Cover for ceiling fan reversing switch

[0002] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/128,889, filed Aug. 4, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,416, issued Apr. 4, 2000, which is a divisional of pending application Ser. No. 08/766,245, filed Dec. 13, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,580 the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to ceiling fans. More particularly, this invention relates to aesthetic components for ceiling fans which aesthetically conceal various unsightly mechanical aspects of the ceiling fan from view.

[0005] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0006] Motor driven fans suspended from the ceiling were used extensively in homes in the United States to provide air circulation before the introduction and popularization of central cooling units.

[0007] When the energy crisis dawned in the 1970s, the cost of a kilowatt hour skyrocketed in price and consumers searched for ways to reduce their heating and cooling costs. It has been well established that properly circulated air will raise the overall thermal efficiency of the home air conditioning and cooling system and hence, reduce the cost of maintaining a home at a desired comfort level year-round. Thus, ceiling fans were repopularized in the 1970s.

[0008] Indeed, ceiling fans have become so popular that competitiveness in the industry often depends upon the aesthetic features of one ceiling fan versus another. Hence, ceiling fans are usually designed with aesthetically pleasing canopies, motor housings, fan blades, and switch housings. Furthermore, a large variety of stylized light kits have been designed which may be readily connected to the ceiling fan's switch housing. Most predominantly, such light kits comprise three or four stylized bulb reflectors (for conventional incandescent bulbs), each of which may be pivoted in a different direction for spot lighting.

[0009] Unfortunately, even with the most aesthetic features incorporated within a ceiling fan, several mechanical aspects of the ceiling fan are not concealed from view by the consumer. Specifically, typical canopies are designed to conceal a conventional hanger bracket (secured to the electrical junction box in the ceiling) from which the ceiling fan is suspended by means of a down rod. The conventional design of such a canopy includes a plurality of holes formed about its upper peripheral rim. Such holes allow the canopy to be secured into position about the hanger bracket by means of machine screws which extend through the holes into corresponding threaded holes in the hanger bracket itself. Unfortunately, once installed in such a manner, the heads of the machine screws remain visible and create an unsightly appearance.

[0010] Furthermore, it is noted that more modern canopies, commonly referred to as “dual-mount” or “combo” canopies, that can be alternatively used with conventional down rods to suspend the ceiling fan from the ceiling or used as a means for directly connecting the ceiling fan to the hanger bracket to be substantially flush with the ceiling. This alternative combination is achieved by means of a plurality of holes formed in their lowermost peripheral rim of the canopy. The holes allow the canopy to be directly connected to the upper surface of the motor housing of the ceiling fan by means of machine screws so that the motor housing can be connected directly to the hanger bracket. However, in such a combo canopy, it is noted that the mounting holes present an unsightly appearance when the canopy is used for conventional down rod applications. Therefore, there presently exists a need in the ceiling fan industry for a way to conceal the machine screws and holes of such conventional canopies so that a more aesthetically pleasing appearance is presented to consumers.

[0011] Apart from conventional canopies, there are other components of conventional ceiling fans that do not present an aesthetically pleasing appearance to consumers. For example, most ceiling fans include two switches with pull chains mounted in the switch housing, one for controlling the on and off operation of a light kit that may be attached to the switch housing and the other for controlling the high/medium/low/off operation of the electric motor. In both instances, the switch is mechanically secured through a hole in the wall of the switch housing and secured into position by means of an unsightly knurled nut. Further, most ceiling fans include a slide switch, called a reverse switch, for controlling the clockwise and counter-clockwise operation of the electric motor. Typically, the reverse switch is mounted through a wall of the switch housing in such a manner that the switch knob extends through a hole in the wall of the switch housing. The mounting screws as well as the switch knob present an unsightly appearance to consumers.

[0012] More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, a conventional reverse switch 10 of a conventional ceiling fan (not shown) is mounted on the inside of a switch housing 12 by a pair of mounting screws 14 that extend through a pair of holes 16 from the wall 18 of the switch housing 12 for threaded engagement with the reverse switch 10. The switch knob 20, usually square-shaped, extends through a rectangular hole 22 formed in the wall 18 of the switch housing 12. It is noted that the rectangular hole 22 is of sufficient length to allow clearance for the back and forth movement of the switch knob 20 between its two switch positions. It is these exposed mounting screws 14 and the switch knob 20 that present an unsightly appearance to consumers.

[0013] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvement which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides an improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of the ceiling fan art.

[0014] Another object of this invention is to provide a reverse switch cover having an aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing appearance which is designed to be mounted to the wall of the switch housing about the switch knob and mounting screws of the reverse switch so as to conceal the unsightly knob and mounting screws thereof and present an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the consumer.

[0015] The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention includes an aesthetic component for ceiling fans that is designed to conceal otherwise unsightly screw heads, holes and switches so that the ceiling fan has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0017] More particularly, the aesthetic component of the invention is a reverse switch cover having an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance so as to conceal the otherwise unsightly knob of the slide switch and associated mounting screws. Apart from the aesthetically pleasing outward appearance, the cover includes, in some embodiments, a structure that allows it to be conveniently installed without any modification to the design of conventional switch housings and slide switches and, in other embodiments, a structure for installation about a reverse switch that is recessed-mounted in the switch housing.

[0018] From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the various aesthetic components of the invention solve needs in the industry for ways for increasing the aesthetic appearance of ceiling fans.

[0019] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0020] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art switch housing illustrating a conventional reverse switch mounted vertically therein;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art switch housing illustrating a conventional reverse switch mounted horizontally therein;

[0023] FIG. 2A is a front view of a switch housing installed within a butterfly shaped hole for receiving the tabbed embodiments of the reverse mounted cover of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A along lines 2B—2B;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of one embodiment of the reverse switch cover of the invention and

[0026] FIG. 3A is a frontal perspective view of the same embodiment but with mounting tabs;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 along lines 4—4 and

[0028] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A along lines 4A—4A;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a frontal perspective view of another embodiment of the reverse switch cover of the invention and

[0030] FIG. 5A is a frontal perspective view of the same embodiment but with mounting tabs;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 along lines 6—6 and

[0032] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A along lines 6A—6A;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a rearward perspective view of another embodiment of the reverse switch cover of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 along lines 8—8 with the switch cover mounted about a recessed reverse switch installed in a switch housing;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 along lines 9—9 with the switch cover mounted about a recessed reverse switch installed in a switch housing;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a rearward perspective view of another embodiment of the reverse switch cover of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a recess formed in the side of the switch housing to which is mounted a reverse switch;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 along lines 12—12 with the switch cover mounted about a recessed reverse switch installed in a switch housing;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the reverse switch cover of the invention mounted about a recessed reverse switch installed in a switch housing;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of the reverse switch cover embodiment of FIG. 13; and

[0041] FIG. 14A is a perspective view, partially exploded, of the reverse switch cover embodiment of FIG. 13 wherein the switch knob includes axles that eliminate the need for the adapter.

[0042] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates the reverse switch 10 positioned longitudinally (vertically) relative to the longitudinal axis 24 of the switch housing 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the reverse switch 12 may be positioned transverse (horizontally) relative to the longitudinal axis 24 of the switch housing 12.

[0044] The various embodiments of the reverse switch cover 26 of the invention-e illustrated in FIGS. 3-14. More particularly, the embodiments of the reverse switch cover 26 of the invention that are illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 3A and 4 & 4A are intended for use with a reverse switch 10 that is positioned longitudinally (vertically) within the wall 18 of the switch housing 12 as shown in FIG. 1 whereas the embodiments of the reverse switch cover 26 of the invention that are illustrated in FIGS. 5 & 5A and 6 & 6A are intended for use in connection with a reverse switch 10 that is positioned transverse (horizontally) to the switch housing 12 as shown in FIG. 2. Notably, the only difference between the two sets of embodiments is the fact that in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 & 5A and 6 & 6A, the reverse switch cover 26 includes an arcuate configuration having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the wall 18 of the switch housing 12 so that it fits smoothly against the outer surface 16 thereof. Still other embodiments of the reverse switch cover 26 will be described and illustrated with arcuate configurations for use in relation to the reverse switch positioning of FIG. 1; however, it shall be understood that flat configurations may be employed for use in relation to the reverse switch positioning of FIG. 2.

[0045] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, both sets of such embodiments of the reverse switch cover 26 include an outer configuration comprising side portions 28 and 30 positioned on opposing sides of a protruding portion 32. Interiorly, the inward surface of each of the side portions 28 and 30 include elongated recess 34 and 36 that are dimensioned to slidably receive the respective heads of the mounting screws 14. The inward surface of the protruding portion 32 includes a generally square recess 38 for receiving the switch knob 20 of the reverse switch 10.

[0046] With regard to the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, the square recess 38 is dimensioned relative to the switch knob 20 such that the switch knob 20 is press fitted into the square recess 38 and is retained therein by the tight fit due to the inherent resiliency of the material constituting the cover 26.

[0047] In regard to the embodiments of FIGS. 3A, 4A, SA and 6A, the reverse switch cover 26 is secured into position by means of inwardly extending opposing tabs 40 and 42 which are sufficiently thin to be inserted within the opposing spaces between switch knob 20 and the edge of a modified hole 22 having a butterfly-shaped configuration (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The butterfly hole 22 includes a width that is appreciably greater than the width of the switch 26 so as to allow room for the tabs 40 and 42. Further, the shape of the butterfly hole 22 allows back and forth movement of the tabs 40 and 42 without interference.

[0048] Each of the tabs 40 and 42 include a barb 46 extending away from each other such that when the tabs 40 and 42 are inserted into the butterfly hole 22, the barbs 46 snap under the lip of the edge of the butterfly hole 22 thereby securing the reverse switch cover 26 into position.

[0049] Most notably, due to aforementioned construction, the tabs 40 and 42 are allowed to slide within the rectangular hole 22 such that back and forth movement of the reverse switch cover 26 (conveniently by a person's thumb engaging the protruding portion 32) causes back and forth movement of the switch knob 20 from one switch position to the other. Also notably, due to the length of the elongated recesses 34 and 36, the heads of the mounting screw 16 are allowed to slide within such recesses without any interference with the cover 26 itself. Thus, it should be appreciated that the reverse switch cover 26 may be installed by simply aligning the square recess 38 of the cover 26 with the switch knob 20 and then pushing on the cover 26 to snap the tabs 40 and 42 into the butterfly hole 22 until barbs 46 engage under the edge of the lip thereof.

[0050] Furthermore, it is noted that in regard to the horizontal configurations, the square recess 38 is preferably dimensioned sufficiently large to allow movement of the switch knob 20 within the square recess 38 as the cover 26 is moved back and forth, thereby assuring that no binding of the switch knob 20 relative to the cover 26 occurs during switching.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, another embodiment of the reverse switch cover 26 includes smooth configuration 47 suitable for affixation of an emblem, advertisement or other indicia that creates a more flush appearance than the embodiments described above. In this smooth configuration 47 embodiment of the reverse switch cover 26 of the invention, the reverse switch 26 is mounted in a recessed position within the switch housing 12 by means of a spacers or stand-offs 48 positioned about each of the mounting screws 14. The smooth configuration 47 embodiment includes elongated recesses 34 and 36 and tabs 40 and 42 with barbs 46 as described in the above embodiments. However, in lieu of the square recess 38 of the embodiments described above, the smooth configuration 47 embodiment includes a pair of inwardly extending posts 50 that engage opposing sides of the switch knob 20. During use, back and forth movement of the smooth configuration 47 by a person's thumb or finger, causes the switch knob to be moved back and forth between the two switch positions, thereby reversing the direction of rotation of the electric motor.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 10-12, another embodiment of the reverse switch cover 26 of the invention comprises a similar smooth configuration 47 and is similarly intended to be used in connection with a recessed reverse switch 10. However, unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, in this embodiment, the wall 18 of the switch housing 12 is bent inwardly by a punching operation to the configuration shown in FIG. 11 such that butterfly-shaped opening 52 is formed with recessed landings 54 extending toward the center of the opening 52. Holes 18 for the mounting screws 14 of the reverse switch 10 are formed in the landings 54. In this manner, the reverse switch may be secured by screws 14 to the landings 54 in the desired recessed position. The switch cover 26 of the invention includes the posts 50 as previously described. However, in lieu of the pair of tabs 40 and 42 as described above, preferably this embodiment includes four tabs 40, 41, 42 and 43, two at the top 40 & 41 and two 42 & 43 at the bottom and all with barbs 46, that engage and snap into the opening 52. Notably, the need for the elongated recesses 36 and 38 as shown in the previous embodiments is eliminated due to the recessing of the switch 10. Similar to the above embodiments, the smooth configuration 47 may be moved back and forth to cause back and forth movement of the switch knob 20 between the two switch positions.

[0053] Finally, still another smooth configuration 47 embodiment of the switch cover 26 of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12, this embodiment is intended to be used with a recessed reverse switch as shown in FIG. 11. However, this embodiment includes a square-shaped adapter 56 having extending side axles 58 that engage into holes 60 formed in tabs 59 extending from the inside of the smooth configuration 47. The adapter 56 includes a square-shaped hole 62 for engaging the switch knob 20. Preferably, the dimensions of the square-shaped hole 62 allow the adapter 56 to be press fitted onto the switch knob 20 and held into position by such tight fit. The side axles 58 cooperating with tabs 59 allow the adapter 56 to pivot slightly. As should be appreciated, once the cover 26 is pressed into position, it can be easily moved back and forth to actuate the switch 10 in its two positions. The pivoting nature of the adapter 56 assures that no binding of the switch knob 20 relative to the cover 26 during switching due to the linear movement of the switch knob 20 versus the arcuate movement of the cover 26 itself.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 14A, the need for adapter 56 may be eliminated by forming or molding axles 58A directly in or integral with the switch knob 20.

[0055] It is noted that all of the embodiments of the reverse switch cover 26 of the invention may be molded into the arcuate shape such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 from a resilient material, such as a plastic, having memory. In this manner, the natural arcuate configuration of such a reverse switch cover 26 may be used in connection with a reverse switch 10 positioned transversely as shown in FIG. 2 to follow the radius of the switch housing 12 as the cover is moved back and forth. Alternatively, due to the inherent resiliency of the cover 26, the cover 26 may alternatively be used in connection with a reverse switch 10 positioned longitudinally as shown in FIG. 1 since the arcuate cover 26 may be resiliently forced into a smooth configuration to lie flush with the longitudinal outer surface 16.

[0056] The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0057] Now that the invention has been described,