Device and system for marking ceiling opening location

Abstract

A device for marking a reference location on a ceiling panel to facilitate cutting a ceiling opening in the ceiling panel includes a main body, a first bar attached to the main body, and a second bar moveably attached to the main body. The device further includes a protruding structure attached to the main body. The first bar and the second bar are attachable to a mounting frame such that the protruding structure is positioned at a frame opening of the mounting frame to protrude into the ceiling panel below the mounting frame.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR MARKING CEILING OPENING LOCATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions, and in particular to facilitating cutting a ceiling opening for a light fixture or another fixture in a ceiling panel by indicating the location of the ceiling opening.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A recessed or direct mount light fixture is typically positioned at a ceiling opening formed in a ceiling panel that is attached to a ceiling structure such as a network of joists. A light fixture mounting frame that is used to retain the light fixture may be attached to the ceiling structure, and the ceiling panel may be attached to the ceiling structure below the mounting frame. Typically, the ceiling opening is aligned with the frame opening of the mounting frame, and the light fixture extends through the ceiling opening as well as the frame opening of the mounting frame. The ceiling opening is typically cut in the ceiling panel based on measurements related to the location of the frame opening of the light fixture mounting frame. For example, the location of the ceiling opening in the ceiling panel may depend on the dimensions of the mounting frame, the dimensions of the ceiling panel, the locations of joists, etc. Such a manual process can be excessively time consuming and error prone. Thus, a solution that facilitates the cutting of ceiling openings for light fixtures and other devices may be desirable.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions, and in particular to facilitating cutting a ceiling opening for a light fixture or another fixture in a ceiling panel by indicating the location of the ceiling opening. In an example embodiment, a device for marking a location on a ceiling panel to facilitate cutting a ceiling opening in the ceiling panel includes a main body, a first bar attached to the main body, and a second bar moveably attached to the main body. The device further includes a protruding structure attached to the main body. The first bar and the second bar are attachable to a mounting frame such that the protruding structure is positioned at a frame opening of the mounting frame to protrude into the ceiling panel below the mounting frame.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a system for marking a reference location on a ceiling panel to facilitate cutting a ceiling opening in the ceiling panel includes a mounting frame having a frame opening, where the mounting frame is designed to be attached to a ceiling structure. The system further includes a device that includes a main body, a first bar attached to the main body, and a second bar moveably attached to the main body. The device further includes a protruding structure attached to the main body. The first bar and the second bar are attachable to the mounting frame such that the protruding structure is positioned at the frame opening of the mounting frame to protrude into the ceiling panel below the mounting frame.

[0009] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0012] Figs. 1 A and IB illustrate a system for marking on a ceiling panel a location of a center of a frame opening of a mounting frame according to an example embodiment;

[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates the ceiling panel marked with the location of the center of the frame opening of the mounting frame according to an example embodiment;

[0014] Figs. 3A-3C illustrate the device of the system of Figs. 1 A and IB used to mark the location of the center of the frame opening of the mounting frame according to an example embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the device of Figs. 3A-3C according to an example embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates the device of Figs. 3A-3C in a shortened and locked position according to an example embodiment;

[0017] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate the mounting frame of the system of Figs. 1A and IB according to an example embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates the system of Figs. 1A and IB showing the device of Figs. 3A-3C attached to the mounting frame of Figs. 6A and 6B according to an example embodiment; Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a device for marking on a ceiling panel a location of the center of the frame opening of the mounting frame of Figs. 6A and 6B according to another example embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 9 illustrates the device of Figs. 8 A and 8B in a shortened and locked position according to an example embodiment;

[0020] Figs. 10-12 illustrate a device for marking on a ceiling panel a location of the center of the frame opening of the mounting frame of Figs. 6A and 6B according to another example embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 13 illustrates the device of Figs. 10-12 during a process of attachment to the mounting frame of Figs. 6A and 6B according to an example embodiment; and

[0022] Fig. 14 illustrates a system 1400 that includes the device of Figs. 10-12 attached to the mounting frame of Figs. 6A and 6B according to an example embodiment.

[0023] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the figures, the same reference numerals used in different figures may designate like or corresponding and not necessarily identical elements.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In the following paragraphs, particular embodiments will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the figures. In the description, well known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

[0026] Turning now to the drawings, example embodiments are described. Figs. 1 A and IB illustrate a system 100 for marking on a ceiling panel 118 a location of a center of a frame opening 106 of a mounting frame 104 according to an example embodiment. The ceiling panel 118 may be a standard ceiling tile, a slab, sheet rock, or another similar structure. As a non-limiting example, the ceiling panel 118 may be 4x8 foot, 4x12 foot, or 4x16 slab or sheetrock. The mounting frame 104 may be a light fixture mounting frame that is used to install a direct mount luminaire or a recessed luminaire. Alternatively or in addition, the mounting frame 104 may be used to install other types of recessed or direct mount fixtures. After the location of the center of the frame opening 106 is marked or otherwise indicated on the ceiling panel 118 (e.g., plaster sheetrock), a person may use the location as a reference location to cut in the ceiling panel a ceiling opening that matches the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 in size and / or that is aligned with the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the system 100 includes a device 102 and the mounting frame 104. The device 102 is used for marking on the ceiling panel 118 the location of the center of the frame opening 106. To illustrate, the mounting frame 104, which can be used to retain a direct mount luminaire or a recessed luminaire, may be attached to a ceiling structure such as joists 110, 112. For example, the light fixture mount frame 104 may be attached to the joists 110, 112 using bars 114, 116. The device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 such that a protruding structure 108 of the device 102 is located at the frame opening 106. For example, the device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 such that the protruding structure 108 is located at a center of the frame opening 106. The protruding structure 108 may extend through the frame opening 106 at the center of the frame opening 106. Alternatively, the protruding structure 108 may be below the frame opening 106 aligned with the center of the frame opening 106.

[0028] In some example embodiments, when the ceiling panel 118 is attached to the joists 110, 112 below the mounting frame 104, the protruding structure 108 may protrude into the ceiling panel 118. For example, the protruding structure 108 may puncture through the ceiling panel 118. To illustrate, the protruding structure 108 may extend all the way through the ceiling panel 118. As another example, the protruding structure 108 may push the ceiling panel 118 such that the ceiling panel 118 becomes bulged at the location where the protruding structure 108 pushes the ceiling panel 118. Because the protruding structure 108 is aligned with the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104, the hole or the bulge formed in the ceiling panel 118 by the protruding structure 108 may be aligned with the center of the frame opening 106.

[0029] Fig. 2 illustrates the ceiling panel 118 marked with the location of the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 according to an example embodiment. Referring to Figs. 1 A-2, in some example embodiments, the protruding structure 108 of the device 102 may extend below the frame opening 106 such that the protruding structure 108 punctures through the ceiling panel 118 as the ceiling panel 118 is pushed up and attached to the joists 110, 112. For example, the protruding structure 108 may puncture a hole 202 in the ceiling panel 118 and thereby marking the center of the frame opening 106 on the ceiling panel 118. The protruding structure 108 may be a pointed-end structure such as or similar to a nail, a screwdriver bit, a drill bit, etc., and the tip of the protruding structure 108 may extend below the joists 110, 112 to puncture the hole 202 through the ceiling panel 118. For example, the tip of the protruding structure 108 may reach below the ceiling panel 118. Alternatively, the hole 202 may instead be a bulge in the ceiling panel 118 caused by the protruding structure 108 and visible from below the ceiling panel 118.

[0030] In some example embodiments, after the hole 202 is formed by the protruding structure 108, a person can cut a ceiling opening 204 in the ceiling panel 118 using the hole 202 as a reference. In general, the ceiling opening 204 is intended to match in size the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104. For example, a dry waller may insert a saw into the ceiling panel 118 next to the hole 202 and cut through the ceiling panel 118 until the dry waller encounters the perimeter edge of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104. Alternatively, based on the knowledge of the diameter of the frame opening 106, a drywaller may cut the ceiling opening 204 using the hole 202 as a refence location that corresponds to the center of the frame opening 106. For example, the dry waller may use a rotary saw to cut the ceiling opening 204 that has a radius with respect to the hole 202 matching the radius of the frame opening 106.

[0031] By using the device 102 to mark the location of the center of the frame opening 106 on the ceiling panel 118, the system 100 may facilitate the cutting of the ceiling opening 204 in the ceiling panel 118.

[0032] Although the device 102 is described above as marking the location of the center of the frame opening 106 on the ceiling panel 118, the device 102 may mark on the ceiling panel 118 another location of the frame opening 106 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 such that the device 102 marks a location that is, for example, offset from the center of the frame opening 106 or with respect to the perimeter edge of the frame opening 106 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the frame opening 106 and the ceiling opening 204 may have a non-circular shape without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the system 100 may be attached to a different type of ceiling structure than shown in Figs. 1 A and IB without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the ceiling panel 118 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figs. 3A-3C illustrate the device 102 of the system 100 of Figs. 1A and IB used to mark the location of the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 according to an example embodiment, and Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the device 100 of Figs. 3A-3C according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the device 100 includes a main body 302, a first bar 304, a second bar 306, and the protruding structure 108. The first bar 304, the second bar 306, and the protruding structure 108 may be attached to the main body 302. The first bar 304 may be removably attached to the main body 302. The protruding structure 108 may be removably attached to the main body 302 and may extend down from the main body 302. The length of the first bar 304 and the location of the protruding structure 108 with respect to the main body 302 may be such that the protruding structure 108 is aligned with the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 when the first bar 304 is attached to the mounting frame 104. The second bar 306 may be movably / adjustably attached to the main body 302. For example, the second bar 306 may be adjustably attached to the main body 302 such that the length L of the device 102 is adjustable by moving the second bar 306 relative to the main body 302. To illustrate, the second bar 306 may be slidable relative to the main body 302.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the device 100 may include a sliding structure 320 that is moveably attached to the main body 302. For example, the sliding structure 320 may be partially positioned in the cavity 326 of the main body 302. To illustrate, the sliding structure 320 may include arms 330, 332 that are positioned outside of the cavity 326 of the main body 302, and a center portion 408 of the sliding structure 320 may be positioned in the cavity 326. A neck portion 412 of the sliding structure 320 extending up from the center portion 408 may slide in a sliding slot 322 of the main body 302 as the sliding structure 320 slides between opposite sides of the main body 302.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the second bar 306 may be attached to the sliding structure 320 such that the second bar 306 moves (e.g., slides) along with the sliding structure 320. For example, the second bar 306 may be attached to a tab 410 extending out from the center portion 408 of the sliding structure 320. A fastener, such as a screw or a rivet, may be used to attach the second bar 306 to the tab 410 that may include a hole for receiving the fastener.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the first bar 304 is attached to a tab 406 that extends out from a side wall 334 of the main body 302. For example, a fastener, such as a screw or a rivet, may be used to attach the first bar 304 to the tab 406 that may include a hole for receiving the fastener. In some example embodiments, the device 102 may include a compression spring 324 that is positioned in the cavity 326 of the main body 302. The compression spring 324 and the sliding structure 320 may be retained in the cavity 326 of the main body 302 by a retaining cap 402 that is attached to the main body 302, for example, using one or more fasteners such as screws. For example, the main body 302 may include one or more screw holes such as a screw hole 414 to receive one or more screws that are used to attach the retaining cap 402 to the moan body 302.

[0036] In some example embodiments, the length L of the device 102 may be adjusted by sliding the sliding structure 320. To illustrate, because the second bar 306 is attached to the sliding structure 320, the length L of the device 102 may be adjusted by sliding the sliding structure 320 within the cavity 326 between the retaining cap 402 and the side wall 334 of the main body 302. For example, the length L may be the longest when the sliding structure 320 is closest to the retaining cap 402. When the device 102 is fully elongated, the protruding structure 108 may be located at the center of the length L of the device 102. In general, the compression spring 324 may be uncompressed or slightly compressed when the sliding structure 320 is closest to the retaining cap 402 (i.e., when the device 102 is fully elongated), and the device 102 may be in a fully elongated position (i.e., the length L is longest) when the second bar 306 extends out the farthest from the main body 302.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the length L of the device 102 may be shortened by moving the sliding structure 320 toward the side wall 334. For example, a person may push on one or more of the arms 330, 332 to slide the sliding structure 320 in the cavity 326 of the main body 302. As the sliding structure 320 is moved from the retaining cap 402 toward the side wall 334, the second bar 306 may move / slide along with the sliding structure 320 relative to the main body 302 resulting in the shortening of the length L of the device 102. For example, the second bar 306 may extend through a slot 404 in the retaining cap 402 and may slide in the cavity 326 along with the sliding structure 320 as the sliding structure 320 moves toward the side wall 334. Shortening the device 102 by sliding the second bar 306 and the sliding structure 320 in the cavity 326 may result in compressing the compression spring 324.

[0038] Fig. 5 illustrates the device 100 of Figs. 3A-3C in a shortened and locked position according to an example embodiment. Referring to Figs. 3 A-5, in some example embodiments, after the device 100 is shortened from the elongated position shown in Figs. 3A-3C to the shortened position shown in Fig. 5 by sliding the second bar 306 inward relative to the main body 302, the sliding structure 320 may be moved to a locked position to retain the device 102 in the shortened position. To illustrate, the main body 302 of the device 102 may include a locking slot 328 that is connected to the sliding slot 322. For example, the sliding slot 322 and the locking slot 328 may form a T shape. After the sliding structure 320 is moved toward the side wall 334 to the locking slot 328, the sliding structure 320 may be twisted or rotated in the locking slot 328 such that the neck portion 412 is no longer in or aligned with the sliding slot 322. For example, a person may grab one or both of the arms 330, 332 to twist / rotate the sliding structure 320 in the locking slot 328 to a locking position shown in Fig. 5. In some alternative embodiments, one of the arms 330, 332 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the arms 330, 332 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] Rotating / twi sting the sliding structure 320 such that the neck portion 412 is unaligned with the sliding slot 322 can prevent the compression spring 324, which is compressed by the sliding structure 320, from forcing the sliding structure 320 to slide back toward the retaining cap 402. That is, positioning the sliding structure 320 in the locked position as shown in Fig. 5 may prevent the compression spring 324 from forcing the device 102 from returning to the fully elongated position shown in Figs. 3A-3C.

[0040] Retaining the device 102 in the shortened position may allow a person to conveniently move the device through the frame opening 106 and through the ceiling opening 204 after the ceiling opening 204 is formed in the ceiling panel 118. As described above with respect to Figs. 1 A-2, the ceiling opening 204 may be formed based on the marking (e.g., the hole 202) in the ceiling panel 118 indicating the location of the center of the frame opening 106. To elongate the device 102, for example, back to the fully elongated position shown in Figs. 3A-3C from the locked position shown in Fig. 5, a user may twist / rotate the sliding structure 320 in the locking slot 328 until the neck portion 412 is aligned with the sliding slot 322 and slide the sliding structure 320 toward the retaining cap 402. After the neck portion 412 is aligned with the sliding slot 322, the compression spring 324 may force the sliding structure 320 to the elongated position with no force applied by a user.

[0041] In some example embodiments, the first bar 304 may include a shaft section 308, a riser section 310, and an attachment tab 312. For example, the shaft section 308 may be attached to the side wall 334 at one end and to the riser section 310 at another end. The attachment tab 312 may extend out from the riser section 310 where the riser section 310 extends between the shaft section 308 and the attachment tab 312. In general, the riser section 310 may be connected to the shaft section 308 and to the attachment tab 312 such that the shaft section 308 is elevated above the attachment tab 312 when the device 102 is attached to the mounting frame 104 shown, for example, in Fig. 1A. For example, the attachment tab 312 may be inserted in a slot formed in the mounting frame 104 to attach the first bar 304, thus the device 102, to the mounting frame 104. Because the shaft section 308 is attached to the main body 302 of the device 102, the main body 302 may also be positioned higher than the attachment tab 312.

[0042] In some example embodiments, the second bar 306 may include a shaft section 314, a riser section 316, and an attachment tab 318. For example, the shaft section 314 may be attached to the sliding structure 320 that is partially positioned in the cavity 326 of the main body 302. At an opposite end of the shaft section 314, the riser section 316 may extend down from the shaft section 314, and the attachment tab 318 may extend out from the riser section 316 where the riser section 316 extends between the shaft section 314 and the attachment tab 318. In general, the riser section 316 may be connected to the shaft section 314 and to the attachment tab 318 such that the shaft section 314 is elevated above the attachment tab 318 when the device 102 is attached to the mounting frame 104 shown, for example, in Fig. 1 A. For example, the attachment tab 318 may be inserted in a slot formed in the mounting frame 104 to attach the second bar 306, thus the device 102, to the mounting frame 104. Because the shaft section 314 is attached to the sliding structure 320 that is partially positioned in the cavity 326 of the main body 302 of the device 102, the main body 302 may also be positioned higher than the attachment tab 318. When the device 102 is fully elongated, the protruding structure 108 may be located equidistant from the attachment tabs 312, 318. Alternatively, the protruding structure 108 may be aligned with the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 without being located equidistant from the attachment tabs 312, 318.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the main body 302 may be made from aluminum and / or another metal using one or more methods such die-casting, machining, etc. The first bar 304 and the second bar 306 may be made from aluminum sheet metal and / or another material using one or more methods such as cutting, bending, etc. The protruding structure 108 may be made from steel and / or another suitable material using one or more methods as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. An end portion of the protruding structure 108 may be threaded for threaded attachment to the main body 302 that may include a threaded hole to receive the protruding structure 108. The sliding structure 320 may be made from aluminum and / or another metal using one or more methods such die-casting, machining, etc. The compression spring 324 may be made from steel and / or another suitable material using one or more methods as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. The retaining cap 402 may be made from aluminum sheet metal and / or another material using one or more methods such as cutting, bending, etc. In general, fasteners such as screws, rivets, etc. may be used to attach components of the device 102 that need to be connected to each other.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments, the main body 302 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the bars 304, 306 may be attached to the main body in a different manner than described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the bars 304, 306 may have a different shape than shown in Figs. 3A-3C without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the slots 322 and 328 in the main body 302 may form a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the sliding structure 320 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the protruding structure 108 may be at a different location than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment tabs 312, 318 may be extendable and retractable structures. For example, the attachment tab 312 along with the riser section 310 may be extendable and retractable relative to the shaft section 308 of the first bar 304, and the attachment tab 318 along with the riser section 316 may be extendable and retractable relative to the shaft section 314 of the second bar 306. To illustrate, in some alternative embodiments, both of the first bar 304 and the second bar 306 may be fixedly attached to the main body without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate the mounting frame 104 of the system 100 of Figs. 1 A and IB according to an example embodiment. Referring to Figs. 1 A-2, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, in some example embodiments, the mounting frame 104 may include an outer plate 602 and an inner plate 604. The outer plate 602 may include attachment features 606, 608 that may be used to attach the device 102 to the mounting frame 104. For example, the attachment features 606, 608 may be formed in the outer plate 602. To illustrate, the attachment features 606, 608 may each be raised slots formed in the mounting frame 104 by embossing or otherwise raising a respective portion of the outer plate 602. In general, the mounting frame 104 may be made from sheet metal or another suitable material using methods such as cutting, punching, bending, embossing, etc. as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the inner plate 604 may include the frame opening 106. For example, the center of the frame opening 106 may be equidistant from the attachment features 606, 608. The inner plate 604 may be removably attached to the outer plate 602. For example, the inner plate 604 may be replaced by another inner plate that has a different size frame opening from the size of the frame opening 106. To illustrate, the diameter of the frame opening 106 of the inner plate 604 or a replacement inner plate may be, for example, 3 inches, 4, inches, 6 inches, or another smaller or larger size. In some alternative embodiments, the inner plate 604 may include inner most plate 610 that is removably attached to the inner plate 604 and that includes the frame opening 106.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the attachment features 606, 608 may be attachment structures other than raised slots without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the attachment features 606, 608 may be depressed slots, clips, or another structure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment features 606, 608 may be at different locations than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, the attachment features 606, 608 may be closer to each other than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the attachment features 606, 608 may be closer to each other for smaller diameters (e.g., 3 inches) of the frame opening 106 than for larger diameters (e.g., 6 inches). In some alternative embodiments, the first bar 304 may be adjustably attached to the main body 302 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] Fig. 7 illustrates the system 100 of Figs. 1 A and IB showing the device 100 of Figs. 3A-3C attached to the mounting frame of Figs. 6A and 6B according to an example embodiment. Referring to Figs. 1 A-7, in some example embodiments, the device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 using the attachment tabs 312, 318. For example, the attachment tab 312 may be inserted into the attachment feature 606, and the attachment tab 318 may be inserted into the attachment feature 608. To illustrate, the device 102 may be shorted, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, and the attachment tab 312 may be inserted into the attachment feature 606 such that the protruding structure 108 is located at the main body 302 of the device 102 is located over the frame opening 106. Subsequently, the device 102 may be elongated and the attachment tab 318 may be inserted into the attachment feature 608. For example, the attachment feature 606 may be located such that the protruding structure 108 is aligned with and / or at the center of the frame opening 106 when the attachment tab 312 is positioned in the attachment feature 606. In general, the device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 such that device 102 stays in position to enable the protruding structure 108 to protrude into the ceiling panel 118 when the ceiling panel 118 is attached to the joists 110, 112 or is otherwise forced against the protruding structure 108. The compression spring 324 may help maintain the attachment tabs 312, 318 attached to the attachment features 606, 608, respectively, when the ceiling panel 118 is being attached to the joists 110, 112.

[0049] In some example embodiments, the device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 from above the mounting frame 104, for example, after the mounting frame 104 is attached to the joists 110, 112 as shown in Figs. 1A and IB. Alternatively, the device 102 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 from below the mounting frame 104. To illustrate, a person may adjust the device 102 to the shortened and locked position shown in Fig. 5 and pass the device 102 through the frame opening 106 from below the mounting frame 104. Subsequently, the person may unlock and elongate the device 102 and attach the device 102 to the mounting frame 104 using the attachment tabs 312, 318. For example, the person may first insert the attachment tab 312 into the attachment feature 606 and subsequently insert the attachment tab 318 into the attachment feature 608.

[0050] In some example embodiments, after the protruding structure 108 marks the location of the center of the frame opening 106 on the ceiling panel 118, a person (e.g., a drywaller) may cut the ceiling opening 204 in the ceiling panel 118. For example, the protruding structure 108 may make the hole 202 in the ceiling panel 118 when the ceiling panel 118 is attached to the joists 110, 112, and the person may cut the ceiling opening 204 using the hole 202 as a reference location. To illustrate, a dry waller may cut into the ceiling panel 118 at the hole 202 and then cut through the ceiling panel 118 at one or more places until the perimeter of the frame opening 108 is reached. The dry waller can then follow the perimeter of the frame opening 108 to form the ceiling opening 204. Alternatively, using the hole 202 as a reference, a drywaller may cut in the ceiling panel 118 a circle that has a diameter that matches the diameter of the frame opening 106.

[0051] After the ceiling opening 204 is formed in the ceiling panel 118, the drywaller may shorten the device 102 to the shortened and locked position shown in Fig. 5 by pushing on and then rotating the arms 330, 332 of the sliding structure 320 of the device 102. Subsequently, the drywaller may remove the device 102 through the frame opening 106 and the ceiling opening 204.

[0052] By using the device 102, the time and effort required to cut the ceiling opening 204 that is aligned with and matches the size of the frame opening 106 is significantly reduced. By using the device 102, measurements (e.g., measurements related to the location of the frame opening 106 relative to the perimeter of the ceiling panel 118 and / or the joists 110, 112) that may otherwise be required prior to forming the ceiling opening 204 in the ceiling panel 118 can be avoided. By avoiding the need for such measurements, measurement related errors that may result in wasted ceiling panels can also be avoided.

[0053] In some alternative embodiments, the mounting frame 104 may have a different shape than shown. In some alternative embodiments, the frame opening 106 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the mounting frame 104 may be integrally formed from a single sheet of material without departing from the scope of this disclosure. To illustrate, the outer plate 602, the inner plate 604, and the inner most plate 610 may be formed as a single piece. In some alternative embodiments, the protruding structure 108 may be located at a different location than the center of the frame opening 106 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] Figs. 8 A and 8B illustrate a device 802 for marking on the ceiling panel 118 a location of the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 of Figs. 6A and 6B according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the device 802 is substantially the same as the device 102 of Figs. 3A-3C with the primary difference being bars 804, 806 of the device 802 may not include riser sections in contrast to the first bar 304 and the second bar 306 that include the riser sections 310 and 316.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the device 802 includes the main body 302, bars 804, 806, and the protruding structure 108. The main body 302 may include the sliding slot 322 and the locking slot 328 described above with respect to the device 102. The main body 302 may also include the compression spring 324 positioned in the cavity 326 of the main body 302. The bar 804 may be removably and fixedly attached to the main body 302 in the same manner as described with respect to the first bar 304 of the device 102. The bar 806 may be moveably (e.g., slidably) attached to the main body 302 in the same manner as described with respect to the second bar 306 of the device 102.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the device 802 may also include a sliding structure 808 moveably positioned in the cavity 326 of the main body 302 in the same manner as described above with respect to the sliding structure 320 and the device 102. The bar 806 may be attached to the sliding structure 808 in the same manner as described with respect to the second bar 306 and the sliding structure 320 of the device 102. The primary difference between the sliding structure 808 of the device 802 and the sliding structure 320 of the device 102 may be that arms 810, 812 of the sliding structure 808 may be relatively shorter than the arms 330, 332 of the sliding structure 320. To illustrate, because the bars 804, 806 of the device 802 do not include riser sections that elevate the main body 302 above the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104, the arms 810, 812 may be relatively shorter to avoid interfering with the installation of the ceiling panel 118 shown in Figs. 1 A-2.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the length of the device 802 may be shortened by moving the sliding structure 808 along with the bar 806, for example, to a shortened position shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 illustrates the device 802 of Figs. 8 A and 8B in a shortened and locked position according to an example embodiment. In general, the device 802 may be adjusted to a shortened position in the same manner as described with respect to the device 102 of Figs. 3A-3C. The sliding structure 808 may be moved to a locked position shown in Fig. 9 by rotating the sliding structure 808 in the locking slot 328 in the manner described above with respect to the device 102 as shown in Fig. 5. The device 802 may be adjusted to the fully elongated position shown in Figs. 8A and 8B in the manner described above with respect to the sliding structure 320 and the device 102.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the bar 804 may include a shaft section 814 and an attachment tab 818, and the bar 806 may include a shaft section 820 and an attachment tab 822. The attachment tabs 818, 822 may be used to attach the device 802 to the mount frame 104 in the same manner as described with respect to the attachment tabs 312, 318 of the device 102. When the device 802 is fully elongated, the protruding structure 108 may be located equidistant from the attachment tabs 818, 822. Alternatively, the protruding structure 108 may be aligned with the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 without being located equidistant from the attachment tabs 818, 822.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the sliding structure 808 and the bars 804, 806 may be made in the same manner as described with respect to the sliding structure 320, the first bar 304, and the second bar 306, respectively. In general, the device 802 may be used with the mounting frame 104 in the same manner as described above with respect to the device 102.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments, the bars 804, 806 may have a different shape than shown in Figs. 3A-3C without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the protruding structure 108 may be located at a different location than the center of the frame opening 106 when the device 802 is attached to the mounting frame 104 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, one of the arms 810, 812 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the arms 810, 812 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] Figs. 10-12 illustrate a device 1002 for marking on a ceiling panel a location of the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 of Figs. 6A and 6B according to another example embodiment. Referring to Figs. 6A, 6B, and 10-12, in some example embodiments, the device 1002 may include bars 1004, 1006 that are interlocked with each other and may slide with respect to each other. To illustrate, a longitudinal edge 1020 of the bar 1004 may be positioned in a channel 1026 (e.g., a U-shaped channel) of the bar 1006, and a longitudinal edge 1022 of the bar 1006 may be positioned in a channel 1024 (e.g., a U-shaped channel) of the bar 1004. In general, the bars 1004, 1006 can be moved in opposite directions by pulling on one or both of the bars 1004, 1006 until the device 1002 is in a fully elongated position shown in Fig. 10. The bars 1004, 1006 may be pushed in opposite directions such that the device 1002 is in a shortened position shown in Fig. 11.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the bar 1004 may include a shaft section 1008 and an attachment tab 1010 that may extend out from a riser section 1102 extending between the shaft section 1008 and the attachment tab 1010. The bar 1006 may include a shaft section 1012 and an attachment tab 1014 that may extend out from a riser section 1104 extending between the shaft section 1012 and the attachment tab 1014. The attachment tabs 1010, 1014 may be used to attach the device 1002 to the mounting frame 104 in the manner described with respect to Fig. 7 and the attachment tabs 312, 318 of the device 102.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the device 1002 may include a protruding structure 1016 that is attached to the bar 1004. The protruding structure 1016 may be attached to the bar 1004 proximal to an end portion of the bar 1004 that is at an opposite end of the bar 1004 from the attachment tab 1010. For example, the protruding structure 1016 may be located such that the protruding structure 1016 is aligned with the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 when the device 1002 is attached to the mounting frame 104.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the protruding structure 1016 may be a nail, a screw, or another structure that may be attached the bar 1004. For example, the protruding structure 1016 may be secured to the bar 1004 using a screw nut. As another example, the protruding structure 1016 may be threadedly attached to the bar 1004. As yet another example, the protruding structure 1016 may be soldered to the bar 1004. To illustrate, the bars 1004, 1006 may be made from aluminum sheet metal using one or more methods such as cutting, punching, bending, etc. as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the bar 1006 may include a stop tab 1018 proximal to an end portion of the bar 1006 that is at an opposite end of the bar 1006 from the attachment tab 1014. For example, after the bars 1004, 1006 are interlocked, the stop tab 1018 may be bent down to the position shown in Figs. 10-12 to prevent the unintentional unlocking of the bars 1004, 1006 from each other. To illustrate, when the device 1002 is fully elongated, the stop tab 1018 may abut against a section 1202 of the bar 1004 thereby preventing further movements of the bars 1004, 1006 that may otherwise result in the detachment of the bars 1004, 1006 from each other.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the device 1002 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 using the attachment tabs 1010, 1014. Fig. 13 illustrates the device 1002 of Figs. 10-12 during a process of attachment to the mounting frame 104 of Figs. 6A and 6B according to an example embodiment. For example, with the device 1002 in the shortened position shown in Fig. 11, the attachment tab 1010 of the device 1002 may be inserted in the attachment feature 606 of the mounting frame 104. The protruding structure 1016 may be aligned with the center of the frame opening 106 of the mounting frame 104 when the attachment tab 1010 is in the attachment feature 606. Subsequently, the device 1002 may be elongated by pulling on the bar 1006 until the attachment tab 1014 is inserted into the attachment feature 608 of the mounting frame 104. Fig. 14 shows a system 1400 that includes the device 1002 of Figs. 10-12 attached to the mounting frame 104 of Figs. 6A and 6B according to an example embodiment.

[0067] Referring to Figs. 1 A-2, 6A, 6B, and 10-14, in some example embodiments, after the mounting frame 104 is attached to the joists 110, 112 shown in Figs. 1 A-2 or other ceiling structures, the device 1002 may be attached to the mounting frame 104 from below or above the mounting frame 104. The device 1002 may form the hole 202 in the ceiling panel 118 when the ceiling panel 118 is attached to the joists 110, 112 from below the mounting frame 104 in the same manner as described above with respect to the device 102. A person (e.g., a drywaller) may subsequently cut the ceiling opening 204 using the hole 202 as a reference location that indicates the location of the center of the frame opening 106. Subsequently, the device 1002 may be detached from the mounting frame 104 by detaching the attachment tabs 1010, 1014 from the mounting frame 104. The device 1002 may then be shortened to the shortened position shown in Figs. 11 and 13 and passed through the frame opening 106 and the ceiling opening 204 from below the ceiling panel 118.

[0068] By using the device 1002, the time and effort required to cut the ceiling opening 204 that is aligned with and that matches the size of the frame opening 106 is significantly reduced. By using the device 1002, measurements (e.g., measurements related to the location of the frame opening 106 relative to the perimeter of the ceiling panel 118 and / or the joists 110, 112) that may otherwise be required prior to forming the ceiling opening 204 in the ceiling panel 118 can be avoided. By avoiding the need for such measurements, measurement related errors that may result in wasted ceiling panels can also be avoided.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments, the bars 1004, 1006 may have a different shape than shown in Figs. 10-14 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the stop tab 1018 may have a different shape or may be at a different location than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment tabs 1010, 1014 may each have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the protruding structure 1016 may be at a different location than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the riser sections 1102, 1104 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0070] Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and / or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (100) for marking a reference location on a ceiling panel (118) to facilitate cutting a ceiling opening (204) in the ceiling panel, the system comprising: a mounting frame (104) having a frame opening (106), wherein the mounting frame is designed to be attached to or made part of a ceiling structure (110, 112); and a device (102, 802), comprising: a main body (302); a first bar (304, 804) attached to the main body; a second bar (306, 806) moveably attached to the main body; and a protruding structure (108) attached to the main body, wherein the first bar and the second bar are attachable to the mounting frame (104) such that the protruding structure is positioned at the frame opening (106) of the mounting frame to protrude into the ceiling panel (118) below the mounting frame.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the device (102, 802) is attachable to the mounting frame such that the protruding structure is positioned at a center of the frame opening (106) and wherein the reference location on the ceiling panel (118) is aligned with the center of the frame opening.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a length L of the device is adjustable.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the main body (302) comprises a spring (324) positioned in a cavity (326) of the main body (302) and wherein the spring is positioned in the cavity such that sliding the second bar (306, 806) relative to the main body to shorten the length of the device compresses the spring.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a sliding structure (320, 808) moveably attached to the main body (302), wherein the sliding structure is moveable to a locked position to retain the device in a shortened position.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second bar (306, 806) is attached to the sliding structure (320, 808) such that the second bar moves along with the sliding structure.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the length L of the device (102, 802) is adjustable such that the device (102, 802) passes through the frame opening (106) and through the ceiling opening (204).

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting frame (104) comprises attachment features (606, 608) and wherein the device (102, 802) is attached to the mounting frame (104) by attaching attachment sections (312, 318, 818, 822) of the device (102, 802) to the attachment features.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first bar (304, 804) comprises a first shaft section (308, 814) and a first attachment section (312, 818), wherein the second bar (306, 806) comprises a second shaft section (314, 820) and a second attachment section (318, 822), wherein the device is attachable to the mounting frame by attaching the first attachment section and the second attachment section to the mounting frame.

Images