[0001] Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a terrace canopy comprising a column constructed of a set of profiles.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Such terrace canopies are usually set up to screen off or clear an outdoor area. For instance, such screen devices are often set up near houses, restaurants, shops, etc. to screen off an outdoor terrace or the like from sunlight, precipitation and/or wind, or conversely, to temporarily allow in sunlight. These terrace canopies can be implemented, for example, in the form of awnings, pergolas, verandas, carports, pavilions, etc.

[0005] Such a terrace canopy typically comprises a roof frame that is at least partially supported by columns. Exceptionally, the roof frame may also be supported by another roof construction. The roof frame is generally constructed of several beams that are composed into one or more frames into which a roof infill can be attached. The beams themselves are often a composition of a plurality of individual profiles. Such a roof frame is typically supported by four (or more) columns between which a wall infill may be provided. Likewise, less columns may be used in case the roof frame is supported by other structures, such as a wall of an already existing structure.

[0006] The roof infill may be stationary or movable, for example, a retractable roof. The roof infill of a retractable roof may, for instance, consist of a Tollable cloth or screen, slats that rotate around their axis, or of segments that can slide over each other. The segments may be panels that are partly made of (laminated) glass or plastic, such as PC or PMMA. Depending on the choice of material, the light transmission and robustness of the roof may be adjusted to the desired application. The wall infill can also be stationary or movable. Examples are a Tollable cloth or screen or movable, i.e. slidable or foldable, panels.

[0007] Furthermore, various types of columns have already been developed that also include other functions in addition to their general support function. For example, the columns may be adapted to also provide supply cables to electrical equipment and/or to include drainage tubes for discharging precipitation and/or to comprise guide profiles for a screen. Preferably, the column should be able to encompass all of the abovementioned functions and also be finished on the outside as aesthetically as possible.

[0008] A known problem with such a terrace canopy is the amount of customization and/or the number of standard components that may be required to provide sufficient variation in the construction possibilities of the terrace canopy.

[0009] BE 2013/0778 discloses a square column for supporting the beams of a terrace canopy. The column is constructed of a core profile and four finishing profiles which are attached thereon by means of several mounting means provided on the core profile. The visible outside of the column is formed by a portion of the core profile together with the finishing profiles. A similar column is disclosed in BE 2014/0015.

[0010] However, it has been found that the column disclosed in BE 2013/0778 and BE 2014/0015 still offers too little the possibility of an integration of the many different types of side wall infills that are common with terrace canopies.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a set of profiles for constructing a column for a terrace canopy that can be used in more variations of the terrace canopy.

[0013] This goal is achieved in that the corner connection is attached to the core profile and in that each cover profile, after attachment to the core profile, forms the fully visible outside of the column.

[0014] By the use of cover profiles to form the outside of the column, this immediately means that the core profile no longer forms part of the outside of the column. In other words, the functionality and visible finish of the column is entirely determined by the cover profiles. This offers a greater freedom in terms of functionality and finish compared to the column known from BE 2013/0778, where the core profile also forms part of the outside. It is now possible, for example, to change the outer dimensions of the column by only varying the cover profiles, which is not possible with the known column. It should be clear that a plurality of cover profiles together may form one outside of the column. It is crucial that there are no visible seams between the plurality of cover profiles that together form one of the outsides of the column. In addition, the cover profiles have no bearing or supporting function since the corner connection is attached to the core profile. [0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, said at least one cover profile is provided with an outer wall having an outside and an inside and with at least one attachment means, in particular a pin, configured to cooperate with said mounting means for connecting the cover profile and the core profile and with a spacer between the inside and said attachment means. Such a spacer allows to vary the outer circumference of the column.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the spacer is formed by a wall that extends between the inside of the outer wall up to said attachment means and has a predetermined length. This wall allows to accurately determine the length of the spacer. In addition, the wall is easy to manufacture during an extrusion process, with which it is therefore an integral part of the cover profile and no additional operations are required afterwards for fitting or producing the spacer.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the wall is provided with an abutment provided to abut against the side of the core profile. This abutment improves the placement of the finishing profiles.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, said at least one cover profile is provided with an outer wall having an outside and an inside and with at least one attachment means, in particular a pin, configured to cooperate with said mounting means for connecting the cover profile and the core profile, said attachment means being directly attached to the inside of the outer wall. The absence of a spacer allows to minimize the cross-section of the column in order to maximize the usable space below the terrace canopy.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention said mounting means comprises a mounting slot, which mounting slot preferably comprises a female pin connection means. A slot is advantageous as it can be produced during the extrusion process with which the core profile is typically manufactured.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the core profile exhibits rotational symmetry of order three and preferably four or higher. The corner connection preferably has the same rotational symmetry. Due to such a rotational symmetry, the core profile can be set up in the terrace canopy independent of the direction and the bearing capacity and strength are also the same in at least three, preferably at least four directions, which is advantageous because in a terrace canopy typically a maximum of four beams are attached to one column. Typical examples are core profiles with a substantially triangular, square, hexagonal, circular, etc. cross-section.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the core profile is provided with at least four mounting means and the set comprises at least four of said cover profiles, wherein the four cover profiles, after being arranged on the core profile, substantially form a rectangle, in particular a square. In this way it is possible to hide the entire core profile from view by using four cover profiles which will typically together form a rectangle. A rectangle is advantageous since for a typical terrace canopy use is made of rectangular structures.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, each side of the core profile is provided with at least two mounting means. The use of two mounting means is advantageous in view of the fact that the use of two separate attachments between two profiles allows less clearing in the mutual positioning, which clearing may give rise to a divergent positioning, in particular due to wind loads and/or precipitation loads.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the set comprises at least two mutually different cover profiles which are intended to be applied on a different side of the core profile. In this way, it is possible to provide a different functionality on different walls of the column in accordance with the desired side wall infill of the terrace canopy. Preferably, a first cover profile is provided with a spacer between the inside and said attachment means, wherein for a second cover profile, said attachment means is directly attached to the inside of the outer wall. In this way, space can be provided for placing a side wall infill of the terrace canopy that extends over an outer corner of the column.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, said at least one cover profile is formed by a finishing profile which cooperates with a wall guide profile. This allows to integrate the end of the screen guide, which may serve as a wall infill of the terrace canopy, into the column, such that these ends are not visible from the outside.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the wall guide profile is provided with a rear wall from which a branch extends, wherein the rear wall and the branch together support against the core profile. The use of two walls for positioning on the core profile is advantageous, since use can now be made of a corner of the core profile for positioning the wall guide profile. [0026] In a more advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the branch is provided at its end with a positioning means configured to engage a notch provided on the core profile. Such an additional hook connection improves the positioning of the profiles in relation to each other.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the wall guide profile is provided with a guide chamber accessible via an opening on the outside of the cover profile, which opening is formed between the wall guide profile and the finishing profile.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the core profile comprises a cavity, the terrace canopy comprising a water drain positioned at least partially in the cavity of the core profile. In this way, the water drain is hidden from view. In addition, this avoids any restriction on the distance between the core profile and the cover profiles in comparison with an embodiment in which the water drain is located on the outside of the core profile and is thus positioned between the core profile and a cover profile.

[0029] Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The invention will hereinafter further be explained in detail with reference to the following description and to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a terrace canopy according to the invention.

[0032] Figures 2A to 2J show alternative embodiments of the terrace canopy with different wall infills.

[0033] Figures 3A to 3I each show a cross-section through an alternative embodiment of a column with different functionality for wall infills. [0034] Embodiments of the invention

[0035] The present invention will hereinafter be described using particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is only defined by the claims. The drawings presented here are only schematic representations and are not limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain components may be shown enlarged, which therefore means that the components in question are not shown to scale, and this for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the actual practical embodiments of the invention. [0036] In addition, terms such as "first", "second", "third", and the like are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to indicate a sequential or chronological order. The terms in question are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the invention may operate in other sequences than those described or illustrated herein.

[0037] The term "comprising" and derivative terms, as used in the claims, should not be construed as being limited to the means stated thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as a specification of the mentioned properties, integers, steps, or components referenced, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more additional properties, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. The scope of an expression such as "a device comprising the means A and B" is therefore not limited only to devices consisting purely of components A and B. On the other hand, what is intended is that, for the purpose of the present invention, the only relevant components are A and B.

[0038] The term "substantially" includes variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/- 5% or less, more preferably +/- 1 % or less, and more preferably +/- 0.1 % or less, of the specified state, insofar as the variations are applicable to function in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the term "substantially A" is intended to also include "A".

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a terrace canopy 1 for a ground surface, for example a terrace or garden. The terrace canopy comprises a plurality of columns 2 that support different beams 3, 4, 5. The columns and beams together form frames to which wall infills 6 and/or roof coverings 7 can be attached, as described below. The terrace canopy 1 comprises three types of beams 3, 4, 5, namely:

- a beam 3 which, on the outside of the terrace canopy, serves as external pivot beam 3;

- a beam 4 which, centrally in the terrace canopy 1 , serves as the central pivot beam 4; and

- a beam 5 which serves as a tension beam 5.

It will also be appreciated that the beams 3, 4, 5 may be attached to other structures, for example a wall or facade, instead of resting solely on columns 2 as shown in Figure 1. In such a way, the terrace canopy 1 can generally be used to shield an outdoor space, as well as an indoor space.

[0040] Figures 2A to 2J show terrace canopies 1 with alternative wall infills 6. The terrace canopies 1 shown have in common that four support columns 2 are provided which support a frame, also called a roof frame. The frame is formed from two external pivot beams 3 and two tension beams 5 in between a roof covering 7 is provided.

[0041] In the embodiments shown, the roof covering 7 is formed by slats which are rotatably attached at their front ends to pivot beams 3. The slats are rotatable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, there is an intermediate space between the slats through which, for example, air can be introduced into the underlying space or can leave this underlying space. In the closed position, the slats form a closed roof with which the underlying space can be shielded from, for example, wind and/or precipitation, such as rain, hail or snow. For the drainage of precipitation, the slats are typically arranged sloping towards one of both pivot beams 3.

[0042] The slats are typically manufactured of a rigid material. This can be aluminium, for example. Aluminium has many advantages as a material, as it is at the same time robust and light-weighted, it can withstand bad weather conditions and requires little maintenance. Flowever, other materials are also suitable and their advantages or disadvantages are assumed to be known by the skilled person. A slat can be produced using various techniques depending on the material, including extrusion, cutting, setting, casting, welding, etc. The appropriate production technique is assumed to be known by the skilled person. Preferably, the slats are manufactured by means of an extrusion process. Optionally, filler elements of, for example, polycarbonate, glass, wood, etc. can be used to fill the hollow slats at least partially, for instance to obtain a different appearance of the slat.

[0043] Additionally, in an embodiment, in their open position, the slats may optionally be provided slidable in the terrace canopy 1 , in order to further increase the control options in terms of incidence of light, radiant heat and ventilation. [0044] More generally, the roof covering 7 is stationary or movable. A movable roof covering comprises, for example, tiltable and/or slidable slats (such as described above) and/or roll-in/roll-out screens and/or slidable panels. The individual elements of the movable roof covering 7 in their closed position form a substantially watertight roof with which the underlying space can be screened off from, for instance, wind and/or precipitation, such as rain, hail or snow. This roof covering 7 is typically drained to the pivot beams 3, 4 and from there directly or via the tension beams 5 to the columns 2. By sliding and/or rotating the slats and/or the panels and/or by rolling in a screen, the roof covering 7 can be at least partially opened and/or closed in order to be able to determine the incidence of light, radiant heat, ventilation, precipitation, etc. to the space below the roof covering 7 as desired.

[0045] Wall infills 6 are typically intended to screen openings below the terrace canopy 1 between the columns 2. The wall infills 6 can be stationary or movable. Movable side walls comprise, for example, roll-in/roll-out screens and/or wall elements that are slidably arranged with respect to each other, etc. Stationary side walls can be manufactured of various materials, such as plastic, glass, metal, textile, wood, etc. Combinations of different wall infills 6 are also possible.

[0046] Figure 2A illustrates a wall infill in the form of a roll-in/roll-out screen 6a. The screen 6a extends between two adjacent columns 2 and can be rolled out from the external pivot beam 3. The screen 6a mainly serves as a wind and/or sun screen.

[0047] Figure 2B illustrates a wall infill in the form of sliding wall panels 6b. In the embodiment shown, three panels 6b are provided on either side of the wall. The panels 6b are slidable in pairs (namely one on either side) in a rail provided for this purpose in the external pivot beam 3. On the ground, also a guide 99 is provided for the wall panels 6b, but this guide 99 is optional. Figure 2C illustrates the terrace canopy 1 of Figure 2B with the wall panels 6b in their closed position. The wall panels 6b are transparent and preferably made of glass. Naturally, non transparent wall panels 6b are also possible. Their function is mainly wind and water protection, but depending on their material, sun protection is also possible. A combination of the wall infills of Figures 2A to 2C is shown in Figure 2D. There, a double wall infill is provided, which, on the one hand, comprises a roll-in/roll-out screen 6a and, on the other hand, slidable wall panels 6b (in this case four panels 6b on either side).

[0048] Another type of wall infill is shown in Figures 2E and 2F. The wall infill comprises foldable wall panels 6c. The wall panels 6c are foldable towards the column 2. Figure 2F illustrates the terrace canopy 1 of Figure 2E with the wall panels 6c in their closed position. Additional wall panels 6c are required to cover the entire wall between the columns 2. The wall panels 6c are transparent and preferably made of glass. Also, non-transparent wall panels 6c are also possible. Their function is mainly wind and water protection, but depending on their material, sun protection is also possible. The same type of wall infill, i.e. foldable wall panels 6c, is also shown in Figure 2G. Flowever, in this case, the panels 6c are located below the external pivot beam 3, while, in the embodiment of Figures 2E and 2F, the panels 6c, in their closed state, almost completely cover the external pivot beam 3.

[0049] Figures 2H to 2J illustrate stationary wall infills 6d. The characteristic feature of the stationary wall infill 6d is that it is possible to have it continue uninterruptedly on the outside of a column 2. In other words, the column 2 may be hidden from view as in Figure 2H. The stationary wall infill 6d can also be completely transparent as in Figure 2I or partly transparent as in Figure 2J. The function of a stationary wall infill depends on the type and generally includes wind, water and sun protection.

[0050] A number of alternative embodiments of the columns 2 are described below with reference to Figures 3A to 3I which show a cross-section through the column 2. The column 2 comprises an integrally formed core portion (generally indicated by reference numeral 70). The profile 70 is typically manufactured of a rigid material. This can be aluminium, for example. Aluminium has many advantages as a profile material, namely, it is at the same time robust and light-weighted. However, other material, such as steel, stainless steel, wood, plastic, etc., are also suitable and their advantages or disadvantages are assumed to be known by the skilled person. A profile can be produced using various techniques depending on the material, including extrusion, cutting, setting, casting, welding, etc., with extrusion being the preferred technique. The appropriate production technique is assumed to be known by the skilled person. [0051] The profile 70 serves as a support pillar for the terrace canopy 1 . In particular, almost the entire weight of the beams 3, 4, 5, and the elements connected therewith, such as the side walls 6 or the roof covering 7, is supported by the support pillar 70. In the embodiment shown, the core profile 70 is hollow and the cavity 75 may be used for housing a vertical gutter (not shown).

[0052] In the embodiments shown, the core profile 70 has a substantially square shape. Hence, each core profile 70 has four side walls 71 , each having an outside 72 and an inside 73. Each outside 73 is provided with two mounting means 77, in particular mounting slots, preferably female pin connection means. These slots 77 serve for the attachment of finishing profiles 78 by means of a corresponding connecting means 79, preferably a pin. Generally, use is made of a pin connection in which typically an elastic element (not shown) is present in a female element, for example a slot element, into which a male element, for example a pin, engages. Hence, a pin connection generally includes an elastically interlocking male and female element, but an additional elastic element may be provided for this purpose, but this is not necessarily the case. The elasticity may also arise from the design of the male and female elements.

[0053] It should be understood that the pin connection 79 is only one example of a way of attaching the finishing profiles 78 to the core profile 70 and that other ways are known to the skilled person. It should also be understood that the slots 77 need not necessarily be continuous, although this is preferred since the core portion 70 is preferably made by an extrusion process. The slots 77 are symmetrically positioned with respect to the centre of a side wall 71 , such that the attachment points of a finishing profile 78 to the side wall 71 are also symmetrical, which is advantageous.

[0054] Although the use of two mounting means 77 per side wall 71 is preferred, in view of the fact that the use of two separate attachments between two profiles allows for less clearance in the mutual positioning, which clearance may give rise to a divergent positioning, in particular by wind loads and/or precipitation loads, a connection with only one mounting means per side wall is also possible. On the other hand, more than two mounting means may also be provided per side wall.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6A, the walls 71 are also provided with a number of notches 80, 31 on their outside. In particular, a notch 80 is provided centrally. Furthermore, each side wall 71 is provided near a vertex thereof with a first notch 31 closest to an application slot 77.

[0056] It should be understood that the core profile 70, as described above, is not limited to a substantially square shape. Also, the four side walls 71 can be arranged in a different geometric shape, for example a rectangle or parallelogram. The core profile 70 does not need to be symmetrical. In addition, it is also possible to provide more or less side walls 71 per core profile 70, in particular tri-, hexa- or octagonal core profiles 70 are also possible. Furthermore, the core profile 70 may also be elliptical, in particular circular, in which case the desired number of application slots is then provided in the one continuous side wall comprising the core profile 70. Also, a core profile 70 can have a cross- section that has a non-closed shape, for example a U-shaped or L-shaped cross- section. The open side (s) of such a core profile are then covered by corresponding finishing profiles.

[0057] The functionality of the column 2 is determined solely by the finishing profiles 78. In other words, for each column 2 the core profile 70 is identical, as can be seen from Figures 3A to 3I. Each finishing profile 78 forms the entire visible outside of the column 2. This means that, for example for a column with a square cross-section, each of the four outer walls is formed by a finishing profile (or a combination of finishing profiles) without leaving a visible seam present on that outer wall. On the other hand, seams may be visible between the finishing profiles that form different outsides, i.e. seams in a vertex of the column.

[0058] It is generally intended to indicate profiles with the same placement and functionality, but with a divergent design, with the same reference numeral by using one or more accent marks, e.g. finishing profile 78, 78' in Figures 3A and 3E. It is generally intended to indicate profiles with the same placement but with a modified form as a result of a modification in functionality of the beam by the same reference numeral by the use of letters, for example finishing profile 78, 78a in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0059] Figure 3A illustrates a first design of a column 2 for use in a terrace canopy 1 without a wall infill. The column 2 is provided with four finishing profiles 78, namely one on each side wall 71 . Each finishing profile 78 is provided with a flat outer wall 81 , the outside 83 of which determines the visual appearance of the column 2. In other words, the finishing profile 78 hides the core profile 70 in the built-up terrace canopy 1 . Furthermore, each finishing profile 78 is provided with pins 79, namely one pin per mounting slot 77. The pins 79 are connected to the outer wall 81 by means of walls 82 that serve as spacer. In particular, the length of the walls 82 determines the distance (D1 as indicated in Figure 3A and D2 as indicated in Figure 3B) between the outside 72 of a wall 71 and the inside 84 of the outer wall 81. It should be understood that the spacer 82 may be of any length and/or that the spacer 82 does not need to be present (i.e., it has a length 0) as shown in Figure 3B. By providing spacers 82, cavities 85 are also created. One or more of these cavities 85 may be used for the integration of electrical cables that serve to drive the wall infill 6, the roof infill 7 and/or other electrically driven elements present in the terrace canopy 1 . It should be understood that the spacers 82 can also be provided by elements other than walls. For example, the wall does not need to be continuous in the longitudinal direction of the finishing profile 78, optionally pins, screws, bolts, etc. may be used as spacers. [0060] Figure 3B illustrates a second design of a column 2 for use with a stationary wall infill 6d that continues along a vertex of the terrace canopy 1 and thus forms at least a partial infill of two side walls (see Figures 2H to 2J). Therefore, the column 2 is suitable to be used together with the external pivot beam 3 of Figures 3B and/or 3D and/or with a tension beam 5 having such functionality.

[0061] The main difference with the column of Figure 6A is that, for two side walls 71 , use is made of a finishing profile 78a without spacers 82. Flence, the outside 83 of the finishing profile 78a is closer to the wall 71 than the outside 83 of the finishing profile 78. In such a way, it is possible to provide a stationary side wall 6d below the beam 3, 5 of the terrace canopy 1 , which continues along a column 2. In case the stationary side wall 6d is not transparent, the finishing profiles 78a between the side wall 6d and the core profile 70 may also be omitted since they are not visible anyway.

[0062] Figure 3C illustrates a third design of a column 2 for use with a stationary wall 6d infill in which the column 2 is located in a side wall of the terrace canopy, but is not a vertex. In such an embodiment, it is only required that on one side, namely the outwardly facing side of the column 2, space is provided for the stationary side wall 6d. Flence, one finishing profile 78a is provided without spacers 82. Also, this finishing profile may also be omitted if the side wall 6d is not transparent.

[0063] Figure 3D illustrates a fourth design of a column 2 in which none of the finishing profiles 78a is provided with a spacer 82. This embodiment has the advantage that the space occupied by a column 2 is minimized such that the available space below the terrace canopy 1 is maximized.

[0064] Figure 3E illustrates a fifth design of a column 2 for use with a screen 6a as side wall infill for one of the side walls (see Figure 2A). Three of the side walls 71 are covered by means of the standard finishing profile 78'. The remaining side wall 71 is provided with an alternative finishing profile 78b which cooperates with a wall holder profile 86.

[0065] The wall guiding profile 86 comprises a guide chamber 87 which is provided with an opening 95 in its outwardly facing wall 94. The screen 6a (not shown) extends through this opening 95 in its closed condition. The guide chamber 87 is limited by a rear wall 88 from which a branch 96 extends away from the guide chamber 87, which branch 96 is provided at its end with a positioning means, in particular a hook 89, which engages notch 31 . The branch 96 forms a substantially right angle with the rear wall 88, which angle bears against a vertex of the core profile 70. A second positioning means, in particular a pin 90, is provided on a branch 97 which extends in line with the rear wall. 88. The pin 90 is received in an application slot 77. By the use of these positioning means 77, 31 , 89, 90, the wall guide profile 86 is correctly positioned on the core profile 77.

[0066] The guide chamber 87 is further limited by two side walls 91 , 92. The one side wall 91 extends from the rear wall 88 to the outwardly facing wall 94. The other side wall 92 extends from the rear wall 88 towards the inside 84 of the outer wall 81 and is provided with a connecting means 93, in particular a female pin connecting element, for receiving pin 79 of the finishing profile 78b. Note that the finishing profile 78b has both a pin 79 with a spacer 82 and a pin 79 without a spacer. The pin 79 without spacer serves for attaching to the connecting means 93 provided on the wall guide profile 86.

[0067] Figure 3F illustrates a sixth design of a column 2 for use with a screen 6a as side wall infill for two of the side walls such that the screens 6a form an angle. Two of the side walls 71 are covered by means of the standard finishing profile 78'. The remaining side walls 71 are provided with the alternative finishing profile 78b which cooperates with the wall holder profile 86.

[0068] Figure 3G illustrates a seventh design of a column 2 for use with a stationary wall 6d as side wall infill, which stationary wall 6d extends over the corner as shown in Figure 2H. In the embodiment shown, two side walls 71 of the core 70 are not provided with a finishing profile and the two outsides 71 are covered with an alternative finishing profile 78d which has a crenelated shape to obtain the desired aesthetic appearance.

[0069] The crenelated finishing profiles 78d are also attached to the core 70 by using the mounting slots 77 in which pins 79 are disposed. The pins 79 are disposed on the inward-facing side 84 of the crenelated finishing 78d with a spacer 82 therebetween such that there is a distance D3 between an inward facing side 84 and the outward-facing side 72 of the core 70. Also, an abutment 9 is provided on the spacer 82 which abuts against the core 70. This abutment 82 improves the placement of the crenelated finishing profiles 78d in particular by accurately maintaining the distance D3 as compared to a finishing profile 78d without this abutment.

[0070] Figure 3H illustrates an eighth design of a column 2 for use with a combined side wall infill, in particular a screen 6a as side wall infill as one of the side walls and stationery crenelated wall 6d as another side wall. Hence, one side wall 71 is provided with a crenelated finishing profile 78d, one side wall 71 isfree of a finishing, one side wall is provided with the standard finishing 78' (this can also be used on the free wall) and the remaining side wall 71 is provided with the alternative finishing profile 78b cooperating with the wall bracket profile 86. [0071] Figure 3I illustrates a ninth design of a column 2 located in a side wall of the terrace canopy 1 , but which is not a vertex. The inside of the column 2 is finished with the standard finish 78' which can also be used on the free walls 71. The outwardly facing side wall of the core is finished with a stationary side wall infill 6d, formed by finishing profile 78e. This finishing profile is similar to the crenelated finishing profile 78d but has a modified appearance. The finishing profile 78e also uses pins 79 for attachment in the mounting slots 77.

[0072] While certain aspects of the present invention have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is understood that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope as defined by the claims.