WO2005031210A1

WO2005031210A1 - Adjustable support frame for recessed lighting

Info

Publication number: WO2005031210A1
Application number: PCT/IL2004/000893
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boaz Beit Halachmi
Original assignee: Avishai Research And Development Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-09-26
Filing date: 2004-09-26
Publication date: 2005-04-07
Also published as: IL158143A0

Abstract

An adjustable support frame for accommodating at least one recessed light fixture is disclosed in various embodiments, comprising; (a) at least one base element mountable on a ceiling panel, forming a hollow space inside a surrounding frame; and (b) at least one clamp moveably joined to the surrounding frame as to allow adjusting the adjustable support frame to a dimension appropriate for accommodating the at least one recessed light fixture. The invention discloses also a kit for self constructing of support frame for recessed light fixtures by an end user, comprising at least one base element useful to form a surrounding frame and at least one clamp that can be movably joined to the surrounding frame for adjusting the frame to the dimensions of a recessed light fixture.

Description

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT FRAME FOR RECESSED LIGHTING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of recessed lighting. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of support frames for accommodating recessed lighting fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recessed lighting fixtures are used in a variety of different settings, such as homes and offices, for providing light in a selective decorative manner. The fixtures include a socket for a lamp or bulb, and a reflector for directing light downward into a room. The fixture is mounted on a support frame that allows for the socket and reflector to be situated above an opening in the ceiling of a room.

Generally, there are different diameter reflectors for accommodating different sizes of lamps or bulbs. Moreover, because of this, different size support frames need to be employed, depending on the type of reflector to be mounted. This can lead to a huge hassle, inconvenience, and added costs.

It is therefore the main object of the present invention to provide a support frame for recessed lighting fixtures that can accommodate light reflectors of a plurality of different sizes. It will be appreciated from the discussion that follows that the device of the present invention is user-friendly, inexpensive, reduces storage and delivery volumes, and highly convenient for all recessed lighting fixtures, whether or not a variety of sizes of light fixtures are being used. Furthermore, the support frame of the present invention is lightweight, while providing ample support for a recessed lighting fixture mounted therein. Since the support frame of the present invention is simple in construction, made from small number of parts it can manufactured inexpensively and installed easily into a ceiling. Thus, the support frame of the present invention provides a significant advantage both in terms of cost and ease of use, when compared to other support frames available on the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support frame for accommodating at least one recessed light fixture, comprising;

(a) at least one base element mountable on a ceiling panel, the at least one base element form a hollow space inside a surrounding frame (in the context of the present invention the term 'at least one base element' and the term 'surrounding frame' differ from each other in that the surrounding frame relate to the construction formed by all of the at least one base elements using in the particular embodiment according to the present invention);

(b) at least one clamp moveably joined to the surrounding frame as to allow adjusting the adjustable support frame to a dimension appropriate for accommodating the at least one recessed light fixture.

Due to the moveable clamp, the support frame of the present invention is adjustable.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the clamps may have "V-shaped" inward facing ends (useful for e.g. capturing a recessed light fixture having round face to an alignment in a middle position between the two inward facing ends of the V shape).

Further according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the base element is sized to be secured between opposite T-profiles (i.e. profiles having a transverse cross sectional view of an inverted T for supporting ceiling panels resting upon the horizontal protrusions of the T) of a ceiling. In most embodiments, the ceiling panel is a mineral ceiling panel.

Moreover according to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the base element has a general grid structure. The grid structure may comprise at least one track or channel along an imaginary central axis of said base element, wherein the at least one clamp is adapted for sliding along the track or channel, for adjustment to the dimensions of a lighting fixture (which according to the present invention may be a recessed lighting fixture, or any other lighting fixture such as halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, and the like), or of other objects to be supported, such as sprinklers of a fire extinguishing system, loud-speakers, or suspended signs (e.g. illuminated "EXIT" sign). Accordingly, in the context of the present invention the term "lighting fixture" relates also to alternative objects that may be supported by the adjustable supporting frame in a similar manner to the way lighting fixtures are supported by.

Additionally according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the base element or the clamp further include at least one retainer element adapted to retain the clamp, at a selected location from a plurality of different locations along the length of the track or the channel. In this manner, reflectors of different sizes can be fitted into the support frame.

Further according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clamps may have a longitudinally extending groove adapted to be fixedly engaged by respective retainers.

Still further according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the base element is formed from plastic, or having plastic components. More preferably, the base element is formed from any fire-proof or self-extinguishing material or having components formed from fire-proof or self-extinguishing material. Moreover according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clamps are formed from plastic, or having plastic components. More preferably, wherein clamps are formed from fire-proof or self-extinguishing material or having components formed from fire-proof or self-extinguishing material.

According to various preferred embodiments the surrounding frame is further having at least one hole, or an array of holes located aside of the hollow space, each hole is having a rim and dimensions adapted for supporting a light fixture of matching dimensions allowing it to shine underneath the hole. This arrangement is useful for mounting a designed array of lighting elements in a recurrent manner along ceiling panels.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, and as required according to known existing standards, the base element has apertures useful for securing it to an upright wooden wall by means of nails or screws passing through the apertures.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, and as may be required according to known existing standards, the base element is further comprising clips useful for securing its ends to a T shaped profiles of the ceiling structure (in addition to its seating between the horizontal protrusions of the T shape).

According to various preferred embodiments the adjustable support frame is further comprising at least one seat for auxiliary electrical components.

According to various preferred embodiments the adjustable support frame is formed as to be nested in stacks for delivery and for storage, i.e. it is designed such that its bottom has a shape matching its top such that when placing one from on top of another it fits properly and seats firmly, thus allowing for nesting a plurality of frames in a vertical straight stack.

According to various preferred embodiments, the surrounding frame has arched ribs useful for increasing its loading capability. According to the best mode of the present invention, the surrounding frame is made of metal profiles according to one of the following variations; (i) the metal profiles forma surrounding frame of substantially rectangular shape. According to this variation the rectangular shape is constructed from a pair of width beams and a pair of length beams. The length beams can be used as tracks for clamps that can be positioned at selected locations; (ii) the metal profiles form a surrounding frame of two parallel length beams. According to this variation the width beams are missing, thus the frame is opened on both its longitudinal direction ends, wherein the aim of connecting between the two parallel length beams is fulfilled by at least two clamps each of which embrace one length beam on each of its remote ends (or connected to it in an alternative way, e.g. by means of a groove formed in the beam and allowing for positioning of a nut to which a bolt can be screwed for securing one of the remote ends of the clamp) such that it can be slide along the beams and in the same time hold them in a predetermined distance there between. Thus according to this variation the clamps are used not only to adjust the adjustable support frame to the dimensions of a recessed light fixture but only for connecting the two length beams to form a surrounding frame; (iii) a combination between variation (i) and (ii) wherein one width beam is used for connecting between the length beams thus forming a surrounding frame closed from three directions (the width beam is however not necessarily connected at the end of the length beams, and as a matter of design can be connected e.g. at one third or one fourth of their length), wherein at least one clamp is connecting between the two length beams in a similar manner to that described according to variation (ii).

Further more, and according to the best mode, the adjustable support frame may further comprise at least one supporter having at least one hole, or an array of holes located aside of the hollow space formed inside the rectangular shape, wherein each hole has a rim and dimensions adapted for supporting a light fixture of matching dimensions allowing it to shine underneath the hole. The metal beams from which the frame is made, the clamps, the supporter, and any additional components of the adjustable frame could be supplied as a kit to be constructed by the end user at the site where the frame is to be mounted on the ceiling profiles, thus saving a lot of storage space and delivery volumes. For example, according to inventor calculation, a delivery container accommodating 1,400 plastic made adjustable frames according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention may accommodate more than 20,000 kits of metal made supporting frames according to the best mode. Furthermore, and differently then prior art supporting frames which, for example, in the U.S.A. are used to be supplied with an integral reflector, the supporting frames of the present invention can be supplied in a taken apart state, with the reflectors packed separately nested in separate stacks. Accordingly, a 20 feet container accommodating 500 nonadjustable supporting frames according to the prior art, may accommodate about 20,000 kits of the adjustable supporting frame according to the present invention.

According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the adjustable support frame is further comprising a gauge for the clamp, useful for adjusting the clamp in advance for receiving lighting fixture of a predetermined diameter.

According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are further provided spacers useful for fixing clamps or other parts for supporting lighting fixtures in predetermined gaps between one another.

The present invention further relates to a kit for self constructing of adjustable support frame for recessed light fixtures by an end user.

The kit comprises at least one base element useful to form a surrounding frame and at least one clamp that can be movably joined to the surrounding frame for adjusting the frame to the dimensions of a recessed light fixture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an isometric view, taken from the top, of an adjustable support frame for recessed light fixture, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show the top and bottom portions, respectively, of a base element of the adjustable support frame of Figure 1.

Figures 3 A and 3B show the top and bottom portions, respectively, of a movable clamp of the adjustable support frame of Figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates a partial view from the underside of a base element having an array of holes for supporting matching light fixtures.

Figure 5 illustrates an overview of a base element of the present invention having an array of holes, and a plate of holes, for supporting matching light fixtures.

Figure 6 illustrates an overview over a stack of adjustable supporting frames of the present invention, nested for enhanced delivery and/or storage.

Figures 7A-7B illustrate two adjustable supporting frames mounted on one ceiling panel, with a recessed lighting fixture held thereof.

Figures 8A-8B illustrate respectively two configurations of an adjustable supporting frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles according to a first variation.

Figure 9A-9G illustrates the separate parts of the base element of the embodiment illustrated by Figures 8A-8B.

Figure 10 illustrates the embodiment illustrated by Figures 8A-8B in another configuration. Figure 10 A illustrates a closer view at the configuration illustrated by Figure 10.

Figure 10 B illustrates the view of a ceiling panel with light fixtures in the configuration given by Figure 10.

Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of another design of metal profile for use in an embodiment similar to that illustrated by figures 9A-9G.

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of another design of a clamp that can be used on the base element of the embodiments illustrated by Figure 10.

Figure 13 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of a first embodiment of an adjustable support frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles according to a second variation.

Figure 13 A illustrates a top view of the embodiment illustrated by Figure 13, with a recessed light fixture positioned between two clamps adjusted to fit its dimensions.

Figure 14 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of a second embodiment of an adjustable support frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles according to a second variation.

Figure 15 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of a third embodiment of an adjustable support frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles according to a second variation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The description herein provided is intended only to explain certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is in no way meant to limit the scope of the invention, as set out in the claims. Referring to Figure 1, the adjustable support frame includes a base element (20) adapted to be mounted on a mineral ceiling panel (16). The base element (20) is preferably secured between opposite "T-profiles" (14) that are part of a ceiling support grid, hi the central portion of the mineral ceiling panel (16) is a circular opening (18) through which a recessed lamp reflector may be positioned so that light from a lamp or bulb inside the reflector shines into the room below the ceiling. The base element (20) is preferably formed from a grid of plastic or any self-extinguishing material. Such a grid may be reinforced by metal parts for increasing its loading capabilities. It is appreciated that the base element need not be of a grid design but may be of any other appropriate design as well.

In some embodiments, the base element (20) is formed from a top portion (Figure 2A) and a bottom portion (Figure 2B) adapted to be fitted together. Alternatively, the base element (20) may be constructed from a single piece of material. Also as seen in Figures 2A and 2B, the central portion of the base element (20) contains an opening (32) that, in the support frame, is aligned atop of the aperture of a mineral ceiling profile. The opening (32) is preferably larger than the aperture of the ceiling profile. The base element (20) further comprises a first channel (17a) and a second channel (17b) that are located on either side of the opening (32), and are adapted for receiving a first movable clamp and a second movable clamp in a slidable manner. The first (24a) and second (24b) movable clamps can be seen positioned in the channels in Figure 1. Preferably, the movable clamps are also formed from plastic or any suitable self-extinguishing material. The base element (20) further includes a first retainer (26a) and a second retainer (26b) adapted to retain said first movable clamp (24a) and said second movable clamp (24b), respectively, at a plurality of different locations along the length of the first and second channels.

As viewed in Figure 3A, the movable clamp (24) employed in the support frame preferably has a longitudinally extending groove (30) that is adapted to be engaged by the retainer of the corresponding channel. The movable clamp (24) may be constructed of a top and bottom portion (Figures 3A and 3B, respectively) adapted to be fitted together or may alternatively be constructed from one piece of material. At least one end of the movable clamp (24) has a "V-shaped" face (13) useful for improved adaptation and for well gripping of round lighting fixtures.

Referring again to Figure 1, in order to accommodate light reflectors of different sizes, a light reflector of the desired size is positioned inside the opening (18) of the ceiling panel (16). The user moves the right and left movable clamps (24a) (24b) inwardly until the "V- shaped" inward facing ends securely grips the outer surface of the light reflector (in Figure 1, said right and left movable clamps are shown in a most outwardly extended position). As the clamps are moved inwardly, the corresponding retainer of the base element moves along the longitudinal groove of the corresponding clamp. Once movement is stopped and the desired position is achieved, the retainer becomes fixedly engaged to the groove such that further sliding is prevented.

Figure 4 illustrates a partial view from the underside of a base element (40) having an array of holes (40a)(40b) for supporting matching light fixtures (not illustrated). The base element has apertures through which pass screws (41)(42) which enable for connecting the base element to a wooden wall (as an alternative to locating and supporting it in on ceiling T-profiles). Each of the holes (40a)(40b) has a rim (42a)(42b) respectively, adapted to receiving, gripping and supporting lighting fixtures of matching predetermined design, while allowing light to shine from the holes to the room below. The base element is provided with a channel (44) for a clamp (not assembled, thus not shown), which can slide along the channel and adjust the hollow space (45) to the appropriate size in order to support and grip a recessed lighting fixture (not illustrated).

Figure 5 illustrates an overview of a base element (40) of the present invention having an array of holes (40a)(40b)(40c)(40d), and a plate(43) of holes (43a)(43b)(43c), for supporting light fixtures matching the respective holes. In the illustrated configuration the channels (44) and (46) are empty of clamps, which are not being used in this configuration, since the hollow space (45) is utilized for placement of the holes plate (43), as an alternative for positioning a recessed light fixture supported by adjustable clamps.

Figure 6 illustrates an overview over a stack (60) of a plurality of adjustable supporting frames (40) of the present invention, nested for enhanced delivery and/or storage.

Figures 7A illustrates two adjustable supporting frames (70)(71) mounted on one ceiling panel located between T-shape profiles (75), with a recessed lighting fixtures (72)(73) held respectively thereof. The adjustable supporting frames (70)(71) are adapted to the size of the specified lighting fixtures (72)(73) by adjusting the clamps (76a)(76b) and (77a)(77b) to match the dimensions of the recessed lighting fixtures.

Figure 7B illustrates the view of the recessed lighting fixtures (72) and (73) from below the ceiling panel (78).

Figure 8A illustrates an adjustable supporting frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles (80a)(80b) which form a pair of width beams and (80c)(80d) which form a pair of length beams. The beams are connected through connectors (81) to form a rectangular shaped frame having a hollow space (85) among. The length beams (80c)(80d) are used as tracks for the clamps (83) and (84) that can be slid and located at any desired location for adjusting the adjustable supporting frame to accommodate lighting fixtures of various sizes. In this specific Figure the clamps are adjusted to a configuration wherein one lighting fixture is to be placed in the center of the ceiling panel (89) shinning into the room via hole (89a) made in the panel and having a matching diameter. The base element is secured to the T-shape profiles by means of clips (88a). This is in addition to the support it has underneath the width beams (80a) and (80b) from the corresponding portions of the horizontal protrusions of the T-shaped profiles (which support also the panel (89) itself, all around). As can be appreciated, and as will be illustrated in the following Figures, the clamps may be positioned either in opposite directions, i.e. with the tips of the V-shapes facing each other, or alternatively with the V- shape in parallel orientation to one another (wherein in the parallel orientation the space between the clamps can be minimized to zero, thus allowing for adjusting the adjustable frame for supporting lighting objects having very small diameters). Furthermore, additional clamps may be positioned, all according to the specific desired configuration of lighting elements.

Figure 8B illustrates an example of another possible configuration of the metal profile embodiment of the adjustable supporting frame illustrated in Figure 8. h this Figure, four clamps (91a)-(91d) are arranged in tow pairs about the center of the surrounding frame (80). This configuration enables positioning of a central light fixture between the clamps (91b) and (91c), and two additional light fixtures of a smaller size, between the clamps (91a)(91b) and (91c)(91d), respectively.

Figure 9A-9G illustrates the separate parts of the base element of the embodiment illustrated by Figures 8A-8B, wherein -

Figure 9A illustrates an isometric view of the end of a metal profile (131) from which constructed the base element. According to the best mode embodiment the metal profile is divided into two parallel width beams and two parallel length beams, which together form a rectangular shape. The beams are connected to each other by means of the corner connector illustrated in Figure 9B, which has appropriate protrusions, each of which matching the hollow end (130) of a beam.

Figure 9B illustrates a top view of a corner connector (140). The corner connector has two protrusions (133a) and (133b) matching the hollow ends of two respective beams having right angle in between, such that when forcing the protrusions to the hollow ends, a rigid connection between the beams is made. The corner connector has an L shaped rim (132) having apertures ((132a) and (132b) of Figure 9C) on each segment of the L shape, which are for nailing or fastening the adjustable supporting frame to an upright wooden wall, by means of nails or screws passing through the apertures. Figure 9D illustrates the parts of a base element of the metal profiles embodiment of Figures 8, as they are configured before assemblage. By pressing the corner connectors (140) into the hollow ends of the profiles (144a)-(144d) in the directions illustrated by the arrows, the base element becomes prepared, and forms a rectangular shape having a pair of width beams (144c)(144d) and a pair of length beams (144a)(144b) with a hollow space in between, as illustrated in Figure 9E.

Figure 9E illustrates the prepared base element. The length beams (144a)(144b) are used as tracks for clamps that may be positioned at any desired location, for adjusting the adjustable supporting frame to match the dimensions of lighting fixture intended to be supported by the frame.

Figure 9F illustrates an end portion of a piece of metal sheet as it is cut and before being bent to form a clamp (150) according to the best mode embodiment illustrated by Figures 8. The strips (150b)(150c) and (150d) restricted by the doted lines are to be bent upwardly respective to the sheet, than the right side ends of the strips (150c)(150d) are to be bent inwardly, thus forming a channel ((150a) of Figure 9G adapted for encompassing a length beam of the base element (e.g. (144a) of Figure 9E) from three sides. The clamp is formed symmetrically, therefore the same is true with the next (not illustrated in this Figure) end of the clamp (150) in respect with the opposite length beam (e.g. (144b) of Figure 9E).

Figure 10 illustrates the embodiment illustrated by Figures 8A-8B in another configuration, wherein four clamps (103a)-(103d) are positioned parallel to one another along the length beams of the surrounding frame. The gaps between the clamps are kept according to a predetermined measure by means of three pairs of spacers (100a)(100d), (100b)(100e), and (100c)(100f) inserted into apertures made in predetermined locations in the clamps. There may be provided several apertures in each clamp, in order to provide a selection between several measures of gaps corresponding to lighting fixtures of various predetermined dimensions. Seats (102)(103) useful for positioning electrical chokes, transformers or other electrical components, are also provided, and are secured to the corner connectors of the metal profiles which form the base element. An array of four lighting fixtures is supported between the clamps, forming the lighting design depicted in Figure 10 B.

Figure 10A illustrates a closer view at the configuration illustrated by Figure 10. In this Figure it can be observed how the spacer (100a) is inserted to a first aperture (106a) in the clamp (103a) and to a first aperture (107a) in the neighboring clamp (103b), thus adjusting appropriate gap for accommodating the lighting fixture (110a) between the convex end portion of the V-shape of clamp (103a) and the concave end portion of the clamp (103b). A pair of larger sized lighting fixtures (I l ia) and (111b) are located between the side ribs of the V-shapes of clamps (103b) and (103c). The gap for accommodating the greater lighting fixtures (11 la)(l 1 lb) is determined by inserting the spacer (100b) to the second aperture (107b) Of the clamp (103b) and to the first aperture (108a) of the neighboring clamp (103c). The fourth lighting fixture (110b) is of a similar size like the lighting fixture (110a), thus the spacer (100c) is inserted to the second aperture (108b) of the clamp (103c), and to the second aperture of clamp (103d)(not seen in this Figure, however depicted by Figure 10). The clamps are made from sheet metal which cut bent and formed to have the V-shape, with a channel near each end of the V- shape matching the width of the corresponding length beams (114)(115). The bents made to the clamp (see for example bend (113)) reinforce the clamp against the vertical loads resulting from the weight of the lighting fixtures. The clamps may farther have apertures or cuts made during the production process, for facilitating the assembling of light fixtures, electrical components, or for any other purpose. See for example slots (112) that intend to grip the wire props (112a) of lighting fixtures. Clip (116a) is illustrated, securing the width beam (116) to the T-shape profile (120) of the ceiling support.

Figure 10 B illustrates the bottom view of a ceiling panel with four lighting fixtures in the configuration given in Figure 10. Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of another design of metal profile for use in an embodiment similar to that illustrated by figures 9A-9G. According to the illustrated embodiment, the profile of the length beam (117) had a protrusion (117a), wherein the clamp (118) has at its end (118a) a contour matching the protrusion. A mirroring picture of the same design of a length beam having a protrusion and of a clamp having a matching contour exists also in the other (not illustrated) length beam and in the opposite (not illustrated) end of the clamp (118). According to this embodiment the clamp can be inserted from the end of the length beams, or alternatively in their mid portion by clicking it to its place by pressing its ends against the corresponding beams. According to the design of this embodiment the clamp is held mor firmly to the beams, without losing its shifting ability along the beams.

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of another design of a clamp that can be used on the base element of the embodiments illustrated by Figure 10. According to the illustrated embodiments the clamp (120) has additional contact area with the upper surface of the length beams upon which it is situated, due to the protrusions (121) (122) (123) and (124) that are formed on its ends. The clamp of the illustrated embodiment has along its length six rows of four apertures (123)(124)(125) and (126), that may be used for placing spacers in various spacing options, or for other purposes e.g. screwing light fixtures, or any other acceptable use..

Figure 13 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of a first embodiment of an adjustable support frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles according to a second variation. According to this embodiment the surrounding frame is formed from base element (130) and from base element (131), each of which is actually a length beam embraced by one of the two opposite ends of the clamp. According to this variation of metal-profile made base element, the surrounding frame is made without width beams, wherein the length beams (130) and (131) are connected and held together by means of at least two clamps (132) and (133)(not illustrated in this Fig.), such that the clamps are used not only for adjusting the frame to the dimensions of recessed light fixture but also as a substitute to width beams.

Figure 13A illustrates a top view of the embodiment illustrated by Figure 13, with a recessed light fixture (135) positioned between two clamps (132) and (133) adjusted to fit its dimensions by sliding them along the length beams (130) and (131) to the appropriate position. In this Figure it can be appreciated that according to this second variation of metal-profile made base elements, the surrounding frame is comprised of two length beams only, wherein the width beams are missing and thus the surrounding frame is opened on its both longitudinal direction ends (136) and (137).

Figure 14 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of a second embodiment of an adjustable support frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles (140) and (141) according to a second variation. This embodiment differs from the one illustrated by Fig. 13 in that the profiles (140) and (141) (that actually are length beams forming the surrounding frame), are vertically oriented metal bars. The clamps (142) (only one is illustrated in this Fig.) embrace the metal bars, and thus connect between them and hold them, and in the same time can move along them for adjusting the frame to the dimensions of a recessed light fixtures to be supported.

Figure 15 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of a third embodiment of an adjustable support frame having a base element constructed from metal profiles (150) and (151) according to a second variation. This embodiment differs from the embodiments illustrated by Figures 13 and 14 in that the clamp (152) is not embracing the length beams metal profiles. Instead, each of the profiles has a groove adapted to receiving a nut (153) and (154), respectively. The nuts (153)(154) , that are preferably of a square shape in order to prevent their rotation inside the groove while screwing the bolts, may be inserted into the grooves from the end of the ends of the beams (150) and (151) such that bolts (155) and (156) may be screwed into the nuts, respectively. The screws pass through corresponding holes made in the ends of the clamp (152), and thus the clamp (152) can be secured to the frame. However, the screws are not being tightened until the clamp is brought to an appropriate position along the length beams (150) and (151) for adjusting the frame to the ligt fixture to be supported. The clamp (152) is thus can be shifted along the length beams to eny desired position, then be secured by tightening the bolts. A plurality of nuts and a respective plurality of clamps can be inserted along the beams, adjusted and then secured by bolts to form any required design of the supporting frame.

1. A support frame for accommodating at least one recessed light fixture, comprising;

(a) at least one base element mountable on a ceiling panel, and forming a hollow space inside a surrounding frame; (b) at least one clamp, moveably joined to the surrounding frame as to allow adjusting the support frame to a dimension appropriate for accommodating the at least one recessed light fixture.

2. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the clamp has "V-shaped" inward facing ends.

3. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the base element is sized to be secured between opposite T-profiles of a ceiling.

4. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the base element has a general grid structure.

5. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the base element has a general grid structure comprising at least one track or channel located along an imaginary central axis of said base element, wherein the at least one movable clamp is adapted for sliding along the track or channel for adjustment.

6. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the base element has a general grid structure comprising at least one track or channel along which the at least one movable clamp is adapted for sliding when adjusting the support frame and wherein the base element or the clamp further include at least one retainer element adapted to retain the clamp, at a selected location from a plurality of different optional locations along the length of the track or channel.

Claims

7. A support frame according to claim 1, formed from plastic or having plastic components.

8. A support frame according to claim I, formed from self-extinguishing material or having components formed from self-extinguishing material.

9. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is further having at least one hole, or an array of holes located aside of the hollow space each having a rim and dimensions adapted for supporting a light fixture of matching dimensions allowing it to shine underneath the hole.

10. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the base element has apertures useful for securing it to an upright wooden wall by means of nails or screws passing through the apertures.

11. A support frame according to claim 1, further comprising clips useful for securing its ends to a T shaped profiles of the ceiling structure.

12. A support frame according to claim 1, further comprising at least one seat for auxiliary electrical components.

13. A support frame according to claim 1, formed as to be nested in stacks for delivery and for storage.

14. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame has arched ribs useful for increasing its loading capability.

15. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of metal profiles forming a substantially rectangular shape.

16. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of metal profiles forming a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of width beams and a pair of length beams.

17. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of metal profiles forming a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of width beams and a pair of length beams, wherein the length beams are used as tracks for clamps that can be positioned at selected locations.

18. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of metal profiles forming a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of width beams and a pair of length beams, the support frame is further comprising at least one supporter having at least one hole, or an array of holes located aside of the hollow space each hole is having a rim and dimensions adapted for supporting a light fixture of matching dimensions allowing it to shine underneath the hole.

19. A support frame according to claim 1, further comprising a gauge for the clamp, useful for adjusting the clamp in advance for receiving lighting fixture of a predetermined diameter.

20. A support frame according to claim 1, further comprising spacers useful for fixing clamps or other parts for supporting lighting fixtures in predetermined gaps between one another.

21. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of two metal profiles forming two parallel length beams connected to each other by means of moveable clamps.

.22 A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of two metal profiles forming two parallel length beams connected to each other by means of moveable clamps, wherein each of the claps embrace in each of its opposite ends one of the length beams.

23. A support frame according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding frame is made of two metal profiles forming two parallel length beams connected to each other by means of moveable clamps, wherein each length beam is having a groove along its length useful for receiving nuts, and wherein the each of the claps is secured on each of its opposite ends to a nut, by means of a bolt.

24. Kit for self constructing of support frame for recessed light fixtures by an end user, comprising at least one base element useful to form a surrounding frame and at least one clamp that can be movably joined to the surrounding frame for adjusting the frame to the dimensions of a recessed light fixture.