Configurable flat mounting frame with hanger bars

1 . A configurable flat mounting frame, the mounting frame having a length and a width and comprising:

a longitudinal edge and a lateral edge,

a light fixture receiving opening formed therein, the light fixture receiving opening having a first shape and configured to receive a light fixture,

a breakaway panel disposed adjacent to the light fixture receiving opening, the breakaway panel being detachable from the mounting frame to change the light fixture receiving opening from the first shape to a plurality of second shapes to thereby accommodate different shapes and sizes of light fixtures,

wherein the breakaway panel is outlined by at least one slit along which the breakaway panel is detachable from the mounting frame, and

wherein slots substantially parallel to the lateral edge outline breakaway sections of the mounting frame, said breakaway sections enabling adjustment of the mounting frame length.

2 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 1 further comprising at least one attachment feature configured to attach an electrical component to the mounting frame.

3 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 1 further comprising channels for direct mounting of the mounting frame to an underside of a ceiling joist using an attachment device, said attachment device selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and pins.

4 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one channel proximate each lateral edge of the mounting frame, the channel extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral edge,

the channel enabling a plurality of attachment devices on the hanger bar to mate and thereby secure the hanger bar to the mounting frame,

wherein the channels enable the luminaire to be positioned at a flexible distance perpendicular to a ceiling joist.

5 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 4 wherein the attachment devices are selected from the group consisting of a bolt, a screw, a bolt, and a tongue.

6 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 1 wherein hanger bars are attached to the longitudinal edges of the mounting frame, the mounting bars comprising attachment members at each end of the mounting bar to enable securing the hanging bars between and substantially perpendicular to two ceiling joists.

7 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 6 wherein hanger bars have an adjustable length along the longitudinal edge of the mounting frame.

8 . The configurable mounting frame of claim 1 for mounting to a single ceiling joist, the mounting frame comprising:

a slot proximate each longitudinal edge of the mounting frame, the slot extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral edge,

the slot enabling a single attachment device to mate and thereby secure the attachment device to the mounting frame,

wherein the attachment device secures the mounting frame to the single ceiling joist,

wherein the slot enables the luminaire to be positioned at a flexible distance perpendicular to the ceiling joist.

9 . A method of securing a luminaire between two ceiling joist using the flat mounting frame of claim 1 , the method comprising the steps of:

removing any breakaway panels as necessary to ensure that the light fixture opening can accommodate the size and shape of the luminaire, and

mounting the luminaire to the flat mounting frame.

10 . A method of securing a luminaire between two ceiling joists using the flat mounting frame of claim 5 , the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a hanger bar to each of the ceiling joists,

positioning the attachment devices of each hanger bar in a respective channel of the flat mounting frame, and

securing the flat mounting frame using the attachment devices once the desired position of the luminaire between the two ceiling joists is attained.

11 . A method of securing a luminaire between two ceiling joists using the flat mounting frame of claim 6 , the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a hanger bar to each longitudinal edge of the mounting frame, and

adjusting the length of each hanger bar in order to properly secure each to the ceiling joists.

12 . A method of securing a luminaire to a single ceiling joist using the flat mounting frame of claim 8 , the method comprising the steps of:

positioning in each slot an attachment device,

securing each attachment device to the ceiling joist,

adjusting the luminaire to a desired distance from the ceiling joist, and

fixing the position of each attachment device in its respective slot.