Systems And Methods For Mounting Electrically Powered Devices To Ceilings And Other Structures
AssigneeLowe's Companies, Inc.
InventorsJames Michael Broughman, Dana Lynn Jodice, Jason Lu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure. The electrically-powered device can be, for example, a ceiling fan, a ceiling fan with a lighting fixture, or a lighting fixture.
Claims40
A system for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure, comprising:
- a mounting bracket comprising a receiving portion and a first electrical connector;
- and
- a hangable structure comprising a mating member configured to be positioned against the receiving portion, the hangable structure further comprising a second electrical connector,
- wherein the second electrical connector is configured to vertically engage the first electrical connector when the mating member is positioned so as to rest in a proper alignment against the receiving portion, and wherein the mounting bracket and the hangable structure are configured so that, when the mating member is positioned against the receiving portion in the proper alignment, the effect of gravity on the hangable structure tends to keep the hangable structure engaged to the mounting bracket.
A system for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure, comprising:
- a mounting bracket comprising a receiving portion and a first electrical connector;
- and
- a hangable structure comprising a mating member configured to be positioned against the receiving portion, the hangable structure further comprising a second electrical connector,
- wherein the second electrical connector is configured to engage the first electrical connector when the hangable structure is moved downwardly into position so as to rest in a proper alignment against the receiving portion.
A system for mounting a ceiling fan, wherein the ceiling fan comprises a motor for rotating a plurality of fan blades, comprising:
- a mounting bracket comprising a support surface having an opening;
- a first electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket;
- and
- a hangable structure coupled to the ceiling fan and comprising a second electrical connector and a plurality of wires extending from the second electrical connector to the motor, the hangable structure comprising a mating member and a down-rod;
- wherein the plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the motor, wherein the mating member is adapted to rest against the support surface, and wherein the second electrical connector vertically engages the first electrical connector when the mating member rests against the support surface in a proper alignment.
A method for mounting a ceiling fan, wherein the ceiling fan comprises a motor for rotating a plurality of fan blades, comprising:
- providing a mounting bracket comprising a support surface having an opening;
- providing a first electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket;
- providing a hangable structure coupled to the ceiling fan and comprising a second electrical connector and a plurality of wires extending from the second electrical connector to the motor, the hangable structure further comprising a mating member and a down-rod, wherein the plurality of wires extend from the second electrical connector through the down-rod to the motor;
- sliding the down-rod through the opening in the support surface;
- placing the mating member against the support surface;
- and
- vertically engaging the second electrical connector with the first electrical connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.