US20070297911A1 - Fixture support member assembly - Google Patents

Fixture support member assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070297911A1
US20070297911A1 US11/472,154 US47215406A US2007297911A1 US 20070297911 A1 US20070297911 A1 US 20070297911A1 US 47215406 A US47215406 A US 47215406A US 2007297911 A1 US2007297911 A1 US 2007297911A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
downrod
support member
member assembly
fixture
sidewall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/472,154
Inventor
Walter Phelps Brookins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Craftmade International Inc
Original Assignee
Craftmade International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Craftmade International Inc filed Critical Craftmade International Inc
Priority to US11/472,154 priority Critical patent/US20070297911A1/en
Assigned to CRAFTMADE INTERNATIONAL INC. reassignment CRAFTMADE INTERNATIONAL INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BROOKINS, WALTER PHELPS
Publication of US20070297911A1 publication Critical patent/US20070297911A1/en
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: C/D/R INCORPORATED, CRAFTMADE INTERNATIONAL, INC., DESIGN TRENDS, LLC, DUROCRAFT INTERNATIONAL, INC., PRIME/HOME IMPRESSIONS, LLC, TRADE SOURCE INTERNATIONAL, INC., WOODARD--CM, LLC
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
    • F04D25/088—Ceiling fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/005—Decorative aspects, i.e. features which have no effect on the functioning of the pump

Definitions

  • Downrods are used to support and/or suspend fixtures such as ceiling fans, pendants, chandeliers, or other items from a ceiling or other structure. Such downrods are typically fabricated to engage the fixture on one end and a ceiling/ceiling fixture on the other end. Such downrods are generally a metallic pipe and do not readily enhance the ornamentation or decoration of the attached fixture.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture support member assembly in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a section view of the fixture support member assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 1-2 of the drawings like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture support member assembly 8 in accordance with the present invention.
  • fixture support member assembly 8 comprises a fixture support member 9 having a first end 14 coupleable to a fixture 16 and a second end 18 coupleable to an elevated structure 17 such as a ceiling fixture 19 or other support structure (e.g., coupleable directly to a ceiling or other elevated structure).
  • fixture 16 comprises a ceiling fan 20 ; however, it should be understood that fixture support member 9 may be used to support other types of fixtures, such as, but not limited to, a chandelier, pendant or any other type of device mountable from a ceiling or other elevated structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture support member assembly 8 in accordance with the present invention.
  • fixture support member assembly 8 comprises a fixture support member 9 having a first end 14 coupleable to a fixture 16 and a second end 18 coupleable to an elevated structure 17 such as a ceiling fixture 19 or other support structure (e.g.
  • fixture support member 9 comprises a generally cylindrical cross section and an exterior molded sidewall 12 ; however, it should be understood that fixture support member 9 may be otherwise configured (e.g., square cross section, oval cross section, rectangular cross section, etc.).
  • molded sidewall 12 comprises an enhancing exterior surface 34 that enhances the overall appearance of fixture support member 9 .
  • enhancing exterior surface 34 comprises a “twisting” or “spiraling” appearance; however, it should be understood that enhancing surface 34 may be otherwise configured to enhance the overall appearance of fixture support member 9 .
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a section view of fixture support member 9 of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
  • fixture support member 9 comprises a downrod 10 having molded sidewall 12 molded and/or otherwise permanently attached to an exterior surface 22 thereof to cover at least a portion of exterior surface 22 .
  • downrod 10 is fabricated from a metallic material; however, it should be understood that downrod 10 may be fabricated from other materials such as plastic, for example.
  • downrod 10 comprises a hollow interior 26 to serve as an electrical conduit for the passage of electrical connections to fixture 16 ( FIG. 1 ); however, it should be understood that hollow interior 26 may be omitted from downrod 10 (e.g., a solid downrod 10 ) when supporting fixtures 16 that do not require electricity or in which it is not necessary to pass electrical or other types of connections through interior 26 to fixture 16 .
  • downrod 10 comprises a pair of threaded ends 28 and 30 disposed on first end 14 and second end 18 , respectively, for attachment of fixture support member 9 to fixture 16 and ceiling fixture 19 and/or any other elevated support structure.
  • fixture support member 9 may be attached to fixture 16 and/or ceiling fixture 19 via a pin or bolt insertable within or through openings 24 formed and/or otherwise disposed in downrod 10 .
  • Sidewall 12 preferably circumferentially about downrod 10 on surface 22 and extends longitudinally at least partially between threaded ends 28 and 30 to overlay and to cover a desired portion of exterior surface 22 of downrod 10 ; however, it should be understood that sidewall 12 may be configured to extend and overlay the entire surface of downrod 10 such that threaded ends 28 and 30 would be formed in sidewall 12 or otherwise omitted from downrod 10 in their entirety.
  • fixture support member 9 is fabricated by placing downrod 10 within a mold configured to produce a desired ornamentation of sidewall 12 and enhancing surface 34 (e.g., the “twisting” or “spiraling” appearance illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
  • the mold is a two-piece silicone mold sized to receive downrod 10 . With downrod 10 placed in the mold, the mold is filled with a resin mixture which conforms and bonds directly to surface 22 of downrod 10 to form sidewall 12 and enhancing surface 34 . Downrod 10 preferably remains within the mold as the resin mixture hardens/cures and bonds to downrod 10 . After the mixture has cured, downrod 10 is removed from the mold for drying and cooling.
  • the resin mixture used to form molded sidewall 12 preferably comprises a stone powder and resin mixture that bonds directly to surface 22 of downrod 10 .
  • the resin mixture comprises a polyresin; however, it should be understood that the resin mixture may comprise other types of materials or compounds.
  • a hardening agent may be applied to and/or included in the mixture to strengthen/harden sidewall 12 .
  • embodiments of the present invention enable a downrod 10 to be fabricated having a decorative molded exterior surface 34 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)

Abstract

A fixture support member assembly comprises a downrod configured to support a fixture from an elevated structure, the downrod having a sidewall molded onto an exterior surface thereof.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Downrods are used to support and/or suspend fixtures such as ceiling fans, pendants, chandeliers, or other items from a ceiling or other structure. Such downrods are typically fabricated to engage the fixture on one end and a ceiling/ceiling fixture on the other end. Such downrods are generally a metallic pipe and do not readily enhance the ornamentation or decoration of the attached fixture.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture support member assembly in accordance with the present invention; and
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a section view of the fixture support member assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The preferred embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-2 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture support member assembly 8 in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, fixture support member assembly 8 comprises a fixture support member 9 having a first end 14 coupleable to a fixture 16 and a second end 18 coupleable to an elevated structure 17 such as a ceiling fixture 19 or other support structure (e.g., coupleable directly to a ceiling or other elevated structure). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, fixture 16 comprises a ceiling fan 20; however, it should be understood that fixture support member 9 may be used to support other types of fixtures, such as, but not limited to, a chandelier, pendant or any other type of device mountable from a ceiling or other elevated structure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, fixture support member 9 comprises a generally cylindrical cross section and an exterior molded sidewall 12; however, it should be understood that fixture support member 9 may be otherwise configured (e.g., square cross section, oval cross section, rectangular cross section, etc.). Preferably molded sidewall 12 comprises an enhancing exterior surface 34 that enhances the overall appearance of fixture support member 9. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, enhancing exterior surface 34 comprises a “twisting” or “spiraling” appearance; however, it should be understood that enhancing surface 34 may be otherwise configured to enhance the overall appearance of fixture support member 9.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a section view of fixture support member 9 of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, fixture support member 9 comprises a downrod 10 having molded sidewall 12 molded and/or otherwise permanently attached to an exterior surface 22 thereof to cover at least a portion of exterior surface 22. In some embodiments of the present invention, downrod 10 is fabricated from a metallic material; however, it should be understood that downrod 10 may be fabricated from other materials such as plastic, for example.
  • In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, downrod 10 comprises a hollow interior 26 to serve as an electrical conduit for the passage of electrical connections to fixture 16 (FIG. 1); however, it should be understood that hollow interior 26 may be omitted from downrod 10 (e.g., a solid downrod 10) when supporting fixtures 16 that do not require electricity or in which it is not necessary to pass electrical or other types of connections through interior 26 to fixture 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, downrod 10 comprises a pair of threaded ends 28 and 30 disposed on first end 14 and second end 18, respectively, for attachment of fixture support member 9 to fixture 16 and ceiling fixture 19 and/or any other elevated support structure. Additionally and/or alternatively, fixture support member 9 may be attached to fixture 16 and/or ceiling fixture 19 via a pin or bolt insertable within or through openings 24 formed and/or otherwise disposed in downrod 10. Sidewall 12 preferably circumferentially about downrod 10 on surface 22 and extends longitudinally at least partially between threaded ends 28 and 30 to overlay and to cover a desired portion of exterior surface 22 of downrod 10; however, it should be understood that sidewall 12 may be configured to extend and overlay the entire surface of downrod 10 such that threaded ends 28 and 30 would be formed in sidewall 12 or otherwise omitted from downrod 10 in their entirety.
  • In some embodiments of the present invention, fixture support member 9 is fabricated by placing downrod 10 within a mold configured to produce a desired ornamentation of sidewall 12 and enhancing surface 34 (e.g., the “twisting” or “spiraling” appearance illustrated in FIG. 1). In some embodiments of the present invention, the mold is a two-piece silicone mold sized to receive downrod 10. With downrod 10 placed in the mold, the mold is filled with a resin mixture which conforms and bonds directly to surface 22 of downrod 10 to form sidewall 12 and enhancing surface 34. Downrod 10 preferably remains within the mold as the resin mixture hardens/cures and bonds to downrod 10. After the mixture has cured, downrod 10 is removed from the mold for drying and cooling. After sidewall 12 dries and cools, downrod 10 is further processed, such as, for example, by grinding parting lines, removing burrs, cleaning and/or removing residue from enhanced surface 34 by immersing downrod 10 in an alkalain water solution, threading first and/or second ends 14 and 18, patching air holes on enhanced surface 34, and sanding, polishing and painting enhanced surface 34 to obtain the finished fixture support member 9. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the resin mixture used to form molded sidewall 12 preferably comprises a stone powder and resin mixture that bonds directly to surface 22 of downrod 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, the resin mixture comprises a polyresin; however, it should be understood that the resin mixture may comprise other types of materials or compounds. In some embodiments of the present invention, a hardening agent may be applied to and/or included in the mixture to strengthen/harden sidewall 12.
  • Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable a downrod 10 to be fabricated having a decorative molded exterior surface 34.

Claims (19)

1. A fixture support member assembly, comprising:
a downrod configured to support a fixture from an elevated structure, the downrod having a sidewall molded onto an exterior surface thereof.
2. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall extends at least partially between first and second ends of the downrod.
3. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall extends circumferentially about the downrod.
4. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the downrod comprises a cylindrical downrod.
5. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises a mixture of stone powder and a resin.
6. The support member assembly of claim 5, wherein the resin is a polyresin.
7. The support member assembly of claim 1, wherein the downrod is configured having a cylindrical cross section.
8. A method of manufacturing a fixture support member assembly, comprising:
disposing a downrod within a mold; and
pouring a resin mixture within the mold to form a sidewall on the downrod.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising disposing the downrod in a silicone mold.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a hardening agent to the resin mixture.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising disposing a cylindrical downrod in the mold.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising forming the sidewall to extend circumferentially about the downrod.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein pouring a mixture within the mold comprises pouring a mixture of stone powder and a polyresin within the mold.
14. A fixture support member assembly, comprising:
a downrod coupleable at one end to an elevated structure,
the downrod having a sidewall molded to an exterior surface thereof; and
a ceiling fan coupleable to a second end of the downrod.
15. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall extends at least partially between the first and second ends of the downrod.
16. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall extends circumferentially about the downrod.
17. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall comprises a resin and stone powder mixture.
18. The fixture support member assembly of claim 17, wherein the resin comprises a polyresin.
19. The fixture support member assembly of claim 14, wherein the downrod comprises a cylindrical downrod.
US11/472,154 2006-06-21 2006-06-21 Fixture support member assembly Abandoned US20070297911A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/472,154 US20070297911A1 (en) 2006-06-21 2006-06-21 Fixture support member assembly

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/472,154 US20070297911A1 (en) 2006-06-21 2006-06-21 Fixture support member assembly

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US20070297911A1 true US20070297911A1 (en) 2007-12-27

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8449252B2 (en) 2010-01-14 2013-05-28 Craftmade International, Inc. Double-stacked blade ceiling fan and method of operation and method of circulating air
USD706917S1 (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-06-10 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Combined ceiling fan and light kit
USD707340S1 (en) * 2012-11-06 2014-06-17 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Combined ceiling fan and light kit
USD707345S1 (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-06-17 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Fan blade iron
USD710986S1 (en) * 2012-07-02 2014-08-12 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Fan blade bracket
USD796659S1 (en) 2014-01-16 2017-09-05 Minka Lighting, Inc. Ceiling fan

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US636871A (en) * 1899-01-16 1899-11-14 Western Electric Co Ceiling-fan motor.
US3904791A (en) * 1971-09-10 1975-09-09 Elizabeth M Iverson Ornamental coating method and articles
US5584112A (en) * 1994-06-06 1996-12-17 Moulinex S.A. Process for the production of a whisk for an electric kitchen beater
US6017190A (en) * 1998-01-07 2000-01-25 Prime/Home Impressions, Llc Ceiling fan downrod
US6199813B1 (en) * 1999-06-16 2001-03-13 Tuan Oliva Ceiling fixture decoration assembly
US6394757B1 (en) * 2000-08-22 2002-05-28 Prime Home Impressions, Llc Downrod coverings
US6394756B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2002-05-28 King Of Fans, Inc. Decorative cover for a ceiling fan suspension rod

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US636871A (en) * 1899-01-16 1899-11-14 Western Electric Co Ceiling-fan motor.
US3904791A (en) * 1971-09-10 1975-09-09 Elizabeth M Iverson Ornamental coating method and articles
US5584112A (en) * 1994-06-06 1996-12-17 Moulinex S.A. Process for the production of a whisk for an electric kitchen beater
US6017190A (en) * 1998-01-07 2000-01-25 Prime/Home Impressions, Llc Ceiling fan downrod
US6199813B1 (en) * 1999-06-16 2001-03-13 Tuan Oliva Ceiling fixture decoration assembly
US6394756B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2002-05-28 King Of Fans, Inc. Decorative cover for a ceiling fan suspension rod
US6394757B1 (en) * 2000-08-22 2002-05-28 Prime Home Impressions, Llc Downrod coverings
US20020141873A1 (en) * 2000-08-22 2002-10-03 Lackey Robert W. Downrod coverings
US6695586B2 (en) * 2000-08-22 2004-02-24 Prime Home Impressions, Llc Downrod coverings

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8449252B2 (en) 2010-01-14 2013-05-28 Craftmade International, Inc. Double-stacked blade ceiling fan and method of operation and method of circulating air
USD710986S1 (en) * 2012-07-02 2014-08-12 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Fan blade bracket
USD706917S1 (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-06-10 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Combined ceiling fan and light kit
USD707345S1 (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-06-17 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Fan blade iron
USD707340S1 (en) * 2012-11-06 2014-06-17 Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd. Combined ceiling fan and light kit
USD796659S1 (en) 2014-01-16 2017-09-05 Minka Lighting, Inc. Ceiling fan

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AS Assignment

Owner name: CRAFTMADE INTERNATIONAL INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BROOKINS, WALTER PHELPS;REEL/FRAME:018006/0872

Effective date: 20060620

AS Assignment

Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:CRAFTMADE INTERNATIONAL, INC.;WOODARD--CM, LLC;TRADE SOURCE INTERNATIONAL, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:023708/0143

Effective date: 20090708

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION