Abstract:
A device that provides for the recessed mounting of ceiling mounted light fixtures or ceiling fans is disclosed. Comprising a preformed, concave, hemispherical shape, it possesses adequate structural stability and strength for the purposes of mounting a ceiling mounted light fixture or a ceiling fan. The invention provides increases head room below the light fixture or ceiling fan in such instances where the mounting of a desired light fixture or ceiling fan results in inadequate height clearance. The invention also provides enhanced aesthetic qualities when utilized as an architectural element in conjunction with a light fixture or ceiling fan. The invention is a suitable size to be adequately installed between ceiling joists or the floor joists of an upper floor in the cases of a multistory structure. The invention is capable of being manufactured from a wide range of materials using a wide range of manufacturing processes.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a continuation of Disclosure Document Number 08/417,038, filed on Apr. 7, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,545. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to mounting fixtures for electrical devices and, more particularly, to a universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the related art, numerous attempts have been made to improve the functionality and aesthetic appearance of ceiling mounted light fixtures and ceiling fans. These improvements have ranged from recessed mounting devices, to hidden mounting devices and the like. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 5,567,117 
                   Gunn et al. 
                 Oct. 22, 1996 
               
               
                   
                 5,452,816 
                  Chan et al. 
                 Sep. 26, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 5,257,775 
                  Burns 
                       Nov. 2, 1993 
               
               
                   
                 4,735,132 
                  Ching 
                       Apr. 5, 1988 
               
               
                   
                 4,713,916 
                  Brooks, Jr. 
                 Dec. 22, 1987 
               
               
                   
                 3,965,624 
                  Madonna 
                     Jun. 29, 1976 
               
               
                   
                 Des. 295,678 
                  McVey 
                       May 10, 1988 
               
               
                   
                 Des. 272,949 
                  Beaty, Sr. 
                  Mar. 6, 1984 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that allows for a universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device. 
     It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide for an improved universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device that allows for the recessed mounting of ceiling light fixtures or ceiling fans, commonly referred to as paddle fans to provide for increased headroom below the light fixture or ceiling fan. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for an improved universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device that provides enhanced aesthetic qualities when utilized as an architectural element. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for an improved universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device that is easily installed in new construction applications as well as retrofit applications. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for an improved universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device that is easily installed using common, readily available hand and/or power tools. 
     Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention comprises a preformed, concave, hemispherical shape, possessing adequate structural stability and strength for the purposes of mounting a ceiling mounted light fixture or a ceiling fan. The invention provides increases head room below the light fixture or ceiling fan in such instances where the mounting of a desired light fixture or ceiling fan results in inadequate height clearance. The invention also provides enhanced aesthetic qualities when utilized as an architectural element in conjunction with a light fixture or ceiling fan. The invention is a suitable size to be adequately installed between ceiling joists or the floor joists of an upper floor in the cases of a multistory structure. The invention is capable of being manufactured from a wide range of materials using a wide range of manufacturing processes. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is simple, and therefore, inexpensive to manufacture. This savings, if passed on to the consumer, may influence the public to utilize such a device. A simple design also increases product reliability and useful product lifetime. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is easily installed by the professional or the homeowner with equal results. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is capable of being painted to allow for its continued use after an interior decorating project has changed the room color scheme. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is easily produced from a wide range of readily available materials using known manufacturing techniques, thus allowing for an economical and aesthetically pleasing product available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Such capabilities allow for its purchase and utilization by a wide range of consumers across wide economic boundaries. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device shown in a utilized state with a ceiling mounted light fixture according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG.  1   a  is perspective view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device shown in a utilized state with a ceiling fan according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device as seen along a line I—I in FIG.  1   a ; and 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan recessed mounting device as seen along a line II—II in FIG.  1   a.   
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  is shown in a utilized state with a conventional ceiling mount light fixture  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  complete with a trim and attachment molding  20  is mounted flush to a ceiling surface  25 . The ceiling surface  25  as shown in this FIG. is depicted as drywall with a taped and textured surface as is commonly found. However, it can be seen by those skilled in the art that any type of ceiling surface could be utilized with the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5 . The inverted nature of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  allows for a fixture mounting surface  30  to be mounted above the plane formed by the ceiling surface  25  on the order of several inches. The actual dimensions and size of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  vary on several factors such as ceiling support member spacing, the radius of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15 , and the like. A series of ceiling rafter or floor joists  35  are shown as the conventional means of support for the ceiling surface  25 , as well as support for the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  as will be shown in greater detail hereinbelow. A pair of auxiliary support members  40  are shown in a perpendicular nature to the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  to provide additional support for the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5 . Such support as provided by the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and the auxiliary support member  40 , provides a series of four tangential support surfaces  45  depicted by dashed boxes. The universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  and its concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  are shown as a smooth surface in this FIG., however this is not intended to limit other designs as fluted, textured, embossed patterns, and the like. It is intended that the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  would be manufactured from plastic using an injection molding process, however other materials and/or processes could also be utilized. These other materials and/or processes include but are not limited to; fiberglass molding, wood, stamped metal, cast metal, plaster, and the like. 
     Referring next to FIG.  1   a , a perspective view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  is shown in a utilized state with a ceiling fan  50  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The use of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and the trim and attachment molding  20  in a manner identical to that described with FIG. 1, allows the use of the ceiling fan  50  with a pendant rod  55  as attached to the fixture mounting surface  30  while keeping fan blades  60  in a close proximity to the ceiling surface  25 . Such use of the pendant rod  55  allows for greater aesthetic appeal when mounting the ceiling fan  50 , but yet allows use of the ceiling fan  50  in areas where decreased head room underneath the ceiling fan  50  cannot be tolerated. The mounting of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  is accomplished in an identical manner as aforementioned described in FIG. 1 with the use of the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and the auxiliary support member  40  (of which only one is depicted for illustrative purposes.) 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a sectional view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  as seen along a line I—I in FIG.  1   a  is disclosed. The universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  with its integral concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and trim and attachment molding  20  are of a symmetrical circular shape. An electrical box mounting cavity  65  is provided in the exact center of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  for the reception of a conventional round electrical box intended for mounting of ceiling hung light fixtures or ceiling mounted fans or paddle fans. The trim and attachment molding  20  is shown as an integral part of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  though it can easily be seen that it could be two different pieces, even manufactured from different material. The process of mounting the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  and how it relates to a concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and trim and attachment molding  20  of an integral nature or of a separate nature will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. 
     Referring finally to FIG. 3, a sectional view of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  as seen along a line II—II in FIG.  1   a  is disclosed. The volume defined by the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15 , the two ceiling rafters or floor joists  35 , and the two auxiliary support member  40  (not shown in this FIG.) is bordered on the top by an upper story subfloor  70  in this FIG. Obviously in the case of single story structures there would be only ceiling joists supporting the roof structure or possible trusses. There also may be possible insulation located directly above the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15 . However, the presence of insulation will not affect the quality or performance of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5 . A plurality of fastening means  75 , such as nails or screws is used to hold the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and the trim and attachment molding  20  to the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and the auxiliary support member  40 (not shown in this FIG.). This present configuration detailed in this FIG. shows the trim and attachment molding  20  as being an integral part of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  with said fastening means  75  fastening the trim and attachment molding  20  directly to the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and the auxiliary support member  40  (not shown in this FIG.)thus firmly supporting the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15 . In the event of a separate concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and trim and attachment molding  20 , it is visualized that a flange would be provided on the outer circumference of the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  for the user to fasten said concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  to the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and the auxiliary support member  40  (not shown in this FIG.) Then the trim and attachment molding  20  would be fastened over the flange using fastening means  75  as well. This will allow the use of different materials for the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and the trim and attachment molding  20 . The electrical box mounting cavity  65  houses a conventional round electrical box  80  which is held captive by a plurality of fixture mounting means  85 , such as screws. The fixture mounting means  85  passes through the conventional round electrical box  80  and are held captive by the electrical box mounting cavity  65  thus providing a separate means of support for the ceiling fan  50 (not shown in this FIG) independent of the conventional round electrical box  80  as required by the National Electrical Code. In this case of a conventional ceiling mount light fixture  10  (not shown in this FIG.) being mounted the fixture mounting means  85  would only be held by the conventional round electrical box  80  as is the conventional practice. The conventional round electrical box  80  would then be held in physical contact with the electrical box mounting cavity  65  by another set of fastening means such as screws. A fixture wiring cable  90  provides electrical power to either the conventional ceiling mount light fixture  10  (not shown in this FIG) or the ceiling fan  50  (not shown in this FIG). The fixture wiring cable  90  passes through a cable entrance hole  95  in the electrical box mounting cavity  65  and enters the conventional round electrical box  80  as would be found in a conventional installation. The individual conductors of the fixture wiring cable  90  would then mate with a series of fixture conductors  100  with the aid of a series of wire fastening means  105 , such as wire nuts, or wire crimps. The quantity of fixture conductors  100  and wire fastening means  105  depicted in this FIG. is two, though the quantity can vary depending on the specific parameters of the installation. These parameters include but are not limited to grounding connections, connections for multiple speed ceiling fans, multiple level control for lighting, the use of lighting fixtures with a ceiling fan and the like. The fixture conductors  100  are contained in the pendant rod  55  as would be the case in the use of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  with a conventional ceiling mount light fixture  10  (not shown in this FIG) or a ceiling fan  50 (not shown in this FIG). 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     In operation, the present invention can be easily utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner. To use the present invention with its preferred embodiment can best be described in conjunction with the perspective views of FIG.  1  and FIG.  1   a , and the sectional views of FIG.  2  and FIG.  3 . 
     In the instance of new construction, the user would begin installation of the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  by installing the pair of auxiliary support member  40  between the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  at the required spacing. Next, the free end of the fixture wiring cable  90  would be routed through the cable entrance hole  95  of the electrical box mounting cavity  65  and into the conventional round electrical box  80 . Now, the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  with the integral concave, partial hemispherical surface  15  and trim and attachment molding  20  is ready to be mounted to the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and the auxiliary support member  40  by use of the fastening means  75  located in the areas of tangential support surfaces  45 . The wiring of the conventional ceiling mount light fixture  10  or the ceiling fan  50  would then commence using the fixture mounting surface  30 , the pendant rod  55 , the conventional round electrical box  80 , the fixture mounting means  85 , the fixture wiring cable  90 , the fixture conductors  100  and the wire fastening means  105  in a normal conventional manner. The ceiling surface  25  would be then be installed as would be found in a new construction installation. In the case of a sperate trim and attachment molding  20  from the concave, partial hemispherical surface  15 , the said trim and attachment molding  20  would be installed last to complete the installation. The conventional ceiling mount light fixture  10  and the ceiling fan  50  would be controlled in a conventional manner using wall switches, pull chains and the like. 
     In the case of retrofit installation, the user would first locate where the universal, light fixture/ceiling fan, recessed mounting device  5  is to be located in an existing ceiling. Next, an appropriate sized circle would be cut between the ceiling rafter or floor joist  35  and a pair or auxiliary support member  40  would be fastened in using the said cut opening. Installation from this point onward would continue from the routing of the free end of the fixture wiring cable  90  as aforementioned described. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.