Remodeler light fixture support structure and method

A light fixture system for installation in an aperture formed in a planar member of a certain thickness having an inner and an outer surface, the system comprising:

• a light fixture support structure including a perimeter member having a wall portion and a lip portion having an inner and outer surface, said lip portion protruding outwardly from said wall portion;
• retaining means operatively connected to said perimeter member for retaining said light fixture support structure in position in the planar member, said retaining means including means for clamping the planar member between said lip portion of said perimeter member and said retaining means;
• a junction box having a tab operatively connected thereto;
• and
• means formed in said perimeter member for receiving said junction box tab such that the junction box is positioned on the inner surface of the planar member proximal the light fixture support structure and at a predetermined distance therefrom.

A method of installing a light fixture in a planar member having an inner and an outer surface, the method comprising the steps of:

• cutting an aperture in the planar member at the point where the lighting fixture is to be installed;
• providing a light fixture support structure having a perimeter member and a peripheral lip having an inner and an outer surface;
• providing at least two retaining means operatively attached to and positioned at predetermined locations about the perimeter of the light fixture support structure for retaining the light fixture support structure in position in an aperture formed in the planar member;
• positioning the light fixture support structure in the aperture;
• positioning said at least two retaining means contiguous with the inner surface of the planar member;
• and
• manipulating said at least two retaining means such that the light fixture support structure is maintained in position in the aperture by clamping the planar member between said lip portion of said perimeter member and said retaining means.

A junction box for use with a remodeler support structure installed in a plurality of possible apertures in an existing construction, the junction box comprising:

• side walls;
• a top wall;
• a front wall contiguous with said top wall and a rear wall, said rear wall including means for housing a thermal probe;
• and
• a planar base plate having a top and a bottom surface and having a front portion and a rear portion, said planar base plate being operatively connected to said side, top, front and rear walls, said front portion extending beyond said front wall for a predetermined distance, the end of said front portion most remote from said front wall having at least two feet, one on each side of the end of said front portion, said at least two feet interacting with an aperture such that the junction box can be positioned at said predetermined distance from any one of a plurality of possible apertures.