WO2007043896A1

WO2007043896A1 - Modular assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2007043896A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2006/000257
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phillip Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-07
Filing date: 2006-10-06
Publication date: 2007-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2008-04-07

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a modular assembly including electrically conductive modular units. More particularly, the assembly provides a freestanding supportive structure for supplying power through the assembly to electrical utility members, such as lights or power points.

Description

MODULAR ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND

There are many situations where a temporary and flexible source of electricity and lighting are desirable, such as interior decorating, motor vehicle maintenance and outdoor leisure activities. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a device for providing an electrical utility means, such as a power extension socket or lighting device, which can be easily assembled for reasons of safety, comfort or convenience. These devices can be independent of a power source and free standing, such as a torch or lantern, or can be connected to a power source via a cable, such as a household lamp.

Whether the light source is independent, free standing or connected to a source of power, optimal illumination of an indoor enclosure or outdoor area is rarely achieved. Users will often wish to locate the light source in different locations according to the circumstances. For example, overhead illumination may be required on one occasion whereas on another occasion, a lighting device where the light source is closer to ground level may be desirable. Various circumstances such as these are frequently encountered when, for example, camping or interior decorating. Flexibility in the configuration of the lighting device would therefore be very desirable. Convenient and easy assembly, disassembly or reassembly in these circumstances would also be very desirable.

Whether camping close to a power source, for example at a campground, or tramping far from civilisation, campers are faced with the problem of illumination after sundown. Traditionally, lighting is provided in such situations by kerosene lanterns or torches. Placing the torch or kerosene lantern in the tent to provide optimal illumination often restricts movement within the tent.

Inherent with traditional methods of lighting such camping situations is the risk of ignition of flammable fuels associated with lanterns. Torches when used in these kinds of situations have the inherent disadvantage that they must be either left to point horizontally or propped up against something inside the tent. This situation provides a less than ideal illumination field and/or may result in instability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular assembly for illuminating indoor and outdoor areas and/or for supplying a flexible power source, which eliminates or at least reduces the inherent disadvantages of traditional methods, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention provides an assembly including three or more electrically conductive modular unit(s) each adapted to be releasably connectable to an adjacent one or more electrically conductive modular unit(s), wherein at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a base support means which, in use, provides support to enable said assembly to be a freestanding supportive structure, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes one or more electrical utility means, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a power source connection means which, in use, provides power to the electrically conductive modular unit(s).

Preferably the means for releasably connecting each electrically conductive modular unit to at least one other electrically conductive modular unit is a plug or socket arrangement, a complementary fitting comprising one half of a self mating connector, or snap-lock or hinge connection. The means for releasably connecting each electrically conductive modular unit to at least one other electrically conductive modular unit can include an inter-module support member.

Preferably, two or more of the electrically conductive modular units are connected together by an assembly connection means, such as a hinge or elastic cord, which enables two or more electrically conductive modular units to be linked together when the assembly is disassembled.

Preferably, the assembly is further adapted to provide a structural support column for a lightweight structure, such as for a canopy or tent roof. More preferably, the assembly is adapted to replace or attach to one or more supporting framework members of the lightweight structure, such as by replacing a tent pole or a section of a tent pole. Preferably, the assembly is adapted to provide flexibility within or between one or more of the electrically conductive modular units, such as by providing a section of an assembly that can be bent into a non-linear configuration, for example to allow Illumination of a particular spot. Preferably, at least one electrically conductive modular unit incorporates a means for length adjustment, such as an adjustable telescopic unit. Preferably, the assembly includes a mixture of different types of electrically conductive modular units having a rigid body, flexible body and/or body incorporating means for length adjustment.

Preferably, the electrically conductive features of the modular units are housed within the unit.

Preferably, at least one of the electrically conductive modular units of the assembly includes a power control means for controlling the power to the one or more electrical utility means, such as a variable resistance switch (dimmer switch) or an on-off switch.

Preferably, the electrical utility means is selected from any combination of one or more of the group including a light source, power socket, heater, fan or bug light.

Preferably, the power source for the electrical utility means includes mains power and/or battery power. Preferably, the assembly includes a battery-holding unit. Preferably, the power connection means is an inductive means. More preferably, the inductive means is a wind turbine, a water turbine or a hand generator.

Preferably, the assembly includes an isolating transformer in connection between the power source and the assembly.

Preferably, the base support means includes a rubber pad, one or more spikes, prongs, stake or a stand, such as a tripod stand.

Preferably, the assembly is adapted for outdoor or ail-weather conditions, such as adapted for use in an exposed, windy or rainy environment, by providing an assembly that is robust and waterproof.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a kit for use in assembling the assembly as hereinbefore described, wherein the kit comprises an assembly including at least three electrically conductive modular units each adapted to be releasably connectable to an adjacent one or more electrically conductive modular unit(s), wherein at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a base - A -

support means which, in use, provides support to enable said assembly to be a freestanding supportive structure, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes one or more electrical utility means, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a power source connection means which, in use, provides power to the electrically conductive modular unit(s).

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electrically conductive modular unit that is adapted to be releasably connectable to an adjacent one or more electrically conductive modular unit(s) of an assembly that includes at least three electrically conductive modular unit(s) each adapted to be releasably connectable to an adjacent one or more electrically conductive modular unit(s), wherein at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a base support means which, in use, provides support to enable said assembly to be a freestanding supportive structure, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes one or more electrical utility means, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a power source connection means which, in use, provides power to the electrically conductive modular unit(s).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. The invention is described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a telescopic electrically conductive modular unit.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit adapted to connect to up to three other electrically conductive modular units.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit adapted to connect to up to four other electrically conductive modular units.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit including electrical utility means in the form of two power sockets.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit including power control means in the form of two on/off switches.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit including a base support means in the form of a tripod stand.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit including an electrical utility means in the form of a housed spotlight.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit including an electrical utility means in the form of a light.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit including an electrical utility means in the form of a shielded light.

Figure 10 shows a partial side view of two alternative embodiments of a length adjustable electrically conductive modular unit.

Figure 11 shows a side view of a flexible and non-flexible electrically conductive modular unit that comprises a light source.

Figure 12 shows a side view of an assembly including electrically conductive modular units, electrical utility means in the form of lights and power control means in the form of on/off switches.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly including electrically conductive modular units, electrical utility means in the form of lights and a base support means in the form of a tripod.

Figure 14 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a flexible assembly including flexible electrically conductive modular units.

Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment of an assembly that has been disassembled but is still connected together by an assembly connection means. Figure 16 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly including electrically conductive modular units that are length adjustable and where the light source comprises fluorescent tubes.

Figure 17 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly comprising a plurality of electrically conductive modular units and electrical utility means.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly comprising another configuration of a plurality of electrically conductive modular units.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly comprising another configuration of a plurality of electrically conductive modular units.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly comprising another configuration of a plurality of electrically conductive modular units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The assembly of the invention may be used to provide lighting and an extendible source of electricity in many different and varied situations, such as for indoor and outdoor environments, for example tenting and camping situations.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrically conductive modular unit (1 ) comprising a telescopic means. The modular unit (1 ) consists of an adjustable overlapping first section (2) and a second section (3) that are coaxially aligned and where the first and second coaxially aligned sections can be extended and contracted in relation to one another to provide an electrically conductive modular unit that is adjustably extendable. A three-point plug electrical connection means (4) is also shown at one end of the second section (3).

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (5) capable of connecting to up to three other electrically conductive modular units. The modular unit (5) is T-shaped and provides three separate three-point plug electrical connection means (6, 7, 8) for releasably connecting adjacent modular units.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (9) capable of connecting to up to four other electrically conductive modular units. The modular unit (9) is square planar in shape and provides four separate three-point plug electrical connection means (10, 11, 12, 13) for releasably connecting adjacent modular units.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (14) including electrical utility means in the form of two power sockets (17, 18). The modular unit (14) includes a three-point plug electrical connection means at a first end (15), a complimentary three-point socket at a second end (16) and two electrical utility means (17, 18) in the form of three-point electrical plugs that are integral with the central body (19).

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (20) including power control means in the form of an on/off switch. The modular unit (20) includes a three-point plug electrical connection means at a first end (21), a complimentary three-point socket at a second end (22) and two power control means (23, 24) in the form of on/off switches that are integral with the central body (25).

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (26) including a base support means in the form of a tripod stand. The base support means in the form of a tripod stand is integral with the modular unit (26). The modular unit (26) includes a three-point socket electrical connection means (27).

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (28) including an electrical utility means in the form of a housed spotlight (29). The spotlight (29) can be moved relative to the three-point socket electrical connection means (31 ) via the rotatable and pivotable connection means (30).

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (32) including an electrical utility means in the form of a light (33) encompassed within the central body (34) of the modular unit. The modular unit (32) includes a three-point socket electrical connection means at each end (35, 36).

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an electrically conductive modular unit (37) including an electrical utility means in the form of a shielded light (38).

Figure 10 shows a partial side view of two alternative embodiments of a length adjustable electrically conductive modular unit. The modular unit (39) shown in Figure 10a has length adjustment means comprising an inner shaft (40) provided with sprung indexing means (41) and an outer shaft (42) with holes at appropriate locations for the sprung indexing means to locate. The modular unit (43) shown in Figure 10b comprises threaded locking means (44) such that the upper portion (45) and lower portion (46) of the modular unit can be moved from a first engaged position, through a second non-engaged position, into a third engaged position. Length adjustment means will be useful when using the assembly in a number of different enclosures such as tents with different tent supporting framework member heights.

Figure 11 shows a side view of a flexible and non-flexible electrically conductive modular unit that comprises a light source (48, 50). The body of the modular unit shown in Figure 11a (47) is flexible but has means for allowing the modular unit to hold its shape once the unit is manoeuvred into the appropriate location. The modular unit depicted in Figure 11b (49) is solid and has a hinged attachment (51 ) for the light source (50) at the end of the modular unit farthest from the electrical connection means (52). The ability to move the light source relative to the lighting device provides for more convenient lighting solutions in a tent situation than having the light source fixed directly to the member.

Figure 12 shows a side view of an assembly (53) including electrically conductive modular units (54-57) including electrical utility means in the form of lights (58, 59) and power control means in the form of on/off switches (60, 61 ). The assembly can be disassembled into the modular units (54-57), which allows the assembly to be packed easily, for example, into a backpack for tramping. This kind of modular construction allows for modification of the assembly to, for example, increase/decrease the height, add attachment means or further light sources, or for the attachment to alternative sources of power such as batteries, mains or battery charger.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly (62) including electrically conductive modular units (63-68) including electrical utility means in the form of lights (67, 68) and a base support means in the form of a tripod stand (63). The electrically conductive modular unit (66) attaching the two light sources (67, 68) to the central part of the modular assembly consists of a T-shaped unit.

Figure 14 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly (69) wherein each modular unit within the assembly provides flexibility for the assembly such that it can be shaped into an arc. The means for providing flexibility (70) may be provided within the body of the modular unit or form part of the connection means for connecting to an adjacent modular unit. The embodiment shown is particularly suited for use within "dome" type tents. The power control means (71 ) is located closer to the ground and the light source (72) is located centrally in order to provide overhead lighting.

Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment of an assembly (73) that has been disassembled but is still connected together by an assembly connection means. A number of the modular units of the assembly (74-80) are held together by an elastic cord (81 ) with a relaxed length of less than that of the assembled modular assembly. When the modular units (74-80) are electrically and structurally separated they are therefore still held together in proximate connection. When the assembly is required to be attached to or to replace a tent supporting framework member, units are aligned and the elastic cord pulls the units together such that a rigid structure is formed.

Figure 16 shows a side view an alternative embodiment of an assembly (82) including electrically conductive modular units that are length adjustable (83) and where the light source comprises fluorescent tubes (84). Figure 16a shows a preferred embodiment of the assembly (84) in which the light source consists of fluorescent tubes (84) hingeably attached to a modular unit. The embodiment depicted in Figure 16b (85) shows the light source arranged in the downwards position for ease of storage.

Figure 17 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly (86) comprising a plurality of electrically conductive modular units. The embodiment shown has an electric light source (87) incorporated into a modular unit (88). The attachment means for the light source (89) allows for movement of the light source for the provision of various arrangements. This embodiment contains a modular unit with a power control means (89a) and also a modular unit with two plug sockets (90) incorporated into a modular unit located near the bottom of the assembly, which allows for the attachment of any appliances, for example alarm clocks, radios and toasters. The modular unit farthest from the light sources also includes a base support means (91) shaped for enabling the assembly to be firmly stood on the ground or a floor.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly (92) comprising an alternative configuration of a plurality of electrically conductive modular units. The assembly consists of modular units that are T-shaped (93-96) for providing connection to three other adjacent modular units, elongated lengths (97-104), a base support means in the form of a tripod stand (105) and light sources (106-110).

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly (111) comprising an alternative configuration of a plurality of electrically conductive modular units. Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly (112) comprising an alternative configuration of a plurality of electrically conductive modular units.

Figure 21 a & b and Figures 22 a & b show a side view and an end view of adjacent modular units illustrating possible mechanisms by which the electrically conductive modular units may be releasabley connectable.

A male end (113) of one electrically conductive modular unit (Figure 21 a and Figure 22 a) comprises a sleeve (115), three electric conductive pins (116) and a keyway pin (117). The keyway pin can have a round cross section as shown in Figure 21 a & b or triangular cross section as shown in Figure 22 a & b. The female end (114) of an adjacent electrically conductive modular unit (Figure 21 b and 22 b) comprises a body section (115) that is adapted to fit within the sleeve of the male end (113), three recesses (119) adapted to receive and form an electrical connection with the electrical conductive pins (116) of the male end (113), and a central keyway pin receiving recess (120) adapted to receive the keyway pin (117) of the male end (113).

In use the keyway pin (117) and electrical conductive pins (116) of the male end (113) are inserted into the keyway pin recess (120) and the electrical conductive pin receiving recesses (119) while the body (118) of the female member (114) is inserted into the sleeve (115) of the male member (113). Not only does this connection means prove an electrically conductive connection between the modular units but also provides structural support to the assembly. The keyway pin (117) may also form part of the electrical conhection for example, the keyway pin (117) may form an earth connection between adjacent modular units.

Figure 23 a, b & c show cross sections of the female end (114) releasable locking means that may be incorporated into the connection means. The locking means comprises a member (121) which is reversably biased into the keyway pin receiving recess of the female end (114), which can reversably engage with notches (122) of the keyway pin (117).

A biased button (123) on the body (118) of the female end (114) in translational connection with the member (121) such that when the button (123) depressed the member (121) is moved out of the notch (122) of the keyway pin (117) allowing the ends (114 & 115) (Figure 23 a & b) to separate. Alternatively a pull release pin (124) can be used to remove the member (121) to allow release of the keyway pin (117) (Figure 23 c). In order to provide a range of options in the positioning of a light source or other electrical utility means, an assembly of electrically conductive modular units that can be assembled in a variety of configurations has being invented. The electrically conductive modular units are each adapted to allow ready assembly and disassembly by being releasably connectable to one another. The various configurations for the assembly can be assembled from a kit of units or parts. Such a kit will generally include at least one modular unit incorporating a light source or other electrical utility means, one modular unit incorporating a means for connecting the assembly to a source of power for said light source and one modular unit including a base support means. An electrically conductive modular unit of the assembly can incorporate more than one of the before mentioned features. For example, one electrically conductive modular unit of the assembly can include an electrical utility means, a base support means and a power source connection means.

The base support means enables the assembly to be a freestanding supportive structure. For example, the electrically conductive modular unit including a base support means can have the base support means in the form of a tripod stand which is integral with said modular unit. Alternatively, the base support means can itself be releasably connectable to an electrically conductive modular unit and may or may not be electrically conductive in itself.

Another alternative is that the assembly can be further adapted to be a structural support column for a lightweight structure, such as for a tension membrane like a canopy or tent roof. The assembly can also be adapted to replace or attach to one or more supporting framework members of the lightweight structure, such as by replacing a tent pole or a section of a tent pole.

The assembly can be adapted to provide flexibility within or between one or more of the electrically conductive modular units, such as by providing a section of an assembly that can be bent into a non-linear configuration, for example to allow illumination of a particular spot. The electrically conductive modular units of the assembly can also incorporate a means for length adjustment, such as by providing an adjustable telescopic unit. The assembly can include a mixture of different types of electrically conductive modular units selected from the group of units having a rigid body, flexible body and/or body incorporating means for length adjustment.

The means for releasably connecting each electrically conductive modular unit of the assembly to other electrically conductive modular units of the assembly includes providing on the modular unit a plug or socket connection, a complementary fitting comprising one half of a self mating connector, or snap-lock or hinge connection. In addition, the electrically conductive modular units can include an inter-module support member to provide rigidity and support between the connected modular units, such as by providing a thread on one modular unit and a complimentary ring sleeve on an adjacent modular unit.

The means for connecting adjacent modular units together not only ensures that the connected modular units are held in register, but also provides for conductivity between the modular units. The conductivity through the modular units may be achieved by a number of means, such as a conductive wire running internally through the body of the modular units. The means for connecting together adjacent modular units comprises a releasable connection that is adapted to provide an electrical connection between adjacent modular units. The modular units can therefore be conductively separated when disassembled. This feature also enables flexibility in configuration whilst still providing a source of electrical power throughout the assembly.

"Conductivity" between the modular units is intended to mean that an electric current can be made to flow between the connected loci to power the electrical utility means, such as a light source. Where the means for connecting one unit to at least one other unit are described as "self-mating" this is intended to mean that the means are complementary and identical as opposed, for example, to a male/female or plug/socket union.

As conductivity between the power source connection means, which supplies power to the assembly, and the electrical utility is achieved by the assembly of a plurality of connected modular units, it is not necessary for the electrical utility means and the power source connection means to be connected directly. For example, in one type of assembly there may be one or more electrically conductive modular units separating a power source connection means, which itself is connected to a power source, and an electrical utility means. The user is therefore provided with greater choice in how to assemble the modular units to adopt whichever configuration is desired.

An alternative variation can exist where one or more of the modular units in the assembly have a releasable connection means that is flexible, such that an adjacently connected modular unit could be bent or moved into an alternative configuration without the need for the disconnection of the modular units.

Two or more of the electrically conductive modular units can also be connected together by an assembly connection means, such as an elastic cord, which enables the two or more electrically conductive modular units to be linked together when the assembly is disassembled. The aligning of the modular units for ready assembly can be aided by connecting the modular units of the assembly with an elastic cord under light tension, such that the elastic cord would act to pull the modular units of the assembly together.

The assembly can also comprise electrically conductive modular units that include a power control means for controlling the power to the one or more electrical utility means. The power control means can be a variable resistance or an on-off switch.

The electrical utility means can be a light source, power socket, heater, fan or bug light. The light source can be an incandescent, fluorescent or diode light source. Any one modular unit may also comprise any number of combinations of the same or different type of electrical utility means.

The power source for the assembly can be mains power and/or battery power. The assembly can also include a battery-holding unit, which can be integral with a modular unit or can be connected to a modular unit of the assembly. Alternatively, the power source could be from an inductive means. For example, the inductive means may be a wind turbine, a water turbine or a hand generator.

For safety, reasons an isolating transformer may be used to isolate the circuit of the power source and that of the assembly. The helps avoid any risk of accidental electrocution.

Any one of the electrically conductive modular units of the assembly can have a body directed to a different feature. For example, a modular unit can have a non-flexible, flexible body or a body allowing for length adjustment, such as a telescopic unit. The assembly can therefore consist of a mixture of different types of electrically conductive modular units having a non- flexible body, flexible body and/or body incorporating means for height adjustment.

The electrically conductive modular units and assembly as a whole can be adapted for outdoor or all-weather conditions. For example, the modular units can be made of a lightweight plastics material that is robust and resilient to outdoor and all-weather conditions.

The application of the invention in a variety of environments will be apparent. The application of the invention may be readily appreciated from a description of its use in an outdoor camping situation such as in a tent. Where in the forgoing description reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although the present invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is understood that improvements and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An assembly including three or more electrically conductive modular unit(s) each adapted to be releasably connectable to an adjacent one or more electrically conductive modular unit(s), wherein . at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a base support means which, in use, provides support to enable said assembly to be a freestanding supportive structure, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes one or more electrical utility means, at least one of said electrically conductive modular unit(s) includes a power source connection means which, in use, provides power to the electrically conductive modular unit(s).

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably connecting each electrically conductive modular unit to at least one other electrically conductive modular unit is a plug or socket arrangement, a complementary fitting comprising one half of a self mating connector, or snap-lock or hinge connection.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the means for releasably connecting each electrically conductive modular unit to at least one other electrically conductive modular unit includes an inter-module support member.

4. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 3, wherein two or more of the electrically conductive modular units are connected together by an assembly connection means, which enables said two or more electrically conductive modular units to be linked together when the assembly is disassembled.

5. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for releasably connecting each electrically conductive modular unit to at least one other electrically conductive modular unit includes a flexible connection means.

6. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible connection means is a hinge or an elastic cord.

7. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, which is further adapted to be a structural support column for a lightweight structure.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lightweight structure is a tension membrane.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said assembly is adapted to replace or attach to one or more supporting framework members for the lightweight structure.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lightweight structure is a canopy or a tent.

11. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electrically conductive features of the modular units are housed within the modular unit.

12. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein at least one of the electrically conductive modular units includes a power control means for controlling the power to the one or more electrical utility means.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the power control means is a variable resistance or an on-off switch.

14. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the one or more electrical utility means is selected from any one or more of the group including a light source, power socket, heater, fan or bug light.

15. The assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the light source is an incandescent, fluorescent or diode light source.

16. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one electrically conductive modular unit has a flexible body.

17. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the power source for the one or more electrical utility means is mains power and/or battery power.

18. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said assembly includes a battery-holding unit.

19. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least one electrically conductive modular unit incorporates a means for length adjustment.

20. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the assembly includes a mixture of different types of electrically conductive modular units having a non-flexible body, flexible body and/or body incorporating means for height adjustment.

21. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said assembly is adapted for outdoor or all-weather conditions.

22. A kit for use in assembling the assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. An electrically conductive modular unit for use in the assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21.