Ceiling fan mounting assembly

Abstract

The ceiling fan assembly 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 top cover. The top cover may be received by the mounting bracket to enclose the mounting hardware near the ceiling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Ceiling fans are typically suspended from structures such as ceilings or walls to circulate a volume of air around a space. A ceiling fan generally includes: a motor with a rotor and stator; a rod; a top cover; and blades, all of which are secured to the structure by a mounting assembly that includes fasteners and brackets. The structure on which a ceiling fan is mounted is usually a ceiling, with the top cover decoratively covering the mounting assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a ceiling fan assembly mountable to a surface (such as a ceiling), the ceiling fan assembly comprising: a ceiling fan; a surface bracket mountable to the surface and having a set of resilient snap rings with spaced-apart positioning feet; a hanging rod connecting the ceiling fan and the surface bracket; and a top cover having an opening through which the hanging rod passes and a set of receiving slots for receiving the positioning feet. Attached Figure Description

[0004] In the attached diagram:

[0005] Figure 1 This is a partially exploded top-view perspective view of a ceiling fan assembly, including a fan, surface support, ball joint, hanger, and expandable top cover.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the suspension bracket.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the suspended spherical component.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the expandable top cover is available.

[0009] Figure 5 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the suspended spherical component before it is placed in the suspension bracket and when the expandable top cover is in a folded state.

[0010] Figure 6 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the suspended spherical component fully arranged in the suspension bracket and the expandable top cover in a folded state.

[0011] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the suspended spherical component fully arranged in the suspension bracket and the expandable top cover in the unfolded state.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the top cover being secured to the surface support using snap rings.

[0013] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of a portion of the image, showing the joint between the circlip and the surface support.

[0014] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the area. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This disclosure relates to a ceiling fan mounting system suitable for applications such as residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial use. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a ceiling fan mounting system that generally utilizes a snap-fit ​​or locking suspension ball to prevent accidental dislodgement or detachment of the suspension ball from the suspension bracket. More specifically, when installing fan blades or light fixtures, installers may lift or move the fan, which could cause the suspension ball to dislodge. The snap-fit ​​suspension ball prevents or inhibits partial or complete dislodgement of the suspension ball from the suspension bracket, thereby ensuring that the fan is properly attached to the ceiling after installation.

[0016] Furthermore, the use of snap-in or locking suspension balls in conjunction with a snap-in top cover simplifies the fan installation process. The suspension balls snap into place for security, and the top cover can then be easily slid up along the hanger and snap into place. Assembly is further simplified, especially for low-profile installations, as the top cover is expandable / foldable, providing a low-profile installation (i.e., the hanger is essentially invisible) and allowing for easy expansion. The snap-in suspension balls enhance the expandable / foldable top cover by ensuring the suspension balls are securely attached, and expansion of the top cover does not cause the suspension balls to accidentally detach from the suspension bracket.

[0017] As used herein, the term "set" or "group" of elements can refer to any number of pieces, 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, front, rear, etc.) are used for illustrative purposes only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and do not impose limitations, particularly regarding the location, orientation, or use of aspects of the disclosure described herein. Connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and engagement) should be interpreted broadly and, unless otherwise stated, can include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other. Exemplary figures are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, orders, and relative sizes reflected in the figures may vary.

[0018] Reference Figure 1The ceiling fan assembly 10 includes a ceiling fan 20, a surface support 30, a downrod 40, and a top cover 90. The ceiling fan 20 is secured to a surface 1 (ceiling, wall, column, or other supporting structure) via the downrod 40 and the surface support 30 (sometimes referred to as a ceiling fan bracket). The surface support 30 is secured to the surface 1 in any desired manner, and the downrod 40 connects the ceiling fan 20 to the surface support 30. The top cover 90 covers most (if not all) of the surface support 30 and at least a portion of the joint between the surface support 30 and the downrod 40. The top cover 90 may serve as an aesthetic cover for both the mechanical and electrical connections between the surface support 30 and the surface 1.

[0019] The ceiling fan 20 may include a motor 21 having a motor shaft 22, a rotor 23, and a stator 25. The motor shaft 22 is generally stationary and may be fixed to or integrally formed with the stator 25. The rotor 23 is rotatably coupled to the stationary motor shaft 22 via a bearing assembly (not shown) supported on the motor shaft 22. The ceiling fan 20 also includes a plurality of blades 24 directly coupled to the rotor 23 or indirectly coupled via a bracket, a common form of which is so-called blade iron. The ceiling fan may also include a motor adapter 26 that connects the motor shaft 22 to the hanging rod 40.

[0020] The boom 40 includes a ball-shaped member 41 attached to one end of the boom tube 42. The boom 40 may have a fixed or adjustable length, such as a telescopic tube. The end of the boom 40 opposite to the ball-shaped member 41 is attached to the motor shaft 22 and / or the motor adapter 26. Because the ball-shaped member 41 is suspended from the surface bracket 1, it is often referred to as a suspension ball-shaped member. In an alternative installation, the ball-shaped member 41 can be directly mounted to the motor shaft, thus eliminating the need for the boom tube 42 and the motor adapter 26. Figure 1 In this context, the motor shaft will be shown as boom tube 42. In this alternative, the length of the motor shaft can be selected as needed.

[0021] See Figure 2The surface support 30 has a surface plate 31, to which a ball seat 32 is suspended by a spacer arm 33 extending between the surface plate 31 and the ball seat 32. The ball seat 32 includes an open collar 34 and a rod groove 29. The open collar defines a spherical opening 35, and the rod groove, together with the spacer arm 33, is oriented to define an inlet through which a tube 42 can pass. As shown, the opening 35 is advantageously shaped to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the spherical member 41, such that a portion of the spherical member 41 is received within the opening 35 and serves as part of an anti-rotation structure, thereby preventing relative rotational movement between the spherical member 41 and the seat 32. Suitable opening shapes include any polygon, such as the square shown. The opening 35 does not need to be shaped for anti-rotation. The rod groove 29 is shaped to allow the tube 42 to pass through. In this way, the spherical member 41 can be assembled to the tube 42 before the rod passes through the rod groove 29 or the opening 35.

[0022] As shown, the surface plate 31 and the ball seat 32 are integrally formed as a single piece. However, the surface plate 31 can be a separate element, which may be referred to as a ceiling plate. Similarly, the ball seat 32 and the arm 33 can be formed as separate parts connected to the surface plate 31, which may be referred to as suspension brackets. For the purposes of this disclosure, the surface element 31 and the seat 32 can be integrally formed as shown, or they can be physically separated. Whether they are formed as a monolithic structure or separate parts, the terms surface plate, surface bracket, ceiling bracket, ceiling panel, and suspension bracket still apply.

[0023] The surface plate 31 has multiple openings for receiving fasteners such as screws or bolts to secure the surface plate 31 to the structure 1 or an electrical device (such as a junction box) having the structure 1. The surface plate 31 is shown as having wings 36 extending from the arm 33, but may be a continuous plate, which may be flat or uneven. The wings define flanges 37, which are shown as multiple dispersed flanges 37, but may be continuous flanges 37.

[0024] Each wing 36 has a flange 37 extending away from the wing 36. Although the wings 36 are shown as two wings 36 opposite each other in diameter, there may be more than two wings spaced apart around the periphery of the surface support 30.

[0025] The resilient bushing 39 can be attached to the wing 36 and is sized to support and abut against the structure 1 when the surface support 30 is fixed to the structure 1. The function of the bushing 39 is to stably abut against the surface and to be compatible with the structure 1.

[0026] A set of retaining rings 60 are mounted to the flange 37. It is conceivable that each flange 37 has one retaining ring 60, but it is also possible to mount more than one retaining ring 60 on each flange 37. The retaining ring 60 includes a base 61, which is secured to the flange 37 by suitable fasteners, such as screws or bolts 62 that pass through the base 61 and into threaded openings in the flange 37, which increases the ease of assembly.

[0027] One or more positioning feet 63 extend from the base 61. Each positioning foot includes a first segment 64, a second segment 65, and a reverse bend 66. The first segment 64 extends away from the flange 37, while the second segment 65 extends towards the flange 37 due to the reverse bend 66. Although the first segment 64 and the second segment 65 appear to extend upwards in addition to towards or away from the base, the retaining ring 60 may be designed to cause the first segment 64 and the second segment 65 to extend downwards.

[0028] It is conceivable that the snap ring 60 will be formed from a single piece of elastic material, such as a sheet of metal like spring steel, which is cut and then bent into the configuration shown. However, the snap ring 60 can also be formed in other ways, such as by injection molding from plastic, 3D printing from plastic or metal, or stamping into a metal part.

[0029] Although surface plate 31 is shown as a biplane configuration, it is conceivable that surface plate 31 could be a continuous structure, such as a disc or plate. In a disc or plate configuration, flange 37 could be continuous around the periphery of the disc or plate, with retaining rings 60 mounted at different peripheral locations along flange 37. The shape of the disc or plate could be circular or some other desired shape. The disc or plate need not be flat.

[0030] A retainer (shown as retaining clip 80) is attached to arm 33 and secures ball 41 within seat 32. When ball 41 is secured within seat 32, the retainer prevents or inhibits accidental detachment of ball 41 from seat 32, especially due to accidental upward forces such as those acting on fan 20 during installation.

[0031] The retaining clip 80 includes a body 81, an attachment finger 82, and an alignment pin 83 extending from the body, the alignment pin corresponding to an alignment hole 84 in the arm 33. To secure the retaining clip 80 to the arm 33, the body 81 is oriented relative to the arm 33 such that the pin 83 is received within the hole 84, and the attachment finger 82 engages on the edge of the arm 33. The attachment finger 82 is resilient and resiliently engages on the edge of the arm 33. Alternatively, the attachment finger 82 may be a resilient or inelastic structure that engages in a corresponding hole / opening in the arm 33.

[0032] The retaining clip 80 also includes a retaining portion 85 or a stop in the form of a shaped or bent element extending from the body 81. Once the ball 41 is arranged in the seat 32, the retaining portion 85 will cover the ball 41 and impede or prevent the ball 41 from moving upward from the seat 32.

[0033] As shown, the retaining portion 85 forms a flat retaining surface 86 facing the seat 32. When the ball 41 is arranged in the seat 32, the retaining surface 86 will face a portion of the ball 41. The retaining portion 85 also includes an inclined deflecting surface 87 that connects the retaining surface 86 to the body 81. A release portion in the form of a release finger 88 extends from the retaining surface 86. The retaining surface 86, the deflecting surface 87, and the release finger 88 cover or extend through the complementary groove 89 in the arm 33. Although the release portion is shown as a release finger, other structures besides fingers are possible.

[0034] As shown, a strip of material (preferably a resilient or deflectable material) extending from the body 81 forms a retaining surface 86, a deflecting surface 87, and a release finger 88. The material strip is continuous, allowing the entire retaining clip to be formed from the same material (e.g., stamped metal). A groove 89 allows the material strip to move into the groove 89 without obstructing the ball 41 when it is in place. The release finger 88 can be accessed from the outside of the surface support 30. Although the retainer is shown as a separate part for clamping or engaging the arm 33, the retainer can be integrally formed by cutting from the arm 33 when the groove 89 is formed.

[0035] Figure 3The spherical member 41 is shown in more detail. The spherical member 41 is not a conventionally circular spherical member. Instead, the spherical member 41 includes a shoulder 43, which, when viewed in planar form or along the axis of the boom 40, is shown as a square with rounded corners, or also referred to as a square-round shape. However, the spherical member still has a circular or partially hemispherical portion 44 terminating at a peripheral flat portion 45, which forms the upper part of the spherical member 41. An anti-rotation element 46 in the form of a polygonal base extends below the circular portion 44. The shape of the anti-rotation element 46 is generally the same as the opening 35 in the collar 34. With this configuration, the anti-rotation element 46 is received in a complementary opening 35 having a matching shape, thereby preventing the spherical member 41 from rotating relative to the collar 34. The circular portion 44 may have the same radius of curvature as the collar 34. A tapered portion 47 may be formed on the anti-rotation element 46 to facilitate its alignment and insertion into the opening 35. An opposing channel 48 is located on the upper part of the spherical member 41. These channels are complementary to the retaining surface 86 and receive the retaining surface 86 when the ball 41 is correctly positioned. Therefore, the channels 48 that mate with the retaining surface 86 are used to rotatably position the ball 41 in the seat and also serve as another anti-rotation element, which can be used in combination with the anti-rotation element 47 or in place of the anti-rotation element 46.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a top cover 90, shown as a multi-piece expandable top cover with telescopic connecting sections, shown as two sections, namely a lower section 91 and an upper section 92. The two sections 91 and 92 can move relative to each other between a folded state and an extended state. However, more than two sections can be used. The lower section 91 has a peripheral wall 93 defining a hollow interior with an open top 94 and an open bottom 95. A radial flange 96 extends around the open top 94, and a bottom wall 97 defines the open bottom 95.

[0037] The upper section 92 has a peripheral wall 99 defining an opening top 100 and an opening bottom 101. The opening bottom 101 terminates at a radial flange 102. The opening top 100 is defined by a receiving pocket 105. The receiving pocket 105 is sized to receive a retaining ring 60. The receiving pocket 105 may be a recess 106 in the peripheral wall 99. The recess 106 may be formed in the peripheral wall 99 as a rib 107, wherein the inner surface of the rib 107 forms a channel defining the recess 106. When viewed from the inside of the top cover 90, this channel has a concave cross-section. The recess 106 includes an upper shoulder 109 and a lower shoulder 108. The recess 106 and the corresponding channel are shown as a continuous recess around the peripheral wall 99. However, the recess 106 may be a dispersed recess positioned according to the retaining ring 60. The diameter of the top cover peripheral wall 99 below the recess 106 is larger than the diameter above the recess 106.

[0038] Radial flanges 96 and 102 are shown to be overlapping. A soundproof seal 110 is located between radial flanges 96 and 102. Although the soundproof seal 110 can be mounted on either radial flange or carried by either segment, it is shown to be carried by the upper segment 92 and adjacent to radial flange 96. When the expandable top cover 90 is deployed, the radial flanges will contact the soundproof seal to help seal the interior of the top cover 90. The soundproof seal 110 can also perform a fluid sealing function or, alternatively, a soundproofing function.

[0039] Figures 5 to 7 The assembly of the spherical member 41 to the base 32 is shown, thereby securing the ceiling fan to the structure. For the purposes of this description, it is assumed that the spherical member 41 is already secured to the tube 42, which is secured to the fan 20. It is further assumed that the surface support 30 is secured to the surface 1. Starting from this and referring to... Figure 5 The ceiling fan 20 is lifted and moved by the user, causing the tube 42 to pass through the rod slot 29 of the collar 34, and the ball joint 41 to be above and overlap the seat 32. In this position, the top cover 90 is still folded and has slid over and onto the tube 42, and most likely rests on the fan 20. At this point, the lower section 91 of the top cover can be attached to the fan 20 or the rod 40 if needed, but this is not necessary.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 ,from Figure 5 As shown, the fan 20 descends, causing the spherical member 41 to descend toward the seat 32 and be positioned within it. When the spherical member 41 reaches its position, the shoulder 43 first abuts against the deflecting surface 87. The continued descent of the fan 20 causes the shoulder 43 to deflect the retaining portion 85 off its path through contact with the deflecting surface 87. After the shoulder 43 passes the retaining surface 86, the retaining portion 85 freely and elastically returns to its previous position. At this point, the retaining surface 86 covers the peripheral flat portion 45 of the spherical member 41, and the circular portion 44 is located within the collar 34, while the anti-rotation element 46 is located within the opening 35.

[0041] In this position, the anti-rotation element 46 is located within the opening 35 of the seat 32, thereby preventing the ball 41 from rotating relative to the surface support 30. The retaining portion 85 also prevents the ball 41 from falling out of the seat 32 by covering the shoulder 43 with the retaining portion surface 86. To dislodge the ball 41 from the seat 32, the retaining portion 85 can be removed from its path by the user grasping the release finger 88 to disengage the retaining portion 85 from its overlapping relationship with the peripheral flat portion 45 of the shoulder 43.

[0042] It should be noted that although anti-rotation and fixation of the ball joint 41 in the seat 32 are described together, these two functions are not interdependent. Fixation of the ball joint 41 in the seat 32 can be achieved with or without the anti-rotation structure, and vice versa.

[0043] from Figure 6 As shown, to complete the assembly, the user or installer only needs to remove the upper section 92 of the top cover 90 from... Figure 5 The folded position extends until the upper section engages with the retaining spring at 60 degrees, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. That is, as the upper section 92 moves upward, further upward movement will cause the retaining ring 60 to be received in the receiving slot 105 to secure the upper section 92 in the extended state. If the lower section 91 is not attached to the fan 20 or the boom 40, it may be necessary to pull down the lower section 91 after attaching the upper section 92.

[0044] Figure 8 The relationship between the retaining spring 60 and the receiving groove 105 is shown when the top cover 90 is attached or snapped into the surface support 30. As can be seen, the reverse bend 66 is received within the receiving groove 105, wherein the reverse bend 66 and / or the second section 65 support abutting against the upper shoulder 59.

[0045] The groove 106 and the retaining ring 60 have similar or complementary cross-sectional shapes, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The first segment 64 is longer than the second segment 65, which is similar to the shape of the lower shoulder 108 and the upper shoulder 59. Similarly, the first segment 64 is longer and steeper than the second segment 65, as are the lower shoulder 108 and the upper shoulder 59.

[0046] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The engagement between the retaining ring 60 and the flange 37 is shown. The base 61 includes a protrusion 71 surrounding at least a portion of the edge of the flange 37. The protrusion 71 prevents the base 61 from rotating clockwise about the centerline of the fastener 62 when viewed from below. Together with the base 61, the protrusion 71 prevents rotation about a vertical axis passing through the centerline of the fastener. The protrusion 71 thus helps prevent the base 61 from twisting, especially when the fastener 62 is installed, which helps to keep the positioning feet 63 level, making them easier to receive in the receiving groove 105.

[0047] The shape of the retaining spring 60 is such that the unbent outer diameter defined by the reverse bend 66 is slightly larger than the diameter of the recess 106. This causes the positioning foot 63 to spring up and bend when received within the recess 106, which helps to hold the top cover 90 to the surface support 30, as the positioning foot 63 is biased into the recess 106. When the top cover is secured to the surface support 30, the second section 65 supports and rests against the shoulder to help hold the top cover in the desired position. Simultaneously, the reverse bend 66 is biased into the recess 106 to further assist in holding the top cover in place.

[0048] In order for the top cover 90 to detach from the surface support 30, a downward force must be applied to the top cover 90, which must be large enough to deflect the retaining ring 60 and allow the top cover 90 to detach.

[0049] Within the scope not described, various features and structures of different embodiments may be combined or substituted for each other as needed. All combinations or arrangements of the features described herein are covered in this disclosure.

[0050] This written description uses examples to illustrate aspects of the disclosure described herein, including best practices, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of aspects of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

[0051] The following clauses provide further details:

[0052] A ceiling fan assembly includes: a motor assembly including a rotor assembly and a stator assembly; a rod having a first end and a second end and connected to the motor assembly; a ball-shaped member mounted on the first end of the rod; a surface support having a ball seat in which the ball-shaped member is received; and at least one retaining clip for releasably securing the ball-shaped member in the ball seat.

[0053] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the ball seat includes a collar, and a spherical member rests on the collar.

[0054] In any of the preceding clauses, the ceiling fan assembly includes a collar defining a ball opening through which the rod axially passes when the ball is received in the seat.

[0055] In any of the preceding clauses, the ceiling fan assembly further defines a rod groove through which the rod can pass when the ball moves to overlap with the collar.

[0056] In any of the preceding clauses, the ceiling fan assembly wherein at least one retaining clip is supported by a surface support.

[0057] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the retaining clip includes a holding portion movable between a retaining position and a releasing position, wherein in the retaining position the ball is retained within the seat and in the releasing position the ball is removable from the seat.

[0058] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the retaining clip further includes a release portion connected to the holding portion.

[0059] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the surface support includes at least one arm supporting the collar, and the retaining portion extends away from the arm and covers the spherical member.

[0060] In any of the foregoing clauses, the ceiling fan assembly wherein the release portion extends from the retaining portion.

[0061] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the retaining portion is located on one side of at least one arm, and the release portion is accessible on the opposite side of the arm.

[0062] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least one arm includes a groove, and the release portion includes a release finger extending through the groove.

[0063] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the retaining portion defines a flat surface covering the base, and the release finger extends from the flat surface.

[0064] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein a retaining clip is mounted to at least one arm.

[0065] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the retaining clip engages with at least one arm.

[0066] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses includes a plurality of retaining clips.

[0067] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the ball-shaped member includes a shoulder abutting against the collar.

[0068] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the shoulder has at least one rounded corner.

[0069] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the shoulder is a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0070] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the ball has an index received within a complementary opening in the collar.

[0071] The ceiling fan assembly according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the guide portion is a geometric shape and the opening is defined by a collar.

[0072] For any of the foregoing clauses, a method of attaching a ceiling fan motor assembly to a mounting bracket, wherein the motor assembly includes a rod having a ball-shaped element, and the mounting bracket includes a surface bracket having a seat having a side opening and a bottom opening, wherein a foldable top cover surrounds the rod, the method comprising: passing the rod through the side opening and into the bottom opening until the ball-shaped element covers the seat and the top cover is below the surface bracket to define an overlap position; lowering the motor assembly from the overlap position until the ball-shaped element rests in the seat and actuating a latch to secure the ball-shaped element to the surface bracket; and unfolding the foldable top cover from a folded state to an unfolded state, in which the top cover snaps into the surface bracket.

Claims

1. A ceiling fan assembly, comprising: a motor assembly including a rotor assembly and a stator assembly; a hanger rod having a first end and a second end, the hanger rod coupled to the motor assembly; a ball member mounted to the first end of the hanger rod; a surface bracket having a ball seat, the ball member received in the ball seat; and at least one retaining clip releasably securing the ball member in the ball seat. The ball seat includes a collar, the ball member resting on the collar.

2. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein, The collar defines a ball member opening, the hanger rod axially passing through the ball member opening when the ball member is received in the ball seat.

3. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 2, wherein, The collar further defines a hanger rod slot, the hanger rod capable of passing through the hanger rod slot when the ball member is moved into overlapping relation with the collar.

4. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 3, wherein, The at least one retaining clip is carried by the surface bracket.

5. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein, The retaining clip includes a catch portion movable between a retaining position in which the ball member is retained within the ball seat and a release position in which the ball member is removable from the ball seat.

6. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein, The retaining clip further includes a release portion coupled to the catch portion.

7. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 6, wherein, The surface bracket includes at least one arm supporting the collar, and the catch portion extends away from the arm and over the ball member.

8. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 7, wherein, The release portion extends from the catch portion.

9. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 8, wherein, The catch portion is located on one side of the at least one arm, and the release portion is accessible from an opposite side of the arm.

10. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 9, wherein, The at least one arm includes a slot, and the release portion includes a release finger extending through the slot.

11. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 10, wherein, The catch portion defines a flat face overlying the ball seat, and the release finger extends from the flat face.

12. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 11, wherein, The retaining clip is mounted to the at least one arm.

13. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 12, wherein, The retaining clip is snap-fit to the at least one arm.

14. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 13, wherein, There are a plurality of the retaining clips.

15. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 1, wherein, The ball member includes a shoulder abutting the ball seat.

16. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 15, wherein, The shoulder has at least one rounded corner.

17. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 16, wherein, The shoulder is a rectangle with rounded corners.

18. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 17, wherein, The ball member has a guide portion received within a complementary opening in the ball seat.

19. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 18, wherein, The guide portion is a geometric body, and the opening is defined by the ball seat.

20. The ceiling fan assembly of claim 19, wherein, The motor assembly includes a hanger rod having a ball member, and the mounting bracket includes a surface bracket having a seat with a side opening and a bottom opening, wherein a foldable top cover encloses the hanger rod, the method comprising:

21. A method of attaching a motor assembly of a ceiling fan to a mounting bracket, wherein, passing the hanger rod through the side opening and into the bottom opening until the ball member overlies the seat and the top cover is located below the surface bracket to define an overlapping position; lowering the motor assembly from the overlapping position until the ball member rests in the seat, and actuating a latch to secure the ball member to the surface bracket; and unfolding the foldable top cover from a folded state to an unfolded state in which the top cover is snap-fit to the surface bracket. ​

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