Patent Publication Number: US-2023141158-A1

Title: Adjustable electrical fixture mounting assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present disclosure is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Application Serial No. 16/951,932 filed Nov. 18, 2020, which is based on and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 62/937,871 filed on Nov. 20, 2019 and from U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 63/001,381 filed on Mar. 29, 2020 the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to electrical fixture mounting assemblies mountable between ceiling joists or wall studs and used to support electrical fixtures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to electrical fixture mounting assemblies mountable to ceiling joists and wall studs. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Electrical fixture mounting assemblies have been used to mount electrical fixtures to a wall or ceiling. A commonly used electrical fixture mounting assembly for old construction ceiling joists has a brace that extends between a pair of ceiling joists and is secured to the ceiling joists by a tension force. The brace is generally designed to be inserted through a box opening in a ceiling and then mounted between parallel ceiling joists. A mounting bracket is then inserted through the box opening in the ceiling and positioned on or attached to the brace. Electrical cables can be inserted into the electrical box, and the electrical box is then inserted into the box opening and attached to the mounting bracket by suitable fasteners. An electrical fixture is then electrically connected to electrical wires within the electrical box, and the electrical fixture is attached to the electrical box so that the electrical fixture is securely held against the ceiling. 
     Tension type braces secured between the ceiling joists apply a force from each end of the brace against a respective joist. In order to provide sufficient force to withstand loads of certain fixtures, the ends of the brace need to engage the solid wood of the joist. However, with engineered joists the solid wood portion or flange forms a relatively small portion of the entire joist. More specifically, an engineered joist is shaped as an I-shaped joist with solid flanges at the top and bottom of the joist and a narrow web between the flanges. The thickness of the flanges is roughly between 1.5 inches and 1.75 inches so that the ends of conventional tension type braces need to contact the narrow thickness of the flanges so that the braces can be securely secured to the flanges. The ends of current tension type braces are not designed to contact the flanges. The present disclosure provides an electrical fixture mounting assembly that can be used with engineered joists. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of electrical fixture mounting assemblies for old construction that can be mounted between ceiling joists and wall studs and used to support electrical fixtures. The electrical fixture mounting assemblies of the present disclosure are preferably configured to be mountable to engineered ceiling joists that have top and bottom flanges with a web between the top and bottom flanges to form an I-shaped structure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical fixture mounting assembly includes a brace assembly, a mounting bracket and an electrical box. The brace assembly includes a hanger body, a plug, an adjustment member, a first end cap and a second end cap. The plug is positioned and secured at least partially within a first end of the hanger body. The adjustment member is operatively coupled to the plug such that rotation of the hanger body causes the adjustment member to move axially relative to the banger body. The first end cap is attached to an end of the adjustment member, and has a first cap body, a first leg extending from the first cap body and a second leg extending from the first cap body. The second end cap is attached to a second end of the hanger body such that the hanger body is rotatable relative to the second end cap. The second end cap has a second cap body, a third leg extending from the second cap body and a fourth leg extending from the second cap body. The mounting bracket is mounted to the brace assembly, and the electrical box is releasably secured to the mounting bracket and thus to the brace assembly. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical fixture mounting assembly includes a brace assembly, an extension assembly, a mounting bracket and an electrical box. The brace assembly includes a hanger body, a plug, an adjustment member, a first end cap and a second end cap. The plug is positioned at least partially within a first end of the hanger body. The adjustment member is operatively coupled to the plug such that rotation of the hanger body causes the adjustment member to move axially relative to the banger body. The first end cap is attached to an end of the adjustment member. The first end cap has a first cap body, a first leg extending from the first cap body and a second leg extending from the first cap body. The second end cap is attached to a second end of the hanger body such that the hanger body is rotatable relative to the second end cap. The second end cap having a second cap body, a third leg extending from the second cap body and a fourth leg extending from the second cap body. The extension assembly has an extension body and a locking member. The extension assembly is coupled to the hanger body and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position so that when in the extended position the length of the brace assembly is increased. The mounting bracket is mounted to the brace assembly, and the electrical box is releasably secured to the mounting bracket. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of parallel engineered joists with an exemplary embodiment of an electrical fixture mounting assembly according to the present disclosure mounted between flanges of each joist with a low profile electrical box extending through a ceiling attached to the joists; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a brace assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  3    taken from line 4-4; 
         FIG.  4   a    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the brace assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  4    taken from detail 4a; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded perspective view of the brace assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  2   , illustrating a fixed end cap at one end of a hanger body of the brace assembly and a swivel end cap at the other end of the hanger body; 
         FIG.  6    is a front perspective view of the fixed end cap of  FIG.  5   , illustrating two legs extending from an end cap body of the fixed end cap; 
         FIG.  7    is a rear perspective view of the fixed end cap of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a front elevation view of the fixed end cap of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of the fixed end cap of  FIG.  6    taken from line 9-9; 
         FIG.  10    is a front perspective view of the swivel end cap of  FIG.  5   , illustrating two legs extending from an end cap body of the swivel end cap; 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded rear perspective view of the swivel end cap of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a front elevation view of the swivel end cap of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view of the swivel end cap of  FIG.  10    taken from line 13-13; 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged side elevation view of a portion of an engineered ceiling joist and an end of the brace assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  1   , illustrating joist engaging members extending from a swivel end cap of the brace assembly embedded within the flange of the engineered ceiling joist and legs of the swivel end cap resting on a ceiling; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of parallel engineered joists with another exemplary embodiment of an electrical fixture mounting assembly according to the present disclosure mounted between flanges of each joist; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of parallel engineered joists with another exemplary embodiment of an electrical fixture mounting assembly according to the present disclosure mounted between flanges of each engineered joist with a low profile electrical box extending through a ceiling attached to the joints; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of parallel solid joists with the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  18    mounted between the solid joists with a low profile electrical box extending through a ceiling attached to the joists; 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  18   , illustrating a brace assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly in a retracted position and an extension assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly in a retracted position; 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  20   , illustrating the brace assembly in an extended position and the extension assembly in an extended position; 
         FIG.  22    is an exploded view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the brace assembly of  FIG.  21    taken from detail  22 , illustrating the extension assembly used for selectively extending the length of the brace assembly; 
         FIG.  23    is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the brace assembly of  FIG.  21    taken from line 23-23, illustrating the extension assembly in the extended position; 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an electrical fixture mounting assembly according to the present disclosure, illustrating a brace assembly of the electrical fixture mounting assembly in a fixed retracted position and an extension assembly electrical fixture mounting assembly in a retracted position; 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  24   , illustrating the brace assembly in the fixed retracted position and the extension assembly in an extended position; 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of parallel engineered joists with the exemplary embodiment of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  24    mounted between flanges of each engineered joist, with the brace assembly in the fixed retracted position and the extension assembly in the retracted position to fit between the engineered joists; 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of parallel solid joists with the exemplary embodiment of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  24    mounted between the solid wood joists, with the brace assembly in the fixed retracted position and the extension assembly in the extended position to fit between the solid joists; 
         FIG.  28    is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an extension assembly according to the present disclosure, illustrating an external locking member for locking the extension assembly in the extended position; 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of the extension assembly of  FIG.  28   , illustrating the external locking member locking the extension assembly in the extended position; 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an extension assembly according to the present disclosure, illustrating a mechanical fastener as the locking member locking the extension assembly in the retracted position; 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective view of the extension assembly according of  FIG.  30   , illustrating the mechanical fastener locking the extension assembly in the extended position; 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a brace assembly according to the present disclosure, illustrating the brace assembly in a retracted position and the extension assembly in a retracted position; 
         FIG.  33    is a perspective view and the brace assembly of  FIG.  32    taken from detail 33, illustrating a plug of the brace assembly attached to the extension assembly; 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the electrical fixture mounting assembly of  FIG.  32   , illustrating the brace assembly in an extended position and the extension assembly in an extended position; and 
         FIG.  35    is cross-sectional view of the brace assembly of  FIG.  34    taken from line 35-35. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of electrical fixture mounting assemblies for old construction environments where the electrical fixture mounting assemblies can be mounted between ceiling joists or wall studs and used to support electrical fixtures. In some embodiments, the electrical fixture mounting assemblies of the present disclosure are configured to be mountable to engineered ceiling joists that have top and bottom flanges with a web between the top and bottom flanges to form an I-shaped structure. In other embodiments, the electrical fixture mounting assemblies of the present disclosure are configured to be mountable to engineered ceiling joists and to solid wood joists and wall studs. For ease of description, the electrical fixture mounting assemblies may also be referred to herein as the “mounting assemblies” in the plural and the “mounting assembly” in the singular. The electrical fixtures may also be referred to herein as the “fixtures” in the plural and the “fixture” in the singular. The electrical fixtures that the mounting assemblies support include ceiling fans and light fixtures including chandeliers. The engineered ceiling joist may also be referred to herein as the “engineered joists” in the plural and the “engineered joist” in the singular. The solid wood joists and wall studs may also be referred to herein collectively as the “solid joists” in the plural and the “solid joist” in the singular. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , an exemplary embodiment of a mounting assembly  10  contemplated by the present disclosure is shown. The mounting assembly  10  may include a brace assembly  12  and a mounting bracket  80 . In another embodiment, the mounting assembly  10  contemplated by the present disclosure may include a brace assembly  12 , a mounting bracket  80  and an electrical box  100 . For ease of description, the electrical boxes  100  described herein may also be referred to herein as the “boxes” in the plural and the “box” in the singular. As seen in  FIG.  1   , in the contemplated embodiments, the brace assembly  12  is configured to span between flanges  200  of two parallel engineered joist  210  and to be secured to the flanges  200  using tension forces where each end cap  20  and  50  of the brace assembly  12  applies a force F1 or F2 in a direction away from a center of the brace assembly  12  toward their respective flange  200  of the engineered joist  210 . The force needed to support an electrical fixture depends upon the load the brace assembly  12  is to support. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , brace assembly  12  includes a hangar body  14 , a plug  16 , an adjustment member  18 , a fixed end cap  20  and a swivel end cap  50 , which will be described in more detail below. The mounting bracket  80  is used to releasably attach the electrical box  100  to the hangar body  14  of the brace assembly  12 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting bracket  80  has a bracket body  82  and one or more flanges  84  extending outwardly from the bracket body  82 . The mounting bracket  80  may also include one or more retention fingers  83  on each side of the mounting bracket body  82 . 
     The bracket body  82  in this exemplary embodiment is a U-shaped body with a channel  86  configured and dimensioned to receive the hangar body  14  of the brace assembly  12 . With the hangar body  14  within the channel  86  of the bracket body  82 , the mounting bracket  80  is movable along an axial length of hangar body  14  so that the mounting bracket  80  can be aligned with a box opening  222  in the ceiling  220 , seen in  FIG.  1   , through which the electrical box  100  will be attached to the mounting bracket  80 . The one or more retention fingers  83  are configured so that a portion extends into the channel  86  of the bracket body  82  so that when the hanger body  14  is within the channel  86  the retention fingers  83  can apply sufficient pressure against the hanger body  14  to form a snap fit at least temporarily holding the hanger body  14  within the channel  86 . The flanges  84  shown extend substantially at right angles relative to the body  82   such that the flanges  84  can rest against a back wall  102  of the electrical box  100  when the mounting bracket  80  is attached to the electrical box  100 . However, the flanges  84  may extend at other angles relative to the body  82 . Each flange  84  has an aperture  88  used when releasably attaching the mounting bracket  80  to the electrical box  100  using fasteners  90 , such as set screws. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the electrical box  100  in this exemplary embodiment is a round pancake box with a predefined shallow or low profile depth. For example, the shallow depth may be about ½″ or about ⅔″ to fit within a ceiling  220 , such as ½″ or ⅝″ sheetrock ceiling. In this way, the open end of the electrical box  100  is flush with or recessed within the outer surface  220   a  of the ceiling  220  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The electrical box  100  includes one or more apertures  104  positioned on the back wall  102  such that the apertures  104  can be aligned with the apertures  88  in the flanges  84  of the mounting bracket  80  when the mounting bracket  80  is aligned with the electrical box  100 . To secure a fixture (not shown) to the electrical box  100 , the electrical box  100  includes one or more mounting apertures  106 , e.g., threaded apertures, through which fasteners  108  may be threaded into. The electrical box  100  may also include one or more knock-outs  110  and/or pry-outs used for installing electrical cables into the electrical box via electrical connectors  224 , seen in  FIG.  1    or clamps positioned adjacent the knock-outs or pry-outs as is known. While the electrical box  100  is described herein as a round pancake box, the present disclosure contemplates that other low profile electrical boxes may be used such as square or rectangular electrical boxes. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 ,  4   a  and  5   , an exemplary embodiment of a brace assembly  12  according to the present disclosure is shown. As described above, the brace assembly  12  includes a hanger body  14 , a plug  16 , an adjustment member  18 , a fixed end cap  20  and a swivel end cap  50 . The hanger body  14  is preferably an elongated member that may be hollow, solid, or partially hollow and partially solid. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hanger body  14  is a substantially cylindrical hollow tube that can receive the adjustment member  18 , which in this embodiment is a threaded rod. It is noted that while the adjustment member  18  is described herein as a mechanical structure, e.g., a threaded rod, the present disclosure contemplates other structures may be used for the adjustment member  18 , such as pneumatic or hydraulic structures. The plug  16  is secured to and at least partially within one end, e.g., the first end  14   a , of the hanger body  14 . The plug  16  is configured and dimensioned to operatively interact with the adjustment member  18  so that the adjustment member  18  and hanger body  14  are movable relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position which is shown in  FIG.  4   . The extended position may vary depending upon the span between the engineered joints  210 . For example, if the engineered joists  210  are separated by about 24″ on center, the extended position may range from about 12 inches to about 14.5 inches. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member configured and dimensioned to fit within first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14 . The plug  16  includes an opening  17 , e.g., a threaded bore, configured to operatively interact with the adjustment members  18 . The plug  16  may also include a flange  19  used as a stop to limit the distance the plug  16  can extend into the hanger body  14 . The plug  16  may be secured to the hanger body  14  by, for example, a press fit, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member having an outer diameter that is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hanger body  14  so that the plug  16  can be press fit to the first end  14   a  of the hanger body. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 9   , the fixed end cap  20  is secured to portion  18   b  of the adjustment member  18 , as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . As shown in  FIGS.  6 - 9   , the fixed end cap  20  includes a cap body  22 , a first leg  24  extending from one side of the cap body  22  and a second leg  26  extending from another side of the cap body  22 . The cap body  22  includes a pressure member  28  and a mounting member  30 . A height “H1” of the pressure member  28  of the cap body  22  is preferable the same as or less than a thickness “T” of the flange  200  of the engineered joist  210 , seen in  FIG.  1   . The pressure member  28  may have a substantially flat front surface  32  with one or more joist engaging members  34  extending away from the front surface  32 . In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more joist engaging members  34  may be pointed spikes similar to the spikes shown in  FIG.  6   . The mounting member  30  extends from a rear surface  36  of the pressure member  28 , and is configured and dimensioned to be attached to an end of the adjustment member  18 , seen in  FIG.  4   . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , with a threaded rod as the adjustment member  18 , the mounting member  30  is a cylindrical member with an opening  31  having an inner diameter that is slightly less than the outer diameter of the threaded rod  18  so that the fixed end cap  20  can be press fit onto the portion  18   b  of the threaded rod  18  extending out of the plug  16 , seen in  FIG.  5   . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  5 - 9   , the first and second legs  24  and  26  are integral with or monolithically formed into the mounting member  30 , the pressure member  28  or both the mounting member  30 , the pressure member  28 , or the first and second legs  24  and  26  can be secured to the mounting member  30  , the pressure member  28  or both the mounting member  30 , the pressure member  28  using welds, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The first and second legs  24  and  26  are configured and dimensioned to support the fixed end cap  20  from a ceiling  220 , seen in  FIG.  1   , and provide a predefined low profile distance between the hangar body  14  and the inside surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . More specifically, the first leg  24  extends a length “L1” relative to a vertical axis “Cv” of the cap body  22 , and the second leg  26  extends a length “L2” relative to a vertical axis “Cv” of the cap body  22  such that the overall length “L3” from an end  24   a  of the first leg  24  to an end  26   a  the second leg  26  is the sum of the length “L1” and the length “L2.” The length “L3” may be in a range of at least about 2.375 inches and about 2.625 inches so that the brace assembly  12  can support the weight of the electrical fixture (not shown) attached to the electrical box  100 , seen in  FIG.  1   . The lengths “L1” and “L2” may be the same or they may differ. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lengths “L1” and “L2” are the same. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  8   , the first leg  24  has a bottom surface  24   b  configured to rest on an inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 , seen in  FIG.  1   . The bottom surface  24   b  has a length “L4” that is sufficient to help support the weight of an electrical fixture attached to the electrical box  100 . The length “L4” may be from about 0.500 inches to about 0.625 inches. Similarly, the second leg  26  has a bottom surface  26   b  configured to rest on the inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . The bottom surface  26   b  has a length “L5” that is sufficient to help support the weight of an electrical fixture attached to the electrical box  100 . The length “L5” may be from about 0.500 inches to about 0.625 inches. In the embodiments shown, the bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  of the legs  24  and  26  are substantially flat. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  of the legs  24  and  26  may be in any other suitable shape sufficient to rest on the inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . A height “H2” between the bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  of the legs and a central horizonal axis C H  of the cap body  22  is sufficient to ensure that an open end of the electrical box  100  extending through the box opening  222  in the ceiling  220  is flush with the outer surface  220   a  of the ceiling  220  or recessed within the ceiling. The bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  are substantially parallel to the central horizontal axis C H  of the cap body  22 . The height “H2” may result in a gap “G” between a bottom wall  22   a  of the cap body  22  and the bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  of the legs  24  and  26 . The height “H2” may be in the range of about ½ inch and about 1.0 inch, and the gap “G” may be in the range of about 1/100 of an inch and about ¼ inch. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1  and  8   , using an electrical box  100  having a depth of about ½″ and a ceiling  220  made of ½″ sheetrock, the height “H2” may be from about 0.500 inches and about 0.688 inches, and the gap “G” may be from about 0.050 inches and about 0.238 inches. The shape and orientation of the legs  24  and  26  may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the cost to manufacture and the load the mounting assembly  10  is to support. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  8   , each leg  24  and  26  has a first portion  24   c  and  26   c  that extends from the mounting member  30  of the end cap body  22  at an angle “α” relative to the horizontal axis “C H ” and a second portion  24   d  and  26   d  that extends from the first portion  24   c  and  26   c  so that the bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  of the second portion may rest on the inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220  as shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 - 13   , the swivel end cap  50  is secured at a second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14 , seen in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . The swivel end cap  50  includes a cap body  52 , a first leg  54 , a second leg  56  and a mounting member  58 . The cap body  52  includes a pressure member  60  having a central aperture  62  and a shroud  64 . A height “H1” of the pressure member  60  of the cap body  52  is preferable the same as or less than a thickness “T” of the flange  200  of the engineered joist  210 , seen in  FIG.  1   . The pressure member  60  may have a substantially flat front surface  66  with one or more joist engaging members  68  extending away from the front surface  66 . In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more joist engaging members  68  may be pointed spikes similar to the spikes shown in  FIG.  10   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 ,  4   a  and  11   , the mounting member  58  is rotatably attached to the cap body  52  and is positioned adjacent a rear surface  70  of the pressure member  60 . The mounting member  58  is configured and dimensioned to be secured to an end of the hangar body  14  using a fastener  59 , such as a sheet metal screw, as seen in  FIGS.  4  and  4   a   . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  11   , the mounting member  58  has a cylindrical body  72 , a plurality of ribs  74  and a base  76 . The ribs  74  are positioned around a perimeter of the body  72  and extend outward from the body as shown. The base  76  has a central opening  78 , seen in  FIG.  13   , that can be aligned with the central aperture  62  in the pressure member  60  when rotatably attaching the mounting member  58  to the cap body  52 , which is described in more detail below. In this configuration, the ribs  74  form an outer diameter that is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hangar body  14  so that the swivel end cap  50  can be press fit onto the second end  14   b  of the hangar body  14 , seen in  FIGS.  4  and  4   a   . To rotatably attach the mounting member  58  to the cap body  52 , a fastener  79 , such as a rivet, is inserted through the central aperture  62  in the pressure member  60  and through the central opening  78  in the base  76 . The free ends  79   a  of the fastener  79  are then folded back as seen in  FIG.  13    to loosely attached the mounting member  58  to the pressure member  60  allowing the mounting member  58  to rotate relative to the pressure member  60 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  10 - 13   , the first and second legs  54  and  56  are integral with or monolithically formed into the shroud  64  of the pressure member  60 , or the first and second legs  54  and  56  can be secured to the shroud  64  of the pressure member  60  using welds, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The first and second legs  54  and  56  are configured and dimensioned to support the swivel end cap  50  from a ceiling  220 , seen in  FIGS.  1  and  14   , and provide a predefined low profile distance between the hangar body  14  and the inside surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . More specifically, the first leg  54  extends a length “L1” relative to a vertical axis “Cv” of the cap body  52 , and the second leg  56  extends a length “L2” relative to a vertical axis “Cv” of the cap body  52  such that an overall length “L3” from an end  54   a  of the first leg  54  to an end  56   a  the second leg  56  is the sum of the length “L1” and the length “L2.” The length “L3” may be in the range of at least about 2.375 inches and about 2.625 inches so that the brace assembly  12  can support the weight of an electrical fixture (not shown) attached to the electrical box  100 . The lengths “L1” and “L2” may be the same or they may differ. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lengths “L1” and “L2” are the same. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  12   , the first leg  54  has a bottom surface  54   b  configured to rest on an inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . The bottom surface  54   b  has a length “L4” that is sufficient to help support the weight of an electrical fixture attached to the electrical box  100 . The length “L4” may be from about 0.500 inches to about 0.625 inches. Similarly, the second leg  56  has a bottom surface  56   b  configured to rest on the inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . The bottom surface  56   b  has a length “L5” that is sufficient to help support the weight of an electrical fixture attached to the electrical box  100 . The length “L5” may be from about 0.500 inches to about 0.625 inches. In the embodiments shown, the bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  of the legs  54  and  56  are substantially flat. However, the present disclosure contemplates that the bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  of the legs  54  and  56  may be in any other suitable shape sufficient to rest on the inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220 . A height “H2” between the bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  of the legs and a central horizonal axis C H  of the cap body  52  is sufficient to ensure that an open end of the electrical box  100  extending through the box opening  222  in the ceiling  220  is flush with the outer surface  220   a  of the ceiling  220  or recessed within the ceiling. The bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  are substantially parallel to the central horizontal axis C H  of the cap body  52 . The height “H2” may result in a gap “G” between a bottom wall  60   a  of the cap body  52  and the bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  of the legs. The height “H2” may be in the range of about ½ inch and about 1.0 inch, and the gap “G” may be in the range of about 1/100 of an inch and about ¼ inch. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1  and  8   , using an electrical box  100  having a depth of about ½″ and a ceiling  220  made of ½″ sheetrock, the height “H2” may be from about 0.500 inches and about 0.688 inches, and the gap “G” may be from about 0.050 inches and about 0.238 inches. The shape and orientation of the legs  54  and  56  may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the cost to manufacture and the load the mounting assembly  10  is to support. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8  and  12   , each leg  54  and  56  has a first portion  54   c  and  56   c  that extends from the mounting member  60  of the end cap body  52  at an angle “α” relative to the central horizontal axis “C H ” and a second portion  54   d  and  56   d  that extends from the first portion  54   c  and  56   c  so that the bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  of the second portion may rest on the inner surface  220   b  of the ceiling  220  as shown in  FIG.  1   . It is noted that when the fixed end cap  20  is secured to the adjustment member  18  and the swivel end cap  50  is secured to the hanger body  14 , the bottom surfaces  24   b  and  26   b  of the cap body  22  and the bottom surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  of the cap body  52  preferably lie in the same plane. 
     An example of the operative interaction of the plug  16  and the adjustment member  18  for securing the brace assembly  12  to engineered joists  210  will be described with reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  4 ,  5  and  14   . In this exemplary embodiment, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member having a threaded bore  17  and the adjustment member  18  is a threaded rod that can fit within the threaded bore  17  of the plug  16 . The plug  16  is press fit into the first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14 , and the threaded rod  18  is threaded through the threaded bore  17  in the plug  16  so that a portion  18   a  of the threaded rod is within the hanger body  14  and a portion  18   b  of the threaded rod  18  extends out of the plug  16  away from the hanger body  14 . In this configuration, the hanger body  14  can be rotated with respect to threaded rod  18 , via the box opening  222  in the ceiling  220 , to expand or contract the axial length of the brace assembly  12 . By expanding the axial length of the brace assembly  12  the fixed end cap  20  and swivel end cap  50  of the brace assembly  12  can be moved into engagement with the flanges  200  of respective engineered joist  210 , as seen in  FIGS.  1  and  14   , so that the joist engaging members  34  and  68  penetrate the respective flange  200 . Further expansion of the axial length of the brace assembly  12  increases the force F1 and F2 applied by the fixed end cap  20  and swivel end cap  50  onto the flanges  200  of the engineered joists  210  to firmly secure the brace assembly  12  between the engineered joists  210 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  15 - 17   , another exemplary embodiment of the mounting assembly according to the present disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly  150  includes a brace assembly  12 , a mounting bracket  80  and an electrical box  160 . The brace assembly  12  and the mounting bracket  80  are the same as the brace assembly and mounting bracket described above and for ease of description are not repeated. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrical box  160  is configured to straddle the hanger body  14  of the brace assembly  12  to provide additional space in which to store electrical wires within the box  160 . More specifically, the electrical box  160  includes one or more outer side walls  162 , a first bottom wall segment  164 , a second bottom wall segment  166  and a third bottom wall segment  168  between the first and second bottom wall segments  164  and  166 . The electrical box  160  also includes one or more inner side walls. In this exemplary embodiment, the one or more inner side walls includes a first inner side wall  170  and a second inner side wall  172 . The first inner side wall  170  extends from an edge of the first bottom wall segment  164  to an edge of the third bottom wall segment  168  creating a cavity  171  within the electrical box  160 . The second inner side wall  172  extends from an edge of the second bottom wall segment  166  to an edge of the third bottom wall segment  168  creating a cavity  173  within the electrical box  160 . The inner side walls  170  and  172  and the third bottom wall segment  168  form a channel  176  between the inner side walls  170  and  172  that is configured and dimensioned to receive the hanger body  14  of the brace assembly  12 . The portion “P” of the box  160  adjacent the channel  176  forms a low profile portion of the box  160  which performs the same function as the low profile box  100  described above. The third bottom wall segment  168  has one or more apertures  180  positioned for alignment with the apertures  88  in the flanges  84  of the mounting bracket  80  when the mounting bracket  80  is aligned with the electrical box  160 . When the one or more apertures  180  are aligned with the apertures  88  in the flanges  84 , the mounting bracket  80  can be secured to the electrical box  160  using fasteners  90 , such as set screws. To secure a fixture (not shown) to the electrical box  160 , the electrical box  160  includes one or more mounting apertures  182 , e.g., threaded apertures, through which fasteners  108  may be threaded into. The electrical box  160  may also include one or more knock-outs  186  and/or pry-outs used for installing electrical cables into the electrical box via electrical connectors  224 , seen in  FIG.  15    or clamps positioned adjacent the knock-outs  186  or pry-outs as is known. While the electrical box  160  is shown as a round box, the present disclosure contemplates that other electrical boxes may be used such as square or rectangular electrical boxes. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  18 - 23   , another exemplary embodiment of a mounting assembly contemplated by the present disclosure is shown. The mounting assembly  250  may include a brace assembly  252  and a mounting bracket  80 . In another embodiment, the mounting assembly  250  contemplated by the present disclosure may include a brace assembly  252 , a mounting bracket  80  and an electrical box  100 . The mounting bracket  80  and electrical box  100  of this exemplary embodiment are the same as the mounting bracket  80  and electrical box  100  described above, such that the same reference numerals are used, and a description thereof is not repeated. The mounting bracket  80  is used to releasably attach the electrical box  100  to the hangar body  14  of the brace assembly  252 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the brace assembly  252  is similar to the brace assembly  12  described above such that like reference numerals are used. In this exemplary embodiment, the brace assembly  252  is adjustable so that the brace assembly  252  can span between flanges  200  of two parallel engineered joist  210 , seen in  FIG.  18   , and to be secured to the flanges  200  using tension forces applied by end caps  20  and  50 . More specifically, each end cap  20  and  50  of the brace assembly  252  applies a force F1 or F2 in a direction away from a center of the brace assembly  252  toward their respective flange  200  of the engineered joist  210 . 
     It is noted that the width “W1” seen in  FIG.  18    of the flanges  200  of engineered joists  210  is wider than the width “W2” seen in  FIG.  19    of the solid joists  260 . As a result, the spacing “A” between the flanges  200  of adjacent engineered joists  210  is less than the spacing “B” between adjacent solid joists  260 , seen in  FIGS.  18  and  19   . To address this spacing delta, the brace assembly  252  also includes an extension assembly  270  that is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position. By moving the extension assembly  270  to the extended position, the length of the brace assembly  252  can be increased so that the brace assembly  252  can span between two parallel solid joists  260 , and then secured to the solid joists  260 , as seen in  FIG.  19   . As described above, the brace assembly  252  can be secured to the solid joists  260  using tension forces where each end cap  20  and  50  of the brace assembly  252  applies a force “F1” or “F2” in a direction away from a center of the brace assembly  252  toward their respective solid joist  260 . The force “F1” and “F2” needed to support an electrical fixture (not shown) depends upon the load the brace assembly  252  is to support. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20  and  21   , the brace assembly  252  includes a hangar body  14 , a plug  16 , an adjustment member  18 , a fixed end cap  20  and a swivel end cap  50 , which are described in detail hereinabove such that like reference numerals are used. The hanger body  14  is preferably an elongated member that may be hollow, solid, or partially hollow and partially solid. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hanger body  14  is a substantially cylindrical hollow tube that can receive the adjustment member  18 , which in this embodiment is a threaded rod. It is noted that while the adjustment member  18  is described herein as a mechanical structure, e.g., a threaded rod, the present disclosure contemplates other structures may be used for the adjustment member  18 , such as pneumatic or hydraulic structures. The plug  16  is secured to and at least partially within one end, e.g., the first end  14   a , of the hanger body  14 . The plug  16  is configured and dimensioned to operatively interact with the adjustment member  18  so that the adjustment member  18  and hanger body  14  are movable relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position which is shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   . The retracted position of the brace assembly  252  is when the adjustment member  18  is substantially within the hanger body  14 , as seen in  FIG.  20   . The extended position of the brace assembly  252  may vary depending upon the span between the engineered joists  210  or the solid joists  260 . For example, if the joists  210  or  260  are spaced apart at about 24″ on center, seen in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the extended position of the brace assembly  252  may range from about 20 inches to about 22.5 inches. As another example, if the joists  210  or  260  are spaced apart at about 16″ on center, the extended position of the brace assembly  252  may range from about 12_inches to about 14.5 inches. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member configured and dimensioned to fit within first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14 . The plug  16  includes an opening  17 , seen in  FIG.  5   , that is configured to operatively interact with the adjustment members  18 . The plug  16  may be secured to the hanger body  14  by, for example, a press fit, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member having an outer diameter that is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the hanger body  14  so that the plug  16  can be press fit to the first end  14   a  of the hanger body. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  21 - 23   , an exemplary embodiment of an extension assembly according to the present disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment the extension assembly  270  includes an extension member  272  and a locking member  274 . The extension member  272  in this exemplary embodiment has an extension body  276  and a coupler  278 . The extension body  276  may be hollow, solid, or partially hollow and partially solid. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the extension body  276  is a substantially cylindrical hollow tube that is configured and dimensioned to fit within the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14 . The extension body  276  moves within the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14  between a retracted position, seen in  FIG.  20   , and an extended position, seen in  FIG.  21   . 
     Continuing to ref to  FIG.  22   , the coupler  278  of the extension assembly  270  in this exemplary embodiment is a substantially cylindrical hollow tube that has an outer diameter that is preferably greater that the inner diameter of the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14  so that the coupler  278  acts as a stop to prevent the extension member  272  from being inserted completely into the hanger body  14 . An inner diameter of the coupler  278  is configured and dimensioned to receive the mounting member  58  of the end cap  50 , as shown in  FIG.  22   . The locking member  274  of the extension member  270  is in this exemplary embodiment a push button telescoping tube lock with two legs  280  and  282  bent to form a spring and one or more pins  284  extending from one or both the legs  280  and  282 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, each leg  280  and  282  has a single pin  284  extending from the leg. The locking member  274  is positioned within the extension body  276  so that the pins  284  extend out of pin holes  286  in opposite sides of the extension body  276 . The extension body  276  is then inserted into the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14 , and the pins  284  are depressed to permit the extension body  276  to move further into the hanger body  14 . When the extension body  276  is within the hanger body  14 , the pins  284  can then be aligned with pin holes  13  or  15  in the hanger body  14  to lock the extension assembly  270  in the extended position, as shown in  FIG.  23   , or the retracted position, as shown in  FIG.  20   . 
     It is noted that the retracted position of the extension assembly  270  is when the extension body  276  is substantially within the hanger body  14  such that the end cap  50  is adjacent the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14 . The extended position of the extension assembly  270  is when the end cap  50  is positioned away from the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14  a predefined distance “E” as seen in  FIG.  21   . The predefined distance “E” is a distance sufficient for the brace assembly  250  to make up the delta of the spacing between flanges  200  of adjacent engineered joists  210  and the spacing between adjacent solid joists  260 . For example, if the joists  210  or  260  are spaced apart at about 24″ on center, seen in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the extended position of the extension assembly  270  may range from about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  24 - 27   , another exemplary embodiment of a mounting assembly contemplated by the present disclosure is shown. The mounting assembly  300  may include a brace assembly  302  and a mounting bracket  80 . In another embodiment, the mounting assembly  300  contemplated may include a brace assembly  302 , a mounting bracket  80  and an electrical box  100 . The mounting bracket  80  and electrical box  100  of this exemplary embodiment are the same as the mounting bracket  80  and electrical box  100  described above, such that the same reference numerals are used and a description thereof is not repeated. The mounting bracket  80  is used to releasably attach the electrical box  100  to the hangar body  14  of the brace assembly  302 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the brace assembly  302  is similar to the brace assembly  12  described above such that like reference numerals are used. However, in this exemplary embodiment, the brace assembly  302  is not adjustable such that there is no adjustment member  18  and the end cap  20  is attached to the plug  16  which is attached to the first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14 . In this configuration, the length of the hanger body  14  is fixed so that brace assembly  302  can fit between the flanges  200  of two parallel engineered joists  210  with a predefined spacing such as 16″ or 24″ on center. As shown in  FIG.  26   , the brace assembly  302  is positioned between the flanges  200  of two parallel engineered joists  210  spaced apart at 16″ on center. As described herein, the brace assembly  302  is secured to the flanges  200  using tension forces applied by end caps  20  and  50 . More specifically, each end cap  20  and  50  of the brace assembly  302  applies a force F1 or F2 in a direction away from a center of the brace assembly  302  toward their respective flange  200  of the engineered joists  210  when the hanger body  14  is rotated. To secure the brace assembly  302  between solid joists  260 , the extension assembly  270  is selectively moved from the retracted position to the extended position to extend the length of the brace assembly  302 . By extending the extension assembly  270 , the length of the brace assembly  302  is increased so that the brace assembly  302  can span between the two parallel solid joists  260 . The brace assembly  270  is secured to the solid joists  260 , seen in  FIG.  27   , using tension forces where each end cap  20  and  50  of the brace assembly  302  applies a force F1 or F2 in a direction away from a center of the brace assembly  302  toward their respective solid joist  260 . The force needed to support an electrical fixture (not shown) depends upon the load the brace assembly  302  is to support. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  28  and  29   , another exemplary embodiment of the locking member of the extension member  270  is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking member  290  is a snap clip having a clip body  292  and one or more pins  294  extending from the clip body  292 . The clip body  292  is a substantially U-shaped body that is flexible so that the clip body  292  can flex outwardly as the clip body  292  is being positioned over the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14  of the brace assembly  302 . As the clip body  292  is being positioned over the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14  the one or more pins  294  are positioned into pin holes  13  in the hanger body  14  and into pin holes  296  or  298  in the extension body  276 . When the extension body  276  is within the hanger body  14  so that the pins  294  on the clip body  290  are inserted into pin the holes  13  in the hanger body  14  and the pin holes  296  in the extension body  276 , the extension assembly  270  is locked in the extended position, as shown in  FIG.  29   . When the extension body  276  is within the hanger body  14  so that the pins  294  on the clip body  290  are inserted into pin the holes  13  in the hanger body  14  and the pin holes  298  in the extension body  276 , the extension assembly  270  is locked in the retracted position. 
     It is noted that the retracted position of the extension assembly  270  is when the extension body  276  is substantially within the hanger body  14  such that the end cap  50  is adjacent the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14 . The extended position of the extension assembly  270  is when the end cap  50  is positioned away from the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14  a predefined distance “E” which is described above. The predefined distance “E” is a distance sufficient for the brace assembly  300  to make up a delta in the spacing between flanges  200  of adjacent engineered joists  210  and the spacing between adjacent solid joists  260 . For example, if the joists  210  or  260  are spaced apart at about 24″ on center, the extended position of the extension assembly  270  may range from about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  30  and  31   , another exemplary embodiment of the locking member of the extension member  270  is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking member  274  is a mechanical fastener. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical fastener is a bolt  322  and a nut  324 . When the extension body  276  is within the hanger body  14  so that the pin holes  15  in the hanger body  14  are aligned with the pin holes  296  in the extension body  276 , the extension assembly  270  is locked in the retracted position, as shown in  FIG.  30   . When the extension body  276  is within the hanger body  14  so that the pin holes  13  in the hanger body  14  are aligned with the pin holes  298  in the extension body  276 , the extension assembly  270  is locked in the extended position, as shown in  FIG.  31   . 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  32 - 35   , another exemplary embodiment of a brace assembly according to the present disclosure is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the brace assembly  352  is similar to the brace assembly  12  described above, such that like reference numerals are used. In this exemplary embodiment, the brace assembly  352  is adjustable so that the brace assembly  352  can span between flanges  200  of two parallel engineered joist  210 , similar to that seen in  FIG.  18   , and can be secured to the flanges  200  using tension forces applied by end caps  20  and  50  as described hereinabove. The brace assembly  352  also includes an extension assembly  270  that is selectively movable between the retracted position and the extended position to extend the length of the brace assembly  352 . In this exemplary embodiment, the extension assembly is positioned at the first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14  instead of the second end  14   b  of the hanger body  14 . By extending the extension assembly  270 , the length of the brace assembly  352  can be increased so that the brace assembly  352  can span between two parallel solid joists  260  and can be secured to the solid joists  260  using tension forces applied by the end caps  20  and  50  as described hereinabove. As noted, the force needed to support an electrical fixture depends upon the load the brace assembly  352  is to support. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  34  and  35   , the brace assembly  352  includes a hangar body  14 , a plug  16 , an adjustment member  18 , a fixed end cap  20  and a swivel end cap  50 , which are described in detail hereinabove such that like reference numerals are used. The hanger body  14  is preferably an elongated member that may be hollow, solid, or partially hollow and partially solid. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hanger body  14  is a substantially cylindrical hollow tube that can receive the adjustment member  18 , which in this embodiment is a threaded rod. It is noted that while the adjustment member  18  is described herein as a mechanical structure, e.g., a threaded rod, the present disclosure contemplates other structures may be used for the adjustment member  18 , such as pneumatic or hydraulic structures. In this exemplary embodiment, the plug  16  is secured to and at least partially within the coupler  278  of the extension assembly  270 . The plug  16  is configured and dimensioned to operatively interact with the adjustment member  18  so that the adjustment member  18  and hanger body  14  are movable relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position which is similar to that shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   . The retracted position of the brace assembly  352  is when the adjustment member  18  is substantially within the hanger body  14 , similar to that shown in  FIG.  20   . The extended position of the brace assembly  352  may vary depending upon the span between the engineered joists  210  or the solid joists  260 . For example, if the joists  210  or  260   are spaced apart at about 24″ on center, seen in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the extended position of the brace assembly  352  may range from about 12_inches to about 14.5 inches. 
     As described above, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member configured and dimensioned to fit within the coupler  278  of the extension assembly  270 . The plug  16  includes an opening  17  configured to operatively interact with the adjustment member  18 . The plug  16  may be secured to the coupler  278  by, for example, a press fit, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug  16  is a cylindrical member having an outer diameter that is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the coupler  278  so that the plug  16  can be press fit to the coupler  278  of the extension assembly  270 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the locking member  290  of the extension assembly  270  is preferably the snap clip having the clip body  292  and one or more pins  294  extending from the clip body as described above. When the extension body  276  is within the first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14  so that the pins  294  on the clip body  290  are inserted into pin the holes  13  in the hanger body  14  and the pin holes  296  in the extension body  276 , the extension assembly  270  is locked in the extended position, similar to that shown in  FIG.  29   . When the extension body  276  is within the first end  14   a  of the hanger body  14  so that the pins  294  on the clip body  290  are inserted into pin the holes  13  in the hanger body  14  and the pin holes  298  in the extension body  276 , the extension assembly  270  is locked in the retracted position. 
     While illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.