Column for supporting a covering and screen construction comprising such a column

Abstract

A column (1) for supporting a covering, comprising a core profiled section (2) having a plurality of fitting grooves in its periphery and a plurality of insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5) which are each interchangeably fittable into each fitting groove, in such a way that the column (1) has a substantially rectangular cross section, each inserted insertion profiled section (3, 4, 5) in each fitting groove forms a corner (10) of the rectangular cross section of the column (1) and each side wall of the column (1) between the insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5) is formed by the core profiled section (2). The present invention also relates to a screen construction comprising such a column (1).

Claims

1. Column for supporting a covering, comprising: a core profiled section having a plurality of fitting grooves in its periphery; and a plurality of interchangeable insertion profiled sections which are each interchangeably fittable into each fitting groove, in such a way that, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, the column has a substantially rectangular cross section; wherein, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, each inserted insertion profiled section forms a corner of the substantially rectangular cross section of the column and each side wall of the column between the insertion profiled sections is formed by the core profiled section; wherein each of the plurality of interchangeable insertion profiled sections can be fitted into only one of the plurality of fitting grooves at a time; wherein the core profiled section between the insertion profiled sections, which forms each side wall of the column, is straight, such that each side wall of the column has the appearance of a single planar surface when the insertion profiled sections are fitted into each fitting groove.

2. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one insertion profiled section forms part of a wall element.

3. Column according to claim 2, characterized in that the insertion profiled section forming part of a wall element forms part of a screen guide profiled section.

4. Column according to claim 2, characterized in that the insertion profiled section allows the wall element to extend substantially at right angles to a side wall adjoining the insertion profiled section.

5. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that the core profiled section comprises four fitting grooves and in that, after fitting the insertion profiled sections into the fitting grooves, said insertion profiled sections form the four corners of the rectangular cross section.

6. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that the core profiled section is hollow.

7. Column according to claim 6, characterized in that said column comprises a discharge pipe which is fittable into a cavity of the core profiled section.

8. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that the core profiled section has a substantially cross-shaped cross section.

9. Column for supporting a covering, comprising a core profiled section having a plurality of fitting grooves in its periphery and a plurality of interchangeable insertion profiled sections which are each interchangeably fittable into each fitting groove, in such a way that, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, the column has a substantially rectangular cross section, wherein, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, each inserted insertion profiled section forms a corner of the substantially rectangular cross section of the column and each side wall of the column between the insertion profiled sections is formed by the core profiled section, wherein each fitting groove comprises a base and comprises an upright wall on either side of the base, wherein each upright wall adjoins an outer wall of the core profiled section which is provided in order to form part of a side wall of the column, and the base extends substantially obliquely with respect to said outer walls.

10. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, the column has a substantially square cross section.

11. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one insertion profiled section is fittable into each fitting cavity with the aid of a hook connection.

12. Column for supporting a covering, comprising: a core profiled section having a plurality of fitting grooves in its periphery; and a plurality of interchangeable insertion profiled sections which are each interchangeably fittable into each fitting groove, in such a way that, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, the column has a substantially rectangular cross section; wherein, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, each inserted insertion profiled section forms a corner of the substantially rectangular cross section of the column and each side wall of the column between the insertion profiled sections is formed by the core profiled section; wherein each of the plurality of interchangeable insertion profiled sections can be fitted into only one of the plurality of fitting grooves at a time; wherein at least one insertion profiled section forms part of a wall element wherein the insertion profiled section allows the wall element to extend substantially at right angles to a side wall adjoining the insertion profiled section; wherein at least one insertion profiled section is fittable into each fitting cavity with the aid of a hook connection, wherein the insertion profiled section which forms part of a wall element is securely hookable behind a surface of the core profiled section which is at right angles to the wall element.

13. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one insertion profiled section forms part of a light fitting.

14. Column according to claim 1, characterized in that the insertion profiled sections are fittable into each fitting cavity with the aid of a click-fit connection.

15. Screen construction comprising a column according to claim 1.

16. Column according to claim 1, wherein, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, each inserted insertion profiled section forms a single corner of the substantially rectangular cross section of the column.

17. Column according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fitting grooves consists of four fitting grooves.

18. Column according to claim 1, wherein, after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove, the column comprises four side walls, each of the four side walls comprising a portion of the core profiled section that extends between and directly adjacent to consecutive insertion profiled sections.

19. Column according to claim 1, wherein the core profiled section comprises four sidewall portions, one of the plurality of fitting grooves extending between each pair of consecutive sidewall portions.

20. Column according to claim 19, wherein each core profiled section sidewall portion forms one of the side walls of the column between the insertion profiled sections after fitting one of said insertion profiled sections into each fitting groove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which

(2) FIG. 1 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a column according to the present invention, in which finishing profiled sections are fitted into the fitting grooves of the core profiled section as insertion profiled sections;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the column from FIG. 1, in which two finishing profiled sections are fitted on one side and two screen guide profiled sections are fitted on an opposite side into the fitting grooves of the core profiled section as insertion profiled sections;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the column from FIG. 1, in which two finishing profiled sections are fitted diagonally with respect to one another and two screen guide profiled sections are fitted diagonally with respect to one another into the fitting grooves of the core profiled section as insertion profiled sections;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the column from FIG. 1, in which two finishing profiled sections are fitted diagonally with respect to one another and furthermore a finishing profiled section and a light fitting are fitted into the fitting grooves of the core profiled section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) The column (1) illustrated in the figures comprises a core profiled section (2) and a plurality of insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15). This column (1) is designed to be accommodated in a terrace covering, in which it serves to support the roof construction of said terrace covering. Said column (1) could also be used, however, to support the roof construction of, for example, an awning, or a pergola, or a veranda, or a carport, etc.

(7) The core profiled section (2) has a substantially cross-shaped cross section, with in each case a cavity extending on the outer side between the protruding legs of the cross shape, so that the core profiled section (2) comprises corresponding fitting grooves in its periphery. In this way, said core profiled section (2) comprises four fitting grooves which are arranged crosswise with respect to one another. Instead of four such fitting grooves, the core profiled section (2) could also comprise one single such fitting groove, or two, or three, depending on the number of functions to be integrated into the corresponding column (1). In that case, the core profiled section (2) itself will also no longer have such a cross-shaped cross section. From a structural engineering point of view, it is preferable for the core profiled section (2) to be constructed in a symmetrical manner, having such a substantially cross-shaped cross section. The core profiled section (2) will generally be made of aluminium via extrusion. It will therefore be hollow. When such a cross-shaped profiled section is configured to be hollow, it is possible to transfer a lot of material away from the centre of gravity next to the fitting grooves, within the same external dimensions, which increases the stability. Such a cross-shaped construction also increases the flexibility of use of such a core profiled section (2). A cross-shaped core profiled section (2) keeps the corners (10) of the column (1) free for the integration of the insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5).

(8) Instead of producing said core profiled sections (2) from aluminium via extrusion, it is also conceivable to produce said core profiled sections (2) from steel, for example, or from stainless steel, or from wood, etc. However, the use of these materials is less preferred.

(9) The cavity (12) of the illustrated core profiled section (2) allows, for example, a discharge pipe to be fitted therein for drainage of a covering underneath which a column (1) constructed therewith is arranged. It is also possible to integrate, for example, electric lines in said cavity (12). However, it is more advantageous to install such electric lines into cavities of insertion profiled sections, or in cavities between insertion profiled sections (4, 15) and the core profiled section (2), as they then remain more easily accessible.

(10) The fitting grooves in the illustrated core profiled section (2) each comprise a base (7) and an upright wall (8) on either side of the base (7), with each upright wall (8) adjoining an outer wall (9) of the core profiled section (2) which is provided in order to form part of a side wall of the column (1). The base (7) of each fitting groove extends substantially obliquely with respect to said outer walls (9). In this way, yet more material of the core profiled section (2) is brought to the exterior, with sufficient space remaining in the fitting grooves for insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) having a specific function to be fitted into said fitting grooves. The base (7) could optionally be curved, but this would require yet more material.

(11) The insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) are interchangeably fittable into the fitting grooves of the core profiled section (2). That is to say that it is possible to fit any desired insertion profiled section (3, 4, 5, 15) into any desired fitting groove of the core profiled section (2).

(12) The insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) are in each case configured differently depending on their desired function.

(13) In FIG. 1, only finishing profiled sections (3) are fitted into the fitting grooves.

(14) In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, screen guide profiled sections (4) are also fitted into the fitting grooves as well as the finishing profiled sections (3).

(15) In FIG. 4, a mirror profiled section (15) and a covering profiled section (5) of a light fitting (5, 15) for LED lighting (16) are also additionally fitted.

(16) Apart from the illustrated insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15), yet other possible insertion profiled sections are of course feasible, optionally having different functions.

(17) The illustrated finishing profiled sections (3), screen guide profiled sections (4) and the covering profiled section (5) are in each case provided in such a way that when such a finishing profiled section (3) or screen guide profiled section (4) or covering profiled section (5) is fitted into each fitting groove of the core profiled section (2), said profiled sections together delimit a substantially square cross section of the column (1). In this case, the finishing profiled sections (3) and/or screen guide profiled sections (4) and/or covering profiled sections (5) form the corners of said substantially square cross section. A column (1) having such a substantially square cross section is preferred. However, it is also possible to provide such a column with a different (non-square) rectangular cross section.

(18) After fitting insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) into all fitting grooves of the core profiled section (2), said insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) together form a substantially beam-shaped column (1). In this case, the core profiled section (2) extends substantially over the height of the column (1). The insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) in this case also optionally extend substantially over the height of the column (1), or only part thereof. It may be desirable, for example, to provide LED lighting (16) over only part of the height of the column (1), in which case the corresponding light fitting (5, 15) is provided over the same height and the fitting groove is additionally closed off with a finishing profiled section or sections (3) of a corresponding length.

(19) In order to be able to attach the insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) to the core profiled section (2), said core profiled section (2) comprises screw channels (6), click-fit means and hook means.

(20) The finishing profiled sections (3) comprise click-fit means which correspond to the click-fit means of the core profiled section (2), said click-fit means together being able to form a click-fit connection (11) in order to click-fit the finishing profiled sections (3) to the core profiled section (2).

(21) The screen guide profiled sections (4), on the one hand, comprise hook means in order to hook behind the hook means of the core profiled section (2) and thus to form a hook connection (18) and, on the other hand, are designed to be screwed into a screw channel of the core profiled section (2) with the aid of screws (14). In said hook connection (18), a screen guide profiled section (4) hooks behind a surface of the core profiled section (2) which is at right angles to a screen to be guided using the screen guide profiled section (4). Tensile forces which a screen exerts on said screen guide profiled section (4) are then not only absorbed by the screws (14), but are also transmitted to the core profiled section (2) via this surface. The illustrated screen guide profiled sections (4) comprise guide walls (17) for guiding a bottom slat of a screen which can be rolled up and unrolled. Furthermore, a screen guide (13) is fitted in the screen guide profiled sections (4), in which screen guide (13) a thickened portion on the lateral side of a screen which can be rolled up and unrolled can be guided in order to guide said screen. As an alternative, screen guide profiled sections (4) may also be provided for guiding either solely the bottom slat of a screen which can be rolled up and unrolled and not the lateral sides of the screen, or solely thickened portions on the lateral sides of a screen which can be rolled up and unrolled and not the bottom slat. The illustrated screen guide profiled section (4) is configured in one part. However, it could also be constructed from a plurality of profiled sections.

(22) The mirror profiled section (15) is designed to be screwed to the core profiled section (2) with the aid of screws (14) in the screw channels (6) of said core profiled section (2). LED lighting (16) is mounted on said mirror profiled section (15). After the mirror profiled section (15) has been screwed into a fitting groove, there is still space for further electronic components between the back of the mirror profiled section (15) and the base (7) of the fitting groove.

(23) The covering profiled section (5) comprises click-fit means which correspond to the click-fit means of the core profiled section (2), said click-fit means together being able to form a click-fit connection (11) in order to click-fit the covering profiled section (5) to the core profiled section (2).

(24) The finishing profiled sections (3), the screen guide profiled sections (4) and the mirror profiled section (15) are made from aluminium via extrusion. The mirror profiled section (15) is additionally provided with a reflective coating. The covering profiled section (5) is made of transparent plastic via extrusion. It is also possible to produce said insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) from other materials or via other production methods. The covering profiled section (5) of a light fitting (5, 15) will of course always be produced from a likewise transparent material.

(25) The column (1) as illustrated in FIG. 2 will typically serve to support two terrace coverings adjoining one another or, in the case of a relatively large terrace covering, will be arranged centrally in order to support one side of the covering, so that a screen which can be rolled up and unrolled may be provided on both sides of said column (1) and may be guided in the screen guide profiled sections (4). In the corners of this column (1) where finishing profiled sections (3) are provided, it is possible to opt for attaching a light fitting (5, 15) having LED lighting (16). At the outer corners of terrace coverings where screens which can be rolled up and unrolled are to be provided adjoining one another, the column (1) as illustrated in FIG. 2 will generally be selected, or the column (1) as illustrated in FIG. 4, if additional LED lighting (16) is desired. If no screens or LED lighting are desired, it is possible to select, for example, a column (1) as illustrated in FIG. 1. With all of the illustrated columns (1), it is also possible to mount, for example, adjoining sliding walls or slatted walls or fixed wall elements, etc. Of course, an endless number of variations are conceivable in terms of arranging said columns (1) and fitting adapted insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5, 15) therein.