Ceiling fan assembly

Abstract

A ceiling fan assembly or similar air moving device may include a motor for rotating one or more blades to drive a volume of air around a space. The ceiling fan assembly may include a ceiling fan mount having a biaxial gimbal. The biaxial gimbal may be received by a mounting bracket to provide at least a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation to the ceiling fan assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly. Background Art

[0002] A ceiling fan is a machine that is typically suspended from a structure for moving a volume of air around an area. Although the structure to which the ceiling fan is mounted is typically a ceiling or a part of a ceiling, such as a joist or a beam, the structure can also be a wall or any other structure for that matter.

[0003] A ceiling fan includes a motor having a rotor and a stator, the motor being suspended from the structure and electrically coupled to the structure. A set of blades is mounted to the rotor such that the blades can be rotationally driven by the rotor, and the blades can be arranged in an angled orientation to move a volume of air around the area.

[0004] Common ceiling fan mounts are ball-and-socket or ball mounts, which have the advantage of allowing the ceiling fan to pivot relative to the ceiling in response to a reaction force from the rotating blades. The disadvantage of a ball mount is that if the ball is not rotationally restricted, the ceiling fan can precess about the axis of rotation, which can interfere with wires, etc. extending through the ceiling and through the mount to the ceiling fan. Thus, ball mounts are typically rotationally restricted to prevent precession, which limits the ball mount to one degree of rotational freedom. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly that includes: a motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one fan blade operatively coupled to the rotor; a lower rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the motor; a mounting bracket; and at least a biaxial universal joint that connects the second end of the lower rod to the mounting bracket.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan mount for connecting a ceiling fan to a surface, the ceiling fan mount including: a lower rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be coupled to the ceiling fan; a mounting bracket configured to be mounted to the surface; and at least a biaxial universal joint that connects the second end of the lower rod to the mounting bracket. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a structure having a ceiling fan assembly suspended from a structure and including a ceiling fan mount.

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the ceiling fan mount of, showing the biaxial universal joint.

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a partially exploded perspective view of a double-axis universal joint and a lower rod.

[0011] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an assembled perspective view of a double-axis universal joint and a lower rod.

[0012] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a perspective view of an assembled double-axis universal joint disposed in a mounting bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present disclosure relates to ceiling fans and ceiling fan blades, which can be used for, for example, residential and commercial applications. These applications can be indoor, outdoor, or both. Although this description is mainly directed to residential ceiling fans, it can also be applied to any environment using a ceiling fan or for using air movement to cool an area.

[0014] As used herein, the term "group" or "group" of elements can be any number of elements, including only one. All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, backward, etc.) are for the sole purpose of assisting the reader in understanding the identification of the present disclosure and are not restrictive, particularly with respect to the use of position, orientation, or aspects of the present disclosure described herein. Connecting references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate elements between a series of elements and relative movement between the elements unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, connecting references do not necessarily refer to two elements being directly connected and fixed relative to each other. Exemplary drawings are for illustrative purposes only and the dimensions, positions, sequences, and relative sizes reflected in the attached drawings may vary.

[0015] Now referring to Figure 1 , a ceiling fan assembly 10 is suspended from a structure 12. In a non-limiting example, the ceiling fan assembly 10 can include one or more ceiling fan components, which include a ceiling fan mount 14 having a lower rod 18, a cover 16, a motor adapter 20, a motor housing 22 that at least partially encapsulates a motor 24 having a rotor 26 and a stator 28, a light kit 30, a set of blade irons 32, and a set of blades 42. In other non-limiting examples, the ceiling fan assembly 10 can include one or more controllers, wireless receivers, lamp glasses, lamp shade cages, arbors, finials, switch housings, blade forks, blade tips, or blade caps, or other ceiling fan components.

[0016] The downrod 18 may have a first end 34 and a second end 36. The first end 34 of the downrod 18 may be coupled to the motor 24. Alternatively, the first end 34 of the downrod 18 may be configured to be coupled to at least one component of the ceiling fan. The second end 36 of the downrod 18 may be coupled to at least a biaxial universal joint. Although the at least biaxial universal joint is shown as the biaxial universal joint 38, it is contemplated that the at least biaxial universal joint may be a triaxial universal joint. The biaxial universal joint 38 is a pivotal support that allows an object to rotate about two axes, providing at least two degrees of rotational freedom.

[0017] The rotor 26 may carry at least one fan blade 42. For example, the at least one fan blade 42 may extend radially from the ceiling fan assembly 10 and may rotate to drive a volume of fluid such as air. That is, the at least one fan blade 42 may be operatively coupled to the motor 24 at the rotor 26, such as via the blade iron 32. The at least one fan blade 42 may include a set of blades 42 having any number of blades, including only one blade.

[0018] The structure 12 may be, for example, a ceiling that suspends the ceiling fan assembly 10. It should be understood that the structure 12 is shown schematically and only as an example, and it may include any suitable building, structure, house, business district, or other environment in which it is appropriate or desired to use a ceiling fan to move air. The structure 12 may also include a power source 44 and may be electrically coupled to the ceiling fan assembly 10 to provide power to the ceiling fan assembly 10 and the motor 24 in the ceiling fan assembly. It is also contemplated that the power source may originate from somewhere other than the structure 12, such as a battery or a generator in a non-limiting example.

[0019] The controller 46 may be electrically coupled to the power source 44 to control the operation of the ceiling fan assembly 10 via the power source 44. Alternatively, the controller 46 may be wirelessly or communicatively coupled to the ceiling fan assembly 10 and may be configured to remotely control the operation of the ceiling fan assembly 10 without a dedicated connection. Non-limiting examples of controls for the ceiling fan assembly 10 may include fan speed, fan direction, or light operation. Additionally, a separate or additional separate wireless controller 48 may be communicatively coupled to the controller or wireless receiver in the ceiling fan assembly 10 to control the operation of the ceiling fan assembly 10. It is also contemplated that in an alternative example, the wireless controller 48 may be used alone to operate the ceiling fan, and the ceiling fan is not operatively coupled to the wired controller 46.

[0020] Reference Figure 2, the ceiling fan mounting member 14 and the cover member 16 are shown in an exploded view. The ceiling fan mounting member 14 may include a lower rod 18, a two-axis universal joint 38, and a mounting bracket 50. The ceiling fan mounting member 14 may be coupled to the cover member 16 or further include the cover member. The cover member 16 may be a decorative cover to encapsulate or hide at least a portion of the ceiling fan mounting member 14. The cover member 16 may include a housing portion 54 that may be fixed to a first plate 56 or a second plate 58. The second plate 58 may be fastened to the mounting bracket 50. By way of non-limiting example, an envelope fastener 60 and an envelope fastener plate 62 may couple the second plate 58 to the mounting bracket 50. The second plate 58 may be coupled to the first plate 56, and the first plate may abut the structure 12, thereby configuring the mounting bracket 50 to be mounted to the structure 12. The housing portion 54 of the cover member 16 may slidably receive the lower rod 18. When positioned, the housing portion 54 may circumscribe the mounting bracket 50 and may be fastened to at least the second plate 58.

[0021] By way of example, the two-axis universal joint 38 is shown as having a ball-in-ball structure; however, all two-axis universal joint structures are contemplated. The two-axis universal joint 38 may include an outer hanging ball or a first hanging ball 70 and an inner hanging ball or a second hanging ball 72. A second shaft 74 may pivotally couple the second hanging ball 72 to the second end 36 of the lower rod 18.

[0022] The mounting bracket 50 may include a seat 76 supported by a bushing 78. The bushing 78 may receive the two-axis universal joint 38 via a side opening 80. A first shaft 82 may pivotally couple the first hanging ball 70 of the two-axis universal joint 38 to the mounting bracket 50.

[0023] Optionally, once the two-axis universal joint 38 is seated in the seat 76 of the mounting bracket 50, a fixing rod 84 may be fixed to the mounting bracket 50. The fixing rod 84 may be fixed by a fastener 86.

[0024] Figure 3 Further shown is that the lower rod 18 is coupled to the second hanging ball 72 of the two-axis universal joint 38. A lower rod channel 88 formed in the second hanging ball 72 receives the second end 36 of the lower rod 18 into an inner portion 90 of the second hanging ball 72. The lower rod 18 extends into the inner portion 90 until the second shaft 74 can pass through the second end 36 of the lower rod 18 and the second hanging ball 72. That is, the second shaft 74 passes through the second end 36 of the lower rod 18 to operably connect the lower rod 18 to the two-axis universal joint 38. Opposite ends 92 of the second shaft 74 may extend beyond an outer portion 94 of the second hanging ball 72. That is, the opposite ends 92 extend from the second hanging ball 72 to the outside.

[0025] The inner wall 96 of the first suspension ball 70 may include at least one recess, which is shown by way of non-limiting example as a groove 98. At least a portion of the groove 98 may include a corresponding support portion 100 for the opposite end 92 of the second shaft 74. That is, when the opposite end 92 of the second shaft 74 is located in the corresponding support portion 100 in the groove 98 of the first suspension ball 70, the second shaft 74 may rotatably connect the second suspension ball 72 to the first suspension ball 70, as further shown in Figure 4 which is further shown in

[0026] For convenience, the opposite end 92 of the second shaft 74 is used to mount the lower rod 18 to the second suspension ball 72 while providing a boss forming the opposite end 92 to be received in the groove 98 of the first suspension ball 70. It is contemplated that the second end 36 of the lower rod 18 can be fastened or otherwise coupled to the first suspension ball 70 in various ways. By way of non-limiting example, a pin, boss, or protrusion from the first suspension ball 70 or the second suspension ball 72 can extend into the lower rod 18. These pins, bosses, or protrusions need not be aligned with, formed by, or coupled to the second shaft 74.

[0027] Although the coupling of the first suspension ball 70 to the second suspension ball 72 is disclosed as the placement of the opposite end 92 in the corresponding support portion 100, it is contemplated that any known technique can be used to couple the first suspension ball 70 to the second suspension ball 72. By way of non-limiting example, a pin, boss, or protrusion from the first suspension ball 70 can extend into a recess or receiving portion of the second suspension ball 72.

[0028] Reference Figure 4 , when the second suspension ball 72 is rotatably connected to the first suspension ball 70, the second suspension ball 72 is located within the interior 102 of the first suspension ball 70, which is defined by the inner wall 96. That is, when assembling the dual-axis universal joint 38, the first suspension ball 70 circumscribes the second suspension ball 72.

[0029] The inner rotation axis 104 is defined by the rotatable connection of the first suspension ball 70 and the second suspension ball 72. That is, as shown by way of example, the inner rotation axis 104 can be formed by the second shaft 74.

[0030] As shown by way of non-limiting example, the opposite end of the first shaft 82 of the first suspension ball 70 may include two pins 106 that extend from the exterior 108 of the first suspension ball 70. The two pins 106 may extend from diametrically opposite portions of the first suspension ball 70.

[0031] Figure 5 The dual-axis universal joint 38 located in the seat 76 of the mounting bracket 50 is further shown. The first shaft 82 rotatably connects the dual-axis universal joint 38 to the mounting bracket 50.

[0032] The support portion 110 in the mounting bracket 50 can receive the two pins 106 of the first shaft 82. When the two pins 106 are located in the support portion 110, the first suspension ball 70 of the double-axis universal joint 38 is located in the seat 76 of the mounting bracket 50. Thus, the first suspension ball 70 is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket 50 via the first shaft 82.

[0033] The external rotation axis 112 is defined by the rotatable connection of the first suspension ball 70 with the mounting bracket 50. That is, as shown by way of example, the external rotation axis 112 can be formed by the two pins 106.

[0034] The external rotation axis 112 and the internal rotation axis 104 provide the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis for the double-axis universal joint 38. As shown by way of non-limiting embodiments, the external rotation axis 112 and the internal rotation axis 104 can be in the same plane 116. That is, the plane 116 can be defined by the external rotation axis 112 and the internal rotation axis 104.

[0035] Also shown by way of non-limiting example is that the external rotation axis 112 intersects or crosses the internal rotation axis 104 at point 114. The point 114 can be located at the geometric center or centroid of the second shaft 74 in the plane 116. The angle measured between the external rotation axis 112 and the internal rotation axis 104 can be 90 degrees, although other angles are also contemplated.

[0036] A non-limiting example of the assembly of the ceiling fan mount 14 and the cover 16 can begin with coupling the second plate 58 to the mounting bracket 50 via the sleeve fastener 60 and the seal tube fastener plate 62. Then the first plate 56 can be coupled to the second plate 58.

[0037] The second end 36 of the lower rod 18 slides through the lower rod passage 88 in the second suspension ball 72. The second end 36 of the lower rod 18 projects into the inner portion 90 of the second suspension ball 72 until the second shaft 74 can extend or pass through the second suspension ball 72 and the second end 36 of the lower rod 18. The second shaft 74 has an opposite end 92 that projects from the outer portion 94 of the second suspension ball 72. The opposite end 92 of the second shaft 74 can enter the groove 98 of the first suspension ball 70. Once the opposite end 92 of the second shaft 74 is located in the corresponding support portion 100, the first suspension ball 70 and the second suspension ball 72 are rotatably connected by the second shaft 74. The second shaft 74 forms the internal rotation axis 104 of the double-axis universal joint 38.

[0038] The double-axis universal joint 38 enters the mounting bracket 50 through the side opening 80 of the spacer ring 78. The double-axis universal joint 38 is properly positioned or disposed inside the mounting bracket 50 by receiving two pins 106 extending from the first suspension ball 70 by the support portion 110 of the mounting bracket 50. That is, when the first suspension ball 70 is located in the seat 76, the first suspension ball 70 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 50 via the first shaft 82. The double-axis universal joint 38 is disposed in the seat 76, which provides a connection between the second end 36 of the lower rod 18 and the mounting bracket 50. The first shaft 82 may define an external rotation axis 112 of the double-axis universal joint 38.

[0039] Optionally, once the double-axis universal joint 38 is positioned, the fixing rod 84 may be coupled to the mounting bracket 50. Fasteners 86 may be used to fasten the fixing rod 84 to the mounting bracket 50. The fixing rod 84 may facilitate the double-axis universal joint 38 to remain properly positioned in the seat 76.

[0040] Then the housing portion 54 may be placed on the first end 34 of the lower rod 18 such that the housing portion 54 circumscribes the lower rod 18. Then the housing portion 54 may slide on the lower rod 18 towards the first plate 56 or the second plate 58. Once fastened, the housing portion 54 will encapsulate the mounting bracket 50.

[0041] In operation, the assembled ceiling fan mount 14 and the cover 16 may be coupled to the structure 12. The double-axis universal joint 38 may rotate on the first shaft 74 and the second shaft 82 that define an internal rotation axis 104 and an external rotation axis 112. Rotation about the internal rotation axis 104 and the external rotation axis 112 may adjust the lower rod 18 such that the ceiling fan assembly can remain horizontal regardless of the structure 12 to which the ceiling fan assembly 10 is mounted. The internal rotation axis 104 and the external rotation axis 112 provide two rotational degrees of freedom. This increases the flexibility of installing the ceiling fan assembly 10 while preventing the precession of the ceiling fan assembly 10.

[0042] Advantages of aspects of the present disclosure include providing at least two rotation axes about which a ceiling fan assembly may pivot when the ceiling fan assembly is coupled to a surface.

[0043] In addition, when positioned in a seat, at least the double-axis universal joint may help limit the movement of the lower rod and the motor housing, especially during operation. This is advantageous because when operating, if the ceiling fan mount is allowed to rotate too much, the inertia of the rotating blades may otherwise cause the ceiling fan to be unbalanced or move undesirably.

[0044] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that when the inner and outer rotational axes and the outer rotational axis lie in the same plane and their intersection is at the center of the second axis, the reaction force can be reduced or eliminated. When the fan is supported and operated by a mount that allows two-dimensional rotation, a reaction force can be generated, where the axes of the two-dimensional rotation are not in the same plane. The reaction force can cause the fan to tilt during operation.

[0045] Other aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0046] 1. A ceiling fan assembly, comprising: a motor having a rotor and a stator; at least one fan blade operatively coupled to the rotor; a down rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the motor; a mounting bracket; and at least a biaxial gimbal that connects the second end of the down rod to the mounting bracket.

[0047] 2. The ceiling fan assembly according to clause 1, wherein the mounting bracket includes a seat, and the biaxial gimbal is located in the seat.

[0048] 3. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the biaxial gimbal includes a first suspension ball located in the seat.

[0049] 4. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first suspension ball includes a first shaft that rotatably connects the first suspension ball to the mounting bracket to define a first rotational axis for the biaxial gimbal.

[0050] 5. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first shaft includes two pins that extend from diametrically opposite portions of the first suspension ball.

[0051] 6. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the biaxial gimbal further includes a second suspension ball that is located inside the first suspension ball.

[0052] 7. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second suspension ball is rotatably coupled to the first suspension ball to define a second rotational axis for the biaxial gimbal.

[0053] 8. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second suspension ball includes a second shaft that rotatably connects the second suspension ball to the first suspension ball, wherein the second shaft forms the second rotational axis.

[0054] 9. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second shaft passes through the second end of the down rod to operatively connect the down rod to the biaxial gimbal.

[0055] 10. The ceiling fan assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second shaft passes through the second suspension ball.

[0056] 11. The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second shaft has opposite ends that extend outside the second suspension ball, and the opposite ends are rotatably supported by corresponding support portions in the first suspension ball.

[0057] 12. The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second suspension ball includes a lower rod channel, and the second end of the lower rod is received in the lower rod channel.

[0058] 13. The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mounting bracket includes a gasket for supporting the

[0059] seat, and the gasket has a side opening through which the first suspension ball is received.

[0060] 14. The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mounting bracket includes a support portion in which the opposite end of the first shaft is rotatably supported.

[0061] 15. A ceiling fan mount for connecting a ceiling fan to a surface, comprising: a lower rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be coupled to the ceiling fan; a mounting bracket configured to be mounted to the surface; and at least a double-axis universal joint connecting the second end of the lower rod to the mounting bracket.

[0062] 16. The ceiling fan mount according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mounting bracket includes a seat, and the double-axis universal joint is received in the seat.

[0063] 17. The ceiling fan mount according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the double-axis universal joint includes an inner suspension ball rotatably mounted to an outer suspension ball, and the outer suspension ball is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket.

[0064] 18. The ceiling fan mount according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second end of the lower rod is mounted to the inner suspension ball.

[0065] 19. The ceiling fan mount according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a first shaft that rotatably mounts the outer suspension ball to the mounting bracket.

[0066] 20. The ceiling fan mount according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a second shaft that mounts the second end of the lower rod to the inner suspension ball and rotatably mounts the inner suspension ball to the outer suspension ball.

[0067] Within the unrecited scope, different features and structures of the various aspects may be used in combination with each other as needed. A feature not shown in all aspects is not meant to be construed as though it cannot be so, but for the sake of brevity of description. Accordingly, the various features of the different aspects may be mixed and matched as needed to form new aspects or features, whether or not the new aspects or features are explicitly described. This disclosure will cover all combinations or permutations of the features described herein.

[0068] This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to detail the aspects described herein and also enables one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the aspects described herein, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the aspects described herein is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims where the structured elements of such other examples have no difference from the literal language of the claims or where the equivalent structured elements of such other examples included have no substantial difference from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan assembly, comprising: A motor having a rotor and a stator; At least one fan blade operatively coupled to the rotor; A lower rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the motor; A mounting bracket; And At least a double-axis universal joint connecting the second end of the lower rod to the mounting bracket, wherein the double-axis universal joint comprises: A first suspension ball including a first shaft that rotatably connects the first suspension ball to the mounting bracket to define a first axis of rotation for the double-axis universal joint; and A second suspension ball located inside the first suspension ball, the second suspension ball including a second shaft that rotatably connects the second suspension ball to the first suspension ball, wherein the second shaft defines a second axis of rotation.

2. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a seat, and the double-axis universal joint is located in the seat.

3. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first suspension ball of the double-axis universal joint is located in the seat.

4. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a gasket supporting the seat, and the gasket has a side opening through which the first suspension ball is received.

5. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first shaft includes two pins extending from diametrically opposite portions of the first suspension ball.

6. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A plane can be defined by the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation of the double-axis universal joint.

7. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second shaft passes through the second end of the lower rod to operatively connect the lower rod to the double-axis universal joint.

8. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second shaft passes through the second suspension ball.

9. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The second shaft has opposite ends that extend outside the second suspension ball and are rotatably supported by corresponding support portions in the first suspension ball.

10. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a support portion in which opposite ends of the first shaft are rotatably supported.

11. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed rod coupled to the mounting bracket.

12. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a cover having a first plate and a second plate.

13. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The second plate is coupled to the mounting bracket, the first plate abuts the mounting surface, and a housing portion of the cover is coupled to the first plate and the second plate.

14. The ceiling fan assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first shaft includes a pin, a knob, or a protrusion extending from the first suspension ball and received by a support portion in the mounting bracket.

15. A ceiling fan mount for connecting a ceiling fan to a surface, the ceiling fan mount comprising: A lower rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be coupled to the ceiling fan; A mounting bracket configured to be mounted to the surface; And At least a double-axis universal joint connecting the second end of the lower rod to the mounting bracket, wherein the double-axis universal joint comprises: An outer suspension ball including a first shaft that rotatably connects the outer suspension ball to the mounting bracket to define a first axis of rotation for the double-axis universal joint; and An inner suspension ball located inside the outer suspension ball, the inner suspension ball including a second shaft that rotatably connects the inner suspension ball to the outer suspension ball, wherein the second shaft defines a second axis of rotation.

16. The ceiling fan mounting member according to claim 15, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a base, and the two-axis universal joint is received in the base.

17. The ceiling fan mounting according to claim 16, further comprising a fixing rod coupled to the mounting bracket.

18. The ceiling fan mounting member according to claim 15, wherein, The first shaft includes a pin, a knuckle, or a protrusion extending from the externally suspended ball and received by a support portion in the mounting bracket.

19. The ceiling fan mounting member according to claim 15, wherein, The second end of the lower rod is mounted to the internally suspended ball.

20. The ceiling fan mounting member according to claim 15, wherein, A plane is defined by the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis of the two-axis universal joint.

21. A ceiling fan mounting assembly for suspending a ceiling fan from a surface, the ceiling fan mounting assembly comprising: A lower rod; A mounting bracket including a base; And A two-axis universal joint for connecting the lower rod to the mounting bracket, wherein the two-axis universal joint includes: An externally suspended ball located within the base of the mounting bracket; and An internally suspended ball that is located within the externally suspended ball and is rotatably connected to the externally suspended ball, and the internally suspended ball is coupled to the lower rod.

22. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 21, wherein, The externally suspended ball is rotatably mounted within the base.

23. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 22, wherein, The externally suspended ball includes a shaft that pivotally couples the externally suspended ball to the base.

24. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 23, wherein, The shaft defines a first rotation axis for the two-axis universal joint.

25. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The shaft includes two pins that extend from diametrically opposed portions of the externally suspended ball.

26. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The internally suspended ball is pivotally coupled to the externally suspended ball to define a second rotation axis for the two-axis universal joint.

27. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 26, wherein, The internally suspended ball includes a second shaft that pivotally connects the internally suspended ball to the externally suspended ball, wherein the second shaft forms the second rotation axis.

28. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 27, wherein, The second shaft passes through the second end of the lower rod to operatively connect the lower rod to the two-axis universal joint.

29. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 28, wherein, The second shaft passes through the internally suspended ball.

30. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 29, wherein, The second shaft has opposite ends that extend outside the internally suspended ball, and the opposite ends are rotatably supported by corresponding support portions in the externally suspended ball.

31. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a groove for receiving the shaft to fix the first rotation axis relative to the mounting bracket.

32. The ceiling fan mounting assembly according to claim 21, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a gasket that supports the base, and the gasket has a side opening through which the externally suspended ball is received.

33. A mounting kit for connecting a ceiling fan to a surface, the mounting kit comprising: A lower rod; A mounting bracket including a base; And A two-axis universal joint that connects the lower rod to the mounting bracket, wherein the two-axis universal joint includes: An externally suspended ball sized to be located within the base of the mounting bracket, and the externally suspended ball includes an interior; and An internally suspended ball that is pivotally mounted within the interior of the externally suspended ball, and the internally suspended ball is coupled to the lower rod.

34. The mounting kit according to claim 33, wherein, The externally suspended ball includes a first shaft that pivotally mounts the externally suspended ball to the mounting bracket.

35. The mounting kit according to claim 34, wherein, The internally suspended ball includes a second shaft that pivotally mounts the lower rod to the internally suspended ball.

36. The mounting kit according to claim 35, wherein, The externally suspended ball includes a groove within the interior for receiving opposite ends of the second shaft to pivotally mount the internally suspended ball to the externally suspended ball.

37. An installation kit for connecting a ceiling fan to a surface, the installation kit comprising: A lower rod; An installation bracket; And A double-axis universal joint connecting the lower rod to the installation bracket, wherein the double-axis universal joint comprises: An overhanging ball configured to be coupled to the installation bracket; and An inner hanging ball pivotally mounted within the overhanging ball, and the inner hanging ball includes an opening sized to receive the lower rod.

38. The mounting kit according to claim 37, wherein The overhanging ball includes a pair of opposing pins for pivotally mounting the overhanging ball to the installation bracket.

39. The mounting kit according to claim 38, wherein, The inner hanging ball includes a shaft for pivotally mounting the lower rod to the inner hanging ball.

40. The mounting kit according to claim 39, wherein, The overhanging ball includes a groove positioned to receive opposite ends of the shaft.

Images