TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a light assembly comprising one or more light panels. More particularly, this invention relates to improvements in lighting assemblies that can be mounted onto insulated roof panels, patio covers, patio enclosures, clean rooms, freezer rooms and all other residential and commercial applications which use insulated 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.

Providing lighting inside buildings that are constructed from insulated panels the insulated panels do not have any electrical wiring running through the insulated panels. There are products that are currently available that modify of the original foam insulated panel by drilling holes into the existing panel and lights are placed into those drilled holes.

There is a need for providing a lighting fixture or light assembly that can be easily installed in buildings that are constructed from insulated panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, there is provided a light assembly adapted for being mounted onto insulated panels, wherein the insulated panel comprises an insulating core sandwiched between an outer skin portion and an inner skin portion, the assembly comprising; a first light panel and a second light panel, said light panels being adapted for housing a lighting arrangement; a first connecting arrangement provided on the first light panel for connecting the first light panel to an outer skin portion of the insulated panel; a second connecting arrangement provided on the second light panel for connecting the second light panel to an inner skin of the insulated panel; and a variable spacing arrangement for spacing and inter-connecting the first and second light panels during use.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for mounting a light assembly onto one or more insulated panels, the insulated panel comprising an outer sheet portion, an inner sheet portion and an insulating core sandwiched therebetween, the method comprising: positioning a first light panel for connecting the first light panel to an outer skin portion of one or more insulating panels; positioning a second light panel for connecting the second light panel to an inner skin portion of the one or more insulating panels; and interconnecting the first and second light panel by providing a variable spacing arrangement to position the first and second light panels in a spaced relationship.

In an embodiment, the variable spacing arrangement comprises: a first set of connectors located on the first light panel; and a second set of connectors located on the second light panel; wherein during use at least one of the connectors from the first set is positioned for being connected with a corresponding connector from the second set by a removable joining member.

Preferably, the assembly comprises a joiner member wherein during use, the joiner member is adapted for being received into a slot provided on said at least one connector from the first set and into another slot provided on said at least one connector from the second set. Preferably, at least a first portion of the slot comprises projecting teeth for engaging the joining member.

In an embodiment, 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 connector from the first set of connectors on the first light panel; and the second dowel portion is adapted for being received in the slot provided on the corresponding connector from the second set of connectors on the second light panel. In one embodiment, one or more of the connectors from the first set are positioned at or adjacent a lateral end of the first light panel. One or more of the connectors from the second set may also be positioned at or adjacent a lateral end of the second light panel.

In an embodiment, the first connecting arrangement is positioned at one or both lateral end portions of the first light panel and wherein the second connecting arrangement is positioned at one or both lateral end portions of the second light panel.

In an embodiment, at least one and preferably both the connecting arrangements comprise either a male connector or a female connector for connecting with the insulated panel during use. Preferably, the male or the female connectors extend outwardly from a central portion of the first and/or second light panel.

In an embodiment, the light assembly may take the form of a skylight assembly wherein the first light panel comprises a first skylight panel and wherein the second light panel comprises a second skylight panel. Preferably, at least one and preferably both of the light panels comprise a light transmitting portion for transmitting light including natural light.

Preferably, the first skylight panel comprises upwardly extending end portions that define a trough portion between said end portions such that at least one of the connectors from the first set is positioned on one of the upwardly extending end portions. At least another connector from the first light panel may be positioned along the trough portion of the first skylight panel.

In an embodiment, the skylight assembly further comprises a joiner member 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 connectors of the first set and the second hook portion is adapted for being received in a slot provided on the corresponding connector of the second set. In an embodiment, the lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of LED lights located in a lighting channel, preferably a recessed lighting channel, provided along one or both of the light panels. Preferably, the LED lighting arrangement further comprises a light-guiding (diffuser) housing positioned along the lighting channel.

The LED lights may be 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. Preferably, the lighting channel is sufficient for accommodating the LED light strip therein.

In an embodiment, the light-guiding housing is adapted for being received into 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. The housing preferably extends along the entire length of the lighting channel.

In another aspect, the invention provides a light assembly adapted for being mounted onto panels arranged in a spaced relationship, wherein an outer panel is spaced away from an inner panel, the assembly comprising; a first light panel and a second light panel, said panels being adapted for housing a lighting arrangement; a first connecting arrangement provided on the first light panel for connecting the first light panel to a connecting portion of the outer panel; a second connecting arrangement provided on the second light panel for connecting the second light panel to a connecting portion of the inner panel; and a variable spacing arrangement for spacing and inter-connecting the first and second light panels during use.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an insulated wall panel assembly for use in a building structure, the assembly comprising;

a first panel spaced away from a second panel and insulating material positioned therebetween, wherein at least one of the panels is adapted for housing a lighting arrangement; a first connecting arrangement provided at a first lateral end the first light panel;

a second connecting arrangement provided at a first lateral end of the second light panel; and

wherein the first and second connecting arrangements are adapted to connect the first lateral end of the first panel and second panel to a second lateral end of the first panel and second panel respectively of another of said insulated wall panel assembly positioned adjacent said insulated wall panel assembly.

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 light assembly 100' in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a light assembly 100" in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a light 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 , an embodiment of a light assembly 100 is illustrated. Light assembly 100 is provided for use with insulated wall panels P1 and P2 which comprise an outwardly located sheet (outer skin) and an inwardly located sheet (inner skin) with an insulation core sandwiched there-between. The light assembly 100 comprises a first light panel 100A and a second light panel 100B. The first light panel 100A is adapted for connection with outwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The second light panel 100B is adapted for connection with inwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The first and second skylight panels 100A and 100B are arranged for being spaced and inter-connected during use. The light assembly 100 provides an inter-connecting mechanism that allows the first and second light panels 100A and 100B to be inter-connected with a variable spacing therebetween in order to accommodate varying thicknesses of insulation that may be provided in between the inner and outer sheets of the wall panels (P1 and P2).

Each lateral end of the first light panel 100A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located outer sheet of the panels P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the first light panel 100A comprises a male connecting member 122A that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the light panel 100A comprises a female connecting member 142B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

Each lateral end of the second light panel 100B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with an inner sheet of the respective adjacently located walls panel P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the second light panel 100B comprises a male connecting member 122B that can be received in a female connecting portion of the adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the light panel 100B comprises a female connecting member 142B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

The first and second light panels 100A and 100B are also provided with a biscuit joiner mechanism for inter-connecting the light panels 100A and 100B to accommodate for the variation in spacing in between the light panels 100A and 100B which is mainly due to the varying thicknesses of insulation that is sandwiched between the outer and inner sheets of the wall panels P1 and P2. The biscuit joiner mechanism comprises a first set of connectors 124A, 126A and 144A that are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 124B, 126B and 144B. The first set of connectors (124A, 126A and 144A) extends downwardly from the first slight panel 100A in a direction towards the second light panel 100B. The second set of connectors (124B, 126B and 144B) extends upwardly from the second light panel 100B towards the first light panel 100A. A removable joiner member 180 is provided for inter-connecting the first and second light panels 100A and 100B. Each of the the joiner members 180 comprises a first dowel portion 182 and a second dowel portion 184. The first dowel portion 182 is adapted for being received in the slots provided on any one of the connectors (124A, 126A and 144A) provided on the first light panel 100A. The second dowel portion 184 of the joiner 180 is adapted for being received into the slots of any one of the connectors (124B, 126B and 144B) provided on the second light panel 100B. Each joiner member 180 therefore interconnects a connector on the first light panel 100A with a corresponding connector on the second light panel 100B. Advantageously, the slots provided in the connectors for the first and second light panels 100A and 100B are provided with projecting teeth that engage with the dowel portion of the joiner member 180. The length of the joiner member 180 may be varied for accommodating insulation layers of varying thicknesses in the panels P1 and P2.

The skylight assemblies 100 may also be provided with a lighting arrangement that has not been illustrated in the present embodiment. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, another embodiment of a light assembly 100' is illustrated. Light assembly 100' is provided for use with insulated wall panels P1 and P2 which comprise an outwardly located sheet (outer skin) and an inwardly located sheet (inner skin) with a insulation core sandwiched therebetween. The light assembly 100' comprises a first light panel 100A and a second light panel 100B. The first light panel 100A is adapted for connection with outwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The second skylight panel 100B is adapted for connection with inwardly located sheets of the panels P1 and P2. The light assembly 100' provides an inter-connecting mechanism that allows the first and second light panels 100A and 100B 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 outer and inner sheets of the wall panels (P1 and P2). Each lateral end of the first light panel 100A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located outer sheet of the panels P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the first skylight panel 100A comprises a male connecting member 122A that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the light panel 100A comprises a female connecting member 142B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

Each lateral end of the second light panel 100B comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located inner sheet of wall panels P1 and P2. A first lateral end of the second light panel 100B comprises a male connecting member 122B that can be received in a female connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P1 . A second lateral end of the light panel 100B comprises a female connecting member 142B that can receive a male connecting portion of an adjacently located panel P2.

The first and second light panels 100A and 100B are also provided with a biscuit joiner mechanism for inter-connecting the light panels 100A and 100B to accommodate for the variation in spacing in between the light panels 100A and 100B 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 124A and 144A that are located adjacent the connecting ends 122A and 142A respectively. The first set of connectors 124A and 144A are adapted to connect with a second set of connectors 124B and 144B. The first set of connectors (124A and 144A) extends downwardly from the first light panel 100A in a direction towards the second light panel 100B. The second set of connectors (124B and 144B) extends upwardly from the second light panel 100B towards the first skylight panel 100A. The joiner member 180 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 (124A and 144A) provided on the first light panel 100A. The second dowel portion of the joiner 180 is adapted for being received into the slots of any one of the connectors (124B and 144B) provided on the second light panel 100B. Each joiner member 180 therefore interconnects a connector on the first skylight panel 100A with a corresponding connector on the second light panel 100B. Advantageously, the slots provided in the connectors for the first and second light panels 100A and 100B are provided with projecting teeth that engage with the dowel portion of the joiner member 180.

The light assembly 100' is also provided with a lighting arrangement 160 in the form of LED lights 162 positioned along the first light panel 100A and the second skylight panel 100B for providing illumination within a building constructed from wall panels P1 and P2. The LED lights 162 are located in a recessed lighting channel 166 provided along the second light panel 100B. 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 received and retained into the lighting channel 166.

The lighting channels 166 are provided on both the light panels 100A and 100B. Further, the lighting channels 166 are provided on both inward and outward faces of the light panels 100A and 100B.

The LED lights 162 in the preferred embodiment are also 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 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 that 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 ends 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, 226 B 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 interconnected 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 a 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.

Referring to Figure 14A and 14B an embodiment of a light assembly is illustrated. Light assembly 800 is provided as an insulated wall panels such that the panels can be inter-locked or inter-connected with each other for forming structures such as cold rooms. Figure 15A illustrates two of the light assemblies 800 that have been interlocked with each other. The light assembly 800 comprises a first outwardly located light panel sheet 800A and a second light panel 800B with insulation 850 sandwiched there-between. Each light panel sheet 800A comprises a plurality of summit portions 850 spaced apart by trough portions 814. The light assembly 800 takes the form of an insulated building panel with integrated LED lighting as will be described in the foregoing sections.

The first light panel sheet 800A in each insulated building panel 800 is adapted for connection with another of the outwardly located light panel sheets 800A. Similarly, the second light panel sheet 800B is also adapted for connection with another of the outwardly located light panel sheers 800B.

Specifically, each lateral end of the first light panel sheet 800A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located first light panel sheet 800A. Upwardly located connecting members 822A and 842A comprise upwardly extending summit portions that are adapted to interconnect with upwardly extending summit portions 822A and 842A of an adjacently located panel 900. Male connecting members 822B and 842B are used for inter-connecting the insulated building panel 800 with an adjacently located building panel 800 as shown clearly in Figure 1 4A. Each of the upper and lower lateral portions of the panel 800 also comprises a female connecting members for receiving the male connecting members 822B and 842B from an adjacently located panel 800. The building panel 800 is also provided with a lighting arrangement 860 in the form of LED lights 862 positioned along the second panel sheet 800B for providing illumination within a building constructed from the panels 800. The LED lights 862 are located in a recessed lighting channel 866 provided along the light panel sheet 800B. The lighting channels 866 are provided with diffusers 864 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 866. The light-guiding housing 864 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 866 and is received and retained into the lighting channel 866. The LED lights 862 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of LED light strips. The LED light strips 862 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 862 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 866.

Figure 14A illustrates 1 LED lighting arrangement that ia provided along each sheet 800B for every insulated building panel 800. However, the number of lighting arrangements 860 provided on the sheet 800B may be varied in accordance with the requirements of the building panel 800. In some embodiments lighting arrangements 860 may be provided along the outer panel 800A. Referring to Figure 15A and 15B an embodiment of a light assembly is illustrated. Light assembly 900 is provided as an insulated wall panels such that the panels can be inter-locked or inter-connected with each other for forming structures such as cold rooms. Figure 15A illustrates two of the light assemblies 900 that have been interlocked with each other. The light assembly 900 comprises a first light panel sheet 900A and a second light sheet panel 900B that are spaced apart by insulation that is sandwiched in between the first and second sheets 900A and 900B. In the presently disclosed embodiment, the light assembly 900 takes the form of an insulated building panel with integrated LED lighting as will be described in the foregoing sections.

The first light panel sheet 900A in each insulated building panel 900 is adapted for connection with another of the outwardly located light panel sheets 900A. Similarly, the second light panel sheet 900B is also adapted for connection with another of the outwardly located light panel sheers 900B.

Specifically, each lateral end of the first light panel sheet 900A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located first light panel sheet 900A. Upwardly located male connecting members 922A and 942A and lower connecting members 922B and 942B are used for interconnecting the insulated building panel 900 with an adjacently located building panel 900 as shown clearly in Figure 15A. Each of the upper and lower lateral portions of the panel 900 also comprises a female connecting member for receiving the male connecting members (922A, 942A, 922B and 942B) from an adjacently located panel 900.

The building panel 900 is also provided with a lighting arrangement 960 in the form of LED lights 962 positioned along the first light panel sheet 900A and the second skylight panel sheet 900B for providing illumination within a building constructed from the panels 900. The LED lights 962 are located in a recessed lighting channel 966 provided along each of the light panel sheets 900A and 900B. The lighting channels 966 are provided with diffusers 964 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 966. The light-guiding housing 964 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 966 and is received and retained into the lighting channel 966. The lighting channels 966 are provided on both the light panel sheets 900A and 900B. The LED lights 962 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of a LED light strips. The LED light strips 962 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 962 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 966.

Figure 15A illustrates 2 LED lighting arrangements that are provided along each of the sheets 900A and 900B for every insulated building panel 900. However, the number of lighting arrangements 960 provided on each of the sheets 900A and 900B may be varied in accordance with the requirements of the building panel 900.

Referring to Figure 16A and 16B another embodiment of a light assembly 1600 is illustrated. Light assembly 1600 is provided as an insulated wall panel 1600 such that the panels can be inter-locked or inter-connected with each other for forming structures such as cold rooms. Figure 16A illustrates two of the light assemblies 1600 that have been interlocked with each other. The light assembly 1600 comprises a first outwardly located light panel sheet 1600A and a second light panel 1600B with insulation 1650 sandwiched there-between. Each light panel sheet 1600A comprises a plurality of summit portions 1615 spaced apart by trough portions 1614. The light assembly 1600 takes the form of an insulated building panel 1600 with integrated LED lighting 1660 as will be described in the foregoing sections.

The first light panel sheet 1600A in each insulated building panel 1600 is adapted for connection with another of the outwardly located light panel sheets 1600A. Similarly, the second light panel sheet 1600B is also adapted for connection with another of the outwardly located light panel sheets 1600B. Specifically, each lateral end of the first light panel sheet 1600A comprises a connecting mechanism for connecting with a respective adjacently located first light panel sheet 1600A. Upwardly located connecting members 1622A and 1642A comprise upwardly extending summit portions that are adapted to inter-connect with upwardly extending summit portions 1622A and 1642A of an adjacently located panel 1600. Male connecting members 1622B and 1642B are used for inter-connecting the insulated building panel 1600 with an adjacently located building panel 1600 as shown clearly in Figure 16A. Each of the upper and lower lateral portions of the panel 1600 also comprises a female connecting members for receiving the male connecting members 1622B and 1642B from an adjacently located panel 1600.

The building panel 1600 is also provided with a lighting arrangement 1660 in the form of LED lights 1662 positioned along the second panel sheet 1600B for providing illumination within a building constructed from the panels 1600. The LED lights 1662 are located in a recessed lighting channel 1666 provided along the light panel sheet 1600B. The lighting channels 1666 are provided with diffusers 1664 (also referred to as the light-guiding housing) positioned along the lighting channels 1666. The light-guiding housing 1664 extends along the entire length of the lighting channels 1666 and is received and retained into the lighting channel 1666.

The LED lights 1662 in the preferred embodiment are also provided in the form of LED light strips. The LED light strips 1662 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 1662 to be fastened or attached into the lighting channel 1666. Figure 16A illustrates 1 LED lighting arrangement that is provided along each sheet 1600B for every insulated building panel 1600. However, the number of lighting arrangements 1660 provided on the sheet 1600B may be varied in accordance with the requirements of the building panel 1600. In some embodiments lighting arrangements 1660 may be provided along the outer panel 1600A.

Figure 17 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 18 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.

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.