U.S. patent application number 11/164988 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for device and method for raising and lowering ceiling fixtures.
Invention is credited to Thomas Weiler.
Application Number | 20070134093 11/164988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38139558 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070134093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weiler; Thomas |
June 14, 2007 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RAISING AND LOWERING CEILING FIXTURES
Abstract
A fixture extension device that can support a ceiling fixture at
varying heights in relation to the floor is described. The fixture
extension device contains a telescoping shaft which enables raising
and lowering ceiling fixtures such as fans or chandeliers.
Inventors: |
Weiler; Thomas; (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SNELL & WILMER L.L.P. (Main)
400 EAST VAN BUREN
ONE ARIZONA CENTER
PHOENIX
AZ
85004-2202
US
|
Family ID: |
38139558 |
Appl. No.: |
11/164988 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
416/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/4486 20130101;
B65H 2551/13 20130101; F21V 21/15 20130101; F21V 27/00 20130101;
F04D 25/088 20130101; F21V 21/22 20130101; F21V 33/0096
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/060 |
International
Class: |
D05B 81/00 20060101
D05B081/00 |
Claims
1. A fixture extension device comprising: a telescoping shaft; a
pulley assembly attached to top end of said shaft comprising a
pulley and a cable; said cable with a first end attached to a
ceiling fixture and second end attached to pulley assembly; and a
control for operating pulley assembly.
2. The fixture extension device of claim 1, wherein said shaft
comprises more than one cylindrical section.
3. The fixture extension device of claim 2, wherein each said
cylindrical section has an upper lip that extends perpendicularly
outward from the cylindrical wall at one end of the section and a
lower lip that extends perpendicularly inward from the cylindrical
wall at the other end of the section.
4. The fixture extension device of claim 1, further comprising a
casing.
5. The fixture extension rod of claim 4, wherein said casing is
attached to said shaft with a swivel joint.
6. The fixture extension device of claim 1, wherein said ceiling
fixture comprises ceiling fan.
7. The fixture extension device of claim 6, further comprising a
safety feature preventing movement of said shaft while ceiling fan
is spinning.
8. The fixture extension device of claim 1, wherein said pulley
assembly further comprises a motor.
9. The fixture extension device of claim 1, wherein said control is
a remote control.
10. The fixture extension device of claim 1, further comprising
mounting means securing said fixture extension device to a
ceiling.
11. The method of raising and lowering a ceiling fixture by a
fixture extension device comprising the steps of: attaching one end
of a telescoping shaft and a cable to a ceiling fixture; activating
a pulley assembly attached to cable via an external control;
raising or lowering said ceiling fixture upon command of said
external control.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said shaft comprises more than
one cylindrical section.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein each said cylindrical section
has an upper lip that extends perpendicularly outward from the
cylindrical wall at one end of the section and a lower lip that
extends perpendicularly inward from the cylindrical wall at the
other end of the section.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said shaft is attached to a
casing.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said casing is attached to said
shaft with a swivel joint.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said ceiling fixture comprises
ceiling fan.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of engaging
a safety feature which prevents movement of said shaft while
ceiling fan is spinning.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein said external control is a
remote control.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising mounting means
securing said fixture extension device to a ceiling.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an improved
fixture support extension for ceiling fixtures.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Ceiling fixtures are commonly used in a variety of
residential and commercial locations today. These fixtures
encompass a variety of uses, from lighting an area to circulating
air within a room, and are generally placed in the center of a
ceiling or upper wall. Many ceiling fixtures contain light bulbs
that must be regularly changed or fan blades that require periodic
cleaning. This often requires the use of a ladder or similar device
to reach and service the ceiling fixture. Once an individual climbs
a ladder, that person has to be prepared to move in awkward
positions while trying to balance on a ladder creating a safety
concern.
[0003] Similarly, if the fixture encompasses more than a light
bulb, multiple trips up and down the ladder, possibly with
additional equipment, may be needed to service the unit. For
example, cleaning or maintaining a ceiling fan may require carrying
up extra cleaning implements, extra ceiling blades or tools to
service electrical components. Furthermore, it is often quite
difficult to clean some intricate lighting displays, or even small
crevices in the ceiling units.
[0004] Moreover, in the case of extremely tall rooms control of the
unit is inconvenient. For example, a typical placement of ceiling
fans is to be as high as possible. However, placing the fan at such
a height makes controlling fan speeds through a typical pull chain
unsightly and inconvenient. Additionally, if more direct
circulation is needed, a user may wish to lower the fan height
depending on ambient conditions. Similarly, a user may wish to
control the focus of light through raising or lowering the lighting
fixture. However, there is no way to control such heights without
going through complicated and very time consuming steps to replace
the pole connecting the fixture to the ceiling.
[0005] In addition, many fixtures such as ceiling fans have
controls and switches that are difficult, if not impossible to see,
without being on a ladder. As such, operation and maintenance of
these types of ceiling fixtures are at best inconvenient and not
properly maintained, and at worst, dangerous due to the use of
ladders.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the above problems
associated with the height of ceiling fixtures. More preferably, a
way to control the height of ceiling fixtures is needed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the
invention taken with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0008] In general, a fixture extension device that can support a
ceiling fixture at varying heights in relation to the floor is
described. More specifically, the fixture extension device is used
to raise and lower a ceiling fixture to which it is attached via an
external control.
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shaft
of the fixture extension device has multiple sections which operate
in a telescoping fashion. The fixture extension device comprises a
pulley assembly which raises and lowers the ceiling fixture. The
fixture extension device may be controlled remotely so that the
full benefits of the present invention are realized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will
hereafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing
figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an upper view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention in the lowered position;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention in the raised position;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a shaft of an exemplary
embodiment; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a shaft connected to the
casing with a swivel joint of an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following description is of exemplary embodiments only
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides a convenient illustration for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Various changes to
the described embodiments may be made in the function and
arrangement of the elements described without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0016] In general, a fixture extension device that can support a
ceiling fixture at varying heights in relation to the floor is
described. More specifically, the fixture extension device is used
to raise and lower a ceiling fixture to which it is attached via an
external control. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, a fixture extension rod is attached to a fan
and/or lighting unit that may be raised and lowered through use of
a hand-held remote control unit. While the invention will be
described in this context, it should be appreciated that other uses
now known or hereafter devised by those skilled in the art may be
enjoyed through use of the multiple configurations or components
set forth herein. Furthermore, any materials used to manufacture
any of the components of the fixture extension device that are able
to withstand the weight of any given ceiling fixture and/or the
torque forces of, for example, a ceiling fan are suitable and are
intended to be within the scope of the invention.
[0017] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention,
support for the fixture extension device is obtained through
attachment to the ceiling or other high wall structure. In
accordance with various embodiments of this aspect, attachment to
the ceiling is achieved through means typical of hanging structures
such as, for example, ceiling fans, chandeliers, pot racks, or
other ceiling hangings. Furthermore, in some applications, typical
support means include a covering, either separate or integrated
with the support, which protects the internal components of the
fixture extension device while in operation. In an exemplary
embodiment of this aspect of the present invention and with
reference to FIG. 1, the fixture extension device comprises a
casing 25. The casing 25 has a inverted dome shape, with the top
portion open to the ceiling and the bottom portion closed around
top cylindrical section 11, leaving top shaft opening 40. The
casing 25 is shaped such that the operating components of the
fixture extension device are covered from view. Alternatively,
casing 25 may be any shape configured to fit in with the overall
design of the supported fixture and provide appropriate coverage of
internal components.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the fixture extension device enables one to raise and lower a
ceiling fixture without the need to physically handle the ceiling
fixture. In an exemplary embodiment of this aspect and with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixture extension device has a
shaft 10. The shaft 10 is able to expand and contract, making shaft
10 longer or shorter. Depending on the desired minimum and maximum
heights, the shaft 10 may comprise any number of sections. For
example, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, shaft 10 contains three
cylindrical sections 11, 12, and 13. However, any shape or
cross-sectional shape can be used instead of cylinders, such as for
example, squares, cones, or star shapes. Furthermore, depending on
the weight and shape characteristics of the ceiling fixture, more
than one shaft (and its associated components described below) may
be employed in the fixture extension device.
[0019] In this embodiment of the present invention, each section
moves in and out of each other in a telescoping fashion. For
example, the top cylindrical section 11 has a diameter that is
greater than the middle cylindrical section 12. Likewise, the
middle cylindrical section 12 has a diameter that is greater than
the bottom cylindrical section 13. Thus, as demonstrated in FIG. 2,
the middle cylindrical 12 section is able to fit within the top
cylindrical section 11. Similarly, the bottom cylindrical section
13 is able to fit within the middle cylindrical section 12.
[0020] Continuing with this exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, and with reference to FIG. 3, one end of each of the
cylindrical sections 11, 12, and 13 would have an upper lip 14 that
extends perpendicularly outward from the cylindrical wall. In
addition, top cylindrical section 11 and middle cylindrical section
12 would have a lower lip 15 that extends perpendicularly inward
from the cylindrical wall. As demonstrated in FIG. 3, when the
shaft is fully extended, the upper lip of the middle cylindrical
section 12 would be held firm against the lower lip of the top
cylindrical section 11. Likewise, the upper lip of the bottom
cylindrical section 13 would be held firm against the lower lip of
the middle cylindrical section 12.
[0021] In addition, the upper lip of the top cylindrical section
111 would be held firm against casing 25. Preferably, the upper lip
14 of the top cylindrical section 111 would be fastened to casing
25, but fastening is not required. Any method of fastening now
known or hereafter devised of fastening the sections together may
be used. Alternatively, the top cylindrical section 11 and casing
25 may manufactured as one piece.
[0022] In accordance with various embodiments of this aspect of the
present invention, the shaft 10 may be moveable such that the
attached ceiling fixture is able to level itself. This freedom of
movement allows for mounting the fixture extension device on angled
walls. For example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the upper portion
of top cylindrical section 111 can be attached to a swivel joint 16
(e.g., an open face swivel joint). The swivel joint 16 would be
attached to casing 25.
[0023] In accordance with various embodiments of this aspect of the
invention, the fixture extension device comprises a pulley
assembly. The pulley assembly enables raising and lowering the
ceiling fixture remotely. In an exemplary embodiment and with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pulley assembly comprises a motor
22, a pulley 23, and a cable 30. The motor 22 turns the pulley 23
both clockwise and counterclockwise thereby raising and lowering
the fixture 50. In this embodiment, the motor 22 is supported by a
bracket 21 fastened to a casing 25 and shaped to receive the motor
22. Also, the bracket 21 is shaped to fit along the inside edge 42
of the casing 25. The bracket 21 may be attached to the casing 25
in any way that sufficiently secures the bracket in place.
Alternatively, the bracket 21 and casing 25 may be manufactured as
one piece.
[0024] Continuing with this embodiment, the cable 30 attaches to
the pulley 23. The cable 30 extends from the pulley 23 through the
shaft opening 40 through the interior of the shaft 10 and connects
to the fixture 50. It should be noted that the cable 30 can be made
of any material now known or hereinafter devised, so long as it can
support raising and lowering the fixture 50.
[0025] Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 1, an electrical
box 26 is fastened to the interior of the casing 25 and powers the
motor 22. The electrical box connects to an external power source
used to power the fixture 50. In turn, the electrical box 26
connects to motor 22 and fixture 50 via a power cord 31. Power cord
31 passes through shaft opening 40, through the interior of shaft
10, and connects the fixture 50.
[0026] In alternative embodiments of this aspect of the invention,
the fixture extension device comprises a manually operated pulley
assembly. For example, the manually operated pulley assembly
comprises a cord attached to a pulley. By pulling on the cord the
ceiling fixture is raised, and by allowing the cord to be drawn up
into the pulley, the ceiling fixture is lowered. In accordance with
an exemplary embodiment, the manually operated pulley assembly
further comprises a latching system which allows one to secure the
ceiling fixture at a desired level.
[0027] In accordance with various embodiments, as the ceiling
fixture is raised or lowered, a cord retaining mechanism prevents
the power cord from twisting, binding, or otherwise getting tangled
within the shaft or around other parts of the apparatus, for
example, the power cord may spool onto and off a spindle. In one
exemplary embodiment, the power cord may fold into itself in an
accordion-style. As such, any method or structure now known or
hereafter devised that prevents the power cord from entanglement is
intended to be within the scope of the invention.
[0028] In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the
fixture extension device comprises a safety feature preventing
movement of the shaft when the ceiling fixture is in operation (for
those embodiments which include moving parts). The safety feature
may be activated through engaging a physical device to prevent
movement, or alternatively, the safety feature may electrically
prevent the shaft from movement. In accordance with an exemplary
embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1, the safety feature is a
pin 52 connected at the base of the shaft 10. Alternatively, in
various embodiments, a safety feature may render moving parts
immobile while the shaft is in operation. For example, in one
embodiment, ceiling fans blades may be rendered immobile while the
ceiling fixture is being lowered to an appropriate level for
servicing. In other embodiments, for example lighting fixtures, the
safety feature may disconnect power to the lighting apparatus so
that one would not be electrically shocked while changing light
bulbs. Alternatively, another embodiment enables power only to be
delivered either to the ceiling fixture (e.g., fan) or to the
pulley assembly preventing unsafe movement and operation of the
apparatus.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a user controls the fixture extension device through a unit
external to the device. In accordance with one exemplary
embodiment, the external control comprises a remote control. The
remote control may operate the fixture extension device separate
from, or in conjunction with, any ceiling fixture components (e.g.,
ceiling fan speed or lights). In another exemplary embodiment, the
external control is a switch at ground level connected electrically
to the ceiling fixture.
[0030] However, in alternative embodiments, the fixture extension
device may be controlled through a switch on the device. Though
placement of the control on the fixture extension device may
require one to use a ladder or the like to access the switch, the
fixture extension device still allows for safely lowering a device
towards the ground for servicing. Moreover, by locating the control
on the fixture extension device, unwanted tampering can be
prevented while retaining other benefits of the present
invention.
[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
any type of ceiling fixture can be supported with the fixture
extension device. For example, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment and with reference to FIG. 2, ceiling fixture is a
ceiling fan 50. In other embodiments, ceiling fixture may comprise
a chandelier or other lighting apparatus.
[0032] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may
be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention as set
forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and
figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *