Carrying structure for a shelf group

Abstract

A load-bearing structure (1) for a group of shelves, comprising: at least one vertical upright (2) provided with at least one longitudinal wall (4) and at least one fastening opening (3) formed along the longitudinal wall (4); at least one fastening body (5) provided with at least one fastening wall (6) and at least one fastening portion (7, 8) made cantilevered on the fastening wall (6); said at least one fastening portion (7, 8) being insertable into the fastening opening (3) and movable therein in a sliding manner between a fastened configuration and at least one free configuration; in the fastened configuration, by fastening the vertical upright (2) to the fastening body (5), the at least one fastening portion (7, 8) is connected to the fastening opening (3); in the free configuration, the at least one fastening portion (7, 8) is disengaged from the fastening opening (3) so that the vertical upright (2) is released from the fastening body (5); wherein the fastening portion (7, 8) comprises a first fastening element (7) extending along a first extension direction (A) and a second fastening element (8) extending along a second extension direction (B) substantially perpendicular to said first extension direction (A); said first and second fastening elements (7, 8) being adapted to be fastened to the longitudinal wall (4) in the fastened configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a support structure for shelving assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] The load-bearing structures used for shelving units are known, differing only in their assembly methods, the degree of modularity of the structure, and the maximum load-bearing capacity of the shelving units.

[0003] Typically, known types of structures use vertical columns as support bases on stable surfaces, and employ suitable fasteners that can be attached to these columns to form a suitable support structure.

[0004] These structures are used in both residential and commercial settings to preserve, display, and / or store a wide variety of products, and their volume, weight, and dimensions can vary considerably depending on the nature of the product itself.

[0005] Therefore, this type of load-bearing structure employs a fastening system suitable for connecting different types of columns and fastening bodies together to form a modular load-bearing structure that can accommodate different products according to the user's needs.

[0006] Typically, such a fastening system includes a fastening opening formed on the vertical column and a fastening portion formed on the fastening body, which can be inserted into and connected to the fastening opening to fasten the vertical column and the fastening body to each other.

[0007] In terms of stability and strength, this type of load-bearing structure is easy to improve.

[0008] In fact, the structural load transmitted between the fastener and the vertical column typically includes at least one longitudinal compressive component and a transverse torsional component. The longitudinal compressive component pushes the fastener along the longitudinal direction of the column body, while the transverse torsional component tends to cause the fastener to rotate around the column body.

[0009] However, the first fastening portion of this type of load-bearing structure includes a single fastening element adapted to be inserted into a fastening opening and arranged to support the lower edge of the fastening opening, the single fastening element being fastened to the lower edge.

[0010] Therefore, the lateral torsional component pivots on the fastening element to tend to rotate the fastening element within the fastening opening.

[0011] Such rotation may cause deformation of the fastening element and / or rotation of the fastening body around the vertical column, thereby impairing the distribution of structural loads among the components of the load-bearing structure.

[0012] This drawback makes known types of load-bearing structures unstable and fragile, and reduces their maximum allowable load, thereby reducing their market share. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The main objective of this invention is to design a load-bearing structure for shelving units that allows for greater stability and strength than known types of load-bearing structures.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to design a load-bearing structure for shelving assemblies that allows fasteners to be attached to vertical columns, thereby maximizing the load that the load-bearing structure can withstand.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to design a load-bearing structure for a shelving assembly that allows the longitudinal and lateral components of the structural load acting on the load-bearing structure to be correctly distributed.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to design a load-bearing structure for shelving units that allows for overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art in a simple, reasonable, easy-to-use, effective and cost-effective solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objective is achieved by the load-bearing structure for shelving units having the features of claim 1 in this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not unique, embodiment of the support structure for a shelving assembly, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of illustrative, but not limiting, example, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the load-bearing structure for a shelving assembly according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the load-bearing structure for a shelving assembly according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a detailed view of some components of the support structure for a shelving assembly according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an isometric view of another embodiment of the load-bearing structure for a shelving assembly according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Refer to these figures for details; reference numeral 1 in the figures indicates the load-bearing structure used for the shelving assembly.

[0024] The support structure 1 for the shelving assembly includes:

[0025] - At least one vertical column 2, the at least one vertical column 2 being provided with at least one longitudinal wall 4 and at least one fastening opening 3 formed along the longitudinal wall 4;

[0026] - At least one fastening body 5, the at least one fastening body 5 being provided with at least one fastening wall 6 and at least one fastening portion 7, 8; the at least one fastening portion 7, 8 being cantilevered on the fastening wall 6, the at least one fastening portion 7, 8 being insertable into the fastening opening 3 and slidingly moving between a fastening structure and at least one free structure within the fastening opening 3. In the fastening structure, the at least one fastening portion 7, 8 is connected to the fastening opening 3 by fastening the vertical column 2 to the fastening body 5; in the free structure, the at least one fastening portion 7, 8 is disengaged from the fastening opening 3, thereby releasing the vertical column 2 from the fastening body 5.

[0027] Preferably, the vertical column 2 is a column of a known type, which is set up to be placed on the ground and extend vertically in the longitudinal direction during use.

[0028] In addition, the vertical column 2 includes a plurality of peripheral walls 9 which are continuously connected to each other to define the configuration of the vertical column 2 together with the longitudinal wall 4.

[0029] Preferably, the longitudinal wall 4 and the fastening wall 6 have a substantially flat configuration.

[0030] In this way, in the fastening structure, the longitudinal wall 4 and the fastening wall 6 face each other and are arranged to be substantially parallel.

[0031] In particular, in the fastening structure, the longitudinal wall 4 and the fastening wall 6 are arranged to contact each other.

[0032] Advantageously, the longitudinal wall 4 is connected to the peripheral wall 9, forming a 90° angle between them.

[0033] Similarly, the fastening body 5 includes a side wall 10, which is connected to the fastening wall 6 and forms a 90° angle between them.

[0034] Furthermore, the peripheral wall 9 and the side wall 10 have a generally flat configuration. Therefore, in the fastening structure, the peripheral wall 9 and the side wall 10 face each other and are arranged in a generally parallel manner.

[0035] In particular, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the fastening structure, the peripheral wall 9 and the side wall 10 are arranged to contact each other.

[0036] Advantageously, the fastening parts 7 and 8 can be connected by inserting them into the fastening opening 3 in a removable manner.

[0037] Furthermore, other embodiments of structure 1 cannot be ruled out, wherein the vertical column 2 includes a plurality of longitudinal walls 4 arranged laterally to each other, and each longitudinal wall is provided with a plurality of fastening openings 3.

[0038] Specifically, the fastening portions 7 and 8 include a first fastening element 7 extending along a first extending direction A, and a second fastening element 8 extending along a second extending direction B that is substantially perpendicular to the first extending direction A.

[0039] By using two fastening elements 7 and 8 extending along two different directions A and B, this method allows the fastening portions 7 and 8 to be fastened within the fastening opening 3, thus increasing the stability and strength of the fastening structure and increasing the maximum load that structure 1 can withstand.

[0040] Conveniently, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 extend from the fastening wall 6 in a cantilevered manner along an unfolding direction C that is substantially perpendicular to the fastening wall 6 and perpendicular to the first extension direction A and the second extension direction B.

[0041] Furthermore, the first and second extension directions A and B are arranged substantially parallel to the fastening wall 6.

[0042] Specifically, in the fastening configuration, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 extend within the fastening opening 3 along their respective extending directions A and B, to fasten to the longitudinal wall 4 at the locations of at least two different fastening points.

[0043] Preferably, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0044] Furthermore, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 are arranged adjacent to each other to form a predetermined separation angle between the first and second extending directions A and B.

[0045] Advantageously, the fastening wall 6 includes a first panel 11 and a second panel 12, which overlap each other and each includes a first folded portion 13 defining a first fastening element 7 and a second folded portion 14 defining a second fastening element 8.

[0046] Furthermore, the first fold portion 13 defines the channel gap 15, and the second fold portion 14 is configured to pass through the channel gap 15.

[0047] Specifically, the first fold portion 13 defines a channel gap 15 on the first panel 11.

[0048] In other words, the first fold portion 13 is formed by folding a portion of the first panel 11, thereby simultaneously forming the channel gap 15.

[0049] Similarly, at the location of the channel gap 15, the second fold portion 14 is formed by folding a portion of the second panel 12.

[0050] Furthermore, at the location of the channel gap 15, the folding of the second fold portion 14 defines a corresponding channel opening formed on the second panel 12.

[0051] In this way, the first folded portion 13 and the second folded portion 14 extend cantileveredly from the same side of the fastening wall 6 along the unfolding direction C.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the first folded portion 13 and the second folded portion 14 have a substantially flat configuration.

[0053] Advantageously, the fastening wall 6 includes a plate-shaped element 16, which folds itself and defines the first panel 11 and the second panel 12.

[0054] Preferably, the plate-shaped element 16 coincides with the fastening body 5, which is made by machining the individual plate-shaped element 16, such as bending and cutting.

[0055] Conveniently, the vertical column 2 includes at least one peripheral edge 17, which at least partially defines the extension of the fastening opening 3.

[0056] Furthermore, the first fastening element 7 and the fastening wall 6 define a slit 18, and in the fastening configuration, the peripheral edge 17 is accommodated within the slit 18 by a slot.

[0057] This method prevents the fastening body 5 from moving along the unfolding direction C within the fastening structure.

[0058] Preferably, the peripheral edge 17 defines at least one lower boundary of the fastening opening 3.

[0059] Specifically, the first fastening element 7 includes at least one hook-shaped portion 19 that extends generally parallel to the fastening wall 6 to define a slit 18 together with the fastening wall 6.

[0060] In the fastening configuration, the slit 18 is arranged across the peripheral edge 17 within the fastening opening 3.

[0061] In fact, in the fastening configuration, the first fastening element 7 is arranged to support the peripheral edge 17 from top to bottom.

[0062] Advantageously, the vertical column 2 includes at least one side edge 20, which at least partially defines the extension of the fastening opening 3.

[0063] Specifically, the side edge 20 defines at least one side boundary of the fastening opening 3.

[0064] In addition, the first fastening element 7 includes a side surface 21, which is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the fastening wall 6 and contacts the side edge 20 in the fastening configuration.

[0065] Preferably, the side 21 is arranged to support the side edge 20.

[0066] The vertical column 2 includes a pair of side edges 22, which are arranged opposite to each other and converge to define at least one narrow portion 23 of the fastening opening 3.

[0067] In particular, in the fastening configuration, the second fastening element 8 is disposed in the narrow portion 23 by being inserted between the side edges 22.

[0068] Furthermore, the side edges 22 limit the lateral extension of the fastening opening 3, and the distance between them limits the lateral extension of the fastening opening 3.

[0069] Conveniently, the extension of the second fastening element 8 along the second extension direction B is substantially equal to the extension of the narrow portion 23.

[0070] Furthermore, the narrow portion 23 divides the fastening opening 3 into two hole extensions, which are arranged one on top of the other, wherein the upper hole extension and the lower hole extension both have lateral extension portions, and the lateral extension portions of the upper hole extension and the lower hole extension are respectively greater than and less than the extension of the second fastening element 8 along the second extension direction B.

[0071] Conveniently, the fastening body 5 includes at least one groove 24 formed on the second fastening element 8.

[0072] Furthermore, in the fastening configuration, one of the side edges 22 is accommodated within the groove 24 by a slot.

[0073] However, other embodiments of structure 1 cannot be excluded, wherein the second fastening element 8 has a configuration substantially the same as the first fastening element 7, and the second fastening element 8 includes a fastening portion that, together with the fastening wall 6, defines a groove similar to the groove 24.

[0074] This method prevents the fastening body 5 from moving along the unfolding direction C within the fastening structure.

[0075] Preferably, one of the side edges 22 coincides with the side edge 20.

[0076] Furthermore, in the fastening structure, the side edge 22 that coincides with the side edge 20 is opposite to the side edge 22 that is accommodated in the groove 24.

[0077] Preferably, the side edges 22 have the same inclination and converge at the bottom.

[0078] Furthermore, by connecting the peripheral edge 17 and the side edge 22, and making the peripheral edge 17 together with the side edge 22 at least partially define the fastening opening 3, the peripheral edge 17 is located between the side edges 22.

[0079] However, other embodiments of structure 1 cannot be ruled out, in which, in the fastening configuration, the side edge 22 accommodated within the groove 24 coincides with the peripheral edge 17.

[0080] Advantageously, in the fastening configuration, the second fastening element 8 is arranged substantially horizontally.

[0081] Similarly, in this configuration, the second extension direction B is essentially horizontal.

[0082] In this way, the second fastening element 8 counteracts the lateral torsional component of any structural load acting on structure 1. Therefore, the second fastening element 8 prevents the fastening body 5 from rotating around the vertical column 2.

[0083] Furthermore, in the fastening structure, the first fastening element 7 extends along the first extending direction A, and the inclination of the first fastening element 7 is substantially equal to the inclination of the side edge 22.

[0084] This method, combined with the arrangement of the second fastening element 8 in the fastening structure, helps to counteract the lateral torsional component of any structural loads acting on structure 1.

[0085] Preferably, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 each include an adjacent side 25, which extends longitudinally along the unfolding direction C.

[0086] Specifically, the 25 adjacent sides are arranged side by side and against each other.

[0087] Furthermore, the adjacent side 25 of the first fastening element 7 is substantially opposite to the slit 18, and the adjacent side 25 of the second fastening element 8 is substantially opposite to the groove 24.

[0088] Conveniently, the fastening opening 3 has a substantially triangular configuration, preferably an isosceles triangle.

[0089] Furthermore, the fastening opening 3 has an inverted triangular configuration, wherein the side edge 22 is located below the base of the triangle, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0090] Conveniently, the vertical column 2 includes a plurality of fastening openings 3 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In particular, the fastening openings 3 are arranged vertically aligned with each other along the body of the vertical column 2.

[0091] In addition, the fastening body 5 includes a plurality of fastening portions 7, 8, which are spaced apart at a distance substantially equal to the predetermined distance.

[0092] Specifically, the fastening parts 7 and 8 are arranged aligned with each other along the fastening wall 6.

[0093] More specifically, in the fastening structure, the fastening parts 7 and 8 are arranged to be perpendicularly aligned with each other.

[0094] Conveniently, structure 1 includes a transverse element 26, which is connected to the fastening body 5 and is arranged in the fastening configuration to be substantially perpendicular to the vertical column 2.

[0095] Preferably, the transverse element 26 and the fastening body 5 are made as a single unit.

[0096] Furthermore, in the fastening structure, the transverse element 26 is arranged perpendicular to the vertical column 2.

[0097] Advantageously, structure 1 includes a pair of fastening bodies 5 connected to the transverse element 26 opposite to each other to define at least one transverse body 27.

[0098] In addition, each fastening body 5 is connected to the corresponding vertical column 2.

[0099] In this way, the horizontal element 26 is placed between the two vertical columns 2, as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0100] Conveniently, structure 1 includes multiple horizontal main bodies 27 and multiple vertical columns 2.

[0101] Therefore, multiple vertical columns 2 and horizontal bodies 27 are connected to each other to form a modular structure 1, for example, including four vertical columns 2, which are configured to form the legs of a set of shelves and are connected to each other by inserting four horizontal bodies 27, wherein each horizontal body 27 is placed between two different vertical columns 2.

[0102] In practice, it has been determined that the described invention has achieved its intended purpose.

[0103] In particular, it is emphasized that the first and second fastening elements allow the fastening portion to be fastened to the fastening opening at two different fastening points, thus improving the stability and strength of the same load-bearing structure relative to known types of load-bearing structures.

[0104] These fastening elements also enable the load-bearing structure to withstand the maximum load.

[0105] Furthermore, the arrangement of the fastening elements along their respective extension directions allows the longitudinal and lateral components of the applied load to be correctly distributed on the load-bearing structure.

Claims

1. A load-bearing structure (1) for a shelving assembly, comprising: - At least one vertical column (2), the at least one vertical column (2) is provided with at least one longitudinal wall (4) and at least one fastening opening (3) formed along the longitudinal wall (4); - At least one fastening body (5), the at least one fastening body (5) being provided with at least one fastening wall (6) and at least one fastening portion, the at least one fastening portion forming a cantilever on the fastening wall (6), the at least one fastening portion being insertable into the fastening opening (3) and slidingly moving between a fastening structure and at least one free structure within the fastening opening (3); in the fastening structure, the at least one fastening portion being connected to the fastening opening (3) by fastening the vertical column (2) to the fastening body (5), and in the free structure, the at least one fastening portion being disengaged from the fastening opening (3) such that the vertical column (2) is released from the fastening body (5). The fastening portion includes a first fastening element (7) and a second fastening element (8), the first fastening element (7) extending along a first extending direction (A), and the second fastening element (8) extending along a second extending direction (B), the first and second fastening elements (7, 8) being adapted to be fastened to the longitudinal wall (4) in the fastening structure. The fastening wall (6) includes a first panel and a second panel (11, 12) that overlap each other, and the first and second panels (11, 12) respectively include a first fold portion (13) and a second fold portion (14), the first fold portion (13) defining the first fastening element (7) and the second fold portion (14) defining the second fastening element (8). The first fold portion (13) defines a channel gap (15), and the second fold portion is configured to pass through the channel gap (15). The first fold portion (13) is formed by folding a portion of the first panel (11) in such a way that the channel gap (15) is formed simultaneously. The characteristic is that the second extending direction (B) is substantially perpendicular to the first extending direction (A), and In the fastening configuration, the first fastening element (7) and the second fastening element (8) extend in their respective extension directions within the fastening opening (3) to fasten to the longitudinal wall (4) at the locations of at least two different fastening points.

2. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening wall (6) includes a plate-shaped element (16) that folds itself and defines the first panel and the second panel (11, 12).

3. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The vertical column (2) includes at least one peripheral edge (17) that at least partially defines the extension of the fastening opening (3); - The first fastening element (7) and the fastening wall (6) define a slit (18), in which the peripheral edge (17) is received in the slit (18) by a slot.

4. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The vertical column (2) includes a pair of side edges (22) that are positioned opposite each other and converge to define at least one narrow portion (23) of the fastening opening (3). - In the fastening configuration, the second fastening element (8) is provided in the narrow portion (23) by slotting between the side edges (22).

5. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fastening body (5) includes at least one groove (24) formed on the second fastening element (8), wherein one of the side edges (22) is accommodated in the groove (24) by a slot.

6. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The load-bearing structure (1) includes at least one transverse element (26) connected to the fastening body (5) and configured in the fastening structure to be substantially perpendicular to the vertical column (2).

7. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The load-bearing structure (1) includes a pair of fastening bodies (5) connected to the transverse element (26) opposite to each other to define at least one transverse body (27), and each of the fastening bodies (5) is connected to a corresponding vertical column (2).

8. The load-bearing structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The load-bearing structure (1) includes multiple horizontal main bodies (27) and multiple vertical columns (2).

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