Bracketry for ceiling fan or lamp retrofits and method of installing same
View Patent ↗Bracketry comprising an L-bracket, a T-bracket, and a joist hanger assembly, and methods of installation of the bracketry that eliminate the need to install a heavier duty electrical junction box and the difficulty of removing and reinstalling wiring in a new electrical junction box or fabricate bracing structure at the jobsite when performing a heavy ceiling fan or lighting fixture retrofit have been presented. The bracketry and installation methods are intended to reduce the cost and complexity of performing a retrofit installations.
1. A method for installing a ceiling fixture in a ceiling having a junction box disposed adjacent to a joist, comprising the steps of:
removing an existing ceiling fixture;
supplying an L-shaped bracket, wherein the L-shaped bracket comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being attachable to the joist, the second arm being attachable to a ceiling fixture;
positioning the L-shaped bracket inside the junction box such that the first arm is disposed adjacent a wall of the junction box adjacent to a joist, wherein an end of the second arm extends outside the junction box onto the ceiling;
scribing a line on the ceiling around the end of the second arm located on the ceiling;
cutting out the ceiling interior of the scribed line;
attaching the first arm to the joist from inside the junction box; and
attaching a ceiling fixture to the second arm.
2. The method for installing a ceiling fixture in a ceiling having a junction box disposed adjacent to a joist of claim 1 , further comprising the step of moving wiring disposed within the junction box to create space for the L-shaped bracket.
3. The method for installing a ceiling fixture in a ceiling having a junction box disposed adjacent to a joist of claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching to the joist comprises holes in the first arm and screws, whereby the screws are driven through a side wall of the junction box and into the joist.
4. The method for installing a ceiling fixture in a ceiling having a junction box disposed adjacent to a joist of claim 3 , wherein the holes in the first arm are countersunk and wherein the countersink is on a side of the first arm which abuts the side wall of the junction box.
5. The method for installing a ceiling fixture in a ceiling having a junction box disposed adjacent to a joist of claim 1 , wherein the fixture is attachable to the second arm by means of threaded holes and screws.