GB2411512A

GB2411512A - Illuminated sign with canopy for e.g. bus stop or telephone kiosk.

Info

Publication number: GB2411512A
Application number: GB0501587A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Roland Hill
Original assignee: Contra Vision Ltd
Current assignee: Contra Vision Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-31
Filing date: 2005-01-26
Publication date: 2005-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-26
Also published as: GB0402189D0; GB0501587D0; GB2411512B

Abstract

An illumination assembly comprises an artificial source of illumination 20, a shelter with an external canopy 16 and a vertical display surface 10 located under the canopy. The external canopy comprises a canopy reflective surface wherein light from the illumination source is redirected onto the display surface. The shelter may be part of a bus stop or a telephone kiosk. The canopy may also comprise a sign. A transparent anti-vandal panel 22 may be provided to protect the source of illumination. A second source of illumination 21 to illuminate a second sign 32 may also be provided. The sign may be partially transparent and partially opaque or translucent.

Description

241 1512

ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY

An illumination assembly comprises an external, open canopy, an artificial source of illumination, a means of directing light from the source of illumination onto a canopy reflective surface, the light being redirected from the canopy reflective surface onto a display surface under one side of the canopy. The area under the canopy and optionally some of the area outside the canopy may also be illuminated by means of the illumination assembly. The invention has many applications including the illumination of advertisements on the sides of bus shelters and public telephone kiosks.

Background to the Invention

Reflectors form a common component of illumination devices, sometimes referred to as luminaires or light fittings. The reflectors are normally designed to reflect light from a single or multiple source of illumination, such as fluorescent light tubes, to achieve the desired distribution of illumination within a predetermined space, onto a defined surface or imaginary surface, for example a horizontal plane lm above floor level.

The space or surface that is to be illuminated can, of course, be illuminated by the luminaire both during the hours of darkness and during daylight hours. However, in some circumstances, for example in the case of bus shelters or other like structures located in the open, it is preferred to illuminate the interior space of the bus shelter and the internal surfaces of the bus shelter by means of natural rather than artificial light during the hours of daylight, for example by utilising a transparent or translucent bus shelter roof canopy. Similarly, public telephone kiosks typically have a large proportion of glazing for public safety reasons, which also allows daylight illumination of the interior. This represents a considerable energy saving, particularly in the summer time. Reflectors used in conventional luminaires in bus shelters are opaque to transmitted light but are of small area, thus allowing daylight illumination of a bus shelter by transmitted daylight passing around the luminaires.

However, such luminaires are liable to vandalism, as the light source is typically exposed within a relatively low headroom.

"Uplighting" is a well known means of illumination, in which light sources are directed upwards and reflect off a reflective opaque ceiling or roof, typically painted white or other light colour. Such luminaires are typically concealed and protected *om underneath and are therefore less liable to vandalism. The quality of illumination provided by uplighting is often considered preferable to direct illumination, as there is little if any glare. However, a bus shelter with an opaque roof canopy with a reflective soffit (underside) would not be illuminated by daylight through the canopy during the hours of daylight.

Bus shelters are commonly used to house advertisements on one or more sides of the shelter, for example an illuminated, typically backlit, sign on the far side of a bus shelter *om and facing approaching traffic. Oneway vision signs or advertisements, such as those disclosed in GB 2 165 292 (Hill) are also known to be applied to glass or plastic side panels on the sides of bus shelters.

Public telephone kiosks with advertisements on one or more sides are also known. Means of illuminating such advertisements *om both outside and inside a public telephone kiosk are disclosed in published patent application GB 2 375 449A (Hill), including a source of illumination within an external housing or canopy projecting outside the public telephone kiosk. The housing or canopy contains a source of illumination and a reflector to distribute light *om the source of illumination onto an advertisement located on the side of the kiosk under the source of illumination. The advertisement is typically located on a glass panel and is typically a partially transparent and partially opaque one-way vision panel according to GB 2 165 292, which allows the advertisement to be seen *om the outside and public telephone kiosk users to see out through the advertisement. GB 2 375 449A also discloses an internal source of illumination in the roof-to- ceiling void of a public telephone kiosk, the light being directed onto and "back-lighting" a partially transparent and partially translucent advertisement according to GB 0 880 439 (Hill). It is important to be able to see into and out of public enclosures such as public telephone kiosks and bus shelters, for public safety. See- through graphics advertisements according to either GB 2 165 292 or EP 0 880 439 have been used on the glass sides of public telephone kiosks and bus shelters for this reason.

Public telephone kiosks are also known to have backlit signs, typically fascia signs bearing the required design, for example "Telephone", illuminated by a source of illumination within the roof-to-ceiling space, as disclosed in GB 2 375 449A.

DE 3 812 879 discloses a source of illumination and a reflector within a public telephone kiosk roof-to-ceiling space, the reflector redirecting light onto the door of the kiosk. It also discloses dual reflectors, one reflector directing light from another source of illumination in the roofto-ceiling space onto another reflector, which redirects the light down into the interior space of the kiosk, this same source of illumination also illuminating a backlit fascia sign. However, DE 3 812 879 does not disclose the use of an external canopy as a reflector, for example to illuminate another surface, or any means of illuminating an external surface of a public telephone enclosure.

FR 2 773 375 discloses a public telephone structure with a plane, transparent, sloping canopy comprising an edge lit sign, the sign being illuminated by a source of illumination located along one edge of the canopy material. The sign is illuminated by internal reflection within the transparent canopy sheet material, in the conventional manner of an edge lit sign.

Optionally, a plane reflector is incorporated on the opposite edge of the canopy to the source of illumination, to redirect the internally reflected light in the reverse direction within the canopy transparent material, to further illuminate the sign from within the canopy material.

Illumination of the space under the canopy is optionally achieved by the sign illumination being diffused by a sheet fixed to the underside of the canopy. FR 2 773 375 also discloses, optionally, a contiguous canopy extension at a different angle to the main canopy and this canopy extension or hood may also be edge lit. FR 2 773 375 does not disclose the use of an external canopy as a reflector to illuminate another surface.

External light fittings or luminaires are known comprising a weatherprotecting housing or cover, which incorporates a reflector within the housing to reflect light from a source of illumination onto a surface such as an outdoor advertisement sign.

Brief Description of the invention

According to the present invention, an illumination assembly comprises an artificial source of illumination, a shelter comprising an external canopy and a substantially vertical display surface located under one edge of the canopy, the external canopy comprising a canopy reflective surface, and a means of directing the light from the source of illumination onto the canopy reflective surface, and wherein the canopy reflective surface redirects the light onto the substantially vertical display surface. Optionally, the source of illumination is located on plan under the canopy or on the side of the display surface remote from the canopy.

A "shelter" provides protection from the weather, for example from rain or other precipitation and, at least to some extent, wind. It is either partially open, for example like a typical bus shelter with only one, two or three sides to a rectangular area, or is an "enclosure", for example a typical public telephone kiosk with four sides to a totally enclosed square or rectangular area. According to this invention, a shelter comprises an "external canopy", which is unsupported on at least one edge of the canopy (without a side underneath it). For example, a canopy to a bus shelter cantilevers from one side or is supported on two or three sides but there is at least one unsupported edge with an opening to the shelter below.

Alternatively, the canopy cantilevers from (projects from) a side of an enclosure such as a public telephone kiosk. A side of the shelter under the canopy has a substantially vertical "display surface", typically for displaying information such as advertisements or signs, for example bus timetables.

In a first embodiment, a shelter such as a bus shelter comprises at least one substantially vertical side and a roof canopy. An artificial light source is located under the canopy and light from the light source is directed upwards towards the underside of the canopy, for example by a reflector under the light source and/or a lens or and/or a prism and/or by means of optical fibres. The canopy comprises a canopy reflective surface and the light which is incident on the reflective surface is redirected onto a display surface on the side of the shelter.

Preferably, light redirected from the canopy also provides space illumination under the canopy, in front of the vertical side. Typically, an advertisement is located on the display surface on the illuminated side of the shelter and the redirected light provides overall illumination of the advertisement with reasonable uniformity, for example providing an illuminance suitable for outdoor advertising with a variance in illuminance across the surface of not more than 50% of the average illuminance of the advertisement surface. The canopy reflective surface can be a surface of the canopy material, for example a surface of a glass, plastic sheet or fabric material forming the canopy, or may be a reflective material applied to or supported under or applied to or supported above the principal canopy material. More advantageously, the reflective surface is partially reflective and partially transparent or translucent, to allow daylight illumination through the canopy and onto any sign such as an advertisement on the side of the shelter. It is preferable for the surface to be partially transparent, allowing clear visibility of the sky from inside the shelter during daylight hours.

Any sign such as an advertisement on the side of the shelter is typically either opaque or a one-way vision panel which allows visibility through the sign. Light fittings in bus shelters are subject to vandalism. If the source of illumination is directed upwards, out of sight and protected from bus shelter occupants, this reduces the opportunity for and the incidence of vandalism. A partially reflective canopy also provides a degree of solar heat, glare and UV protection to the shelter occupants.

A second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the source of illumination is located on the side of the display surface remote from the canopy. The display surface is typically the surface of a glass panel or transparent plastic panel and the source of illumination is located either above the top of the display surface or shines through the display surface.

In a third embodiment of the invention, an enclosed or partially enclosed shelter, such a public telephone kiosk comprising a roof and one or more sides, has an external canopy projecting outwards from one side of the shelter. This canopy comprises a reflective surface or houses a reflective surface. Light is directed from a source of illumination, tor example by means of a reflector and/or a lens and/or a prism and/or by means of optical fibres. The directed light which is incident on the canopy reflective surface is redirected onto the side of the shelter. Preferably, light redirected from the canopy also provides space illumination under the canopy and further outside the shelter. Typically, a sign or an advertisement is located on the illuminated side of the shelter and the redirected light provides overall illumination of the sign such as an advertisement with reasonable uniformity. The light source may be located under the external canopy or may be located under the roof of the shelter, for example in a roof-to-ceiling space of a public telephone kiosk.

In any of the previous embodiments, a transparent protective panel, for example a polycarbonate plastic sheet, can form a protection for the source of illumination against vandalism. The protective panel can be in the form of a Fresnel lens to direct illumination onto the canopy reflective surface.

In any of the previous embodiments, the canopy reflective surface can be plane, curved or faceted or any combination of such shapes. The reflective surface is opaque or partially reflective and partially translucent or partially reflective and partially transparent. Suitable materials for the canopy reflective surface include anodised aluminium or a metallised surface or a painted surface or stove enamel surface, preferably white. Other suitable materials for the canopy reflective surface include partially metallised surface treatments or partially printed materials, for instance having a pattern of dots or lines printed in white, silver or other reflective colour over a proportion of the surface. Alternatively, perforated reflective material can form the reflector. However, such patterns should preferably be extremely fine to avoid the patterns being cast as identifiable shadow patterns on any advertisement or sign that is to be illuminated. The relative proportions of reflective and light-transmitting parts of a partially reflective surface is chosen having regard to the nature of the structure in which the invention is incorporated and the location of the structure. For example, if the structure is such that it can receive a significant proportion of natural light through one or more of the side walls, the proportion of light transmissible area in the canopy can be reduced. Generally, however, the proportion of reflective to non-reflective area will be from 20:80 to 80:20.

In any of the previous embodiments, any sign such as an advertisement on the display surface may be opaque or translucent or allow through vision.

In any of the previous embodiments, if the canopy reflective surface is a partially translucent or transparent surface, a second illuminated sign, for example comprising indicia, for example "BUS SHELTER" or "TELEPHONE" may be incorporated into the canopy and/or reflective surface, for example by means of opaque or translucent indicia. Alternatively, an illuminated sign may be created by omitting opaque reflective surface material within the areas of individual indicia.

In public telephone kiosks and other like embodiments of the invention, it may be preferable to restrict the extent of the cantilever of the external canopy, for example for aesthetic reasons. This will in turn limit the potential for illuminating the bottom of a sign such as an advertisement. In such circumstances, it is preferable to predominantly illuminate the top of such a sign by means of the external canopy and predominantly illuminate the bottom of the sign from a source of illumination within the shelter. In this case, the bottom of the sign is typically translucent or partially translucent and partially transparent, for example according to GB 0 880 439, and the translucent image is substantially backlit.

Suitable sources of illumination include a T6 fluorescent tube, a metal halide lamp or light emitting diode. Suitable transparent or translucent canopy materials include polycarbonate, acrylic and PVC sheets, composites such as glass reinforced polyester (GRP) and glass and suitable opaque canopy materials include aluminium or steel, which may be stove-enamelled.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a bus shelter in cross-section.

Fig. 2 is another bus shelter in cross-section.

Fig. 3 is a bus shelter of Fig. I or Fig. 2 in front elevation.

Fig. 4 is a public telephone kiosk in cross-section.

Fig. 5 is another public telephone kiosk in cross-section.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of a further public telephone kiosk.

Figs. 7A and 7B are perspectives of public telephone kiosks.

Fig.8 is a cross-section through a further bus shelter.

All the figures are diagrammatic and the configurations, for example the shapes of reflecting surfaces are not limitive.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a bus shelter comprises a side wall 10 and a roof external canopy 16. In Fig. 1, the external canopy 16 is made of an opaque material. The lower surface of the roof canopy is reflective, for example it is metallised or of stove enamel, preferably white, and forms a canopy reflective surface 17. Source of illumination 20 has a directing reflector 22 underneath it which directs light from the source of illumination 20 onto canopy reflective surface 17, which redirects light onto display surface 30 of, typically, a glass or polycarbonate panel. The redirected light typically illuminates a sign 31, typically an advertisement applied to or adjacent to surface 30. Sign 31 may be opaque, for example an opaque vinyl film with a white surface, or it may be translucent, for example, a translucent white vinyl film, or may be a one-way vision panel, for example comprising a partially printed transparent polyester film or a printed perforated vinyl film, for example according to GB 2 165 292. Alternatively, sign 31 may be partially transparent and partially translucent, for example according to EP 0 880 439.

Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1, except that external canopy 16 is transparent or translucent with a canopy reflective surface which is partially coated or partially printed with reflective material 18, the printing or other means of application leaving transparent or translucent areas 19 in between the reflective areas 18. The reflective surfaces 18 form the canopy reflective surface 17. Daylight from the sun or sky 50 is transmitted through the transparent or translucent areas of canopy 16 and illuminates the space underneath the canopy and the sign 31 during the hours of daylight. Optionally, the partially reflective canopy is constructed to provide sign 33 illustrated in Fig. 3, for example a one-way vision sign according to GB 2 165 292 having the sign design 33 superimposed on a partially printed reflective pattern, for example of white dots or lines, the sign design 33 being visible from the outside of the canopy but not being visible from inside the canopy.

Fig. 3 is an elevation on the bus shelter of Figs. 1 or 2 showing sign 31 on display surface 30 on side wall 10 protected from the weather by external canopy 16. Sign 31 is preferably a one-way vision panel according to GB 2 165 292 which allows clear visibility through the panel from the other side and some visibility from the near side through the transparent areas of such a one-way vision sign.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate two different illumination assemblies of public telephone kiosks 36.

In both cases, projecting canopy 16 has a canopy reflective surface 17 which is the means of redirecting illumination from a source of illumination 20 and directing reflector 22. In Fig. 4, the source of illumination 20 and directing reflector 22 are located outside a vertical projection of side wall 10. Light is redirected off the canopy reflective surface 17 onto sign 31 applied to or adjacent to display surface 30 of the side wall 10. Optionally, transparent panel 40 provides a barrier to vandalism of the source of illumination 20 and, also optionally, another transparent panel 42 allows a proportion of redirected light to illuminate the inside of the public telephone kiosk 36 via the roof-to-ceiling space 35. Optionally, a lower area sign 32 is illuminated from within the public telephone kiosk by second source of illumination 21, typically having a second directing reflector 23, the light passing through a transparent panel which protects the light source from accidental or deliberate damage. Sign 31 is typically a one-way vision panel according to GB 2 165 292 and typically lower area sign 32 is either a translucent sign or a partially translucent sign according to GB 0 880 439. Optionally, transparent panel 40 is also a Fresnel lens 27 with grooves 41 on either side of the panel being a means of redirecting illumination onto the surface 30 and lower area sign 32.

The purpose of the Fresnel lens 27 is to improve the uniformity of illumination on display surface 30 and advertisement 32. Optionally, the second source of illumination 21 and its associated reflector 23 and Fresnel lens 27 is incorporated into a kiosk wall perpendicular to the display surface 30, in which case the Fresnel lens 27 is particularly effective in redirecting light onto the display surface 30 with reasonable uniformity.

Fig. 5 is similar to Fig. 4 except the source of illumination 20 and directing reflector 22 are located in the roof-to-ceiling space 35, the illumination being directed onto canopy reflective surface 17.

Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative illumination arrangement to Fig. 5 in that canopy reflective surface 17 is a plane mirror and protective panel 40 is a Fresnel lens 27 with grooves 41 on either surface, which is a further means of redirecting illumination to provide relatively uniform illuminance of display surface 30.

Fig. 7A is a perspective of a public telephone kiosk 36 illustrating external canopy 16, sign 31 applied to display surface 30 and lower area sign 32 applied to display surface 30.

External canopy 16 can be of single thickness incorporating a canopy reflective surface or be a laminate comprising the canopy reflective surface or be an assembly, as illustrated in Fig. 7B, in which canopy reflective surface 17 is located under external canopy 16 by means of reflector fixing frame 15.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section through a further bus shelter in which the source of illumination 20 and a means of directing the source of illumination, for example reflector 22, are located outside the area of external canopy 16 on the side of display surface 30 remote from canopy 16. Optionally, transparent panel 40 or a continuation of transparent side wall 10 above the display surface 30 provides a physical protection against vandalism of the source of illumination 20. The source of illumination 20 is optionally within a protective housing 45.

The light directed from source of illumination 20 is redirected from canopy reflective surface 17 onto display surface 30 onto which is typically attached sign 31. Optionally, light reflected off canopy reflective surface 17 is also redirected to illuminate the space underneath canopy 16 and optionally outside canopy 16.

In any of the previous figures, instead of directing reflector 22 and/or 23, light from any of the light sources can be directed by means of a lens or prism or fibre optic cable onto canopy reflective surface 17.

It is to be understood that the above described embodiments are by way of illustration only.

Many modifications and variations are possible.

These figures do not illustrate all the possible embodiments of the invention, for example elements from one figure can be used in conjunction with elements from another figure to form the invention.

The invention's novel use of a canopy reflective surface to redirect light onto a display surface has many advantages. The invention overcomes the problems of illumination of a display surface, for example carrying an advertisement, on the side of and under a canopy of a shelter such as a bus shelter or a kiosk such as a public telephone kiosk. Also, the invention typically provides space illumination under the canopy from the same source of illumination.

Further advantage is derived when the source of illumination is protected from vandalism by being located behind the display surface (on the side of the display surface remote from the canopy), for example in a public telephone roof-to-ceiling space. This advantage is further improved if there is a transparent protective panel between the source of illumination and the canopy reflective surface. The display surface can also be illuminated by natural daylight during the hours of daylight, either through the use of a partially translucent or transparent canopy or because of the limited overhang of the canopy. (

Claims

Claims 1. An illumination assembly comprising an artificial source of

illumination, a shelter comprising an external canopy and a substantially vertical display surface located under the canopy, the external canopy comprising a canopy reflective surface, and wherein the canopy reflective surface redirects the light from the source of illumination onto the substantially vertical display surface.
2. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of said canopy reflective surface is located on one side of said display surface, and wherein said source of illumination is located on said one side of said display surface.
3. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of said canopy reflective surface is located on one side of said display surface and wherein said source of illumination is located on the other side of the display surface.
4. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is a means of directing light from said source of illumination onto said canopy reflective surface.
5. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said source of illumination is within a roof-to-ceiling space of a public telephone kiosk.
6. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a sign is applied to the display surface and is illuminated by the illumination assembly.
7. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sign is partially transparent and partially opaque.
8. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sign is partially transparent and partially translucent. l
9. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second source of illumination is directed onto a second sign applied to the display surface, and wherein the second sign is translucent.
10. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second source of illumination is located on another side of the shelter.
An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said translucent sign is partially translucent and partially transparent.
12. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said canopy comprises an opaque material.
13. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said canopy comprises a transparent material.
14. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein said transparent material has a partially reflective surface.
15. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein said transparent material is partially printed with a reflective material.
16. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means of directing light comprises a reflecting surface.
17. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means of directing light comprises a Fresnel lens.
18. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means of directing light comprises a fibre optic cable.
19. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a transparent panel protects the source of illumination from vandalism.
20. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said transparent panel is located between said source of illumination and said canopy reflective surface.
21. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said transparent panel forms an underside to said canopy.
22. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein a Fresnel lens provides a means of redirecting said second source of illumination.
23. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a canopy sign is applied to said canopy.
24. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein said canopy is partially transparent and partially opaque and said canopy sign is visible from outside said canopy but is not visible from inside said canopy.

24. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein said canopy is partially transparent and partially opaque and said canopy sign is visible from outside said canopy but is not visible from inside said canopy.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An illumination assembly comprising an artificial source of illumination, a shelter comprising an external canopy and a substantially vertical display surface located under the canopy, the external canopy comprising a canopy reflective surface, wherein there is a means of directing light from said source of illumination onto said canopy reflective surface, and wherein the canopy reflective surface redirects the light from the source of illumination onto the substantially vertical display surface.

2. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of said canopy reflective surface is located on one side of said display surface, and wherein said source of illumination is located on said one side of said display surface.

3. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of said canopy reflective surface is located on one side of said display surface and wherein said source of illumination is located on the other side of the display surface.

4. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said source of illumination is located within a protective housing.

5. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said source of illumination is located within a roof-to-ceiling space of a public telephone kiosk.

6. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a sign is applied to the display surface and is illuminated by the illumination assembly.

7. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sign is partially transparent and partially opaque.

8. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sign is partially transparent and partially translucent. l6

9. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second source of illumination is directed onto a second sign applied to the display surface, and wherein the second sign is translucent.

10. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second source of illumination is located on another side of the shelter.

11. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said translucent sign is partially translucent and partially transparent; 12. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said canopy comprises an opaque material.

13. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said canopy comprises a transparent material.

14. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein said transparent material has a partially reflective surface.

15. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein said transparent material is partially printed with a reflective material.

16. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means of directing light comprises a reflecting surface.

17. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said means of directing light comprises a Fresnel lens.

18. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein said means of directing light comprises a fibre optic cable.

19. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a transparent i1 panel protects the source of illumination from vandalism.

20. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said transparent panel is located between said source of illumination and said canopy reflective surface.

21. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said transparent panel forms an underside to said canopy.

22. An illumination assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein a Fresnel lens provides a means of redirecting said second source of illumination.

23. An illumination assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a canopy sign is applied to said canopy.