WO2018014085A1

WO2018014085A1 - Skylight assembly and light assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018014085A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050751
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Donovan
Original assignee: Machine Engineering Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-21
Filing date: 2017-07-21
Publication date: 2018-01-25
Also published as: AU2017298014B2; AU2017298014A1

Abstract

A skylight assembly comprising: at least one skylight panel having a central light transmitting portion located in between a first end portion and a second end portion for transmitting natural light; each of said first and second end portions comprising respective connection arrangements for connection with adjacently located roof panels or ceiling panels; and a lighting arrangement positioned along the skylight panel for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available.

Description

SKYLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a skylight assembly and light assembly comprising one or more skylight panels or light panels.

BACKGROUND Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

Users of buildings such as storage buildings or sheds have to deal with a lack of light because these buildings are often located at remote locations with no electricity or other means of illuminating the interior space. Some users have tried to address this problem by using skylights mounted onto the roof of such buildings. A skylight is a window-like device that is mounted in the roof of a building and allows sunlight to shine into an interior space of the building from above. However, during night time when natural light is not available, the skylight does not provide any illumination for the interior space of the building. Sheeting panels for roofs are available in a variety of different profiles and configurations. Typically, the sheeting panels have opposed edges which are often referred to as "male" and "female" edges. Such an arrangement enables adjacent sheets to be connected together by engaging the respective "male" and "female" edges of adjacent sheeting panels and by then securing adjacently located roof panels with suitable fasteners.

In many roofing applications, eg. verandahs and pergolas, which utilise sheeting panels with opposed edges, it is desirable include a skylight that can be installed to not only improve the amount of natural light to the area below the roof but also provided added benefits to users during periods when natural light is not available. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a skylight assembly comprising: at least one skylight panel for transmitting natural light, the panel having a central light transmitting portion located in between a first end portion and a second end portion; each of said first and second end portions comprising respective connection arrangements for connection with adjacently located roof panels or ceiling panels; and a lighting arrangement positioned along the skylight panel for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available.

In another aspect, there is provided a light assembly comprising: at least one light panel having a first end portion and a second end portion; each of said first and second end portions comprising respective connection arrangements for connection with adjacently located roof panels; and a lighting arrangement positioned along the light panel for providing a light source for an interior space of a building having said roof panels.

In an embodiment, the lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of LED lights located in a lighting channel, preferably a recessed lighting channel, provided along the skylight panel. Preferably, the LED lighting arrangement further comprises a light-guiding (diffuser) housing positioned along the lighting channel. In an embodiment, at least a first lighting channel is positioned at or adjacent the first end portion and at least a second lighting channel is positioned at or adjacent the second end portion. Preferably, the light-guiding housing is adapted for being received into the lighting channel and extends along the entire length of the lighting channel.

Preferably, each of the lighting channels comprises sidewalls, the side walls being provided with one or more structures for receiving and retaining the housing during use. Preferably, the LED lights are provided on a LED light strip, the light strip comprising a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the flexible substrate. More preferably, the depth of the said lighting channel is sufficient for accommodating the LED light strip therein.

In an embodiment, each of the connecting portions of the skylight panel defines a respective connecting channel for connecting with an adjacently located roof panel or ceiling panel.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the end portions of the skylight panel comprises: a first connecting portion extending laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the first connecting portion being adapted for engagement with an in-use outer face of the roof panel; and a second connecting portion depending downwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the second connecting portion being adapted for engagement with an in-use inner face of the roof panel.

Preferably, the first connecting portion defines a connecting channel for receiving and engaging the outer face of an end portion of the roof panel and the second connecting portion is adapted for engagement with the inner face of an upstanding end portion of the roof panel.

In an embodiment, at least the first connecting portion is resiliently deformable for receiving the end portion of the roof panel. Preferably, the second connecting portion is also resiliently deformable for engaging with the inner face of the roof panel.

Preferably, the LED lighting arrangement is positioned along the second connecting portion of the skylight panel.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises one or more fasteners for fastening the first connecting portion with the roof panel. In another alternative embodiment, the skylight assembly comprises at least two of the skylight panels, wherein a first skylight panel is adapted for connection with adjacently located roof panels and a second skylight panel is adapted for connection with adjacently located ceiling panels such that each of said first and second skylight panels are adapted for being inter-connected to allow transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels.

In another alternative embodiment, the skylight assembly comprises at least two of the skylight panels adapted for connection with two or more insulated roof panels, each roof panel comprising a first sheet and a second sheet with insulating core sandwiched therebetween, wherein the first skylight panel is adapted for connection with a respective first sheet of adjacently located insulated roof panels and wherein the second skylight panel is adapted for connection with respective second sheets of adjacently located insulated roof panels, and a spacing arrangement for spacing and inter-connecting said first and second skylight panels for allowing transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels. Preferably, each of the end portions of the first and second skylight panels further comprises: a first connecting portion extending laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the first connecting portion being adapted for engagement with a roof panel or a ceiling panel; and a second connecting portion depending upwardly or downwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the second connecting portion being adapted for interconnecting the first and second skylight panels.

In an embodiment, the LED lighting arrangement is provided along at least one of the skylight panels.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first connecting portions of the skylight panels defines a groove (or a female connecting member) for receiving a first adjacent roof panel or ceiling panel therein during use and the another of the first connecting portions of the skylight panel forms an outwardly extending connecting member (preferably a male connecting member) for being received into a connecting groove (or a female receiving portion) provided along a second adjacent roof panel or ceiling panel during use. Preferably, least a first lighting arrangement is positioned along an in-use outwardly facing surface of the second skylight panel and at least another lighting arrangement positioned along an in-use inwardly facing surface of the first or second skylight panel. In an embodiment, the spacing arrangement comprises a plurality of the second connecting portions (or connectors) such that at least one of the second connecting portions is positioned adjacent to the first connecting portion and at least another of the second connecting portions is positioned at an intermediate position in between the first and second ends of the first and second skylight panels.

In an embodiment, the first skylight panel comprises upwardly extending end portions that define a trough portion between said end portions such that at least a part of the upwardly extending end portions form the first connecting portions. Preferably, at least one of the second connecting portions extends downwardly from one of the upwardly extending end portions of the first skylight panel and another of the second connecting portions extends downwardly from the trough portion of the first skylight panel wherein each of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel are adapted for connecting with corresponding second connecting portions of the second skylight panel.

In an embodiment, at least one and preferably two of the second connecting portions extend downwardly from the trough portion of first skylight panel to connect with corresponding second connecting portions located on the second skylight panel. Preferably, at least one of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel and the corresponding second connecting portion on the second skylight panel is provided with a respective slot for receiving a removable joining member therein. Preferably, the slot comprises a first slot portion and a second slot portion such that the first and second slot portions extend in mutually intersecting directions. Preferably, the first and second slot portions extend in mutually perpendicular directions.

In an embodiment, at least the first slot portion comprises a plurality of projecting teeth (preferably triangular teeth) for engaging the joining member.

In an embodiment, the skylight assembly further comprises at least one joiner member wherein the joiner member comprises a first dowel portion and a second dowel portion such that the first dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on said at least one of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel; and the second dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on the corresponding second connecting portion located on the second skylight panel.

In an alternative embodiment, the joiner member comprises a first hook portion and a second hook portion such that the first hook portion is adapted for being engaged and retained in the slot provided on said at least one of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel and the second hook portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on the corresponding second connecting portion located on the second skylight panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 100' in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 100" in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 100"' in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 200 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 200" in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6A to 6D represent perspective views of the skylight assembly 200 in an in-use configuration with insulation layers having varying thicknesses (T1 - T4), the insulation layers being interposed in between roof panels and ceiling panels.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 400 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 500 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 500" in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 10A to 10D represent perspective views of the skylight assembly 500 in an in-use configuration with insulation layers having varying thicknesses (T1 -T4), the insulation layers being interposed in between roof panels and ceiling panels.

Figures 1 1 -13 represent sectional views of a skylight assembly 300 in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 600' in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 700 in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 800 in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17A is a sectional view of a skylight assembly 900 in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17B is an enlarged sectional view of the inset B shown in Figure 17A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 , a first embodiment of a skylight assembly 100' is illustrated. The skylight assembly 100' includes a skylight panel for transmitting light. The skylight panel 1 10 comprises a translucent polymeric material that allows natural light to pass therethrough. The skylight panel 1 10 comprises a central light transmitting portion 150 that is located in between a first end portion 120 and a second end portion 140.

Each of the ends 120, 140 is provided with a respective first connecting portion 122 and 142 that extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion 150 in opposite directions. Each of the first connecting portions 122 and 142 also defines a channel like formation for receiving male and female longitudinal edges of adjacently located roof panels R. The first connecting portions 122 and 142 are resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions (male or female connecting ends) of the adjacently located roof panels R and engaging with an in-use outer face of a respective roof panel R. Once, the end portions of the roof panels R have been received into the channels defined by each of first connecting portions 122 and 142, a fastening screw 170 is used for further fastening the respective end portions 120 and 140 with a respective edge of the roof panels R during use to prevent further relative movement between the skylight panel 1 10 and the roof panels. The fastening screw 170 is mounted in a downwardly directed in-use configuration. Each of the ends 120 and 140 also comprises a respective second connecting portion 124 and 144 that depend downwardly from the central light transmitting portion 150. The second connecting portions 124 and 144 are also resiliently deformable and adapted for engagement with an in-use inner or inwardly facing surface of the roof panels R.

The skylight assembly 100' is also provided with a lighting arrangement 160 in the form of LED lights 162 positioned along the skylight panel 1 10 for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel 1 10 is not available. The LED lights 162 are located in a recessed lighting channel 166 provided along the skylight panel. Specifically, each end 120 and 140 of the skylight panel is provided with a respective lighting channel 166 that is positioned along an inwardly directed face of the respective second connecting portions 124 and 144. The positioning of the lighting channel 166 along the inwardly directed face allows the LED lights 162 to be accessed from the inside of the building once the skylight assembly 100' has been installed. Furthermore, each of the lighting channels 166 are provided with diffusers 164 (also referred to as the light- guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 166. The light-guiding housing 164 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 166 and is adapted for being received and retained into the lighting channel 166. Each of the lighting channels 166 comprises sidewalls with one or more structures that allow the diffuser housing 164 for being received and retained into the lighting channel 166. The LED lights 162 in the preferred embodiment are provided in the form of a LED light strip. The LED light strip 162 comprises a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the exposed face of the flexible substrate. The substrate also comprises an adhesive backing layer for allowing the LED light strip 162 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 166.

Referring to the skylight assembly 100" illustrated in Figure 2, like reference numerals denote like features which have been previously described. Unlike the previously described embodiment, the lighting arrangement 160 in the skylight assembly 100" is positioned on an outwardly directed face of each of the second connecting portions 124 and 144. The location of the channels 166 on outwardly directed face allows the LED lights 162 to be accessed from the roof of a building by loosening screw 170 and disengaging the edge portion of the roof panels R from the first connecting portions 122 and 142.

Referring to the skylight assembly 100"' illustrated in Figure 3, like reference numerals denote like features which have been previously described. The lighting arrangement 160"' in the skylight assembly 100"' is positioned on an inwardly directed face of each of the second connecting portions 124 and 144. The location of the channels 166 on an inwardly directed face allows the LED lights 162 to be accessed from an interior portion of the building without the need for climbing onto the roof of the building.

In an alternative embodiment, the panel 1 10 in the skylight assembly 100 may be replaced with an opaque panel 1 10 that does not allow any transmission of light but instead functions as a reflector panel. Referring to Figures 4 and 5 skylight assemblies 200 and 200" are illustrated. Each of the skylight assemblies 200 and 200" comprise a first skylight panel 200A and a second skylight panel 200B. The first skylight panel 200A is adapted for connection with adjacently located roof panels (R1 and R2). The second skylight panel 200B is adapted for connection with adjacently located ceiling panels (C1 and C2). It is important to appreciate insulated roof panels may be provided with an outer skin (that functions as an outward roof sheet) and inner skin (which functions as a ceiling sheet) with an insulating core sandwiched there-between. In such a configuration, the outer skin of the roof panel is analogous to a roof sheeting panel (R1 and R2) and the inner skin of the roof panel is analogous to a ceiling sheeting panel (C1 and C2).

The first and second skylight panels 200A and 200B are arranged for being inter-connected during use to allow transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels 200A and 200B. The skylight assembly 200 provides an inter-connecting mechanism that allows the first and second skylight panels 200A and 200B to be interconnected at varying distances in order to accommodate varying thicknesses of insulation that may be provided in between the roof panels (R1 , R2) and ceiling panels (C1 , C2).

Each lateral end of the first skylight panel 200A comprises upwardly directed walls to form the first connection portions 222A and 242A that define a trough portion 250 between said connection portions 222A and 242A. Each of the first connecting portions 222 and 242 extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion 250 in opposite directions. Each of the first connecting portions 222 and 242 also define a channel like formation for receiving a respective connecting end of the roof panels (R1 and R2). The first connecting portions 222 and 242 are also resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions (male or female connecting ends) of the adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2 and thereby engaging with an in-use outer face of the respective roof panels R1 and R2. Each lateral end of the second skylight panel 200B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located ceiling panel C1 and C2. A first lateral end of the second skylight panel 200B comprises a female connecting member 222B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located ceiling panel C1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 200B comprises a male connecting member 242B that can be received into a female connecting portion of an adjacently located ceiling panel C2.

The first and second skylight panels 200A and 200B are also provided with a biscuit joiner mechanism for inter-connecting the skylight panels 200A and 200B to accommodate for the varying spacing in between the skylight panels 200A and 200B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses (such as T1 , T2, T3 and T4-See Figures 6A to 6D) of insulation that is sandwiched between the roof panel and ceiling panel. From Figures 6A-6D, it can be understood that the length of the joiner member 280 may be varied in accordance with the thickness of the insulating core in the panels. The biscuit joiner mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 224A, 226A and 244A that are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 224B, 226B and 244B. The first set of connectors (224A, 226A and 244A) extend downwardly from the first skylight panel 200A in a direction towards the second skylight panel 200B. The second set of connectors (224B, 226B and 244B) extend upwardly from the second skylight panel 200B towards the first skylight panel 200A. A joiner member 280 is provided for inter-connecting the first and second skylight panels 200A and 200B. The joiner member 280 comprises a first dowel portion and a second dowel portion. The first dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slots provided on any one of the connectors (224A, 226A and 244A) provided on the first skylight panel 200A. The second dowel portion of the joiner is adapted for being received into the slots of any one of the connectors (224B, 226B and 244B) provided on the second skylight panel 200B. Each joiner member 280 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 200A with a corresponding connector on the second skylight panel 200B. Advantageously, the slots provided in the connectors for the first and second skylight panels 200A and 200B are provided with projecting teeth that engage with the dowel portion of the joiner member 280 during use.

The skylight assemblies 200 and 200" are also provided with a lighting arrangement 260 in the form of LED lights 262 positioned along the second skylight panel 200B for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available. The LED lights 262 are located in a recessed lighting channel 266 provided along the second skylight panel 200B. The lighting channels 266 are provided with diffusers 264 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 266. The light-guiding housing 264 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 266 may be adapted for being received and retained into the lighting channel 266.

The LED lights 262 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of a LED light strip. The LED light strip 262 comprises a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the exposed face of the flexible substrate. The substrate also comprises an adhesive backing layer for allowing the LED light strip 262 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 266.

Referring to Figure 7, another embodiment of a skylight assembly 400 is illustrated. Skylight assembly 400 is provided for use with insulated roof panels P1 and P2 which comprise an outwardly located sheet (outer sheet or skin) and an inwardly located sheet (inner sheet or skin) with a insulation layer sandwiched there-between. The skylight assembly 400 comprises a first skylight panel 400A and a second skylight panel 400B. The first skylight panel 400A is adapted for connection with outwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The second skylight panel 400B is adapted for connection with inwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The first and second skylight panels 400A and 400B are arranged for being inter-connected during use to allow transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels 400A and 400B. The skylight assembly 400 provides an inter-connecting mechanism that allows the first and second skylight panels 400A and 400B to be inter-connected with a variable spacing therebetween in order to accommodate varying thicknesses of insulation that may be provided in between the outer and inner skins of the roof panels (P1 and P2).

Each lateral end of the first skylight panel 400A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located outer sheets of the panels P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the first skylight panel 400A comprises a male connecting member 422A that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 400A comprises a female connecting member 442B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

Each lateral end of the second skylight panel 400B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located ceiling panel C1 and C2. A first lateral end of the second skylight panel 400B comprises a male connecting member 422B that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 400B comprises a female connecting member 442B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

The first and second skylight panels 400A and 400B are also provided with a biscuit joiner mechanism for inter-connecting the skylight panels 400A and 400B to accommodate for the varying spacing in between the skylight panels 400A and 400B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses of insulation that is sandwiched between the outer and inner sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The biscuit joiner mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 424A, 426A and 444A that are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 424B, 426B and 444B. The first set of connectors (424A, 426A and 444A) extends downwardly from the first skylight panel 400A in a direction towards the second skylight panel 400B. The second set of connectors (424B, 426B and 444B) extends upwardly from the second skylight panel 400B towards the first skylight panel 400A. A joiner member 480 is provided for inter-connecting the first and second skylight panels 400A and 400B. The joiner member 480 comprises a first dowel portion and a second dowel portion. The first dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slots provided on any one of the connectors (424A, 426A and 444A) provided on the first skylight panel 400A. The second dowel portion of the joiner is adapted for being received into the slots of any one of the connectors (424B, 426B and 444B) provided on the second skylight panel 400B. Each joiner member 480 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 400A with a corresponding connector on the second skylight panel 400B. Advantageously, the slots provided in the connectors for the first and second skylight panels 400A and 400B are also provided with projecting teeth that engage with the dowel portion of the joiner member 480.

The skylight assemblies 400 and 400" are also provided with a lighting arrangement 460 in the form of LED lights 462 positioned along the second skylight panel 400B for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available. The LED lights 462 are located in a recessed lighting channel 466 provided along the second skylight panel 400B. The lighting channels 466 are provided with diffusers 464 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 466. The light-guiding housing 464 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 466 may be adapted for being received and retained into the lighting channel 466. The LED lights 462 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of a LED light strip. The LED light strip 462 comprises a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the exposed face of the flexible substrate. The substrate also comprises an adhesive backing layer for allowing the LED light strip 462 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 466.

Referring to Figure 8, another embodiment of a skylight assembly 500 is illustrated. Skylight assembly 500 is provided for use with insulated roof panels P1 and P2 which comprise an outwardly located sheet and an inwardly located sheet with an insulation layer sandwiched there-between. The skylight assembly 500 comprises a first skylight panel 500A and a second skylight panel 500B. The first skylight panel 500A is adapted for connection with outwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The second skylight panel 500B is adapted for connection with inwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The first and second skylight panels 500A and 500B are arranged for being inter-connected during use to allow transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels 500A and 500B. The skylight assembly 500 provides an inter-connecting mechanism that allows the first and second skylight panels 500A and 500B to be inter- connected with a variable spacing there-between in order to accommodate varying thicknesses of insulation that may be provided in between the roof panels (P1 and P2). Each lateral end of the first skylight panel 500A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located out sheet of the panels P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the first skylight panel 500A comprises a male connecting member 522A that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 500A comprises a female connecting member 542B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

Each lateral end of the second skylight panel 500B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located ceiling panel C1 and C2. A first lateral end of the second skylight panel 500B comprises a male connecting member 522B that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 400B comprises a female connecting member 542B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

The first and second skylight panels 500A and 500B are also provided with a biscuit joiner mechanism for inter-connecting the skylight panels 500A and 500B to accommodate for the varying spacing in between the skylight panels 500A and 500B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses (such as T1 , T2, T3 and T4-See Figures 10A to 10D) of insulation that is sandwiched between the outer and inner sheets of the panels P1 and P2. From Figures 10A-10D, it can be understood that the length of the joiner member 580 may be varied in accordance with the thickness of the insulating core in the panels. The biscuit joiner mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 524A and 544A that are located adjacent the connecting ends 522A and 542A respectively. The first set of connectors 524A and 544A are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 524B and 544B. The first set of connectors (524A and 544A) extends downwardly from the first skylight panel 500A in a direction towards the second skylight panel 500B. The second set of connectors (524B and 544B) extends upwardly from the second skylight panel 500B towards the first skylight panel 500A. The joiner member 580 comprises a first dowel portion and a second dowel portion. The first dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slots provided on any one of the connectors (524A and 544A) provided on the first skylight panel 500A. The second dowel portion of the joiner is adapted for being received into the slots of any one of the connectors (524B and 544B) provided on the second skylight panel 500B. Each joiner member 580 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 500A with a corresponding connector on the second skylight panel 500B. Advantageously, the slots provided in the connectors for the first and second skylight panels 500A and 500B are provided with projecting teeth that engage with the dowel portion of the joiner member 580. The skylight assembly 500 is also provided with a lighting arrangement 560 in the form of LED lights 562 positioned along the second skylight panel 500B for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available. The LED lights 562 are located in a recessed lighting channel 566 provided along the second skylight panel 500B. The lighting channels 566 are provided with diffusers 564 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 566. The light-guiding housing 564 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 566 may be adapted for being received and retained into the lighting channel 566.

The LED lights 562 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of a LED light strip. The LED light strip 562 comprises a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the exposed face of the flexible substrate. The substrate also comprises an adhesive backing layer for allowing the LED light strip 562 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 566.

Referring to the skylight assembly 500" illustrated in Figure 9, like reference numerals denote like features which have been previously described. Unlike the previously described embodiment, the lighting arrangement 560" in the skylight assembly 500" includes a first set of LED lights 560A located on an inwardly directed face of the first skylight panel 500A and a second set of LED lights 560B located on an outwardly directed face of the first skylight panel 500A.

Referring to Figures 1 1 to 13 a skylight assembly 300 is illustrated. The skylight assembly 300 comprises a first skylight panel 300A and a second skylight panel 300B. The first skylight panel 300A is adapted for connection with adjacently located roof panels (R1 and R2). The second skylight panel 300B is adapted for connection with adjacently located ceiling panels (C1 and C2). The first and second skylight panels 300A and 300B are arranged for being inter-connected during use to allow transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels 300A and 300B. The skylight assembly 300 also provides an inter-connecting mechanism that allows the first and second skylight panels 300A and 300B to be inter-connected at varying distances in order to accommodate varying thicknesses of insulation that may be provided in between the roof panels (R1 , R2) and ceiling panels (C1 , C2).

Each lateral end of the first skylight panel 300A comprises upwardly directed walls to form the first connection portions 322A and 342A that define a trough portion between said connection portions 322A and 342A. Each of the first connecting portions 322A and 342A extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion 350 in opposite directions. Each of the first connecting portions 322A and 342A also defines a channel like formation for receiving a respective end of the roof panels (R1 and R2). The first connecting portions 322A and 342A are also resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions (male or female connecting ends) of the adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2 and thereby engaging with an in-use outer face of the respective roof panels R1 and R2.

Each lateral end of the second skylight panel 300B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located ceiling panel C1 and C2. A first lateral end of the second skylight panel 300B comprises a male connecting member 322B that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located ceiling panel C1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 300B comprises a female connecting member 342B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located ceiling panel C2.

The first and second skylight panels 300A and 300B are also provided with an inter-connecting mechanism for inter-connecting the skylight panels 300A and 300B to accommodate for the varying spacing in between the skylight panels 200A and 200B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses (such as T1 , T2, T3 See Figures 1 1 to 12) of insulation that is sandwiched between the roof panels (R1 , R2) and ceiling panels (C1 , C2). The inter-connecting mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 324A and 344A that are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 324B and 344B. One of the connectors namely 344A extends downwardly from one of the upwardly extending end portions 342A of the first skylight panel 300A and another of the connectors, namely 324A extends downwardly from the trough portion 350 of the first skylight panel 300A. The second set of connectors (324B and 344B) extends upwardly from the second skylight panel 300B towards the first skylight panel 300A. The joiner member 380 comprises opposed hook portions that are shaped for being engaged in the slots provided in the connectors provided on the first skylight panels 300A and 300B. Each of the slots provided in the connectors comprises a first slot portion and a second slot portion to form an L-shaped slot such that the first and second slot portions extend in mutually intersecting directions. Each joiner member 380 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 300A with a corresponding connector on the second skylight panel 300B during use.

The skylight assembly 300 is also provided with a lighting arrangement 360 in the form of LED lights 362 positioned along the second skylight panel 300B for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available. The LED lights 362 are located in a recessed lighting channel 366 provided along the second skylight panel 300B. The lighting channels 366 are provided with diffusers 364 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 366. The light-guiding housing 364 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 366 may be adapted for being received and retained into the lighting channel 366.

Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment of a skylight assembly 600. Like reference numerals like features which have been previously described in earlier sections. Unlike the previously described embodiments, panels P1 and P2 are provided with a corrugated profile. Specifically, each panel (P1 and P2) comprises an outer corrugated skin and an inner planar skin with an insulation core sandwiched there-between. Each lateral end of the first skylight panel 600A comprises corrugated end portions that form the first connection portions 622A and 642A that match the corrugated profile of the outer skin of the panels P1 and P2. Each of the first connecting portions 622A and 642A extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion 650 in opposite directions. The first connecting portions 622A and 642Aare also resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions of the adjacently located panels P1 and P2 and thereby engaging with an in-use outer face of the respective panels P1 and P2. Each lateral end of the second skylight panel 600B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located panel P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the second skylight panel 600B comprises a male connecting member 622B that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located roof panel P1 . A second lateral end of the skylight panel 600B comprises a female connecting member 642B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located roof panel P2.

The first and second skylight panels 600A and 600B are also provided with an inter-connecting mechanism for inter-connecting the skylight panels 600A and 600B to accommodate for the varying spacing in between the skylight panels 600A and 600B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses of insulation that is sandwiched between the outer and inner skin of the insulated roof panels. The inter-connecting mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 624A and 644A that are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 624B and 644B. The connectors 622A and 644A extend downwardly from the first skylight panel 600A.

The second set of connectors (624B and 644B) extends upwardly from the second skylight panel 600B towards the first skylight panel 600A. The joiner member 680 comprises opposed hook portions that are shaped for being engaged in the slots provided in the connectors provided on the first skylight panels 600A and 600B. Each of the slots provided in the connectors comprises a first slot portion and a second slot portion to form an L-shaped slot such that the first and second slot portions extend in mutually intersecting directions. Each joiner member 680 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 600A with a corresponding connector on the second skylight panel 600B. Figure 15 illustrates another embodiment of a skylight assembly 700. Like reference numerals like features which have been previously described in earlier sections. Unlike the previously described embodiments, panels P1 and P2 are provided with a corrugated profile. Specifically, each panel (P1 and P2) comprises an outer corrugated skin and an inner corrugated skin with an insulation core sandwiched there-between.

Each lateral end of the first skylight panel 700A comprises corrugated end portions that form the first connection portions 722A and 742A that match the corrugated profile of the outer skin of the panels P1 and P2. Each of the first connecting portions 722A and 742A extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion 750 in opposite directions. The first connecting portions 722A and 742 are also resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions of the adjacently located panels P1 and P2 and thereby engaging with an in-use outer face of the respective panels P1 and P2. Each lateral end of the second skylight panel 700B also comprises corrugated end portions that form the connection portions 722A and 742A that match the corrugated profile of the inner skin of the panels P1 and P2. The first and second skylight panels 700A and 700B are also provided with an inter-connecting mechanism for inter-connecting the skylight panels 700A and 700B to accommodate for the varying spacing in between the skylight panels 700A and 700B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses of insulation that is sandwiched between the outer and inner skin of the insulated roof panels. The inter-connecting mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 724A and 744A that extend downwardly from the first skylight panel 600A and are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 724B and 744B.

The second set of connectors (724B and 744B) extends upwardly from the second skylight panel 700B towards the first skylight panel 700A. The joiner member 780 comprises opposed hook portions that are shaped for being engaged in the slots provided in the connectors provided on the first skylight panels 700A and 700B. Each of the slots provided in the connectors comprises a first slot portion and a second slot portion to form an L-shaped slot such that the first and second slot portions extend in mutually intersecting directions. Each joiner member 780 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 700A with a corresponding connector on the second skylight panel 700B. The LED lights 362 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of a LED light strip. The LED light strip 362 comprises a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the exposed face of the flexible substrate. The substrate also comprises an adhesive backing layer for allowing the LED light strip 362 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 366.

Referring to Figure 16 another embodiment of the skylight assembly 800 is illustrated. The skylight assembly 800 includes a skylight panel 810 for transmitting light that is located in between a first end portion 820 and a second end portion 840. Each of the ends 820 and 840 is provided in the form of summit portions with a connectors or connecting portions 822 and 842 that extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion 810 in opposite directions. Each of the connecting portions 822 and 842 also defines a channel like formation for receiving longitudinal edges of adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2 respectively. The connecting portions 822 and 842 are resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions (male or female connecting ends) of the adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2. Specifically, the first connecting portion 822 is adapted to engage with an inner (unexposed face) of the roof panel R1 and the second connecting portion 842 is adapted to engage with an outwardly exposed face of another adjacently located roof panel R2.

The skylight assembly 800 is also provided with a lighting arrangements 860 in the form of LED lights 862 positioned along the skylight panel 810 for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel 810 is not available. The LED lights 862 are located in a recessed lighting channels 866 provided along the skylight panel 810 extending between the connecting ends 820 and 840. It may be understood that the number of LED lighting arrangements positioned along the skylight panel 810 is not limited even though Figure 16 illustrates no more than two LED lighting arrangements 860 in between each of the connecting portions 820 and 840. Figures 17 A and 17B illustrate a skylight assembly 900 in accordance with yet another embodiment. The skylight assembly 900 includes a skylight panel 910 for transmitting light that is located in between a first end portion 920 and a second end portion 940 (shown in Figure 17A). The skylight panel 910 comprises a plurality of summit portions 915 that extend between each of the end portions 920 and 940. The summit portions 915 in the preferred embodiment are substantially shaped to match the profile of the roof panels R1 and R2 connected to the end portions of the skylight panel 910. Advantageously, each of the ends 920 and 940 is also provided in the form of summit portions 915 with a connectors or connecting portions 922 and 942 that extend laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting panel 910 in opposite directions. Each of the connecting portions 922 and 942 also defines a channel like formation for receiving longitudinal edges of adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2 respectively. The connecting portions 922 and 942 are resiliently deformable for receiving the end portions (male or female connecting ends) of the adjacently located roof panels R1 and R2. Specifically, the first connecting portion 922 is adapted to engage with an inner (unexposed face) of the roof panel R1 and the second connecting portion 942 is adapted to engage with an outwardly exposed face of another adjacently located roof panel R2.

The skylight assembly 900 is also provided with a lighting arrangements 960 in the form of LED lights 962 positioned along the skylight panel 910 for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel 910 is not available. The lighting arrangements 960 are provided along the summit portions 915 and along trough portions 917. The LED lights 962 are located in a recessed lighting channels 966 provided along the skylight panel 910 extending between the connecting ends 920 and 940. It may be understood that the number of LED lighting arrangements positioned along the skylight panel 910 is not limited even though Figure 1 7A illustrates seven LED lighting arrangements 960 in between each of the connecting portions 920 and 940.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows: . A skylight assembly comprising:

at least one skylight panel having a central light transmitting portion located in between a first end portion and a second end portion for transmitting natural light;

each of said first and second end portions comprising respective connection arrangements for connection with adjacently located roof panels or ceiling panels; and

a lighting arrangement positioned along the skylight panel for providing an alternative light source when natural light for transmission through the skylight panel is not available.

2. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of the alternative light sources located in a lighting channel, preferably a recessed lighting channel, provided along the skylight panel.

3. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lighting arrangement further comprises a light-guiding housing positioned relative to the alternative light source.

4. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 2 or claim 3 when dependent upon claim 2 comprising a plurality of said lighting channels such that at least a first lighting channel is positioned at or adjacent the first end portion and at least a second lighting channel is positioned at or adjacent the second end portion.

5. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 4 when dependent upon claim 3 wherein one or more said light-guiding housings are adapted for being received into one or more of corresponding lighting channels whereby each of the housings preferably extends along a length of the corresponding lighting channels.

6. A skylight assembly in accordance with claims 2 or claims 3 to 6 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein each of the lighting channels comprises sidewalls, the side walls being provided with one or more structures for receiving and retaining the housing during use.

7. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the alternative light source comprises a plurality of LED lights located in a lighting channel wherein said plurality of LED lights are preferably positioned on a LED light strip, the light strip comprising a flexible substrate with a plurality of LED light circuits located along a central portion of the flexible substrate.

8. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims each of the connecting portions of the skylight panel defines a respective connecting channel for connecting with an adjacently located roof panel or ceiling panel.

9. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the end portions of the skylight panel comprises:

a first connecting portion extending laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the first connecting portion being adapted for engagement with an in-use outer face of the adjacently located roof panel; and

a second connecting portion depending downwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the second connecting portion being adapted for engagement with an in-use inner face of the adjacently located roof panel.

10. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the first connecting portion defines a connecting channel for receiving and engaging the outer face of an end portion of the adjacently located roof panel and the second connecting portion is adapted for engagement with the inner face of an upstanding end portion of the adjacently located roof panel.

1 1 . A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the first connecting portion is resiliently deformable for receiving the end portion of the roof panel; and the second connecting portion is also resiliently deformable for engaging with the inner face of the roof panel.

12. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 1 1 when dependent upon 7 wherein the LED lights are positioned along the second connecting portion of the skylight panel.

13. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 12 further comprising one or more fasteners for fastening the first connecting portion to the adjacently located roof panel.

14. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 1 comprising two of the skylight panels

wherein the connection arrangement provided on a first skylight panel is adapted for connecting the first skylight panel with adjacently located roof panels; and

wherein the connection arrangement provided on the second skylight panel is adapted for connecting the second skylight panel with adjacently located ceiling panels;

the assembly further comprising a spacing arrangement for spacing and inter-connecting the first and second skylight panels to allow transmission of natural light through light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels.

15. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 1 comprises at least two of the skylight panels adapted for connection with two or more insulated roof panels, each roof panel comprising a first sheet and a second sheet with insulating core sandwiched therebetween, wherein the first skylight panel is adapted for connection with a respective first sheet of adjacently located insulated roof panels and wherein the second skylight panel is adapted for connection with respective second sheets of adjacently located insulated roof panels, and a spacing arrangement for spacing and inter-connecting said first and second skylight panels for allowing transmission of natural light through the light transmitting central portions of each of the skylight panels.

16. A skylight assembly in accordance with claims 14 or 15 wherein each of the end portions of the first and second skylight panels further comprises: a first connecting portion extending laterally and outwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the first connecting portion being adapted for engagement with a roof panel or a ceiling panel; and a second connecting portion depending upwardly or downwardly from the central light transmitting portion, the second connecting portion being adapted for inter-connecting the first and second skylight panels.

17. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein at least one of the first connecting portions of the skylight panels defines a groove or a female connecting member for receiving a first adjacent roof panel or ceiling panel therein during use and the another of the first connecting portions of the skylight panel forms an outwardly extending connecting member for being received into a connecting groove provided along a second adjacent roof panel or ceiling panel during use.

18. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein least a first lighting arrangement comprising one or more of the alternative light sources is positioned along an in-use outwardly facing surface of the second skylight panel and at least another lighting arrangement comprising one or more of said alternative sources is positioned along an in- use inwardly facing surface of the first or second skylight panel.

19. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein the spacing arrangement comprises a plurality of the second connecting portions such that at least one of the second connecting portions is positioned adjacent to the first connecting portion and at least another of the second connecting portions is positioned at an intermediate position in between the first and second ends of the first and second skylight panels.

20. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 16 wherein the first skylight panel comprises upwardly extending end portions that define a trough portion between said end portions such that at least a part of the upwardly extending end portions form the first connecting portions.

21 . A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 20 wherein at least one of the second connecting portions extends downwardly from one of the upwardly extending end portions of the first skylight panel and another of the second connecting portions extends downwardly from the trough portion of the first skylight panel wherein each of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel are adapted for connecting with corresponding second connecting portions of the second skylight panel.

22. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 21 wherein at least one and preferably two of the second connecting portions extend downwardly from the trough portion of first skylight panel to connect with corresponding second connecting portions located on the second skylight panel.

23. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 22 wherein at least one of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel and the corresponding second connecting portion on the second skylight panel is provided with a respective slot for receiving a removable joining member therein.

24. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 23 wherein the slot comprises a first slot portion and a second slot portion such that the first and second slot portions extend in different directions.

25. A skylight assembly in accordance with claim 23 wherein the joiner member comprises a first dowel portion and a second dowel portion such that the first dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on said at least one of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel; and the second dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on the corresponding second connecting portion located on the second skylight panel.

26. A skylight in accordance with claim 23 wherein the joiner member comprises a first hook portion and a second hook portion such that the first hook portion is adapted for being engaged and retained in the slot provided on said at least one of the second connecting portions of the first skylight panel and the second hook portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on the corresponding second connecting portion located on the second skylight panel.

27. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein the joiner member comprises a light reflective outer surface for reflecting any incident light.

28. A skylight assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising one or more summit portions positioned in between apart trough portions wherein the summit portion and/or the trough portion further comprises one or more of said alternative light sources and wherein at least a first summit portion comprises the first end portion for connecting the skylight panel with a first adjacently located roof panel and at least a second summit portion comprises a second end portion for connecting the skylight panel with another adjacently located roof panel.