Patent Description:
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, a pavilion, etc..

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.

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 rollable 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 rollable cloth or screen or movable, i.e. slidable or foldable, panels.

A known problem with such terrace canopies 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.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose a terrace canopy which aims to at least partially solve the aforementioned problem. <CIT> discloses a beam for a terrace canopy, which beam is provided with an internal cavity for the purpose of draining precipitation incident on the terrace canopy, to a front end of the beam. Above the cavity, a space is provided in which a screen roll can be arranged which can be downwardly unrolled, the screen then being located between the cavity and the outer side (formed by the front cover of the beam).

In practice, it is also possible to use other types of wall infill, in particular sliding panel walls, with the beam disclosed in <CIT>. To this end, the screen cavity is closed at the bottom side and an additional wall profile is attached to the bottom side of the beam.

However, by attaching an additional wall profile, the total size of the beam increases, which is undesirable, among others, for reasons such as possible changes in the headroom, wind load and aesthetic appearance. In addition, a seam can be seen between the beam and the wall profile, which is visually undesirable.

In summary, it has turned out in practice that the beam disclosed in <CIT> and in <CIT> still offers too little the possibility of an integration of the different types of side wall infill that are common with terrace canopies.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a beam for a terrace canopy that allows more integration of the types side wall infill common with terrace canopies.

This object is realized by a terrace canopy according to claim <NUM> comprising a beam, the beam having a top side, a bottom side, an inner side and an outer side, and comprising a base part that, in its cross-section, is provided with: a screen cavity configured to hold a screen roller, which screen cavity is delimited by an upright inner side wall and a horizontal top wall extending from the upright inner side wall in the direction of the outer side of the beam ; an upright outer side wall extending from the end of the horizontal top wall and provided at the top with a first upper connection means ; and an internal space above the screen cavity, wherein the upright outer side wall, on its outwardly facing side, is provided with a first connection means and in that the beam is further provided with: a wall profile and a second closure profile, wherein the wall profile is located on the outer side of the upright outer side wall and is configured to guide and/or hold a wall panel and is provided with a first complementary connection means, a second complementary connection means and a first upper connection means, the wall profile being connected to the base member by connecting its first complementary connection means to the first upper connection means and its second complementary connection means to the first connection means, wherein the second closure profile closes off the internal space and is provided with a first complementary connection means, wherein the second closure profile is connected to the wall profile by connecting its first complementary connection means to the first upper connection means of the wall profile. Said wall profile and said second closure profile can be removed and said second closure profile can be replaced by a first closure profile and vice versa, wherein said first closure profile can close off the internal space and is provided with a first complementary connection means, the first closure profile being able to be connected to the base part by connecting its first complementary connection means to the first upper connection means.

By providing the necessary connection means on the base profile, it is possible to obtain functionally different beams. On the one hand, it is possible not to provide a wall profile and to close the beam at its top with a first closure profile. On the other hand, a wall profile can be provided on the outer side of the screen cavity and the top side of the beam (incl. the wall profile) is then closed off with a second closure profile. Such additional functionality on the outer side of the beam allows, i. , to obtain a double wall infill. In addition, this extra functionality is obtained by using the same connection means for multiple applications, avoiding the need for additional connection means.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the upright inner side wall is provided at the top with a second upper connection means, the first closure profile and the second closure profile each being provided with a second complementary connection means, wherein the first closure profile is connected to the base part by means of connecting its second complementary connection means to the second upper connection means and wherein the second closure profile is connected to the base member by connecting its second complementary connection means to the second upper connection means. Preferably, the second upper connection means comprises a female pin connection means and the second complementary connection means comprises a male pin connection means. In this way, each closure profile is connected to the beam at two places. This contributes to the strength and mutual positioning of the profiles. The fact is that, if only one connection is used for two profiles, there is more clearance in the mutual positioning, which can give rise to a divergent positioning, in particular due to wind loads and/or precipitation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first upper connection means comprises a female pin connection means and the first complementary connection means of each closure profile includes a male pin connection means.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first upper connection means and the first connection means each comprise a hook element and the first complementary connection means and said second complementary connection means of the wall profile comprise a hook member.

Such connection means are simple to use and can also be provided during an extrusion process such that they can be manufactured integrally with (the base part of) the beam.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first upper connection means comprises a female pin connection means and a hook element. In this way, different connection methods are combined in one connection means such that the beam can be embodied more compact.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the internal space is delimited by the horizontal top wall, the upright outer side wall and the upright inner side wall. This internal space can be used, for example, as a technical space for the placement of motors and/or motor controls for the drive of a slatted roof and/or the guiding of electrical cables.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the outwardly facing surface of the second closure profile and the outwardly facing surface of the outer side wall of the wall profile lie substantially in the same plane. In other words, the outer side of the beam forms substantially a single plane, which is aesthetically desirable.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the beam comprises a gutter part located below the base section and configured to drain precipitation incident on the terrace canopy to a front end of the beam. Preferably, the base part and the gutter part are formed as separate profiles, wherein the upright inner side wall of the base profile at the bottom is provided with at least one, preferably at least two, connection means and in that the gutter profile is provided with at least one, preferably at least two corresponding connection means for connecting the base profile to the gutter profile. The gutter part provides the desired water drainage of the terrace canopy. The use of separate profiles has the advantage that the beam is easier to manufacture. Namely, it has been found that an extrusion process for manufacturing one profile in which the base part and the gutter part are incorporated, is technically difficult to realize, in particular in view of the considerable height of such a profile.

In an embodiment of the present invention is the horizontal top wall near its end provided with a second connection means which, preferably, comprises a plurality of connection means.

In general, among other things for the strength and mutual positioning, use should be made of two separate connections per interconnection of two profiles. The fact is that if only one connection is used for two profiles, there is more clearance in the mutual positioning, which can give rise to a divergent positioning, in particular due to wind loads and/or precipitation.

Hence, in the canopy disclosed in <CIT>, the base portion of the beam is provided with a first attachment means near the end of the horizontal wall and a second attachment means near an end of an upright wall extending from the location of the first attachment means such that there is a certain moderate distance between the attachment means. This means that the space between the two attachment means, after placing a further profile, such as a front cover, cannot contribute to the variation in functionality of the beams.

It is therefore advantageous to provide two connection means near the end of the horizontal wall, as opposed to only one connection means in the beam of <CIT>. In particular, the two connection means allow to connect several functionally different profiles with the end of the horizontal wall without having to provide a connection at another location of the base part, as is the case in BE <NUM> / <NUM>. Therefore, there is less loss of space in the base part.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the wall profile comprises a rail configured for guiding at least one wall portion. By integrating the rail into the beam, there is no longer any need for guiding on the bottom side of the wall parts, such that they cannot form an obstacle to a smooth passage under the canopy if the wall parts are open.

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

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.

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.

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.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each reference to an orientation of the beams will be interpreted with reference to the position when mounted in the terrace canopy. In this way there are four orientations, namely above, below, outer side and inner side. Here, "above" refers to the part of the beam that is or will be oriented towards the top surface (the sky, e.g. the open sky), "below" refers to the part of the beam that is or will be oriented towards the ground plane (the soil, e.g. the terrace floor), "outer side" to the part of the beam that is or will be oriented away from the roof, i.e. away from the roof infill (i.e. the left side in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) and "inner side" to the part of the beam that is or will be oriented towards the inner side of the roof, i.e. towards the roof infill (i.e. the right side in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>).

The term "substantially" includes variations of +/- <NUM>% or less, preferably +/- <NUM>% or less, more preferably +/- <NUM>% or less, and more preferably +/-<NUM>% 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".

<FIG> illustrates a terrace canopy <NUM> for a ground surface, for example a terrace or garden. The terrace canopy comprises a plurality of columns <NUM> that support different beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The columns and beams together form frames to which wall infills <NUM> and/or roof coverings <NUM> can be attached as described hereafter. The terrace canopy <NUM> comprises three types of beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, namely:.

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

<FIG> show terrace canopies <NUM> with alternative wall infills <NUM>. The terrace canopies <NUM> shown have in common that four support columns <NUM> are provided which support a frame, also called a roof frame. The frame is formed from two external pivot beams <NUM> and two tension beams <NUM> in between a roof covering <NUM> is provided.

In the embodiments shown, the roof covering <NUM> is formed by slats which are rotatably attached at their front ends to pivot beams <NUM>. 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 <NUM>.

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. However, 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, filling 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.

Additionally, in an embodiment, in their open position, the slats may optionally be provided slidable in the terrace canopy <NUM>, in order to further increase the control options in terms of incidence of light, radiant heat and ventilation.

More generally, the roof covering <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> is typically drained to the pivot beams <NUM>, <NUM> and from there directly or via the tension beams <NUM> to the columns <NUM>. By sliding and/or rotating the slats and/or the panels and/or by rolling in a screen, the roof covering <NUM> 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 <NUM> as desired.

Wall infills <NUM> are typically intended to screen openings below the terrace canopy <NUM> between the columns <NUM>. The wall infills <NUM> 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 <NUM> are also possible.

<FIG> illustrates a wall infill in the form of a roll-in/roll-out screen 6a. The screen 6a extends between two adjacent columns <NUM> and can be rolled out from the external pivot beam <NUM>. The screen 6a mainly serves as a wind and/or sun screen.

<FIG> 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 <NUM>. On the ground, also a guide <NUM> is provided for the wall panels 6b, but this guide <NUM> is optional. <FIG> illustrates the terrace canopy <NUM> of <FIG> 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 <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. 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).

Another type of wall infill is shown in <FIG>. The wall infill comprises foldable wall panels 6c. The wall panels 6c are foldable towards the column <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the terrace canopy <NUM> of <FIG> with the wall panels 6c in their closed position. Additional wall panels 6c are required to cover the entire wall between the columns <NUM>. The wall panels 6c are transparent and preferably made of glass. Also, non-transparent wall panels 6c are also possible, for example as a canvas, stretched in a frame. 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 <FIG>. However, in this case, the panels 6c are located below the external pivot beam <NUM>, while, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the panels 6c, in their closed state, almost completely cover the external pivot beam <NUM>.

<FIG> 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 outer side of a column <NUM>. In other words, the column <NUM> may be hidden from view as in <FIG>. The stationary wall infill 6d can also be completely transparent as in <FIG> or partly transparent as in <FIG>. The function of a stationary wall infill depends on the type and generally includes wind, water and sun protection.

The different variations of beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. The beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are constructed from one or more profiles, as described hereafter. The profiles are typically manufactured of a rigid material. This can be aluminium, for example. Aluminium has many advantages as a profile material, as it is at the same time robust and light-weighted, it can withstand bad weather conditions and requires little maintenance. However, other materials 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.

The beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the terrace canopy <NUM> are hollow as is apparent from <FIG>. The beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are composed of a plurality of profiles <NUM>, <NUM>,. Hereinafter, the different profiles of the beams and their interconnection are briefly discussed. It goes without saying that several variants are conceivable for both the composition of the beams and the interconnection of the profiles, as well as that the specific design of the profiles may differ. In addition, it is also possible that the functionality of different profiles is combined into the same integrally manufactured profile, for instance it is possible to form the base profile <NUM> together with the intern or external gutter profile <NUM>, <NUM> as an integrally formed core profile.

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. base profile <NUM> and <NUM>" in <FIG> and <FIG>. 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 <NUM>, 14a in <FIG> and <FIG>.

To form the beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the profiles <NUM>, <NUM>,. , <NUM> are interconnected in a specific way. Generally, use is made of pin connections and/or hook connections. In a pin connection 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 ; 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. Hook connections typically involve two elements with such a design that they hook into each other. There is no elastic element and the connection is separated by moving the elements away from each other in the correct direction.

In addition, generally, for each interconnection of two profiles, use is made of two separate connections. This improves the strength of the connection, but mainly contributes to the correct mutual positioning of the profiles. The fact is that if only one connection is used for two profiles, there is more clearance in the mutual positioning, which can give rise to a divergent positioning, in particular due to wind loads and/or precipitation loads.

A first design of an external pivot beam <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The pivot beam <NUM> is intended not to be provided with a wall infill <NUM>. The pivot beam <NUM> comprises an interconnected base profile <NUM> and a double gutter profile <NUM>. The base profile <NUM> and the double gutter profile <NUM> are also shown per se in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The base profile <NUM> (see <FIG>) comprises an upright wall <NUM> of which a horizontal wall <NUM> extends to the outer side of the base profile. The upright wall <NUM> is provided at the bottom with a first lower connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means. The upright wall <NUM> also has a bottom branch <NUM> which ends in a second lower connection means <NUM>. The lower connection means <NUM>, <NUM> serve to attach the base profile <NUM> with the double gutter profile <NUM>.

The double gutter profile <NUM> (see <FIG>) has a central cavity <NUM> which is formed at the top side by an upper horizontal wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> ends on its inner side in an upright branch <NUM> which ends in a first upper connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means. The horizontal wall <NUM> is provided on its top side with an upper branch <NUM> which serves as the second upper connection means <NUM>. The base profile <NUM> and the double gutter profile <NUM> are interconnected by, on the one hand, hooking the hooking means <NUM>, <NUM> into each other (i.e. hook connection <NUM>) and, on the other hand, to connect the walls <NUM>, <NUM> directly to each other, for example by riveting them (connection <NUM>). Alternatively, these profiles may be manufactured integrally as one single core profile. The drawback here is that such a profile, in view of the considerable height, is not easy to manufacture by means of an extrusion process.

Figure 5A further illustrates that the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM> is provided on its top side with a bend <NUM>, through which a first upper connection means <NUM>, in particular a female pin connection means, is provided further to the outer side of the base profile <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first upper connection means <NUM> is used to connect the cover profile <NUM>. The cover profile <NUM> comprises a horizontal wall <NUM> which merges at its ends into two upright walls <NUM>, <NUM> and is therefore substantially U-shaped, which is advantageous for avoiding or at least reducing infiltrating water. The bottom side of the horizontal wall <NUM> is provided with two connection means <NUM>, <NUM>, in particular pins. The pin <NUM> is used together with the first upper connection means <NUM> for connecting the cover profile <NUM> to the base profile <NUM>. Due to the bend <NUM>, the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM> and the upright wall <NUM> of the cover profile <NUM> are in the same plane.

The cover profile <NUM> serves to close off a technical space <NUM> in the external pivot beam <NUM>. This technical space <NUM> may serve to house drive means for tilting the slats of the roof covering <NUM> and/or cabling for, for example, lighting, etc. In other words, the slats of a roof covering <NUM> are attached to a wall part 100a (see <FIG>) which forms part of the upright wall <NUM> and extends between the horizontal wall <NUM> and the bend <NUM>. In particular, the slats are partially positioned through these and fixedly attached to an attachment mechanism (not shown) inside the technical space <NUM>. The presence of this attachment mechanism is also part of the reason why the horizontal wall <NUM> comprises two wall parts 101a, 101b which are at different heights and are connected by a bend <NUM>. The lower placement of wall part 101a leaves sufficient space for the attachment mechanism, while the higher placement of wall part 101b allows the necessary space for arranging a roll-in/roll-out screen in a screen cavity <NUM>.

The horizontal wall is provided near its end with a plurality of connection means, the functionality of which is described hereafter. The connection means comprise a first connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means formed by two hooks, and a second connection means <NUM>, in particular a slot. These connection means serve for the attachment of a front cover <NUM> for shielding the screen cavity <NUM>. This front cover <NUM> typically forms the outer side of the external pivot beam <NUM>.

The front cover <NUM> is attached to the base profile by means of a connection profile <NUM>. The connection profile <NUM> comprises a hollow chamber formed between four walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The wall <NUM> forms the top side of the connection profile <NUM> and is provided with a first connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means formed by two hooks, corresponding to the first connection means <NUM>. From the top wall <NUM>, a branch <NUM>, in particular elastically deformable, extends towards the inner side of the external pivot beam <NUM>. The end of branch <NUM> engages in a notch <NUM> in the base profile <NUM>. On the bottom wall <NUM>, the connection profile <NUM> is provided with a second connection means <NUM>, in particular a female pin connection means. The second connection means <NUM> serves for receiving a corresponding second connection means <NUM>, in particular a pin. This second connection means <NUM> is provided on the inner side of the front cover <NUM>. A further attachment of the front cover <NUM> to the base profile <NUM> is formed, in particular by a pivotal movement, by placing the end part <NUM> of the front cover <NUM> in a slot <NUM> in the base profile <NUM> intended for this purpose.

In itself, the above-described attachment of the front cover <NUM> to the base profile <NUM> is sufficient. However, in view of the relatively long distance over which the front cover <NUM> downwardly extends, it is preferable to use an additional support profile <NUM> and/or a filler profile <NUM>. The support profile <NUM> comprises a horizontal wall <NUM> terminating in a first connection means <NUM>, in particular a female pin connection means. A corresponding connection means <NUM>, in particular a pin, is provided on the inner side of the front cover <NUM>. At the other end of the horizontal wall <NUM>, an upright wall <NUM> and a branch <NUM>, in particular elastically deformable, are provided. The upright wall <NUM> serves as an abutment against the internal cavity <NUM> of the double gutter profile <NUM>, i.e. against the outer upright wall <NUM>. The end of the upright wall <NUM> engages in a notch <NUM> in the double gutter profile <NUM>, in particular a notch <NUM> in the outer side wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. Similarly, the end of the branch <NUM> engages in an opening <NUM> near the corner of the internal cavity <NUM>.

The filler profile <NUM> is generally U-shaped with a flat bottom side <NUM> and upright side walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The upright side wall <NUM>, in particular the end thereof, is intended to be fixedly connected to wall part 209a of an outer upright branch <NUM> of the double gutter profile <NUM>. In an example, rivets are used for this connection. The remaining upright side wall <NUM> is free and serves as an abutment for the bottom side of the front cover <NUM>. If desired, the upright side wall <NUM> can also be fixedly attached to the front cover <NUM>. Finally, it should be noted that the upright side wall <NUM> is provided with a connection means <NUM>, in particular a pin, the function of which will be described later.

In the embodiments shown, the front cover <NUM> is further provided with a reinforcing rib <NUM> and a slot <NUM>. The reinforcing rib <NUM> contributes to the rigidity of the front cover <NUM> and is useful for obtaining the required resistance at higher loads, especially when bridging relatively long lengths. The function of the slot <NUM> is hereafter described with reference to <FIG>.

It is clear that the front cover <NUM> is detachable by disconnecting several of the connections. Thereby, the screen cavity <NUM> is accessible such that modifications, adjustments and/or repairs may be made, if necessary. In a similar manner, the cover profile <NUM> is removable for modifications, adjustments and/or repairs of elements in the technical space <NUM>, such as the drive of the slats that may form the roof infill <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates that the horizontal wall <NUM> merges into an outer upright wall <NUM> which is provided on its bottom side with a lower connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, and on its top side is provided with a second upper connection means <NUM>, especially a female pin connection means. As shown in <FIG>, the second upper connection means <NUM> is used to connect the cover profile <NUM> via pin <NUM>. Also, the outer side of the upright wall <NUM> is provided with a branch <NUM> that may serve as connection means and/or container for one or more components that need to be introduced into space <NUM>. An opening <NUM> is provided between the front cover <NUM> and the cover profile <NUM>, in particular the outer side wall <NUM> thereof.

<FIG> shows more details about the double gutter profile <NUM> of the external pivot beam <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The double gutter profile <NUM> comprises an upper horizontal wall <NUM>, an outer upright wall <NUM>, a lower horizontal wall <NUM> and an upright intermediate wall <NUM> which together enclose the cavity <NUM>. Further walls of the double gutter profile <NUM> are a lower outer branch <NUM> which is substantially the extension of the outer side wall <NUM>, a horizontal branch <NUM> which is substantially an extension of the lower horizontal wall <NUM>, a lower inner branch <NUM> which is substantially the extension of the intermediate wall <NUM>, and an upright inner side wall <NUM> extending upwardly from the end of the branch <NUM> and defining a space <NUM> together with the branch <NUM> and the intermediate <NUM>. The walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the double gutter profile <NUM> also form a number of spaces. For example, there is a space <NUM> located below the external gutter <NUM> and next to the branch <NUM>. Furthermore, there is also a space <NUM> located between the branches <NUM>, <NUM>. The purpose of these spaces <NUM>, <NUM> is described hereafter with reference to <FIG>. However, in the external pivot beam <NUM> of <FIG>, these spaces have no function, such that they can be hidden from view by providing a closure profile <NUM>.

The external pivot beam <NUM> is intended to be placed on the outer side of the terrace canopy <NUM> and should provide for water drainage of precipitation incident on the terrace canopy. In particular, this precipitation may, for example, be collected by a slatted roof <NUM> which drains precipitation to this pivot beam <NUM>. The roof infill <NUM> drains the precipitation to the pivot beam <NUM> where it is collected in the external gutter <NUM>. Between the external gutter <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> the intermediate wall <NUM> is present which is provided with one or more openings, for example a series of perforations, such that the precipitation from the external gutter <NUM> is diverted to the cavity <NUM>. That is why the bottom of the external gutter <NUM> also preferably slopes towards the cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> serves as an internal gutter for the passage of precipitation from one or more adjoining pivot beams <NUM> to a column <NUM> along which this precipitation may leave the terrace canopy <NUM>.

Furthermore, the double gutter profile <NUM> is further provided with an inner connection means <NUM>, in particular a female pin connection means, of a lower inner connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, which forms the end of the branch <NUM> of a lower outermost connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, which forms the end of the branch <NUM>, and a connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, just below the inner gutter <NUM>. The function of the lower outer connection means <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, while the function of the connection means <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is described hereafter.

The closure profile <NUM> is substantially U-shaped with a lower wall <NUM> and two upright walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The lower wall <NUM> is provided on its top side with a connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for the attachment of the closure profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>. The upright inner wall <NUM> is provided on its top side with a connection means <NUM>, in particular a pin, provided to cooperate with the inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the closure profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>. Furthermore, the upright outer wall <NUM> is provided on its top side with a connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, provided to cooperate with the connection means <NUM> for attaching the closure profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>. The lower outer connection means <NUM> is in turn provided to cooperate with the connection means <NUM> on the filler profile <NUM> for their interconnection.

Furthermore, the external pivot beam <NUM> is further provided with screw channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for screwing a headboard to an end of this beam <NUM> with the aid of screws or bolts for the purpose of connecting the beam with a column of the terrace canopy <NUM>. Screw channel <NUM> is provided on the bottom side of the branch <NUM> ; screw channel <NUM> is provided on the bottom side of wall part 101a ; screw channel <NUM> is provided adjacent to the second upper connection means <NUM> in the technical space <NUM>; the screw channel <NUM> is provided on the upper outer corner of the internal gutter <NUM>; and the screw channels <NUM>, <NUM> are provided below the internal gutter <NUM> on either side thereof. Of course, more or less screw channels are also possible and/or the placement thereof may differ.

It should be understood that other ways are possible with fewer or more connection means to interconnect the different profiles forming the external pivot beam <NUM>. Additional connections, for example by means of glue, bolts, rivets, etc., may also be provided between certain profiles in order to interconnect these substantially permanently. Rivets can be used, for example, to connect walls <NUM>, <NUM> or walls 209b, <NUM> or walls 209a, <NUM>.

As already described above, the external pivot beam <NUM> (<FIG>) is intended to not use a wall infill, unlike the external pivot beams of <FIG> and onwards. This also immediately means that this external pivot beam <NUM> is almost completely visible in the terrace canopy <NUM>. It is therefore advantageous that the visible surfaces have a sleek finish. Examples include: the co-planarity of the front cover <NUM> and the cover wall <NUM>; the co-planarity of the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM> and the cover wall <NUM>; the co-planarity of the filler profile <NUM> and the closure profile <NUM>; the only sporadic presence of an opening between visible profile surfaces; etc..

<FIG> illustrates a second type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a side wall <NUM>. Identical elements will be indicated by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to hold a roll-in/roll-out screen 6a serving as a side wall (see <FIG>) and arranged in the screen cavity <NUM>. The main difference with the pivot beam of <FIG> is the absence of support profile <NUM> and filler profile <NUM>. Namely, these would disrupt the normal operation of the screen 6a. The slot <NUM> is provided for arranging therein a holder (not shown) which serves as an abutment for the screen 6a when it is rolled in. Alternatively, the slot <NUM> itself may serve as such a screen roller abutment. The wall <NUM> (which extends inwardly on the inner side of the front cover <NUM>) and the wall <NUM> (which extends outwardly on the outer side of the inner gutter <NUM>) may also serve as an abutment for the screen 6a.

<FIG> illustrates a third type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a sidewall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to cooperate with a stationary wall (see <FIG>). The main differences with the pivot beam of <FIG> are the design of the front cover 14a and the filler element 18a and the presence of a drip profile <NUM> as alternative on the connection profile <NUM>.

The drip profile <NUM> has a substantially horizontal wall <NUM> which is provided on its top side with first connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means formed by two hooks, corresponding to the first connection means <NUM> in the base profile <NUM>. The drip profile <NUM> also has a second connection means <NUM>, in particular a hook as the end of an elastically upright wall <NUM>. This second connection means <NUM> engages a corresponding connection means <NUM> (see <FIG>), in particular a hook on the bottom side of the lower connection means <NUM>, on the base profile <NUM>. The connection means <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together ensure the attachment of the drip profile <NUM> to the base profile <NUM>.

On its outwardly facing side, the drip profile <NUM> is finished with an upright wall <NUM> extending downwardly from the horizontal wall <NUM>. In particular, this upright wall <NUM> is located substantially in the same plane as the cover wall <NUM>. A slot <NUM> is provided at the bottom side of the horizontal wall <NUM> which has the same function as slot <NUM> in the base profile <NUM>, namely an attachment for the front cover 14a, in particular the end 37a thereof. There is also the opening <NUM> present between the outer side wall <NUM> of the cover profile <NUM> and the upright wall <NUM> of the drip profile <NUM>.

The front cover 14a has again a substantially flat outer side, which, in this embodiment, does not lie in the same plane as the cover wall <NUM>, but is located more towards the inner side of the external pivot beam <NUM>. In particular, the distance between the outer side of the front cover 14a and the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM> is smaller than before. This allows to place the stationary wall 6d such that it lies substantially in the same plane as the cover wall <NUM>. In particular, the stationary wall 6d is located between the outer side of the front cover 14a and the upright wall <NUM> of the drip profile <NUM> with its top side substantially against the bottom side of the horizontal wall <NUM>. This also immediately explains the additional function of the drip profile <NUM>, in particular the wall <NUM>, namely, to prevent the incidence of precipitation on the top side of the stationary wall 6d, which precipitation may could damage, discoloration, etc. at the stationary wall 6d.

Again, the front cover 14a is provided on its inner side with a reinforcement 41a which, although the modified shape compared to the front cover <NUM>, has the same function. A filler profile 18a is also provided on the bottom side of the external pivot beam <NUM>. Although the design of the filler profile 18a is changed, compared to the filler profile <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the function is unchanged, namely closing off the space between the front cover 14a and the double gutter profile <NUM>. Further details are therefore not included.

It should be understood that, in an embodiment wherein the stationary wall 6d is not transparent, it is not necessary to mount the front cover 14a on the external pivot beam <NUM>. After all, the front cover 14a is not visible in such an embodiment. However, the filler profile 18a must be made slightly wider such that it fits closely with the stationary wall 6d such that, seen from the inside of the terrace canopy <NUM>, the pivot beam <NUM> is finished almost without a visible opening between the pivot beam <NUM> and the stationary wall 6d.

<FIG> illustrates a fourth type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a side wall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described. Changes have also been made to the design of the base profile <NUM>', the double gutter profile <NUM>', the front cover <NUM>', the cover profile <NUM>', the connection profile <NUM>' and the support profile <NUM>' without any change to the functionality such that the modified design is not explained in more detail. It should be noted, however, that connection means <NUM> which is formed by two hooks (see <FIG>) in base profile <NUM> is now formed by one hook <NUM>'a and one abutment <NUM>'b.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to cooperate with a movable wall 6b, 6c (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). The main difference with the pivot beam of <FIG> is the presence of a wall profile <NUM> in space <NUM> below the external gutter <NUM>. This also changes the design of the closure profile 19a.

In this embodiment, the closure profile 19a only serves to close off space <NUM> below the internal gutter <NUM>. The closure profile 19a comprises a horizontal wall 440a which merges on its outwardly facing side into an upright wall 441a which, unlike upright wall <NUM>, is located between the filler profile <NUM> and the lower outer branch <NUM> of the gutter profile <NUM>'. In particular, the upper end of the upright wall 441a is connected to wall part 209b (see <FIG>), for example by means of rivets or the like. Connection means <NUM> is identical to the pivot beam of <FIG> and is not further described. At the inwardly facing end of the horizontal wall 440a, a connection means 445a, in particular a hooking means, is provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the closure profile 19a to the double gutter profile <NUM>'.

As already described, the external pivot beam of <FIG> serves for cooperation with a movable wall 6b, 6c. The wall profile <NUM> is provided with a guide chamber <NUM> formed by two upright walls <NUM>, <NUM> connected to a horizontal upper wall <NUM>. The upright walls <NUM>, <NUM> together form a rail <NUM> into which one or more rollers (not shown) can be movably mounted. The wall profile <NUM> is further provided with a lower wall <NUM> with an opening <NUM> therein which opens onto guide chamber <NUM>. A portion of the rollers and/or the wall extends through the opening <NUM>. At the outwardly facing end of the lower horizontal wall <NUM>, a connection means <NUM> is provided, in particular a hooking means, which is provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the wall profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>'. On the inwardly facing side of the lower wall <NUM>, it merges into an upright wall <NUM> which is provided at the top with a connection means <NUM> (corresponding to connection means <NUM> of closure profile <NUM>), in particular a pin, provided to cooperate with the inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the wall profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>'. To increase the dimensional stability of the wall profile <NUM>, the top wall <NUM> of the guide chamber <NUM> extends against the inner side wall <NUM>.

Considering the presence of only one rail <NUM> in the external pivot beam of <FIG>, this means that only two types of movable wall 6b, 6c are possible. In particular, it is possible to provide a side wall with only one movable panel 6b, slidable in the longitudinal direction of the external pivot beam <NUM>. In other words, this forms a side wall 6b as in <FIG> and <FIG> with only one or two panels instead of the six panels shown there (three on either side of the terrace canopy <NUM>). Alternatively, a foldable side wall 6c is possible, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a fifth type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a side wall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and will not be described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to cooperate with a movable wall 6b, 6c (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The main difference with the pivot beam of <FIG> is the presence of a wall profile <NUM> in space <NUM> below the internal gutter <NUM>. This has also changed the design of the closure profile 19b.

The closure profile 19b now only serves to close off space <NUM> below the external gutter <NUM>. The closure profile 19b comprises a horizontal wall 440b which merges on its inwardly facing side into an upright wall <NUM>, which is provided with a pin <NUM>, identical as with the pivot beam of <FIG>, such that a further description is unnecessary. The horizontal wall 440b is provided at its outwardly facing end with a connection means 445b, in particular a hooking means, provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the closure profile 19b to the double gutter profile <NUM>.

As already described, the external pivot beam of <FIG> serves for cooperation with a movable wall 6b. The wall profile 21a is provided with two guide chambers <NUM> which are formed in the same way as the guide chamber <NUM> of wall profile <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Hence, there are the inner and outer upright walls <NUM>, <NUM> which form the rails <NUM> and are connected to the horizontal wall <NUM>. For reinforcement, a horizontal wall portion 463a is also provided, connecting the horizontal walls <NUM> of the separate guide chambers <NUM>. The lower wall 465a is correspondingly provided with two openings <NUM>, one for each guide chamber <NUM>.

A connection means 468a is provided at the inwardly facing end of the lower horizontal wall 465a, in particular a hooking means, which is provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the wall profile 21a to the double gutter profile <NUM>. At the outwardly facing end of the lower wall 21a, an upright wall <NUM> is provided, which is located between the filler profile <NUM> and the lower outer branch <NUM> of the gutter profile <NUM>. In particular, the upper end of the upright wall <NUM> is connected to wall part 209b (see <FIG>), for example by means of rivets or the like. Also provided is a connection means <NUM> which is similar to connection means <NUM> as with the pivot beam of <FIG> and serves to cooperate with connection means <NUM> on filler profile <NUM> for their interconnection.

In view of the presence of two rails <NUM> in wall profile 21a, it is possible to provide in each rail one or two movable panels 6b which are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the pivot beam <NUM>, for example by using rollers (not shown). The panels 6b in the different rail can pass along each other. In other words, this forms a side wall 6b as in <FIG> and <FIG> with only two or four panels instead of the six panels shown there (three on either side of the terrace canopy <NUM>). If desired, a combination can also be made of sliding panels 6b in one of the rails <NUM> and folding panels 6c in the other rail.

<FIG> illustrates a sixth type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a sidewall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to cooperate with a movable wall 6b, 6c (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The main difference with the pivot beam of <FIG> is the presence of a third rail <NUM> where normally the filler profile <NUM> is present. The wall profile 21b is provided with three guide chambers <NUM> which are formed in the same way as the guide chamber <NUM> of wall profile <NUM>, 21a, described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The lower wall 465b is therefore correspondingly provided with three openings <NUM>. The connection of the wall profile 21b on its inner side with the double gutter profile <NUM> is identical as for wall profile 21a and will not be described in more detail. On its outwardly facing side, the connection of the wall profile 21b with the double gutter profile <NUM> is formed by an upright wall <NUM> which extends upwardly from the horizontal wall <NUM> of the most outwardly extending guide chamber <NUM>. This upright wall <NUM> ends in an upper connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, which cooperates with the wall <NUM> (which extends outwardly on the outer side of the inner gutter <NUM>). The lower end of the front cover <NUM> abuts against the outer end of the horizontal wall 465b of the wall profile 21b.

In view of the presence of three rails <NUM> in wall profile 21b, it is possible to provide in each rail one or two movable panels 6b which are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the pivot beam <NUM>, for example by using rollers (not shown). The panels 6b in the different rail can pass along each other. In other words, this forms a side wall 6b as in <FIG> and <FIG>. If desired, a combination can also be made of sliding panels 6b in two of the rails <NUM> and folding panels 6c in the other rail.

<FIG> illustrates a seventh type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a sidewall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to cooperate with a movable wall 6b (see <FIG>). The main difference with the pivot beam of <FIG> is the design of the wall profile 21c with respect to the wall profile 21a. The wall profile 21c comprises a horizontal upper wall 463c from which five upright walls 461c extend downwardly to form four guide chambers 460c. At the bottom, the most inwardly facing upright wall 461c is provided with a horizontal branch 465c comprising a connection means 468c, in particular a hooking means, which is provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for the attachment of the wall profile 21c to the double gutter profile <NUM>. The attachment to the outer upright wall 461c is formed by fixedly connecting this wall to wall part 209b (see <FIG>), for instance by means of rivets or the like. Furthermore, a connection means 471c is also provided which is similar to connection means <NUM> as with the pivot beam of <FIG> and serves to cooperate with connection means <NUM> on filler profile <NUM> for their interconnection.

The wall profile 21c is typically intended for slidable wall panels 6b that are thinner, in comparison to the wall profiles <NUM>, 21a and 21b. In particular, the wall profile 21c is intended for glass wall panels in which a maximum of four (or eight) panels 6b can slide along each other, as shown in <FIG>. Due to the lower weight of the wall panels 6b (in view of their relatively low thickness) it is possible to use less strong rails 464c, whereby wall profile 21c is compact such that more wall panels 6c can be provided in the transverse direction of the pivot beam <NUM>. This compact wall profile 21c also allows other forms of wall infill, for instance a screen 6a, to be present in order to arrive at the terrace canopy shown in <FIG>. In addition, with glass wall panels 6b, rollers are typically provided on the bottom side of the panels on the ground guide <NUM> such that the guide in the rails 460c can be embodied more compact or even omitted altogether.

<FIG> illustrates an eighth type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a sidewall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is designed to cooperate with a movable wall 6b, 6c (see <FIG>). The main difference with the pivot beam of <FIG> is the presence of a wall profile <NUM> that is positioned outwardly relative to the front cover 14a', which therefore also has a modified design, in particular the same design as the front cover 14a with a stationary wall infill, described with reference to <FIG>, such that a further description is not included here. It should be noted, however, that the front cover 14a' is located at a different distance from the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM> compared to the front cover 14a of the pivot beam <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The design of the cover profile 15a is also changed. In particular, the horizontal wall 400a has a longer length such that the distance between the pins <NUM>, <NUM> is larger and such that the outer upright wall <NUM> is at a larger distance from the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM>. This longer length allows to integrate the wall profile <NUM> into the design of the pivot beam <NUM> without adversely affecting the quality of the finish.

The wall profile <NUM> includes a guide chamber <NUM> which is identical to that of wall profiles <NUM>, 21a and 21b. The guide chamber <NUM> is therefore limited by inner and outer upright walls <NUM>, <NUM>, an upper horizontal wall <NUM> connecting the upright walls <NUM>, <NUM>, and a lower wall <NUM> having an opening <NUM> therein. The upright walls <NUM>, <NUM> together form a rail <NUM> into which one or more rollers (not shown) can be movably arranged. A portion of the rollers and/or the wall extends through the opening <NUM>.

The lower wall <NUM> has, on its inwardly-facing end, a slot <NUM> for receiving the end 37a of the front cover 14a' for the attachment of the front cover 14a' to the wall profile <NUM>. This slot <NUM> is, in particular, formed by a downwardly extending branch <NUM> that departs from the bottom side of the lower wall <NUM>. At the inner end of the lower wall <NUM>, it merges into an upright wall <NUM> which has a bend <NUM> near the centre such that a lower portion of wall <NUM> is located more inwardly relative to an upper portion thereof. The upright wall <NUM>, in particular the lower part thereof, is provided on its inner side with a first inner connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means. The first inner connection means <NUM> serves to cooperate with the lower connection means <NUM> (see <FIG>) for connecting the wall profile <NUM> to the base profile <NUM>. The bend <NUM> allows the upper part of the wall <NUM> to be positioned more outwardly and to abut against the branch <NUM>. At the top of the upright wall <NUM> it merges into an upper horizontal wall <NUM>. Also, the upper wall <NUM> of the guide chamber <NUM> is connected to this upper wall <NUM> by support member <NUM>. The horizontal wall <NUM> is on its inner end provided with a second inner connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, which hooks over the second upper connection means <NUM> for connecting the wall profile <NUM> to the base profile <NUM>.

The outer wall <NUM> of the guide chamber <NUM> also has an upward upright branch <NUM> which is provided on its top side with an upper connection means <NUM>, in particular, a female pin connection means. As shown in <FIG>, the upper connection means <NUM> is used to connect the cover profile 15a via pin <NUM>. A connection wall <NUM> is provided between the horizontal wall <NUM> and the upright branch <NUM> for the strength and bearing capacity of the wall profile <NUM>. A branch <NUM> is also provided on the outer side of the upright branch <NUM>. The lower wall <NUM> is provided on its outwardly facing side with an upright finishing wall <NUM> which is located in the same plane as the outer side wall <NUM> of the cover profile 15a. An opening 33a is provided between walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

Considering the presence of only one rail <NUM> in the external pivot beam of <FIG>, this means that only two types of movable wall 6b, 6c are possible. The purpose of this rail <NUM> is to hold a foldable side wall, as shown in <FIG>. However, as already described with reference to <FIG>, a single rail <NUM> can also be used to hold one or two sliding side wall panels. It should further be understood that, if desired, the wall profile <NUM> can also be provided with several mutually parallel chambers for guiding several wall panels.

<FIG> illustrates a ninth type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a side wall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam shown in <FIG> has a combined functionality, namely that of the pivot beams shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other words, the external pivot beam <NUM> has as side wall infill <NUM> both a portion with a fixed wall 6d and a portion with a movable, in particular a foldable, side wall 6c. For example, a fixed wall 6d is provided on one side of a side of the terrace canopy <NUM>, while a foldable side wall 6c is present on the other side of the same side.

The front cover 14a and the drip profile <NUM> of the pivot beam of <FIG> are identical to those described with reference to <FIG> and the cover section 15a is identical to that described for the pivot beam of <FIG>. A further description is therefore not included here. In addition, the wall profile 20a is substantially identical to what was described with reference to <FIG>. The only difference is the absence of branch <NUM> which served as attachment for the front cover 14a. Now, this branch <NUM> is not necessary since the front cover 14a is held by the drip profile <NUM> and is closer to the upright wall <NUM> of the base profile <NUM> such that there is sufficient space for placing a fixed wall 6d.

<FIG> illustrates a tenth type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam is intended to form a side wall <NUM>. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam shown in <FIG> has a combined functionality, namely that of the pivot beams shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other words, the external pivot beam <NUM> has as side wall infill <NUM> both a portion with a fixed wall 6d and a portion with a movable, in particular a slidable, side wall 6b. For example, one side of a side of the terrace canopy <NUM> is provided with a fixed wall 6d, while on the other side of the same side there is a slidable side wall 6b, in particular formed by two wall panels.

All relevant profiles for the construction of the pivot beam shown in <FIG> have already been described with reference to <FIG> and/or 3E. A further description is therefore not included here.

<FIG> illustrates an eleventh type of external pivot beam, wherein the pivot beam serves for holding a lighting. Identical elements will be identified by the same numeral and are not described.

The pivot beam of <FIG> is substantially the same as the one shown in <FIG> with the difference that the wall profile <NUM> has been replaced by a lighting holder profile <NUM>. The lighting holder profile <NUM> comprises two spaces <NUM>, <NUM> in which lighting (not shown), such as one or more lamps, LED lighting, etc. can be installed. The space <NUM> can be used to illuminate the space below the terrace canopy <NUM>, while the space <NUM> allows to illuminate the area below the pivot beam <NUM>. The space <NUM> is substantially U-shaped and comprises an upright central wall <NUM>, a top wall <NUM> and a bottom wall <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> is provided at its end with an upright inner branch <NUM> having a connection means <NUM> thereon (corresponding to connection means <NUM> of closure profile <NUM>), in particular a pin, provided to cooperate with the inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the lighting holder profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>'. The space <NUM> is substantially U-shaped and comprises an upright central wall <NUM>, an top wall <NUM> and an outer side wall <NUM>. The outer side wall <NUM> is provided at its bottom end with a connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, which is provided to cooperate with the lower inner connection means <NUM> for attaching the lighting holder profile <NUM> to the double gutter profile <NUM>'. In the spaces <NUM>, <NUM>, additional mounting walls <NUM>, <NUM> are also provided on which, among other things, the lighting can be attached. It is also possible to arrange diffusers and/or other elements in the spaces <NUM>, <NUM> for optimizing the light quality. Furthermore, it should be understood that also only one of the spaces <NUM>, <NUM> can be present.

It should also be understood that combinations of profiles that have not yet been shown, are possible to obtain yet other beams. For example, a beam according to one of the <FIG> with an additional wall profile <NUM> according to <FIG>. This then allows to have several different types of panel wall infills on the same wall of the terrace canopy <NUM>, for example a sliding wall below the beam and a folding wall on the outer side of the beam.

<FIG> illustrates a design of a tension beam <NUM>. The tension beam <NUM> shown is intended not to be provided with a wall infill <NUM>. The tension beam <NUM> shown comprises a base profile <NUM>" and a single gutter profile <NUM> which are interconnected. The single gutter profile <NUM> is also shown per se in <FIG>. It is to be understood that, in embodiments not shown, the tension beam can be suited and intended for receiving and/or holding a wall infill by using the profiles shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and/or <FIG>.

The tension beam <NUM> shown is generally the same as the pivot beam shown in <FIG> but with a different type of gutter profile, namely a single gutter profile <NUM> instead of a double gutter profile <NUM>. Although the profiles <NUM>", <NUM>", <NUM>", <NUM>" of the tension beam <NUM> have a slightly different design, it should be understood that they are interchangeable with the profiles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>', <NUM>', <NUM>' described above. It is also possible to replace one or more of the profiles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>', <NUM>', <NUM>' in the external pivot beams <NUM> described above with its modified form of the same profile shown in the tension beam <NUM> of <FIG>. Some of the modifications are briefly described. Notch <NUM> is not provided in the base profile <NUM>", but this functionality is taken over by hook <NUM>" which protrudes downwardly with respect to the horizontal wall <NUM>". The branch <NUM>" on connection profile <NUM>" has been modified accordingly. The inner upright wall <NUM>" of filler profile <NUM>" is shorter and is directly connected to the upright outer side wall 441a of the closure profile 19a instead of on the gutter profile. The design of the slot <NUM>" has been changed.

The single gutter profile <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>. In view of the many similarities with the double gutter profile <NUM>, it was decided to use the same numbering, but with the first digit "<NUM>" replaced by the digit "<NUM>". In concrete terms, the design at the top and the outer side of the gutter profiles <NUM>, <NUM> is identical, such that a further description of elements <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> is superfluous.

The modifications of the single gutter profile <NUM> compared to the double gutter profile <NUM> are therefore located on the inner side of this profile, where now no external gutter <NUM> is present. An additional upright wall part <NUM> is therefore placed, which is parallel to the intermediate wall <NUM> (which, for the sake of clarity, in the embodiment of a single gutter profile, is not provided with openings). In this way, the upright walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together form the inner upright wall <NUM> of the single gutter profile <NUM>. This is also the externally visible wall, seen by someone located below the terrace canopy <NUM>. Furthermore, the lower inner connection means <NUM>, particularly a hooking means, is also substantially identical to connection means <NUM>, with the difference that the hook only extends outwardly such that the finish of wall <NUM> is uninterrupted.

Although only one embodiment of a tension beam <NUM> has been shown, it is understood that the only difference between an external pivot beam <NUM> and a tension beam <NUM> is the shape of the gutter profile <NUM>, <NUM>. Hence, the invention also relates to multiple tension beams having the same functionality of the external pivot beams shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where the double gutter profile <NUM> is replaceable by the single gutter profile <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a central pivot beam <NUM>. Since the central pivot beam <NUM> is centrally located in the terrace canopy <NUM>, it is not the intention that a side wall can be located below the beam <NUM>, which changes the design of a whole number of profiles. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that a wall infill may be present below the central pivot beam <NUM>.

The central pivot beam <NUM> is constructed from a limited number of profiles, namely a base profile <NUM>, a gutter profile <NUM>, a cover profile 15b and two closure profiles 19b. The base profile <NUM> has a symmetrical construction and is connected to the gutter profile <NUM> by means of connections <NUM>, <NUM>. Connections <NUM>, <NUM> have a different design, whereby connection <NUM> is shown as a hook connection. However, these connections can be identical to each other. At its top side, the base profile <NUM> is sealed by a cover profile 15b by means of pin connections <NUM>. The gutter profile <NUM> comprises two external gutters <NUM> and the central gutter <NUM> which are separated by intermediate walls <NUM>. For finishing at the bottom side below the external gutters <NUM>, use is made of two closure profiles 19b identical to the one described with reference to <FIG>. In particular, the attachment uses a connection means <NUM>, in particular a female pin connection means, below the external gutters <NUM>, which cooperates with pin <NUM>, and a lower connection means <NUM>, in particular a hooking means, forming the end of the branch <NUM> and cooperating with hook 445b. Furthermore, the central pivot beam <NUM> is also provided with screw channels <NUM> for screwing a headboard onto an end of this beam <NUM> by means of screws or bolts.

It should be understood that finishing profile 19b can also be replaced by LED-holder profile <NUM>, described with reference to <FIG>. If necessary, it is also possible to replace the finishing profile 19b with wall profile <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Optionally, the space <NUM> below the internal gutter <NUM> may also be used for a wall profile.

Claim 1:
Terrace canopy (<NUM>) comprising a beam (<NUM>; <NUM>), the beam having a top side, a bottom side, an inner side and an outer side, and comprising a base part that, in its cross-section, is provided with:
- a screen cavity (<NUM>) configured to hold a screen roller, which screen cavity is delimited by an upright inner side wall (<NUM>) and a horizontal top wall (<NUM>) extending from the upright inner side wall in the direction of the outer side of the beam ;
- an upright outer side wall (<NUM>) extending from the end of the horizontal top wall and provided at the top with a first upper connection means (<NUM>) ; and
- an internal space (<NUM>) above the screen cavity,
wherein the upright outer side wall (<NUM>), on its outwardly facing side, is provided with a first connection means (<NUM>),
characterized in that the beam is further provided with: a wall profile (<NUM>) and a second closure profile (15a), wherein the wall profile (<NUM>) is located on the outer side of the upright outer side wall and is configured to guide and/or hold a wall panel (6b; 6c; 6d) and is provided with a first complementary connection means (<NUM>), a second complementary connection means (<NUM>) and a first upper connection means (<NUM>), the wall profile (<NUM>) being connected to the base member (<NUM>) by connecting its first complementary connection means (<NUM>) to the first upper connection means (<NUM>) and its second complementary connection means to the first connection means (<NUM>), wherein the second closure profile (15a) closes off the internal space and is provided with a first complementary connection means (<NUM>), wherein the second closure profile (15a) is connected to the wall profile (<NUM>) by connecting its first complementary connection means (<NUM>) to the first upper connection means (<NUM>) of the wall profile (<NUM>), and
in that said wall profile (<NUM>) and said second closure profile (15a) can be removed and said second closure profile (15a) can be replaced by a first closure profile (<NUM>) and vice versa, wherein said first closure profile (<NUM>) can close off the internal space and is provided with a first complementary connection means (<NUM>), the first closure profile (<NUM>) being able to be connected to the base part (<NUM>) by connecting its first complementary connection means to the first upper connection means.