Ceiling fan with quick-connect blade connector

Abstract

A method of securing a ceiling fan blade having a root with a tab which is received within a pocket of a ceiling fan, the method comprising applying counter forces to the weight, lift, and rotational directions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of securing a ceiling fan blade having a root with a tab which is received within a pocket of a ceiling fan, the method comprising:
 applying a first pressure to the tab in a first direction counter to the weight of the ceiling fan blade;   applying a second pressure to the tab in a second direction counter to aerodynamic lifting forces acting on the ceiling fan blade; and   applying a third pressure to the tab in a third direction counter to an angular rotation of the ceiling fan blade in response to the rotations of the ceiling fan blade.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first pressure, second pressure, and third pressure are applied to a portion of the tab within the pocket. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first pressure is applied by a first force acting on an upper surface of the tab. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the second pressure is applied by a second force acting on a lower surface of the tab and the third pressure is applied by a third force acting on a side of a flange on the tab. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the second pressure is applied by a second force acting on a lower surface of the tab. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the third pressure is applied by a third force acting on a side of a flange on the tab. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising latching the tab within the pocket. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the latching comprises receiving a finger within an opening in the tab. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the latching generates the application of the first pressure. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the latching is affected by a rotation of the tab within the pocket. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the latching generates feedback. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the feedback is an audible sound. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the feedback is a tactile click. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the feedback is both an audible sound and a tactile click. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the latching is affected in part by the second pressure.