Patent ID: 8079556

Claim:
A mounting platform for a lighting fixture, the mounting platform comprising: a substantially flat plate having an upper surface and a bottom surface; an integral cutting guide including an aperture formed through the substantially flat plate and a flange formed around a perimeter of the aperture; and first, second, third and fourth slits positioned proximal to the perimeter of the integral cutting guide and extending radially from a center of the integral cutting guide, wherein the first slit is located proximal to a portion of the integral cutting guide closest to a top edge of the mounting platform, wherein the second slit is located proximal to a portion of the integral cutting guide closest to a bottom edge of the mounting platform, wherein the third slit is located proximal to a portion of the integral cutting guide closest to a right edge of the mounting platform, wherein the fourth slit is located proximal to a portion of the integral cutting guide closest to a left edge of the mounting platform, wherein the flange and the substantially flat plate intersect at a curved edge extending between the flange and the substantially flat plate, and wherein the flange forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom surface.