SHADING ELEMENT SET

Abstract

A shading element assembly (1), comprising at least one awning roller (2) at its upper end, at least two pre-tensioned arms (3, 4) arranged to deploy from opposite sides of the at least one awning roller (2), two awning fabrics (5, 6), and two front tension bars (7, 8), each attached to a pre-tensioned arm (3, 4) and an awning fabric (5, 6), the shading element assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises a structure (9) provided with two lateral supports (10, 11) that support a table (12) between them.

Description

SHADING ELEMENT SET TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the technical sector of shading elements for outdoor spaces, particularly in the integration of retractable awnings with supporting furniture, such as tables. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The current state of the art in the field of shade systems and outdoor furniture encompasses numerous solutions aimed at providing thermal comfort and functionality in outdoor environments. Among these solutions are awnings fixed to facades, widely used in homes, commercial premises, and hospitality venues. These devices, generally anchored by metal structures or extendable mechanisms, create shaded areas on terraces and balconies, but they necessarily require a supporting structure, which limits their installation in open spaces where walls are unavailable for anchoring. Additionally, the aforementioned technique also describes self-supporting awnings, equipped with independent structures that allow their placement in gardens, patios, and outdoor areas without the need for wall mounting. These systems offer greater flexibility in terms of location, but are designed as standalone elements that are not directly integrated with other outdoor equipment components. On the other hand, the existence of outdoor furniture, such as tables, benches, and sets designed for social and recreational activities outdoors, is widely known. These items are manufactured and marketed independently of shading systems, primarily based on criteria of ergonomics, durability, and aesthetic design. However, in practice, the lack of integration between awnings and furniture creates difficulties in configuring harmonious and functional spaces. Users must resort to improvised solutions to obtain both shade and suitable surfaces for meals or social gatherings, without any planned compatibility between the two types of products. Consequently, an unmet technical need is identified: to develop systems that allow the coordinated combination of awnings and furniture, particularly tables and seats, so as to offer a joint and integrated solution that facilitates outdoor activities in the shade, guaranteeing both user comfort and the optimization of space and overall aesthetics. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To overcome the limitations of the prior art, the present invention relates to a shading assembly that incorporates a table. The assembly of the invention provides a compact and multifunctional solution, combining sun protection through retractable awnings with a table surface integrated into the support structure. This integration offers advantages in terms of stability, spatial functionality, and ease of use, facilitating both the deployment of the shading and the use of the space for recreational or leisure activities. A first aspect of the invention is a shading element assembly, comprising at least one awning roller at its upper end, at least two pre-tensioned arms arranged to unfold on opposite sides of the at least one awning roller, two awning fabrics, and two front traction bars each attached to a pre-tensioned arm and an awning fabric, the shading element assembly further comprising a structure provided with two side supports that support a table between them. Thus, at least one roller acts as the axis for winding and unwinding the awning fabrics. The pre-tensioned arms are fixed to the roller and arranged on opposite sides, and they extend to deploy the fabrics, providing the necessary tension to keep them taut and wind-resistant. The awning fabrics are attached to these arms and unfurl along with them, while the front tension bars, attached to both the pre-tensioned arms and the fabrics, ensure front tension and facilitate uniform awning deployment. The support structure ensures the stability of the assembly on the ground, bearing both the mechanical load from the deployment and retraction of the awning, and the static and dynamic loads generated by the table's use. Furthermore, the table is fixed between the side supports, providing not only functional support for various activities but also acting as a reinforcing structural element, improving the overall compactness and strength of the assembly. The table can be positioned at different heights depending on its intended use. For example, at a high height for use as a bar for standing, at an intermediate height for seated meals, or at a low height for use as a coffee table. This height versatility promotes better ergonomics and optimizes the available space for the end user. The first aspect of the invention allows for the combination of two previously separate functions—sun protection and furniture—into a single integrated unit. The structure is designed to manage the stability and safety constraints arising from the simultaneous use of the awning and the table, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and efficient user experience. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the lateral supports has an inverted V-shaped configuration. In this way, the side supports are inclined outwards forming an angle that is defined according to the width of the integrated table. This structural configuration provides exceptional stability, especially compared to other double-slope awning designs that use a single central post. The inverted "V" shape effectively distributes mechanical loads, improving resistance to lateral forces, such as those generated by wind, and ensuring greater overall rigidity. Furthermore, this geometry facilitates a wider base of contact with the ground, helping to prevent tipping or unwanted movement, thus increasing the safety and durability of the structure. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the side supports comprises two legs, the table being fixed to each of the legs. This configuration provides a more balanced distribution of the mechanical loads generated by both the awning and the integrated table. Directly attaching the table to the legs improves the overall rigidity and stability, with the table acting as a reinforcing structural element that helps prevent unwanted movement or displacement during use. In one embodiment of the invention, the table comprises in its four corners a recess attachable to each of the legs of the lateral supports of the structure and elements for fixing the table to the legs. In one embodiment of the invention, the table comprises on its two sides a recess attachable to each of the lateral supports of the structure and elements for fixing the table to the lateral supports. In both embodiments of the invention, recesses, grooves, cavities, or gaps allow for the precise coupling of the table to the lateral supports of the structure. These couplings enable stable and secure fastening using clamping elements, ensuring a firm connection between the table and the lateral supports. This arrangement facilitates simple and precise assembly, preventing unexpected displacements or movements during use, and contributes to the table acting as an additional structural element that reinforces the overall rigidity of the assembly. This configuration also provides the advantage of allowing for quick and safe disassembly for maintenance or transport. In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening elements are selected from screws, support tabs, bolts, threaded anchors, clamping plates, and snap hooks. The use of this variety of fasteners allows the assembly method to be adapted to different materials, usage conditions, and structural requirements, facilitating a safe, robust, and durable assembly. Screws and bolts offer solid mechanical fastening and are easy to install or remove for maintenance, while threaded anchors and mounting plates provide uniform support that distributes loads, minimizing stress points that could damage the structure or the bracket. Support tabs and snap hooks, meanwhile, allow for quick and versatile assembly, with good stability and the possibility of disassembly without complex tools. In one embodiment of the invention, the table is made of a material selected from wood, composite materials, and metallic materials. Representative examples of woods include teak, eucalyptus, acacia, pine, and other woods treated for exterior use, which provide a combination of mechanical strength and durability against environmental factors. As for composite materials, fiberglass, carbon fibers, reinforced resins, and high-pressure boards, among others, can be used, offering good mechanical properties, weather resistance, light weight, and ease of maintenance. Metallic materials can include extruded aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and various lightweight alloys, among others, selected for their high corrosion resistance and robustness to withstand mechanical loads and adverse outdoor conditions. In one embodiment of the invention, the table can also incorporate protective anti-corrosive finishes, UV resistance treatments, or waterproof coatings to increase its durability outdoors, among others. This variety of options allows the table design to be adapted for different applications, optimizing it according to the specific demands of resistance, aesthetics, weight and durability. In one embodiment of the invention, the structure is made of materials selected from metallic materials, composite materials, polymers, and woods. Examples of metallic materials for the structure include extruded aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and various lightweight alloys, among others, selected for their corrosion resistance, durability, and ability to withstand mechanical loads in outdoor environments. Composite materials may include carbon fibers and fiberglass, as well as other composite materials reinforced with thermoset or thermoplastic resins, offering an optimal combination of lightness, high mechanical strength, and durability against harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, high-strength polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and fiber-reinforced polypropylene may be used, providing impact resistance and dimensional stability in outdoor applications. In one embodiment of the invention, the shading element assembly further comprises a housing that contains at least the awning fabrics rolled up in at least one awning roller when rolled up. This housing acts as a protective casing, shielding the tarpaulins from harsh weather conditions such as rain, dust, dirt, UV rays, and other external agents that could prematurely degrade the fabric. By keeping the tarpaulins protected in their rolled-up state, their lifespan is significantly extended, ensuring optimal performance with every deployment. Furthermore, the housing contributes to maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic by concealing the tarpaulins and mechanisms when not in use, resulting in a cleaner and more discreet appearance for the system within its installation environment. The protection offered by the housing also minimizes required maintenance and reduces the risk of mechanical or environmental damage during periods of inactivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cassette and the awning fabrics have a width greater than that of the table. In this way, the assembly offers wider and more effective coverage, guaranteeing greater protection against sunlight, rain, and other external elements. This configuration improves the comfort and functionality of the space by keeping the usage area protected and allows for better adaptation to different environmental conditions. Furthermore, by extending beyond the width of the table, it optimizes lateral protection and can be adapted to various configurations and sizes, providing versatility and safety in its use. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises a single awning roller common to both awning fabrics with a central winding mechanism. This configuration allows the user to unroll and roll up both tarpaulins simultaneously with a single action, significantly simplifying operation and improving the user experience. Having only one roller tube for both tarpaulins eliminates the need for an additional cover piece at the top, typically required with two separate rollers, thus ensuring effective watertightness against rain and other external elements that may seep in. Furthermore, the design with a common winder reduces the number of components in the assembly, decreasing the cost, complexity and overall weight, and promoting greater compactness of the assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises an independent awning roller for each of the awning fabrics. This configuration allows for individual control of each awning, offering greater flexibility in regulating shade and sun protection, adapting to the user's specific needs depending on the time of day or weather conditions. Each awning can be deployed or retracted independently, allowing specific areas to be covered or uncovered without affecting the entire structure. Furthermore, the separate rollers simplify maintenance and repairs, as any work can be carried out on a single roller without affecting the others. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly further comprises a drive element for at least one awning roller. The presence of the drive element allows for more comfortable and ergonomic operation, by reducing or eliminating the manual effort required to deploy or retract the tarpaulins. In one embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is a manual crank. The hand crank can be attached to at least one roller using a hook or fitting designed to efficiently transmit the rotary motion. The crank allows the user to extend or retract the awning with a smooth manual turn, facilitating precise control of the fabric's position without requiring excessive effort. The manual crank achieves a mechanically simpler assembly, which leads to lower cost, ease of installation and maintenance, and high reliability in operation without dependence on electrical power sources. In one embodiment of the invention, the drive element is an electric motor. The electric motor can be coupled to the winder shaft, providing an automated system for deploying and retrieving the tarpaulins. The electric motor can be integrated into or near the winder shaft and connected to a power source, controlled by switches, remote controls, or home automation systems. The coupling is designed to transmit motion efficiently and reliably and can include safety mechanisms such as overload protection or sensors that stop operation in the event of obstacles or adverse environmental conditions. The electric motor allows for convenient and effortless operation, enabling the user to control the awning with the touch of a button. This reduces mechanical wear caused by repeated manual handling, increasing the overall durability of the system. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, the assembly may additionally comprise environmental sensors to automatically activate the deployment or retraction of the awning depending on wind, rain, or solar intensity, providing additional protection to both the structure and the users. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly further comprises at least one integrated solar panel, connected to the electric motor to provide it with electrical power. This incorporates the possibility of generating clean, renewable energy directly from the system itself. This reduces dependence on external power sources, decreasing electricity consumption from the grid and lowering operating costs. Furthermore, by harnessing solar energy, the system's autonomy is increased, promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation. This solution also contributes to greater overall energy efficiency, especially in environments with constant solar exposure. In one embodiment of the invention, the awning fabrics protrude beyond the front traction bars. This configuration provides increased coverage and greater shade, allowing the awning to cover additional areas that would be exposed if it were only aligned with the front bars. It also helps improve protection from rain and low-angle sunlight. In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises means for anchoring to the ground or to a horizontal surface. These anchoring methods may include bolts, screws, embedded anchor bases, fixing plates, or counterweight systems, among others, adapting to the type of surface and the specific conditions of the installation environment. Firm anchoring to the ground ensures the stability of the assembly against external forces, such as wind or accidental movements, increasing the safety of both the structure and its users. These anchoring methods provide greater resistance to tipping and displacement, especially in adverse weather conditions, extending the overall lifespan and reducing the risk of damage. Furthermore, the anchoring allows the structure to withstand the heavy loads generated by the extended awning and integrated table, ensuring reliable and continuous use in various environments, whether residential, commercial, or public. The invention presents a versatile and efficient solution that integrates various functionalities into a single shade and furniture unit. It offers comfort and ease of use, allowing the unit to be controlled manually or via motorized mechanisms, adapting to different needs and preferences. Its compact and stable design ensures durability and resistance to adverse environmental conditions, while the fabric canopies optimize coverage and sun protection. This versatility and robustness make the invention suitable for multiple applications in outdoor spaces, significantly improving the comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of the environment where it is installed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with some examples of practical embodiment of the invention as a whole, a set of figures is included as an integral part of the description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2.- Shows a side view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3.- Shows a side view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4.- Shows a front view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5.- Shows a side view of the shading element assembly with the awnings folded in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6.- Shows a detailed view of the awning roller in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7.- Shows a top view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 8.- Shows a perspective view of the shading element assembly with the awnings folded in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 9.- Shows a perspective view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 10.- Shows a top perspective view of the shading element assembly with the awnings deployed in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 11.- Shows a detailed view of the connection of the table to the side supports in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 12.- Shows a perspective view of the shading element assembly in an embodiment in which the cassette and awning fabrics have a width greater than that of the table. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The description of possible embodiments of the invention requires providing numerous details to facilitate a better understanding of it. Even so, it will be apparent to someone skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. The present invention relates to a set of shading elements 1, designed to provide coverage and protection against solar radiation and inclement weather, incorporating a mechanical system for extending and retracting awnings, and a structural support with a table. As shown in Figures 1 to 5 and 7 to 10, assembly 1 comprises at least one awning roller 2 arranged at the top. The example shown illustrates a single roller 2 common to two awning fabrics 5 and 6 that deploy in opposite directions, thus allowing bilateral coverage from the same axis. To ensure the extension and maintenance of the tarpaulins 5 and 6 in the deployed position, assembly 1 incorporates pre-tensioned arms 3, 4. These arms 3, 4 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the roller 2 and are capable of extending and retracting in opposite directions. In the exemplified embodiment, shown in figure 9, assembly 1 has two pairs of arms 3 and 4, i.e., two on each side, which extend radially away from the roller 2 to extend the tarpaulins 5, 6 (figures 3, 7, 9 and 10) and fold back towards it to retract them (figures 5 and 8). The roller 2 is located inside a protective housing 16, shown in Figures 1, 3, 6, and 9, which contains the winding cylinder. This housing 16 protects the awnings 5 ​​and 6 when they are retracted, preventing damage from rain, wind, UV radiation, or other external agents. Each awning 5, 6 is fixed at its free end to a front tension bar 7, 8, which is mechanically attached to the corresponding end of each pre-tensioned arm 3, 4. These front bars 7, 8 allow the proper tension to be maintained on the awnings 5, 6 during deployment, ensuring uniform stretching and preventing folds or vibrations due to wind. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 9, the awnings 5 ​​and 6 project beyond the front bars 7 and 8, falling vertically at their ends. This increases the shaded area, improves protection from lateral solar radiation, and minimizes wind-induced lifting of the awning by creating a downward curtain effect. The roller mechanism 2 is a single unit, common to both awnings 5 ​​and 6, with a centralized mechanism that allows for the simultaneous deployment and retraction of both. It has an operating element 17, illustrated in Figure 6, which can be manual, for example, by means of a crank, or motorized, for example, with a tubular electric motor. The rotation of element 17 is transmitted to the roller mechanism 2, causing the awnings 5 ​​and 6 to retract or extend in a synchronized manner. The shading assembly 1 is supported by a structure 9, shown in two embodiments in Figures 1 and 9, composed of two lateral supports 10, 11. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the lateral supports 10, 11 are arranged vertically, with a base perpendicular to the main support and adopting the configuration of an inverted T. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 10, the lateral supports 10, 11 take the form of an inverted V, joined at their upper vertex and diverging downwards in opposite directions, providing a stable and balanced base to support assembly 1. In this embodiment, each lateral support 10, 11 comprises two legs 13 oriented towards the ground, see Figure 6, resulting in a total of four legs 13 in assembly 1. To increase structural stability in any of the above embodiments, assembly 1 incorporates a horizontal table 12, attached to the side supports 10, 11. The table 12 serves a dual purpose: it provides structural rigidity and prevents oscillations or torsion of the supports under wind loads transmitted by the awnings 5, 6, and provides a practical surface for supporting objects or integration into leisure environments. In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the table 12 comprises, on its two sides, a recess 14 that can be attached to each of the lateral supports 10, 11 of the structure 9, and fastening elements 15 for attaching the table 12 to the lateral supports 10, 11. In the embodiments of Figures 3 to 11, each corner of the table 12 incorporates a recess 14 with a geometry corresponding to the section of the leg 13, which is illustrated in detail in Figure 9. In this example, the shape is square, although it can be circular, rectangular, or other. The fastening is carried out using connecting elements 15, which consist of self-tapping screws or pins, arranged in pairs per leg. In both embodiments, to reinforce the joint, assembly 1 may include reinforcing profiles, which in the embodiment of figure 11 are L-shaped, arranged inside the recesses 14, so that the fixing elements 15 pass through the legs 13 and the profiles, anchoring firmly to the table 12. As shown in Figures 1, 9, and 10, assembly 1 can incorporate chairs or benches 18 arranged around table 12, creating a protected and usable space under the shaded area. The height at which table 12 is mounted is adapted to the specific use, for example, standard height for chairs, higher for stools, or for standing at cocktail-style events. In the embodiment in which the side supports 10, 11 have an inverted V shape, the design allows variations in both the opening angle of the supports and the surface of the table 12, thus allowing its adaptation to different environments and stability needs. Lateral supports 10, 11 may also incorporate additional ground anchoring means (not shown in the figures), such as bolts, footings or chemical fixing elements, in order to maximize resistance to wind loads or accidental impacts. In the realization of figure 12, the box 16 and the awning tarpaulins 5, 6 have a width greater than that of table 12. Shading Element Set 1 Awning roller 2 Prestressed arms 3 Awning tarpaulins 5, 6 Front traction bars 7, 8 Structure 9 Lateral supports 10, 11 Table 12 Legs 13 Break 14 Fastening elements 15 Chest 16 Actuating element 17 Chairs 18

Claims

1. A shading element assembly (1), comprising at least one awning roller (2) at its upper end, at least two pre-tensioned arms (3, 4) arranged to deploy from opposite sides of the at least one awning roller (2), two awning fabrics (5, 6), and two front tension bars (7, 8), each attached to a pre-tensioned arm (3, 4) and an awning fabric (5, 6), the shading element assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises a structure (9) provided with two lateral supports (10, 11) that support a table (12) between them.

2. The shading element assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein each of the lateral supports (10, 11) has an inverted V-shaped configuration.

3. The shading element assembly (1) of claim 2, wherein each of the lateral supports (10, 11) comprises two legs (13), each table (12) being fixed to one of the legs (13). 4.The shading element assembly (1) of claim 3, wherein the table (12) comprises at its four corners a recess (14) attachable to each of the legs (13) of the side supports (10, 11) of the structure (9) and fastening elements (15) for attaching the table (12) to the legs (13).

5. The shading element assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the table (12) comprises at its two sides a recess (14) attachable to each of the side supports (10, 11) of the structure (9) and fastening elements (15) for attaching the table (12) to the side supports (10, 11).

6. The shading element assembly (1) of any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the fastening elements (15) are selected from screws, support tabs, bolts, threaded anchors, clamping plates, and snap hooks. 7.The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the table (12) is made of a material selected from wood, composite materials, and metallic materials.

8. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (9) is made of a material selected from metallic materials, composite materials, polymers, and wood.

9. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cassette (16) containing at least the awning fabrics (5, 6) rolled up on the at least one awning roller (2) when rolled up.

10. The shading element assembly (1) of claim 9, wherein the cassette (16) and the awning fabrics (2) have a width greater than that of the table (12). 11.

11. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, comprising a single awning roller (2) common to both awning fabrics (5, 6) with a central winding mechanism.

12. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, comprising an independent awning roller (2) for each of the awning fabrics (5, 6).

13. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive element (17) for the at least one awning roller (2).

14. The shading element assembly (1) of claim 13, wherein the drive element (17) is a hand crank.

15. The shading element assembly (1) of claim 13, wherein the drive element (17) is an electric motor. 16.The shading element assembly (1) of claim 15, further comprising at least one integrated solar panel connected to the electric motor to supply it with electrical power.

17. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the awning fabrics (5, 6) extend beyond the front traction bars (7, 8).

18. The shading element assembly (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (9) comprises means for anchoring it to the ground or a horizontal surface.