Fastening system for shelves and other accessories for use in a rack frame of a shelving system and shelving system with the fastening system

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening system for shelves and other accessories within a rack frame of a shelving system, according to appended claim 1.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a shelving system that comprises said fastening system, according to appended claim 12.

[0003] In workshops, kitchens and the like, a large variety of individual tasks are performed that require a modular and modulable workstation that must allow the user to freely organize his or her workspace. Such workspaces regularly require incorporation of easy and flexible systems for hanging various accessories (shelves, basket slides, etc.). This involves the installation of different widths of shelves and baskets with the possibility of adjusting their respective height.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a fastening system and a shelving system of the above-mentioned types that can be used for setting up such a workstation in an easy, flexible and modulable way without requiring any complicated mounting and / or special tools or elements. Furthermore, said systems shall incorporate various accessories in order to broaden their usability.

[0005] US 4,233,912 A discloses a channel-shaped shelf standard designed to be mounted to a vertical surface. The standard comprises a backwall and two parallel sidewalls which feature longitudinally spaced cut-out portions for receiving and supporting shelves. The standard is affixed to a wall or similar surface via mounting holes.

[0006] BE 817 102 A describes a device for height-adjustable shelves and wall elements, particularly for use in furniture. The device utilizes a vertical rack formed by a U-shaped profile which is incorporated into a cabinet wall. A key feature of this system is that the hollow profile of the rack can be used to invisibly route electrical wires for audio-visual equipment.

[0007] GB 1 200 295 A relates to sectional furniture comprising upright end frames. Each end frame is constructed from two parallel, U-shaped metal strips whose flanges face inwards. These strips are connected by cross-pieces at their ends to form the structural frame itself. The flanges are slotted to receive bridge members, which in turn support shelves.

[0008] US 3,570,682 A discloses a rack and shelving system comprising vertically extending standards. These standards are channel members that serve as the primary structural uprights of the system and are designed to be fixedly installed between a floor, by means of a base plate, and a ceiling, by means of a connector plate. Guide members for supporting shelves or trays are then attached to these fixed standards.

[0009] The systems known from the prior art, however, often rely on the vertical standards being fixedly mounted to a wall or forming the main structural frame themselves. This can limit the modularity and reconfigurability of the workspace. There is a need for a system that allows for a more flexible and non-permanent installation of shelf-supporting elements within an existing frame structure.

[0010] It is the object of the present invention to provide such a fastening system and such a shelving system.

[0011] The object is achieved by means of a fastening system as defined in appended claim 1 and by means of a shelving system as defined in appended claim 12.

[0012] Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are defined in the respective dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, a fastening system for shelves and other accessories for use within a rack frame of a shelving system comprises a pilaster profile element of U-shaped cross-section at least in sections along its longitudinal extension, said pilaster profile element comprising a first free leg, a second free leg arranged essentially parallel to said first free leg, and a third connecting leg that connects said first free leg and said second free leg. Said first free leg and said second free leg extend beyond said third connecting leg in a first direction of longitudinal extension by an equal amount at both ends of the pilaster profile element. Furthermore, said first free leg and said second free leg each have a number of similarly shaped rectangular recesses (or cut-outs) separated by rectangular projections, which recesses are located at identical longitudinal positions along said pilaster profile element, i.e., the recesses in said first free leg and the recesses in said second free leg are located at identical longitudinal positions in pairwise fashion. Said pilaster profile element is thus devised for installation in a shelving system comprising said rack frame, as will become apparent later.

[0014] The term "essentially parallel" shall in particular include configurations in which the first free leg and the second free leg are not exactly parallel. Applicant has found that it may be advantageous to have a U-shaped configuration of the pilaster profile element in which there is an angle of approximately 89 degrees between the third connecting leg and at least one of the first and second free legs, preferably between the third connecting leg and both of said free legs.

[0015] The term "at least in sections along its longitudinal extension" shall include configurations of the pilaster profile element wherein the third connecting leg is not present over the entire length of the profile.

[0016] The term "free leg" as used above does not require that there is no connection whatsoever apart from said third connecting leg between said first and second free legs. For instance, a number of spatially limited joints between said first and second free legs shall not be interpreted as being incompatible with said term "free leg".

[0017] A shelving system according to the invention comprises the fastening system in accordance with the present invention; it further comprises a rack frame, said rack frame comprising at least four (main) uprights, i.e., vertical posts, that are connected to each other in pairs via at least two vertically spaced crossbars (i.e., two crossbars for each pair of uprights). The uprights and / or crossbars are preferably of rectangular cross-section. Said rack frame further comprises at least one pilaster profile element - as defined above - per upright. A given pilaster profile element extends along one of said uprights and is held clamped between said two vertically spaced crossbars. Furthermore, a free distance between said two vertically spaced crossbars corresponds to a length of said third connecting leg (of the pilaster profile element). Preferably, the pilaster profile element engages said two crossbars with the extensions in said first direction of said first free leg and of said second free leg, respectively. The two pilaster profile elements associated with a given pair of uprights (said uprights thus being connected by means of said crossbars) are oriented such that the recesses of one pilaster profile element face the recesses of the other pilaster profile element.

[0018] As stated above, the shelving system comprises said pilaster profile elements, which - in an embodiment - can be mounted to a repetitive (table) side frame or side element (that comprises two uprights and two crossbars) without welding or the use of any mounting components. They are easy to remove for cleaning. Any further elements that are used for hanging accessory items such as shelves and / or sliding baskets are inserted loosely between pairs of pilaster profile elements. The only locking element used consists of the hanging elements themselves (shelves, slides and supports), which, once suspended, prevent the pilaster profile elements, on which they are suspended, from being removed from the rack frame.

[0019] In addition, according to a further embodiment, the system can be expanded with a middle profile for hanging of accessories. This middle profile, which comprises two pilaster profile elements that are connected by means of an additional connecting profile element that extends at right angles with respect to both said pilaster profile elements, is not a permanently mounted element of the shelving system. This makes it possible to move it flexibly from left and right within the shelving system, thus adjusting its position to a width of the shelves. The middle profile, in one embodiment, has screw wedging elements to allow for fixation of their position in a given arrangement and ensure their stability.

[0020] The following embodiments of the present invention have proved particularly advantageous in practice: In one embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention the pilaster profile element has a like plurality of regularly distributed recesses in said first free leg and said second free leg. Preferably, a distance between neighbouring recesses, i.e., a length of said projections, corresponds to a width of said recesses. Most preferably, all of the recesses and projections, respectively, are identically shaped.

[0021] This allows to fix accessories in a flexible way at a variety of different heights or levels within the shelving system.

[0022] In another embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention, the fastening system further comprises at least a pair of said pilaster profile elements that are configured for parallel arrangement at a certain distance from each other with their respective recesses facing each other. In this context, said certain distance preferably corresponds to a free distance between the respective third connecting legs of said two pilaster profile elements.

[0023] This has already been mentioned above in connection with the shelving system. Such an arrangement of the pilaster profile elements can advantageously be used to suspend further accessory items therebetween.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention two of said pilaster profile elements are connected by means of a connecting profile element that extends at right angles with respect to both said pilaster profile elements, thus forming a U-shaped configuration (i.e., the above-mentioned middle profile). Preferably, respective ends of said two pilaster profile elements and of said connecting profile element are joined by means of a mitre or bevelled joint.

[0025] Such a configuration of two pilaster profile elements and of said connecting profile element can be employed as the middle profile that was mentioned earlier, thus providing an additional support for hanging accessories or for a shelf element that is independent from the rack frame as such.

[0026] In order to fix the middle profile at least temporarily with respect to the rack frame, in another preferred embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention, the fastening system further comprises, at a respective free end of at least one of said pilaster profile elements that constitute said middle profile, at an outer side in relation the said U-shaped configuration, a holding element that is devised to enclose a frame element (e.g., a longitudinal front or back bar) of said rack frame with positive fit. Said holding element is preferably removably fastened to said one of the pilaster profile elements, for instance by means of a screw.

[0027] This allows to fix the middle profile in temporary fashion, while at the same time allowing its displacement (when loosened) within the shelving system for to achieve configurational flexibility.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention, at least one of said pilaster profile elements (in said middle profile) has a slot-shaped aperture in a respective transition region from the first free leg to the third connecting leg and from the second free leg to the third connecting leg, respectively. Through these apertures a detachable fastening part engages with a respective one of two projections from an inner side of said U-shaped configuration to its outer side. Said two projections, which are preferable of identical shape, protrude from a main body of the fastening part to one side of the main body in order to fasten said one pilaster profile element in the region of a concave structure of the shelving system, when the main body (i.e., said fastening part) is arranged between the first free leg and the second free leg. Preferably, said slot-shaped apertures are located at a common longitudinal position along said pilaster profile element.

[0029] The middle profile can have said apertures in both of the pilaster profile elements for enhanced fixation, and accordingly two of said fastening parts are also provided. These fastening parts can also be referred to as screw wedging elements (cf. above) due to a form of their respective projections and a preferred way of attaching them to a respective pilaster profile element (i.e., by means of a screw).

[0030] In a highly preferred embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention, the fastening system further comprises at least one accessory profile element, preferably a shelf support or a basket slide. Said accessory profile element comprises a first leg, a second leg extending at right angles to said first leg and a third leg extending at right angles to said second leg and away from said first leg. At least at one end, the third leg has a protrusion. Said protrusion is bent at right angles with respect to said third leg towards said second leg. Furthermore, said protrusion has a reduced width with respect to a width of said third leg, such that - when bending said protrusion - a slot is formed between said second leg and a side edge of said protrusion. A width of said slot is (at least) equal to a wall thickness of said pilaster profile element in a region of said free legs thereof.

[0031] In this way, said accessory profile element can engage, with said slot, a projection of the pilaster profile element, such that the accessory profile element then rests on said projection with its third leg.

[0032] Most preferably, the third leg has two such protrusions, i.e., one at each end, and corresponding slots. In this way, said accessory profile element can be suspended between two pilaster profile elements - at different heights, depending of the number and / or locations of the recesses and projections.

[0033] Said accessory profile element can further have a fourth leg extending at right angles to said third leg and in parallel to said second leg, said second to fourth legs forming a U-shaped cross-section for enhanced stability.

[0034] The above-mentioned shelf support and basket slide may be devised as substantially similar accessory profile elements and may differ only with respect to a width and / or form of the respective first legs.

[0035] In another highly preferred embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention, the fastening system comprises i) two pairs of said pilaster profile elements arranged parallelly at a certain distance (cf. above) from each other with their respective recesses facing each other and ii) two of the above-defined accessory profile elements. The pilaster profile elements of each pair have a free distance between the respective third connecting legs. This free distance corresponds to a (maximum) length of said accessory profile element as measured along said third leg and including a wall thickness of said bent protrusion / s. The two accessory profile elements are placed between the respective pilaster profile elements of each pair with their respective first legs facing each other and with their respective slots engaging a respective projection of said pilaster profile elements, as was already mentioned earlier.

[0036] In this way, further accessory items, such as shelves and / or sliding baskets, can then be placed on said two first legs. By simply relocating the accessory profile elements along the pilaster profile elements one can adapt a configuration of the system in an easy and flexible way without the use of any (specialized) tools or sophisticated manual skills.

[0037] In yet another highly preferred embodiment of the fastening system in accordance with the invention said width of said third leg corresponds to (at most) half a free width of the pilaster profile element as measured between the first free leg and the second free leg thereof.

[0038] In this way it becomes possible to suspend two accessory profile elements side by side in one pilaster profile element, thus reducing a number of elements that are required to set up a shelving system in accordance with the present invention.

[0039] In an embodiment of the shelving system in accordance with the invention a given pair of uprights together with their respective crossbars and preferably their respective pilaster profile elements form a side element of the shelving system, which side elements are connected to each other by means of at least one front longitudinal bar and at least one back longitudinal bar. This yields a stable base construction for the intended workshop or kitchen use that resembles a table base or table stand.

[0040] Preferably, one of said longitudinal bars is enclosed by the above-mentioned holding element of an additional pair of pilaster profile elements (in said middle profile) that are connected in U-shaped configuration.

[0041] As stated before, the holding element can be moved along said longitudinal bar in order to flexibly choose a position of said middle profile.

[0042] In an embodiment of the shelving system in accordance with the invention, the shelving system further comprises a shelf element that is supported on said crossbars and - if present - preferably also on said connecting profile element (of the middle profile). In this way, the shelving element can have various lengths, and said connecting profile element can provide additional support if the shelf element is rather long.

[0043] Most preferably, the above-mentioned concave structure of the shelving system is devised as a concave lateral angulation of said shelf element, which concave lateral angulation is located on an underside of the shelf element. The above-mentioned fastening part can engage said concave structure with its projections, and said projections as well as the concave structure are shaped so that they fit together in a form-fitting engagement.

[0044] Furthermore, the shelf element can be of rectangular shape and can have (square or rectangular) cut-outs in its four corners for engaging the uprights, thus achieving further enhanced stability.

[0045] In another embodiment of the shelving system in accordance with the invention, the shelving system further comprises a shelf element - as mentioned earlier - or a basket element that has an overall rectangular contour and is devised flat at least in two opposite lateral edge areas. As already described above, the shelf element or basket element can thus be placed on one of said first legs of said accessory profile elements with a respective one of said edge areas. No tools and / or expert skills are required in this context.

[0046] Preferably, said shelf element or basket element has lateral angulations that extend in an upward direction and parallelly to said second legs of said accessory profile elements for enhanced stability and / or guidance.

[0047] Most preferably, said shelf element or basket element has front and / or back angulations that extend in a downward direction and in a direction opposite to said lateral angulations. Said front / back angulations can engage with the first legs of said accessory profile elements and thus secure said shelf element or basket element in place. Such a configuration may be preferred for the shelf element, which is not supposed to move, whereas the basket element may be a sliding basket element so that at least said back angulation may not be useful.

[0048] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with respect to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a pilaster profile element which forms part of the fastening system according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a rack frame with two pilaster profile elements as shown in Figure 1 in an exploded view; Figure 3 shows a preferred way of fixing the pilaster profile element of Figure 1 to the rack frame of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a side view of a rack frame with two mounted pilaster profile elements; Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of a rack frame with a mounted pilaster profile element; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an accessory profile element; Figure 7 shows a front view of the accessory profile element of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of two accessory profile elements as in Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a top view of the accessory profile element of Figure 6 in suspension between two pilaster profile elements as in Figure 1; Figure 10 shows a detailed front view of the arrangement in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of four pilaster profile elements as in Figure 1 and two pairs of accessory profile elements as in Figure 6; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of another accessory profile element; Figure 13 shows a front view of the accessory profile element of Figure 12; Figure 14 shows another perspective view of the accessory profile element of Figure 12; Figure 15 shows another perspective view of the accessory profile element of Figure 12; Figure 16 shows a top view of the accessory profile element of Figure 12; Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the accessory profile element of Figure 12 when suspended on a pilaster profile element as in Figure 1; Figure 18 shows an exploded perspective view of four pilaster profile elements as in Figure 1, a pair of accessory profile elements as in Figure 12 and a shelf element; Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a middle profile with fastening parts and holding elements, partly exploded; Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a middle profile with fastening parts and holding elements, completely assembled; Figure 21 shows a perspective view of various components of the shelving system, partly exploded; Figure 22 shows a perspective view of various components of the shelving system in assembled form together with a rack frame; Figure 23 shows another perspective view of various components of the shelving system in exploded form together with a rack frame; Figure 24 shows another perspective view of various components of the shelving system in exploded form together with a rack frame; Figure 25 shows the elements according to Figure 24 in assembled form; Figure 26 shows a variant of the pilaster profile element of Figure 1; and Figure 27 shows another variant of the pilaster profile element of Figure 1.

[0049] In all Figures, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements or elements having at least similar functions.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a pilaster profile element 1 of U-shaped cross-section that is a central part of the fastening system according to the invention. Said pilaster profile element 1 comprising a first free leg 1a, a second free leg 1b that is arranged parallel to said first free leg 1a, and a third connecting leg 1c that connects said first free leg 1a and said second free leg 1c, as shown. Said first free leg 1a and said second free leg 1b extend beyond said third connecting leg 1c in a first direction of longitudinal extension by an equal amount A at both ends of the pilaster profile element 1. Said first free leg 1a and said second free leg 1b each have a number of similarly shaped rectangular recesses 1aa, 1ba separated by similarly shaped rectangular projections 1ab, 1bb that are located at identical longitudinal positions along the free legs 1a, 1b of said pilaster profile element 1.

[0051] Said pilaster profile element 1 is preferably made from metal (e.g., steel) and is devised for installation in a shelving system comprising a rack frame, as will be explained later.

[0052] As can further be gathered from Figure 1, the pilaster profile element 1 has a like plurality of regularly distributed recesses 1aa, 1ba in said first free leg 1a and said second free leg 1b, respectively. Furthermore, a distance between neighbouring recesses 1aa, 1ba, which equals a length LP of said projections 1ab, 1bb, corresponds to a width WR of said recesses 1aa, 1ba.

[0053] Turning now to Figure 2, two pilaster profile elements 1 as shown in Figure 1 are depicted together with a rack frame 2 comprising at least four (main) uprights or vertical posts 2a, of which only two are visible. Said uprights 2a are connected to each other in pairs via at least two vertically spaced crossbars 2b, 2b'. Preferably, both the uprights 2a and the crossbars 2b, 2b' in a given pair are of rectangular cross-section. The pair of uprights 2a shown in Figure 2 and the crossbars 2b, 2b', preferably together with the pilaster profile elements 1, form a side element 3 of a shelving system, which side elements 3 are connected to each other by means of at least one front longitudinal bar 4 and at least one back longitudinal bar 5. The rack frame 2 can further have wheels 6, as known to the skilled person.

[0054] Said rack frame 2 thus comprises at least one pilaster profile element 1 per upright 2a, wherein a given pilaster profile element 1 extends along one of said uprights 2a and is held clamped between said two vertically spaced crossbars 2b, 2b', as illustrated in Figure 3, which shows different stages (from left to right) of inserting a pilaster profile element 1 between said two vertically spaced crossbars 2b, 2b'. To this end, a free distance FD between said two vertically spaced crossbars 2b, 2b' corresponds to a length L3 of said third connecting leg 1c, cf. Figure 1. As can further be seen from Figure 3, in particular the right drawing thereof, the pilaster profile element 1 engages said two crossbars 2b, 2b' with the above-described extensions in said first direction of said first free leg 1a and said second free leg 1b, respectively (cf. Figure 1).

[0055] It should be noted that Figure 3 additionally shows a shelf element 7' that is placed on the upper crossbars 2b (only one is visible). However, this does not alter the clamping of the pilaster profile elements 1 between the crossbars 2b, 2b'. The shelf element 7' will be explained in further detail below in connection with Figures 21 and 22.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a side view of a rack frame 2 (without wheels) with two pilaster profile elements 1 clamped between crossbars 2b, 2b'. It should be noted that the recessed portions (not marked) of the pilaster profile elements 1 face each other, as shown.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a more detailed perspective view of the arrangement in Figure 3, rightmost drawing, without said shelf element. Reference numeral 8 denotes an accessory profile element supported by the pilaster profile element 1, which will be explained now in more detail with reference to Figures 6 through 11.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of said accessory profile element 8 which is devised in the form of a basket slide, i.e., for supporting thereon a sliding basket or another type of receptacle, e.g., a bowl or the like. Said accessory profile element 8 comprises a first leg 8a, a second leg 8b extending at right angles to said first leg 8a, and a third leg 8c extending at right angles to said second leg 8b and away from said first leg 8a, as shown. The third leg 8c, of width W3, has a protrusion 8d at both ends, which protrusion / s is / are bent at right angles with respect to said third leg 8c and towards said second leg 8b. Said protrusions 8d have a reduced width with respect to said width W3 of said third leg 8c, such that a slot 8e is formed between said second leg 8b and a side edge 8d' of said protrusion 8d, as can best be seen from Figure 7. A width WS of said slot 8e is at least equal to a wall thickness WT (cf. Figure 1) of said pilaster profile element 1 (cf. Figure 1) in a region of said free legs 1a, 1b (cf. Figure 1) thereof. A length L of said third leg 8c, including a wall thickness WP (cf. Figure 10) of the protrusions 8d, equals or is smaller than a free distance FD' between the respective third connecting legs of said two pilaster profile elements 1, as illustrated in Figure 4. On the other hand, said length L is at least as long as (preferably longer than) a free distance FD" between the respective projections of said two pilaster profile elements 1, as also illustrated in Figure 4. Thus, preferably FD" < L < FD'. If L were shorter than FD", said accessory profile element 8 could not be supported by said two pilaster profile elements 1. In particular, L ≈ FD‴ (cf. Figure 4), wherein FD‴ denotes the free distance between opposite recesses of said two pilaster profile elements 1.

[0059] The accessory profile element 8 further has a fourth leg 8f (cf. Figure 6) that extends at right angles to said third leg 8c and in parallel to said second leg 8b, said second to fourth legs 8b, 8c and 8f thus forming an asymmetric U-shaped cross-section (the second leg 8b being wider than the fourth leg 8f, as shown).

[0060] According to Figure 8, two accessory profile elements 8 can advantageously be arranged with their respective first legs 8a facing each other.

[0061] Going back to Figure 5, it can be seen that the accessory profile element 8 engages a projection (not visible) of the second free leg 1b of the pilaster profile element 1 with said slot (not visible) at one of its ends, such that the third leg 8c rests on an upper edge of said projection. The same applies in connection with a second pilaster profile element 1 at the other end of the accessory profile element 8 (not visible).

[0062] As further be gathered from Figure 5, said width W3 of said third leg 8c corresponds to (at most) half a free width FW (cf. Figure 1) of the pilaster profile element 1 as measured between the first free leg 1a and the second free leg 1b thereof. In this way, each pilaster profile element 1 can, in principle, support two accessory profile elements 8 that are located side by side at a common height or level.

[0063] Figures 9 and 10 shows top views of the accessory profile element 8 in engagement with the pilaster profile element 1. As can best be seen from the detailed view in Figure 10, the first and seconds legs 8a, 8b of the accessory profile element 8 extend beyond the third and fourth legs 8c, 8f by an amount that essentially equals a corresponding dimension D of upright 2a (schematically shown with dashed lines) plus a free distance D' that remains between protrusion 8d and upright 2a.

[0064] Figure 11 shows how four accessory profile elements 8 can be combined with four pilaster profile elements 1 to devise a flexible arrangement that allows to place, e.g., two sliding baskets (not shown) at different heights or levels in a rack frame 2, as shown in part in Figure 2.

[0065] Figures 12 through 16 show a different type of accessory profile element 8 that can be used for supporting a shelf element. This accessory profile element 8 differs from the one described before in connection with Figures 6 through 11 only in the relative dimensions of its (first to fourth) legs 8a-c, 8f so that a thorough discussion thereof is not necessary and a common reference numeral 8 is used to designate both types of said accessory profile element. Reference can insofar be made to the description of Figures 6 through 11.

[0066] In particular, it can be noted that the first leg 8a of the accessory profile element 8 in Figures 12-16 has a much smaller width compared to the same element in Figures 6-11.

[0067] Figure 17 shows the interaction of the accessory profile element 8 of Figures 12 through 16 with a pilaster profile element 1. Reference can insofar be made to the above description of Figures 5, 9 and 10, respectively.

[0068] Figure 17 further shows a shelf element 7 that differs from the shelf element 7' in Figure 3. The shelf element 7 of Figure 17 is supported by the first leg 8a of accessory profile element 8 (and by the first leg of another accessory profile element 8 that is not visible). Furthermore, said shelf element 7 has at least a back angulation 7a that extends in a downward direction and is further bent inwards at a free end thereof for increased stability.

[0069] Figure 18 shows how two accessory profile elements 8 according to Figures 12-16 and a shelf element 7 as described just above can be combined with four pilaster profile elements 1 to devise a flexible arrangement that allows to place said shelf element 7 at different heights or levels in a rack frame 2, as shown in part in Figure 2.

[0070] As can further be seen from Figure 18, shelf element 7 has lateral angulations 7b that extend in an upward direction and parallelly to the second legs 8b (cf. Figures 12-16) of the accessory profile elements 8. Reference numeral 7c denotes a front angulation (that can be similar to back angulation 7a).

[0071] Shelf element 7 has an overall rectangular contour and is devised flat at least in two opposite lateral edge areas. Thus, shelf element 7 can be placed on one of said first legs 8a of accessory profile element 8 (cf. Figures 12 to 17) with a respective one of said edge areas (in which edge areas also are located said lateral angulations 7b).

[0072] Figures 19 and 20 show two pilaster profile elements 1 that are connected by means of a connecting profile element 9 that extends at right angles with respect to both said pilaster profile elements 1, thus forming an overall U-shaped configuration. Respective ends of said pilaster profile elements 1 and of said connecting profile element 9, which is of U-shaped cross-section, too, are joined by means of a mitre or bevelled joint.

[0073] At a respective free end of both said pilaster profile elements 1, at an outer side in relation the said U-shaped configuration, there is arranged a respective holding element 10 in the form of a U-shaped clamp that is devised to enclose a frame element of said rack frame, i.e., either front longitudinal bar 4 or back longitudinal bar 5 (cf. Figure 2) with positive fit; when loosened, they can slide on said front or back longitudinal bars 4, 5. The holding elements 10 are removably fastened to a respective one of the pilaster profile elements 1 by means of a screw 11 and a T-shaped latch 1d that is part of the pilaster profile elements 1 and interacts with a complementary recess 10a of holding elements 10. Figure 19 shows a partly dissembled state, whereas Figure 20 shows the wholly assembled state.

[0074] Furthermore, both said pilaster profile elements 1 have slot-shaped apertures 1e, 1f in a respective transition region from the first free leg 1a to the third connecting leg 1c and from the second free leg 1b to the third connecting leg 1c (cf. Figure 1) in a region of connection with said connecting profile element 9. Said slot-shaped apertures 1e, 1f are located at a common longitudinal position along a given pilaster profile element 1. Through said apertures 1e, 1f a detachable fastening part 12 engages with a respective one of two projections 12a, 12b from an inner side of said U-shaped configuration to its outer side, as can be seen in Figure 20. Said projections 12a, 12b protrude from a main body 12c of the fastening part 12 to one side of the main body 12c. The fastening part 12 can be attached to the pilaster profile elements 1 by means of a screw 13 and then resides, with its main body 12c, within connecting profile element 9 and between the free legs of a given pilaster profile element 1. Again, Figure 19 shows a partly dissembled state, whereas Figure 20 shows the fully assembled state.

[0075] The projections 12a, 12b serve to fasten a corresponding one of the pilaster profile elements 1 in the region of a concave structure of a shelving system, as will become clear from Figures 21 and 22.

[0076] Figure 21 shows the various components of the fastening system described so far in a partly dissembled state and without the rack frame 2 (cf. Figure 2). Further included in Figure 21 are two shelf elements 7, as previously described with respect to Figure 17, and an additional larger shelf element 7', as previously described in connection with Figure 3. Said larger shelf element 7' is devised to be supported, at its lateral edges, on the crossbars of the rack frame that are not shown in Figure 21 and not visible in Figure 22. To this end, shelf element 7' further has rectangular cut-outs 7a' at its four corners, as shown in Figure 21, which are devised to engage the uprights 2a, cf. Figure 22. Furthermore, shelf element 7' is supported on connection profile element 9, as previously described in connection with Figures 19 and 20.

[0077] Along its front and back edges shelf element 7' has downward angulations 7b' which form a concave structure 7c' that can be engaged by the projections 12a, 12b of fastening part 12, as previously described in connection with Figures 19 and 20. This serves to enhance the stability of the U-shaped middle profile arrangement.

[0078] Holding element 10 engages the font longitudinal bar 4 of the rack frame 2, cf. Figure 22. The same holds with respect to the back longitudinal bar 5; however, the corresponding holding element is not visible in Figure 22. In this way, the U-shaped middle profile arrangement can be arranged freely between the two side elements 3 of the rack frame 2.

[0079] The uprights 2a extend beyond shelf element 7' in an upward direction and can serve to support a worktop or the like, as will become apparent from Figures 23 ff.

[0080] Figure 23 shows the rack frame 2 together with the components depicted in Figure 21 in dissembled form. As mentioned earlier, the uprights 2a of the rack frame 2 serve to support a worktop 13 with an additional over-shelf arrangement 14 that will be described in a further application. Said components can be combined with the rack frame 2 of Figure 23 as previously explained in connection with Figure 22.

[0081] The configuration of Figure 23 is preferably used as a preparation table for fast food restaurants.

[0082] Figures 24 and 25 shows a further utilisation of some of the various components that form part of the present invention in partly disassembled and fully assembled form, respectively. Figure 25 comprises one further shelf element 7 (with corresponding accessory profile elements 8) that is not shown in Figure 24. The additional six accessory profile elements 8 can be used to support sliding baskets or the like (not shown).

[0083] The configuration of Figures 24 and 25 is preferably used as a toaster table for fast food restaurants. There is no middle profile element.

[0084] As shown in Figure 26, the term "free leg" as used to characterise the pilaster profile element 1 does not require that there is no connection whatsoever apart from said third connecting leg 1c between said first and second free legs 1a, 1b. For instance, a number of spatially limited (welded) joints 15 can be present between said first and second free legs 1a, 1b, one of which is shown in Figure 26. Such additional joints 15 shall not be interpreted as being incompatible or as interfering with said term "free leg".

[0085] As shown in Figure 27, the term "at least in sections along its longitudinal extension" shall include configurations of the pilaster profile element 1 wherein the third connecting leg 1c is not present over the entire length of the profile 1.

[0086] For instance, in sub-figure a) of Figure 27, the third connecting leg 1c is present only in an end region of the pilaster profile element 1 whereas the first and second free legs 1a, 1b are not interconnected in the further course of the longitudinal extension. Still, the pilaster profile element 1 has said U-shaped configuration at least in one section of its longitudinal extension. The other end (not shown) of the pilaster profile element 1 can be devised similarly.

[0087] As can be further gathered from sub-figure b) of Figure 27, the pilaster profile element 1 can have an overall T-shaped configuration when looked upon along its extension direction owing to a rearward extension 1b' of second free leg 1b. If the same applies to said first free leg 1a, as is comprised in the scope of the present invention, the pilaster profile element 1 would present an overall H-shaped configuration (not shown) when looked upon along its extension direction.

[0088] The term "essentially parallel" as used in the context of the free legs of pilaster profile element 1 shall in particular also include configurations in which the first free leg 1a and the second free 1b leg are not exactly parallel, as shown in Figure 27 b). Applicant has found that it may be advantageous to use an approximate U-shaped configuration of the pilaster profile element 1 in which there is an angle α of approximately 89 degrees between the third connecting leg 1c and at least one of the first and second free legs 1a, 1b, preferably between the third connecting leg 1c and both of said free legs 1a, 1b, as shown.

Claims

1. A fastening system for shelves (7) and other accessories for use within a rack frame (2) of a shelving system, wherein the fastening system comprises a pilaster profile element (1) of U-shaped cross-section at least in sections along its longitudinal extension, said pilaster profile element (1) comprising a first free leg (1a), a second free leg (1b) arranged essentially parallel to said first free leg (1a), and a third connecting leg (1c) that connects said first free leg (1a) and said second free leg (1b), wherein said first free leg (1a) and said second free leg (1b) extend beyond said third connecting leg (1c) in a first direction of longitudinal extension by an equal amount (A) at both ends of the pilaster profile element (1) and wherein said first free leg (1a) and said second free leg (1b) each have a number of similarly shaped rectangular recesses (1aa, 1ba) separated by rectangular projections (1ab, 1bb) that are located at identical longitudinal positions along said pilaster profile element (1).

2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the pilaster profile element (1) has a plurality of regularly distributed recesses (1aa, 1ba) in said first free leg (1a) and said second free leg (1b), respectively, wherein preferably a distance (LP) between neighbouring recesses (1aa, 1ba) corresponds to a width (WR) of said recesses (1aa, 1ba).

3. The fastening system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a pair of said pilaster profile elements (1) that are configured for parallel arrangement at a certain distance from each other with the respective recesses (1aa, 1ba) facing each other, wherein said certain distance preferably corresponds to a free distance (FD') between the respective third connecting legs (1c) of said two pilaster profile elements (1).

4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein said pilaster profile elements (1) are connected by means of a connecting profile element (9) that extends at right angles with respect to both said pilaster profile (1), thus forming a U-shaped configuration, wherein preferably respective ends of said pilaster profile elements (1) and of said connecting profile element (9) are joined by means of a mitre joint.

5. The fastening system of claim 4, further comprising at a respective free end of at least one of said pilaster profile elements (1), at an outer side in relation the said U-shaped configuration, a holding element (10) that is devised to enclose a frame element (4, 5) of said rack frame (2) with positive fit, which holding element (10) is preferably removably fastened to said one of the pilaster profile elements (1).

6. The fastening system of claim 4 or 5, at least one of said pilaster profile elements (1) has a slot-shaped aperture (1e, 1f) in a respective transition region from the first free leg (1a) to the third connecting leg (1c) and from the second free leg (1b) to the third connecting leg (1c), through which a detachable fastening part (12) engages with a respective one of two projections (12a, 12b) from an inner side of said U-shaped configuration to its outer side, which projections (12a, 12b) protrude from a main body (12c) of the fastening part (12) to one side of the main body (12c) in order to fasten said one pilaster profile element (1) in the region of a concave structure (7c') of the shelving system, when the main body (12c) is arranged between the first free leg (1a) and the second free leg (1b), wherein preferably said slot-shaped apertures (1e, 1f) are located at a common longitudinal position along said pilaster profile element (1).

7. The fastening system of any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising at least one accessory profile element (8), preferably a shelf support or a basket slide, said accessory profile element (8) comprising a first leg (8a), a second leg (8b) extending at right angles to said first leg (8a), a third leg (8c) extending at right angles to said second leg (8b) and away from said first leg (8a), which third leg (8c) has a protrusion (8d) at least at one end, which protrusion (8d) is bent at right angles with respect to said third leg (8c) towards said second leg (8b) and wherein said protrusion (8d) has a reduced width with respect to a width (W3) of said third leg (8c), such that a slot (8e) is formed between said second leg (8b) and a side edge (8d') of said protrusion (8d), a width (WS) of said slot (8e) being equal to a wall thickness (WT) of said pilaster profile element (1) in a region of said free legs (1a, 1b) thereof.

8. The fastening system of claim 7, wherein said third leg (8c) has a respective protrusion (8d) at both of its ends.

9. The fastening system of claim 7 or 8, wherein said accessory profile element (8) has a fourth leg (8f) extending at right angles to said third leg (8c) and in parallel to said second leg (8b), said second to fourth legs (8b, 8c, 8f) forming a U-shaped cross-section.

10. The fastening system of claim 9, comprising two pairs of said pilaster profile elements (1) arranged according to claim 3 and at least two of the accessory profile elements (8) according to claim 9, wherein the pilaster profile elements (1) of each pair are located parallelly with a free distance (FD') between the respective third connecting legs (1c), which free distance (FD') corresponds to or exceeds a length (L) of said accessory profile element (8) as measured along said third leg (8c) and including a wall thickness (WP) of said protrusion (8d), wherein the two accessory profile elements (8) are placed between the respective pilaster profile elements (1) of each pair with their respective first legs (8a) facing each other and with their respective slots (8e) engaging a respective projection (1aa, 1ba) of said pilaster profile elements (1).

11. The fastening system of claim 10, wherein said width (W3) of said third leg (8c) corresponds to half a free width (FW) of the pilaster profile element (1) as measured between the first free leg (1a) and the second free leg (1b) thereof.

12. A shelving system comprising the fastening system of any one of the preceding claims and further comprising a rack frame (2), said rack frame (2) comprising at least four uprights (2a) that are connected to each other in pairs via at least two vertically spaced crossbars (2b, 2b'), preferably of rectangular cross-section, said rack frame (2) further comprising at least one pilaster profile element (1) per upright (2a), wherein a given pilaster profile element (1) extends along one of said uprights (2a) and is held clamped between said two vertically spaced crossbars (2b, 2b'), wherein a free distance (FD) between said two vertically spaced crossbars (2b, 2b') corresponds to a length (L3) of said third connecting leg (1c), wherein preferably the pilaster profile element (1) engages said two crossbars (2b, 2b') with the extensions of said first free leg (1a) and said second free leg (1b) in said first direction, respectively.

13. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein a given pair of uprights (2a) their respective crossbars (2b, 2b') form a side element (3) of the shelving system, which side elements (3) are connected to each other by means of at least one front longitudinal bar (4) and at least one back longitudinal bar (5), wherein preferably and with reference to claim 7 one of said longitudinal bars (4, 5) is enclosed by said holding element (10) of an additional pair of pilaster profile elements (1) that are connected according to claim 6.

14. The shelving system of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a shelf element (7') that is supported on at least two of said crossbars (2b') and preferably and with reference to claim 6 also on said connecting profile element (9), wherein most preferably and with reference to claim 8 said concave structure (7c') of the shelving system is devised as a concave lateral angulation (7b') of said shelf element (7'), which concave lateral angulation (7b') is located on an underside of the shelf element (7').

15. The shelving system of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a shelf element (7) or a basket element that has an overall rectangular contour and is devised flat at least in two opposite lateral edge areas, which shelf element (7) or basket element preferably and with reference to claim 10 is placed on one of said first legs (8a) with a respective one of said edge areas.