DISPLACEABLE VERANDA WITH SELF-DRAINING ROOF

Abstract

 Different aspects of the invention refer to a protection system against sun and rain, coupled to the side of a structure, such as a house, the system comprising a roof configured to protect against the sun and rain, of non-flexible material, in which the roof is shaped in such a manner that its lower face is flat and its upper face is profiled, comprising the roof at least one gradual variation of thickness defining at least one inclination facilitating the self-draining of liquid due to the effect of gravity, and support means configured to support the roof, in which the support means comprise displacement means permitting the complete displacement of the whole system while maintaining its coupling to the structure. The whole system is self-contained in that when displaced it leaves completely free the space left behind, so that it can be laterally displaced without the need to move the terrace, or veranda, furniture which might be present on the floor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention is placed in the technical field of verandas, and in particular, refers to a moveable veranda.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the background art several sun protection systems for doors, windows, or terraces exist. On one hand, systems are known such as awnings or blinds, and on the other hand, systems are known, such as verandas, which are usually conformed from vertical columns that support longitudinal and/or transversal beams forming an open mesh.

[0003] However, all these solar protection systems have the drawback that, whereas they are designed to allow light and air to pass through, even though partially, they are not configured to prevent the entry of rain. The existing solutions for preventing water from falling to the zone below where users are present comprise plastic canvas which cave in and collapse under the rain's weight, or textile canvas wherein eventually water leaks appear as the textile ends up soaked. These canvases only allow evacuating the water by an operator knocking from below, as they are flexible, to direct the water towards one of the sides where it can fall freely. The existing solutions which are not flexible are hard and flat roofs on both sides, which are more resistant to collapse or to leaks, but on the other hand whose water evacuation is enormously difficult as they need the operator to get on top of a ladder and push the accumulated water of the surface with a brush towards one of the sides.
Therefore, a need exists to effectively solve these described problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is as object of the invention to provide solutions to the mentioned problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a simple and efficient protection system, which protects against the sun and at the same time facilitates the evacuation of water accumulated in case of rain.

[0005] Therefore a protection system against sun and rain is provided, coupled to the side of a structure, such as a house, the system comprising a roof configured to protect against the sun and rain, of non-flexible material, in which the roof is shaped in such a manner that its lower face is flat and its upper face is profiled, comprising the roof at least one gradual variation of thickness defining at least one inclination facilitating the self-draining of liquid due to the effect of gravity, and support means configured to support the roof, in which the support means comprise displacement means permitting the complete displacement of the system while maintaining its coupling to the structure.

[0006] The protection system comprises a roof configured with a shape facilitating the water to fall due to its own weight, without the additional manipulation by an operator or a user, for example, when it rains, or when cleaning. It additionally comprises displacement means for moving the whole pergola in a defined direction to so change the shadowed area.

[0007] In this manner, some or all of the problems of the afore-described background art are resolved. The preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements in the different drawings. Corresponding elements may also be referenced using different characters.

FIG. 1 shows the protection system coupled to the side of a structure according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows example variants of the roof of the protection system of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the protection system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the protection system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an aspect of the protection system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an aspect of the protection system according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the protection system according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows an aspect of the protection system according to the third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention refers to a moveable protection system which protects against the sun and permits the evacuation of the accumulated water on the roof in a simple and efficient manner, without the need for intervention from an operator or user, when raining or cleaning. In the following, such a system is referred to as a moveable veranda or moveable pergola. Therefore, the system comprises a roof with a flat lower face and a shaped upper face, defining an inclination such that the water falls under the effect of gravity from the zone contiguous to the building towards the frontal face of the pergola.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows such a protection system 100, according to one embodiment of the invention, coupled to the side 104 of a structure 102, whose side is to be covered, even though partially, using the moveable pergola. The system comprises support means 110 configured for supporting, from above, the roof 120. The support means further comprise displacement means configured to permit the displacement of the whole system 100 in its entirety, support means 110 as well as the roof 120, leaving the cleared away zone free. Apart from the contact points with the remaining elements of the moveable veranda, the support means have only two contact zones. A first contact zone is where the support means couple to the side of the structure, and a second contact zone is where they contact with the floor over which they displace.

[0011] In the example of FIG.1, the displacement is lateral 190, permitting the system to traverse the length of the side of the structure. At the end of the pergola closest to the structure, referred to as the back end, these displacement means are configured to couple with corresponding displacement means 130 fixed to the structure. By means of this coupling, the first contact zone is completed. In one aspect, the means fixed to the structure are rails or guides that facilitate the displacement along the side of the structure. At the end of the pergola furthest away from the structure, referred to as the front end, these displacement means are configured to freely displace over the floor 106. By means of this coupling, the second contact zone is completed. In this aspect, the displacement means could be wheels. In another optional aspect, these displacement means are configured to couple to corresponding displacement means 140 fixed on the floor 106. In one aspect, the floor displacement means are rails or guides that facilitate the displacement over the floor. It is apparent for the skilled artisan that the displacement means can be configured to displace the system in other directions, for example, in perpendicular direction 195 to the plane of the side of the structure, that is, in a back to front direction (perpendicular to the lateral direction 190).

[0012] The support means 110 are conformed by a shell, or frame, which comprises beams disposed as a square on which the roof 120 is mounted in horizontal, or in parallel with the plane of the floor. The shell is connected to at least two vertical beams, one in each front end of the shell, which support the shell on the floor. The shell is a self-porting type aluminum profile beam, with the possibility of being reinforced, with at least one steel plate. It is self-porting in the sense that it has its weight distributed in such a manner that the weight is uniformly distributed along the beam by being supported only on both of its ends, without the need for additional supports. The support material can be thermostable plastic, wood, aluminum, or other metallic materials, whilst a combination of materials is also possible. On the lower side, each pair of beams are joined by lower beams.

[0013] The roof 120 comprises a self-porting compound panel of methacrylate, or glass, or of aluminum sheet. The roof has, on one side, a flat configuration on its lower face, and on the other side, an upper face configuration which permits and facilitates the self-draining of accumulated water, for example, when it rains. FIG. 1 shows a roof according to one aspect, configured so that the back end of the roof is the thickest and it thins gradually until its front end, the one furthest away from the structure, with the minimum thickness. This shape, from more to less thickness, creates a slope which permits the water to fall due to its own weight under the effect of gravity and without the need for additional manipulation by an operator or user.

[0014] In one aspect, the roof comprises photovoltaic panel coupling means. When placed over the sloped roof, the photovoltaic panels are inclined, allowing the mentioned self-draining. Further, the rain can fall into the gaps that can exist between the photovoltaic panels, and drain from the slope of the upper part of the roof. In another aspect, the pergola comprises electric displacement means, configured to facilitate displacing the pergola using an electric motor. In another aspect, the pergola comprises a control unit coupled to a sensor which displaces the pergola automatically as a function of the movement of the sunlight, to maximize the amount of sunlight captured by the photovoltaic panels.

[0015] The shape of the roof can have a number of variants, as long as the lower part remains flat, and the upper part remains with a shape that permits the self-draining water due to the effect of gravity. FIG. 2 shows example variants of this inventive concept, representing the direction of the water falling by discontinuous arrows. In the first aspect 210, already described in FIG. 1, the thickest zone of the roof is defined by a separation line which adjoins the structure. In a second aspect 220, this separation line can be displaced towards the front zone, for example, to the center of the roof, creating two inclined surfaces, one towards the front zone and the other towards the structure. The back side of the roof which contacts the structure has, in this aspect, a drainage permitting water to flow out the same.

[0016] In this last aspect, the roof is configured in two halves, with the separation line running along the roof in the transversal direction 190. In a third aspect 230, the roof is configured with the separation line dividing the roof in the longitudinal direction 195, or perpendicular to the plane of the side, that is, from the structure outwards. The configuration of the two halves direct the water towards both lateral sides of the pergola. In a fourth aspect, the roof is configured with the separation line dividing the roof in a diagonal direction, from one of the corner points of union with the structure towards one of the front corner points.

[0017] In a fifth aspect 250, the roof is configured with multiple separation lines, each one starting from a corner of the roof and joining the rest in a merging point, defining the point of maximum thickness of the roof. The merging point can be situated in any part of the roof, for example, in the middle of the roof's surface. These separation lines define among them shaped surfaces, or sectors, which fall-off progressively, either each one towards one of the sides, or each one towards one of the corner points. In the case of four separation lines, four sectors are generated. The roof can be configured with more or less separation lines as long as the roof thickness variation requirement is met, such as the upper surface is shaped and the bottom is flat.

[0018] The most important advantages of the described protection system are that it is a self-contained system, that is, the whole system, or pergola, is displaceable, both the support means as well as the roof, leaving completely free the space left behind. Therefore, it can be laterally displaced without the need to move the terrace, or veranda, furniture which might be present on the floor 106. This is achieved by means of only two contact points, resulting in a well-balanced and simple system. At the same time, the problems of existing structures are prevented, in the sense that protection against the sun is provided, while not allowing the area under the roof to get wet, and at the same time having a great resistance against collapse under the weight of water, and does not allow water leaks to form. The construction is simple and resistant, offering an optimum solution for the installation of a pergola.

[0019] In the following preferred embodiments, several additional features are described which provide even more advantages to the basic structure of the protection system.

[0020] In one embodiment, of FIG. 6, the support means of the veranda of FIG. 1 comprise at least four vertical beams, one on each end of the shell, which support the shell on the floor. That is, additionally to the two font beams 610, the shell is supported by two back beams 620. Optionally, to give the system more rigidity, two union beams 650 can be provided between the back and front beams to reinforce the global integrity of the system.

[0021] In another embodiment, of FIG. 3, the veranda of FIG. 1 comprises in at least one of its three free sides (two lateral and one frontal), a sheet 310 of constant thickness, which acts as a solid wall, of the same material as the upper part of the roof. In this case, the sheet does not comprise the same design and shape properties as the roof, as it is simply a flat sheet on both sides, as, being vertically disposed, the water does not accumulate in any way. In another embodiment, of FIG. 7, the veranda of FIG. 3 can be configured with at least four vertical beams, one on each end of the shell, which support the shell on the floor (in the same way as for FIG. 6). Optionally, also to provide more rigidity to the system, two union beams 650 are provided between the back and front beams which reinforce the global integrity of the system.

[0022] In another embodiment, of FIG. 4, the veranda of FIG. 1 comprises in at least one of its three free sides (two lateral and one frontal), a storage box of blinds or awnings, permitting the blind 410, or awning, to be lowered partially or completely. In this embodiment, the support means comprise optionally, in both lateral beams, a guide 420 which facilitates lowering or raising the blind or awning, at the same time preventing gaps from opening due to non-uniform closure. In both cases, the blind or awning permits privacy. In another embodiment, of FIG. 8, the veranda of FIG. 4 can be configured with at least four vertical beams, one on each end of the shell, which support the shell on the floor (in the same way as for FIG. 6). Optionally, also to provide more rigidity to the system, two union beams 650 are provided between the back and front beams which reinforce the global integrity of the system.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, of FIG. 5, the veranda, in at least one of its three free sides (two lateral and one frontal), comprises a single glass which covers all the lateral frame, or comprises glass sliding doors 510. In both cases, the glass provides visibility, allowing light to enter, while avoiding rain or wind to enter. In this embodiment, the veranda of FIG. 5 can be configured with at least four vertical beams, one at each end of the shell, which support the shell on the floor (in the same way as for FIG. 6). Optionally, also to provide more rigidity to the system, two union beams 650 are provided between the back and front beams which reinforce the global integrity of the system.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the veranda comprises any combination of the previous preferred embodiments. Any of the three sides can be configured with an opaque sheet (FIG. 3), with a blind/awning (FIG. 4), or glassing (FIG. 5), permitting different combinations, wherein different sides have different elements installed. Further, any single side can be configured with a plurality of closures, for example, a side of the pergola can be configured with a glassing and also with a blind.

[0025] What has been described comprises various example embodiments. As it is not possible nor viable to describe all the possible combinations and permutations of the inventive concept which would result in a large number of embodiments, and redundant paragraphs, it is understood that, after a direct and objective reading of this disclosure, the skilled artisan would derive these different possible combinations and permutations from the various described embodiments and aspects. Consequently, the intention is to encompass all of these alterations, modifications, and variations that fall under the scope of the enclosed claims. The skilled artisan understands that the description of the presented embodiments does not limit the invention, nor do the drawings.

Claims

1. A protection system against the sun and rain, coupled to the side of a structure, such as a house, the system comprising:

a roof configured to protect against the sun and rain, of impermeable material, comprising the roof a lower flat face and at least one gradual variation of thickness defining at least one inclination of its upper face facilitating the self-draining of liquids due to the effect of gravity; and

support means configured for supporting the roof, wherein the support means have a first contact zone where they couple to the structure and a second contact zone with the floor, and comprise displacement means permitting the complete displacement of the system, by means only of the two contact zones, while remaining coupled to the structure.

2. The system according to claim 1, in which, in the back end of the system, the displacement means are configured to couple with corresponding displacement means fixed to the structure.

3. The system according to claim 2, in which, in the front end of the system, the displacement means are configured to displace freely over the floor, or optionally, are configured to couple with corresponding displacement means fixed to the floor.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the support means comprise a shell configured to support the roof horizontally.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the support means comprise at least two vertical beams for supporting the shell, one beam on each corner of the shell disposed in the front part, wherein only the two front beams contact the floor by means of the displacement means.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the support means comprise at least four vertical beams for supporting the shell, one beam on each corner of the shell, in which the at least four front beams contact the floor by means of the displacement means.

7. The system according to claim 3,
wherein the roof comprises photovoltaic panel coupling means;
or, wherein the displacement means are electric, facilitating the displacement of the system using an electric motor.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the displacement means comprise a control unit coupled to a sensor, the control unit configured for displacing the system automatically as a function of the movement of the sunlight, to maximize the amount of sunlight captured by the photovoltaic panels.

9. The system according to claim 3, wherein the configuration of the upper part of the roof is defined by at least one separation line which divides the roof in at least two sectors, the point of most thickness of the roof coinciding with the separation line, and the point of least thickness coinciding with the corners and/or sides furthest away from the separation line, creating two inclined surfaces.

10. The system according to claim 9,
wherein the back side of the roof which contacts the structure has a drainage permitting the water to flow through the same;
or, wherein the separation line is configured in the transversal direction, parallel to the side of the structure, and is placed adjoining the structure, or it is placed at any displacement towards the front zone, for example, at the center of the roof;
or, wherein the separation line is configured in the longitudinal direction, from the back to the front of the roof, and is placed, from one lateral side to the other, at any displacement, for example, at the center of the roof;
or, wherein the separation line is configured in the diagonal direction, from one of the corner points of contact with the structure towards one of the front corner points;
or, wherein the roof is configured with multiple separation lines, each one starting from the sides or corners of the roof and joining the rest in a merging point, defining the point of maximum thickness of the roof, wherein the merging point is situated in any part of the surface of the roof, for example, in the center of the roof.

11. The system according to claim 3, wherein the system comprises, in at least one of its three free sides, a single glass which covers all the lateral frame, or comprises glass sliding doors, or a combination of the same.

12. The system according to claim 3, wherein the system comprises, in at least one of its three free sides, in the upper part, a storage box for blinds or awnings, permitting a blind or awning to be lowered partially or completely.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the support means comprise, in both lateral beams, a guide which facilitates lowering or raising the blind or awning.

14. The system according to claim 3, wherein the system comprises, in at least one of its three free sides, a sheet of constant thickness of the same material as the upper part of the roof.

15. The system according to any of claims 11 to 14, in which any side can comprise a combination of glassing, blinds or sheets.

16. The system according to claim 3,
wherein the displacement means comprise wheels;
or, wherein the system is conformed in aluminum, or wood, or thermostable plastic, or a combination of the same.

Drawing