Abstract:
An adaptor for a ceiling fan downrod which uses a pair of concentric cylinders with a larger cylinder capable of receiving a large downrod component and a smaller cylinder capable of receiving a smaller downrod component.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fan assemblies, and more particularly an adaptor for a ceiling fan support. 
     Numerous types of fan assemblies presently exists. For instance, there are currently on the market downrods having a ½ inch diameter and a ¾ diameter. While these are nominal references, the actual outer dimensions are ¾″ for a ½″ diameter downrod and 1″ for a ¾″ downrod. In recent history, the larger diameter assembly has become more popular. An alternate technique for handling this problem is disclosed in our pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/083,715 filed May 22, 1998. 
     The trend towards the larger fan assembly presents a quandary to the retailer. Currently, the retailer must stock both sizes of fan assembly components. Stocking the less popular smaller fan assembly components consumes valuable shelf space. The shelf space could be more effectively utilized with other products for stocking a larger amount of the more popular larger size fan assembly components. Inventory costs and sales volumes are potentially affected. 
     Clearly there is room for improvement in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to allow for the use of common parts on non-standardized products. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adaptor for attaching a downrod between a ceiling fan and a ceiling fan support to provide for different sized downrods. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adaptor that allows the use of a downrod on a ceiling fan assembly that would not otherwise be capable of use with the ceiling fan assembly. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to decrease the amount of shelf required to display parts if different sizes. 
     These, as well other objects, are accomplished by an adaptor which can convert form large to small, or small to large, downrod formed of a pair of adjoining cylinders with a larger cylinder having an inside diameter capable of receiving a large downrod component and a second cylinder concentric with the first cylinder having an outer diameter substantially the same as a smaller downrod component. Each cylinder has a diametric hole therethrough for receipt of a locking pin, while the larger cylinder has threaded holes for receipt of locking screws. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates a ceiling fan assembly in assembly view. 
     FIG. 2 of the drawings is an adaptor according to this invention. 
     FIG. 3 of the drawings is a top view of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 of the drawings is a cross-section view along the line  3 ,  3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 of the drawings is an assembly view of an adaptor in association with a large downrod of this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with this invention it has been found that a central downrod adaptor may be used to permit placement of downrods of varying diameters with fan assemblies. While this adaptor is described in terms of adapting a larger downrod where a smaller downrod would normally be required. It will become apparent upon reading of this description that the adaptor may be utilized to go in the direction of replacing a larger downrod with a smaller downrod, should that be desired. Various other advantages and features will become apparent from reading the following description with reference to various figures of drawing. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a fan assembly  1  having a fan motor  3  having an opening  5  therein for a receipt of a smaller diameter downrod. Additionally, a ceiling mounting fixture  7  having a ball mounting  9  therein for a receipt of a small diameter downrod at opening  11 . Adaptors  21  and  23  are the adaptors of this invention permitting a large size downrod  25  to be coupled thereto to permit receipt within the smaller size openings  11  and  5 . 
     FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates the adaptor in the position of the adaptor identified as  21  in FIG.  1 . Adaptor  21  has a large cylinder  25  with an inside diameter on surface  27  substantially conforming to the diameter of a larger size downrod but sufficiently large to permit insertion therein. 
     A second cylinder  31  is concentric with the first cylinder  21  and has an outer diameter substantially the same as a smaller diameter downrod to permit placement within openings  11  and  5  of FIG.  1 . Both cylinders  21  and  31  had diametrically opposed holes  33  and  35 , best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. 
     Larger diameter cylinder  21  has a pair of threaded holes  41  and  41 ′ for placement of lock screws  45  and  45 ′ (FIG.  5 ). 
     FIG. 5 of the drawings is an assembly view in phantom, illustrating a larger diameter downrod  51  for a receipt of the inner wall  27  of large cylinder  21 . It should be noted that threads  53  are illustrated on downrod  51  since such downrods are normally sullied with threads, however the assemblies have made no use of such threads in recent history utilizing pins and locking screws for appropriate attachment. It is seen that downrod  51  is placed within the inner diameter  27  of cylinder  21  where a locking pin  61  passes through a mating hole  63  and also through diametric holes  33  of cylinder  21  to lock downrod  51  in place. Lockscrews  45  and  45 ′ respectively pass through threaded holes  41  and  41 ′ to lock downrod  51  even more securely in place. In a like manner, diametric hole  35  of smaller cylinder  31  is locked into place when connected to either motor  3  or ball mount  9 . 
     It is thus seen that the invention described herein provides an adaptor which presents much versatility with regard to ceiling fan fixtures. It additionally provides for reduced use of multiple components on retail shelves, thus freeing such shelf space for more diverse items. As many variations will become apparent to those with skill in the art from a reading of the above description which is exemplary in nature, such variations are included within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the following appended claims.