U.S. patent application number 12/047781 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for combination slant or cathedral ceiling fan or fixture mounting apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Angelo Fan Brace Licensing. Invention is credited to Jack Russell Kerr.
Application Number | 20080237427 12/047781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39792577 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080237427 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kerr; Jack Russell |
October 2, 2008 |
Combination Slant or Cathedral Ceiling Fan or Fixture Mounting
Apparatus
Abstract
Mounting apparatus for fixtures and fans adapted for mounting on
a slant ceiling or peak of a cathedral ceiling. Apparatus provides
an enclosure for suspending an electrical box in a horizontal
disposition so a fixture or fan can be suspended from the apparatus
with the weight of the fixture transferred to a joist/beam.
Apparatus includes a first enclosure having a bottom opening, a
second enclosure adapted for attachment to the first enclosure,
providing for extension of a vertical height of the mounting
device, a junction box adapted for location within the bottom
opening, and a mounting plate adapted for attachment to the
junction box, the first enclosure, and the joist/beam. The fixture
hangs from the joist/beam by attachment of the fixture to the
junction box, attachment of the junction box to the mounting plate,
and attachment of the mounting plate to the joist/beam.
Inventors: |
Kerr; Jack Russell; (College
Station, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLANK ROME LLP
ONE LOGAN SQUARE
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Angelo Fan Brace Licensing
Philadelphia
PA
|
Family ID: |
39792577 |
Appl. No.: |
12/047781 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60906524 |
Mar 13, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/323 ;
248/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/601 20130101;
F04D 25/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/323 ;
248/343 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/00 20060101
E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. A mounting device for hanging an object from a joist/beam of a
ceiling area, comprising: a first enclosure having a bottom
opening; a second enclosure adapted for attachment to the first
enclosure, the second enclosure providing for extension of a
vertical height of the mounting device in relation to the vertical
height of the mounting device with the first enclosure alone; a
junction box adapted for communication with or location within the
bottom opening of the first enclosure; and a mounting plate adapted
for attachment to the junction box, attachment to the first
enclosure, and attachment to the joist/beam, wherein the mounting
plate is located within the first and the second enclosures when
attached to the junction box and attached to the first enclosure,
wherein the object hangs from the joist/beam by attachment of the
object to the junction box, attachment of the junction box to the
mounting plate, and attachment of the mounting plate to the
joist/beam.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and the second
enclosures are supported, in relation to the ceiling area, by
attachment of the second enclosure to the first enclosure, and by
attachment of the mounting plate to the first enclosure.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and the second
enclosure, when attached, together provide four upstanding walls,
comprising: a first set of two opposing side walls, wherein each of
the first set of side walls has a top edge, and wherein the top
edge of a first wall of the first set of side walls is shorter in
relation to the bottom of the first enclosure than a top edge of a
second wall of the first set of side walls; and a second set of two
opposing side walls, wherein each of the second set of opposing
side walls extends angularly between respective top edges of each
of the first set of opposing side walls, whereby a top edge of each
of the angularly extending second set of opposing side walls
generally follows a pitch of the joist/beam of the ceiling
area.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first enclosure includes four
upstanding walls, comprising: a first set of two opposing side
walls, wherein each of the first set of side walls has a top edge
and each is of approximately similar height; a second set of two
opposing side walls, wherein each of the second set of opposing
side walls extends angularly upward from a respective top edge of
one of the first set of two opposing side walls to a apex point,
then extends angularly downward from the apex point to a respective
top edge of the other of the first set of two opposing side walls,
whereby a top edge of each of the angularly extending second side
walls generally follows a contour of a peak of a cathedral
ceiling.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the apex point is vertically
aligned with the midpoint of a bottom edge of the respective side
wall of the second set of two opposing side walls, whereby a line
connecting the apex point and the midpoint of the bottom edge would
be perpendicular to the bottom edge.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the apex point is other than
vertically aligned with the midpoint of a bottom edge of the
respective side wall of the second set of two opposing side walls,
whereby a line connecting the apex point and the midpoint of the
bottom edge would be perpendicular to the bottom edge.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is fixedly
attached to the junction box.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second enclosure includes a
slot adapted for passage therethrough of the joist/beam.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a wall section for
removable insertion within the slot, whereby the wall section can
be removed for passage of the joist/beam through the slot or can be
inserted to provide a complete upstanding wall in the second
enclosure.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the wall section is segmented
and configured for removal of individual segments, thereby
providing for an adjustable slot size.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is aligned
perpendicularly to the bottom of the first enclosure when the
mounting plate is attached to the junction box and to the first
enclosure.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is centrally
located within the first enclosure when the mounting plate is
attached to the junction box and to the first enclosure.
13. A mounting device for hanging an object from a joist/beam of a
ceiling area, comprising: a first enclosure having a bottom
opening; a second enclosure adapted for attachment to the first
enclosure, the second enclosure providing for extension of a
vertical height of the mounting device in relation to the vertical
height of the mounting device with the first enclosure alone; a
junction box adapted for communication with or location within the
bottom opening of the first enclosure; and a mounting plate adapted
for attachment to the junction box, attachment to the first
enclosure, and attachment to the joist/beam, wherein: the mounting
plate is located within the first and the second enclosures when
attached to the junction box and attached to the first enclosure;
the object hangs from the joist/beam by attachment of the object to
the junction box, attachment of the junction box to the mounting
plate, and attachment of the mounting plate to the joist/beam; the
first and the second enclosures are supported, in relation to the
ceiling area, by attachment of the second enclosure to the first
enclosure, and by attachment of the mounting plate to the first
enclosure; and the first and the second enclosure, when attached,
together provide four upstanding walls, comprising: a first set of
two opposing side walls, wherein each of the first set of side
walls has a top edge, and wherein the top edge of a first wall of
the first set of side walls is shorter in relation to the bottom of
the first enclosure than a top edge of a second wall of the first
set of side walls; and a second set of two opposing side walls,
wherein each of the second set of opposing side walls extends
angularly between respective top edges of each of the first set of
opposing side walls, whereby a top edge of each of the angularly
extending second set of opposing side walls generally follows a
pitch of the joist/beam of the ceiling area.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the second enclosure includes a
slot adapted for passage therethrough of the joist/beam.
15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a wall section for
removable insertion within the slot, whereby the wall section can
be removed for passage of the joist/beam through the slot or can be
inserted to provide a complete upstanding wall in the second
enclosure.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the wall section is segmented
and configured for removal of individual segments, thereby
providing for an adjustable slot size.
17. A mounting device for hanging an object from a joist/beam of a
ceiling area, comprising: a first enclosure having a bottom
opening; a junction box adapted for adapted for communication with
or location within the bottom opening of the first enclosure; and a
mounting plate adapted for attachment to the junction box,
attachment to the first enclosure, and attachment to the
joist/beam, wherein the mounting plated is located within the first
enclosure when attached to the junction box and attached to the
first enclosure, wherein the object hangs from the joist/beam by
attachment of the object to the junction box, attachment of the
junction box to the mounting plate, and attachment of the mounting
plate to the joist/beam; wherein the first enclosure further
includes: a first set of two opposing side walls, wherein each of
the first set of side walls has a top edge and each is of
approximately similar height; a second set of two opposing side
walls, wherein each of the second set of opposing side walls
extends angularly upward from a respective top edge of one of the
first set of two opposing side walls to a apex point, then extends
angularly downward from the apex point to a respective top edge of
the other of the first set of two opposing side walls, whereby a
top edge of each of the angularly extending second side walls
generally follows a contour of a peak of a cathedral ceiling.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the apex point is vertically
aligned with the midpoint of a bottom edge of the respective side
wall of the second set of two opposing side walls, whereby a line
connecting the apex point and the midpoint of the bottom edge would
be perpendicular to the bottom edge.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the apex point is other than
vertically aligned with the midpoint of a bottom edge of the
respective side wall of the second set of two opposing side walls,
whereby a line connecting the apex point and the midpoint of the
bottom edge would be perpendicular to the bottom edge.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the mounting plate is fixedly
attached to the junction box.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/906,524, filed Mar. 13, 2007, entitled
"Combination Slant or Cathedral Ceiling Fan or Fixture Mounting
Apparatus," which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is applicable to the field of
enclosures for making electrical connections for household lighting
and/or ceiling fans, in particular for hanging either light
fixtures or ceiling fans from slanted or cathedral ceilings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mounting boxes for making electrical connections from light
fixtures and ceiling fans to household electrical wiring are known.
There are boxes designed for use on slanted or cathedral-style
ceilings, but each suffer from certain limitations. Some are
limited to use on ceilings that slant at a forty-five degree angle
only. Some are incapable of adapting to mounting at the peak of a
cathedral-style ceiling. An electrical connection box that can be
adapted for mounting on most angled ceilings and that can also
adapt to being mounted at the peak of a cathedral ceiling would
address most needs in one apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention is a ceiling mounted box apparatus that can be
adapted to mount flush against the ceiling through a wide range of
ceiling angles, and can be adapted for mounting at the peak of a
cathedral ceiling where two angled ceiling surfaces meet.
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a mounting device for
hanging an object from a joist/beam of a ceiling area includes a
first enclosure having a bottom opening and a second enclosure
adapted for attachment to the first enclosure, the second enclosure
providing for extension of a vertical height of the mounting device
in relation to the vertical height of the mounting device with the
first enclosure alone. The device also includes a junction box
adapted for communication with or location within the bottom
opening of the first enclosure; and a mounting plate adapted for
attachment to the junction box, attachment to the first enclosure,
and attachment to the joist/beam.
[0006] The mounting plate can be located within the first and the
second enclosures when attached to the junction box and attached to
the first enclosure. The object hangs from the joist/beam by
attachment of the object to the junction box, attachment of the
junction box to the mounting plate, and attachment of the mounting
plate to the joist/beam. The first and second enclosures can be
supported, in relation to the ceiling area, by attachment of the
second enclosure to the first enclosure, and by attachment of the
mounting plate to the first enclosure.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, the first and second
enclosures, when attached, together provide four upstanding walls.
In this aspect, there is a first set of two opposing side walls,
with each of the first set of side walls having a top edge. The top
edge of a first wall of the first set of side walls can be shorter
in relation to the bottom of the first enclosure than a top edge of
a second wall of the first set of side walls. This aspect also
includes a second set of two opposing side walls, with each of the
second set of opposing side walls extending angularly between
respective top edges of each of the first set of opposing side
walls. The top edge of each of the angularly extending second set
of opposing side walls generally could be configured to generally
follow a pitch of the joist/beam of the ceiling area.
[0008] In a further aspect of the invention, the second enclosure
would not be necessary. In this aspect, the first enclosure
includes four upstanding walls, including a first set of two
opposing side walls, with each of the first set of side walls
having a top edge and being of approximately similar height. This
aspect also includes a second set of two opposing side walls, with
each of the second set of opposing side walls extending angularly
upward from a respective top edge of one of the first set of two
opposing side walls to a apex point, then extending angularly
downward from the apex point to a respective top edge of the other
of the first set of two opposing side walls. Here, the top edge of
each of the angularly extending second side walls could generally
follow a contour of a peak of a cathedral ceiling. The apex point
could be horizontally centrally located, or could be offset from
center.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being
understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the mounting
apparatus;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the mounting
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second form of the
mounting apparatus;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the mounting
apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of
FIG. 3 adapted for and installed on a slanted ceiling beam;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of
FIG. 3 from below;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of
FIG. 1 from below;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a plumb notch in a
side of the mounting apparatus;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the mounting apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the apparatus from the rear;
and
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus
adapted for and mounted at the peak of a cathedral ceiling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is a mounting apparatus for electrical
fixtures and/or ceiling fans that can be adapted for mounting on a
slant ceiling or at the peak of a cathedral ceiling. The apparatus
provides an enclosure for suspending an electrical connection box
in a horizontal disposition such that an electrical fixture or
ceiling fan can be suspended from the entire assembly with the
weight of the fixture or fan transferred to a joist or beam in the
ceiling. The wiring connections for the fixture or fan are made
within the electrical connection box that is suspended within the
mounting enclosure.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the elements of the mounting
enclosure can be identified and the disposition of an electrical
connection box within the mounting enclosure is illustrated. The
electrical connection box may be provided separately from the
mounting enclosure or it may be included.
[0023] FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention
configured to be mounted to a joist on a slanted ceiling. The
mounting apparatus 10 comprises an enclosure in two segments 20, 21
fitted together. The two segments 20, 21 are held together by
screws 38 that engage threaded channels in long bosses 39 on the
walls of the enclosure 20, 21. A mounting plate 30 can be secured
to the enclosure 20, 21 by screws 32 that engage bosses 33 inside
the enclosure. An electrical junction box 40 (FIG. 1) 41 (FIG. 3)
may be suspended from the mounting plate 30 by screws/rivets 34
that pass through holes in the lower flange of the mounting plate
30 and engage channels (not shown) in the junction box 40, 41.
[0024] The mounting apparatus 10 is adaptable to slanted ceilings
where the slant angle is forty-five degrees or some angle more or
less than forty-five degrees. One segment 21 of the two segment
enclosure 20, 21 has a wall section 44 (FIGS. 2 & 4) formed in
short segments that can be broken out one at a time to accommodate
the passage through the apparatus 10 of a joist that is angled at
one of a number of angles while permitting the mounting apparatus
to be suspended from the joist with the bottom surface in a
horizontal disposition.
[0025] See FIGS. 9 and 10 for exploded views of the apparatus 10
that depict the segmented wall section 44 most clearly. There is a
slot 52 provided in the long wall 54 of the enclosure 20, 21
through which the joist or beam to which the mounting apparatus is
attached passes. The size of the opening in that slot 52 is
adjusted by breaking out one or more of the segments in the
segmented wall section 44 that occupies the slot 52. Changing the
size of the opening permits the mounting apparatus 10 to be hung
from a joist/beam 50 such that the lower opening is disposed in a
horizontal (level) plane for mounting a fixture or fan.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates the attachment of the complete mounting
apparatus 10 to a joist or beam 50 that angles upward on a slant.
The joist or beam 50 (referred to hereafter as "beam") rests on the
lower edge 19 of one section 20 of the two segment enclosure 20,
21. The beam 50 can rest on the upper edge of the segmented wall
section 44 or, to accommodate differing ceiling pitch angles, one
or more segments of the segmented wall section 44 (see FIGS. 9 and
10) can be broken away to change the upper edge on which the beam
50 rests on the higher side of the enclosure 20, 21.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 5, the mounting procedure for the
complete apparatus 10 is conducted with the entire apparatus 10
assembled together. Affixing the ceiling junction box 41 to the
mounting plate 30, then securing the mounting plate/ceiling box
assembly to the enclosure 20, 21 ensures that the ceiling box 41 is
properly oriented with the opening in the bottom of the two
segmented enclosure 20, 21. When the apparatus 10 is properly
mounted on the beam 50, the ceiling box 41 will be correctly
disposed in relation to the room below.
[0028] To mount the entire apparatus 10 to a slanted ceiling, it is
necessary to determine the proper angle for the beam 50 to pass
through the segmented wall section 44 of the enclosure 20, 21.
Referring again to FIG. 5, it is then necessary to ensure that the
apparatus 10 suspends the ceiling box 41 above the room as close to
horizontal as possible for proper mounting of a light fixture or
fan. To accomplish this, a plumb bob 60 could be suspended from a
notch 56 (see also FIG. 8) in the side wall 62 of the enclosure 20,
21. When a plumb line 61, from which the plumb bob 60 is suspended,
bisects a center of the bottom of the side wall 62 of the
enclosure, the bottom opening of the apparatus 10 (and the ceiling
box 41) is level with the floor below (not shown). The apparatus 10
is secured in place by first hammering mounting prongs 37 of the
mounting plate 30 into the beam 50. These prongs 37 hold the
apparatus 10 in place until nails or screws (not shown) are driven
into the beam 50 through the holes 39 in the mounting plate 30.
[0029] When suspended from the enclosure 20, 21 the ceiling
junction box 40, 41 preferably protrudes about 3/8 to 1/2 inch
below the bottom surface of the enclosure 20, 21 such that a sheet
rock ceiling panel surrounding the box will leave a flush surface,
as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. A fan or fixture can then be mounted to
the ceiling box 40, 41. It can be seen from FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 that
the weight of the suspended fan or fixture suspended from the
ceiling box 40, 41 is transferred through screws or studs 34
directly to the mounting plate 30 and into the beam 50. The
enclosure 20, 21 bears only its own weight and none of the fan or
fixture burden.
[0030] The same apparatus 10, modified as described herein, can be
used to suspend a ceiling junction box 40, 41 from an apex of a
cathedral ceiling. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the two-part (two
segment) enclosure 20, 21 is separated for cathedral apex
application. The upper section 21 of the two segment enclosure 20,
21 is removed by removing screws 38 from the bosses 39 in the side
walls of the lower section 20 of the two segment enclosure 20, 21.
The lower section 20 of the enclosure 20, 21 then presents a peaked
outer wall on two sides (as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11).
[0031] Referring to FIG. 11, mounting the cathedral ceiling
apparatus proceeds much the same way as for a slant ceiling. A
weighted plumb line 61 can be suspended from the notch 56, located
at the peak of the side wall of the lower section 20 of the
enclosure. With the mounting plate 30 held against the beams 50
that come together at the peak of the cathedral ceiling, the
apparatus is level when the plumb line 61 bisects a center of the
base of the enclosure. The mounting prongs 37 are driven into the
beams 50 to set the apparatus in place and the apparatus is then
secured with nails or screws through the holes 39 in the mounting
plate 30.
[0032] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended
claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *