EP2336450B1

EP2336450B1 - Sun protection and use of a sun protection

Info

Publication number: EP2336450B1
Application number: EP10192107.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marinus Henricus Terhoeve
Original assignee: Aluminium Verkoop Zuid BV
Current assignee: Aluminium Verkoop Zuid BV
Priority date: 2009-11-23
Filing date: 2010-11-22
Publication date: 2016-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-22
Also published as: EP2336450A3; NL2004091C2; EP2336450A2; DK2336450T3; PL2336450T3; ES2566375T3

Description

The invention relates to a sun protection device provided with a sun blocking part and a supporting part for supporting the sun blocking part, wherein the sun blocking part preferably comprises a screen that can be slid in and slid out.
Known sun protection devices for verandas are provided with a supporting part and a sun blocking part. The sun blocking part usually comprises a screen that is intended to offer protection against the sun. Such sun protection devices may be constructed with a screen that can be slid in and slid out along side guides. By sliding the screen in and out, known sun protection devices can to a certain extent be adjusted to weather conditions. When the sun disappears behind the clouds, the screen can, for example, be slid away, and when the sun comes back, the screen can be slid back. Sun protection devices with a screen that cannot be slid in and out lack this adjustment possibility.
Because the position of the sun varies during the day, the known sun protection device will offer optimum protection against the sun only during a part of the day. The fact is, even with a wholly slid-out screen, it can easily happen that the known screen does not offer adequate protection against a low sun. This can be quite a nuisance to a user who, under the screen, finds the low sun annoyingly shining on him.
DE 9410724 U1 discloses a sun protection device according to the preamble of claim 1.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved sun protection device for a veranda that obviates one or more disadvantages of known sun protection devices for verandas. Another object of the invention is to provide an alternative to known sun protection devices for verandas, to offer a consumer an option.
To that end, the invention provides a sun protection device, provided with a sun blocking part and a supporting part for supporting the sun blocking part, wherein the sun blocking part preferably comprises a screen that can be slid in and slid out, wherein the supporting part comprises at least a first support element and a second support element which are immovably connected with each other and extend in mutually different directions along the sun blocking part, wherein the sun blocking part is tiltably connected to the supporting part according to a tilting axis, which extends between two mutually spaced apart points of which a first point is associated with the first support element and a second point is associated with the second support element. As the sun blocking part can be tilted with respect to the supporting part, it can be adjusted to the position of the sun. As a result, the sun protection device offers protection from the sun during a relatively large part of a sunny day, without the dimensions of the sun protection device needing to be enlarged for this purpose.
The two mutually spaced apart points are preferably chosen for reducing, and preferably minimizing, a moment that the weight of the sun blocking part exerts on attachments of the sun blocking part to the supporting part.
Directions that are not in line with each other in a straight line can be regarded as mutually different directions.
The sun protection device additionally offers a surprising advantage. By tilting the sun blocking part, unwanted material, such as rainwater or leaves, can be removed from the sun protection device. Such removal can occur in that the unwanted material of itself falls off the sun blocking part. Also, by tilting, the unwanted material may be better accessible, so that it can be removed, for example, using a broom, garden hose and/or high pressure cleaner.
Preferably, the sun blocking part comprises a screen that can be slid in, and for example pulled in, and can be slid out, and for example pulled out. In this embodiment, the sun protection device is considered to be particularly advantageous. The fact is, many sliding screens are sensitive to the unwanted material that may be left on the screen. When sliding the screen in, for example, water may be entrained, causing the screen to remain wet for a long time. As a result, the quality of the screen may deteriorate rapidly. Also, the unwanted material may soil means for sliding the screen in and out. This may compromise the proper functioning of these means, such as windup means and side guides for the screen.
In an embodiment, the first point coincides with the first support element and a second point coincides with the second support element. It will be clear that in this manner the first point is associated with the first support element and a second point is associated with the second support element. However, other associations of the first and second point with the first support element and the second support element, respectively, are also possible. For instance, the first point may be located in line with the first support element, preferably near the first support element. Analogously, the second point may be located in line with the second support element, preferably near the second support element.
Preferably, the sun blocking part is situated at least partly between the two mutually spaced apart points. As a result, a moment that the weight of the sun blocking part exerts on the attachments of the sun blocking part to the supporting part will be reduced.
In an embodiment, the mutually different directions in which the first and second support element extend are directed transversely to each other. In another embodiment, the mutually different directions in which the first and second support element extend are directed substantially parallel to each other. Optionally, the mutually different directions in which the first and second support element extend are directed obliquely to each other.
Preferably, the first support element and the second support element are formed by substantially horizontally extending girders. Such substantially horizontally extending girders, in use, make, for example, an angle of at most 30 degrees with the horizontal. With such substantially horizontally extending girders, a sturdy support of the sun blocking part can be achieved.
Preferably, the first support element and the second support element are included in a framework formed by the supporting part, which framework, preferably wholly, surrounds the sun blocking part. Such a framework results in a construction of great sturdiness. "Wholly surrounding" is involved when the framework forms an all-round closed periphery around the sun blocking part. "Surrounding" is already involved when the framework surrounds the sun blocking part in part, though for a substantial part. The framework then forms, for example, a minimum of 80 percent of the fully closed periphery around the sun blocking part. The framework can comprise, for example, four, such as just four, substantially horizontal girders. The framework, and preferably the four girders, can extend, for example, in one plane. In the plane, the framework, and preferably the four girders, can form, for example, a rectangle, a trapezium or a parallelogram. Alternatively, the framework can form a triangle. The plane in which the framework, and preferably the four girders, extends, is, for example, with the sun blocking part in untilted situation, (approximately) parallel to a plane in which the sun blocking part extends.
In an embodiment, the framework comprises a tubular section of preferably rectangular cross section. The tubular section can form an inner surface of the framework, which inner surface faces the sun blocking part. The first and the second point, between which the tilting axis extends, can then be located, for example, on the inner surface of the tubular section.
Preferably, the sun blocking part has at least two ends by which it is tiltably connected to the supporting part at the two mutually spaced apart points.
In an embodiment, the at least two ends are formed by corners of the sun blocking part. The ends can be formed, for example, by opposite corners of the sun blocking part, for example, when the sun blocking part has at least four corners. Alternatively, the at least two ends are formed by adjacent corners. Between adjacent corners no other corner is located. In this manner, during tilting, the sun blocking part will move practically wholly in the same direction, for example, upwards or downwards. This makes tilting straightforward, which can prevent accidents.
In an embodiment, the at least two ends are formed by different longitudinal edges of the sun blocking part. Preferably, the at least two ends are opposite longitudinal edges. Opposite longitudinal edges are involved when the shortest path between the longitudinal edges crosses the, preferably wholly slid-out, screen. The screen is then between the opposite longitudinal edges. By tilting the sun blocking part in this embodiment, parts of the sun blocking part can move in different directions during tilting. One part can move, for example, upwards during tilting, while an opposite part can move downwards. In this way, a relatively large angle of tilt can be achieved. This enlarges, for example, possibilities of adjusting the position of the sun blocking part to a position of the sun. Also, unwanted material can be removed better from the downwardly moving part because the user can reach it better.
Preferably, the sun protection device is adapted for, at will of the user, tilting the sun blocking part in one of at least two different directions. By having tilting in one direction followed by tilting in the other direction, both parts of the sun blocking part can be reached better by the user.
Preferably, the sun blocking part is tiltable in a plane that is directed transversely to a plane in which the sun blocking part extends. In this manner, an orientation of the sun blocking part can be effectively adjusted to the position of the sun. The fact is, in this manner it is possible to change an angle of the plane in which the sun blocking part extends with respect to the sun, while the supporting part is at rest.
The sun blocking part may, for example, in use be connected to the supporting part so as to be tiltable in a substantially vertically oriented plane. Alternatively, or additionally, the sun blocking part may, for example, in use be connected to the supporting part so as to be tiltable in a substantially horizontally oriented plane. It will be clear that these tilting possibilities in a substantially vertically and horizontally oriented plane respectively, alone and in combination, are favorable for achieving an effective protection against the sun.
The sun protection device is provided with positioning means for setting the angle of tilt of the sun blocking part with respect to the supporting part. User convenience can thereby be augmented and a better control of the angle of tilt can thereby be achieved.
Preferably, in use, the positioning means during setting of the angle of tilt operate the sun blocking part by exertion of a force on the sun blocking part from the supporting part. The supporting part offers a mechanically favorable point of application for the force between the sun blocking part and the supporting part. The supporting part is provided with the positioning means.
The sun blocking part is provided with at least one, and preferably two, attachment points to which the positioning means, in use, are connected with the sun blocking part. Preferably, the at least one attachment point is located at a distance from the (imaginary) tilting axis and the first point that is associated with the first support element and a second point that is associated with the second support element. A moment on connections by which the sun blocking part is tiltably connected to the supporting part is thereby reduced.
The positioning means comprise a flexible element which is attached to the at least one attachment point, the positioning means being adapted for setting the angle of tilt of the sun blocking part with respect to the supporting part by paying out and/or retracting the flexible element. The flexible element can be, for example, a cord, a chain and/or a band.
In an embodiment, the positioning means further comprise a windup means, the windup means being attached to the supporting part, while the flexible element can be unwound from and wound onto the windup means, the positioning means being adapted for setting an angle of tilt of the sun blocking part with respect to the supporting part by unwinding and/or winding the flexible element on the windup means. The windup means can comprise, for example, a rotatable element such as a roll.
Preferably, the flexible element is formed by a flexible sun protection cloth. This can, at least partly, prevent sun shining in between the windup means and the sun blocking part. Thus, a sun blocking action of the sun protection device can be improved. Preferably, the at least one attachment point is situated along an edge of the sun blocking part, such that the flexible sun protection cloth extends over a width that is approximately equal to a width of the sun blocking part.
Preferably, the sun protection device is provided with a housing which substantially encloses the windup means. In this way, the windup means can be protected from damage.
In an embodiment, the positioning means are adapted for setting a plurality of angles of tilt of the sun blocking part with respect to the supporting part, the plurality of angles of tilt being within a predetermined angular range. Preferably, the angle of tilt is continuously adjustable within the predetermined angular range. Preferably, the plurality of different angles of tilt are at least ten, and more preferably at least fifty, different angles of tilt.
Preferably, the supporting part is provided with at least one leg, preferably at least two legs, more preferably with four legs. With these, a sturdy support can be achieved.
Preferably, at least one leg is, and preferably all legs are, removable from the supporting part. This provides an enhanced flexibility and hence more possibilities in placing the supporting part. Legs near any place of attachment of the supporting part to another object, for example, a tree or fence, are sometimes redundant, so that it is handy if they can be removed from the supporting part and, for example, can be stored elsewhere.
In an embodiment, the sun protection device is provided with attachment means for, preferably detachable, attachment of the supporting part to a shelter, such as a house, a tent, a shed, or a caravan.
In an embodiment, the attachment means are adapted for attachment of the supporting part according to, at will of the user, a first attachment or a second attachment, while the substantially vertically oriented plane in the first attachment extends in a first direction that differs from a second direction in which the substantially vertically oriented plane in the second attachment extends.
In an embodiment, the supporting part as an awning is, preferably detachably, attached to the shelter.
In an embodiment, the supporting part is, preferably detachably, attached by the first and/or the second substantially horizontal girder to the shelter.
In an embodiment, the sun protection device is adapted to be placed on a veranda and/or to be attached to the veranda.
In an embodiment, the supporting part is, preferably wholly, movable. Accordingly, also the sun protection device is movable. Accordingly, at will of the user, the sun protection device can be put in a place determined by the user. Accordingly, the sun protection device can be optimally positioned for protecting the user against the sun. The movable sun protection device can be placed, for example, in a better spot, if the user chooses to sit in a different place.
Preferably, a size of the sun blocking part is chosen such that, in use, a sun blocking surface of the sun blocking part is greater, for example, more than twice or more than ten times greater, than a sun blocking surface of the supporting part, with the sun blocking part preferably in wholly slid-out condition. Thus the sun blocking part, in use, makes a greater protection possible than the supporting part alone.
Preferably, the sun protection device is adapted for, at will of a user, tilting the sun blocking part from an untilted situation in one of at least two different directions. This is especially relevant for the embodiment in which the at least two ends are opposite ends. As a result, a part of the sun blocking part that in one tilting direction moves up and is higher than in an untilted situation, can in the other tilting direction move down and be lower than in an untilted situation.
Preferably, the sun protection device, provided with the supporting part, is further substantially free of obstacles that in use render a free access to a space under the sun blocking part more difficult. This augments a user convenience of the sun blocking part.
In an embodiment, the sun blocking part is provided with at least one attachment section, preferably a plurality of attachment sections. Such attachment sections are preferably detachably connected with different elements, such as the girders and the legs, of the supporting part. The attachment sections afford a user the possibility of detaching and/or individually replacing the different elements of the supporting part. Preferably, the attachment section is slid into and/or over one or two of the different elements, and the attachment section is thereupon connected, optionally detachably with, for example, screws, to the one or two different elements. With the aid of the attachment section, preferably at least two of the different elements are mutually interconnected.
In an embodiment, the supporting part is provided with at least one coupling piece which comprises at least two, preferably three, attachment sections that are mutually interconnected and extend in different, preferably mutually perpendicular, directions.
In an embodiment, at least one, and preferably all, of the attachment sections of the coupling piece are detachably coupled with each other.
In an embodiment, the attachment sections of the coupling piece are angle-adjustably connected with each other.
Preferably, the first support element and the second support element are connected with each other and/or with other elements of the framework by means of the at least one coupling piece.
Preferably, the at least one attachment section of the at least one coupling piece is slid into and/or over the first support element and/or the second support element.
In an embodiment, the framework has a number of corner points, while on or near each corner point there is one of the coupling pieces.
Preferably, the at least one leg comprises, and/or preferably all legs comprise, a foot. With the aid of the foot, a support of the leg to which the foot is connected can be improved. This may be especially important when the leg is placed on a soft or relatively unstable ground, such as clay or sand. Preferably, the foot is detachably connected to a main part of the leg. Accordingly, the foot can, for example, be replaced separately from the main part of the leg. As a result, for example, the foot can be relatively easily adapted to the ground on which the leg is placed. Preferably, the foot is detachably connected with a main part of the leg by means of the at least one attachment section.
The invention also relates to use of the sun protection device.
To that end, the invention provides use of a sun protection device according to the invention as carport and/or above a veranda and/or a terrace. For these three possibilities of use, it is favorable that the sun blocking part is tiltable, so that it can be adjusted better to the position of the sun. Also, these three possibilities of use can benefit from one or more advantages of one or more embodiments of the sun protection device. The three possibilities of use can benefit, for example, from the embodiment where the sun protection device, optionally provided with at least one leg, is further substantially free of obstacles that in use render a free access to a space under the sun blocking part more difficult. As a result, the veranda and/or the carport and/or the terrace will be better accessible.
The invention will now be described more in detail with reference to the, non-limiting, drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an overall view of a sun protection device, in which a sun blocking part is not tilted and a screen of the sun blocking part that can be slid in and out is in a slid-in condition;
Fig. 2 shows an overall view of the sun protection device, in which a sun blocking part is tilted and a screen of the sun blocking part that can be slid in and out is in a slid-in condition;
Fig. 3 shows a side view of the sun protection device, with a sun blocking part tilted;
Fig. 3A shows a side view of the sun protection device attached against a wall of a house or a shed;
Fig. 3B shows a top plan view of a first attachment of a sun protection device with respect to a shelter;
Fig. 3C shows a top plan view of a second attachment of a sun protection device with respect to a shelter;
Fig. 4 shows a detail of positioning means, with a sun blocking part not tilted;
Fig. 5 shows a detail of the positioning means, with the sun blocking part tilted;
Fig. 6A shows a side view of a sun protection device in a second embodiment;
Fig. 6B is a top plan view of the sun protection device in the second embodiment;
Fig. 7A shows a side view of a sun protection device in a third embodiment;
Fig. 7B is a top plan view of the sun protection device in the third embodiment;
Fig. 8A shows a side view of a sun protection device in a fourth embodiment;
Fig. 8B is a top plan view of the sun protection device in the fourth embodiment;
Fig. 9A shows a side view of a sun protection device in a fifth embodiment;
Fig. 9B is a top plan view of the sun protection device in the fifth embodiment;
Fig. 10 shows a view of a sun protection device in a sixth embodiment according to the invention;
Fig. 11 shows a transparent view of an, in use lower, part of a first leg;
Fig. 12 shows a first attachment section;
Fig. 13 shows a transparent top plan view of a first detail of Fig. 10;
Fig. 14 shows an example in which a second, third, and fourth attachment section are mutually interconnected;
Fig. 15 shows a transparent view of a second detail of Fig. 10;
Figs. 16A and 16B show a third coupling piece;
Fig. 17 shows a longitudinal section of the sun protection device in the sixth embodiment; and
Fig. 18 shows a sun protection device in a seventh embodiment according to the invention.

Unless stated otherwise, in the drawings similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show a sun protection device 2 in a first embodiment according to the invention. Such a sun protection device is suitable for use above a veranda. The sun protection device 2 is provided with a sun blocking part 4 and a supporting part 6 for supporting the sun blocking part 4.
The supporting part 6 here forms a framework 5 which wholly surrounds the sun blocking part 4, and so extends along the sun blocking part 4. The framework 5 in this example comprises four horizontal girders, viz. a first horizontal girder 5A, a second horizontal girder 5B, a third horizontal girder 5C, and a fourth horizontal girder 5D. These are immovably connected with each other and extend along the sun blocking part 4 in four different directions, indicated with arrows P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. It will be clear that other constructions of the framework 5 are also possible. For instance, the framework 5 can have a different, non-rectangular, shape. Examples of this include a trapezium shape, a parallelogram shape, and a triangular shape such as will be described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 9A and 9B. Another example of this is a circular shape or oval shape such as will be described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B. Also, the framework can comprise a different number than four girders, for example, three girders (Figs. 9A and 9B) or more than four girders, such as five or six girders.
In the first embodiment, the framework 5 forms an all-round closed perimeter, and wholly surrounds the sun blocking part 4. If there were, for example, a relatively small interruption in one of the girders, the perimeter would be interrupted and the framework 5 would partly surround the sun blocking part. It will further be clear that the dimensions of the supporting part can be adapted to dimensions of the veranda and/or to needs of a user of the sun protection device 2.
Each of the first horizontal girder 5A, the second horizontal girder 5B, the third horizontal girder 5C, and the fourth horizontal girder 5D can be taken as a first support element. Another one of the first horizontal girder 5A, the second horizontal girder 5B, the third horizontal girder 5C, and the fourth horizontal girder 5D can then be taken as a second support element. It will thus be clear that in this example the supporting part 6 comprises at least the first support element and the second support element, and that the first support element and the second support element are included in the framework 5 that is formed by the supporting part 6.
The first support element and the second support element extend in mutually different directions along the sun blocking part. These different directions can cross each other, intersect each other or be parallel to each other. The different directions can be, for example, transverse to each other (such as the fourth direction P₄ in which the fourth girder 5D extends and the third direction P₃ in which the third girder 5C extends). Alternatively, the different directions can be directed parallel to each other at a lateral distance from each other (such as the directions of the second girder 5B and the fourth girder 5D).
The sun blocking part 4 is tiltably connected to the framework 5. Fig. 1 shows an overall view of the sun protection device 2, in which the sun blocking part 4 is not tilted and a screen 8 of the sun blocking part 4 that can be slid in and out is in a slid-in condition. Fig. 2 shows an overall view of the sun protection device 2, in which the sun blocking part 4 is tilted. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the sun protection device 2, in which the sun blocking part 4 is tilted.
The sun blocking part 4 is tiltably connected to the supporting part 6 according to a tilting axis, which extends between two mutually spaced apart points of which a first point 3A is associated with the first support element (here the fourth horizontal girder 5D) and a second point 3B is associated with the second support element (here the second horizontal girder 5B). In this example, the framework 5 has a tubular section of rectangular cross section, and the tubular section forms an inner surface 19 of the framework, which inner surface faces the sun blocking part. In this example, the first and the second point, between which the tilting axis extends, are on the inner surface 19 of the tubular section.
Preferably, the first support element and the second support element, in particular the framework 5, more particularly the supporting part 6, remain at rest during tilting. This holds for all embodiments described. A tiltable connection of the sun blocking part 4 with the framework 5 at the first point 3A and a second point 3B can be achieved, for example, with the aid of pivots and bearings in which the pivots can rotate. The pivots may be attached, for example, to the sun blocking part, while the bearings may be attached to the framework 5. The first and second point 3A, 3B then, for example, coincide with the bearings. Such pivots and bearings are not depicted in Figs. 1 to 5, but are visible in Figs. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, indicated with reference numerals 25 and 26, respectively. The imaginary tilting axis then extends, for example, between the bearings 25. An example of the tilting axis is shown in Fig. 6B with reference numeral 40. As an alternative to the pivots and the bearings, hinges may be used (not depicted but conventional). These can form a tiltable connection between the sun blocking part 4 and the supporting part 6, in particular between the sun blocking part 4 and the framework 5 of the supporting part 6. Other tiltable connections known per se can also be used.
The sun blocking part 4 can be provided with at least one, and preferably two, attachment points to which the positioning means in use are connected with the sun blocking part. These attachment points may be located on the frame 12, at a distance from the tilting axis. A first and a second of these attachment points are indicated with reference numerals 15A and 15B, respectively, in Figs. 2, 3 and 5. A connection of the sun blocking part 4 with the framework 5 can be achieved, for example, with the aid of a flexible element 16 which is windably and unwindably connected to the framework 5 and to the attachment points 15A, 15B on the frame 12 of the sun blocking part 4.
It will hence be clear that the two mutually spaced apart points in the first embodiment are distributed over both the first support element and the second support element. In this example, for instance, the first point 3A is located on the fourth girder 5D and so is associated with the fourth girder 5D, and the second point 3B is located on the second girder 5B and so is associated with the second girder 5B. It will further be clear that the sun blocking part 4 is situated here between the first point 3A and the second point 3B.
Generally, the supporting part 6 is provided with one or more legs. In the first embodiment, the supporting part 6 is provided with four legs, viz., a first leg 7A, a second leg 7B, a third leg 7C, and a fourth leg 7D. With the four legs 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D a firm support of the sun protection device 2 can be obtained. From a mechanical viewpoint, the four legs 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D combine well with the four girders 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D. More generally, preferably the number of legs is equal to the number of girders.
With only one leg, already a reasonably firm support can be achieved, for example, when the only one leg is firmly attached to the ground. The only one leg may, for example, be dug into the ground, be weighted, e.g., with an additional weight, and/or be provided with a foot. A supporting part with only one leg can comprise bearing elements such as aluminum tubes which connect the leg with the framework 5. Preferably, such bearing elements are so positioned as not to hinder the tilting of the sun blocking part 4.
It will be clear that the first, second, third, and fourth leg 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D may also be dug in, be weighted, and/or be provided with the foot. For achieving a firm support, such measures, while useful, are not strictly necessary when four legs are present.
The supporting part 6 may be attached as an awning to a shelter, such as a house, a tent, a shed, or a caravan. Fig. 3A shows, as an example, a side view of the sun protection device 2 attached against a wall 11 of the house or the shed. Fig. 3A further shows the veranda 13. The supporting part 6 can be configured for such attachment. To this end, the supporting part 6 can be provided with first holes suitable for inserting bolts therethrough. With these bolts the supporting part can then be connected to the house or the shed. Figs. 1 and 2 show with reference numerals 9A and 9B examples of the first holes in the supporting part 6. The supporting part can thus be attached according to a first attachment with a first side 11A (Fig. 3) against a wall of the house or the shed. Alternatively, or additionally, the first holes 9A, 9B may be provided in a girder of the supporting part 6, for example, the first horizontal girder 5A. In that case, it is possible to omit the first leg 7A and the second leg 7B, so that a supporting part with only two legs (in this case the third leg 7C and the fourth leg 7D) is obtained. A top plan view of this form of the first attachment of the sun protection device 2 with respect to the shelter is shown in Fig. 3B.
Analogously to such an attachment of the sun protection device 2 with the first side 11A facing the shelter, the supporting part may be configured for a second attachment to the shelter with a second side 11B (Figs. 1 and 2) facing the shelter. To this end, the supporting part 6 may be provided, for example in the first leg 7A and in the fourth leg 7D, with second holes 9C, 9D, alternatively or additionally to the first holes 9A, 9B, suitable for inserting bolts therethrough. Alternatively, or additionally, the second holes 9C, 9D may be provided in a girder of the supporting part 6, for example, the fourth horizontal girder 5D. In that case, it is possible to omit the first leg 7A and the fourth leg 7D, so that a supporting part with just two legs (in this case, the second leg 7B and the third leg 7C) is obtained. A top plan view of this form of the second attachment of the sun protection device 2 with respect to the shelter is shown in Fig. 3C.
In all examples shown, the sun blocking part is tiltable in a first plane 32 which is directed transversely to a second plane (not depicted in Figs. 1-5 but visible in Figs. 6A and 9A with reference numeral 34) in which the sun blocking part extends. Cross sections of the first plane 32 in a direction perpendicular to the first plane 32 are indicated, in addition to Figs. 3B and 3C, in Figs. 6A, 7A, 7B, 8B and 9B. In these examples, the first plane 32 is substantially vertically oriented.
More in general, the supporting part 6 is preferably provided with attachment means, which comprise, for example, the first holes 9A, 9B and/or the second holes 9C, 9D, for attachment of the supporting part 6 to the shelter. Preferably, the attachment means are adapted for attachment of the supporting part to the shelter with the first side 11A or the second side 11B, preferably at will of the user, facing the shelter. Thus the attachment means are adapted for attachment of the supporting part according to, at will of the user, the first attachment or the second attachment, with the substantially vertically oriented plane 32 in the first attachment extending in a first direction that differs from a second direction in which the substantially vertically oriented plane 32 in the second attachment extends. In the example described, the user has such a choice if both the first holes 9A, 9B and the second holes 9C, 9D in the supporting part, in particular in the legs of the supporting part and/or in a girder of the supporting part, are present. Such a choice is very handy. Many shelters are, for example, oriented differently with respect to the sun, so that for different shelters attachment by a different side to the shelter may be necessary. If a sun protection device is configured for such different attachments, fewer different types of the sun protection device can suffice. This entails lower costs of production and logistics. What is more, for example, in this manner a tilting direction can be chosen that is most suitable for removing unwanted material, such as rainwater, dirt, and/or leaves, from the sun blocking part. As the side by which the supporting part is attached to, or oriented towards, the shelter can be chosen with respect to the plane 32 in which the sun blocking part can be tilted, the unwanted material can be prevented from coming down, as a result of tilting, at an undesirable spot. Such undesirable spots will vary from one shelter to another, so that this choice can be important.
An advantage of the use of the bolts, or other screw means, in combination with the first or second holes, is that these can provide a detachable connection with the house or the shed. Clearly, other detachable connecting means can be used. For attachment to the tent or the caravan, for example, the use of lines is considered suitable. This can prevent undesirable displacement or even tipping over of the sun protection device 2, for example as a result of a storm with strong gusts of wind.
Alternatively, or additionally, to attachment of the sun protection device 2 to the shelter, the sun protection device may be attached to the veranda. This can be done with detachable connecting means known per se, for attachment to the veranda.
If the attachment of the supporting part to the shelter is sturdy enough, for example, when use is made of the bolts, the supporting part may even be free of the first, second, third and fourth leg 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, although one or more legs, such as the two legs, for example, the third leg 7C and the fourth leg 7D, can enhance the sturdiness of the supporting part, also when the supporting part is attached to the shelter. It will be clear that, preferably, the supporting part can be removed from the shelter again. This can be effected by making use of the detachable connection. Note that the sun protection device 2 evidently can also be set up separately from the shelter.
In a variant, at least one and preferably all legs are removable from the supporting part. This allows the above-mentioned variations of the number of legs, such as one leg or two legs, to be achieved starting from a supporting part initially provided with four legs. The legs being removable also renders the sun protection device 2 more easily transportable, which may be of great practical use to the user. Connections, such as screwable connections, by which the legs can be removably attached are known per se to those skilled in the art, so that a further description is considered superfluous.
In each of the embodiments described, the supporting part 6 can be made, at least partly, of aluminum. This has as an advantage that a light construction can be achieved. This is especially handy if the sun protection device 2 is designed to be movable, because moving it then takes relatively little effort because of the relatively low weight. Optionally, a lower part of the legs may be weighted. To that end, the lower part can comprise, for example, a material having a relatively high density, such as stainless steel or cast iron. Such weighting enhances the stability of the sun protection device 2.
The sun blocking part 4 of the sun protection device 2 in the first embodiment comprises the screen 8 that can be slid in and slid out. The screen 8 may be, for example, at least partly of a woven material, such as textile. Alternatively, the screen 8 can comprise a multiplicity of fixed segments which are connected tiltably with respect to each other, for example, through a flexible band. Such variants of the screen 8 are known per se to those skilled in the art, so that a further description thereof is considered superfluous. Typically, these screens are also provided with a moving sealing section and a case or like housing in which the retracted screen can be received. Such details are also known to those skilled in the art and do not require further explanation here.
Figs. 1 and 2 show the screen 8 in a slid-in condition. The sun blocking part 4 may, in general, be provided with the frame 12. The frame 12 can surround the screen 8. In this example, the screen 8 can be slid in and slid out along a first side guide 10A and a second side guide 10B, which are arranged along the frame 12 of the sun blocking part 4. With the sun blocking part 4 in non-tilted condition, in this example the first side guide 10A and the second side guide 10B run parallel with the second horizontal girder 5B and the fourth horizontal girder 5D, respectively.
There are provided different possibilities of allowing the screen to be slid in and slid out. The sun protection device 2 may be provided, for example, with a cable-spring system (not depicted). With such system, by means of cables that are connected with the screen 8, a tensile force can be exerted on the screen. The screen 8 may, for instance, in slid-in condition, be wound on a roll. By the tensile force, the screen can then be unrolled and slid out. Such systems for sliding the screen 8 in and out are known per se to those skilled in the art, so that a further description is considered superfluous. Preferably, with the screen 8 in wholly slid-out condition, a substantially rainproof seal between the screen 8 and the frame 12 is achieved. To this end, the screen 8 may be provided with a sealing profile 17, which can comprise, for example, a rubber strip.
Also, more generally, with the sun blocking part in non-tilted condition, preferably a substantially rainproof seal is achieved between the sun blocking part 4 and the supporting part 6, in particular the framework 5. To this end, the sun protection device may be provided with sealing means, such as rubber strips, which are situated between the supporting part 6 and the sun blocking part 4, with the sun blocking part in non-tilted condition.
The sun protection device 2 may be provided with positioning means 14 for setting an angle of tilt α of the sun blocking part 4 with respect to the supporting part 6. Figs. 4 and 5 show details of the positioning means 14. Fig. 4 shows a detail of the positioning means 14, with the sun blocking part 4 not tilted. Fig. 5 shows a detail of the positioning means 14, with the sun blocking part 4 tilted.
In the first embodiment, the positioning means 14 comprise the flexible element 16, in this example a cord, such as a steel cable. The cord 16 is connected with the sun blocking part 4, in this example with the frame 12 of the sun blocking part 4. The positioning means 14 in this example further comprise a windup means 18, for example, a roll. The windup means 18 is here attached to the supporting part 6. The flexible element 16 is unwindable from and windable on the windup means 18 and is attached to the attachment points 15A, 15B of the sun blocking part 4. In this example, the positioning means 14 are adapted for setting the angle of tilt α of the sun blocking part 4 with respect to the supporting part 6 by unwinding and/or winding the flexible element 16 on the windup means. This may be done, for example, with the aid of a tube motor (not depicted) which may be included in the windup means 18. Thus the positioning means 14 can be configured for setting the angle of tilt α of the sun blocking part 4 with respect to the supporting part 6 by paying out and/or retracting the flexible element 16. The windup means 18 in this example is mounted to the supporting part 6. It will then be clear that in this example the positioning means, in use, during setting of the angle of tilt operate the sun blocking part 4 by exerting a force on the sun blocking part from the supporting part 6.
The flexible element 16 and the windup means 18 can make it possible to realize, within a predetermined angular range, a practically continuous range of angles of tilt. The predetermined angular range then may be limited by a length of the flexible element 16.
It will be clear that the sun blocking part 4 may also be operated in other ways to tilt, for example with linkages and/or muscle power. The positioning means 14 may also be provided, for example, with a spring or counterweight having such a strength and mass, respectively, that tilting of the sun blocking part 4 is just prevented, when no operation is taking place. As a result, the angle of tilt can be set stably, and also a relatively small force is needed for tilting. With the aid of such a spring or counterweight, the cord 16 can be pulled with the aid of the roll 18 when the tilt of the sun blocking part 4 is being undone, for example, with the aid of muscle power.
In Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 there is also a housing 20 visible, which substantially encloses the windup means 18. In the first embodiment the sun protection device 2 is provided with the housing 20. It will be clear that in Figs. 4 and 5 the housing is shown partly in cutaway view, so as to render the windup means 18 visible.
In Figs. 1 to 5, any point along a longitudinal edge of the sun blocking part 4, which longitudinal edge in this example is formed by the frame 12, can be taken as an end of the sun blocking part 4. Thus, it will be clear that the sun blocking part 4 has at least two ends. By these, it can be tiltably connected to the supporting part 6 at the two mutually spaced apart points 3A, 3B. In Figs. 1 to 5 these at least two ends can be adjacent corners, viz. a first corner 22A and a second corner 22B. In addition, the sun blocking part in this example further has a third corner 22C and a fourth corner 22D. In this example, the first and second corner 22A and 22B are located along one and the same first longitudinal edge 24A of the sun blocking part 4.
Figs. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B show other examples of a tiltable connection of the sun blocking part 4 and the supporting part 6, where the sun blocking part 4 is tiltably connected with the supporting part 6 in a different manner.
Figs. 6A and 6B show a sun protection device 2 in a second embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 6A shows a side view of the sun protection device 2 in the second embodiment. Fig. 6B shows a top plan view of the sun protection device 2 in the second embodiment. Figs. 7A and 7B shows a sun protection device 2 in a third embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 7A shows a side view of the sun protection device 2 in the third embodiment. Fig. 7B shows a top plan view of the sun protection device 2 in the third embodiment. Figs. 8A and 8B show a sun protection device 2 in a fourth embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 8A shows a side view of the sun protection device 2 in the fourth embodiment. Fig. 8B shows a top plan view of the sun protection device 2 in the fourth embodiment. Figs. 9A and 9B shows a sun protection device 2 in a fifth embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 9A shows a side view of the sun protection device 2 in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 9B shows a top plan view of the sun protection device 2 in the fifth embodiment.
In the second, third, fourth and fifth embodiment, the sun protection device 2 is provided with the sun blocking part 4 and with the supporting part 6. The sun blocking part 4 is provided with the screen 8. In the second and third embodiment, the screen 8 is shown in wholly slid out condition. In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the screen 8 cannot be slid in or out. The screen 8 may then be fixedly mounted in the frame 12, or may be removable from the frame 12. Further, in the examples of Figs. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, the sun blocking part 4 is tiltably connected with the supporting part 6 through pivots 25. The pivots are, for instance, fastened to the frame 12 of the sun blocking part 4 and extend in bearings 26 which are included in the framework 5 of the supporting part 6. It will be clear there are other ways possible of tiltably attaching the sun blocking part 4 to the supporting part 6. in the first embodiment, for example, besides an attachment with pivots 25 and bearings 26, also an attachment with a hinge is possible. This hinge may be attached to the first longitudinal edge 24A of the sun blocking part 4 and to an adjacent girder, in this example the first girder 5A, of the supporting part 6.
In the second and the fourth embodiment, the sun blocking part 4 is tiltably connected to the supporting part 6 by two ends, viz., a first end 23A and a second end 23B, which are opposite each other. In the second embodiment, the first end 23A and the second end 23B are formed by opposite longitudinal edges, here a second longitudinal edge 24B and a third longitudinal edge 24C, of the sun blocking part 4. In the fourth embodiment, the first end 23A and the second end 23B, which are opposite each other, are formed by one and the same fourth longitudinal edge 24D, which longitudinal edge is curved.
In the third embodiment, the sun blocking part 4 is also tiltably connected by two opposite ends with the supporting part 6. In this example, the ends are formed by opposite corners, here the second corner 22B and the fourth corner 22D.
It will be clear that when the sun blocking part has two opposite ends by which it is connected, at the two points between which the tilting axis 40 extends, to the supporting part (as in the second, third and fourth embodiment), these two points are then situated at a distance from each other. It will further be clear that in that case the support elements on which these two points are located extend along different directions. Mutually spaced apart points, however, can also be obtained in a different manner, and may be located, for example, on one and the same curved longitudinal edge.
In the fifth embodiment the supporting part 6 may be provided with the positioning means 14 with the flexible element 16. In the fifth embodiment the sun blocking part 4 is triangular in shape. Such a shape may come in good stead, for example, in case of a triangular veranda, or in case of a rectangular veranda above just a part of which a user needs sun protection.
As can be seen in Figs. 6A and 7A, a first part 36 of the sun blocking part 4 can move down during tilting, and a second part 38 of the sun blocking part 4 can move up during tilting. It will be clear that the first part 36 and the second part 38 of the sun blocking part 4 in this example are separated by the (imaginary) tilting axis 40, about which the sun blocking part 4 can be tilted in use.
More in general, it will be favorable when the weight of a part of the sun blocking part 4 that from a non-tilted situation in use moves downwards during tilting is greater than the weight of a part of the sun blocking part 4 that from a non-tilted situation in use moves upwards during tilting, for example, when the positioning means of the first embodiment (i.e., with the flexible element and the windup means) are used. In this way, the flexible element remains tensioned in use and the angle of tilt α is well-defined. Further, it will be favorable, as, for example, in the second, third and fourth embodiment and independently of what positioning means are used, when the weight of the first part 36 of the sun blocking part 4 that from a non-tilted situation in use moves down during tilting is substantially equal to the weight of the second part 38 of the sun blocking part 4 that from a non-tilted situation in use moves upwards during tilting. As a result, a relatively small force is needed for tilting the sun blocking part.
Fig. 10 shows a view of a sun protection device 2 in a sixth embodiment according to the invention. The sun protection device 2 is provided with a sun blocking part 4 and a supporting part 6. In this example, the supporting part 6 is provided with the first leg 7A, the second leg 7B, the third leg 7C, and the fourth leg 7D. One or more of the legs 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, for example, each of the legs 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, may comprise a foot. In this example, the first leg 7A comprises a first foot 50A, the second leg 7B comprises a second foot 50B, the third leg 7C comprises a third foot 50C, and the fourth leg 7D comprises a fourth foot 50D.
Fig. 10 further shows the case 42 in which the retracted screen can be received. In the sixth embodiment, the screen is provided with a bottom rail 44. With the aid of this, a proper stretching of the screen in a width direction of the screen 8 can be achieved. This helps to prevent unwanted folds in the screen 8. The bottom rail 44 may be provided with the sealing means such as the rubber strip.
Fig. 11 shows a transparent view of an, in use lower, part 52A of the first leg 7A. The other legs 7B, 7C, 7D can have a similar lower part. Fig. 11 shows the first foot 50A and also shows a first attachment section 54.1. Fig. 11 further shows an, in use lower, part of a main part 60A of the first leg 7A. The other legs preferably have a similar main part. The main part of the first leg is preferably hollow. In this example, the main part 60A of the first leg is formed as a rectangular tubular section. In Fig. 11 the first attachment section 54.1 is slid into the hollow main part 60A of the first leg 7A.
Fig. 12 also shows the first attachment section 54.1. More in general, the first attachment section 54.1 may be provided with recesses. The recesses can extend in different directions. A first recess 56A or a plurality of first recesses 56A may extend, for example, in a length direction 58A of the first attachment section 54.1. A second recess 56B or a plurality of second recesses 56B may extend, for example, in a transverse direction 58B of the first attachment section 54.1. The transverse direction can be transverse to the length direction. A length L of the first attachment section 54.1 can be in a range of 5 centimeters to 50 centimeters. An attachment section longer than about 5 centimeters is relatively light and creates the possibility of achieving an attachment of an acceptable strength. An attachment section shorter than 50 centimeters has an acceptable weight and creates the possibility of achieving an attachment of a relatively high strength. The length L may be, for example, approximately equal to 18 centimeters. However, the length L can also be outside the range mentioned. The first attachment section may further be provided with first slots 57A and/or second slots 57B. These first and/or second slots can extend in the length direction 58A of the first attachment section 54.1.
The first and/or second recesses 56A, 56B are preferably provided with thread. This allows screws 62 to be screwed through recesses in the first leg (not visible) into the second recesses of the first attachment section 54.1. Also, similarly, screws (not visible) can be screwed through recesses in the first foot (not visible) into the first recesses 56A. With the aid of the screws 62 and the attachment section with the first and second recesses 56A, 56B, the first foot 50A can be detachably connected with the main part of the first leg 7A. Alternatively, the first foot part and the first attachment section can be replaced with a plastic cap which closes off the tubular section of the main part 60A of the first leg 7A from below. With the first foot 50A, however, a better support is obtainable than with such a plastic cap.
The supporting part 6 in the sixth embodiment (Fig. 10) is further provided with the framework 5 which comprises four support elements in the form of horizontal girders, viz., the first horizontal girder 5A, the second horizontal girder 5B, the third horizontal girder 5C, and the fourth horizontal girder 5D. It will be clear that the horizontal girders can form the first and the second support element. The first support element may be formed, for example, by the second girder 5B, and the second support element may be formed, for example, by the fourth girder 5D. In this example, the horizontal girders 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D are mutually connected with the aid of coupling pieces (not visible in Fig 10, but shown in Figs. 13, 14, and 15 with reference numerals 78.1 and 78.2). With the aid of these coupling pieces, also the legs 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D can be attached to the framework 5.
Fig. 13 shows a transparent top plan view of a first detail 70 of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 shows the third horizontal girder 5C, the fourth horizontal girder 5D, and the fourth leg 7D. Fig. 13 further shows a second attachment section 54.2, a third attachment section 54.3, and a fourth attachment section 54.4 which are similar to the first attachment section 54.1 as depicted in Fig. 12. As can be seen in Fig. 13, the second attachment section 54.2 in this example is situated substantially in an, in use upper, part of the fourth leg 7D. The fourth leg 7D, just like the other legs, may be provided with a cover 72 which is connected with cover screws 74 to the second attachment section 54.2. The cover screws 74 may, for example, be screwed in the first slots 57A. Fig. 13 further shows that in this example the third attachment section 54.3 is situated substantially in the third horizontal girder 5C, and that the fourth attachment section 54.4 is situated substantially in the fourth horizontal girder 5D.
The second, third, and fourth attachment section may be connected with the fourth leg 7D, the third girder 5C, and the fourth girder 5D, respectively, via the screws 62. To that end, the screws 62 can be screwed through recesses (not visible) in the fourth leg 7D, the third girder 5C, and the fourth girder 5D into the second recesses 56B of the second, third, and fourth attachment sections, respectively, similarly to the screws 62 screwed into the second recesses 56B of the first attachment section 54.1 as described with reference to Fig. 11.
The second, third and fourth attachment section 54.2, 54.3, and 54.4 may be comprised by a first coupling piece 78.1 by which the fourth leg 7D, the third girder 5C, and the fourth girder 5D are mutually interconnected. To that end, the second, third, and fourth attachment section may be mutually interconnected and extend in this example in mutually perpendicular directions.
Fig. 14 shows an example in which the second, the third, and the fourth attachment section 54.2, 54.3, and 54.4 are mutually interconnected with screws 76. The screws 76 that are visible in Fig. 14 extend through third recesses (not visible) in the second attachment section and into the first recesses 56A of the fourth attachment section 54.4. After the mutual connections, for example with the aid of the screws 76, have been effected, the second, third and fourth attachment section can be part of the first coupling piece 78.1. It will be clear that the fifth attachment section 54.5, as shown in Fig. 14, is absent in the example of Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 shows a transparent view of a second detail 71 indicated in Fig. 10. Fig. 15 shows a second coupling piece 78.2 which is built up analogously to the first coupling piece 78.1, and shows also a sixth attachment section 54.6. The sixth attachment section is received in the first leg 7A and is attached thereto. Fig. 15 shows also a seventh attachment section 54.7. The seventh attachment section 54.7 is received in the first girder 5A and is attached thereto with the aid of the screws 62. Fig. 15 shows further an eighth attachment section 54.8. The eighth attachment section 54.8 is received in the fourth girder 5D and is attached thereto with the aid of the screws 62.
It will thus be clear that, in the sixth embodiment, the supporting part 6 is provided with at least one attachment section, viz., the first, second, third, and fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth attachment section.
It will also be clear that the supporting part of the sun protection device 2 in the sixth embodiment has a first corner point 84A, a second corner point 84B, a third corner point 84C, and a fourth corner point 84D (Fig. 10), and that the first coupling piece 78.1 is near the fourth corner point 84D and that the second coupling piece 78.2 is near the first corner point 84A. In the sixth embodiment, near the second and third corner points there are similar coupling pieces to those at the first and the fourth corner point. Thus, it will be clear that in the sixth embodiment on or near each corner point there may be one of the coupling pieces. It will also be clear that in the sixth embodiment the first support element, for example, the second girder 5B, and the second support element, for example, the fourth girder 5D, are connected with other elements, such as the first girder 5A and the third girder 5C, of the framework 5 by means of the coupling pieces such as the first and second coupling piece 78.1 and 78.2. In variations of the supporting part 6 as described hereinbefore, it may be desirable to connect parts of the supporting part 6, such as the legs and the frame 5, or such as different parts of a leg, with each other at a settable angle. Figs. 16A and 16B show a third coupling piece 78.3 where a ninth and a tenth attachment section 54.9 and 54.10 of the third coupling piece are angle-adjustably connected with each other. The ninth and tenth attachment section are similar to the first attachment section as shown in Fig. 12. The third coupling piece 78.3 is provided with outer coupling plates 80A and inner coupling plates 80B. The inner coupling plates can be inserted into the second slots 57B of the ninth attachment section. The outer coupling plates can be inserted into the first slots 57A of the tenth attachment section. The coupling plates 80A,B may be provided with curved slots 82, in which coupling bolts 84 may be present. By tightening the coupling bolts 84, a set angle between the ninth and the tenth attachment section can be fixed.
Fig. 17 shows a longitudinal cross section of the sun protection device 2 in the sixth embodiment. The plane of the cross section passes through the third attachment section 54.3 and the seventh attachment section 54.7, parallel with the legs and the fourth girder 50D. Fig. 17 shows the first leg 7A, the fourth leg 7D, the first foot 50A, and the fourth foot 50D. Fig. 17 further shows the fourth girder 5D of the framework 5. Also shown in Fig. 17 are the sun blocking part 4 and the screen 8. The screen 8 in this example can be slid in and out with the aid of the screen roll 83. The screen roll 83 can be part of a winding and unwinding mechanism with the aid of which the screen 8 can be slid in and out.
The third attachment section 54.3 may be provided with an opening 88. This opening is not present in the first attachment section 54.1. Via the opening 88 the flexible element 16 can be led to the roll of the windup means 18.
Fig. 17 also shows the windup means 18 and the flexible element 16. In the sixth embodiment, the flexible element 16 is formed by a flexible sun protection cloth 85. At an attachment point 15C of the sun blocking part the sun protection cloth is connected with the sun blocking part 4. In the sixth embodiment, the attachment point 15C is along an edge of the sun blocking part, such that the flexible sun protection cloth extends over a first width B₁ which is approximately equal to a second width B₂ of the sun blocking part 4. It will hence be clear that the term 'attachment point' can be taken broadly and can extend along the edge of the sun blocking part. The first width B₁ and the second width B₂ are, for example, approximately equal to a length of the first and the third girder.
Fig. 18 shows the sun protection device in a seventh embodiment according to the invention. In Fig. 18 the sun protection device 2 is attached to the wall 11. In this example, the supporting part 6 is adapted for such an attachment. To that end, the supporting part 6 may be provided with an eleventh and a twelfth attachment section 54.11 and 54.12. The eleventh and twelfth attachment section are similar to the first attachment section and may be provided with a mounting plate 90. The mounting plate may be connected to the eleventh and twelfth attachment section by means of screws that may be screwed into the first recesses 56A. The mounting plates 90 may be provided with the first holes 9E suitable for inserting bolts therethrough. With these bolts the supporting part can then be connected to the wall 11.
Fig. 18 shows further the attachment point 15C that is along the edge of the sun blocking part 4, such that the flexible sun protection cloth extends over the first width B₁ of the sun protection cloth 85 which is approximately equal to the second width B₂ of the sun blocking part 4 and the screen 8.
In the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment, the sun blocking part 4 is connected to the framework 5 of the supporting part 6 so as to be tiltable in the plane 32 which is substantially vertically oriented in use. Such a vertical tilt orientation, however, may be supplemented with, and/or replaced by, a horizontal tilt orientation. To that end, the sun blocking part may be connected to the supporting part so as to be tiltable in a plane which is substantially horizontally oriented in use. By combining these two tilt orientations, a relatively wide range of orientations of the sun blocking part 4 with respect to the sun can be achieved.
It will be clear that features described in respect of the embodiments described are not limited to a single embodiment, but can also be used in the other embodiments. For instance, the sun protection device 2 in the second, third and fourth embodiment may be provided with the first leg 7A, the second leg 7B, the third leg 7C, and the fourth leg 7D. In the fifth embodiment, the sun protection device 2 may be provided with only three legs, viz., the first leg 7A, the second leg 7B and the third leg 7C.
It is believed that the operation and construction of the invention are apparent from the preceding description. The invention is not limited by any of the embodiments described. For instance, the supporting part may be provided with a guide for the sun blocking part, while the positioning means are also adapted for translating the sun blocking part over the guide for the sun blocking part. For example, the positioning means may then be configured for translating the sun blocking part along the guide for the sun blocking part during tilting of the sun blocking part. The combination of translation and tilting further enlarges the possibilities of adjusting the position of the sun blocking part to a position of the sun. As another example, preferably, the sun protection device and/or the positioning means are configured for, at will of the user, tilting the sun blocking part from an untilted situation in one of at least two different directions. In this way, the angle α can, in use, become both positive and negative. The use of expressions such as "preferably", "more preferably", "in particular", etc., is not intended to limit the invention. The use of the indefinite article 'a' does not preclude a plurality. With the knowledge of those skilled in the art, possible changes in the embodiments may be understood to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Also, all kinematic inversions are considered to be disclosed and to fall within the invention.

Claims

A sun protection device (2), provided with a sun blocking part (4) and a supporting part (6) for supporting the sun blocking part, wherein the sun blocking part (4) preferably comprises a screen (8) that can be slid in and slid out, wherein the supporting part (6) comprises at least a first support element (5D) and a second support element (5B) which are immovably connected with each other and extend in mutually different directions along the sun blocking part, wherein the sun blocking part (4) is tiltably connected to the supporting part (6) according to a tilting axis (40) which extends between two mutually spaced apart points (3A, 3B) of which a first point (3A) is associated with the first support element (5D) and a second point (3B) is associated with the second support element (5B), characterized in being further provided with positioning means (14) adapted for setting an angle of tilt (α) of the sun blocking part (4) with respect to the supporting part (6), wherein the sun blocking part (4) is provided with at least one attachment point (15A, 15B) to which the positioning means (14) are connected with the sun blocking part (4), in that the positioning means (14) comprise a flexible element (16) which is attached to the at least one attachment point (15A, 15B), and in that the angle of tilt (α) of the sun blocking part (4) with respect to the supporting part (6) is set by paying out and/or retracting the flexible element (16).
A sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein the first support element (5D) and the second support element (5B) are included in a framework (5) formed by the supporting part (6), wherein the framework (5), preferably wholly, surrounds the sun blocking part (4).
A sun protection device according to claim 1 or 2, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the first point (3A) coincides with the first support element (5D) and a second point (3B) coincides with the second support element (5B);

wherein the sun blocking part (4) is situated at least partly between the two mutually spaced apart points (3A, 3B);

wherein the different directions in which the first and second support element (5D, 5B) extend are directed transversely to each other or are directed substantially parallel to each other; and

wherein the first support element (5D) and the second support element (5B) are formed by substantially horizontally extending girders (5A-5D).
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the sun blocking part (4) is tiltable in a plane (32) that is directed transversely to a plane (34) in which the sun blocking part extends.
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-4, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the sun blocking part (4) has at least two ends by which it is tiltably connected at the two mutually spaced apart points (3A, 3B) to the supporting part (6);

wherein the at least two ends are formed by corners (22A-D) of the sun blocking part;

wherein the at least two ends are formed by different longitudinal edges (24A-D) of the sun blocking part; and

wherein the at least two ends are opposite longitudinal edges (24A-D).
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-5, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the sun blocking part (4) in use is connected to the supporting part (6) so as to be tiltable in a substantially vertically oriented plane (32);

wherein the sun blocking part (4) in use is connected to the supporting part (6) so as to be tiltable in a substantially horizontally oriented plane (34);

wherein the positioning means (14), in use, during the setting of the angle of tilt (α), operate the sun blocking part (4) by exertion of a force on the sun blocking part from the supporting part (6); and

wherein the sun blocking part (4) is provided with two attachment points (15A, 15B) to which the positioning means (14) in use are connected with the sun blocking part.
A sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein the sun blocking part (4) in use is connected to the supporting part (6) so as to be tiltable in a substantially vertically oriented plane (32).
A sun protection device according to claim 7, wherein the positioning means (14) also comprise a windup means (18), wherein the windup means is attached to the supporting part (6), wherein the flexible element (16) is unwindable from and windable onto the windup means (18), wherein the positioning means (14) are adapted for setting the angle of tilt (α) of the sun blocking part (4) with respect to the supporting part (6) by unwinding and/or winding the flexible element (16) onto the windup means (18).
A sun protection device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the flexible element (16) is formed by a flexible sun protection cloth.
A sun protection device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one attachment point (15A, 15B) is along an edge of the sun blocking part (4), such that the flexible sun protection cloth extends over a width that is approximately equal to a width of the sun blocking part.
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 8-10, provided with a housing (20) which substantially encloses the windup means (18).
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 4-11, wherein the positioning means (14) are adapted for setting a plurality of angles of tilt of the sun blocking part (4) with respect to the supporting part (6), wherein the plurality of angles of tilt are within a predetermined angular range.
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-12, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the supporting part (6) is provided with at least one leg (7A-D), preferably with at least two legs, more preferably with four legs; wherein at least one, and preferably all, legs (7A-D) are removable from the supporting part (6); and

provided with attachment means for, preferably detachable, attachment of the supporting part (6) to a shelter, such as a house, a tent, a shed, or a caravan.
A sun protection device according to claim 6, provided with attachment means for, preferably detachable, attachment of the supporting part (6) to a shelter, such as a house, a tent, a shed, or a caravan, and wherein the attachment means are adapted for attachment of the supporting part (6) according to, at will of the user, a first attachment or a second attachment, wherein the substantially vertically oriented plane in the first attachment extends in a first direction that differs from a second direction in which the substantially vertically oriented plane in the second attachment extends.
A sun protection device according to claims 13 or 14, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the supporting part (6)

as an awning is, preferably detachably, attached to the shelter; and

wherein the different directions in which the first and second support element (5D, 5B) extend are directed transversely to each other or are directed substantially parallel to each other and wherein the supporting part is, preferably detachably, attached by at least one of the substantially horizontal girders (5A-D) to the shelter.
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-15, adapted to be placed on a veranda and/or to be attached to the veranda.
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-16, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the supporting part (6), preferably in its entirety, is movable;

wherein a size of the sun blocking part (4) is chosen such that in use a sun blocking surface of the sun blocking part is greater than a sun blocking surface of the supporting part, with the sun blocking part preferably in wholly slid out condition; and

adapted for, at will of a user, tilting the sun blocking part (4) from an untilted situation in one of at least two different directions.
A sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-17, having at least one of the following features:
wherein the supporting part (6) is provided with at least one attachment section (54.1-54.10);

wherein the supporting part (6) is provided with at least one coupling piece (78.1-78.3) which comprises at least two, preferably three, attachment sections (54.1-54.10) which are mutually connected with each other and extend in different, preferably mutually perpendicular, directions;

wherein at least one, and preferably all, of the attachment sections of the coupling piece (78.1-78.3) are detachably connected with each other;

wherein the attachment sections (54.1-54.10) of the coupling piece are angle-adjustably connected with each other;

wherein the sun blocking part (4) has at least two ends by which it is tiltably connected to the supporting part (6) at the two mutually spaced apart points (3A, 3B) and

wherein the first support element and the second support element (5A-5D) are connected with each other and/or with other elements of the framework by means of the at least one coupling piece (78.1-78.3);

wherein the at least one attachment section (54.1-54.10) of the at least one coupling piece (78.1-78.3) is slid into and/or over the first support element (5A-D) and/or the second support element (5A-D);

wherein the framework (5) has a number of corner points (84A-D), wherein on or near each corner point one of the coupling pieces (78.1-78.3) is situated;

wherein the supporting part (6) is provided with at least one leg, preferably with at least two legs, more preferably with four legs (7A-D);

wherein at least one, and preferably all, legs (7A-D) are removable from the supporting part (6) and wherein the at least one leg (7A-D) comprises a foot (50A-D; and

wherein the foot (50A-D) is detachably connected with a main part (60A) of the at least one leg (7A-D) by means of the at least one attachment section (54.1-54.10).
Use of a sun protection device according to any one of claims 1-18 as carport and/or above a veranda and/or a terrace.