Load-bearing structure for a complete shelving unit

Abstract

The load-bearing structure for the shelving unit (1) is 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 wall (6) and at least one fastening body (5) provided with at least one fastening portion (7, 8) cantilevered on the fastening wall (6), the fasteners (7, 8) are insertable into the fastener openings (3) and slidable within the fastener openings (3) between a fastening configuration in which the fasteners (7, 8) are coupled to the fastener openings (3) to fasten the vertical uprights (2) to the fastener body (5) and at least one release configuration in which the fasteners (7, 8) are uncoupled from the fastener openings (3) to release the vertical uprights (2) from the fastener body (5); The fastening portion (7, 8) includes 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) that intersects the first extension direction (A) in a direction substantially laterally, Characteristically, a first fastening element and a second fastening element (7, 8) are provided to fix the longitudinal wall (4) in a fastening configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0009] , ,

[0008]

[0001] The present invention relates to a load-bearing structure for a shelf unit.

Background Art

[0002] [ Assembly methods, modularity of the structure, and the maximum load-bearing capacity of the constructed shelf There are known load-bearing structures for shelf units, which are distinguished by

[0003] Generally, known types of structures employ vertical uprights as support bases on a stable surface and use suitable fasteners that can be coupled to such uprights to obtain a suitable support structure.

[0004] These structures are used in both the household and commercial sectors to store, display, and / or store various types of products, the volume, weight, and size of which vary greatly depending on the nature of the product itself.

[0005] Therefore, this type of load-bearing structure adopts a fastening system that is adapted to combine different types of uprights and fasteners to form a modular type of load-bearing structure capable of accommodating different products according to user needs.

[0006] Generally, such a fastening system includes a fastening opening formed in a vertical upright and a fastening portion formed in the fastener. The fastening portion can be inserted into and coupled to the fastening opening, whereby the vertical upright and the fastener can be fastened to each other.

[0007] This type of load-bearing structure is susceptible to the influence of improvement in terms of stability and strength. <000002\6>

[0008] In fact, the structural load applied between the fastener and the vertical upright generally includes at least one longitudinal pressing component that pushes the fastener longitudinally along the upright and a lateral rotational component that rotates the fastener around the upright.

[0009] However, the first fastening mechanism used in this type of load-bearing structure comprises a single fastening element. The fastening element is inserted into the fastening opening and positioned to support the lower edge to be fastened.

[0010] Therefore, the lateral rotational component tends to pivot on the fastening element and rotate the latter within the fastening opening.

[0011] Such rotation can cause deformation of the fastening element and / or rotation of the fastener around the vertical upright member, thus potentially impairing the distribution of structural loads among the components of the load-bearing structure.

[0012] These drawbacks make known load-bearing structures unstable and fragile, reducing their maximum allowable load and ultimately leading to a shrinking market. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] The main objective of the present invention is to devise a load-bearing structure for a shelf system in which the stability and strength of the load-bearing structure itself are improved compared to known structures.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to devise a load-bearing structure for a shelf set in which fasteners can be connected to vertical upright members in order to maximize the load-bearing capacity of the load-bearing structure.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to devise a load-bearing structure for a shelf unit in which the structural loads of the longitudinal and transverse components acting on the load-bearing structure are accurately distributed.

[0016] A further objective of the present invention is to devise a load-bearing structure for a shelving unit that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art through a simple, rational, easy, effective, and affordable solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The load-bearing structure for a shelf unit having the features described in claim 1 realizes the above object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the load-bearing structure for a shelf unit. Such features and advantages are shown as non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the load-bearing structure for a shelf unit according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of the load-bearing structure for a shelf unit according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of some components of the load-bearing structure for a shelf unit according to the present invention [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an axonometric view of another embodiment of the load-bearing structure for a shelf unit according to the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Referring particularly to the drawings, reference numeral 1 refers throughout to the load-bearing structure for a shelf unit.

[0020] The load-bearing structure 1 for a shelf unit comprises · at least one longitudinal wall 4 and at least one vertical upright 2 provided with at least one fastening opening 3 formed along the longitudinal wall 4; · at least one fastening wall 6 and at least one fastening body 5 provided with at least one fastening portion 7, 8 supported cantilevered on the fastening wall 6; and the fastening portions 7, 8 are slidable within the fastening opening 3 between a fastening configuration in which the fastening portions 7, 8 are insertable into the fastening opening 3 and by which the vertical upright 2 is fastened to the fastening body 5 when the fastening portions 7, 8 are coupled to the fastening opening 3, and at least one release configuration in which the vertical upright 2 is released from the fastening body 5 when the coupling of the fastening portions 7, 8 from the fastening opening 3 is released.

[0021] Preferably, the vertical upright member 2 is an upright member of a known type and is arranged on the ground surface and extends vertically in the longitudinal direction during use.

[0022] Furthermore, the vertical upright member 2 includes a plurality of outer peripheral walls 9. The plurality of outer peripheral walls 9 are provided continuously with each other and, together with the longitudinal wall 4, define the structure of the vertical upright member 2.

[0023] Preferably, the longitudinal wall 4 and the fastening wall 6 have a substantially flat three-dimensional structure.

[0024] In this way, the longitudinal wall 4 and the fastening wall 6 are arranged opposite to each other substantially parallel to each other in the fastening configuration.

[0025] In particular, the longitudinal wall 4 and the fastening wall 6 are arranged in contact with each other in the fastening configuration.

[0026] As an advantage, the longitudinal wall 4 is connected to the outer peripheral wall 9 such that an angle between them is 90 degrees.

[0027] Similarly, the fastening body 5 includes a side wall 10 connected to the fastening wall 6 such that an angle between them is 90 degrees.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall 9 and the side wall 10 have a substantially flat three-dimensional structure. Therefore, the outer peripheral wall 9 and the side wall 10 are arranged opposite to each other substantially parallel to each other in the fastening configuration.

[0029] In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, in the fastening configuration, the outer peripheral wall 9 and the side wall 10 are arranged in contact with each other.

[0030] As an advantage, the fastening portions 7, 8 can be connected by being removably inserted into the fastening openings 3.

[0031] Also, another embodiment of the structure 1 does not exclude the case where the vertical upright members 2 are arranged side by side with respect to each other and each includes a plurality of longitudinal walls 4 provided in a plurality of fastening openings 3.

[0032] In particular, 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 intersects the first extending direction A in a substantially transverse direction.

[0033] This design feature ensures that the fastening portion 7 and 8 are secured within the fastening opening 3 by two fastening elements 7 and 8 extending along two different extension directions A and B. Consequently, the stability and strength of the fastening configuration are increased, and the maximum load-bearing capacity of structure 1 is enhanced.

[0034] One advantage is that the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 protrude along the expansion direction C so as to be cantilevered to the fastening wall 6, and the expansion direction C is substantially perpendicular to the fastening wall 6 and to the first extension direction A and the second extension direction B.

[0035] Furthermore, the first extension direction A and the second extension direction B are substantially parallel to the fastening wall 6.

[0036] In particular, in the fastening configuration, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 extend within the fastening opening 3 along their respective extension directions A and B, and fasten the longitudinal wall 4 at locations where at least two different fastening points are located.

[0037] Preferably, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0038] Furthermore, by arranging the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 adjacent to each other, a predetermined separation angle is formed between the first extending direction A and the second extending direction B.

[0039] An advantage is that the fastening wall 6 comprises a first panel and second panels 11 and 12. The first panel and the second panels 11 and 12 overlap each other and each comprises a first bent portion 13 defining the first fastening element 7 and a second bent portion 14 defining the second fastening element 8.

[0040] Furthermore, the first bent portion 13 defines a passage gap 15, and the second bent portion 14 is positioned through the passage gap 15.

[0041] In particular, the first bent portion 13 defines a passing gap 15 on the first panel 11.

[0042] In other words, the first bent portion 13 is formed by bending a part of the first panel 11, thereby simultaneously forming a passing gap 15 on the first panel 11.

[0043] Similarly, the second bent portion 14 is formed by bending a part of the second panel 12 at the location where the passing gap 15 is located.

[0044] Furthermore, the bending of the second bent portion 14 defines a corresponding passage opening on the second panel 12 at the location where the passage gap 15 is situated.

[0045] In this way, the first bent portion 13 and the second bent portion 14 extend from the same surface of the fastening wall 6, cantilevered and supported along the unfolding direction C.

[0046] The first bent portion 13 and the second bent portion 14 have a nearly flat three-dimensional structure, as shown in Figure 3.

[0047] An advantage is that the fastening wall 6 itself folds and includes a slab-shaped element 16 that defines the first panel 11 and the second panel 12.

[0048] Preferably, the individual slab-shaped elements 16 are subjected to machining such as bending or cutting so that they fit together with the fastener 5.

[0049] One advantage is that the vertical upright member 2 is provided with at least one periphery 17 that at least partially demarcates the expansion of the fastening opening 3.

[0050] Furthermore, the first fastening element 7 and fastening wall 6 define a slit 18 into which the periphery 17 is accommodated when inserted into the fastening configuration.

[0051] This design feature prevents the fastening body 5 from moving along the deployment direction C in the fastening configuration.

[0052] Preferably, the periphery 17 defines at least one lower boundary of the fastening opening 3.

[0053] In particular, the first fastening element 7 extends substantially parallel to the fastening wall 6 and includes at least one hook-shaped portion 19 that defines the slit 18 together with the fastening wall 6.

[0054] In the fastening configuration, the slit 18 is positioned within the fastening opening 3 that spans the periphery 17.

[0055] In fact, in the fastening configuration, the first fastening element 7 is positioned to support the periphery 17 from top to bottom.

[0056] An advantage is that the vertical upright member 2 has at least a lateral margin 20 that at least partially demarcates the expansion of the fastening opening 3.

[0057] In particular, the lateral margin 20 defines at least one lateral boundary of the fastening opening 3.

[0058] Furthermore, the first fastening element 7 is positioned substantially laterally with respect to the fastening wall 6 in the fastening configuration and has a side surface 21 that contacts the lateral margin 20.

[0059] Preferably, the side surface 21 is supported and positioned on the lateral margin 20.

[0060] The vertical upright member 2 is provided with a pair of transverse edges 22. The transverse edges 22 are positioned opposite each other and extend toward each other, thereby defining at least one toe section 23 of the fastening opening 3.

[0061] In particular, when in a fastening configuration, the second fastening element 8 is positioned by being inserted between the lateral edges 22 at the tip section 23.

[0062] Furthermore, the lateral edge 22 restricts the lateral expansion of the fastening opening 3, and the lateral expansion of the fastening opening 3 is defined by its distance.

[0063] One advantage is that the extension of the second fastening element 8 along the second extension direction B is approximately equivalent to the extension of the tip section 23.

[0064] Furthermore, the tip section 23 divides the fastening opening 3 into two opening extensions located vertically. Here, the upper opening extension has a greater lateral extension than the extension of the second fastening element 8 along the second extending direction B, and the lower opening extension has a smaller lateral extension.

[0065] One way to improve convenience is that the fastener 5 is provided with at least one groove 24 formed on the second fastening element 8.

[0066] In addition, one of the lateral edges 22 is housed in the fastening configuration by being inserted into the groove 24.

[0067] However, another embodiment of structure 1 does not exclude a configuration in which the second fastening element 8 has substantially the same configuration as the first fastening element 7 and includes a fastening portion that, together with the fastening wall 6, defines a groove similar to the groove 24.

[0068] This design feature prevents the fastening body 5 from moving along the deployment direction C in the fastening configuration.

[0069] Preferably, one of the lateral edges 22 coincides with the lateral margin 20. Furthermore, the lateral edge 22 that coincides with the lateral margin 20 faces the lateral edge 22 that is housed in the groove 24 in the fastening configuration.

[0070] Preferably, the lateral edges 22 have the same slope and extend downward so as to approach each other.

[0071] Furthermore, the peripheral edge 17 is joined to the lateral edge 22 and, together with the lateral edge 22, defines the structure of the fastening opening 3 at least partially, thereby being provided between the lateral edges 22.

[0072] However, another embodiment of Structure 1 does not exclude a structure in which the transverse edge 22, which is housed in the groove 24 in the fastening configuration, coincides with the peripheral edge 17.

[0073] An advantage is that, in the fastening configuration, the second fastening element 8 is positioned approximately horizontally.

[0074] Similarly, in this configuration, the second extension direction B is approximately horizontal.

[0075] In this way, the second fastening element 8 cancels out any lateral rotational component of any structural load acting on structure 1. As a result, the second fastening element 8 cancels out the rotation of the fastening body 5 around the vertical upright member 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in the fastening configuration, the first fastening element 7 extends along a first extending direction A having an inclination equivalent to that of the lateral edge 22.

[0077] This design feature functions in combination with the placement of the second fastening element 8 in the fastening configuration to counteract any lateral rotational component of structural loads applied to Structure 1.

[0078] Preferably, the first fastening element 7 and the second fastening element 8 each have a contact side 25 that extends longitudinally along the deployment direction C.

[0079] In particular, the contact sides 25 are arranged side by side to stop each other's movement.

[0080] Furthermore, the contact side 25 of the first fastening element 7 is positioned approximately opposite the slit 18, and the contact side 25 of the second fastening element 8 is positioned approximately opposite the groove 24.

[0081] One way to improve convenience is that the fastening opening 3 has a roughly triangular, preferably isosceles triangular, three-dimensional structure.

[0082] Furthermore, the fastening opening 3 has an inverted triangular structure. Here, as shown in Figure 1, the lateral edge 22 is positioned below the base of the triangle.

[0083] One advantage that improves convenience is that the vertical upright member 2 is provided with multiple fastening openings 3 spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In particular, the fastening openings 3 are arranged vertically and aligned with each other along the main body of the vertical upright member 2.

[0084] Furthermore, the fastening body 5 includes a plurality of fastening portions 7 and 8 spaced approximately equal to a predetermined distance apart.

[0085] In particular, the fastening parts 7 and 8 are arranged to be aligned with each other along the fastening wall 6.

[0086] More specifically, in the fastening configuration, the fastening parts 7 and 8 are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0087] In terms of improved convenience, structure 1 includes a lateral element 26 that is connected to the fastening body 5 and positioned substantially laterally with respect to the vertical upright member 2 in the fastening configuration.

[0088] Preferably, the lateral element 26 consists of a single member integrated with the fastener 5.

[0089] Furthermore, in the fastening configuration, the horizontal element 26 is positioned perpendicular to the vertical upright member 2.

[0090] An advantage is that structure 1 includes a pair of fasteners 5 that define at least one lateral support body 27 by facing each other with the lateral support element 26.

[0091] Furthermore, each of the fasteners 5 is connected to the corresponding vertical upright member 2.

[0092] In this way, as shown in Figure 4, the horizontal element 26 is positioned between the two vertical upright members 2.

[0093] In terms of improved convenience, structure 1 includes multiple horizontal members 27 and multiple vertical upright members 2.

[0094] Therefore, a modular structure 1 is obtained by connecting multiple vertical upright members 2 and multiple horizontal members 27 to each other. Structure 1 comprises four vertical upright members 2, which are arranged to form the legs of a shelf set, for example, and are connected to each other via four horizontal members 27. Each horizontal member 27 is provided between two different vertical upright members 2.

[0095] It has been confirmed that the described invention achieves its intended purpose.

[0096] In particular, it should be emphasized that the first and second fastening elements allow the fastening portion to be secured within the fastening opening at two different locations. This improves the stability and strength of a similar load-bearing structure compared to known types.

[0097] These fastening elements allow for maximizing the load permitted by the load-bearing structure.

[0098] Furthermore, by arranging the fastening elements along each extension direction, both the longitudinal and transverse components of the load applied to the load-bearing structure can be correctly distributed.

Claims

1. A load-bearing structure (1) for a set of shelves, - At least one longitudinal wall (4), and at least one vertical upright member (2) having at least one fastening opening (3) formed along the longitudinal wall (4), - It comprises at least one fastening wall (6), and at least one fastening body (5) having at least one fastening portion (7, 8) cantilevered to the fastening wall (6), The fastening portions (7, 8) are insertable into the fastening opening (3) and are slidable within the fastening opening (3) between a fastening configuration in which the fastening portions (7, 8) are coupled to the fastening opening (3) thereby fastening the vertical upright member (2) to the fastening body (5), and at least one release configuration in which the fastening portions (7, 8) are released from the fastening opening (3) thereby releasing the vertical upright member (2) from the fastening body (5). The fastening portion (7, 8) comprises 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 intersects substantially laterally with the first extending direction (A). The first fastening element and the second fastening element (7, 8) are provided to fix the longitudinal wall (4) in the fastening configuration, The fastening wall (6) comprises a first panel and a second panel (11, 12), the first panel and the second panel (11, 12) overlapping each other and each comprising a first bent portion (13) defining the first fastening element (7) and a second bent portion (14) defining the second fastening element (8), Structure (1) is characterized in that the first bent portion (13) defines a passing gap (15), and the second bent portion is positioned through the passing gap (15).

2. The structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening wall (6) itself is folded and comprises a slab-shaped element (16) that defines the first panel and the second panel (11, 12).

3. - The vertical upright member (2) is provided with at least one periphery (17) that at least partially demarcates the expansion of the fastening opening (3), - The structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first fastening element (7) and the fastening wall (6) define a slit (18) into which the peripheral edge (17) is accommodated when inserted into the fastening configuration.

4. - The vertical upright member (2) is provided with a pair of transverse edges (22), which are positioned facing each other and extending toward each other, thereby defining at least one end portion (23) of the fastening opening (3), - The structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the fastening configuration is in place, the second fastening element (8) is positioned by being inserted between the lateral edges (22) at the tip portion (23).

5. The fastening body (5) is provided with at least one groove (24) formed in the second fastening element (8), The structure (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the aforementioned lateral edges (22) is housed in the fastening configuration by being inserted into the groove (24).

6. The structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one lateral element (26) corresponding to the fastening body (5) and positioned substantially laterally with respect to the vertical upright member (2) when the fastening configuration is in place.

7. The device further comprises a pair of fasteners (5) that, by facing each other with the aforementioned lateral elements (26), define at least one lateral body (27), The structure (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the fastening members (5) is connected to a corresponding vertical upright member (2).

8. The structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized by comprising a plurality of the horizontal members (27) and a plurality of the vertical upright members (2).

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