Covering apparatus

Abstract

Covering apparatus (10) having an upper structure (12) provided with a water outflow element (19), first covering elements (14) cooperating laterally with the water outflow element (19) and second covering elements (15), each coupled, with a first end (15a) thereof, to a movement profile (20) sliding with respect to the water outflow element (19) and mobile with respect to the first covering elements (14) between an operating covering, or opening, condition; each of the second covering elements (15) comprising a temporary water accumulation seating (17), open at least toward the first end (15a), while the movement profile (20) comprises a first portion (26) detached with respect to the first end (15a) and configured to define, with the first end (15a), a collector seating (28) hydraulically disposed in an intermediate position between the temporary accumulation seating (17) and the water outflow element (19).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a sun covering apparatus, such as a pergola or other outdoor structure, with a covering and protective function, possibly also lateral, intended for domestic use, mainly as an accessory for residential areas, but also for use in commercial, exhibition or public spaces.

[0002] The pergola is provided with an upper structure that covering elements cooperate with, which generally determine a desired condition of direct or indirect radiation or selective passage of air, light and water, in the area below the upper structure.

[0003] The pergola can also be provided with lateral coverings, possibly sliding, such as curtains, panels or glass windows, which allow closure and, therefore, isolation from the external environment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is known that a pergola-type covering apparatus typically comprises a lower support structure, formed by a plurality of vertical elements for structural support, also called uprights, which are able to sustain, at a certain height from the floor or from the ground, an upper structure which is shaped as a quadrangular frame. This upper structure normally consists of sustaining elements, typically horizontal or moderately inclined in the order of 5°-20°, with respect to the floor plane, also called load bearing elements. In some cases, the aforementioned frame may be without a side, whereby the upper support structure is substantially U-shaped. Alternatively, the upper support structure can also be partly attached to fixed sustaining elements, for example to one or more walls of a building.

[0005] In any case, upper covering elements, or slats, are operatively associated with the upper structure, which are advantageously mobile with respect to each other in order to define at least one closing operating condition that corresponds to a covering condition, in which they are substantially adjacent to each other and define an actual "roof' of the structure, and a plurality of opening conditions, which correspond to respective uncovering conditions, in which they are spaced apart from each other in order to define corresponding compartments, more or less wide, for the passage of light and / or air, or other atmospheric agents.

[0006] These solutions allow to modulate the intensity and power of the light and / or air to be let into the pergola.

[0007] Among the various solutions for the reciprocal movement of the slats, known ones include, for example, those with rotation or package, that is, with relative movement between two groups of slats, in any case to selectively assume the covering condition and the plurality of opening conditions.

[0008] The need for correct and effective water management is strongly felt in the sun covering sector, particularly with regard to pergolas, also intended as an external living space for people.

[0009] In fact, in all known solutions, the upper structure comprises collection gutters along the perimeter, into which the water that deposits on the slats, or which falls directly in case of bad weather, is poured.

[0010] These collection gutters are conformed so as to channel the water toward specific drainage fall pipes which are housed, advantageously, within the pergola's load bearing elements. These solutions are aimed at being able to spend time in outdoor spaces, even with adverse weather.

[0011] There are also known solutions in which there are provided a plurality of first slats, fixed with respect to the structure and cooperating laterally with the collection gutters, and a plurality of second slats, mobile with respect to the first slats by means of a movement profile sliding above the gutters, so as to assume at least one substantially offset covering condition and at least one partly stacked condition in which light and air can pass.

[0012] In these solutions, the second slats have a substantially pitched-shaped cross section, so as to allow the direct outflow of rainwater toward the first slats when they are in the covering condition. The first slats, on the other hand, have longitudinal shapings for the temporary collection of water, through which the water is progressively discharged laterally toward the collection gutters.

[0013] However, in the event of heavy rainfall or prolonged water deposits, the longitudinal shapings of the first slats become overloaded, a condition caused both by the water drained by the second slats and also the direct rainwater. This overload consequently causes an increase in the longitudinal deflection of the first slats.

[0014] A first consequence of this increase in the deflection is certainly the possible lack of hydraulic sealing cooperation with the second slats, which can cause a water leakage effect within the area covered by the pergola, even leading to the formation of a passage gap (space) between the first and second slats, with a consequent unwanted passage of air and light.

[0015] In addition, the increase in the deflection of the first slats causes an increase in the mechanical stress in bending which, after repeated cycles of overload and emptying of water, can lead to structural damage due to wear of the first slats.

[0016] There is therefore the need to perfect a covering apparatus that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0017] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a covering apparatus that allows to comprehensively manage how the passage of light and / or air, whether direct or indirect, is modulated and, at the same time, guarantees an effective hydraulic seal, particularly in the covering elements' covering condition.

[0018] Another purpose of the present invention is to perfect a covering apparatus that is simple and economical to produce, and that does not change the aesthetic impact of the covering apparatus.

[0019] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] In accordance with the above purposes, a covering apparatus according to the present invention is of the type with at least one upper structure, which is supported by a plurality of support elements, or uprights, so that it is kept at a desired height from the rest plane.

[0022] The upper structure is provided with at least one water outflow element, or gutter, a plurality of first covering elements, or fixed slats, which are mounted with a certain pitch on the upper structure and cooperate laterally with the gutter, and a correlated plurality of second covering elements, or mobile slats, each of which is coupled, with at least a first end thereof, to a movement profile. The latter is sliding with respect to the gutter, so as to actuate the selective movement of the mobile slats with respect to the fixed slats.

[0023] In particular, this selective movement allows for different reciprocal positions between the fixed slats and the mobile slats, so as to define at least one opening condition, in which desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air are defined through the upper structure, and a covering condition, in which each mobile slat is disposed offset with respect to each fixed slat and defines at least one portion that overlaps with at least one of the adjacent fixed slats. In this covering condition, the reciprocal positioning of the fixed slats and the mobile slats, as described, substantially prevents the passage of light and / or air through the upper structure.

[0024] More generally, by reciprocal positioning we mean that each covering element, or slat, assumes different positions with respect to the others, both individually and in groups, but also that such element can remain stationary or move at different speeds with respect to the others, in order to define the aforementioned opening conditions or the covering condition.

[0025] An example is one in which the first and second group move in a coordinated manner, always so as to define the aforementioned reciprocal positioning conditions. The group can also be defined by a single covering element. In another example, at least one covering element remains stationary in a covering or opening position, while at least one other covering element changes its covering or opening condition, or vice versa.

[0026] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each of the mobile slats comprises at least one temporary water accumulation seating, open at least toward the first end of the mobile slat.

[0027] In this way, each mobile slat defines a temporary accumulation of rainwater, which can be progressively evacuated through the side that is open in correspondence with, at least, the first end of the mobile slat. This temporary accumulation, instead of draining the water directly toward the fixed slats, relieves them from a possible overload of water, to the benefit of the limited flexion of the latter, and avoiding the possibility of unwanted leaks between the mobile slats and the fixed slats.

[0028] Furthermore, by preventing an overload on the fixed slats, the solution according to the present invention also prevents the formation of a passage gap (space) with the mobile slats, also achieving a reduction of the mechanical stress in flexion, to the benefit of the reduction of possible structural damage of the fixed slats caused by wear.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the movement profile comprises at least a first portion which is configured in such a way as to be, in an assembled condition, detached from the first end of the mobile slats and define, with the first end, at least one collector seating, or more simply collector, hydraulically disposed in an intermediate position between the temporary accumulation seating and the gutter.

[0030] In this way, the water accumulated in the accumulation seating exits through the aperture provided at the end of the mobile slat, and from there it flows into the collector defined with the first portion of the movement profile. At this point, because of the functional conformation of the collector, the water is conveyed toward the gutter, and from there evacuated traditionally toward the ground, without leaking into the covering apparatus.

[0031] This, in addition to allowing to comprehensively manage how the passage of light and / or air, whether direct or indirect, is modulated, guarantees an effective hydraulic seal, even in the case of particularly intense rainfall, and in any case without structurally affecting the fixed slats.

[0032] Moreover, the solution according to the present invention is simple and economical to implement without modifying the aesthetic impact of the covering apparatus, and it can also be effectively implemented on existing apparatuses, substantially by replacing the mobile slats and the corresponding movement profile.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, the temporary accumulation seating extends longitudinally with respect to the corresponding mobile slat, between the first end and a second end, opposite the first end.

[0034] In this embodiment, water management can occur from both ends of the mobile slats, with the corresponding movement profiles disposed on the two sides and defining corresponding collectors, which convey the water toward corresponding gutters provided on opposite sides.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, each mobile slat comprises a pair of temporary accumulation seatings, created substantially specular with respect to a longitudinal median plane thereof, with the purpose of substantially doubling the temporary water collection capacity. Advantageously, with this type of solution, each mobile slat comprises at least one raised element, for example conformed pitched, which extends substantially parallel to the temporary accumulation seating / s so as to drain the water directly toward the temporary accumulation seating / s.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, the movement profile comprises at least a second portion, which is substantially adjacent to the first end and is offset with respect to the first portion. In an advantageous solution of the present invention, the first portion extends over the entire length of the movement profile, while the second portion is created in substantial structural continuity with the first portion, so as to define an entire connection side of the movement profile.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the covering apparatus comprises at least one attachment profile, which is operationally assembled in cooperation both with each of the first covering elements and also with the upper structure. In this solution according to the present invention, by providing that each fixed slat typically comprises at least one longitudinal shaping to collect water, the attachment profile can in turn comprise at least one intermediate outflow portion, which is hydraulically disposed in an intermediate position between the longitudinal shaping and the gutter.

[0038] In this embodiment according to the present invention, the collector is configured to hydraulically face toward the intermediate outflow portion. This aspect prevents, in some specific positions of reciprocal cooperation between the mobile slats and the fixed slats, defining an intermediate outflow, splashes from forming caused by water falling directly into the gutter.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a covering apparatus according to the present invention, in a first operating condition; fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the covering apparatus of fig. 1, in a second operating condition; fig. 3 shows an enlarged and partly sectioned detail of the apparatus of fig. 1, in an intermediate operating condition; fig. 4 shows an enlarged and partial front section of the detail of fig. 3; and fig. 5 shows a cross-section along the line V-V of fig.4.

[0040] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0041] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0042] The attached drawings concern a covering apparatus, in this specific case a pergola 10 for outdoor spaces.

[0043] The pergola 10 typically comprises and is defined by four vertical uprights 11 conformed to keep an upper frame 12 in a desired raised condition, the latter substantially formed by four horizontal load bearing elements 13.

[0044] The upper frame 12 is conformed to support a plurality of fixed slats 14 with respect to the upper frame 12, and a correlated plurality of mobile slats 15 mobile with respect to the fixed slats 14, which are disposed substantially parallel to each other, so as to occupy the internal space thereof. Furthermore, the mobile slats 15, as will be described, always remain at a higher level than the fixed slats 14.

[0045] It is not excluded, according to variants not shown, that the mobile slats 15 can in any case be at a lower level than the fixed slats 14, that is, be taken, in some operating conditions, into a condition of substantial coplanarity with the fixed slats 14. It is also not excluded that both types of slats 15, 14 can be moved, for example in opposite directions, or at different speeds, or in different and combined movement conditions, always with the aim of defining the desired covering and opening conditions to prevent or define desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air.

[0046] With reference to the attached drawings, each of the fixed slats 14 advantageously comprises two longitudinal draining shapings 16 which, as will be disclosed below, allow to manage and drain the water, while each of the mobile slats 15 comprises a pair of accumulation seatings 17 specular with respect to a median plane P of the slat 15 and created longitudinally between two opposite ends 15a and 15b of the respective mobile slat 15. The accumulation seatings 17 are conformed to temporarily contain rainwater, as will be disclosed below. Each mobile slat 15 also comprises a raised element 29 which extends substantially parallel to the accumulation seatings 17 and is tapered upward so as to drain the water directly toward the latter.

[0047] As can be easily seen in the preferred solution shown in the attached drawings, the fixed slats 14 have a different shape and size from the mobile slats 15; however, it is not excluded that the slats may have the same shape and size, as well as shapes and sizes that differ from those specifically shown and described here, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

[0048] In particular, each fixed slat 14 is attached longitudinally to opposite load bearing elements 13 of the frame 12, by means of a respective attachment profile 24, and is transversely spaced apart from an adjacent fixed slat 14 by a certain pitch. This spacing apart of the fixed slats 14 defines corresponding compartments 18 for the normal passage of light, whether direct or indirect, or air, through the frame 12.

[0049] The conformation of the attachment profile 24, and its assembly position on the load bearing element 13, is such that the fixed slats 14 are disposed overlapping laterally with respective gutters 19, each of the latter being disposed along opposite longitudinal edges of the frame 12, below the attachment profile 24 and open upward.

[0050] The gutters 19 are then hydraulically connected to corresponding fall pipes, not shown, advantageously integrated in the load bearing elements 11, so as to discharge the water toward the ground.

[0051] In addition, each attachment profile 24 longitudinally defines an intermediate outflow portion 21, facing toward the fixed slat 14 and open at the ends, so as to hydraulically accommodate the water coming from the longitudinal shapings 16 and pour it into the respective gutters 19.

[0052] Each mobile slat 15 is longitudinally attached with its ends 15a and 15b to opposite movement profiles 20, which are associated sliding and substantially parallel with respect to the attachment profiles 24, to which the fixed slats 14 are attached. In this way, the slats 14 and 15 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0053] In advantageous embodiments of the solution according to the present invention, each of the ends 15a and 15b is defined by a corresponding head cap, provided with coordinated apertures that cooperate with the accumulation seatings 17 to allow the lateral outflow of water therefrom.

[0054] The movement profiles 20 are connected to a linear actuator 22, of a substantially known type and shown in the drawings, which determines their selective movement in one direction or the other with respect to the load bearing elements 13 with which they are associated.

[0055] Each of the mobile slats 15 is also spaced apart transversely with respect to an adjacent mobile slat 15 by a certain pitch. This pitch is not necessarily the same as the pitch of the fixed slats 14 and, on the contrary, it is specifically chosen during the design phase to perform the different functions of managing light modulation and water outflow.

[0056] Although not shown and described in detail, both the fixed slats 14 and also the mobile slats 15 comprise two respective packings made of silicone material, which are advantageously disposed along the longitudinal edges and face toward the other type of mobile slat 15 or fixed slat 14, so as to define an impediment to any accidental water leakage between the two slats 14 and 15.

[0057] In the solution shown, the apparatus 10 comprises a guide member 23, attached to a corresponding movement profile 20 and disposed in kinematic cooperation with an upper edge 25 of the attachment profile 24 so as to actuate the sliding and guided positioning of the movement profile 20 with respect to the attachment profile 24 and, therefore, the desired movement and selective and reciprocal positioning between the mobile slats 15 and the fixed slats 14.

[0058] Moreover, the movement profile 20 comprises a connection wall 22, operationally disposed in a substantially vertical direction, to which the ends 15a and 15b of the mobile slats 15 are physically connected, for example by means of screws, rivets, or other.

[0059] According to the invention, the connection wall 22 is divided into a first portion 26 and a second portion 27, created in substantial structural continuity with each other and lying on planes that are offset with respect to a direction that is transverse to the movement profile 20, in this specific case in a condition of substantial parallelism. Both the first portion 26 as well as the second portion 27 extend longitudinally over the entire length of the movement profile 20.

[0060] Solutions are not excluded in which one, the other or both of the portions 26 and 27 are created in interrupted, alternating or in any case discontinuous segments, with respect to the longitudinal size of the movement profile 20.

[0061] In particular, the first portion 26 is created so as to be detached from the end 15a or 15b of the mobile slat 15 with which it cooperates in the operating phase, while the second portion 27 is created so that, in the same operating condition, it is substantially adjacent to the end 15a or 15b. In this way, between the end 15a or 15b and the first portion 26 there comes to be defined a collector seating, or more simply collector 28, which extends for the entire length of the movement profile 20.

[0062] This collector 28 is open at the longitudinal ends and is configured so as to accommodate the water temporarily collected by the accumulation seatings 17 of the mobile slats 15, and then discharge it, in this specific case, into the intermediate outflow portion 21 of the attachment profile 24 and, from there, to the gutter 19.

[0063] This double discharge of water from the collector 28 to the outflow portion 21 and then to the gutter prevents any water from dripping directly from the collector 28 to the gutter 19, preventing as much as possible any splashes from escaping from the gutter 19 and reaching the internal space below the slats 14 and 15.

[0064] Therefore, with the slats 14 and 15 in the covering condition, any rainwater is temporarily collected independently by the fixed slats 14, by means of the longitudinal shapings 16, and by the mobile slats 15, by means of the accumulation seatings 17. From here, depending on where it is collected, the water flows out toward the gutter 19, either passing through the outflow portion 21 of the attachment profile, or first passing through the collector 28 and then through the outflow portion 21.

[0065] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the covering apparatus 10 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0066] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of covering apparatus, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0067] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the specific claims.

Claims

1. Covering apparatus (10) having at least one upper structure (12) provided with at least one water outflow element (19), a plurality of first covering elements (14) attached to said upper structure (12) and cooperating laterally with said water outflow element (19) and a plurality of second covering elements (15) each coupled, with at least a first end (15a) thereof, to a movement profile (20) sliding with respect to said water outflow element (19) and mobile with respect to said first covering elements (14) between at least one operating covering, or opening, condition, in which they prevent or define desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air or other atmospheric agents, characterized in that each of said second covering elements (15) comprises at least one temporary water accumulation seating (17), open at least toward said first end (15a), and in that said movement profile (20) comprises at least a first portion (26) detached with respect to said first end (15a) and configured to define, with said first end (15a), at least one collector seating (28) hydraulically disposed in an intermediate position between said temporary accumulation seating (17) and said water outflow element (19).

2. Covering apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said temporary accumulation seating (17) extends longitudinally with respect to each of said second covering elements (15) and extends from said first end (15a) to a second end (15b) opposite said first end (15a).

3. Covering apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of said second covering elements (15) comprises a pair of temporary water accumulation seatings (17), created substantially specular with respect to a longitudinal median plane of said second covering elements (15).

4. Covering apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that each of said second covering elements (15) comprises at least one raised element (29) extending substantially parallel to said temporary accumulation seating (17) and configured to drain the water toward said temporary accumulation seating (17).

5. Covering apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that said movement profile (20) comprises at least a second portion (27) substantially adjacent to said first end (15a) and offset with respect to said first portion (26).

6. Covering apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that said second portion (27) is in substantial structural continuity with said first portion (26) to define a connection wall (22) of said movement profile (20).

7. Covering apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that at least said first portion (26) extends over the entire length of said movement profile (20).

8. Covering apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one attachment profile (24) operationally disposed in cooperation both with each of said first covering elements (14) and also with said upper structure (12).

9. Covering apparatus (10) as in claim 8, wherein each of said first covering elements (14) comprises at least one longitudinal shaping (16) for collecting water, characterized in that said attachment profile (24) comprises at least one intermediate outflow portion (21) hydraulically disposed in an intermediate position between said longitudinal shaping (16) and said water outflow element (19).

10. Covering apparatus (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said collector seating (28) is configured to hydraulically face toward said intermediate outflow portion (21).

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