Patent Publication Number: US-2022235553-A1

Title: Louvered patio cover

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/743,707, titled LOUVERED PATIO COVER, filed Jan. 15, 2020, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to a louvered patio cover. 
     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. However, typical louvered patio covers do not include gutters or gutter lighting channels. Also, typical louvered patio covers have visible corner connectors that connect beams of a louvered patio cover frame. This decreases the aesthetic appearance of typical louvered patio covers. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure relates to a louvered patio cover. The louvered patio cover may comprise a frame with support beams, louvered panels, one or more support beam couplers, an actuator, one or more gutters, and/or other components. The support beams may have angled ends. The louvered panels may be rotatably coupled to the support beams. A support beam coupler may comprise first and second receivers. The first receiver may be configured to receive an angled end of a first support beam. The second receiver may be configured to receive an angled end of a second support beam. The angled ends of the first and second support beams may face or abut each other when received by the first and second receivers. The actuator may be mounted to the frame and coupled to the louvered panels. The actuator may be configured to rotate the louvered panels between an open configuration and a closed configuration (and/or intermediate configurations between the open configuration and the closed configuration). 
     In some implementations, the one or more gutters may be coupled to the frame. A gutter may comprise a lighting channel and/or other components. The gutter may be configured to hold a light source for lighting an area under the louvered patio cover. In some implementations, the lighting channel may open toward an interior of the gutter. In some implementations, the gutter may comprise two lighting channels, with a first lighting channel opening toward an interior of the gutter, and a second lighting channel opening toward a ground surface below the louvered patio cover when the gutter is coupled to the frame. 
     In some implementations, the actuator may be configured such that the open configuration allows ambient light to pass between the louvered panels, and the closed configuration blocks light from passing between the louvered panels. In some implementations, the actuator may be configured to rotate individual louvered panels in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
     In some implementations, the support beams may be hollow or partially hollow. For example, the support beams may have hollow ends and/or other hollow areas. 
     In some implementations, the louvered patio cover may comprise vertically oriented support posts configured to support the frame. In some implementations, the first and second support beams may be horizontally oriented and supported by the vertically oriented support posts. In some implementations, a support beam coupler may be attached to a vertically oriented support post. In some implementations, the one or more support beam couplers may be located at corners of the frame. 
     In some implementations, the first and second receivers are located on adjacent surfaces of the support beam coupler. In some implementations, the first and second support beams conceal the support beam coupler when viewed from an area within the louvered patio cover. 
     These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a louvered patio cover, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the louvered patio cover in an open configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates the louvered patio cover in a closed configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an exploded view of a support beam coupler, a support post, two support beams, and other components, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an assembled view of the components shown in  FIG. 2A , in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a side view of the assembled components shown in  FIG. 2A , in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a first example cross sectional profile for a gutter of the louvered patio cover, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a second example cross sectional profile for the gutter of the louvered patio cover, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross sectional profiles shown in  FIG. 3A and 3B , in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a third example cross sectional profile for a gutter of the louvered patio cover, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a fourth example cross sectional profile for the gutter of the louvered patio cover, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates two different light diffusers coupled to channels of the gutter, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates how a light diffuser may be configured to flex to facilitate placement in a channel, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates several example dimensions of a light diffuser, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
     
    
    
     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 used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. 
     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. 1A, 1B, and 1C  (collectively  FIG. 1 ) illustrate a louvered patio cover  10 . Louvered patio cover  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  installed over an area  11  designed for seating, tables, and/or other objects, to create an outdoor living space. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , louvered patio cover  10  is shown installed over a patio  13 . Patio  13  may be formed from cement and/or concrete, wood, earth, grass, gravel, and/or other materials. Louvered patio cover  10  may be configured to be aesthetically pleasing, and function as at least a partial shelter from the ambient environment  15 . Advantageously, louvered patio cover  10  may include gutters  24  with gutter lighting channels (not shown in  FIG. 1 , but described below). Also, louvered patio cover  10  may have support beam couplers  20  that couple support beams  14  of louvered patio cover  10  such that support beam couplers  20  are concealed from view. This may increase the aesthetic appearance of louvered patio cover  10 . In some implementations, louvered patio cover  10  may comprise a frame  12  with support beams  14 , support posts  16 , louvered panels  18 , one or more support beam couplers  20 , an actuator  22 , one or more gutters  24 , and/or other components. 
     Frame  12  may be and/or form a support structure for louvered panels  18 , actuator  22 , and/or other components of louvered patio cover  10 . In some implementations, frame  12  may form a perimeter of louvered patio cover  10 . Frame  12  may have a generally rectangular shape (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or other shapes. Frame  12  may be formed by a plurality of support beams  14  and/or other components. Frame  12  may be formed by coupling the ends of support beams  14  together. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , four support beams  14  may be coupled together to form the generally rectangular shape of frame  12 . Continuing with this example, an individual support beam  14  may be coupled to two other support beams  14 , one at either end of the individual support beam  14 . Frames  12  having other quantities of support beams  14  joined to form the same (e.g., generally rectangular) or other frame  12  shapes (e.g. generally square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) are contemplated. 
     As described above, support beams  14  may be coupled together to form frame  12  and/or be used for other purposes. In some implementations, support beams  14  may have a length that extends along a primary longitudinal axis  19  or  21  and a thickness that extends along a secondary transverse axis (not specifically labeled in  FIG. 1 ). In some implementations (e.g., when frame  12  has a generally rectangular shape), pairs of support beams  14  may have substantially the same length, with a first pair having a length that is longer than a length of a second pair of support beams  14 . These pairs of support beams  14  may be coupled to form a rectangle (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), with beams of the same length on opposite sides of the rectangle. In some implementations (e.g., when frame  12  has a generally square and/or other shapes), support beams  14  may have the same length. In some implementations, support beams  14  may have a rectangular cross section and/or other cross sections. In some implementations, support beams  14  may be solid or hollow. In some implementations, support beams  14  may be partially hollow. For example, support beams  14  may have hollow ends and/or other hollow areas. In some implementations, support beams  14  may be formed from metal, wood, and/or other materials. 
     Support posts  16  may be configured to support frame  12  and/or other components. Support posts  16  may be vertically oriented, for example, and/or have other orientations. Support posts  16  may be fixedly or movably coupled to a patio  13 , a ground surface, and/or any other support surface. In some implementations, support posts  16  may rest on patio  13 , a ground surface, or another support surface without being fixedly or movably coupled to such a surface. In some implementations, support posts  16  may have a length that extends along a primary longitudinal axis  23  and a thickness that extends along a secondary transverse axis (not specifically labeled in  FIG. 1 ). In some implementations (e.g., when frame  12  has a generally rectangular shape), support posts  16  may include four support posts  16  having substantially the same length. Support posts  16  may be positioned at or near the corners of the generally rectangular shape formed by frame  12  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). In some implementations (e.g., when frame  12  has a generally triangular and/or other shapes), more or less support posts  16  may be required. In some implementations, support posts  16  may have a generally square cross section, rectangular cross section, and/or other cross sections. In some implementations, support posts  16  may be solid or hollow. In some implementations, support posts  16  may be formed from metal, wood, and/or other materials. 
     Support beam couplers  20  may be configured to couple (two) support beams  14  together. Support beam couplers  20  may be located at or near the (upper) ends of support posts  16 , opposite a ground or patio  13  surface. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , support beam couplers  20  are shown located at or near the corners of frame  12 , proximate to support posts  16 . In some implementations, support beam couplers  20  may be directly coupled to support posts  16 . In some implementations, support beam couplers  20  may be indirectly coupled to support posts  16  via other components. 
     For example,  FIG. 2A  illustrates an exploded view of a support beam coupler  20 , a support post  16 , two support beams  14 , and other components. As shown in  FIG. 2A , support beam coupler  20  may be coupled to support post  16  via a cap connection  30 ; various screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, adhesive, and/or other coupling mechanisms  32 ; one or more corner brackets  34 , and/or other components. 
     Support beams  14  may be hollow  40 , or partially hollow (e.g., hollow ends), and have a rectangular cross section  42  and/or other cross sections. Support beams  14  may also have angled ends  44 . An angled end  44  may comprise an end surface (or outline of a surface for hollow beams) of a support beam  14  that is not perpendicular to an elongated body (e.g., elongated along axis  19  or  21  shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the support beam  14 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2A , angled ends have an angle of about  45  degrees relative to a (hypothetical) straight cut (e.g., perpendicular) end of a support beam  14 , and/or the elongated body of a support beam  14 . 
     Support beam coupler  20  may comprise first  50  and second  52  receivers. In some implementations, first  50  and second  52  receivers may be located on adjacent surfaces  54  and  56  of support beam coupler  20 . In some implementations, first  50  and second  52  receivers may comprise pairs of tabs or plates (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2A ) that extend from adjacent surfaces  54  and  56  of support beam coupler  20  along a vertical axis of support beam coupler  20 . The pairs of tabs or plates may be spaced such that they both fit inside a hollow end of a support beam  14 . In some implementations, first and second receivers  50  and  52  may be formed by blocks and/or other configurations of material (e.g., a solid structure not formed by different tabs or plates) that protrude from adjacent surfaces  54  and  56  and fit inside the hollow ends of support beams  14 . In some implementations, the pairs of tabs or plates, the blocks, and/or other receivers may be configured to facilitate a friction fit against corresponding interior surfaces of a hollow support beam  14 . Other receiving mechanisms are contemplated. 
     First receiver  50  may be configured to receive an angled end  44  of a first support beam  14 . Second receiver  52  may be configured to receive an angled end  44  of a second support beam  14 . The ends (e.g., at or near angled ends  44 ) of support beams  14  may be coupled to the pairs of tabs or plates (e.g., first and second receivers  50  and  52 ) via screws, nuts, bolts, orifices in support beams  14 , orifices in the pairs of tabs or plates, clips, clamps, and/or other coupling mechanisms. Angled ends  44  of the first and second support beams  14  may face, meet, and/or abut each other when received by the first  50  and second  52  receivers. In some implementations, angled ends  44  may engage, meet, and/or abut each other when support beams  14  are coupled to receivers  50  and  52 . 
     In some implementations, support beam coupler  20  may be formed from metal, a polymer, wood, and/or other materials. For example, support beam coupler  20  may be formed from one or more pieces of sheet metal. In some implementations, support beam coupler  20  may be solid, hollow, or have other configurations. In some implementations, support beam coupler  20  may have a hollow central portion, for example. The hollow central portion, the material used to form support beam coupler  20 , and/or other characteristics of support beam coupler  20  may be configured to make support beam coupler  20  relatively light and strong. 
     In some implementations, frame  12  may include a cornice  36 . Cornice  36  may have any shape and/or dimensions that enhance the aesthetic appearance of frame  12  and/or perform other functions. Cornice  36  may be configured to be coupled with support beams  14  and/or a support beam coupler  20  via various screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, adhesive, and/or other coupling mechanisms  32 . Cornice  36  may be formed from metal, polymers, wood, and/or other materials. In some implementations, for example, cornice  36  may be formed from one or more relatively thin pieces of sheet metal, bent and/or heat treated into specific shapes. In some implementations, cornice  36  may be coupled to an upper side of one or more of the support beams  14  of frame  12 , and/or be coupled to frame  12  in other locations. 
     In some implementations, cornice  36  may have a layered structure, with a first larger layer  33  positioned above (relative to a ground surface) a second smaller layer  35 . Layers  33  and/or  35  may be substantially “C” or “L” shaped (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2A ), and/or have other shapes. In some implementations, an open portion of the “C” or “L” shapes may face an interior of louvered patio cover  10  when cornice  36  is coupled to support beams  14 . In some implementations, cornice  36  may be configured to enhance an aesthetic appearance of frame  12  and/or serve other purposes. In some implementations, cornice  36  may be configured to enhance an aesthetic appearance of frame  12  by modifying a sharp, perpendicular, angular appearance of (e.g., an upper edge of) support beams  14 , for example. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an assembled view of the components shown in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2B , in some implementations, the first and second support beams  14  conceal the support beam coupler  20  (not visible in  FIG. 2B ) when viewed from an area  60  within the louvered patio cover  10 . By way of a non-limiting example, the first and second support beams  14  may be horizontally oriented and supported by the vertically oriented support post  16 . In some implementations, a support beam coupler ( 20 —not visible in  FIG. 2B ) may be (indirectly) attached to a vertically oriented support post  16  (e.g., as described above). In some implementations, the one or more support beam couplers  20  may be located at corners of the frame  12  such that the assembled components for a clean, visually pleasing assembly.  FIG. 2C  illustrates a side view of the assembled components shown in  FIG. 2A and 2B  in a corner  62  of frame  12 . 
     Gutters  24  are illustrated in  FIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C . A gutter  24  may be coupled to support beams  14 , support beam coupler  20 , corner bracket  34 , cap connection  30 , support post  16 , and/or other components of frame  12  and/or louvered patio cover  10 . Gutter  24  may be coupled via various screws, nuts, bolts, clips, clamps, adhesive, and/or other coupling mechanisms  32 . In some implementations, gutters  24  may be formed from metal, polymers, and/or other materials. For example, gutters  24  may be formed from one or pieces of sheet metal and/or other materials. In some implementations, gutters  24  may be formed from one or more relatively thin pieces of sheet metal, bent and/or heat treated into specific shapes such as the shapes shown in  FIG. 2A and 2B . As another example, gutters  24  may be extruded from a hot liquid of aluminum through a mold and come out in one piece in different lengths (e.g., usually 24′-30′). They may be cut to size to fit with and be coupled to a beam. Gutters  24  may be coupled to frame  12  and/or louvered patio cover  10  on interior surfaces  70  of support beams  14  and/or in other locations. Gutters  24  may be installed around the interior perimeter of the beams such that as water runs off the louvers, the water is caught in gutters  24 . Gutters  24  may include one or more drains such that the water then runs out of the gutters. 
     Gutters  24  may have angled ends  64 . An angled end  64  may comprise an end of a gutter  24  that is not perpendicular to an elongated body (e.g., elongated along axis  19  or  21  shown in  FIG. 1 ) of a gutter  24 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2A , angle ends have an angle of about 45 degrees relative to a (hypothetical) straight cut (e.g., perpendicular) end of a gutter  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , in some implementations, angled ends  64  of gutters  24  may meet at corners of the frame  12  such that the assembled components for a clean, visually pleasing assembly. In some implementations, gutters  24  may be formed from metal and/or other materials as described above. 
       FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E  illustrate example cross sectional profiles of a gutter  24 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates a first example cross sectional profile  70 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates a second example cross sectional profile  72 .  FIG. 3C  is an enlarged view of a portion  74  of cross sectional profiles  70  and  72 .  FIG. 3D  illustrates a third example cross sectional profile  75 .  FIG. 3E  illustrates a fourth example cross sectional profile  77 . It should be noted that  FIG. 3A-3E  illustrate several example dimensions (in inches) for profiles  70 ,  72 ,  75 , and  77 , and portion  74 . These dimensions are examples only, and are not intended to be limiting. Gutters  24  may have these dimensions or any other dimensions that allow gutters  24  to function as described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A, 3B, 3D, and 3E , gutter  24  may comprise a surface  80  configured to be coupled with a support beam  14  (not shown in  FIG. 3A-3E ), an opposite surface  82  oriented toward area  60  within the louvered patio cover  10  (not shown in  FIG. 3A-3E ), an interior portion  83 , one or more lighting channels  84 , and/or other components. Gutter  24  may include guide lines  87 , orifices, and/or other features that facilitate alignment and/or attachment to other components of frame  12  ( FIG. 1 ) and/or louvered patio cover  10  ( FIG. 1 ). Gutter  24  may be configured to hold a light source in one or more lighting channels  84  for lighting an area under, within, and/or around louvered patio cover  10 . In some implementations, gutter  24  may comprise one lighting channels  86  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3A, 3B, 3D, and 3E ) that may open toward interior  83  of gutter  24 , for example. In some implementations, interior  83  may be configured to reflect and/or otherwise scatter light from the light source to enhance the light provided by the light source. In some implementations, gutter  24  may comprise two lighting channels (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3A, 3D, and 3E ), with lighting channel  86  opening toward interior  83  of gutter  24 , and a second lighting channel opening in a different direction. For example,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a second lighting channel  88  opening toward a ground surface below louvered patio cover  10  when gutter  24  is coupled to frame  12  ( FIG. 1 ).  FIG. 3D  also illustrates a second lighting channel  89  opening toward a ground surface below louvered patio cover  10  when gutter  24  is coupled to frame  12  ( FIG. 1 ), but channel  89  is located on an opposite side of gutter  24  compared to lighting channel  86 .  FIG. 3E  illustrates a second lighting channel  61  opening toward area  60  within the louvered patio cover  10  ( FIG. 1 ) when gutter  24  is coupled to frame  12 . 
     In some implementations, lighting channels  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61  may have two substantially parallel sides (e.g.,  90  and  91  in channel  86 ,  92  and  93  in channel  88 ,  63  and  65  in channel  89 , and  67  and  69  in channel  61 ), and another side that has a perpendicular orientation relative to the two parallel sides (e.g.,  80  in channel  86 ,  91  in channel  88 ,  59  in channel  89 , and  82  in channel  61 ). In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3A ) lighting channels  86  and  88  may share a common wall. In the example shown in  FIG. 3A , the shared common wall is formed by side  91 . As described above, side  91  form a parallel side of channel  86  and a perpendicular side of channel  88 . These examples are not intended to be limiting. Channels  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61  may have sides with other orientations (e.g., substantially “U” shaped, etc.) that allow channels  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61  to function as described herein. 
     In some implementations, channels  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61  may include lighting tracks  95  configured to receive and hold a light source in channel  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61 . Tracks  95  may be formed in corresponding pairs on opposite sides of a given channel  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61  (e.g., in the two parallel sides), and/or have other configurations. Tracks  95  may be configured to slidably receive a light source such that the light source may be removed from, and/or replaced in channel  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61 . An example lighting track  95  profile  97  is illustrated in  FIG. 3C . In this example, profile  97  is formed by two side by side protrusions that form a groove or depression therebetween. Other lighting track  95  profiles  97  are contemplated. 
     In some implementations, lighting track  95  is configured to hold a diffuser lens (described herein) and/or other components. Advantageously, lighting track  95  is configured to accommodate various different light fixtures (e.g., it is not specifically designed for one certain light fixture. In some implementations, lighting track may be configured such that a light fixture (e.g., and LED tape) may be mounted on the back of a channel (e.g.,  86  and/or  88 ) and/or otherwise in the channel, facing the diffuser lens to facilitate disbursement of light through the diffuser lens. 
     In some implementations, gutters  24  may include one or more light diffusers configured to removably couple with channels  86 ,  88 ,  89 , and/or  61 .  FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C  illustrate light diffusers  100 .  FIG. 4A  illustrates two different light diffusers  100  coupled to channels  86  and  88  (which may similarly be coupled to channels  89  and/or  61 ) of a gutter  24 . Light diffusers  100  may be coupled to channels  86  and/or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ) at or near an open side of channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ). Light diffusers  100  may be configured to enclose channels  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ). Light diffusers  100  may be configured to cover a light source in channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ). Light diffusers  100  may be configured to pass and/or diffuse light from a light source in channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ) into the ambient environment. Light diffusers  100  may be formed from transparent and/or translucent material. Light diffusers  100  may be formed in one or more colors and/or have other properties. Light diffusers  100  may be formed from acrylic and/or other polymers, and/or other materials. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates how a light diffuser  100  may be configured to flex  102  to facilitate placement in channel  86  or  88  ( FIG. 4A ) (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ).  FIG. 4B  illustrates a first view  104  of light diffuser  100  in a rest position, and a second view  106  of light diffuser  100  is a flexed position. As shown in  FIG. 4B , in some implementations, light diffuser  100  may have a body  108  and legs  110  extending from body  108 . In some implementations, legs  110  both extend from body  108  on the same side of body  108 . Body  108  may be configured to diffuse light from a light source. In the example shown in  FIG. 4B , body  108  includes an undulating inner surface  111 , and a smooth arcuate outer surface  113 . Light diffuser  100  may be configured with these and/or other features configured to enhance light diffusion through light diffuser  100 , for example. 
     Legs  110  may be configured to be inserted into channels  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ) and hold light diffuser  100  in channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ). For example, legs  110  may be formed from a resilient material, and/or body  108  and/or legs  110  may be configured with a resilient design, that resists deflection. As shown in view  106 , legs  110  may be deflected toward each other, so that legs  110  will fit within channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ). Once inserted within channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ), legs  110  may attempt to return to their undeflected position (e.g., because they are formed from a resilient material, or light diffuser  100  is configured with a resilient design). Legs  110  may be configured to engage the sides of a channel  86  or  88  (e.g., due to outward pressure created by legs  110  attempting to return to their undeflected position) and hold light diffuser  100  in place against the sides of channel  86  or  88  (and/or channels  89 ,  61 ). 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates several example dimensions (in inches) of a light diffuser  100 , in accordance with one or more implementations. These dimensions are examples only, and are not intended to be limiting. Light diffusers  100  may have these dimensions or any other dimensions that allow light diffusers  100  to function as described herein. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , louvered panels  18  may be configured to block or reduce an amount of ambient light that passes through frame  12  into an interior of louvered patio cover  10 . Louvered panels  18  may be configured to at least partially block elements (e.g., light, precipitation, wind, etc.) of the ambient environment from reaching the interior of louvered patio cover  10 . Louvered panels  18  may be opaque, translucent, and/or transparent. Louvered panels  18  may be formed from polymers, wood, metal, and/or other materials. Individual louvered panels  18  may be configured to be suspended in parallel between support beams  14  across frame  12 , above the interior of louvered patio cover  10 . Louvered panels  18  may be rotatably coupled to support beams  14  so that louvered panels  18  may rotate relative to support beams  14 . In some implementations, louvered panels  18  may have an elongated, generally rectangular shape, and/or other shapes. Louvered panels  18  may be rotatably coupled to support beams  14  at either and/or both ends of a given louvered panel  18 . Louvered patio cover  10  may be configured with any number of louvered panels  18 , having any dimensions that allow louvered patio cover  10  to function as described herein. 
     Actuator  22  may be mounted to frame  12  and coupled to louvered panels  18 . Actuator  22  may be mounted to frame  12  in any location that facilitates coupling with louvered panels  18 . In some implementations, actuator  22  may be coupled to louvered panels  18  via one or more actuator arms  25 . Actuator  22  may include one or more actuator arms  25 , a motor, and/or other components. In some implementations, one or more actuator arms  25  may include rotating joints, bearings, hinges, and/or other components that facilitate coupling actuator  22  to louvered panels  18  and/or movement of louvered panels  18  by actuator  22 . Actuator  22  may be configured to rotate louvered panels  18  between an open configuration and a closed configuration (and/or intermediate configurations between the open configuration and the closed configuration). Actuator  22  may be configured such that the open configuration allows ambient light (and/or other elements of the ambient environment) to pass between louvered panels  18 , and the closed configuration blocks light (and/or the other elements of the ambient environment) from passing between louvered panels  18 . In some implementations, actuator  22  may be configured to rotate individual louvered panels  18  in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
     In some implementations, louvered patio cover  10  may 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 louvered patio cover  10  may 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 louvered patio cover  10  may be formed by one or more of these processes, for example. In some implementations, the components of louvered patio cover  10  may 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, and/or other coupling devices. 
     The assembly operations described below 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 frame  12 . Frame  12  may be assembled using support beams  14 , support beam couplers  20 , and/or other components. As described above, support beams  14  may have angled ends relative to elongated bodies of support beams  14 . Support beams  14  may be hollow, generally rectangular in cross sectional shape, and/or have other characteristics. A support beam coupler  20  may comprise first and second receivers ( FIG. 2A ). The first receiver may be configured to receive an angled end of a first support beam. The second receiver may be configured to receive an angled end of a second support beam. The angled ends of the first and second support beams may face or abut each other when received by the first and second receivers. In some implementations, the first and second receivers may be located on adjacent surfaces of a support beam coupler  20 . In some implementations, support beam coupler  20 , and the first and second support beams may be assembled to conceal support beam coupler  20  when viewed from an area within louvered patio cover  10 . 
     The assembly operations may include installing support posts  16  in or on a ground surface and coupling frame  12  to support posts  16 . Support posts  16  may be vertically oriented, for example. In some implementations, support beams  14  may be horizontally oriented and supported by vertically oriented support posts  16 . In some implementations, a support beam coupler  20  may be attached to a vertically oriented support post  16 . In some implementations, the one or more support beam couplers  20  may be located at corners of frame  12 , at or near a location where frame  12  is supported by posts  16 . 
     The assembly operations may include rotatably coupling louvered panels  18  to support beams  14 . The assembly operations may include mounting actuator  22  to frame  12  and coupling actuator  22  to louvered panels  18 . Louvered panels  18  and/or actuator  22  may be coupled to support beams  14  and/or frame  12  before or after frame  12  is coupled to support posts  16 . Actuator  22  may be configured to rotate louvered panels  18  between an open configuration and a closed configuration (and/or intermediate configurations between the open configuration and the closed configuration). Actuator  22  may be configured such that the open configuration allows ambient light to pass between louvered panels  18 , and the closed configuration blocks light from passing between louvered panels  18 . In some implementations, actuator  22  may be configured to rotate individual louvered panels  18  in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
     The assembly operations may include coupling one or more gutters  24  to frame  12  and/or other components of louvered patio cover  10 . Gutters  24  may be coupled to support beams  14  and/or frame  12  before or after frame  12  is coupled to support posts  16 . A gutter  24  may comprise a lighting channel and/or other components. The assembly operations may include installing a light source in the gutter lighting channel. The light source may be used for lighting an area in, under, and/or around louvered patio cover  10 . In some implementations, gutter  24  may be coupled such that the lighting channel may open toward an interior of gutter  24 . In some implementations, gutter  24  may comprise two lighting channels, installed with a first lighting channel opening toward an interior of the gutter, and a second lighting channel opening toward a ground surface below louvered patio cover  10  when gutter  24  is coupled to frame  12 . 
     In some implementations, the assembly operations may include coupling a cornice ( FIG. 2A ) to one or more support beams  14 . The cornice may be decorative and/or have other functions. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.