U.S. patent application number 13/251473 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for ceiling fan.
Invention is credited to Joseph McMahon.
Application Number | 20120087796 13/251473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45925287 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120087796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMahon; Joseph |
April 12, 2012 |
CEILING FAN
Abstract
A ceiling fan having a motor for rotating a spider with the
spider designed to support a plurality of blades for rotation. The
spider having a plurality of outwardly extending arms with each
blade secured at its root end to at least a pair of the arms.
Inventors: |
McMahon; Joseph; (Weston,
CT) |
Family ID: |
45925287 |
Appl. No.: |
13/251473 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61390468 |
Oct 6, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
416/210R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/34 20130101;
F04D 25/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
416/210.R |
International
Class: |
F04D 29/34 20060101
F04D029/34; F04D 3/00 20060101 F04D003/00 |
Claims
1. A ceiling fan comprising: a motor and means for supporting said
motor from a ceiling, a plurality of blades, each having a root end
and a tip end a spider having a plurality of outwardly extending
arms positioned below and secured to the motor for rotation by the
motor therewith, each blade having at least one portion of its root
end lying in a common plane and means securing the root end of each
blade to a plurality of spider arms.
2. A ceiling fan as set forth in claim 1 wherein the root ends of
the blades are coplanar and the tip ends non-planar with respect to
the root ends.
3. A ceiling fan as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spider arms
are each provided with blade engaging members for securing the
blade roots thereto.
4. A ceiling fan as set forth in claim 2 wherein the tip ends of
the blades are non-parallel to one another.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/390,468,
filed Oct. 6, 2010, incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a CEILING FAN for use in
residential and business establishments.
[0003] In view of the many styles and types of ceiling fans
currently available, there is always room for an improved ceiling
fan that can be made more efficiently, at reduced costs, and
operate with improved efficiency. Additionally, there is always a
need for ceiling fan designs which can be readily modified to a
wide range of styles and shapes with little additional capital
expense in setting up the facilities to make these fans. Further,
there is a need for ceiling fan designs in which the design
utilizes fewer components that are likely to become loose, broken
or misaligned, as frequently happens, during the constant use of
these fans.
[0004] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
provide a uniquely designed ceiling fan having multiple blades
conveniently secured at their root ends in fixed relation to one
another by a spider which is adapted to support multiple blades of
selectively different sizes and shapes.
[0005] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
ceiling fan construction which is inexpensive to manufacture and
assemble and which is made of simply fabricated components for
assembly and mass production. A further object of the present
invention is to provide a simple ceiling fan construction that is
sturdy in design and which may be constructed in varying selected
styles and embodiments with different numbers of blades in
different embodiments. One further object of the present invention
is to provide an improved ceiling fan in which the blades are
secured together in fixed relation in a secure manner.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has a variety of embodiments which
principally include: a rotatable motor suspended from a ceiling
with a plurality of rotor blades having proximal or root ends and
distal ends. A spider integrally connected to the motor is formed
with a plurality of outwardly extending arms secured to the motor
for rotation therewith. The blades are each positioned with
corresponding portions of the root ends preferably in a common
plane and second portions thereof extending angularly outwardly.
Means are provided for securing one portion of each blade to an arm
of the spider and the second portion to another arm of the spider
for support thereby.
[0007] The foregoing general configuration allows for a wide range
of modifications and embodiments which are described in greater
detailed hereafter and which provide means for achieving the
above-enumerated objects of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the underside of one
embodiment, also shown in FIGS. 2 to 23, of the ceiling fan of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the ceiling fan in FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the ceiling fan
in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top plan detail view showing the disposition of
the fan blades;
[0012] FIGS. 6-9, inclusive, are cross-sectional views taken
respectively along the lines 6-6 through 9-9 of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIGS. 10-12 are longitudinal, cross-sectional views of the
blade taken along line 109 of FIG. 5 with the blades illustrated at
different angles depending upon how they are secured to the
spider;
[0014] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a blade having a constant
curve cross section;
[0015] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the blade with a
constant curve cross-section taken along line 109 of FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 15 is an axonometric illustration of two faced
integrated spider brackets;
[0017] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, detailed perspective illustrating
the blades engaging the two faced integrated spider bracket;
[0018] FIG. 17 is an axonometric view of the underside of the
mounting plate;
[0019] FIG. 18 is an axonometric exploded fragmentary view of a
mounting plate, two faced integrated spider bracket shaft and
gravity lock securing ring;
[0020] FIG. 19 is a plan sectional detail of the two faced
integrated spider bracket shaft;
[0021] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional elevation of the mounting
plate.
[0022] FIG. 21 is a perspective cut-away detail of a gravity
lock`
[0023] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional detail of the gravity lock
along the line 22-22 of FIG. 20;
[0024] FIGS. 24-27, unless otherwise noted, are views as hereafter
described of a second embodiment in which: FIG. 23 illustrates a
vertical section detail of the engaged mounting plates or blades
with a two faced integrated spider bracket securing the blades;
FIG. 24 is a perspective detail of the underside of a ceiling fan
of FIG. 23 with the light fixtures; FIG. 25 is a plan detail
thereof of the ceiling fan with light fixtures; FIG. 26 is a
vertical sectional detail thereof illustrating structural members
engaging the blades and with an integrated light fixture; FIG. 27
is an exploded, perspective downward axonometric view of the upper
and lower bodies of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23-27.
[0025] FIGS. 28-30 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention
in which FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the underside of a
ceiling fan with flat blades; FIG. 29 is a partial, vertical
cross-sectional detail of a mounting plate with a two faced
integrated spider bracket and attached blades; FIG. 30 is a
perspective detail illustrating a common spacer, angled top and
bottom flanges, and corresponding flat angle blade of the
embodiment of FIG. 28.
[0026] FIGS. 31-36, inclusive, illustrate a further embodiment
featuring integrated, lighted fan blades and in which FIG. 31 is a
perspective view of the underside of a ceiling fan with integrally
attached lighted blades; FIG. 32 is a vertical, cross-sectional
detail illustrating elements for conducting electrical current to
the lighting features; FIG. 33 is an exploded, fragmentary detail
illustrating components for transmitting electricity from a source
to the blades; FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional detail showing the
leading edge of the blade with an LED strip associated therewith;
FIG. 35 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a leading edge
illustrating an LED wire between a master and slave LED strip; FIG.
36 is a fragmentary plan section of a leading edge showing the LED
strip light and related components.
[0027] FIGS. 37-40 illustrate a further embodiment having a minimum
number of blades and in which FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the under
side of a ceiling fan with three blades secured thereto; FIG. 38 is
a fragmentary detail of the underside of the ceiling fan which
illustrates a minimum number of blades; FIG. 39 is an axonometric
view of a two faced integrated spider bracket with appendages to
accommodate three blades;
[0028] FIG. 40 is a fragmentary, partial vertical cross section
detail illustrating a spider members and engaged fan blades;
[0029] FIGS. 41-69, unless otherwise noted) illustrate a still
further embodiment having a maximum number of blades associated
with the fan and in which:
[0030] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a ceiling fan having a
maximum number of blades;
[0031] FIG. 42 is a perspective detail of the upper side of a fan
with a maximum number of blades;
[0032] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the top of a blade used in
the embodiment of FIG. 41;
[0033] FIGS. 44 and 45 are respectively longitudinal sections of a
blade used in the embodiment of FIG. 41 and FIG. 45 is a
longitudinal section taken along the line E109 of FIG. 43.
[0034] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a blade of the embodiment
of FIG. 41 having a consistent cross sectional configuration.
[0035] FIGS. 47-50 are cross sectional views of the blade taken
along the corresponding respective lines of FIG. 46.
[0036] FIG. 51 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 41 of an extended blade with a constant curve;
[0037] FIG. 52 is an exploded, partially fragmented perspective
detail illustrating structural members and components of the fan
blades of the embodiment shown in FIG. 41;
[0038] FIG. 53 is a top plan detail illustration illustrating the
spider bracket and fan blade of the embodiment in FIG. 41;
[0039] FIG. 54 is a fragmentary top plan view illustrating the
details of the blade distribution;
[0040] FIG. 55 is an axonometric view of the spider bracket of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 41;
[0041] FIG. 56 is a top plan view of the spider bracket of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 41;
[0042] FIG. 57 is a bottom plan view of the spider bracket shown in
the embodiment of FIG. 41;
[0043] FIG. 58 is an axonometric view looking upwardly at the
mounting plate of FIG. 41;
[0044] FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the mounting plate of FIG.
41;
[0045] FIG. 60 is a bottom plan view of the mounting plate of FIG.
41;
[0046] FIG. 61 is an axonometric view illustrating the tops and
sides of the LED light dome fixtures;
[0047] FIG. 62 is an exploded axonometric upwardly directed view of
the LED inverted dome light and concave lenses;
[0048] FIG. 63 is a top plan view of the common spacer used in the
embodiment of FIG. 41;
[0049] FIG. 64 is a bottom plan view of the common spacer of FIG.
63;
[0050] FIG. 65 is a side view of the common spacer of FIG. 64;
[0051] FIG. 66 is a front view of the common spacer of FIG. 64;
[0052] FIG. 67 is a rear view of the common spacer of FIG. 64;
[0053] FIG. 68 is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating the
arrangement of structural members and the engaged fan blade;
[0054] FIG. 69 is a further fragmentary partial cross sectional
view illustrating the components of the embodiment of FIG. 41.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0055] FIGS. 1-23 (Inclusive)
[0056] FIGS. 1-23, inclusive, illustrate an embodiment of the
present invention having four blades 100. These blades may be made
of a rigid, planar material that is either opaque, translucent or
transparent in composition. The blades 100 have a profile as
hereinafter described. The blades 100 each have distal ends 100a
and proximal ends or roots 100b. The blades in this and other
embodiments are each secured at their proximal end 100b to a spider
200 illustrated in FIG. 3. The dimensions and specific shape of the
spider 200 varies in the different embodiments but serves
essentially the same function of interengaging the drive means with
the like blades. The spider 200 is secured to a mounting plate 400
shown in detail in FIG. 17. The mounting plate 400 is comprised of
a disk 401 (FIG. 17) with a downwardly projecting shaft 402 at its
center. The downwardly projecting shaft 402 is hollow and open at
both top and bottom ends. A plurality of outward projecting
stud-like posts 403 serve as the male-half of a gravity lock 206
(FIG. 15). These stud-like posts 403 are located on the outer face
of the downwardly projecting shaft. The disk 401 of the mounting
plate 400 should have sufficient mass and weight to appropriately
balance and secure the unit to the rotating body of the fan 700.
The spider 200 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 15 is formed with a
center shaft 205 with a hollow center open at both ends. Radially
projecting from the center shaft 205 are a plurality of arms 204
equal to the number of blades that are to be used in the particular
embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated, there are four arms 204
extending outwardly to support four blades 100. At the ends of the
outwardly extending arms 204 are vertically oriented spacers 201.
The spacers 201 at the end of each of the arms 204 are preferably
parallel to one another. Disc-like flanges 202a and 202b are
respectively located and secured or integrally formed on the upper
and lower ends of the arms of space elements or spacers 201. A
thru-hole 203 extends through the length of each spacer 201 and its
respective ends' flanges.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 4 thru 14 and 23, a blade 100, shaped
according to the following description, is made of a rigid planar
material that is either opaque, translucent or transparent in
composition. The blade is shaped with a reverse "S" profile 101
(FIG. 5), at its root end which is the end nearest and facing the
mid point of the overall diameter of the ceiling fan and a flat
profile 102 at its tip face which is the end furthest and facing
away from the mid point of the overall ceiling fan diameter. The
flat profile at the tip is pitched at an angle that does not exceed
90 degrees to the horizontal. The transition from the "S" profile
101 at the root end to the flat profile at the tip 102 starts at
one quarter the length of the blade from the root end and is
complete when at the flat tip face 102 of the blade. This insures
that in an outward direction moving away from the root end of the
blade the first quarter of the length of the blade holds the
reverse "S" profile constant and the last three quarters of the
blade has a continuous transition between the two aforementioned
profiles.
[0058] The reverse "S" profile provides a level area immediately
behind the leading edge of the blade and a level area of equal size
immediately forward of the trailing edge as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.
Immediately behind the leading edge level area is a concave shape
and immediately forward of the trailing edge level area is a convex
shape. The concave and convex shapes meet midway along the reverse
"S" profile, this midway point corresponds with the long axis 109
of the blade. The long axis 109 is level from root to tip.
[0059] Other embodiments of the blade are possible. For example,
FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment previously described except the
long axis center line of the blade 109 extends upwardly. In FIG.
11, the long axis center line 109 extends downwardly. In FIG. 12,
there is no level area in the forward 1/4 of the blade and
transition from the reverse-S profile to a flat profile across the
full length of the blade. In FIGS. 13 and 14 the reverse-S shape
continues along the full length of the blade with no transition
from root end to tip and taper along a majority of the trailing
edge so as to offer the concave portion of the reverse-S as a
principal service for movement along the outer portion of the
blade.
[0060] As noted, the blades 100 are attached to the spider 200. The
assembly of these blades may be best viewed in FIGS. 2-5,
inclusive. In this particular embodiment, there are four blades but
as can be noted in other embodiments, more or fewer than four
blades attached to a spider are possible. In those arrangements,
modifications of the spider or the attachment mechanisms are
necessary due to the dimensional configurations of the particular
embodiment and the number of blades in use.
[0061] In this arrangement, each of the blades are provided with a
pair of through holes 107 spaced apart and located near the root
end of the blade. In the embodiment illustrated, the blades have an
"S" profile as illustrated. One of the through holes 107 extends
through the leading edge of the blade and the other at the trailing
edge of the blade. The holes 107 of the leading edge of each of the
blades lie essentially on a common plane. The holes 107 on the
trailing edge of each plane lie on a different spaced plane from
the first. The distance between these two planes are positioned to
engage the spider. In this arrangement, the holes 107 are aligned
with through holes 203 in the disc-like flange 202a and 202b (FIG.
15). These flanges extend laterally from the vertically oriented
spacers 201 with the spacers 201 extending normally from the
radially projecting arms 204. As illustrated, there are four arms
204 (FIG. 15) designed to support the four blade fan arrangement.
In this arrangement, each blade has one through hole aligned with
the upper end of a through hole 203 extending in one arm and the
other hole 107 in the trailing edge extending into alignment with a
through hole 109 of an adjacent arm. Thus, as illustrated in FIG.
4, the hole 107 of the lead edge of each blade 100 is aligned with
the upper end of the spacer 204; while the trailing end of the
blade 100 is aligned with the lower end of the spider arm extending
from the next adjacent shaft 205. Thus each blade is secured and
supported by the spider at two spaced positions at the leading edge
of the blade secured to the spacer 201 of one arm 204 and the other
trailing edge secured at the hole 107 to the next adjacent arm 204.
The various components described may be secured by the assembly
best illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 3. In this
arrangement, bolts 300 extend downwardly through the holes 107 into
the spacer arm 201 with these bolts 300 secured appropriately by
washers and nuts in a conventional, standard fashion. The
arrangement as described is also best shown in FIG. 16.
[0062] The integrated spider bracket secured to the mounting plate
400 is also illustrated by reference to FIGS. 15-23. The spider
200, shown in fragmentary detail in FIG. 18, is secured to the
downwardly projecting shaft 402 of the mounting plate 400 which
extends into the center shaft 205 of the spacer and is secured
thereto by a threaded ring 208 which is located at the bottom
opening of the center shaft 205 to prevent the gravity lock from
disengaging. Vertically-oriented channels 206a to c are recessed
into the inside wall 205b of the center shaft 205. The shaft 205
formed with the L-shaped keyholes 206 interengages and is locked to
the studs or male counterparts 403 which form the outside face of
the downwardly projecting shaft 402. The studs 403 correspond in
number to the reverse L-shaped channels 206b so as to provide a
valid interlock between the spider bracket 200 and the mounting
plate 400 (see FIG. 20).
[0063] To engage the gravity lock 206, the integrated spider 200 is
raised so that the inside face of the center shaft 205b slips over
the bottom end of the downward directed mounting plate shaft 402
with the posts 403 on the outside of the mounting plate shaft 403
aligned vertically with the top opening of the entry channel 206a.
The integrated spider 200 is raised until the lowest posts 403
makes contact with the bottom of the entry channel 206a. While the
mounting plate 400 or rotating body of the ceiling fan 700 is
stationary, the integrated spider bracket 200 is rotated
counterclockwise until all posts 403 makes contact with their
corresponding outside corners of the reverse "L" shaped channels
206b, the integrated spider bracket common spacer 200 is allowed to
descend until all posts 403 make contact with their corresponding
semi circular top ends of the reverse "L" shaped channels. The
threaded ring 208 into the threaded bottom 207 at the inside face
205b of the center shaft 205 to prevent the gravity lock from
disengaging should any component of the ceiling fan be jostled or
struck by a foreign object.
[0064] As illustrated, the various blades are locked and secured to
the spider bracket, spacer 200 as best illustrated in FIG. 16. Each
blade 100 is secured to two adjacent spacers in spaced relation to
one another. As illustrated, the root 100b of each blade is secured
to adjacent spacers 201. Each blade 100 is secured on one side at
the lower end of a spacer 201 as illustrated at 202b and in view of
the S-shaped configuration of the blade on the upper side of the
spacer 201 as illustrated at 202a. The proximal ends of each of the
blades 100 have a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of an
"S" with one side of each blade secured to a different spacer
201.
[0065] FIGS. 24-27, inclusive, are similar in some respects to the
embodiment described in FIGS. 1-23 with like numbers identifying
like components. The embodiment of FIGS. 24-27 embodies an
integrated central light fixture into the system. The components in
this embodiment is slightly modified to accommodate the light
fixture in an efficient fashion. The integrated light fixture
includes a light fixture 500 which in turn includes the lower body
501 of the light fixture, the lens shelf 501a, the upper body of
the light fixture 502, an upwardly directed fastening collar 502a
(FIG. 27), and a lens shelf 501a, which secures the lens 507 below
the lamp 508. Spring clips 506 secured at one end on the inner
surface of the lower body 501 engage the upper body 502 of the
light fixture through apertures 502c, with the spring clasps 506
engaging the upper body to secure it in position. Conventional
wiring is provided to provide an electrical connection between the
lamp 508 and its socket through wiring extending through the common
support shaft 600 which, in turn, extends upwardly to secure the
fan assembly to a ceiling from which the fan is suspended. In this
arrangement, the like numbered components or components prefixed
with the letter "A" are corresponding to similar numbers in the
embodiment described to in FIGS. 1-23. The embodiment with this
light fixture includes a modified integrated spider bracket member
with shorter arms A204 to compensate for the wider shaft. The wider
shaft A205 is provided to accommodate for the light fixture as
shown in FIG. 26. Additionally, the mounting plate members,
including the top plate A401 and the shaft 402 are slightly
modified in shape and size.
[0066] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 24-27, inclusive, are
otherwise similar in construction to the preferred embodiment
described above, with the blades 100 secured by bolts and through
holes in adjacent, spider arms A204, as illustrated.
[0067] A further embodiment is shown with flat pitch fan blades.
This embodiment is best shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 in which the flat
pitch blades include a flat pitch fan blade B100, a modified common
spacers B201 which are modified to accommodate the difference in
shapes for the fan blades. The upper flange B202a is also modified
and angled to accommodate the difference in direction of the fan
blade, itself, as is the modified lower flange B202b. Accordingly
the flanges B202a are angled non-perpendicularly from the spacers
B202b to lay flush with the flat blade which as seen in FIGS. 29
and 30 are not perpendicular to spacer B201.
[0068] The embodiments of FIGS. 31-36, as indicated, illustrate
another embodiment featuring integrated lighting blades. In this
configuration, the upper support 1100 is secured by a conventional
means to a ceiling. Extending downwardly from this upper support is
a conduit or hollow shaft 1000 which accommodates the electrical
wiring extending down from the ceiling, as well as providing
support for the unit as a whole. In the specific embodiment shown,
there are provided four rotors or blades 100 extending radially
outward and in orthogonal relation to one another from a common
spider in a manner similar to the support for the blades of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-23.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 31, the fan is provided with leading
edges 1500, each formed with LED strips as described herein. The
root ends of each of the blades (four in the embodiments shown) are
secured in a manner consistent with the previously described
embodiment. However, in the present invention, the spider is
provided with shorter arms C204 to compensate for the wider
diameter shaft. A wider shaft 205 also accommodates a system for
non-rotating to rotating electrical hardware as illustrated. A
mounting plate C401 (FIG. 33) is formed with a top base having a
wider aperture that corresponds to the wider, downwardly directed
shaft C402. The wider downwardly directed shaft C402 corresponds
with the wider, two-faced integrated spider bracket shaft. As
illustrated in FIG. 32, the wiring is fed downwardly through the
hollow support shaft 600 where it is connected by conventional
electrical means to convert the wiring system from a fixed wiring
extending through the support shaft 600 to rotatable wiring with
the wiring extending into the arms B204 of the spider. The wiring
then extends into each of the blades through the arms B204 to feed
the electrical LED system hereafter described. As illustrated, the
blades B100 may be secured in a manner previously described by
bolts and the like 300 to the blades. Each of the blades are
modified to provide an integral wireway C100 in each blade or rotor
(FIG. 36). A common spacer C201 for each arm has a greater interior
cavity to accommodate the wire management. Through holes C203a are
provided in the upper flange of the common spacer C201 for an LED
strip for the electrical feed. The leading edge 105 accommodates
the LED strip with the cover at 15 transparent or translucent as
best illustrated in FIGS. 34-36. As illustrated in greater detail
in FIGS. 34-36, wiring C203a extends upwardly through the spacer
A201 into the blade 100 with the wiring C203a extending towards the
outer or leading edge of the blade to a connection with the LED
strip 1500.
[0070] As illustrated, LED strip light 1500 is secured to one of
the edges of the blade 100 in the embodiment shown and preferably
may comprise the leading edge, but other possibilities exist. A
C-channel housing 1500c is provided for the LED strip light. Power
is supplied to the LED strip light by way of a slip ring 1501. In
this arrangement, the non-rotating upper body 1501a of the slip
ring is assembled with the non-rotating midsection of body 1501b of
the slip ring with the lower rotating body 1501c of the slip ring.
These features are secured by conventional, non-rotating upper yoke
in a manner conventional for slip ring configurations. A
compressible upper bushing 1502a with a knurled aperture is also
provided. The aperture 1502b and the top face of the non-rotating
upper yoke is operatively associated with the rotating lower yoke
at 1503. The compressible lower bushing with a knurled aperture
1503a, the rotating lower yoke 1503, the compressible lower bushing
with the knurled aperture 1503a, knurled aperture at the center of
the top face of the compressible bushing 1503b, all interact to
provide power from a fixed source to a rotatable source.
[0071] FIGS. 37-41 illustrate an embodiment with a minimum number
of blades. In this embodiment, minor modifications are required to
accommodate a fewer number of blades involved. In the embodiment,
the blades may include features of an y one of the models
previously discussed. Like components may be modified essentially
like those previously discussed. In this embodiment, the through
holes 107 of the spider (FIG. 38) are closer to the root edge of
the blade. With fewer blades, the overlap of the blades occurs
closer to the midpoint of the ceiling fan. The modified, two-face
integrated spider bracket (FIG. 39) is provided with shorter arms
D204 to accommodate for through holes being located closer to the
root edge at midpoint of the ceiling fan. Otherwise the unit can be
essentially made similar to those previously discussed.
[0072] FIGS. 41-69, unless otherwise indicated, illustrate a still
further embodiment of the invention, having a maximum plurality of
blades associated with a flange. While the embodiment illustrates
simply a maximum number of blades, it should be noted the blades
may, by engineering modifications, be modified to fewer than those
shown and may be further modified to embody some of the features
discussed in the prior embodiment such as a leading edge LED's for
each of the blades or, alternately, a light source at the center.
In this configuration, the extended tapered transitional
cross-section fan blades 100 have a constant curve cross section as
illustrated at E100a. These are connected at the root end to a
modified spider bracket and common spacer E200.
[0073] In this embodiment, the spider bracket and the common spacer
are not integrally connected to one another. In this configuration,
as shown in FIG. 52, the mounting plate E400 is modified from the
mounting plate previously described. It is positioned over and
aligned with a bracket E200 which has significant modifications
from the previously described bracket. The bracket E200 is formed
with an exterior, peripheral wall E205 having a series of locking
apertures E205b shaped, sized and positioned to engage lock posts
E403 in the short, locking channels E206b which are shaped, sized
and positioned to engage the lock posts E403, which this forms the
male half of a gravity lock on the outer surface of the modified
mounting plate E400. The modified mounting plate has a
significantly wider diameter and shorter shaft for purposes of
providing adequate support for the heavier array of multiple blades
used in this modification. The spider bracket E200 is integrally
formed with a series of projecting arms or legs E204 which are not
radially positioned, but extend angularly depending upon the number
of blades involved. Each of these legs E204 are short and provide
fastening means for the common spacer. As illustrated in FIG. 53,
the multiple number of blades illustrated are each provided with
through holes E107 at the root end corresponding to the through
holes 107 previously discussed. However, these through holes are
aligned with through holes in the legs E204 for locking the blades
as illustrated in FIG. 53 to the spider assembly. The locking
mechanism may be achieved by conventional screws and bolts. In the
illustrated embodiment, ten blades are provided and accordingly ten
legs 204 are provided, with each leg interlocking the adjacent
sides of adjacent blades at their root ends in a manner as
previously described in other embodiments.
[0074] A wireway E600 with a cover plate secured by a set screw
shaft 210 threaded through hole 211 to secure the shaft set screw
E210 as provided. A perimeter flange E212 is formed at the bottom
of the shaft and structural diagonal braces E213 between the outer
and inner shaft walls (FIG. 52).
[0075] The blades are specifically secured to the spider bracket by
means of "S" shaped extended shank shapes E201. In this arrangement
best shown in FIGS. 63-67, inclusive, these extended "S" shaped
shanks E201 are formed with an upper flange E202a and a lower
flange E202b interconnected by the arm or shank E201. The upper and
lower flanges E202a and E202b have surfaces parallel to one another
and are designed to engage and support the blades as previously
discussed. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 63, conventional
bolts are threaded through holes in the upper and lower flanges to
secure the flanges to the adjacent surfaces of the blades E100 at
their root end. In the embodiments illustrated, the upper flange
may be provided with two through holes for securing bolts in their
end. This arrangement of the modified spider bracket and common
spacer provide additional means for supporting further blades of
the arms E204 (FIG. 56) extending from the common spacer. The
modified mounting plate E400 as described has a wider diameter and
shorter shaft (FIG. 52). This increased diameter and the mounting
plate accommodates wider spider brackets as illustrated in E401.
The aperture at the top face of E401a is also enlarged as
illustrated in FIG. 58.
[0076] In FIGS. 61-69, there is an embodiment illustrating a
ceiling fan with an inverted dome fixture wherein a dome light E500
is located within a dome light housing E501 (FIG. 61). The housing
E501 is formed with reinforcing channels and wireways. A wireway
aperture in the housing is provided at E501b while feed connector
access E501c is provided for access by the wiring. The inner wall
of the housing is illustrated in E501d. LED light strips are
illustrated in E501e may be provided. The unit is provided with a
concave lens E507 and a lens strip light E508.
* * * * *