WO2020121356A1

WO2020121356A1 - Mobile covering element for a covering apparatus, preferably an adjustable sunshade

Info

Publication number: WO2020121356A1
Application number: PCT/IT2019/050266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Loris Mindotti
Original assignee: Pratic F.Lli Orioli S.P.A.
Priority date: 2018-12-14
Filing date: 2019-12-13
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: IT201800011083A1; EP3894641B1; EP3894641A1

Abstract

Mobile covering element (10) for a covering apparatus (11), preferably an adjustable sunshade, comprising a main body (12) with an oblong development and at least a lower surface (17) configured to be disposed, in a covering position, substantially on a covering plane (PC). A longitudinal lateral appendix (34) is integral with the main body (12) and is positioned at least for a part, preferably wholly, above the bulk of the main body (12).

Description

“MOBILE COVERING ELEMENT FOR A COVERING APPARATUS, PREFERABLY AN ADJUSTABLE SUNSHADE”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a mobile covering element for a covering apparatus, which can be preferably, but not limited to, an adjustable sunshade, even of a large size, in the range of several meters on each side. The covering element has an oblong shape and is mobile between an operative, or covering, position, in which it is parallel to a covering plane, and an inactive, or open, position, in which it is inclined with respect to the covering plane, and vice versa. In the operative position, the covering element, together with other covering elements identical to and coplanar with it, produces an impermeable cover of a zone below, so that the latter is protected both from atmospheric agents, such as rain, snow, or hail, and also from other objects, such as branches, leaves, debris, or other, which might possibly fall from above. In the inactive position, all the covering elements are reciprocally inclined and allow accessibility from above to the zone below, by any element or object whatsoever, including the sun’s rays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of covering apparatuses are known, such as for example adjustable sunshades, which use oblong covering elements and have the function of protecting, selectively and even only temporarily, a zone below, both from the sun’s rays and also from atmospheric agents, such as rain, snow, or hail, and also from other objects that can fall from above.

In the state of the art there are covering elements for covering apparatuses which, although all are oblong, that is, with a length much larger than its width and height, or thickness, have the most diverse shapes, and are aesthetically similar to a blade, a fin, or a slat, therefore they are usually equally indicated with one or more of these terms.

One of the disadvantages of the known covering elements is that they are subject to a relative longitudinal flexion due to their own weight. The amplitude of this flexion is directly proportional to the length of the covering element. Furthermore, this flexion increases in the presence of atmospheric precipitations such as rain, snow, or hail, particularly when these are of considerable intensity, compromising the structural resistance of the covering elements or, at least, causing undesired stagnation of water, in the form of puddles, more or less large, which are not managed optimally by the normal water discharge systems. This disadvantage entails both an increase in the power required of the movement members of the covering elements, and also the undesired discharge of water into the zone below.

In order to overcome this problem, in the past covering elements have been designed with larger cross sections, in order to increase the radius of inertia of the latter and thus reduce the normal longitudinal flexion. However, this solution has the disadvantage of causing both an increase in the overall weight of the covering elements of the covering apparatus, and also a reduction in the clear span of the latter in the open position and in the intermediate phases between the open and the covering position. The latter disadvantage is particularly felt in the field of application of the present invention, since the width of the clear span is one of the main characteristics required by the market.

Covering elements with a curved conformation are also known, which guarantee a greater resistance to flexion. This latter type of covering elements, however, have the disadvantage of having high production costs, since the elements themselves have to be subjected to calendering, or to other complex and expensive workings, in order to obtain the desired arched shape and, moreover, their final conformation is often unaesthetic and not appreciated by customers and end users, particularly when the covering elements are in their covering position, or in the intermediate positions between the open and covering positions. Furthermore, these do not guarantee an optimal passage of light and air through the covering apparatus, when this is desired.

A first known type of covering apparatus comprises a plurality of oblong covering elements, parallel to each other and pivoted at their ends on two support elements of a support structure, opposite and perpendicular to the covering elements. The covering elements can rotate on their longitudinal axes of rotation in order to assume both a covering position, in which they are coplanar with a covering plane and protect the zone below, and also an inclined, or open, position, in which the covering elements are inclined by many degrees, for example up to 140° and more, with respect to the covering plane, thus allowing the sun’s rays and atmospheric agents to pass between the covering elements and reach the zone below. An example of the first type of covering apparatus as above is described in the Italian patent IT-B-1.415.149, issued to the Applicant on 09.04.2015.

A second known type of covering apparatus comprises a plurality of oblong covering elements, parallel to each other and connected with their ends to an actuation mechanism, for example of the pantograph type, in turn slidably supported on two support elements of a support structure, opposite and perpendicular to the covering elements. The covering elements, commanded by the actuation mechanism, can assume both a covering position, in which they are coplanar with a covering plane and protect the zone below, and also an inactive position, in which they are inclined by many degrees, for example up to 90°, with respect to the covering plane and packed toward a transverse element of the support structure, so as to allow the sun’s rays and atmospheric agents to reach the part of the zone below left uncovered.

Usually, regardless of the type of covering apparatus, the upper support structure has the shape of a rectangular frame, and is configured to be positioned at a determinate height, for example a few meters, from the floor, or from the ground. In some cases, the frame can be missing one side, so that the upper support structure substantially has the shape of a U. In fact, for the support of the covering elements, it is essential that the upper support structure comprises at least three components, two of which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the covering elements, and act as a support for the latter, while a third component, perpendicular to the first two, acts as a connection element between the first two, and is usually also used to house the motor members for moving the covering elements.

The upper support structure can be supported by supporting vertical uprights, so that the corresponding covering apparatus is aesthetically similar to a pergola, or it can be attached in any suitable way whatsoever to fixed support elements, for example to one or more lateral walls.

Furthermore, in the most recent covering apparatuses, which have very wide covering surfaces, in the range of tens of square meters, suitable to be installed in gardens, large terraces, open zones in public places, such as bars or restaurants, or even private spaces, each individual oblong covering element usually comprises a central body, having a length in the range of a few meters, for example from 2 m to 6 m, a width in the range of a few decimeters, for example from 0.1 m to 0.3 m, and a height in the range of a few centimeters, for example from 0.01 m to 0.04 m, and provided with sealing means positioned along one or both of its longitudinal edges, in order to guarantee impermeability when the same covering elements are in their covering position.

Each covering element with the large sizes as above, has to meet the following requirements: have a determinate and sufficient mechanical strength; support a determinate surface load, maintaining its flatness as much as possible, without excessive flexions in the center, particularly when it is in the closed condition; not be excessively heavy; and have low production costs. It is usually made using metal section bars, for example made of steel, aluminum, or metal alloys.

As previously mentioned, however, all the known covering elements have shown to have some disadvantages due to their shape and structure, both in terms of seal, so they do not guarantee a perfect impermeability when they are in their closed condition, particularly in the presence of intense atmospheric events, with abundant rainfall, and also in terms of maintaining their flatness, above all when, in their covering position, they are burdened by a high surface load, as in the case of snow, which can reach and exceed 800 N/m .

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a mobile covering element for a covering apparatus, preferably an adjustable sunshade, which can easily be moved between a covering position, in which it is coplanar with a determinate covering plane, and an open condition, in which it is inclined by several degrees with respect to the covering plane as above and packed toward a lateral edge of the covering apparatus, and vice versa, and wherein, in the covering position as above, it guarantees, in association with other identical covering elements coupled with it, both a perfect impermeability and also an adequate flatness, even when it is subject to high loads located on top of it.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a mobile covering element for a covering apparatus, preferably an adjustable sunshade, which in the covering position as above only has one flat surface, so that, in association with other identical covering elements coupled with it, it defines a single flat surface without irregularities of the entire covering apparatus, as if it were the flat ceiling of a room.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a mobile covering element for a covering apparatus, preferably an adjustable sunshade, which is relatively light in relation to its length, simple to produce and install, and has low production costs.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, a mobile covering element for a covering apparatus, preferably an adjustable sunshade, comprising a main body with an oblong development, having a longitudinal axis, a first longitudinal flank, a second longitudinal lateral flank, disposed on the opposite side with respect to the first longitudinal flank, and at least a lower surface, configured to be disposed, in a covering position, on a covering plane, parallel to or passing through the longitudinal axis as above.

In accordance with one characteristic aspect of the present invention, the mobile covering element also comprises a longitudinal lateral appendix having a substantially box-like structure and disposed in correspondence with the second longitudinal lateral flank as above of the main body, wherein the longitudinal lateral appendix as above is integral with the main body, is positioned at least for a part and preferably wholly, above the bulk of the main body, and is configured to cooperate with the first longitudinal lateral flank as above of another mobile covering element identical and adjacent to it of the covering apparatus as above, when the mobile covering elements are in the covering position, with the respective lower surfaces coplanar with the covering plane.

In this way, advantageously, the longitudinal lateral appendix acts as a longitudinal rib and reduces the flexion of the mobile covering element to a minimum, even if the latter has a length of various meters, for example up to over In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the main body as above is made with a section bar having a substantially box-like structure and has a substantially constant height, preferably between about 10 mm and 40 mm.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the main body as above comprises a first lower wall which defines the lower surface, a first upper wall, parallel to the first lower wall; furthermore, the first longitudinal lateral flank is substantially perpendicular to the first walls, lower and upper.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the mobile covering element also comprises one or more reinforcement ribs disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least a first of the reinforcement ribs is made in a central zone of the main body, between the longitudinal lateral flanks as above, preferably perpendicular to the first walls, lower and upper.

In accordance with a further characteristic aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal lateral appendix as above also comprises a second upper wall, parallel to the first upper wall as above, a second lower wall, as well as an external lateral wall and an internal lateral wall, which connect the second walls, lower and upper.

In accordance with a further characteristic aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal lateral appendix as above comprises one of the reinforcement ribs as above, which is disposed substantially parallel to the internal lateral wall, in continuation of the second longitudinal lateral flank of the main body.

In accordance with a further characteristic aspect of the present invention, the external surface of the second upper wall is located at a determinate distance from the first upper wall, which is equal to or greater than the height of the main body as above, and is preferably comprised between about 20 mm and about 25 mm.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the first longitudinal lateral flank and the second longitudinal lateral flank of the main body are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the lower surface of the main body is substantially flat, so that in the covering position as above it is substantially coplanar with the covering plane. Therefore, advantageously, in the covering position as above all the mobile covering elements of the covering apparatus define a single flat surface, visible from below, interrupted solely by the thin longitudinal grooves between one mobile covering element and the adjacent ones, as if it were a completely flat ceiling.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the mobile covering element has a determinate length in the range of a few meters, preferably from about 1 m to about 6 m, even more preferably from 3 m to 5 m, and a first width preferably comprised between about 100 mm and about 350 mm, while the lower surface as above has the same determinate length, but a second width, which is less than the first width and is preferably comprised between about 70 mm and about 300 mm.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the mobile covering element also comprises a longitudinal containing compartment, disposed in correspondence with the first longitudinal lateral flank of the main body and having an upper longitudinal aperture.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal lateral appendix as above is configured to cooperate, as well as with the first longitudinal lateral flank, also with the upper longitudinal aperture as above of the longitudinal containing compartment of another mobile covering element identical and adjacent to it of the covering apparatus, when the mobile covering elements are in the covering position, with the respective lower surfaces lying on the covering plane.

Therefore, advantageously, in the covering position the longitudinal appendices completely cover the corresponding upper longitudinal apertures of the longitudinal containing compartments of the adjacent mobile covering elements, thus producing a continuous and perfectly impermeable cover of the covering apparatus.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, the longitudinal containing compartment is substantially defined by the first lateral flank as above, by a terminal part of the first lower wall that extends toward the outside beyond the first lateral flank, and by a lateral wall, which together with the latter defines the upper longitudinal aperture as above.

In accordance with another characteristic aspect of the present invention, inside the longitudinal containing compartment, at the comer between the first lower wall and the lateral wall, a first pivoting seating is made, coaxial with the longitudinal axis as above, and configured to house a first pin of an actuation mechanism of the mobile covering element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a perspective view from above, which schematically shows a covering apparatus that uses a plurality of mobile covering elements, according to the present invention, shown in an inactive, or packed, position;

- fig. 2 is a schematic cross section of the covering apparatus of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 3 is a perspective view from below of the covering apparatus of fig. 1 , but with the mobile covering elements according to the present invention shown in an operative, or covering, position;

- fig. 4 is a schematic cross section of the covering apparatus in the position of fig. 3;

- fig. 5 is a cross section of a single mobile covering element according to the present invention on an enlarged scale;

- fig. 6 is a cross section of a pair of mobile covering elements according to the present invention, shown in their operative, or covering, position;

- fig. 7 is a right lateral view of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1, showing an example group of six mobile covering elements shown in their inactive, or packed, position;

- fig. 8 is a left lateral view of the example group of six mobile covering elements of fig. 7, on an enlarged scale;

- fig. 9 is a perspective view, from above and from the right, of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1, showing the example group of six mobile covering elements of figs. 7 and 8;

- fig. 10 is a right lateral view of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1, showing the example group of six mobile covering elements of figs. 7 to 9, but shown in an intermediate position between the inactive and the operative position;

- fig. 11 is a left lateral view of the example group of six mobile covering elements, in the intermediate position of fig. 10, on an enlarged scale;

- fig. 12 is a perspective view, from above and from the right, of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1 , showing the example group of six mobile covering elements of figs. 9 and 10;

- fig. 13 is a right lateral view of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1, showing the example group of six mobile covering elements of figs. 7 to 12, but shown in their operative, or covering, position;

- fig. 14 is a perspective view, from above and from the right, of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1 , showing the example group of six mobile covering elements of fig. 13;

- fig. 15 is a perspective view, from above and from the left, of a part of the apparatus of fig. 1 , showing the example group of six mobile covering elements of figs. 13 and 14.

We must clarify that in the present description and in the claims the terms vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, right, left, internal, external, high and low, with their declinations, have the sole function of better illustrating the present invention with reference to the drawings and must not be in any way used to limit the scope of the invention itself, or the field of protection defined by the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A FORM OF EMBODIMENT OF THE

PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to fig. 1, a mobile covering element 10 according to the present invention, for a covering apparatus 11, which preferably is an adjustable sunshade, comprises an oblong main body 12 having a longitudinal axis X. The covering apparatus 11 has a covering plane PC (figs. 2, 4 and 13), parallel to, or coinciding with, the longitudinal axis X. For example, the covering plane PC is horizontal.

By way of example, the mobile covering element 10 preferably has a length L comprised between about 1 m and about 6 m, for example 4 m, and a width Z1 (fig. 5) comprised between about 100 mm and about 350 mm, for example 250 mm.

The main body 12 is preferably made with a metal section bar having a substantially box-like structure, has a height S comprised between about 10 mm and 40 mm, for example about 20 mm, and comprises a lower wall 13, an upper wall 14, parallel to the lower wall 13, a first longitudinal lateral flank 15, which in this specific case is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X and substantially perpendicular to the walls 13 and 14, and a second longitudinal lateral flank 16, also in this specific case substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, but slightly inclined toward the outside starting from the lower wall 13 toward the upper wall 14.

According to a variant, not shown in the drawings, the first longitudinal lateral flank 15 and the second longitudinal lateral flank 16 could be freely inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X, that is, they could have a broken, or curved, development with respect to the direction of the longitudinal axis X.

The lower wall 13 of the main body 12 has a completely flat lower surface 17, which has the same length L as the mobile covering element 10, but a width Z2, which is less than the width Z1 of the entire mobile covering element 10. Preferably the width Z2 of the lower surface 17, which is substantially equal to a pitch PE (fig. 6) between two identical and adjacent mobile covering elements 10, is comprised between about 70 mm and about 300 mm, and is for example

200 mm.

In the embodiment shown here, adjacent to the first longitudinal lateral flank 15 and parallel to the longitudinal axis X there is made a longitudinal containing compartment 18, which is configured to collect rainwater that can fall on the main body 12 itself, particularly on the upper wall 14. Specifically, the longitudinal containing compartment 18 is defined by the first longitudinal lateral flank 15, by the terminal part of the lower wall 13 which extends toward the outside beyond the latter (that is, toward the right in fig. 5), by a lateral wall 19, slightly inclined toward the upper wall 14 and having a first longitudinal protuberance 20, facing toward the upper wall 14 and provided, in its upper part, with a first longitudinal seating 21 , in which a first packing 22 is disposed, which extends for the entire length L of the main body 12.

The longitudinal containing compartment 18 is completed by a second longitudinal protuberance 23, which is integral with the first longitudinal lateral flank 15, substantially at the level of the upper wall 14, and faces toward the lateral wall 19 (that is, toward the left in fig. 5), so that between the two longitudinal protuberances 20 and 23 there is defined an upper longitudinal aperture 24, which is also in this specific case substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The second longitudinal protuberance 23 is provided, in its upper part, with a second longitudinal seating 25, in which a second packing 26 is disposed, which also extends for the entire length L of the main body 12.

Inside the longitudinal containing compartment 18, at the comer between the lower wall 13 and the lateral wall 19, a first pivoting seating 27 is made, coaxial with the longitudinal axis X, and configured to house a first pin 28 (fig 10) of an actuation mechanism 29, of the pantograph type, which will be described in detail below.

The main body 12 also comprises a first reinforcement rib 30 (fig. 5) which is substantially made in its middle zone, between the longitudinal lateral flanks 15 and 16, perpendicular to the lower wall 13 and to the upper wall 14. In continuation of the first reinforcement rib 17, beyond the upper wall 14, a second arched reinforcement rib 31 is made, having a determinate height H, for example from about 3 to about 6 mm, which forms a second pivoting seating 32 inside it, parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and configured to house a second pin 33 (fig. 10) of the actuation mechanism 29.

Furthermore, the mobile covering element 10 comprises a longitudinal lateral appendix 34 (fig. 5) disposed adjacent to the second longitudinal lateral flank 16 of the main body 12 (that is, toward the left in fig. 5), parallel to the longitudinal axis X and integral with the main body 12 itself, in order to cooperate, during use, with the longitudinal containing compartment 18 of another mobile covering element 10 identical and adjacent to it, as will be described in detail below. In particular and advantageously, the longitudinal lateral appendix 34 is positioned, at least for a part, but preferably wholly, above the bulk of the main body 12, that is, outside and higher than the upper wall 14 thereof.

The longitudinal lateral appendix 34 also advantageously has a substantially box-like structure which contributes to the strength of the entire mobile covering element 10. In particular, in the example provided here, the longitudinal lateral appendix 34 comprises an upper wall 35, parallel to the upper wall 14 of the main body 12, a lower wall 36, shaped so as to have a first zone 36a and a second zone 36b parallel to the lower wall 35, an external lateral wall 37 and an internal lateral wall 38, which connect the lower wall 35 and the upper wall 36, converging slightly toward the latter. The first zone 36a and the second zone 36b of the lower wall 36 of one mobile covering element 10 are configured to cooperate, during use, respectively with the first packing 22 (fig. 6) and with the second packing 26 of another mobile covering element 10 identical and adjacent to it, as will be described in detail below.

By way of example, the external surface of the upper wall 35 of the longitudinal lateral appendix 34 is located at a distance D from the upper wall 14 of the main body 12, which is equal to, or greater than, the height S of the latter, and is for example from 20 mm to 25 mm.

The longitudinal lateral appendix 34 also comprises a first lower protuberance 39 (fig. 5), in continuation of the external lateral wall 37 starting from the first zone 36a (that is, downward in fig. 5), and a second lower protuberance 40 which extends toward the outside between the two zones 36a and 36b of the lower wall 36. The two lower protuberances 39 and 40 define a longitudinal recess 41, parallel to the axis X, which develops for the entire length L of the mobile covering element 10 and is configured to act as a barrier against the passage of water or other, when the latter is in a covering position, with its lower surface 17 parallel to the covering plane PC, as will be described in detail below.

In addition, the longitudinal lateral appendix 34 comprises a third reinforcement rib 42 disposed substantially parallel to the internal lateral wall 38, in continuation of the second longitudinal lateral flank 16 of the main body 12. This geometry defines another box-like structure, substantially vertical, or slightly inclined, as in the example provided here, which, in cooperation with the box-like structures of the main body 12 and the longitudinal lateral appendix 34 previously described, actively participates in the structural flexural rigidity of the mobile covering element 10.

Inside the longitudinal lateral appendix 34, at the comer formed by its upper wall 35 and by the third reinforcement rib 42, a third pivoting seating 43 is made, parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and configured to house a third pin 44 (fig. 10) of the actuation mechanism 29.

Preferably, the longitudinal lateral appendix 34 is made in one piece, or in a single body, with the main body 12.

Indicatively, a mobile covering element 10 of the embodiment described heretofore, with a length L of 4 m, a width Z1 of about 250 mm and a height S of 20 mm, has a weight of about 132 N and, with an average distributed load of about 700 N/m² only flexes in the center by less than 3 mm, that is, less than the height H of the second reinforcement rib 31.

The covering apparatus 11 (figs. 1 to 4 and 7 to 15) comprises a support structure 45, which in the example provided here comprises an upper frame which defines the covering plane PC and is made up of, in the example provided here, two lateral crosspieces 46 and 47, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, which are connected to each other by a front longitudinal beam 48 and by a rear longitudinal beam 49, parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Advantageously, at least the rear longitudinal beam 49 is internally hollow. Four vertical uprights 50 are configured to support the support structure 45 and the corresponding covering plane PC at a determinate height from the floor, or from the ground, for example about 3 m.

The support structure 45 supports a plurality of mobile covering elements 10, the number of which can vary up to more than twenty, although in the example provided here (figs from 1 to 4 and from 7 to 15) only six are shown, as a function of the needs of the users of the covering apparatus 11 and the sizes of each mobile covering element 10.

In particular, all the mobile covering elements 10 are guided slidingly on the two lateral crosspieces 46 and 47 and can move together in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, in both directions, between an inactive position (figs. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9), in which the mobile covering elements 10 are packed toward the rear longitudinal beam 49 and occupy a minimum space, and a covering position (figs. 3, 4, 13, 14 and 15), in which the mobile covering elements 10 are parallel to the covering plane PC, with their lower surfaces 17 of the respective main bodies 12 which are coplanar with each other and with the covering plane PC itself, passing through a plurality of intermediate positions (figs. 10, 11 and 12).

This is possible thanks to the fact that the mobile covering elements 10 are connected to each other by means of the actuation mechanism 29, in order to form a pantograph connection with the latter, known in the state of the art. We must clarify that the actuation mechanism 29 can be of any known type whatsoever, or which will be developed in the future, and is not included in the present invention.

In the example provided here, indicatively, the actuation mechanism 29 comprises two groups of connection levers 51 , of rectilinear shape, equal to each other and associated with each of the two lateral crosspieces 46 and 47, and a command device 52, which in turn comprises an electric motor 53, for example installed inside a service beam 54 associated with the rear longitudinal beam 49, which is connected to a pair of transmission belts 55, each disposed on a corresponding lateral crosspiece 46, 47 and parallel thereto. The transmission belts 55 are connected to the mobile covering element 10 furthest away from the rear longitudinal beam 49 itself.

Each connection lever 51 , apart from the end ones, which are reduced by half, is connected at the lower part to the first pin 28 of a mobile covering element 10, in an intermediate zone to the second pin 33 of a mobile covering element 10 adjacent to the first, and at the upper part to the third pin 44 of another mobile covering element 10 adjacent to the second. Rotatable casters 56, slidable on guides of the lateral crosspieces 46 and 47, are associated on both sides with the first pins 28 of the mobile covering elements 10, in order to reduce to the minimum the friction during the movements of the latter between their inactive and covering positions.

The functioning of the covering apparatus 1 1 which uses the mobile covering elements 10 according to the present invention is very simple and substantially of the known type. In fact, by commanding the electric motor 53 all the mobile covering elements 10 are displaced between their inactive and covering positions. We must point out that, advantageously, thanks to the shape and strength of each mobile covering element 10, in the inactive position the set of packed mobile covering elements 10 (figs. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9), thanks also to the partial overlap of each longitudinal lateral appendix 34 with the main body 12 of an adjacent mobile covering element 10, occupies a very small space, in the range of about 20 mm for each element, that is, substantially half of the bulk with respect to the solutions of the state of the art, to the benefit of the extension of the area open to the sky in the inactive position, with the same covering surface.

Furthermore, another advantage of the present invention is that, in the covering position, the set of the mobile covering elements 10 coplanar with each other (figs. 3, 4, 13, 14 and 15) guarantee a perfect, or almost perfect, flatness and a lower surface that is flat and substantially without a break in continuity, apart from the thin grooves between one mobile covering element 10 and the adjacent ones.

In addition, the set of mobile covering elements 10 has a much lower weight than those of the state of the art, with the same flexural inertia and covering surface, so that there are reduced production costs and the possibility of using less powerful drive motors, with all the advantages that follow.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the mobile covering element 10 for a covering apparatus 11, preferably an adjustable sunshade as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

For example, the longitudinal containing compartment 18 may not be present, or may have smaller transverse sizes, or may be made inside the first longitudinal lateral flank 15.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of mobile covering elements for a covering apparatus, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Mobile covering element (10) for a covering apparatus (11), preferably an adjustable sunshade, comprising a main body (12) with an oblong development, having a longitudinal axis (X), a first longitudinal flank (15), a second longitudinal lateral flank (16), disposed on the opposite side with respect to said first longitudinal flank (15), and at least a lower surface (17), configured to be disposed, in a covering position, on a covering plane (PC), parallel to or passing through said longitudinal axis (X), characterized in that it also comprises a longitudinal lateral appendix (34) having a substantially box-like structure and disposed in correspondence with said second longitudinal lateral flank (16) of said main body (12), wherein said longitudinal lateral appendix (34) is integral with said main body (12), is positioned at least for a part, preferably wholly, above the bulk of said main body (12), and is configured to cooperate with said first longitudinal lateral flank (15) of another mobile covering element (10) identical and adjacent to it of said covering apparatus (11), when said mobile covering elements (10) are in said covering position, with the respective lower surfaces (17) lying on said covering plane (PC).

2. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said main body (12) is made with a section bar having a substantially box-like structure and has a substantially constant height (S), preferably between about 10 mm and 40 mm.

3. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said main body (12) comprises a first lower wall (13) which defines said lower surface (17), a first upper wall (14), parallel to said first lower wall (13), wherein said first longitudinal lateral flank (15) is substantially perpendicular to said first walls, lower (13) and upper (14).

4. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that it also comprises one or more reinforcement ribs (30, 31, 42) disposed parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) and in that at least a first of said reinforcement ribs (30) is made in a central zone of said main body (12), between said longitudinal lateral flanks (15, 16), preferably perpendicular to said first walls, lower (13) and upper (14).

5. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said longitudinal lateral appendix (34) comprises a second upper wall (35), parallel to said first upper wall (14), a second lower wall (36), an external lateral wall (37) and an internal lateral wall (38), which connect said second walls, lower (35) and upper (36).

6. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that said longitudinal lateral appendix (34) comprises one of said reinforcement ribs (42), which is disposed substantially parallel to said internal lateral wall (38), in continuation of said second longitudinal lateral flank (16) of said main body (12).

7. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that an external surface of said second upper wall (35) is located at a determinate distance (D) from said first upper wall (14), which is equal to or greater than said height (S) of said main body (12), and is preferably comprised between about 20 mm and about 25 mm.

8. Mobile covering element (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said first longitudinal lateral flank (15) and said second longitudinal lateral flank (16) of said main body (12) are parallel to said longitudinal axis (X).

9. Mobile covering element (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said lower surface (17) of said main body (12) is substantially flat, so that in said covering position it is substantially coplanar with said covering plane (PC).

10. Mobile covering element (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it has a determinate length (L) in the range of a few meters, preferably from about 1 m to about 6 m, even more preferably from 3 m to 5 m, and a first width (Zl) preferably comprised between about 100 mm and about 350 mm, and in that said lower surface (17) has the same determinate length (L), but a second width (Z2), which is less than said first width (Zl) and is preferably comprised between about 70 mm and about 300 mm.

11. Mobile covering element (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it also comprises a longitudinal containing compartment (18), disposed in correspondence with said first longitudinal lateral flank (15) of said main body (12) and having an upper longitudinal aperture (24).

12. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 11, characterized in that said longitudinal lateral appendix (34) is configured to cooperate, as well as with said first longitudinal lateral flank (15), also with said upper longitudinal aperture (24) of said longitudinal containing compartment (18) of another mobile covering element (10) identical and adjacent to it of said covering apparatus (11), when said mobile covering elements (10) are in said covering position, with the respective lower surfaces (17) lying on said covering plane (PC).

13. Mobile covering element (10) as in any of the claims from 3 to 7, in combination with claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said longitudinal containing compartment (18) is substantially defined by said first longitudinal lateral flank (15), by a terminal part of said first lower wall (13) that extends toward the outside beyond said first longitudinal lateral flank (15), and by a lateral wall (19), which together with the latter defines said upper longitudinal aperture (24).

14. Mobile covering element (10) as in claim 13, characterized in that inside said longitudinal containing compartment (18), at the comer between said first lower wall (13) and said lateral wall (19), a first pivoting seating (27) is made, coaxial with said longitudinal axis (X) and configured to house a first pin (28) of an actuation mechanism (29).