US 12,448,980 B2
Apparatus for securing a rotating fan with adjustable fasteners and method
Joseph P Gentile, Milton, GA (US)
Filed by Joseph P Gentile, Milton, GA (US)
Filed on Jan. 30, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/427,798.
Prior Publication US 2025/0243868 A1, Jul. 31, 2025
Int. Cl. F04D 25/08 (2006.01); F04D 29/60 (2006.01)
CPC F04D 25/088 (2013.01) [F04D 29/601 (2013.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for supporting a hanging structure with an I-beam comprising:
at least one elongated member;
a plate that is coupled with one end of the at least one elongated member, the at least one elongated member configured to extend perpendicular to the plate and configured to receive and retain the hanging structure with the I-beam at another end of the at least one elongated member, the plate forming a plurality of elongated apertures configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to secure the plate to the I-beam; and
at least one of the plurality of fasteners including a self-aligning clamp with a first portion that includes a socket forming an aperture configured to receive a screw coupled with a partially hemispherical washer, the partially hemispherical washer having a hemispherical shaped portion that is configured:
a) to be engaged with the socket that is forming the aperture,
b) to be pivoted within the socket that is forming the aperture to orient an axis extending upward through the screw at a first angle with respect to a plane extending tangentially along a top surface of the first portion and to position the plate at a first distance from a point where the hemispherical shaped portion engages with the socket to secure the plate to a flange of the I-beam having a first thickness, and
c) to be pivoted within the socket that is forming the aperture to orient the axis extending upward through the screw at a second different angle with respect to the plane extending tangentially along the top surface of the first portion and to position the plate at a second distance from a point where the hemispherical shaped portion engages with the socket to secure the plate to a flange of the I-beam having a second different thickness.