LOUVERED PERGOLA

Abstract

A louvered pergola includes (a) a plurality of horizontally spaced apart posts; (b) an elevated frame supported by the posts and defining a central frame opening; and (c) a plurality of louvers supported by the frame and extended parallel with each other across the frame opening. The plurality of louvers include a static first louver fixed to the frame, a static second louver fixed to the frame opposite the static first louver, and a plurality of pivotable louvers pivotably supported by the frame between the static first and second louvers. The pivotable louvers are pivotable relative to the static first and second louvers between a closed position in which each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers interlock to close the frame opening, and an open position in which a gap is provided between each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers.

Claims

1. A louvered pergola comprising: a) a plurality of horizontally spaced apart posts; b) an elevated frame supported by the posts, the frame including a pair of laterally spaced apart side sections extending along a frame axis between a first end and a second end of the frame, a first end section extending laterally between the side sections at the first end of the frame, a second end section extending laterally between the side sections at the second end of the frame, and a central frame opening defined by the side, first end, and second end sections; and c) a plurality of louvers in the frame opening and supported by the frame, each of the louvers extending laterally across the frame opening along a louver axis perpendicular to the frame axis, the louver axes spaced apart from each other along the frame axis, and the plurality of louvers including a static first louver projecting into the central frame opening from the first end section of the frame, a static second louver projecting into the central frame opening from the second end section of the frame, and a plurality of pivotable louvers pivotably supported by the side sections between the first and second louvers, the pivotable louvers linked for pivoting in unison between a closed position, in which each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers partially overlap in an interlocking arrangement to close the frame opening, and an open position, in which a gap is provided between each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers, and wherein the static first and second louvers remain stationary relative to the frame during movement of the pivotable louvers between the open and closed positions.

2. The pergola of claim 1, wherein when the pivotable louvers are in the closed position, the plurality of louvers lie generally flat in a common plane, the plane extending axially along the frame axis and laterally along the pivot axes, and wherein when the pivotable louvers are in the open position, the pivotable louvers are oriented at an incline relative to the plane and the first and second louvers lie generally flat in the plane.

3. The pergola of claim 1, wherein each of the side sections includes a gutter comprising an axial drainage channel extending along the frame axis at an elevation below each louver of the plurality of louvers, and wherein each of the pivotable louvers and the static first louver comprises a lateral drainage channel extending along a corresponding louver axis and having an open top when the pivotable louvers are in the closed position for collecting and conveying water runoff to the axial drainage channel.

4. The pergola of claim 3, wherein each lateral drainage channel extends along a corresponding louver axis between laterally opposed ends, and wherein each of the ends of each lateral drainage channel is positioned above and open to a corresponding axial drainage channel.

5. The pergola of claim 3, wherein when the plurality of pivotable louvers are in the closed position, each lateral drainage channel of the plurality of louvers receives a portion of an adjacent louver of the plurality of louvers for interlocking of the plurality of louvers.

6. The pergola of claim 3, wherein each of the pivotable louvers and the second louver comprises an overhang portion extending over and into the lateral drainage channel of an adjacent louver of the plurality of louvers when the pivotable louvers are in the closed position for guiding water runoff into the lateral drainage channel.

7. The pergola of claim 3, wherein the pergola is free of any laterally extending gutters fixed to the first end section and the second end section below the plurality of louvers.

8. The pergola claim 1, wherein at least one of the first louver and the second louver is selectively retractable and extendable along the frame axis for adjusting an axial extent of the at least one of the first louver and the second louver.

9. The pergola of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the first louver and the second louver comprises a mounting bracket fixed to the frame and a blade portion adjustably mounted to the bracket for overlap in the interlocking arrangement with an adjacent pivotable louver of the plurality of pivotable louvers, the blade portion translatable along the frame axis relative to the mounting bracket for adjusting the axial extent of the at least one of the first louver and the second louver.

10. The pergola of claim 1, wherein each of the first end section, the second end section, and the side sections extends lengthwise between opposed squared ends, and wherein the frame is generally rectangular and has four corners where the squared ends of perpendicular sections of the frame intersect in a corner butt joint arrangement.

11. The pergola of claim 10, wherein the squared ends in each of the corners are positioned over and supported by a corresponding one of the posts.

12. The pergola of claim 10, wherein the squared ends of the side sections are axially intermediate the first and second end sections.

13. The pergola of claim 10, wherein each of the posts extends vertically between a lower end and an upper end, the upper end having a cut out receiving a corresponding pair of the squared ends.

14. A louvered pergola comprising: a) a plurality of horizontally spaced apart posts; b) an elevated frame supported by the posts and defining a central frame opening; and c) a plurality of louvers supported by the frame and extended parallel with each other across the frame opening, the plurality of louvers including a static first louver fixed to the frame, a static second louver fixed to the frame opposite the static first louver, and a plurality of pivotable louvers pivotably supported by the frame between the static first and second louvers, the pivotable louvers pivotable relative to the static first and second louvers between a closed position in which each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers interlock to close the frame opening, and an open position in which a gap is provided between each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers.

15. The pergola of claim 14, wherein when the pivotable louvers are in the closed position, the plurality of louvers lie generally flat in a common plane, the plane extending axially along the frame axis and laterally along the pivot axes, and wherein when the pivotable louvers are in the open position, the pivotable louvers are oriented at an incline relative to the plane and the first and second louvers lie generally flat in the plane.

16. The pergola of claim 14, wherein each of the pivotable louvers and the static first louver comprises a lateral drainage channel extending along a corresponding louver axis, each lateral drainage channel having an open top extending along a corresponding louver axis between laterally opposed open ends for collecting and laterally conveying water runoff.

17. The pergola of claim 16, wherein when the plurality of pivotable louvers are in the closed position, each lateral drainage channel of the plurality of louvers receives an overhang portion of an adjacent louver of the plurality of louvers for interlocking of the plurality of louvers.

18. The pergola claim 14, wherein at least one of the first louver and the second louver is selectively retractable and extendable along the frame axis for adjusting an axial extent of the at least one of the first louver and the second louver.

19. The pergola of claim 18, wherein the at least one of the first louver and the second louver comprises a mounting bracket fixed to the frame and a blade portion adjustably mounted to the bracket for overlap in the interlocking arrangement with an adjacent pivotable louver of the plurality of pivotable louvers, the blade portion translatable along the frame axis relative to the mounting bracket for adjusting the axial extent of the at least one of the first louver and the second louver.

20. A louvered pergola kit, comprising: a) a plurality of posts for positioning upright in a horizontally spaced apart arrangement; b) a plurality of frame section for assembly into an elevated rectangular frame supportable by the posts and defining a central frame opening; c) a plurality of louvers mountable to the frame parallel with each other across the frame opening, the plurality of louvers including a static first louver fixable to a first end of the frame, a static second louver fixable to a second end of the frame opposite the first end, and a plurality of pivotable louvers pivotably mountable to the frame between the static first and second louvers; and d) at least one linkage connecting the plurality of pivotable louvers to each other for pivoting of the pivotable louvers in unison relative to the first and second louvers, between a closed position in which each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers interlock to close the frame opening, and an open position in which a gap is provided between each pair of adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses, articles, and methods of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example pergola;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of frame portions of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pergola of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 and showing louvers of the pergola in a closed configuration;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view like that of FIG. 3, but showing the louvers in an open configuration;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pergola of FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional profile view of a first fixed louver of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional profile view of a second fixed louver of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional profile view of a pivotable louver of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially exploded perspective view taken from above of a corner portion of the pergola of FIG. 1 with the louvers shown in the open configuration;

[0042] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view taken from below of the corner portion of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a post structure of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a louver portion of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a side section portion of the pergola of FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5; and

[0047] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional profile view of the side section portion of the pergola of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses or processes that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or processes described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0049] According to some aspects of the teachings disclosed herein, design improvements can advantageously be made to pergolas having pivotable louvers to help, for example, reduce costs and simplify assembly and installation, which can be particularly useful where the pergola components are sold as a kit for installation by end users and/or contractors.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, an example pergola 100 is shown. In the example illustrated, the pergola 100 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced apart posts 102 and an elevated frame 104 supported by the posts 102. In the example illustrated, the frame 104 lies in a generally horizontal plane and extends along a generally horizontal frame axis 106 between a first end 104a and a second end 104b axially opposite the first end 104a. In the example illustrated, the frame 104 is generally rectangular and has four corners where perpendicular sections of the frame 104 intersect and are supported by corresponding posts 102.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, in the example illustrated, the frame 104 includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side sections 108 extending along the frame axis 106 between the first end 104a and the second end 104b of the frame 104. The frame 104 further includes a first end section 110 extending laterally between the side sections 108 at the first end 104a of the frame 104, and a second end section 112 extending laterally between the side sections 108 at the second end 104b of the frame 104. The side and end sections 108, 110, 112 define a central frame opening 114 of the frame 104.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, in the example illustrated, the pergola 100 further includes a plurality of louvers 116 in the frame opening 114 and supported by the frame 104. Each louver 116 extends laterally across the frame opening 114 along a louver axis 118 perpendicular to the frame axis 106. In the example illustrated, the louver axes 118 are spaced apart from each other along the frame axis 106 and are at a generally common elevation.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, in the example illustrated, the plurality of louvers 116 include a first fixed louver 116a fixed to the first end section 110 of the frame 104, a second fixed louver 116b axially opposite the first fixed louver 116a and fixed to the second end section 112 of the frame 104, and a plurality of pivotable louvers 116c pivotably supported by the side sections 108 between the first and second fixed louvers 116a, 116b. In the example illustrated, the pivotable louvers are linked (through linkage 120, in the example illustrated) for pivoting in unison between a closed position (shown in FIG. 3) and an open position (shown in FIG. 4). Referring to FIG. 3, when in the closed position, the plurality of louvers 116 partially overlap with each other to close the frame opening 114. Referring to FIG. 4, when in the open position, a gap 121 is provided between adjacent louvers 116 of the plurality of louvers 116.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, in the example illustrated, each side section 108 includes a gutter 122 defining an axial drainage channel 124 extending along the frame axis 106 at an elevation below the louvers 116 and having an open top for collecting water runoff from the louvers 116. Referring to FIG. 4, in the example illustrated, each post 102 is hollow and comprises an internal downspout channel 126 extending vertically through the post 102, and each axial drainage channel 124 is in fluid communication with at least one of the internal downspout channels 126 for conveying the water runoff to the downspout channels 126. In the example illustrated, each axial drainage channel 124 extends along the frame axis 106 between axially opposed ends 125, and each end 125 of the axial drainage channel 124 is above and open to a corresponding downspout channel 126. Referring to FIG. 9, in the example illustrated, each downspout channel 126 extends vertically between an inlet 126a at an upper end 102a of each post 102 and open to a corresponding axial drainage channel 124 (FIG. 4) for receiving water therefrom, and an outlet 126b at a lower end 102b of each post 102 adjacent ground level and open to environment for discharging the water to ground level.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, in the example illustrated, each of the pivotable louvers 116c and the first fixed louver 116a comprises a lateral drainage channel 128 extending along the louver axis 118 and having an open top when the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position for collecting and conveying water runoff to at least one of the axial drainage channels 124. Referring to FIG. 5, in the example illustrated, each lateral drainage channel 128 extends along a corresponding louver axis 118 between laterally opposed ends 129, and each end 129 of the lateral drainage channel 128 is above and open to a corresponding axial drainage channel 124.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, in the example illustrated, the plurality of louvers 116 have complementary cross-sectional profiles for interlocking of each lateral drainage channel 128 with an adjacent louver 116 when the plurality of pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position. This can help to, for example, provide a water-tight closure over the frame opening 114 when the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position and facilitate collection and channeling of water runoff from the louvers 116 to ground level. In the example illustrated, each of the pivotable louvers 116c and the second fixed louver 116b has an overhang portion 130 extending axially over and downwardly into the lateral drainage channel 128 of an adjacent louver 116 when the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position for guiding water runoff into the lateral drainage channel 128 of the adjacent louver 116.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, in the example illustrated, each louver 116 extends along its louver axis 118 between laterally opposite end faces 117 (see also FIG. 10), and each end face 117 is positioned above a corresponding axial drainage channel 124. Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, in the example illustrated, each louver 116 has a first edge 132 extending along the louver axis 118 and a second edge 134 opposite the first edge 132. In the example illustrated, the louver axis 118 is between the first and second edges 132, 134, and the pivotable louvers 116c pivot about respective louver axes 118 between the open and closed positions. In the example illustrated, when the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position, the first edge 132 of each louver 116 is disposed toward the second end section 110 and the second edge 134 is disposed toward the first end section 110. In the example illustrated, when the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position, each louver 116 has a topside surface 136 extending laterally between the end faces 117 and between the first and second edges 132, 134, and an underside surface 138 opposite the topside surface 136.

[0058] In the example illustrated, the lateral drainage channel 128 of each pivotable louver 116c and the first fixed louver 116a is open to each end face 117 and is at least partially defined by a portion of the topside surface 136 adjacent the first edge 132. In the example illustrated, the overhang portion 130 of each pivotable louver 116c and the second fixed louver 116b extends laterally between the end faces 117 and is at least partially defined by a portion of the topside surface 136 adjacent the second edge 134.

[0059] In the example illustrated, the first fixed louver 116a projects axially inwardly from an axially inner surface of the first end section 110, and the second edge 134 of the first fixed louver 116a is fixed against the axially inner surface of the first end section 110. In the example illustrated, the interface between the first fixed louver 116a and the first end section 110 is sealed to inhibit leakage of water therebetween.

[0060] In the example illustrated, the second fixed louver 116b projects axially inwardly from an axially inner surface of the second end section 112, and the first edge 132 of the second fixed louver 116b is fixed against the axially inner surface of the second end section 112. In the example illustrated, the interface between the second fixed louver 116b and the second end section 112 is sealed to inhibit leakage of water therebetween. In some examples, portions of the fixed louvers 116a, 116b may be formed integrally with respective end sections 110, 112, which may reduce the need for sealing the interfaces between the fixed louvers and the respective end sections.

[0061] When the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position, water collecting on the topside surface 136 of each pivotable louver 116c can runoff into the lateral drainage channel 128 of the pivotable louver 116c and/or off the overhang portion 130 of the pivotable louver 116c and into the lateral drainage channel 128 of an adjacent louver 116. Water collecting on the topside surface 136 of the first fixed louver 116a can runoff into the lateral drainage channel 128 of the first fixed louver 116a. Water collecting on the topside surface 136 of the second fixed louver 116b can run off the overhang portion 130 of the second fixed louver 116b and into the lateral drainage channel 128 of an adjacent pivotable louver 116c when in the closed position.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, in the example illustrated, each pivotable louver 116c and the second fixed louver 116b includes at least one seal member 140 extending along the louver axis 118 for sealing an interface between adjacent louvers 116 when the pivotable louvers 116c are in the closed position. In the example illustrated, each seal member 140 comprises a polymeric strip extending between the end faces 117 of the louvers 116. In the example illustrated, each seal member 140 is fixed to the underside surface 138 of a corresponding louver 116 adjacent and inboard of the overhang portion 130.

[0063] Providing the pergola 100 with first and second fixed louvers 116a, 116b having interlocking and/or drainage features can allow the pergola 100 to be free of any laterally extending gutters fixed to the first and second end sections 110, 112 below the louvers 116. This can allow for a more pleasant and clean aesthetic at the end sections of the frame 104 when viewed from below, and may also facilitate simplified manufacturing, assembly, and/or installation of the frame sections relative to some other types of pergola frames.

[0064] For example, referring to FIG. 7, in the example illustrated, each of the first end section 110, the second end section 112 (FIG. 2), and the side sections 108 extends lengthwise between opposed squared ends 142. In each corner of the frame 104, the squared ends 142 of perpendicular sections of the frame 104 (the side and first end sections 108, 110 in the example shown in FIG. 7) intersect in a corner butt joint arrangement. In the example illustrated, the squared ends 142 in each corner are positioned over and supported by a corresponding post 102, and the squared ends 142 of the side sections 108 are axially intermediate the first and second end sections 110, 112 (see also FIG. 3).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 9, in the example illustrated, each post 102 extends vertically between an upper end 102a adjacent the frame 104 and a lower end 102b adjacent ground level. In the example illustrated, each upper end 102a has a cut out 144 receiving the squared ends 142 (FIG. 7) of the frame sections supported by the post 102. In the example illustrated, each post 102 has a generally square cross-sectional profile and comprises an axially outer sidewall 146, an axially inner sidewall 148 opposite the axially outer sidewall 146, a laterally outer sidewall 150 extending between the axially outer and inner sidewalls 146, 148, and a laterally inner sidewall 152 opposite the laterally outer sidewall 150 and extending between the axially outer and inner sidewalls 146, 148. Referring to FIG. 7, in the example illustrated, the cut out 144 is formed at a top end of the axially and laterally inner sidewalls 148, 152, and the axially and laterally outer sidewalls 146, 150 extend upwardly to an elevation above the axially and laterally inner sidewalls 148, 152 and conceal the squared ends 142 of the frame sections supported by the post 102.

[0066] In the example illustrated, each of the first end section 110 and the second end section 112 extends over the laterally inner sidewall 152 and is fastened to the axially outer sidewall 146 of a corresponding post 102. Each side section 108 extends over the axially inner sidewall 148 and is fastened to the laterally outer sidewall 150 of a corresponding post 102. In the example illustrated, the gutter 122 of each side section 108 extends over the laterally inner sidewall 152 for fluid communication with the downspout channel 126 (FIG. 3). Referring to FIG. 7, in the example illustrated, each corner of the frame 104 includes a reinforcement plate 153 mounted atop and joining the perpendicular sections of the frame 104 in that corner (e.g. frame sections 108, 110 in the example shown in FIG. 5) for reinforcement. In the example illustrated, each reinforcement plate 153 lies in a generally horizontal plane and is fastened atop the corresponding perpendicular sections of the frame 104 via fasteners 155 passing vertically through the plate 153 and into the perpendicular frame sections in each corner. In the example illustrated, each reinforcement plate 153 is generally triangular in shape.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, in the example illustrated, at least one of the first fixed louver 116a and the second fixed louver 116b is selectively retractable and extendable along the frame axis for adjusting an axial extent of the at least one of the first fixed louver 116a and the second fixed louver 116b. In the example illustrated, the axial extent is between the first and second edges 132, 134 of the fixed louvers 116a, 116b. This can allow for adjustment of the fixed louvers where, for example, the side sections have a non-standard length (e.g. for a custom installation) so that the fixed louvers 116a, 116b are sized for proper overlap (and interlocking, in the example illustrated) with adjacent pivotable louvers 116c in the closed position. In the example illustrated, each of the first fixed louver 116a and the second fixed louver 116b is selectively retractable and extendable.

[0068] In the example illustrated, each of the fixed louvers 116a, 116b comprises a mounting bracket 154 fixed to respective end sections 110, 112 of the frame 104 and a blade portion 156 adjustably mounted to the bracket 154 at an axial position for overlap with an adjacent pivotable louver 116c. In the example illustrated, the blade portion 156 of the first fixed louver 116a comprises the lateral drainage channel 128 of the fixed louver 116a, and the blade portion 156 of the second fixed louver 116b comprises the overhang portion 130 of the fixed louver 116b.

[0069] In the example illustrated, the axial position of the blade portion 156 is adjustable relative to the mounting bracket 154 for adjusting the axial extent of the fixed louvers 116a, 116b. In the example illustrated, the mounting bracket 154 comprises a retaining clip receiving the blade portion 156. The clip comprises a pair of vertically facing clip surfaces 158 in engagement with vertically opposite blade portion surfaces 160 of the blade portion 156. The clip and blade portion surfaces 158, 160 comprise interlocking protrusions and grooves 162 for retaining the blade portion 156 at the axial position while permitting selective adjustment of the axial position to one of a plurality of axial locations along the frame axis 106. In the example illustrated, each of the end sections 110, 112 comprises a hollow end beam extending between the side sections 108, and each bracket 154 is fastened against an axially inner surface of a corresponding end beam. In some examples, each bracket 154 may be formed integrally with a corresponding end beam.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 11, in the example illustrated, each side section 108 includes a louver mount 164 comprising a plurality of apertures 166 spaced axially apart from each other along the frame axis. In the example illustrated, each aperture 166 passes through the louver mount 164 perpendicular to the frame axis. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the example illustrated, each pivotable louver 116c has a mounting pin 168 projecting from each end face 117 along the louver axis 118, and each mounting pin 168 is received in a corresponding aperture 166 of the louver mounts 164 for pivotably supporting the pivotable louvers 116c. In the example illustrated, each aperture 166 is open to a top of the louver mount 164 to facilitate insertion of the mounting pins 168 from above. Referring to FIG. 12, in the example illustrated, each side section 108 further includes a retaining cap 170 (see also FIG. 2) extending along the frame axis 106 and detachably mounted overtop of the apertures 166 (FIG. 11) of the side section 108 for covering the apertures 166 from above to retain the mounting pins 168 (FIG. 10) therein.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 13, in the example illustrated, each side section 108 comprises a hollow side section beam 172 extending along the frame axis 106 between the end sections 110, 112 (FIG. 2). In the example illustrated, the louver mount 164 is fixed laterally inboard of the side section beam 172. In the example illustrated, the beam 172 and louver mount 164 of the side section 108 are of integral, unitary, one-piece construction with each other.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 11, in the example illustrated, the louver mount 164 has a louver mount sidewall 174 spaced laterally inwardly from the side section beam 172, and a louver mount top wall 176 extending laterally between and joining the louver mount sidewall 174 and the beam 172. Each aperture 166 passes laterally through the sidewall 174 and vertically through the top wall 176. Referring to FIG. 12, the retaining cap 170 is mounted atop the top wall 176 for covering the apertures 166 from above.

[0073] In the example illustrated, the retaining cap 170 is detachably mounted to the louver mount 164 through a snap-fit connection. In the example illustrated, the louver mount 164 comprises laterally spaced apart protrusions 178 projecting upwardly from the louver mount top wall 176, and the cap 170 has a cap top wall 180 and a pair of laterally spaced apart cap sidewalls 182 extending downwardly from the cap top wall 180. The cap sidewalls 182 and louver mount protrusions 178 are shaped for snap-fit connection with each other.

[0074] In the example illustrated, the cap 170 further includes a brush strip mounting slot 184 to retain a brush strip 185 (shown schematically in FIG. 12) for brushing the end faces 117 of the pivotable louvers 116c during movement between the open and closed positions.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 13, in the example illustrated, the side section beam 172, the louver mount 164, and the gutter 122 of each side section 108 are of integral, unitary, one-piece construction with each other, and in the example illustrated, are formed from a common extrusion. This can help to, for example, reduce material costs and/or simplify manufacturing, assembly, and/or installation by not requiring the mounting of a separate louver mount and/or gutter to the beam and/or application of sealant at the interface between the louver mount and the beam and/or between the gutter and the beam.

[0076] In the example illustrated, the gutter 122 has a gutter opening 186 laterally inward of the side section beam 172 and below the end faces of the louvers for receiving water runoff from the louvers. In the example illustrated, the axial drainage channel 124 is in fluid communication with the gutter opening 186 and extends along the frame axis 106 directly below the side section beam 172.

[0077] In the example illustrated, each side section beam 172 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile and comprises a beam inner sidewall 188, a beam outer sidewall 190 spaced laterally outwardly from the beam inner sidewall 188, a beam bottom wall 192 extending laterally between and joining bottom edges of the beam inner and outer sidewalls 188, 190, and a beam top wall 194 vertically opposite the beam bottom wall 192 and extending laterally between and joining top edges of the beam inner and outer sidewalls 188, 190. In the example illustrated, the louver mount 164 projects laterally inwardly from the beam inner sidewall 188. Referring to FIG. 12, in the example illustrated, the cap top wall 180 and the beam top wall 194 are adjacent and lie in a common horizontal plane, and together define a generally flat top surface of the side section 108.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 13, in the example illustrated, the gutter 122 has a gutter outer sidewall 196 extending downwardly from a bottom edge of the beam outer sidewall 190, a gutter inner sidewall 198 having an upper edge spaced laterally inwardly from the beam inner sidewall 188 by the gutter opening 186, and a gutter bottom wall 200 extending laterally between and joining bottom edges of the gutter inner and outer sidewalls 196, 198. The gutter inner, outer, and bottom sidewalls 196, 198, 200 define the axial drainage channel 124. In the example illustrated, the beam outer sidewall 190 and the gutter outer sidewall 198 lie in a common vertical plane and together define a laterally outer surface of the side section 108.

[0079] In the example illustrated, the linkage 120 (FIG. 4; in the form of an elongate bar in the example illustrated) linking the pivotable louvers 116c is disposed laterally intermediate the side section beam 172 and the louvers 116 and vertically intermediate the louver mount 164 and the gutter 122. In the example illustrated, the linkage 120 (FIG. 4) is directly below the louver mount 164 and above the gutter opening 186.