VERTICAL COLUMN ASSEMBLY FOR A SHELVING DEVICE

Abstract

 The invention provides a vertical column assembly for a shelving device (1), comprising a vertical column (3) and comprising two lateral walls (11, 12) having each a lateral free end (18) at a lower end (16), a front wall (13) joining the lateral walls and having a front free end (19) at the lower end, and at least one front window (20a) formed in the front wall (13) at the lower end, and further comprises a reinforcing member (31) distinct to the vertical column (3), comprising two wing portions (33) extending each from a central portion (32) and facing each other, the reinforcing member (31) being mounted onto the lower end (16), the central portion (32) being with regard to the lateral and front free ends (18, 19), and the wing portions (33) sandwiching the lateral and the front walls (11, 12, 13) at the lower end.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a vertical column assembly for a shelving device.

[0002] The invention further relates to a shelving device comprising such a vertical column.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Shelving devices, also named gondola, are well known and generally comprise a base, two vertical columns which extend from the base, a back panel directly mounted on and between the vertical columns, and a plurality of shelves, also named sales shelves for displaying articles, each mounted on and hung to the vertical columns.

[0004] For instance, each vertical column has a section of rectangular shape defining an internal cavity and comprises two lateral walls which face each other, at least a front wall which joins each the two lateral walls, and a plurality of front windows at least formed in the front wall and configured for hanging the shelves and/or the back panel to the vertical columns.

[0005] In addition, the base comprises at least one horizontal stringer fastened to a lower end of the vertical column, at least one settable foot member mechanically connected to the horizontal stringer and/or to the lower end of the vertical column and configured to rest on the floor, and cover panels and/or walls arranged such that the horizontal stringer and foot member are not visible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is directed to a vertical column assembly of a shelving device, the vertical column assembly being particularly simple, convenient and resistant to operate.

[0007] The invention accordingly provides a vertical column assembly for a shelving device, comprising a vertical column having a lower end to which is configured to be fastened at least one horizontal stringer of the shelving device, the vertical column comprising at least two lateral walls facing each other and having each a lateral free end at the lower end, a front wall joining the two lateral walls and having a front free end at the lower end, and at least one front window formed in the front wall at the lower end, wherein the vertical column assembly further comprises a reinforcing member distinct to the vertical column and to the at least one horizontal stringer, the reinforcing member comprising a central portion and two wing portions extending each from the central portion and facing each other, the reinforcing member being at least partially mounted onto the lower end of the vertical column, the central portion being with regard to the lateral free ends of the lateral walls and to the front free end of the front wall, and the wing portions sandwiching at least partially the two lateral walls and the front wall at the lower end of the vertical column.

[0008] In the vertical column assembly of the invention, the reinforcing member allows to render more resistant the vertical column at the location of its lower end, and thus allows to render more robust the shelving device in case of heavy load supported thereby.

[0009] Indeed, thanks to the reinforcing member, the lateral walls at the lower end of the vertical column are sandwiched by the wing portions of the reinforcing member, held together by its central portion, and are thus protected at least against deformation by flexion under heavy load.

[0010] To be noted that the reinforcing member is mounted with its central portion facing the free ends of the lateral and front walls, in such a way that access to the lower end of the vertical column is permitted in order to fasten the horizontal stringer to the vertical column.

[0011] The vertical column assembly according to the invention is thus particularly simple and convenient to operate and also particularly efficient for avoiding damage of the vertical column.

[0012] According to features preferred as being very simple, convenient and economical for embodying the vertical column assembly according to the invention:

• Each of the lateral walls has a lateral length corresponding to a depth of the vertical column, the front wall has a front length corresponding to a width of the vertical column, the central portion of the reinforcing member has a first length at least equal to or greater than the lateral length and a first width approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the front length, so that all of the lateral walls at the lower end of the vertical column is in intimate contact with the reinforcing member.
• The reinforcing member is of U-shape having a bottom portion made by the central portion and lateral branches made by the wing portions.
• The wing portions each have a first mounting aperture, the lateral walls each have a second mounting aperture facing the first mounting aperture, and the vertical column assembly comprises at least one fastening member configured to be received in the respective first mounting aperture and second mounting aperture for fastening the reinforcing member to the vertical column.
• At least one of the wing portions has an enlarged wall section protruding outwards, forming a recess between the respective lateral wall and the respective wing portion, the recess being configured for receiving a mounting portion of a spacer of the shelving device.
• The wing portions each have first mounting aperture, the lateral walls each have a second mounting aperture facing the first mounting aperture, and the vertical column assembly comprises at least one fastening member configured to be received in the respective first mounting aperture and second mounting aperture for fastening the reinforcing member to the vertical column, at least one of the wing portions has an enlarged wall section protruding outwards, forming a recess between the respective lateral wall and the respective wing portion, the recess being configured for receiving a mounting portion of a spacer of the shelving device, wherein the first mounting aperture is made in the enlarged wall section for fastening together the vertical column, the spacer and the reinforcing member.
• The central portion and wing portions of the reinforcing member have each a transversally extending section, which extends away transversally from the lower end of the vertical column and towards the at least one horizontal stringer of the shelving device.
• The transversally extending section of the central portion is configured to support at least partly the at least one horizontal stringer, and the transversally extending section of the wing portions are configured to sandwich at least partly the at least one horizontal stringer.
• Each of the wing portions has a wall section with a greater height and a wall section with a lower height, the wall section with a lower height being located on the transversally extending section of the wing portions.
• The reinforcing member is made from metal.

[0013] The invention further accordingly provides a shelving device comprising at least one vertical column assembly as described above.

[0014] According to features preferred:

• The shelving device comprises at least one horizontal stringer fastened at the lower end of the vertical column of said at least one vertical column assembly.
• The reinforcing member of the at least one vertical column assembly has at least one of the wing portions which has an enlarged wall section protruding outwards, forming a recess between the respective lateral wall of the vertical column of the at least one vertical column assembly, and the respective wing portion, and the shelving device comprises at least one spacer having at least one mounting portion received in the recess of the reinforcing member of the at least one vertical column assembly and fastened together with the vertical column and the reinforcing member.
• The shelving device comprises at least one shelf hung to the vertical column, and/or at least one foot member, and/or at least one back panel mounted to the at least one vertical column of the vertical column assembly.
• The vertical column comprises a rear wall facing the front wall, joining the two lateral walls and having a rear free end at the lower end, and at least one rear window formed in the rear wall at the lower end, the shelving device comprises horizontal stringers fastened at the lower end of the vertical column and extending respectively from the front wall and the rear wall, and the central portion is located with regard to the lateral free ends of the lateral walls, to the front free end of the front wall and to the rear free end of the rear wall, and the wing portions sandwiching at least partially the two lateral walls, the front wall and the rear wall at the lower end of the vertical column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description of the invention now continues with a detailed description of a preferred embodiment given hereinafter by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings. In these drawings:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shelving device comprising a base, two vertical columns extending from the base, a back panel extending from the base and located between the two vertical columns and a shelf hung to the two vertical columns;
• Figure 2 is a detail of Figure 1, showing partially a vertical column assembly including one of the vertical columns, a horizontal stringer, a spacer and a reinforcing member mounted on a lower end of the vertical column;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, except that an additional spacer is also mounted on the lower end of the vertical column so as to extend the shelving device illustrated in Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view similar to of Figure 3, but taken from another view angle;
• Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4, but in an exploded view;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4, but in a front view and with the horizontal stringer being omitted;
• Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4, but in a rear view;
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of the reinforcing member shown on Figures 2 to 6, taken isolated;
• Figures 9, 10 and 11 represent the reinforcing member of Figure 7 respectively according to front view, lateral view and upper view, taken isolated.
• Figures 12 and 13 shows in perspective, according to two different view angles, a vertical column assembly with a variant embodiment of the reinforcing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Figure 1 shows a shelving device 1, also named gondola, which is used to display articles (not represented).

[0017] The shelving device 1 is configured to be disposed for instance in a supermarket and to receive articles to display for instance for sale.

[0018] The shelving device 1 here comprises a base 2, two vertical columns 3 extending from the base 2, a back panel 4 also extending from the base 2 and disposed between the vertical columns 3, and a shelf 5, also named support for displaying articles, which is hung to the vertical columns 3 thanks to brackets 6.

[0019] Of course, a plurality of shelves can be hung to the vertical columns.

[0020] In reference at least to Figures 1 and 2, the base 2 is generally made from metal and comprises horizontal stringers 7 (see Figure 2) which form a frame, side walls 8 and a panel 9 which covers the frame.

[0021] The base 2 further comprises feet members 10 whose only three are visible on Figure 1.

[0022] The vertical columns 3 are made from metal and have each a general shape of a hollow tube having a rectangular section.

[0023] Each vertical column 3 comprises a first lateral wall 11 and a second lateral wall 12, facing each other, and a front wall 13 and a rear wall 14, facing each other.

[0024] The front wall 13 and the rear wall 14 each join the first lateral wall 11 and the second lateral wall 12.

[0025] The walls 11 to 14 define an internal cavity 15 in each of vertical column 3.

[0026] The vertical columns 3 comprise a lower end 16 closest to the ground on which the shelving device 1 aims to rest, that is, closest to the feet member 10 of the shelving device 1.

[0027] At the lower end 16 of each vertical column 3, the first lateral wall 11 comprises a lateral free end 18, the second lateral wall 12 comprises also a lateral free end 18, and the front wall 13 comprises a front free end 19. The rear wall 14 may also comprise a rear free end 19a at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3.

[0028] A plurality of front windows 20 are provided in the front wall 13. In a similar way, a plurality of rear windows 17 may be provided in the rear wall 14.

[0029] Each front window 20 has here a substantially rectangular general shape.

[0030] The front wall 13 comprises one row of front windows 20 which are arranged in a vertical superposition from the bottom to the top of the vertical column 3. In a similar way, the rear wall 14 may also comprise one row of rear windows 17.

[0031] The lowest front window 20 of the front wall 13 is here open onto the front free end 19 at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3 (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0032] In a similar way, the lowest rear window 19 of the rear wall 14 is here open onto the rear free end 19a at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3 (see Figure 7).

[0033] Hereafter, the lowest front window 20, which may be similar to the other front windows 20 and may be delimited from all sides by material forming the front wall 13, or which may be different from the other front windows 20 and be open onto the front free end 19, is called front window 20a. The lowest rear window 17 may be similar and is called rear window 17a.

[0034] The shelf 5 is supported laterally by the brackets 6 and comprises hook members (not shown) configured to be introduced into respective first openings 20 of the front walls 13 of the vertical columns 3.

[0035] The shelving device 1 comprises here one horizontal stringer 7 fastened to each vertical column 3.

[0036] The horizontal stringer 7 comprises an elongated main body 21, having here a generally rectangular cross-section.

[0037] The horizontal stringer 7 is fastened to the vertical column 3 at the lower end 16, and extends transversally and substantially perpendicularly to the vertical column 3.

[0038] In particular, at least one horizontal stringer 7 is fastened to the front wall 13 of the vertical column 3, by virtue of a cooperation with at least one front window 20.

[0039] In a similar way, another horizontal stringer 7 may be fastened to the rear wall 14 of the vertical column 3, by virtue of a cooperation with at least one rear window 17.

[0040] The shelving device 1 may comprise one or more spacers 24, each spacer 24 being mounted between two adjacent vertical columns 3.

[0041] The shelving device 1 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises two lateral vertical columns 3, and may comprise one spacer 24 arranged between the two lateral vertical columns 3 (not represented, since it is covered by the panel 9).

[0042] Figure 2 partially illustrates a so called vertical column assembly, and shows the lower end 16 of the vertical columns 3 of the shelving device on the left of Figure 1, the panel 9 being omitted and the spacer 24 being visible, the horizontal stringer 7 and a reinforcing member 31 which is located at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3 and which is configured to sandwich at least partially the lateral walls 11 and 12, and the front wall 13 at the lower end 16 (see in detail below).

[0043] As shown on Figures 3 to 6, the shelving device 1 may be extended and may thus comprise more than two vertical columns 3 and a plurality of spacers 24 extending laterally from the vertical columns 3.

[0044] Figures 3 to 6 illustrate the lower end 16 of the central vertical column 3 of such a shelving device having more than two vertical columns 3, the panel 9 being omitted and two spacer 24 being visible.

[0045] Each spacer 24 comprises at a first end a first mounting portion and at a second end opposite to the first end a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion being configured to be mechanically connected to two spaced apart vertical columns 3.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the first mounting portion of a spacer 24 assembled on the first lateral wall 11 of the vertical columns 3 and Figure 4 shows the second mounting portion of another spacer 24 assembled on the second lateral wall 12 of this vertical column 3.

[0047] The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion of a spacer 24 each comprise a mounting flange 25. The mounting flange 25 may have two third mounting apertures 26, which may be substantially of rectangular shape. The lateral walls 11 and 12 of the vertical column 3 each have two or more corresponding second mounting apertures 27 at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3, facing the third mounting apertures 26, and which may also be substantially of rectangular shape.

[0048] One or two spacers 24 may be mounted to the vertical column 3 using a fastening member, which may be a bolt formed by a screw 28 passing through the third mounting apertures 26 and the corresponding second mounting apertures 27, and a nut 29, and optionally a washer 30 interposed between the nut 29 and the mounting flange 25.

[0049] As it is shown on figure 5, at a rear open end of the main body 21, the horizontal stringer 7 may comprise a bulge 22 adapted to fit in the front window 20a of the vertical column 3.

[0050] At an upper edge of the rear end of the main body 21, the horizontal stringer 7 may comprise a hook member 23 adapted to be hinged into another front window 20 located above the front window 20a.

[0051] This way, the horizontal stringer 7 is attached to the front wall 13 at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3.

[0052] The same can apply to the rear wall 14 at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3, to which a horizontal stringer 7 may also be attached.

[0053] As mentioned previously, the vertical column assembly of the shelving device 1 comprises at least one reinforcing member 31 mounted at the lower end 16 of at least one vertical column 3.

[0054] The reinforcing member 31 is distinct from the vertical column 3 and is reversibly mounted onto it.

[0055] The reinforcing member 31 is also distinct from the horizontal stringer 7.

[0056] The reinforcing member 31 is also distinct from the spacers 24.

[0057] In reference to Figures 7 to 10, the reinforcing member 31 comprises a central portion 32 and two wing portions 33 extending each from the central portion 32, and which are facing each other.

[0058] The central portion 32 and the wing portions 33 may be integral, and the reinforcing member 31 may be made of a metal, like steel.

[0059] The reinforcing member 31 is of U-shape, that is the cross-section of the reinforcing member 31 is substantially U-shaped.

[0060] The bottom portion of the U-shape is made by the wing portions 33, and the lateral branches of the U-shape are made by the central portion 32.

[0061] The wing portions 33 are separated from a distance approximately equal, or slightly greater than, the width of the vertical column 3, that is the front length of the front wall 13.

[0062] In other words, the central portion 12 of the reinforcing member 31 has a first width at least equal to or greater than the front length of the front wall 13.

[0063] The central portion 32 reinforcing member 31 may have a first length at least equal or greater to the depth of the vertical column 3, that is the lateral length of the lateral walls 11 and 12.

[0064] At least one of the wing portions 33 may comprise an enlarged wall section protruding outwards of the U-shape, with the wing portion 33 having a substantially constant wall thickness, so that a recess 34 is formed on each wing portions 33 on the inside of the U-shape.

[0065] Here, both of the wing portions 33 of the reinforcing member 31 comprise an enlarged wall section and thus a recess 34.

[0066] The enlarged wall section may for instance be obtained by stamping a metal sheet from which the reinforcing member 31 is made of.

[0067] The recess 34 may have a depth corresponding substantially to a thickness of the mounting flange 25 of a spacer 24, so as to accommodate the mounting flange 25 inside of the reinforcing member 31, as it is described later.

[0068] The recesses 34 may be located substantially in the middle of the wing portions 33.

[0069] The wing portions 33 may also each comprise a first mounting aperture 35, which may be of a general rectangular shape.

[0070] The first mounting apertures 35 may be located substantially in the middle of the wing portions 33, that is in the middle of the recesses 34 when the reinforcing member 31 comprises such.

[0071] The first mounting apertures 35 are facing at least some of the second mounting apertures 27, and some of the third mounting apertures 26 when the shelving device 1 comprises at least one spacer 24.

[0072] The reinforcing member 31 may also comprise an opening 36 in the central portion 32, and which may be located substantially in the middle of the central portion 32. The opening 36 may be of circular shape.

[0073] We will now describe the assembling of the vertical column assembly, that is to say the assembling of the reinforcing member 31 with the vertical column 3, the horizontal stringer 7 and optionally the spacers 4, in particular in reference to Figures 2 to 6.

[0074] The reinforcing member 31 is inserted onto the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3, with the central portion 32 being with regard to the lateral free ends 18 of the lateral walls 11 and 12, and the front free end 19 of the front wall 13.

[0075] In other words, the central portion 32 covers substantially all of the free ends of the vertical column 3.

[0076] In particular, the central portion 32 may be abutted to the lateral free ends 18, and the front free end 19.

[0077] The wing portions 33 extend along the lateral walls 11 and 12 outside of the vertical column 3, and sandwich the lateral walls 11 and 12 and the front wall 13.

[0078] This way, all of the lateral walls 11 and 12 at the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3 are in intimate contact with the reinforcing member 31.

[0079] It is to be noted that the front wall 13 (except the front free end 19, that is the edge of the front wall 13, and the rear free end 19a, that is the edge of the rear wall 14) is no covered by any part of the reinforcing member 31, and thus the front window 20a, as well as the rear window 17a if there is any, is accessible, in particular for fastening the horizontal stringer 7.

[0080] The mounting flange 25 of a mounting end of a spacer 24 may be placed in a recess 34 of the reinforcing member 31.

[0081] The reinforcing member 31, and where applicable the spacer(s) 24, are fastened to the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3.

[0082] A fastening member, which may be a screw 28, is inserted through the first mounting apertures 35 of the reinforcing member 31, and lower second mounting apertures 27 of the vertical column 3, and where applicable also through lower third mounting apertures 26 of the spacer 24. The screw 28 is bolted with the nut 29, and optionally the washer 30.

[0083] The reinforcing member 31 is mounted and fastened to the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3.

[0084] The reinforcing member 31 protects the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3 from damage.

[0085] The reinforcing member 31 allows to reinforce the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3 thanks to the wing portions 33 which counteract the widening up of the front window 20a (and where applicable, the rear window 17a) which may occur in case of in case of heavy load on one of the shelves 5.

[0086] Additionally, or alternatively, the reinforcing member 31 may be mounted onto the lower end of the vertical column (also) other than by means of the fastening member passing through the first mounting apertures 35 and second mounting apertures 27.

[0087] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the vertical column assembly comprises a foot element comprising a screw jack and a foot portion fastened to one end of the screw jack.

[0088] The other end of the screw jack is mounted to a lower face of the central portion 32 of the reinforcing member 31, through the opening 36.

[0089] To this end, the opening 36 may be itself be threaded, and/or vertical column assembly 3 may comprise a nut adapted to cooperate with the screw jack, and the nut may be fastened to an upper face of the central portion 32 of the reinforcing member 31 with regard to the opening 36, or the nut may be separate from the reinforcing member 31 and freely arranged on the upper face of the central portion 32.

[0090] The foot portion that is adapted to rely on the ground on which the shelving device 1 is standing, so that the foot element maintains the reinforcing member 31 against the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3.

[0091] For ensuring the contact between the foot element and the ground, the height of the foot element can be adjusted by means of the screw jack, which can be rotated with respect to the reinforcing member 31.

[0092] This embodiment is particularly adapted for a vertical column assembly to which no spacer is to be attached, however without being limited to such a setup.

[0093] According to a second embodiment of the reinforcing member, a reinforcing member 31 comprises a transversally extending section 36 extending transversally away from the lower end 16 of the vertical column 3.

[0094] According to a second embodiment of the reinforcing member, the central portion 32 and wing portions 33 each have a laterally, that is transversally, extending section 36, with the central portion 32 and wing portions 33 which extend from the vertical column 3 towards the horizontal stringer 7.

[0095] The laterally extending section 36 of the central portion 32 supports partly the horizontal stringer 7 which is attached to the vertical column 3.

[0096] The laterally extending section 36 of the wing portions 33 sandwiches partly the horizontal stringer 7 which is attached to the vertical column 3.

[0097] Outside of the laterally extending section 36, the wing portions 33 are sandwiching the lateral walls 11 and 12 as described hereabove, and the central portion 32 is with regard to the lateral free ends 18 and the front free end 19.

[0098] In the illustrated second embodiment, the reinforcing member 31 only partially sandwiches the lateral walls 11 and 12, and the central portion 32 is only partially with regard to the lateral free ends 18 and the front free end 19.

[0099] Each of the wing portions 33 may have a wall section with a greater height and a wall section with a lower height, the wall section with a lower height being located on the laterally extending section 36 of the wing portions 33.

[0100] In the illustrated second embodiment, the reinforcing member 31 may comprise a foot member 10 of the shelving device attached to a lower face of the central portion 32, on the outside of the U-shape of the reinforcing member 31.

[0101] It is to be noted that in both embodiments described above, the reinforcing member may be provided separately, but not necessarily, from the vertical column, and may be mounted onto the vertical column of a preexisting shelving device, insofar the wing portions are adapted to sandwich the lateral walls of the preexisting vertical column.

[0102] In variants that are not shown:

• the first mounting apertures, the second mounting apertures and/or the third mounting apertures may have shapes different than square;
• the front windows of the vertical column may have shapes different than substantially square;
• the reinforcing member and when applicable the spacers may be fastened to the vertical column otherwise than by bolting;
• the reinforcing member is devoid of enlarged wall section and thus of recess;
• the reinforcing member may be shorter in the first length, and be only partially with regard to the lateral free ends and the front free end;
• the reinforcing member may comprise means for fastening the reinforcing member to the horizontal stringer, in addition or alternative to the fastening to the vertical column; and/or
• the shelving device may comprise some vertical columns without any reinforcing member mounted onto it, and some vertical columns with a reinforcing member mounted onto it.

[0103] It should be noted more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims

1. Vertical column assembly for a shelving device (1), comprising a vertical column (3) having a lower end (16) to which is configured to be fastened at least one horizontal stringer (7) of the shelving device, the vertical column (3) comprising at least two lateral walls (11, 12) facing each other and having each a lateral free end (18) at the lower end, a front wall (13) joining the two lateral walls and having a front free end (19) at the lower end, and at least one front window (20a) formed in the front wall (13) at the lower end,
characterized in that the vertical column assembly further comprises a reinforcing member (31) distinct to the vertical column (3) and to the at least one horizontal stringer (7), the reinforcing member (31) comprising a central portion (32) and two wing portions (33) extending each from the central portion (32) and facing each other,
the reinforcing member (31) being at least partially mounted onto the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3), the central portion (32) being with regard to the lateral free ends (18) of the lateral walls (11, 12) and to the front free end (19) of the front wall (13), and the wing portions (33) sandwiching at least partially the two lateral walls (11, 12) and the front wall (13) at the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3).

2. Vertical column assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the lateral walls (11, 12) has a lateral length corresponding to a depth of the vertical column (3), the front wall (13) has a front length corresponding to a width of the vertical column (3), the central portion (12) of the reinforcing member (31) has a first length at least equal to or greater than the lateral length and a first width approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the front length, so that all of the lateral walls (11, 12) at the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3) are in intimate contact with the reinforcing member (31).

3. Vertical column assembly according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing member (31) is of U-shape, having a bottom portion made by the central portion (32) and lateral branches made by the wing portions (33).

4. Vertical column assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wing portions (33) each have a first mounting aperture (35), the lateral walls (11, 12) each have at least one second mounting aperture (27) facing the first mounting aperture (35), and the vertical column assembly comprises at least one fastening member (28, 29, 30) configured to be received in the respective first mounting aperture (35) and second mounting aperture (27) for fastening the reinforcing member (31) to the vertical column (3).

5. Vertical column assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the wing portions (33) has an enlarged wall section protruding outwards, forming a recess (34) between the respective lateral wall (11, 12) and the respective wing portion (33), the recess (34) being configured for receiving a mounting portion of a spacer (24) of the shelving device (1).

6. Vertical column assembly according to claims 1 to 3, the wing portions (33) each have first mounting aperture (35), the lateral walls (11, 12) each have a second mounting aperture (27) facing the first mounting aperture (35), and the vertical column assembly comprises at least one fastening member (28, 29, 30) configured to be received in the respective first mounting aperture (35) and second mounting aperture (27) for fastening the reinforcing member (31) to the vertical column (3), at least one of the wing portions (33) has an enlarged wall section protruding outwards, forming a recess (34) between the respective lateral wall (11, 12) and the respective wing portion (33), the recess (34) being configured for receiving a mounting portion (25) of a spacer (24) of the shelving device, wherein the first mounting aperture (35) is made in the enlarged wall section for fastening together the vertical column (3), the spacer (24) and the reinforcing member (31).

7. Vertical column assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the central portion (32) and wing portions (33) of the reinforcing member (31) have each a transversally extending section (36), which extends away transversally from the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3) and towards the at least one horizontal stringer (7) of the shelving device (1).

8. Vertical column assembly according to claim 7, wherein the transversally extending section (36) of the central portion (32) on the is configured to support at least partly the at least one horizontal stringer (7), and the transversally extending section (36) of the wing portions (33) are configured to sandwich at least partly the at least one horizontal stringer (7).

9. Vertical column assembly according to any of claims 7 to 8, wherein each of the wing portions (33) has a wall section with a greater height and a wall section with a lower height, the wall section with a lower height being located on the laterally extending section (36) of the wing portions (33).

10. Vertical column assembly according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reinforcing member (31) is made from metal.

11. Shelving device (1) for displaying articles, comprising at least one vertical column assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Shelving device (1) according to claim 11, further comprising at least one horizontal stringer (7) fastened at the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3) of said at least one vertical column assembly.

13. Shelving device (1) according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the reinforcing member (31) of the at least one vertical column assembly has at least one of the wing portions (33) which has an enlarged wall section protruding outwards, forming a recess (34) between the respective lateral wall (11, 12) of the vertical column (3) of the at least one vertical column assembly, and the respective wing portion (33), and the shelving device further comprises at least one spacer (24) having at least one mounting portion (25) received in the recess (34) of the reinforcing member (31) of the at least one vertical column assembly and fastened together with the vertical column (3) and the reinforcing member (34).

14. Shelving device (1) according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the vertical column (3) comprises a rear wall (14) facing the front wall (13), joining the two lateral walls (11, 12) and having a rear free end at the lower end, and at least one rear window formed in the rear wall (14) at the lower end (16), the shelving device (1) comprises horizontal stringers (7) fastened at the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3) and extending respectively from the front wall (13) and the rear wall (14), and the central portion (12) is located with regard to the lateral free ends (18) of the lateral walls (11, 12), to the front free end (19) of the front wall (13) and to the rear free end of the rear wall (14), and the wing portions (33) sandwiching at least partially the two lateral walls (11, 12), the front wall (13) and the rear wall (14) at the lower end (16) of the vertical column (3).

15. Shelving device (1) according to any of claims 11 to 14, further comprising at least one shelf (5) hung to the vertical column (3), and/or at least one foot member (10), and/or at least one back panel (4) mounted to the at least one vertical column (3) of the vertical column assembly.

Drawing