Ceiling fan mounting kit

Abstract

A ceiling fan or similar air moving device may include a motor for rotating one or more blades to drive an amount of air around a space. A mounting kit may be used to secure the ceiling fan to a structure. The mounting kit may be coupled to a structural power source by cables instead of hardwiring, which provides a user with freedom to mount the ceiling fan in any desired position, not limited to electrical junction box positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a ceiling fan, and more particularly, to a kit for mounting a ceiling fan to a structure without hard-wiring electrical connections. Background Art

[0002] A ceiling fan is a machine that is traditionally suspended from a structure to move a volume of air around an area. The 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 so that the blades are rotatably driven by the rotor and can be arranged to be angularly oriented to move a volume of air around the area.

[0003] Ceiling fans are secured to the structure by brackets, often referred to as ceiling covers or mounting brackets, which have through-openings through which electrical leads for one or both of the structure power supply and the fan pass. The electrical leads for the structure and the fan can then be hardwired together using conventional wire caps. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a ceiling fan mounting kit for a non-hardwired electrical connection, the kit comprising: a mounting bracket having a plurality of fastener openings through which a plurality of fasteners can pass to secure the mounting bracket to a structure; a strain relief for an electrical cable; and an electrical cable having a plug at one end.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a ceiling fan mounting kit for a non-hardwired electrical connection, the kit comprising: a mounting bracket having a plurality of fastener openings through which a plurality of fasteners can be passed to secure the mounting bracket to a structure; an electrical cable having a plug at one end and a set of leads at another end; a strain relief securing the electrical cable to the mounting bracket; and a wire connector carried by the mounting bracket and receiving the set of leads from the electrical cable.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan mounting assembly for securing a ceiling fan to a structure, the ceiling fan mounting assembly comprising: a mounting bracket having a base and a peripheral wall, wherein the base has fastener openings through which fasteners can pass to secure the mounting bracket to the structure, and the peripheral wall has a cable recess; a wire connector carried by the base; an electrical cable having a plug at one end and a set of leads at the other end, wherein the cable passes through the cable recess and the leads are received in the wire connector; and a strain relief carried by the base and securing the electrical cable to the mounting bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the attached picture:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structure having a ceiling fan and a mounting kit for securing the ceiling fan to the structure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of a portion of the mounting kit in .

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Bottom view of the mounting bracket for the mounting kit in .

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Bottom view of the gasket for the mounting kit.

[0012] Figure 5 It is used for Figure 2 A view of the suite with multiple options for installing the suite.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a mounting kit.

[0014] Figure 7 is used for Figure 6 Exploded view of the mounting bracket for the mounting kit in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling fan and mounting kit that can be used, for example, in residential applications and commercial applications. Such applications can be indoors, outdoors, or both indoors and outdoors. Although this specification is primarily directed to residential ceiling fans, it is also applicable to any environment that utilizes a fan or a cooling area that utilizes air movement.

[0016] As used herein, the term element "group" or a "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 only used for identification purposes to help readers understand the present disclosure, and do not generate restrictions, particularly with respect to the position, orientation or use of various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. Unless otherwise specified, connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection and engagement) should be broadly interpreted, and may include relative movement between intermediate members and elements between element sets. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and are in a fixed relationship to each other. The exemplary drawings are only for illustrative purposes, and the size, position, order and relative size reflected in the drawings may vary.

[0017] Reference now Figure 1, the ceiling fan 10 is suspended from the structure 12 by a mounting kit 14. In a non-limiting example, the ceiling fan 10 may include one or more ceiling fan components, including a suspension rod 16, a suspension ball 20, a motor housing 22 at least partially surrounding a motor (not shown) having a rotor and a stator, a light kit 24, and a set of blades 26, which may have optional blade irons (not shown), depending on the ceiling fan configuration. In a further non-limiting example, the ceiling fan 10 may include one or more of a controller, a wireless receiver, a light glass, a lantern, a spindle, a terminal, a switch housing, a blade fork, a blade tip, a blade cap, and other ceiling fan components.

[0018] Structure 12 may be, for example, a ceiling from which ceiling fan 10 is suspended. It should be understood that structure 12 is shown schematically and by way of example only, and may include any suitable building, structure, home, business, or other environment in which moving air with a ceiling fan is appropriate or desirable.

[0019] Although not shown in the figures, the controller can be electrically coupled to a power source to control the operation of the ceiling fan 10. Alternatively, the controller can be wirelessly or communicatively coupled to the ceiling fan 10, configured to remotely control the operation of the ceiling fan 10 without a dedicated connection. Non-limiting examples of controls for the ceiling fan 10 can include fan speed, fan direction, or light operation. In addition, a separate wireless controller (alone or in addition to a wired controller) can be communicatively coupled to a controller or wireless receiver in the ceiling fan 10 to control the operation of the ceiling fan 10. It is also contemplated in an alternative example that the ceiling fan 10 is operated solely by a wireless controller without being operably coupled to a wired controller.

[0020] refer to Figure 2 , the mounting kit 14 is shown partially exploded to show the different components of the mounting kit 14, which are shown to include: a mounting bracket 30, a hanging bracket 32, a wire connector 34, a strain relief 36, a cable 38, a gasket 40, and a top cover 42. For ease of description, the top cover 42 is described as part of the mounting kit 14. However, the top cover 42 can be considered a part of the ceiling fan 10 and is optional to the mounting kit 14.

[0021] The mounting bracket 30 is secured to the structure 12, such as by suitable fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.), which are secured directly to the structure 12 or to the frame in a wood frame structure. In addition, a suitable anchor (gypsum board, concrete, etc.) can be attached to the structure 12 and the mounting bracket 30 secured to the anchor. Other methods of securing the mounting bracket 30 to the structure 12 are contemplated, and the particular method is not limiting. The mounting bracket 30 forms the primary physical connection between the structure 12 and the ceiling fan 10. As shown, the mounting bracket 30 also forms the primary structure for carrying the other components of the mounting kit 14.

[0022] The suspension bracket 32 ​​is secured to the mounting bracket 30, such as by fasteners 44 as shown, and has a ball socket 46 for receiving the suspension ball 20 to secure the motor housing 22 to the structure 12 via the suspension rod 16. The suspension bracket 32 ​​also has a tab with a tab opening 48 for use in securing the top cover 42.

[0023] The wire connector 34 is secured to the mounting bracket 30, such as by a clamp 50 as shown, which may be secured to the mounting bracket 30 by suitable fasteners such as bolts or screws. The wire connector 34 has a first set of lead receptacles that receive the leads of the cable 38 and at least a second set of lead receptacles that receive the leads of one or both of the motor and the controller. Inside the wire connector 34, the first set of lead receptacles and the second set of lead receptacles are electrically connected. In this manner, the wire connector 34 forms a common connection for the household power supply and the elements of the ceiling fan 10 that require electrical power.

[0024] The strain relief 36 is secured to the mounting bracket 30, such as by fasteners 52 as shown, and includes a clamping band 54 that is tightened when the fasteners 52 are tightened. A band of compressible material 56 can be carried by the interior of the clamping band 54 and provide a somewhat compliant and non-sharp engagement with the cable 38. The compressible material 56 can also form a liquid seal.

[0025] The cable 38 terminates at one end in a plug 58 and at the other end in a set of leads 60 which are received within a first set of receptacles of the wire connector 34 after the cable 38 passes through the clamping band 54 of the strain relief 36. The cable 38 is secured to the mounting bracket 30 by a clamp 50 which tightens around the cable 38 and frictionally holds the wire connector 34.

[0026] The top cover 42 is a decorative cover that visually conceals most of the components of the mounting kit carried by the mounting bracket 30. The top cover 42 has an opening 62 and a fastener opening 64 through which the suspension ball 20 and the suspension rod 16 can pass. Suitable fasteners (not shown), such as screws or bolts, can pass through the fastener opening 64 and into the tab opening 48 of the suspension bracket 32 ​​to secure the top cover 42 to the suspension bracket 32. The top cover 42 also defines an interior volume 66 accessible through an open upper end 68, whereby the top cover 42 can be pushed upward toward the mounting bracket 30 so that the components of the mounting kit 14 carried by the mounting bracket 30 are received within the interior volume 66.

[0027] refer to Figure 3 , the mounting bracket 30 is shown in greater detail with all other components removed from the mounting kit 14. The mounting bracket 30 includes a base 70 having an optional peripheral wall 72 that defines an interior of the base 70. Various protrusions are formed in the base to facilitate mounting of different components of the mounting kit. For example, a hanging bracket protrusion 74 is provided and has openings 76 that receive fasteners (such as screws or bolts) for securing the hanging bracket 32 ​​to the base 70. The strain relief protrusion 78 has an opening 80 that also receives a fastener. A cable recess 82 is formed in the peripheral wall 72 adjacent to the strain relief protrusion 78 and provides an open area in the peripheral wall 72 through which the cable 38 can pass. The location of the cable recess 82 is axially aligned with the location of the clamp 50 to facilitate passage of the cable 38.

[0028] A cable grommet 83 is received within the cable recess 82 and has an opening 85 through which the cable 38 passes. The cable grommet 83 surrounds the cable 38 and forms a liquid seal between the cable 38 and the peripheral wall 72 (and optionally the base 70). The cable grommet 83 may have a ring 87 formed with the opening 85, wherein the ring 87 is received within the cable recess 82. The ring 87 may have a split 91 to facilitate insertion of the cable 38 through the opening 85. A rear wall 93 abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral wall 72 while supporting the ring 87. The rear wall 93 acts as a stop to limit the insertion of the ring 87 into the cable recess 82 and to hinder the removal of the cable grommet 83 through the cable recess 82.

[0029] Various openings are formed in the base 70 to help secure the mounting bracket 30 to the structure. As shown, there are a plurality of slots 84 that provide openings through which fasteners (such as screws or bolts) can pass and be secured to the structure. The plurality of slots can be a single slot rather than a plurality of discrete slots. Although the slots are shown as arcuate, the slots can take different shapes, such as linear. Other openings 86 are provided for mounting the wire connector 34 via suitable fasteners.

[0030] It is noteworthy that, unlike existing mounting brackets, the base 70 does not have an opening for the electrical leads of the household power supply to pass through. Existing mounting brackets are designed to be located at an electrical junction box, usually in a ceiling. The pre-installed bracket will be fixed directly to the junction box, and the leads of the household power supply will pass from the junction box through the larger central opening of the mounting bracket 30. The described mounting bracket 30 does not require such a configuration, because the leads of the household power supply are connected to the household power supply using a cable 38 instead of hard-wired household leads. Using a cable 38 instead of hard-wired household leads allows the mounting kit 14 to be located at a location other than where the electrical junction box is located. This degree of freedom provides consumers with the benefit of positioning the mounting kit 14 anywhere on the structure they like, not just where the junction box is located. Previously, consumers would be forced to place the ceiling fan 10 where the junction box existed, or have a new junction box installed by an electrician at a considerable cost at the location where the ceiling fan 10 needed to be placed. With the mounting kit 14 with a cable, consumers can freely place the ceiling fan 10 anywhere they like without having to consider the pre-wired junction box. This degree of freedom is beneficial for both indoor and outdoor ceiling fan 10 installations, but is particularly beneficial for outdoor installations where a junction box is typically not present but an outdoor power receptacle is present that can receive the plug end of the cable 38 .

[0031] Figure 4 A gasket 40 is shown, which is optional for the mounting kit. The gasket 40 is primarily used to prevent water from entering the opening in the base of the mounting bracket 30. Therefore, the gasket 40 is intended to be used primarily in outdoor installations. However, there is no reason why the gasket 40 cannot be used in indoor installations. The gasket 40 has a gasket base 90 and a gasket peripheral wall 92, similar to the similar structure of the mounting bracket 30. Advantageously, the gasket base 90 and the gasket peripheral wall 92 of the gasket 40 can be complementary to the base and peripheral wall of the mounting bracket 30 so that they form a water seal. The gasket base 90 and the gasket peripheral wall 92 define a gasket recess 94 that is sized to receive the mounting bracket 30 so that the gasket base 90 abuts the base 70 and the gasket peripheral wall 92 abuts the peripheral wall 72. The gasket peripheral wall 92 is shown as being shorter than the peripheral wall 72, but this is not necessarily the case. The gasket perimeter wall 92 improves the water sealing function by surrounding the mounting bracket 30 to prevent water from easily entering the joint between the gasket 40 and the mounting bracket 30 .

[0032] Figure 5Various contemplated commercially available kits for the mounting kit are shown. In the simplest, most basic form, the mounting kit will be commercially sold as a kit 100 that includes only the mounting bracket 30, the cable 38, and the strain relief 36, which kit will be referred to herein as a "basic kit." With such a kit, it is contemplated that the consumer will use the existing suspension bracket 32 ​​and top cover 42 in the ceiling fan 10. It is further contemplated that the consumer will use conventional wire caps to hardwire the cable 38 leads to the motor electrical leads.

[0033] In the first variation of the base kit, a gasket 40 may be added, especially when outdoor installation is contemplated. In the second variation, a wire connector 34 may be included with the base kit and / or the first variation. In the third variation, a hanging bracket 32 ​​may be included with the base kit, the first variation, or the third variation. In many cases, a consumer may use the hanging bracket 32 ​​with the ceiling fan 10. However, many consumers may not want to disassemble the hanging bracket 32 ​​from the ceiling fan 10 and assemble it to the mounting bracket 30, and / or an existing hanging bracket 32 ​​may not be compatible with the mounting bracket 30. Therefore, it would be more convenient for many consumers to provide the hanging bracket 32 ​​with a commercially available kit (particularly pre-assembled to the mounting bracket 30).

[0034] In all the different commercially available kits, the different parts of the installation kit may be unassembled, preassembled, or a portion of these parts may be preassembled. The greater the degree of preassembly, the easier it is for the consumer.

[0035] Still reference Figure 5 , all kits may include ceiling fan-specific instructions 98 to guide the installer (considered the consumer of the fan) through one or more of the following exemplary installation steps: positioning the mounting bracket 30 relative to the structure 12; securing the mounting bracket 30 to the structure; securing the cable to the strain relief 36; connecting the lead 60 to the wire connector 34; securing the suspension ball 20 to the suspension ball seat 46; and attaching the top cover 42 to the suspension bracket 32. Depending on the variation of the kit, the instructions 98 may include securing the suspension bracket 32 ​​to the mounting bracket 30 or securing the wire connector 34 to the mounting bracket 30. The instructions 98 may also include guiding the installer to insert the plug 58 into an appropriate electrical outlet. The instructions 98 may be a separate printed sheet or booklet that is included in the packaging of the kit. The instructions 98 may also be printed on the packaging. For example, the packaging may include a box containing the kit, and the printed sheet or booklet may be provided in the box or printed on a surface of the box. In some cases, the packaging may be a cardboard backing with a plastic package or a blister package, wherein the components of the kit are located between the cardboard backing and the plastic package. A printed sheet or booklet may also be sandwiched between the cardboard backing and the plastic sheet, or the instructions may be printed on the cardboard backing.

[0036] While it is contemplated that the consumer will use the top guard 42 that comes with the ceiling fan 10 , another variation of all of the previously described mounting kits is to attach the top guard 42 .

[0037] refer to Figure 6 , a second embodiment of a mounting kit 214 is shown. The mounting kit 214 is similar to the mounting kit 14. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200. In addition, the prior description of the mounting kit 14 applies to the mounting kit 214, including all variations. Therefore, the following description of the mounting kit 214 will highlight the differences relative to the mounting kit 14.

[0038] The mounting kit 214 is shown to include a mounting bracket 230, a wire connector 234, a strain relief 236, a cable 238, and a gasket 240. To simplify the description, the mounting kit 214 is shown without a top cover or a suspension bracket. The top cover 42 and the suspension bracket 32 ​​can be used with the mounting kit 214, and the existing instructions for the top cover and the suspension bracket are applicable to the mounting kit 214. The top cover and the suspension bracket are also optional for the mounting kit 214.

[0039] The mounting kit 214 also includes cable clamps 300 and corresponding fasteners 302. Although fourteen cable clamps 300 and a corresponding number of fasteners 302 are shown, any desired number may be provided. Although the cable clamps 300 are not shown with the mounting kit 14, these cable clamps may be used with the mounting kit 14. Any suitable cable clamps 300 and any fasteners 302 may be used. The cable clamps 300 are secured to the structure 12 and help hold the cable 238 in place against the structure 12. The fasteners 302 are shown as screws. However, the fasteners may also include anchors, such as drywall anchors or concrete anchors, in which, for example, screws are received. Depending on the structure 12, the cable clamps 300 may be attached by adhesives instead of fasteners.

[0040] The mounting kit 214 also includes a cable gasket 283 that forms a liquid seal between the cable 238 and the cable recess 282 in the mounting bracket 230. The strain relief 236 differs from the strain relief 36 in that the strain relief 236 is structurally different and is further recessed into the interior of the cable recess 282.

[0041] exist Figure 7 The mounting bracket 230, the strain relief 236 and the cable gasket 283 can be better seen in FIG. Figure 7The strain relief 236 and cable grommet 283 are shown partially exploded from the mounting bracket 230. As with the mounting bracket 30, the mounting bracket 230 includes a base 270 having an optional perimeter wall 272 that defines the interior of the base 70. The perimeter wall 272 includes a drip edge 312. The drip edge 312 allows liquid to flow down the exterior of the perimeter wall 272 to drip from the mounting bracket 230, rather than following the contour of the perimeter wall 272 into the interior of the mounting bracket 230. The drip edge 312 can be added to the mounting bracket 30. During operation, it should be noted that the mounting bracket 230 will be in contact with the mounting bracket 230. Figure 7 In the operational orientation, the liquid will flow along the outside of the peripheral wall 272 and flow down to the lowest extension of the drip edge 312, where the liquid will not be able to bypass the corner formed by the drip edge 312 and the liquid will drip from the drip edge 312.

[0042] Various protrusions are formed in the base 270 to facilitate mounting of the components of the different mounting kits. For example, a suspension bracket protrusion 274 is provided and has openings 276 that receive fasteners (such as screws or bolts) for securing the suspension bracket 32 ​​to the base 270. A strain relief protrusion 278 has an opening 280 that also receives a fastener 281. A cable recess 282 is formed in the peripheral wall 272 and provides an open area in the peripheral wall 272 through which the cable 238 can pass.

[0043] Various openings are formed in the base 270 to help secure the mounting bracket 230 to the structure 12. As shown, there are a plurality of slots 284 that provide openings through which fasteners (such as screws or bolts) can pass and be secured to the structure 12. The plurality of slots can be a single slot rather than a plurality of discrete slots. Although the slots are shown as arcuate, the slots can take different shapes, such as linear shapes. Other openings 286 are provided for mounting the wire connector 234 via suitable fasteners.

[0044] Base 270 also includes a recess 314 sized to receive line connector 234. Recess 314 is shaped to complement and direct line connector 234, and thus simplifies positioning and alignment of line connector 234 with base 270. Base 270 also includes markings associated with line connector 234. The markings indicate the orientation and wiring mode of line connector 234 with respect to three household leads (live 316, ground 318, and neutral 320). The markings help the installer when household wiring has a different color sheath than that found in the current industry. Like base 70, base 270 does not have an opening for passing electrical leads of a household power source, for the same purpose as base 70.

[0045] The strain relief 236 includes a clamping band 254 having a protrusion 330 at one end that is received in a clamping band recess 332 in the base 270 and a fastener opening 334 at the other end that overlies the opening 280 in the strain relief protrusion 274, the clamping band 254 being secured to the strain relief protrusion 274 when the fastener 252 is received in the aligned openings 334, 280. The clamping band 254 includes an arcuate portion 336 that conforms to the contour of the cable 238.

[0046] One or more teeth 338 protrude from the base 270 and are located under the clamping band 254, particularly under the arcuate portion 336, so that when the clamping band 254 is tightened, the cable 238 is pressed into the teeth 338. The teeth 338 help to hold the cable 238 in place.

[0047] The cable grommet 283 includes a ring 287 depending from a projection 342. The peripheral wall 272 includes a pair of fingers 344 on opposite sides of the cable recess 282. An annular groove 346 is formed in the fingers 344 and the base 270 to receive and retain the ring 287. The projection 342 forms a seal on the end of the fingers 344. The projection 342 also serves to continue the drip edge on the cable recess 282.

[0048] The mounting kit 214 of the second embodiment can be arranged in a kit in the same manner as the first embodiment, with or without the additional kit variations described for the second embodiment. Similarly, the first embodiment can be arranged in a kit according to variations of the second embodiment. For example, although the first embodiment is not shown with a cable clamp of the second embodiment, a cable clamp can be added to the first embodiment. In addition, the sealing edge and / or cable gasket of the second embodiment can be used with the first embodiment. Similarly, either embodiment can use the strain relief of the other embodiment. These examples are not meant to limit the combination of variations from one embodiment with another. Instead, these examples are merely possible examples to understand what is meant by adding variations of one embodiment to another, and how to mix and match variations between the disclosed embodiments when preparing a kit.

[0049] In addition, when preparing a kit, multiple and / or repeated parts can be included, and these parts can exceed the scope of these embodiments. For example, two strain reliefs can be placed in the same kit. Alternatively, multiple identical strain reliefs can be placed in the same kit. This use of multiple / repeating parts applies to all parts of both embodiments.

[0050] Throughout the disclosure, suitable fasteners for securing various components are described. Such fasteners may be any type of fastener. In many cases, a suitable fastener is a screw or a bolt. If a bolt, the opening to which the bolt is threadedly coupled will be a threaded opening having complementary threads for receiving the bolt. The fastener may be used alone or in conjunction with a suitable anchor, particularly when the fastener is attached to a structure. Suitable anchors may be material dependent, such as a gypsum board anchor or a concrete anchor.

[0051] To the extent not yet described, different features and structures of various features may be used in combination as desired. The fact that a feature is not shown in all aspects of the present disclosure does not mean that it cannot be used, but is to simplify the description. Therefore, various features of different aspects described herein may be mixed and matched as needed to form new features or aspects thereof, whether or not new aspects or features are explicitly described. All combinations or permutations of the features described herein are covered by the present disclosure.

[0052] An advantage of both strain reliefs described and shown is that they allow the installer to remove any excess cable, such as by cutting, strip the ends of the wires, and connect the stripped ends to the wire connector. The strain relief can then be tightened over the shortened cable. In this way, the strain relief helps the installer remove any excess cable to provide a more customized installation.

[0053] This written description uses examples to detail the various aspects described herein, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the aspects described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

[0054] Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0055] A ceiling fan mounting kit for non-hardwired electrical connections includes a mounting bracket having a plurality of fastener openings through which a plurality of fasteners can pass to secure the mounting bracket to a structure; a strain relief for an electrical cable; and an electrical cable having a plug at one end.

[0056] A kit according to any of the other clauses, further comprising a wire connector.

[0057] A kit as in any of the other clauses, wherein the wire connector has a first set of wire receptacles for a cable and a second set of wire receptacles for a ceiling fan.

[0058] A kit as in any of the other clauses wherein the other end of the cable has leads for being received within the first set of lead receptacles.

[0059] A kit according to any of the other clauses, further comprising a suspension bracket having a suspension ball seat.

[0060] A kit as in any of the other clauses, wherein the suspension bracket includes a top cover mounting tab.

[0061] A kit according to any of the other clauses, further comprising a top cover.

[0062] A kit as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the wire connector is carried by the mounting bracket.

[0063] A kit as in any of the other clauses wherein the cable strain relief is carried by the mounting bracket.

[0064] A kit according to any of the other clauses, further comprising a suspension bracket.

[0065] A kit as claimed in any of the other clauses, further comprising a gasket for use between the mounting bracket and the structure.

[0066] A kit as in any of the other clauses, wherein the gasket includes a recess for receiving the mounting bracket.

[0067] A ceiling fan mounting kit for non-hardwired electrical connections includes: a mounting bracket having a plurality of fastener openings through which a plurality of fasteners can be passed to secure the mounting bracket to a structure; an electrical cable having a plug at one end and a set of leads at the other end; a strain relief securing the electrical cable to the mounting bracket; and a wire connector carried by the mounting bracket and receiving the set of leads from the electrical cable.

[0068] A kit as claimed in any of the other clauses, further comprising a gasket to seal the mounting bracket to the structure.

[0069] A kit as in any of the other clauses, wherein the gasket includes a recess that receives at least a portion of the mounting bracket.

[0070] A kit as in any of the other clauses wherein the washer and mounting bracket have complementary planar surfaces.

[0071] A kit as in any of the other clauses, wherein the complementary planar surfaces have complementary fastener openings.

[0072] A kit as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the gasket and the mounting bracket have complementary peripheral walls.

[0073] A kit as in any of the other clauses wherein the mounting bracket peripheral wall is radially inward of the gasket peripheral wall.

[0074] A kit according to any of the other clauses, wherein the complementary peripheral walls are in contact with each other.

[0075] A ceiling fan mounting assembly for securing a ceiling fan to a structure, the ceiling fan mounting assembly comprising: a mounting bracket having a base and a peripheral wall, wherein the base has fastener openings through which fasteners can pass to secure the mounting bracket to the structure, and the peripheral wall has a cable recess; a wire connector carried by the base; an electrical cable having a plug at one end and a set of leads at the other end, wherein the cable passes through the cable recess and the leads are received in the wire connector; and a strain relief carried by the base and securing the electrical cable to the mounting bracket.

[0076] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the perimeter wall further comprises a drip edge.

[0077] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the drip edge extends continuously around a portion of the perimeter wall excluding the cable recess.

[0078] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, further comprising a cable grommet providing a drip edge on the cable recess.

[0079] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable gasket forms a liquid seal within the cable recess.

[0080] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses wherein the liquid seal extends between the cable and the mounting bracket.

[0081] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable grommet defines a cable opening through which the cable passes.

[0082] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable grommet defines a ring forming a cable opening.

[0083] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses wherein the cable grommet further comprises a projection abutting the peripheral wall and a ring depending from the projection.

[0084] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses wherein the projection continues the drip edge over the cable recess.

[0085] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the peripheral wall defines an annular groove that receives the ring.

[0086] The ceiling fan mounting assembly of any of the other clauses, further comprising a cable gasket forming a liquid seal between the cable and the mounting bracket.

[0087] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable gasket forms a liquid seal within the cable recess.

[0088] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable grommet defines a cable opening through which the cable passes.

[0089] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable grommet defines a ring forming a cable opening.

[0090] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the peripheral wall defines an annular groove that receives the ring.

[0091] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses wherein the peripheral wall has two spaced apart fingers in which at least a portion of the annular groove is formed.

[0092] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the cable grommet further comprises a protrusion adjacent the peripheral wall.

[0093] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the protrusion spans the cable recess.

[0094] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the projection forms a drip edge on the cable recess.

[0095] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the strain relief further comprises a clamping strap to secure the cable to the mounting bracket.

[0096] The ceiling fan mounting assembly of any of the other clauses, wherein the strain relief further comprises a compressible material surrounding at least a portion of the cable.

[0097] The ceiling fan mounting assembly of any of the other clauses, wherein the compressible material surrounds at least a portion of the cable.

[0098] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the clamping band surrounds the compressible material.

[0099] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the strain relief further comprises at least one tooth extending from the mounting bracket and positioned below the clamping band.

[0100] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as described in any of the other clauses, wherein the at least one tooth comprises a plurality of teeth.

[0101] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the clamping band includes a portion that conforms to the shape of the cable.

[0102] A ceiling fan mounting assembly as claimed in any of the other clauses, wherein the clamping band includes a protrusion and the mounting bracket includes a slot to receive the protrusion.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan installation kit for non-hardwired electrical connections, the ceiling fan installation kit comprising: a mounting bracket having a plurality of fastener openings through which a plurality of fasteners can pass to secure the mounting bracket to a structure; strain relief for electrical cables; as well as An electrical cable with a plug at one end.

2. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 1 further comprising a wire connector.

3. The ceiling fan installation kit according to claim 2, wherein: The wire connector has a first set of lead wire accommodating portions for the cable and a second set of lead wire accommodating portions for the ceiling fan.

4. The ceiling fan installation kit according to claim 3, wherein: The other end of the cable has leads for being received in the first set of lead receptacles.

5. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 3, further comprising a suspension bracket having a suspension ball socket.

6. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 5, wherein: The suspension bracket includes a top cover and a plurality of mounting protrusions.

7. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 6, further comprising a top cover.

8. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 6, wherein: The wire connector is carried by the mounting bracket.

9. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 8, wherein: The strain relief is carried by the mounting bracket.

10. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 9, further comprising a hanging bracket.

11. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 3, further comprising a gasket for use between the mounting bracket and the structure.

12. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 11, wherein: The gasket includes a recess for receiving the mounting bracket.

13. A ceiling fan installation kit for non-hardwired electrical connections, the ceiling fan installation kit comprising: a mounting bracket having a plurality of fastener openings through which a plurality of fasteners can pass to secure the mounting bracket to a structure; An electrical cable that has a plug at one end and a set of leads at the other; a strain relief member to secure the electrical cable to the mounting bracket; as well as A wire connector is carried by the mounting bracket and receives the set of wire leads from the electrical cable.

14. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 13, further comprising a gasket for sealing the mounting bracket to the structure.

15. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 14, wherein: The gasket includes a recess that receives at least a portion of the mounting bracket.

16. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 15, wherein: The gasket and the mounting bracket have complementary planar surfaces.

17. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 16, wherein: The complementary planar surfaces have complementary fastener openings.

18. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 17, wherein: The gasket and the mounting bracket have complementary peripheral walls.

19. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 18, wherein: The peripheral wall of the mounting bracket is radially inward of the peripheral wall of the gasket.

20. The ceiling fan mounting kit of claim 19, wherein: The peripheral wall of the mounting bracket and the peripheral wall of the gasket are in contact with each other.

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