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(11) | EP 2 853 647 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like and corresponding roof, pergola, platform shelter and the like |
| (57) A swivel roof tile (1) for structures (2) of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform
shelters and the like which comprise at least one column (3) associated with which
is at least one beam (4) rotatably coupled to which are at least two roof tiles (1)
which define, in a configuration of coplanarity, a continuous roof (B). The roof tile (1) is constituted by a profiled element comprising a first surface (5), which is arranged in a downward region in the assembled configuration, and a second surface (6), which is arranged in an upward region in the assembled configuration. At least one heating element (9) is arranged on at least one portion selected from among the first surface (5), the second surface (6), and at least one space delimited between the first surface (5) and the second (6) surface. |
[0001] The present invention relates to a swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, and a corresponding roof, pergola, platform shelter and the like.
[0002] Outdoor structures designed to define areas protected from solar radiation and/or bad weather usually comprise at least one column for supporting an assembly of substantially horizontal (or slightly inclined) beams along which the actual roof itself is provided.
[0004] If the roof is mobile, implementation solutions are known that adopt elements that can slide along adapted guides (whether they are constituted by canopies of different shapes and sizes, flat panels, shutter elements and the like) and other implementation solutions are known which are provided with swivel elements (such as plates, slats and/or variously shaped roof tiles).
[0005] In this second type, the swivel elements have a fixed position, along the beams that delimit the roof, and can only be rotated with respect to such position (swiveled) from a closed configuration in which they are mutually coplanar and partially overlapping thus creating a continuous roof, to an open configuration in which they are mutually parallel and substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the roof lies.
[0006] In the closed configuration they prevent the passage of solar rays (in that the swivel elements are generally made of non-transparent material) and, generally, also the infiltration of water (between one element and the next there is preferably a gasket seal).
[0007] The shape of each swivel element will be such as to define an optimal chute for draining water running down its outer surface if it is raining.
[0008] This type of structure is often designed to render an outdoor space inhabitable in all seasons: for this reason the continuous roof provided by the alignment/side-by-side placing of the roof tiles must also be adapted to support a certain load, which may be constituted by a fall of snow.
[0009] Unfortunately it is not however possible to predict the quantity of snow that will fall over the course of a season, still less the frequency of such precipitation events.
[0010] In fact a succession of snowfalls could result in an excessive drift of snow on the roof which could cause a deformation of the roof tiles which could even result in malfunctions of the structure (making it impossible to rotate the roof tiles again in order to bring them to the configuration in which they are parallel but non-coplanar, so as not to define a continuous surface).
[0011] Furthermore it must be remembered that, if temperatures are very low, strata of ice may form which could mutually lock the roof tiles and, possibly, result in the deformations thereof following the creeping of ice between one roof tile and the next.
[0013] The principal aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing a swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, which does not suffer from damage in the event of snowfalls and frosts.
[0014] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, which ensures an optimal seal, and which can be easily moved to the open and closed positions even during snowfalls and frosts.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, which ensures a perfect waterproofing of the roof, pergola, platform shelter and the like which it constitutes, independently of the climate conditions to which this is subjected.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, which is low cost, easily and practically implemented, and safe in use.
[0017] This aim and these objects are achieved by a swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like which comprise at least one column associated with which is at least one beam rotatably coupled to which are at least two roof tiles which define, in a configuration of co-planarity, a continuous roof, characterized in that it is constituted by a profiled element comprising a first surface, which is arranged in a downward region in the assembled configuration, and a second surface, which is arranged in an upward region in the assembled configuration, at least one heating element being arranged on at least one portion selected from among the first surface, the second surface, and at least one space delimited between said first surface and said second surface.
[0018] This aim and these objects are also achieved by a structure of the type of a roof, a pergola, a platform shelter and the like, comprising at least one column which is associated with at least one beam rotatably coupled to which are at least two roof tiles, which define, in a configuration of co-planarity, a continuous roof, characterized in that it comprises at least one end cap coupled to at least one end edge of each roof tile, said cap being rigidly coupled to a respective actuator, which is integral with at least one respective beam, for the rotation of said at least one roof tile from a first configuration, of co-planarity with the at least one other roof tile that constitutes the said roof, to a configuration of at least two said roof tiles lying on different and mutually parallel planes, at least one heating element 9 being arranged on at least one portion selected from among a first, lower surface 5, a second, upper surface 6 of a said roof tile 1, and at least one space delimited between said first surface 5 and said second surface 6.
[0019] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the swivel roof tile for structures of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a structure of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, provided with roof tiles according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a further partial perspective view of the structure in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a detail of the structure in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a roof tile according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a detail of the structure in Figure 1.
[0020] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a swivel roof tile for covering structures 2 of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like.
[0021] Outdoor structures 2, of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like, with which a swivel roof tile 1 according to the invention can be associated, preferably comprise at least one column 3 (generally two, if they are attached to the wall of a building, or four, if they are self-supporting) associated with which is at least one beam 4 (generally two side beams 4, a front one and a rear one, for small and medium-sized structures) rotatably coupled to which are at least two roof tiles 1, which define, in a configuration of co-planarity, a continuous roof B.
[0022] Each roof tile 1 is constituted by a profiled element comprising a first surface 5, which is arranged in a downward region in the assembled configuration, and slightly transversely concave.
[0023] The purpose of the concavity of the surface 5 is to increase the flexing rigidity of the roof tile 1: the surface 5, in fact, being slightly transversely curved, ensures an increase in rigidity (the roof tile 1 does not flex under its own weight) and thus preserves its correct linearity and shape.
[0024] The roof tile 1 further has a second surface 6, arranged in an upward region in the assembled configuration, which has a substantially flat segment 7 which extends from a first longitudinal edge up to proximate to the midpoint, with an end side thereof.
[0026] In a portion of roof tile 1 selected from among the surface 5, the surface 6, and the at least one space 8, a heating element 9 (or heater) can be arranged.
[0027] According to a specific implementation shape structure of the roof tiles 1 according to the invention, the surface 6 can also comprise at least one first inclined laminar portion 10, associated with the end side 11 of the segment 7, and at least one second inclined laminar portion 12 which follows the first 10 and is lowered with respect thereto.
[0028] In such case at least one protruding lip 13 will also be provided, following the second laminar portion 12, with an end edge 14 substantially aligned with the substantially flat segment 7.
[0029] It is important to point out that the at least one first portion 10, the at least one second portion 12 and the at least one lip 13 define a channel 15 for the collection and flow of rainwater.
[0030] It should further be noted that each roof tile 1 according to the invention comprises at least one end cap 16 which is coupled to at least one end edge thereof.
[0031] The cap 16 is rigidly coupled to a respective actuator for the rotation of the roof tile 1 from a first configuration, of co-planarity with the at least one other roof tile 1 that constitutes the roof B, to a configuration of the at least two roof tiles 1 lying on different and mutually parallel planes.
[0032] The actuator preferably comprises a translationally moving rod which is integral with respective arms for actuating 17, each one of which is substantially integral with a respective roof tile 1.
[0033] More specifically, the actuator comprises at least one driving pin 18 at least partially accommodated within at least one of the inner spaces (in particular within the space 8).
[0034] According to this embodiment, it should be noted that the at least one heating element 9 passes through the at least one pin 18 (which is therefore longitudinally hollow) in order to penetrate inside the space 8.
[0035] The pin 18 is preferably square in cross-section in order to be inserted within the respective space 8, while coupling integrally with it: this enables an effective transfer of motion from the pin 18 to the roof tile 1, that is to say, when the pin 18 is placed in rotation by the arm 17 which is moved by the translationally moving rod, the roof tile 1 will undergo a corresponding synchronous rotation.
[0036] It should be noted that the inner space 8 which accommodates the portion of the driving pin 18 and the heater 9 is longitudinally arranged, with respect to the shape structure of the respective roof tile 1, substantially at the midpoint of the roof tile 1.
[0037] The heater 9 (or heating element), according to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, is constituted by an elongated element, of shape preferably selected from between wire-like and band-like, made of a material with a predefined electrical resistivity, and externally insulated.
[0038] Moreover, there is a further embodiment in which the heating element 9 (or heater) is constituted by a resistive film which can be arranged on one of the surfaces of the roof tile 1: specifically, it can be arranged on the outer surfaces 5 and 6 or on the inner surfaces that internally delimit the at least one space 8.
[0039] It should be noted that such elongated element is in turn connected to a respective electric power supply unit that dispenses an electric current that enables the heating of the heater 9 by the Joule effect.
[0040] Conveniently it should be noted that the heater 9 preferably comprises an outer protective sheath made of material that is wear-resistant and abrasion-resistant, preferably selected from among metallic materials, polymeric materials, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like.
[0041] The purpose of this sheath is to prevent damage to the insulating polymeric layer covering the heater 9 owing to its rubbing against any metallic burrs and/or irregular surfaces that may be inside the driving pin 18 and/or inside the space 8.
[0042] The scope of protection of the present invention also covers a structure 2 of the type of a roof, a pergola, a platform shelter and the like, which comprises at least one column 3 which is associated with at least one beam 4 rotatably coupled to which are at least two roof tiles 1, which define, in a configuration of co-planarity, a roof B.
[0043] In particular, such structure 2 according to the invention must comprise at least one end cap 16 which is coupled to at least one end edge of each roof tile 1.
[0044] The cap 18 is rigidly coupled to a respective actuator, which is integral with at least one respective beam 4, for the rotation of the at least one roof tile 1 from a first configuration, of co-planarity with the at least one other roof tile 1 that constitutes the roof B, to a configuration of the at least two roof tiles 1 lying on different and mutually parallel planes.
[0045] It should be noted that in the structure 2 according to the invention, the roof tile 1 comprises a first, upper surface 5 and second, lower surface 6.
[0046] On at least one of such surfaces 5, 6 or inside the at least one space 8 that they delimit, there is at least one heating element 9.
[0047] The actuator comprises, for each roof tile 1, at least one driving pin 18 at least partially accommodated within the inner space 8 and respective means of rigid interconnection of the pins 8 for the synchronous movement of the respective roof tiles 1 (such means are preferably constituted by at least one translationally moving driving rod and respective arms 17 each one of which is coupled to a respective pin 18).
[0048] The at least one heating element 9, in such case, passes through the portion of the pin 18 that is arranged inside the space 8 for access thereto.
[0049] It should be noted that the at least one beam 4 comprises at least one electrical power line 19 provided with at least one connector 20 for mating with the initial end of a respective heater 9.
[0050] The electrical line 19 and the connector 20 are arranged externally with respect to the actuator, on the beam 4.
[0051] According to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, the structure 2 can comprise a control unit, arranged upstream of the at least one electrical line 19, for the adjustment of the power dispensed by the electrical line 19 to the at least one heater 9.
[0052] The control unit, in turn, can be connected to the mains electricity supply and/or to a dedicated generator and can also control the actuator for the adjustment of the position of the roof tiles 1.
[0053] In such case it is preferable that the structure 2 further comprise at least one sensor, for the detection of a quantity selected from among the ambient temperature, the temperature of the upper surface 3 of at least one roof tile 1, the relative humidity and the like.
[0054] The sensor is, in turn, controlled by the control unit, for the automatic triggering of the output of power by the electrical line 19, upon detection of values of the parameter outside a predefined range.
[0055] For example the heaters 9 are powered when very low temperatures are detected (which could result in the formation of ice on the roof tiles), or when the humidity and temperature conditions point to the occurrence of snowfalls.
[0056] Obviously it is possible for the heater 9 to be powered manually upon the decision of the user.
[0057] The roof tiles 1 described previously make it possible to delimit a channel 15 for the collection and flow of rainwater which is adapted to the drainage of even minimal quantities of water, in relation to the presence of pitches that result in the rapid flow of the water toward the second face 15, in order to be expelled laterally from one of the two end edges of the roof tile 1.
[0058] Thus any snow that, having fallen on the roof B, melts, converting to water, will be drained through the channel 15 (or rather through the channels 15 of all the roof tiles 1 that form the roof B).
[0059] In order to optimize the outflow of the water collected in the channel 15, the protruding lip 13 and the region contiguous thereto of the second inclined portion 12 delimit an angle of magnitude preferably comprised between 30° and 70° (within such range, it should be noted that angles of magnitude comprised between 45° and 55° are ideal).
[0060] It should be noted that the lip 13 comprises, at its upper end edge 14, at least one seat for at least one gasket seal.
[0061] It should further be noted that the longitudinal edge of the first substantially flat segment 7 comprises a protruding laminar appendage, inclined and facing downward, in the assembled configuration.
[0062] When the roof tiles 1 are arranged in the configuration for mutual co-planarity in an outdoor structure 2, an end ridge of the longitudinal edge of a first roof tile 1 surmounts the lip 14 of the contiguous roof tile 1, abutting on the associated sealing gaskets.
[0063] The high rigidity of each roof tile 1 and the presence of two gaskets that are substantially mutually skewed (thus acting along different directions on the contiguous roof tile 1) minimize (substantially eliminate) the risks of infiltration of water between one roof tile 1 and the next.
[0064] The presence of the heater 9, further, minimizes the risk that ice can form between two contiguous roof tiles 1, in particular between the end ridge of a first roof tile 1 and the gaskets of the lip 14: ice could in fact damage them by compromising their seal.
[0065] Advantageously the present invention solves the above mentioned problems, by providing a swivel roof tile 1 for structures 2 of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters and the like (outdoor structures B) which does not become damaged in the event of snowfalls, even if these are very heavy.
[0066] In fact snow will not accumulate on the roof B but instead will be melted thanks to the action of the heaters 9 and the water resulting from the melting will be drained through the channel 15.
[0067] Conveniently the swivel roof tile 1 ensures that no jamming of the movement occurs caused by the presence of strata of ice, since such presence is guarded against by the heaters 9.
[0068] Conveniently the swivel roof tile 1 is adapted to ensure perfect waterproofing in that no ice formations can be created which could damage the roof tile 1 and/or the gaskets between one roof tile 1 and the contiguous one.
[0069] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.
[0070] It should be noted, for example, that the heater 9 can follow any route inside the space 8: for example it could follow a winding route in order to be facing toward the greater part of the upper surface 6 thus favoring a uniform heating thereof.
[0071] At the same time it should be noted that the possibility exists of using a plurality of different heaters 9 within a same space 8 (or on the surface 6 of the same roof tile 1), and also it may be sufficient to arrange the heaters 9 only in alternate roof tiles 1, for certain types of installation.
1. A swivel roof tile for structures (2) of the type of roofs, pergolas, platform shelters
and the like which comprise at least one column (3) associated with which is at least
one beam (4) rotatably coupled to which are at least two roof tiles (1) which define,
in a configuration of co-planarity, a continuous roof (B), characterized in that it is constituted by a profiled element comprising a first surface (5), which is
arranged in a downward region in the assembled configuration, and a second surface
(6), which is arranged in an upward region in the assembled configuration, at least
one heating element (9) being arranged on at least one portion selected from among
the first surface (5), the second surface (6), and at least one space delimited between
said first surface (5) and said second (6) surface.
2. The swivel roof tile according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one end cap (16) coupled to at least one end edge thereof,
said cap (16) being rigidly coupled to a respective actuator for the rotation of said
roof tile (1) from a first configuration, of co-planarity with the at least one other
roof tile (1) that constitutes the said roof (B), to a configuration of at least two
said roof tiles (1) lying on different and mutually parallel planes.
3. The swivel roof tile according to claim 2, characterized in that said actuator comprises at least one driving pin (18) which is at least partially
accommodated within at least one of said inner spaces (8), said at least one heating
element (9) passing through said at least one pin (18) in order to penetrate inside
the said space (8).
4. The swivel roof tile according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said inner space (8) which accommodates the said portion of said at least one
driving pin (18) and said heater (9) is longitudinally arranged at the midpoint of
the said roof tile (1).
5. The swivel roof tile according to claim 1, characterized in that said heater (9) is constituted by an element with a shape preferably selected from
among wire-like, band-like and sheet-like, made of a material with a predefined electrical
resistance, externally insulated, said elongated element being connected to a respective
electric power supply unit for dispensing an electric current, with consequent heating
by the Joule effect of the said heater (9).
6. The swivel roof tile according to claim 1, characterized in that said heater (9) comprises an outer protective sheath made of material that is wear-resistant
and abrasion-resistant, preferably selected from among metallic materials, polymeric
materials, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like.
7. A structure of the type of a roof, a pergola, a platform shelter and the like, comprising
at least one column (3) which is associated with at least one beam (4) rotatably coupled
to which are at least two roof tiles (1), which define, in a configuration of co-planarity,
a continuous roof (B), characterized in that it comprises at least one end cap (16) coupled to at least one end edge of each roof
tile (1), said cap (16) being rigidly coupled to a respective actuator, which is integral
with at least one respective beam (4), for the rotation of said at least one roof
tile (1) from a first configuration, of co-planarity with the at least one other roof
tile (1) that constitutes the said roof (B), to a configuration of at least two said
roof tiles (1) lying on different and mutually parallel planes, at least one heating
element (9) being arranged on at least one portion selected from among a first, lower
surface (5), a second, upper surface (6) of a said roof tile (1), and at least one
space delimited between said first surface (5) and said second (6) surface
8. The structure according to claim 7, characterized in that said actuator comprises, for each roof tile (1), at least one driving pin (18) at
least partially accommodated within the at least one inner space (8) and respective
means of rigid interconnection of said pins (18) for the synchronous movement of the
respective roof tiles (1), said at least one heating element (9) passing through the
portion of said pin (18) which is arranged inside the said space (8) for access thereto.
9. The structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one beam (4) comprises at least one electrical power line (19) provided
with at least one connector (20) for mating with the initial end of a respective heater
(9), said electrical line (19) and said connector (20) being arranged externally with
respect to said actuator on said beam (4).
10. The structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control unit, arranged upstream of said at least one electrical line
(19) for the adjustment of the power dispensed by the said electrical line (19) to
the said at least one heater (9).
11. The structure according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor, for the detection of a quantity selected from among
the ambient temperature, the temperature of the upper surface (6) of at least one
roof tile (1), the relative humidity and the like, controlled by the said control
unit, for the automatic triggering of the output of power by the said electrical line
(19) upon detection of values of the parameter outside a predefined range.