ASSEMBLY AND MODULAR CEILING FAN SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular ceiling fan system wherein a plurality of compatible alternative parts are provided for each of a multiple of the fan components, and which includes standardized connections between the operating components. It is intended to provide configurations of the components in a variety of similar fan assemblies that have uniquely different configurations, styles and appearances. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The popularity of ceiling fans has increased tremendously in recent years. Today, consumers who have a wide range of tastes and needs, often buy numerous ceiling fans for a single house or business to improve the decoration of the environment, and to provide an extremely effective means of conserving the energy required to heat and cool the environment. As a result, the market for traditional ceiling fans has evolved from a few base models to a choice of hundreds of different fans. In addition, because of their economic power, large chains are often often in a position to require manufacturers to provide new designs for ceiling fans on an exclusive basis or as private label products, in order to distinguish the configuration, style or appearance of your ceiling fans of the products offered by your competitors, even when the fans can be made by the same manufacturer. Therefore, in response to evolving consumer tastes and demands and competitive pressures within the ceiling fan market, ceiling fan manufacturers are required to continuously create entirely new fan designs or fan product lines, with In order to provide a variety of ceiling fans that are clearly distinguishable from other fans of their own product lines, as well as from ceiling fan products traded by other competing manufacturers. Whenever the design of a ceiling fan is changed, either due to a change in consumer preferences, or to accommodate a retail chain or other output, new drawings of parts and assemblies must be created, and must be produced different tools for each of the new fan parts. Then the new parts must be manufactured and inventoried. In addition, different packaging materials must be developed and produced for each new fan design, including different sized packing boxes, different custom made cushioning material to suit the boxes and parts, different ornamentation for the boxes, and different configuration of the boxes to embark on a portable platform. The production of many different lines of roof fan products also substantially increases the cost of raw material, labor, material, handling and inventory for a manufacturer. In addition, it is often necessary to provide a separate packing line to pack the final product after it leaves the assembly line. Moreover, a production line has to be completely deactivated in order to incorporate adjustments for a new ceiling fan design. The few previous efforts to produce a ceiling fan having interchangeable components typically use a limited number of parts for only one of the components of the ceiling fan. However, these efforts do not significantly reduce manufacturing costs, nor do they allow the production of a large variety of novelly different configurations, styles or fan appearances. For example, US Pat. No. 5,151,011 discloses only non-modular top and bottom balloon covers, interchangeably coupled to an illuminated ceiling fan, wherein each cover is manufactured as a complete unit. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,441,387 and 5,503,524 describe motor housings for ceiling fans configured to receive different inserts, which alter only the decorative pattern on the housing. Clearly, none of these previous efforts provide a system where a wide variety of ceiling fans can be produced that have unique differentiation styles, configurations and appearances, from a single standardized ceiling fan assembly, while substantially reducing the cost to the manufacturer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a modular ceiling fan assembly and system is provided, wherein a multiplicity of the components of the basic structure of the fan have a plurality of alternative configurations or assembly configurations, to produce fans. assembled that have remarkably different configurations, styles or appearances. It has been discovered that this modular ceiling fan assembly and system can be achieved by standardizing the operating components of the fan assembly, and the provision of a common standardized connection structure and generally standardized sizing for the different alternative parts for each component. Accordingly, with the modular system of the present invention, each of the components of a ceiling fan is selected from a variety of alternatives, which can be easily assembled into a single differentiation fan configuration, regardless of which alternative part is selected, without changes or significant adjustments in the manufacturing process. Typically, the basic components of a ceiling fan include a hanging bracket, a canopy, a drop rod or hanging rod, a pivot ball, a motor, a motor housing, a switch housing, a switch housing cover, fan blades and a link structure of the blades, with or without medallions or blade covers, together with switches and customary electric components. In accordance with the modular system of the present invention, many of these basic components can be designed in a variety of shapes, structures or configurations. However, since each of the variations has a standardized sizing and connection structure, the fan components can be connected in a multitude of different combinations and positions within the overall assembly to provide ceiling fans that are perceived as configurations, shapes or strikingly different appearances. The provision of different modular components for the housing of the motor is a particularly effective way to change the configuration, shape or overall appearance of the ceiling fan, and to provide maximum perceived differentiation in the eyes of the customer and the consumer. In accordance with the foregoing, the modular system for providing alternative components "for motor housing, is a significant feature of the system of the present invention. According to the present system, the motor housing is formed from multiple, preferably two or three, horizontal sections that are connected vertically. Each of the sections of the motor housing can then be varied by providing different patterns of ventilation containment, different exterior configurations within predetermined size limits, and different surface ornamentation, such as the placement and style of the annular ring decoration. However, the portions of the sections of the motor housing that are secured to each other, and the portions of the motor housing that interact with the other components of the ceiling fan assembly are provided with a standardized connecting structure, and the sections of The motor housing are selected to conform to a standard height dimension, such that the motor housing sections can be combined to form a housing component that is operably connected to the other components of the fan assembly. Another component of the ceiling fan where the changes contribute to a maximum perceived differentiation in the overall design of the fan in the eyes of the retailer and the consumer, is the joining structure to secure the fan blades to the motor. In a preferred embodiment of this feature, the fan blades are attached to the lower surface of the motor. In alternative embodiments, the fan blades can be attached to the upper surface of the motor, or they can be supported from the upper surface of the motor in a manner that creates the appearance that the blades are attached to the middle part of the motor. In a preferred embodiment, an integral blade and paddle ring assembly with a standardized hole spacing corresponding to the hole spacing provided in the motor enclosure is provided for attaching the blade ring to the lower surface of the motor enclosure. Blade or blade plates can be used to replace the blade ring, in order to further change the overall appearance of the ceiling fan. Each of these modular blade joining components is provided with a standardized hole spacing for the connecting screws, which corresponds to the spacing of the holes in the lower surface of the motor. Alternatively, holes can be provided to the upper surface of the motor, which are preferably standardized to correspond to the size of the hole and spacing on the lower surface, so that the blade ramps or blade plates can be mounted. on the upper surface of the motor. The spacing between the holes and the dimension of the holes on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the motor, in the ring of blades, in the blade ramps, or in the blade plates, and in the blades of the fan, are standardized , so that the fan blades can be secured to the bottom of the motor, for a fan mounted on the bottom, or the blades of the fan can be secured to the top of the motor, for a fan mounted on the superior or a fan to the middle of the body. Other components of the ceiling fan for which alternative modular designs can be provided include the canopy, the descending rod, the fan blades, the switch housing, the housing of the switch housing and the blade ring cover, the metal plates. blades and / or the medallions of blades. However, in accordance with the modular system of the present invention, each of the plurality of alternatives has a standardized sizing, at least in the height dimension for certain components, and a standardized connection structure throughout the modular system for easy replacement of alternative parts that are compatible with the other components. It is understood that the cooperation of the alternative components within the overall assembly is possible due to a common standardization of the dimensioning structure and connection between the different operating components. Secondary components of the fan assembly that fit together with the other primary components can be incorporated, in the modular assembly. For example, wire / circuit connections, pull chain switches, capacitors, fan speed and reverse switches, light sets, and remote control circuits, to name a few, should also include standardized connections. to provide a plurality of alternative choices. By standardizing the height dimension, preferably for each component, and maintaining the other geometry for each component within a limited range, standardization of the packing box and foam or cushioning material can also be achieved. . In addition, standardization allows the manufacturer to use a common print display for packaging, such as the use of small adhesive labels. The packaging material may include a standardized sizing for cuts that receive components manufactured within limited size ranges. By using standardized alternative components in a modular ceiling fan assembly and system, you can see that dramatic savings can be achieved in design, printing, tooling and packaging costs. The present system allows a manufacturer to pre-assemble many of the fan components, such as the entire engine platform or engine housing. These preassembled components can then be fed into the production line for the entire modular fan assembly. The modular system of the present invention also streamlines the final assembly process, allowing the packaging line to become part of the production line. Accordingly, the present modular system substantially increases the range of possibilities for different designs and appearances for ceiling fans, while providing significant reductions in costs for the manufacturer. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular ceiling fan structure and system, wherein a multiplicity of fan components having a plurality of alternative parts can be interchanged to produce similar ceiling fan assemblies. with notable differences in configuration, style or appearance. It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular ceiling fan system that allows manufacturers to select from alternative parts and assembly configurations for a multitude of fan components to produce a fan assembly for exclusive sale or the market of the fan. that is unique and easily differentiated from other ceiling fans that are being marketed. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modular ceiling fan system, wherein each of a plurality of alternative parts or configurations for each component is provided with a common standardized connecting structure, in such a way that the parts can be Easily connect to assemble a fan that has a selected design. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modular ceiling fan assembly, wherein each of the many basic components that contribute to the overall configuration, style, and appearance of the fan, including the canopy, the descending rod, can be selected. , to the housing of the motor, the housing of the switch, the housing of the switch housing, the fan blades and the structure of the blades, from a multitude of different components that have a standardized connection structure to create or design a ceiling fan that has a distinctly distinctive configuration, style, and appearance, without the need to redesign and / or re-manufacture the individual components for the fan. A still further object of the present invention is to allow the use of packing boxes, standardized padding and / or printouts, which provide each of the components of a modular ceiling fan system with a standardized sizing within the predetermined size limits, so that the components fit conveniently within standard size boxes and material. A final object of the present invention is to provide a modular ceiling fan assembly, wherein each component of the fan has a standardized height dimension and connection structure, and has been selected from a plurality of different compatible parts or assemblies. that are provided for each component in the selected fan assembly. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood by reference to the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, wherein the like numerals refer to like parts throughout the same. . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular ceiling fan assembly in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view separated into parts, illustrating the different components of the assembled fan shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fan, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. The Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate alternative modular motor housings for replacement in the modular fan assembly shown in Figure 1. Figures 5A and 5B. illustrate alternate fan modulator fan links to be replaced in the modular fan assembly shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view separated into parts illustrating the components of a second embodiment of a modular roof fan assembly. in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates the interchangeable components of a modular system for a motor housing of a ceiling fan, and the blade medallions, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate three different ceiling fan designs created from combinations of the modular components shown in Figure 7. Figure 11 is a side view separated into parts of the main components of a fan assembly. modular roof to be placed in a packing cushion in accordance with the present invention. Figure 12 is a top view of the packing cushion having the main components illustrated in Figure 10 placed thereon. Figure 13 is a side view of the packing cushion and the components illustrated in Figure 11. Detailed Description of the Preferred Modes In the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, a specific term-logy will be used for greater clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, a preferred configuration of a modular ceiling fan incorporating the teachings of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 20. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, most of the Fan components that contribute to the overall external style, design and appearance of the fan can be selected from a plurality of compatible alternative parts or configurations. Any replacement of a component part by another alternative component will not affect the ability to assemble the modular ceiling fan, since the critical height dimensions and the connection structure for each interchangeable component are standardized throughout the entire structure of the ventilator. In this preferred configuration, the ceiling fan includes a canopy 24, a descending rod 30, a modular motor housing 68, and vanes 58 attached to the lower surface 40 of the engine 38 (see Figures 2 and 3). The modular motor housing 68 is supported on an adapter 36 connected to the lower end of the down rod 30. The motor 38 is then inserted into the modular housing 68 through the opening 72 in the bottom of the housing 68, and the end The upper stator arrow 39 of the motor is supported on the lower end of the adapter 36. The vanes 58 are attached to the lower surface of the rotor inside the motor 38, through an integral ring assembly of vanes and blades 52. The Blade ring cover 70 covers the circular ring joining structure of the blade and vane ring assembly 52, which could otherwise be viewed from below through the opening 72 in the modular housing 68. In the same manner, the switch cover 64 is placed over the opening of the switch housing 42 to hide the switching mechanisms. Turning now more specifically to the details of the assembled components, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a mounting fastener 22 which is to be anchored to an electrical box (not shown) secured on a roof. Secured to the mounting fastener 22 is a canopy 24 having a pivot ball 26 mounted within a central opening 28 in a conventional manner. Extending downward through the center of the pivot ball 26 and the opening 28, there is a generally cylindrical downward rod or hanging rod 30. The down rod 30 is supported on its upper part in the pivot ball 26 by a bolt 29, the which extends through the hole 31, and projects outwardly on both sides to be supported in the recesses 27 on each side of the ball 26, all in a known and conventional manner. In accordance with the modular system of the present invention, the canopy 24 can be a modular component of the roof, and can be replaced with any other canopy having standardized dimensions so that the opening 28 receives a standardized pivot ball 26, and standardized dimensions for the upper perimeter which is mounted on a standard mounting bracket 22. In a similar manner, the configuration of the upper end of the down rod 30 and the pivot ball 26 is standardized in such a way that, whatever the alternative down rod that is selected, it will fit properly inside, and it will be secured to the pivot ball 26. The lower end 34 of the down rod 30 is also configured in this modular embodiment with standardized external threads which engage with the standardized internal threads provided inside. the upper part of the adapter 36. By providing a standardized tie structure on the rod 30, the length, shape and style of the down rod 30 can be altered by the selection of any interchangeable down rod having the required standardized upper and lower ends. Prior to screwing the adapter 36 onto the lower end 34 of the descending rod 30, the adapter is inserted through the opening 72 in the lower part of the modular motor housing 68, such that the upper end 37 of the adapter projects through the opening 41 of the upper surface 69 of the modular motor housing, and the upper surface 69 engages and rests on the flange 74 of the adapter 36. Accordingly, when the adapter 36 is screwed onto the lower end 34 of the descending rod 30, the modular motor housing 68 is supported by engagement of the upper surface 69 with the flange 74. Once the adapter 36 is assembled, with the modular motor housing 68 supported thereon by the flange 74, with the rod downstream 30, the motor 38 is inserted through the opening 72 of the modular motor housing, and the arrow of the stator 39 is screwed into the lower end 76 of the adapter 36. The switch housing 42 and the switch holder 43 are secured adjacent to the lower surface 40 of the motor 38 by screwing the collar 78 of the switch holder 43 onto the lower end 80 of the arrow of the stator rod of the motor 38. The threaded collar 78 is formed as part of the switch holder 43 , and its upper surface 82 supports the upper surface 84 of the switch housing 42 adjacent the lower surface 40 of the motor 38, when the collar 78 is screwed onto the extr 80 lower emo of the stator arrow. Preferably, the upper surface 82 of the switch holder 43 is attached to the upper surface 84 of the switch housing 42 by welding or the like, and the electrical components and the wiring are preassembled to form a single unit. Also, the collar 78 is preferably pre-attached to the lower end 80 of the motor shaft to form the engine platform, generally designated by the number 75. In accordance with the present invention, the motor platform 75, the switch housing 42, the switch holder 43, and the electrical switches and wiring are preferably a single configuration for all varieties of the modular fan assembly. Accordingly, the assembled motor platform 75 is preferably inserted through the opening 72 to mount the arrow of the stator 39 on the lower end 76 of the adapter 36. The electrical components of the switch housing 42 and their mounting on the fastener switch 43 are conventional, but may be altered from those shown, so that different engine functions can be presented, such as, for example, replacing the manual jaw chain 46 with the speed control switch 44, and the button (not shown) by the steering control switch 43, with a remote control operation of these switches for the motor. As shown on the lower surface 40 of the engine 38 of this embodiment (see Figure 2), the blade mounting holes are in pairs or sets 48. In this preferred form of the invention, five pairs or sets of holes are provided. of blade mounting on the lower surface 40 of the motor 38. A constant standardized spacing is provided between the holes of each pair 48, and an equal standardized spacing is provided between each adjacent pair of holes. In addition, each of the holes has a predetermined standard diameter. In the preferred form of the invention, as described in Figures 1 to 3, the integral blade and vane assembly ring assembly 52 is mounted on the lower surface 40 of the engine 38 by a series of five screws 86 and rings 88 in a manner similar to that described in United States Patent Number 4, 511, 310./ The rings 88 are likewise spaced in relatively thin recessed sections of the ring having holes corresponding to a hole in each of the rings. five pairs or sets 48 on the lower surface 40 of the motor. Therefore, any similar standardized blade and paddle assembly ring assembly can be easily installed on the. lower surface 40 of the motor 38. The ring and vane assembly 52 includes the vanes 90 extending radially outwardly from the inner mounting ring 85. The assembly 52 is provided with the required number of vanes 90 to mount the desired number of vanes. blades 58. As illustrated in Figure 1, the assembly 52 preferably has five blades 90 for mounting the proximal ends 62 of the fan blades 58. An advantage of the vane and vane ring assembly 52 is that alternate vane ring assemblies having a different number of vanes can be easily replaced to create fans having a different number of vane blades, provided the vane Blades are provided with standardized mounting holes. The holes 92, which have a standardized diameter and spacing, are drilled through the proximal end 62 of the blades 58, and engage with the standardized holes 94 of the blades 90 to receive the screws 96. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the blade or cover medallions 98 can be provided to cover the proximal end 62 of the blades 58, and include similar standardized holes 100, which engage the holes 92 and 94. Therefore, when assembled, the screws 96 pass through the holes 100 of the medallions 98, and then through the holes 92 in the proximal end of the blades 58 to be threadably screwed into the holes 94 of the blades 90. Although the medallions 98 are preferred, they are not required. . Alternatively, the medallions may be fused with protrusions or appropriate raised portions to form internally threaded holes for receiving the screws inserted from the top of the blade through the blades 90, and the holes 92 for engaging the threaded holes in the screws. the medallions 98. In this way, the heads of the mounting screws 96 can not be seen from below, allowing the medallions to have a cleaner surface appearance. Cooperating with the switch housing 42 is the switch housing cover 64, which includes the holes 66, 68. The holes 66, 68 cooperate with the positioning of the button switches and / or the chains extending from the housing of switch 42. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, and even when the appearance of the configuration of the switch housing cover is altered, the cover of the switch housing could still be placed on the switch housing by a structure of standardized connection. Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate alternative modular motor housings 68A, 68B and 68C, respectively, which can be easily replaced by the modular motor housing 68 of Figures 1 to 3 in accordance with the present invention. In order to achieve the interchangeability of the alternative modular motor housings 68, 68A, 68B and 68C in the modular ceiling fan assembly of the present invention, the openings 72, 72A, 72B and 72C of the bottom surface of the housings , and the openings 41, 41A, 41B and 41C of the upper surface of the housings are all standardized to connect with, and receive, the other different components of the ceiling fan assembly. In addition, the height dimension for each of the modular motor housings 68, 68A, 68B and 68C is standardized according to a selected manufacturing specification. The standardized height and opening dimensions are selected to ensure that each interchangeable modular motor housing can accommodate the configuration selected for the single common engine platform, such as platform 75. The standardization of the engine platform 75 in a single design and configuration, greatly simplifies the manufacture, assembly, inventory and shipping of the components of the engine platform. On the other hand, in accordance with the present invention, the parts that combine to form the modular motor housing can be varied widely to provide a remarkably different configuration, style or appearance. For example, a preferred standardized height for a modular motor housing according to the present invention is approximately 12.06 centimeters. The modular motor housing 68, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is made of two parts, an upper section 102 and a lower section 104, each of which has approximately the same height of 6.02 centimeters. In contrast to the configuration, style and appearance of the modular motor housing 68, the alternative modular motor housing 68 is made of three components, an upper section 106, a central band 108, and a lower section 110. In order to arrive at the standardized height of approximately 12.06 centimeters, the height of the central band for the housing 68A is approximately 3.05 centimeters, with a short upper section 106 and a short lower section 110, each approximately 4.75 centimeters in height. The short upper section 106 and the short lower section 110 can then be combined with a lower upper section 112 (Figure 4B), or a tall upper section 114 (Figure 4C), respectively, without using a central band to produce, again, housings of alternative modular motor 69B and 69C. The alternative modular motor housings 69B and 69C have remarkably different configurations, styles and appearances of housing 68 or housing 68A, which also differ only from one another. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the height of the upper upper section and the lower upper section is approximately 8.56 centimeters each, such that, when combined with the short lower section 110 or with the short upper section 106, respectively, the modular housings 68B and 68C have the required standard height of approximately 12.06 centimeters.
The parts of each modular motor housing 68, 68A, 68B and 68C can be assembled and secured together in any suitable manner. For example, the facing edges may have edges of appropriate overlap settings, and screws with appropriate nuts may be extended between, and stop, the upper and lower sections together, with or without a central band, all in a conventional manner. In addition, each of the upper sections 102, 106 and 114, and each of the lower sections 104, 110 and 112, can be configured to have variable ventilation designs, and the central band 108 can be configured to provide different decorations of the ring ring. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 7, a typical modular motor housing system in accordance with the present invention may include only three different top sections, the short upper section 250, a medium upper section 252 and a high upper section 254 , four center band configurations 256, and eight different sections, including three short bottom sections 264, 266 and 268, two medium bottom sections 270 and 272, and three high bottom sections 274, 276 and 278. However, as many can be produced as eighteen different modular motor housings from the motor housing components shown in Figure 7, each motor housing being differentially unique in its configuration, style and appearance. Additional variations in the external appearance of the overall fan design can be achieved by varying the medallions 280, 282, 284 and 286, which are attached to the surface of the fan blades. Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate three strikingly different ceiling fan designs that were created from combinations of the modular motor housing components shown in Figure 7. In addition, by varying the color and / or decorative patterns in The upper and lower sections and the central bands can generate even more pronounced variations in the appearance of the design without creating additional design configurations, changing tools, reconfiguring packaging materials, or making other costly adjustments in the manufacturing process. Turning now to Figures 5A and 5B, different modular blade assemblies are shown for mounting the fan blades to the motor rotor portion, generally designated by the numeral 52A in Figure 5A, and the numeral 52B in Figure 5B. In the configuration of Figure 5A, standardized blade ramps 116 are used to attach the blades 58 to the lower surface 40 of the rotor portion of the engine 38. Each standardized blade ramp 116 has the same standard spacing between the standardized vertical holes 118 that each set of holes 48 in the bottom surface 40. The holes 120 in the proximal end 62 of the blades 58, and the holes 122 in the medallion or cover 98, have similar standardized diameters and spacings. Accordingly, the screws (not shown) passing through the holes 122, then the holes 120 and 118, and finally threaded into the holes 48, anchor and secure the blade medallions 98 and the fan blades 58 to the blade ramps 52 and to the bottom 40 of the engine. The hole 121 of the proximal end 62 of the blade 58, and the hole 123 of the blade medallion 98, have a standardized spacing, and are configured to attach the outer end of the medallion 98 to the blade 58 by any suitable connection, such as with pins, screws and nuts, or similar. With respect to the modular blade link 52B shown in Figure 5B, the tie ring 124 has recesses and openings 126 for receiving the vibration damping rings 128 to be attached to the lower side 40 of the rotor portion of the engine 38 by screws 130, generally as described in the Patent of the United States of America Number 4, 511,310. The ring 124, with the recesses 126 and the rings 128, are standardized to be coupled with one of each pair of joining holes 48, to securely join the ring 124 to the surface 40. The ring 132 has sets of holes 132 for receiving the screws 134 for mounting the blade plates 136 on the blade ring 124. The fan blades 58 are connected to the blade plates 136, with or without covers 98, in the same manner as described above in connection with joining the blades. 52A modular blade illustrated in Figure 5A. It will be observed by the experts in this field, that each of the modular blade links 52, 52A and 52B, imparts a style and appearance of unique differentiation to the modular fan system of the present invention, without significantly increasing the cost for the manufacturer. Accordingly, the manufacturer can provide to a retailer or consumer, a distinctly different style or appearance for the ceiling fan, without having to redesign or re-manufacture the structure or configuration of the ventilator. Turning now to Figure 6 of the drawings, a second preferred configuration of a modular ceiling fan incorporating the teachings of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 140. The ceiling fan 140 includes a canopy 142, a downward rod 144, a modular motor housing 146, and fan blades 148 attached to the upper side of the motor 150. A preassembled motor platform 151 is inserted, which includes the motor 150, the switch housing 166, and the related electrical and wiring breakers. , in the modular housing 146 through a central opening 152 of the upper wall of the housing 146. The switch housing 166 is secured to the arrow of the lower stator adjacent to the lower surface 164 of the motor 150 in a conventional and known manner. As in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electrical and switch components of the switch housing 166 are conventional, and any known replacement within the scope of the present invention is contemplated. The housing 146 is supported from the engine platform in any known and conventional manner, such as by screws mounting the lower surface of the motor housing 146 to a flange 167 of the lower part of the switch housing 166. It is also secured to the housing of the switch 166, in a suitable manner, a modular switch housing cover 178, having the same general construction and flexibility as described above for the switch housing cover 64. In this embodiment, the hanger bracket 154 is anchored to an electrical box (not shown) secured in the ceiling. The canopy 146 is secured to the mounting bracket, and supports the pivot ball 156 within the opening 158. Extending downward through the center of the pivot ball 156 and the opening 158, is the down rod or hanging rod 144. The structure and assembly of the down rod 144 inside the pivot ball 156 supported in the opening 158 of the canopy 146 in this embodiment are illustrated and fully described in U.S. Patent No. 5,222,864. The lower end 160 of the descending rod 144 is internally threaded to receive the stator shaft 162 of the engine 150. The canopy 146, the descending rod 144, and the ball 156 are all standardized in their construction characteristics, as described above for the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, in such a way that the modular canopy and the descending rod parts can be replaced in the design of a modular ceiling fan assembly having a different configuration, style or appearance. according to the present invention. The upper surface 168 of the motor 150 in this embodiment has the blade mounting holes in pairs, or sets (not shown) substantially identical to the pairs or sets 48 shown for the lower surface 40 of the engine 38 in the first preferred embodiment. Again, there are preferably five pairs or sets of blade mounting holes in the upper surface 168, and each pair has a constant standardized spacing between them, and an equal standardized spacing between the adjacent sets. Also, all are of a predetermined standard diameter. In this embodiment, the standardized blade ramps 170 attach the blades 172 to the upper surface 168 of the motor 150. Each standardized blade ramp 170 has the same standard spacing between the standardized vertical holes 174 that each set of holes in the surface upper 168. The holes 176 in the proximal end of blades 172 have similar standardized diameters and spacings. Accordingly, the screws (not shown) passing down through the holes 176 and the holes 174 can be screwed into the mounting holes in the upper surface of the motor 168 to anchor and secure the blades of the fan 172 and the blades. blade ramps 170 to top surface 168 of motor 150. Only two holes 176 are provided at the proximal end of fan blades 172 in this embodiment, as opposed to the three holes provided in the first mode, since no medallions are used of blades, or covers, in this modular blade joint, because the blades attached to the upper side of the engine are not easily visible by a person observing the fan when standing on the floor. It should be appreciated that a single motor design can be adapted, such as motor 38, to be used in configurations for blades mounted on top of the second mode, and blades mounted in the lower part of the first mode, simply providing games or standardized pairs of holes, both on the upper surface and on the lower surface of the rotor portion of the motor. Then, depending on whether the retailer or the consumer wants a top mounted blade style or a blade style mounted on the bottom, the manufacturer can provide the required modular hardware. For the bottom mounted blades, an adapter, such as adapter 36, can be provided to join the down rod and support the modular motor housing, together with a modular motor housing having a top section required to receive and supported on the adapter, and a lower section having an opening sufficient to receive the standardized engine platform through it. All other elements would be standardized and interchangeable in the manner described for the first modality. For a top-mounted blade style, an adapter would not be necessary, such as adapter 36. The modular motor housing would have a top section with an opening of sufficient size to allow the housing to be inserted on the platform of the module. engine during installation, and a standardized lower section to join the engine platform. Otherwise, all other components of the modular fan assembly would remain the same, and a top-mounted blade style could be provided as easily as a bottom-mounted blade style without virtually increasing the cost. Also, in accordance with the modular fan structure and assembly of the present invention, the modular blade joint and the modular motor housing can be modified to produce a modular fan assembly having a blade attachment style at half of the body (not shown), which gives the appearance of having blades that are mounted around the middle section of the engine. A half-body vane-style ceiling fan assembly can be configured from the modular structure and assembly of the present invention, by standardizing the connection structure of the required blade blades, the fan blades and the central band for a mid-body style. All other components of the assembly and modular system are standardized and selected from the available parts, as described above, including configurations, styles and separate appearances for the canopy, the descending rod, the upper and lower sections of the modular motor housing, and the housing of the switch housing. As such, the manufacturer can provide only distinctive medium body ceiling fans without virtually increasing the cost in a significant manner. Although not specifically described in connection with the above embodiments, it will be appreciated that each configuration can be provided with a lighting kit to further differentiate the final modular fan assembly from other ceiling fan designs. The lighting game component would be provided with a standardized connection structure to be incorporated into the selected modular assembly in any known and conventional manner. Due to the standardization of the components for the modular assembly in accordance with the present invention, the internal packing as well as the packing box can also be standardized. More specifically, each cavity of the cushion foam mold is designed to contain a certain part of the modular fan assembly. As a result of the minimum variation in the size of each component, a cavity can be designed for all deviations of that component. An example of a standardized foam cushion mold for packaging a modular fan assembly, as described in Figures 1 to 3, is illustrated in Figures 11 to 13. As shown, the foam cushion mold includes a top foam section 220 and a lower foam section 222. The lower foam section 222 has a cut 223 which is configured on its lower surface to receive and support the integral ring assembly of vanes and vanes 52. Consequently, the lower surface of the cut has circumferential thin sections 224 for supporting the blades 90, and a central raised section 226 that is surrounded by the ring 85 of the assembly 52. The raised section 226 has a centrally located cylindrical hole 228 for receiving and supporting the lower end 80 of the arrow of the stator of the motor 38. The lower surface of the cut 223 in the lower foam section 222 is also configured in such a way that they are the raised portions 230 extending radially inwardly around each of the vanes 90 of the vane and vane ring assembly 52, when placed in the lower portion of the lower foam section 222. The sections 230 are inclined radially upwards , as in 232, in order to conform generally to the surface, and to support the modular motor housing 68. As shown, the modular motor housing 68 is completely assembled before being placed in the packaging foam material. Also, in this embodiment, the modular motor housing has the opening 72 in the lower part of the lower section 104 for receiving the motor platform 75. Accordingly, the modular motor housing is turned downwardly in the packing cushion or foam, in such a way that the opening 72 faces up to receive the motor 38 or the platform 75 when the fan assembly is packed. Before placing the modular motor housing in the section 222 of the foam mold, preferably a suitable insulation sheet or the like is placed on the blade and vane ring assembly 52, to prevent contact with the housing 68 during shipping . Once the modular motor housing has been placed on the elements 230 of the lower surface of the lower foam section 222, in a downwardly facing position, in such a way that the upper section 102 rests on the raised portions 232, the engine platform 75 is preferably preassembled, in such a way that the arrow of the stator 80 is supported in the hole 228. Prior to packaging, the engine 38, with its upper and lower arrows, has been previously assembled on the engine platform 75, with the housing of the switch 42 and the related electrical components and wiring. The cut 234 of the upper foam section 222 is configured to register with the lower cut portion 223 ending at the top of the raised portions 232, as in 236, and to receive and hold the lower portion in place of the modular housing assembly 68, as in 238. Although the canopy 24 can be packaged separately from the other modular components illustrated in Figure 1, in another cut between the upper and lower foam sections 220 and 222, in the portion of the packaging cushion designated by numeral 240, canopy 24 can also be packaged in accordance with the present invention on the housing of switch 42 of engine platform 75, as provided, and a lighting kit, if included in the fan assembly. It will be noted that the cuts for these additional components, in the area of the cushion designated 240, are completely independent of the primary cuts 223 and 234. It will also be noted that the configuration for the packing cushion or the foam mold, illustrated in FIGS. Figures 11 to 13, is designed to support the modular motor housing 68 and the motor platform 75, even when the blade and vane ring assembly 52 is not included in the packaged modular ceiling fan assembly. In this case, the blade and vane ring assembly 52 can be left out of the package, and appropriate blade blades or blade ramps can be provided in the auxiliary cut of the cushion or the foam area designated 240. Accordingly , as shown, the packaging cushion may include cuts of a standardized size to receive the components within the size limitation ranges provided, regardless of the alternative components incorporated in the modular ceiling fan assembly of the present invention. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. In addition, since experts in this field will think of numerous modifications and changes, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and in accordance with the above, it is possible to resort to all the appropriate modifications and equivalents, that fall within the scope of the invention.