COVERING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED MOUNTING

Abstract

Cover device (10) having at least one upper structure (12) provided with at least one water flow element (19), a plurality of first cover elements (14) fixed to the upper structure (12) to define its intermediate compartments (18), and a plurality of second cover elements (15) movable relative to the first cover elements (14) between at least one cover operating condition, or opening 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 parts (27) cooperating operationally with corresponding lower surfaces (21) of the first cover elements (14), and a plurality of second parts (28), offset from the first parts (27) and extended within the corresponding intermediate compartments (18). Fig. 3;

Description

Title of the invention: COVERING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED MOUNTING

[0001] SCOPE OF APPLICATION

[0002] The present invention relates to a solar covering device, such as a pergola or other outdoor structure, with a covering and possibly lateral protection function, intended for civil applications mainly including 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, i.e. selective passage of air, light and water, into the area below the upper structure.

[0004] The pergola may also be fitted with side coverings, possibly sliding, such as curtains, panels or glass windows, which allow for closure and therefore insulation from the outside environment. PRIORITY OF THE ART

[0005] It is known that a pergola-type roofing device 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 in the form of a quadrangular frame. This upper structure is generally composed of support elements, typically horizontal or moderately inclined at an angle of 5° to 20° to the ground, also called brackets. In some cases, one side may lack said frame, so that the upper support structure is essentially U-shaped. Alternatively, the upper support structure may also be partially attached to fixed support elements, for example, to one or more walls of a building.

[0006] In all cases, upper covering elements, or slats, advantageously mobile relative to each other, are operationally associated with the upper structure so as to define at least one closed 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 wants to bring into the pergola.

[0008] Among the various solutions for the reciprocal handling of the slats, we know, for example, those in which a plurality of first slats are provided, fixed with respect to the structure and cooperating laterally with the collection gutters, and a plurality of second slats are mobile with respect 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 cover 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 specific reciprocal spacing is chosen, at least between the first fixed slats, thus defining the corresponding compartments for the normal passage of light, direct or indirect, i.e., air. These compartments can be selectively closed by deliberately moving the second set of movable slats.

[0010] One of the main difficulties encountered during assembly is ensuring correct and repeatable positioning of the fixed slats, i.e., all at the same pitch relative to the upper structure. This positioning requirement stems 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 inconsistent light leakage between the different slats of the system, potentially resulting in incomplete closure of the cover.

[0011] Furthermore, for proper rainwater drainage, the fixed slats protrude with their ends inside the gutters, so as to discharge the accumulated water directly into them. These solutions, for both aesthetic and functional purposes, involve placing the lower surface of the fixed slats on an upper edge of the gutter, in order to prevent 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 in a room.

[0012] However, since the fixed slats are spaced apart, this type of assembly creates an opening in the intermediate compartments between the slats, extending vertically, at least, to the handling plane of the movable slats. This opening partially negates the hydraulic precautions taken in mounting the fixed slats in relation to the gutter, potentially allowing accidental water splashes inside the covered area of ​​the pergola.

[0013] It is therefore necessary to improve a covering device that 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 produce a covering device that can allow a wide management of the modulation of the passage of light and / or air, direct or indirect, and, at the same time, ensure either a correct and easy reciprocal assembly of at least the fixed slats, or an effective hydraulic seal, particularly in the condition of covering the covering elements.

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

[0016] To overcome the drawbacks of the known technique and to achieve these additional goals and advantages, the applicant has studied, experimented and implemented the present invention. Description of the invention

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

[0018] In accordance with said objectives, a roofing device 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 drainage element, or gutter, a plurality of first covering elements, or fixed slats, mounted at a certain interval on the upper structure to define its intermediate compartments and in later cooperation with the gutter, and a corresponding plurality of second covering elements, or movable slats, each of which is coupled at least at one of its first ends to a handling profile. The latter slides relative to the gutter to perform selective handling of the movable slats, relative to the fixed slats.

[0020] In particular, this selective handling allows for different reciprocal positionings between the fixed and movable slats, so as to define at least one opening condition in which desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air are defined through the upper structure, and a cover condition in which each movable slat is offset from each fixed slat, and defines at least one overlap with at least one of the adjacent fixed slats. In this cover condition, the reciprocal positioning of the fixed and 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 understood that each cover element, or slat, takes different positions relative to the others, both individually and in groups, as well as that this element can remain stationary or move at different speeds relative to the others, in order to define said opening conditions or the cover condition.

[0022] An example is that the first and second groups move in a coordinated manner, again to define said reciprocal positioning conditions. Said group may also be defined by a single cover element. In another example, at least one cover element remains stationary in a cover or opening position, while at least one other cover element changes its cover 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 to define at least a plurality of first parts. These first parts are operational in a condition of cooperation with the corresponding lower surfaces of the fixed slats.

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

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

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

[0027] This aspect of the solution according to the present invention essentially makes it possible to avoid an 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 such a way 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, compared to the gutter.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the mounting edge comprises at least a plurality of third parts, which cooperate operationally with the corresponding lateral 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, in relation 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 parts 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 splashes of water will essentially prevent them from spilling into the area covered by the cover device.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second parts are in a state of operational cooperation with the lower surfaces of the movable slats, at least when the latter are in a state of cover operation, 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 containment edge is arranged in view and comprises a lower zone delimited superiorly by the first part of the mounting edge, and an upper zone obtained in continuity with the lower zone and delimited, superiorly, by the second part and, laterally, by two opposing third parts.

[0038] ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0040] Fig. 1 illustrates an axonometric view of a covering device according to the present invention, in a first operating condition;

[0041] Fig. 2 illustrates an axonometric view of the cover device of Fig. 1, 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] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section along line VV of Figure 4; and

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

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

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF AN IMPLEMENTATION METHOD

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying 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 posts 11 shaped to maintain in a desired lifting condition an upper frame 12, the latter essentially formed 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 corresponding 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. Furthermore, the movable slats 15, as we shall see, always remain at a higher level relative to the fixed slats 14.

[0052] It is not excluded, according to unillustrated variants, that the movable slats 15 may in any case be at a lower level relative to the fixed slats 14, i.e., 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 under different handling conditions and combined with each other, always with the aim of defining the desired conditions of cover and opening to prevent or define desired direct or indirect passages of light and / or air.

[0053] With reference to the accompanying figures, each of the fixed slats 14 advantageously comprises a lower surface 21 having a transverse width TW and two lateral surfaces 22, thus determining the lateral dimensions. In this case, each fixed slat 14 comprises at its upper end two longitudinal drainage shapes 16, which allow for the management and flow of water.

[0054] Each of the movable slats 15 comprises a lower surface 23, which is visible in a cover operating condition, and above it 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 accompanying 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 different shapes and sizes from those specifically illustrated and described, without going out of the scope of the present invention.

[0056] In particular, each fixed slat 14 is fixed longitudinally to opposing supports 13 of the frame 12 by means of a respective fixing profile 24, and is spaced transversely at a certain interval by an adjacent fixed slat 14. This spacing of the fixed slats 14 defines the corresponding compartments 18 for the normal passage of light, direct or indirect, i.e., 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 laterally overhanging 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 into the supports 11, for the evacuation of water to the ground.

[0059] Each movable slat 15 is fixed longitudinally to opposing 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 a type essentially known and not illustrated in the figures, which determines their movement selective in one direction or the other, in relation to the supports 13, to which they are associated.

[0061] Each of the movable slats 15 is also spaced transversely 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, is specifically chosen during the design to fulfill the different 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 14, to define a prevention to the accidental leakage of water between the two slats 14 and 15.

[0063] In the illustrated solution, each gutter 19 includes at least one containment edge 25 arranged operationally 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-like evolution, defining a plurality of first parts 27, second parts 28, and third parts 29, in this case with essential continuity between them. As the accompanying figures show, the first parts 27, second parts 28, and third parts 29 are mutually orthogonal.

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

[0066] The second parts 28 are offset, in height with respect to the annexed 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 edge of the fixed lamellae 14, although it is not excluded that they may remain below this illustrated limit, and also reach in cooperation with the lower surfaces 23 of the movable lamellae 15.

[0067] In addition, 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 operationally with the corresponding lateral surfaces 22 of the fixed slats 14.

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

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

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

[0072] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the cover device 10 described above, without going out of 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 produce other equivalent forms of cover device 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, references in parentheses are solely for ease of reading and should not be considered as limiting factors with respect to the scope of protection underlying the specific claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Cover device (10) having at least one upper structure (12) provided with at least one water flow element (19), a plurality of first cover elements (14) fixed 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 condition, 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 parts (27) cooperating operationally 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 within said corresponding intermediate compartments (18).

2. Cover device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said mounting edge (26) comprises at least a plurality of third parts (29) cooperating operationally with the corresponding lateral surfaces (22) of said first cover elements (14).

3. Cover device (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 of said first cover elements (14).

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

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

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

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

10. Cover device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims from 2, characterized in that said containment edge (25) comprises a lower zone (31) delimited superiorly 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, superiorly, by said second part (28) and, laterally, by two opposing third parts (29).

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