Surface mounted light fixtures typically come in two parts—a back plate that is coupled to a wall or a ceiling, and a cover that is coupled onto the back plate. During installation, it is convenient to have the two parts near each other to accomplish the electrical connections. Often, while the installer makes the electrical connections, the installer has to hold the cover in one hand which in turn leaves the installer with only one free hand to make electrical connections. Since the installer cannot use both his/her hands to make the electrical connection, the installer may find this approach very inconvenient and inefficient.
Mechanisms for placing the cover in proximity to the back plate during installation do exist. For example, a hinge may be provided between the two parts. However, adding hinges to the cover and back plate may be cost prohibitive. Another example includes providing a tether between the two parts. However, adding tethers to the cover and the back plate may also be cost prohibitive. Furthermore, tethers may not rigidly hold the cover in proximity to the back plate and the installer still may be required to support the cover with one hand. Yet another example includes providing snaps that hold the cover and back plate together during installation. However, the installation of snaps are limited to plastic parts that can utilize the snaps. Accordingly, snaps are not a feasible option for light fixtures made using other types of materials.
In view of the foregoing shortcomings, there is a need for technology that holds the two parts of the surface mounted light fixtures rigidly and in close proximity to each other during the installation of a surface mounted light fixture. This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present disclosure. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present disclosure.