CA1194011A - Hanger assembly - Google Patents
Hanger assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1194011A CA1194011A CA000432993A CA432993A CA1194011A CA 1194011 A CA1194011 A CA 1194011A CA 000432993 A CA000432993 A CA 000432993A CA 432993 A CA432993 A CA 432993A CA 1194011 A CA1194011 A CA 1194011A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ceiling
- hanger assembly
- expansible
- hanger
- box
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/006—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation with means for hanging lighting fixtures or other appliances to the framework of the ceiling
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
- F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
- F16M13/027—Ceiling supports
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/02—Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases
- F21V21/03—Ceiling bases, e.g. ceiling roses
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/02—Joists; Girders, trusses, or trusslike structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms; Braces
- E04C2003/026—Braces
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S248/00—Supports
- Y10S248/906—Electrical outlet box support
Abstract
HANGER ASSEMBLY
ABSTRACT
A heavy duty expansible junction box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a ceil-ing through a junction-box aperture in the ceiling with-out complete prior removal of a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly. The portion of the light-weight hanger directly above the aperture is cut away, and the heavy duty hanger is maneuvered through the aperture to a position above the light-weight hanger.
A pair of feet on each end of the heavy duty hanger straddle the light-weight hanger and rest on the upper ceiling surface, aligning the heavy duty hanger parallel to the ceiling, after which joist engagement means on the hanger assembly are expanded into biting contact with the joists.
ABSTRACT
A heavy duty expansible junction box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a ceil-ing through a junction-box aperture in the ceiling with-out complete prior removal of a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly. The portion of the light-weight hanger directly above the aperture is cut away, and the heavy duty hanger is maneuvered through the aperture to a position above the light-weight hanger.
A pair of feet on each end of the heavy duty hanger straddle the light-weight hanger and rest on the upper ceiling surface, aligning the heavy duty hanger parallel to the ceiling, after which joist engagement means on the hanger assembly are expanded into biting contact with the joists.
Description
HANGER ASSEMBLY
SPECIFICATION
The invention relates to the art of hanger assemblies for suspending heavy objects such as ceiling fans, and more particularly to such assemblies which are adapted for installation through a junction-box aperture 5 in a ceiling without complete prior removal of a previ-ously installed light-weight hanger assembly, and with-out the necessity for entry into the attic.
Numerous hanger assembly designs are known for installation of comparatively light chandeliers, light 10 fixtures, or the like. These typically are ins~alled from above the ceiling during construction of the build-ing, and are quite satisfactory under these conditions.
They are however not sufficiently rigid and sturdy to support a considerably heavier load, particularly a load 15 which exerts torque and vibrations, such as a ceiling fan.
The problem therefore arises of how ~o proper-ly support such a heavier load when access to the space above the ceiling is not readily available. This problem ls rendered more acute when a light-weight hanger assemb-20 ly has been previously installed above the desired loca-o~
tion, since removal of the light-weight assPmbly through an existing ceiling junction-box aperture would be quite difficult.
These and other dif~iculties with prior art 5 hanger assemblies are avoided by the present invention, as described below.
According to a first major aspect of the in-vention, there is provided an expansible junction-box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a 10 ceiling ~hrough a junction-box aperture in the ceiling without complete prior removal of a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly, the expansible hanger as-sembly comprising first and second engagement means actu-able for engaging and biting into respective first and 15 second ceiling joists disposed above and on opposite sides of the aperture, the combination therewith of first and second alignment means for suppor~ing the respective first and second engagement means independent-ly of contact with the light-~eight hanger assembly pr~or 20 to actuation of the engagemen~ means. According to another aspect of the invention, the alignment means com-prises foot means for resting on the upper surface of the ceiling. According to another aspect o the inven-tion, the alignment means comprises a pair of depend-25 ing foot means for rPsting on the upper surace of theceiling on opposite sides of the light-weight hanger assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the expansi~le hanger assembly further compri~es means defining a threaded bore extending along an axis from a 30 flrst end toward a second end of a brace member; a rod having a first threaded end received within and ma~ing with the bore and having a second end; means Eor mount-ing the first alignment means on the brace membP~ for rotation about the axis relative to the brace member;
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and means for rigidly mounting the second alignment means on the rod. According to another aspec~ o the invention, the irst engagement means i~ rigidly mounted on the first alignment means, and the second engagement 5 means is rigidly mounted on the second alignment means.
According to another aspect of the invention, the ex-pansible hanger a~sembly further comprises means for ex panding the as3embly from a length of no greater than 14 1/2 inches to a length greater than 22 1/2 inches.
According to a second major aspect of the in-vention, there is provided an expansible junction-box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a ceiling through a junction-box aperture in the ceiling without prior complete removal of a previously installed 15 light-weight hanger assembly, the expansible hanger as-sembly comprising an elongated brace member having first and second end portions, the brace member comprising means defining a bore extending along an axis from the first end portion toward the second end portion, at leas~
20 a portion of the bore being threaded, and a non-round outer peripheral surface adapted for engagement by a wrench whereby the brace member may be rotated about the axis; a rod having a first threaded end received within and mating with the threaded portion of the bore and 25 having a second end; first engagement means for engaging and biting into a first ceiling joist extending above and on a first side of the aper-ture; means for mounting the first engagement means on the second end of the brace member for rotation about the axis; second engagement 30 means for engaging and biting into a second ceiling joist extending parallel to the first ceiling joist above and on the si,de of the aperture opposite the first side of the aperture; means for rigidly mounting the second en-gagement means on the second end of the rod; and align-li94L~1 ~
ment means for supporting the brace member and the rodsubstan~ially parallel to the plane of the ceiling and substantially perpendicular to the joists and above the light-weight hanger assembly. According to another 5 aspect of the invention, the dimensions of the brace mem-ber, the bore, the rod, and the first and second engage-ment members are selected such that the expansible hanger assembly has an adjustable maximum dimension in a di-rection parallel to the axis at least as small as 14 1~2 10 inches when the rod is fully received within the bore and greater than 22 1/2 inches while the rod is still received within the bore. According to another aspect of the invention, the non-round peripheral surface com-prises a plurality of planar portions extending sub-15 stantially parallel to the axis over a region from 7.25inches to 11.25 inches from the distal end of the first engagement means. According to another aspect of the invention, the expansible junction-box hanger further comprises clamp means for mounting a junction box having 20 a substantially planar upper surface parallel to the axis and parallel to and in contact with one of the planar portions.
Other aspects will in part appear hereinafter and will in part be apparent from the followlng detailed 25 description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the major eomponents of the preferred hanger assembly of the in-vention installed, as viewed from above the ceiling;
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the FIGURE
1 assembly, partially in section and partially exploded;
and FIGURE 3 is an exploded vertical sectional view, including those further elements cons~ituting the complete preferred embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIGURE 1, the hanger assembly 18 5 o~ the invention is installed between parallel hori-zontal joists 20 and 22, the latter being broken away in ~he drawing in the vicinity of the hanger a~sembly for purposes of illu3tration. Ceiling 24 is supported by the lower surfaces of joists 20 and 22, and is pene-lO trated by junction box aperture 26, the latter affording access from the room below. The center portion o a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly ha been removed, as by sawing away wi~h a hacksaw approxi-mately even wi~h the edges of aperture 26, leaving stub lS portions 28 installed.
With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, hanger assembly 18 comprises first and second engagement means 30 and 32 respectively, each of which is prefer-ably in the form of a plurality of points for engaging 20 and biting into the respective joists when actuated.
Engagement means 30 are rigidly attached to alignment means 34 for supporting engagement means 30 indepen-ently of contact with leftmost stub portion 28 as viewed in FIGURE 1, while engagement means 32 are 25 rigidly attached to alignment means 36 Eor supporting engagement means 32 independently of contact with rightmost stub portion 28 as viewed in FIGURE 1. Each of alignment means 34 and 36 preferably cornprises a pair of depending feet 40 straddling the respective 30 stub portions 28 and resting on the upper surface of ceiling 24 on opposite sides of the respective stub portions 28.
0~1 Hanger assembly 18 fur~her comprises elonga~ed brace member 42 and rod 44, which together cooperate as means for actuating engagement means 30 and 32. Brace member 42 has a bore 43 extending along an axis from its 5 first end portion 46 toward its second end portion 48, the bore being internally threaded at end portion 46.
The outer peripheral surface of brace member 42 ls non-round, the specifically preferred configuration being hexagonal (note FIGURE 3). Rod 44 has a first threaded 10 end 50 received within and mating with the threaded portion of bore 43.
The second or opposite end of rod 44 is rig~dly mounted on alignment means 36, as by illustrated pin 52.
Alignment means 34 is mounted for rotation about the 15 axis of bore 43. As viewed in FIGURE 2, a genQrally right ~ircularly cylindrical protrusion 54 is rigidly attached to the right side of alignment means 34 and is received within the left end of bore 43. An annular groove 56 is formed on protrusion 54. Pin 58 is pressed 20 ~hrough aperture 60 in the wall of brace 42 and pro-trudes into groove 56, thus preventing movement of alignment means 34 axially with respect to the axis of brace 42 while permitting relative rotation of brace 42 and alignment means 34 about the axis of bore 43.
The preferred embodiment of the invention as thus described is installed as follows. With rod 44 rotated 50 as to be received within bore 43 to the maximum extent, the maximum dimension of the hanger assembly (measured from the tips of engagement means 30 30 to the tips of engagement means 32) is preferably atleast as small as 14 l/2 inches, and most preferably at leafit as small as 14 1/4 inches. Hanger assembly 18 i~
maneuvered through aperture 26 until feet 40 on align-_ ment means 34 straddle the leftmost stub portion 28 asviewed in FIGURE 1 and rest on ceiling 24, while feet 40 on alignment means 36 straddle the rightmost stub por-tion 28 and also rest on ceiling 24. As thus arranged, 5 alignment means 34 and 36 support brace 42 and rod 44 substantially parallel to the plane of ceiling 24 and substantially perpendicular to joists 20 and 22, r~ady for axial expansion of engagement means 30 and 32 into biting contact with the joists. Brace 42 is then ro-10 ta~ed, as by engagement with a wrench, expanding en-gagement means 30 and 32 into biting contact with the joists, during which time the several feet 40 maintain brace 42 and rod 44 substantially parallel to the plane of ceiling 24.
lS When the major components of hanger assembly 18 are tightly expanded between joists 20 and 22, rotation of brace 42 is stopped with one of the planar portions 60 of its outer periphery parallel to the pl~ne of ceiling 24 and the preferred remainder of the assembly 20 (FIGURE 3) is installed through aperture 26. Upper and lower brackets 62 and 64 have their opposed surfaces formed so as to be complementary to the non-round outer peripheral surface of brace 42, and are tightly secured to brace 42 by screws 66. Lower bracket 64 25 comprises a planar surface region 68 mating with surface 60 on brace 42, and a threaded neck 70 depending from lower surface 72, the latter being substantially co-planar with surface 68. Upper box portion 74 has an aperture 76 through its upper wall 78 for receiving neck 30 70, and has a planar upper surface 80. A locking nut 82 is screwed on neck 70 and tightened against lower surface 84 of wall 78, bringing upper surface 80 into contact with surfaces 68 and 60 for the full width of box portion 74 in the direction parallel to the axis of brace 42.
This provides substantially increased rigidity of~the assembly with minimum materials as compared to prior art designs wherein only a portion of the upper box surface contacts a bracing member. Finally, lower box por-5 tion 84 is attached to upper box portion 74 by screws 86.The height of vertical side walls 88 of box portion 84 are selected in conjunction with the length of feet 40 so that the lower edge 90 of box portion 84 will be substantiaLly flush with the lower surface of ceiling ~6.
10 Finally, recessed portions 92 are formed in opposed edges of the side walls of box portions 74 and 84, for introduction of wiring from the attic into the box prior to final installation of box portion 84.
SPECIFICATION
The invention relates to the art of hanger assemblies for suspending heavy objects such as ceiling fans, and more particularly to such assemblies which are adapted for installation through a junction-box aperture 5 in a ceiling without complete prior removal of a previ-ously installed light-weight hanger assembly, and with-out the necessity for entry into the attic.
Numerous hanger assembly designs are known for installation of comparatively light chandeliers, light 10 fixtures, or the like. These typically are ins~alled from above the ceiling during construction of the build-ing, and are quite satisfactory under these conditions.
They are however not sufficiently rigid and sturdy to support a considerably heavier load, particularly a load 15 which exerts torque and vibrations, such as a ceiling fan.
The problem therefore arises of how ~o proper-ly support such a heavier load when access to the space above the ceiling is not readily available. This problem ls rendered more acute when a light-weight hanger assemb-20 ly has been previously installed above the desired loca-o~
tion, since removal of the light-weight assPmbly through an existing ceiling junction-box aperture would be quite difficult.
These and other dif~iculties with prior art 5 hanger assemblies are avoided by the present invention, as described below.
According to a first major aspect of the in-vention, there is provided an expansible junction-box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a 10 ceiling ~hrough a junction-box aperture in the ceiling without complete prior removal of a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly, the expansible hanger as-sembly comprising first and second engagement means actu-able for engaging and biting into respective first and 15 second ceiling joists disposed above and on opposite sides of the aperture, the combination therewith of first and second alignment means for suppor~ing the respective first and second engagement means independent-ly of contact with the light-~eight hanger assembly pr~or 20 to actuation of the engagemen~ means. According to another aspect of the invention, the alignment means com-prises foot means for resting on the upper surface of the ceiling. According to another aspect o the inven-tion, the alignment means comprises a pair of depend-25 ing foot means for rPsting on the upper surace of theceiling on opposite sides of the light-weight hanger assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the expansi~le hanger assembly further compri~es means defining a threaded bore extending along an axis from a 30 flrst end toward a second end of a brace member; a rod having a first threaded end received within and ma~ing with the bore and having a second end; means Eor mount-ing the first alignment means on the brace membP~ for rotation about the axis relative to the brace member;
O~
and means for rigidly mounting the second alignment means on the rod. According to another aspec~ o the invention, the irst engagement means i~ rigidly mounted on the first alignment means, and the second engagement 5 means is rigidly mounted on the second alignment means.
According to another aspect of the invention, the ex-pansible hanger a~sembly further comprises means for ex panding the as3embly from a length of no greater than 14 1/2 inches to a length greater than 22 1/2 inches.
According to a second major aspect of the in-vention, there is provided an expansible junction-box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a ceiling through a junction-box aperture in the ceiling without prior complete removal of a previously installed 15 light-weight hanger assembly, the expansible hanger as-sembly comprising an elongated brace member having first and second end portions, the brace member comprising means defining a bore extending along an axis from the first end portion toward the second end portion, at leas~
20 a portion of the bore being threaded, and a non-round outer peripheral surface adapted for engagement by a wrench whereby the brace member may be rotated about the axis; a rod having a first threaded end received within and mating with the threaded portion of the bore and 25 having a second end; first engagement means for engaging and biting into a first ceiling joist extending above and on a first side of the aper-ture; means for mounting the first engagement means on the second end of the brace member for rotation about the axis; second engagement 30 means for engaging and biting into a second ceiling joist extending parallel to the first ceiling joist above and on the si,de of the aperture opposite the first side of the aperture; means for rigidly mounting the second en-gagement means on the second end of the rod; and align-li94L~1 ~
ment means for supporting the brace member and the rodsubstan~ially parallel to the plane of the ceiling and substantially perpendicular to the joists and above the light-weight hanger assembly. According to another 5 aspect of the invention, the dimensions of the brace mem-ber, the bore, the rod, and the first and second engage-ment members are selected such that the expansible hanger assembly has an adjustable maximum dimension in a di-rection parallel to the axis at least as small as 14 1~2 10 inches when the rod is fully received within the bore and greater than 22 1/2 inches while the rod is still received within the bore. According to another aspect of the invention, the non-round peripheral surface com-prises a plurality of planar portions extending sub-15 stantially parallel to the axis over a region from 7.25inches to 11.25 inches from the distal end of the first engagement means. According to another aspect of the invention, the expansible junction-box hanger further comprises clamp means for mounting a junction box having 20 a substantially planar upper surface parallel to the axis and parallel to and in contact with one of the planar portions.
Other aspects will in part appear hereinafter and will in part be apparent from the followlng detailed 25 description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the major eomponents of the preferred hanger assembly of the in-vention installed, as viewed from above the ceiling;
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the FIGURE
1 assembly, partially in section and partially exploded;
and FIGURE 3 is an exploded vertical sectional view, including those further elements cons~ituting the complete preferred embodiment of the invention.
As shown in FIGURE 1, the hanger assembly 18 5 o~ the invention is installed between parallel hori-zontal joists 20 and 22, the latter being broken away in ~he drawing in the vicinity of the hanger a~sembly for purposes of illu3tration. Ceiling 24 is supported by the lower surfaces of joists 20 and 22, and is pene-lO trated by junction box aperture 26, the latter affording access from the room below. The center portion o a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly ha been removed, as by sawing away wi~h a hacksaw approxi-mately even wi~h the edges of aperture 26, leaving stub lS portions 28 installed.
With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, hanger assembly 18 comprises first and second engagement means 30 and 32 respectively, each of which is prefer-ably in the form of a plurality of points for engaging 20 and biting into the respective joists when actuated.
Engagement means 30 are rigidly attached to alignment means 34 for supporting engagement means 30 indepen-ently of contact with leftmost stub portion 28 as viewed in FIGURE 1, while engagement means 32 are 25 rigidly attached to alignment means 36 Eor supporting engagement means 32 independently of contact with rightmost stub portion 28 as viewed in FIGURE 1. Each of alignment means 34 and 36 preferably cornprises a pair of depending feet 40 straddling the respective 30 stub portions 28 and resting on the upper surface of ceiling 24 on opposite sides of the respective stub portions 28.
0~1 Hanger assembly 18 fur~her comprises elonga~ed brace member 42 and rod 44, which together cooperate as means for actuating engagement means 30 and 32. Brace member 42 has a bore 43 extending along an axis from its 5 first end portion 46 toward its second end portion 48, the bore being internally threaded at end portion 46.
The outer peripheral surface of brace member 42 ls non-round, the specifically preferred configuration being hexagonal (note FIGURE 3). Rod 44 has a first threaded 10 end 50 received within and mating with the threaded portion of bore 43.
The second or opposite end of rod 44 is rig~dly mounted on alignment means 36, as by illustrated pin 52.
Alignment means 34 is mounted for rotation about the 15 axis of bore 43. As viewed in FIGURE 2, a genQrally right ~ircularly cylindrical protrusion 54 is rigidly attached to the right side of alignment means 34 and is received within the left end of bore 43. An annular groove 56 is formed on protrusion 54. Pin 58 is pressed 20 ~hrough aperture 60 in the wall of brace 42 and pro-trudes into groove 56, thus preventing movement of alignment means 34 axially with respect to the axis of brace 42 while permitting relative rotation of brace 42 and alignment means 34 about the axis of bore 43.
The preferred embodiment of the invention as thus described is installed as follows. With rod 44 rotated 50 as to be received within bore 43 to the maximum extent, the maximum dimension of the hanger assembly (measured from the tips of engagement means 30 30 to the tips of engagement means 32) is preferably atleast as small as 14 l/2 inches, and most preferably at leafit as small as 14 1/4 inches. Hanger assembly 18 i~
maneuvered through aperture 26 until feet 40 on align-_ ment means 34 straddle the leftmost stub portion 28 asviewed in FIGURE 1 and rest on ceiling 24, while feet 40 on alignment means 36 straddle the rightmost stub por-tion 28 and also rest on ceiling 24. As thus arranged, 5 alignment means 34 and 36 support brace 42 and rod 44 substantially parallel to the plane of ceiling 24 and substantially perpendicular to joists 20 and 22, r~ady for axial expansion of engagement means 30 and 32 into biting contact with the joists. Brace 42 is then ro-10 ta~ed, as by engagement with a wrench, expanding en-gagement means 30 and 32 into biting contact with the joists, during which time the several feet 40 maintain brace 42 and rod 44 substantially parallel to the plane of ceiling 24.
lS When the major components of hanger assembly 18 are tightly expanded between joists 20 and 22, rotation of brace 42 is stopped with one of the planar portions 60 of its outer periphery parallel to the pl~ne of ceiling 24 and the preferred remainder of the assembly 20 (FIGURE 3) is installed through aperture 26. Upper and lower brackets 62 and 64 have their opposed surfaces formed so as to be complementary to the non-round outer peripheral surface of brace 42, and are tightly secured to brace 42 by screws 66. Lower bracket 64 25 comprises a planar surface region 68 mating with surface 60 on brace 42, and a threaded neck 70 depending from lower surface 72, the latter being substantially co-planar with surface 68. Upper box portion 74 has an aperture 76 through its upper wall 78 for receiving neck 30 70, and has a planar upper surface 80. A locking nut 82 is screwed on neck 70 and tightened against lower surface 84 of wall 78, bringing upper surface 80 into contact with surfaces 68 and 60 for the full width of box portion 74 in the direction parallel to the axis of brace 42.
This provides substantially increased rigidity of~the assembly with minimum materials as compared to prior art designs wherein only a portion of the upper box surface contacts a bracing member. Finally, lower box por-5 tion 84 is attached to upper box portion 74 by screws 86.The height of vertical side walls 88 of box portion 84 are selected in conjunction with the length of feet 40 so that the lower edge 90 of box portion 84 will be substantiaLly flush with the lower surface of ceiling ~6.
10 Finally, recessed portions 92 are formed in opposed edges of the side walls of box portions 74 and 84, for introduction of wiring from the attic into the box prior to final installation of box portion 84.
Claims (10)
1. In an expansible junction-box hanger as-sembly adapted for installation from beneath a ceiling through a junction-box aperture in said ceiling without complete prior removal of a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly, said expansible hanger assembly comprising first and second engagement means actuable for engaging and biting into respective first and second ceiling joists disposed above and on opposite sides of said aperture, the combination therewith of first and second alignment means for supporting said respective first and second engagement means independently of con-tact with said light-weight hanger assembly prior to actuation of said engagement means.
2. The expansible hanger assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said alignment means comprise foot means for resting on the upper surface of said ceiling.
3. The expansible hanger assembly defined in claim 2, wherein each said alignment means comprises a pair of depending foot means for resting on the upper surface of said ceiling on opposite sides of said light-weight hanger assembly.
4. The expansible hanger assembly defined in any of claims 1 and 2, and 3, further comprising:
a. means defining a threaded bore extending along an axis from a first end toward a second end of a brace member;
b. A rod having a first threaded end received within and mating with said bore and having a second end;
c. means for mounting said first align-ment means on said brace member for rotation about said axis relative to said brace member;
d. means for rigidly mounting said second alignment means on said rod.
a. means defining a threaded bore extending along an axis from a first end toward a second end of a brace member;
b. A rod having a first threaded end received within and mating with said bore and having a second end;
c. means for mounting said first align-ment means on said brace member for rotation about said axis relative to said brace member;
d. means for rigidly mounting said second alignment means on said rod.
5. The expansible hanger assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said first engagement means is rigidly mounted on said first alignment means, and wherein said second engagement means is rigidly mounted on said second alignment means.
6. The expansible hanger assembly defined in claim 1, further comprising means for expanding said assembly from a length of no greater than 14 1/2 inches to a length greater than 22 1/2 inches.
7. An expansible junction-box hanger assembly adapted for installation from beneath a ceiling through a junction-box aperture in said ceiling without prior complete removal of a previously installed light-weight hanger assembly, said expansible hanger assembly com-prising:
a. an elongated brace member having first and second end portions> said brace member comprising:
(1) means defining a bore extending along an axis from said first end portion toward said second end portion, at least a portion of said bore being threaded, and (2) a non-round outer peripheral surface adapted for engagement by a wrench whereby said brace member may be rotated about said axis;
b. A rod having a first threaded end received within and mating with said threaded portion of said bore and having a second end;
c. first engagement means for engaging and biting into a first ceiling joist extending above and on a first side of said aperture;
d. means for mounting said first engage-ment means on said second end of said brace member for rotation about said axis;
e. second engagement means for engaging and biting into a second ceiling joist extend-ing parallel to said first ceiling joist above and on the side of said aperture opposite said first side of said aperture;
f. means for rigidly mounting said second engagement means on said second end of said rod; and g. alignment means for supporting said brace member and said rod substantially parallel to the plane of said ceiling and substantially perpendicular to said joists and above said light-weight hanger assembly.
a. an elongated brace member having first and second end portions> said brace member comprising:
(1) means defining a bore extending along an axis from said first end portion toward said second end portion, at least a portion of said bore being threaded, and (2) a non-round outer peripheral surface adapted for engagement by a wrench whereby said brace member may be rotated about said axis;
b. A rod having a first threaded end received within and mating with said threaded portion of said bore and having a second end;
c. first engagement means for engaging and biting into a first ceiling joist extending above and on a first side of said aperture;
d. means for mounting said first engage-ment means on said second end of said brace member for rotation about said axis;
e. second engagement means for engaging and biting into a second ceiling joist extend-ing parallel to said first ceiling joist above and on the side of said aperture opposite said first side of said aperture;
f. means for rigidly mounting said second engagement means on said second end of said rod; and g. alignment means for supporting said brace member and said rod substantially parallel to the plane of said ceiling and substantially perpendicular to said joists and above said light-weight hanger assembly.
8. The expansible junction-box hanger defined in claim 7, wherein the dimensions of said brace member, said bore, said rod, and said first and second engage-ment members being selected such that said expansible hanger assembly has an adjustable maximum dimension in a direction parallel to said axis at least as small as 14 1/2 inches when said rod is fully received within said bore and greater than 22 1/2 inches while said rod is still received within said bore.
9. The expansible junction-box hanger defined in claim 7, wherein said non-round peripheral surface comprises a plurality of planar portions extending sub-stantially parallel to said axis over a region from 7.25 inches to 11.25 inches from the distal end of said first engagement means.
10. The expansible junction-box hanger defined in claim 9, further comprising clamp means for mounting a junction box having a substantially planar upper surface parallel to said axis and parallel to and in contact with one of said planar portions.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US401,138 | 1982-07-23 | ||
| US06/401,138 US4463923A (en) | 1982-07-23 | 1982-07-23 | Hanger assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1194011A true CA1194011A (en) | 1985-09-24 |
Family
ID=23586465
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000432993A Expired CA1194011A (en) | 1982-07-23 | 1983-07-22 | Hanger assembly |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4463923A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0114880B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU553999B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1194011A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2135365B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1984000597A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (54)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4684092A (en) * | 1985-10-08 | 1987-08-04 | Reiker Kenneth H | Ceiling fan mounting assembly |
| USRE33147E (en) * | 1985-10-08 | 1990-01-16 | Ceiling fan mounting assembly | |
| US4682452A (en) * | 1985-10-18 | 1987-07-28 | Propp Clarence E | Hanger assembly |
| US4659051A (en) * | 1985-12-11 | 1987-04-21 | Propp Clarence E | Hanger assembly |
| US4754947A (en) * | 1987-08-07 | 1988-07-05 | Propp Clarence E | Hanger adapter |
| US4909405A (en) * | 1989-04-13 | 1990-03-20 | Kerr Jr Jack R | Interjoist hanger assembly and attachable support box therefor |
| US5044582A (en) * | 1990-03-07 | 1991-09-03 | Trade Source International | Ceiling fan support |
| US5085393A (en) * | 1990-07-24 | 1992-02-04 | Ryan Patrick V | Hanger assembly method and apparatus |
| US5024412A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1991-06-18 | Llama Precision Inc. | Hanger assembly |
| US5150868A (en) * | 1991-04-23 | 1992-09-29 | Kaden Milton E | Extensible interjoist hanger support assembly |
| US5214900A (en) * | 1991-05-28 | 1993-06-01 | Cornelius Folkerts | Method and means for supporting overhead joists to create greater headroom |
| US5435514A (en) * | 1992-06-12 | 1995-07-25 | Fan Tex, Inc. | Fan hanger support for drop ceilings |
| US5860548A (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 1999-01-19 | Kerr, Jr.; Jack R. | Junction box for ceiling fan support |
| US5938157A (en) * | 1995-01-12 | 1999-08-17 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Fan brace slide support |
| US6303859B1 (en) * | 1995-01-12 | 2001-10-16 | Reiker Enterprises Of Northwest Florida, Inc. | Electrical box with reinforced and locked support for carrying fixtures |
| US5942726A (en) * | 1995-01-12 | 1999-08-24 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Self-attaching electrical box |
| US5677512A (en) * | 1995-01-12 | 1997-10-14 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Self-adhering electrical box |
| US5854443A (en) * | 1995-01-12 | 1998-12-29 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Load supporting electrical box suited for attaching to a joist |
| US6291768B1 (en) | 1995-01-12 | 2001-09-18 | Reiker Enterprises Of Northwest Florida, Inc. | Electrical boxes with auxiliary supports for carrying fixtures |
| US5824952A (en) * | 1995-01-17 | 1998-10-20 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Ceiling fan outlet box |
| US6207894B1 (en) | 1995-01-31 | 2001-03-27 | Reiker Enterprises Of Northwest Florida Inc. | Load supporting electrical box system suited for installation in concrete and having enlarged cavity therein |
| US5661264A (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1997-08-26 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Load supporting electrical box system suited for installation in concrete |
| US5873556A (en) * | 1995-03-13 | 1999-02-23 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Adjustable drop ceiling fixture support |
| US5533636A (en) * | 1995-03-28 | 1996-07-09 | Reiker; Kenneth H. | Reversible escutcheon |
| US5678799A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-10-21 | Hubbell Incorporated | Adjustable hanger assembly |
| US5720461A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1998-02-24 | Fan Tex, Inc. | Hanger support unit for ceiling fans |
| US5809719A (en) * | 1995-08-21 | 1998-09-22 | Ashton; Roger Wall | Manually adjustable structural load transferring device |
| US5845886A (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1998-12-08 | Mccormick; Henry | Adjustable ceiling fan support assembly |
| US5934631A (en) * | 1996-08-19 | 1999-08-10 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Hanger bar assembly |
| US5954304A (en) * | 1996-10-25 | 1999-09-21 | Hubbell Incorporated | Adjustable hanger assembly |
| US5881514A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1999-03-16 | Pryor; John D. | Rod tie system for enhancing the interconnection between the walls and roof framing systems of tilt-up buildings and the like |
| US20030228142A1 (en) * | 1998-11-16 | 2003-12-11 | Reiker Kenneth H. | Ceiling mounted heating and cooling device and method therefor |
| US6595479B2 (en) | 2001-05-15 | 2003-07-22 | Hubbell Incorporated | Electrical fixture mounting assembly |
| US6889943B2 (en) | 2001-07-06 | 2005-05-10 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Hanger bar assembly |
| US6720496B1 (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2004-04-13 | Reiker Enterprises Of Northwest Florida, Inc. | Electrical box for supporting various types of fixtures |
| US6881900B2 (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2005-04-19 | Alan P. Halbert | Ceiling box safety mounting bracket |
| US6909045B2 (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2005-06-21 | Alan P. Halbert | Article of manufacture for reinforcing a ceiling electrical box |
| US7518059B2 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2009-04-14 | Greg Herth | Versatile paddle fan and ceiling electrical box |
| US6965077B2 (en) * | 2003-12-06 | 2005-11-15 | Halbert Alan P | Article of manufacture for reinforcing a ceiling electrical box with fixture support |
| US7429025B1 (en) * | 2005-06-13 | 2008-09-30 | Arlington Industries, Inc. | Adjustable bar and fixture box assembly |
| US20060278632A1 (en) * | 2005-06-14 | 2006-12-14 | Tai Jen-Lung D | Junction box for ceiling fan support |
| US20070012847A1 (en) * | 2005-06-30 | 2007-01-18 | Jen-Lung David Tai | Hanger assemblies and brackets therefor |
| US20070215773A1 (en) * | 2006-03-02 | 2007-09-20 | Kerr Jack R Jr | Mounting bracket assembly |
| US7361833B2 (en) * | 2006-03-03 | 2008-04-22 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Pan type ceiling box |
| US7540460B2 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2009-06-02 | Britannia Investment Corporation | Mounting assembly |
| US7857275B2 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2010-12-28 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Adjustable electrical box hanger bar assembly |
| GB2452704A (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-18 | David Sykes | Joist attachment |
| US9725914B2 (en) * | 2012-08-21 | 2017-08-08 | Michael Wayne Strickland | Installation assist and method |
| WO2016201518A1 (en) * | 2015-06-19 | 2016-12-22 | Linton Stephen | Grid mesh anchor |
| US10538962B2 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2020-01-21 | Hall Labs Llc | Easy installation headrail assembly |
| FR3072697B1 (en) * | 2017-10-19 | 2020-08-28 | Ram Chevilles Et Fixations | SUSPENDED CEILING SLAB REINFORCEMENT ASSEMBLY AND IMPLEMENTATION METHOD |
| WO2020210627A1 (en) | 2019-04-10 | 2020-10-15 | Hubbell Incorporated | Ceiling fan brace assembly |
| US11536029B2 (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2022-12-27 | Hubbell Incorporated | Adjustable electrical fixture mounting assembly |
| USD927963S1 (en) | 2019-11-20 | 2021-08-17 | Hubbell Incorporated | Adjustable fixture mounting assembly |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2140861A (en) * | 1937-08-23 | 1938-12-20 | Steketee Peter | Support for electrical fixtures and the like |
| US2461794A (en) * | 1945-10-02 | 1949-02-15 | Jay E Williams | Support for electrical fixtures |
| US2670919A (en) * | 1950-03-29 | 1954-03-02 | Esoldi Vincent | Adjustable support for ceiling lighting fixtures |
| US2770436A (en) * | 1950-12-06 | 1956-11-13 | Automatic Lite Company | Outlet box support |
| US2713983A (en) * | 1953-02-09 | 1955-07-26 | Kay Michael | Expansible hanger bars for supporting electric outlet boxes |
| US2964279A (en) * | 1958-03-27 | 1960-12-13 | Harold B Galloway | Outlet box support |
| US3214126A (en) * | 1962-11-02 | 1965-10-26 | Bowers Mfg Company Inc | Outlet box support |
| US3518421A (en) * | 1967-10-18 | 1970-06-30 | Cletus V Cogdill | Hanger structure |
| US4122762A (en) * | 1977-03-07 | 1978-10-31 | Williams Arthur C | Air-slot spacer clip |
| US4391428A (en) * | 1981-11-16 | 1983-07-05 | Lance Austin Enterprises, Inc. | Lance-type fixture support and method of use |
-
1982
- 1982-07-23 US US06/401,138 patent/US4463923A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1983
- 1983-07-20 AU AU18817/83A patent/AU553999B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1983-07-20 GB GB08409541A patent/GB2135365B/en not_active Expired
- 1983-07-20 WO PCT/US1983/001107 patent/WO1984000597A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1983-07-20 EP EP83902610A patent/EP0114880B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-07-22 CA CA000432993A patent/CA1194011A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0114880A4 (en) | 1985-06-10 |
| GB2135365A (en) | 1984-08-30 |
| GB2135365B (en) | 1986-06-25 |
| WO1984000597A1 (en) | 1984-02-16 |
| US4463923A (en) | 1984-08-07 |
| AU1881783A (en) | 1984-02-23 |
| AU553999B2 (en) | 1986-07-31 |
| EP0114880B1 (en) | 1988-06-01 |
| EP0114880A1 (en) | 1984-08-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |