Improvement to a shelving of the type with modular elements, for the technical-functional furnishing of interiors

Abstract

 Improvement to a shelving, with modular elements, comprising:

• at least a shelf, where in correspondence of the corners a resting side for the mutual coupling of a support accessory means with one of the sides, providing in logic correspondence the realisation of a seat, is provided;
• at least an upright, along which some punching is longitudinally present;
• at least a supporting means, for the anchoring of one shelf end, being made up of a conic element, provided with a male means for the mutual fixing along said shelf seat;
• at least a core for each of said supporting means, arranged annularly to said upright, subdivided into two elements, provided along the inside walls with bodies which protrude for being inserted inside of the punching obtained along the upright;
  and in which, said support means is joined by a straight line connection portion, also monolithically obtained, to a second support means having a analogue shape.

Description

[0001] The present invention has for object an improvement to a shelving of the type with modular elements, for the technical-functional furnishing of interiors.

[0002] The invention, finds particular even if not exclusive application in the field of products for food industry and in public restaurants.

[0003] The use of shelving for the stocking of various amounts of products is known. These, have different features according to their specific destination, so that it is possible having some traditional shelving for the support of any type of items, which are not subjected to special structural restrictions, and on the other side special shelving for supporting certain products, such as food products in refrigeration industry, which vice versa, must satisfy special requirements. In the state of the art, reference should be made to this latter type of shelving, and in particular to the shelving for food usage. A first condition which must be satisfied by said structure, consists of the material used for its manufacturing, in particular steel for food usage, and this, for at least two good reasons; on one side it may be subjected to hygienizing treatments, such as for instance in autoclave, for the bacteria elimination, on the other side, because the material features make the bacteria migration and proliferation difficult to occur. Now, if on one side, steel beyond any doubt has these but also other positive features which ease its use in such field, on the other side, because of the difficult manufacturing of the material, it is extremely difficult obtaining some structures which may result functional thanks to their modularity and assembling rapidity, and at the same time be economical, highly hygienizable, of course without neglecting the last requirement, the aesthetical look.

[0004] For instance, a first typology of modular structure per special uses, has its origin in the usual shelving, where to a series of uprights, provided with also adjustable small feet, some shelves are joined by using screw means. More in detail, the section of each upright is made up of a square tube, contrary to the most common section bars having an "L"-like section, in which along at least two adjacent sides, on four, some through holes, equidistant and symmetrical, through which inserting the screws for the corresponding fixing of the shelf, having a generally rectangular plane, are provided. In some cases, the shelf is provided with a perimetral frame as support to a large surface grate, also obtained in polyurethane. Said frame section is made up of a square tube, perimetrally providing in correspondence of the four corners, some recesses, so that a part of the upright may be housed in their inside contacting their two adjoining surfaces. The drawbacks related to this solution are in the first place to be ascribed to the installation complexity, because the screws are used as mechanical fixing means of the shelves. Practically the operation, mainly for rather large surfaces, results in a considerable loss of time and in a need of much labour. Such a system, besides, would present some unsteady points, such as for instance in the case of the orthogonal jointing of a shelf to another, in absence on the internal side of a corresponding support upright. Finally, still another drawback, consists of the shape of the materials used, such as for instance the square tube, which being holed, is not suitable for being hygienized, for its multiple recesses (for instance the tube's hollow inside), which, not being suitably cleaned, are a receptacle for bacteria proliferation.

[0005] For obviating these problems, the sector firms are directed toward other proposals of shelving, which would first keep into account a considerable reduction of the possible bacteria receptacles. Thus, some elements with more rounded shapes are being adopted, for allowing a more careful cleaning, but mainly new kinds of the shelves anchoring to the respective uprights are being sought, avoiding the resort to the traditional screws. To this last category belongs a first solution, an also widely used one, made up of at least two symmetrical sides, each side comprising two parallel uprights held together by a series of transversal elements, whose ends passing through said uprights are riveted. The shelf in this case is only laid with its ends on the corresponding cross-pieces, and eventually fixed, providing a mutual housing seat. If on one side, the assembling seems simplified and even fast, on the other side, the structure results as very unsteady. For obviating this problem, the use of suitable tie-rods on the shelving back, at least two, which placed one onto the other and crossed, allow a minimum structural stiffening is provided. Therefore, the structure, besides lacking a reliable stiffness, is penalised by the use of transversal means whose ends passing through the uprights, are riveted. This may cause infiltration of any kind of dirt, along the upright, therefore creating an ideal place for the bacteria proliferation, and hardly accessible. Finally, because of its complexity, the structure has rather high manufacturing costs of the ensemble, which do not match with the present user's needs, who vice versa require a good compromise between quality and purchase cost.

[0006] A third and last generation of shelving, has substantially the aim of avoiding the resort to the upright or shelves holing. More in particular, the simplest of these ones, is made up of a classic structure with four tubular and round section uprights, lowerly provided with pivoting small wheels, and of a series of corresponding shelves. These latter, are provided in correspondence of the respective corners, with a sort of bushings, perfectly cylindrical, inside of which, there seems to be a plastic material sheath, and which would determine the annular clamping of upright, thus allowing the adjustment in height of said shelves. This solution, though, is subjected to other kinds of drawbacks. In the first place, a poor steadiness of the structure is still noticeable, mainly related to the means for the shelves locking along the uprights, and secondly it is not at all flexible because it does not allow the jointing to an analogue structure either placed longitudinally and orthogonally and front-end with respect to the same. This, obviously, limits its use, finding a minimum answer on the market.

[0007] This latter and more complete structure, not of national origin, to which reference is made, comprises some tubular uprights in this case square ones, whose sharp corners are caulked, deforming the metal for obtaining some equidistant and symmetrical punching. Said punching, have the purpose of being the reference for the anchoring in predetermined positions of the respective shelves. These latter, are characterised by a rectangular frame obtained by the joint of four straight line staves, parallel two by two and symmetrical, which retain a grated surface. In correspondence of the corners, each shelf has a piece of square tube, in this case, having a conical development, on whose adjoining lateral surfaces, said stave ends, forming a single whole, end. Thus substantially, we notice that each shelf is integrally provided with four passing recesses, one for each corner, inside of which the respective uprights are coaxially insertable, provided with punching. A third element is made up of a plastic material insert, obtained in a single piece, also conical and with a quadrilateral section. Said ring material leans along the surfaces in more points, and besides provides on the internal surface, the realisation of protrusions. Said insert, during the shelving installation, is positioned close to the desired height, and so it occurs also for the as many uprights, thus always acting from the top downwards the first shelf is lowered, up to enclose the respective rings, being careful to further push the same shelf downwards, clamping the uprights. In addition, the proposed solution provides some accessories, which have the purpose of allowing the structure continuity with some analogue ones, adjacent, for obtaining some configuration developed both longitudinally and orthogonally. One of these, for instance, consists of that it provides a hook, in a side view substantially being "L" shaped and in a section view consisting of an upturned "U", which upperly provides an upturned section which on a side is hooked along the transversal stave of a first profile, while on the other side, positioned more lowly, two teeth able to lay on the lower edge of the facing stave of an adjacent shelf to be connected, are obtained. But also this solution is not at all without drawbacks. In the first place, it does not seem flexible, for that once installed, the modification of the position needed by the user is very difficult. In fact, it is not uncommon the need to remove a shelf for leaving a larger space between the other shelves; in this case there is no problem if the shelf to be removed is the upper one, but it is different when the shelf to be removed is placed beneath the first one. Then, in this case, removing all the superposed shelves is necessary, but only after having freed each shelf from the objects laid on it. Definitely, the structure does not seem flexible, also and because of the system adopted in the manufacturing of modular structures. It is the case of the accessory, whose use does not give a sufficient stability to the structure. Furthermore, it may be noticed that such an application, does not allow to the thus jointed shelves a solution of logic continuity, instead noticing among the same ones a break portion.

[0008] The same applicant, with patent application n. TV96A000138 (ARTINOX) meant to propose a solution to the aforementioned problems, by a structure with modular elements for the technical-functional furnishing of interiors, particularly a shelving, comprising at least five elements, of which:

• at least an essentially rectangular shelf with a box-type edge, whose corners are chamfered thus obtaining a side whose width is at least equal to one of the sides of a support accessory means, providing in correspondence of each corner the realisation of a downwards opened female seat;
• an upright, with square section, in which two diametrically opposed corners, longitudinally have some specular and equidistant punching;
• a support means, for the anchoring of one shelf's end, said means consisting of a quadrangular conical element, in which at least one side is provided with a male means for the mutual fixing along a female seat provided on the shelf;
• a core arranged annularly to said upright, subdivided into two elements, provided along the inside walls with bodies which protrude for being inserted inside of the punching obtained along the tubular upright;
• and finally, providing an accessory for the orthogonal connection and the support of a analogue shelf, said accessory, consisting of a clip-means, on a side provided with means for the engagement along the edge of a first shelf, on the other side, providing a side endowed with male means for the coupling with a corresponding female seat obtained perimetrally to the adjoining shelf.

[0009] But even the thus described solution, after some checking, resulted as subjected to some drawbacks. In particular, they are referred to that the shelving structure, sometimes in particular work conditions, does not seem as sufficiently strong, because the shelf-upright connection system, may cause an excessive slack between them and anyway, altogether, result unsuitable for supporting loads of considerable weight. The problem of the limited load capacity of the shelves, also lies in that they, being self-supporting, are directly and locally anchored in some points on the uprights, by the interaction of suitable hooking means. Furthermore, always in said shelves, the capacity of supporting loads is let to the sole perimetral profile of the shelf, by a rather box-type shape. Consequently, it may be understood, that from the particular shape of said profile, a higher or lesser tendency to flexing, with a very often excessive rise, derives. This objective limitation, involves some distances between centres which are excessively close to each other between the uprights, causing logistic problems and definitely also increasing the structure cost.

[0010] A second, but not less important aspect, lies in the absence of modularity and flexibility of the planes. Moreover, this is an extremely useful condition, in case where obtaining a shelf with resting alternate particularly shaped planes is necessary (e.g. aerated planes/planes), and each is obtained by using different materials, according to the different type of the product to be stocked, or also only considering special structure shape needs. This occurs, for instance, in the case in which stocking a product adjacent to others, having smaller size, whose height interferes with the upper shelf, is necessary. Still another problem, is related to that the known shelves cannot be modular, meaning that each is made up of an ensemble of planes, one adjoining the other, as it happens, for instance, in the case in which varying the desired resting plane length, due to changed needs, is necessary, so that the present shelves remain single structures restrained to the shelving standard size, with considerable use limitations.

[0011] Purpose of the present invention is also that of obviating the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] This and other purposes, are reached by the present invention according to the characteristics as in the enclosed claims, solving the mentioned problems by an improvement to a shelving, of the type with modular elements, for the technical-functional furnishing of interiors, comprising:

- at least an essentially rectangular shelf in which in correspondence of the corners, a resting side for mutual coupling of a support accessory means with one of the sides, providing in correspondence of each corner the realisation of a downwards opened female seat, is provided;

- at least an upright, with square section, in which two diametrically opposed corners, longitudinally have some specular and equidistant punching;

- at least a support means, for the anchoring of one shelf's end, said means consisting of a quadrangular conical element, in which at least one side is provided with a male means for the mutual fixing along a female seat provided on the shelf;

- at least a core for each aforementioned support means, arranged annularly to said upright, subdivided into two elements, provided along the inside walls with bodies which protrude for being inserted inside of the punching obtained along the tubular upright;
and in which, said support means is jointed by a straight line portion, also monolithically obtained, to a second support means having a analogue shape.

[0013] Thus, through the considerable creative contribution whose effect represents an immediate technical progress, the advantages already described and reached by the previous solution (Artinox), mainly with reference to the assembling rapidity, are optimised.

[0014] In addition, it is possible to realise a bearing structure, extremely strong, which gives a peerless stability to the ensemble, which makes it particularly suitable for the food products stocking. Always with this aim, it was noticed that the same structure, allows to support heavier loads than the previous one, with a fair reduction of the shelf bending rise. This latter, for its characteristics, seems more versatile, because its modularity is made possible by the use of more elements, easily removable, and also whit a different shape and material, it answers any user's special stocking need.

[0015] These, and other advantages will result from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment solution with the aid of the enclosed drawings, whose execution details are not to be considered as limitations, but only as examples.

Figure 1., shows a side view of a cross-piece with two-way ends.

Figure 2., is a section view of the connection portion between the two-way ends of the cross-piece as in Figure 1.

Figure 3., shows a plan view of the cross-piece shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4., shows, a variation to the ends of the cross-piece shown in Figure 1., it being an orthogonal three-way cross-piece, taken from a plan view.

Figure 5., shows a variation to the ends of the previously shown cross-pieces, it being a diametrically opposed two-way cross-piece, taken from a plan view.

Figure 6, still shows a variation to the ends of the previously shown cross-pieces, it being a one-way cross-piece, taken from a plan view.

Finally, Figure 7., shows a further variation to the ends of the previously shown cross-pieces, it being a cross-piece, taken from a plan view, with two diametrically opposed ways, but with a quadrangular sectioned hole rotated of 45°.

Description of a possible execution

[0016] Also referring to the mentioned figures, it may be noticed that a shelving structure for food usage, of the type with modular elements, for furnishing interiors, is made up of a series of shelves, supported on the other, by means of at least four corresponding uprights. The shelves, in the case in point, may be of the self-supporting type, that is made up of a single body, or in alternative, be made up of the matching of more adjoining planes, as shelf portions, having different shape and material. Each upright, consists of a tube, at least on one side, the lower one, endowed with an also adjustable small foot for the ground resting, having a square section, with the rounded corners, and along two of which, diametrically opposed, some equidistant punching are obtained.

[0017] Even more in detail, at least two of said parallel uprights of the thus obtained shelving, are in contact with a type (A) cross-piece which joints them. It is monolithically obtained, in plastic material, and is made up of two heads at the opposed ends (1, 3) aimed at engaging and supporting the shelf ends, as well as of a connection portion (2), which joints said two ends (1, 3).

[0018] Each of said two ends (1, 3) of a cross-piece (A), is essentially like a collar, having a conical shape, and the faceted perimetral surface, so that, taken in a plan view, it is similar to a quadrilateral figure alike the upright shape. This collar is axially holed (10), providing a section, whose shape, dimensionally, is slightly higher than that of the upright which supports it. Thus, each end (1, 3) of a cross-piece (A), coaxially houses a corresponding upright -not shown-.

[0019] The cross-piece (A) shape, therefore, allows to obtain on the ends (1, 3), three sides (11), two of which are parallel and specular, which means lateral, and a third one obtained perpendicular to the first two ones, thus front-end. At least one of said three surfaces (11), allows to provide the association or to obtain from it at least a suitable means for the engagement and the support of the shelf or of a part of this. Said means, essentially consists of a slide (12), obtained projecting, along the vertical, in correspondence of at least one of the sides (11) of each collar or end (1, 3). For what concerns said slide (12) shape, is laterally has some guides (12¹) able to locally engage the suitably arranged edge of a corresponding shelf or portion of the same. Said two guides (12¹), as it can be noticed in the enclosed illustrative Figures, tend to narrow their seat when they get close to the collar lower part, obtaining on the other hand, a thickening of the fins (12²) of the slide (12) front part, definitely what allows during the assembling, to eliminate the slack of the shelf engaged to the uprights by the further stiffening of the structure ensemble.

[0020] According to the shelving structure (A) desired shape, more cross-pieces (A¹, A² and Aⁿ) may be made available, whose ends (1, 3) provide some multiple-way collars. Thus, for instance, in case of a structure where orthogonally adding a second shelf to a first one is necessary, using at least a two-way cross-piece (A¹), which provides two analogue slides (12), obtained on two adjoining sides, placed at 90°, will be useful. Always depending on the desired shape, the use of a cross-piece with collars or, three-way (A²) ends (1, 3), therefore, each provided with three slides (12), along the relative sides (11), for the engagement of the relative shelves, may also be provided.

[0021] Finally, for what concerns the connection middle portion (2) between the two opposite ends (1, 3), consisting of the one or multiple way collars, it may be noticed that the section, of said portion, is of the upturned "U" type, with the presence of stiffening ribs (21) on the intrados, consisting of plates which divide and distinguish in sectors said cross-piece (A) hollow part.

Claims

1. A shelving, of the type with modular elements, for the technical-functional furnishing of interiors, comprising:

- at least an essentially rectangular shelf, in correspondence of whose corners a resting side for mutual coupling of a support accessory means with one of the sides, providing in logic correspondence the realisation of a downwards opened female seat;

- at least an upright, with square section, in which two diametrically opposed corners, longitudinally have some specular and equidistant punching;

- at least a support means, for the anchoring of one shelf's end, said means consisting of a quadrangular conical element, in which at least one side is provided with a male means for the mutual fixing along a female seat provided along the shelf;

- at least a core for each aforementioned support means, arranged annularly to said upright, subdivided into two elements, provided along the inside walls with bodies which protrude for being inserted inside of the punching obtained along the tubular upright;
characterised in that said support means (1) is jointed by a straight line connection portion (2), also monolithically obtained, to a second support means (3) having analogue shape, making up a cross-piece (A).

2. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to claim 1., characterised in that at least two of said parallel uprights of the thus obtained shelving, are in contact with a type (A) cross-piece which joints them, being monolithically obtained, in plastic material, and made up of two opposite ends (1, 3) aimed at engaging and supporting the shelf ends, as well as of a connection portion (2), which joints said two ends (1, 3).

3. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to claims 1. and 2., characterised in that each of said two ends (1, 3) of a cross-piece (A), is essentially like a collar, having a conical shape, and the faceted perimetral surface, axially holed (10 providing a quadrangular section, whose shape, dimensionally, is slightly major than that of the upright which supports it.

4. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to previous claims, characterised in that each end (1, 3) of a cross-piece (A), coaxially houses a corresponding upright of the thus obtained shelving.

5. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to previous claims, characterised in that a cross-piece (A), has for each end (1, 3), three sides (11), two of which are parallel and specular, which means lateral, and a third one obtained perpendicular to the first two ones, thus front-end.

6. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to previous claims, characterised in that at least one of said three surfaces (11), obtained for each end (1, 3), provides the association or obtains from the same at least a suitable means (12) for the engagement and the support of the shelf or of a part of this.

7. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to previous claims, characterised in that, in correspondence of at least one surface (11), a slide (12) is provided, obtained protruding, along the vertical, from whose shape, some guides (12¹)are laterally obtained, able to locally engage the edge, mutually arranged, of a corresponding shelf or portion of the same.

8. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to claim 7., characterised in that said two guides (12¹), narrow their seat when they get close to the collar lower part, obtaining on the other hand, a thickening of the fins (12²) of the slide (12) front part.

9. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to previous claims, characterised in that according to the shelving structure (A) desired shape, more cross-pieces (A¹, A² and Aⁿ) may be made available, whose ends (1, 3) provide some multiple-way collars, may be made available.

10. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to previous claims, characterised in that the connection middle portion (2) between the two opposite ends (1, 3), consisting of the one or multiple way collars. has a section, of the upturned "U" type.

11. A shelving, of the type with modular elements according to claim 10., characterised in that the connection middle portion (2) between the two engaging ends (1, 3), has some stiffening ribs (21) on the intrados, consisting of plates.

Drawing