| 摘要 |
A system for suspending a ceiling fan is provided which allows the ceiling fan to pivot, to accommodate vaulted or sloped ceilings, while preventing the ceiling fan from rotating about a longitudinal centerline axis of the fan. The system includes a hollow canopy defining an interior space and having an upper end portion, which is operatively attachable to a support structure such as the ceiling, a lower end portion and a central, body portion extending between the upper and lower end portions. The canopy further includes a seat which is connected to the lower end portion and extending upwardly therefrom. A lobed ball is pivotally engaged with the canopy seat and is connected to a stationary portion of the ceiling fan. In each embodiment, the lobed ball includes at least one radially outwardly extending lobe, defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the ball. In each embodiment, the inner surface of the canopy seat has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the lobed ball. The system may include a hollow sleeve connected to the stationary portion of the ceiling fan, such as an upper end portion of a downrod of the ceiling fan. In this instance, the lobed ball is disposed in surrounding relationship with the hollow sleeve and frictionally engages the sleeve.
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