Retractable roof pergola

Abstract

A retractable roof pergola 1, comprising: a frame 3 having two outer longitudinal beams 4 defining a roof surface; and a plurality of interconnected foldable louver units 6 arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between an extended position, in which the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is divided evenly spaced over the roof surface, and a retracted position, in which the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being folded between an inclined orientation and a vertical upright orientation, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units comprises a first louver element 7, a second louver element 8 hingedly connected to the first louver element, and a draining gutter 9 hingedly connected to one of the first louver element and the second louver element.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates to a retractable roof pergola. Furthermore, the invention relates to a louver unit and / or draining gutter for use in a retractable roof pergola according to the invention.

[0002] Such a retractable roof pergola is known from the international patent publication WO 2024 / 216685 A1, in which an outdoor louvered pergola is described that comprises a pergola frame and a louvered pergola roof. The pergola frame comprises a plurality of pergola columns and a ring beam frame supported by means of the pergola columns; the louvered pergola roof is used for being fitted to the ring beam frame; the louvered pergola roof comprises a plurality of louvered units and a linkage assembly used for driving the louvered units to open and close; each louvered unit comprises at least two louver boards; the adjacent positions of the louver boards in the same louvered unit are hingedly fitted; the linkage assembly is used for driving any louver board in the louvered units to flip, so that the remaining louver board in the same louvered unit can flip in a linkage mode. According to this publication, the louvered pergola roof is optimized, so that a large light-transmitting gap is formed between the louver boards in the retracted position, and the open distance between adjacent louvered units exceeds the width size of a single louver board.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A disadvantage of the known retractable roof pergola is that leakage may occur when the roof is in the extended position. This is disadvantageous as it results in people sitting below the retractable roof pergola roof getting wet when it is raining outside.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate or to eliminate one or more disadvantages of the known prior art, to provide an improved retractable roof pergola or to at least provide an alternative pergola.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a retractable roof pergola, comprising: a frame having two outer longitudinal beams defining a roof surface; and a plurality of interconnected foldable louver units arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between an extended position, in which the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is divided evenly spaced over the roof surface, and a retracted position, in which the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being folded between an inclined orientation and a vertical upright orientation, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units comprises a first louver element, a second louver element hingedly connected to the first louver element, and a draining gutter hingedly connected to one of the first louver element and the second louver element.

[0006] During use of the retractable roof pergola, when the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is in the extended position thereof, the louver units form a closed roof. When it rains, rainwater falls onto the closed roof, in particular the louvers thereof. Subsequently, the rainwater may flow from the louver elements into the draining gutters in which the rainwater may be collected. As the rainwater is collected within the draining gutters, the rainwater is prevented from flowing between the louver elements to fall downwards towards a user sitting below the pergola roof. Therefore, the retractable roof pergola has as an advantage that the risk of leaking is reduced or in the ideal case is eliminated.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first and second louver element of each foldable louver unit are at angle with respect to each when in the extended position, and / or wherein each of the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is foldable by changing the angle between the first louver element and the second louver element. An advantage of this embodiment is that the water may be guided towards the draining gutters.

[0008] A further advantage of this embodiment may be that the louver elements being at an angle with respect to each other provides a relatively strong roof structure that, for example, is able to withstand a layer of snow laying on top thereof.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first louver element of each foldable louver unit comprises an elongated center portion, a first hinging part at a first longitudinal side of the elongated center portion, and a second hinging part at a second longitudinal side of the elongated center portion, wherein the first hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the first louver element to the draining gutter, and the second hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the first louver element to the second louver element.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first hinging part extends at least partially over the associated draining gutter, and / or wherein the first hinging part comprises a thickened portion, a first curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion and at the end of the thickened portion facing towards the center portion, and a second curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion and at the end of the thickened portion facing away from the center portion. In a further embodiment thereof, the first curved hinging portion has the shape of a half ring, and the second curved hinging portion is configured to function as a socket of a ball and socket connection. An advantage of the first hinging part extending at least partially over the draining gutter is that there is no gap present between the first louver element and the draining gutter, such that rainwater is prevented from falling down between the first louver element and the draining gutter.

[0011] A further advantage may be that the construction of the first hinging part allows the hinging movement to be limited to a desired movement trajectory, such that a hinging movement of the first louver element with respect to the draining gutter is within a desired hinging range.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second hinging part overlaps at least partially the second louver element of the respective foldable louver unit, and / or wherein the second hinging part third comprises a third curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion, a first joint portion at the end of the third curved hinging portion facing away from the center portion and extending towards the center portion, and an abutting edge extending in an opposite direction as the first joint portion and configured for abutting against the second louver element. An advantage of the second hinging part overlapping at least partially the second louver element is that there is no gap present between the first louver element and the second, such that rainwater is prevented from falling down between the first louver element and the second louver element.

[0013] A further advantage may be that the construction of the first hinging part allows the hinging movement to be limited to a desired movement trajectory, such that a hinging movement of the louvers with respect to each other is within a desired hinging range.

[0014] In an embodiment, the second louver element of each foldable louver unit has a center portion, a third hinging part at a first longitudinal side thereof, a first connecting part at a second longitudinal side thereof, and a connector configured for being connected to the first connecting part, wherein the third hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the second louver element to the first louver element of the respective louver unit, and the connector is configured for hingedly connecting the second louver element to an adjacent foldable louver unit, in particular the draining gutter thereof. In an embodiment thereof, the third hinging part overlaps at least partially the first louver element, and / or wherein the third hinging part has a fourth curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion, and a second joint portion at the inner surface of the fourth curved hinging portion configured for forming a joint with the first joint portion of the first louver element. In an embodiment thereof, the fourth curved hinging portion has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the third curved hinging portion, and wherein the first joint portion is socket-shaped and the second joint portion is ball-shaped so that the first joint portion and the second joint portion form a ball and socket joint. An advantage of the third hinging part overlapping at least partially the first louver element is that there is no gap present between the first louver element and the second, such that rainwater is prevented from falling down between the first louver element and the second louver element.

[0015] A further advantage of this embodiment may be that a sealed joint is provided between the first louver element and the second louver element, which sealed joint has a limited hinging range due to the construction thereof.

[0016] In an embodiment, the connector comprises a first curved connecting part and a second curved connecting part, preferably wherein the first connecting part has the shape of a half circle, and the second curved connecting part is configured to function as a socket of a ball and socket joint.

[0017] In an embodiment, each draining gutter has a U-shaped and elongated drainage body extending substantially parallel to the neighboring louver unit, wherein each U-shaped and elongated drainage body has a bottom and two legs standing upright therefrom, wherein the U-shaped and elongated drainage body has at least a gutter hinging part arranged at the inner surface of one he legs thereof and at the end thereof facing away from the bottom, wherein the gutter hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the draining gutter to of the first louver element of an associated foldable louver unit. In an embodiment thereof, the gutter hinging part has a trough-shaped portion extending inwards from the respective leg having a shape of a half ring and being open upwards, a ball-shaped portion in the center of the trough-shaped portion, and an abutment ridge in the center of the trough-shaped portion and at the outer surface thereof.

[0018] In an embodiment, at least one of the longitudinal beams has a beam draining gutter arranged substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal beam and arranged below an end of each of the draining gutters, wherein the respective end of each of the draining gutters has at least one opening, such that water may flow from the draining gutters into the beam draining gutter. During use of the retractable roof pergola, when the louver units are in the extended position thereof, rain may fall on top of the louvers. The rainwater flows from the louvers into the draining gutters so that the rainwater is collected within the draining gutters. Via the draining gutters, the rainwater may from into the beam draining gutter so that the rainwater may be removed from the roof of the pergola. This is advantageous, as it reduces the risk of leakages.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least one of the longitudinal beams has a wheel guiding profile, which is U-shaped and opens upwards, extending along substantially the entire length of the respective longitudinal beam, wherein the wheel guiding profile is configured for receiving wheels arranged at an end of each of the draining gutters, so that the draining gutters may be moved along the longitudinal beams, wherein the at least one longitudinal beam further includes an attachable profile that is arranged on the beam body in such manner that the wheels are prevented from leaving the wheel guiding profile. During installation of the retractable louver pergola according to this embodiment, the guiding wheels of the draining gutters may be placed in the wheel guiding profile from above so that the draining gutters may be placed in a single movement. When the guiding wheels are placed at the wheel guiding profile, the attachable profile may be attached to the longitudinal beam to prevent the guiding wheels from leaving the wheel guiding profile. An advantage of this embodiment is that installation is relatively simple in comparison with the prior art in which the guiding wheels must be installed in a C-shaped profile.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a louver unit and / or draining gutter for use in a retractable roof pergola according to the first aspect of the invention, and such as defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0021] The louver unit and / or draining gutter have at least the same technical advantages as described in relation to the retractable roof pergola according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B show a retractable roof pergola with foldable louver units according to an embodiment of the invention in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively; Figures 2A - 2D show a cross-sectional view of the pergola of figure 1A in a direction transverse to the louvers thereof; a detailed view of figure 2A; a cross-sectional view of the pergola of figure 1B in the direction transverse to the louvers thereof; and a detailed view of figure 2B, respectively; Figures 3A and 3B show a cross-sectional view of the pergola of figure 1A in a direction parallel to the louvers thereof; and a detailed view of figure 3A; Figures 4A and 4B show a partial isometric view of a foldable louver unit of figure 1A in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively; Figures 5A and 5B show a retractable roof pergola with foldable louver units according to another embodiment of the invention in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively; and Figures 6A - 6D show a cross-sectional view of the pergola of figure 1A in a direction transverse to the louvers thereof; a detailed view of figure 2A; a cross-sectional view of the pergola of figure 1B in the direction transverse to the louvers thereof; and a detailed view of figure 2B, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A retractable roof pergola 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in an extended position and in a retracted position in figure 1A and figure 1B, respectively. The shown retractable roof pergola 1, for example, may be used as a terrace covering configured for covering at least a part of a terrace in the garden of a user.

[0025] The retractable roof pergola 1, hereafter referred to as the pergola 1, has four supports 2, also called legs 2, for placing the pergola 1 on a underground. A roof frame 3, in particular a quadrangular roof frame 3, is placed on top of the supports 2, wherein the supports 2 are located at the corners of the roof frame 3. The roof frame 3 has two longitudinal frame beams 4 and two transversal frame beams 5, which are connected to each other to form the quadrangular roof frame 3.

[0026] The retractable roof pergola 1 further comprises a plurality of interconnected foldable louver units 6 that are arranged in a moveable manner at the roof frame 3, such that the foldable louver units 6 are moveable between the extended position and the retracted position. In particular, the louver units 6 are arranged between and connected to the longitudinal frame beams 4, and parallel or substantially parallel to the transversal frame beams 4.

[0027] A cross-section view of the retractable roof pergola 1 of figure 1A and 1B, in a direction substantially transverse to the louver units 6, is shown in figures 2A and 2C, wherein a detailed view of figures 2A and 2C is shown in figures 2B and 2D, respectively. As clearly shown among others in figures 4A and 4B, each louver unit 6 has a first louver element 7 and a second louver element 8 that are connected hingedly to each other so that the louver units 6 are enabled to be moved between the extended position and the retracted position. Each foldable louver unit 6 has a draining gutter 9, which draining gutter 9 is configured for draining water flowing therein from a first and second louver elements 7, 8. The first and second louver elements 7, 8 are connected hingedly to the draining gutter 9 to allow the louver units 6 to be moved between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0028] As shown in figures 2B and 2D, each first louver element 7 has an elongated center portion 10 that is substantially flat. At a first longitudinal side of the center portion 10, in particular the longitudinal side facing towards the adjacent draining gutter 9, a first hinging part 11 is provided that extends over substantially the entire length of the center portion 10. At a second longitudinal side of the center portion 10, in particular the longitudinal side facing towards the second louver element 8 of the foldable louver unit 6, a second hinging part 12 is provided that extends over substantially the entire length of the center portion 10.

[0029] The first hinging part 11 comprises a thickened portion 13 arranged at and integrated into the center portion 10. At the end of the thickened portion 13 facing towards the center portion 10, a first curved hinging portion 14 is provided, which first curved hinging portion 14 extends away from the center portion 10 and has the shape of a half ring such that the end of the first curved hinging portion 14 facing away from the center portion 10 is located near an imaginary plane extending through the center portion 10. In particular, the first curved hinging portion 14 has a first diameter and is concave down, i.e. opens downwards, with respect to an imaginary main plane extending through the center portion 10.

[0030] At the end of the thickened portion 13 facing away from the center portion 10, a second curved hinging portion 15 is provided that extends away from the center portion 10. The second curved hinging portion 15 has the shape of a quarter ring, and is concave up, i.e. opens upwards, with respect to the imaginary main plane extending through the center portion 10. The second curved hinging portion 15 has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The inner surface of the second curved hinging portion 15 defines an abutment surface 16 and is configured to function as a socket of a ball and socket joint.

[0031] The second hinging part 12 has a third curved hinging portion 17, which third curved hinging portion 17 extends away from the center portion 10 and has the shape of a half ring such that the end of the third curved hinging portion 17 facing away from the center portion 10 is located near an imaginary plane extending through the center portion 10. At the end of the third curved hinging portion 17 facing away from the center portion 10, a first joint portion 18 is provided that extends towards the center portion. The first joint portion 18 has a straight part 19 and a curved part 20 at the end of the straight part 19 facing away from the end of the third curved hinging portion 17. The curved part 20 has the shape of a quarter ring is configured to function as a socket of a ball and socket joint.

[0032] At the end of the third curved hinging portion 17 facing away from the center portion 10, further, an abutting edge 21 is provided that extends in an opposite direction as the first joint portion 18 and configured for abutting against the second louver element 8.

[0033] As shown in figures 2B and 2D, each second louver element 8 has a center portion 25. At a first longitudinal side of the center portion 25, in particular the longitudinal side facing towards the associated first louver element 7, a third hinging part 26 is provided that extends over substantially the entire length of the center portion 25. At a second longitudinal side of the center portion 25, in particular the longitudinal side facing towards the associated gutter 9, a first connecting part 27 is provided that extends over substantially the entire length of the center portion 25.

[0034] The third hinging part 26 has a fourth curved hinging portion 28 that extends away from the center portion 25 and has the shape of a half ring such that the end of the fourth curved hinging portion 28 facing away from the center portion 25 is located near an imaginary plane extending through the center portion 25. In particular, the fourth curved hinging portion 28 has a third diameter, which is slightly smaller than the first diameter, and is concave up, i.e. opens upwards, with respect to an imaginary main plane extending through the center portion 10.

[0035] At the inner surface of the fourth curved hinging portion 28, in particular at the center thereof, a ball-shaped part 29, being a second joint portion, is provided that extends inwards and is configured to function as a ball of a ball and socket joint.

[0036] When the first and second louver element 7, 8 are connected to each other, the second hinging part 12 and the third hinging part 26 are connected to each other to form a hinge. As shown in figures 2A and 2B, the fourth curved hinging portion 28 is received within the third curved hinging portion 17, while the ball-shaped part 29 and the curved part 19 form a ball and socket joint to allow the louvers to hinge with respect to each other. During hinging of the louvers 7, 8 the third curved hinging portion 17 and the fourth curved hinging portion 28 move with respect to each other.

[0037] When in the retracted position, as shown in figure 2D, the end of the fourth curved hinging portion 28 facing away from the center portion 25 abuts against the straight part 19 of the first joint portion 18 to limit further hinging of the louvers 7, 8 towards each other. When in the extended position, as shown in figure 2B, the curved part 20 of the first joint portion 18 abuts against the ball-shaped part 29, and the abutting edge 21 abuts against the second louver element 8, to limit further hinging of the louvers 7, 8 away from each other.

[0038] As shown in figures 2B and 2D, the connecting portion 27 has a straight part 35 arranged at the center portion 25 and being substantially flush therewith. From the end of the straight part 35 facing towards the center portion 25, a first connecting part 36 emerges and curves out of the straight part 35, whereafter the first connecting part 36 runs parallel to the center portion 25. At the end of the straight part 35 facing away from the center portion 25, a second connecting part 37 is provided that extends away from the center portion 25 and is curved.

[0039] The connecting portion 27 is connected to a connector 40 that is configured for connecting the second louver element 8 to a neighboring gutter 9. The connector 40, as shown in figures 2B and 2D, has a flat base part 41 that is configured to be arranged in line with the center portion 25 of the second louver element 8. At a small distance from the end of the flat base part 41 facing towards the second louver element 8, a first upstanding wall 42 is provided that extends upwards when the pergola 1 is in the extended position of figure 2B. At the end of the upstanding wall 42 facing away from the flat base part 41, a supporting edge 43 is provided that extends transverse to the upstanding wall 42 and in a direction away from the second louver element 8. At the side of the first upstanding wall 42 facing towards the second louver element 8, at approximately mid-height of the upstanding wall 42, a curved connecting edge 44 is provided that extends towards the second louver element 8. The curve of the curved connecting edge 44 is complementary to the curve of the second connecting part 37, and a gap 45 is defined between the curved connecting edge 44 and the flat base part 41, which gap 45 is defined for receiving the second connecting part 37.

[0040] At the end of the flat base part 41 facing away from the second louver element 8, a second upstanding wall 47 is arranged that extends upwards when the pergola 1 is in the extended position of figure 2B. At the side of the second upstanding wall 47 facing towards the second louver element 8, and at a small distance from the end of the second upstanding wall 47 facing away from the flat base part 41, a second further supporting edge 48 is provided that is configured for receiving a part of the first connecting part 36 of the second louver element 8.

[0041] At the side of the second upstanding wall 47 facing away from the second louver element 8, and at the end of the second upstanding wall 47 facing away from the flat base part 41, a first curved connecting part 49 is provided that extends away from the second upstanding wall 47. The first curved connecting part 49 has the shape of a quarter ring with the first diameter, and is curved towards an imaginary plane extending through the flat base part 41. At the side of the second upstanding wall 47 facing away from the second louver element 8, and at the end of the second upstanding wall 47 facing towards the flat base part 41, a second curved connecting part 50 is provided that extends away from the second upstanding wall 47. The second curved connecting part 50 has the shape of a quarter ring with the second diameter, and is curved towards an imaginary plane extending through the flat base part 41.

[0042] The first and second curved connecting parts 49, 50 correspond to the first and second curved hinging portions 14, 15 of the first hinging part 11.

[0043] Each draining gutter 9 has a U-shaped and elongated drainage body 55 that extends substantially parallel or parallel to the neighboring louvers 7, 8. Each U-shaped and elongated drainage body 55 has a bottom 56 and two legs 57 standing upright therefrom. Each U-shaped and elongated drainage body 55 that is arranged between a pair of louvers 6 has a gutter hinging part 60 arranged at the inner surface of the legs 57 thereof and at the end thereof facing away from the bottom 56. The two most outer U-shaped and elongated drainage bodies 55, which are located closest to the transverse beams 5, have one gutter hinging part 60 arranged at the inner surface of one of the legs 57 thereof and at the end thereof facing away from the bottom 56.

[0044] Each gutter hinging part 60 has a trough-shaped portion 61 extending inwards from the respective leg 57 having a shape of a half ring and being open upwards, as shown in figure 2D. In the center of the trough-shaped portion 61 and at the inner surface thereof, a ball-shaped portion 62 is provided on a stem-shaped portion 63 such that the ball-shaped portion 62 is arranged at the center axis of the trough-shaped portion 61. In the center of the trough-shaped portion 61 and at the outer surface thereof, an abutment ridge 64 is provided that extends downwards therefrom.

[0045] The first louver element 7 of each pair of louvers 6 is hingedly connected to a neighboring draining gutter 9 by means of the hinging part 11 thereof, which is brought into engagement with a gutter hinging part 60. The second louver element 8 of each pair of louvers 6 is hingedly connected to a neighboring draining gutter 9 by means of the connector 40 connected thereto, wherein the connector 40 is brought into engagement with a gutter hinging part 60. Hinging of the louvers 7, 8 with respect to the draining gutters 9 is performed mutatis mutandis as described in relation to the hinging of the first and second louver elements with respect to each other.

[0046] As shown in figure 3B, each longitudinal beam 4 has a substantially L-shaped beam body 70. At the beam body 70, a wheel guiding profile 71, which is U-shaped and opens upwards, is arranged that extends along substantially the entire length of the respective longitudinal beam 4. The wheel guiding profile 71 is configured for receiving wheels 80 arranged at the ends of each of the draining gutters 9, so that the draining gutters 9 may be moved along the longitudinal beams 4. Each longitudinal beam 4 further includes an attachable profile 72, which is inverse L-shaped, and that is arranged on the beam body 70 in such manner that the wheels 80 are prevented from leaving the wheel guiding profile 71.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in figure 3B, each longitudinal beam 4 is further provided with a beam draining gutter 73 arranged at an inward directed side of the respective beam body 70, and in such manner that the beam draining gutter 73 is arranged below the ends of the draining gutters 9 which are least partially open due to openings 81 provided therein.

[0048] The leading draining gutter 9 and / or pair of louvers 6 is connected to a drive mechanism for opening and closing the louvers. The drive mechanism comprises a belt 85 arranged within each of the longitudinal beams 4 and spanned by two gears 86, of which one of connected to a transmission 87 configured for transmitting an input from the manual operating mechanism 88 to the driven gear 86. Operation of the manual operating mechanism 88 results in moving the pair of louvers 6, and the draining gutters 9 between the extended position, as shown in figure 2B, and the retracted position, as shown in figure 2D.

[0049] A retractable roof pergola 101 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in an extended position and in a retracted position in figure 5A and figure 5B, respectively. The retractable roof pergola 1 according to the above described embodiment, and the retractable roof pergola 101 according to the other embodiment comprise substantially the same features. In order to refrain from reintroducing features from the embodiment described above, identical or similar features are referred to by the same reference number as used in relation to the above described embodiment increased with 100.

[0050] The embodiments differ from each other in that the center portion 125 of the second louver element 108 at a first longitudinal side thereof, in particular the longitudinal side thereof facing towards the adjacent draining gutter 109, is provided with a first hinging part 111. Furthermore, the first hinging part 111 comprises a first curved hinging portion 114, which first curved hinging portion 114 extends away from the center portion 10 in a substantially traverse direction thereto, and has the shape of a half ring. In particular, the first curved hinging portion 114 has a first diameter and is concave sidewards, i.e. opens sidewards, with respect to an imaginary main plane extending through the center portion 110, 125.

[0051] Furthermore, the embodiments differ from each other in that the trough-shaped portion 161 of each gutter hinging part 160 is arranged in line with the respective leg 157, and has a shape of a half ring that opens towards the center of the respective draining gutter 109. At the lower end of the trough-shaped portion 160, the stem-shaped portion 163 is provided with thereon the ball-shaped portion 162 such that the ball-shaped portion 162 is arranged at the center axis of the trough-shaped portion 161.

[0052] Moreover, the second hinging part 112 and the third hinging part 126 are provided with a gutter G, preferably having a circular cross-section and being open towards the respective center portion 10, 25.

[0053] It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Retractable roof pergola, comprising: a frame having two outer longitudinal beams defining a roof surface; and a plurality of interconnected foldable louver units arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between an extended position, in which the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is divided evenly spaced over the roof surface, and a retracted position, in which the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being folded between an inclined orientation and a vertical upright orientation, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units comprises a first louver element, a second louver element hingedly connected to the first louver element, and a draining gutter hingedly connected to one of the first louver element and the second louver element.

2. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 1, wherein the first and second louver element of each foldable louver unit are at angle with respect to each when in the extended position, and / or wherein each of the plurality of interconnected foldable louver units is foldable by changing the angle between the first louver element and the second louver element.

3. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first louver element of each foldable louver unit comprises an elongated center portion, a first hinging part at a first longitudinal side of the elongated center portion, and a second hinging part at a second longitudinal side of the elongated center portion, wherein the first hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the first louver element to the draining gutter, and the second hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the first louver element to the second louver element.

4. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 3, wherein the first hinging part extends at least partially over the associated draining gutter, and / or wherein the first hinging part comprises a thickened portion, a first curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion and at the end of the thickened portion facing towards the center portion, and a second curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion and at the end of the thickened portion facing away from the center portion.

5. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 4, wherein the first curved hinging portion has the shape of a half ring, and the second curved hinging portion is configured to function as a socket of a ball and socket connection.

6. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the second hinging part overlaps at least partially the second louver element of the respective foldable louver unit, and / or wherein the second hinging part third comprises a third curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion, a first joint portion at the end of the third curved hinging portion facing away from the center portion and extending towards the center portion, and an abutting edge extending in an opposite direction as the first joint portion and configured for abutting against the second louver element.

7. Retractable roof pergola according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second louver element of each foldable louver unit has a center portion, a third hinging part at a first longitudinal side thereof, a first connecting part at a second longitudinal side thereof, and a connector configured for being connected to the first connecting part, wherein the third hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the second louver element to the first louver element of the respective louver unit, and the connector is configured for hingedly connecting the second louver element to an adjacent foldable louver unit, in particular the draining gutter thereof.

8. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 7, wherein the third hinging part overlaps at least partially the first louver element, and / or wherein the third hinging part has a fourth curved hinging portion extending away from the center portion, and a second joint portion at the inner surface of the fourth curved hinging portion configured for forming a joint with the first joint portion of the first louver element.

9. Retractable roof pergola according to claims 6 and 8, wherein the fourth curved hinging portion has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the third curved hinging portion, and wherein the first joint portion is socket-shaped and the second joint portion is ball-shaped so that the first joint portion and the second joint portion form a ball and socket joint.

10. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the connector comprises a first curved connecting part and a second curved connecting part, preferably wherein the first connecting part has the shape of a half circle, and the second curved connecting part is configured to function as a socket of a ball and socket joint.

11. Retractable roof pergola according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each draining gutter has a U-shaped and elongated drainage body extending substantially parallel to the neighboring louver unit, wherein each U-shaped and elongated drainage body has a bottom and two legs standing upright therefrom, wherein the U-shaped and elongated drainage body has at least a gutter hinging part arranged at the inner surface of one he legs thereof and at the end thereof facing away from the bottom, wherein the gutter hinging part is configured for hingedly connecting the draining gutter to of the first louver element of an associated foldable louver unit.

12. Retractable roof pergola according to claim 11, wherein the gutter hinging part has a trough-shaped portion extending inwards from the respective leg having a shape of a half ring and being open upwards, a ball-shaped portion in the center of the trough-shaped portion, and an abutment ridge in the center of the trough-shaped portion and at the outer surface thereof.

13. Retractable roof pergola according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the longitudinal beams has a beam draining gutter arranged substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal beam and arranged below an end of each of the draining gutters, wherein the respective end of each of the draining gutters has at least one opening, such that water may flow from the draining gutters into the beam draining gutter.

14. Retractable roof pergola according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the longitudinal beams has a wheel guiding profile, which is U-shaped and opens upwards, extending along substantially the entire length of the respective longitudinal beam, wherein the wheel guiding profile is configured for receiving wheels arranged at an end of each of the draining gutters, so that the draining gutters may be moved along the longitudinal beams, wherein the at least one longitudinal beam further includes an attachable profile that is arranged on the beam body in such manner that the wheels are prevented from leaving the wheel guiding profile.

15. Louver unit and / or draining gutter for use in a retractable roof pergola according to any one of the preceding claims, and such as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

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