Panel coupling and rotation system

This disclosure relates to a patio cover system. The system comprises a frame comprising support beams; support posts configured to support the frame; cover panels rotatably coupled to the support beams; an actuator, and/or other components. The actuator may be mounted to the frame and coupled to the cover panels, may be configured to rotate the cover panels between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and comprises a motor; a piston coupled to the motor; an arm coupled to the piston and configured to extend from the piston toward the cover panels; a linking member coupled to the arm and the cover panels, and/or other components. The linking member may be configured to rotate the cover panels in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration when driven by the arm, the piston, and/or the motor.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a panel coupling and rotation system.

BACKGROUND

Louvered patio covers are known. Louvered patio covers are often installed over an area designed for seating, tables, and/or other objects, to create an outdoor living space. Louvered patio covers are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, and function as at least a partial shelter from the ambient environment.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a patio cover system. The system comprises a frame comprising support beams; support posts configured to support the frame; cover panels rotatably coupled to the support beams; an actuator mounted to the frame and coupled to the cover panels, and/or other components. The actuator may be configured to rotate the cover panels between an open configuration and a closed configuration, The actuator comprises: a motor; a piston coupled to the motor; an arm coupled to the piston and configured to extend from the piston toward the cover panels; a linking member coupled to the arm and the cover panels, and/or other components. The linking member may be configured to rotate the cover panels in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration when driven by the arm, the piston, the motor, and/or other components.

In some implementations, the linking member may be rotatably coupled to a plurality of individual link pins that extend from different ones of the cover panels. The linking member may be configured to rotate the cover panels between the open configuration and the closed configuration via the link pins.

In some implementations, a given link pin may extend from one side of a cover panel at an end of the cover panel such that at least a portion of the linking member and/or the arm changes height relative to the frame when the cover panels rotate between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In some implementations, the cover panels may be mounted to the frame via rotation pins located at either end of a given cover panel. The rotation pins may be located along an axis of rotation of the given cover panel. The rotation pins may be separate from the link pins.

In some implementations, the linking member may comprise arcuate portions configured to engage the rotation pins when the cover panels are in the closed configuration.

In some implementations, the motor may be pivotally coupled to the frame to allow the motor and the piston to pivot toward the frame when the cover panels rotate to the closed configuration, and pivot away from the frame when the cover panels rotate to the open configuration.

In some implementations, the arm may be configured to couple with the piston at a location above the cover panels, the linking member, and the frame such that intended movement of the piston and/or the motor is not interrupted by the cover panels, the linking member, and/or the frame.

In some implementations, the linking member may be coupled to the cover panels at a gap between corresponding ends of the cover panels and the frame. The linking member may be positioned in the gap when the cover panels are in the closed configuration. The linking member may be positioned above the gap when the cover panels are in the open configuration.

In some implementations, the linking member may be longer than the arm along a first axis, and the arm may be longer than the linking member along a second, substantially perpendicular axis. The arm may have a longer first end located toward the motor along the first axis relative to a shorter second, opposite, end of the arm.

In some implementations, the cover panels may be louvered.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an actuator for a patio cover system. The actuator comprises a motor; and a linking assembly coupled to the motor and configured to rotate cover panels of the patio cover system between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

In some implementations, the linking assembly comprises: a piston coupled to the motor; an arm coupled to the motor or the piston and configured to extend toward the patio cover panels; and/or a linking member coupled to the motor, the piston, or the arm, and the cover panels, the linking member configured to rotate the cover panels in unison when driven by the arm, the piston, and/or the motor, between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In some implementations, the linking member may be rotatably coupled to a plurality of individual link pins that extend from different ones of the cover panels. The linking member may be configured to rotate the cover panels between the open configuration and the closed configuration via the link pins.

In some implementations, a given link pin may extend from one side of a cover panel at an end of the cover panel such that at least a portion of the linking member and/or the arm changes height relative to a frame of the patio cover system when the cover panels rotate between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In some implementations, the cover panels may be mounted to the frame via rotation pins located at either end of a given cover panel. The rotation pins may be located along an axis of rotation of the given cover panel. The rotation pins may be separate from the link pins.

In some implementations, the linking member may comprise arcuate portions configured to engage the rotation pins when the cover panels are in the closed configuration.

In some implementations, the motor may be pivotally coupled to a frame of the patio cover system to allow the motor and the piston to pivot toward the frame when the cover panels rotate to the closed configuration, and pivot away from the frame when the cover panels rotate to the open configuration.

In some implementations, the arm may be configured to couple with the piston at a location above the cover panels, the linking member, and a frame of the patio cover system such that intended movement of the piston and/or the motor is not interrupted by the cover panels, the linking member, and/or the frame.

In some implementations, the linking member may be coupled to the cover panels at a gap between corresponding ends of the cover panels and a frame of the patio cover system. The linking member may be positioned in the gap when the cover panels are in the closed configuration. The linking member may be positioned above the gap when the cover panels are in the open configuration.

In some implementations, the linking member may be longer than the arm along a first axis. The arm may be longer than the linking member along a second, substantially perpendicular axis. The arm may have a longer first end located toward the motor along the first axis relative to a shorter second, opposite, end of the arm.

In some implementations, the cover panels may be louvered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the illustrated components are not necessarily drawn proportionately to one another. Throughout this description, the implementations and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present disclosure. As used herein, the “present disclosure” refers to any one of the implementations of the disclosure described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various aspects of the disclosure throughout this document does not mean that all claimed implementations or methods must include the referenced aspects.

As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, above, below, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

FIG.1illustrates a patio cover system10. Patio cover system10is illustrated installed over an area11designed for seating, tables, and/or other objects, to create an outdoor living space. In the example shown inFIG.1, patio cover system10is shown installed over a patio13. Patio13may be formed from cement and/or concrete, wood, earth, grass, gravel, and/or other materials. Patio cover system10may be configured to be aesthetically pleasing, and function as at least a partial shelter from the ambient environment15. Patio cover system10may include support beams14configured to form a frame12. Patio cover system10may comprise frame12, support posts16, cover panels18, an actuator22, and/or other components.

Frame12may be and/or form a support structure for cover panels18, actuator22, and/or other components of patio cover system10. In some implementations, frame12may form a perimeter of patio cover system10. Frame12may have a generally rectangular shape (e.g., as shown inFIG.1) and/or other shapes. Frame12may be formed by a plurality of support beams14and/or other components. Frame12may be formed by coupling the ends of support beams14together. For example, as shown inFIG.1, four support beams14may be coupled together to form the generally rectangular shape of frame12. Continuing with this example, an individual support beam14may be coupled to two other support beams14, one at either end of the individual support beam14. Frames12having other quantities of support beams14joined to form the same (e.g., generally rectangular) or other frame12shapes (e.g. generally square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) are contemplated.

As described above, support beams14may be coupled together to form frame12and/or be used for other purposes. In some implementations, support beams14may have a length that extends along a primary longitudinal axis19or21and a thickness that extends along a secondary transverse axis (not specifically labeled inFIG.1). In some implementations (e.g., when frame12has a generally rectangular shape), pairs of support beams14may have substantially the same length, with a first pair having a length that is longer than a length of a second pair of support beams14. These pairs of support beams14may be coupled to form a rectangle (e.g., as illustrated inFIG.1), with beams of the same length on opposite sides of the rectangle. In some implementations (e.g., when frame12has a generally square and/or other shapes), support beams14may have the same length. In some implementations, support beams14may have a rectangular cross section and/or other cross sections. In some implementations, support beams14may be solid or hollow. In some implementations, support beams14may be partially hollow. For example, support beams14may have hollow ends and/or other hollow areas. In some implementations, support beams14may be formed from metal, wood, polymers, and/or other materials.

Support posts16may be configured to support frame12and/or other components. Support posts16may be vertically oriented, for example, and/or have other orientations. Support posts16may be fixedly or movably coupled to a patio13, a ground surface, and/or any other support surface. In some implementations, support posts16may rest on patio13, a ground surface, or another support surface without being fixedly or movably coupled to such a surface. In some implementations, support posts16may have a length that extends along a primary longitudinal axis23and a thickness that extends along a secondary transverse axis (not specifically labeled inFIG.1). In some implementations (e.g., when frame12has a generally rectangular shape), support posts16may include four support posts16having substantially the same length. Support posts16may be positioned at or near the corners of the generally rectangular shape formed by frame12(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.1). In some implementations (e.g., when frame12has a generally triangular and/or other shapes), more or less support posts16of one or more lengths may be required. In some implementations, support posts16may have a generally square cross section, rectangular cross section, and/or other cross sections. In some implementations, support posts16may be solid or hollow. In some implementations, support posts16may be formed from metal, wood, polymers, and/or other materials.

Beams14and/or posts16may be coupled together. Beams14and/or posts16may be coupled via one or more coupling devices and/or other components. In some implementations, the one or more coupling devices may include screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, washers, fittings, bearings, slots, hooks, clamps, clips, nails, complimentary alignment features, friction fits, brackets, and/or other coupling components. The coupling devices may be located at or near the (upper) ends of support posts16, opposite a ground or patio13surface, and/or in other locations. In the example shown inFIG.1, coupling devices may be located at or near the corners of frame12, proximate to support posts16. In some implementations, coupling devices may directly couple beams14to each other and/or support posts16. In some implementations, coupling devices may indirectly couple beams14to each other and/or support posts16via other components.

Support beams14may be hollow, or partially hollow (e.g., hollow ends), and have a rectangular cross section and/or other cross sections. Support beams14may also have perpendicular ends, angled ends, and/or other features. An angled end may comprise an end surface (or outline of a surface for hollow beams) of a support beam14that is not perpendicular to an elongated body (e.g., elongated along axis19or21shown inFIG.1) of the support beam14. Perpendicular and/or angled ends of different support beams14may face, meet, and/or abut each other when coupled together and/or coupled to a support post16.

Cover panels18may be configured to block or reduce an amount of ambient light that passes through frame12into an interior of patio cover system10. Cover panels18may be louvered and/or have other shapes. Cover panels18may be configured to at least partially block elements (e.g., light, precipitation, wind, etc.) of the ambient environment from reaching the interior of patio cover system10. Cover panels18may be opaque, translucent, and/or transparent. Cover panels18may be formed from polymers, wood, metal, and/or other materials. Individual cover panels18may be configured to be suspended (e.g., in parallel) between support beams14across frame12, above the interior of patio cover system10. Cover panels18may be rotatably coupled to support beams14so that cover panels18may rotate relative to support beams14. In some implementations, cover panels18may have an elongated, generally rectangular shape, and/or other shapes. Cover panels18may be rotatably coupled to support beams14at either and/or both ends of a given cover panel18. Patio cover system10may be configured with any number of cover panels18, having any dimensions that allow patio cover system10to function as described herein.

Actuator22may be mounted to frame12and/or other portions of patio cover system10, and coupled to cover panels18. Actuator22may be configured to rotate cover panels18between an open configuration and a closed configuration (and/or intermediate configurations between the open configuration and the closed configuration). Actuator22may be configured such that the open configuration allows ambient light (and/or other elements of the ambient environment) to pass between cover panels18, and the closed configuration blocks light (and/or the other elements of the ambient environment) from passing between cover panels18. In some implementations, actuator22may be configured to rotate individual cover panels18in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Actuator22may be mounted to frame12in any location that facilitates coupling with cover panels18. In some implementations, actuator22may be coupled to cover panels18via one or more actuator components. In some implementations, the one or more actuator components may include rotating joints, bearings, hinges, and/or other components that facilitate coupling actuator22to cover panels18and/or movement of cover panels18by actuator22. In some implementations, actuator22comprises a motor, a piston, an arm, a linking member, and/or other components. Each of these components is illustrated in various figures and described below.

FIGS.2A and2Billustrate aspects of mounting cover panels18mounted to frame12. As shown inFIG.2A, beams14on opposite sides25,27of frame12may include one or more corresponding orifices20, and/or other features. Orifices20may be configured (e.g., located, sized, shaped, spaced, etc.) such that panels18may be mounted to frame12via orifices20. Orifices20may be configured to receive bushings26and/or other components. Bushings26and/or other components may be configured to reduce friction of panels18in frame12, enhance alignment of panels18in frame12, and/or have other purposes. In some implementations, such as when actuator22is mounted to one side25of frame12(e.g., as shown and described below) bushings26may be different depending on the side25,27of frame12in which bushings26are used. For example, a shoulder bushing26may be used on side27, while a standard bushing26may be used on side25(e.g., the side where actuator22is mounted). (Note thatFIG.2Aalso illustrates an optional gutter28that may be coupled to frame12.)

As shown inFIG.2B, panels18may be louvered. Panels18may be mounted to frame12via rotation pins24located at either end of a given panel18. Rotation pins24may be located along an axis of rotation30of the given panel18. Rotation pins24may be made of metal, polymers, ceramics, and/or other materials. For example, rotation pins24may be made of aluminum and/or other materials. Rotation pins24may have one end press fit into a receiving portion of a panel18, and an opposite end configured for rotational engagement with an orifice20and/or bushing26.

FIG.2Balso illustrates a plurality of individual link pins31that extend from different ones of the cover panels18. Link pins31may be located toward an outer edge32of a given panel18. Link pins31may be made of metal, polymers, ceramics, and/or other materials. For example, link pins31may be made of Delrin, and/or other materials. Link pins31may have one end press fit into a receiving portion of a panel18, and an opposite end configured for rotational engagement with a linking member (not shown inFIG.2A or2B) and/or other components of system10. Link pins31are further described below.

FIG.3A-3Eillustrate additional aspects of mounting panels18to frame12. For example,FIG.3Aillustrates how, in some implementations, individual panels18may be mounted in frame12at a (e.g., non-parallel or perpendicular) angle33relative to (e.g., top, or upper surfaces of) beams14. For example, orifices20that receive rotation pins24may be located closer to an upper surface of a beam14on side25relative to side27(e.g., the side of frame12where actuator22is mounted, as described herein). Mounting panels18at angle33may facilitate drainage, enhance coupling between panels18and other components of actuator22, and/or have other purposes.

FIG.3Billustrates inserting a rotation pin24into a corresponding orifice20and/or bushing26at side25of frame12.FIG.3Cillustrates inserting a rotation pin24at an opposite end of a panel18into a corresponding orifice and/or bushing26at side27of frame12; and attaching a snap ring34to a rotation pin24at side25of frame12. In some implementations, the inserting shown inFIGS.3B and3Ccomprises pressing a pin24into an orifice20and/or a bushing26. In some implementations, snap ring34may be configured to maintain a desired spacing between a panel18and a beam14, and/or may be configured for other purposes. In some implementations, pins24at either end of a panel18may be the same or different. In some implementations, different pins24(e.g., different length pins24) at either end of a panel18may facilitate assembly of frame12before assembly of other components of the present system, and/or have other purposes.

FIG.3Dillustrates coupling a link pin31to a linking member36. Linking member36is further described below. One end of link pin31may be inserted into and/or otherwise coupled with a panel18as described above. An opposite end of link pin31may be coupled with linking member36via one or more coupling devices such as a retainer37(as shown in this example), screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, washers, fittings, bearings, slots, hooks, clamps, clips, nails, complimentary alignment features, friction fits, brackets, and/or other coupling devices. Link pin31may be coupled to linking member36such that there is a relative freedom of movement between link pin31and linking member36. For example, as shown inFIG.3D, a link pin31may pass through an orifice39in linking member36and be coupled to linking member36by attaching retainer37to a side of link pin31that has passed through orifice39. Repeating this connection, or similar connections, between different panels18and linking member36, at different orifices39, may facilitate simultaneous rotation of individual panels18.

FIG.3Eillustrates panels18installed in frame12.FIG.3Eillustrates rotation pins24coupled to beams14on sides25and27of frame12, and link pins31coupled to linking member36on side25of frame12.FIG.3Emay illustrate, for example, an additive combination of the components shown inFIG.2A-FIG.3Dand described above.

FIGS.4A and4Billustrate linking member36, an arm40, panels18, and other components of actuator22and/or system10.FIGS.4A and4Billustrate linking member36, arm40, panels18, and other components of actuator22and/or system10from opposite sides. Linking member36may be coupled to arm40, panels18, and/or other components. In some implementations, linking member36may be coupled to arm40, panels18, and/or other components of system10using various coupling devices. The coupling devices may include screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, washers, fittings, bearings, slots, hooks, clamps, clips, nails, complimentary alignment features, friction fits, brackets, and/or other coupling devices. For example, as shown inFIGS.4A and4B, linking member36may be coupled to arm40using one or more flat socket cap stainless steel bolts42, flat washers43, nylon lock nuts44, and/or other components. Linking member36may be coupled to arm40using these and other components at one or more corresponding orifices45in linking member36and arm40. In some implementations, orifices45may be different than orifices39(e.g., linking member36and arm40may also include corresponding orifices39), which are configured to receive linking pins31as described above.

Linking member36may be configured to rotate panels18in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration when driven by arm40, a piston (described below), a motor (described below), and/or other components of actuator22. Linking member36may comprise arcuate portions47configured to engage rotation pins24(FIG.2B,3B,3C,3D) when cover panels18are in the closed configuration. In some implementations, this engagement may prevent panels18from over rotating, and/or damaging other components of system10. In some implementations, arm40may comprise corresponding arcuate portions47such that when arm40and linking member36are coupled, arcuate portions47of arm40and linking member36overlap as shown inFIGS.4A and4B.

FIG.5Aillustrates (or re-illustrates) linking member36and arm40. As shown inFIG.5A, in some implementations, linking member36may be longer than arm40along a first axis48. Arm40may be longer than linking member36along a second, substantially perpendicular axis49. In some implementations, linking member36may have an elongated substantially rectangular shape along axis48. In some implementations, linking member36may have a rectangular cross section and/or other cross-sectional shapes. In some implementations, linking member36may have a shape that is different than the shape of linking member36shown in the present figures, may include one or more sub portions coupled to other sub portions, and/or have other configurations. In some implementations, the shape, size, material, and/or other characteristics of linking member36may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity such that, when link pins31are coupled to linking member36, linking member36can move a plurality of panels18between the open configuration and the closed configuration in unison.

In some implementations, arm40may be elongated along axis48and/or axis49. Arm40may be formed with one or more arcuate surfaces extending between axis48and axis49. In some implementations, arm40may have a longer first end50located along axis48relative to a shorter second, opposite, end51of arm40. In some implementations, arm40may have a shape that is different than the shape of arm40shown in the present figures, may include one or more sub portions coupled to other sub portions, and/or have other configurations. In some implementations, the shape, size, material, and/or other characteristics of arm40may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity such that, when arm40is coupled to linking member36, the piston (not shown inFIG.5A), and/or the motor (not shown inFIG.5A), arm40can move linking member36(which is coupled to panels18as described herein). In some implementations, arm40and linking member36may form a single unitary piece.

FIG.5Billustrates linking member36and arm40, in relation to other components of actuator22and/or system10including cover panels18, frame12, beams14, and/or other components. As shown inFIG.5B, linking member36and/or arm40may be coupled to one side of panels18on side25of frame12. In some implementations, the piston and/or the motor (not shown inFIG.5B) may be coupled on this same side of frame12. The piston and/or the motor may be coupled to arm40via one or more coupling features included in arm40. In the example shown inFIGS.5A and5B, the coupling features comprise an orifice46located on one side of arm40. Other features are contemplated. Arm40may be coupled to the piston, to the motor, and/or to other components. Arm40may be configured to extend away from panels18and/or linking member36. This may be toward the piston and/or the motor, for example (or conversely, arm40may be configured to extend from the piston and/or or the motor toward linking member36and/or panels18).

As described above, linking member36may be rotatably coupled to a plurality of individual link pins31that extend from different ones of the cover panels18. Linking member36may be configured to rotate the panels18between the open configuration and the closed configuration via link pins31. In some implementations, a given link pin31may extend from one side of a cover panel18at an end of the cover panel18such that at least a portion of linking member36and/or arm40changes height relative to frame12when cover panels18rotate between the open configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.5B) and the closed configuration.

In some implementations, linking member36may be coupled to panels18at a gap54between corresponding ends56of panels18and an edge58of frame12of patio cover system10. Linking member36may be positioned in gap54when panels18are in the closed configuration. Linking member36may be positioned above gap54when panels18are in the open configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.5B).

Arm40may be configured to couple with the piston at a location52above (e.g., relative to a ground or support surface) panels18, linking member36, frame12, and/or other components of system10such that intended movement of the piston and/or the motor is not interrupted by panels18, linking member36, frame12and/or other components of system10. In some implementations, arm40may be configured to couple with the piston at a location below panels18, linking member36, frame12, and/or other components of system10such that intended movement of the piston and/or the motor is not interrupted by panels18, linking member36, frame12and/or other components of system10. This may be less aesthetically pleasing compared to coupling above these components, but nonetheless possible. This functionality is further illustrated and described below.

FIG.6A-6Eillustrate a motor60(e.g., an example of the motor described above), a piston62(e.g., an example of the piston described above), linking member36, arm40, and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10.FIG.6Aillustrates a perspective view of motor60, piston62, linking member36, arm40, a portion of frame12, and portions of a plurality of panels18.FIG.6Billustrates a side view of motor60, piston62, linking member36, arm40, a portion of frame12, and portions of a plurality of panels18. As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, piston62may be coupled to arm40, motor60, and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10. Piston62may be coupled to arm40using various coupling devices. The coupling devices may include screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, washers, fittings, bearings, slots, hooks, clamps, clips, nails, complimentary alignment features, friction fits, brackets, and/or other coupling devices. For example, piston62may be coupled to arm40using a bracket64as shown inFIGS.6A and6B. Piston62may be configured to reciprocate between an extended portion and a retracted position to drive arm40and/or linking member36to move panels18. Piston62may include a head and/or other components configured to move within an outer tube against a liquid or gas held by the tube to impart motion from motor60to arm40and/or linking member36.

Motor60may be configured to drive piston62, arm40, linking member36and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10to move panels18between the open configuration and the closed configuration. Motor60may be an electric motor, for example, and/or other motors. Motor60may convert electrical energy to mechanical motion. In actuator22and/or system10, motor60may supply motive power to piston62, which in turn drives arm40and linking member36, and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10to move panels18. Motor60may include various coils, shafts, gears, and/or other components. In some implementations, motor60may be a linear motor, a rotary motor, and/or other motors. In some implementations, motor60may be and/or include a linear motor and/or other motors.

In some implementations, motor60is pivotally coupled to frame12to allow motor60, piston62, and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10to pivot toward frame12when panels18rotate to the closed configuration, and pivot away from frame12when panels18rotate to the open configuration. Motor60may be pivotally coupled to frame12using various coupling devices. The coupling devices may include screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, washers, fittings, bearings, slots, hooks, clamps, clips, nails, complimentary alignment features, friction fits, a bracket, and/or other coupling devices. For example, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B, motor60may be coupled to frame12using a motor base bracket65.

FIG.6Eillustrates a side view of motor base bracket65. As shown inFIG.6E, in some implementations, bracket65may be configured such that motor60may be able to pivot relative to frame12.FIG.6Ealso illustrates how, in some implementations, bracket65may be coupled to frame12via one or more screws77and/or other coupling devices (e.g., as described herein).

In some implementations, linking member36, arm40, piston62, and/or other components may form a linking assembly. The linking assembly may include all of these components, any two of these components, any one of these components, and/or other components. It should be noted that the description of arm40, piston62, and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10is not intended to be limiting. System10, actuator22, and/or the linking assembly may include any component or components configured to impart motion from motor60to piston62, arm40, linking member36, cover panels18, and/or other components. A piston an arm and a linking member are just three possible examples of such features. In some implementations, piston62and/or arm40need not be included in system10, actuator22, and/or the linking assembly at all. For example, motor60may be directly coupled to linking member36. Motor60may be coupled to arm40without piston62. Piston62may be coupled to linking member36without arm40. Motor60may be coupled to linking member36via one or more components other than a piston and/or an arm. Piston62, arm40, linking member36, and/or other components may form a single piece. In some implementations, a length and/or other dimensions of arm40, linking member36, and/or piston62may vary with and/or otherwise correspond to the dimensions of system10(FIG.1). For example, arm40, linking member36, and/or piston62may have any dimensions that allow cover panels18to rotate as described. Other examples are contemplated.

FIGS.7A and7Billustrate actuator22(e.g., motor60, piston62, arm40, linking member36, etc.) of system10mounted to frame12, and coupled to cover panels18.FIG.7Aillustrates actuator22with cover panels18in a closed configuration.FIG.7Billustrates actuator22with cover panels18in an open configuration. As described above, linking member36(FIG.7B) may be rotatably coupled to a plurality of individual link pins31(not visible inFIG.7A or7B) that extend from different ones of the cover panels18. Linking member36may be configured to rotate panels18between the open configuration and the closed configuration via link pins31. In some implementations, a given link pin extends from one side of a cover panel18at an end of the cover panel18such that at least a portion of linking member36and/or arm40changes height relative to frame12when cover panels18rotate between the open configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.7B) and the closed configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.7A).

As shown inFIGS.7A and7B, in some implementations, linking member36may be coupled to panels18at a gap54between corresponding ends of panels18and an edge of frame12. Linking member36may be positioned in gap54when panels18are in the closed configuration (FIG.7A). Linking member36may be positioned above gap54when panels18are in the open configuration (e.g., as shown inFIG.7B).

As discussed above, arm40may be configured to couple with piston62at a location (e.g., location52as shown inFIG.5B) above (e.g., relative to a ground or support surface) panels18, linking member36, frame12, and/or other components of system10such that intended movement (e.g., pivoting as shown by comparingFIG.7AtoFIG.7B) of piston62and/or motor60is not interrupted by panels18, linking member36, frame12and/or other components of system10. In some implementations, motor60is pivotally coupled to frame12to allow motor60, piston62, and/or other components of actuator22and/or system10to pivot toward frame12when panels18rotate to the closed configuration (FIG.7A), and pivot away from frame12when panels18rotate to the open configuration (FIG.7B).

Returning toFIG.1, in some implementations, patio cover system10may be assembled with various assembly operations. In some implementations, the assembly operations may be implemented via machining methods, and/or other manufacturing methods. In some implementations, one or more of the components of patio cover system10may be machined and/or otherwise formed from stock material. Machining may include stamping, pressing, heat treating, cutting, turning, milling, drilling, broaching, bending, and/or other machining operations. In some implementations, the general shapes of the components of patio cover system10may be formed by one or more of these processes, for example. In some implementations, the components of patio cover system10may be coupled together using various coupling devices. The coupling devices may include screws, nuts, bolts, adhesive, washers, fittings, bearings, slots, hooks, clamps, clips, nails, complimentary alignment features, friction fits, brackets, and/or other coupling devices.

The assembly operations described herein are intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, assembly may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the assembly operations are is not intended to be limiting.

The assembly operations may include assembling frame12. Frame12may be assembled using support beams14, couplers, and/or other components. The assembly operations may include installing support posts16in or on a ground surface and coupling frame12to support posts16. Support posts16may be vertically oriented, for example. In some implementations, support beams14may be horizontally oriented and supported by vertically oriented support posts16. The assembly operations may include rotatably coupling cover panels18to support beams14(e.g., as described above). The assembly operations may include mounting actuator22to frame12and coupling actuator22to cover panels18(e.g., as described above). Cover panels18and/or actuator22may be coupled to support beams14and/or frame12before or after frame12is coupled to support posts16.