Abstract:
A fixture hoist comprising a base assembly and a shuttle assembly. The base assembly is attachable to an overhead structure and includes a base with a motor disposed thereon. The motor includes a shaft rotatable in first and second directions and at least one drum coupled to the shaft. A cable is disposed about the drum, whereby the cable is selectively extended or retracted by rotating the shaft in one of the first and second directions. The base assembly includes at least one first datum fitting disposed on the base. The shuttle assembly is capable of supporting a fixture and is movable between a docked state and a deployed state. The shuttle assembly includes at least one second datum fitting configured to mate with the first datum fitting when the shuttle assembly is in the docked state.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Whether in a residential or commercial setting, a high ceiling makes it very difficult to clean and/or maintain fixtures attached thereto, such as ceiling fans and chandeliers. As a result many people are resigned to tolerate an accumulation of spider webs, dust, and burnt out light bulbs on these inaccessible fixtures. If the ceiling is 9 feet tall or 100 feet tall, the problem is the same: poor access to out-of-reach fixtures means that there is no practical way for just one individual to quickly and easily clean, maintain or replace out-of-reach fixtures. Instead, out-of-reach fixtures are ignored, at least until the accumulation of filth and required maintenance motivates an individual to select one of two options: (a) risk bodily harm by ascending a tall ladder, or (b) spend hundreds of dollars to hire a professional scaffolding or cleaning service, in either case, to perform what should be routine maintenance and repair. Neither option is ideal because both depend on a person leaving the ground and ascending to the fixture to address any issues. Accordingly, there is a need for a convenient way to provide access to out of reach fixtures without leaving the ground. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    Described herein are various exemplary embodiments of a fixture hoist and retractable ceiling fixture incorporating the same. A fixture can be mounted to the underside of the fixture hoist, so that when the hoist is activated, its dual cable system will lower the fixture, without twisting. The fixture hoist is designed to function on horizontal and sloped ceilings. When the hoist&#39;s cables pull the fixture back to the ceiling, datum features, or fittings, guide the final several inches of the fixtures assent, such that a solenoid locking mechanism is triggered and the fixture is secured to the ceiling. 
         [0003]    The fixture hoist may mount to the ceiling in the same manner that the existing fixture would have previously mounted to the ceiling if the fixture hoist were not present. The fixture is then attached to the underside of the fixture hoist in the same manner that the fixture would have previously mounted to the ceiling (for example, the same sort of ceiling bracket previously used to mount the fixture to the ceiling would be integrated into the underside of the fixture hoist so that attaching the fixture to the fixture hoist is as easy as it previously was to attach the fixture to the ceiling). The electrical wiring from the ceiling and the fixture meet at a contact point within the fixture hoist so that power is shut off upon lowering the fixture, and power is restored when the fixture is locked back in place. 
         [0004]    In one exemplary embodiment, a fixture hoist comprises a base assembly and a shuttle assembly. The base assembly is attachable to an overhead structure and includes a base with a motor disposed thereon. The motor includes a shaft rotatable in first and second directions and at least one drum coupled to the shaft. A cable is disposed about the drum, whereby the cable is selectively extended or retracted by rotating the shaft in one of the first and second directions. The base assembly also includes at least one first datum fitting disposed on the base. The shuttle assembly is capable of supporting a fixture and is movable between a docked state and a deployed state. The shuttle assembly includes a shuttle chassis attached to the cable, whereby the shuttle assembly is deployed by extending the cable and docked by retracting the cable. The shuttle assembly includes at least one second datum fitting configured to mate with the first datum fitting when the shuttle assembly is in the docked state. 
         [0005]    In other embodiments, the fixture hoist may comprise a pair of first datum fittings and a pair of second datum fittings. The first datum fitting may comprise a socket and the second datum fitting may comprise a pin. The socket may comprise a frustoconical receptacle or a portion of a frustoconical receptacle. The base assembly may include a pair of drums coupled to the shaft with a cable disposed about each of the drums. A clutch may be coupled between the shaft and the drum. The fixture hoist may further comprise a locking mechanism operative to secure the shuttle assembly to the base assembly when the shuttle assembly is docked. The hoist may also include a switch operative to activate the locking mechanism when the shuttle assembly is in the docked state. A plurality of cooperative electrical contacts may be disposed on the base and the shuttle chassis that are operative to transmit electricity to a fixture supported by the shuttle assembly. 
         [0006]    In another exemplary embodiment, a ceiling fixture hoist comprises a base assembly attachable to a ceiling, a shuttle assembly capable of supporting a ceiling fixture, and a locking mechanism operative to secure the shuttle assembly to the base assembly. The base assembly includes a motor disposed on a base. In this embodiment, the motor includes a double ended shaft rotatable in first and second directions and a clutch coupled to each end of the double ended shaft. A drum is coupled to each clutch and has a cable disposed about it, whereby the cables are selectively extended or retracted by rotating the shaft. The base assembly also includes a pair of datum sockets. The shuttle assembly includes a shuttle chassis attached to the cables, whereby the shuttle assembly is deployed by extending the cables and docked with the base assembly by retracting the cables. The shuttle assembly also includes a pair of datum pins that are configured to mate with the datum sockets when the shuttle assembly meets the base assembly in the docked state. 
         [0007]    In a further exemplary embodiment, a retractable ceiling fixture comprises a base assembly attachable to a ceiling and a ceiling fixture assembly movable between a docked state and a deployed state. The base assembly includes a base with a motor disposed thereon. The motor includes a shaft with at least one clutch coupled to the shaft and at least one drum coupled to the clutch. A cable is disposed about the drum, whereby the cable is selectively extended or retracted by rotating the shaft in one of first and second directions. The base assembly also includes at least one first datum fitting disposed on the base. The ceiling fixture assembly includes a ceiling fixture, such as for example a chandelier or ceiling fan, attached to the cable. The ceiling fixture assembly is deployed by extending the cable and docked with the base assembly by retracting the cable. The ceiling fixture assembly includes at least one second datum fitting configured to mate with the first datum fitting when the ceiling fixture assembly is in the docked state. The retractable ceiling fixture may also include a locking mechanism operative to secure the ceiling fixture assembly to the base assembly. The retractable ceiling fixture may also include a pair of first datum fittings and a pair of second datum fittings, wherein the first datum fittings are sockets and the second datum fittings are pins. 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other features, utilities, and advantages of the fixture hoist will be apparent from the following more particular description of the exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of a fixture hoist and together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation thereof. Like items in the drawings are generally referred to using the same numerical reference. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a fixture attached to an overhead structure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a fixture attached to an overhead structure via a fixture hoist according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixture hoist shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fixture hoist according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fixture hoist according to a third exemplary embodiment shown in the docked state; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixture hoist shown in  FIG. 5  in a deployed state; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a base assembly for a fixture hoist according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the base assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a shuttle assembly for the fixture hoist according to the fourth exemplary embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the shuttle assembly shown in  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the fixture hoist shown in  FIGS. 7-10  attached to an angled support structure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Described herein is a fixture hoist for raising and lowering fixtures, such as ceiling fixtures, in a manner that provides convenient access for the cleaning and maintenance of the fixture. The disclosed fixture hoist raises and lowers ceiling fans, chandeliers and other fixtures for effortless access. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates fixture  7 , in this case a ceiling fan, that is attached to an overhead structure  2  above ground level  4 . In this case, the overhead structure is a ceiling and the fixture may be referred to as a ceiling fixture. Traditionally, ceiling fixtures are fixedly attached to the ceiling. Accordingly, when ceiling fixture  7  needs maintenance, cleaning, or a bulb replacement, a user  6  must climb on a ladder or hire a professional to maintain fixture  7 . 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a fixture hoist  10 , according to a first exemplary embodiment, facilitates the maintenance of such ceiling fixtures by bringing them closer to ground level. In this case, fixture hoist  10  is attached to ceiling  2  and includes a selectively retractable or extendable cable  46 . Fixture hoist  10  is operative to lower the fixture towards ground level  4  such that user  6  may maintain ceiling fixture  7 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , fixture hoist  10  includes a base assembly  20  attached to ceiling  2 . Base assembly  20  is operative to extend and retract cable  46  in order to lower and raise fixture  7 . In this embodiment, fixture hoist  10  includes a decorative cover  112  that attaches on top of the base assembly  20 .  FIG. 4  represents a second exemplary embodiment, wherein fixture hoist  120  is contained within the decorative cover  112 . In this embodiment decorative cover  112  may be attached to fixture  7  such that it travels with the fixture  7  as it is raised and lowered. Alternatively, decorative cover  112  may be attached to the ceiling such that the base assembly  120  remains covered when the fixture is lowered. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates a fixture hoist  210 , according to a third exemplary embodiment, that includes a base assembly  230  attached to ceiling  2  and a shuttle assembly  260  that is capable of supporting fixture  207 . The fixture hoist  210  shown in  FIG. 5  is shown in a docked state.  FIG. 6 , on the other hand, illustrates fixture hoist  210  in a deployed state, wherein cables  246 ′ and  246 ″ are extended. As shown in  FIG. 6 , base assembly  230  includes base  232 , which may be a base plate, a bracket, or other foundation piece. Mounted to base  232  is a motor  240  having a shaft  245  rotatable in first and second directions. In this case, shaft  245  is a double-ended shaft wherein a portion of the shaft extends to one side of the motor and another portion extends to the opposite side. Attached to each end of shaft  245  is a drum ( 242 ′,  242 ″) with an associated cable ( 246 ′,  246 ″) disposed about, or wrapped around, the drum. Cables  246  extend downward and are attached to shuttle chassis  262 , which is described below. Base  232  also supports an electrical connector  235  that contacts a corresponding connector  265 , as explained more fully below. Electrical connector  235  includes an electric cable  238  which may connect to a power source associated with the ceiling or structure. Base assembly  230  also includes a pair of datum fittings  234 ′ and  234 ″. In this case, each datum fitting  234  is cone shaped, or funnel shaped, and includes a receptacle  236 . 
         [0025]    Shuttle assembly  260  includes a shuttle chassis  262  which supports a pair of datum fittings  264 ′ and  264 ″, in this case in the form of pins, which are configured to mate with conical datum fittings  234 ′ and  234 ″, respectively, when the shuttle assembly  260  is in the docked state. In this case, shuttle chassis  262  is dome-shaped and thereby acts as a covering for base assembly  230  when the shuttle assembly  260  is in the docked state. As mentioned above, shuttle assembly  260  includes an electrical connector  265  which is configured and located to mate with electrical contact interface  235  disposed on base  232 . Accordingly, when shuttle assembly  260  is in the docked state, the two electrical connectors  235  and  265  are in electrical communication such that power provided from the house or structure may be transmitted via cable  268  to fixture  207  (See  FIG. 5 ). The connectors may secure together by the upward force provided by the cables or by magnets disposed on the connectors. The magnets may be permanent magnets or may be in the form of an electro-magnet on one or both of the connectors. 
         [0026]    A ceiling fixture hoist according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 . Ceiling fixture hoist  310  ( FIG. 11 ) is comprised of a base assembly  330  and a shuttle assembly  360 . Base assembly  330  includes a base  332 , in this case a base plate that supports the other components of the base assembly  330 . A motor  340  is disposed on base  332  and includes a double-ended shaft  341  (not shown) which is connected to a pair of clutches  347 ′ and  347 ″. Motor  340  is supported on base  332  by a pair of mounting brackets  348 . Extending from each clutch ( 347 ′,  347 ″) is a corresponding shaft ( 345 ′,  345 ″) which in turn is connected to a drum ( 342 ′,  342 ″). Each drum ( 342 ′,  342 ″) includes an associated cable ( 346 ′,  346 ″) disposed about the drum. With further reference to  FIG. 8 , it can be appreciated that cables  346  extend downwardly towards shuttle assembly  360  (See for example,  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). Cables  346  may be comprised of, for example and without limitation, a single wire, multi-stranded wire, cord, monofilament line, and the like. 
         [0027]    In this case, datum fittings  334  are in the form of a half socket. In particular, datum fittings ( 334 ′,  334 ″) are comprised of a section of a cylinder that has a frustoconical shaped receptacle  336 . In this case, the datum fittings ( 334 ′,  334 ″) comprise approximately half of such a cylinder. However, the datum fitting may be a complete frustoconical, cylindrical piece. Datum fitting  334  provides a cone-shaped guide which leads mating pins ( 364 ′,  364 ″) into apertures  358 ′ and  358 ″. 
         [0028]    Base  332  supports electrical connector  335  which is connected via cable  338  to a power source associated with the structure. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the electrical interface  335  includes a plurality of electrical contacts  349 . Base plate  332  also supports a portion of locking mechanism  350 , shown in  FIG. 7 , that includes a solenoid  352  with an associated lock pin  354 . Locking mechanism  350  also includes a pin receiver  351  disposed on shuttle chassis  362  ( FIG. 9 ). The locking mechanism  350  is operative to secure the shuttle assembly  360  to the base assembly  330  when the shuttle is in the docked state. Associated with lock mechanism  350  is a switch  356  which activates the lock mechanism  350  once shuttle assembly  360  approaches the docked state. An activation pin, or plunger,  357  is disposed on shuttle chassis  362  and is positioned and configured to operate switch  356  once shuttle chassis  360  is in the proper position. Once in the proper position, the lock pin  354  extends from solenoid  352  to engage aperture  353  formed in pin receiver  351 . 
         [0029]    Shuttle assembly  360  is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  and includes a shuttle chassis  362  which supports the components of the shuttle assembly. As mentioned above, shuttle chassis  362  is attached to cables  346 . Shuttle chassis  362  supports a pair of datum fittings ( 364 ′,  364 ″) in the form of pins. While the embodiments shown herein show the sockets on the base assembly and the mating pins on the shuttle assembly, the datum fittings may be reversed such that the pins are located on the base assembly and the sockets are located on the shuttle assembly. 
         [0030]    Shuttle chassis  362  supports an electrical connector  365  which mates with electrical connector  335  disposed on base assembly  330 . Electrical connector  365  also includes a plurality of contacts  366  which interface with the electrical contacts  349  on connector  335 . Electrical connector  365  transmits electrical power to the fixture via electrical cable  368  which extends through aperture  372  formed through shuttle chassis  362 . Shuttle chassis  362 , as shown here, also includes a pair of mounting holes  374 . In this case, mounting holes  374  are threaded for facilitating the attachment of a fixture. It is contemplated that mounting holes  374  may be the same size and spacing as a standard ceiling fixture box. Although shown here as mounting holes, other forms of mounting a fixture to shuttle assembly  360  may be used, such as mounting loop  376  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a schematic representation of ceiling fixture hoist  310  attached to an angled ceiling surface. In this case, ceiling  2  is angled at an approximately 45-degree angle. However, the socket and pin datum fixture arrangement ( 334 ,  364 ) disclosed herein allows for the shuttle assembly  360  to be guided into the apertures  358  such that the shuttle assembly is correctly located against the base assembly, thereby providing electrical contact and activation of locking mechanism, as well as a flush mount to the ceiling. Clutches  347  facilitate mounting the fixture hoist on an angled surface. Clutches  347  compensating for the necessary difference in cable lengths by allowing the two drums ( 342 ′,  342 ″) to slip relative to each other. 
         [0032]    While various embodiments are shown here to include a fixture hoist as a separate assembly, the base assembly may be integrated into the ceiling, and similarly, the shuttle assembly may be integrated into a fixture. While the embodiments have been illustrated with components having relative sizes and positions, the size and position of various components may vary. For example, datum fittings  334  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be larger or smaller. Moreover, the radial and circumferential positioning of the datums may vary as well. 
         [0033]    The various embodiments shown herein include an electrical connector arrangement which disconnects power when the shuttle assembly is in the deployed state and connects power when the shuttle assembly is in the docked state. However, power may be continuously transmitted to the fixture via cables  346 , for example, or by further including an extendable cord (for example, coiled) which extends between the shuttle assembly and the base assembly. Furthermore, the fixture hoists described herein may be activated by a wall-mounted switch or remote control. 
         [0034]    Accordingly, the fixture hoist has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.