TERRACE COVERING

Abstract

Terrace covering which comprises a supporting structure (4) comprising a roof fabric (6) which can be rolled up and unrolled, wherein a free edge of the roof fabric (6) is provided with a movable front bar (7), characterized in that the terrace covering (1) is provided with at least two beams (11) which are separate from the roof fabric (6) and which can move below the roof fabric (6), so that the roof fabric (6) can be at least supported by these beams (11) when the roof fabric (6) is at least partially unrolled, wherein the roof fabric (6), at the projecting edges (10A, 10B) which are oriented in the transverse direction relative to the front bar (7), is equipped with tensioning elements (9) which are intended to hold the roof fabric (6) in the tensioned state. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: TERRACE COVERING

[0001] The present invention relates to a terrace covering.

[0002] More specifically, the invention is intended for a terrace covering which comprises a support structure whose roof or upper side can be at least partly covered with a roof canvas which can be rolled up and unrolled.

[0003] Although the present document always refers to a terrace covering, the invention also relates to other coverings or pergolas. These coverings can be self-supporting or mounted against something, for example against or on the facade of a building.

[0004] When reference is made to a roof canvas, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that a roof canvas also relates to, for example, a (sun) screen or other forms of textiles or the like for the manufacture of terrace coverings.

[0005] Terrace coverings are already known which comprise a roof canvas which can be rolled up and unrolled. In the unrolled state of the roof canvas, it is able to offer protection to one or more users, who are under the terrace covering, against excessive sunlight, rain or other weather elements.

[0006] Known terrace coverings which are equipped with a roof canvas have the common disadvantage that, in the event of precipitation and in the (at least partially) unrolled state of the roof canvas, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "pocket formation" of the roof canvas occurs.

[0007] Conventionally, the roof canvas, in the unrolled state, forms a slight slope in such a way that rainwater falling on the roof canvas is evacuated in the direction of a gutter which is provided for this purpose.

[0008] The phenomenon of "pocket formation" occurs when rainwater falling on the roof fabric does not reach the gutter, but forms a "pocket" in the roof fabric under the effect of the water's own weight. Most often, the origin of what is commonly called a "pocket formation" is located a few centimeters before the edge of the gutter, due to the flattening of the angle of inclination just before the gutter. As soon as even a very small amount of water does not reach the gutter, but flows back in a direction away from the gutter, a "pocket", a "water pocket", a "well" or a "recess" will form in the roof fabric, in which the water will begin to accumulate.The increasing dead weight of this accumulation of water pushes the "water pocket" away from the drain and will only increase the problem of "pocket formation", in such a way that the "water pocket" only grows and, consequently, less and less. less water reaches the gutter. The “water pocket” eventually tends to move towards the center of the canvas.

[0009] It is obvious that the phenomenon of "pocket formation" is detrimental to the roof canvas. Indeed, the roof canvas will only stretch or deform permanently and, in extreme cases, the roof canvas may even tear. If the roof canvas is deformed or torn, it must obviously be replaced, which often turns out to be a costly and time-consuming episode.

[0010] Terrace coverings are well known which comprise beams which are fixed to the roof fabric to form a roof fabric which can be folded up like a harmonica. A disadvantage here is that it involves a lot of sewing work to fix the beams to the roof fabric, as these are actually sections of fabric located between the beams. Another disadvantage is that the roof fabric does not appear to be well stretched, but has folds, and in the folded state a thick bundle of fabric and beams remains visible.

[0011] Terrace coverings are also known which have water-permeable areas above a gutter. However, these terrace coverings have the disadvantage that the water only flows through the gutter when the roof fabric is completely unrolled and the water-permeable areas are therefore above the gutter. This type of covering also has the disadvantage that the water always tends to flow away from the water-permeable areas, in such a way that it is not possible to completely guarantee a "pocket formation".

[0012] Other existing terrace coverings have water-permeable areas and a drain in the center of the roof fabric, where water will want to accumulate. Coverings of this type have the disadvantage that the drain in the center of the roof fabric obstructs the view and that water can end up in a central position under the roof fabric when the drain is blocked or that water can infiltrate if a drain made of textile coated with a waterproof coating is used. This is because this type of textile coated with a water-repellent coating does not prove to be completely waterproof in practice. In addition, complex tension elements are required which are able to anticipate very quickly the change in the load that is exerted in more extreme weather conditions.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to remedy at least one of the drawbacks which have been mentioned above, as well as others.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to a terrace covering which comprises a support structure which is provided with a roof canvas which can be rolled up and unrolled, in which a free edge of the roof fabric is provided with a movable front bar, with the characteristic feature that the terrace covering is provided with at least two beams which can be moved independently of the roof fabric and below the roof fabric, in such a way that the roof fabric can be at least supported by means of these beams when the roof fabric is at least partly unrolled, in which the roof fabric, at the projecting edges which are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the front bar, is provided with tensioning elements which are intended to keep the roof fabric in a taut state.

[0015] A terrace covering according to the invention offers the advantage that the movable beams support and / or push the roof fabric upwards, which means that no "pocket formation" can occur when the roof fabric is in a fully or partially unrolled state. Consequently, the roof fabric can no longer stretch, deform or tear in the event of rain, hail, snowfall or the like. The water runs off immediately with minimal accumulation.

[0016] Unlike the well-known systems of the prior art, which evacuate the water where the water will want to accumulate and where the "water pocket" forms, the movable beams according to the invention will oppose the "pocket formation" and will push the water in the direction of the edges of the roof canvas.

[0017] Since the beams are movable, they do not constitute a visible obstacle when the roof canvas is rolled up. The appearance from the outside when the roof canvas is rolled up is therefore fully preserved.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the tensioning element is positioned, at a first projecting edge of the roof fabric, lower than at the second opposite projecting edge, in such a way that the roof fabric slopes in the direction of the first projecting edge, and in which the roof fabric is provided with water-permeable zones at a distance D from the first projecting edge.

[0019] These tensioning elements are present to maintain the roof fabric in a taut state. The first projecting edge, which is positioned lower than the second opposite projecting edge, creates a slope of the roof fabric, which allows water to drain in the direction of the water-permeable areas.

[0020] Alternatively, the movable beams that have been mentioned above may also be curved and positioned in such a way that the beams in question push the roof fabric away from the ground by forming a bulge, in such a way that water is evacuated in the direction of the first and second projecting edges. In this case, it is not necessary to ensure that the first projecting edge is positioned lower than the second projecting edge. In such a case, the first projecting edge and the second projecting edge may also be located at the same height. This is because the curvature of the beams forces the roof fabric upwards, away from the ground, in such a way that the water flows in the direction of both the first and second projecting edges.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the front bar is driven by a motor for its movement and the front bar is mechanically coupled to a first movable beam, either directly or, for example, by means of a cord, cable or similar device. In this way, the movement of the front bar also causes the movement of the first beam. The roof fabric and the beams can thus share the same drive, which reduces costs.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the rolling up or unrolling of the roof canvas and the movement of the beams take place together, in a directed or controlled manner and in the same direction.

[0023] The rolling up or unrolling of the roof canvas can take place in a synchronized manner with the movement of the beams or it is also possible to have the beams move step by step, while the roof canvas rolls up or unrolls continuously. In the latter case, for example, the first beam can only be moved when the roof canvas has already been partially unrolled and the second beam can only be moved when the first beam has already been moved to a certain extent.

[0024] Rainwater falling on the roof canvas is preferably discharged in a direction parallel to the movable beams. Since the beams are moved at an inclination in their lengthwise direction, in the (at least partially) unrolled state of the roof canvas, so to speak "small gutters" are formed in the roof canvas approximately halfway between the beams and also parallel to the beams.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable beams are coupled to each other by a cord, cable or the like, in such a way that a movement of the first beam causes a movement of the second beam when the distance between the first beam and the second beam is greater than the length of the cord, as measured between the first beam and the second beam. Of course, in the case of more than two beams, a cord is also provided between the second and the third beam, between the third and the fourth beam, and so on.

[0026] The cord between the first and second beams (and when there are more than two beams, also between the second and third beams, and so on) preferably runs from the second beam in the direction of the first beam during unwinding of the roof canvas and vice versa during rolling up of the roof canvas. It follows that, when the roof canvas is rolled up and when the distance between the beams is minimal, the cord between the first and second beam is located mainly in or at the second beam.

[0027] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, a center distance B between the beams is set when the roof canvas is unrolled, which is between 50 and 120 centimeters, but more preferably between 60 and 100 centimeters, and ideally it amounts to approximately 80 centimeters.

[0028] Such values of the distance B make it possible to obtain an optimal compromise between sufficient upward thrust and / or support of the roof canvas, on the one hand, and a material cost which is not excessive, on the other hand.

[0029] It goes without saying that when the distance B is small, there are more beams and therefore the material cost is increased, whereas when the distance B is large, the risks of "pocket formation" and therefore of permanent deformation or tearing of the roof fabric are increased. The values mentioned above for the distance B guarantee sufficient and rapid evacuation of water, in such a way that the roof fabric is hardly or only slightly subjected to mechanical stress by the water falling on it.

[0030] In the unrolled state, the angle of inclination of the roof canvas is between 0.5° and 5°, preferably between 1° and 3° and ideally 1.5°.

[0031] Such degrees of inclination ensure sufficient and rapid drainage of rainwater that ends up on the roof canvas, while at the same time making it possible to obtain a roof canvas that is visually pleasing and yet practically horizontal. In addition, these low degrees of inclination ensure that the front bar cannot hang too low in the case of large terrace coverings.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned water-permeable areas are provided as perforations or meshes in the roof fabric.

[0033] Preferably, at least one water-permeable zone is provided for every two beams, at least one water-permeable zone being provided in each case approximately halfway between two beams. Alternatively, the water-permeable zones may also extend over the entire length of the roof fabric. The length of the roof fabric is thus defined as the distance of the roof fabric in the unrolled state, as measured parallel to the first projecting edge.

[0034] The distance D mentioned above is preferably between 1 and 15 centimeters; more preferably, it is between 3 and 8 centimeters and ideally it is between 5 and 6 centimeters.

[0035] This distance D generally represents the distance at which the "pocketing" begins to manifest itself. In other words, it is generally the lowest point of the roof fabric, when water is present on the roof fabric and, by Therefore, it makes sense to plan the permeable zones exactly at this location. Where water will accumulate, it must obviously be evacuated as quickly as possible.

[0036] Preferably, a gutter is also provided for the evacuation of water, below the water-permeable areas, in such a way that the surface below the terrace covering remains dry.

[0037] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided, on the sides of the beams which are oriented in the direction of the roof fabric, a guiding or protective layer which will reduce the friction between the roof fabric and the beams in order to maximize the service life of the roof fabric.

[0038] Preferably, the guiding or protective layer mentioned above mainly comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0039] In order to better indicate the characteristics of the invention, a preferred embodiment of a terrace covering according to the invention is described below, by way of example and without any limiting character, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0040] [Fig.l] schematically represents in perspective a terrace covering according to the invention with a partially unrolled roof canvas;

[0041] [Fig.2] represents a view taken in accordance with arrow F2 of [Fig.l];

[0042] [Fig.3] shows a cross-sectional view of the terrace covering of the [Fig.l], taken according to line III-III.

[0043] [Fig.4] shows the terrace covering of [Fig.l] with the roof canvas fully rolled up;

[0044] [Fig.5] shows the terrace covering of [Fig.l] with the roof canvas fully rolled up;

[0045] [Fig.6] represents a view taken in accordance with arrow F6 of [Fig.l], in which the roof canvas and the movable beams are shown in transparency;

[0046] [Fig.7] represents a variant of a terrace covering according to the invention;

[0047] [Fig.8] represents a view taken in accordance with arrow F8 of [Fig.7].

[0048] The terrace covering 1 shown in [Fig.l] comprises, in this case, two longitudinal beams 2A, 2B parallel to each other and two transverse beams 3A, 3B parallel to each other, which are coupled to each other to form a rectangular-shaped support structure 4. The support structure 4 is, in this example, supported at the corners by four posts 5.

[0049] It goes without saying that the number of posts 5 and the position of the posts 5 may differ. Furthermore, the terrace covering 1 may be mounted against a gable using, for example, a longitudinal beam 2A, 2B and / or a transverse beam 3A, 3B.

[0050] The terrace covering 1 is further provided with a roof canvas 6 which can be rolled up and unrolled, which in this case can be rolled up and unrolled in the direction of the opposite transverse beam 3B. The unrolling of the roof canvas 6 is therefore done in the direction indicated by the arrow A, as can be seen in [Fig.l]. However, it is not excluded to embed the roof canvas 6 in a longitudinal beam 2A, 2B and to unroll it in the direction of an opposite longitudinal beam 2A, 2B.

[0051] In the present case, the roof canvas 6 is integrated into the transverse beam 3A, but it can also, as a variant, be integrated into the opposite transverse beam 3B or even between the transverse beams 3A, 3B.

[0052] In the example shown, a free end or a free edge of the roof canvas 6 is provided with a front bar 7 which is guided with its front ends in guides 8 which are provided for this purpose in the longitudinal beams 2A, 2B and which can slide or roll in these guides 8.

[0053] In order to keep the roof canvas 6 in a taut state, the terrace covering 1 is also provided with tension elements 9 which are located at the projecting edges 10A, 10B which are oriented in the transverse direction relative to the front bar 7. In the example shown, the tension elements 9 are therefore located between the longitudinal beams 2A, 2B and the projecting edges 10A, 10B of the roof canvas 6.

[0054] These tension elements 9 are positioned, at a first projecting edge 10A lower than at a second projecting edge 10B. In practice, this can also mean that a longitudinal beam 2A is positioned lower than the opposite projecting beam 2B, but this is obviously not necessary.

[0055] The projecting edges 10A, 10B represent the edges of the roof canvas 6 which are connected to the tensioning elements 9.

[0056] This feature has the effect of subjecting the roof canvas 6 to an inclination when it is fully or partially unrolled. In the relevant example of [Fig.l], the tensioning elements 9 of the second projecting edge 10B are placed higher than the tensioning elements 9 of the first projecting edge 10A, in such a way that the roof canvas 6 is inclined downwards in the direction indicated by the arrow B. The water which consequently ends up on the unrolled part of the roof canvas 6 will therefore also flow in the direction indicated by the arrow B.

[0057] In the view shown in [Fig.2], it can be seen that beams 11 are present below the roof canvas 6, which support the roof canvas 6 and which prevent the formation of a pocket in the event of heavy rain. However, these beams 11 can move freely below the roof canvas 6 and are straight in this case.

[0058] The movable beams 11 may not be connected to the roof fabric 6 in any way. A user, a rain sensor or a weather forecast may then instruct the beams 11 to move below the roof fabric 6 in the event of heavy rain and push upwards or support the roof fabric 6, thereby preventing the formation of a pocket or tearing of the roof fabric 6. In this case, the movable beams 11 are self-propelled, or at least a first beam 11A is driven, and the other beams 11 are coupled to the first beam 11A.

[0059] Alternatively, the first beam 11A may also be mechanically connected to the front bar 7, as in the example shown in [Fig.2] and in [Fig.6], in such a way that a movement of the front bar 7 causes a movement of the first beam 11A. The first beam 11A is then connected to a second beam 11B, which is in turn connected to a third beam 11C, and so on.

[0060] In the cross-sectional view of the longitudinal beam 2A shown in [Fig. 3], it can be seen that the roof fabric 6 is provided with water-permeable areas 12 at a distance D from the first projecting edge 10A. A gutter 13 is provided below the water-permeable areas 12, which in this case is mounted against the longitudinal beam 2A. The drops 14 shown schematically in [Fig. 3] show how the water is drained away. The water that ends up on the roof fabric 6 flows under the influence of the slope a in the direction of the water-permeable areas 12, where the water flows through the roof fabric 6 via these water-permeable areas 12 and is collected in the gutter 13 provided for this purpose.

[0061] Due to the fact that the roof canvas 6 is supported by the movable beams 11, the inclination can remain relatively limited, for example by forming an angle of 0.5° to 5°; in the example shown, this angle of inclination amounts to 1.5°. In fact, the water must be evacuated less quickly than in the case of traditional terrace coverings.

[0062] The distance D, between the geometric centers of the water-permeable zones 12 and the first projecting edge 10A, amounts in this case to five centimeters, but can vary between one and fifteen centimeters in practice.

[0063] The water-permeable areas 12 may be made in the form of perforations 12, as shown in [Fig. 3], but, alternatively, they may also be made in the form of meshes. A combination of perforations 12 and meshes is also not inconceivable.

[0064] The orientation of the strip of water-permeable zones 12, more precisely parallel to the longitudinal beams 2A, 2B, and therefore parallel to the direction of unrolling of the roof canvas 6, makes it possible to guarantee at all times the evacuation of rainwater which ends up on the roof canvas 6, even when the roof canvas 6 is only partially unrolled.

[0065] In the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 3], the guides 8 can also be distinguished in which the front ends of the beams 11, and if applicable the front bar 7, can slide or move. For this purpose, these front ends are provided, for example, with small wheels or roller bearings which can be rotated in these guides 8, in such a way that the beams 11 can be moved smoothly. These guides 8 can be located both above and below the roof fabric 6 and the tensioning elements 10A.

[0066] In [Fig.4], it can be seen that the terrace covering 1 provides a fully open structure when the roof fabric 6 is fully rolled up. The beams 11 are all positioned next to each other and against each other, in such a way that a bundle is formed which is arranged next to the transverse beam 3A, in which the rolled up roof fabric 6 is provided.

[0067] In [Fig.5], on the other hand, the roof canvas 6 is fully unrolled, while the beams 11 are spaced from each other so as to provide maximum support to the roof canvas 6. The center distance between the beams 11 amounts, in this example, to 80 centimeters, but in practice this distance between the beams 11 can vary between 50 and 120 centimeters.

[0068] The roof canvas 6 forms, so to speak, gutters in the center, between two beams 11, which evacuate the rainwater in the direction of the water-permeable zones 12, under the influence of the inclination of the roof canvas 6.

[0069] The rainwater on the roof canvas 6 is thus evacuated parallel to the movable beams 11.

[0070] In the plan view shown in [Fig.6], the roof canvas 6 and the movable beams 11 are shown transparently, in such a way that the reciprocal mechanical connection between the front bar 7 and the beams 11 is made more visible.

[0071] In this example, in fact only the front bar 7 is driven, for example by an electric motor not shown and by a chain, a belt or a cord. The first beam 11A is, in this example, coupled to the front bar 7, in such a way that any movement of the front bar 7 causes a movement of the first beam 11A.

[0072] In this example, the movable beams 11 are connected to each other by a cord 15 or the like, in such a way that any movement of the first beam 11A causes a movement of the second beam 11B when the distance between the first beam 11A and the second beam 11B is greater than the length of the cord 15, as measured between the first beam 11A and the second beam 11B, and so on.

[0073] In practice, this means that when the roof canvas 6 is unrolled from the fully rolled-up position in the direction indicated by the arrow A, the front bar 7 and the first beam 11A coupled thereto move together with the roof canvas 6.

[0074] Initially, only the front bar 7 and the first beam 11A coupled to it move.

[0075] Furthermore, between the first beam 11A and the second beam 11B, there is the cord 15 mentioned above, which ensures that, when the distance between the first beam 11A and the second beam 11B is as great as the length of the cord 15 between these beams 11, and when the cord 15 is consequently fully stretched, any further movement of the first beam 11A via the cord 15 will move or pull the second beam 11B with it.

[0076] The same of course applies to the movement of the cord 15 between the second beam 11A and a third beam 1 IC, and between the third beam 1 IC and a fourth beam 11D, and so on.

[0077] During the rolling up of the roof canvas 6, initially only the front bar 7 and the first beam 11A coupled to it move again, but of course in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow A. It is only when the first beam 11A comes into contact with the second beam 11B that the first beam 11A in some way pushes the second beam 11B in the opposite direction of the arrow A. Then, when the roof canvas 6 continues to roll up, the second beam 11B comes into contact with the third beam 11C and the first beam 11A, the second beam 11B and the third beam 11C will move together, and so on.

[0078] In this example, the movement of the beams 11 is therefore not done continuously, but step by step. Consequently, the winding and unwinding of the roof canvas 6, as well as the movement of the beams 11 take place in a controlled manner and in the same direction.

[0079] Thanks to the transparent representation of [Fig. 6], it can be clearly seen that, in this example, two cords 15 are provided each time between the movable beams 11, while being spaced from each other in such a way that the beams 11 can move smoothly and parallel to the front bar 7 and cannot become skewed and block the movement.

[0080] In this example, it can be seen that the two cords 15 between the first beam 1 IA and the second beam 1 1B are fixed with one of their ends to the first beam 1 IA and with the other end to the second beam 1 1B by means of a spring 16 or by means of a winding system 17.

[0081] In this way, the two cords 15 mentioned above unwind from the second beam 11B in the direction of the first beam 11A when unwinding the roof canvas 6 and the cords 15 wind from the first beam 11A in the direction of the second beam 11B when winding the roof canvas 6.

[0082] The same applies to the second beam 1 IB and the third beam 1 IC: the cords 15 unwind from the third beam 1 IC in the direction of the second beam 1 IB and wind from the second beam 1 IB in the direction of the third beam 1 IC, and so on.

[0083] The winding system 17 prevents the cords 15 from forming a loop when the roof canvas 6 is not completely unrolled.

[0084] In this example, the beams 11, with the exception of the first beam 1 IA, which obviously does not need it, and the third beam 1 IC in which an alternative system is provided, are provided with two winding systems 17, i.e. one winding system 17 per cord 15. A winding system 17 of this type may be a drum 17 which is tensioned by means of a torsion spring and which thus keeps the cord 15 tensioned at all times.

[0085] Alternatively, the winding systems 17 may be replaced by another spring system 16 comprising a spring 16 which keeps the cords 15 well tensioned, as shown in the transparent view of the third beam 1 IC. The choice of the winding systems 17 or the spring system 16 in the beams 11 is completely arbitrary in this example.

[0086] The spring 16 mentioned above in the third beam 1 IC is tensioned during the unwinding of the roof canvas 6, so that the third beam 1 IC, via the cords 15, wants to pull the second beam 1 IB towards it during the winding of the roof canvas 6, so that the cords 15 concerned are always well tensioned and do not form loops.

[0087] Even if the beams 11 of the example of [Fig. 6] are hollow and if the winding systems 17 and / or the spring systems 16 are incorporated in the beams 11, this is not necessary. Alternatively, the winding systems 17 and / or the spring systems 16 could, for example, be provided below the beams 11, in a separate cassette or the like.

[0088] In the example of [Fig.6], the upper sides of the beams 11, i.e. the sides of the beams 11 which are oriented in the direction of the roof fabric 6, are provided with a guide layer 18 or a protective layer 18 which reduces the friction between the roof fabric 6 and the beams in order to avoid wear of the roof fabric 6.

[0089] In the example, this guide layer 18 or protective layer 18 mainly comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0090] The variant shown in [Fig.7] is similar to the variant described above, but differs mainly in the shape of the movable beams 11 used. In this variant, the movable beams 11 are not straight, but curved or bent, with the exception of the front bar 7. The curvature of these beams 11 is best seen in the view shown in [Fig.8].

[0091] In Figures 7 and 8, the roof canvas 6 is fully unrolled. The beams 11 can move freely below the roof canvas 6.

[0092] The curved beams are oriented with their convex side in the direction of the roof canvas 6 and support the roof canvas 6, in such a way that, when the roof canvas 6 is at least partly unrolled, the roof canvas 6 primarily follows the curved shape of the beams 11 and takes on a domed configuration, in such a way that the water runs off more quickly.

[0093] In this variant, the support structure 4 can be positioned completely horizontally. The longitudinal beams 2A, 2B or the transverse beams 3A, 3B therefore do not have to be inclined, because the configuration of the roof canvas 6 in a curved shape, which is obtained thanks to the curved beams 11, ensures that the water drains in the direction of the water-permeable zones 12.

[0094] In this example, the beams 11 are curved or bent in such a way that the center of each beam 11 deviates ninety millimeters from the geometric central straight line that connects the ends of each beam 11. In other words, the pre-bend of these curved beams 11 is 90 millimeters at rest, when no external force is exerted on them.

[0095] In practice, however, the pre-bending can vary between 60 and 120 millimeters.

[0096] An important advantage of the variant having curved beams 11 is that the distance between the beams 11 can be greater than in the variant having straight beams 11, as described above.

[0097] Thus, the distance between the beams 11 in this example is 120 centimeters, but in practice, it is not excluded that this distance could be as high as 150 centimeters.

[0098] A further difference from the variant described above, which has straight beams 11, is that in this embodiment the water is discharged in the direction of both the first projecting edge 10A and the second projecting edge 10B, in the direction indicated by the arrows B. The water-permeable areas 12 are therefore located in this case both at a distance D from the first projecting edge 10A and at a distance D from the second projecting edge 10B, in such a way that a gutter 13 is also provided at the height of the two projecting sides 10A, 10B of the covering 1.

[0099] These movable beams 11 can either always be oriented with their convex side in the direction of the roof canvas 6, both in the rolled-up and unrolled state of the roof canvas 6, or, alternatively, be folded in the rolled-up state of the roof canvas 6 and erected vertically in the (partially) unrolled state of the roof canvas 6. In the folded state, the beams 11 can be subjected to rotation, for example by forming an angle of 45°, 90°, 135° or 180°, relative to the beams 11 in the vertically erected state. These beams 11 can be erected vertically after or during their movement, automatically or not.

[0100] Alternatively, in relation to curved or bent beams 11, the beams 11 could also be straight; at this time, on the side of the beams 11 which is oriented in the direction of the roof cloth 6 and approximately in the center of the beams 11, an object, a small block or the like of a determined height is placed in such a way that the roof cloth 6 is pushed upwards approximately in the center of the beams 11.

[0101] Although the figures show a self-supporting terrace covering 1, the invention is not limited thereto. The invention also relates to terrace coverings 1 which are mounted with one or more sides against a facade. It is also clear that the number of posts 5 which support the support structure 4 can vary within the framework of different embodiments.

[0102] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment which has been described and shown in the figures by way of example; on the contrary, a terrace covering according to the invention can be implemented in all kinds of shapes and dimensions without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Terrace covering which comprises a supporting structure (4) comprising a roof fabric (6) which can be rolled up and unrolled, wherein a free edge of the roof fabric (6) is provided with a movable front bar (7), characterized in that the terrace covering (1) is provided with at least two beams (11) which are separate from the roof fabric (6) and which can be moved below the roof fabric (6) in such a way that the roof fabric (6) can be at least supported by these beams (11) when the roof fabric (6) is at least partly unrolled, wherein the roof fabric (6), at the projecting edges (10A, 10B) which are oriented in the transverse direction relative to the front bar (7), is provided with tensioning elements (9) which are intended to keep the roof fabric (6) taut.

2. Terrace covering according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least two beams (11) are made with a curved shape configuration, such that, in the assembled state, the curved beams (11) are oriented with their convex sides in the direction of the roof fabric (6) and support and / or push upwards the roof fabric (6), in such a way that, when the roof fabric (6) is at least partly unrolled, the roof fabric (6) primarily follows the curved shape configuration of the beams (11).

3. Terrace covering according to claim 2, characterized in that the roof canvas (6), at a distance D from a first projecting edge (10A) and a second projecting edge (10B) is provided with water-permeable zones (12).

4. Terrace covering according to claim 1, characterized in that the tensioning element (9) is positioned at the first projecting edge (10A) of the roof fabric (6) lower than at the second opposite projecting edge (10B), so that the roof fabric (6) is inclined in the direction of the first projecting edge (10A), and wherein the roof fabric (6) is provided with water-permeable zones (12) at a distance D from the first projecting edge (10A).

5. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned front bar (7) is driven and a first movable beam (1 IA) is coupled thereto, in such a way that a displacement of the front bar (7) causes a displacement of the first beam (1 IA).

6. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling up or unrolling of the roof canvas (6) and the movement of the beams (11) take place by means of a joint control and in the same direction.

7. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that rainwater on the roof canvas (6) is discharged in a direction which is parallel to the movable beams (H).

8. A terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable beams (11) are coupled to each other by a cord (15) or the like, in such a way that a movement of the first beam (1 IA) causes a movement of a second beam (1 IB) when the distance between the first beam (1 IA) and the second beam (1 IB) is greater than the length of the cord (15), as measured between the first beam (1 IA) and the second beam (1 IB), and so on.

9. Terrace covering according to claim 8, characterized in that the cord (15) is unwound from the second beam (1 1B) in the direction of the first beam (1 1A) during the unwinding of the roof canvas (6) and in that the cord (15) is wound from the first beam (1 1A) in the direction of the second beam (1 1B) during the winding of the roof canvas (6).

10. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the cord (15) between the first beam (11 A) and the second beam (1 IB) is provided with a spring (16) between the cord (15) and the second beam (1 IB), in such a way that the spring (16) is tensioned during the unwinding of the roof canvas (6), so much so that the second beam (1 IB), via the cord (15), pulls the first beam (1 IA) towards it during the winding of the roof canvas (6).

11. Terrace covering according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, during the rolling up of the roof canvas (6), when the first beam (1 IA) moves in the direction of the second beam (1 IB), the cord (15) is wound by means of a winding system (17), in such a way that the cord (15) is always subjected to mechanical tension.

12. Terrace covering according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the spring (16) and / or the winding system (17) are incorporated in the movable beams (11).

13. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance B between the beams (11) in the unrolled state of the roof canvas (6) is between 50 and 150 centimeters, preferably between 60 and 120 centimeters and ideally amounts to 80 centimeters.

14. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inclination formed by the roof canvas (6) in the unrolled state has an angle which is between 0.5 and 5°, preferably between 1 and 3° and ideally amounts to

15. 1.J. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water-permeable zones (12) are produced in the form of perforations (12) or meshes in the roof fabric (6).

16. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance D mentioned above is between 1 and 15 centimeters, preferably between 3 and 8 centimeters and ideally amounts to a value of 5 to 6 centimeters.

17. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, below the permeable zones (12), a gutter (13) is provided for the evacuation of water.

18. Terrace covering according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the sides of the beams (11) which are oriented in the direction of the roof fabric (6) a guide layer (18) or protective layer (18) is applied which reduces the friction between the roof fabric (6) and the beams (11).

19. Terrace covering according to claim 18, characterized in that the guide layer (18) or the protective layer (18) mentioned above comprises, as a main component, polyvinyl chloride.

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