FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a shading system for covering an underlying space. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a shading system for protecting an underlying space from weathering agents and in particular from sun and rain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several solutions for shading devices for outdoor areas are known, which comprise a support structure, such as for example a canopy, fixed to the ground and provided with a longitudinal frame which supports a plurality of shading blades. The shading blades are mounted on the frame such that the shading blades can rotate with respect to the frame between an open position and a closed position in which the shading blades protect an underlying space. Examples of such shading devices are for example described in JPS5998097U3, JPH05231076A, FR2701977A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,756,873B1.

An example of such a covering apparatus is described in EP3015618A1. The covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 is used for obtaining pergolas, verandas and structures for covering outdoor settings, such as for example gardens of private homes or open spaces of public spaces. The covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 comprises a support structure provided with two lateral beams that are parallel to each other and side-by-side. A plurality of covering blades are arranged on the frame one after the other along the direction of the lateral beams and such that each covering blade extends along a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the lateral beams. The covering blades can rotate with respect to the frame between an open position and a closed position in which the covering blades cover an underlying space. The covering apparatus further comprises movement means mechanically connected to the covering blades and drivable by actuator means to slide along at least one of the lateral beams between a retreated position and an advanced position in order to move the covering blades respectively between the closed position and the open position. The covering apparatus further comprises a plurality of orientation guides fixed along at least one of the lateral beams at the ends of the plurality of covering blades. Each covering blade of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 comprises a first coupling element constrained to the movement means, and each covering blade of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 further comprises a second coupling element constrained to the corresponding orientation guide. Each covering blade, in its movement between the closed position and the open position, completes a rotation-translation movement, when the actuator means act on the movement means in order to drive the latter to move the first coupling element of each covering blade to slide along a sliding direction, pushing the respective second coupling element to slide in the respective orientation guide.

In the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1, each covering blade is coupled to a first coupling element and a second coupling element. In other words, for each covering blade of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1, a first coupling element and a second coupling element must be manufactured and must be mounted on the covering apparatus. Each covering blade of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 must be individually coupled to a first coupling element, then individually coupled to a second coupling element and then individually mounted on the frame of the covering apparatus. The manufacturing and the mounting of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 are therefore complex and time-consuming. Additionally, at least one of the lateral beams comprises a plurality of orientation guides which ensure that the covering blades of EP3015618A1 are individually rotated-translated. To each covering blade corresponds an orientation guide formed in the frame and in which one of the coupling element slides to trigger a rotation-translation of the corresponding covering blade. Each orientation guide only defines a path that one end of the corresponding covering blade must slide is in order to rotate between the closed and the open positions. The rotation-translation movement of a covering blade is therefore independent from the rotation-translation movement of another covering blade. Additionally, each covering blade is actuated by the movement means only on one of its ends along the direction of the lateral beams. The path of the orientation guide in which the other end of each covering blades slides must be made large enough to allow a complete rotation of each covering blade around the fixed rotation point formed by the only actuating point. The resulting design of the covering apparatus is therefore complex and space-consuming. Additionally, when one or more of the first and/or second coupling elements of the covering blades are defective, for example in the event that one of more of the first coupling elements are not sliding as expected when actuated by the movement means and/or in the event that one or more of the second coupling elements are not sliding as expected in the orientation guides, the corresponding defective covering blades risk damaging the adjacent covering blades which in the meantime are completing a rotation-translation movement under the same actuation by the movement means. For example, if one of the covering blades of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 remains in an open position due to a defect while the movement means further actuate the covering blades to slide in their closed positions, there is a risk that the covering blade preceding the defect covering blade along the direction of the lateral beams hits the defect covering blade when rotating/translating, and even presses against the defect covering blade, thereby risking damaging the defect covering blade, which would then requiring replacing to guarantee the water tightness of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1.

In EP3015618A1, each lateral cap of each covering blade of the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 comprises a drip catcher tab which allows conveying the rainwater which falls on the external wall of the corresponding covering blade into the underlying gutter, without parts of the water drops being able to re-ascend along the internal wall of the covering blade towards the centre of the latter and fall outside the lateral gutter on the underlying surface covered by the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1.

As visible on FIG. 18 of EP3015618A1, without the drip catcher tabs, there is a risk that droplets of rainwater splash in the gutter and fall outside the train gutter on the underlying space covered by the covering apparatus. This is due to the geometry and the mounting distance between the covering blades and the gutter. This risk is minimized in EP3015618A1 via the manufacturing and the mounting of individual drip catcher tabs which are individually mounted on each covering blade of the covering apparatus. The necessary systematic addition of the plurality of drip catcher tabs increases the complexity and the time needed to manufacture and mount each covering blade on the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1.

It is an objective of the present invention to disclose a device that overcomes the above identified shortcomings of existing solutions. More particularly, it is an objective to disclose a shading system which design is simple and reliable, while relying on simple manufacturing and mounting processes. It is a further objective to disclose a shading system which minimizes in a simple manner the risk that rainwater re-ascends from the gutter to the covering blades, thereby ensuring the space underlying the shading device stays dry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above defined objectives are realized by a shading system for covering an underlying space, the shading system comprising:a housing extending along a longitudinal housing direction;a plurality of shading blades arranged one after the other along the longitudinal housing direction, each of the shading blades extending along a longitudinal blade direction traverse to the longitudinal housing direction; the shading blades being movable between a closed position thereby covering the underlying space, and at least one open position;a coupling system arranged between the housing and the plurality of shading blades, wherein the coupling system comprises:a first rail comprising a first longitudinal axis along the longitudinal housing direction configured to translate along the longitudinal housing direction;a second rail comprising a second longitudinal axis along the longitudinal housing direction;wherein each of the shading blades is rotatably coupled to the first rail at a first coupling point and rotatably coupled to the second rail at a second coupling point; anda coupling element rotatably coupled to the housing and rotatably coupled to the second rail;an actuator configured to translate the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction; whereby the coupling element limits a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction, thereby rotating the shading blades between the closed position and the at least one open position; anda rain gutter extending along the longitudinal housing direction and arranged below the plurality of shading blades.

This way, all the shading blades of the shading system according to the present invention simultaneously rotate between a closed position and at least one open position or between at least one open position and a closed position. Indeed, all the shading blades are rotatably coupled to the same first rail and are also all rotatably coupled to the same second rail such that the rotation of all the shading blades is coordinated and simultaneous. In other words, there is no need with the shading system according to the present invention to foresee the manufacturing and/or the mounting of individual coupling elements between each of the shading blades and the housing of the shading system. The design of the shading system according to the present invention is therefore simple. Additionally, the design of the shading system according to the present invention is compact. Indeed, each shading blade comprises two coupling points on each end of the shading blade along a direction traverse to the longitudinal blade direction: a first coupling point to the first rail and a second coupling point to the second rail. Both coupling points of each shading blade form a rotation point for the corresponding shading blade. In other words, with the shading system according to the present invention, there is no need to foresee orientation guides in the housing of the shading system to ensure a complete rotation of the shading blades. Indeed, when the actuator translates the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction, the simultaneous rotation of all the shading blades is achieved when the coupling element of the shading system holds a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal direction back, in other words limits a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction. The second rail does not rotate with respect to the first rail. In other words, the first rail and the second rail remain parallel to each other even when the shading blades rotate with respect to the longitudinal housing direction. When limiting the translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction, the coupling element rotates with respect to the longitudinal housing direction.

Alternatively, the shading system according to the present invention comprises more than one actuator configured to translate the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction, for example two, three, four, five, etc. actuators. Alternatively, the shading system according to the present invention comprises more than one coupling element to limit the translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction when the actuator translates the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction, for example two, three, four, five, etc. coupling elements. Alternatively, the first rail of the shading system according to the present invention comprises more than one rail and/or the second rail of the shading system according to the present invention comprises more than one rail. For example, the first rail comprises two, three, four, five, etc. . . . rails arranged one after the other along the longitudinal housing direction and which extend along the longitudinal housing direction and which can translate along the longitudinal housing direction. For example, the second rail comprises two, three, four, five, etc. . . . rails arranged one after the other along the longitudinal housing direction and which extend along the longitudinal housing direction and which can translate along the longitudinal housing direction. The shading blades are movable between a closed position thereby covering the underlying space, and at least one open position. The shading blades are also movable between at least one open position and a closed position in which they cover the underlying space. Alternatively, the shading blades are movable between at least two open positions. The shading blades for example rotate between at least two open positions. The movement of the shading blades between the closed position and at least one open position or between at least two open positions can happen abruptly at once. Alternatively, the movement of the shading blades between the closed position and at least one open position or between at least two open positions can happen gradually during which an opening between two consecutive shading blades gradually increases when the plurality of shading blades moves between a closed position and at least one open position or when the plurality of shading blades moves between at least one open position and a further open position more open than the first one, or during which an opening between two consecutive shading blades gradually decreases when the plurality of shading blades moves between at least one open position and a closed position or when the plurality of shading blades moves between at least one open position and a further open position less open than the first one.

The shading system according to the present invention relates to the field of example pergolas. A pergola is for example a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support the housing and the plurality of shading blades. Alternatively, the shading system according to the present invention relates to the field of awnings or blinds comprising rotatable lamellae or roofs of verandas. Alternatively, the shading system according to the present invention relates to the field of louver drive systems.

The first rail according to the present invention comprises a first longitudinal axis along the longitudinal housing direction. In other words, the first rail according to the present invention extends along the longitudinal housing direction. The second rail according to the present invention comprises a second longitudinal axis along the longitudinal housing direction. In other words, the second rail according to the present invention extends along the longitudinal housing direction. The expression “extending along a direction” is understood in the context of the present invention as “comprising a respective axis along the direction”. In other words, the expression “extending along a direction” is understood as “being arranged and being parallel to the direction”.

This way, the risk that rainwater re-ascends from the gutter to the shading blades is minimized in a simple manner, thereby ensuring the space underlying the shading device stays dry. Indeed, as the coupling element limits a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction when the actuator translates the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction, the space required by the shading blades to carry out a complete rotation between a closed position and at least one open position is minimized. This way, a distance between the shading blades and the rain gutter is minimized and droplets and/or splashes of rainwater are prevented from splashing from the gutter and from falling outside the gutter on the underlying space.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the rain gutter comprises a rain gutter coupling element adapted to couple the rain gutter to the housing and a protecting element extending along the longitudinal housing direction; wherein the protecting element is arranged traverse to the longitudinal blade direction such that shading blades partially overlap the rain gutter along the longitudinal blade direction.

This way, the protecting element prevents rainwater from re-ascending from the gutter to the shading blades, thereby ensuring the space underlying the shading device stays dry. Additionally, the protecting element extends along the longitudinal housing direction, and preferably along the entire length of the shading system along the longitudinal housing direction. The protecting element thereby protects the underlying space in a simple manner and for all the shading blades of the shading system according to the present invention. An individual drip catcher tab need not be mounted on each of the shading blades. Additionally, the protecting element thereby protects the mechanism of the shading system by ensuring that no dirt enters the housing of the shading system and jeopardizes its functioning. This increases the lifetime of the shading system and minimizes the need for maintenance.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the shading blades comprises:a strip extending along the longitudinal blade direction, wherein the strip comprises the second coupling point; anda blade holder comprising:a blade holder body configured to support the strip along the longitudinal blade direction;a first blade holder tip comprising the first coupling point; anda second blade holder tip opposite the first blade holder tip.

A plurality of shading blades are arranged one after the other along the longitudinal housing direction, each of the shading blades extending along a longitudinal blade direction traverse to said longitudinal housing direction and the shading blades being movable between a closed position in which the shading blades are arranged partially superimposed, each over the next, thereby covering the underlying space, and at least one open position in which the shading blades are arranged each spaced from the next by an opening. This way, the shading system is made water tight and the space underlying the shading blades stays dry when the shading blades are in a closed position.

Each shading blade is coupled along a direction traverse to the longitudinal blade direction on one end to the first rail and on another end to the second rail.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the shading blades are in the closed position, the shading blades are arranged partially superimposed, each over the next, with the second blade holder tip of a shading blade partially superimposing the first blade holder tip of the next shading blade along the longitudinal housing direction.

This way, the shading system is made water tight and the space underlying the shading blades stays dry when the shading blades are in a closed position.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the shading blades are in the open position, the shading blades are arranged each spaced from the next by an opening formed between the second blade holder tip of a shading blade and the first blade holder tip of the next shading blade along the longitudinal housing direction.

This way, the shading system allows light and other weathering agents to reach the underlying space under the shading blades of the shading system when the shading blades are arranged spaced from the next by an opening.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the shading blades rotate between the closed position and the open position at the first coupling point around a first rotation axis extending along the longitudinal blade direction.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, when the coupling element limits the translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction, the second rail moves along a traverse direction traverse to the longitudinal housing direction and to the longitudinal blade direction.

This way, each shading blade comprises two coupling points on each end of the shading blade along a direction traverse to the longitudinal blade direction: a first coupling point to the first rail and a second coupling point to the second rail. Both coupling points of each shading blade form a rotation point for the corresponding shading blade. In other words, the translation movement required to rotate each shading blade between the closed position and the open position or vice versa is much shorter than the translation movement required in the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 to rotate a covering blade using only one fixed rotation point and an orientation guide.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the first rail comprises:a holder extending along the longitudinal housing direction and connected to each of the blade holders at each of the first coupling points; wherein the holder comprises at least one pair of wheels configured to translate along the longitudinal housing direction; anda guide coupled to the holder and extending along the longitudinal housing direction; wherein the guide is configured to guide the pair of wheels along the longitudinal housing direction;
and wherein the actuator is coupled to the holder.

This way, the first and the second rails can translate with respect to each other in a smooth way and without mechanical friction. This ensures that neither the first nor the second rail get damaged when translating and that the rotation of the shading blades happens in a continuous smooth movement, thereby improving the experience of a person positioned in the underlying space.

Alternatively, the shading system comprises a first rail and a second rail and further comprises a polymer profile positioned between the first rail and the second rail such that the second rail slides on the polymer profile along the longitudinal housing direction when the first rail translates along the longitudinal housing direction. The polymer profile for example comprises PVC and/or any other suitable polymer.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the protecting element of the rain gutter comprises a brush extending along the longitudinal housing direction; wherein the brush is arranged such that each of the blade holders lies onto the brush in the closed position.

This way, the shading blades are brushed when moved between a closed position and at least one open position or between at least one open position and a closed position, thereby ensuring the shading blades stay clean and no dirt falls from the shading blades inside the mechanism of the shading system which could jeopardize its functioning. Additionally, the brush is adapted to retain and collect droplets of water which may fall from the shading blades in the underlying space, thereby preventing the droplets of water from falling in the underlying space and keeping the underlying space dry.

According to an optional aspect of the invention, the coupling element is a rod.

This way, the design and the mounting of the shading system is made robust, simple and the costs associated are minimized.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for covering an underlying space, the method comprising the steps of:providing a housing extending along a longitudinal housing direction;providing a plurality of shading blades;arranging the shading blades one after the other along the longitudinal housing direction, each of the shading blades extending along a longitudinal blade direction traverse to the longitudinal housing direction; the shading blades being movable between a closed position thereby covering the underlying space, and at least one open position;providing a coupling system arranged between the housing and the plurality of shading blades, wherein providing a coupling system comprises:providing a first rail comprising a first longitudinal axis along the longitudinal housing direction configured to translate along the longitudinal housing direction;providing a second rail comprising a second longitudinal axis along the longitudinal housing direction;wherein each of the shading blades is rotatably coupled to the first rail at a first coupling point and rotatably coupled to the second rail at a second coupling point; andproviding a coupling element rotatably coupled to the housing and rotatably coupled to the second rail;translating the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction; whereby using the coupling element to limit a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction, thereby rotating the shading blades between the closed position and the at least one open position; andproviding a rain gutter extending along the longitudinal housing direction and arranged below the plurality of shading blades.

This way, all the shading blades of the shading system according to the present invention simultaneously rotate between a closed position and at least one open position or between at least one open position and a closed position. Indeed, all the shading blades are rotatably coupled to the same first rail and are also all rotatably coupled to the same second rail such that the rotation of all the shading blades is coordinated and simultaneous. In other words, there is no need with the shading system according to the present invention to foresee the manufacturing and/or the mounting of individual coupling elements between each of the shading blades and the housing of the shading system. The design of the shading system according to the present invention is therefore simple. Additionally, the design of the shading system according to the present invention is compact. Indeed, each shading blade comprises two coupling points on each end of the shading blade along a direction traverse to the longitudinal blade direction: a first coupling point to the first rail and a second coupling point to the second rail. Both coupling points of each shading blade form a rotation point for the corresponding shading blade. In other words, the translation movement required to rotate each shading blade between the closed position and the open position or vice versa is much shorter than the translation movement required in the covering apparatus of EP3015618A1 to rotate a covering blade using only one fixed rotation point and an orientation guide. With the shading system according to the present invention, there is no need to foresee orientation guides in the housing of the shading system to ensure a complete rotation of the shading blades: when the actuator translates the first rail along the longitudinal housing direction, the simultaneous rotation of all the shading blades is achieved when the coupling element of the shading system holds a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal direction back, in other words limits a translation of the second rail along the longitudinal housing direction.

