EP2534320A2

EP2534320A2 - Rain-proof tree-like covering wired to maintain tension among the branches

Info

Publication number: EP2534320A2
Application number: EP11710340A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luca Tenuta
Original assignee: Scussolin Andrea
Current assignee: Scussolin Andrea
Priority date: 2010-02-12
Filing date: 2011-02-01
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Also published as: ITSA20100005U1; WO2011099042A2; WO2011099042A3

Abstract

A covering structure in the form of a stainless steel tree, possessing features for protection against rain, stands upon a box-shaped base embedded in a reinforced concrete buried plinth and includes piping for drainage purposes. The trunk is formed of pipes that penetrate the inside of the base, held in place by superimposed disc-shaped plates. The lower part of the trunk, bare of branches, is joined to the upper part by a flange. The pipes in the trunk form ramifications starting from respective elbows and flanges that support the branch tubes of varying lengths, symmetrically grouped around the trunk at different heights. At the top of each branch an elbow and a flange support a leaf, consisting of a funnel-shaped receptacle designed to catch rainwater and drain it into the branch below. A central leaf communicates direct with the trunk. Groups of leaves, partially extending over groups below them, completely cover the area projected on the ground underneath. Branches and trunk are joined by steel wires forming a stretched flexible structure.

Description

Rain-proof tree-like covering wired to maintain tension among the branches

Field of application of the invention

The present invention concerns means for covering open spaces of limited size and, in particolar, a rain-proof tree-shaped covering wired to maintain branch tension.

Review of the known art

The need to provide some sort of covering for human habitations or for rest areas is as old as the hills; it responds to the necessity for protection against adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail, wind as well as offering shade from solar radiation. The most common form is that of a roof over buildings, resting on walls which completely enclose the underlying space. For covering large areas such as stadiums for sporting events or concerts, reticular roofing is widely used being both rigid yet light, of which the geodedic cupola is an estreme example. Such forms of covering do not however concern this invention as, in those cases, the space below is closed at the sides.

A step forward in the direction of the invention are canopies, namely cantilever roofing supported by pillars, or partly by pillars and partly projecting from a masonry wall. Canopies are usually fitted with gutters and drainpipes. Rigid canopies supported by pillars only have no walls to support them but if the covered area is a large one, with a consequent increase in the weight of the roof, more pillars will be needed thus limiting access from the side. The environmental impact of canopies is not generally considered pleasing as they do not combine sati sfactorily with traditional forms of urban furnishing, A further step towards the present invention comes in what are known as stretched flexible structures. These, sometimes temporary, structures are made using materials held in place by tensive forces. The stretched flexible structures are architecturally designed and are generally composed of wires and tie rods that support roofing of cloth or of sheet metal in various styles.

One pleasing example of a stretched flexible structure consists of modular sheets of waterproofed cloth shaped like pagoda roofs. The structure is mounted by joining the cords at the edges of the sheets of each module. The supporting steel structure consists of central poles where the sections of covering material converge, and of side struts maintained in tension by one or more steel tie rods. As already said for canopies, access from the side is greatly hindered by the struts which, if too low, would prevent entry entirely. If a high wind were blowing for some considerable time the overall force affecting the roof might be more than the steel wiring could withstand, might tear the roof or even cause the whole structure to collapse. In the event of heavy rain, the amount of water pouring down from the extensive roofing area might create serious problems. A second example of a known stretched flexible structure, incorrectly called "tree-like", differs from the first in that there is only one central pillar, and in that the architectural form is determined by the roof sheeting stretched between the points where it is fixed according to the design. Structures of this kind can be used to roof large areas creating particularly pleasing and interesting architectural effects. The drawbacks are substantially those described for the first example of these structures.

If only to leave nothing out, mention might be made of the well-known beach umbrellas which can provide ample coverage where used to protect tables in open-air cafes. Needless to say they give little protection in case of rain often accompanied by a strong wind making it necessary to close the umbrella.

Purposes of the invention

In the light of what is learned from the known art, a primary purpose of the present invention is to provide protective and reliable covering over open spaces subjected to adverse atmospheric conditions, or to create a shady area, all this without hindering access to it from whatever point persons or vehicles may arrive.

A further purpose of the invention is to shelter small open spaces from rain by means of a covering that keeps the ground underneath it dry.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide open spaces with a form of covering able convey rainwater to a catch basin.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide effective shelter to open spaces against wind from whatever direction it blows.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide an effective form of covering to open spaces that allies these purposes to that of producing photovoltaic electrical energy.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide protective covering of a pleasing appearance to open spaces imitating natural forms.

Summary of the invention

To achieve these purposes, subject of the present invention is a rain-proof, treelike covering comprising:

a box-shaped base for anchoring first tubular elements to the ground, said elements together defining a tree trunk that conveys fluid to the inside of said base and from there to a drainage pipe;

second tubular elements forming branches that depart from the trunk at different levels, rigidly joined to respective said first tubular elements at respective ramifications maintaining fluid continuity with said elements; at least one plurality of metal wires stretched between the branches and the trunk; - a plurality of funnel-shaped receptacles, to catch and drain off rainwater, in the form of leaves supported by respective branches with which they maintain fluid continuity, and groups of said leaves partially superimposed over groups below them giving complete coverage to a projected area on the ground as described in claim 1.

Further characteristics of the present invention, realised in different ways considered innovative, are described in the dependent claims. According to one aspect of the invention the branches are grouped at different levels symmetrically arranged round the trunk.

According to one aspect of the invention each ramification includes an elbow joint and a flange with washer.

According to one aspect of the invention each second tubular element includes an elbow and a flange with washer in its connection to a leaf.

According to one aspect of the invention each branch of at least one group includes two second adjacent tubular elements connected to a same flange at each end.

According to one aspect of the invention, the trunk is divided into at least two superimposed sections of which a lower part, bare of branches, is joned by a flange with washer to the upper part.

According to one aspect of the invention, first tubular elements pass through a number of plates, preferably discoid, spaced along the trunk for greater structural rigidity.

According to one aspect of the invention longitudinal baffles keep said discoid plates spaced and fixed to the lower part of the trunk.

According to one aspect of the invention, the funnel-shaped wall of each leaf includes converging ribs.

According to one aspect of the invention the wall of each leaf includes a previously established number of metal sectors joined together at their oblique, bent and matching margins to form a funnel-shaped wall the edge of whose rainwater-catching mouth is bent inwards in relation to the rest of the wall.

According to one aspect of the invention box-shaped structures of bent metal extend from the edge to the centre of each leaf across respective joints between said metal sectors further strengthening the structure of the leaf.

According to one aspect of the invention, an anti-occlusion device, consisting of a bent metal prism, is applied to the drainage mouth of each leaf, or else of a hollow cylinder without a lower base and having a plurality of holes in the upper base. In one example of its execution the covering comprises four superimposed groups of second tubular elements wherein the branches of the third and fourth group, situated higher than the branches of the first and second group, are shorter; the branches of the second group interpose with the branches of the first group at a higher level; the branches of the third group are vertically aligned with the odd, or even, branches of the first group; and the branches of the fourth group are vertically aligned with the even, or odd, branches of the first group at a level higher than that of the branches of the third group.

Without thereby limiting the invention, the above example of its execution envisages six branches of the first group at the lower level, six double-tube branches of the second group at the level immediately above, three branches of the third group at the level immediately above, three branches of the fourth group at the level immediately above, and four of said first tubular elements converging directly on a central leaf at the upper level.

By using two tree-like coverings it would only be necessary to turn one structure by 30° in relation to the other to obtain partial superimposition of the branches of the second group over adjacent branches of the first group to create a continuous and larger dry surface. Preferably, however, one structure may be turned by 90° to align the two square bases as well.

In the example realized of four groups of superimposed branches the structure also comprises a second plurality of metal cables stretched between:

the apical point of each arm of the first group and the apical point of the arm vertically aligned with it;

the apical point of each arm of the first group and an intermediate point in the two adjacent arms of the second group;

an intermediate point in each arm of the first group and the apical point of the two adjacent arms in the second group;

the intermediate point of each arm of the first group and the apical point of the arm vertically aligned with it.

In the example realized of four groups of superimposed branches, the structure also comprises a third plurality of metal cables stretched between: - the apical point of each arm of the second group and an intermediate point on the two adjacent arms of the first group;

the apical point of each arm of the second group and an intermediate point on the two adjacent arms of the third and fourth group;

- the intermediate point of each arm of the second group and the intermediate point on the two adjacent arms of the third and fourth group.

In the example realized of four groups of superimposed branches, the structure also comprises a fourth plurality of metal cables stretched between the trunk and intermediate points on each arm of the third and fourth group.

In one example realized, the inner face of each leaf is covered with a photovoltaic plastic panel for generation of electricity but without interfering with the capacity to catch and deflux rainwater. The synergy between the technical characteristics of the two technological fields is evident. For this purpose the structure includes a special duct along the trunk to house the electrical wiring connected to the terminals of the solar panels. The duct ends at a container of electric wires at the bottom of the trunk designed to appear like the roots of a tree. This container and the duct can be used to contain wiring for lighting or for any other devices installed on the leaves.

Advantages of the invention

A rain-proof, tree-like covering, prototype of the invention, realized in AISI 304 stainless steel stands over four metres high with a circular mass of pseudofoliage, diameter nearly eight metres; this creates a covered surface projected to ground of about 50 m². Seeing that the lower part of the trunk with no branches is over two metres high, a considerable number of people can gather under the foliage, with or without vehicles, to seek shelter from the rain or from the sun. Trunk height can be altered as required, for example by adding a suitably long segment to the lower part to permit the presence of taller vehicles.

Several of these coverings can be united with partial superimposition of their foliage to increase the size of the protected surface.

The entire tree-like covering is coated with coloured pigments to imitate the browns and greens of a real tree; in addition to producing a pleasing aesthetic effect, these pigments help to reflect a consistent amount of incident solar rays and limit a rise in temperature of the painted meta! parts.

The great capacity for catching rainwater not only keeps the covered ground surface dry, even in heavy rain, but also suggests using the structure where rain is scarce and rainwater must be saved for domestic purposes.

The several pluralities of metal wires to keep the branches stretched confer a high degree of rigidity on the structure without increasing its weight. The symmetrical disposition of the branches and leaves helps towards a uniform spread of tension in the wiring in the event of strong winds even if lasting for some considerable time.

The present invention can advantageously provide:

shelter for outdoor cafes and restaurants or for picnic areas;

- shelter for waiting areas with or without seating;

urban furniture generally, especially in car parks;

- shelter for exhibitions and street markets held in the open air;

- shelter where shade is lacking and rain is scarce, able to provide protection from the sun and generate solar energy while maintaining its capacity to entrap rainwater, especially useful in such places.

Short description of the figures

Further purposes and advantages of the present invention will be made clear by the following detailed description of an example of its realization and by the attached drawings given for purely explanatory purposes and in no way limitative, wherein:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the weatherproof tree-like covering subject of the invention;

Figures 1A, IB, 1C show details of Figure 1 ;

Figure 2 is a combination of the parts in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is an elevation of the covering in Figure 2 in the direction indicated by the arrow and without showing tensioning wires for greater clarity of the drawing;

Figure 4 is a view from above of Figure 2 showing continuity of coverage at ground level offered by partial superimposition of the single leaves; Figure 5 shows partial superimposition of the foliage of two tree-like coverings reciprocally turned at 90°, first shown separately and then brought together as far as possible allowing for interference between branches;

Figure 6 is a view from above of the three sorts of branches used for the covering in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a view from above of the central part of Figure 1 emphasising the symmetrical arrangement of the branches round the trunk;

Figure 8 is an enlargement of the central part of Figure 7 showing how the tubular elements branch off from the upper part of the trunk;

Figure 9 is an elevation of the lower part of the trunk;

Figures 10, 11, 12 are views from above of respective disks, with holes, for strengthening the lower part of the trunk and for positioning the tubes seen in Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the upper part of the trunk;

Figures 14 to 19 are views from above of respective strengthening disks for the upper part of the trunk and for positioning the tubes visible in Figure 13;

Figures 20, 21, 22 are perspective views of the tubes in Figure 6;

Figure 23 is a view from above of a leaf forming part of the covering in Figure 2;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of the leaf in Figure 23;

Figure 25 is an elevation of the leaf in Figure 23;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the upper part of the trunk in Figure 1 , with a 60° angular sector showing the spatial disposition of the tensioning wires for the branches.

Detailed description of a preferred realization of the invention

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the component parts of a tree-like structure 1. Structure 1 provides a covering for the underlying ground surface, particularly designed to catch rainwater and convey it downward for defluxion. The structure includes a metal box-shaped base 2 at the centre of whose square upper surface is a circular aperture 3 communicating with the multi -tubular trunk 4 bolted to the base 2 by a basal disc with holes 5. The base 2 is embedded in a reinforced concrete CONC plinth sunk in the ground to form the foundations of the tree-like structure 1. Clamps 6 for fixing the base 2 to the CONC plinth project from its sides, their height being adjustable to secure a correct horizontal position. A drainage pipe 7 for rainwater projects from one side of the base 2 and extends through the CONC plinth. The trunk 4 is divided into two parts, the lower part being bare of branches while the upper part includes a tubular ramification 8 symmetrical around the trunk 4 and consisting of several superimposed levels. Each branch is joined to the trunk 4 by a flange (not seen in the figure) as well as to the rainwater catching foliage 9 above by more flanges 10 placed at the top of the branches. A complex symmetrical configuration of steel wires 11 stretches between the trunk and each branch as well as between adjacent branches at the same level or at other levels. A container for electric wires 12, shaped to imitate tree roots, is fixed to the base 2 in the event of solar panels (preferably, but not exclusively, of a type adhering to the inner surface of single leaves) or other devices requiring electricity, being installed on the covering 9.

Figure 1A shows the base 2 in greater detail. Holes 13 are visible all round the upper face of the circular aperture 3 on its upper face to take the screws that fix the trunk 4. Using the four hooks 15, the base 2 is lifted and placed in position in the CONC plinth. During mounting the above screws penetrate the holes in the basal disk 5 fixed to the trunk 4 and the two parts in contact are then tightened together by heavy nuts.Three caps 14, accessible at ground level, close the base 2. More precisely:

- clamps 6 projecting from the side walls of the base 2 are lodging clamps for concrete;

- each central clamp has a hole in its end to accomplish the base 2 horizontally because of the irregularity of the concrete;

- screws are inserted in the holes 13 from below and welded herein;

- rectangular holes on the base walls are mounting eyelets;

- two strips projecting upward from the base nearer to the side righter handed in the figure support a concrete drainage ditch. These elements ensure that the tree-like covering 1 is firmly fixed to the CONC plinth; maintenance personnel can gain access to the inside of the base to clean out any accumulation of sediment and prevent the outflow pipe 7 from becoming blocked.

Figure IB shows in greater detail the form of container 12 to house electrical wiring from, or to, any devices that may be mounted on the covering. The metal base of container 12 is bolted to the upper face of the base 2 and shows a lateral profile, inclined towards the trunk, formed of superimposed welded strips of metal shaped to obtain a concave seat closed by a vertical wall around a fraction of the trunk. A duct 20 to carry electrical wiring rises from one end of the container 12. A plug 21 is bolted onto the upper face for access to the hermetically sealed inner chamber. A screw cap is present in the upper face of the container 12; the plug 21 may be unscrewed and removed. A second duct (not shown in the figure) departs from wire container 12 extending the present electric wires towards the main network.

Figure 1C shows in greater detail the parts that fix any one leaf 9 to the ring nut 10 at the top of its own branch 8. As seen in the figure the end of a branch 8 is joined to an elbow 8a in turn joined to a short vertical sleeve welded to the flange 10. As will be more clearly seen later, the generic leaf 9 is made of artistically bent metal to form an uppermost open hollow, closed at the side by a wall that slightly converges towards a lower central mouth for drainage, the edge of which is fixed to a collar 16. This collar is bolted to the flange 10 and above this is an anti-occlusion device 17. This latter is a prism 18 of bent metal lacking a lower base and with the same number of lateral faces as those of the bent metal leaf that delimit the defluxion mouth, and with a series of holes on the upper and side surfaces. Both collar 16 and flange 10 have holes for bolting. Figure 2 reunites the parts seen in the exploded view in Figure 1 adding nothing to what has already been described. The CONC plinth is of course buried in the ground while the upper surface of the base 2 is visible at ground level.

Figure 3 shows the symmetrical configuration around the trunk at several levels of ramification 8 and leaf coverage 9. It will be noted that each branch carries a single leaf 8 at its apex and that branches and leaves are disposed on four levels, all in the upper part of the trunk 4, added to a central leaf L5F at a fifth level joined direct to the vertical pipes in the trunk 4. Expressed in greater detail, starting from the lowest level the substantially horizontal branches are divided into four groups L1R, L2R, L3R, L4R one above the other at four levels; the respective leaves are also divided into four groups L1F, L2F, L3F, L4F one above another at levels only slightly higher than those of the respective groups of branches. The leaves of group L1F at the lowest level are smaller than the others which all have the same extension. The branches of group L1R at the lowest level are about as long as those of group L2R immediately above, and the branches of both groups are longer than the branches of equal length belonging to the two remaining groups, L3R and L4R, at higher levels. This configuration of branches and leaves benefits from spatial symmetry to achieve the double effect of forming a tree-like structure of pleasing environmental impact and looking substantially the same from whatever direction it is seen, at the same time covering an almost circular area with the lesser surface superimposed among groups of leaves at lower levels to economize in materials, as will be clear from the following Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a view from the air of the covering produced by the disposition of branches and leaves described above. It will be seen from the figure that the edge of the entry to all the leaves in the shape of a regular dodecahedron and therefore nearly circular, but more suitable for production with bent, welded and reinforced metal. The circular shape is also advantageous, for example by drawing and welding the metal, or other shapes, even if irregular, but which all the same ensure efficient ground coverage with no defects whatever. It will be seen in the figure that the central leaf L5F at the highest level partially covers three leaves of group L4F immediately below. Each leaf of group L4F can partially cover two adjacent leaves of group L3F immediately below, two adjacent leaves of group L2F two levels below and one leaf of group L1F three levels below. Each leaf of group L3F can partly cover two adjacent leaves of group L2F immediately below and one leaf of group L1F two levels below. Increasing the width of the leaves of group L1F does not give any appreciable benefit as regards the circular shape of the foliage as a whole, the perimeter of this shape being the one that covers the larger area. The partial covering among adjacent levels can also intercept rain falling obliquely. Proceeding with the analysis we find that the centres of the three leaves forming group L4F are disposed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose centre coincides with that of leaf L5F. The centres of the three leaves forming the group L3F are also disposed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle turned at 60° in relation to the previous one. The vertices of the two triangles are therefore disposed on two vertices of a regular hexagon. The centres of the six leaves forming group L2F are disposed on the vertices of a regular hexagon that includes the hexagon formed by groups L4F and L3F, centered on this latter and turned at 60°. The same hexagonal configuration rotated at 60° is repeated for the centres of the six leaves forming group LIF at the lowest level, but because the leaves are smaller the vertices of the hexagon formed by the L2F group of leaves extends over the sides of the last hexagon by only a very little.

The upper part of Figure 5 shows two trees of Figure 3 planted at the same ground level and turned by 90° one to the other at a distance that will avoid interference between their branches and leaves. In the lower part of the same figure the left-hand tree is shown closer to the right-hand tree, the edge of its leaf LIF almost touching the curved apex of branch L2R of the tree on the right. It will be noted that in this configuration leaf L2F of the right-hand tree partially covers leaf LIF of the tree on the left. The area of interference, representative of the intersection (AND) between the surfaces covered by leaves LIF and L2F of the two trees, is indicated by dark hatching. Substantially speaking, therefore, a corridor of 60°, almost entirely covered over, is created between the two heads of foliage.

Figure 6 shows the three types of branches used in the groups present at the various levels that spread out from the trunk; drawings in greater detail are given in later figures 20, 21, 22. As will be noted here, the branches L1R at the lowest level are slightly longer than branches L2R at the level immediately above. The length of these latter branches is about double that of branches L3R and L4R at the upper levels, equal one to another. Each branch is fitted with a basal flange, respectively 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b and with an apical flange, respectively 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd.

Figure 7 is a view from above of the symmetrical spatial disposition of the branches around the trunk. This view shows twelve branches departing from a common centre and spaced regularly at 30° one from another; this does not however represent the real number of branches since allowance must be made for their spatial superimposition between different levels. In actual fact there are eighteen tubular branches of which the six L2R at the second level have double tubes making a total of twenty-four tubes to which four central tubes, directed to the fifth level and without branches, must be added making a total of twenty-eight. The reason why branches L2R have double tubes is, as will be better seen in Figure 26, because they are charged more than the others because of the length of the branch and the greater dimensions of the leaf, and must function as double reticular beams. The figure shows the superimposition of the branches at various levels and the related apical flanges; the basal flanges will be shown in Figure 8. As will be noted here, the six branches of group L2R are interposed to the six branches of group L1R. The angular distance between each L1R branch is 60°, as is also that between each L2R branch, while the angular distance between each L1R branch and each adjacent L2R branch to the right or to the left is 30°. The branches of group L2R have no other branches aligned with them at the upper levels. The three branches of group L4R are aligned with the L1R branches every two L2R branches and therefore at an angular distance of 120°. The three branches of group L3R are aligned with the L1R branches every two L2R branches, starting from an L2R branch successive to the one from which the two branches, that space out the L4R branches, are counted. The angular distance between the L3R branches too is 120° and phase displacement between L3R and L4R branches is 60°.

Figure 8 is an enlargement of the central part of Figure 6 showing the flanges (semi-flanges) joined to the tubes ramified from the upper part of the trunk and coupled to the basal flanges (semi-flanges) 30b, 31b, 32b/33b of the L1R, L2R, and L3R/L4R branches on the right in the figure. The disposition in Figure 8 is more clearly shown in Figure 13. Referring to Figure 8, each flange 31a is a double flange that couples to a double flange 31b, while each flange 30a couples to each flange 30b; again, combining Figures 7 and 8 it is clear that there are a further six flanges of type 30a superimposed over those visible in Figure 8 for coupling to the 3+3 basal flanges 32b+33b.

Figure 9 shows the lower part of trunk 4 including twenty-eight parallel pipes of equal diameter, collectively marked with 34, that pass through three reinforcing disks 5, 35, 36, each with a hole through it for the purpose, and positioned along the trunk. Drilled disk 5 is in the basal position, disk 35 in an intermediate position, and disk 36 at the end, where an elbow on the duct 20 for electric wiring is also visible. The three disks are kept at a reciprocal distance by a number of longitudinal baffles 37 fitted into the circular edge. Together with disks 5, 35, 36, these latter give a slightly tapering upward form similar to a natural tree trunk. The basal disk 5 has a crown of holes 38 round its edge through which screws fix the trunk to the box-shaped base 2.

The detail of drilled disks 5, 35, 36 can be seen in the respective Figures 10, 11, 12 showing that the symmetrical disposition of the holes through which the tubes pass 34, collectively marked 39, 40, 42 in the three respective disks, is obviously the same. This disposition comprises three rows of holes the centres of which are equally spaced on three concentric circumferences equally spaced one from another. The outermost circular row includes twelve holes, the intermediate row also twelve holes while the innermost one has only four, making a total of twenty-eight holes. Paying attention to the circular edge of the three drille disks 5, 35, 36 a small tooth can be seen to correctly align the three components.

In the central disk 35, Figure 11 shows the symmetrical circular disposition of twelve slots 41 to receive an equivalent number of baffles 37. The slots 41 are preferably aligned with the circumference of the outermost holes protecting the tubes 34.

Figure 12 shows the presence, in the terminal disk 36, of a circumferential configuration of slots 43 for fixing the baffles 37, similar to that of the slots 41 but shorter. Configuration of slots 43 is intercalated by a configuration of holes 44 for screws in the upper part of the trunk. Disk 36, with holes, acts as a flange and as such has a seat for a washer. The lower part of the trunk 4 acts as a primary carrying structure fitted for conveying rainwater, collected from the leaves 9 and from the upper part of the trunk, down to the base 2.

Figure 13 shows the upper part of the trunk 4 including the ramifications of tubes 34 rising from the lower part: one ramification for each tube, except for the four central tubes 34 that continue upward to the central leaf L5F at the highest level. Each ramification includes an elbow at 90° joined to a flanged sleeve, as previously described for Figure 8 but now more clearly seen in the perspective view. As the figure shows, there are four groups of ramifications LID, L2D, L3D, L4D at the same levels as the groups of branches L1R, L2R, L3R, L4R to which they are joined by respective flanges. The figure shows flanges 31a with two holes to join up with a ramification of two adjacent tubes in a radial direction that together make an outward bend the one remaining above the other. Flanges 31a at the second level are seen as interposed to the flanges 30a at the first level; flanges 32a at the third level vertically aligned to flanges 30a at the first level every other, and flanges 33a at the fourth level vertically aligned with flanges 30a at the first level every other with flanges 32a at the third level. A succession of six disks with holes: 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 plus flange 34a at the fifth level, listed in order starting from the bottom, are crossed through by tubes before each ramification. The disks are welded to the tubes by the Tungsten inert Gas (TIG) welding technique. All twenty-eight tubes pass through the first two disks 46, 47; ten tubes pass through the third disk 48; four tubes, terminating at the corresponding holes in the flange 34a, pass through the fourth disks 49 and the fifth disk 50. The lower disk 46 is a flange with a first set of holes 51 around a circumference close to the edge to receive screws for fixing it to flange 36 at the end of the lower part of the trunk 4. A second set of holes, twice as many as in the first set, are made round an outer circumference and serve to fix the wires that keep the branches in tension. The two upper disks 49 and 50 also have respective holes 54, 55 around a circumference adjacent to the edge through which to fix the wires that keep the branches in tension. The flanges present in all the ramifications are fitted with washers as are flange 46 and flange 34a at the top of the trunk 4. Holes 53 adjacent to the circular edge of the flange 34a are for fixing the leaf L5F. The upper part of the trunk 4, inclusive of all the ramifications visible ir! the figure, is a primary carrying structure to support the branches and anchor the respective tensioning wires; by means of this structure, rainwater from the branches can be conveyed to the lower part of the trunk 4.

The distal end of branches can be further stiffened by mounting a suitably shaped plate at each elbow 30c, 31c, 32c, 33c; this would facilitate joining a branch of one tree to a branch of an adjacent tree.

Figures 14 to 19 are single plan views of the various disks with holes 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 33a seen in the previous figure. It will be noted that they all have a group of four central holes through which pass the four non-ramified tubes 34 without ramifications. The three drilled disks represented in the figures 17, 18, 19 ,have three holes along their circular edge having diameter a little greather than other holes equally disposed; these holes are for wiring.

Figure 14 shows a sequence of ramifications: L1D+L3D; L2D+L2D; L1D+L4D; L2D+L2D repeated three times at the two outermost rings of holes for inserting the tubes. Figure 16 shows the residual ramifications L3D and L4D.

Figures 20, 21, 22 show, in a perspective and more detailed view, the flanged tubes forming the branches, respectively LIR, L2R, L3R/L4R in Figure 6. The basal flanges 30b, 31b, 32b, 33b and the apical flanges 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd may be seen, in that order, at the ends of said branches, the latter group joined to the respective tubes by elbows 30c, 31c, 32c, 33c. Flanges 10b and 31b on the double branch L2R differ from the others as they have two holes for the two parallel tubes. As previously stated for the basal flanges, the apical flanges are also fitted with a washer. About halfway along each branch there are first flat wire-fixing devices 30d, 3 Id, 32d, 33d; second flat wire-fixing devices 30e, 31e, 32e, 33e are present close to the elbows. These devices are held in place by two longitudinal fins for stiffening the branches, respectively 30f, 30g, 3 If, 3 lg, 32f, 32g, 33f-33g in contact with each tube above and below it. The means for joining the wire-fixing devices include reinforcing gusset plates. Further gusset plates reinforce the join between the apical flanges and the tube underneath it. The groups of branches of the types shown in the figure provide the supporting structure for the leaves that convey the water they catch towards the ramifications present in the upper part of the trunk 4.

The following Figures 23, 24, 25 illustrate the structure common to all the leaves 9 in the respective groups L1F, L2F, L3F, L4F, L5F.

Figure 23 is a plane view from above of a leaf 9 around whose mouth for catching rainwater, opening onto a horizontal plane, is a dodecagonal shaped edge, as is the edge round the exit mouth at the centre of a lower level. Leaf 9 is made of three equal metal parts riveted two by two along respective oblique edges 60, 61, 62 bent downward at 90°. On the leaf 9 there are also twelve equally spaced ribs 63 that join corresponding angles at the edges of the two mouths. An anti-occlusion element 17 is fitted onto the exit mouth.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of leaf 9 more clearly showing the form converging towards the centre. The entry mouth has a corrugated edge 64 bent upward and welded in short edges 65 in continuation with the inner bends 63. The anti-occluding element 17 stands erect from the central mouth for draining rainwater. Holes 64a can be seen along the edge 64a.

Figure 25 is a side view of leaf 9 giving a better impression of the funnel- shaped structure of the metal parts riveted together 62 and welded 65 on the corrugated edge 64, as also along the inner edge of the lower collar 16 (Figure 1A) that delimits and reinforces the outflow mouth and permits connection to the flange 10 on the defluxion branch. The corrugated edge 64 that stands vertically from a bend 66 in the metal sheet 67 gives leaf 9 and the entire mass of foliage a more pleasing appearance. The figure shows a couple of riveted edges 62 bent downward and inward at one of three similar box- shaped reinforcing beams 69, 70, 71 welded using the TIG process onto the under surface of leaf 9. Two suitably spaced U-shaped half disks 72, 73 are welded across each beam and to leaf 9 to prevent twisting and for extra stiffening. The half disks 72, 73 have a central hole 74 and two lateral holes 75 which, together with the holes 64a on the corrugated edge, enable any other additional devices to be fixed for possible further technical exploitation of the tree-like covering in Figure 2. The leaves 9 together cover the entire supporting structure and are designed for the collection of rainwater and for conveying it into the branches.

Figure 26 shows the structure of wires 1 1 for tensioning the branches L1R, L2R, L3R, L4R in a semispherical segment representing 60° of the entire ramification seen in Figure 1 wherein the outer arms appear longitudinally sectioned. The whole structure of wiring may be obtained by mirroring the configuration of wires in Figure 26 in an adjacent semispherical segment of 60° and repeating three times the 120° segment so formed.

Table 1 below gives a diagram of tensioning wire connections in Figure 26.

Table 1

A partial number of twenty-two connections multiplied by six makes a total of as many as a hundred and thirty-two connections for tensioning the eighteen branches. The stretched flexible structure, so built on the branches, adjoin its own dynamic rigidity over the "mechanical" rigidity of the joins made by basal flanges to the trunk. This structure reacts to wind pressure, mainly on the leaves and, because of its symmetry, spreads the strain among the points of anchorage to the branches and to the trunk so as to minimize the total elastic energy accumulated. This offers a great advantage as, on an average, it reduces stresses on the materials.

Based on a description here given of a preferred example of realizing the invention, some changes can obviously be made by a specialist in the field without thereby departing from the sphere of the invention as will appear from the following claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . Rain-proof tree-like covering (1) characterized in that it includes; - a box-shaped base (2) for anchoring first tubular elements (34) to the ground, said elements together defining a tree trunk (4) that conveys fluid to the inside of the base and from there to a drainage pipe (7);

second tubular elements (L1R-L4R) forming branches that depart from the trunk at different levels, rigidly joined to said respective first tubular elements (34) at respective ramifications (L1D-L4D) maintaining fluid continuity;

- at least one plurality of metal wires (1 1) stretched between the branches and the trunk;

a plurality of funnel-shaped receptacles (9), to catch and drain off rainwater, in the form of leaves (L1F-L4F) supported by respective branches with which they maintain fluid continuity, and groups of said leaves partially superimposed over groups below completely covering the area projected to the ground.

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2. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that a central leaf (L5F) is supported by the first tubular elements (34) at the apex of the trunk (4) fluid continuity being maintained by means of a flange with washer (16, 34a).

3. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1 , characterized in that each ramification (L1D-L4D) includes an elbow and a flange with washer (30a-33a; 30b-33b).

4. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that each second tubular element (L1R-L4R) includes an elbow (30c-33c) and a flange with washer ( 10a- 1 Od) at its connection to a leaf (L 1 F-L4F)

5. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that each branch of at least one group (L2R) includes two adjacent second tubular elements joined at each end to a same flange (10b, 31b).

6. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that the trunk (4) is divided into at least two superimposed sections, of which a lower part, bare of ramifications, is joined by a flange with washer (5, 46) to the upper part.

7. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that first tubular elements (34) pass through a number of plates, preferably discoid (5, 35, 36, 46- 50, 33a), spaced out along the trunk to increase structural rigidity.

8. Rain-proof covering as in claim 7, characterized in that longitudinal baffles (37) in the lower part of the trunk (4) keep the respective discoid plates

(5, 35, 36) spaced and fixed in place.

9. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that the wall (67) of each leaf (9) includes converging ribs (63).

10. Rain-proof covering as in claim 9, characterized in that the wall of each leaf (9) includes a previously fixed number of metal sectors joined at oblique, bent and matching margins (60, 61, 62) to form a funnel-shaped wall (67) the edge (64) of whose rainwater-catching mouth is bent inward in relation to the rest of the wall.

11. Rain-proof covering as in claim 10, characterized in that reinforcing box-shaped structures (69, 70, 71) of bent metal extend over the outer face of each leaf (9) across respective said joined margins (60, 61, 62).

12. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that an antiocclusion device (17) is fitted over the outflow mouth of each leaf, said device consisting of a bent metal prism (18) or of a hollow cylinder, with no lower base and having a plurality of holes (19) in the upper base and side surfaces.

13. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises four superimposed groups of second tubular elements (L1R-L4R), in which the branches of the third and fourth group (L3R, L4R) placed above the branches of the first and second group (LIR, L2R), are shorter, the branches of the second group (L2R) are interposed with the branches of the first group (LIR) at a higher level, the branches of the third group (L3R) are vertically aligned with the odd, or even, branches of the first group (LIR) and the branches of the fourth group (L4R) are vertically aligned with the even, or odd, branches of the first group (LIR) at a level higher than that of the branches of the third group (L3R).

14. Rain-proof covering as in claim 13, characterized in that it also includes a second plurality of metal wires stretched between :

- the apical point (30e) of each arm of the first group (L1R) and the apical point (32e, 33e) of the arm (L3R,L4R) vertically aligned with it;

- the apical point (30e) of each arm of the first group (L1R) and an intermediate point (3 Id) on the two adjacent arms in the second group (L2R);

an intermediate point (30d) in each arm of the first group (L1R) and the apical point (31e) of the two adjacent arms in the second group (L2R);

- an intermediate point (30d) of each arm of first group (L1R) and the apical point (32e, 33e) of the arm (L3R, L4R) vertically aligned with it.

15. Rain-proof covering as in claim 14, characterized in that it also includes a third plurality of metal wires stretched between:

the apical point (31e) of each arm of the second group (L2R) and an intermediate point (30d) on two adjacent arms of the first group (L1R); the apical point (31e) of each arm of the second group (L2R) and an intermediate point (32d, 33d) on the two adjacent arms of the third and fourth group (L3R, L4R);

the intermediate point (3 Id) on each arm of the second group (L2R) and an intermediate point (32d, 33d) on the two adjacent arms of the third and fourth group (L3R, L4R).

16. Rain-proof covering as in claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a fourth plurality of metal wires stretched between the trunk and intermediate points (32d, 33d) of each arm of the third and fourth group (L3R, L4R).

17. Rain-proof covering as in claim 1, characterized in that the inner face of each leaf is covered by a plastic photovoltaic panel for generating electricity at the terminals of conductors housed in a special duct (20) extending along the trunk (4) and ending in a container of electrical wires (12) placed at the base of the trunk and shaped to imitate the roots of a tree.