Mounting system for supporting a ceiling fan assembly

Abstract

A ceiling fan mounting system ( 10 ) is disclosed which includes an upper pre-mounted assembly ( 12 ) and a lower hanging assembly ( 13 ). The upper pre-mounted assembly includes a mounting plate ( 14 ) with a peripheral flange ( 16 ) having threaded mounting holes ( 17 ) therein. The upper assembly also includes a hanger ( 21 ) coupled to the mounting plate and having a stepped ball holding flange ( 23 ) with a beveled interior facing surface ( 24 ). The lower hanging assembly includes a downrod ( 29 ) coupled to a ball joint ( 31 ) and a canopy ( 32 ). The ball joint is configured to be received within the hanger ball holding flange and has a series of deformable ridges ( 33 ). The ridges are adapted to be worn or deform easily to provide a better fit between the ball joint and the hanger ball holding flange.

1 . A mounting system for supporting a ceiling fan assembly of the type having a motor, motor housing, a plurality of blades and a downrod to a support surface, the mounting system comprising;
 a mounting plate configured to be mounted to a support surface;   a hanger coupled to said mounting plate, said hanger having a ball joint receiving flange, and   a ball joint coupled to an end of the downrod, said ball joint being configured to be received within said hanger ball joint receiving flange, said ball joint having an exterior surface with a plurality of deformable ridges configured to contact said hanger ball joint receiving flange,   whereby the deformation of the ridges creates a greater fit between the ball joint and the ball joint receiving flange.   
   
   
       2 . The mounting system of  claim 1  wherein said ridges are vertically aligned. 
   
   
       3 . The mounting system of  claim 1  wherein said ridges are horizontally aligned. 
   
   
       4 . The mounting system of  claim 1  wherein said ridges are a field of protrusions. 
   
   
       5 . A mounting system for supporting a ceiling fan assembly of the type having a motor, motor housing, a plurality of blades and a downrod to a support surface, the mounting system comprising;
 a hanger adapted to be coupled to a support surface, said hanger having a ball joint receiving opening, and   a ball joint coupled to an end of the downrod, said ball joint being configured to be received within said hanger ball joint receiving opening, said ball joint having an exterior surface with a plurality of deformable ridges configured to contact said hanger ball joint receiving opening,   whereby the deformation of the ridges creates a better fit between the ball joint and the hanger ball receiving opening.   
   
   
       6 . The mounting system of  claim 5  wherein said ridges are vertically aligned. 
   
   
       7 . The mounting system of  claim 5  wherein said ridges are horizontally aligned. 
   
   
       8 . The mounting system of  claim 5  wherein said ridges are a field of protrusions. 
   
   
       9 . A mounting system for supporting a ceiling fan comprising;
 an upper assembly mounted to a support surface and coupled to a lower assembly, the upper assembly including a cradle with an interior facing surface, the lower assembly including a ball joint coupled to an end of a downrod, said ball joint being configured to be received within said cradle, said ball joint having an exterior surface with a plurality of deformable ridges configured to contact said cradle interior facing surface, whereby the deformation of the ridges creates a greater fit between the ball joint and the cradle.   
   
   
       10 . The mounting system of  claim 9  wherein said ridges are vertically aligned. 
   
   
       11 . The mounting system of  claim 9  wherein said ridges are horizontally aligned. 
   
   
       12 . The mounting system of  claim 9  wherein said ridges are a field of protrusions.