COVER DEVICE WITH IMPROVED MOUNTING

Abstract

A covering apparatus (10) having at least one upper structure (12) provided with at least one water flow element (19), a plurality of first covering elements (14) attached to the upper structure (12) to define its intermediate compartments (18), and a plurality of second covering elements (15) movable relative to the first covering elements (14) between at least one covering operating condition, or open condition, in which they prevent, or define desired direct or indirect passages, of light and / or air or other atmospheric agents;the water flow element (19) comprising at least one containment edge (25) provided with a mounting edge (26) configured to define at least a plurality of first portions (27) operatively cooperating with corresponding lower surfaces (21) of the first cover elements (14), and a plurality of second portions (28), offset from the first portions (27) and extended inside the corresponding intermediate compartments (18). Fig. 3;

Description

Title of the invention: COVERING APPARATUS WITH IMPROVED MOUNTING

[0001] SCOPE OF APPLICATION

[0002] The present invention refers to a solar covering apparatus, such as a pergola or other structure for the exterior, with a covering and possibly lateral protection function, intended for a civil application mainly integrating residential areas, but also commercial, exhibition or public areas.

[0003] The pergola is provided with an upper structure with which covering elements cooperate, which generally determine a desired condition of direct or indirect radiation, that is to say of selective passage of air, light and water, in the area located below the upper structure.

[0004] The pergola can also be provided with side covers, possibly sliding, such as curtains, panels or bay windows, which allow closure and therefore insulation from the external environment. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] It is known that a pergola-type covering apparatus typically comprises a lower support structure, formed of a plurality of vertical structural support elements, also called uprights, adapted to support, at a certain height, from the ground, an upper structure having the shape of a quadrangular frame. This upper structure is generally composed of support elements, typically horizontal or moderately inclined in the order of 5° to 20°, relative to the ground, also called supports. In some cases, one side may be missing from said frame, so that the upper support structure is essentially U-shaped. Alternatively, the upper support structure may also be partly fixed to fixed support elements, for example to one or more walls of a building.

[0006] In all cases, upper cover elements, or slats, advantageously movable relative to each other are operatively associated with the upper structure so as to define at least one closing operating condition which corresponds to a covering condition, in which they are essentially adjacent to each other and define a true "roof" of the structure, and a plurality of opening conditions, which correspond to respective unveiling conditions, in which they are spaced from each other so as to define relative compartments, more or less wide, for the passage of light and / or air, or other atmospheric agents.

[0007] These solutions allow the modulation of the intensity and power of the light and / or air that one wishes to bring into the pergola.

[0008] Among the various solutions for the reciprocal handling of the slats, there are known, for example, those in which a plurality of first slats are provided, fixed relative to the structure and cooperating laterally with the collection gutters, and a plurality of second slats movable relative to the first slats, by means of a handling profile sliding above the gutters, so as to assume at least one essentially offset condition of coverage and at least one partially stacked condition of passage of light and air.

[0009] In these solutions, depending on the depth dimension of the upper structure, i.e. the dimension along which the slats are distributed, a determined reciprocal spacing is chosen, at least between the first fixed slats, by determining the corresponding compartments for normal passage of light, direct or indirect, i.e. air. These compartments can be selectively closed by deliberately moving the second movable slats.

[0010] One of the main difficulties encountered during assembly is to guarantee correct and repeatable positioning of the fixed slats, i.e. all at the same pitch relative to the upper structure. This positioning requirement arises from the fact that a variation in the mounting pitch of the fixed slats could lead, in certain intermediate phases between opening and closing, to inconstant light leaks between the different slats of the system, up to incomplete closure of the cover.

[0011] Furthermore, for good management of rainwater flow, the fixed slats protrude with their ends inside the gutters, so as to discharge the accumulated water directly inside the latter. These solutions, for both aesthetic and functional needs, provide for placing the lower surface of the fixed slats on an upper edge of the gutter, so as to avoid accidental water leaks, and to define a "clean" aesthetic impact, that is to say in which only the junction edge between the visible surfaces remains visible, as is the case between a wall and a ceiling of a room.

[0012] However, since the fixed slats are spaced apart from each other, this type of assembly defines an opening at the intermediate compartments between the slats, extending in height, at least, up to the handling plane of the movable slats. This opening partially cancels out the hydraulic precautions for mounting the fixed slats relative to the gutter, which could allow accidental splashing of water inside the covered area of ​​the pergola.

[0013] It is therefore necessary to improve a covering device which can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the known technique.

[0014] In particular, one of the aims of the present invention is to provide a covering apparatus capable of allowing broad management of the modulation of the passage of light and / or air, direct or indirect, and, at the same time, of ensuring either correct and facilitated reciprocal assembly of at least the fixed slats, or effective hydraulic sealing, in particular in the condition of covering the covering elements.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to develop a covering apparatus which is simple and economical to produce, and which does not alter the aesthetic impact of the covering apparatus.

[0016] To overcome the disadvantages of the known art and to achieve these additional aims and advantages, the applicant has studied, experimented and made the present invention. Statement of the invention

[0017] The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose further features of the present invention or variations of the main solution idea.

[0018] In accordance with said aims, a covering apparatus according to the present invention is of the type having at least one upper structure, which is supported by a plurality of support elements or uprights, so as to maintain it at a desired height relative to the support plane.

[0019] The upper structure is provided with at least one water flow element, or gutter, a plurality of first cover elements, or fixed slats, mounted at a certain pitch on the upper structure to define its intermediate compartments and in lateral cooperation with the gutter, and a corresponding plurality of second cover elements, or movable slats, each of which is coupled with at least one of its first ends to a handling profile. The latter is slidable relative to the gutter to carry out the selective handling of the movable slats, relative to the fixed slats.

[0020] In particular, this selective handling allows different reciprocal positionings between the fixed slats and the movable slats, so as to define at least one opening condition in which desired direct or indirect passages are defined, of light and / or air through the upper structure and a covering condition, in which each movable slat is arranged offset from each fixed slat, and defines at least one overlapping portion with at least one of the adjacent fixed slats. In this covering condition, the reciprocal positioning of the fixed slats and the movable slats, as described, essentially prevents the passage of light and / or air, through the upper structure.

[0021] More generally, by reciprocal positioning, it is meant that each covering element, or slat, takes different positions relative to the others, both individually and in groups, just as this element can remain stationary or move at different speeds relative to the others, in order to define said opening conditions or the covering condition.

[0022] An example is that the first and second groups move in a coordinated manner, always to define said reciprocal positioning conditions. Said group can also be defined by a single covering element. In another example, at least one covering element remains stationary in a covering or opening position, while at least one other covering element changes its covering or opening condition or vice versa.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the gutter comprises at least one containment edge equipped with a mounting edge on which the fixed slats are placed, and which is, in turn, configured so as to define at least a plurality of first parts. The latter are operational in a condition of cooperation with the corresponding lower surfaces of the fixed slats.

[0024] Furthermore, still according to the present invention, the configuration of the mounting edge defines a plurality of second portions, which are offset from the first portions and extend into corresponding intermediate compartments, defined between the fixed slats.

[0025] With the solution according to the present invention, the confining edge of the gutter is essentially shaped in relation to the positions provided for the first slats and according to the corresponding intermediate compartments which they define. This shape essentially serves as a guide, or template, for the mounting of the first slats, which can be placed on the mounting edge, according to the relative positions of the first and second parts.

[0026] In this way, one of the main difficulties encountered during assembly is fundamentally resolved, since it is possible to guarantee correct and repeatable positioning of the fixed slats, i.e. all at the same pitch with respect to the upper structure, simply by following the first and second parts, as provided on the assembly edge.

[0027] This aspect of the solution according to the present invention essentially makes it possible to avoid accidental variation in the mounting pitch of the fixed slats, thus avoiding unwanted light leaks and possible complete closures of the cover.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, each first part is configured to cooperate with two third parts, for example provided laterally, in a manner to define at least one mounting site, for the positioning of a corresponding fixed slat.

[0029] This advantageous solution defines an additional ease of assembly and positioning of the fixed slats, in relation to the gutter.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the mounting edge comprises at least a plurality of third portions, which operatively cooperate with the corresponding side surfaces of the fixed slats.

[0031] In this way, each of the fixed slats is essentially bypassed in its lower area by the first and third parts of the mounting edge, thus facilitating the unique and reproducible identification of the correct positioning of the fixed slats themselves, relative to the gutter.

[0032] According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the first part has a first length L1 corresponding essentially to a transverse width TW of each of the fixed slats, so that each first part cooperates essentially with the entire lower surface of the corresponding fixed slat.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, each of said second portions has a second length L2 corresponding essentially to the lateral dimension LD of each intermediate compartment, so that the containment edge essentially covers the entire intermediate compartment. In this way, accidental splashing of water will be essentially prevented from spilling into the area covered by the covering apparatus.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second parts are in a condition of operatively cooperating with the lower surfaces of the movable slats, at least when the latter are in a covering operating condition, relative to the fixed slats.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first part and the third part are mutually inclined and in essential continuity with each other, and, in turn, the second part and the third part are also mutually inclined and in essential continuity with each other, to define a broken line evolution.

[0036] In an advantageous solution of the present invention, the third part is essentially orthogonal to both the first part and the second part, to define an essentially Greek evolution of the mounting edge.

[0037] According to another aspect of the solution according to the present invention, the confinement edge is arranged in view and comprises a lower zone delimited above by the first part of the mounting edge, and an upper zone obtained in continuity with the lower zone and delimited, above, by the second part and, laterally, by two opposite third parts.

[0038] ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] [Fig.l] illustrates an axonometric view of a covering apparatus according to the present invention, in a first operating condition;

[0041] [Fig.2] illustrates an axonometric view of the covering apparatus of [Fig.l], in a second operating condition;

[0042] [Fig. 3] illustrates an enlarged and partially sectioned detail of the apparatus of [Fig. 1], in an intermediate operating condition;

[0043] [Fig.4] illustrates in the enlarged and partial front section the detail of [Fig.3];

[0044] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-section along line VV of [Fig.4]; and

[0045] [Fig.6] illustrates a cross-section along line VLVI of [Fig.4].

[0046] For ease of understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to identify like common elements in the figures. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be suitably combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further specification.

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the appended figures by way of non-limiting example. The phraseology and terminology used herein are also by way of non-limiting example.

[0049] The attached figures refer to a covering device, in this case, a pergola 10 for the exterior.

[0050] The pergola 10 typically comprises and is defined by four vertical uprights 11 shaped to maintain in a desired lifting condition an upper frame 12, the latter formed essentially of four horizontal supports 13.

[0051] Said upper frame 12 is shaped to support a plurality of fixed slats 14 relative to the upper frame 12, and a correlative plurality of movable slats 15 movable relative to the fixed slats 14, which are arranged essentially parallel to each other, so as to occupy the interior space thereof. Furthermore, the movable slats 15, as we will see, always remain at a higher level relative to the fixed slats 14.

[0052] It is not excluded, according to variants not illustrated, that the movable slats 15 may in any case be at a lower level relative to the fixed slats 14, that is to say lead, under certain operating conditions, to a condition of essential coplanarity with the fixed slats 14. It is also not excluded that the two slats 14 and 15 can be moved, for example in opposite directions, or at different speeds, or in different handling conditions and combined with each other, always with the aim of defining the desired conditions of coverage and opening to prevent or define desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air.

[0053] With reference to the appended figures, each of the fixed slats 14 advantageously comprises a lower surface 21 having a transverse width TW and two lateral surfaces 22 determining the lateral size. In this case, each fixed slat 14 comprises two longitudinal drainage shapes 16 on top, which allow the management and flow of water.

[0054] Each of the movable slats 15 comprises a lower surface 23, which is visible in a roofing operating condition, and uppermost a pair of accumulation sites 17 obtained longitudinally and shaped to temporarily contain rainwater.

[0055] As can easily be seen in the preferred solution illustrated in the attached figures, the fixed slats 14 have a different shape and size from the movable slats 15; however, it is not excluded that the slats may have the same shape and size, as well as shapes and sizes different from those specifically illustrated and described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0056] In particular, each fixed slat 14 is fixed longitudinally to opposite supports 13 of the frame 12, by means of a respective fixing profile 24, and is spaced transversely by a certain pitch by an adjacent fixed slat 14. This spacing of the fixed slats 14 defines the corresponding compartments 18 for normal passage of light, direct or indirect, that is to say air, through the frame 12.

[0057] The conformation of the fixing profile 24 and its mounting position on the support 13 are such that the fixed slats 14 are arranged in lateral overhang with their respective gutters 19, each of them being arranged along opposite longitudinal edges of the frame 12, below the fixing profile 24 and open upwards.

[0058] The gutters 19 are hydraulically connected to corresponding rainwater, not illustrated, advantageously integrated in the supports 11, for the evacuation of water to the ground.

[0059] Each movable slat 15 is fixed longitudinally to opposite handling profiles 20, which are associated in a sliding manner and essentially parallel with respect to the fixing profiles 24, to which the fixed slats 14 are fixed. In this way, the slats 14 and 15 are essentially parallel to each other.

[0060] The handling profiles 20 are connected to a linear actuator, of essentially known type and not illustrated in the figures, which determines their movement. selective in one direction or the other, with respect to the supports 13, with which they are associated.

[0061] Each of the movable slats 15 is also transversely spaced by a certain pitch relative to an adjacent movable slat 15. This pitch is not necessarily equal to the pitch of the fixed slats 14 and, on the contrary, it is specifically chosen during the design to fulfill the various functions of managing the modulation of light and the flow of water.

[0062] Although not illustrated and described in detail, the fixed slats 14 and the movable slats 15 comprise two respective seals made of silicone material, which are advantageously arranged along the longitudinal edges and oriented towards the other type of movable slat 15 or fixed slat 14, to define a prevention of accidental leakage of water between the two slats 14 and 15.

[0063] In the illustrated solution, each gutter 19 comprises at least one containment edge 25 operatively arranged in view and in an essentially vertical condition in cooperation with the fixed slats 14. In particular, the containment edge 25 defines a mounting edge 26 which, in the mounted condition, at least partially touches the lower 21 and lateral 22 surfaces of the fixed slats 14.

[0064] The mounting edge 26 has an essentially Greek evolution, defining a plurality of both first parts 27, second parts 28 and third parts 29, in this case in an essential continuity between them. As shown in the attached figures, the first parts 27, the second parts 28 and the third parts 29 are mutually orthogonal.

[0065] In the illustrated solution, each of the first parts 27 cooperates operatively with the lower surface 21 of the corresponding fixed slat 14 and has a first length L1 corresponding essentially to a transverse width TW of each fixed slat 14.

[0066] The second parts 28 are offset, in height with respect to the appended figures, with respect to the first parts 27 and extend inside the intermediate compartments 18. In the illustrated solution, the second parts 28 extend essentially to the upper wire of the fixed slats 14, even if it is not excluded that they can remain below this illustrated limit, as well as arrive in cooperation with the lower surfaces 23 of the movable slats 15.

[0067] Furthermore, each of the second parts 28 has a second length L2, corresponding essentially to the lateral dimension LD of each intermediate compartment 18.

[0068] Each third part 29 is provided in connection between the first part 27 and the second part 28 and cooperates operatively with the corresponding lateral surfaces 22 of the fixed slats 14.

[0069] With this configuration, each first part 27, by cooperating with two adjacent third parts 29, defines at least one mounting site 30, in which the corresponding fixed strip 14 can be housed.

[0070] The confinement edge 25 thus produced comprises a lower zone 31 which extends longitudinally over the entire gutter 19 and which is delimited at the top by the first parts 27 of the mounting edge 25, so as to define either an effective confinement for the water, or an aesthetic condition of mounting with the fixed slats 14.

[0071] The confinement edge 25 further comprises an upper area 32, provided in continuity with the lower area 31 and delimited, above, by the second part 28 and, laterally, two opposite third parts 29, so as to completely cover the intermediate compartment 18.

[0072] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the covering apparatus 10 described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0073] It is also clear that, although this invention has been described with reference to a few specific examples, an expert in the field will be able to realize other equivalent forms of covering apparatus with improved mounting, having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined by them.

[0074] In the following claims, the parenthetical references are for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting factors with respect to the scope of protection underlying the specific claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Covering apparatus (10) having at least one upper structure (12) provided with at least one water flow element (19), a plurality of first cover elements (14) attached to said upper structure (12) to define its intermediate compartments (18), and a plurality of second cover elements (15) movable relative to said first cover elements (14) between at least one cover operating condition, or opening, in which they prevent, or define desired direct or indirect passages, of light and / or air or other atmospheric agents, characterized in that said water flow element (19) comprises at least one containment edge (25) provided with a mounting edge (26) configured to define at least a plurality of first portions (27) operatively cooperating with corresponding lower surfaces (21) of said first cover elements (14),and a plurality of second parts (28), offset from said first parts (27) and extended inside said corresponding intermediate compartments (18).,

2. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said mounting edge (26) comprises at least a plurality of third portions (29) operatively cooperating with corresponding side surfaces (22) of said first covering elements (14).

3. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said first parts (27) is configured to cooperate with two of said third parts (29) to define at least one mounting site (30), for a corresponding one of said first covering elements (14).

4. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first portion (27) has a first length (L1) corresponding essentially to a transverse width (TW) of each of said first covering elements (14).

5. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said second parts (28) has a second length (L2) corresponding essentially to the lateral dimension (LD) of each of said intermediate compartments (18).

6. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first part (27) and said third part (29) are mutually inclined and in essential continuity with each other, to define a broken line evolution.

7. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second part (28) and third part (29) are mutually inclined and in essential continuity with each other to define a broken line evolution.

8. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that said third part (29) is essentially orthogonal to said first part (27).

9. Covering apparatus (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that said third part (29) is essentially orthogonal to said second part (28).

10. Covering apparatus (10) according to either of the preceding claims from 2, characterized in that said containment edge (25) comprises a lower zone (31) delimited above by said first part (27) of said mounting edge (26) and an upper zone (32) provided in continuity with said lower zone (31) and delimited, above, by said second part (28) and, laterally, by two opposite third parts (29).

Images