MXPA98001541A - Support structure for remote lighting artifactor and met - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for supporting a lighting fixture in an aperture formed in a flat member. First, an opening is cut in the flat member at the point where the lighting fixture is to be installed and a support structure for the lighting fixture has at least two mounting bands placed approximately around the perimeter of the fixture support structure. lighting fixture for retaining the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the opening that is placed in the opening by the installer. The mounting bands of the support structure of the lighting fixture are then positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the flat member and are manipulated so that the supporting structure of the lighting fixture is held in position in the aperture. In the support structure of the lighting fixture includes a perimeter member having a wall portion and a lip portion and has at least two grooves formed in the junction of the wall and the lip and at least two mounting bands placed in the perimeter. at least the two slots for retaining the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the opening formed in the flat member. The mounting band includes a hook member at one end and a member with two legs configured on and at the other end with each of the legs having a flange member for coupling to the surface of the flat member. The methods of installation of the remodeling lighting fixtures in a member pla

Description

SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR REMODELING LIGHTING ARTIFACTOR AND METHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to lighting fixtures for reflectors or other devices installed in walls and / or roofs of buildings having support structures and to the installation methods of such support structures. More particularly, it refers to simple and reliable support structures for lighting fixtures remodelers and to the methods for installing them in areas that have limited access, if any, access from above or behind the lighting fixture. Even more particularly, it refers to supporting structures for lighting fixtures that can be fixed without tools and that meet the standards of the Insurers Laboratory (UL) and building codes. The various methods, systems and apparatus for the installation of lighting fixtures in existing constructions are opposed to the methods, systems and apparatus in new constructions that have been developed and put into practice by the lighting industry. Examples of systems and apparatus for the installation of lighting fixtures in existing buildings related to the field of the present invention includes those described in the assignee's patents of the present invention: 5,031,084; 5,317,493; 5,222,800; 5,374,812; 5,452,816 and 4,646,212. Additionally, U.S. Patent No. 2,454,119 relates to the subject matter of the present invention. These patents are representative of the patents related to the subject matter of the present application. The constructions and methods of the prior art have all the disadvantages that it has a plurality of parts that require assembling in the structure, it is often required that during installation the installer uses tools, including simple hand tools. In addition, with the prior art constructions, installers are unable to separate the mechanical part of the electrical part of the installation, often a qualified electrician is required to perform the complete installation instead of allowing a worker with less experience to install the mechanical part and an electrician install the electrical part at the same time. These previous remodelings often comprise multiple loose components, so that there is a possibility that loose structural components may become detached from the appliance during installation. When loose structural components fall from the ceiling during installation, the installer has They go down the ladder to recover the components that fell. So the previous remodelers are more complicated than just a simple unitary part that the installer can hold in one hand while climbing a ladder. These prior remodeling devices and their methods are somewhat inadequate when used in rugged "internal" sections that allow contractors to perform the required mechanical and electrical work upon completion of the installation of new lighting fixtures in an existing construction. Installation method typically used in remodeling applications, installation of fittings, or the installation of lighting fixtures is usually accomplished after painting and other mechanical alterations made in the space.The lining is completed only with the installation of the fixture. Another unsolved problem experienced by previous remodelers is related to a non-flat or homogeneous thickness of the flat surface surrounding the cut where the lighting fixture is housed.Often the flat surface or the ceiling has a resistance or insufficient structural integrity for sopor the lighting fixture without the support structure penetrating the ceiling or, in the worst case, fracturing the ceiling.

When this occurs, the roof is unable to adequately support the lighting fixture. This is especially true for slab suspended ceiling, when for example, the light fixture includes transformers or lying electronic or magnetic ballast with a total weight is approximately 1,812 kg to 2,265 kg (four to five pounds) . While the suspended ceiling does not have the typical remodeling installation, some architects have requested a remodeling lighting product to be used with suspended ceiling slabs. Ideally, the remodeling device will adapt within the structural members or T-bars that support the slab. Some slabs for acoustic applications can be approximately two inches thick and, as such, have structural integrity by themselves. Currently, there is still no known effective cost-effective retrofit lighting fixture support structure available that can be safely installed to meet UL building code requirements and that is sufficiently supported by suspended ceiling slabs. Another problem with the previous round remodelers concerns the rotation of the support structure. The support structures for remodeler round are likely to rotate on the flat surface once the human force is applied. In the event that the support structure rotates on the flat surface, such rotation complicates the installation and removal of protective and aesthetic enclosures typically used in food service areas and bathrooms, etc. Yet another problem with the prior art remodelers relates to the precise and firm positioning of the distribution box on the surface of the flat member relative to the lining placed in the opening. If the distribution box is placed quite close to the garrison or if the distribution box is left to be repositioned freely on the surface of the planar member without locate a fixed distance from the garrison, the Distribution box can be repositioned to touch the fitting causing the distribution box to overheat and malfunction. Therefore, the distribution box should be placed precisely in relation to the lining, so a thermal test for the detection of an appropriately placed insulation is installed at a required height away from the surface of the flat member or roof. More importantly, the distribution box must be placed precisely and firmly on the surface of the flat member in relation to the lining placed in the opening in a location that prevents the distribution box from overheating. Previous remodelers are not considered to have reliable elements to place the distribution box repeatedly, consistently and predictably. It is an object of the present invention to provide a support structure for a remodeling lighting fixture for the installation of flat members. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved system, apparatus and methods for a support structure for a remodeling lighting fixture for installation on flat members that retain the support structure for a lighting fixture in its position on the surface. flat when clamping the flat surface between the lip portion of the perimetric member and the retaining elements. It is still another object of the present invention to provide elements for installing electrical and mechanical elements of the remodeling lighting fixture at different times and by installers having different abilities.

A further object of the present invention is to provide elements for interleaving a flat member of variable thickness without penetrating the surface of the flat member. Another object of the present invention is to provide methods, systems and improved apparatuses to secure the support structure to the surface of the flat member. It is still another object of the present invention to provide elements for consistently and repeatedly placing a distribution box in relation to the opening. A further object of the present invention is to provide elements for marking the positioning on the flat surface where the opening is cut and removing the installer to cut the opening in the flat member. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a support structure that can be effectively installed on flat members made of a relatively fragile material. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved system, apparatus and methods for a support structure for a remodeling lighting fixture for installation in flat members that prevent the supporting structure from rotating in the opening in the flat surface when a rotating force is applied to the support structure. According to the present invention, a representative system for supporting the illumination artifact in an aperture formed in a flat member having a certain thickness comprising: a support structure for an illumination artifact including a perimeter member having a portion of wall and a lip portion, the lip portion protruding outwardly from the wall portion, and retaining elements operatively connected to the perimeter member, for retaining the support structure for a lighting fixture in its position in the flat member to the clamp to the flat member between the lip portion of the perimeter member and the retaining elements. A tang or tang, operatively connected to a distribution box and operably connectable to the support structure, is provided to accurately and repeatedly position the distribution box in relation to the opening and to facilitate compliance with the requirements of UL and the construction code. Furthermore, in accordance with the methods, systems and apparatuses of the present invention, we have provided a mounting band for securing a support structure for a lighting fixture to an aperture formed in a flat member, the mounting band comprises: an elongated flat member having a hook portion at one end or a member with two legs configured at the other end. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, we have provided a distribution box for use with a remodel support structure installed in a plurality of possible openings formed in an existing construction, the distribution box comprising: two side walls; a top wall; a front wall and a rear wall; the rear wall includes elements for housing a thermal test; and a flat base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and having a front portion and a rear portion, the flat base plate is operatively connected to the walls, the front portion extends beyond the front wall by a predetermined distance, the end of the frontmost portion of the front wall has at least two tips, one on each side of the end of the front portion to interact with the opening so that the distribution box is repeatedly and consistently placed at a predetermined distance from any plurality of openings. According to the present invention, a representative method for installing a lighting fixture in a flat member comprises the steps of: cutting an opening in the flat member having an internal surface and an external one at the point where the lighting device is to be installed; providing a support structure of the lighting artifact having a perimeter and a lip having an internal and an external surface; providing at least two elements operatively positioned around the perimeter of the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the opening formed in the flat member; placing the support structure of the lighting fixture in the opening; placing at least two retaining elements of the support structure of the lighting fixture contiguous with the internal surface of the flat member; manipulating the retention elements of the support structure of the lighting fixture so that the support structure of the illumination fixture is held in its position in the aperture by clamping the flat member between the lip of the artifact supporting structure. of lighting and retention elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support structure of the lighting fixture according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the perimeter member of the support structure of the Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the perimeter member of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3; Figure 4 is an elongated sectional view of a slot used to hold a retaining member of the perimeter member of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the perimeter member portion wherein a spring member for fastening the lining is attached to the perimeter member; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a retention member according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a view of the double winged end of the retaining member of Figure 6 taken along Figure 7-7; Figure 8 is a side view of the retaining member of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a top view of the distribution box and the outlet according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a side view of the distribution box of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a view of the plant of a pattern usable with the present invention; Figures 12 to 18 illustrate a sequence in a method according to the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates the support structure of the present invention that is installed in a cutting hole or opening in a flat member or roof; Figure 13 illustrates the installer moving the mounting band 40 in contact with the inner surface of the flat member to clamp the flat member (roof) between the mounting strip and the lip of the flat perimeter member of the support structure; Figure 14 illustrates the mounting band of Figure 13 after the installer has properly positioned the mounting band; Figure 15 illustrates the connection of the wired installation to the distribution box; Figure 16 illustrates the connection of the tab of the distribution box with the perimetral member of the support structure; Figure 17 illustrates the position of the distribution box in relation to the flat member (roof) once connected to the perimeter member; Figure 18 illustrates the complete lighting fixture installed in the aperture in accordance with the present invention; Y Figure 19 is a partial perspective view of the side walls and the mounting of the base plate of the distribution box of Figures 9 and 10 in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to carry out the present invention in its preferred forms, we have provided improved methods, systems and apparatus for the installation of a lighting fixture in an existing construction in a manner that significantly reduces the installation time and facilitates the installation. contractor a flexible programming since mechanical and electrical parts of the installation can be quickly achieved at different times by a different staff. The methods, systems and apparatuses of the present invention are simple, versatile, flexible, low maintenance, cost effective that do not require specialized tools and are spatially efficient. The methods, systems and apparatus of the present invention include unique combinations of elements and steps that facilitate the installation of a remodeling lighting fixture by using a support structure having clamp elements operatively connected thereto. Figures 1-18 illustrate a novel support structure for remodeling lighting fixtures and Novel methods for the installation of the representative remodeling lighting fixture in the support structure. As shown in Figures 1-8, the support structure of the remodeling lighting fixture 20 includes a perimetral member 22 having at least two slots, and preferably three, 24, 26, 28 operatively formed therein. The perimeter member may be circular or of any geometric configuration corresponding to the configuration of the desired lighting artifact. Specifically, the perimeter member can be configured as desired., such as, for example, square, rectangular, elliptical, pentagonal, etc. As shown in Figures 1-5, the perimeter member comprises a wall portion 30 and a lip portion 32 (the lip portion can be continuous or segmented) formed to eoutwardly of the wall portion 30, and as illustrated, the perimeter member is circular and has three preferred slots 24, 26, 28 formed therein, spaced about one hundred twenty degrees (120 °) apart. These grooves 24, 6, 28 are for receiving the retaining elements of the support structure of the lighting fixture or a mounting strip 40. The details of the mounting strip 400 will be described below. As shown in Figure 1, three springs of representative lining 42, 44, 46 (all three springs are actually preferred for a 1100 series remodel) are operatively placed about one hundred twenty degrees (120 °) apart around the inner periphery 48 of the perimeter member 22 to center the lining or the lighting fixture, once the lining 50 (see Figure 18) is installed on the perimeter member 22. It is understood that more springs can be used for lining or other supporting elements, for example, such as four (4) springs for trim placed around ninety degrees (90 °) apart (for a 1100 series remodeler). in fact, any number of lining springs or other support elements can be used while supporting the lining 50 in accordance with known conventional standards, the lining springs 42, 44, 46 are placed on the inner periphery 48 of the perimeter member 22 of so that the position of the lining springs 42, 44, 46 with respect to the lining is constant despite the thickness of the flat member 52. In other words, the distance from the lip portion 32 of the perimeter member 30 to the springs for garrison 42, 44, 46 is constant. In case the distance is not constant, the planned thickness will determine the location of the lining spring. In this case, the thicker the material planned, the Garrison springs should be located further away in relation to the garrison. In case the trimmings are uniform along the vertical or lateral walls, this will not be a problem but the sidewalls of most of the trimmings are not uniform and actually curve inwards, thus reducing the distance between them. side walls. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, because the mounting bands 40 interact with the perimeter member 22 in a specific manner, the slots 24, 26, 28 are formed in the perimeter member 22 at the junction between the portion of wall 30 of the perimeter member 22 and the lip portion 32. The wall portion 30 is preferably preferably 1.90 cm (0.75 inch) in height and has a tip 31 at one end, which is preferably preferably a flexion of about an angle of fifteen (15 °) degrees towards the inner portion of the perimeter member 22. the lip portion 32 is formed to exit outwardly from the wall portion 30. The lip portion 32 extends outwardly from the portion of wall 30 approximately at ninety (90 °) degrees thereof. The slots 24, 26, 28 for receiving the mounting strips 40 are placed in the curved portion of the perimetric member 22 between the lip portion 32 and the wall portion 30 with the dimensions of the lip portion of the inner surface of the perimeter member 22 towards the end of the farthest lip portion of the wall portion 30 which is actually preferably about 0.25 cm (0.10 inch) and the dimensions of the portion of the slot 24 from the surface of the lip portion 32 further away from the angled tip 31 of the perimeter member 22 is approximately 0.43 cm (0.15 inches) toward the angled tip 31. The width of the slots 24, 26, 28 is actually preferably about 1.04. cm (0.41 inches). As shown in Figure 5, an additional slot 54 and a related opening 60 for operatively locating the lining springs 42, 44, 46 (see Figure 1) are formed in the perimeter member 22 with the circular opening which is located approximately at 0.71 cm (0.281 inches) from the bottom surface of the lip portion 32. The slot 54 of approximately 0.21 cm by approximately 1.29 cm (0.083 inches by approximately 0.510 inches) is positioned approximately 0.55 cm (0.220 inches) above the center radius with an aperture 60 of 0.136 radius toward the angled tip 31, of the wall portion 30 of the perimeter member 22. It will be understood that all of the separate dimensions are for illustrative purposes and that those skilled in the art can readily determine the appropriate dimensions for a plurality of possible support structures to meet a plurality of different application requirements. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the perimeter member 22, is conventionally formed approximately 0.081 cm (0.032 inch) thick C-1010 or C-1008 polished with a minimum of G-60 hot dip galvanized, of a commercial grade metal with a matte finish. The perimeter member 22 can be formed either as a continuous member or formed by lamination so that there is an overlapping connection portion 36. The overlap 36 between the ends of the perimeter member 22 is actually preferred from a minimum of approximately 2.54 cm ( 1 inch). The overlap portion 36 is operatively connected in a conventional manner, for example, such as by interlocking an overlapped thickness of the material within the other by a patented process known as "TOG-L-LOK." Alternative connection methods include , but are not limited to, welding, riveting, using a tongue and groove connection, adhesive, nuts and bolts, screws, etc. When using three mounting bands 40 and four springs for fitting, the minimum angle between a slot for Mounting band and a lining spring groove is actually preferred approximately thirty (30 °) degrees.

As shown in Figures 2 and 16, a single slot 70, relatively smaller than the mounting band slots 24, 26, 28, is also operatively formed in the perimeter member 22. This smaller slot 70 facilitates the accuracy of the assembly of the support structure 20 in the factory and used to secure a distribution box 72 (as will be described later) in a position proximal to the opening 74 in a flat member 52. The position of the distribution box 72 in relation to with the opening 74, it should be precise that the thermal test 76, to detect the proper installation positioning (not shown), is installed automatically and repeatedly at the required height away from the roof or the flat member 52. The distribution box 72 should be positioned accurately and firmly on the surface 78 of the flat member 52 relative to the lining 50 placed in the opening 74 so as to prevent overheating of the distribution box 72. In other words, the distribution box 72 should be installed reliably at a constant predictable distance from the edge 80 of the opening 74 in order to prevent malfunction of the distribution box. So it is important to repeatedly, consistently and predictably place the distribution box 72 so that when it is tested, all the requirements of the Laboratories of the Insurers (UL) and of the construction codes. An important component of the distribution box 72 is a base plate 84 having a lip 86 for positioning the distribution box 72 in relation to the opening 74 in the flat member 52 without taking into account the size of the opening of the artifact of 74 standard lighting that was cut. The length of the base plate 84 will be long enough to properly place the thermal test 76 relative to the installed lining 50. A plug 88 is operatively connected in a conventional manner to the distribution box 72. In an effort to assist the installer of the remodeling lighting fixture, the installation system includes a 90 pattern that has three standard sizes for the remodeling lighting fixtures depicted therein. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 11, the pattern 90 includes, as a minimum, indications whereby the installer of the lighting fixture will cut the flat surface to install the remodeling lighting fixture. Specifically, lighting fixtures with a size of 2,000, 1,000 and 1,100 that have respectively a radius of 1-7 / 8 of an inch, 2-9 / 16 of an inch and 3-3 / 8 of an inch are represented in the pattern 90. Pattern 90 includes Detailed instructions for the installer relating to the size of the opening or hole 74 to be cut in the flat member 52 for each specific size lighting fixture. As specifically shown in Figures 6-8, the mounting band 40, as used in the support structure 20 and methods of the present invention, is preferably preferably a long, thin, flat member 94 having a hook portion. 116 at a thin end and a two leg member configured at v 96, with each of the legs 106, 108, having a flange 102, 104 to engage the surface 78 of the flat member 52 at the other end. The portion between the two legs 106, 108 and the hook end 116 is preferably approximately three inches 7.62 cm [(3.0 inches)] long, approximately 0.045 cm (0.018 inches) thick and approximately 0.93 cm (0.37 inches). In any case, you will probably find the length of the flat member 94 that is sufficient to cover any thickness of the flat member 52 or the ceiling. As illustrated in Figure 7, the two legs 106, 108 are actually placed in preference to the sixty (60 °) degrees one with respect to the other. The flanges or flanges 102, 104 are connected to each of the legs 106, 108, preferably preferably at an approximate angle of ninety-five (95) degrees thereof, the tabs 102, 104 are of an approximate width of 0.35 cm (0.14 inches) and an approximate length of 1.52 cm (0.625 inches). These tabs 102, 104 are the part of the mounting band 40 which is in contact with the inner surface 79 (see Figure 14) of the flat member 52 and distributes the weight of the remodeling lighting fixture, so that the structural integrity of the material of the flat member 52 is not penetrated nor is it Break by the weight of the artifact. Briefly, the tabs 102, 104 distribute the weight of the lighting fixture over a larger surface area in the flat member 52 than those of the prior art, thus avoiding complete security in the structural integrity of the flat material, for example, such as what thick or thin point is at any given point, to carry the full weight of the lighting artifact only at a few defined points of contact. The ninety-five (95 °) degree angle between the legs and flanges provides a more secure and tight installation. Additionally, these tabs 102, 104 are the components that either lodge within the flat member 52 or rise out of the flat member 52 during the intended rotation of the support structure 20 when an installer or anyone attempts to rotate the structure of support 20, as will be described below. It will be understood that the dimensions of the tabs 102, 104 may vary and these illustrated tabs were developed to meet the specific physical installation test. The angle of the connection between each leg 106, 108 and the length of the flat member 94 will be greater than about ninety (90 °) degrees due to the potential of the mounting band to move away from the flat material when the mounting band is pulled towards down in contact with the flat member. The angle of connection between each leg 106, 108 and the respective flange 102, 104 will preferably be ninety (90 °) degrees but will be less than about one hundred seventy (170 °) degrees because the closest of the angle between the leg and flange is one hundred eighty (180 °) degrees, the smallest surface area of the flange that is in contact with the flat member for the distribution of the weight of the artifact. The hook portion 116 of the mounting band 40 is designed to hold the mounting strips 40 at a specific position on the perimeter member 22 after leaving the factory and before the support structure 20 is installed in the opening 74 in a flat member 52. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 13, when the mounting strips 40 are initially located in the grooves 24, 26, 28 of the peripheral member 22, the inner surface 120 of the hook portion 116 is in contact with the inner sur 122 of the perimetric member 22 and the inner sur 124 of the flat member of the mounting band 94 is contiguous with the outer sur 128 of the perimetric member 22 with the connecting portion 130 of the hook 116 which is pulled contiguously with the portion of the grooves of the mounting strips 24, 26, 28 positioned therebetween. After assembled in this way, the mounting bands 40 can flex in their position and nestled in the center of the perimeter member 22. In this nested position, a plurality of support structures for lighting fixtures 20 can be efficiently packaged for boarding and distribution to end users. An important element of the present invention is the retaining element or mounting band 40 of the support structure of the lighting fixture that when properly placed in at least two slots and preferably three slots 24, 26, 28 formed in the perimeter member 22 of the support structure 20, provided for the distribution of the weight of the installed lighting device so that the structural integrity of the flat member 52 is maintained. The mounting bands 40 includes elements for distributing the weight of the support structure 20 over a large sur area of the sur 78 of the flat member 52 than those of the prior art, and thus allow the lighting fixture to be installed in the flat members having less optimal structural integrity, for example such as the roof slab. As shown in Figure 8, in addition to distributing the weight of the lighting fixture or fitting 50 on the sur 78 of the flat member 52, the mounting strip 40 of the present invention is designed to prevent the support structure 20 from rotating in the flat member 52. Specifically, it is undesirable to have to rotate the support structure 20 in the opening 74 in the flat member 52 when the fitting is installed or when incandescent bulbs are installed, etc. Therefore, the sur 100 of the flange of the mounting strip 102, 104, in contact with the flat member 52 is "nailed" into the sur 78 of the flat member 52 with which it is in contact, each time it is made an attempt to rotate the support structure 20 placed within the opening 74 of the flat member 52. When attempting to rotate the support structure 20, one of the legs 106, 108 of at least one of the mounting bands 40, of three band preference is nailed within the flat member 52. Specifically, the front leg in the direction of rotation "sticks in", while the rear leg is raised slightly into the air above the sur 78 of the flat member 52 during the intended rotation. As shown in Figures 9, 10, 15-17 and 19, a single distribution box 72 and the associated plug 88 useful with the systems, apparatus and methods of the present invention include a base plate 84 having a tab or spigot 92 operatively connected thereto. The base plate 84 has a tongue or tang 92 at one end 130 of the base plate 84 furthest from the distribution box 72. At the furthest end 130 of the distribution box 72, the base plate 84 has a arched portion 132 actually preferred with two feet 140, 142 formed at the end thereof. The feet 140, 142 are formed respectively at each end of the arcuate portion 132 and at an angle of approximately ninety (90 °) degrees with the plane of the base plate 84. The feet 140, 142 are for interacting with the opening 74 formed in the flat member 52 and cooperate with the base plate 84 and the tongue 92 to ensure that the distribution box 72 is accurately positioned in relation to the opening 74, when it is connected to the perimeter member 22 of the support structure 20 and with the feet in opening 74, so that all applicable regulations and codes are met (see Figures 16-18). The feet 140, 142 and the tongue 92 combine to prevent the base plate 84 from changing the locations / positions on the surface 78 of the flat member 52 (roof) once it is installed, consequently it is ensured that the distribution box 72 remains in the installed position. The novel and unique distribution box 78 provided with eight sides (including an access door or cover 146 when closed) is specially constructed with a material of minimum size. The distribution box has a specifically designed access door 146 and a wire for ground connection 150 (see Figure 19) that is fixed only to the box 72. An integral electrical cable clamp 152 operatively placed inside the distribution box does not It requires tools to connect electrical capacity to it, while it is able to pass the requisite test. Specifically, the internal volume of the distribution box is approximately twenty one cubic inches (21). This internal volume is considered to be the optimum size to accommodate the number of electrical wires that are allowed inside the distribution box of this type by the code and construction regulations. The construction of the single distribution box includes the optimization of the location of the thermal test 76 and the entrance of the electric wire and the strategic orientation of the flexible conduit for minimize the size of the distribution box, so that the entire distribution box can be installed inside an opening with a diameter of 3-3 / 4 inch. The complete assembly of the distribution box is achieved without the equipment, for example, such as screws, rivets or other equipment. Specifically, as shown in Figure 19, a plurality of tabs 154 and a plurality of grooves 156, the grooves (tongue and groove construction) are used in conjunction with a snap closure and a lockable door having hinges 146. distribution box 72 provides optimum wiring and volume and is capable of being passed through an opening with a diameter of 3-3 / 4 in a building surface or flat member. As shown, the distribution box of the present application is constructed of a material of minimum size. In particular, the eight-sided distribution box of the present application is configured so that the internal space is optimized for both the internal volume and the installation through an aperture in a flat approximate member of 3-3 / 4 inches in diameter, as mentioned above. The door 146 in the distribution box has hinges 158 and is capative. The door when it opens oscillates to open and stays in its open position without fasteners to facilitate the access when connected to the wiring inside the distribution box. Another feature of the distribution box refers to the connection of the grounding wire 150 in the distribution box during the assembly process of the distribution box by placing the grounding wire between a tab 154 of the wall member. of eight sides and between a slot 156 in the plate of the distribution box 84 so that the ground connection wire 150 is firmly connected to the distribution box 72 (see Figure 19). Access for a non-metallic sheathed cable (Romex) is through the hinged door compared to the detail of the hitting device of the previous distribution boxes. During the connection of the cable, the hinge devices 160 with hinges remain intact in comparison with the post of the hitting device of the previous distribution boxes and do not require any of the tools in order to open, considering that the prior art requires tools to try to open the device at once. Finally, the cable clamp 152 articulated to the wall of the distribution box in combination with the access hole 160 dimensioned in the wall of the distribution box provided for a quick and easy insertion of the sheathed cable and is automatically adjusted for a cable lined NM with a size 12-14. In addition, the cable clamp 152 allows the distribution box to withstand 50 pounds according to the UL tensile test in one movement without having to use tools or having to perform a secondary action to hold the sheathed cable. Specifically, the cable clamp is structured so that once the cable is inserted through a slot 162 in the clamp 152 and an attempt is made to pull the cable out of the distribution box, the cable clamp 152 it pivots around the hinge thus compressing the cable between opposite sides of the slot 162 in the bracket 152 (voltage relief feature). When the wires (or wire) are connected to the distribution box with series remodelers of 1100 and 1000, the distribution box can be temporarily hung from the perimeter to help with the wire connections. When the wires (or the wire) is connected to the distribution box, an articulated swing device for opening 160 is opened, this pushes through the opening of the striking device 160 and through the cable clamp 152. The Figures 12-18 illustrate a method for installing a lighting fixture in an existing construction employing a supporting structure for circular lighting artifact 20 illustrated. First, the opening 74 is cut into the flat member 52 at the desired location using the pattern 90, as described above. Once the opening 74 in the flat member 52 has been completed, the assembled support structure 20, including the three preferred mounting bands 40 and the lining springs 42, 44, 46 are inserted into the opening 74. The installer the light fixture holds the support structure 20 in its position in the opening 74, reaching in and pushing down on the mounting strips 40 (Figure 13), preferably one at a time until each mounting band 40 is in contact with the inner surface 78 of the flat member 52, so that the flat member 52 is sandwiched between the mounting strips 40 and the inner surface 34 of the lip portion 32 of the perimeter member 22. as shown in Figure 14, a Once each mounting band 40 is in contact with the inner surface 78 of the flat member 52, the installer of the lighting fixture flexes the mounting strips 40 and secures the support structure 20 in its position in the opening 74, effectively holding the flat member 52 between the lip portion 32 and the peripheral member 22 and the retaining element or mounting band 40. At this point, it is understood that, due to the Given the flexibility of the system and the methods of the present invention, it is possible to install the support structure, either before or after the wiring has been installed. Specifically as shown in Figure 15, the conventional electric wire 144 to be connected in the distribution box 72. This particular connection, as mentioned above, can be achieved by an electrician before the support structure for the appliance is placed. electrical 20 in the opening 74 in the flat member 52 or can be achieved before a support structure of the electrical appliance 20 is placed in place, as will now be discussed below. Once the distribution box 72 and the connected plug 88 are connected to the electrical wiring 144 and the support structure 20 has been installed in the opening 74, the tongue or spigot 92 the distribution box is inserted through a slot narrower 70 in the flat member 52 and the peripheral member 22 and pulled to its position so that the inner surface of each foot 140, 142 of the base plate 84 the distribution box is suitably inserted in the opening 74 contiguous with the cutting edge of the flat member 52, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. Once the distribution box 72 is properly positioned, the tab of the distribution box 92 is inserted through a slot narrow 70 and pull down until the plate 84 the distribution box rests on a flat part on the inner surface of the flat member 52, Then, the tab 92 is bent upwardly securing the distribution box 72 in a suitable position , as shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, after the distribution box has been secured in the support structure 20, thus placing it automatically, repeatedly, consistently and predictably to the distribution box. 72 to comply with the requirements of the construction code and Insurers Laboratory, the plug 88 is fixed thereto, as is connected in the art, and the lining 50 or the lighting fixture is then placed within the supporting structure 20 As mentioned in the background of the invention, none of the support structures for remodeling lighting artifact previously known has the capacity of a request installation with flat members of variable thickness or have the ability to be installed on flat members that have less structural integrity or structural capacity than structural integrity or ideal structural capacity. So it can be seen that all the objectives of the present invention have been met.

Specifically, the present invention provides an improved back-shaping support structure for a lighting fixture installed on flat surfaces; an improved system and apparatus, in which the electrical and mechanical elements are separated; elements, operatively placed in the support structure to intercalate a flat member of an infinite thickness; elements operatively positioned in the support structure, to ensure the supporting structure that accepts the finishing lining; improved methods, systems and apparatus for placing a distribution box consistently and repeatedly in relation to the opening; improved methods, systems and apparatus to secure the distribution box in place once it is precisely located in relation to the opening and the methods and apparatus for marking the position within the flat member, where the opening is to be cut and guide the installer to cut the opening. Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (33)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention as above, our property is considered contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A system for supporting an illumination device in the opening formed in a flat member having a certain thickness, the system comprises: a support structure of the lighting fixture including a perimeter member having a wall portion and a lip portion, the lip portion protruding outwardly from the wall portion; and retaining elements operatively connected to the perimeter member, for retaining the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the flat member when clamping the flat member between the lip portion of the perimeter member and the retaining elements. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the lip is held contiguously with the lower surface of the flat member. The system of claim 1, wherein the perimeter member further comprises: at least two grooves formed in the junction of the wall and the lip. The system of claim 3, wherein the retaining elements comprise: a mounting band having a hook member at one end and a member of two legs configured in v at the other end, each of the legs having a flange member for engaging the surface of the flat member when inserted through a groove in the perimeter member. The system of claim 4, further comprising: a distribution box having a base plate including elements for operatively connecting the base plate with the opening and a tongue operatively connected to the base plate; and elements operatively formed in the flat member, for operatively connecting the distribution box with the supporting structure of the lighting fixture. The system of claim 5, further comprising: elements operatively connected to the base plate of the distribution box, for positioning the electrical distribution box in relation to the inner surface of the flat member at a predetermined distance of The opening. The system of claim 6, wherein the tab firmly affixes to the distribution box with the supporting structure of the lighting fixture. The system of claim 7, wherein the distribution box is operatively connected to the support structure of the lighting fixture so that the distribution box is placed on the internal surface of the member proximal to the artifact support structure. of lighting and at a predetermined distance from it. 9. A support structure of the lighting fixture comprising: a perimeter member having a wall portion and a lip portion, the lip portion protrudes outwardly from the wall portion and has a plurality of grooves formed in the wall portion; wall portion; and elements operatively positioned in the slots, for retaining the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in an aperture formed in a flat member. The support structure of claim 9, wherein the retaining elements comprise: a mounting band having a hook member at one end and a member with two legs configured in v at the other end, each of the legs has a flange member for coupling the surface of the flat member. The support structure of claim 9, further comprising: elements operatively positioned around the internal periphery of the perimetric member, to maintain the lining installed in the support structure in its proper position. 12. The support structure of the claim 11, wherein the elements for maintaining the lining in its position further comprise: a plurality of springs for fitting. 13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the elements for holding the lining in position further comprise: a plurality of grooves and a plurality of openings, grooves and apparatuses cooperating to support the lining springs and to allow the lining springs to support any lining installed in the support structure. The support structure of claim 10, that when the rotational force is applied to the support structure, the flange members prevent rotation of the support structure in the opening in the flat member. 15. A mounting band for securing a support structure of the lighting fixture to an aperture formed in a flat member, the mounting strip comprising: an elongated flat member having a hook portion at one end and a member with two legs configured in v at the other end, each of the leg members has tabs, to distribute the weight of the lighting fixture so that the structural integrity of the flat member is maintained, and operatively connected thereto. 16. The mounting band of claim 15, wherein the two legs of the two-legged member configured in v are positioned approximately at an angle of sixty (60) degrees with respect to each other. The mounting band of claim 15, wherein each flange is operatively connected to the leg approximately at an angle of ninety-five (95) degrees thereof. 18. A system of the lighting fixture to be installed in the aperture formed in a flat member of a certain thickness having an internal and external surface, the system comprising: a supporting structure of the artifact of illumination including a perimeter member having a wall portion and a lip portion having an internal and external surface, the lip portion protruding outwardly from the wall portion; retaining elements operatively connected to the perimeter member, for retaining the support structure of the illumination device in its position in the flat member, when clamping the flat member between the lip portion of the perimeter member and the retaining elements; a distribution box having a tongue operatively connected thereto; and elements operatively formed in the perimeter member to receive the tab of the distribution box so that the distribution box is placed on the inner surface of the flat member proximal to the support structure of the lighting fixture and at a predetermined distance from the same The system of claim 18, wherein the electrical distribution box includes an extended base plate and the tab is operatively connected to the end of the base plate farthest from the distribution box. 20. A method to install an artifact of illumination in a flat member having an internal and external surface, the method comprises the steps of: cutting an opening in the flat member at the point where the lighting fixture is to be installed; providing a supporting structure of the lighting fixture having a perimeter and a lip having an internal and external surface; providing at least two elements operatively positioned around the perimeter of the support structure of the lighting fixture to retain the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the opening formed in the flat member; placing the support structure of the lighting fixture in the opening; . placing at least two retaining elements contiguously with the inner surface of the flat member; manipulate at least two retaining elements so that the supporting structure of the lighting fixture is held in position in the opening when clamping the flat member between the lip portion of the perimetral member and the retaining elements. 21. The method of claim 20 further comprises the step of: providing an electrical distribution box having a base plate including elements for operatively connecting the base plate to the opening and a tongue operatively connected to the base plate. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of: operatively connecting the electrical wiring to the electrical distribution box before the step of cutting the opening and after the step of providing the support of the lighting device. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of: operatively placing the electrical distribution box on the inner surface of the flat member proximal to the opening. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of: operably connecting the electrical wiring to the electrical distribution box prior to the step of placing the support of the lighting fixture. 25. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of: operatively placing the electrical distribution box on the inner surface of the flat member proximal to the opening. 26. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of: operatively connecting the electrical distribution box having the tab to the lighting support structure. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of: operatively connecting the distribution box to the supporting structure of the lighting fixture and the flat member so that the distribution box is fixed in its position on the inner surface of the flat member proximal to the support structure of the lighting fixture. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of fixing the distribution box further comprises the step of: flexing the tongue so that the tongue and the support structure of the lighting appliance are interconnected. 29. The method of claim 20, wherein the inner surface of the lip is held approximately contiguous with the surface of the flat member, during the handling step. 30. A distribution box to be used with a remodeling support structure installed in a plurality of possible openings formed in an existing construction, the distribution box comprises: side walls; a top wall; a front wall and a rear wall, the rear wall includes elements to accommodate a thermal test; a flat base plate having an upper and lower surface and having a front portion and a rear portion, the flat base plate is operatively connected to the walls, the front portion extends beyond the wall by a predetermined distance, the end of the front portion further away from the front wall has at least two feet, one on each side of the end of the front portion, to interact with the opening so that the distribution box is placed repeatedly and consistently at a predetermined distance from any of the openings of the plurality of openings. 31. The distribution box of the claim 30, wherein the feet extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the flat base plate at approximately a ninety (90 °) angle thereof. 32. The distribution box of claim 31, wherein the cooperating elements further comprise: an arc formed in the front portion of the flat base plate that connects the two feet. 33. The distribution box of claim 30 further comprising: a tongue operatively connected to the front portion of the base plate for connecting the distribution box to the support structure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method, system and apparatus for supporting a lighting artifact in an aperture formed in a flat member is disclosed. First, an opening is cut in the flat member at the point where the lighting fixture is to be installed and a support structure for the lighting fixture has at least two mounting bands placed approximately around the perimeter of the fixture support structure. lighting fixture for retaining the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the opening that is placed in the opening by the installer. The mounting bands of the support structure of the lighting fixture are then positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the flat member and are manipulated so that the supporting structure of the lighting fixture is held in position in the aperture. In the support structure of the lighting fixture includes a perimeter member having a wall portion and a lip portion and has at least two grooves formed in the junction of the wall and the lip and at least two mounting bands placed in the perimeter. at least the two slots for retaining the support structure of the lighting fixture in its position in the opening formed in the flat member. The mounting band it includes a hook member at one end and a member with two legs configured in v at the other end with each of the legs having a flange member for coupling to the surface of the flat member. The methods of installing the remodeling lighting fixture on a flat member are also disclosed.