Profile for a rack system, frame assembly comprising said profile and related accessories

Abstract

We propose a profile for a rack system, comprising: an asymmetric U-shaped primary profile section (1) consisting of a first free leg (1a), a second free leg (1b) and a third intermediate leg (1c), which third leg (1c) connects the first leg (1a) and the second leg (1b); wherein said first leg (1a) and said second leg (1b) extend at right angles in an extension direction (ED) with respect to said third leg (1c); wherein, in said extension direction (ED), said first leg (1a) is shorter than said second leg (1b); wherein said first leg (1a) and said second leg (1b) have a respective angulation (1a', 1b') in a common direction at their respective distal ends; wherein the angulation (1a') of the first leg (1a) forms a right angle with respect to said extension direction (ED) and extends away from said second leg (1b) To increase load-bearing capacity, an additional profile section (2) can be used that is similar to said primary profile section (1) without said angulations (1a', 1b') and that has an increased size with respect to said primary profile section (1) so that the first to third legs (2a- 2c) of the additional profile section (2) cover the corresponding first to third legs (1a-1c) of the primary profile section (1) over an entire surface thereof when said additional profile section (2) is placed over said primary profile section (1).

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Profile for a rack system, frame assembly comprising said profile and related accessories

[0003] Specification

[0004] The invention relates to a special profile for a rack system, preferably made for a metallic material, e.g., stainless steel, as defined in appended claim 1.

[0005] The invention also relates to a frame assembly as defined in claim 8, that can be made from said special profile.

[0006] The invention further relates to various types of accessories, as defined in claims 11, 12 and 14, that are especially devised for use with said special profile and said frame assembly.

[0007] In workshops, kitchens and the like, a large variety of individual tasks are performed that require a modular and modulable workstation that must be able to support different amounts of load, depending on the tasks. Furthermore, additional equipment and material, e.g. special devices and / or consumables, ingredients or similar, are regularly required for performing said tasks. Said devices, consumables, etc. should preferably be installable or stockable directly on or at said workstation without requiring any complicated mounting and / or special tools or elements.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a rack system and a frame assembly of the above-mentioned types that can be used for setting up such a workstation in an easy and modulable way without requiring any complicated mounting and / or special tools or elements. Furthermore, adapted accessories are needed that allow the installation of additional equipment and the stocking of consumables, ingredients or similar directly on or at said workstation. It is the object of the present invention to provide such a rack system, i.e., a special profile for constructing same, and such a frame assembly together with dedicated accessories in order to satisfy said need in a simply, scalable and cost-efficient manner.

[0009] This object is achieved by the special profile defined in claim 1, the frame assembly defined in claim 7 (which comprises said special profile) and the different types of accessories, as defined in claims 10, 11 and 13, all of which are adapted so that they can be used with said frame assembly - either individually or in combination.

[0010] Advantageous further embodiments are defined in the respective sub-claims.

[0011] A profile for a rack system in accordance with the present invention comprises a asymmetric U-shaped primary profile section consisting of a first free leg, a second free leg and a third intermediate leg, which third leg connects the first leg and the second leg. Said first leg and said second leg extend at right angles with respect to said third leg in a (common) extension direction. In said extension direction, said first leg is shorter than said second leg. Furthermore, said first leg and said second leg have a respective angulation in a common direction at their respective distal ends, which angulations - however - need not be parallel to each other. In any case, the angulation of the first leg forms a right angle with respect to said extension direction and extends away from said second leg.

[0012] A frame assembly in accordance with the present invention is preferably of flat rectangular shape. It comprises at least two profiles according to the present invention, as defined above, said two profiles being arranged in parallel fashion with their respective first leg angulations and second leg angulations oriented towards each other. Furthermore, said two profiles are interconnected by means of at least two connecting profiles, preferably by welding or by the use of removable fasteners, e.g., screws. Most preferably, said connecting profiles extend at right angles with respect to said profiles. In a preferred configuration, the first leg angulations are located on a higher level in the vertical direction than said second leg angulations, when the frame is aligned horizontally (which is highly preferred). Various accessories are proposed that are especially designed for being used together with said frame assembly:

[0013] A first type of accessory in accordance with the present invention for use with the frame assembly comprises a rectangular base plate with a top side for fixing thereon an accessory device. Said base plate has two peripheral angulations on a bottom side thereof, which angulations are located on opposite lateral sides of said base plate and extend orthogonally with respect to a plane of said base plate. Said angulations define a clear distance between themselves which exhibits a slight excess with respect to an external dimension of said frame assembly. In this way, the accessory can be placed on the frame assembly and is secured thereon by means of said peripheral angulations while being slidable in a direction parallel to the profiles comprised in the frame assembly. Said slight excess preferably corresponds at least to an additional dimension of said frame assembly due to additional profile sections comprised in said frame assembly, as will be defined in a corresponding sub-claim, so that the accessory can also be used with said additional profile sections in place (e.g., for supporting higher loads).

[0014] A second type accessory in accordance with the present invention for use with the frame assembly comprises a central portion, preferably with a trough-like (or pan- / bowl-like) shape, and a respective rim-like extension at least on two opposing side of said central portion. Said rim-like extensions define a clear minimum distance between themselves which exhibits a small undersize compared to a clear distance between the first leg angulations of said frame assembly. Said undersize allows to place the accessory on said respective first leg angulations with its rim-like extensions while its central portion is located in a free space defined between said first leg angulations.

[0015] Said second type accessory in accordance with the present invention can form part of a system comprising at least one of the second type accessory and an additional support structure for use with the frame assembly. The support structure has two side elements with two lateral protrusions that are devised for resting on a respective one of said first leg angulations of said profiles. Said two side elements extend in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the profiles. Furthermore, said two side elements are connected telescopically to each other via at least two adjustable connectors in order to adjust their relative distance. Said connectors further have a clear distance therebetween, which clear distance corresponds to clear distance between the first leg angulations of said frame assembly. In this way, a number of second type accessories can be arranged on / between said connectors in the same way as on said first leg angulations, but on a different vertical level (depending on a measure of extension of said side elements).

[0016] A third type accessory in accordance with the present invention comprises a holding structure having two clamping portions that fit in clamping manner between said angulation of the first leg and said angulation of the second leg for a respective one of the two primary profile sections and can therefore be secured between said two angulations. The holding structure is connected to a support structure that extends in a plane that is spaced apart from said holding structure. Said support structure has at least two support elements that extend parallelly and with a clear distance therebetween. In this way, the support structure can be devised for slidably supporting a second type accessory as defined above, with its rim-like extensions resting on said support elements.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the profile in accordance with the present invention the angulation of the second leg forms an oblique angle with respect to said extension direction, preferably an obtuse angle greater than 90°. The angulation of the second leg is a terminal angulation thereof, i.e. an angulation at the distal end of the second leg.

[0018] This has proved advantageous with respect to providing access to a free space defined between said angulation of the first leg and said angulation of the second leg in connection with the use of accessories. Furthermore, said obtuse angle can enable a centering and / or clamping effect on certain accessories, especially accessories of said third type.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the profile in accordance with the present invention, in a parallel projection along said extension direction onto a plane comprising said third leg, the angulation of the first leg extends further from said third leg than the angulation of the second leg. This particular characteristic allows to place certain accessories, e.g., of said second type, on said angulation of the first leg without interference with said angulation of the second leg. The second leg, i.e., its projection may even not extend from said third leg at all (in other words: the entire projection of said angulation of the second leg onto said third leg may be shorter or at the most as long as the third leg).

[0020] Thus, as stated above, in a further embodiment of the profile in accordance with the present invention a parallel projection of the angulation of the second leg onto said third leg along said extension direction is shorter than said third leg.

[0021] In yet a further embodiment of the profile in accordance with the present invention in the extension direction there is a free distance between said angulation of the first leg and said angulation of the second leg.

[0022] This free distance allows to introduce accessories (or parts thereof) in a free space defined between said two angulations.

[0023] In still a further embodiment the profile in accordance with the present invention comprises an additional profile section that is similar to said primary profile section without said angulations. Similar is meant in a mathematical sense: in Euclidean geometry, two objects are similar if they have the same shape. More precisely, one can be obtained from the other by uniformly scaling (enlarging or reducing), possibly with additional translation, rotation and reflection. This means that either object can be rescaled, repositioned, and reflected, so as to coincide precisely with the other object. The additional profile section has an increased size with respect to said primary profile section and can thus be placed thereon so that the first to third legs of the additional profile section cover the corresponding first to third legs of the primary profile section over an entire (outer) surface thereof when said additional profile section is placed over said primary profile section.

[0024] Such an additional profile section can be used to enhance the profile's ability to withstand (higher) loads. Advantageously, the additional profile section is simply slipped over or put on said profile without any additional fastening or the use of any tools. In another preferred embodiment of the profile in accordance with the present invention a free end of a first leg of said additional profile section has a clear distance from said angulation of the first leg of said primary profile section when said additional profile section is placed over said primary profile section.

[0025] In this way, the additional profile section can be placed over or on the primary profile section without any mechanical interference which might otherwise prevent the additional profile section from covering the corresponding first to third legs of the primary profile section over an entire surface thereof, as is intended in order to obtain the above-mentioned improvement in load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, angulation of the first leg of said primary profile section remains entirely accessible for the placement of accessories, especially accessories of the first type.

[0026] In an embodiment of the frame assembly in accordance with the present invention said connecting profiles are identical in shape or cross-section to said primary profile sections apart from a missing angulation of the first leg. They are arranged in parallel fashion with their respective second leg angulations oriented towards each other.

[0027] The missing angulation of the first leg allows to arrange certain accessories in the space between said primary profile sections without any lateral mechanical interference that could otherwise reduce the useable amount of space.

[0028] In another embodiment of the frame assembly in accordance with the present invention said additional profile section, when used to increase the load-bearing capacity, has an extension of its second leg and / or of its third leg with respect to at least its first leg, preferably at both extremities, which extension covers a portion of a second leg or a third leg of a given connecting profile.

[0029] This feature can ensure that any open ends of the connecting profile(s) are closed to the outside which may reduce the risk of injury and avoid the formation dirt pockets. In an embodiment of the third type accessory in accordance with the present invention said holding structure is made from bent metallic wire.

[0030] This provides an easy and cost-effective way to produce said holding structure and potentially also said holding structure and / or said two support elements, all of which can be formed integrally from one strand of wire.

[0031] In summary, the special shape of the profile in accordance with the present invention makes it very universal, in particular for but not limited to kitchen use, especially for preparing fast food. When further using said additional profile sections, it can be used in the same way for small and large loads. The shape of the profile further allows to use it with different kinds of specially designed accessories in a variety of ways without requiring any additional mounting elements.

[0032] More specifically, the profile can be used to devise a so-called over-shelf that is made of a frame assembly, as defined above, with attached (e.g., welded) legs, i.e., similar to a table. The profile has bends in the form of the above-defined angulations that allow accessories to be mounted in at least three different ways. First type accessories can be mounted on top of the frame assembly. With respect to the second type accessories, the shape of the profiles allows inserting elements like GN-pan containers from the top between the profiles comprised in the frame assembly, wherein the container is supported on the inner bends of the profile, i.e., said first leg angulations. Also, it is possible to use said inner bends of the profile, i.e., said first leg angulations, for suspending the above-defined additional support structure that can be used for inserting further elements like GN-pan containers on a different (vertical) level. Finally, it becomes possible to hook up wire accessories (i.e., third type accessories) on the lower bends of the profile i.e., said second leg angulations. In addition, it is possible to increase the load capacity of the profile to support increased loads by applying an additional profile (i.e., said additional profile section) without welding.

[0033] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be explained in exemplary, not limiting fashion with respect to the appended drawings. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the profile in accordance with the invention comprising a primary profile section and an additional profile section that is similar to said primary profile section;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an over-shelf with additional profiles in partially exploded fashion;

[0035] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an over-shelf with additional profiles;

[0036] Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the over-shelf of Figure 3;

[0037] Figure 5 shows a cut-off perspective view of the over-shelf of Figure 2 without additional profiles;

[0038] Figure 6 shows a cut-off perspective view of the over-shelf of Figure 3 with additional profiles;

[0039] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the over-shelf of Figure 5 with a first type accessory;

[0040] Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 7;

[0041] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the over-shelf of Figure 5 with a second type accessory;

[0042] Figure 10 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 9;

[0043] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the over-shelf of Figure 5 with a system comprising at least one second type accessory and an additional support structure;

[0044] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the over-shelf of Figure 5 with a third type accessory;

[0045] Figure 13 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a cut-off perspective view of an over-shelf essentially according to Figure 5 with various different accessories; and

[0046] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an over-shelf essentially according to Figure 5 with various different accessories of types one, two and three.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a profile in accordance with the invention. The profile comprises a primary profile section 1 and an additional profile section 2 that is (in a mathematical sense) essentially similar to said primary profile section 1 and is placed on top of the latter. Both profile sections 1, 2 are preferably made from a metal, in particular (stainless) steel.

[0048] In particular, the profile comprises said primary profile section 1 which is an asymmetric U- shaped primary profile section consisting of a first free leg la, a second free leg lb and a third or intermediate leg lc, which third leg lc connects the first leg la and the second leg lc, as shown. Both said first leg la and said second leg lb extend at right angles in an extension direction ED with respect to said third leg lc. Sais extension direction ED is denoted by means of an arrow and - in use - will generally coincide with the vertical direction (downwards). In said extension direction ED, said first leg la is shorter than said second leg lb by a measure Ml. Both said first leg la and said second leg lb have a respective angulation la', lb' in a common direction at their respective distal ends. According to Figure 1, said common direction is to the right, but will obviously depend on an orientation of the profile and a direction of observation. As can be further noted, the angulation la' of the first leg la forms a right angle a (a = 90°) with respect to said extension direction ED and extends away from said second leg lb, whereas the angulation lb' of the second leg lb forms an oblique angle [3 with respect to said extension direction, which angle |3 in the present embodiment takes the form of an obtuse angle greater than 90° (i.e., |3 > 90°).

[0049] When looking at the profile from below, i.e., in a direction opposite ED, which defines a parallel projection according to dotted arrow PP along said extension direction onto a plane comprising said third leg lc, the angulation la' of the first leg la extends further from said third leg lc than the angulation lb' of the second leg lb. As can be seen, in the present embodiment only the angulation la' of the first leg la actually extends beyond said third leg lc, while the angulation lb' of the second leg lb (or its projection) is shorter that said third leg lc and thus entirely overlaps with the third leg lc.

[0050] As can further be noted, in the extension direction there is a free distance FD between said angulation la' of the first leg la and said angulation lb' of the second leg lb.

[0051] As stated before, Figure 1 also shows an additional profile section 2 that is similar to said primary profile section 1 in a mathematical sense while lacking said angulations la', lb'. Additional profile section 2 has an increased size with respect to said primary profile section 1 so that the first to third legs 2a-2c of the additional profile section 2 cover the corresponding first to third legs la-lc of the primary profile section over an entire surface thereof (with an exception of the actual transition between the legs and with the exception of the angulations la', lb') when said additional profile section 2 is placed over said primary profile section 1, as is the case in Figure 1.

[0052] It can further be gathered from Figure 1 that a free end of the first leg 2a of said additional profile section 2 is located at a clear distance CD from said angulation la' of the first leg la of said primary profile section 1 when said additional profile section 2 is placed over said primary profile section 1. This allows the additional profile section 2 to be placed over said primary profile section 1 without any mechanical interference that would prevent said entire surface coverage.

[0053] In this way, the additional profile section 2 can increase a load bearing capability of said primary profile section 1 in an easy manner.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, two primary profile sections 1 of equal length can be connected by means of two connecting profiles 3 (also of equal length) to form a flat rectangular frame assembly 4. Said frame assembly 4 can be fitted with (four) legs 5 of variable length in the manner of a table, thus forming a so-called over-shelf that can be placed on the floor or on a worktop (not shown). Two additional profile sections 2 to be placed over said primary profile sections 1 are also shown in detached manner, i.e., prior to their respective placement.

[0055] Figure 3 shows the over-shelf or frame assembly 4 of Figure 2 after placement of the two additional profile sections 2.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the over-shelf or frame assembly 4 of Figure 3 with the two additional profile sections 2 in a cross-sectional view.

[0057] As can be gathered from Figure 4, the frame assembly 4, which is of flat rectangular shape, comprises two profiles, each comprising a primary profile section 1 and an additional profile section 2 that are arranged in parallel fashion with their respective first leg angulations la' and second leg angulations lb' oriented towards each other. As already explained, said two profiles 1, 2 are interconnected by means of two connecting profiles 3. Further, the connecting profiles 3 are identical to said primary profile sections 1, i.e., they have a first leg 3a, a second leg 3b and a third intermediate leg 3c, apart from a missing angulation of the first leg 3a. In other words: the connecting profiles 3 only have a second leg angulation 3b'and are arranged in parallel fashion with their respective second leg angulations 3b' oriented towards each other (cf. Figure 3).

[0058] The legs 5, the primary profile sections 1 and the connecting profiles 3 can be joined together by welding or by means of removable fasteners, as required.

[0059] Figures 5 and 6 show the frame assembly 4 of Figure 4 in a cut-off perspective representation, with (Figure 6) and without (Figure 5) the additional profile sections 2. Legs 5 can have connection means 5a for connection with a worktop or the like, as mentioned.

[0060] As can best be seen from Figure 6, in the frame assembly 4 the additional profile sections 2 have an extension 2bb, 2cc, of both their second and third legs 2b, 2c (cf. Figure 1) with respect to their first legs 2a (cf. Figure 1), preferably at both extremities, which extensions 2bb, 2cc cover a portion of a third leg 3c of a given connecting profile 3 and close any open ends thereof. In Figure 6, this is only shown for one extremity. As can further be seen from Figure 6, the frame assembly 4 has an external dimension XD, measured between respective outer surfaces of the additional profile sections 2, which external dimension XD is slightly bigger in Figure 6 due to the presence of the additional profile sections 2 when comparing to the external dimension XD' depicted in Figure 5 as measured between respective outer surface of the primary profile sections 1, i.e., without the additional profile sections.

[0061] CD' refers to a clear distance between the first leg angulations la' (cf. Figure 1) of said primary profile sections 1 in said frame assembly 4.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the interaction between a specially designed first type accessory 6 for use with the frame assembly 4 according to Figure 5 or Figure 6. Said first type accessory 6 comprises a rectangular base plate 6a with a top side 6aa for fixing thereon an accessory device 6b. The exact design and function of the accessory device 6b is irrelevant in the context of the invention. Said base plate 6a further has two peripheral angulations 6ab on a bottom side thereof, only one of which angulations 6ab is visible in Figure 7. Said angulations 6ab are located on opposite lateral sides of said base plate 6a and extend orthogonally with respect to a plane of said base plate. Further, said angulations 6ab define a clear distance CD'' between themselves, which clear distance CD'' is slight greater than the external dimension XD' of said frame assembly 4 as denoted in Figure 5. Preferably, the corresponding slight excess of CD'' with respect the XD' corresponds at least to an additional dimension (width) of said frame assembly 4 due to the presence of the said additional profile sections 2 as shown in Figure 6, i.e., CD'' > XD > XD'.

[0063] In this way, the first type accessory 6 can be placed on the frame assembly 4 and is secured thereon by means of said peripheral angulations 6ab that fit snugly around or over the frame assembly 4 in form-fitting manner. This may still allow moving the accessory 6 parallel to the primary profile sections 1. The same holds in case of the presence of said additional profile sections 2 (cf. Figure 6).

[0064] Figure 8 shows the same embodiment as in Figure 7 as seen from the side. Figures 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a second type accessory 7 for use with the frame assembly 4 of Figure 5 or Figure 6. Said second type accessory 7 can be devised in the form of a GN ("Gastronorm")-pan or the like and thus comprises a central portion, preferably with a trough-like or pan-like shape, denoted be reference numeral 7a. Furthermore, said second type accessory 7 has a respective rim-like extension 7b at least on two opposing sides of said central portion 7a. In the present embodiment, said rim-like extension 7b completely surrounds the central portion 7a and defines a clear minimum distance MD (that corresponds to an outer dimension of the central portion 7a) which exhibits a small undersize compared to a clear distance CD' (cf. Figures 5, 6) between the first leg angulations la' (cf. Figure 1) of said frame assembly 4, i.e., MD < CD'. In this way, second type accessory 7 can be placed on the first leg angulations la' with its rim-like extension 7b while central portion 7a extends into the free space below.

[0065] Figure 11 shows a variant of the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 that comprises a system with at least one of the second type accessory 7 as described above and an additional support structure 8 for use with the frame assembly 4. The support structure 8 has two side elements 8a, each with two lateral protrusions 8b in a top portion thereof. Said lateral protrusions 8b play the role of the rim-like extension 7b described in connection with Figures 9 and 10 and are thus devised for resting on a respective one of said first leg angulations la' of the primary profile sections 1. The two side elements 8a extend in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the primary profile sections 1.

[0066] As can further be gathered from Figure 11, said two side elements 8a are connected telescopically to each other, on both sides, via at least two adjustable connectors 8c, 8c' that have - in the present embodiment - the form of U-shaped profiles of similar shape so that one can engage with the other for a sliding connection in order to adjust their relative distance. Only one pair of adjustable connectors 8c, 8c' is visible in Figure 11. The connectors 8c, 8c' on each side further define a clear distance therebetween, which clear distance essentially corresponds to the clear distance CD' between the first leg angulations la' of said frame assembly 4 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In this way, a variable number of second type accessories 7, as described above, can be supported on the two adjustable connectors 8c, 8c' in the same way as described above with reference to the first leg angulations la'. These second type accessories 7 will be located on a different vertical level than the second type accessories 7 according to Figures 9 and 10, thus increase a stocking capability of the frame assembly (over-shelf) 4.

[0067] An additional number of second type accessories 7 could also be located between the side elements 8a in accordance with Figures 9 and 10, which is not shown in Figure 11.

[0068] Figures 12 and 13 show a third type accessory 9 for use with the frame assembly 4. Said third type accessory 9 is preferably made from bent metallic wire, e.g., in a single piece, and comprises a spring-like (resilient) holding structure having two clamping portions 9a that fit in clamping manner between the angulation la' of the first leg la and the angulation lb' of the second leg lb (with or without additional profile sections 2) for a respective one of the two primary profile sections 1. Clamping and centering of the clamping portions 9a is enhanced by the obtuse angle |3 in connection with the second leg angulation lb' as explained before (cf. Figure 1).

[0069] Said holding structure is (integrally) connected to a support structure 9b that extends in a plane Pl that is spaced apart from said holding structure 9, which plane Pl is oriented paral- lelly to and located below the two primary profile sections 1, as shown. The support structure 9b comprises at least two support elements 9c that extend pa ra I lei ly to one another and perpendicularly to said primary profile sections 1 with a clear distance CD''' therebetween. Said clear distance CD''' is smaller than a dimension of second type accessory 7, as defined by the rim-like extension 7b (although this need not necessarily be the same dimension as shown in Figures 9 and 10). In this way, said support structure 9b is devised for slidably supporting thereon a second type accessory 7, as defined before.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the support structure 9b comprises two more securing elements 9d that extend parallel to a respective one of said support elements 9c and prevent rim-like extension 7b second type accessory 7 to been lifting off the support elements 9c accidentally. Figures 14 and 15 show different possibilities for arranging the various types of accessories 6-9 on a frame assembly 4 (or over-shelf). In both cases, the arrangement comprises GN- pans (second type accessories) 7 either directly supported by the primary profile sections 1 or supported either by support structure 8 or third type accessory 9 (i.e., support structure

[0071] 9b). First type accessory 6 is placed in sliding fashion on top of the primary profile sections 1. It can thus slide over said GN-pans (second type accessories) 7.

[0072] Additional profile sections 2 (cf. Figure 2) could be used to increase the load-bearing capabil- ity, if needed.

[0073] In principle, any combination of accessories 6-9 could be used according to given requirements. The same holds for the dimension of the frame assembly 4 and the legs 5.

Claims

Claims1. A profile for a rack system, comprising: an asymmetric U-shaped primary profile section (1) consisting of a first free leg (la), a second free leg (lb) and a third intermediate leg (lc), which third leg (lc) connects the first leg (la) and the second leg (lb); wherein said first leg (la) and said second leg (lb) extend at right angles in an extension direction (ED) with respect to said third leg (lc); wherein, in said extension direction (ED), said first leg (la) is shorter than said second leg (lb); wherein said first leg (la) and said second leg (lb) have a respective angulation (la', lb') in a common direction at their respective distal ends; wherein the angulation (la') of the first leg (la) forms a right angle with respect to said extension direction (ED) and extends away from said second leg (lb); and wherein the angulation (lb') of the second leg (lb) forms an oblique angle (P) with respect to said extension direction (ED), preferably an obtuse angle (P) greater than 90°.

2. The profile of claim 1, wherein in a parallel projection (PP) along said extension direction (ED) onto a plane comprising said third leg (lc), the angulation (la') of the first leg (la) extends further from said third leg (lc) than the angulation (lb') of the second leg (lb).

3. The profile of one of the preceding claims, wherein a parallel projection (PP) of the angulation (lab') of the second leg (lb) onto said third leg (lc) along said extension direction (ED) is shorter than said third leg (lc).

4. The profile of one of the preceding claims, wherein in the extension direction (ED) there is a free distance (FD) between said angulation (la') of the first leg (la) and said angulation (lb') of the second leg (lb).

5. The profile of one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional profile section (2) that is similar to said primary profile section (1) without said angulations (la', lb') and that has an increased size with respect to said primary profile section (1) so that the first to third legs (2a-2c) of the additional profile section (2) cover the corresponding first to third legs (la-lc) of the primary profile section (1) over an entire surface thereof when said additional profile section (2) is placed over said primary profile section (1).

6. The profile of claim 5, wherein a free end of a first leg (2a) of said additional profile section (2) has a clear distance (CD) from said angulation (la') of the first leg (la) of said primary profile section (1) when said additional profile section (2) is placed over said primary profile section (1).

7. A frame assembly (4), preferably of flat rectangular shape, comprising at least two profiles (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, said two profiles (1, 2) being arranged in parallel fashion with their respective first leg angulations (la') and second leg angulations (lb') oriented towards each other and said two profiles (1, 2) being interconnected by means of at least two connecting profiles (3).

8. The frame assembly (4) of claim 7, wherein said connecting profiles (3) are identical to said primary profile sections (1) apart from a missing angulation of the first leg (3a) and are arranged in parallel fashion with their respective second leg angulations (3b') oriented towards each other.

9. The frame (4) assembly of claim 8 comprising the profile of claim 6 or 7, wherein said additional profile section (2) has an extension of its second leg (2bb) and / or third leg (2cc) with respect to its first leg (2a), preferably at both extremities, which extension (2bb, 2cc) covers a portion of a third leg (3c) or an open end of a given connecting profile (3).

10. A first type of accessory (6) for use with the frame assembly (4) of any of claim 7 to 9, wherein said first type accessory (6) comprises a rectangular base plate (6a) with atop side (6aa) for fixing thereon an accessory device (6b), said base plate (6a) having two peripheral angulations (6ab) on a bottom side thereof, which angulations (6ab) are located on opposite lateral sides of said base plate (6a) and extend orthogonally with respect to a plane of said base plate (6a), wherein said angulations (6ab) define a clear distance (CD”) between themselves which exhibits a slight excess with respect to an external dimension (XD, XD') of said frame assembly (4), which slight excess corresponds at least to an additional dimension of said frame assembly (2) due to the said additional profile sections (2) with reference to claim 6 or 7.

11. A second type accessory (7) for use with the frame assembly (4) of any of claim 7 to 9, wherein said second type accessory (7) comprises a central portion (7a), preferably with a trough-like shape, and a respective rim-like extension (7b) at least on two opposing sides of said central portion (7a), which rim-like extensions (7b) define a clear minimum distance (MD) between themselves which exhibits a small undersize compared to a clear distance (CD') between the first leg angulations (la') of said frame assembly (4).

12. A system comprising at least one of the second type accessory (7) of claim 11 and an additional support structure (8) for use with the frame assembly (4) of any of claim 8 to 10, wherein the support structure (8) has two side elements (8a) with two lateral protrusions (8b) that are devised for resting on a respective one of said first leg angulations (la') of said profiles, whereby said two side elements (8a) extend in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the profiles, said two side elements (8a) being connected telescopically to each other via at least two adjustable connectors (8c, 8c') in order to adjust their relative distance, said connectors (8c, 8c') further having a clear distance therebetween, which clear distance corresponds to clear distance (CD') between the first leg angulations (la') of said frame assembly (4).

13. A third type accessory (9) for use with the frame assembly (4) of any of claim 7 to 9, wherein said third type accessory (9) comprises a holding structure having two clamping portions (9a) that fit in clamping manner between said angulation (la') of the first leg (la) and said angulation (lb') of the second leg (lb) with reference toclaim 5 for a respective one of the two primary profile sections (1), said holding structure being connected to a support structure (9b) that extends in a plane (Pl) that is spaced apart from said holding structure, said support structure (9b) having at least two support elements (9c) that extend pa ra I lei ly and with a clear distance (CD'”) therebetween, said support structure (9c) preferably devised for slidably supporting a second type accessory (7) as defined in claim 12.

14. The third type accessory (9) of claim 13, wherein said holding structure is made from bent metallic wire.

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