Roofing device

Abstract

A roofing device (10) comprising at least one superstructure (12) which is provided with a plurality of interconnected load-bearing structural elements (13, 14a, 14b, 15), a plurality of roof elements (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) attached to the superstructure (12), which laterally interact with at least two of these opposing load-bearing structural elements (13, 15) to define at least one roof in which they define a roof surface (P) and prevent the direct or indirect transmission of light and / or air or other weather influences, and a plurality of drainage profiles or gutters (20) which are directed towards the interior of the superstructure (12) and are integrated in conjunction with these two load-bearing structural elements (13, 15), the drainage profiles or gutters (20) which are configured to direct the water flowing on these roof elements (16, 116, 216, 316,416) collect deposited water and are each equipped with a first upper edge (22) configured to interact with these roof elements (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) and define a first distance (D1) to this roof surface (P), characterized in that each of the drainage profiles or each of the roof gutters (20) includes a second safety edge (24) configured to interact with one of the two respective supporting structural elements (13, 15) and define a second distance (D2) to this roof surface (P) that is greater than this first distance (D1) in order to frontally limit a longitudinal gap with respect to a lower edge of the respective supporting structural element (13, 15), which is configured to serve as an overflow for the outward drainage of water from the area of ​​the superstructure (12).

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a load-bearing structure and a sunshade device, such as a pergola or other outdoor construction, with a roofing and protective function, possibly also on the sides, intended primarily for supplementary civil use in residential areas, but also for commercial, exhibition, or public purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to a roofing device with integrated functions for rainwater drainage and other features. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is known that a pergola-type roof structure typically comprises a supporting substructure consisting of several vertical support elements, also called posts, which, at a certain height above the ground, can support a superstructure in the form of a rectangular frame. The superstructure usually consists of structural elements, generally horizontal to the ground surface, also called crossbeams, with two on each side, one at the front, and one at the back.

[0003] In some cases, the load-bearing superstructure can be partially attached to fixed support elements, for example, with its rear crossbeam to one or more walls of a building. With these solutions, only two posts can be used in conjunction with the front crossbeam and the two side crossbeams.

[0004] In particular, pergola types are known in which at least partially transparent roof elements such as panels or glazing are operationally assigned to the superstructure, which in some cases are also movable to define selective openings, i.e. the opening of the device, which in any case define an operating condition of the closure of the device, which corresponds to a covering condition of the device, and which define a proper “roof” of the structure.

[0005] In the area of ​​sun protection devices, there is a great need for correct and effective water handling, especially for pergola types that are also intended as an externally usable area for people.

[0006] In fact, in known solutions, the superstructure includes, around the perimeter and in conjunction with the crossbeams, corresponding drainage profiles or simply collecting channels into which the water flows that accumulates on the roof elements or falls directly down in rainy weather.

[0007] The collection channels are shaped to drain the water to specific rain gutters, which are advantageously located within the pergola posts. These solutions are designed to allow people to enjoy the outdoors even in bad weather.

[0008] Typically, the collection channels have an inner wall, meaning a wall oriented towards the roof elements, with an upper edge that essentially seals tightly against a lower surface of the roof elements to form an inner edge of the structure's "roof." Given the need in some operational solutions to deliberately move the roof elements between selectively open and closed positions, a watertight seal between the upper edge of the inner wall and the underside of the roof elements is achieved through silicone gaskets or, at the very least, insulating seals that prevent water penetration. The commonly used seals are most effective when the upper and lower edges are in contact, i.e., when they cover the structure.

[0009] However, there are situations where, due to intense weather conditions or careless use or maintenance of the roof structure, water can completely fill the gutter and accidentally penetrate the structure, as the top edge of the inner wall overflows and the seals may also be compromised.

[0010] Such a deficiency is particularly serious, especially, but not exclusively, in structures with glass roofs, where a living environment or environment intended for occupancy is created that is essentially equivalent to an indoor environment.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to perfect a supporting structure and a roofing device that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the known technique.

[0012] To this end, the technical problem must be solved in such a way as to avoid, or at least minimize, the possibility that the water present in the gutter may accidentally enter the interior space defined by the roofing device.

[0013] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to realize a supporting structure and a roofing device that ensures optimized, correct and efficient water handling and prevents accidental leakage into the area internally defined by the roofing device.

[0014] Another purpose of the present invention is to realize a supporting structure and a roofing device that are relatively simple and inexpensive to realize and provide for simple and quick assembly of at least their crossbeams and gutters.

[0015] In order to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve these and other objectives and gain advantages, the applicant has developed, tested and implemented this invention. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] This invention is set out and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims set out further features of this invention or embodiments of the main concept.

[0017] In accordance with the purposes mentioned above, a roofing device according to the present invention comprises at least one superstructure or upper framework which is supported by a plurality of support elements or posts to hold it at a desired height from the bearing surface.

[0018] The superstructure is provided with a variety of load-bearing structural elements that are connected to define a framework, for example essentially polygonal, to define two lateral crossbeams, a front and a rear crossbeam.

[0019] The roofing structure also comprises a multitude of roof elements n, which are associated with or attached to the supporting structure by lateral interaction with at least two of the opposing load-bearing structural elements, for example, the front and rear crossbeams. The combination of the roof elements makes it possible to define at least one roof condition in which the roof elements define a roofed surface and the direct or indirect passage of light and / or air or other weather influences is prevented depending on their degree of opacity, shape or arrangement, position, or inclination relative to one another.

[0020] The roofing device according to the present invention further comprises a plurality of drainage profiles or simple gutters, which are arranged inwards from the base of the superstructure and are integrated and coupled to the two supporting structural elements. The drainage profiles or gutters are configured to collect water deposited on the roof elements and are each provided with a first upper edge. The latter is configured to interact with the roof elements and has a first distance from the roof surface defined by the roof elements.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, each drainage profile or gutter comprises a second safety edge configured to interact with one of the two opposing supporting structural elements and to have a second distance from the roof surface. This second distance is larger than the first distance, which runs between the first edge and the roof surface, in order to limit a longitudinal gap with respect to the lower edge of a corresponding supporting structural element, configured to serve as an overflow for water drainage from the area of ​​the superstructure to the outside.

[0022] In an operating condition where the gutter gradually fills with water, for example due to sudden and heavy rainfall, but also due to maintenance deficiencies or as a result of incorrect use, the water tends to overflow from the gutter, primarily over the second edge, as this is significantly lower than the first edge compared to the roof surface.

[0023] This drainage solution defines the second edge as an "overfilled" level of the gutter, which facilitates the safe escape of water before it reaches the first edge.

[0024] Furthermore, the interaction of the second edge with the respective supporting structural elements and not with the roof elements prevents water from escaping to the outside or at least not below the roof elements where the usage areas of the roofing device are located.

[0025] The solution according to the present invention thus provides a roofing device that ensures correct and efficient water handling and prevents accidental leakage into the interior area defined by the roofing device.

[0026] Furthermore, the solution proposed by this invention has no impact on the traditional and simplified assembly processes of the components that make up the roofing device itself.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the minimal difference between the second and first distances is such that it defines an opening of small dimensions, for example, on the order of ten millimeters, and is therefore minimally noticeable both functionally for drainage and aesthetically. It is clear that in solutions where the aesthetic impact is insignificant, or where the drainage flow is to be controlled differently, the minimal difference between the second and first distances may be of a different order of magnitude without thereby deviating from the present invention.

[0028] Advantageously, this difference is also chosen depending on the expected flow rate of the gutter, the expected water supply to the roof elements, and the drainage rates of the roofing device.

[0029] According to a further characteristic aspect of the present invention, each of the drainage profiles comprises at least one first support wall configured to be arranged under the roof elements and defining the first edge at the upper transverse end, and at least one second support wall configured to be arranged under a corresponding one of the opposing load-bearing structural elements and defining the second edge at the upper transverse end.

[0030] Not excluded are embodiments in which the first edge, together with the roof elements, may include receiving seats for hydraulic sealing elements, or in which the second edge may include functional molded parts for receiving an accessory body, such as a side curtain, or another type of cover or additional locking devices.

[0031] In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, advantageous solutions may be provided in which each of the drainage profiles has connecting elements designed to form a connection with the superstructure or with other components of the roofing device. Similarly, in other embodiments, including combined embodiments, each of the drainage profiles may comprise at least one housing for the respective lighting accessories, such as LED strips, or simply for the wiring of technical cables or the like.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a supporting structure for a roofing device, comprising a supporting structural element that is integrated with a drainage profile or a rain gutter and has a first upper edge defining a first distance from a roofing surface and a second safety edge configured to interact with the supporting structural element and defining a second distance from the roofing surface that is greater than the first distance in order to limit a longitudinal gap with respect to a lower edge of the corresponding supporting structural element, configured to serve as an overflow for the outflow of water from the area of ​​the superstructure. EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become clearer from the following description of embodiments, which are provided by way of example, but not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: - Fig. shows an axonometric view of a roofing device according to this invention; - Fig. shows a top view of the roofing device made of Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a first embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a second embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a third embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a fourth embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a fifth embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a first variant. Fig. along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a second variant. Fig. along line AA from Fig. ; - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a sixth embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ; and - Fig. schematically shows an enlarged partial cross-section of another embodiment of the roofing device. Fig. . along line AA from Fig. ;

[0034] For clarity, identical reference symbols have been used in the illustrations to identify common, identical elements wherever possible. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be conveniently combined or integrated into other embodiments without further specification. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0035] The possible embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The phraseology and terminology used here are also exemplary and non-limiting.

[0036] The attached illustrations refer to a roofing device, in this case a pergola 10 for outdoor areas, and to a supporting structure for the roofing device.

[0037] The supporting structure comprises a load-bearing structural element 13, 15, which is coupled in an integrated manner with a drainage profile or a rain gutter 20 and has a first upper edge 22 that defines a first distance D1 from a roof surface P and a second safety edge 24 that is configured to interact with the load-bearing structural element 13, 15 and defines a second distance D2 from the roof surface P that is greater than the first distance D1 in order to limit a longitudinal gap with respect to a lower edge of the corresponding load-bearing structural element 13, 15, which is configured to serve as an overflow for the outward flow of water from the area of ​​the superstructure or scaffolding 12.

[0038] According to the embodiments described herein, the roofing device comprises, for example, a pergola 10, at least one superstructure or framework 12 with a plurality of load-bearing structural elements 13, 14a, 14b, 15 which are connected to one another, a plurality of roof elements 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 which are attached to the superstructure 12 and interact laterally with at least two of these opposing load-bearing structural elements 13, 15 in order to define at least one roof in which they define a roofing area P and prevent the direct or indirect passage of light and / or air or other weather influences, and a plurality of drainage profiles or gutters 20 which are directed towards the interior of the superstructure 12 and are coupled to the two load-bearing structural elements 13, 15 and integrated.The drainage profiles or gutters, 20, are configured to collect the water that accumulates on these roof elements 16, 116, 216, 316, 416, and each has a first top edge 22 configured to interact with the roof elements 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 and define a first distance D1 from the roof surface P. Each of the drainage profiles or each of the rain gutters 20 includes a second safety edge 24 configured to interact with one of the two load-bearing structural elements 13, 15, and defines a second distance D2 from the roof surface P that is larger than the first distance D1 in order to limit a longitudinal gap frontally with respect to a lower edge of the corresponding load-bearing structural element 13, 15, configured to serve as an overflow for the outward flow of water from the area of ​​the superstructure 12.

[0039] The pergola 10 shown as an example can be of the type that is attached to a wall 100 and can be defined by two vertical posts 11 shaped to hold a superstructure or upper framework 12, which is essentially horizontal and is essentially defined by the four supporting structural elements or posts mentioned above, each by a front 13, a left lateral 14a and a right lateral 14b and a rear 15, in a desired raised state.

[0040] However, it is not excluded, even if not expressly stated, that the pergola 10 according to the present invention may also be self-supporting, i.e. defined by four vertical posts 11 which are designed to independently support the upper framework 12 without attachment to the wall 100.

[0041] In the Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper framework 12 is designed to support several, for example six, roof elements 16 arranged essentially parallel to one another, in order to fill the interior space and define a roof for the pergola 10. For example, such roof elements 16 can be plates or panels, for example made of glass or another comparable transparent material, or of other suitable materials. In the following, reference is made, by way of example and without limitation, to roof elements 16 also being glass plates or panels or glazing 16, whereby the following description also applies to other types of roof elements.

[0042] The glazing panels 16 are arranged longitudinally between the front crossbeam 13 and the rear crossbeam 15 via intermediate struts 17, while only the two end glazing panels 16 interact with the respective left and right side beams 14a and 14b. This arrangement of the glazing panels 16 defines a substantially horizontal or partially inclined roof surface P, depending on the structural and design requirements of the pergola 10.

[0043] Similarly, in the embodiments described in the Fig. As an alternative to the glazing 16, selectively movable roof elements are provided to define the desired openings, i.e., the opening of the cover of the pergola 10, and an operative closure corresponding to a cover of the pergola 10, as with the solution using the glazing 16, i.e., to define an essentially horizontal roof surface P.

[0044] In particular, in Fig. a solution is shown in which the roof elements comprise a plurality of louvers 116 arranged longitudinally between the front crossbeam 13 and the rear crossbeam 15 and kinematically connected by a (not illustrated) pantograph mechanism that makes it possible to group them on one side to define the selective openings.

[0045] When using Fig. In the exemplary solution described, the roof elements comprise two rows of louvers, one movable and one fixed, which are generally referred to by the reference numeral 216 and are arranged longitudinally between the front crossbeam 13 and the rear crossbeam 15. The movable louvers 216 can be moved selectively relative to the fixed louvers, defining light and air gaps of the desired size until they overlap.

[0046] In the Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof elements are defined by a tarpaulin 316 or another flexible element that is selectively stretched within the upper framework 12 to define the desired openings or closures.

[0047] Finally, at the in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof elements are defined by a plurality of longitudinally pivotable louvers 416 between the front crossbeam 13 and the rear crossbeam 15, which are rotated simultaneously to define the selective openings and the closure.

[0048] Regarding the Fig. At least the front crossbeam 13 and the rear crossbeam 15 are mechanically and hydraulically assigned a drainage profile or a rain gutter 20, which are configured to collect the settling water from the various roof elements 16, 116, 216, 316 and 416.

[0049] Each drainage profile or rain gutter 20 is aligned with the inner area of ​​the superstructure and integrated in conjunction with a corresponding load-bearing structural element 13, 15.

[0050] The rain gutter 20 is defined in cross-section by a first retaining wall or inner wall 21, a second retaining wall or outer wall 23 and a lower wall 25 arranged in a transverse connection between the inner wall 21 and the outer wall 23.

[0051] The inner wall 21 is positioned below the corresponding roof element 16, 116, 216, 316, and 416 and has a first edge 22 that is positioned further inward at its upper end. The outer wall 23 is positioned below the front crossbeam 13 and the rear crossbeam 15, respectively, and has a second edge 24 at its upper end that is positioned further outward than the first edge 22.

[0052] According to the present invention, the first edge 22 has a distance D1 to the roof surface P, which is smaller than the distance D2 measured between the second edge 24 and the roof surface P.

[0053] In this way, the second edge 24 is suitable to frontally limit a longitudinal gap with respect to a lower edge of the respective supporting structural element 13, 15, which is designed to serve as an overflow for the outflow of water from the area of ​​the upper framework 12.

[0054] In other words, the second edge 24 is positioned lower than the first edge 21 with respect to the roof surface P, so that when the gutter 20 becomes excessively full of water, it overflows from the second edge 24 (as indicated by the arrows in the accompanying figures), i.e., it overflows into the exterior of the pergola 10, thus protecting the interior part of the pergola 10 located beneath the upper framework 12. Advantageously, a gap D3 is provided between the second edge 24 and the respective front crossbeam 13 or rear crossbeam 15, which is sufficient to allow the desired water drainage.

[0055] This geometric combination defines a different height or a minimum difference Δ between distance D2 and distance D1. This difference Δ results in a variable clear width, depending on parameters selected during the planning or assembly phase according to the operating and installation conditions of the pergola 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, for example in the Fig. In schematic terms, the outer wall 23 is essentially misaligned with respect to its front or rear crossbeam 13 or 15, defining a misalignment K that points outwards ( Fig. ) or inwards ( Fig. ) may be directed to define a desired aesthetic / functional feature.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the first edge 22 comprises a housing 26 for receiving a corresponding sealing element or gasket 27, which is only partially shown and configured to interact with the respective roof elements 16, 116, 216, 316 and 416.

[0058] In its specific form, shown only as an example in the Fig. , the aforementioned gap delimited by the second edge 24 can define a functional shape configured to allow the insertion or hooking of an accessory body, for example a box 28, for a vertical awning as a lateral darkening of the pergola 10 according to the present invention.

[0059] For the sake of completeness, in Fig. With regard to possible embodiments of the pergola 10 according to the present invention, a solution is schematically illustrated in which the inclusion or hooking of an accessory box 28 is not provided. It is obvious that, due to its design and construction concept, the pergola 10 can incorporate this and other functional and / or aesthetic embodiments without thereby deviating from the present invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the rain gutter 20 includes generic connection forms 29, which are configured for connecting the rain gutter 20 to the superstructure 12, or the posts 11, depending on the type of pergola 10, to other elements, so that a clear arrangement is ensured with respect to the respective front crossbeam 13 or the rear crossbeam 15.

[0061] These connection forms 29 can be designed for connection by screws, as in the case schematically illustrated in the accompanying figures, but designs for snap fastening, a positive locking or conical connection, a bayonet connection or others are not excluded.

[0062] Advantageously, the rain gutter 20 includes at least one housing 30 formed here on the lower wall 25, which is configured to accommodate at least one lighting aid or LED strip 31. However, although not explained in detail, it is not excluded that the housing 30 could alternatively or in combination also be formed on the inner wall 21 or on the outer wall 23.

[0063] With particular reference to the in Fig.In a schematic embodiment, the defined longitudinal gap between the second edge 24 and the lower edge of the respective supporting structural element 13, 15 can be selectively and temporarily closed by a selective closing device or by a hinged flap profile 32 on the corresponding supporting structural element 13, 15. This flap profile 32 is designed such that it normally remains closed of the longitudinal gap due to its own weight. The same flap profile 32 can be rotated relative to the supporting structural element 13, 15 by the pressure of the water when it reaches an overflow level from the second edge 24 to allow drainage.

[0064] Obviously, changes can be made and / or parts added to the pergola described so far without deviating from the invention concept defined in the patent claims.

[0065] Although this invention has been described with reference to some specific embodiments, it is obvious that skilled persons can realize other equivalent forms of the roofing device which have the features set out in the claims and thus all fall within the scope of protection defined by these claims.

[0066] In the following patent claims, the reference numerals given in parentheses serve only for better understanding and should not be regarded as limiting factors of the scope of protection defined by the patent claims.

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