EP2216460A1

EP2216460A1 - Support and movement assembly particularly for outdoor awnings

Info

Publication number: EP2216460A1
Application number: EP09425043A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vittorio Bandini
Original assignee: Velombra Srl
Current assignee: Velombra Srl
Priority date: 2009-02-09
Filing date: 2009-02-09
Publication date: 2010-08-11

Abstract

A support and movement assembly (1), particularly for outdoor awnings, comprising at least one column (2) designed to support at least one element (3) that lies substantially transversely to the column (2) and means (4) for the movement of at least one awning (5). The awning (5) can move from a configuration in which it is rolled up around the transverse element (3) to a configuration in which it is extended to cover the underlying area, and can be locked in the extended configuration. The assembly further comprises at least one elastic member (6) that is substantially separate from the transverse element (3); the elastic reaction of the elastic member (6), as a consequence of the release of the awning (5) from the extended configuration, automatically causes transition from the extended configuration to the rolled-up configuration and the subsequent retention of this rolled-up configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to a support and movement assembly particularly for outdoor awnings.
Many types of awnings and other covering elements, particularly for outdoor use (gardens, lawns and other open-air spaces), are currently commercially widespread which are capable of combining practicality in use with a particularly pleasant aesthetic appearance that is unquestionably attractive for the public.
Among these, solutions are known which use one or more awnings, having a substantially triangular configuration, which can slide from a fully extended configuration, in which they provide the underlying area with shelter from the sun and/or other atmospheric elements, to a configuration in which they are completely rolled up around a transverse element, such as a shaft, which is supported by one or more substantially vertical columns.
In order to pass from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration, it is necessary to operate (manually or by means of appropriately provided motors) one or more tension members, which act on the opposite side with respect to the shaft and in turn are supported by additional columns.
Subsequently, retention of this configuration is ensured by appropriately provided counterweights and/or other retention devices, which must also ensure the necessary resistance to the mechanical stresses produced by the action of atmospheric agents.
If the restoration of the rolled-up configuration is wanted, it is necessary to deactivate the retention devices and thus roll up the awning.
However, this solution is not free from drawbacks.
First of all, the use of counterweights and other bulky components to ensure that the above described operating configurations are maintained leads to the need to resort to solutions in which bulky elements are arranged laterally adjacent to the supporting columns, generating an absolutely unpleasant aesthetic effect.
It is even more important to note that these solutions are scarcely suitable for applications requiring high structural strength or in which the areas to be covered are so large as to require awnings having an extensive surface area.
In such applications it is in fact not possible to adopt the types of awning described above, since they would require an excessive oversizing of the parts involved, which would make them in practice unusable.
It should also be added that the adoption of retention devices can make it complicated to pass from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration and vice versa, since the release of mechanical parts and/or the loosening of knots might be scarcely practical and very awkward for the user.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing an assembly that allows simple and easy movement of outdoor awnings while ensuring high structural strength.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a support and movement assembly for awnings that ensures that the extended configuration thereof is maintained even following intense external stresses.
Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that allows the movement of outdoor awnings without compromising their aesthetic appearance.
Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that ensures high reliability in operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.
Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that has low costs and is safe in application.
This aim and these and other objects, which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a support and movement assembly, particularly for outdoor awnings, comprising at least one column that is designed to support at least one element that lies substantially transversely to said column and means for the movement of at least one awning, which can move from a configuration in which it is rolled up around said transverse element to a configuration in which it is extended to cover the underlying area, the awning being lockable in said extended configuration, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic member that is substantially separate from said transverse element, the elastic reaction of said elastic member, as a consequence of the release of the awning from the extended configuration, automatically causing transition from said extended configuration to said rolled-up configuration and the subsequent retention of said rolled-up configuration.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of the assembly according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a highly enlarged-scale perspective view of a first detail of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a highly enlarged-scale perspective view of a second detail of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a highly enlarged-scale and partially sectional perspective view of a third detail of Figure 1 showing the elastic member.

With reference to the figures, an assembly according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises at least one column 2, which is designed to support at least one element 3 that lies substantially transversely to the column 2.
Moreover, the assembly 1 comprises means 4 for moving at least one awning 5, which is able to move from a configuration in which it is rolled up around the transverse element 3 to a configuration in which it is extended so as to cover the underlying area.
In this extended configuration, the awning 5 can be locked in various manners, some of which will be described hereinafter.
Additional columns 2 can be used to support other components of the assembly 1 according to the invention, as in the example shown in the accompanying figures.
It should be specified immediately that the support and movement of the awnings 5 for outdoor use is a preferred but not exclusive application of the assembly 1 according to the invention and will be constantly referenced in the continuation of the present description. Nonetheless, different uses of the assembly 1 are not excluded and fall in any case within the scope of the appended claims, if needed by the specific requirements of application.
Further, it must be noted that in the accompanying figures the awning 5 has a substantially triangular shape, but applications of the assembly 1 aimed at supporting and moving one awning 5 (or more than one) having different configurations are not excluded.
According to the invention, the assembly 1 comprises at least one elastic member 6, which is substantially separate from the transverse element 3 and whose elastic reaction, as a consequence of the release of the awning 5 from the extended configuration, automatically causes transition from the extended configuration to the rolled-up configuration and the subsequent retention of this last configuration.
It is noted that an embodiment that resorts to an elastic member 6 whose elastic reaction performs a role that is substantially equal and opposite with respect to the one described above, i.e., intended to automatically cause transition from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration, should be considered fully equivalent (and therefore within the scope of the appended claims).
In particular, according to one possible embodiment, the elastic member 6 is constituted by a spring, which is optionally adjustable and is arranged within one of the columns 2 and coaxially thereto.
More particularly, the spring can be an axially-acting spring, preferably selected between a helical spring and a pneumatic spring.
If a helical spring is adopted (as in the solution shown in the accompanying figures), the assembly 1 can provide for the possibility to move the coupling point of such spring, thus allowing the installation technician, and optionally also the user, to adjust it at will.
Likewise, if an axial spring of the type of a gas-assisted spring is used, the assembly 1 can be provided with means for adjusting the pressure within the chamber of such spring, again ensuring the possibility of adjustment.
Conveniently, the assembly 1 according to the invention comprises at least one retraction tension member 7, which is coupled, in a first end portion 7a thereof, to the free end 8 of the spring.
Upon transition from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration, the tension member 7 winds, on the opposite side with respect to the spring, on a pulley 9 that is keyed on the transverse element 3, with consequent elongation of such spring.
It is further possible to use an elastic member 6 that is arranged proximate and coaxially to the pulley 9, providing, if this embodiment is adopted, the appropriate constructive refinements.
Advantageously, the movement means 4 comprise at least one control cable 10, which is functionally associated with the awning 5: transition from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration is determined by traction applied to the cable 10.
More particularly, according to a solution of particular practical interest shown in the accompanying figures, the movement means 4 comprise a winch 11, which is connected to the control cable 10.
Operation of the winch 11 pulls the cable 10 and consequently produces transition from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration.
The winch 11 can be provided, for its actuation, with a motor (with an optional respective speed reduction unit) or more simply can be provided with a crank (or the like) to allow manual actuation.
The assembly 1 can further comprise an underlying flooring 12; the movement means 4 can be accommodated at least partially in a compartment that is formed between the ground and the lower surface of the flooring 12, thus hiding them from sight.
According to a first simple embodiment, after operating the winch 11 to produce the unrolling of the awning 5 and the transition to the extended configuration and after thus arranging the awning 5 so as to cover the underlying area, the cable 10 can be wound and tied to the winch 11. In this manner it is possible to prevent unwanted return to the rolled-up configuration as a consequence of the action of the elastic member 6.
Conveniently, in order to ensure greater stability to the extended configuration, and therefore avoid unintended slippage of the cable 10, the assembly 1 comprises retention means for the cable 10, which can be associated with the means for coupling in the extended configuration in order to ensure its stable retention.
For example, it is possible to provide along one of the columns 2 one or more hooks that can engage loops provided along the cable 10.
According to a solution of particular interest in practice, described by way of non-limiting example of the application of the invention, the control cable 10 is connected, by means of a guiding apparatus 13, to at least one connecting line 14, which is coupled at opposite ends to respective awnings 5, as in the example shown in the accompanying figures.
In the continuation of the description, constant reference will be made therefore to the preferred (and not exclusive) embodiment described above, which provides for the application of the assembly 1 for the movement and support of two awnings 5 that can be rolled up onto the same transverse element 3 and are fixed at opposite ends to the two ends of the connecting line 14.
Pulling the cable 10 produces the corresponding translational motion of the line 14, which in turn causes the simultaneous unrolling of both awnings 5 to bring them to the extended configuration.
In particular, the guiding apparatus 13 comprises a set of three pulleys 15a, 15b, along which the connecting line 14 can run. Two of the pulleys 15a, which are external, are fixed (for example because they are stably anchored to one of the columns 2); the third central pulley 15b can instead move and is fixed to the control cable 10, in order to move the connecting line 14 and move the awnings 5.
It should be noted that the mutual arrangement of the three pulleys 15a, 15b, as is particularly evident from the accompanying figures, automatically achieves the goal of preventing any further stroke of the central pulley 15b and of the control cable 10 beyond the extended configuration shown in Figure 1.
Once the arrangement of mutual alignment of the three pulleys 15a, 15b has been reached, further advancement of the cable 10 is in fact not possible, since the connecting line 14 is arranged substantially along a straight line, along which it is kept by elastic tension.
Conveniently, the assembly 1 comprises a safety device, which defines the stop position of the stroke of the control cable 10, under the elastic action of the spring, in passing from the extended configuration to the rolled-up configuration.
This safety device can thus prevent a further rotation, after reaching the rolled-up configuration, of the transverse element 3 along the roll-up direction of the awning 5.
For example, such safety device can be constituted by appropriately provided blocks made of a material such as rubber, which are jointly connected to suitable portions of the control line 10, which abut against the external pulleys 15a at the stroke limit of the line 10.
The operation of the assembly according to the invention is as follows.
When use of the awnings 5 is not required, they are both rolled up around the transverse element 3 and the spring is substantially in the inactive position (any weak elongation, with consequent development of a weak elastic reaction, can be contrasted effectively by the safety device introduced above).
If the user wishes to use the awnings 5, it is sufficient to act on the winch 11 to pass from the rolled-up configuration to the extended configuration.
The winch 11 pulls the cable 10, which in turn (optionally by way of the guiding apparatus 13 and the connecting line 14) applies a force to the awnings 5, contrasting the action of the elastic member 6 and thus obtaining the unrolling of the awnings 5 until they are unrolled completely.
Once the extended configuration has been reached, as already noted it is possible to ensure the stability of the achieved arrangement by anchoring the cable 10 to appropriately provided coupling means or simply by locking it with one or more knots.
Subsequently, once the user has decided to roll up the awnings 5, he merely has to release the cable 10, since the elastic reaction of the elastic member 6 automatically restores the rolled-up configuration without requiring further interventions on the part of the user.
It is therefore evident that this solution achieves the intended aim and objects, since the presence of the elastic member 6 (be it a spring or others), without compromising mechanical properties and strength properties, allows simple and easy movement of the awnings 5, in particular causing automatic return to the extended configuration, following only the release of the cable 10 (whereas it is sufficient to operate the winch 11 to extend the awnings 5).
It is thus possible to ensure simple and straightforward operation also for moving awnings 5 of large size and/or in the presence of intense external stresses (typically due to atmospheric agents).
Moreover, the assembly 1 according to the invention does not have counterweights and other similar components, differently from known assemblies, with respect to which an unquestionable improvement of aesthetic appearance is thus obtained. The lack of these counterweights, moreover, ensures easy installation.
It should also be noted that the winch 11 (except for the crank) and other components described above also can be concealed positively from sight, utilizing the compartment in the flooring 12 or appropriately provided cavities inside the columns 2, obtaining a solution that is pleasant and essential and unquestionably attractive to the public.
It should also be noted that in the fully extended configuration the awning 5 is completely unrolled (extended) and all of its extension (the entire awning 5 or its entire surface) is subjected to traction; this ensures maximum resistance to atmospheric agents and in general to external stresses, ensuring that such extended configuration is maintained.
In practice it has been found that the assembly according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, since the adoption of an elastic member that is substantially separate from the transverse element on which the awning is rolled up allows easy and simple movement of the awnings, at the same time ensuring high structural strength, since it ensures the possibility to achieve automatic roll-up of such awning and subsequent retention of the rolled-up configuration.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A support and movement assembly (1), particularly for outdoor awnings, comprising at least one column (2) designed to support at least one element (3) that lies substantially transversely to said column (2) and means (4) for the movement of at least one awning (5), which can move from a configuration in which it is rolled up around said transverse element (3) to a configuration in which it is extended to cover the underlying area, the awning (5) being lockable in said extended configuration, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic member (6) that is substantially separate from said transverse element (3), the elastic reaction of said elastic member (6), as a consequence of the release of the awning (5) from the extended configuration, automatically causing transition from said extended configuration to said rolled-up configuration and the subsequent retention of said rolled-up configuration.
The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic member (6) is substantially constituted by an optionally adjustable spring, which is arranged internally and coaxially to said at least one column (2).
The assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said spring is an axially-acting spring selected between a helical spring and a pneumatic spring.
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one retraction tension member (7), which is coupled at a first end portion (7a) thereof to the free end (8) of said spring, and can be wound at the opposite end, upon transition from said rolled-up configuration to said extended configuration, onto a pulley (9) that is keyed to said transverse element (3).
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (4) comprise at least one control cable (10) functionally associated with the awning (5), the transition from said rolled-up configuration to said extended configuration being determined by traction applied to said cable (10).
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (4) comprise at least one winch (11), which is connected to said control cable (10), the actuation of said winch (11) causing the traction of said cable (10) and the consequent transition from said rolled-up configuration to said extended configuration.
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an underlying flooring (12), said movement means (4) being accommodated at least partially within a compartment that is formed between the ground and the lower surface of said flooring (12).
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises coupling means for said cable (10), said cable (10) being associable with said coupling means in said extended configuration to ensure their stable retention.
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one control cable (10) is connected, by means of a guiding apparatus (13), to at least one connecting line (14), which is coupled at opposite ends to respective awnings (5), the traction of said cable (10) producing a corresponding translational motion of said line (14), causing the simultaneous unwinding of both awnings to bring them to the extended configuration.
The assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said guiding apparatus (13) comprises a set of three pulleys (15a, 15b), along which said connecting line (14) can slide, two of said pulleys (15a), which are external, being fixed, the third central pulley (15b) being movable and fixed to said control cable (10) to cause the movement of said connecting line (14) and the movement of the awnings (5).
The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a safety device, which defines the stop position of the stroke of said control cable (10), under the elastic action of said spring, in transition from said extended configuration to said rolled-up configuration, in order to prevent a further rotation, after reaching said rolled-up configuration, of said transverse element (3) along the roll-up direction of the awning (5).