Outdoor awning and process for the assembly of said awning

Abstract

 Outdoor awning, which comprises a support structure (2) provided with at least two front columns (3), at least one pair of front beams (4, 5) placed to connect such front columns (3), and two pairs of lateral beams (6, 7) each connected on the front part to a corresponding front column (3).
Each pair of beams (4, 5; 6, 7) comprises an upper beam (4, 6), which is longitudinally extended between two opposite first ends (12) thereof, and a lower beam (5, 7), which is longitudinally extended between two opposite second ends (13) thereof and is arranged below the corresponding upper beam (4, 6) substantially parallel to the latter.
The support structure (2) of the awning also comprises at least two joint elements (19), each of which fixed on the top of a corresponding front column (3), and is provided with first support means (20) fixed to the first end (12) of the upper beams (4, 6) connected to such front column (3), and with second support means (21) fixed to the second end (13) of the lower beams (5, 7) connected to the front column (3) itself.
Also constituting an object of the present invention is a process for the assembly of the aforesaid outdoor awning.

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards an outdoor awning and a process for the assembly of said awning according to the preamble of the respective independent claims.

[0002] The present awning is intended to be employed for covering external surfaces, protecting them from weathering agents and in particular from the sun and rain.

[0003] The present awning is indicated for the obtainment of pergolas, verandas and more generally cover structures, both in gardens of private homes and in open public spaces, such as restaurants, hotels, bathing establishments or other structures.

[0004] The awning, object of the present invention, therefore falls within the industrial field of the production of awnings for covering outside settings.

State of the art

[0005] Numerous solutions of outdoor awnings provided with a canopy-like support structure are known on the market, such support structure comprising four angular columns abutted on the lower part against the ground and connected together on the upper part by four beams arranged two-by-two parallel. The aforesaid four beams comprise a pair of lateral beams, parallel to each other and facing, between which a sheet is suspended for covering an underlying surface of the ground.

[0006] More in detail, the sheet of the awning is suspended above the surface to be covered, such sheet constrained to a plurality of section-breaker profiles, which are arranged transversely to the aforesaid lateral beams and are slidably engaged at their ends in longitudinal guides arranged in such lateral beams, for example by means of sliding trolleys.

[0007] Also provided are means for driving the section-breaker profiles of the awning, which comprise drive belts housed inside the aforesaid longitudinal guides and adapted to move the section-breaker profiles along the guides themselves, in order to move the sheet between an extended position, in which the latter is substantially spread above the surface to be covered, and a collected position, in which the aforesaid section-breaker profiles are abutted against each other with the sheet which is collected in a plurality of side-by-side pitches, each of which extended between a pair of successive profiles.

[0008] In particular, the patent application US 2010/0162633 describes an example of a canopy-like awning, of the abovementioned type, comprising four gutters each of which arranged aligned below the corresponding beam in order to collect the rainwater that falls from the sheet, and the awning is fixed at its ends to the two columns to which the overlying beam is fixed.

[0009] The columns of the support structure are obtained by means of two hollow tubular sections, and are provided with an opening of connection to the gutter in order to allow the rainwater collected therein to fall inside the column and exit outward through a hole made at the base of the column itself.

[0010] Each beam and each gutter is obtained with a hollow metal section which is closed at its ends by lateral caps. In particular, the caps fixed to the ends of the gutters are provided with a passage opening in order to allow the rainwater collected in the gutter to enter inside the column.

[0011] More in detail, each lateral cap is fixed to the corresponding end of the section by means of first fixing screws inserted in first through holes obtained along the edge of the lateral cap and screwed in corresponding first threaded holes obtained in the thickness of the section itself.

[0012] In addition, each lateral cap is fixed to the corresponding column by means of second fixing screws, which are inserted in corresponding second through holes obtained on the cap itself in a more internal position with respect to the aforesaid first through holes, and are screwed into corresponding second threaded holes obtained on the column itself.

[0013] The space between each beam and the corresponding underlying gutter is closed by a rigid panel provided with longitudinal edges inserted in respective retention seats obtained on the profiles of the beam and gutter.

[0014] The main drawback of the awning of known type described briefly above is due to the fact that it requires long and complex operations for the mounting thereof since, in order to fix the section of the beams and gutters to the corresponding columns, it is necessary to have an operator - working at a relatively high height, usually on a ladder or scaffolding - screw the second fixing screws of the lateral cap of one end of the section to the corresponding column, while the other operators, also on ladders or scaffolding, must support the other end of the section at the height of the top of the column itself.

[0015] In particular, the operators that support the section must maintain the second through holes of the lateral cap aligned with the second threaded holes of the column in order to allow the insertion of the second screws, an operation that is particularly difficult and complex due to the weight of the section, and due to the fact that such operators cannot see the aforesaid second holes of the cap and of the column and therefore can only operate on indications of the operator who must fix the second screws.

[0016] A further drawback of the awning of known type described above is due to the fact that the operator, in order to screw the second fixing screws, must enter with the screwer inside the section of the beam or gutter to be fixed, with consequent further difficulties in the assembly operations.

[0017] In addition, once a beam is mounted, the latter prevents the operator in the operations of mounting the underlying gutter, making it difficult to fix the gutter itself.

[0018] The patent EP 0467867 describes an outdoor covering (such as a gazebo) comprising four columns connected together at the upper part by four horizontal beams that support a roof of pyramid shape.

[0019] In particular, the outdoor covering comprises multiple joint elements, each of which fixed to the top of the corresponding column and comprising a vertical tubular body provided with a lower end inserted in a cavity of the corresponding column and with two brackets orthogonal to each other, to which the ends of the corresponding beams are constrained. In addition, each joint element is provided on the upper part with a tubular connection, tilted about 30 degrees with respect to the tubular body of the joint element itself and connected to a corresponding tilted axis of the pyramid roof of the covering.

[0020] The joint elements of the outdoor covering described in the patent EP 0467867 are not at all able to resolve the problem of easily mounting awnings provided with pairs of horizontal beams (in particular constituted by an upper beam and by an underlying gutter) placed to connect the top of the columns.

Presentation of the invention

[0021] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of eliminating the drawbacks of the abovementioned solutions of known type, by providing an outdoor awning that is simple and easy to assemble.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor awning that is structurally simple, and which in particular is obtained with a limited number of different components.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor awning that does not require complex operations for the production of its components.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor awning which requires simple and quick maintenance.

[0025] A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for the assembly of an outdoor awning which is simple and quick to execute.

[0026] These and still other objects are all achieved by the outdoor awning and by the process for its assembly according to the enclosed claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen in the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent several merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

• figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the outdoor awning, object of the present invention, in accordance with a first embodiment;
• figure 2 shows a partially exploded view of the awning illustrated in figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a detail of the awning illustrated in figure 2, relative to a joint element between the beams and a column;
• figure 4 shows a top perspective view of the outdoor awning, object of the present invention, in accordance with a second embodiment;
• figure 5 shows a detail in exploded view of the awning illustrated in figure 4, relative to a joint element between the beams and a column;
• figures 6 - 19 show different operative steps of the process for assembling the awning, object of the present invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0028] With reference to the set of drawings, reference number 1 indicates overall an outdoor awning, object of the present invention.

[0029] The present awning 1 is indicated for obtaining pergolas, verandas and more generally structures for covering outdoor settings, such as gardens of private homes and open public spaces, such as restaurants, hotels, bathing establishments etc.

[0030] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the outdoor awning 1, object of the present invention, comprises a support structure 2 provided with at least two front columns 3 intended to abut against the ground, and at least one pair of front beams 4, 5 placed to connect such front columns 3.

[0031] In addition, the support structure 2 of the awning 1 comprises at least two pairs of lateral beams 6, 7, each connected on the front part to a corresponding front column 3.

[0032] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the support structure 2 further comprises two rear columns 8, to which the pairs of lateral beams 6, 7 are connected on the rear part, and a pair of rear beams 9, 10 placed to connect the aforesaid two rear columns 8, in a manner so as to obtain a self-bearing structure with preferably parallelepiped form.

[0033] Preferably, the beams 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 of the support structure 2 are arranged substantially horizontal, with the pairs of lateral beams 6, 7 arranged parallel to each other and facing, and orthogonal to the pairs of front 4, 5 and rear 9, 10 beams.

[0034] In particular, each of the aforesaid four columns 3, 8 is placed in angular position, with each front column 3 which is connected to a pair of lateral beams 6, 7 and to the pair of front beams 4, 5, and with each rear column 8 which is connected to a pair of lateral beams 6, 7 and to the pair of rear beams 9, 10.

[0035] Advantageously, the awning 1 comprises a sheet 11, which is arranged between the two pairs of lateral beams 6, 7 of the support structure 2 in order to cover an underlying surface of the ground.

[0036] According to the invention, each pair of beams 4, 5; 6, 7; 9, 10 comprises an upper beam 4, 6, 9, which is longitudinally extended between two opposite first ends 12 thereof connected to the corresponding two columns 3, 8, and a lower beam 5, 7, 10, which is arranged below the corresponding upper beam 4, 6, 9 parallel to the latter, and is longitudinally extended between two opposite second ends 13 thereof connected to the same two aforesaid columns 3, 8 of the corresponding upper beam 4, 6, 9.

[0037] In particular, each beam of the support structure 2 is obtained with a metal section (in particular made of extruded aluminum), preferably hollow.

[0038] Advantageously, each upper lateral beam 6 supports a longitudinal guide 14 at its interior, to which the corresponding terminals of a plurality of section-breaker profiles (not illustrated) are slidably engaged; such profiles are arranged transverse to the upper lateral beams 6, and the sheet 11 of the awning 1 is suspended therefrom.

[0039] Means are also provided for driving the section-breaker profiles, adapted to move the latter along the longitudinal guides 14 of the upper lateral beams 6, in order to move the sheet 11 between an extended position, in which it is substantially extended above the surface to be covered, and a collected position, in which the aforesaid section-breaker profiles are abutted against each other with the sheet 11 that is collected in a plurality of side-by-side pitches, each of which extended between a pair of successive section-breaker profiles.

[0040] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, each section-breaker profile bears, mounted on its terminals, corresponding sliding trolleys (not illustrated), each of which is provided with idle wheels slidably inserted inside the longitudinal guides 14 of the upper lateral beams 6, in a manner per se known to the man skilled in the art and not discussed in detail herein.

[0041] In particular, the means for driving the section-breaker profiles preferably comprise two drive belts, each of which wound around a first and a second transmission pulley rotatably constrained to the support structure 2 at the corresponding first ends 12 of the upper lateral beams 6.

[0042] Advantageously, the present awning 1 comprises a motor 15, preferably housed inside one of the upper beams 9 of the pair of rear beams 8, 9, and adapted to actuate the drive means for moving the sheet 11. More in detail, operatively, the motor 15 is mechanically connected to the second transmission pulleys in order to actuate them to rotate around a rotation axis thereof, in order to move the drive belts to advance in a first advancing sense for bringing the sheet 11 into the collected position, and in a second opposite advancing sense for bringing the sheet 11 into the extended position.

[0043] Of course, in accordance with a different embodiment, not illustrated, the slidable drive means of the sheet are actuated in a manual manner, for example by means of control rod engaged through an articulation to the shaft of the second pulleys.

[0044] In accordance with a first embodiment illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3, the awning 1 comprises a single sheet 11 arranged between the two pairs of lateral beams 6, 7, such pairs positioned on opposite lateral flanks 16 of the awning 1 itself. In accordance with such first embodiment, moreover, the support structure 2 comprises a single pair of front beams 4, 5 arranged on a front side 17 of the awning 1 between the two pairs of lateral beams 6, 7, and preferably only one pair of rear beams 9, 10 arranged on a rear side 18 of the awning 1, also positioned between the two pairs of lateral beams 6, 7.

[0045] In accordance with a second embodiment illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the awning 1 comprises multiple sheets 11 (e.g. two sheets) separated from each other by a further longitudinal guide 14' of the section-breaker profiles of each sheet 11. More in detail, such further longitudinal guide 14' is positioned between the two pairs of lateral beams 6, 7 placed on the lateral flanks 16 of the awning 1, and is connected on the front and rear part respectively to a further front column 3' and to a further rear column 8'. In addition, in accordance with such second embodiment, the support structure 2 of the awning 1 comprises two pairs of front beams 4, 5 parallel to each other and aligned, which connect the two front columns 3 in angular position with the further front column 3' that supports the aforesaid further longitudinal guide 14' on the front part. Analogously, the support structure 2 of the awning 1 preferably comprises two pairs of rear beams 9, 10 parallel to each other and aligned, which connect the two rear columns 8 arranged in angular position with the further rear column 8' that supports the further longitudinal guide 14' on the rear part.

[0046] Otherwise, in accordance with a further embodiment, not illustrated, the support structure of the awning is abutted against a vertical wall (such as the wall of a building), to which the pairs of lateral are advantageously anchored on the rear part.

[0047] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the support structure 2 of the awning 1 comprises at least two joint elements 19, each of which fixed on the top of a corresponding front column 3, and is provided with first support means 20 fixed to the first end 12 of the upper beams 4, 6 connected to such front column 3, and with second support means 21 fixed to the second end 13 of the lower beams 5, 7 connected to the front column 3 itself.

[0048] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support structure 2 comprises two other joint elements 19, each of which fixed on the top of a corresponding rear column 8 for supporting the beams 9, 10 and 6, 7 connected to such rear column 8.

[0049] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the figures 1 - 5, each joint element 19, which is fixed on the top of the corresponding front column 3 (and preferably rear column 8) angularly positioned in the support structure 2, supports, by means of the aforesaid support means 20, 21, the pair of front beams 4, 5 (and preferably rear beams 9, 10) and the pair of lateral beams 6, 7 connected to such front column 3 (and preferably rear column 8).

[0050] In particular, in accordance with the second embodiment illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the awning 1 comprises further joint elements 19' which are fixed on the top of the corresponding further columns (front 3' and rear 8'), and support, from two opposite sides of the corresponding column 3', 8', the two pairs of beams (respectively front 4, 5 and rear 9, 10) connected to such column 3', 8'.

[0051] Advantageously, each joint element 19, 19' comprises at least one elongated body 22, which is substantially extended as an upper extension of the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' between an upper end 22' thereof and an opposite lower end 22" thereof.

[0052] The first support means 20 of each joint element 19, 19' comprise at least one upper support body 23, which is fixed to the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22 and is provided with first connection portions 24 being projectingly extended from the aforesaid elongated body 22 and bearing, fixed, the corresponding first ends 12 of the upper beams 4, 6, 9 connected to the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8'.

[0053] In addition, the second support means 21 of each joint element 19, 19' comprise at least one lower support body 25, which is fixed to the lower end 22" of the elongated body 22 and is provided with second connection portions 26 being projectingly extended from the elongated body 22 itself and bearing, fixed, the corresponding second ends 13 of the lower beams 5, 7, 10 connected to the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' .

[0054] More in detail, each upper support body 23 and each lower support body 25 respectively comprises two first 24 and second 26 connection portions, each fixed respectively to the upper beam 4, 6, 9 and to the lower beam 5, 7, 10 of the corresponding pair of beams connected to the joint element 19, 19'.

[0055] Advantageously, each support body (upper 23 and lower 25) of each joint element 19, 19' substantially has plate-like shape, is preferably made of metal material, in particular aluminum, and is extended on a support plane substantially orthogonal to the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' of the support structure 2.

[0056] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, each upper support body and lower body 23, 25 respectively comprises a first and a second central portion 27, 28 respectively fixed to the upper and lower end 22', 22" of the elongated body 22. In particular, the first and the second central portion 27, 28 are respectively delimited by a first and by a second external perimeter edge 29, 30, from which the first and the second connection portions 24, 26 are respectively projectingly extended. Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the figures 1 - 5, the first connection portions 24 - of the upper support body 23 of the joint elements 19 fixed to the columns 3, 8 arranged in angular position - are extended orthogonal to each other, in a manner such that the two first connection portions 24 are aligned with the corresponding upper beams 4, 6, 9 of the two pairs of beams orthogonal to each other and connected to the joint element 19. Analogously, the second connection portions 26 - of the lower support body 25 of the joint elements 19 fixed to the columns 3, 8 arranged in angular position - are extended orthogonal to each other, in a manner such that the two second connection portions 26 are aligned with the corresponding lower beams 5, 7, 10 of the two pairs of beams orthogonal to each other and connected to the joint element 19.

[0057] In accordance with the second embodiment illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the first connection portions 24 - of the upper support body 23 of the further joint elements 19' fixed to the further columns (front 3' and rear 8') - are extended parallel to each other from the first central portion 27 moving away from each other, in a manner such to be extended towards the corresponding upper beams (front 4 and rear 9) of the two pairs of beams parallel to each other and connected to the joint element 19'. Analogously, the second connection portions 26 of the lower support body 25 of the further joint elements 19' fixed to the further columns (front 3' and rear 8'), are extended parallel to each other from the second central portion 28 moving away from each other, in a manner such to be extended towards the corresponding lower beams (front 5 and rear 10) of the two pairs of beams parallel to each other and connected to the joint element 19'.

[0058] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figure 5, each further joint element 19' comprises a substantially horizontal support plate 64, which is fixed to the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22, is projectingly extended from the latter towards the interior of the awning 1 and bears, fixed, an end part of the further longitudinal guide 14' of the section-breaker profiles of the sheets 11.

[0059] Each column 3, 8, 3', 8' comprises a tubular body 31, which is preferably obtained by means of a hollow metal section, in particular via extrusion, and is longitudinally extended between a lower end edge 31' thereof (intended to abut against the ground preferably by means of a support base) and an upper end edge 31", on which the second central portion 28 of the lower support body 25 of the corresponding joint element 19, 19' is fixed in abutment.

[0060] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the tubular body 31 of each column 3, 8, 3', 8' has a substantially polygonal cross section, and particularly quadrangular, and preferably rectangular or square, and comprises multiple lateral faces 32 adjacent to each other.

[0061] In particular, at least one of the aforesaid lateral faces 32 of the tubular body 31 is directed towards the exterior of the support structure 2 of the awning 1, in particular facing the front 17 or rear 18 side or lateral flank 16 of the awning 1 itself.

[0062] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in figures 3 and 5, the lower support body 25 of each joint element 19, 19' is preferably obtained in a single body, it is positioned with the second central portion 28 thereof interposed between the top of the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' and the lower end 22" of the elongated body 22 of the joint element 19, 19' itself, and is fixed both to the columns 3, 8, 3', 8' and to the elongated body 22 as described in detail hereinbelow.

[0063] Advantageously, with reference to figures 6 and 7, the second central portion 28 of the lower support body 25 of each joint element 19, 19' is provided with first through holes 33 in which first fixing screws 34 are inserted, screwed to the lower end 22" of the elongated body 22. In addition, the second central portion 28 of the lower support body 25 is provided with second through holes 35 arranged between the aforesaid first through holes 33 and the second external perimeter edge 30 of the central portion 28 itself. In such second through holes 35, second fixing screws 36 are inserted, screwed to the top of the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8'.

[0064] In particular, the second fixing screws 36 are inserted in corresponding first threaded holes 37 obtained in first appendages 71 projecting within the tubular body 31 of the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8'.

[0065] Advantageously, the upper support body 23 of each joint element 19, 19' comprises two separate half-parts 23', 23", each provided with a corresponding first connection portion 24 and fixed on the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22 of the joint element 19, 19' itself.

[0066] More in detail, preferably, each half-part 23', 23" of the upper support body 23 comprises a part of the first central portion 27 from which the corresponding first connection portion 24 is projectingly extended.

[0067] Advantageously, with reference to figure 17, the first central portion 27 of the upper support body 23 of each joint element 19, 19' is provided with third through holes in which third fixing screws 69 are inserted, screwed to the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22.

[0068] Advantageously, the elongated body 22 of each joint element 19, 19', preferably obtained with at least one extruded metal section, is mainly extended in vertical direction and is positioned aligned with the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8'.

[0069] Preferably, with reference to figure 3, the elongated body 22 of the joint elements 19, 19' fixed to the front angular columns 3 (and preferably rear angular columns 8) has an L-shaped cross section, and is provided with two support walls 38 substantially orthogonal to each other, of which one is parallel to the pair of front beams 4, 5 (and preferably rear beams 9, 10) connected to the joint element 19, 19', and the other is parallel to the pair of lateral beams 6, 7 connected to the joint element 19, 19' itself.

[0070] Preferably, in accordance with the second embodiment illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the elongated body 22 of the further joint elements 19' fixed to the further front columns 3' (and preferably rear columns 8') comprises two support walls 38 parallel to each other and facing, and preferably positioned with their cross section parallel to the pairs of front beams 4, 5 (and preferably rear beams 9, 10) connected to the joint element 19'.

[0071] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the motor 15 for moving the sheet 11 is mounted on the support structure 2 of the awning 1 by means of two support brackets 65 fixed at the upper ends 22' of the elongated bodies 22 of the joint elements 19 fixed to the rear columns 8 of the awning 1 itself. More in detail, with reference to figure 8, each support bracket 65 is fixed to the corresponding elongated body 22 by means of one or more fixing bolts 66, each provided with a connection screw which is inserted in a corresponding passage hole obtained on the support bracket 65 itself and is screwed to a corresponding nut. The latter is inserted inside a first longitudinal groove 67 obtained on the edge of one of the support walls 38 of the elongated body 22 and provided with first projecting longitudinal appendages, against which the aforesaid nut acts in abutment in order to retain the support bracket 65 integral with the elongated body 22.

[0072] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, each beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 of the support structure 2 is obtained with an elongated profile, preferably made of extruded aluminum, and preferably provided with a base wall 40, in particular arranged horizontally, and a first and a second longitudinal wall 41, 42 preferably extended vertically from the base wall 40 and arranged parallel to each other and facing.

[0073] In particular, each lower beam 5, 7, 10 is arranged with the base wall 40 directed downward, and the longitudinal walls 41, 42 which are extended upward from the latter.

[0074] Advantageously, each lower beam 5, 7, 10 of the support structure 2 comprises a corresponding gutter 43 adapted to receive the rainwater susceptible to falling from the sheet 11 of the awning 1. Such gutter 43 is defined by the base wall 40 and by the longitudinal walls 41, 42 of the corresponding lower beam 5, 7, 10, with the longitudinal walls 41, 42 limited on the upper part by corresponding longitudinal edges which between them delimit an inlet opening through which the water coming from the sheet 11 enters into the gutter 43 itself.

[0075] Each joint element 19, 19' is provided with a manifold 45 connected to the second ends 13 of the lower beams 5, 7, 10 and to the internal cavity of the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' in order to allow the water collected in the gutter 43 of each lower beam 5, 7, 10 to descend within the column 3, 8, 3', 8' and exit to the outside through a drain opening at the lower end edge 31' of the tubular body 31 of the column 3, 8, 3', 8' itself.

[0076] In particular, the manifold 45 of each joint element 19, 19' is arranged in abutment against the second central portion 28 of the lower support body 25, and is provided with two inlet mouths connected to the second ends 13 of the two lower beams connected to the joint element 19, 19' itself, and with an outlet mouth connected with the internal cavity of the column 3, 8, 3', 8' through a through opening 46 obtained on the second central portion 28 of the lower support body 25 itself.

[0077] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, each upper beam 4, 6, 9 of the support structure 2 is arranged with the base wall 40 directed upward and the longitudinal walls 41, 42 extended vertically downward.

[0078] On the internal face of the base wall 40 of each lateral upper beam 6, one or more retention blocks 47 are fixed, which are inserted within corresponding retention grooves 48 obtained on the corresponding longitudinal guides 14 in order to retain the latter integral with the corresponding upper lateral beam 6.

[0079] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, each connection portion 24, 26 of each support body 23, 25 of the joint elements 19, 19' is horizontally extended and preferably has an elongated and flattened form.

[0080] In particular, each connection portion 24, 26 comprises two flattened arms that are parallel and spaced from each other.

[0081] Advantageously, each upper beam 4, 6, 9 and each lower beam 5, 7, 10 of the support structure 2 is respectively provided with first and second retention seats 49', 49" respectively obtained at the first and second ends 12, 13 thereof. Within such first and second retention seats 49', 49", the following are respectively inserted: the first connection portions 24 of the upper support body 23 and the second connection portions 26 of the lower support body 25 of the joint element 19, 19' which supports the corresponding end 12, 13 of the beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 itself.

[0082] More in detail, the retention seats 49', 49" are obtained by means of longitudinal holes obtained, preferably in the extrusion process of the beam profile, in the thickness of one of the walls 40, 41, 42 of the beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 itself, and in particular in the thickness of the base wall 40.

[0083] Advantageously, with reference to figure 14, each first connection portion 24 of the upper support body 23 is fixed to the interior of the corresponding first retention seat 49' of the corresponding upper beam 4, 6, 9, by means of first retention screws 50 screwed in corresponding fourth and fifth through holes respectively obtained on the first connection portion 24 and on the internal face of the base wall 40 of the upper beam 4, 6, 9 itself. Analogously, with reference to figure 12, each second connection portion 26 of the lower support body 25 is fixed to the interior of the corresponding second retention seat 49" of the corresponding lower beam 5, 7, 10 by means of second retention screws 70 screwed in corresponding sixth and seventh through holes respectively obtained on the second connection portion 26 and on the internal face of the base wall 40 of the lower beam 5, 7, 10 itself.

[0084] Advantageously, the first and the second ends 12, 13 respectively of the upper 4, 6, 9 and lower 5, 7, 10 beams of the support structure 2 are further fastened to the corresponding joint element 19, 19' respectively by means of at least one first and second fixing bracket 51, 52. In particular, each first and second fixing bracket 51, 52 is L-shaped and is fixed to the end 12, 13 of the corresponding beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and to the elongated body 22 of the corresponding joint element 19, 19'.

[0085] More in detail, preferably, each fixing bracket 51, 52 comprises a first base fixed to the first longitudinal wall 41 of the corresponding beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and a second base fixed on the support wall 38 of the elongated body 22 by means of an anchorage bolt 53. In particular, with reference to figure 18, the anchorage bolt 53 is provided with a connection screw inserted in a connection through hole obtained on the second base of the corresponding fixing bracket 51, 52 and screwed to a corresponding nut inserted in a second longitudinal groove 54 - obtained on one face of the support wall 38 of the elongated body 22, and provided with second projecting longitudinal appendages on which the aforesaid nut acts in abutment in order to retain the fixing bracket 51, 52 integral with the elongated body 22 itself.

[0086] Advantageously, the awning 1 comprises an elongated profile 55 interposed between the upper beam 4, 6, 9 and the lower beam 5, 7, 10 of each pair of beams of the support structure 2.

[0087] Such elongated profile 55 is extended parallel to the corresponding upper 4, 6, 9 and lower beams 5, 7, 10 between two opposite third ends 56 thereof fixed to the joint elements 19, 19', to which the corresponding aforesaid beams 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 are connected.

[0088] In particular, each third end 56 of each elongated profile 55 is fixed to the elongated body 22 of the corresponding joint element 19, 19' by means of one or more corresponding third fixing brackets 57 preferably of the type substantially equal to the first and second fixing brackets 51, 52 described above.

[0089] Advantageously, the awning 1 comprises at least two cover profiles 58, each of which is fixed on the top of a corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' to at least partially cover the corresponding joint element 19, 19'. More in detail, each cover profile 58 is provided with at least one lateral wall 59, which is arranged in abutment against the upper end edge 31" of the tubular body 31 of the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' and is substantially extended without interruption with at least one lateral face 32 of the tubular body 31 itself. More in detail, advantageously, the lateral wall 59 of each cover profile 58 is preferably obtained with a metal section, in particular made of extruded aluminum, and bears, fixed on the upper part, a cover plate 60 arranged in abutment on the base walls 40 of the upper beams 4, 6, 9 connected to the corresponding joint element 19, 19'.

[0090] In particular, the cover plate 60 is fixed to the lateral wall 59 of the cover profile 58 by means of third fixing screws 61 inserted in corresponding eighth through holes obtained on the cover plate 60 itself and screwed in second threaded holes obtained in second appendages projecting from the lateral wall 59 itself.

[0091] In addition, preferably, the cover plate 60 is fixed on the base walls 40 of the upper beams 4, 6, 9 by means of fourth fixing screws (not illustrated) inserted in corresponding ninth through holes 62 obtained on the cover plate 60 itself and screwed into tenth through holes 63 obtained on the base walls 40.

[0092] With reference to the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the cover profile 58 of the joint elements 19 fixed to the front columns 3 (or rear columns 8) placed in angular position has a substantially L-shaped cross section and is provided with two lateral walls 59 substantially orthogonal to each other, of which one is arranged contiguous with the lateral face 32 of the front 3 or rear 8 column arranged respectively on the front 17 or rear 18 side of the awning 1, and the other is arranged contiguous with the face 32 of the column 3, 8 arranged on the lateral flank 16 of the awning 1 itself.

[0093] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the cover profile 58 of the further joint elements 19' fixed to the further front columns 3' (or rear columns 8') comprises a single lateral wall 59 substantially flat and placed contiguous with the lateral face 32 of the further front 3' or rear 8' column arranged respectively on the front 17 or rear 18 side of the awning 1.

[0094] Also forming an object of the present invention is a process for the assembly of an outdoor awning, in particular of the above-described type; the same reference numbers are used here as before for the sake of description simplicity.

[0095] The present process comprises a first step for fixing each lower support body 25 to the lower end 22" of the elongated body 22 of the corresponding joint element 19, preferably by means of the aforesaid first fixing screws 34, which are inserted in the first through holes 33 obtained on the lower support body 25 itself and are screwed to the lower end 22" of the elongated body 22 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figures 6 and 7). Advantageously, (preferably before the aforesaid first fixing step), a step is provided for mounting the support brackets 65 of the motor 15 at the upper ends 22' of the elongated bodies 22 of the joint elements 19 intended to be fixed to the rear columns 8 of the awning 1 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 8). More in detail, each support bracket 65 is fixed to the corresponding elongated body 22 by means of the aforesaid fixing bolts 66. In particular, such step for mounting the support brackets 65 provides for inserting the connection screws of the fixing bolts 66 into the corresponding passage holes of the support bracket 65, screwing the screws to the corresponding nuts, inserting the latter into the first longitudinal groove 67 of the edge of the support wall 38 of the elongated body 22, and then further screwing the connection screws to the nuts in a manner such that the latter act in abutment against the first projecting appendages of the first longitudinal groove 67 in order to retain support bracket 65 integral with the elongated body 22.

[0096] Preferably after the aforesaid first step of fixing the lower support body 25 to the elongated body 22, the present process comprises a second step for fixing the lower support body 25 to the top of the corresponding column 3, 8, in particular by means of the aforesaid second fixing screws 36 inserted in the second through holes 35 obtained on the lower support body 25 and screwed into the corresponding first threaded holes 37 obtained on the tubular body 31 of the column 3, 8 itself (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 9).

[0097] Then, a subsequent step is provided for arranging columns 3, 8 set on the ground, in which each column 3, 8 is vertically lifted - fixed at its top - with the lower support body 25 and the elongated body 22 of the corresponding joint element 19 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 10).

[0098] The present process also comprises a subsequent third step for fixing each second end 13 of the lower beams 5, 7, 10 to the second connection portion 26 of the lower support body 25 of the corresponding joint element 19 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 11). Advantageously, such third fixing step is executed by inserting the second connection portion 26 of each lower support body 25 within the second retention seat 49" obtained on the corresponding second end 13 of the corresponding lower beam 5, 7, 10. Subsequently, the second connection portion 26 of the lower support body 25 is fastened to the corresponding lower beam 5, 7, 10 preferably by means of the aforesaid second retention screws 70 inserted in the corresponding sixth through holes of the second connection portion 26 and in the corresponding seventh through holes obtained on the base wall 40 of the corresponding lower beam 5, 7, 10 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 12).

[0099] Preferably, the present assembly process comprises a first step for anchoring the second ends 13 of the lower beams 5, 7, 10 to the corresponding elongated bodies 22, by means in particular of the aforesaid second fixing brackets 52 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 13).

[0100] According to the invention, the assembly process comprises a fourth step for fixing the first upper connection portion 24 of the upper support body 23 of each joint element 19 to the corresponding first end 12 of the upper beam 4, 6, 9 intended to be connected to such joint element 19 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 14).

[0101] In particular, such fourth fixing step provides for fastening each half-part 23', 23" of the upper support body 23 to the corresponding second end of the upper beam 4, 6, 9.

[0102] Advantageously, the fourth fixing step is executed by inserting the first connection portion 24 of the upper support body 23 within the first retention seat 49' obtained on the corresponding first end 12 of the corresponding upper beam 4, 6, 9. Subsequently, the first connection portion 24 of the upper support body 23 is fastened to the corresponding upper beam 4, 6, 9, in particular by means of the first retention screws 50 inserted in the corresponding fourth through holes of the first connection portion 24 and in the corresponding fifth through holes obtained on the base wall 40 of the upper beam 4, 6, 9 itself.

[0103] Advantageously, a step is provided for mounting each longitudinal guide 14 of the section-breaker profiles of the sheet 11 to the corresponding upper beam 6 of the pair of lateral beams 6, 7. In particular, the latter step provides for fixing the retention blocks 47 to the internal surface of the base wall 40 of the upper lateral beam 6 by means of preferably anchorage screws 68, and then to make the longitudinal guide 14 slide in the upper beam 6 in a manner such to insert the retention blocks 47 in the corresponding retention groove 48 of the longitudinal guide 14 itself (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 15).

[0104] Advantageously, within the longitudinal guides 14, the drive means are mounted for the section-breaker profiles of the sheet 11.

[0105] The present assembly process also comprises a fifth step for fixing the first central portion 27 of each upper support body 23 in abutment against the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22 of the corresponding joint element 19 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figures 16 and 17).

[0106] In particular, such fifth fixing step provides for fastening the central portion 27 of each half-part 23', 23" of the upper support body 23 on the upper end 22' of the corresponding elongated body 22.

[0107] Advantageously, the first central portion 27 of the upper support body 23 is fastened to the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22 by means of the aforesaid third fixing screws 69 inserted in the corresponding third through holes of the first central portion 27 and screwed on the upper end 22' of the elongated body 22 itself.

[0108] Preferably, analogous to the aforesaid first anchorage step of the lower beams 5, 7, 10, the present assembly process comprises a second step for anchoring each first end 12 of the upper beams 4, 6, 9 to the elongated body 22 of the corresponding joint element 19, by means of in particular the aforesaid first fixing brackets 51.

[0109] Advantageously, a sixth step is provided for fixing each elongated profile 55 (arranged between the lower beam 5, 7, 10 and upper beam 4, 6, 9 of each pair of beams) to the joint elements 19, by fixing each third end 56 of each elongated profile 55 to the corresponding support wall 38 of the elongated body 22 by means of preferably the third fixing brackets 57 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 18).

[0110] The present assembly process advantageously comprises a step for covering each joint element 19 by means of the corresponding cover profile 58 (as illustrated in the embodiment of figure 19). Such covering step provides for abutting the lateral wall 59 of the cover profile 58 against the upper end edge 31" of the tubular body 31 of the corresponding column 3, 8 and fixing the cover plate 60 of the cover profile 58 itself to the support structure 2, preferably by means of the aforesaid sixth fixing screws, which are inserted in the ninth through holes 62 obtained on the cover plate 60 and are screwed into the corresponding tenth through holes 63 obtained on the base walls 40 of the upper beams 4, 6, 9.

[0111] Advantageously, the assembly process provides for a step for mounting the motor 15 to the support brackets 65 and a step for inserting the trolleys of the section-breaker profiles into the longitudinal guides 14 fixed to upper lateral beams 6.

[0112] The invention thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

[0113] In particular, the arrangement of the joint element 19, 19' on the top of each corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' in order to connect the latter to the corresponding beams 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 allows assembling, in a simple and quick manner, the awning 1, and in particular allows arranging the support means 20, 21 of the joint elements 19, 19' in a manner such that the support structure 2 can autonomously sustain the beams 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 even before the latter are fastened by means of screws to the support structure 2 itself. In particular, thus allows an operator to fix the end of each beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 to the corresponding column 3, 8, 3', 8' without it being necessary for other operators to sustain the other end of the beam 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 itself.

[0114] In addition, the use of the joint elements 19, 19' for connecting each pair of beams to the corresponding column allows assembling, in a modular manner, the awning 1, employing a low number of different components.

[0115] In addition, the use of the joint elements 19, 19' allows varying the distance between the upper beam 4, 6, 9 and lower beam 5, 7, 10 of each pair of beams without having to actuate any further operation of modification of the columns 3, 8, 3', 8'.

Claims

1. Outdoor awning, which comprises a support structure (2) provided with:

- at least two front columns (3) intended to abut against the ground;

- at least one pair of front beams (4, 5) placed to connect said front columns (3);

- at least two pairs of lateral beams (6, 7) each connected on the front part to a corresponding said front column (3);

- at least one sheet (11) arranged between said pairs of lateral beams (6, 7);

each said pair of beams (4, 5; 6, 7) comprising an upper beam (4, 6), which is longitudinally extended between two opposite first ends (12) thereof, and a lower beam (5, 7), which is longitudinally extended between two opposite second ends (13) thereof and is arranged below the corresponding said upper beam (4, 6) substantially parallel to the latter;
said awning being characterized in that said support structure (2) also comprises at least two joint elements (19), each of which fixed on the top of a corresponding said front column (3), and provided with first support means (20) fixed to the first end (12) of said upper beams (4, 6), and with second support means (21) fixed to the second end (13) of said lower beams (5, 7);
each said joint element (19) comprising at least one elongated body (22), which is extended substantially as an upper extension of said corresponding front column (3) between an upper end (22') thereof and an opposite lower end (22") thereof;
said first support means (20) comprising at least one upper support body (23) fixed to the upper end (22') of said at least one elongated body (22) and provided with first connection portions (24) being projectingly extended from said at least one elongated body (22) and bearing, fixed, the corresponding first ends (12) of said upper beams (4, 6);
said second support means (21) comprising at least one lower support body (25) fixed to the lower end (22") of said at least one elongated body (22) and provided with second connection portions (26) being projectingly extended from said at least one elongated body (22) and bearing, fixed, the corresponding second ends (13) of said lower beams (5, 7).

2. Outdoor awning according to claim 2, characterized in that each said support body (23, 25) has substantially plate-like shape and is extended on a support plane substantially orthogonal to said front column (3).

3. Outdoor awning according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least one lower support body (25) comprises at least one central portion (28) delimited by an external perimeter edge (30) thereof, and provided with first through holes (33) in which first fixing screws (34) are inserted, screwed to the lower end (22") of said at least one elongated body (22), and with second through holes (35) arranged between said first through holes (33) and said external perimeter edge (30), and in such second through holes (35) second fixing screws (36) are inserted, screwed to the top of said front column (3).

4. Outdoor awning according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one upper support body (23) comprises two separate half-parts (23', 23"), each provided with at least one corresponding said first connection portion (24), and fixed on the upper end (22') of said at least one elongated body (22).

5. Outdoor awning according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said upper beam (4, 6) and each said lower beam (5, 7) is respectively provided with first and second retention seats (49', 49") respectively obtained at the first and second ends (12, 13) thereof, and inside such first and second retention seats (49', 49") the first connection portions (24) of said at least one upper support body (23) and the second connection portions (26) of said at least one lower support body (25) are respectively inserted.

6. Outdoor awning according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one elongated body (22) has an L-shaped cross section, and is provided with two support walls (38) substantially orthogonal to each other, of which one wall is parallel to the pair of front beams (4, 5), and the other wall is parallel to the pair of said lateral beams (6, 7) connected to said joint element (19).

7. Outdoor awning according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said front column (3) comprises at least one tubular body (31), which is longitudinally extended between a lower end edge (31') and an upper end edge (31") against which the corresponding said joint element (19) is fixed in abutment;
said awning comprising at least two cover profiles (58), each of which fixed on the top of a corresponding said column (3) to at least partially cover the corresponding said joint element (19) and provided with at least one lateral wall (59), which is arranged in abutment against the upper end edge (31") of the tubular body (31) of the corresponding said column (3) and is substantially extended without interruption with at least one lateral face (32) of said tubular body (31).

8. Outdoor awning according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said lower beam (7) of said pair of lateral beams (6, 7) comprises at least one gutter (43) adapted to receive the water susceptible to falling from said sheet (11).

9. Process for the assembly of an awning according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises:

- a first step for fixing each lower support body (25) to the lower end (22") of the elongated body (22) of the corresponding said joint element (19);

- a second step for fixing each said lower support body (25) to the top of the corresponding said front column (3);

- a subsequent step for arranging said at least two front columns (3) vertically abutted against the ground;

- a third step for fixing each second end (13) of said lower beams (5, 7) to the second connection portion (26) of the lower support body (25) of said corresponding joint element (19);

- a fourth step for fixing the first connection portion (24) of each said upper connection body (23) of each said joint element (19) to the corresponding first end (12) of said upper beam (4, 6) connected to said joint element (19);

- a fifth step for fixing the first central portion (27) of each said upper support body (23) in abutment against the upper end (22') of the elongated body (22) of the corresponding said joint element (19).

Drawing