Fastening elements for shelves

Abstract

A fastening element (10; 100; 200) is described for fastening a shelf (M) to the inside of a compartment of an item of furniture. The side of the shelf is provided with a cavity (52), which is vertical in use and has a downward-facing opening and, for example, a lower abutment (54) at the downward-facing opening. The fastening element comprises a flexible element (20) extending in a cantilevered manner and, for example, provided at its free end with a stop tooth (22), the fastening element being configured to be insertable inside the cavity through said downward-facing opening, whereby the stop tooth (22) engages with the abutment (54) and prevents the shelf from lifting up relative to the inner surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening system for shelves or shelving units of furniture items, and to components of this system. The invention also relates to an element for fastening a closable shelf to the inner surface of a compartment of a furniture item. Shelf also means a tray, container, drawer or board. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that furniture items or cabinets are fitted with shelves which are often not horizontally slidable or removable, i.e. the shelves are fixed to the furniture wall, For economy and ease of assembly, the fixing is made between pins protruding from the wall and corresponding vertical recesses in the shelf.

[0003] The biggest obvious drawback is that the shelf can be lifted unexpectedly, as only the weight of the shelf holds it to the furniture item. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Improving this state of the art is the main goal of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims, of which the dependent claims define advantageous modifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The fastening element is proposed to fasten a closable shelf to the inner surface of the compartment of the furniture item, the side of the shelf being an opening facing downwards during use; a cavity with a lower abutment, e.g., at a downwardly facing opening, The fastening element is a flexible element extending in a cantilevered manner and fitted with, for example, a blocking tooth at its free end, It is adapted to be insertable (vertically in use) into the cavity via said downwardly facing opening, for example by snapping, so that the teeth engage said abutments.

[0006] In a preferred variant, the fastening elements are fixed to the furniture item and receive the shelf, in particular to the inner surface of the compartment.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system (or kit of components) comprising an insulated shelf on the inner surface of a compartment of a furniture item and the fastening elements described above.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of assembling said shelf and said fastening element, wherein the fastening element is inserted into the cavity (vertically in use) through said downwardly facing opening by positioning the teeth to engage with said abutments, e.g., by snap-fitting, etc. The insertion of the fastening element into the cavity is a relative motion and can be achieved by moving only one of the two while the other remains fixed.

[0009] These aspects of the invention prevent the shelf from unexpectedly lifting off the support member due to cooperation between the stop teeth and the abutments.

[0010] Additionally, the shelves are simple to manufacture and quick and easy to assemble inside the compartment.

[0011] Below are some preferred variations in these aspects of the invention, which can be utilized alone or in combination with each other.

[0012] In particular, the fastening element may also comprise a component with a support function for supporting the shelf.

[0013] For shelves with side openings delimited by edges, in particular with substantially vertical and / or converging edges, the fastening elements are preferably located at the sides, a first side edge that is substantially complementary to an edge of the side opening; a second side edge having a width greater than that of the first edge, forming a step between the first and second edges; Equipped with.

[0014] In this way, the first edge can be positioned between the edges of the side opening and the second edge can be positioned in a cavity behind the edges of the side opening to prevent the part from slipping out laterally by being held by opposite sides of the part.

[0015] The fastening element has an upper portion in use, one variant of which is - through holes for fastening to the compartment, for example by means of screws; a peripheral edge, e.g. convex and / or at least semicircular, with a first edge and a second edge, the second edge having a width greater than the first edge and forming a step between the first and second edges, the step in an upper part abutting the contour of the cavity.

[0016] This step may act to hold and / or support the shelf when the upper portion abuts the cavity contour of the shelf.

[0017] The fastening element variant comprises an upper portion which, in use, is provided with a concave, e.g. at least semicircular, peripheral edge, the peripheral edge comprising a first edge and a second edge, the second edge having a width greater than the first edge and forming a step between the first and second edges; The auxiliary element for supporting the shelf, which is flexible relative to the compartment, is a step complementary to the step in the upper portion; and Between each step, it is possible to connect with the upper part by form-fitting.

[0018] Generally, the first and second edges may be present on one and the same individual part of the fastening element, or on separate parts that can be connected to each other during assembly. In a variant, the first and second edges may be present on the upper part of the fastening element and / or on different parts of the fastening element. Alternatively, the upper part may be included in an auxiliary element with the first and second edges, which is connected to the fastening element and provides the fastening element with a support function. In particular, the first and second edges may be included in a washer or fastener used to secure the fastening element to the compartment. This fastener is preferably attached to a screw and / or preferably to the through-hole.

[0019] The upper portion may be centrally perforated and have first and second edges, e.g., at least a semicircular and / or convex periphery, or the upper portion may be non-perforated and have first and second edges, e.g., a concave periphery (for receiving the stem and head of a screw) that is at least semicircular.

[0020] Preferably, the step formed by the first and second edge portions and the step formed by the first and second edge portions are extensions of the other.

[0021] The vertical cavity may be open or closed upward.

[0022] The edges of the cavities are preferably upwardly tapered to create a wedge between the first edges and the edges of the cavities, so that the first edges converge to be aligned with, but not parallel to, the cavities.

[0023] The upper portion may abut against the ceiling of the vertical cavity to provide additional support.

[0024] In these configurations, it is always ensured that the fastening elements are held in place by the edges of the side openings and / or by the supporting shelves.

[0025] Said lower abutment can for example be the end of a vertical cavity for constructional simplicity, or the cavity itself likewise comprises a recess, the edge of which forms the abutment.

[0026] In particular, the abutment and / or the edge of the cavity or recess is horizontal.

[0027] The fastening element preferably comprises two parallel, spaced apart segments, A flexible element is positioned between these two segments and projects cantilevered and parallel therefrom; Each parallel segment has an outermost edge on which lie edges such as the first and second edges described above.

[0028] In particular, the flexible element cantilevers from the top portion or from the body with the first and second edges.

[0029] In deformation, the flexible element lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the through hole (if any), in particular the teeth extend parallel to the axis of the through hole (if any).

[0030] To maximize mechanical rigidity, the flexible element extends vertically from the top portion in use, and the edges of the cavity or recess extend horizontally.

[0031] The fastening member or body preferably comprises two parallel, spaced apart segments, the flexible member being located between and parallel to the two segments.

[0032] A variation of two parallel segments extends from the upper portion or is otherwise included in the body.

[0033] The outer edges of the parallel segments and / or upper portion may be configured like the first and second edges.

[0034] The first and second edges form a peripheral step, and if the first and second edges are present on the upper portion, preferably the peripheral step extends along an arc of at least 90°, preferably 180°, about the axis or imaginary axis of the through hole (if any).

[0035] The second edge defines a perimeter or peripheral edge that is larger than the width of the cavity profile and useful for retaining and / or supporting the shelf. Preferably, the perimeter or peripheral edge rests on the surface from which the restraining teeth project. Preferably, the cavity includes a complementary undercut for receiving the peripheral edge.

[0036] In particular, to create the peripheral step, the part or body of the fastening element has two cross sections, which have different widths when viewed in respective planes parallel to each other and offset and perpendicular to the axis of the through hole (if any).

[0037] Preferably, the fastening element comprises a flat element integral with the ends of the two parallel segments opposite the upper part (if any), which flat element extends in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of the through-hole (if any). Otherwise, the flat elements integral with the ends of the two parallel segments extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension axis of the parallel segments. The flat element may have a support and / or closing function for the cavity of the shelf.

[0038] Preferably, the flexible element is fitted, for example at its free end, with a second tooth extending in the opposite direction to the upper part, which facilitates the release of the blocking tooth when pressed, for example with a tool.

[0039] The vertical cavity in the shelf may be made directly in the side of the metal shelf, or may be made using the metal side, especially in cases where the shelf side is made of metal or plastic profiles. Since it is more difficult to make a vertical cavity directly in the side of a wooden shelf, as a variant, the vertical cavity is included in an insert attached to the side of the shelf. In particular, the insert comprises and / or forms a vertical cavity as defined above, in particular a vertical cavity that is open downward and laterally, closed upward, and has the above-mentioned lower abutment. In particular, the insert comprises one or each of the above-mentioned variants for the vertical cavity. In particular, the insert may comprise a body that defines the vertical cavity and a threaded pin that extends from the body in a direction perpendicular to the vertical extension of the cavity.

[0040] The fastening elements can be manufactured by bending plastic, wood or metal sheets.

[0041] The advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred example of the system, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a fastening element of a shelf. [Figure 2] 2 is another elevational view of the fastening element of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fastening element of FIG. 1 taken along the plane IV-IV. [Figure 5] 2 is an elevational view of a variation on the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1. [Figure 7a] 7a and 7b show the installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1, the pair of FIGS. 7a and 7b showing the same installation configuration, with FIG. 7a being a cross-sectional view. [Figure 7b]7a and 7b show the installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1, the pair of FIGS. 7a and 7b showing the same installation configuration, with FIG. 7b being a perspective view. [Figure 8a] 8a and 8b show the installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1, the pair of FIGS. 8a and 8b showing the same installation configuration, FIG. 8a being a cross-sectional view. [Figure 8b] 8a and 8b show the installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1, the pair of FIGS. 8a and 8b showing the same installation configuration, with FIG. 8b being a perspective view. [Figure 9a] 9a and 9b show the installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1, the pair of FIGS. 9a and 9b showing the same installation configuration, with FIG. 9a being a cross-sectional view. [Figure 9b] 9a and 9b show the installation sequence of the fastening element of FIG. 1, the pair of FIGS. 9a and 9b showing the same installation configuration, with FIG. 9b being a perspective view. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a shelf insert. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another elevational view of the insert of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a variation of the shelf insert. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing the installation sequence of FIGS. 10 and 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing the installation sequence of FIGS. 10 and 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram showing the installation sequence of FIGS. 10 and 12. FIG. [Figure 16] 2 is an elevational view of a variation on the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 17] 2 is an elevational view of a variation on the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 18] 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fastening element and assembled shelf of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] 2 is an elevational view of a variation on the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 20] 2 is an elevational view of a variation on the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 21] 2 is an elevational view of a variation on the fastening element of FIG. 1; [Figure 22]20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fastening element and assembled shelf of FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] In the drawings, like numbers indicate identical or conceptually similar parts, and elements are described as such. Equal or substantially equal parts in various variations are indicated by the addition of 100 digit numbers.

[0044] Some reference numbers have been omitted to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0045] A system (or kit of components) for fastening a shelf M to an inner surface S (FIGS. 6-9b, 13-15, 18, and 22) of a cabinet compartment (not shown) comprises the shelf M and fastening and support elements 10 (FIG. 1).

[0046] The element 10 comprises an upper part 12 provided with a through hole 14 with an X axis for a screw V or equivalent fastening means to a surface S (see FIG. 6 or FIG. 13).

[0047] The upper portion 12 is joined to a lower portion 13 which has two parallel, spaced apart segments or legs 16 between which is located a flexible member 20 parallel to the segments 16 .

[0048] A flexible member 20 extends in a cantilevered manner from the upper portion 12 and is provided at its free end with a stop tooth 22. The stop tooth 22 projects parallel to the X axis of the hole 14 relative to the segment 16.

[0049] The upper portion 12 preferably comprises two portions 30, 32. The two portions 30, 32 have cross-sections with different widths when viewed in respective planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis X. Portion 30 has a narrower cross-section than portion 32, thereby leaving a peripheral step 36 between portions 30, 32 that extends along an arc of approximately 180° about the X axis. Portion 32 thus defines a peripheral edge of the upper portion 12. The shape or plan view of portion 12 may differ from that illustrated.

[0050] Preferably, the lower portion 13 also comprises two portions having different widths when viewed in respective planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the X-axis, whereby the two portions define lateral steps 37 (FIG. 1).

[0051] A variation of element 10 may (optionally) comprise a flat element 40, as shown in Figure 5. Element 40 is integrated with the end of the opposite segment 16 of top portion 12, and element 40 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the X-axis. Element 40 serves as a protruding support edge for shelf M; once attached, shelf M is (further) supported by element 40. Element 40 also serves as a closure for a cavity in shelf M.

[0052] The flexible element 20 is provided at its free end with an (optional) second tooth 24 extending in the opposite direction relative to the upper portion 12 .

[0053] The shelf M of Figures 6-9b is typically made of wood or metal and includes a metal or plastic peripheral profile 50 on the side that has a cavity or vertical groove 52 formed therein. The cavity 52 is open downward and laterally and closed upward. Specifically, the side opening of the cavity 52 defines a lateral contour 56 (Figure 7b) bounded by the edges of the cavity 52. ​​In the illustrated example, the lateral contour 56 is shaped as an inverted U, an inverted V, or an inverted Ω. For example, the vertical cavity or groove 52 can be formed as a recess or machined into the wooden, plastic, or metal shelf.

[0054] The profile 50 comprises a bottom abutment 54 , obtained for example as the edge of the cavity 52 and / or as the edge of a profile 56 , located at the downward-facing opening of the cavity 52 .

[0055] Construction on portions 12, 13 then leaves defining a first lateral perimeter that is substantially complementary to the perimeter of contour 56 and a second perimeter that has a width greater than the first perimeter.

[0056] Element 10, and in particular portion 12 and segment 16, have a shape complementary to cavity 52 so that it can be inserted vertically into cavity 52 (FIGS. 7 and 8a, 8b) along a Z-axis that is perpendicular and orthogonal to the X-axis. After insertion (see FIGS. 8a and 8b), lateral contours 56 abut and hold peripheral step 36, thereby resisting accidental displacement of portion 32 from face S in the horizontal direction of profile 50 (i.e., along X). Portion 30 can optionally support profile 50 or shelf M.

[0057] After the above-mentioned insertion is completed (FIGS. 9a and 9b), the flexible element 20 has been moved close to the entrance of the cavity 42 and, in order to remain stationary from above, the teeth 22 snap onto the abutments 54. In this way, the teeth 22 oppose the upward movement (along the Z axis) of the profile 50 and prevent it from coming off the element 10.

[0058] The second teeth 24 make it easier to disengage the profile 50 from the element 10 because the second teeth 24 make the element 20 more accessible, for example by using a screwdriver from below.

[0059] In summary, the fixed sequence can be summarized as follows: 1) The element 10 is attached to the surface S using screws V (Figure 6). 2) The profile 50 is moved closer to the surface S by vertically aligning the cavity 52 with the portion 32 (FIGS. 7a and 7b). 3) Cavity 52 is lowered onto element 10 along the Z axis by inserting portion 32 into cavity 52 behind edge 68. Element 20 is bent backward (towards plane S) during insertion (FIGS. 8a and 8b). 4) When element 10 is in the end restraint position inside cavity 52, edge 68 abuts portion 30, with portion 32 behind edge 68. Tooth 22 then overlaps abutment 54, preventing section 50 from moving backward, thereby restraining both section 50 and element 10. Note that element 10 prevents shelf M, i.e. section 50, from being lifted unexpectedly.

[0060] 6-9a, 9b, if the shelf M or section 50 is made partially or entirely of wood, it may be difficult to create and / or elasticize the cavity 52 in the wood. In that case, it is preferable to create the cavity 52 in a separate insert that is connected to the shelf.

[0061] Examples of separate inserts are shown in FIGS.

[0062] Insert 60 defines and / or defines cavity 66, which in use deploys vertically, opens downward and laterally, and is closed upward. Cavity 66 is functionally equivalent to cavity 52.

[0063] To this end, the insert 60 has a box-like structure formed by a substantially flat wall 62 closing the bottom of a cavity 66 and by a peripheral wall 64 rising perpendicularly from the periphery of the wall 62. The wall 64 is planar, having a substantially U, V or Ω shape, the ends of which define the width of the entrance to the cavity 66.

[0064] The wall 62 is provided with a through hole 14 with an X axis for a screw V or equivalent fastening means to the surface S.

[0065] Edge 68 cantilevers from wall 64, remaining in a plane parallel to wall 62 and converging towards the center of U or V or Ω, i.e., towards the X axis, to narrow the cross section of cavity 66 in a direction perpendicular to wall 62, i.e., along the X axis.

[0066] Edges 68 form a lateral profile like profile 56 .

[0067] The insert 60 also includes a lower abutment 70. The lower abutment 70 is similar to the abutment 54 and is created by a step defined by a recess present in the wall 62.

[0068] In the variant of Figures 10 and 11, the wall 62 is provided with through holes 72 for fastening to the side of a shelf by means of screws or the like.

[0069] The type of fastener used to secure the insert 60 to the surface S may vary. A fastening variant is illustrated with an insert 80 in FIG. 12. This time, instead of the hole 72, the wall 62 is provided with a pin 82, which may be a threaded or herringbone expansion pin. The expansion is achieved, for example, by a screw or a steel pin inserted into a central hole. The pin 82 extends from the wall 62 in a direction perpendicular to the wall 62, protruding from the opposite side of the cavity 66, which is structurally identical to the cavity of the element 60. The pin 82 allows the insert 80 to be directly fixed in a seat provided on the side of the shelf by means of an interference fit or screwing. To facilitate screwing or insertion, the walls 62, 64 here have a circular outer periphery.

[0070] The cooperation between the inserts 60, 80 and the element 10 is the same as described for Figures 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, with the only difference being that now the teeth 22 rest on abutments or steps 70 (Figures 13 to 15).

[0071] 16-18 show a variation of the fastening element 100, which is useful for example for aluminium or wood shelves, and is structurally identical to that of FIG. 1, except that the upper portion 12 is absent while portion 13 remains substantially unchanged.

[0072] Upper portion 12 is replaced by a semicircular recess formed from two edges or portions 130, 132 having cross sections of different widths when viewed in planes parallel to each other. Portion 130 has a more outwardly projecting cross section than portion 132, thereby leaving a peripheral step 136 between portions 130, 132. Peripheral step 136 extends along an arc of approximately 150-180° about an axis (corresponding to axis X in FIG. 1).

[0073] 1 is here formed by a washer 190 connected to the section (see also washer 290). In particular, for this purpose, the washer 190 comprises a bushing 192 and an edge 194 projecting radially from the bushing 192.

[0074] After assembly, portions of washer 190 (FIG. 18) rest and fit together in the semicircular recesses of element 100. A peripheral step 136 formed by portions 130, 132 is complementary to the step between bushing 192 and edge 194.

[0075] 18, it can be seen that the screw V supports a washer 190 that is inserted into the cavity 52. ​​The washer 190 terminates behind the edge 68 to support and / or hold the shelf M or section 50.

[0076] Element 100 is inserted into cavity 52 under washer 190, closing the entrance to cavity 52. ​​In doing so, element 20 moves resiliently over abutment 54 (as in Figures 9a and 9b), keeping element 100 in place, which acts to hold shelf M or section 50 in place and prevents shelf M or section 50 from being lifted unexpectedly.

[0077] Preferably, in this configuration, the step 37 also cooperates with the contour 56 to hold the shelf M or section 50 and prevent the shelf M or section 50 from being unintentionally lifted again.

[0078] Element 100 may also be used in combination with the variations in FIG. 10 or FIG.

[0079] 19 to 22 show variations of a support element 200 that can be used, for example, for aluminum or wood shelves.

[0080] In comparison with the variant of FIG. 1, the element 200 is essentially flat and is made, for example, of a metal sheet.

[0081] The upper portion 212 is flat and is provided with a through hole 214 with an X axis for a washer 290 supported by a screw V or equivalent fastening means against a surface S (see FIG. 20).

[0082] The lower portion 213 comprises two flat, parallel and spaced apart segments or legs 216 between which is located or formed a flexible member 220 parallel to the segments 216.

[0083] A flexible member 220 cantilevers from the top portion 212 and is bent to form a stop tooth 222. The stop tooth 222 projects parallel to the X axis of the hole 214 relative to the segment 216.

[0084] 1 is here formed by a washer 290 connected to the hole 214. In particular, for this purpose the washer 290 comprises a bushing 292 and a lip 294 projecting radially from the bushing 292.

[0085] A variant of the support element 200 may (optionally) comprise a flat element 240, which is integrated with the end of the segment 216 and extends in a plane substantially parallel to the axis X. The element 240 serves as a protruding support edge for the shelf M, i.e., once attached, the shelf M is also supported by the element 240. Alternatively, the two lateral elements 240 may have the sole purpose of covering the "casing".

[0086] The two segments or legs 216 also have a covering function, like the corresponding segments 13 of the shelf support 10. However, the main supporting function is performed by the washers 290.

[0087] The fixed sequence of elements 200 can be summarized as follows: 1) The element 200 is attached to the surface S using a screw V and a washer 190 or 290 (FIG. 22). 2) Section 50 is moved closer to face S by vertically aligning cavity 52 with screw V. 3) Cavity 52 is lowered onto element 210 by inserting screw V into cavity 52 at the back of edge 68. Element 220 is bent backward (towards face S) during insertion. 4) When element 200 is in the end restraint position within cavity 52, upper convex edge 68 abuts against the outer edges of upper portions 192, 292 and segment 216. Element 220 resiliently returns to its original position by bringing itself against abutment 54, using a function similar to that shown in Figures 9a and 9b. An equivalent function is achieved when the shelf is made of wood and the inserts in Figures 10 or 12 are prepared.

[0088] The washers 190, 290 and the screws V can be replaced by screws with a sufficiently large head.

Claims

1. A fastening element (10; 100; 200) for fastening a shelf (M) to the inner surface of a compartment of an item of furniture, the side of said shelf being equipped with cavities (52) that are vertical in use, The cavity is a downwardly facing opening having a rim; a lower abutment (54) at the downwardly facing opening; Equipped with The fastening element is a flexible element (20) extending in a cantilevered manner and equipped at its free end with a stop tooth (22), the fastening element is configured to be insertable into the interior of the cavity through the downwardly facing opening, whereby the stop teeth (22) engage with the abutments (54) to prevent the shelf from lifting relative to the interior surface; At the side of the fastening element, a first side edge (30) that is substantially complementary to the edge of the side opening of the shelf; a second side edge (32) having a width greater than that of the first side edge, forming a peripheral step (37) between the first side edge (30) and the second side edge (32); A fastening element comprising:

2. 2. A fastening element according to claim 1, comprising a part that, in use, is at an upper part, said upper part being equipped with through holes (14) for fastening said compartments.

3. The upper portion has a convex, at least semicircular, periphery, the periphery having a first side edge (30) and a second side edge (32), the second side edge (32) comprising: a width greater than the first side edge (30), forming a step (36) between the first side edge (30) and the second side edge (32); The fastening element according to claim 2 , wherein the step (36) of the upper portion is configured to abut the contour of the cavity of the shelf.

4. an upper portion, which in use is at the top, with a concave, at least semicircular periphery, said periphery comprising a first edge (132) and a second edge (130), said second edge having a width greater than said first edge, forming a step (136) between said first edge (132) and said second edge (130); Auxiliary support elements (190) for said shelves, flexible relative to said compartment; Steps (192, 194) complementary to the steps in the upper portion are provided; Between each of the steps, the upper portion can be connected by a form-fitting connection. an auxiliary support element (190); The fastening element (100) of claim 1, comprising:

5. It comprises two parallel, spaced apart segments (16), the flexible element is located between the two segments, protruding from the segments and parallel to the segments; Fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each parallel segment has an outermost edge on which there is a first edge (132) and a second edge (130).

6. The fastening element according to claim 5 , characterized in that the flexible element extends in a cantilevered manner from the upper portion.

7. 6. The fastening element according to claim 5, wherein said flexible element extends in a cantilevered manner from a body with said first edge (132) and second edge (130).

8. A fastening element as described in claim 2 or 5, characterized in that the through hole has an axis and the flexible element rests in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

9. A fastening element as described in claim 5, characterized in that the through hole has an axis and the fastening member comprises a flat member integrated with the ends of two parallel segments opposite the upper portion, the flat member extending in a plane substantially parallel to the axis.

10. A fastening element as described in claim 5, characterized in that the through hole has an axis and the fastening member comprises a flat member integral with the ends of two parallel segments opposite the upper portion, the flat member extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension axis of the parallel segments.

11. 6. Fastening element according to claim 5, characterized in that said flexible element is fitted at its free end with a second tooth-like portion extending in the opposite direction relative to said upper portion.

12. 2. The fastening element according to claim 1, wherein said second side edge (32) defines a peripheral or perimeter edge, said edge being greater than the width of the cavity contour.

13. 5. Fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising two cross sections of different widths when viewed in respective parallel offset planes, one cross section at each end edge being integral with said first side edge (30) and the other cross section at each end edge being integral with said second side edge (32).

14. 5. A method for assembling a shelf and a fastening element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening element is inserted inside the cavity via a downwardly facing opening which positions the restraining teeth to engage with an abutment surface with a snap action.

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