Support platform for pergolas and method of assembly of said support platform

Abstract

Support platform (1) for pergolas, which comprises a perimeter frame (2) which supports a floor (4) formed by multiple covering elements (9) with plate-like shape having a thickness (SP), and a covering profile (13), which is placed on the perimeter frame (2) along the perimeter edge (8) of the floor (4). The support platform (1) also comprises multiple adjustment bodies (17) placed in a positioning seat (15) of the perimeter frame (2) and against which the covering profile (13) is abutted in order to maintain it at a height corresponding to that of the floor (4). For such purpose, the adjustment bodies (17) are formed by corresponding portions of the covering elements (9) of the floor (4) having the same thickness (SP), thus to be able to adapt the position of the covering profile (13) as a function of the thickness of the covering elements (9).

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a support platform for pergolas and a method of assembly of said support platform, according to the preamble of the relative independent claims. The present support platform and assembly method are intended to be employed in the field of making and installing pergolas set for covering external surfaces for protecting from atmospheric agents and in particular from sun and rain.

[0002] The present support platform is recommended for attaining and installing pergolas (also in the form of verandas and more generally of covering structures), both in gardens of private homes and in open spaces of public places, such as for example restaurants, hotels, bathing establishments or other structures.

[0003] The support platform and the assembly method, object of the present invention, therefore fall within the industrial field of production of awnings and pergolas for covering outdoor settings.State of the art

[0004] Known on the market are numerous solutions of pergolas for outdoor settings provided with a canopy-like support structure, which comprises four angular columns abutted on the lower part against the ground and connected on the upper part to each other by four beams placed two-by-two parallel, and between which covering means are suspended that are adapted to protect an underlying ground surface from sun and / or rain. For example, the aforesaid covering means are constituted by a flexible sheet or by a plurality of oscillating blades.

[0005] In the event in which the pergola must be installed on an irregular or yieldable soil (as in gardens, beaches, etc.), it is known to mount the pergolas on a support platform, which is placed above the ground in order to create a regular and walkable floor below the cover of the cover of the pergola itself.

[0006] More in detail, the support platform comprises a quadrangular frame (usually rectangular or square) intended to be anchored to the ground or even only abutted against the latter with the use of suitable ballasting weights, so as to fix the platform to the ground.

[0007] The aforesaid quadrangular frame generally comprises multiple metal profiles fixed at a corner one to the next, such to define a quadrangular perimeter of the support platform. The base of the columns is fixed to the quadrangular frame, for example at the corner junctions of the metal profiles of the latter.

[0008] Above the quadrangular frame, a floor is abuttingly mounted, constituted for example by slats or tiles, which constitute the walkable floor for the users of the pergola or for the objects (such as chairs and tables) to be placed below this.

[0009] In order to support the floor also in the area inside the quadrangular frame, the support platform normally comprises multiple support feet placed within the perimeter defined by the framework itself in order to be abutted against the ground and having an upper part placed substantially at the same height as the metal profiles of the quadrangular frame and against which the tiles or slats of the floor are abutted (possibly with the interposition of suitable support clubs).

[0010] The support platform is normally provided with covering profiles, which are placed along the external edge of the quadrangular frame, generally for aesthetic purposes, for example in order to cover the cut margins of the tiles and slats of the floor along the external edge of the latter.

[0011] Such covering profiles are substantially placed nearly flush with the floor, both for not creating steps on which the users could trip and for aesthetic issues.

[0012] One example of support platform of known type is described in the document WO 2020 / 183507 A1.

[0013] The tiles or the slats of the floor can have different thicknesses, as a function of the specific type and model. The tiles or the slats are normally selected by the final client before installation, and it is not possible to determine their thickness during production of the support platform. The thickness of the floor also determines the position of the covering profiles which, as described above, must be placed substantially at the same height of the floor itself.

[0014] There is therefore the need to be able to set the height of the covering profiles as a function of the specific thickness of the floor, in a manner such to ensure a precise coupling of the covering profiles with respect to the external edge of the floor.Presentation of the finding

[0015] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of eliminating the drawbacks of the abovementioned solutions of known type, by providing a support foot for pergolas and a method for the assembly of said support platform which allow employing floors of different thickness without structural complications or operating difficulties during platform installation.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a support platform for pergolas and a method of assembly of said support platform which allow employing a high number of different floor types.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a support platform for pergolas that is structurally simple and inexpensive to attain.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a support platform which requires simple and quick maintenance.Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment, in which: figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the support platform, object of the present invention; figure 2A shows a perspective view of a detail of the support platform relative to a perimeter frame of the platform itself; figure 2B shows a top plan view of the perimeter frame of figure 2A; figure 3A shows a perspective view of a lateral beam of the perimeter frame illustrated in figures 2A, 2B; figure 3B shows a detail of the lateral beam of figure 3A; figure 4 shows a side view of the lateral beam of figures 3A, 3B; figure 5 shows a detail of the view of the lateral beam illustrated in figure 4; figure 6 shows a further side view of the lateral beam of the perimeter frame with some parts removed in order to better illustrate other parts. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0020] With reference to the enclosed drawings, in particular to figure 1, reference number 1 overall indicates a support platform for pergolas, object of the present invention.

[0021] The present support platform 1 is recommended for attaining pergolas (also in the form of verandas and more generally covering structures) for outdoor settings, such as for example gardens of private homes and open spaces of public places, such as restaurants, hotels, bathing establishments, etc.

[0022] In particular, the present support platform 1 is adapted to act as a base on which a pergola is fixed, in a manner such to create, below the pergola itself, a floor that is regular and walkable, in particular in settings with yieldable or irregular soil or sloped (such as gardens, beaches, etc.).

[0023] For example, figure 1 shows an example of the present support platform 1 on which a pergola 100 (illustrated in a schematized manner) is mounted, provided with four columns 101, whose bases are fixed to the support platform 1 itself, and whose upper ends support an upper framework 102 (illustrated in dashed line), which comprises a perimeter frame that delimits an upper opening intended to be placed above the support platform 1.

[0024] In accordance with a different embodiment, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support platform 1 is adapted to support a pergola set against a vertical wall (such as for example the wall of a building) only having two columns fixed to the support platform 1 itself.

[0025] The pergola 100 advantageously comprises covering means (not illustrated), per se of known type, mounted on the upper framework 102 and adapted to close the upper opening thereof. Preferably, the covering means are movable between a closed configuration, in which they close the upper opening, and at least one open configuration, in which they at least partially free the upper opening in order to allow the passage of light. Otherwise, the covering means can be fixed in a closed or semi-open configuration. For example, the covering means comprise, in a per se conventional manner, a plurality of rotatable covering blades (and possibly also they can be packeted) or a covering sheet that can be wound or packed or fixed.

[0026] Of course, the support platform 1 can also be arranged for supporting multiple pergolas, for example which are approached to or spaced from each other.

[0027] The present support platform 1 comprises a perimeter frame 2 (an example thereof is illustrated in figures 2A, 2B), intended to be abutted against the ground, and in particular stably constrained to the latter, for example by means of anchorage means (such as tie rods or screws planted in the ground) or by means of ballasting weights applied to the perimeter frame 2 itself.

[0028] The perimeter frame 2 is extended along a closed perimeter line LP, preferably with polygonal shape, in particular quadrangular shape (e.g. rectangular or square).

[0029] In particular, the perimeter frame 2 is mainly extended in two dimensions (width and length) on a lying plane intended to be placed substantially horizontally.

[0030] The perimeter frame 2 delimits an internal zone 3 (preferably hollow) and defines an abutment plane PA (illustrated in figure 4) that is substantially horizontal (preferably parallel to the aforesaid lying plane).

[0031] The support platform 1 comprises, in addition, a floor 4, which is placed in abutment at least against the perimeter frame 2 to cover the internal zone 3 of the latter and in particular it is adapted to define a walkable floor for people or objects (such as chairs or tables).

[0032] Advantageously, with reference for example to figure 4, the perimeter frame 2 is provided with an internal side 5 which is directed towards he internal zone 3 and, in particular, is extended around the latter, delimiting it perimetrically.

[0033] Preferably, the perimeter frame 2 is provided with an external side 6 directed in the direction opposite the aforesaid internal side 5 and extended in particular along the perimeter line LP, enclosing at its interior the internal side 5 itself.

[0034] Advantageously, the perimeter frame 2 is provided with an upper side 7 which is directed upward and at least partly supports the floor 4 on the abutment plane PA.

[0035] Preferably, the upper side 7 of the perimeter frame 2 is placed to connect between the internal side 5 and the external side 6 of the latter and, in particular, is parallel to the aforesaid abutment plane PA.

[0036] Advantageously, the support platform 1 comprises internal support means (not illustrated in the enclosed figures), which are placed in the internal zone 3 of the perimeter frame 2, are intended to be abutted against the ground and in turn receive in abutment the floor 4 at the part of the latter that is extended above the internal zone 3 itself. For example, such support means comprise support feet possibly carrying, fixed thereto, horizontal clubs, in a per se conventional manner and hence not discussed in the present description.

[0037] The floor 4 of the support platform 1 is provided with a perimeter edge 8 placed at the perimeter frame 2, advantageously in a recessing position with respect to the external side 6 of the perimeter frame 2 itself.

[0038] Preferably, the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4 is extended parallel to the perimeter line LP of the perimeter frame 2.

[0039] Advantageously, the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4 is placed above the upper side 7 of the perimeter frame 2, in particular between the internal side 5 and the external side 6 of the latter.

[0040] The floor 4 comprises multiple covering elements 9 with plate-like shape, placed one adjacent to the other on the abutment plane PA defined by the perimeter frame 2, as illustrated for example in figure 1.

[0041] Preferably, such covering elements 9 have right quadrilateral form, in particular rectangular or square. For example, such covering elements 9 comprise tiles or slats, and can be attained of various materials, e.g. ceramic, wood, plastic, metal, etc. Optionally, the covering elements 9 are made of rigid material, or of at least partially flexible material.

[0042] With reference to figure 4, each covering element 9 is provided with a lower surface 10 and with an opposite upper surface 11, substantially parallel to the abutment plane PA.

[0043] In particular, the lower surface 10 is intended to be directed downward and is placed at the height of the abutment plane PA, in particular in a position coplanar with the latter.

[0044] In particular, the upper surface 11 is intended to be directed upward and is adapted to define the walkable surface of the floor 4 adapted to come into contact with the people or objects placed on the floor 4 itself.

[0045] The covering elements 9 have a thickness SP that is defined as distance between the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 10, i.e. which represents the extension of the covering element 9 orthogonal to abutment plane PA.

[0046] Advantageously, the thickness SP of the covering elements 9 is several centimeters, for example between 1 and 7 cm, in particular between 2 and 4 cm. The thickness SP of the covering elements 9 depends on the particular model and type of the latter and can be different from type to type and from model to model, as a function in particular of the models present on the market.

[0047] As indicated, the covering elements 9 are placed with their lower surface 10 on the abutment plane PA.

[0048] The abutment plane PA is defined by the perimeter frame 2 and, in accordance with the particular embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, by the upper side 7 of the latter. Preferably, the abutment plane PA can be defined by the perimeter frame 2 also by means of support elements 12 fixed thereon, and in particular on its upper side 7, and on such support elements 12, the lower surface 10 of the covering elements 9 rests. In substance, the perimeter frame 2 defines the position (and in particular the height) of such support elements 12 which, consequently, define the abutment plane PA. In the particular example of figure 4, the support elements 12 optionally comprise antivibration feet on which the covering elements 9 are abutted.

[0049] The support platform 1 according to the invention comprises a covering profile 13, which is placed on the perimeter frame 2 along the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4.

[0050] Preferably, the covering profile 13 comprises a cover portion 14, which is extended projecting towards the internal zone 3 of the perimeter frame 2 as an upper cover of the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4 itself.

[0051] In particular, such covering profile 13 is adapted to close or cover the perimeter frame 2 along the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4. Preferably, the covering profile 13 is adapted, by means of its cover portion 14, to cover the covering elements 9 at the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4, along which such covering elements 9 generally can be cut during installation, so as to adapt them to the desired dimensions and shape of the floor 4 and, thus, they can have blemishes to hide from the outside.

[0052] The perimeter frame 2 is provided with a positioning seat 15, which is extended along the perimeter line LP, and advantageously is placed below the covering profile 13, in particular vertically aligned with the latter.

[0053] The positioning seat 15 is provided with a base wall 16 that is lowered with respect to the abutment plane PA (i.e. placed at a height lower than the latter) and, preferably, is substantially parallel to the abutment plane PA itself (in particular, substantially horizontal).

[0054] The support platform 1 comprises multiple adjustment bodies 17, which are placed in the positioning seat 15, are distributed along the perimeter line LP of the perimeter frame 2 and are interposed between the base wall 16 of the positioning seat 15 and the covering profile 13.

[0055] In particular, the aforesaid adjustment bodies 17 are placed in abutment against the base wall 16 of the positioning seat 15 and in turn receive the covering profile 13 in abutment, thus determining (together with the base wall 16) the height of the covering profile 13. Specifically, as discussed in detail hereinbelow, such adjustment bodies 17 are adapted to place the covering profile 13 at a specific height with respect to that of the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4, preferably in a manner such that the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is placed substantially on the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 at the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4.

[0056] More in detail, with reference to the detail of figure 5, each adjustment body 17 is provided with a lower face 18, which is abutted against the base wall 16 of the positioning seat 15, and with an upper face 19, against which the covering profile 13 is abutted. Advantageously, the covering profile 13 has its cover portion 14 positioned substantially on the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 at the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4. In particular, the base wall 16 is provided with a contact face 16' (preferably parallel to the abutment plane PA), on which the lower face 18 of the adjustment body 17 lies in contact.

[0057] The aforesaid adjustment bodies 17 are formed by corresponding portions of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4 having the same thickness SP of such covering elements 9. More in detail, as illustrated in figure 5, the thickness SP, in such adjustment bodies 17, is extended from the lower face 18 to the upper face 19 of the latter.

[0058] In particular, the upper face 19 of each adjustment body 17 is defined by a portion of the upper surface 11 of the covering element 9 from which such adjustment body 17 is obtained, and the lower face 18 is defined by a portion of the lower surface 10 of the covering element 9 from which such adjustment body 17 is obtained.

[0059] In this manner, the adjustment bodies 17 position the covering profile 13 raised, with respect to the base wall 16 of the positioning seat 15, by a height equal to the thickness SP of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4.

[0060] It is thus possible to adjust, in a simple and quick manner, the position of the covering profile 13 with respect to the floor 4, as a function of the particular thickness SP of the covering elements 9, which, as stated above, can be different depending on the type and model of covering elements 9.

[0061] Indeed, since the adjustment body 17 is a portion of the same covering elements 9, this automatically compensates for the height of the covering profile 13 of the thickness SP f the covering elements 9 themselves, without having to arrange complex adjustment mechanisms on the support platform 1.

[0062] In particular, the adjustment bodies 17 can be easily made during installation of the support platform 1 by cutting or breaking up one or multiple covering elements 9, advantageously being able to obtain such adjustment bodies 17 also from discard portions of the covering elements 9 that are usually obtained from the operations of cutting the latter, in order to adapt the size of the covering elements 9 placed on the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4 to the desired shape and size of the latter.

[0063] Advantageously, the covering profile 13 is provided with a bottom face 20 (preferably parallel to the abutment plane PA) placed in abutment (in particular with contact) against the upper face 19 of the adjustment body 17.

[0064] In particular, the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is spaced height-wise from the bottom face 20 of the latter, specifically at a height greater than such bottom face 20.

[0065] Advantageously, the cover portion 14 is provided with a main face 21, preferably parallel to the abutment plane PA, directed towards the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4, and in particular faces such upper surface 11 at the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4. Preferably, the main face 21 has substantially flat shape.

[0066] With reference to the detail of figure 5, the covering profile 13 is provided with a first height H1 defined as distance between its bottom face 20 and the main face 21 of the cover portion 14.

[0067] In addition, the positioning seat 15 of the perimeter frame 2 is provided with a second height H2 defined as distance between its base wall 16 (and in particular the contact face 16') and the abutment plane PA on which the lower surface 10 of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4 is placed.

[0068] As is inferred for example from the detail of figure 5, the first height H1 of the covering profile 13 is equal to the second height H2 of the positioning seat 15.

[0069] In this manner, since the thickness SP of the adjustment bodies 17 is the same as that of the covering elements 9, given that the first height H1 of the covering profile 13 is equal to the second height H2 of the positioning seat 15, the distance between the main face 21 of the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 and the base wall 16 (in particular the contact face 16' of the latter) of the positioning seat 15 is always equal to the distance of the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 from the base wall 16 itself (in particular from the contact face 16' of the latter). In particular, this always holds true, even with the variation of the thickness SP of the covering elements 9. Indeed, the equivalence between the first height H1 and the second height H2 and the equivalence of the thickness SP of the covering elements 9 and of the adjustment bodies 17 ensure that, even if changing such thickness SP (of the covering elements 9 and hence of the adjustment bodies 17), the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is always placed at a specific height, corresponding to that of the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4. Preferably, the main face 21 of the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is placed substantially at the same height as the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9.

[0070] In particular, the main face 21 of the cover portion 14 is placed substantially in abutment against the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9, except for possibly a minimum tolerance clearance.

[0071] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figures 2A, 2B, the perimeter frame 2 of the support platform 1 comprises multiple lateral beams 22, preferably metallic, obtained for example with extruded sections, and such lateral beams 22 are placed in succession along the perimeter line LP, defining corresponding flanks of the perimeter frame 2 itself.

[0072] Preferably, each lateral beam 22 is longitudinally extended, between two ends, each of which connected to one end of the adjacent lateral beam 22, preferably with a corner connection, so as to define the perimeter line LP of the perimeter frame 2. Advantageously, the support platform 1 comprises one or more internal crosspieces 23, each of which placed in the internal zone 3 of the perimeter frame 2 and connected to two opposite lateral beams 22 of the latter.

[0073] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the positioning seat 15 of the perimeter frame 2 has main extension along the perimeter line LP of the latter, being able to suitably have discontinuous zones for example at the junctions of the lateral beams 22 of the perimeter frame.

[0074] For example, the positioning seat 15 comprises multiple sections, each made in the corresponding lateral beam 22 of the perimeter frame 2.

[0075] Advantageously, the positioning seat 15 is made in a depression at least on the upper side 11 of the perimeter frame 2, outside the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4, and preferably is placed between the external side 6 of the perimeter frame 2 and the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4.

[0076] The base wall 16 of the positioning seat 15 is placed at a height lower than that of the upper side 7 of the perimeter frame 2 so as to receive the adjustment bodies 17 at least partially placed below such upper side 7 and, in particular, abutment plane PA. Preferably, the positioning seat 15 is open on the upper part, in particular at the upper side 7 of the perimeter frame 2. More in detail, the positioning seat 15 is provided with an upper opening, which is traversed by the adjustment bodies 17 or by the covering profile 13.

[0077] Advantageously, the positioning seat 15 is shaped as a step, being open on the external side 6 of the perimeter frame 2 and comprising a lateral wall 24, which is extended as a connection between the base wall 16 and the upper side 7 of the perimeter frame 2. Advantageously, the lateral wall 24 is substantially perpendicular to the abutment plane PA and, preferably, faces the external side 6 of the perimeter frame 2, in particular in recessing position with respect to such external side 6.

[0078] Preferably, the positioning seat 15 is placed at the junction between the external side 6 and the upper side 7 of the perimeter frame 2.

[0079] Advantageously, the covering profile 13 is extended with extended shape along the perimeter direction LP of the perimeter frame 2.

[0080] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the covering profile 13 comprises multiple separate sections, each of which applied to the corresponding lateral beam 22 of the perimeter frame 2.

[0081] Advantageously, the covering profile 13 comprises one or more sections, in particular obtained via extrusion, preferably made of metal or plastic material, each forming in particular the corresponding separate section of the covering profile 13 itself.

[0082] Preferably, the covering profile 13 comprises a main portion 25, on which the aforesaid bottom face 20 of the covering profile 13 itself is obtained. From such main portion 25, the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is extended projectingly (in particular overhanging). Optionally, the cover portion 14 is made in a single body with the main portion 25, or as a separate component fixed to the latter (e.g. by means of screws or glues).

[0083] Optionally, the main portion 25 has transverse section (on a plane transverse to the perimeter line LP) that is substantially quadrangular.

[0084] Preferably, the main portion 25 of the covering profile 13 is provided with an internal face 26 directed towards the internal zone 3 of the perimeter frame 2, and in particular towards the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4, and with an opposite external face 27, which faces the external side 6 of the perimeter frame 2. Suitably, the internal face 26 and the external face 27 are orthogonal to the abutment plane PA.

[0085] From the internal face 26 of the main portion 25, the cover portion 14 is extended overhanging, preferably orthogonal to such internal face 26.

[0086] Preferably, the bottom face 20 of the covering profile 13 is placed as a connection between the internal face 26 and the external face 27.

[0087] Advantageously, the covering profile 13 (and in particular its main portion 25) is provided with a top face 28, which is directed in direction opposite the bottom face 20 (in particular upward), and is preferably parallel to the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 of the floor 4.

[0088] Preferably, due to the arrangement of the adjustment bodies 17, the top face 28 of the covering profile 13 is positioned at the desired specific height with respect to the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 of the platform 4, advantageously at a height corresponding to that of the upper surface 11. In particular, by "height corresponding to that of the upper surface 11" it is intended that the top face 28 of the covering profile 13 is positioned at the same height as the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9, advantageously with a difference (raised or lowered) comprised between 0 and 5 mm and, preferably, between 0 and 2 mm, and still more preferably between 0 and 1 mm. Advantageously, the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is substantially plate-like and parallel to the abutment plane PA. In this manner, the cover portion 14, which as stated above is preferably at the same height as the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9, is placed nearly flush with the aforesaid upper surface 11, except for the reduced thickness of the (plate-like) cover portion 14 itself, thus preventing the formation of inconvenient steps at the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4 of the support platform 1. Preferably, the cover portion 14 of the covering profile 13 is placed substantially flush with the top face 28 of the latter, thus further ensuring the aforesaid near coplanarity with the floor 4.

[0089] Advantageously, with reference to figure 4, the covering profile 13 is fixed to the perimeter frame 2 by means of fixing means 29. For example, the latter comprise fixing screws (in particular self-threading) inserted in corresponding holes of the covering profile 13 and screwed to the perimeter frame 2.

[0090] Optionally, the main body 25 of the covering profile 13 is provided, on the top face 28, with a cavity 30, in which the fixing means 29 are inserted. Preferably, the covering profile 13 comprises a covering listel 31 applied to the aforesaid cavity 30, advantageously placed substantially flush with the top face 28 of the latter, so as to hide the fixing means 29 from view.

[0091] Advantageously, as is visible for example in figure 3A, the adjustment bodies 17 are placed spaced from each other along the perimeter line LP, leaving empty sections in the positioning seat 15.

[0092] Optionally, such empty zones are traversed by the aforesaid fixing means 29.

[0093] Advantageously, with reference to figures 4 and 6, the support platform 1 comprises a lateral covering wall 32, which is fixed to the perimeter frame 2 and is placed to cover the external side 6 of the latter. Preferably, such covering wall 32 comprises multiple sections, e.g. metallic, each fixed to the corresponding lateral beam 22 of the perimeter frame 2.

[0094] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the lateral covering wall 32 is placed in abutment against the external face 27 of the covering profile 13. In particular, in this manner, the main body 25 of the covering profile 13 is interposed between the lateral covering wall 32 and the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4. Advantageously, the perimeter frame 2 is provided, on its external side 6, with a support appendage 33 against which the lateral covering wall 32 is placed in abutment. Preferably, the latter is provided with an abutment tooth 34 which is engaged in abutment against the support appendage 33, the latter optionally shaped as a hook with opening directed upward in order to engagingly receive the aforesaid abutment tooth 34.

[0095] Advantageously, the support platform 1 comprises coupling means 35, which are fixed to the perimeter frame 2 at the external side 6 of the latter and are coupled in retention relationship with the lateral covering wall 32 in order to maintain the latter integral with the perimeter frame 2.

[0096] Preferably, the coupling means 35 are placed in the positioning seat 15, in particular in the empty sections (not occupied by the adjustment bodies 17) of the latter.

[0097] For example, the aforesaid coupling means 35 comprise multiple retention bodies 36, which are fixed, in particular by means of screw means, to the perimeter frame 2 and are each provided with a flexible coupling portion 37, snap coupled to the lateral covering wall 32. Advantageously, the latter comprises an engagement portion 38, provided with a thickened end coupled to the coupling portion 37 of the retention body 36.

[0098] Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for the assembly of a support platform for pergolas, in particular having the characteristics of the support platform 1 discussed above, regarding which the same reference numbers will be used for the sake of description simplicity.

[0099] The present method provides for the following operating steps.

[0100] The method provides for arranging a perimeter frame 2, which is extended along a closed perimeter line LP delimiting an internal zone 3 and defines an abutment plane PA that is substantially horizontal.

[0101] In addition, as described above in detail, the perimeter frame 2 is provided with a positioning seat 15, which is extended along the perimeter line PA and is provided with a base wall 16 that is lowered with respect to the aforesaid abutment plane PA.

[0102] In addition, the method provides for arranging multiple covering elements 9 with plate-like shape. As discussed above in detail, each covering element 9 is provided with a lower surface 10 and with an opposite upper surface 11, with a thickness SP defined as distance between such upper surface 11 and such lower surface 10.

[0103] In addition, from one or more of the aforesaid covering elements 9, multiple adjustment bodies 17 are obtained, formed by corresponding portions of the covering elements 9, having the same thickness SP as such covering elements 9. More in detail, in each adjustment body 17, the thickness SP is extended from a lower face 18 to an upper face 19 of the adjustment body 17 itself, which are defined respectively by a portion of the lower surface 10 and of the upper surface 11 of the covering element 9 from which the adjustment body 17 (as described above) is obtained.

[0104] Advantageously, the adjustment bodies 17 are obtained by cutting or breaking up one or more of the covering elements 9, operations that are easily executable during installation of the support platform 1.

[0105] In particular, several of the covering elements 9 are often cut, so as to adapt the dimensions thereof to the specific shape and dimensions of the support platform. For example, the adjustment bodies 17 could also be simply obtained from the discards obtained from such operations of cutting the covering elements 9.

[0106] The method also provides for placing the covering elements 9 on the perimeter frame 2, one adjacent to the other on the abutment plane PA of the latter. In detail, the lower surfaces 10 of the covering elements 9 are placed at the same height as the abutment plane PA, in particular coplanar with the latter. In this manner, the covering elements 9 make a floor 4 that is placed in abutment against the perimeter frame 2 to cover the internal zone 3 of the latter and is provided with a perimeter edge 8 placed at the perimeter frame 2 itself, as described in detail above.

[0107] In addition, before or after making the floor 4, the adjustment bodies 17 are placed in the positioning seat 15 of the perimeter frame 2 along the perimeter line LP of the latter, with the lower faces 18 of the adjustment bodies 17 placed in abutment against the base wall 16 of the positioning seat 15.

[0108] Subsequently, a covering profile 13 is applied to the perimeter frame 2, along the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4. More in detail, the covering profile 13 is placed is placed in abutment against the upper faces 18 of the adjustment bodies 17, which position the covering profile 13 at a specific height with respect to the upper surface 11 of the covering elements 9 of the platform 4 (in particular as described above). Advantageously, the covering profile 13 is positioned with a cover portion 14 thereof that is extended projectingly towards the internal zone 3 of the perimeter frame 2 as an upper cover of the perimeter edge 8 of the floor 4.

[0109] Preferably, the covering profile 13 is fixed to the perimeter frame 2, in particular by means of the fixing means 29 (described above).

[0110] As mentioned above, the use of the adjustment bodies 17 for determining the height of the covering profile 13 allows setting, in a simple and quick manner, the correct position thereof with respect to the floor 4, with the change of the possible thicknesses SP of the covering elements 9, in particular employing portions of the same covering elements 9.

[0111] The invention thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Support platform (1) for pergolas, which comprises: - a perimeter frame (2), which is extended along a closed perimeter line (LP), delimiting an internal zone (3) and defines an abutment plane (PA) that is substantially horizontal; - a floor (4), which is placed in abutment at least against said perimeter frame (2) to cover said internal zone (3), and is provided with a perimeter edge (8) placed at said perimeter frame (2); said floor (4) comprising multiple covering elements (9) with plate-like shape, placed one adjacent to the other on said abutment plane (PA), each provided with a lower surface (10) placed at the height of said abutment plane (PA), and with an opposite upper surface (11); said covering elements (9) having a thickness (SP) defined as distance between said upper surface (11) and said lower surface (10); - a covering profile (13), which is placed on said perimeter frame (2) along the perimeter edge (8) of said floor (4); wherein said perimeter frame (2) is provided with a positioning seat (15), which is extended along said perimeter line (LP) and is provided with a base wall (16) that is lowered with respect to said abutment plane (PA); wherein said support platform (1) comprises multiple adjustment bodies (17) placed in said positioning seat (15), distributed along said perimeter line (LP) and interposed between said base wall (16) and said covering profile (13); wherein each said adjustment body (17) is provided with a lower face (18), which is abutted against the base wall (16) of said positioning seat (15), and with an upper face (19), against which said covering profile (13) is abutted; wherein said adjustment bodies (17) are formed by corresponding portions of said covering elements (9) of said floor (4) having said thickness (SP), which thickness (SP), in said adjustment bodies (17), is extended from said lower face (18) to said upper face (19).

2. Support platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said covering profile (13) comprises a cover portion (14), which is extended projectingly towards said internal zone (3) as an upper cover of the perimeter edge (8) of said floor (4); wherein said covering profile (13) is abutted against the upper face (19) of said adjustment body (17) with said cover portion (14) positioned substantially on the upper surface (11) of said covering elements (9) at the perimeter edge (8) of said floor (4).

3. Support platform (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said covering profile (13) is provided with a bottom face (20) placed in abutment against the upper face (19) of said adjustment body (17), and said cover portion (14) is provided with a main face (21) directed towards the upper surface (11) of the covering elements (9) of said floor (4); wherein said covering profile (13) is provided with a first height (H1) defined as distance between said bottom face (20) and said main face (21); wherein said positioning seat (15) is provided with a second height (H2) defined as distance between said base wall (16) and said abutment plane (PA); wherein said first height (H1) is substantially equal to said second height (H2).

4. Support platform (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the main face (21) of the cover portion (14) of said covering profile (13) is placed substantially at the same height as the upper surface (11) of the covering elements (9) of said floor (4).

5. Support platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims from 2 to 4, characterized in that the cover portion (14) of said covering profile (13) is substantially plate-like and parallel to said abutment plane (PA).

6. Support platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims from 2 to 5, characterized in that said covering profile (13) is provided with a top face (28) substantially parallel to the upper surface (11) of said floor (4); wherein said cover portion (14) is placed substantially flush with said top face (28).

7. Support platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said perimeter frame (2) is provided with an internal side (5) directed towards said internal zone (3), with an external side (6) directed in the direction opposite said internal side (5), and with an upper side (7) directed upward and which supports said floor (4) on said abutment plane (PA).

8. Support platform (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said positioning seat (15) at least on the upper side (7) of said perimeter frame (2), outside the perimeter edge (8) of said floor (4), with said base wall (16) placed at a height lower than said upper side (7).

9. Support platform (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said positioning seat (15) is shaped as a step, being open on the external side (6) of said perimeter frame (2) and comprising a lateral wall (24), which is extended as a connection between said base wall (16) and the upper side (7) of said perimeter frame (2).

10. Method for the assembly of a support platform (1) for pergolas, said method comprising the following operating steps: - arranging a perimeter frame (2) which is extended along a closed perimeter line (LP), delimiting an internal zone (3) and defines an abutment plane (PA) that is substantially horizontal; wherein said perimeter frame (2) is provided with a positioning seat (15), which is extended along said perimeter line (LP) and is provided with a base wall (16) that is lowered with respect to said abutment plane (PA); - arranging multiple covering elements (9) with plate-like shape, each provided with a lower surface (10) and with an opposite upper surface (11); said covering elements (9) having a thickness (SP) defined as distance between said upper surface (11) and said lower surface (10); - making, from at least one of said covering elements (9), multiple adjustment bodies (17) formed by corresponding portions of said covering elements (9) having said thickness (SP), which thickness (SP), in each of said adjustment bodies (17), is extended from a lower face (19) to an upper face (18) of said adjustment body (17); - placing said covering elements (9) on said perimeter frame (2), adjacent to each other on said abutment plane (PA) with the lower surfaces (10) of said covering elements (9) positioned at the same height as said abutment plane (PA), in order to achieve a floor (4) that is placed in abutment at least against said perimeter frame (2) to cover said internal zone (3) and is provided with a perimeter edge (8) placed at said perimeter frame (2); - placing said adjustment bodies (17) in said positioning seat (15) along said perimeter line (LP), with the lower faces (18) of said adjustment bodies (17) placed in abutment against the base wall (16) of said positioning seat (15); - applying, on said perimeter frame (2), a covering profile (13) along the perimeter edge (8) of said floor (4), placing said covering profile (13) in abutment against the upper faces (19) of said adjustment bodies (17).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that said adjustment bodies (17) are obtained by cutting or breaking up one or more of said covering elements (9).

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, said covering profile (17), when it is applied on said perimeter frame (2), has a cover portion (14) that is extended projectingly towards said internal zone (3) and is placed as an upper cover of the perimeter edge (8) of said floor (4).

Images