US008376592B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 8,376,592 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Feb. 19, 2013
`Engstrom et al.
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`RECESSED-LIGHT CONVERSION
`APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODS
`
`Inventors: Cheryl Engstrom, Bothell, WA (US);
`Donn Jeffrey Engstrom, Bothell, WA
`(US); Scott Patrick Bell, Nampa, ID
`(US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Burnes Brighter Ideas, LLC, Atlanta,
`GA (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 38 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 12/890,410
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 24, 2010
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2011/0141741A1
`
`Jun. 16, 2011
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 61/286,901, filed on Dec.
`16, 2009.
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`F21V17/00
`US. Cl.
`....................... .. 362/364; 362/365; 362/404
`Field of Classification Search ........ .. 362/3647366,
`362/1 47, 1 48
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,491,376 A * 12/1949 Hartman ..................... .. 362/438
`4,516,678 A *
`5/1985 Fotiadis et a1.
`.
`206/3083
`
`1/1987 Roberge ...................... .. 362/353
`4,636,926 A *
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S.App1. No. 61/286,901, filed Dec. 16, 2009, Calder et a1.
`Brochure titled: Stonegate Designs Light Enhancing Life Can Shades
`from Stonegate Designs; available from Stonegate Designs, Inc.,
`located in St. Josephs, Michigan 1 page.
`International Search Report and Written Opinion for Int’l Patent App.
`No. PCT/US2010/059731; Feb. 11, 2011 (10 pgs).
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Ali Alavi
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Husch Blackwell LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Exposed fixture means and associated mounting features con-
`stituting a broad range of structural, aesthetic, and/or func-
`tional enhancements to existing recessed fixtures. Embodi-
`ments are generally configured to couple at a structural
`surface at and/or surrounding a recessed fixture. A mounting
`ring provides secure attachment at the structural surface, a
`ring cover typically engages with the mounting ring in a
`twist-lock engagement. An exposed fixture means (EFM)
`may be coupled at a side of the ring cover opposite the
`mounting ring. A system of correspondingly configured latch
`members of each of the ring cover and mounting ring enables
`relatively universal coupling of different EFMs at an already
`installed mounting ring. EFMs include a wide variety of
`aesthetic, functional, and/or structural embodiments.
`
`20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`US 8,376,592 B2
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`1
`RECESSED-LIGHT CONVERSION
`APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims the benefit of priority to pending
`US. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/286,901, filed on
`Dec.
`16, 2009 and entitled SHADE ATTACHMENT
`DEVICE FOR RECESSED LIGHTS.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates generally to the field of lighting fix-
`tures, and more particularly,
`the invention relates to an
`exposed fixture apparatus, system, and method for affecting
`one or more of the aesthetic, functional, and/or performance
`characteristics of an already installed recessed fixture.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Recessed fixtures (e.g., recessed light fixtures, etc.) are
`commonly used in both residential and commercial settings,
`and may be either originally installed during construction, or
`subsequently added during a remodel. Typically, the structure
`of a recessed fixture is mostly or entirely recessed into a
`structural surface (e.g., a ceiling, wall, etc.), leaving little if
`any structure extending beyond a nominal plane of the struc-
`tural surface immediately surrounding the recessed fixture.
`Users wishing to convert a recessed light to an exposed
`fixtureiby adding a glass shade for exampleihave few
`available options without replacing or modifying the fixture
`itself. Further, altering existing recessed fixtures typically
`requires employing an electrician, a carpenter or other quali-
`fied craftsmen due to safety considerations and/or due to the
`specific skills and/or tools reasonably required.
`to the
`Available devices generally require attachment
`recessed light fixture itself. For example, some shades (e.g.,
`from Stonegate Designs; 4200 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Mich.
`49085; www.stonegatedesigns.com) clip to the trim piece of
`an existing recessed ‘can light’
`fixture. However, such
`recessed light fixtures are not designed and configured to
`support the additional weight of, for example, a glass and/or
`metal shade or another structure with which a user may wish
`to update an interior space. While recessed fixtures originally
`installed during construction are more solidly attached than
`recessed fixtures later
`installed during a remodel,
`for
`example, recessed fixtures are not generally intended to be
`load-bearing, or to provide structural attachment and/or sup-
`port for other structures.
`For at least this reason, available devices are limited only to
`attachment of lightweight aesthetic covers (e.g., shades) to a
`recessed light, wherein the recessed light itself remains the
`source ofany provided light. Therefore, the available range of
`improvements is generally limited to a narrow range of light-
`weight aesthetic alterations alone.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION. OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting a first side of a
`mounting ring according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view depicting a second side of a
`mounting ring according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 3 is a magnified view of Detail A of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting a first side of a ring
`cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a second side of a
`ring cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
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`FIG. 6 is a detailed view depicting an indexing fastener of
`a ring cover engaging a recess ofa mounting ring according to
`an embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 7 is an explodedperspective view depicting a pendant,
`electrically operable exposed fixture means according to an
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 8 is an oblique, perspective view depicting a surface
`mounted, non-electrically operable exposed fixture means
`disposed at a structural surface according to an embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Described herein are numerous embodiments of the inven-
`
`tion. The described and, depicted embodiments are for solely
`illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limited the
`broader scope of contemplated embodiments, nor to prevent
`the substitution of alternative structures, materials, arrange-
`ments, configurations, or equivalents that fall within the
`broader scope ofthe invention, as will be apparent to a person
`having ordinary skill in the art (‘ordinarily skilled artisan’).
`The embodiments may be conceptually grouped into either
`or both of two general classes. A first class of embodiments
`generally includes arrangements of structural components
`configured to facilitate primarily aesthetic enhancements to
`fixtures and/or other features recessed into a surface (e.g.,
`ceiling, wall, etc.). A second class of embodiments generally
`includes arrangements of structural components configured
`to additionally or alternatively facilitate functional and/or
`performance enhancements to recessed light fixtures and/or
`other types of recessed fixtures. Of course, numerous
`embodiments are expected to provide any combination of
`aesthetic, functional, and/or performance enhancements, and
`the embodiments are not considered mutually exclusive.
`Therefore,
`the two general classes described above are
`intended as a useful artifice for descriptive convenience only,
`and are not intended to limit the scope of the contemplated
`embodiments.
`
`the scope of the invention encompasses all
`Overall,
`embodiments, without regard to the particular setting (e.g.,
`residential, commercial,
`industrial,
`institutional, etc.)
`in
`which such embodiments may be used.
`The contents of US. Provisional application No. 61/286,
`901 (’901), filed on Dec. 16, 2009, are hereby incorporated
`herein in their entirety by this reference for explanatory pur-
`poses only. Provisional application ’901 describes an appa-
`ratus generally employable without the aid of a professional
`installer, enabling homeowners and others to easily update
`the appearance of recessed lights with an exposed shade.
`Provisional application ’901 describes an inner ring attach-
`able to the surface of a ceiling immediately surrounding a
`recessed light. Attachment may be affected either by inserting
`screws through any of a plurality of small holes provided in
`the inner ring and securing the screws into the ceiling mate-
`rial, or by applying a suitable adhesive between the inner ring
`and the ceiling.
`However, neither of these methods allows for rotational
`adjustment of the inner ring following attachment to a struc-
`tural surface without completely separating the ring from the
`surface and starting over. In the case of an adhesive, detach-
`ment may damage the ceiling, as well as perhaps requiring
`replacement of the inner ring.
`’901 further describes an attaching flange that extends
`outwardly and/or downwardly from the inner ring, and which
`includes one of a limited number of identified alternative
`
`features to facilitate attaching an outer ring thereto. The outer
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`3
`ring fits over the inner ring and “attachment means” of the
`outer ring engage the provided alternative features. A specific
`shade is then attached to the outer ring using a fastening
`means, for example a screw post and a screw inserted through
`a screw hole. ’901 describes the “attachment means” of the
`
`outer ring as “hooks or grooves”, but does not expressly
`describe or depict
`the structure of any such ‘hooks or
`grooves’.
`It is recognized that claims to any invention may recite one
`or more elements found in the prior art. For example, a claim
`directed to an improved chair backrest may recite in part prior
`art elements such as a conventional chair seat and/or legs, to
`provide structural context. Reciting such prior art elements
`does not render the inventor(s) of those prior art elements
`co-inventor(s) of the claimed improvements. Therefore, the
`inventorship and scope of a claimed invention is directed
`toward and recognized for only the patentable advancements
`over the prior art.
`The scope of the embodiments described, depicted, and/or
`claimed in this application is not directed to the contents of
`’901, but rather to improvements over and/or differences
`relative to ’901. Likewise, the scope of the embodiments is
`not directed to the contents of any valid prior art document.
`Nevertheless,
`the scope of the invention is otherwise
`hereby expressly intended to extend to the fullest range of
`embodiments and equivalents allowable.
`
`INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND
`DEFINITIONS
`
`All terms defined in this specification, whether expressly or
`by implication, are intended to consistently and exclusively
`possess the meanings expressly set forth herein, unless oth-
`erwise specifically stated. If an undefined term used herein
`also possesses a plain and ordinary meaning in the art, that
`plain and ordinary meaning will apply unless otherwise stated
`herein. If a term and/or phrase defined herein consists of two
`or more words combined, the term/phrase shall be interpreted
`as an integrated whole. Any interpretation which separately
`construes each word of an integrated term/phrase used herein
`shall be considered inconsistent with this specification and
`therefore improper. Terms/phrases that are specifically
`defined herein shall be interpreted as indicated, whether or
`not one or more ofthe words in the term/phrase is capitalized.
`Terms used to indicate a relative spatial location, position
`or orientation (e.g., higher, above, top, front, proximate, etc.)
`are used consistently herein in an illustrative sense, and are
`not intended to limit the scope ofthe embodiments to only the
`specific location, relationship or orientation described, unless
`otherwise indicated. Terms used to indicate a relative condi-
`
`tion (e.g., relatively, substantially, approximately, etc.) are
`used consistently herein to indicate a non-absolute character.
`Such terms are nevertheless definite with reference to the
`context and content within which the term is used.
`
`Where such terms appear in the claims, they are expressly
`intended to be interpreted with reference to and consistent
`with the specification and drawing figures, as such would be
`understood by an ordinarily skilled artisan.
`Various structures are referred to herein as having first and
`second sides, or first and second ends. For descriptive conve-
`nience and clarity throughout, an illustrative convention is
`utilized wherein a ‘first’ side or end is typically that side or
`end that faces or most closely approaches a recessed fixture.
`The ‘second’ side or end, by contrast, typically faces away
`from and/or less closely approaches the recessed fixturei
`and/or extends into the recessed fixture to a lesser extenti
`than does the first end.
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`This illustrative convention is not intended, however, to
`suggest an order of priority or oftime, to exclude any number
`of other ends, surfaces, or structures, and is not intended to
`otherwise limit the scope of the embodiments. The scope of
`contemplated embodiments extends well beyond the few
`illustrative embodiments described according to this conve-
`nient descriptive convention, as would be understood by an
`ordinarily skilled artisan.
`Terms indicating permissive and/or possible actions (e. g.,
`may, can, might, should, etc.) are intended herein to indicate
`that alternatives (e.g., actions, features, materials, dimen-
`sions, arrangements, etc.) are contemplated according to at
`least one embodiment ofthe invention. Such alternatives may
`include preferred embodiments, user-definable options, and/
`or other variations, and expand rather than limit the scope of
`the inventive embodiments. Therefore, such terms are not
`intended herein to convey indefiniteness, and shall not be
`interpreted as such.
`Applicant recognizes that terms used in the claims may be
`interpreted in some settings according to their broadest rea-
`sonable interpretation. However, applicant hereby expressly
`intends that any ‘reasonable’ interpretation of claims origi-
`nally presented herein and/or as later properly amended, must
`be consistent with the subject matter presented in this appli-
`cation and any equivalents thereof, as such would be under-
`stood by an ordinarily skilled artisan. An asserted interpreta-
`tion that
`is
`inconsistent with and/or contradicts
`the
`
`descriptions, drawing figures and/or claims as originally
`filed,
`is not considered a reasonable interpretation, and is
`therefore improper. An alternative embodiment shall not be
`considered ‘inconsistent’ with the specification merely
`because that embodiment is not expressly described in the
`specification.
`Each of the following terms and/or phrases shall have the
`meaning(s) provided in this specification, whether expressly
`or implicitly in view of and consistent with a provided
`description and/or drawing figures thereof, which meaning
`shall supersede any existing, inconsistent plain meaning in
`the art:
`
`Mounting ring
`Ring cover
`Exposed Fixture Means (EFM)
`Indexing fastener
`Pendant fixture
`Electrical source
`
`Recessed fixture conversion apparatus (or system, or
`method)
`Exemplary units ofmeasurement expressed herein are gen-
`erally used to illustrate a particular embodiment or range of
`embodiments, and should not otherwise be interpreted to
`limit the scope of embodiments, or to preclude configuring an
`embodiment according to an alternative measurement system
`(e.g., metric). In the claims, terms expressed in the singular
`likewise includes the plural.
`For descriptive convenience and clarity alone, this descrip-
`tion is divided into several sections. Neither the divisions
`themselves nor the section titles are intended to limit the
`
`scope of the invented embodiments, or to imply a divisibility
`ofthe embodiments or the described features other than to the
`
`extent such would be recognized by an ordinarily skilled
`artisan in view ofthe description, drawing figures, and claims
`provided herein.
`Mounting Ring
`Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a
`substantially planar mounting ring 2 having a first side 4 and
`an opposing second side 6, according to a typical but not
`exclusive embodiment. The qualifying term ‘substantially
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`planar’ herein contemplates that a mounting ring 2 can
`include various surface features (e.g., projections, recesses,
`etc.) at a surface of either the first side 4 or the second side 6
`in one or more embodiment. Nevertheless, one or both of the
`first side 4 and the second side 6, or the overall structure ofthe
`mounting ring 2, generally lies along a conceptual plane.
`Among other benefits, such planar configuration facilitates
`a close interface between a mounting ring 2 and a generally
`planar surface of a structure (e. g., ceiling, wall, floor, etc.) to
`which a mounting ring 2 may be attached. As will be
`described in further detail herein, a planar mounting ring
`configuration also provides for a close and convenient attach-
`ment between a mounting ring 2 and a corresponding ring
`cover 52 (see FIG. 3).
`In at least one alternative embodiment, however, a portion
`of a mounting ring 2 (e.g., a relative center thereof) may
`deviate from a plane, whether concavely, convexly or both,
`while another portion of the mounting ring (e.g., beyond a
`relative center thereof) lies along a conceptual plane. For
`example, one such alternative embodiment may resemble a
`hat, with a central dome (or other configuration) and a rela-
`tively planar peripheral ‘brim’, wherein the brim facilitates
`coupling the mounting ring with a corresponding ring cover.
`A mounting ring 2 is typically relatively rigid, enabling the
`mounting ring to withstand an applied load for an extended
`period of time without responsively deforming to any sub-
`stantial degree. For example, a mounting ring may be formed
`of a cast and/or milled metal (e.g., die cast aluminum, steel,
`etc) or metallic alloy, a ceramic, a relatively rigid polymer
`(e.g., polycarbonate, etc.), or another suitable material or
`suitable combination of two or more materials.
`
`Depending upon the particular characteristics of a utilized
`material, one or more dimensions (e. g., thickness, width, etc.)
`of a mounting ring 2 can be increased or decreased as com-
`pared to other materials, to provide a suitable rigidity for an
`intended application (e.g., considering load, mounting orien-
`tation, etc.). Alternatively and/or additionally, ribs, gussets,
`and/or other reinforcing structures as known in the art can be
`provided, and/or additional fastener holes 10 may be pro-
`vided and utilized, to enhance the load capacity of a mounting
`ring.
`Alternatively or additionally, an interior metal or other
`relatively durable (e.g., rigid, etc.) structure may be coated,
`laminated, or otherwise combined with a relatively less
`durable/rigid material configured as an outer sheath, for
`example.
`Depending on a particular application, a mounting ring can
`be stamped and formed from a sheet material (e.g., metal),
`therrnoformed, chemically etched, laser cut, molded and/or
`formed by any other suitable method or combination ofmeth-
`ods with respect to a particular material or combination of
`materials used.
`
`The several dimensions (e.g., width, thickness, etc.) of a
`mounting ring 2 can vary substantially according to altema-
`tive embodiments. For example, the diameter of a round
`mounting ring can vary from only few centimeters in one
`embodiment, to a meter or more in another embodiment.
`Likewise, a thickness 26 of a mounting ring (e.g., between the
`first side 4 and the second side 6 thereof) can vary from only
`a few millimeters in one embodiment to tens of centimeters or
`
`more in another. Factors affecting selection of a mounting
`ring 2 having any particularly combination of dimensions
`may include the dimension(s) and/or type of a recessed fix-
`ture with which the mounting ring will be used, the dimen-
`sion(s) (including the weight) of an exposed fixture means to
`be used with the mounting ring, the materials from which the
`mounting ring 2 will be formed, and/or other considerations.
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`A mounting ring 2 generally but not exclusively possesses
`a primarily circular outer periphery 22 according to a pre-
`ferred embodiment, as substantially depicted in FIGS. 1 and
`2. However, embodiments having a non-circular (e.g., piece-
`wise linear or complexly curved, square, triangular, pentago-
`nal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) outer periphery 22 are also
`contemplated herein, and such embodiments will generally
`also be structurally configured to enable a “twist-lock”
`engagement of a ring cover 52 with the mounting ring 2.
`A mounting ring 2 typically includes a central opening 8
`disposed through its relative center from the first side 4 to the
`second side 6 thereof. Various dimensions of a central open-
`ing 8 can vary according to alternative embodiments. For
`example, a central opening 8 can be less than one millimeter
`in diameter (e.g., allowing passage of only a single ‘live’
`electrical wire), or it can be many inches in diameter (e.g.,
`enabling light from a large recessed fixture to pass relatively
`unimpeded), according to different embodiments.
`Likewise, a passage length of the central opening 8
`between a first side 4 and a second side 6 of a mounting ring
`2 can either correspond to or vary from a nominal thickness of
`the mounting ring 2, where for example a mounting ring is
`either thicker or thinner at its center than at its outer periphery
`22. An aspect ratio of the central opening 8, relating the
`passage diameter (a.k.a., ‘width’) to the passage length, is
`likewise variable according to alternative embodiments.
`A central opening 8 can further vary in diameter according
`to an embodiment, either narrowing or widening as it passes
`through from a first side 4 to a second side 6 of the mounting
`ring 2. Likewise, a central opening 8 can be either narrower or
`wider at multiple points intermediate the first side 4 and the
`second side 6. For example, a central opening 8 may include
`one or more sequential ridges or threads provided at a surface
`of the passage of the central opening 8, although the embodi-
`ments are not so limited. The benefits of such features will be
`
`apparent to an ordinarily skilled artisan in light of further
`description provided below.
`A central opening 8 may have a generally circular periph-
`ery 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the embodiments are not
`so limited. Just about any alternative periphery 20 shape is
`contemplated, whether symmetrical (e.g., square, octagonal,
`etc.) or asymmetrical. Accordingly, any one or more width-
`wise dimensions measured across a central opening 8 may
`correspond relatively closely to a width of an opening in a
`structural surface corresponding to a recessed fixture (‘re-
`cessed fixture opening’) about which the mounting ring is
`coupled, or may bear little or no relation to one or more
`dimensions of the recessed fixture opening.
`To enable attachment of a mounting ring 2 at a structural
`surface, a mounting ring further typically includes one or
`more attachment means. Preferably, such attachment means
`enable positional adjustment ofthe mounting ring after initial
`attachment, as may facilitate changing an orientation or other
`aspect of the aesthetic presentation of a light fixture or other
`exposed fixture means coupled with the mounting ring.
`However, one or more embodiments also contemplate a
`relatively fixed attachment of a mounting ring 2 to a structure
`surface. For example, an adhesive can be disposed at the first
`surface 4 of a mounting ring 2, either as a liquid, gel, paste,
`adhesive gasket, or other form now known or later developed
`in the art. A suitable adhesive would generally be selected to
`provide a strong, durable adhesion between a structural sur-
`face and the mounting ring.
`Preferably, however, a mounting ring will be configured for
`attachment at a structural surface by the use of one or more
`fasteners. Examples of suitable fasteners include but are not
`limited to screws, expansion anchors, bolts, clips, pins, snap-
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`7
`fit features, etc. Preferably, a suitable fastener can be repeat-
`edly released and secured, allowing positional adjustments of
`a mounting ring throughout its useful lifetime. However, less
`adjustable and/or non-adjustable fasteners (e.g., nails, spikes,
`rivets, staples, moly-bolts, etc.) may also be used according to
`the embodiments.
`
`Preferably, a suitable fastener will extend through a mount-
`ing ring 2 and sufliciently beyond the structural surface to
`enable a secure attachment. Where the structural surface is a
`
`surface of a sheet material (e.g., gypsum board, wood panel-
`ing, sheet metal, etc.), the fastener will preferably extend
`beyond an opposing side of a sheet material and include a
`widened portion which engages a broader surface area at the
`opposing side of the sheet material.
`For example, a so-called ‘butterfly expansion anchor’ col-
`lapses to insert through a relatively small hole in a sheet
`material. Once the collapsed portion of the anchor passes
`through the hole and beyond the opposite side of the sheet
`material, it expands to extend substantially beyond the rela-
`tively small diameter of the hole. Such anchors, and others as
`may be known or become known in the art, enhance the load
`bearing capacity of a mounting ring. In general, the load
`bearing capacity of a mounting ring so aflixed will far surpass
`that of a structure coupled to a recessed fixture itself, or a
`tensile force within a hole therein.
`
`Alternatively, one or more of the fasteners may extend
`through a structural sheet material and frictionally and/or
`threadingly engage a structural member (e.g., wooden or
`metal stud, beam, post, etc.) positioned at an opposing side of
`the sheet material. Where, however, the material of a struc-
`tural surface (e.g., solid wood, metal, etc.) or immediately
`beyond the structural surface is sufliciently robust to prevent
`inadvertent detachment of a fastener in response to an ordi-
`nary and expected applied load or other stress, a fastener that
`simply engages with such material may likewise be suflicient.
`Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, to accommodate fasten-
`ing a mounting ring to a structural surface using one or more
`fasteners, one or more openings 10 (‘fastener holes’) are
`typically but not exclusively provided through the mounting
`ring from the first side 4 to the second side 6 thereof. The
`fastener holes 10 are typically but not exclusively provided
`beyond (e.g., outside) a periphery 20 ofthe central opening 8,
`but within and spaced apart from the outer periphery 22 ofthe
`mounting ring 2. Alternatively and/or additionally, fastener
`holes may be provided through one or more grommets
`extending either outwardly from the outer periphery 22 of the
`mounting ring 2, or inwardly from the periphery ofthe central
`opening thereof.
`Positioning one or more fastener holes 10 between and
`relatively equidistant relative to each of the central opening 8
`and the outer periphery 22, according to a preferred but non-
`exclusive embodiment, helps to distribute the stresses of a
`load applied to the mounting ring 2, reduce deformation ofthe
`ring, and provide a stable, secure attachment of the mounting
`ring 2 with a structural surface.
`Plural fastener holes 10 may also be arranged relatively
`equidistantly from one another. In an illustrative embodi-
`ment, four fasteners holes 1 0 are provided through the mount-
`ing ring 2 at positions corresponding to, for example, the three
`o’clock, six o’clock, nine o’clock, and twelve o’clock posi-
`tions ofa clock face. However, equidistant spacing offastener
`holes 10 is not required in all embodiments, and is not
`intended to limit the scope of the claims as defined in the
`claims, as appended or as later amended.
`As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, fastener holes 10 are preferably
`but not exclusively configured as elongated slots arranged in
`a relatively circumferential pattern beyond and about the
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`periphery 20 of the central opening 8. Such slots enable
`adjustment of a rotational orientation of a mounting ring 2
`even after coupling the mounting ring with a structural sur-
`face. Such flexibility provides substantial benefits during
`mounting as well as throughout the useful
`lifetime of a
`mounting ring.
`For example, a user may couple a round light shade with a
`mounting ring initially, but later wish to change to a square
`shade. Slotted fastener holes 10 allow the user to loosen the
`
`fasteners, rotate the mounting ring relative to a structural
`surface to align the square shade to a wall or to align the sides
`ofmultiple square shades arranged in a row, for example, and
`to then re-tighten the fasteners. The user is not required to
`remove the mounting ring entirely from the structural surface,
`saving time and reducing difliculty.
`The length and/or width of the one or more slotted fastener
`holes 10 can vary according to alternative embodiments, as
`can the quantity and/or positions of the fastener holes relative
`to each other and/or relative to the central opening 8 of the
`mounting ring 2, for example. In at least one embodiment,
`plural concentric rows of slotted fastener holes 10 may be
`provided, with each sequential row lying further beyond the
`central opening 8 than another row.
`Typically a thickness of the mounting ring 2, a size(s) of
`one or more fastener holes 10, and/or a size of one or more
`utilized fasteners, will be configured to prevent the fastener(s)
`from being pulled through the fastener hole(s) in response to
`a load applied to the mounting ring. For example, alternative
`exposed fixture means useable with mounting ring may vary
`in weight from several tens of grams up to several tens of
`kilograms (e.g., 50 kilograms or more), for example. There-
`fore, a mounting ring, fastener holes, and fasteners can be
`configured to durably bear any load within an entire reason-
`ably expected weight range.
`Likewise, fasteners having a suflicient individual and/or
`collective tensile strength will typically be selected to avoid
`tensile failure in response to reasonably expected loads. In at
`least one embodiment, one or more clamps and/or clips (also
`considered fasteners herein) are configured to extend through
`the central opening 8, and to apply a compressive force to
`each of the second side 6 of the mounting ring and a surface
`of a structural sheet material on a side opposite that at which
`the mounting ring is attached. Such clips and/or clamps
`would generally be likewise releasable to facilitate post-in-
`stallation adjustment of a mounting ring.
`As depicted in FIG. 2, amounting ring may preferably
`comprise a relatively flat expanse, having one or more raised
`lips or rims (‘rims’) provided at either or both the outer
`periphery 22 of the mounting ring 2 and the periphery 20 of
`the central opening 8. The rim will typically extend perpen-
`dicularly from second side 6 ofthe mounting ring 2 relative to
`the expanse. In such embodiments, a second side 6 of the
`mounting ring 2 is typically configured with an open cavity
`defined by the expanse and the one or more rims.
`Alternatively, a mounting ring 2 may be configured as a
`relatively solid ‘plate’ having a relatively uniform thickness
`across most or all of its expanse. Of course, various embodi-
`ments having configurations intermediate these two are also
`contemplated, such as where an expanse having a relatively
`uniform thickness includes