Fitting protector

Abstract

The present invention is a protector for fittings that extend through ceiling material into a void behind. The protector comprised a single or multipart shell adapted for location within the void around that rear part of the fitting which extends into the void. The shell has locating means that are adapted to co-operate with a mechanism by which the fitting is held in place, so as to hold the shell in place around the fitting. The protector prevents insulating material in the void coming into contact with the fitting. The shell may be adjustable in size and may be held down by spring arms on the fitting. The shell may also be adapted to hold the fittings associated components.

1 . A fitting protector for use with a fitting that extends through ceiling material into a void therebehind, comprising a shell adapted for location within the void around that part of the fitting which extends into the void, and locating means adapted to co-operate with a mechanism by which the fitting is held in place, so as to hold the shell in place around the fitting such that the shell prevents insulating material in the void coming into contact with the fitting.  
   
   
       2 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locating means includes a tab that extends from the shell and in use lies against the ceiling material and is engaged by said mechanism.  
   
   
       3 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the locating means includes two or more tabs.  
   
   
       4 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein each tab extends inwardly from a lower edge of the shell at right angles thereto.  
   
   
       5 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein one edge of the tab is connected to one region of the shell and another edge of the tab is connected to a different region of the shell.  
   
   
       6 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locating means include a slot formed in the shell and through which slot part of the mechanism that holds the fitting will extend to thereby hold the shell in place.  
   
   
       7 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the slot is generally horizontal and is disposed close to the lower end of the shell.  
   
   
       8 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein two slots are provided on opposite sides of the shell.  
   
   
       9 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises two relatively separable parts to permit location of the shell around a fitting.  
   
   
       10 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein each of the two parts is generally channel-shaped.  
   
   
       11 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein each channel-shaped part has a pair of flanges and the flanges of one part inter-engage with the flanges of the other part.  
   
   
       12 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the connection between the two parts is adjustable such that the volume defined by the shell is adjustable.  
   
   
       13 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the outer edges of the flanges of one channel-shaped part are received in suitable adapted co-operating means provided on the flanges of the other channel-shaped part.  
   
   
       14 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the flanges of one channel-shaped part overlie the flanges of the other channel-shaped part and are connected thereto.  
   
   
       15 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the two parts are connected together using clips that pass over the flanges in the region of overlap between the flanges.  
   
   
       16 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the flanges of one part are a tight sliding fit between the flanges of the other part.  
   
   
       17 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the two parts are hingedly connected together.  
   
   
       18 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the shell is generally rectangular and each channel-shaped part has a generally rectangular cross-section.  
   
   
       19 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the shell is closed at its end furthest from the ceiling material.  
   
   
       20 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the fitting around which the fitting protector is mounted is a light fitting.  
   
   
       21 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the shell is adapted to support a transformer or other electrical component connected to the fitting.  
   
   
       22 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the upper edge of the shell is cut to form one or more tongue that may be bent out of the plane of the shell to allow engagement thereto of a transformer or other component.  
   
   
       23 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein pegs are removably attached to the shell and the transformer or other component may be located on the pegs.  
   
   
       24 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein prongs are attached to the shell and in normal use lie substantially parallel to and against the shell, but which may be selectively bent away therefrom to permit the support of a transformer or other component.  
   
   
       25 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein an opening is formed in the shell and a tie member is provided such that a transformer or other component may be supported on the shell by engagement of the member with the opening and the component.  
   
   
       26 . A fitting protector as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the tie member is a strip of metal that may pass through the opening and can be bent around the component.