Light element for outdoor building structures and outdoor building structure comprising said light element

Abstract

A light element (1) for outdoor building structures, comprising an elongated metal profile (2) extending along an axis of longitudinal development (L), at least one light source (11), a mirror (13) and a screen (16). The metal profile (2) has a front portion (42) and a rear portion (43) that are essentially straight, the mirror (13) is anchored to the metal profile (2) in the proximity of the rear portion (43), the screen (16) is placed in the proximity of the front portion (42) of the profile (2), between the mirror (13) and the screen (16) there is an interspace (20) entirely contained within the metal profile (2); the light source (11) is positioned within the interspace (20). An outdoor building structure including this light element (1).

Description

LIGHT ELEMENT FOR OUTDOOR BUILDING STRUCTURES AND OUTDOOR BUILDING STRUCTURE COMPRISINGSAID LIGHT ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONField of application of the invention

[001] This invention fits into the technical field of covering elements and relates to a light element for outdoor building structures such as sun shades, pergolas, and canopies, etc.

[002] Furthermore, this invention also relates to an outdoor building structure comprising this light element. State of the art

[003] The use of building structures for outdoor use, whose function is to protect the exterior or interior of a building from the weather (typically sun, rain, humidity, etc.) has long been known.

[004] These structures generally consist of a support frame with a fixed part intended to be anchored, by means of dowels or bolts, to a wall of the building or to a supporting structure.

[005] In the example of an awning structure, the frame also includes a movable part, i.e. one that can move relative to the fixed part when the user requires.

[006] To connect the fixed part of the frame to the movable part, there is a plurality of extendable arms that can selectively move between two limit positions.

[007] In particular, in the first limit position, these arms are fully retracted and the movable part is essentially moved closer to the fixed part; on the contrary, in the second limit position, the arms are fully extended and, therefore, the movable part of the frame is at the maximum distance from the fixed part.

[008] In general, the maximum distance separating the movable part from the fixed part can vary between a few tens of centimetres and a few metres.

[009] Of course, all the awnings on the market comprise a laminar covering element (generally consisting of a fabric and / or polymeric and / or composite material surface) with ends joined to the fixed and movable part of the frame respectively.

[0010] The purpose of the covering is to cover the space formed between the movable part and the fixed part with its extension so as to protect the volume underneath from the weather interacting with the upper surface of this covering (sun, rain, etc.).

[0011] In recent years, the design of outdoor building structures, such as outdoor awnings (also commonly referred to as sun shades or pergolas or bioclimatic pergolas) has undergone considerable development, which has enabled aesthetically pleasing and high-tech products to be brought onto the market.

[0012] First of all, the shape of the support frame of this type of awning underwent an engineering push towards configurations that could minimise the overall dimensions and allow the presence of the awning to be integrated as much as possible with the shape of the building.

[0013] For this reason, the aesthetic shape of the awnings currently on the market presents particularly neat stylistic traits, especially when the arms are in the fully retracted position and the entire covering is enclosed within the frame.

[0014] Secondly, it is not uncommon to come across outdoor awnings in the frame of which light sources are integrated designed to light the area underneath the covering.

[0015] In this way, anyone standing beneath the awning can potentially benefit from increased visibility in the evening or at night, or when there is reduced sunshine.

[0016] For this purpose, external elements specifically configured to be applied to the structure of an awning and integrating a light source inside were developed.

[0017] However, the installation of these external light elements is rather complex as they were not designed to be perfectly integrated with the awning structure.

[0018] These drawbacks negatively affect all outdoor building structures, not only outdoor awnings but also other types of structures such as canopies, pergolas, etc.

[0019] In fact, the dimensions, size, and aesthetics of such elements often do not match those of the structure; their installation, therefore, does not allow a region of the space in the vicinity of the awning to be lit with concentrated and uniform radiation.

[0020] This must be added to the fact that the application of such elements to the structure alters the latter's aesthetic line, so that the “visual cleanliness” often required for these objects that, often being installed outside buildings, must respect precise aesthetic canons.is lacking.

[0021] The current structures have a configuration affected by a low degree of standardisation, which is why the component parts are characterised by different shapes, sizes and dimensions that make it particularly difficult to install one or more light sources.

[0022] In addition, the light elements mounted on today's building structures were generally originally made for other purposes and do not have the structural characteristics suitable for integration on portions of such load-bearing structures placed at a certain height above the ground.

[0023] Accidental falling of light elements or their components placed at a certain height from the ground can actually be particularly dangerous for people below the structure since they include non-tempered glass parts.The patents CN219661337, ITMC2008232 and US2016 / 298332 describe light elements for building structures that, however, have the same drawbacks as the type described above.Description of the invention

[0024] This invention is intended to overcome the aforementioned technical drawbacks by providing a particularly innovative and effective light element for outdoor building structures.

[0025] In particular, the main purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures (where the outdoor building structure may be an awning structure) particularly configured to be integrated with such an awning structure so as to facilitate the uniform lighting of a certain region of the space.

[0026] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that has a modular configuration so that it can be easily used in awning structures of different sizes.

[0027] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that is easy to manufacture and has a small number of components.

[0028] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that can be especially simply and quickly assembled to such a structure.

[0029] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that has a high flexibility of use and can be easily installed in several parts of the structure (for example, in the fixed and / or movable part of the structure).

[0030] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that is particularly resistant to weather and impacts and has good durability.

[0031] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that is particularly safe and preserves the physical integrity of persons in the vicinity of the structure even in the event of accidental breakage or fall.

[0032] Again, not the least purpose of this invention is to provide a light element for outdoor building structures that has a simple, defined form so that the awning structure is visually very clean even after installation.

[0033] These purposes, together with others that will be better clarified below, are achieved with a light element for outdoor building structures of the type in accordance with claim 1.

[0034] Other purposes that will be better described below are achieved with a light element for outdoor building structures in accordance with the dependent claims 2 to 13.

[0035] According to another aspect of this invention, there is an outdoor building structure of the type in accordance with claim 14.Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The advantages and features of this invention will become clear from the following detailed description of some preferred but non-limiting configurations of a light element for outdoor building structures with particular reference to the following drawings:- Figure 1 comprises a schematic perspective view of a light element that this invention relates to in a first configuration;- Figure 2 comprises a schematic perspective view of a light element that this invention relates to in a second configuration;- Figure 3 comprises a front view of the light element in Figure 2;- Figure 4 comprises a cross section of the light element in Figure 1;- Figure 5 comprises an enlarged view of a detail in Figure 4;- Figure 6 is a cross-section side view of a light element of the type shown in Figure 2 mounted on a particular metal profile;- Figure 7 comprises a schematic perspective view of a third configuration of the light element that this invention concerns;- Figure 8 comprises a front view of the light element in Figure 6;- Figure 9 comprises a cross-section view of a different configuration of the light element in Figure 1;- Figure 10 comprises an enlarged view of a detail in Figure 9;- Figure 11 is a cross-section view of a portion of a building structure in which some of the light elements that this invention concerns are mounted.Detailed description of the invention

[0037] This invention relates to a light element particularly suitable for installation in an outdoor building structure.

[0038] The outdoor building structure depicted in Figures1 to 10 is an outdoor awning, while Figure 11 illustrates the installation of a light element on the support column and / or frame of a building structure that defines a pergola, canopy or bioclimatic pergola.

[0039] From what is shown in the figures, therefore, the light element that this invention relates to can easily be installed in outdoor awning structures and pergolas and / or canopies. However, this classification is intended purely as an example, since the light element described below is suitable for installation in all outdoor building structures, even those other than an awning, pergola, canopy or bioclimatic pergola.

[0040] The light element is identified, as a whole, in the figures with the reference number 1.

[0041] Returning to what was said above, in the attached figures, the light element is installed in an outdoor awning structure, where the expression "outdoor awning" means an awning specifically designed to be installed on the outside of a building or similar support structure (e.g. a canopy, garage, pergola, etc.).

[0042] The function of the light element 1 that this invention concerns is to facilitate the lighting of the region of space in the vicinity of the outdoor awning.

[0043] According to an initial configuration of the invention, illustrated in Figures1, 3, 4 and 5, the light element 1 comprises an elongated metal profile 2 extending predominantly along a longitudinal extension axis L.

[0044] The profile 2 can be made from a metal alloy (for example, aluminium) through an extrusion process.

[0045] The metal profile 2 is visible in Figure 1; however, a section of this element is also clearly visible in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

[0046] Conveniently, the metal profile 2 illustrated in Figures1, 3, 4 and 5 consists of a body comprising a front portion 42 and a rear portion 43. In particular, at the rear portion 43, there is an essentially flat back wall 3 joined to a pair of side walls 4.

[0047] Conveniently, the portions 42 and 43 may be essentially longitudinal (i.e. both may extend along an essentially longitudinal extension direction and parallel to the longitudinal axis L). Moreover, such portions may also be essentially straight.

[0048] The front portion 43 of the profile 2 is, on the other hand, essentially open to allow for the housing of a screen as will be better described below.

[0049] The back wall 3 and side walls 4 extend along the longitudinal extension axis L of the profile 2.

[0050] In the profile configuration illustrated in the Figures, the side walls 4 of the metal profile 2 are essentially orthogonal to the back wall 3 in such a way as to define a substantially U-like shape.

[0051] The side walls 4 of the metal profile 2 have one end 5 joined to the back wall 3 and a free opposite end 6 defining a pair of substantially longitudinal front edges 7. Furthermore, these front edges may be substantially longitudinal and straight.

[0052] The profile 2 may comprise a pair of projections 8 that extend in the rear area beyond the back wall 3 and are joined to the side walls 4 in proximity of their front edges 7.

[0053] The projections 8 may include a shaped end portion 9 suitably shaped to facilitate the removable attachment of the profile 2 to the support structure of an outdoor awning.

[0054] Conveniently, these projections 8 may have a predetermined shape to define seats and / or passages, indicated overall in the Figures with the reference number 10, to allow for the insertion of any components of the outdoor awning.

[0055] These awning components, however, do not interact functionally with the light element 1 that this invention concerns.

[0056] The passages 10 formed on the projections 8 of the profile 2 may allow for the passage of connectors and / or conductors associated with electrical parts of the awning, or they may define seats to accommodate additional mechanical and / or electrical components of the awning.

[0057] All the profiles 2 illustrated in the figures have a cross-section shape adapted to define an inner cavity 31 that extends longitudinally for a portion of the length of the profile itself or for its entire length. Within this cavity 31, one or more components constituting the light element may be inserted, as will be better described below.

[0058] The light element 1 illustrated in Figures1, 3, 4 and 5 also includes one or more light sources 11.

[0059] The light element may comprise a single light source 11 or multiple autonomous and independent light sources 11.

[0060] In the latter case, therefore, each light source 11 can be switched on and off independently of the others.

[0061] In the configuration of the element 1 described here, the light source 11 will consist of one or more LEDs 12.

[0062] Each light source 11 may consist of a single LED 12 that can be operated independently of the others; alternatively, the light source 11 may consist of an LED strip with a single rigid support on which a row of LEDs 12 is positioned.

[0063] In some figures, the LED light source is indicated in a stylised manner by a dotted line with the reference number 11 associated with it.

[0064] The LED light source 11 requires the wiring of a power supply cable electrically connected to a corresponding power source.

[0065] These components are not illustrated in the figures as they are known; however, their presence is essential for the proper functioning of the light element 1 described here.

[0066] Conveniently, the light source 11 can be placed inside the cavity 31 defined by the profile 2. In particular, the light source may be anchored near the inner surface of the side walls 4 of the profile 2. Alternatively, the light source can be anchored to a side wall 4 or to both side walls 4 of the profile 2.

[0067] In the configuration of the element 1 illustrated in the figures, the light source 11 is anchored to the inner surface of both side walls 4 of the profile 2; due to this configuration, the light radiation emitted by the source 11 propagates in the cavity 31 in an essentially uniform manner.

[0068] There is also a mirror 13 arranged to the rear of the light source 11.

[0069] In particular, the mirror 13 is anchored to the metal profile 2 at its back wall 3.

[0070] The mirror 13 may be made of a polymeric material such as, for example, plexiglass or the like.

[0071] In the example of a mirror 13 defined by an essentially semi-transparent polymeric element, the front surface 21 of this element will be treated so as to be at least partially reflective, i.e. designed to at least partially reflect the light radiation emitted by the source 11.

[0072] In addition, the mirror 13 may cover the entire inner surface 14 of the back wall 3 or only part of that surface 14.

[0073] This configuration is clearly visible in the sections of the element 1 illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

[0074] The anchoring of the mirror 13 to the back wall 3 of the profile 2 can be achieved by using glues directly distributed on the inner surface 14 of the back wall 3 and on the rear surface 15 of the mirror 13.

[0075] Alternatively, the mirror 13 may be anchored to the inner surface 14 of the back wall 3 using double-sided adhesive tape or similar holding elements.

[0076] The light element 1 also comprises a screen 16 arranged in proximity of the longitudinal and / or straight front edges 7 of the profile 2.

[0077] The screen 16 can be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. Furthermore, whichever material the screen 16 is made of, it must be at least partially reflective in order to reflect the light radiation emitted by the source inwards. The screen 16, therefore, may be at least partially transparent to the light radiation, so as to allow it to pass through and exit to the outside, and at the same time at least partially reflective, so as to allow a predetermined fraction of the light radiation emitted by the source 11 to be reflected inwards. A screen 16 of this type will be referred to in the following as a "semi-reflective mirror”.

[0078] In particular, the screen 16 may be made of polymeric material chosen, for example, from the group comprising Plexiglas or other equivalent materials. Alternatively, the screen 16 can be made of glass. According to another alternative, the screen 16 could be made of other similar materials, e.g. polymeric material.

[0079] In particular, the screen 16 will be firmly anchored to a metal profile 2 at the front portion 42 and, in particular, in proximity of the longitudinal and / or straight edges 7.

[0080] Again, the screen 16 may be glued to the metal profile 2 using glue, double-sided tape, or other, similar holding elements.

[0081] Conveniently, one or both of the longitudinal and / or straight front edges 7 of the profile may have an essentially step-like shape in order to define an open, longitudinal front seat 17.

[0082] This seat 17 may be provided with a front surface 18 designed to interact with the inner surface 19 of the screen 16.

[0083] This configuration is clearly visible in the cross sections of the light element 1 illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

[0084] In this configuration, both the front edges 7 of the side walls 4 of the profile 2 are shaped to define respective open longitudinal seats 17 that are suited to interact with respective portions of the inner surface 19 of the screen 16.

[0085] From the above, the mirror 13 and screen 16 are anchored to the metal profile 2 in such a way as to form a unitary assembly with it.

[0086] As better illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the anchoring of the screen 16 and mirror 13 to the profile 2 defines an interspace 20.

[0087] Specifically, this interspace 20 is bounded by the inner surface 19 of the screen 16, the front surface 21 of the mirror 13 and the side walls 4 of the metal profile 2.

[0088] In this case, therefore, the side walls 4 of the profile 2 are largely enclosed within this interspace 20.

[0089] This interspace 20 may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the metal profile 2.

[0090] Conveniently, the light source 11 will be inserted inside the interspace 20.

[0091] In other words, the light source is positioned between the front portion 42 and the rear portion 43 of the profile 2.

[0092] When the light element 1 is assembled, the source 11 is placed between the screen 16 and the mirror 13.

[0093] In particular, the light source 11 is positioned in front of the mirror 13 and behind the screen 16.

[0094] In this way, most of the light radiation emitted by the source 11 will be reflected by the mirror 13 so as to be directed towards the screen 16. Part of the light radiation generated by the source 11 that strikes the screen 16 after undergoing reflection on the mirror 13 may pass through the screen 16 itself so as to exit the interspace 20 and propagate in the region of space in front of the profile 2.The remaining part of the light radiation that strikes the screen 16, on the other hand, may be reflected from the screen itself back into the interspace 20.

[0095] In fact, the screen 16 is inert with respect to a part of the light radiation reflected by the mirror 13, while the remaining part of this radiation is reflected by the screen 16 itself inwards, i.e. towards the mirror 13. The portion of the light radiation that exits from the screen 16, therefore, propagates outwards from the structure and is thus visible to a user placed in the proximity of the light element 1.

[0096] The light source 11 can be directly anchored to one or both side walls 4 of the profile 2.

[0097] Similarly to what has already been described above, the light source 11 may also be anchored to the side walls 4 of the profile 2 using glue, double-sided adhesive tape, or other similar holding elements.

[0098] In the version of the light element shown in the Figures, the light source 11 consisting of an LED strip is anchored to both side walls 4 of the profile 2.

[0099] As better illustrated in Figure 2, the light source 11 may extend along the entire length l of the side walls 4 of the profile 2.

[00100] However, the screen 16 and / or mirror 13 may have respective lengths l1, l2 essentially equal to the length l of the metal profile 2.

[00101] Alternatively, the length l2 of the mirror 13 and / or the length l1 of the screen 16 may be less than the overall length l of the profile 2. In this case, therefore, it will be necessary to use several mirror elements 13 and / or screen elements 16 to completely cover the extension of the metal profile 2.

[00102] An alternative configuration of the light element 1 is illustrated in Figures7 to 10.

[00103] Similarly to what has been described in relation to the configuration visible in Figures1, 3, 4 and 5, the light element 1 comprises an elongated metal profile 2 that extends along a respective longitudinal extension axis L and is essentially similar to that already described above.

[00104] In this case too, the profile 2 defines an inner cavity 31.

[00105] The use of one or more light sources 11, a reflective mirror 13 and a semi-reflective screen 16 is also envisaged.

[00106] In this case too, the metal profile 2 has a substantially flat back wall 3 joined to a pair of side walls 4; the latter are suited to define respective longitudinal and / or straight front edges 7 extending along the entire length l of the profile 2.

[00107] As is clearly visible in the section of the element 1 illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10, no seat is provided at the longitudinal and / or straight front edges 7.

[00108] Conveniently, the mirror 13 is anchored to the metal profile 2 at the back wall 3of the same.

[00109] The screen 16, on the other hand, is anchored to the metal profile 2 in proximity of the longitudinal and / or straight front edges 7.

[00110] Also in this case, the mirror 13 may have such dimensions as to totally or partially cover the inner surface 14 of the back wall 3.

[00111] Similarly to what has already been described in the configuration of Figure 1, the mirror 13 may be anchored to the inner surface 14 of the back wall 3 using glue, double-sided tape or similar holding systems.

[00112] In addition, the metal profile 2 may include the respective appendages 8 of the type described above.

[00113] In the assembled element 1 configuration, an interspace 20 is formed between the mirror 13 and the screen 16 within which the light source 11 will be inserted.

[00114] In this alternative configuration of the invention, a frame-like element 22 suitably shaped is also provided.

[00115] In the example illustrated in the figures, the frame-like element 22 has a substantially rectangular shape and is provided with an inner edge 23 closed and enclosed by a pair of long sides 24 (substantially parallel to each other) and a pair of short sides 25 (substantially parallel to each other).

[00116] The dimensions of the frame-like element 22 may be similar to the dimensions of the interspace 20 so as to allow it to be slid inside the interspace.

[00117] In particular, the short sides 25 from the frame-like element 22 have a width w1 less than the distance d1 separating the side walls 4 of the metal profile 3.

[00118] Advantageously, the light source 11 is not connected to the metal profile 2 since this component is instead anchored to one or more inner edges 23 by the frame-like element 22.

[00119] In the configuration of the invention illustrated in Figures7 to 10, the light source 11 totally covers the inner edge 23 of the frame-like element 22; in this case, the light source 11 is actually anchored to both the inner edge 23 of the long sides 24 and the inner edge 23 of the short sides 25.

[00120] As can best be seen in the Figure 8 configuration, in this particular configuration of the light element 1 the light source 11 extends along a closed path C defined by the inner edge 23 associated with all sides 24, 25 of the frame-like element 22.

[00121] Several frame-like elements 22 can also be placed side by side within the interspace 20 of the same metal profile 2.

[00122] In this case, therefore, the light sources 11 define multiple horizontal sections and multiple vertical sections.

[00123] In Figure 8, the horizontal sections are indicated by the reference letter A while the vertical sections are indicated by the reference letter B.

[00124] Conveniently, the back wall 3 and the pair of side walls 4 of the metal profile 2 may present a suitably shaped area to define an elongated rear seat 26 that is substantially longitudinal.

[00125] For example, the rear seat 26 may have an substantially square / rectangular cross section and may be bounded in part by the inner surface 27 of the side walls 4 and in part by the inner surface 14 of the back wall 3.

[00126] The frame-like element 22 may have a pair of outer surfaces 28 provided with a raised profile 29.

[00127] In the configuration of the frame-like element illustrated in Figures5 to 8, the raised profile 29 extends from the pair of outer surfaces 28 delimiting the long sides 24 of the frame-like element 22.

[00128] As can best be seen in Figures9 and 10, the raised profile 29 formed on the outer surface 28 of the frame-like element 22 will be slidingly inserted into the rear seat 26 formed in the metal profile 2.

[00129] In this way, it will be possible to selectively facilitate the engagement of the metal profile 2 with the frame-like element 22 so as to avoid the accidental separation of these two components.

[00130] In this alternative configuration of the light element 1, the screen 16 is not directly anchored to the profile 2.

[00131] Instead, the semi-transparent screen is anchored to the frame-like element 22 in proximity of the latter's end edge 30.

[00132] The screen 16 may be anchored to the frame-like element 22 as described above or by using glue, double-sided adhesive tape or other similar holding elements.

[00133] The width w2 of the inner edge 23 of the frame-like element 22 may be greater than the width w3 of the side wall 4 of the profile 2.

[00134] Accordingly, the end edge 30 of the frame-like element 22 will protrude from the longitudinal and / or straight front edge 7 of the side wall 4 of the metal profile 2.

[00135] This configuration is clearly visible in the cross section illustrated in Figure 10.

[00136] Another alternative embodiment of the invention of the type illustrated in Figure 6 is possible.

[00137] Also in this case, an additional profile 2' with a cross section that defines an inner cavity 31 within which a profile 2 can be inserted to anchor the light source 11, mirror 13 and reflective screen 16 is envisaged.

[00138] The additional profile 2' illustrated in Figure 6 also has substantially the same characteristics as the other profiles described above.

[00139] Similarly to what has already been described for the configuration illustrated in Figure 1, the light source 11 may be positioned within the cavity 31 of the additional profile 2' near the side wall 4 thereof.

[00140] However, the inner surface 14 of the back wall 3 of the additional profile 2' illustrated in Figure 6 presents a suitably shaped element in order to define a first longitudinal, straight, flat portion 32 suited to come into contact with the rear surface 15 of the mirror 13, and a second recessed portion 33 suited to define a longitudinal passage 34.

[00141] In particular, the passage 34 is created when the mirror is inserted inside the cavity 31 of the profile and applied to the first portion 32 of the inner surface 14.

[00142] The passage 34, in fact, is defined by the empty space enclosed between the shaped portion 33 of the surface 14 of the wall 3 and the rear surface 15 of the mirror 13.

[00143] The presence of the passage 34 can be particularly useful as all the power supply cables of the light source 11, any voltage splitting sockets, other electrical components (transformers, regulators, etc.) can be collected inside it.

[00144] The juxtaposition of several profiles 2' of the type illustrated in Figure 6 can thus create a continuous and relatively long passage 34 suited to serve as a backbone for all electrical connections.

[00145] In addition, the additional profile 2' shown in Figure 6 includes a pair of folded front edges 35 to delimit the cavity 31 and provide support for the outer surface 36 of the screen 16.

[00146] The interaction between the folded edges 35 and the outer surface 36 of the screen 16 enables the latter to be held even in the event of accidental detachment of the light element 1 from the building structure.

[00147] The embodiment of the light element 1 shown in Figure 2 is particularly advantageous.

[00148] In particular, the profile configuration shown in Figure 2 is suitable for use in combination with a multitude of metal profiles 2', for example the profile shown in Figure 6 or Figure 11.

[00149] This configuration involves the use of the light source 11, mirror 13 and screen 16 in a similar manner to that described above (light source 11 placed between the mirror 13 and screen 16).

[00150] The difference between this configuration and the previous ones lies in the fact that the light element 1 comprises a pair of simple longitudinal profiles 2 that have an essentially U-shaped cross section defined by three essentially flat sections.

[00151] The central flat section 37 of the profile 2 is intended to couple with the light source 11 while the flat side sections 38’ and 38'' of the profile 2 are intended to define the respective seats for coupling the screen 16 and mirror 13, respectively.

[00152] The side sections 38', 38'' will basically define the front portion 42 and the rear portion 43 of the profile 2.

[00153] The profiles 2 may be made of metallic material (e.g. aluminium-based alloys or similar).

[00154] As is clearly visible in Figure 2, the light source 11 is anchored to the inner surface of the flat section of the profile 2 and is interposed (i.e. “sandwiched”) between the mirror 13 and the semi-reflective screen housed in the flat section 38"and 38', respectively.

[00155] Conveniently, all of the profiles described above (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 6 and Figure 7), may include the use of a pair of caps 39 to laterally close the profiles.

[00156] In particular, the caps 39 can be applied to the end of the profiles 2 and can be configured to interact with the profiles 2, mirror 13 and screen 16.

[00157] The caps 39 could be made of polymeric material, for example by an injection moulding process.

[00158] In addition, the caps 39 may have a shaped inner surface 40 suited to accommodate the light source 11 (which, in general, consists of a continuous LED strip) so as to follow the latter in the curvature that it must undergo in order to go from being positioned on one side wall 4 of the profile 2 (e.g. the lower side wall) to the other side wall 4 of the profile 2 (e.g. the upper wall).

[00159] This aspect is very clear in the representation of the light element 1 in Figure 2.

[00160] The configuration illustrated in Figure 2 defines the most basic form of the light element in that, following the application of the caps 39 to the profiles 2, a unitary assembly 41 is formed respectively from the pair of profiles 2, the light source 11, the mirror 13, the semi-reflective mirror 16 and the caps 39.

[00161] The resulting unitary assembly 41 can easily be inserted into the inner cavity 31 of the additional profiles 2' to facilitate installation in an outdoor building structure.

[00162] This configuration is clearly visible in Figure 6.

[00163] In this case, in fact, the cavity 31 of the profile 2' allows a unitary assembly 41 to be slidably inserted.

[00164] Conveniently, the height h1 of the central section 37 of the profile 2 may be chosen to be not less than the height h2 of the folded front edges 35 of the additional profile 2. In this way, the light radiation emitted by the source 11 can actually partially pass through the semi-reflective mirror 16 without being obscured or undesirably reflected by the front edges 35.

[00165] The installation of a light element 1 of this type is particularly simple and fast since:the unitary assembly 41 is prepared separately by assembling together a pair of profiles 2, a light source 11 applied to the central section 37 of these profiles 2' (generally by applying a glue), the coupling of the screen 16 and the mirror 13 at the side sections 38', 38'' and the final application of the caps 39 at the ends of the profiles 2 (these caps, moreover, allow the light source 11 to follow the curvature between the two pairs of profiles 2);the insertion of one or more unitary assemblies 41 assembled as in the previous point within the inner cavity 31 of an additional profile 2' joined to an outdoor building structure.

[00166] In this way, the installation of the light element 1 in an outdoor building structure (e.g. an awning, pergola or bioclimatic pergola) will be particularly easy for an operator since they can assemble all the light elements 1 separately and subsequently slide them into a cavity 31 of an additional metal profile 2 that is part of the structure.

[00167] An example of modular use of the light elements of the type shown in Figure 2 assembled in an additional metal profile 2' in a sliding manner as described above and clearly visible in Figure 8.

[00168] Advantageously, the mirror 13 may have a thickness s1 of between 7 mm and 2 mm and generally close to 3 mm. The semi-reflective screen 16, on the other hand, may consist of tempered glass with a thickness s2 between 8 mm and 2 mm and generally close to 4 mm.

[00169] The use of tempered glass as a semi-reflective screen 16 makes the light element 1 particularly safe; a fall of the latter from the building structure could result in the screen 16 impacting with the body of a person or animal in the vicinity of the structure.

[00170] As is well known, a semi-reflective screen 16 made of tempered glass is designed to shatter upon impact in a manner that minimises the risk of injury to people and / or animals.

[00171] The light source 11 may have a supply voltage of twenty-four volts (24 V).

[00172] It is clear from the above that the light element 1, which this invention concerns, is suitable for use in building structures in a modular manner. In these structures, it is possible to use a plurality of the elements described above, having similar or different dimensions, in order to achieve a desired optical and / or lighting effect.

[00173] For example, several light elements 1 can be placed side by side in order to define a continuous light strip that can be used in outdoor awning structures or pergolas to light the surroundings and / or create pleasant optical effects around the structure itself.

[00174] A further aspect of the invention constitutes an outdoor building structure intended to integrate one or more light elements 1 of the type described above.

[00175] In particular, the building structure may comprise a supporting frame and one or more light elements 1 of the type described above intended to be integrated into this frame.

[00176] For example, the structure could be an outdoor awning whose frame includes a fixed portion that can be anchored to a supporting wall or structure.

[00177] The structure also includes a movable portion designed to move relative to the fixed portion along a predetermined handling direction.

[00178] One or more extendable arms, with ends respectively anchored to the fixed and movable portions of the support structure, are also included.

[00179] These arms can extend or retract between an initial position where the fixed portion and the movable portion are mutually close (or essentially in contact), and an end position where the movable portion and the fixed portion are at the maximum distance.

[00180] The awning also includes a covering element anchored to the fixed and movable portions so that the space below the extendable arms remains essentially covered.

[00181] The light element 1 can be configured to attach to the fixed portion, the movable portion or the extendable arms of the awning.

[00182] In particular, the fixed portion and / or the movable portion and / or the arms of the awning may be provided with appropriate, shaped housings to permit the attachment of the appendages 8 formed on the light element 1.

[00183] The housings formed on the awning structure can then be configured to allow the removable engagement of the appendages 8 of the light element 1 by facilitating their being totally embedded within the housing.

[00184] In this way, the installation of one or more light elements 1 in the awning structure will maintain an essentially uniform aesthetic line even in areas where such an element has been installed.

[00185] Conveniently, the structure 1 may be different from an outdoor awning; for example, such a structure may be a self-supporting element of the pergola or canopy type, etc.

[00186] Figure 11 shows a section of a support column of a pergola configured to accommodate a pair of light elements 1 of the type according to the invention and described above.

[00187] In particular, in the structure configuration illustrated in Figure 11, a light element 1 of the type shown in Figure 2 is visible, slid inside a cavity 31 of a pair of additional metal profiles 2'.

[00188] This configuration may be considered the preferred (though not exclusive) configuration of this invention, since the sliding insertion of one or more light elements 1 slidably coupled to respective additional profiles 2' can easily be used to make the supporting columns, heads, uprights or terminal elements of an outdoor building structure of various types (sun shades, pergolas, canopies, bioclimatic pergolas, etc.)

[00189] This invention can be produced in other variants all falling within the scope of the inventive features claimed and described; these technical features can be replaced with different technically equivalent elements and the materials used; the invention can be of any shape or dimension as long as they are compatible with its use.

[00190] The numbers and reference marks included in the claims and description are only intended to increase the clarity of the text and must not be considered as limiting the technical interpretation of the objects or processes identified by them. 

Claims

1. A light element (1) for outdoor building structures, comprising:- at least one elongated metal profile (2) extending along an axis of longitudinal development (L); - at least one light source (11);- a mirror (13);- a screen (16);wherein said at least one metal profile (2) has a front portion (42) and a rear portion (43) substantially longitudinal;wherein said mirror (13) is anchored to said at least one metal profile (2) in proximity of the rear portion (43);wherein said screen (16) is disposed in proximity of said front portion (42) of said at least profile (2); wherein between said mirror (13) and said screen (16) there is an interspace (20) entirely contained within said at least one metal profile (2);wherein said light source (11) is positioned within said interspace (20).

2. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that said each profile (2) comprises a back wall (3) and a pair of side walls (4) substantially parallel to each other, each side wall (4) presenting an end (5) joined to the back wall (3) and an opposite end (6) provided with a pair of substantially longitudinal front edges (7).

3. Element according to claim 3, characterized in that said light source is anchored to a side wall (4) of said pair and / or to both said side walls (4).

4. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one front edge (7) of said pair of said side walls (4) has a step-like shape suited to define a longitudinal front seat (17) provided with a front surface (18) intended to interact with the inner surface (19) of said screen (16).

5. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a frame- like shape element (22) having a predetermined plan form and a closed inner edge (23).

6. Element according to claim 5, characterized in that said frame-like shape element (22) is insertable within said interspace (20).

7. Element according to claim 5, characterized in that said light source (11) is anchored to the closed inner edge (23) of said frame- like shape element (22).

8. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of profiles (2) each provided with a central section (37) and a pair of side sections (38', 38'') substantially flat, said side sections (38', 38'') being suited to define, respectively, said front portion (42) and said rear portion (43) of said profile (2).

9. Element according to claim 8, characterized in that said light source is anchored to said central section (37) of each profile (2) of said pair, said mirror (13) and said screen (16) being respectively couplable to said side sections (38', 38'') of said pair of profiles (2).

10. Element according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of caps (39) that can be applied to the ends of said at least one pair of profiles (2) and suited to interact with said mirror (13) and said screen (16) so as to make a unitary assembly (41) with said profiles (2), said light source (11), said mirror (13) and said screen (16).

11. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that said screen (16) is of the semi-reflecting type in order to allow, respectively, the outward transmission of a part of the light radiation emitted by said light source (11) and the reflection of the remaining part of the light radiation emitted by said light source (11) towards the interior of said interspace (20).

12. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that said screen (16) is made of glass. 13. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one light source (11) is of the LED or similar type.

14. An outdoor building structure comprising a supporting frame and at least one light element (1) suited to be integrated into said supporting frame, characterized in that said at least one light element (1) is of the type according to one or more of the preceding claims. 

Images