Abstract:
The instant invention provides an adjustable mechanism for a fixture having a fixture frame, a plurality of hanger bars, and an aperture ring. An adjustment assembly slidably connects the fixture frame, the plurality of hanger bars, and the aperture ring. The adjustment assembly allows independent vertical adjustment of hanger bars, fixture frame and aperture ring for various installation variables.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   None. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   None. 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC. 
   None. 
   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a downlight assembly for a recessed light in a ceiling or suspended ceiling structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a 3-way adjustment mechanism for a downlight fixture. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The term “downlight” generally refers to a type of lighting and function of a lighting fixture to provide light from a recessed volume within a ceiling of an interior space. Recessed downlights have become increasingly popular for use in both commercial and residential constructions. One reason for the increased popularity is that the recessed downlight fixtures meet a wide range of interior lighting needs and specifications while also being aesthetically pleasing. The recessed lighting fixtures come in various sizes and therefore can be used in multiple arrangements depending on room size, ceiling height and desired brightness. Further, recessed downlight fixtures may be installed in new constructions as well as retrofit in existing ceilings and therefore such fixtures appeal to installers. Typically, ceiling-mounted recessed downlight fixtures comprise a frame-in kit with a fixture frame connection means for retaining the fixture frame between structural supports within the ceiling. Such connection means are typically referred to as “hanger bars”. 
   Downlight fixture assemblies are typically located in a ceiling with a major portion of the fixture hidden above the visible ceiling line. The fixtures are therefore unobtrusive while still providing efficient illumination within an interior space. Light is typically directed from an aperture or cavity in the ceiling wherein a lamp is disposed within the downlight fixture. Alternatively, downlight fixtures may be mounted within overhanging eves of exterior structures. 
   Downlight fixture assemblies are typically mounted between ceiling joists or suspended ceiling support members. In a conventional mounting of a downlight fixture, a mounting frame is provided which is secured between the joists or the suspended ceiling members also referred to as T-bars. The frame or “pan”, as generally referred to by those of ordinary skill in the art, is typically formed of a heavy gauge steel having a rectangular or square shape and hanger bars extending along opposed edges of the pan to connect the pan to the joists or suspended ceiling members. A junction box is typically disposed on the mounting frame and connected to an electrical power source by way of a conduit. The frame also provides a structure for retaining a housing or “can”. Within the housing or can, a reflector assembly and lamp are housed. A conduit also extends from the junction box to the can to provide power to the lamp therein. 
   Two installation variables have caused problems for prior art frame-in kits. First, recessed downlight fixtures may interfere with building mechanical and electrical components within the ceiling such as plumbing, rigid electrical trays and/or rigid electrical conduit, or HVAC duct. Due to these components being located within a ceiling cavity, a fixture frame may obstruct or interfere with those components when installed. The second variable encountered during installation is varying ceiling thickness. In one installation position the ceiling material may have a small thickness while in a second installation position the ceiling material may have a larger thickness. If an installer attempts to adjust for ceiling thickness he may run afoul of building mechanicals or vice-versa. Thus, vertical adjustability of the frame-in kit is problematic for prior art fixture frame-in kits. 
   Given the foregoing deficiencies, it will be appreciated that a recessed downlight mounting fixture frame is needed which provides multiple vertical adjustments to compensate for unknown installation variables. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   With regard to the foregoing, the present invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a three-way adjustment mechanism for a recessed downlight mounting fixture frame. 
   According to one embodiment, an adjustable fixture frame mechanism comprises a fixture frame having a junction box connected to the fixture frame, an adjustment assembly connected to the fixture frame and slidably connecting an aperture ring to the frame. The aperture ring is slidably adjustable through a vertical plane relative to the fixture frame. The fixture frame and the aperture ring are also slidable relative to a plurality of hanger bars. The adjustment assembly comprises a frame mounting bracket, an aperture ring bracket slidably connected to the frame mounting bracket, and a hanger bar bracket. The aperture ring bracket is slidably disposed along an inner surface of the frame mounting bracket. The hanger bar bracket is slidably connected to the frame mounting bracket. A frame mounting bracket is disposed between the hanger bar bracket and the aperture ring bracket. The hanger bar bracket connects the hanger bars to the fixture frame and the aperture ring. The adjustable fixture frame mechanism further comprises a releasable fastener extending through the adjustment assembly. 
   According to a second embodiment, an adjustable fixture frame mechanism comprises a fixture frame, an aperture ring slidably connected to the frame by a sliding adjustment assembly, hanger bars retained by the sliding adjustment assembly and slidable relative to the fixture frame and aperture ring. The frame is vertically slidable independent of the fixture ring. The adjustable fixture assembly further comprises apertures for preselected positions of a frame and an aperture ring. The adjustment assembly comprises an aperture ring bracket, a frame mounting bracket and a sliding clamp. Each of the aperture ring bracket and the frame mounting bracket are slidable relative to the other and the sliding clamp. 
   According to a third embodiment, an adjustable fixture assembly, comprises a frame slide, a hanger bar slide and an aperture ring slide, the frame slide is vertically moveable relative to the hanger bar slide and the aperture ring slide. The aperture ring slide is vertically moveable relative to the hanger bar slide and the frame slide. The frame is connected to the frame slide. Multiple hanger bars are retained by the hanger bar slide. An aperture ring is connected to the aperture ring slide. 
   According to a fourth embodiment, an adjustable mechanism for a fixture comprises a fixture frame, a plurality of hanger bars, and an aperture ring. An adjustment assembly slidably connects the fixture frame, the plurality of hanger bars, and the aperture ring. Each of the fixture frame and the aperture ring slide relative to the other and the hanger bars. 
   Several benefits and advantages are derived from the broad method and/or the embodiment of the invention. The instant invention provides an adjustment assembly for use with a fixture frame, which allows independent vertical adjustment of hanger bars, fixture frame and aperture ring. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fixture frame-in kit including a three-way adjustment mechanism of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the fixture frame-in kit and three-way adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the 3-way adjustment mechanism with fixture frame in an upper position and aperture ring in a lower position; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the 3-way adjustment mechanism with fixture frame in a lower position and aperture ring in an upper position opposite  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the 3-way adjustment mechanism with fixture frame and aperture ring both disposed in a lower position; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the 3-way adjustment mechanism with fixture frame and aperture ring both disposed in an upper position; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view that shows the fixture frame adjusted laterally on the hanger bars; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view that shows the fixture frame adjusted laterally, opposite of  FIG. 7 , on the hanger bars; and, 
       FIG. 9  is a side-sectional view of the 3-way adjustment mechanism and fixture frame-in kit. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   It shall be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it shall be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible. 
   Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1 through 9  various aspects of a recessed downlight fixture frame both before and after manufacture. The fixture frame is formed from a single sheet of material or blank in order to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and reduce cost of materials utilized in manufacturing the mounting fixture. Further, a single fixture frame blank may be utilized to form a fixture frame for use with light fixtures and reflectors of various sizes. 
   Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a recessed downlight mounting or frame-in kit  10  is depicted. Generally, in use the frame-in kit  10  is positioned above an interior ceiling or in an exterior overhanging eve to provide useable downlight as well as reduce glare seen in the interior or exterior space. The frame-in kit  10  is preferably formed of a formable metallic material, such as steel, aluminum or other such lightweight metal. The frame-in kit of  FIG. 1  comprises a plurality of hanger bars  12  which extend between joists or suspended ceiling members (not shown) an adjustment assembly  14 , aperture ring  16  and frame  30 . The hanger bars  12  are connected to the frame-in kit  10  by an adjustment assembly  14  which retains the slidable relationship between adjacent hanger bars  12  in an axial direction and also provides adjustability for various components in a vertical dimension. When the hanger bars  12  are connected to ceiling members, the frame-in kit  10  is suspended therebetween and above ceiling level. 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the adjustment assembly  14  allows independent sliding motion of the frame  30 , aperture ring  16 , and hanger bars  12 . The adjustment assembly  14  is generally comprised of a frame mounting bracket  60 , an aperture ring bracket  20  and sliding clamp  70 . According to the exemplary embodiment, an adjustment assembly  14  is located at diametrically opposed positions of an aperture ring  16 . 
   The frame-in kit  10  further comprises an aperture ring  16  which is disposed along inside surfaces of the fixture frame  30 . The aperture ring  16  functions to retain a housing or “can” (not shown) wherein various lighting components are located, including but not limited to, the lamp socket, the lamp, the reflector and trim (also not shown). The aperture ring  16  is substantially cylindrical in shape with a flat upper surface  18  connected to the adjustment assembly  14 . As described further herein, a single fixture frame  30  can receive multiple ring sizes and therefore multiple housing or “can” sizes. The adjustment assembly  14  allows the aperture ring  16  to translate upward and downward independent of the hanger bars  12  and the frame  30  to accommodate a plurality ceiling thicknesses. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded perspective view of the fixture frame-in kit  10  is depicted including the adjustment assembly  14 . The fixture frame  30  comprises a frame arm  32  and an integral junction box  50 . The frame  30  translates upward and downward independent to the hanger bars  12  and aperture ring  16  in order to compensate for mechanicals and electrical components in the ceiling cavity above the frame-in kit  10 . The sliding motion is provided by the adjustment assembly  14 . First, the junction box  50  comprises a top wall  52 , a bottom wall  58  opposite the top wall  52  and opposed side walls  54 ,  56  extending between the top wall  52  and bottom wall  58 . The junction box  50  defines an enclosure wherein input splices are located. The junction box top wall  52 , bottom wall  58  and side walls  54 ,  56  further define front and rear openings which are substantially rectangular or square in shape. Junction box doors (not shown) are disposed over the openings in order to close the junction box  50  per applicable electrical codes. The junction box doors (not shown) are connected to the junction box by door apertures  59  located in the bottom wall  58  of the junction box  50  as well as an arm  53  extending across the top wall  52 . Otherwise stated, the junction box doors have tabs extending into the apertures  59  to retain a bottom edge of each door. The top edge of each door is retained against the junction box top wall  52  by the arm  53  extending across the junction box top wall  52 . 
   The junction box side walls  54 ,  56  and the top wall  52  each comprise a plurality of knockouts  55 . The knockouts  55  provide a plurality of wire paths for electrical wires and conduit to move from the ballast (not shown) to within the junction box  50  and from within the junction box  50  to the lamp (not shown). 
   The fixture frame  30  further comprises a frame arm  32  integrally connected to the junction box  50  along an inside edge of the bottom wall  58 , having a first end and second end each comprising a mounting bracket  60 . The frame arm  32  comprises a first end and a second end where the mounting brackets or frame slides  60  are located for connection of the aperture ring  16 . More specifically, the frame arm  32  comprises a first arm portion  34 , integrally connected to the junction box  50 , and having first and second distal ends. The frame arm  32  further comprises a second arm portion  36  and a third arm portion  38 . At a first end of the first arm portion  34  is a first elbow  40  and at a second end of the first arm portion  34  is a second elbow  42 . The first and second elbows  40 ,  42  connect the first arm portion  34  to the second arm portion  36  and third arm portion  38 , respectively. Thus, the frame arm  32  is defined by the first arm portion  34 , second arm portion  36  and third arm portion  38 . However, the frame  30  may be formed of alternative materials, shapes and sizes, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The elbows  40 ,  42  are formed at ends of the first arm portion  34  to partially define a pre-selected spacing between the second arm portion  36  and the third arm portion  38  as well as between the mounting brackets  60 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the spacing between the second and third arm portions  36 ,  38  ( FIG. 2 ) and the opposed mounting brackets  60  is provided to receive the aperture ring  16  wherein a reflector and lamp may be located. The elbows  40 ,  42  may be disposed at various positions and in various orientations in order to change the configuration of the frame  30  so that a single blank may be utilized to form a fixture frame  30  which may be used in combination with various light fixture sizes. Thus, although the first, second and third arm portions  34 ,  36 ,  38  are described as part of the frame arm  32 , the elbows  40 ,  42  are the structural feature which distinguish these portions from one another. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 2 , at distal ends of the second and third arm portions  36 ,  38  the opposed mounting brackets  60  define components of the adjustment assembly  14  ( FIG. 1 ). The U-shape of mounting bracket  60  is defined by a web  64  which is substantially rectangular in shape and two opposed flanges  66  extending along opposed vertical edges of the web  64 . In other words, the web  64  and flanges  66  define a channel or U-shaped mounting bracket  60 . However, other shapes may be utilized which provide the function described herein. Along the web  64  of the mounting bracket  60  is a slot  62  which is substantially rectangular in shape but which may be formed in a plurality of shapes. The slot  62  generally extends from an upper portion of the web  64  to a lower portion of the web  64 . The slot  62  further comprises a small transverse or horizontal notch  63  adjacent the slot  62 . Further, the mounting bracket  60  comprises a plurality of apertures  65  which are arranged so as to be parallel to the slot  62 . The apertures  65  are arranged at preselected heights for arranging the height of the aperture ring  16 , frame  30 , and hanger bars  12  prior to installation as will be described further herein. 
   Connected to the flat upper surface  18  of the aperture ring  16  are aperture ring brackets  20  at diametrically opposed locations along the surface  18 . The aperture ring slides or brackets  20  are each substantially L-shaped having a foot  21 , connected to the flat upper surface  18  of aperture ring  16 , and a vertically extending channel portion  22 . The channel portion  22  is positioned between the flanges  66  of the mounting bracket  60 . Thus, the web  64  of the mounting bracket  60  is wider than the channel  22  so that each part can slide relative to the other. A vertically extending slot  24  is disposed through the channel portion  22 . The slot  24  is aligned with the slot  62  of the mounting bracket  60  when the aperture ring bracket  20  is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the mounting bracket  60  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, the aperture ring bracket  20  is slideably positioned against the mounting bracket  60  providing vertical movement for the aperture ring bracket  20 , the aperture ring  16  and the frame  30 . The aperture ring bracket  20  further comprises a plurality of vertically oriented apertures or holes  25  which may be aligned in preselected positions with the holes or apertures  65  along the mounting bracket to dispose the aperture ring  16  in preselected positions relative to the frame  30  prior to installation of the frame-in kit  10 . 
   Adjacent to the aperture ring  16  and aperture ring brackets  20  are sliding clamps  70  which further define the adjustment assembly  14 . The sliding clamps or hanger bar slides  70  are substantially C-shaped having upper horizontal surfaces or flanges  76  and lower horizontal surfaces or flanges  72 . Extending between clamp flanges  72 ,  76  is a vertical surface or web  74  defining the C-shape and further defining a position for retaining the hanger bars  12 . The lower horizontal surface  72  of the sliding clamp  70  comprises inner and outer clasp apertures  73 , 75  which may receive a tab from a clasp  80 . Although the clamp  70  is shown as C-shaped, various alternative geometries may be utilized which retain the hanger bars  12  in position as well as allowing sliding motion relative to the aperture bracket  20  and mounting bracket  60 . On rear or inside surfaces of the webs  74  are tongues or stops  78 . When the sliding clamp  70  is disposed against the mounting bracket  60 , the stop  78  passes through the horizontal notch  63  allowing upward and downward translation within the vertical slot  62 . At upper and lower limits of the slot  62 , the stop  78  engages the upper and lower slot ends to limit motion of the sliding clamp  70 . 
   A clasp  80  comprises a metal strap having four edges and a tab  84  depending from a lower edge engages the sliding clamp  70 . The tab  84  extends through one of the clasp apertures  73 ,  75  depending on whether the hanger bar  12  or a conduit, respectively is extending through the sliding clamp  70 . The clasp  80  also comprises a bulged portion opposite the vertical surface  74  of the sliding clamp  70 . The bulged portion of clasp  46  also provides for positioning of the hanger bars  50  and conduit between the sliding clamp  70  and clasp  80 . At the upper end of the clasp  80  is a threaded fastener or stud  82  which extends through the sliding clamp  70 , the mounting bracket  60 , and the aperture ring bracket  22 . On an inner surface of the aperture ring bracket  20 , a wing nut or other fastener  86  engaging piece is tightened to allow a releasable means for translation of the mounting bracket  60 , the aperture ring bracket  20 , and the sliding clamp  70  independently of each other. Otherwise stated these components define the adjustment assembly  14  and allow the hanger bars  12 , the aperture ring  16  and frame  30  to be independently adjusted. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of the frame-in kit  10  is depicted. As shown in the drawing the stud  82  extends through the sliding clamp  70 , the frame mounting bracket  60  and the aperture ring bracket  20 . With the wing nut  86  loosened on the stud  82  the aperture ring  16  is disposed downwardly to a lower position so that the upper end of vertical slot  24  engages the stud  82 . The frame  30  is also slidable and is depicted in an uppermost position relative to the aperture ring  16  and aperture ring bracket  20  and hanger bars  12 . One of ordinary skill in the art should further understand that the hanger bars  12  are also free to move with the sliding clamp  70  upwardly and downwardly however, for purpose of understanding this description, the sliding clamp  70  and hanger bars  12  are generally described as being stationary since during installation they are fixed between joists or suspended ceiling structure. Therefore, for purpose of clarity, the frame mounting bracket  60  and aperture ring bracket  20  are described as moving relative to the hanger bars  12  and sliding clamp  70 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the frame  30  is depicted in a fully downward position while the aperture ring  16  is depicted in a fully upward position. Accordingly, the aperture ring bracket  20  is disposed wherein the lowermost portion of the slot  24  engages the stud  82 . Further the tongue  78  of the sliding clamp  70  also engages the uppermost edge of the slot  62  ( FIG. 2 ) of the frame mounting bracket  60 . Thus the frame  30  is at a lower limit and the aperture ring  16  at an upper limit. This is not indicative of typical installations since the frame  30  typically abuts the top surface of the ceiling or suspended ceiling panel and the aperture ring  16  is typically flush with the lower surface of the ceiling panel. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the sliding mechanism  14  is shown disposed such that the ring aperture  16  and frame  30  are in lowermost positions relative to the hanger bars  12  and the sliding clamp  70 . It should be understood however that the sliding clamp  70 , the aperture ring mounting bracket  20  and the frame mounting bracket  60  all may be moved independently of one another in order to independently move the  20  hanger bars  12 , the aperture ring  16  and the frame  30 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the frame  30  and aperture ring  16  are both moved to an uppermost positions relative to the hanger bars  12 . Accordingly, the aperture ring bracket  20  and frame mounting bracket  60  are also moved fully upwardly relative to the stud  82 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the frame-in kit  10  provides a further adjustment. Specifically, the frame  30  may be translated in the axial direction of the hanger bars  12  from a first position to a second position and in between, including a centered position. The translation of the frame  30  between axial extremities of the hanger bar  12  is useful when the aperture ring  16  is installed in a non-centered position of a suspended ceiling panel. Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  the frame  30  may be positioned at either end of the hanger bars  12  to provide yet a further degree of freedom for the frame  30  and aperture ring  16 . 
   In order to operate the adjustment assembly  14 , the frame-in kit  10  must initially be assembled. Accordingly, the frame mounting bracket  60  and aperture ring bracket  20  are slideably positioned adjacent one another as shown in the various figures. Next the stop  78  of the sliding clamp  70  is disposed through the notch  63  and disposed within each slot  62  on the mounting brackets  60 . The clasps  80  are positioned within one of the apertures  73 ,  75  of the sliding clamp  70  so that the stud  82  extends through the sliding clamp  70 , mounting bracket  60  and slot  24  of the aperture ring bracket  20 . A fastener such as the exemplary wing nut  86  may be attached to the threaded stud  82  and slightly tightened wherein the hanger bars  12  may be positioned through the opening defined between the sliding clamp  70  and clasp  80 . When this assembly is complete the wing nut  86  should be sufficiently loosened so that the frame  30 , aperture ring  16  and hanger bars  12  are movable independent of each other. 
   The hanger bars  12  are positioned as necessary in the ceiling structure, for example, the hanger bars  12  may be connected between ceiling joists or T-bars or other such structural members defining a frame for a suspended ceiling. For purpose of clarity, the term ceiling should be understood to include both ceilings and suspended ceiling systems. Next, with an aperture cut in the ceiling beneath the frame-in kit  10 , and the stud  82  and wing nut  86  loosened, the aperture ring  16  falls through a suspended ceiling aperture until the upper surface  18  engages the upper surface of the ceiling. Further, the frame  30  will fall down to the upper surface of the ceiling and be seated. This maximizes clearance between mechanical and electrical components within the ceiling cavity and the junction box  50  and frame  30 . With the aperture ring  16  extending through an aperture in the ceiling, the installer merely needs to push the aperture ring  16  upwardly so that the aperture ring  16  is flush with the lower surface of the ceiling while the frame  30  is maintained flush with the upper surface of the ceiling. Since the aperture ring  16  moves independent of the frame  30 , the movement of the aperture ring  16  does not cause the frame  30  to interfere with other components in the ceiling cavity. Next, the installer tightens the fastener  86  connected to the stud  82  so that the frame  30  and aperture ring  16  are locked in position and further so that the frame  30  is held in place relative to the hanger bars  12 . Accordingly, the frame  30  cannot move laterally or vertically while the aperture ring  16  also can not move vertically.  FIG. 9  depicts a side sectional view of the adjustment assembly  14  fully tightened and locked so that the frame  30 , aperture ring  16  and hanger bars  12  cannot move independently of one another. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an alternative method of installation may be utilized. As seen in the Figures and previously described, the bracket  20  comprises a plurality of vertically arranged apertures  25 . The apertures  25  are aligned with vertically arranged apertures  65  on the frame mounting bracket  60 . When the frame-in kit  10  is assembled as shown in  FIG. 1 , the apertures  25  and  65  are aligned and provided preselected alignment settings wherein the frame  30  and aperture ring  16  may be locked prior to installation of the frame-in kit  10  in the ceiling cavity. Otherwise stated, by placing an alignment tool, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, rod wire, or the like, through the holes  25 , 65 , or simply by visual alignment, the frame  30  and aperture ring  16  may be aligned in pre-set positions relative to the other. Then the wing-nut  86  is tightened to lock the adjustment assembly  14  in position. This is extremely helpful once the installer has determined the proper settings to compensate for ceiling cavity depth and ceiling panel thickness. Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a tab extends upwardly from the sliding clamp  70  and also receives a fastener (not shown) which may extend through the apertures  25  and  65 . Thus, the apertures provide that the hanger bars  12 , frame  30  and aperture ring  16  may be locked in position prior to installation in the ceiling cavity if the installer knows which apertures to align. In most cases, the installer will know which positions are needed after installing a first fixture frame-in kit  10 . 
   The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.