Abstract:
An adapter for a recess can. The adapter includes a planar surface having two plate extensions extending perpendicular from the planar surface. The plate extensions are sized to fit flush against a wall of a recess can. In addition, the planar surface is sized to fit over an interior of the recess can and includes a central opening. The planar surface is configured for attaching to the wall of the recess can by inserting screws through the first and second plates and the wall of the recess can.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This utility application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/654,836 filed Jun. 2, 2012 by Jack R. Kerr and Stefano Capasecco which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to support assemblies. Specifically, and not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an adapter for a recess can in a recessed ceiling configuration. 
         [0004]    1. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In many homes, recessed ceiling lighting fixtures are very common. A light bulb is located in a “housing” or “can” where its lower portion is flush or slightly below the ceiling. These lighting fixtures are also known as “can fixtures” or “recess cans”. 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates an existing recess lighting fixture  10 . The fixture includes a circular can  12  and a socket  14 . The can includes a circular wall  16  and a rim  18  lying flush against a ceiling  20 . A light bulb is typically screwed into the socket  14  which is coupled to wiring leading to electrical power source. 
         [0007]    However, these existing recess lightning fixtures suffer from some disadvantages. Because of the structure of the cans, other fixtures are unable to be hung from the cans. For example, fan light fixtures are not able to be hung from the recess cans as they do not have adequate support from the recess cans. These recess lighting fixtures lack a flexibility to support other lighting fixtures such as fan lighting fixtures, hanging lighting fixtures, etc. 
         [0008]    Thus, it would be advantageous to have an adapter which enables existing recess cans to be modified to support other lighting fixtures. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In one aspect, the present invention is an adapter for a recess can. The adapter includes a planar surface having two plate extensions extending perpendicular from the planar surface. The plate extensions are sized to fit flush against a wall of a recess can. In addition, the planar surface is sized to fit over an interior of the recess can and includes a central opening. The planar surface is configured for attaching to the wall of the recess can by inserting screws through the first and second plates and the wail of the recess can. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the present invention is a recess can system for modifying an existing recess can. The system includes a recess can having an interior wall and a socket and an adapter. The adapter includes a planar surface having two plate extensions extending perpendicular from the planar surface. The plate extensions are sized to fit flush against the wall of the recess can. In addition, the planar surface includes a central opening and is sized to fit over an interior of the recess can. The planar surface is configured for attaching to the wall of the recess can, 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  (prior art) illustrates an existing recess lighting fixture; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an adapter plate in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the adapter plate for a four inch can; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the adapter plate for a five inch can; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the adapter plate for a six inch can; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the six inch adapter plate having a plurality of knockouts; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the adapter plate positioned near the recess can; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the adapter plate connected to the recess can using a drill; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  (prior art) is a top view of a light fixture bracket; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the light fixture bracket of  FIG. 9  being affixed to the adapter plate; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the adapter plate removed from the recess can. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention is an adapter for a recess can lighting fixture to enable support of other lighting fixtures. The present invention includes an adapter plate configured for fitting a can of a specific size.  FIG. 2  is a side view of an adapter plate  100  in one embodiment of the present invention. The adapter plate includes a circular planar surface  102  having an opening  104 . On opposing sides of the opening are plate extensions  106  and  108 . The plate extensions are sized and space for fitting flush against the circular wall  16  of the recess can  12 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adapter plate is constructed of a rigid material, such as metal. 
         [0023]    The single adapter plate is sized and shaped to fit recess cans of specific sizes. For example, one adapter plate may be for a four inch can.  FIG. 3  is a top view of the adapter plate  100  for a four inch can.  FIG. 4  is a top view of the adapter plate  100  for a five inch can.  FIG. 5  is a top view of the adapter plate  100  for a six inch can.  FIG. 6  is a top view of the six inch adapter plate  100  having a plurality of knockouts  120 . The knockouts are positioned adjacent the plate extensions  106  near the edge of the opening  104 . The knockouts are weakened pieces of material, and in this case, on the planar surface  102 , which may be easily removed. In one embodiment, the knockouts are rectangular in shape and may be removed with pliers. By removing the knockouts from the planar surface, spaces are created which may be used when installing the adapter plate over a can. The knockouts are particularly helpful when installing the adapter plate in larger cans, such as six inch cans. 
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the adapter plate  100  positioned near the recess can  12 . Wires  122  and  124  may be positioned through the opening  104 . The wires  122  and  124  may be attached to the socket  14  using a socket adapter  126 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the adapter plate connected to the recess can  12  using a drill  130 . Screws  132  may be positioned through holes  134  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) on the plate extensions  106  and  108  and drilled into the wall  16 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the screws are self tapping or self drilling screws to affix the plate to the can  12 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a top view of an existing light fixture bracket  141 . The bracket  140  includes a central opening  142  and two opposing slots  144  and  146 .  FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the light fixture bracket of  FIG. 9  being affixed to the adapter plate  100 . Screws  152  may be used for affixing the bracket to the adapter through the slots  144  and  146  to the openings  150  (see  FIGS. 2-5 ) of the adapter plate. A light fixture may then be affixed to the light fixture bracket through the slots  144  and  146  or through central opening  142 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the adapter plate removed from the recess can  12 . The adapter plate may include screws  160  and  162  for attaching grounding wires  164  and  166  to a top surface  168  of the adapter plate. The grounding wires may be affixed to the adapter prior to installation of the adapter to the can. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-11 , the operation of the adapter  100  will now be explained. The socket adapter  126  may be screwed into the socket  14 . Next, the adapter plate  100  is positioned against the can. The correct size adapter is used for the appropriate can size (e.g., 4 inch, 5, inch, etc.). If necessary (e.g., for the larger size cans), knockouts  120  may be removed from the adapter plate prior to positioning the plate against the can. Additionally, prior to installation of the adapter plate, the grounding wires  164  and  166  may be attached to the screws  160  and  162 . When desired, when the adapter plate is properly positioned against the recess can  12 , a user may attach the adapter plate to the wall  16  of the recess can  12 . Next, the fixture bracket  140  is attached to the bottom of the adapter plate  100  using screws  152 . Additionally, a decorative cover (not shown) may be used to cover the adapter plate as desired. Any fixture, such as a fan light fixture may then be affixed to the fixture bracket. The fixture may be affixed through the slots  144  and  146  or through central opening  142 . Although the present invention discussing using the existing light fixture bracket  140  shown in  FIG. 9 , the present invention may be utilized with any light fixture bracket and is not limited to the size, form, or configuration illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0029]    The present invention provides a system for enabling recessed lighting cans to be utilized for holding other types of light and fan fixtures. The present invention is easy to install and enables the user to select different fixtures for attachment. 
         [0030]    While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
         [0031]    Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof. 
         [0032]    It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.