Improved summer and winter cover system for gazebos or similar structures

Abstract

Cover system (100) for gazebos or similar structures (Q); said cover system (100) comprising a first roller (1) and a second roller (2) parallel to each other, a support frame (51, 52) for each roller (1, 2) suitable for rotatably supporting the respective roller (1, 2), a sheet (3) comprising a first portion (31) suitable for being rolled and unrolled around the first roller (1) and a second portion (32) suitable for being rolled and unrolled around the second roller (2), and drive means (41, 42) connected to said first roller (1) and to said second roller (2) and configured to rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in both directions of rotation (v11, v12, v21, v22); wherein the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) of the sheet (3) are made of two different materials and / or have a different structure and / or have a different configuration.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a summer and winter cover system for gazebos or similar structures.

[0002] As it is known, gazebos, pergolas, verandas and similar structures consist of a frame composed of uprights and crossbars defining upper or lateral openings that are closed by means of rolling elements, such as sheets, curtains, or covers. In order to use these structures in both summer and winter, specific sheets are provided for summer and winter use.

[0003] By way of example, during the summer season, the sheets applied to the frame of the structure must be of "mesh" type, i.e., capable of letting the air to pass inside the structure for ventilation purposes, and at the same time protecting the interior of the structure from sunlight and insects, such as bees, wasps, flies, and the like. Conversely, during the winter season, if a user intends to use the structure, sturdy windproof and waterproof sheets must be applied to the frame.

[0004] It appears evident that, depending on the time of year, the structure (gazebo, pergola, or veranda) must be equipped with different types of sheets to make the space enclosed by the structure suitable for accommodating people.

[0005] Different solutions have been devised to equip the structure with different types of sheets in summer and winter.

[0006] A first solution consists in providing the structure and the sheets with quick coupling / uncoupling means that allow a user to attach and detach said sheets to / from the structure so that they can be replaced, if necessary. Although it is extremely economical, such a solution is somehow inconvenient for the users, as they will have to replace the sheets at every season change. Furthermore, if the user is not particularly skilled, it will be necessary to seek the help of a professional worker to replace the sheets attached to the structure.

[0007] A second solution provides for installing a box with two independent rollers for each opening of the structure, namely a first "summer" sheet rolled up around a roller, and a second "winter" sheet rolled up around the other roller. Depending on the time of year, one or the other sheet can be alternatively unrolled so that the opening of the structure is covered by said sheet. Although it allows the structure to be easily adapted to the season (as the user simply needs to roll up one of the two sheets and unroll the other one), such a solution is rather expensive and complicated to implement. Furthermore, such a solution is not space-saving.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by devising a new summer-winter cover system that is simple to make, easy to use, and inexpensive.

[0009] These objectives are achieved in accordance with the invention with the characteristics listed in the attached independent claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

[0011] The cover system according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0012] For greater clarity, the description of the system according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, wherein: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic axonometric view of the cover system according to the invention; Fig. 1A is the same as Fig. 1, except for it is provided with boxes that support and contain the rollers of the cover system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the cover system according to the invention; Fig. 3 and 4 are two side views of the cover system according to the invention, illustrating the system in "winter" configuration and in "summer" configuration, respectively; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a gazebo equipped with multiple cover systems according to the invention; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic axonometric view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0013] With reference to the attached figures, a cover system according to the invention, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 100, is described.

[0014] With reference to Figs. 1, 1A, 2, 3, and 4, the cover system (100) comprises a first roller (1) and a second roller (2) parallel to each other.

[0015] With particular reference to Figs. 1A, 2, 3, and 4, the cover system (100) comprises two support frames (51, 52). Each support frame (51, 52) is suitable for supporting the respective roller (1, 2) in a rotatable manner. By way of example, said support frame (51, 52) comprises a box wherein one of said rollers (1, 2) is mounted so as to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0016] With reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the cover system (100) comprises a sheet (3) having a first portion (31) suitable for being rolled up and unrolled around the first roller (1), and a second portion (32) suitable for being rolled up and unroller around the second roller (2). The first portion (31) and the second portion (32) are made of two different materials and / or have a different structure and / or have a different configuration.

[0017] Preferably, the first portion (31) is made in such a way to be used in warm seasons, and specifically in such a way to: let the air pass through, and / or reduce the penetration of sunlight; and / or prevent the passage of insects, such as wasps, bees, horseflies, mosquitoes, etc.

[0018] By way of example, the first portion (31) of the sheet (3) comprises a net sheet, such as a mosquito net, or a shading sheet or the like. For example, the first portion (31) may be a shading sheet marketed under the commercial names of "Screen", "Veozip", "Oratez" or "Soltis". Or the first portion (31) may be a mosquito net of various kinds and types available on the market.

[0019] The second portion (32) of the sheet (3) is made in such a way to be used in cold seasons, that is to say of a windproof and waterproof material.

[0020] Furthermore, the second portion (32) is preferably made of transparent material so that the few rays of sunlight present in winter months can still pass through it and possibly heat the space behind the second portion (32) of the sheet (3). By way of example, the second portion (32) may be made of a transparent and / or colored PVC sheet or the like.

[0021] The first portion (31) and the second portion (32) are joined to each other at an intermediate joint section (33). The intermediate joint section (33) may consist of a section in which the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) are welded or co-molded together in such a way that the sheet (3) is a single, non-separable sheet.

[0022] Alternatively, said intermediate joint section (33) may comprise coupling / uncoupling means that are arranged between the ending edges of the two adjacent portions (31, 32) and are configured to allow a quick coupling and uncoupling of the two portions (31, 32).

[0023] By way of example, said coupling / uncoupling means comprise: a bar from which the sheets can be threaded and unthreaded from both sides; slots and buttons formed on the two ending edges of the two portions (31, 32); or snap fasteners provided on two ending edges of the two portions (31, 32); or a zip fastener comprising two toothed strips formed on the terminal borders of the ending edges of the two portions and a slider suitable for sliding between the two toothed strips to engage or release the two toothed strips.

[0024] Such a version of the sheet (3), which comprises two portions (31, 32) that can be detached by means of said quick coupling / uncoupling means, is extremely advantageous when only one portion needs to be replaced, and not the entire sheet (3).

[0025] The cover system (100) also comprises drive means (41, 42) connected to said first roller (1) and to said second roller (2) and configured to rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in both directions of rotation (v11, v12, v21, v22).

[0026] The drive means (41, 42) are configured to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) so that the sheet (3) can be unrolled from one roller (1, 2) and rolled up around the other roller (2, 1).

[0027] Preferably, the drive means (41, 42) are configured to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in the same direction of rotation.

[0028] Otherwise said, when the first roller (1) and the second roller (2) rotate in a first direction (v11, v21), as shown in Fig. 3, the first portion (31) is rolled up around the first roller (1) and the second portion (32) is unrolled from the second roller (2).

[0029] When the first roller (1) and the second roller (2) rotate in a second direction (v12, v22), as shown in Fig. 4, the second portion (32) is rolled up around the second roller (2) and the first portion (31) is unrolled from the first roller (1).

[0030] Each portion (31, 32) has a length greater than the center distance (X) between the two rollers (1, 2) so that each portion (31, 32) can cover the entire distance between the two rollers (1, 2).

[0031] Preferably, the two rollers (1, 2) have the same diameter and the drive means (41, 42) are configured to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) at the same angular speed so that the length of the section of portion (31, 32) that is unrolled from one of the two rollers (1, 2) is equal to the length of the section of the other portion (31, 32) that is rolled up around the other roller (1, 2). In view of the above, the sheet (3) is constantly and adequately tensioned, avoiding excessive stretching and excessive tension that could result in the separation of the two portions (31, 32).

[0032] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said drive means (41, 42) of each roller (1, 2) comprise a respective motor.

[0033] Alternatively, the drive means (41, 42) may comprise a single motor that is connected directly to one of the two rollers (1, 2) and indirectly to the other roller by means of a transmission system. For example, said transmission system may comprise two toothed wheels fitted to the two rollers and a chain that is wound and meshed around the two toothed wheels.

[0034] Optionally, the motor or motors may also be unidirectional motors and in such a case the drive means may comprise one or more return springs suitable for rotating the two rollers in the opposite direction to that imposed by the motor or motors.

[0035] The motor or motors may be operated by means of a user device, such as a remote control that is operatively connected to the motor or both motors. The connection of the user device to the motor or to both motors is made by means of antennas that provide a wireless connection.

[0036] In an additional embodiment of the invention, which can be defined as manual, the drive means may comprise, for example, a crank, a rope, or other elements that can be grabbed and moved by a user and are connected to the first roller (1) and the second roller (2) by means of transmission means.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a structure (Q) (e.g., a gazebo) equipped with cover systems (100) according to the invention. It should be noted that the terms "rear" and "front" associated with the elements of the structure (Q) will be used only in relation to their position in Fig. 5.

[0038] The structure (Q) comprises a frame (T) comprising two front uprights (T1) and two rear uprights (T2). The frame (T) also comprises four crossbars, namely a front crossbar (T3) mounted astride the front uprights (T1), a rear crossbar (T4) mounted astride the two rear uprights (T2), and two side crossbars (T5), each mounted astride a front upright (T1) and a rear upright (T2).

[0039] The frame (T) composed of said uprights (T1, T2) and crossbars (T3, T4, T5) defines openings in the structure (Q), namely: a front opening delimited by the two front uprights (T1) and by the front crossbar (T3); a rear opening delimited by the two rear uprights (T2) and by the rear crossbar (T4); two side openings, each delimited by a front upright (T1), by a rear upright (T2) and by a side crossbar (T5); an upper opening delimited by the four crossbars (T3, T4, T5).

[0040] By way of example only, as shown in Fig. 5, the structure (Q) is equipped with two cover systems (100) according to the invention, namely a first cover system (100) disposed in the front opening delimited by the two front uprights (T1) and by the front crossbar (T3), and a second cover system (100) disposed in the upper opening delimited by the four crossbars (T3, T4, T5).

[0041] Each of said cover systems (100) has two rollers (1, 2) positioned at opposite ends of the opening so that the sheet (3) completely covers the opening.

[0042] For example, the first cover system (100) has the two rollers (1, 2) positioned vertically at the two front uprights (T1, T2) of the frame (T) of the structure (Q). More precisely, a support frame (51, 52) which rotatably supports one of said rollers (1, 2) is fixed to each front upright (T1, T2),

[0043] Conversely, the second cover system (100) has two rollers (1, 2) positioned horizontally at the two side crossbars (T5) of the frame (T) of the structure (Q). More precisely, a support frame (51, 52) which rotatably supports one of said rollers (1, 2) is fixed to each side crossbar (T5).

[0044] With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the use of the system according to the invention is described below, comprising the sheet (3) having a first portion (31) made of a material suitable for being used in warm seasons, and a second portion (32) made of a material suitable for being used in cold seasons.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 3, in order to configure the cover system (100) in the "winter" configuration, it is necessary to start the drive means (41, 42) to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in the first direction (v11, v21) so that the second roller (2) loosens and unrolls the second portion (32) whereas the first roller (1) pulls and rolls up the first portion (31). In such a way, the second portion (32), which is suitable for cold seasons, occupies the entire space between the two rollers (1, 2).

[0046] With reference to Fig. 4, in order to configure the cover system (100) in the "summer" configuration, it is necessary to start the drive means (41, 42) to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in the second direction (v12, v22) so that the first roller (1) loosens and unrolls the first portion (31), whereas the second roller (2) pulls and rolls up the second portion (32). In this way, the first portion (31), which is suitable for the warm season, occupies the entire space between the two rollers (1, 2).

[0047] Although Figs. 1 to 5 always show a sheet (3) comprising a first portion (31) and a second portion (32), in an alternative embodiment of the invention, said sheet (3) may also comprise one or more intermediate portions (30) made of a different material and / or with a different structure and / or with a different configuration than the first portion (31) and the second portion (32). The intermediate portion (30) or the plurality of intermediate portions (30) may be alternatively rolled up around the first roller (1) and the second roller (2).

[0048] By way of example, Fig. 6 shows a version of the sheet (3) with three portions (30, 31, 32), namely a first portion (31) is of net type, such as a mosquito net, an intermediate portion (30) of shading type, and a second portion (32) of windproof and waterproof type. The intermediate portion (30) is connected to the adjacent portion (31, 32) by means of a joint section (33).

[0049] A similar sheet (3), shown in Fig. 6, could be used in the following way: in winter, the second portion (32) is unrolled, whereas the first portion (31) and the intermediate portion (30) are both rolled up around the first roller (1); in summer, during daylight hours, the first portion (31) is rolled up around the first roller (1), the second portion (32) is rolled up around the second roller (2), whereas the intermediate portion (30) of shading type is unrolled and extended between the two rollers (1, 2); in summer, during night hours, the first portion (31) of mosquito net type is unrolled from the first roller (1), whereas the second portion (32) and the intermediate portion (30) are rolled up around the second roller (2). It is obvious that the sheet (3) may also comprise a plurality of intermediate portions (30), all different from each other, which allow different covers to be obtained depending on the season and also on the time of day.

[0050] Numerous variations can be made to the present embodiment of the invention, which are within the reach of an expert of the field and fall in any case within the scope of the invention as disclosed by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Cover system (100) for gazebos or similar structures (Q); said cover system (100) comprising: - a first roller (1) and a second roller (2) parallel to each other; - a support frame (51, 52) for each roller (1, 2) suitable for supporting the respective roller (1, 2) in a rotatable manner; - a sheet (3) comprising a first portion (31) suitable for being rolled up and unrolled around the first roller (1), and a second portion (32) suitable for being rolled up and unrolled around the second roller (2); wherein said first portion (31) and said second portion (32) are made of two different materials and / or have different structures and / or have different configurations; - drive means (41, 42) connected to said first roller (1) and to said second roller (2) and configured to rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in both directions of rotation (v11, v12, v21, v22); wherein said drive means (41, 42) are configured to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) so that the sheet (3) is unrolled from one roller (1, 2) and rolled up around the other roller (2, 1).

2. The cover system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drive means (41, 42) are configured to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) in the same direction of rotation (v11, v12, v21, v22).

3. The cover system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said drive means (41, 42) are configured to simultaneously rotate the two rollers (1, 2) at the same angular velocity.

4. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drive means (41, 42) comprise a motor for each roller (1, 2).

5. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet (3) comprises at least one intermediate portion (30) disposed between the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) and suitable for being alternatively rolled around the first roller (1) and the second roller (2); wherein said intermediate portion (30) is made of a different material and / or has a different structure and / or a different configuration than the first portion (31) and the second portion (32).

6. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a portion (31, 32, 30) of the sheet (3) is joined to another adjacent portion of the sheet (3) by means of an intermediate joint section (33).

7. The cover system (100) according to claim 6, wherein said intermediate joint section (33) consists of a section in which the two portions (31, 32, 30) of the sheet (3) are welded or co-molded together in such a way that the sheet is a single, non-separable sheet.

8. The cover system (100) according to claim 6, wherein said intermediate joint section (33) comprises coupling / uncoupling means which are arranged between the ending edges of the two adjacent portions (31, 32, 30) and are configured to couple and uncouple the two adjacent portions (31, 32, 30) of the sheet (3).

9. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each portion (31, 32, 30) has a length greater than the center distance (X) between the two rollers (1, 2) so that each portion (31, 32, 30) can cover the entire distance between the two rollers (1, 2).

10. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion (31) of the sheet (3) comprises a net sheet.

11. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second portion (32) of the sheet (3) comprises a sheet of windproof and waterproof material.

12. The cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second portion (32) of the sheet (3) is made of transparent material.

13. Structure (Q) comprising: - a frame (T) defining at least one opening; - a cover system (100) according to any of the preceding claims mounted on the frame (T) of the structure; wherein said cover system (100) has the two rollers (1, 2) positioned at opposite ends of the opening so that the sheet (3) of the cover system (100) covers the entire opening.

Images