CEILING FAN WITH EASY INSTALLATION FEATURES

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the general field of ceiling fans and more particularly to the field of ceiling fans with easy install features. Such a fan (2) includes an electrical quick connect device (12) and an articulating fan blade assembly. The quick connect device (12) includes a plug (34)/receptacle (52) configuration enabling the fan (2) to easily connect to an electricity supply while providing the gravitational and rotational support required by the fan (2). The fan blade assembly includes a drive hub (80) having a series of slots (96) to receive the neck (87) of a fan blade (82). The fan blade neck (87) is secured in the slot (96) in a fashion that allows for articulation of the blade (82) relative to the fan (2) or removal of the fan blade (82) from the fan (2).

Description: CEILING FAN WITH EASY INSTALLATION FEATURES Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to the general field of electrical fixtures, and to the more specific field of ceiling fans with features that make easier the tasks of hanging and electrically connecting the fan, and the task of installing the fan blades. Background of the Invention The installation of a suspended electrical fixture, particularly a ceiling fan, to an overhead support can be a difficult task for a single installer. For example, to install a conventional ceiling fan, the fan is lifted to just below the electrical junction box and held there while connecting the fan wires to the electrical supply wires. After the electrical connection is finished, the fan is lifted further to place the fan bell over the junction box and held in that position while the fan is attached to the box or a ceiling hanger in some manner, typically with screws or bolts. The combined operation takes several minutes and usually requires two persons, one to lift and hold and the other to make the wire and screw connections. Installing a suspended electrical fixture can also pose a risk of electrical shock to the installer and/or short-circuiting the electrical supply circuit. Some installers, particularly do-it-yourself homeowners, are prone to either forget or neglect to shut off the supply of electricity to the circuit they are installing the fixture in. Most conventional fixtures have bare-ended wires meant to be spliced to supply wires located in an overhead junction box. An installer who fails to shut off the electricity and splices live wires is destined to receive an electrical shock. Even if the fixture were supplied with a conventional electrical plug, an installer could get an electrical shock by touching one of the plug's prongs when the plug is partially inserted into a live receptacle. If the installer were to touch two of the partially inserted prongs simultaneously with a finger, tool or other conductive object, the supply circuit would also be short-circuited. Some electrical fixture installations are subject to water infiltration, particularly those having junction boxes mounted in a ceiling adjacent a leaking roof, adjacent the underside of a roof on which condensation forms, under a bathroom or other area having leaking plumbing or the like. The infiltrating water can cause an electrical short, which could start a fire. To reduce the weight and profile of the fan while making the electrical and ceiling attachment, the fan blades are usually attached by screws to the drive ring hub after the fan is hung from the ceiling. Once the fan blades are attached to the fan, they are not easily removed. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an easily installed electrical fixture. The fixture includes a quick connect device for electrically and physically mounting the fixture to a ceiling, and in the case of a ceiling fan, an articulating blade assembly that allows the blades to be hung from the drive ring hub in a collapsed vertical orientation before the fan is hung from the ceiling, and then quickly snapped into the extended operating position. A quick connect device of the present invention includes a first plate that is attachable to an electrical junction box and a second plate that is attachable to an electrical fixture. The first plate contains a first electrical contact and the second plate contains a second electrical contact. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the first plate to provide an electrical connection therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the quick connect device includes a receptacle plate wherein the first electrical contact is an electrical receptacle that can be connected to supply wires in the electrical junction box and a plug plate wherein the second electrical contact is an electrical plug of the type that mates with the receptacle, such as a three- or four-prong plug. The plug is rotatably mounted in the plug plate and is connected to electrical conductors for supplying electricity to the motor and any accessories. The receptacle plate and the plug plate are configured to secure one plate to the other by rotating one of the plates when the plug is inserted in the receptacle to align flanges in the ends of the plug plate to be inside of slots in the ends of the receptacle plate. An articulating fan blade assembly of the present invention includes a drive ring hub, a fan blade and a lock. The drive ring includes at least one receiving slot. The fan includes a mounting portion extending from one end of the fan blade. The mounting portion includes a shaft configured for being received in the receiving slot. The lock retains the fan blade shaft within the receiving slot upon insertion of the shaft into the receiving slot. More particularly, the articulating fan blade assembly includes a cylindrical rotary drive ring hub with fan blade receiving slots in the wall of the ring. The receiving slots are positioned equidistantly about the ring. Each fan blade has a mounting bracket extending from a root end of the blade. The mounting bracket includes a shaft configured for insertion into the receiving slot. Brief Description of the Drawings For pu oses of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one or more forms in which the invention can be embodied. The invention is not, however, limited to the precise forms shown unless such limitation is expressly made in a claim. Figure 1 is an elevation view of a ceiling fan according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective, partial section view of the quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a receptacle plate of the quick connect device of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a exploded view of the quick connect device of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the quick connect device of Figure 2 after initial engagement between the receptacle and plug. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a quick connect device of the present invention attached to a ceiling fan bell. Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the plug plate of the quick connect device. Figure 8 is another bottom plan view of the plug plate of the quick connect device. Figure 9 is a top plan view of the plug plate of the quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 10 is a top plan view of the receptacle plate of the quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of the receptacle plate of the quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a first and a second plate of another embodiment of a quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the first plate of the embodiment of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a top perspective view of the second plate of the embodiment of Figure 12. Figure 15 is a sectional view of the first and second plate of the embodiment of Figure 12 taken along line 15-15. Figure 16 is a perspective view of a first and a second plate of another embodiment of a quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 17 is a side view of the second plate of the embodiment of Figure 16. Figure 18 is a side view of the first plate of the embodiment of Figure 16. Figure 19 is a side view of another embodiment of a quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 20 is a side view of another embodiment of a quick connect device of the present invention. Figure 21 is a bottom plan view of an articulating fan blade assembly of the present invention. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the articulating fan blade assembly. Figure 23 is a top plan view of a cover of a drive ring of a ceiling fan of the present invention. Figure 24 is a bottom plan view of the drive ring of Figure 23. Figure 25 is a top plan view of a portion of a drive ring of a ceiling fan in accordance with the present invention. Figure 26 is a bottom plan view of the portion of the drive ring of Figure 25. Figure 27 is a partial elevation, section view of the drive ring and fan blade of the present invention. Figure 28 is an alternate embodiment of the drive ring and fan assembly of the present invention. Figure 29 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a quick connect device according to the present invention. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the upper side of the coupling plate and plug of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 29. Figure 31 is a perspective view of the lower face of the mounting plate and receptacle of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 29. Figure 32 is a plan view of the mounting plate and receptacle shown in Figure 30. Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate and receptacle as taken along line 16-16 of Figure 32. Figure 34 is a plan view of the coupling plate and plug shown in Figure 30. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling plate and plug as taken along line 18-18 of Figure 34. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling plate and plug as taken along line 19-19 of Figure 34. Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of the quick connect device, comprising a combination of the cross-sectional views of Figures 33 and 35, showing the plug and coupling plate engaging, respectively, the receptacle and receiving plate. Detailed Description of the Invention Quick Connect Device In the drawings, where like numerals indicate like elements, a ceiling fan is generally indicated by the numeral 2. The fan elements are conventional, the particular type or design of these conventional elements not being material to the invention. These conventional elements include a drive housing 4 that encloses a drive motor (not visible in any of the drawings), a hanger tube 6 which provides a conduit for electrical wires, a bell 14 that covers the ceiling cut-out, a drive shaft 7 and a switch housing 9. The feature that is unique is a quick connect device by which the fan is easily hung from a ceiling 8 and connected to an electrical supply. Although a ceiling fan is illustrated in the drawings, any electrical fixture suspended from a support located above the fixture may be installed using the quick-connect device of the present invention. Examples of such suspended fixtures include chandeliers, speakers, security cameras, signs, television monitors and the like. As shown in Figure 1, an electrical junction box 10 is recessed in the ceiling 8. The junction box 10 is of the type that supports a ceiling fan and houses the electrical wires. A general characteristic of a ceiling fan junction box is that it has some type of reinforced screw receptacles, such as threaded metal blocks or threaded shoulder rivets, to receive screws attaching the fan to the box. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,762,223 and 5,860,548, both to J. Russell Kerr, Jr., describe exemplary boxes of this type, and a box sold by Angelo Fan Brace, LLC under the trade name SAF-T-BOX Model 1050 is an example of an electrical junction box that can be used with the present invention. The box may be fastened directly to a ceiling joist or be mounted between joists on a hanger. A quick connect mounting device is used to connect the fan to the electrical junction box and the electrical supply wires to the fan. In one embodiment of the mounting device, shown in Figures 2-11, the weight of the fan is transferred from the hanger tube to the mounting device through the fan bell. In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figures 29-37, the weight of the fan is transferred directly from the hanger tube to the mounting device by means of a ball and socket joint. Figures 2 to 1 1 show details of one embodiment of a quick connect device 12 according to the present invention. The quick connect device 12 includes a mounting plate 16 that attaches to an electrical junction box 10. The mounting plate has two through holes 18, 20 to pass through two threaded screws 22, 24 that are received by the box's internally threaded shoulder rivets 26, 28 to attach the mounting plate 16 to the junction box 10. The screws 22, 24 and rivets 26, 28 secure the mounting plate 16 to the electrical box 10 and provide adequate support and rigidity to sustain the weight and torque of a ceiling fan. In an alternative embodiment, not shown but easily understood from the previous paragraph, the mounting plate has a pair of key slots in place of the through holes. The screws 22, 24 are initially threaded part way into the rivets 26, 28, and the key slots of the mounting plate are aligned with barrel of the screws. Thereafter, the mounting plate is rotated to move the screws into the slots and the screws are tightened to secure the mounting plate to the junction box. Any configuration of the mounting plate that provides the same function is contemplated as another possible alternative embodiment. The mounting plate 16 holds an electrical receptacle 30. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 11 , the electrical receptacle is a conventional three-prong receptacle. Electrical wires 1 1 are connected to the terminals of the receptacle 30 to supply electricity to the fan 2. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the upwardly facing side of the mounting plate 16 is cut back to form flanges 34, 36 located on opposite ends of the mounting plate 16 and extending from its downwardly facing side. Bores 38, 40 (see Figure 10) are formed in the top surface of each of the flanges 34, 36 and extend into the main body of the mounting plate 16, forming cut-outs in the flanges and hollow cylindrical cavities in the main body, as shown in Figure 4. The purpose of the bores is explained below. Referring to Figures 4, 8 and 9, the quick connect device 12 also includes a coupling plate 42 to which the bell 14 is attached. The coupling plate 42 holds a conventional cylindrical three-prong plug 44, which is secured to the coupling plate 42 in a fashion that enables the coupling plate to rotate around the plug (or the plug to rotate inside the coupling plate). In the depicted example, the coupling plate 42 has a central aperture 43 to hold the cylindrical body of the plug 44. The central aperture 43 has a diameter at the upwardly facing side of the coupling plate 42 that is slightly less than the diameter of the plug 44 so that the plug cannot be pulled through the aperture 43 from the upwardly facing side of the coupling plate 42. The downwardly facing side of the coupling plate 42 has a rabbet (similar to the rabbet 45' shown in Figure 32) adjacent the periphery of the aperture that has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the plug 44, which enables the plug to rotate within the rabbet. As shown in Figure 7, a retaining ring 46 is attached to the downwardly facing side of the coupling plate 42. The retaining ring 46 has a central opening to pass through electrical wires from the fan 2. The retaining ring 46 is fixed to the coupling plate 42, in this embodiment by a pair of screws 48, 50. This configuration enables the coupling plate 42 to rotate relative to the plug 44 about an axis normal to the upwardly facing side of the coupling plate 42. A pair of latch slots 52, 54 are defined at opposite ends of the coupling plate 42 by a pair of upwardly-extending end walls 56, 58 of the coupling plate extending upwardly (as illustrated in Figure 4) and a pair of upper walls 60, 62 that extend inwardly from the upper ends of the end walls 56, 58. The latch slots 52, 54 are shaped and sized to receive the flanges 34, 36 of the receiving plate. The coupling plate 42 has two pairs of screw holes 64, 66 (see Figure 9) to fasten the coupling plate 42 to the fan bell 14. Each pair of screw holes 64, 66 has one hole formed in each end wall 56, 58. As illustrated in Figure 6, the fan's bell 14 also has two pairs of screw holes 67, 68 that align with the coupling plate's screw holes 64, 66, respectively, when bell 14 is properly positioned with respect to the coupling plate 42. The second hole (not shown) of each pair of screw holes 67, 68 is located diametrically opposite the corresponding hole 64, 66 shown in Figure 5. The pair of screw holes 67, 68 receive screws 65, 70, which extend through the fan bell 14 and into the coupling plate screw holes 64 and secure the coupling plate 42 in the bell 14. When the mounting plate 16 and the coupling plate 42 are rotated into their latched position (as shown in Figure 6 and described below), the second set of coupling plate screw holes 64, 66 align with the mounting plate bores 38, 40. Once the two plates are aligned, the second set of screw holes 64, 66 in the coupling plate 42 and the corresponding second set of screw holes 67, 68 in the bell receive screws 65, 70 which extend through the bell 14, through the end wall and into the bores 38, 40 in the receiving plate. The coupling plate may include a stop 72 along one side of the mounting plate to facilitate alignment of the coupling plate and the receiving plate, as described below. Installation of a Ceiling Fan with a Quick Connect Device A ceiling fan is installed using the quick connect device of Figures 2-1 1 using the following steps. In a preferred embodiment, the fan is expected to be sold with the coupling plate 42 having the fan's electrical supply wires already connected to the proper conductors of the electrical plug 44. The mounting plate 16 will be included with the fan, but as an unattached item. The first step is to connect the wires 11 from the electrical supply to the corresponding terminals of receptacle 30 in the mounting plate 16. The mounting plate 16 is then attached to the electrical box 10 by the screws 22, 24. Next, the fan is lifted to the junction box and the plug 44 is rotated to a position where it can be inserted into the receptacle 42, as in Figure 5. In this position, the coupling plate 42 will be across the mounting plate 16 at a sufficient angle that the flanges 34, 36 of the mounting plate 16 do not contact the coupling plate. The fan is then raised to push the prongs of the plug 44 fully into the receptacle 30, and the fan is then rotated (as shown by arrow A in Figure 5) to align and interlock the two plates, that is, the flanges 34, 36 in the mounting plate 16 are in the latch slots 52, 54 of the coupling plate 42. If the coupling plate 42 has a stop 72, the fan is rotated until the mounting plate 16 contacts the stop 72, at which position the respective screw holes 64, 66 on the coupling plate will be aligned with bores 38, 40 on the mounting plate. The screws 70 are then tightened to fix the coupling plate 44 to the mounting plate 16. The screws 70 hold the plates 16, 42 securely together and prevent them from separating regardless of the direction that the fan blades rotate. Thus, the required time and difficultly of hanging and electrically connecting the fan is greatly reduced, and the operation can be easily done by one person. One skilled in the art will readily understand that the installation of electrical fixtures other than ceiling fans would be similar to that described above, as would installation of an electrical fixture using the embodiment of the mounting device depicted in Figures 12-20. In addition, the mounting device may be sold separately from the electrical fixture, in which case the plug would include terminals for attaching the fan wires to the plug. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing embodiments, to appreciate the scope of the invention. Alternative Embodiments of the Quick Connect Alternative embodiments of the quick connect device may be made by reversing some of the parts, such as a fixed plug and a rotatable receptacle. Any operable permutation of the plates and the rotatable plug/receptacle is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, the preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a plug plate and a receptacle plate having a generally rectangular main body with curved ends, as illustrated, but the invention is not intended to be limited to that configuration. In some alternative embodiments, the quick connect device does not include a plug/receptacle type of electrical connection. Referring to Figures 12- 15, the quick connect device includes a first plate 200 and a second plate 202, and each plate 200, 202 includes electrical contact strips 204 in the face of the plate 200, 202 that is adjacent to the other plate when the plates are connected. Each contact strip 204 is slightly bowed outwardly from the face of the plate to provide a good electrical contact between the corresponding strips. The first plate strips 204a connect electrically to a power supply (not shown) in the electrical junction box and the second plate strips 204b connect electrically to the fan motor. The second plate 202 also includes a key 206 centrally positioned on the face 208 of the second plate 202. The key 206 is formed by a stem 210 extending from the plate face 208 and a head 212 at the end of the stem 210. The head 212 may have an oval or oblong shape. The first plate 200 has an key slot opening 214 that has a shape corresponding to the shape of the key head 212. The key stem 210 has a height equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the first plate 200. When the key 206 is inserted into the key slot 214 and the second plate rotated to turn the key head 212 transverse to the key slot 214, the first plate 200 and the second plate 202 are locked in proximity to each other to establish and preserve an electrical connection between the first plate strips 204a and the second plate strips 204b. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the first plate 200 may also include a spring loaded shock protector 216 to prevent an installer from unintentionally touching the contact strips 204a after the first plate 200 has been electrically connected to the junction box. The shock protector 216 includes a base 218 and divider walls 220 extending perpendicularly from the base 218. The base 218 is positioned on the back side 219 of the first plate 200, opposite the plate's face 209. The divider walls 220 extend through and past the first plate 200 a distance sufficient to prevent an average adult's finger from engaging the strips 204a. A pair of coil springs 222 are attached to the back side 219 of the first plate 200 and to the base 218 of the shock protector. When the springs 222 are relaxed, the dividers 220 are in an extended position away from the first plate 200. Referring to Figure 15, the dividers 220 have an end 224 that is sloped to present a "V"- shaped tip. When the key 206 is inserted into the slot 214 and the second plate 202 is rotated to engage the contact strips 204, a side 226 of the second plate 202 engages the sloped end wall 224 and forces the shock protector 216 away from the back side 219 of the first plate 200, stretching the springs 222. When the first and second plates 200, 202 are separated, for example to uninstall the fan, the springs 222 contract and the shock protector 216 is pushed back towards the back side 219 of the first plate 200. In this manner, a person removing the fan will not be able to accidently touch the contact strips. In all other regards, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to 15 is identical to the embodiment described in Figures 2 to 11. Figures 16, 17, and 18 illustrate how the embodiments of Figures 2-15 may be enhanced to accommodate multiple size fan bells. This feature would typically be used in quick connect devices that are retrofit to existing ceiling fans. As illustrated, the second or plug plate 300 includes a bottom section 302 and a top section 304. A plurality of tabs 306 are attached and extend from opposing sides of the bottom section 302. The bottom section 302 includes a cut out section 308. The top section 304 has a height that snugly fits into the cut-out section 308 as guided by the tabs 306. This embodiment includes a plug 310 that has a collar 312 and a lip 311 positioned thereabout. Both the bottom section 302 and the top section 304 include a central opening 314, 316, which may be rectangular or oblong. The central opening 314 of the bottom section 302 has a width generally equal to the diameter of the plug 312 while the central opening 316 of the top section 304 has a width equal to the diameter of the lip 31 1. In this manner, the plug 310 resides within the central openings 314, 316 with the lip 31 1 resting on the bottom section 302 and the collar 312 resting on the top section 304. Depending upon the size of the fan bell, the top and bottom sections 302, 304 may be pulled apart or pushed together. As the second plate 300 is fit into the fan bell, the first set of screws 68 may be inserted through the fan bell and into the receiving holes 64 to fix the second plate to the fan bell, as described above. Once the second plate 300 is fixed to the fan bell , the plug 310 can be adjusted to the center of the second plate, as allowed by the central openings 314, 316 and thereafter the collar 312 fixed to the top section 304 by a set of screws 307. The collar 312 is attached to the plug 310 in a manner that permits the second plate 300 to rotate about the plug 310. The first or receptacle plate 320 includes a top section 322 and a bottom section 324. Each section 322, 324 includes a cut-out. When fully engaged, the two sections form a unit equivalent to the receptacle plate described above. This embodiment includes a receptacle 326 having a collar 328 thereabout. The receptacle 326 resides in a opening 330, 332 in each section 322, 324, respectively, with the collar 328 resting on the top section 324. Each receptacle plate section 322, 324 includes a first set of slots 334 that receive screws 336 for fixing the two sections 322, 324 to each other once the sections have been sized to correspond to the size of the plug plate sections 302, 304. Each receptacle plate section 322, 324 also includes a second set of slots 338 that receive screws (not shown) for attaching the receptacle plate to the electrical junction box once the sections 322, 324 have been sized and fixed to each other. This embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment described above in all material respects. Figure 19 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the quick connect device. In this embodiment, the quick connect device includes a disk 400 that is attachable to an electrical junction box 402. The disk 400 carries a first electrical contact element 404. The first contact element 404 is wired to electrical supply in the junction box 402. The first contact element 404 may be either the plug or the receptacle of a plug/receptacle connection or a contact strip. The disk 400 includes a pair of receiving slots 406 that are positioned on opposing sides of the disk 400 and have a generally "L" shaped configuration. The quick connect device also includes a pair of locking pins 408 mounted on the inside of a fan bell 410. The locking pins 408 are mounted on opposing sides of the fan bell 410 corresponding to the receiving slots. A second contact element 412 is also mounted inside the fan bell 410. The second contact element 412 may be the other of the plug/receptacle connection or a second contact strip. The second contact element is positioned such that when fan bell 410 is brought to the disk 400 bring the locking pins into the receiving slots 406 and the fan bell 410 is rotated to secure the locking pins 408 in the receiving slots 406, the second contact element 412 engages the first contact element 404. Once the fan bell 410 is mounted to the disk 400 a pair of set screws may be used to secure the fan bell 410 to the disk 400 to prevent rotational movement between the two. Figure 20 illustrates an alternate embodiment for connecting a plug plate 500 to the fan. A bracket 502 couples the plug plate 500 to a ball 504. The bracket 502 may be connected to the plug plate 500 or formed integrally therewith. The bracket 502 serves as a socket allowing the ball to rotate. A down rod 506 is connected to the ball 504. The down rod 506 connects to a motor housing (not shown). Once the ball 504 has been secured in the bracket 502, a fan bell 508 may be installed. The fan bell 508 may be attached to the plug plate 500, the electrical junction box or the ceiling. The bracket may also be used in conjunction with an embodiment incorporating the contact strips. Fan Blade Assembly A second feature of the easily installed ceiling fan of the present invention is its articulating fan blade assembly. The blade assembly allows the blades to be hung from the drive ring in a collapsed vertical orientation before hanging the fan from the ceiling, and then easily snapped into the extended operating position. A related advantage is that the blades can later be lowered while still attached to the drive ring for cleaning and maintenance. Referring to Figure 1 , the ceiling fan 2 has a drive shaft 7 connecting the fan motor to a drive ring usually called the blade hub 80. A plurality of fan blades 82 is positioned equidistantly about the hub 80. In conventional fans, the blade has an airfoil portion or paddle, usually of wood or plastic construction, and a decorative metal mounting bracket attached to the root end of the paddle. The mounting bracket is attached by screws to the hub. When the blade is mounted to the hub, it is in its fixed operating position (some may permit minor adjustments to the blade angle). As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the fan blades 82 of the present invention also have a paddle 84 and a mounting bracket 86, but the mounting bracket connects differently to the hub, as described below. The hub 80 includes a top plate 90 (from the perspective of Figure 22 and shown in plan in Figures 23 and 24) and a bottom plate 92 (shown in plan in Figures 21, 25 and 26). The two plates 90, 92 are connected by screws 94. Referring to Figure 24, the top plate 90 includes a receiving slot 96 for each of the fan blades 82. Each blade's mounting bracket has a shaft 88 that is used to connect the bracket to the hub. The shaft 88 can be integral with the bracket, or alternatively could be a separate plain metal piece that is attached to a decorative mounting bracket. The shaft terminates with a pair of retaining tabs 97 extending laterally from its end, such that the width of the shaft at the retaining tabs is slightly greater than the width of the neck portion 87 of the shaft. The slots 96 in the hub include an opening 98 in the outer wall 100 of the top plate 90. The width of the opening 98 is substantially the same as the width of the neck portion 87 of the shaft but less than the width of the end with the retaining tabs. The portion of the slot inside the outer wall of the hub has a width substantially the same as the retaining tab end of the shaft. Thus, the reduced width of the slot opening forms a retaining ridge 102 in the hub radially inward of the slot opening 98. With the portion of the shaft including the retaining tabs positioned within the slot, the bottom plate 92 is attached to the top plate 90. The bottom plate 90 includes, for each blade, a cutout or notch 104 corresponding in position to each slot in the top plate. The notch 104 has a width equal to the width of the shaft without the retaining tabs. When the fan blades are in an extended position (as illustrated by the bottom blades in Figures 21 and 24, and by the right-most blade in Figure 22) the retaining tabs are supported by the top of the bottom plate and the fan blades may articulate downward in the direction of arrow B, as illustrated in Figure 22. The shaft's neck is received in the bottom plate notch and the fan blades hang vertically. The slot configuration also allows the shaft to move radially back and forth along the slot. In an alternate embodiment, the hub 80 may be a one-piece unit. As a one-piece unit, the hub 80 still includes a receiving slot 96 for each of the fan blades 82. In this embodiment, the retaining tabs 97 are spring loaded enabling the tabs 97 to be forced into the shaft 88. With the tabs 97 forced into the shaft 88, the shaft 88 is inserted into the receiving slot 96. Once the shaft 88 is within the receiving slot, the tabs 97 are forced out of the shaft by the spring thereby holding the shaft in the receiving slot. Referring to Figures 24 and 27, the top plate 90 also includes a retaining pin 106. The retaining pin 106 is attached to a metal strip 108 that is fixedly attached to the top plate by, for example, a rivet 110. The metal strip 108 acts as a spring for the pin 106, and holds the pin in a first position extending through a hole 112 in the top plate 90 and into the slot 96. When the pin is forced in the direction of arrow C, the strip 108 allows the pin 106 to move into the hole 1 12. When the force is removed from the pin 106, the metal strip forces the pin 106 back into the slot 96. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining pin 106 is accessed through a hole 112 in the bottom plate 92, and can by depressed with a pen or small bladed screw driver. The shaft 86 includes a hole 126 that receives the retaining pin 106 when the fan blade is fully inserted into the slot. To place the fan blades into their operable position, a hanging blade (illustrated in Figure 22, lower right blade) is articulated up in the direction of arrow B. The retaining pin 106 is accessed through the hole 112 in the bottom plate and pushed out of the slot 96. In an alternate embodiment, the pin 106 includes an angled face. When the shaft 86 engages the pin 106, the shaft 86 itself forces the pin 106. The fan blade is then moved into the slot in the direction of arrow D. The shaft slides over the depressed pin until the hole 126 is in registry with the pin, and the spring 108 then forces the pin 106 into the hole 126. Once the retaining pin is secured in the receiving hole, the blade is fixed in its extended position and ready for operation. The blade can be moved back to the collapsed vertical position by depressing the pin and pulling the blade outward until the retaining tabs engage the notch of the bottom plate. The blade is then allowed to articulate downward in the direction of Arrow B. The metal strip 108 may be replaced by a coil spring or any other element which will provide a similar function as described above. By enabling these fan blades to be articulated between a collapsed, vertically hanging position and an extended operable position, a fan with this fan blade assembly can be installed with the fan blades attached to the hub and in a collapsed hanging position. After the fan is electrically connected and attached to the ceiling, the blades are raised and locked into the extended operating position. This blades can be lowered thereafter for easy cleaning. Referring to Figure 28, an alternate embodiment of the easy install fan blade assembly has fan blades with a mounting bracket shaft 130 that does not include the retaining tabs. The top plate 90 includes a slot having a width that is the same as the width of the neck 130. Since the neck 130 does not include the retaining tabs, the fan blades are completely removable from the hub 80. The fan blades of this embodiment are installed in a fashion virtually identical to the embodiment described above. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing embodiments, to appreciate the scope of the invention. Mounting Device with Safety Features Figures 29-37 show an alternative, presently-preferred mounting device of the present invention that includes many of the same features shown and described with respect to the embodiment of Figures 2-28. However, the presently-preferred embodiment includes features, such a safety features that protect against electrical shocks and short circuits, which are not present in the embodiment shown in Figures 2-28. The mounting device comprises a mounting plate 16' and a coupling plate 42' that retain, respectively, an electrical receptacle 30' and an electrical plug 44' adapted to engage the receptacle 30'. Referring to Figures 29, 31, 33, and 37, the mounting plate 16' includes two grooves 68', 70' and two slotted holes 72', 74' adapted to receive fasteners 76', 78' for attaching the mounting plate 16' to a junction box. Typically, these fasteners will be either headed screws that engage the junction box or threaded studs that engage the junction box and have nuts to hold the mounting plate on the studs. The grooves 68', 70' allow the screw heads or nuts to be recessed within the mounting plate 16' to avoid interference with the coupling plate 42'. The slotted holes 72', 74' allow the mounting device to be used with various junction boxes having different fastener spacings. A central aperture in 43' the mounting plate 16' allows the receptacle 30' to pass from one side of the mounting plate 16' to the other. The upper side (when the mounting device is in its installed position) of the mounting plate 16' has a rabbet 45' adjacent the periphery of the aperture 43' for engaging a flange 80' on the receptacle 30'. The receptacle 30' is secured to the mounting plate 16' by three screws 82' that pass through the flange 80' and into the mounting plate 16'. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2-11, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 29-37 has flanges 34', 36' for engaging the coupling plate 42' and bores 38', 40' for receiving threaded fasteners used to secure a fan bell to the mounting device. Referring now to Figures 29, 30, and 35-7, the coupling plate 42' holds the electrical plug 44', which is secured to the coupling plate 42' in a manner that enables the plug 44' and coupling plate 42' to rotate relative to one another. In the depicted example, the coupling plate 42' has a relatively large central aperture 47' that allows the plug 44' to pass therethrough. The plug 44' is mounted to the coupling plate 42' by upper and lower mounting plates 86', 88', which are attached to the coupling plate 42' by four screws 90'. However, other means of fastening the upper and lower plates to the coupling plate, such as bolts, rivets, weld, adhesive or the like, may be used. Each of the upper and lower plates 86', 88' has a central circular aperture 92', and the lower plate 88' has an L-shaped retaining flange 94' around the periphery of the aperture 92'. An annular boss 96' on the plug 44' is sandwiched between the upper plate 86' and the lower leg of the retaining flange 94', allowing the plug 44' to rotate relative to the coupling plate 42'. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2-11, the coupling plate 42' of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 29-37 includes a pair of latch slots 52', 54' for receiving the flanges 34', 36' of the receptacle plate 16'. The latch slots 52', 54' are defined by a pair of upwardly-extending end walls 56', 58' attached to opposite ends of the coupling plate 42' and a pair of inwardly extending upper walls 60', 62' attached to the end walls 56', 58' at their upper ends. Each of the ends walls 56', 58' also includes a pair of screw holes 64', 66' for fastening the coupling plate 42' to a fan bell. The coupling plate 42' includes a generally annular ball socket 98' for forming a ball and socket joint with a ball attached to the upper end of a fan hanger tube. The ball socket 98' is attached to the coupling plate 42' by two pairs of hangers 100', 102' attached to the coupling plate 42' adjacent opposite ends thereof. A stiffener 104' is attached to each pair of hangers 100', 102' to prevent the ball socket 98' from swaying due to an unbalanced fan and/or the hangers from racking due to torque caused by the fan's motor. Preferably, the socket 98' includes an opening 106' that enables a ball and hanger tube assembly to be inserted into the socket 98' from one side of the coupling plate 42'. The electrical plug 44' and receptacle 30' are specially designed for safe and easy connection to one another. The plug 44' includes a generally circular base 108 made of a non-conductive material. However, the base may be any shape desired, such as rectangular, oval or the like. A skirt 110' is attached to and extends away from one end of the base 108'. The skirt 110' is made of the same non-conductive material as the base 108' and is formed integrally therewith. However, the skirt may be made of another material, formed separately from the base and/or attached to the base by chemical bonding, heat bonding, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening or the like. The inner periphery of the skirt 110' and the portion of the base 108' surrounded by the skirt 110' define a cavity 112'. A plurality of electrical conductors 114' engage the base 108' and extend from the base 108' into the cavity 112'. In the embodiment shown, the conductors 1 14' are blade-type conductors. Other types of conductors, however, such as cylindrical, tubular or the like, may be used. Although four conductors 114' are shown, any number of conductors may be provided. Moreover, the conductors may be arranged in any pattern desired. When the plug 44' and receptacle 30' are engaged with one another, the skirt 1 10' sleevedly engages a like-shaped receiver 116' on the receptacle 30'. The configuration of the skirt 110' and receiver 1 16' prevents a user from touching the conductors 114' with a finger, tool or other object when the plug 44' and receptacle 30' are being engaged with one another and when they are only partially engaged with one another, protecting the user from an electrical shock and/or the electrical supply circuit from short-circuiting. In a preferred embodiment, the inner periphery of the skirt 110' and the outer periphery of the receiver 1 16' define a shape that has no more than one axis of symmetry so that the shape defines the relative alignment of the plug 44' and receptacle 30' necessary to engage the two parts. In addition, a non-circular or a circular and keyed skirt and receiver would prevent rotation of the engaged parts relative to one another to avoid damaging the conductors. This is particularly advantageous when the coupling plate 42' is rotated relative to the mounting plate 16' while engaging the coupling plate 42' to the mounting plate 16' or disengaging the coupling plate 42' from the mounting plate 16'. The conductors 114' have terminals 1 18' for connecting the plug 44' to an electrical circuit. In the embodiment shown, the terminals 118' are screw-type terminals having screws 120' for connecting the plug 44' to bare-ended fan wires 121'. Other type of terminals, such as spring loaded, soldered, compression or the like, may alternatively be used. Each terminal 118' is located within a recess 122' in the base 108' that allows access to the terminal screw 120' by a screw driver and egress of a wire from the base 108'. Alternatively, the terminals may extend into one large recess, beyond the terminal end of the base, out the side of the base or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the plug may be pre-molded with the conductor/wire connection molded into the base, eliminating the need for terminals. The receptacle 30' has a generally circular base 124' attached to the receiver 116'. The base, however, may be any shape desired, such as polygonal, oval or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the base and the receiver are made of a non-conductive material and are formed integrally with one another. However, the base and the receiver may be made of different materials, formed separately from one another and/or attached to one another by chemical bonding, heat bonding, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening or the like. The receiver 116' has a face 126' and four sockets 128' for receiving the conductors 114' when the plug 44' is engaged with the receptacle 30'. Each socket 128' contains an electrical contact 130' that engages a corresponding one of the conductors 114' and a terminal 132' for connecting the contact 130' to an electrical circuit. The terminals 132' are screw-type terminals having screws 134' for connecting the receptacle 30' to bare-ended supply wires 135'. Other type of terminals, such as spring loaded, soldered, compression or the like, may alternatively be used. Each terminal 132' is located within a recess 136' the base 124' that allows access to the terminal screw 134' by a screw driver and side egress of a wire conductor from the base 124'. Alternatively, the terminals may extend into one large recess, beyond the terminal end of the base, out the side of the base or the like. The terminals 132' and the bare ends of the wires 135' are covered by a cap 138' made of a non-conductive material. The cap 138' comprises a cover 140' and a skirt 142' that forms a friction fit with the circular periphery of the base 124. Openings 144' are provided in the skirt 142' to allow the wires 135' to pass from outside the cap 138' to the terminals 132'. The cap 138' is particularly suited for preventing fingers, tools and other objects from touching the terminals and/or bare ends of the conductor wires to prevent electrical shocks and shorts. For example, if the receptacle were mounted to an electrical junction box containing spliced wires that have lost their wire nuts or other insulation, the cap would prevent the open splices from contacting the terminal and/or bare ends of the wires attached to the terminals. In alternative embodiments, the cap may be eliminated and/or another cap may be provided to cover the terminals of the plug. The cap 138' also protects the terminals from water falling from above the cap 138'. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing embodiments, to appreciate the scope of the invention.

Claims: Claims 1. A ceiling fan having a quick connect device, the device comprising: a first plate attachable to an electrical junction box and containing a first electrical contact; and a second plate attachable to a fan and containing a second electrical contact; the first plate rotatably coupled to the second plate; wherein the first electrical contact is either a plug or a receptacle of a plug/receptacle electrical connection and the second electrical contact is the other of the plug/receptacle connection and one of the plug or receptacle is rotatably contained in its plate to rotatably couple the first plate to the second plate; wherein the first plate contains the receptacle, the second plate contains the plug, and the plug is rotatably contained in the second plate. 2. A ceiling fan as in claim 1, wherein the first and second plate are adjustable to attach to a variety of fan bells. 3. A ceiling fan as in claim 1 , wherein the first plate has a flange extending from each opposite end thereof, and the second plate has a latch slot at each opposite end thereof configured to receive a flange of the first plate. 4. A ceiling fan as in claim 3, wherein the quick connect device further comprises a lock fixing the relative position of the first plate to the second plate. 5. A ceiling fan as in claim 1 , wherein the first electrical contact is an electrical contact strip generally in a plane of a face of the first plate adjacent to the second plate and the second electrical contact is an electrical contact strip generally in a plane of a face of the second plate adjacent to the first plate. 6. A ceiling fan as in claim 1 , wherein the second plate comprises a key, the key including a stem extending from the face and an oval head attached to the stem and the first plate comprises an opening having a shaped corresponding to the head to rotatably couple the first plate to the second plate. 7. A mounting device for hanging an electrical fixture from an overhead support and connecting the fixture to an electrical circuit, comprising; a mount attachable to an electrical junction box; a coupler attachable to an electrical fixture and engageable with the mount; an electrical plug including a plug base, a skirt and a plurality of elongate electrical conductors, the skirt being attached to the plug base and extending away from the plug base, the skirt having an inner surface and an inner periphery, the inner surface of the skirt and a portion of the plug base encompassed by the skirt defining a cavity, the conductors engaging the plug base and extending away from the plug base into the cavity; and an electrical receptacle, the receptacle including a receptacle base and a receiver attached to the receptacle base, the receiver having an outer periphery and a plurality of sockets extending into the receiver, the outer periphery of the receiver adapted to slidably engage the inner surface of the skirt of the plug, each socket for receiving one of the conductors of the plug; the plug being secured to either the mount or the coupler and the receptacle being secured to the other, the conductors and skirt of the plug engaging the sockets and the receiver, respectively, of the receptacle when the plug is engaged with the receptacle. 8. The mounting device of claim 7 wherein the mount includes a mounting plate and the coupler includes a coupling plate, the mounting plate being rotatably securable to the coupling plate and either the plug or the receptacle being rotatably coupled to the respective mounting or coupling plate to which it is secured. 9. The mounting device of claim 8 wherein the mounting plate contains the receptacle and the coupling plate contains the plug. 10. The mounting device of claim 8 wherein the coupling plate is attachable to a variety of fan bells. 11. The mounting device of claim 8 wherein the coupling plate includes a ball socket depending from the coupling plate, the ball socket adapted to receive a ball of an electrical fixture for forming a ball-and-socket type joint. 12. The mounting device of claim 9 wherein the plug is rotatably secured to the coupling plate.

Inventors: KERR RUSSELL J JR, WINN CULLYN B, KERR, RUSSELL, J., JR., WINN, CULLYN, B.
Applicants: ANGELO FAN BRACE LICENSING L L, ANGELO FAN BRACE LICENSING, L.L.C.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B63H1
IPC codes: F04D25, F04D29, H01R13, H02G3