U.S. patent application number 12/013722 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for canopy with illumination device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to ZHAO FALIN.
Application Number | 20080173341 12/013722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36571038 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080173341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FALIN; ZHAO |
July 24, 2008 |
CANOPY WITH ILLUMINATION DEVICE
Abstract
A canopy, particularly a pavilion, a pergola, a tent or an
awning, having a roof, a support structure for the roof and an
illumination device associated with the support structure, is
characterized, with regard to the object of achieving reliable
operation of the apparatus, a particularly appealing visual
impression and the greatest possible protection for the
illumination device, in that the illumination device is associated
with the support structure essentially integrally.
Inventors: |
FALIN; ZHAO; (Linhai City,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
36571038 |
Appl. No.: |
12/013722 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/DE2006/000548 |
Mar 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
12013722 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 33/008 20130101;
F21S 9/02 20130101; Y02B 10/12 20130101; F21S 9/03 20130101; Y02B
10/10 20130101; E04F 10/00 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; E04H
1/1272 20130101; E04H 15/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/91 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/10 20060101
E04H015/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 15, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 033 777.5 |
Claims
1. A canopy, such as a pavilion, a pergola, a tent or an awning,
said canopy comprising: a roof, a support structure for the roof,
and an illumination device associated with the support structure,
wherein the illumination device of the support structure is
substantially integrated with the support structure.
2. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device
is completely integrated into the support structure.
3. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises braces.
4. A canopy according to claim 3, wherein the braces comprise one
or more substantially vertically disposed support braces.
5. A canopy according to claim 4, wherein an end of the support
braces that is located close to the ground comprises a base.
6. A canopy according to claims 3, wherein the braces comprise one
or more substantially horizontally disposed cross-braces.
7. A canopy according to claim 6, wherein the cross-braces are
disposed at an end of the support braces that is oriented away from
the ground.
8. A canopy according to claim 3, wherein the braces comprise one
or more substantially obliquely disposed roof braces forming a
support for the roof.
9. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises a transparent or translucent material at least in a
region of the integrated illumination device.
10. A canopy according to claim 3, wherein one or more braces are
made at least partly of transparent or translucent material and
integrally receive at least one part of the illumination
device.
11. A canopy according to claim 10, wherein the integrated part of
the illumination device is disposed in two ends of the brace.
12. A canopy according to claim 10, wherein the integrated part of
the illumination device is distributed over the length of the
brace.
13. A canopy according to claim 9, wherein the transparent or
translucent material comprises at least one of plastic or
glass.
14. A canopy according to claim 9, wherein the translucent material
is configured to have at least one of different color schemes or a
variable hue level.
15. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a color
or an intensity of emitted light is configured to be changed by a
user or by means of an automatic control mechanism.
16. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device
comprises one or more illumination elements.
17. A canopy according to claim 16, wherein the one or more
illumination elements comprise at least one of filament bulbs,
light bulbs, or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
18. A canopy according to claim 16, wherein the illumination
elements comprise elongated illumination elements.
19. A canopy according to claim 18, wherein the elongated
illumination elements comprise fluorescent tubes.
20. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device
comprises a power supply circuit.
21. A canopy according to claim 20, wherein the power supply
circuit is disposed inside the support structure.
22. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device
is configured to be supplied with power by means of at least one of
a pack of batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar cells disposed
externally or on the roof of the canopy, or a public electricity
supply system.
23. A canopy according to claim 22, wherein the illumination device
is configured to be supplied with power by means of a public
electricity supply system by way of an intermediate rectifier.
24. A canopy according to claim 22, wherein the device is
configured to be supplied with power by means of at least one
rechargeable battery pack, and wherein the rechargeable battery
pack is configured to be recharged using at least one of solar
cells or a public electricity supply system.
25. A canopy according to claim 22, wherein the device is
configured to be supplied with power by means of at least one of a
pack of batteries or rechargeable batteries, and wherein at least
one of the pack of batteries or the rechargeable batteries is
disposed inside a support brace of the canopy.
26. A canopy according to claim 25, wherein at least one of the
pack of batteries or the rechargeable batteries is disposed inside
a base of the canopy.
27. A canopy according to claim 22, wherein at least one of a pack
of batteries or rechargeable batteries is encapsulated and disposed
on at least one of an outer side of a support brace or an outer
side of a base, such that it can be detached therefrom.
28. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device
is configured to be activated by at least one of a hand-operated
switch or a foot-operated switch, located in the support
structure.
29. A canopy according to claim 28, wherein the hand-operated or
foot-operated switch is located in at least one of a support brace
or a base of the canopy.
30. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the roof comprises at
least one of an natural fiber fabric, a synthetic fiber fabric, a
bonded composite material made of a fabric and a plastic film, or a
plastic film.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of International
Application No. PCT/DE2006/000548, filed Mar. 28, 2006, and which
designates the U.S. The disclosure of the referenced application is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a canopy, in particular a
pavilion, a pergola, a tent or an awning, said canopy comprising a
roof, a support structure for the roof, and an illumination device
associated with the support structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The German Utility Model Patent Application DE 90 04 867 U1
discloses a low-voltage illumination device for pergola systems.
The illumination device consists of low-voltage illumination
elements disposed on the outer side of the support structure of the
pergola.
[0004] Furthermore, pavilion-like structures are known from the
prior art, which structures also comprise a roof supported by the
support structure. These canopy systems likewise have an
illumination device, the illumination elements of which are fixed
on the outer side of the support structure.
[0005] However, these category-defining canopies suffer from
shortcomings in several respects. Firstly, the illumination device
disposed on the outer side of the support structure is very
susceptible to damage. Such damages result almost inevitably when a
canopy must or should be mounted and dismantled regularly. In these
cases, the illumination device, and the power supply usually
associated therewith can sustain damage as a result of the user's
carelessness or an unavoidable collision with other components of
the canopy. The possible breakage of glass poses an increased risk
of injury.
[0006] Furthermore, another disadvantage of the category-defining
canopies is that the illumination device disposed on the outer side
of the support structure can pose an increased risk of injury
during the operation of the illuminable canopy. Thus, an unwary
user or a child may accidentally touch the possibly very hot parts
of the illumination device and sustain considerable injuries.
[0007] Furthermore, it should be noted that the illumination device
of an illuminable, category-defining canopy, especially one that is
operated in gardens and recreational areas, attract a large number
of insects, in particular, at nighttime. These insects get caught
up in parts of the illumination device or perish on coming into
contact with the hot parts of the illumination device, which in a
short time stains the illumination device, and thus the entire
canopy.
[0008] Finally, another shortcoming of the category-defining
canopies in general terms is that the illumination devices mounted
together with the power supply circuit on the outer side of the
support structure are regarded as an unprofessional solution by the
user or visitors in visual respects.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to design
and further develop a canopy of the aforementioned kind so as to
achieve a visually appealing impression, maximum possible
protection of the illumination device, in addition to the reliable
operation of the latter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The aforementioned object and others are achieved according
to various embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, a
canopy, in particular, a pavilion, a pergola, a tent or an awning
is characterized in that the illumination device of the support
structure is substantially integrated with the support
structure.
[0011] It has been found according to the invention that it is
possible to achieve optimum protection of the illumination device
from damage or destruction by disposing the illumination device
partially or completely inside the support structure.
[0012] A delicate illumination device, which may consist, for
example, of filament bulbs, light bulbs, light-emitting diodes, or
the like can be "countersunk" partially or completely inside the
support structure of the canopy of the invention according to the
invention. For example, the illumination device can be disposed in
braces that can form the support structure of the canopy.
[0013] The resulting possibility of isolating the illumination
device from the surroundings effectively helps prevent damage
caused by mounting and dismantling the canopy or due to external
influences during storage.
[0014] The isolation of the illumination device according to the
invention simultaneously rules out the risk of injury during the
mounting and dismantling of the canopy and during its
operation.
[0015] Furthermore, it has been found that the integration of the
illumination device into the support structure of the canopy helps
achieve a particularly favorable visual impression of the canopy.
When the illumination device is not in operation, for example, in
the presence of daylight, it is not noticeable to the user or gives
merely a vague impression of its presence.
[0016] Secondly, even when the illumination device is in operation,
an extremely appealing visual impression of the entire apparatus is
ensured due to the encapsulation of the illumination device.
[0017] As a result, a canopy of the aforementioned kind is
specified in which a reliable operation of the apparatus, a
particularly appealing visual impression, and the maximum possible
protection of illumination device is achieved.
[0018] In the canopy according to the invention, the illumination
device of the support structure is substantially integrated with
the support structure. This means, for example, that small portions
of the illumination device can come into contact with the ambient
environment. For example, bores can be provided in the related
portions of the support structure, in which bores light-emitting
diodes are disposed such that only the outermost end of the latter
protrude through the corresponding bore. This also helps achieve
excellent protection for the illumination device.
[0019] However, in general, that embodiment of the invention is
preferred in which the illumination device is completely integrated
into the support structure. The support structure thus has no
direct contact with the ambient environment, thereby enabling
particularly effective prevention of damage or superficial wear of
the illumination device. In other words, the illumination device is
enclosed by the support structure in all spatial directions,
thereby receiving optimum protection. This likewise effectively
prevents any possible risk of injury.
[0020] In a preferred refinement of the canopy according to the
invention, the support structure comprises braces known from
pavilions, tents or other apparatuses of the type mentioned
above.
[0021] Usually, the braces comprise one or more substantially
vertically disposed support braces. In a commercially available
garden canopy, there are mostly four support braces, which mark the
vertices of a square or a rectangle.
[0022] That end of the support braces that is located close to the
ground can comprise a base. This provides the apparatus according
to the invention with increased stability. Furthermore, operator
controls and power supply devices for the illumination device can
be accommodated in a support brace.
[0023] The braces can comprise one or more substantially
horizontally disposed cross-braces. Usually, four or more support
braces are present, and those ends of the support braces that are
oriented away from the ground are connected by means of the
cross-braces. This provides a stable and resilient frame for the
canopy according to the invention.
[0024] The braces can comprise one or more substantially obliquely
disposed roof braces forming a support for the roof. Generally, one
end of each of the several obliquely disposed roof braces is
articulated to a horizontally disposed cross-brace or to a
connecting point of a cross-brace and a support brace, and the
other end is disposed on the ends of the other existing roof
braces. This forms a support for the roof, the apex of which is
mostly located at the center of the rectangle or square
circumscribed by the cross-braces.
[0025] The support structure preferably comprises a transparent or
translucent material at least in the region of the integrated
illumination device. If the illumination device, as mentioned
above, is completely enclosed by the support structure, then at
least that region of the support structure that encapsulates the
illumination device is designed such that the light emitted by the
illumination device can penetrate the support structure at least
partially in order to be able to meet the purpose of the
illumination device.
[0026] The use of transparent material inside the support structure
helps achieve particularly high light output. In contrast, the use
of translucent material can help achieve a light-scattering effect,
as is known, for example, from opal light bulbs or lamps containing
lampshades. This helps provide illumination having particularly
appealing effects for the user. Furthermore, the use of translucent
material helps achieve color effects, namely if the translucent
material is tinted and acts as a color filter on the light emitted.
It is further possible to provide different colors of the emitted
light within a single support structure by using variably colored
translucent material in different sections of the support
structure.
[0027] In particular, and taking into account the already mentioned
embodiments of the invention, one or more, or all braces can be
made, at least partly, of transparent or translucent material and
can integrally receive at least one part of the illumination
device. Here, it is feasible to design one or more braces
completely from transparent or translucent material. It is also
possible for only the middle section of one or more braces to be
made of transparent or translucent material. In addition, one or
more braces can be designed using transparent or translucent
material only on their upper or lower sides, when seen in the
longitudinal direction, so that light is emitted only in one
direction--that is, preferably toward the space circumscribed by
the canopy.
[0028] The braces can be designed such that the integrated part of
the illumination device is disposed in the two ends of the brace.
In other words, a part of the illumination device can be integrated
into both ends of the brace, which is partially made of transparent
or translucent material. The light is thus emitted by and large in
the longitudinal direction of the brace so that the brace is
perceived to be an illuminated body in its entirety without the
user detecting the illumination device disposed in the ends of the
brace at first glance.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally, in another embodiment of the
invention, the integrated part of the illumination device can be
distributed over the length of the brace. For this purpose, a power
supply circuit and a holder for the illumination device can be
provided inside the brace. The power supply circuit can also be
designed integrally together with the holder. It is now possible to
arrange parts of the illumination device in such a way over the
length of the brace that the result is a particularly uniform
emission of light. The distribution of the illumination device over
the length of the brace can also be combined with an arrangement of
the illumination device in both the ends of the brace.
[0030] The translucent material includes plastic, glass or other
suitable materials having translucent properties. In this respect,
a large number of different materials are known from the prior
art.
[0031] The translucent material known from the prior art can have
different color schemes and/or a variably strong hue level and
variable degree of light transmittance. In this way, the apparatus
according to the invention is used to achieve interesting color and
lighting effects that are adapted to suit the respective
situation.
[0032] In another embodiment of the canopy according to the
invention, the color and/or the intensity of the emitted light can
be changed by the user or by means of an automatic control
mechanism. The intensity of the emitted light can be changed, for
example, by providing the user with a dimming function for the
illumination device. Such a dimming function can be implemented
particularly well by using commercially available light bulbs. If
the illumination device consists of illumination elements, which
are not dimmable by virtue of their functioning, the intensity of
the emitted light can be regulated by switching on or off a larger
or smaller number of the illumination elements forming the
illumination device according to requirements.
[0033] The color of the emitted light can be changed by switching
on or off variably colored illumination elements according to
requirements. For this purpose, the illumination device can
comprise illumination elements, each of which emits a complementary
color. The selective switching on and off of defined illumination
elements can provide any color of emitted light.
[0034] In another embodiment of the canopy according the invention,
the illumination device inside the support structure can be
surrounded, for example, by a color filter, which is designed as a
cylinder and segments of which have different colors. A rotation or
any other dislocation of the color filter within the support
structure changes the color of the emitted light, depending on the
user's choice.
[0035] In general, that embodiment of the invention is preferred in
which the illumination device comprises one or more illumination
elements. This usually helps the illumination cover a large surface
area by illumination. A plurality of illumination elements can be
distributed in a decentralized manner in the support structure of
the canopy, thereby ensuring more uniform and extensive
illumination. However, it is also possible to use a single
illumination element as the illumination device.
[0036] The illumination elements can comprise filament bulbs, light
bulbs, and/or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The advantage of
filament bulbs or light bulbs is that they emit light that has
particularly pleasant effects for the user. However, the power
consumption of light bulbs or filament bulbs is known to be high as
compared to the light output emitted. The advantage of
light-emitting diodes is that they require only a very small volume
inside the support structure of the apparatus. Moreover, the heat
capacity of light-emitting diodes is very low since a large part of
the power consumed is converted into light output. Therefore,
light-emitting diodes generally consume very less power as compared
to light bulbs. The small overall size of LEDs makes it possible to
arrange many light-emitting diodes inside the support structure of
the canopy according to the invention. Furthermore, the variably
colored light-emitting diodes help achieve all kinds of light
effects. The light output can be regulated by selectively switching
on and off the light-emitting diodes. This also enables a reduction
in the power consumption of the illumination device.
[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the illumination elements can
comprise elongated illumination elements, in particular,
fluorescent tubes. Such fluorescent tubes are particularly suitable
for being arranged in the support braces already mentioned above.
All kinds of interesting color effects can be achieved by tinting
the fluorescent tubes or in any other manner mentioned above.
[0038] The illumination device generally comprises a power supply
circuit, which connects the illumination device to a current
source. The power supply circuit can consist of wires, cables or
conductive strips, on which the illumination elements can be
disposed.
[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the canopy
according to the invention, the power supply circuit is disposed
inside the support structure. The power supply circuit is therefore
not visible from the outside and is securely protected from
damage.
[0040] In a refinement of the canopy according to the invention,
the illumination device can be supplied with power by means of a
pack of batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar cells disposed
externally or on the roof, or a public electricity supply system
(if appropriate, by way of an intermediate rectifier). If several
types of power supply are implemented in the canopy according to
the invention at the user's choice, the user can select between
these, depending on the available power supply and, for example,
switch from battery operation or rechargeable battery-operation to
an operation powered by the public electricity supply system.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the pack of rechargeable
batteries can be recharged using solar cells and/or the public
electricity supply system. A canopy according to the invention
comprising solar cells mounted on the roof or on other suitable
positions can recharge the rechargeable battery pack in the
presence of daylight. A fully charged rechargeable battery is
provided in case the illumination device of the canopy is required
for use during evening hours or at nighttime.
[0042] The pack of batteries or rechargeable batteries can be
disposed inside a support brace or inside a base of the canopy
according to the invention. This depends on the preferred design
form for the canopy according to the invention and the type of
canopy to be used.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the pack of batteries or
rechargeable batteries can be encapsulated and disposed on the
outer side of a support brace or on the outer side of a base such
that it can be detached therefrom. In this embodiment of the canopy
according to the invention, the pack of batteries or rechargeable
batteries can be replaced with a fresh or charged pack batteries or
rechargeable batteries if the former has been used for so long that
it cannot supply any more power.
[0044] A hand-operated or foot-operated switch designed in the
support structure can activate the illumination device. For this
purpose, a hand-operated or foot-operated switch can be provided at
a suitable location on the support structure. It is further
possible to activate the illumination device using a remote control
or a timer.
[0045] The hand-operated or foot-operated switch is preferably
designed in a support brace or in a base of the canopy according to
the invention.
[0046] The roof can comprise an optionally impregnated natural or
synthetic fiber fabric, a bonded composite material made of a
fabric and a plastic film, or only a plastic film. Furthermore, it
is possible for the roof to be made of highly durable materials,
for example, metal or plastic plates or glass. These materials are
preferred, if a canopy is intended for long-term and permanent
use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The inventive device will be described in more detail
hereinbelow with the aid of an exemplary embodiment of the
inventive apparatus, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a side-view of the canopy according to one
embodiment of the invention comprising the illumination device, the
canopy being designed as a pavilion in this embodiment,
[0049] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through a support brace or
a cross-brace of the canopy shown in FIG. 1. The two ends of the
support brace or cross-brace integrally receive a part of the
illumination device, and the support brace or cross-brace is made
partly of transparent or translucent material,
[0050] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section through a roof brace of the
canopy shown in FIG. 1. The brace receives a part of the
illumination device such that the latter is distributed over the
length of the roof brace. The roof brace shown here is made at
least partly of transparent or translucent material, and
[0051] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis
of a roof brace of the canopy shown in FIG. 1. The roof brace
completely encapsulates the illumination elements of the
illumination device from the ambient environment and the roof brace
is produced at least partly from transparent or translucent
material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a canopy 1 according to the
invention. The canopy is designed in this exemplary embodiment as a
pavilion, as is used in gardens or recreational areas by way of
example. For purposes of clarity, the roof of the pavilion is not
shown in this figure. The roof can be formed, in the usual manner,
of a plastic film or any other material already mentioned
above.
[0053] The canopy 1 comprises a support structure 2 for the roof
and an illumination device 3 associated with the support structure
2. In this example, the support structure 2 comprises support
braces 4. Those ends of the support braces that are located close
to the ground form a base 5. The pavilion comprises altogether four
support braces 4, which are disposed vertically and form the
vertices of a rectangle. The upper ends of the support braces 4 are
connected by means of horizontally disposed cross-braces 6.
[0054] At least four roof braces 7, which connect the vertices of
the rectangle to the center of the rectangle, are attached to the
cross-braces 6. In the pavilion illustrated, altogether eight roof
braces 7 are provided for increased stability.
[0055] In the canopy 1 illustrated here, both the support braces 4,
the cross-braces 6, and the roof braces 7 are designed at least
partly of transparent or translucent material and they receive the
illumination device 3 completely inside the support structure 2 of
the canopy 1.
[0056] A hand-operated switch 8 for operating the illumination
device 3 is disposed in one of the support braces 4. Furthermore, a
pack of batteries or rechargeable batteries 9, by which the
illumination device 3 can be operated independently of the public
electricity supply system, is disposed on or in at least one of the
bases 5. Alternatively, the illumination device 3 can be operated
by a solar cell 10 disposed on the roof. The solar cell 10 likewise
recharges the pack of batteries/rechargeable batteries 9 so that
the pack of batteries/rechargeable batteries 9 can be charged
during the day-time and discharged at nighttime during the
operation of the illumination device 3. FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal
section through a brace used preferably as a support brace 4 or a
cross-brace 6 in the canopy 1 shown in FIG. 1.
[0057] However, it should be emphasized that the brace design shown
in FIG. 2 can also naturally be used optionally as the roof brace
7, depending on the desired size of the canopy 1 and the desired
adjustable lighting conditions.
[0058] The support brace 4 or cross-brace 6 receives a part of the
illumination device 3 in such a way that one or more illumination
elements 11 are disposed in the interior of the brace, in each of
the ends of the latter. In the example shown here, the illumination
elements 11 comprise light-emitting diodes 12. For this purpose,
the middle section of the brace is made of transparent or
translucent material in order to enable the emission of light. At
the two ends of the brace, a type of base plate made of metal by
way of example is provided, which firstly enables the power supply
and secondly receives the holder for the illumination elements 11.
These base plates are connected to the power supply circuit 13,
which runs through the brace and supplies both ends of the brace
with power.
[0059] The power supply circuit 13 ends either in the solar cell
10, on the pack of batteries/rechargeable batteries 9 or at the
connection to the public electricity supply system.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through a roof brace 7
of the canopy 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. The roof brace 7 is produced
from transparent or translucent material and it integrally receives
a part of the illumination device 3. Here too, the received part of
the illumination device 3 is composed of a plurality of
illumination elements 11 designed as light-emitting diodes 12.
[0061] Unlike the support brace 4 or cross-brace 6 shown in FIG. 2,
the illumination device 3 in the roof brace 7 illustrated here is
distributed over the length of the brace. For this purpose, the
power supply circuit 13 is simultaneously designed as a holder for
the illumination elements 11. The illumination elements 11 can be
mounted at predefined intervals on this holder.
[0062] It should be reiterated here that the support braces 4,
cross-braces 6, and roof braces 7 in alternative embodiments of the
invention could each be designed as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.
[0063] Furthermore, it is possible to combine the solutions shown
in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 by distributing the illumination elements 11
both at the two ends of the respective brace and over the length of
the brace. This is possible by designing the power supply circuit
13 shown in FIG. 2 in the same manner as the power supply circuit
13 shown in FIG. 3, where the power supply circuit can
simultaneously serve as a holder for additional illumination
elements 11.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the roof brace 7
illustrated in FIG. 3, the section plane being disposed
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the roof brace 7. The
roof brace 7 consists of a hollow profile of rectangular
cross-section, the edges of the profile being rounded off.
[0065] However, the profile can also have any other suitable shape,
for example, an oval or circular cross-section.
[0066] Altogether four grooves 14 running in the longitudinal
direction are designed inside the profile. One pair of two grooves
is located in the upper and the other pair of two grooves is
located in the lower region of the profile. An elongated holder for
the illumination elements 11 is inserted into one pair of grooves.
This holder is formed integrally with the power supply circuit 13
for the illumination elements 11. The illumination elements 11 are
disposed on the holder or the power supply circuit 13.
[0067] Since the illumination elements 11 are completely
encapsulated by the roof brace 7, this roof brace 7 is produced at
least partly from transparent or translucent material. The holder
for the illumination elements 11, which holder is formed integrally
with the power supply circuit 13, can be produced from transparent,
translucent or inter-transparent material depending on the targeted
lighting results. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the roof
brace 7 is made of plastic. However, the roof brace 7 can also be
produced from any other suitable material, such as glass by way of
example. This likewise holds true of the support brace 4 or
cross-brace 6 shown in FIG. 2.
[0068] In the production of the roof brace 7, the profile including
the two pairs of grooves is initially manufactured. Then the
elongated holder including the illumination elements 11 disposed
thereon is inserted into one pair of grooves. The roof brace 7 can
subsequently be installed in the support structure 2 of the canopy
1. If a different orientation of light emission is desired, where,
for example, the roof of the canopy 1 is to be illuminated instead
of the ground, the holder including the illumination elements 11
can be fitted into the other pair of grooves so that light is
emitted in the opposite direction.
[0069] It is naturally possible, as has been emphasized with
reference to FIG. 3, to apply the design solution illustrated in
FIG. 4 not only for roof braces 7 but also for support braces 4 or
cross-braces 6.
[0070] In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the exemplary
embodiments described above discuss the teaching claimed without
restricting it to said embodiments.
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