locking bolt is threaded into the bolt holes of the two sidewalls so as to tighten the lower portions of the two sidewalls and allow the two sidewalls to firmly grip the ceiling support rail. Each of the two sidewalls also has a notch at its upper portion and seats the reducer support beam in the notch. The top wall has a second bolt hole. A second locking bolt is threaded into the second bolt hole so as to hold the reducer support beam seated in the notches of the two sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Dong-A Flexible Metal Tubes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Lim Choi
  • Patent number: 6237884
    Abstract: A ceiling fan mounting assembly for suspending a ceiling fan directly below a skylight. The ceiling fan mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket with a plurality of elongate mounting arms outwardly radiating from a center region of the mounting bracket. A mounting box is downwardly depended from the center region of the mounting bracket. Each of the mounting arms has an outer end opposite the center region of the mounting bracket with a mounting plate coupled thereto. Each of the mounting plates has a mounting barb outwardly extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen E. Howe
  • Patent number: 6202361
    Abstract: A table which defines an upwardly facing work surface and an acoustic dome for use above the table, both of which are suspended from overhead and movable in a vertical direction downwardly to create a work area, and upwardly for storage whereby the dome nests within the table. The table includes a plurality of alternating writable and tackable work surfaces and is generally arcuate in shape. The dome includes an upwardly facing side and a downwardly facing side including a smooth material capable of reflecting sound towards the work area. The upwardly facing side of the dome includes a plurality of sound-absorbing ring members to minimize the entry of outside sound into the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarkson S. Thorp, Steven J. Beukema
  • Patent number: 6203279
    Abstract: An assembly for suspending an object from a surface is presented. The assembly includes a downrod with an upper ball member, and a hanger bracket that is mounted on the surface which has a lower socket that engages the ball member. The ball member and socket form a ball and socket joint which allows an object to be suspended downward from a sloped ceiling. The ball member is mounted in the socket by passing the downrod through a gap in the socket. A plate is then attached to the socket on either side of the gap which is shaped so as not to interfere with the movement of the ball member in the socket. The plate prevents the socket from spreading through use over time which could result in the socket becoming to large to contain the ball member. This assembly is particularly suited for hanging objects such as ceiling fans or light fixtures from surfaces such as ceilings, including sloped or cathedral ceilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: John Moody, David Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6199813
    Abstract: A fixture decoration assembly for changing the appearance of a selected ceiling-mounted fixture employs a first elongated sleeve portion and a second elongated sleeve portion. The first and second sleeve portions each has an arcuate cross-section and a contoured outer surface. Bracing panels extend from the interior surface of each sleeve portion and cooperatively maintain the suspension member included with the selected ceiling-mounted fixture in a fixed position with respect to the sleeve portions. In an alternate embodiment, the bracing panels are supplemented with compressible material is disposed between the sleeve portions to surround and brace a flexible suspension member included with the selected ceiling-mounted fixture. The exterior of each sleeve is contoured and includes at least one cutting guide that facilitates shortening of the sleeve portions to standard, predetermined lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Tuan Oliva
  • Patent number: 6200099
    Abstract: A motor casing of a ceiling fan has two pairs of lugs extending radially inward from the periphery thereof and the motor casing encloses the motor of the ceiling fan. A frame fixedly connected to a ceiling and has a flange to which two positioning devices are connected. Each positioning device has two support portions extending radially inward therefrom and each support portion has a slot. A resilient member connected to each support portion and is engaged between the two lugs corresponding to the positioning device so that the assembler can easily connect the motor casing and the frame without using bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ming Hang Liao
  • Patent number: 6186459
    Abstract: An angle/direction adjustable display device includes a rotary mount fixedly mounted on a support wall and rotated on an axis, a display holder frame having a fixed end pivoted to the rotary mount and a free end terminating in a coupling portion, and a video display device pivoted to the coupling portion at the free end of the display holder frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: His-Kuang Ma