BR112019012746A2 - metal shelf configured to fit a merchandise display device, notably a gondola - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shelf for a gondola comprising an upper panel, a front face (23) having an outer front wall (40) and an inner front wall (43) folded over themselves and forming a front fold, one face. rear (26) having outer rear wall (50) and inner rear wall (53) folded over themselves and forming a rear fold, a first side having at least two walls (70,72) folded over themselves and forming a first fold side, a second side having at least two walls (60, 62) folded over themselves and forming a second side fold, the front face meeting at the same time the first and second sides by two opposite end portions of the at least one of which is folded and arranged against the first side or the second side, and the shelf comprises at least one locking mechanism (34) configured to ensure retention of said portion of end (58) against the first side or the second side.

Description

“METALLIC SHELF CONFIGURED TO EQUIP A DEVICE FOR THE PRESENTATION OF MERCHANDISE ITEMS, NOTESALLY A GONDOLA”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention refers to metal shelves configured to equip devices for displaying merchandise items, as well as such devices, notably gondolas, intended to be displayed in retail stores, for example, supermarkets.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND [0002] From the European patent application EP 2 073 668, metal shelves configured to equip devices for displaying merchandise items, notably gondolas foreseen to be arranged in retail stores, are known.

[0003] These shelves comprise a flat metallic top panel and having side ends that are folded down in relation to the flat part of the top panel, side reinforcement pieces arranged under the top panel against the folded side ends of this panel, as well as reinforcement pieces longitudinal lines arranged equally under the top panel and extending between two lateral reinforcement pieces from one of the lateral ends to the other of the lateral ends. The longitudinal reinforcement pieces are each fixed on two lateral reinforcement pieces, which are themselves fixed on the folded side ends of the top panel.

[0004] Other European shelves are also known from European patent application EP 2 641 506, also configured to equip devices for displaying merchandise items, notably gondolas foreseen to be arranged in retail stores.

[0005] These shelves have a top panel formed, for example, of two metal sheets between which a reinforcement plate is interposed and glued, in a wavy or honeycomb shape.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

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2/26 [0006] The invention proposes to provide a metallic shelf configured to equip a device for displaying merchandise articles of a type similar to those described above, which is particularly robust, but at the same time simple, economical and comfortable both in use and in manufacturing.

[0007] The invention therefore has, in a first aspect, a metallic shelf configured to equip a device for displaying merchandise articles, notably a gondola, comprising a top panel extending globally longitudinally and forming an outer surface for the exhibition of merchandise items, as well as an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, a front face and a rear face opposite the front face, each extending transversely from the top panel and the length of the shelf, a first side and a second opposite side on the first side, each extending transversely from the top panel and into the depth of the shelf, characterized by the fact that the front face has an external front wall and an internal front wall folded over itself and forming a front fold, the rear face features folded outer rear wall and inner rear wall on themselves and forming a rear fold, the first side has at least two walls folded over themselves and forming a first fold on the side, the second side has at least two walls folded over themselves and forming a second fold on the side, the front face of the shelf meeting, at the same time, the first side and the second side by two portions of opposite ends of the front face, at least one of the end portions of the front face being folded and arranged against the first side or against the second side , and the shelf additionally comprises at least one locking mechanism configured to ensure the retention of said at least an end portion against the first side or the second side.

[0008] The arrangement of the shelf according to the invention and, in particular, the formation of the first and second side folds, allows to provide the shelf with a very good resistance at the contact points formed by its first and second sides, by which the shelf is mounted on the device.

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3/26 [0009] Furthermore, the arrangement of the shelf according to the invention and, in particular, the formation of the front and rear folds, allows the shelf to be longitudinally stiffened, both on the front and the rear part of the latter.

[0010] The formation of the first and second folds on the side and the front and rear folds, substantially over the entire contour of the shelf, provides a particularly efficient resistance to shocks.

[0011] It is noted that the fact that one of the end portions of the front face is folded and arranged against the first side or against the second side, allows closing at least one corner in front of the shelf; while the locking mechanism protects this closure. Such closing protected from at least one front corner of the shelf allows to further improve the resistance at the contact points provided notably by the first and second side folds, reducing the risk of torsion and, therefore, of torsion defects of the shelf, also allows to improve it plus the rigidity of the shelf provided notably by the front and rear folds, and also allows to improve the shock resistance provided notably by the first and second side folds and the front and rear folds.

[0012] According to preferred, simple, comfortable and economical characteristics of the shelf according to the invention:

- the first side has a first external side wall extending from the upper panel and provided with a first vertical external portion, a first internal side wall provided with a first vertical internal portion extending from the first vertical external portion, and folded over the latter, the first vertical inner portion is extended by a second transverse inner portion extending into the shelf in support against the inner surface of its upper panel; and / or the second side has a second outer wall extending from the top panel and provided with a first vertical outer portion, and a second inner wall provided with a first vertical inner portion extending from the first outer portion

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4/26 vertical and folded over the latter, the first vertical inner portion is extended by a second transverse inner portion extending into the shelf in support against the inner surface of its upper panel;

- the external front wall extends from the upper panel and is provided with a first vertical external portion extended by a second external transverse portion that extends into the shelf, the internal front wall is provided with a first internal transverse portion extending from the second transverse outer portion and folded over the latter, the first transverse inner portion extended by a second vertical inner portion in support against the first vertical outer portion, the second vertical inner portion extended by a third transverse portion extending to the interior of the shelf in support against the interior surface of its upper panel; and / or the external rear wall extends from the upper panel and is provided with a first vertical external portion extended by a second transverse external portion, the latter extending into the shelf, and the internal rear wall is provided with a first transverse inner portion extending from the second transverse outer portion and folded over the latter, the first transverse inner portion extended by a second vertical inner portion in support against the first vertical outer portion, the second vertical inner portion extended by a third transverse portion extending into the shelf in support against the interior surface of its upper panel;

- the locking mechanism is formed by a locking tab on the first side and folded over a first end portion of the front face which is folded and arranged against the first side, and / or by a locking tab from the second side, and folded over a second end portion of the front face which is folded and arranged against the second side;

the locking tab comes from an extension of the first vertical outer portion of the first outer side wall of the first side or the first vertical outer portion of the second outer side wall of the second side; while the first portion of the bent end comes from an extension

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5/26 of the front face and is housed against the first vertical outer portion of the first outer side wall of the first side, at the level of the first end of the latter, and / or the second portion of the folded end comes from an extension of the face front, formed on the opposite side of the first folded end portion and is housed against the first vertical outer portion of the second outer side wall of the second side, at the level of a first end of the latter;

- the first vertical inner portion of the first inner side wall of the first side is interrupted at the level of an end and has a chamfer whose contour is L-shaped, the first portion of the folded end of the front face has a first portion substantially rectangular, which comes to lodge in front of the end of the first vertical inner portion of the first inner wall of the first side, and which extends through a second substantially hammer-shaped portion, which second portion comes to lodge in front of the chamfer the first vertical inner portion; and / or the first vertical inner portion of the second inner side wall of the second side is interrupted at the level of one end and has a chamfer whose contour is L-shaped, the second end portion of the front face has a first portion of shape substantially rectangular, which lodges in front of the end of the first vertical inner portion of the second inner wall of the second side and which extends through a second substantially hammer-shaped portion, the second portion of which lodges in front of the chamfer of this first vertical inner portion;

- the locking tab is formed between two notches formed in the first vertical external portion of the first external side wall of the first side or in the first vertical external portion of the second external side wall of the second side, on one side and the other of the place where the locking tab protrudes from this respective first vertical external portion;

- the locking flap has several openings at the level of its fold;

- slots and openings are configured to facilitate folding

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6/26 of the locking tab and the positioning of the latter, at least partially, against the first and second portions of the first or second end portion of the front face;

- the rear face extends between two free ends that are in the immediate proximity of the first side and the second side, but that do not join them, in order to form a space configured to allow the passage of a console forming an interface for the assembly of the shelf on the merchandise display device;

- the rear face and the first side are configured so that the respective rear fold and the first side fold do not overlap and / or the rear face and the second side are configured so that the rear fold and the second side fold do not overlap;

- the shelf additionally comprises at least one reinforcement piece extending globally longitudinally and comprising a bottom wall, two legs that extend vertically from opposite ends of the bottom wall, and two support flaps that extend respectively from the two legs, on the opposite side of the back wall, the two support flaps being fixed firmly mechanically to the upper panel by its interior surface;

- the support flaps are located facing each other and have a first support portion and a second support portion extending from the first support portion and folded over the latter and the fact that each support flap is provided, in the proximity of a free end of the reinforcement part, with an extension formed in the extension of its second support portion and with a recess formed by the interruption of its first folded support portion, said extension being configured to rest on the second transverse inner portion of the first inner side wall of the first side, or to rest on the second transverse inner portion of the second inner side wall of the second side; and / or

- the front fold, the rear fold and the first and second side folds are fixed firmly mechanically by gluing and / or laser welding on the

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7/26 inner surface of the top panel.

[0013] The invention also has as its object, in a second aspect, a device for displaying goods, comprising a base, two vertical uprights extending from the base, a bottom panel interposed between the two vertical uprights, as well as a plurality of shelves, such as those described above, which are fixed in balance on the vertical uprights of at least one side of the bottom panel, and which extend in front of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] In the following, the subject of the invention will be shown by describing an exemplary embodiment, given below by way of illustration and not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- figure 1 schematically illustrates in perspective a display device, notably a gondola, intended to display articles of merchandise on shelves it holds;

figure 2 is an isolated perspective view of a shelf of the device shown in figure 1, which is arranged along a so-called usage orientation, where a surface for displaying the articles is clearly visible;

figure 3 is an isolated perspective view of a shelf of the device shown in figure 1, which is turned, where a lower surface of the shelf is visible;

figures 4 and 5 are partial views in perspective of the shelf visible in figures 2 and 3 respectively, from a different angle of view;

figures 6 to 8 are partial cross-sectional views, with reference to VI-VI, VII-VII and VIII-VIII respectively in figure 2;

figures 9 and 10 show, respectively, in perspective and in cross section, a shelf reinforcement stringer;

figures 11 and 15 are partial views in perspective of the shelf visible in figure 3, showing certain details in different viewing angles;

- Figures 16 and 17 are partial views in cross-section, of reference XVI-XVI and XVII-XVII respectively in figure 2, showing notably some of the

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8/26 details visible in figures 14 and 15;

figures 18 and 19 are partial views in perspective of the shelf visible in figure 2, showing some other details in two different viewing angles;

figure 20 is a view similar to figure 4 except that the shelf is visible from a different angle of view and is shown with a console configured to allow the mechanical fixing of the shelf on the gondola; and

figures 21 to 24 are views similar to those in figure 10, showing variants of realization of the shelf reinforcement stringer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION [0015] Figure 1 illustrates a device for displaying merchandise items 1, in particular, a gondola, for example, intended to be arranged in a retail store, for example, a supermarket.

[0016] This device 1 comprises here a base 2, two vertical uprights 3 extending from the base 2, a bottom panel 4 interposed between the two vertical uprights 3, as well as a plurality of shelves 5, or shelves, fixed on balance over the vertical uprights 3, on one side and the other of the bottom panel 4, and which extend in front of the base 2.

[0017] The base 2 has four feet here, the height of which is, for example, adjustable, with two side panels 7, a front panel 8 meeting with the two side panels 7, of a rear panel (not shown) it also meets with the two side panels 7 on the opposite side of the front panel 8, and of an upper panel 9 having a front edge 10 inclined partially facing the front panel 8.

[0018] Each of the uprights 3 extends here vertically from the upper panel 9 of the base 2, substantially at half the depth of this upper panel 9, a depth that is defined between the front panel 8 and the rear panel of the base 2 , to a free end 11.

[0019] Each of these uprights 3 has a rectangular section here and has a front face 12 provided with a plurality of openings 13, a rear face 16 opposite to the front face 12 and also provided with a plurality of opening (not

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9/26 shown), similar to the openings 13, an internal face 15 meeting the front face 12 and the rear face 16 and provided with a plurality of notches (not shown) configured to allow the assembly of the bottom panel 4, with the help of hooks (not shown) on each of these uprights 3, as well as an outer face 14 opposite the inner face 15 and also meeting the front face 12 and the rear face 16.

[0020] Here, the outer face 14 is shown full because it is devoid of notches, but in a variant, the outer face of at least one upright could contain notches similar to those of the inner face for the assembly of another bottom panel mounted on a base. which would, for example, only be endowed with a vertical amount.

[0021] It is notably thanks to the arrangement described above of the gondola 1 that it is possible, in the gondola illustrated in figure 1, to have shelves 5 on one side and the other on the bottom panel 4.

[0022] In a variant, the uprights could extend from one end of the top panel of the base and the shelves would only be mounted on the front face of these uprights and, therefore, arranged only on one side of the bottom panel.

[0023] Each shelf 5 visible in figure 1 extends here along a general longitudinal direction, from one to the other of the uprights 3, and presents a depth in the transversal direction of the shelf 5.

[0024] Each shelf 5 is provided here with an upper panel 20 that forms a display surface for the merchandise articles, hereinafter called the outer surface 30, on a first side 24 extending transversely from the upper panel 20 and in the depth of shelf 5, a second side 25 opposite the first side 24 and also extending transversely from the top panel 20 and in the depth of the shelf 5, substantially parallel to the first side 24, of a front face 23 extending transversely from the panel top 20 and the length of the shelf 5, and a rear face 26, opposite the front face 23, also extending transversely from the top panel 20 and in the

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10/26 shelf length 5.

[0025] The shelf 5 is fixed here mechanically firmly to one of the uprights 3, at the level of its first side 24, by a console 21 and, to the other of the uprights 3, at the level of the two sides 25, by a console 22.

[0026] Figures 2 to 5 show one of the shelves 5, taken separately, along different orientations and at different viewing angles.

[0027] In figures 2 and 4, the shelf 5 is arranged along a so-called use orientation, where its outer surface 30 is directed upwards; while in figures 3 and 5, the shelf 5 is turned and its upper surface is directed downwards and not visible. On the contrary, in figures 3 and 5, it is an inner surface 31 of the upper panel 20, opposite its outer surface 30, which is visible.

[0028] The shelf 5 comprises here several reinforcement pieces, hereinafter side members 35 which are fixed mechanically firmly to the upper panel 20 by its inner surface 31, directly or indirectly, and which extend longitudinally and substantially from the first side 24 to the second side 25 of the shelf 5.

[0029] The stringers 35, here in number of three, are divided on the depth of the shelf 5 between the front face 23 and the rear face 26 of the latter and each have substantially a general shape called omega (see further details to follow).

[0030] As a variant, the shelf can hold only one or two stringers or more than three stringers 35.

[0031] The shelf 5 additionally includes several holes 32, here circular, which are made on each of the first and second sides 24 and 25.

[0032] In a variant, the shelf 5 has more or less such holes 32 or is devoid of holes.

[0033] The shelf 5 additionally comprises locking elements, hereinafter called stops 33, here in number of two, which are formed respectively on the first and second sides 24 and 25.

[0034] These stops 33 are arranged here closer to the front face 23 of the

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11/26 than the rear face 26 and are configured to cooperate with consoles 21 and 22 to lock shelf 5 on top of the latter (see further details below).

[0035] Here, the front face 23 of the shelf 5 meets, at the same time, the first side 24 and the second side 25 by two opposite ends of the front face 23 (see further details below); while the rear face 26 extends between two free ends that are in the immediate vicinity, but that do not meet the first side 24 and the second side 25, so as to form a space 36 allowing the passage of one of the respective consoles 21 and 22 configured to allow the assembly of shelf 5 on the respective amount 3 (see further details below).

[0036] This arrangement allows here to close the so-called corners A and B of the shelf 5 and to leave the so-called corners C and D of the shelf at least partially; noting that the closed corner A is located at the junction between the front face 23 and the first side 24, the closed corner B is located at the junction between the front face 23 and the second side 25, the open corner C is located at the face level rear 26 and the first side 24, while corner D is located at the level of the rear face 26 and the second side 25.

[0037] The shelf 5 additionally comprises, at each of the junctions between the front face 23 and the first and second sides 24 and 25, a locking mechanism 34 configured to ensure the closing of the respective corners A and B.

[0038] Note that the top panel 20, the first and second sides 24 and 25, the front and rear faces 23 and 26, the stops 32 and the locking mechanisms 34 are formed in one and the same metallic sheet having a thickness comprised, for example, between about 0.4 mm and about 1 mm. It is also noted that the stringers 35 in the form of omega are also formed in one and the same metallic sheet having a thickness comprised, for example, between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm.

[0039] Figures 6 to 8 show in greater detail the front face 23, the rear face 26, one of the side members 35, the first side 24 and the second side, seen in

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12/26 section, but also one of the holes 32, the stops 33, and the locking mechanisms 34.

[0040] In particular, as illustrated in figure 6, the front face 23 has an external front wall 40, which extends from the upper panel 20 and which is provided with a first vertical external portion 41 extended by a second transverse external portion 42, the latter extending into the shelf 5; as well as an inner front wall 43 provided with a first transverse inner portion 44 extending from the second transverse outer portion 42 and folded over the latter, the first transverse inner portion 44 being extended by a second vertical inner portion 45 in support against the first vertical outer portion 41, the second vertical inner portion 45 extended by a third transverse portion 46 extending into the shelf 5 in support against the inner surface 31 of its upper panel 20.

[0041] In other words, the inner front wall 43 is folded at least over the outer front wall 41 so that the front face 23 is formed by a front fold.

[0042] The rear face 26 has an external rear wall 50, which extends from the upper panel 20 and which is provided with a first vertical external portion 51 extended by a second transverse external portion 52, the latter extending inwards. shelf 5; as well as an inner rear wall 53 provided with a first transverse inner portion 54 extending from the second transverse outer portion 52 and folded over the latter, the first transverse inner portion 54 being extended by a second vertical inner portion 55 in support against the first vertical outer portion 51, the second vertical inner portion 55 being extended by a third transverse portion 56 extending into the shelf 5 in support against the inner surface 31 of its upper panel 20.

[0043] In other words, the inner rear wall 53 is folded at least over the outer front wall 51 so that the rear face 26 is formed by a rear fold.

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13/26 [0044] The stringer 35 here generally comprises a bottom wall 47 extending transversely, in section, two legs 48 extending vertically and substantially parallel from opposite ends of the bottom wall 47, as well as two support flaps 49 extending equally transversely, in section, respectively from the legs 48, on the opposite side of the bottom wall 47.

[0045] The two support flaps 49 are fixed firmly mechanically to the top panel 20 by their inner surface 31, directly or indirectly.

[0046] The firm mechanical fixation of the support flaps 49 of the stringer 35 can be done by gluing, for example, with interposition of separation microspheres between the support flaps 49 and the inner surface 31, or by welding, notably by laser welding. . Such laser welding can be applied with a machine having, for example, a support bracket for coupling the support flaps on the top panel as well as a control and command unit configured to parameterize the machine with a predetermined power, preferably of a relatively low value, and with a predetermined focusing distance.

[0047] The stringer can have a height, between its support flaps and its bottom wall, between about 10 mm and about 25 mm. Thus, the shelf can have a total height between about 10.4 mm and about 26 mm having, at the same time, a particularly efficient weight-to-height ratio, as well as a predetermined mechanical inertia module according mainly to the French standard NF D 65-031, while having a particularly efficient resistance, for example, at least about 300kg / m ² . [0048] As well as also illustrated in Figure 6, the hole 32 formed on the first side 24 is located between the front face 23 and the stringer 35 immediately after this front face 23, the stop 33 formed on this first side 24 is located immediately after this same stringer 35, and the locking mechanism 34 at the level of the corner A is generally formed by a locking tab 57 from the first side 24 and folded over a first end portion 58 of the front face 23 which is folded and arranged against it first side 24.

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14/26 [0049] As shown in figure 7, the second side 25 has a second outer wall 60, extending from the upper panel 20 and which is provided with a first vertical outer portion 61, as well as a second inner side wall 62 provided with a first vertical inner portion 63 extending from the first vertical outer portion 61 and folded and, therefore, in support of the latter, the first vertical inner portion 63 being extended by a second transverse inner portion 64 extending into the shelf 5 in support against the interior surface 31 of its upper panel 20.

In other words, the second inner side wall 62 is folded at least over the second outer side wall 60 so that the second side 25 is formed by a second side fold.

[0051] As also shown in Figure 7, the locking mechanism 34 at the corner B is also generally formed by a locking tab 67 from the second side 25 and folded over a second end portion 68 of the front face 23 which is folded and arranged against this second side 25.

[0052] As shown in figure 8, the first side 24 has a first outer wall 70, which extends from the top panel 20 and which is provided with a first vertical outer portion 71, as well as a first side wall inner 72 provided with a first vertical inner portion 73 extending from the first vertical outer portion 71 and folded and, therefore, in support of the latter, the first vertical inner portion 73 being extended by a second transverse inner portion 74 extending into the shelf 5 in support against the interior surface 31 of its upper panel 20.

[0053] In other words, the first inner side wall 72 is folded at least over the first outer side wall 70 so that the first side 24 is formed by a first side fold.

[0054] Figure 8 also shows an internal passage (without reference between the first side 24 and a free end 37 of the stringer 35 visible in this figure 8, a passage that opens in the space 36 formed between this first side and the rear face 26). This passage is configured here to receive at least partially the

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15/26 console 21.

[0055] The stringers 35 will now be described in greater detail, with reference to figures 9 and 10, at least partially, in figures 2 to 8, which stringers 35 are identical here.

[0056] The support flaps 49 of each stringer 35 are located facing each other and have here a first support portion 75 as well as a second support portion 76 extending from the first support portion 75 and folded and therefore in support of the latter.

[0057] Each support flap 49 is thus formed by a fold.

[0058] The second support portion 76 is here shorter than the first support portion 75 so that the latter has a free end 78 directed in the example shown to an internal space 77 of the stringer 35.

[0059] The legs 48 of each stringer 35 are located facing each other and formed here by a straight vertical portion 79 extending from the second supporting portion 76, substantially on the side of or right under the free end 78 of the first support portion 75.

The bottom wall 47 of each stringer 35 here extends substantially facing the free ends 78 of the support flaps 76 and closes, at least partially, the internal space 77 of the stringer 35.

[0061] This bottom wall 47 has a first bottom portion 80 extending transversely, in section, from the straight vertical portion 79 of one of the legs 48, a second bottom portion 81 extending from the first bottom portion 80 and folded and therefore in support of the latter. The first and second bottom portions 80 and 81 are substantially the same length so that the second bottom portion 81 extends here substantially to the straight vertical portion 79 of the leg 48 from which the first bottom portion 80 extends. .

[0062] The bottom wall additionally has a third bottom portion 82 extending transversely from the second bottom portion 81 and is folded and therefore in support of the latter. The third bottom portion 82 is here

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16/26 more than twice as long as the first and second bottom portions 80 and 81 so that it extends substantially even under the straight vertical portion 79 of the other of the legs 48.

[0063] The bottom wall has, in addition, a fourth bottom portion extending from the third bottom portion 82 and folded and, therefore, in support on the latter. The fourth bottom portion 83 here has a length substantially equal to that of the second bottom portion 81 and goes towards the latter without meeting it.

[0064] The bottom wall has, in addition, a fifth bottom portion extending from the fourth bottom portion 83 and folded and, therefore, in support on the latter. The fifth bottom portion 84 here has a length substantially equal to that of the fourth bottom portion 83 and extends until it meets the straight vertical portion 79 of the other of the legs 48.

[0065] In the example shown here, the bottom wall 47 is therefore formed by the juxtaposition of three folds overlapping and separated from a central space 85. Furthermore, the arrangement is such that the first bottom portion 80, the second portion bottom 81 and part of the third bottom portion 82 are superimposed from the internal space 77 to the outside of the stringer 35; and the fifth bottom portion 84, the fourth bottom portion 83 and another part of the third bottom portion 82 are also superimposed from the internal space 77 to the outside of the stringer 35.

[0066] Figure 9 also shows that each support flap 47 is provided, in the vicinity of the free end 37 of the stringer 35, with an extension 86 formed in the extension of its second support portion 76 and a recess 87 formed by the interruption of its first folded support portion 75. Note that each stringer 35 has, at its opposite end to the free end 37 (ends that, in sequence, will be undifferentiated and referred to only by 37), the same extension 86 as well as the same recess 87.

[0067] Figures 11 to 13 show, in particular, the mounting of the stringer 35 on the inner surface 31, at the level of corner C where the space 36 is formed between a free end of the first side 24 and a free end of the rear face

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17/26

26.

[0068] The stringer 35 is fixed firmly mechanically under the shelf 5, by the first support portions 75 of its support flaps 49 which are positioned against the inner surface 31, and by the extension 86 formed in the extension of the second support portion 76 of their support flaps 49 which are positioned against the second inner transverse portion 74 of the first inner side wall 72 of the first side 24, the second inner transverse portion 74 of which is itself positioned against the inner surface 31.

[0069] Note that the front fold of the front face 23 and, in particular, the third transverse portion 46 of its internal front wall 43, the rear fold of the rear face 26 and, in particular, the third transverse portion 56 of its inner rear wall 53, the second side fold of the second side 25 and, in particular, the second transverse inner portion 64 of its second inner wall 62, as well as the first side fold of the first side 24, and in particular, the second transverse inner portion 74 of its first inner wall 72, are here firmly mechanically fixed each to the inner surface 31 according to a process similar to that used for the firm mechanical fixation of the stringers 35, for example, gluing or laser welding.

[0070] The stringer 35 illustrated in figures 11 to 13 is the stringer closest to the rear face 26. The stringer 35 thus has a support flap 49 directed towards the third transverse portion 56 of the inner rear wall 53 of the rear face 26, as well as the straight vertical portion 79 of a leg 48 partially facing the second vertical inner portion 55 of the inner rear wall 53.

[0071] As shown in figures 11 to 13, the rear face 26 and the first side 24 are configured so that the respective rear fold and the first side fold do not overlap. For this purpose, the third transverse portion 56 of the inner rear wall 53 of the rear face 26 and the second transverse inner portion 74 of the first inner side wall 72 of the first side 24 are interrupted before the respective ends of the rear face 26 and the first side 24 at the level of corner C. In other words, the third transverse portion 56 of the inner rear wall

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18/26 of the rear face 26 and the first transverse inner portion 74 of the first inner side wall 72 of the first side 24 are respectively shorter than the overall length of the rear face 26 and the first side 24 respectively.

[0072] Note that this is equal to the corner D level, where the rear face 26 and the second side 25 also do not overlap. For this purpose, the third transverse portion 56 of the inner rear wall 53 of the rear face 26 and the second transverse inner portion 64 of the second inner side wall 62 of the second side 25 are interrupted before the respective ends of the rear face 26 and the second side 25 at the level of this corner D. In other words, the third transverse portion 56 of the inner rear wall 53 of the rear face 26 and the second transverse inner portion 64 of the second inner wall 62 of the second side 25 are respectively shorter than the rest rear face 26 and second side 25.

[0073] Figures 14 to 17 show, in particular, that corner A is closed by the first folded end portion 58 of the front face 23.

This first folded end portion 58 comes from an extension of the first vertical outer portion 41 of the outer front wall 40 of this front face 23.

This first folded end portion 58 is housed against the first vertical outer portion 71 of the first outer wall 70 of the first side 24, at the level of a first end 69 of the first side 24.

[0076] For this purpose, the first vertical inner portion 73 of the first inner side wall 72 of the first side 24 is interrupted at the level of an end 88 and additionally features a chamfer 89 whose outline is L-shaped.

[0077] In particular here, the first vertical inner portion 73 of the first inner side wall 72 of the first side 24 is substantially the same length as the first transverse inner portion 74 of the first inner side wall 72 of this first side 24.

[0078] The first portion of the folded end 58 of the front face 23 has a first portion 90 of substantially rectangular shape, which comes to lodge in front of the end 88 of the first vertical inner portion 73 of the first

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19/26 inner side wall 72 of the first side 24, and extending through a second portion 91 substantially in the shape of a hammer, which second portion 91 comes to lodge in front of the chamfer 89 of this first vertical inner portion 73.

[0079] Figures 14 to 17 also show that this closing of corner A is locked by the locking tab 57 of the locking mechanism 34.

[0080] This flap 57 comes from an extension of the first vertical external portion 71 of the first external side wall 70 of the first side 24, formed here between two notches 92 practiced in this first vertical external portion 71 and, therefore, on one side and on the other from the place where the flap 57 protrudes from this first vertical outer portion 71. Various openings 59 are practiced on the flap 57 at the level of its fold.

[0081] Note that the notches 92 and the openings 59 are configured to facilitate the folding of this locking tab 57 and positioning the latter at least partially, against the first and second portions 90 and 91 of the first folded end portion 58 of the front face 23.

[0082] Note that the description above corner A closed and, at most, locked is applicable for corner B (see figure 7).

[0083] In particular, the second end portion 68 of the front face 23 which is folded and disposed against the second side 25 also comes from an extension of the first vertical outer portion 41 of the outer front wall 40 of this front face 23, formed in the opposite side of the first folded end portion 58.

This second end portion 68 is housed against the first vertical outer portion 61 of the second outer side wall 60 of the second side 25, at the level of a first end (not shown) of the second side 25.

[0085] For this purpose, the first vertical inner portion 63 of the second inner side wall 62 of the second side 25 is interrupted at the level of an end and additionally features a chamfer whose contour is also L-shaped (not shown) . In particular here, the first vertical inner portion 63 of the second inner side wall 62 of the second side 25 is substantially the same length as the second transverse inner portion 64 of the second side wall

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20/26 inner 62 of this second side 25. The second end portion 68 of the front face 23 also has a first portion (not shown) of substantially rectangular shape, which comes to face the end of the first vertical inner portion 63 of the second inner side wall 62 of the second side 25, and which extends for a second portion (not shown) substantially in the shape of a hammer, which second portion comes to lodge in front of the chamfer of this first vertical inner portion 63.

[0086] The corner B is also locked by the locking tab 67 of the locking mechanism 34. This tab 67 comes from an extension of the first vertical outer portion 61 of the second outer side wall 60 of the second side 25, formed here between two notches (not shown) practiced in this first vertical external portion 61 and, therefore, on one side and the other of the place where the flap 67 protrudes from this first vertical external portion 61. A plurality of openings (not shown) are provided in the flap 67 at the level of your fold. Note that the notches and openings are configured to facilitate folding this locking tab 67 and positioning the latter, at least partially, against the first and second portions of the second end portion 68 of the front face 23.

[0087] Note that the locking legs can be simply folded, as explained below, and / or fixed mechanically firmly against the respective folded end portions of the front face by gluing and / or laser welding, according to processes similar to those described above.

[0088] Figures 18 to 20 show in greater detail one of the stops 33 and the console 21 with which this stop 33 is configured to cooperate.

[0089] The stop 33 illustrated here is made from a cut made in the first vertical inner portion 73 of the first inner side wall 72 of the first side 24, then folded into the shelf 5.

[0090] The stop 33, which therefore extends from a base 93 and has a substantially circular free edge 94, thus disposes a window 95 when it is folded into the shelf 5, whose window 95 does not open to the outside

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21/26 of the shelf 5, but on the first vertical outer portion 71 of the first outer wall 70 of the first side 24; so that neither this window 95 nor the stop 33 is visible from the outside of the shelf 5, seen from the first side 24.

[0091] The stop 33 is thus formed in the first side fold, inside the shelf 5.

[0092] Note that the other stop 33 is formed in the same way as above, in the second side fold, inside the shelf 5.

[0093] In particular, the other stop 33 is made from a cut made in the first vertical inner portion 63 of the second inner side wall 62 of the second side 24, then folded into the shelf 5. This other stop 33, extending from a base, has a substantially circular free edge and has a window when it is folded into the shelf 5, which window does not open to the outside of the shelf 5, but on the first vertical outer portion 61 of the second outer wall 60 of the second side 25; so that neither this window nor this other stop is visible from the outside of the shelf 5, seen from the second side 25.

[0094] The console 21 on which the shelf 5 is mounted on its first side 24, comprises a mounting portion 96 intended to cooperate with a respective upright 3, and extended by a support portion 97 intended to support mainly the shelf 5 by its first side 24.

[0095] The mounting portion 96 is formed by a so-called mounting fold and has an upper mounting edge 98, a lower mounting edge 99 which is opposite the upper mounting edge 98 and which is provided with an arcuate portion and an straight portion, as well as a plurality of hooks 100 arranged on a free edge meeting the upper mounting edge 98 and the straight portion of the lower mounting edge 99.

[0096] Between each pair of successive hooks 100, a space 101 is formed to receive a portion of the front face 12 of the respective amount 3 when these hooks are inserted into the openings 13 provided in this front face 12.

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22/26 [0097] A stop 102 is formed on the free edge of the mounting portion 96 and is located here between the straight portion of the lower mounting edge 99 and the hook 100 closest to the latter. This stop 102 is foreseen to contact the front face 12 of the respective amount 3.

[0098] The support portion 97 is not itself formed by a fold.

[0099] The support portion 97 has an upper support edge 103 that partially extends the upper mounting edge 98 on the opposite side of the hooks 100.

[0100] The support portion 97 has a vertical slit 104 formed in this support portion 97 and opening at the upper support edge 103.

[0101] The support portion 97 additionally has a lower supporting edge 105 that partially extends the lower mounting edge 99 from its arcuate portion, and meeting the upper supporting edge 103, on the opposite side of the mounting portion 96 .

[0102] The support portion 97 here also has a circular hole 106 provided at the end of the latter and in the proximity of the junction between its upper and lower support edges 103 and 105.

[0103] The upper mounting edge 98 of the mounting portion 96 is configured to be inserted through the space 36 formed here at the level of the corner C of the shelf, and the stop 33 shown in figures 18 and 19 is configured to insert into the slot 104 so as to lock the shelf 5 on the console 21 in position and therefore retain the shelf 5 in relation to the respective upright 3 and also the bottom panel 4.

[0104] It should be noted that the console 22 is identical to the console 21 so that the other stop 33 disposed in the second side fold, inside the shelf 5, is configured to be inserted in the respective slot of this console 22 in order to lock shelf 5 on this console 22 in position and therefore retain shelf 5 in relation to the other respective upright 3 and also the bottom panel 4.

[0105] Figures 21 to 24 show variants of the stringer 35. References similar to those used notably in Figures 9 and 10 are used to

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23/26 describe the stringers of figures 21 to 24, but added respectively number 100, 200, 300 and 400.

[0106] The stringer 135 shown in figure 21 differs from the stringer 35 shown in figure 9 in that the support flaps 149 are located facing each other and directed towards the internal space 177 of the stringer 135. In addition, the the second support portion 176 is here slightly longer than the first support portion 175. [0107] On the contrary, legs 148 and bottom wall 147 of stringer 135 are similar to legs 48 and bottom wall 47 of stringer 35 In particular, the bottom wall 147 has a first bottom portion 180 extending from the end of one of the legs 148, a second bottom portion 181 extending from the first bottom portion and folded over the latter, a third bottom portion 182 extending from the second bottom portion and folded over the latter, a fourth bottom portion 183 extending from the third bottom portion and folded over the latter, and a fifth bottom portion 184 extending from the fourth bottom portion and folded over the latter.

[0108] The stringer 235 shown in figure 22 differs from the stringer 35 shown in figure 9 in that the support flaps 249 have a first support portion 275 clearly longer than the second support portion 276.

[0109] The legs 248 of the stringer 235 are similar to the legs 48 of the stringer 35.

[0110] The bottom wall 247 of the stringer 235 differs from the bottom wall 47 of the stringer 35 in that it comprises two first bottom portions 280 and two second bottom portions 281, one of the first bottom portions 280 extending from one leg 248, one of the second bottom portions 281 extending from the first bottom portion 280 above and folded over the latter, the other of the first bottom portions 280 extending from the second bottom portion 281 above and being folded over the latter, and the other of the second bottom portions 281 extending from the other of the first bottom portions 280 and being folded over the latter.

[0111] The bottom wall 247 of the stringer 235 differs, in addition, from the wall

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24/26 bottom 47 of the stringer 35 due to the fact that it comprises two fourth bottom portions 283 and two fifth bottom portions 284, one of the fifth bottom portions 284 extending from the other leg 248, one of the fourth portions of bottom 283 extending from the aforementioned fifth bottom portion 284 and folded over the latter, the other from the bottom bottom portions 284 extending from the above mentioned fourth bottom portion 283 and being folded over the latter, and the other of the fourth bottom portions 283 extending from the other of the fifth bottom portions 284 and being folded over the latter.

[0112] The first two bottom portions 280, the second two bottom portions 281, the two fourth bottom portions 283 and the two fifth bottom portions 284 are clearly shorter respectively than the first bottom portion 80, the second portion bottom 81, the fourth bottom portion 83 and the fifth bottom portion 84; while the third bottom portion 282 is substantially the same length as the third bottom portion 82. Thus, the central space 285 is clearly larger than the central space 85.

[0113] The support flaps 349 as well as the legs 348 of the stringer 335 shown in figure 23 are similar to the support flaps 49 and legs 48 of the stringer 35 shown in figure 9.

[0114] On the contrary, the bottom wall 347 of the stringer 335 differs from the bottom wall 47 of the stringer 35 in that it lacks fourth and fifth bottom portions, but that these first and second bottom portions 380 and 381 have a length similar to that of the third bottom portion 382 and that this is directly connected to one of the legs 348.

[0115] The stringer 435 shown in figure 24 differs from the stringer 35 shown in figure 9 in that the support flaps 449 have a first support portion 475 clearly longer than the second support portion 476 (as for stringer 235 illustrated in figure 22).

[0116] On the contrary, the legs 448 of the stringer 435 are similar to the legs 48 of the stringer 35.

[0117] The bottom wall 447 of the stringer 435 differs from the bottom wall 47 of the

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25/26 stringer 35 due to the fact that the first, second, fourth and fifth bottom portions 480,481,483 and 484 are shorter than the first, second, fourth and fifth bottom portions 80, 81,83 and 84; and that the second and fifth bottom portions 481 and 484 are respectively folded over the first and fourth bottom portions 480 and 483 and, therefore, closer to the internal space 477.

[0118] In addition, the third bottom portion 482 of stringer 435 is substantially the same length as the third bottom portion 82 of stringer 35 so that the central space 485 is clearly larger than the central space 85 (for stringer 235 illustrated in figure 22); and this third bottom portion 482 is the closest to the internal space 477 and additionally has two steps (not shown), formed, for example, by stamping, which delimit the central space 485.

[0119] In non-illustrated variants:

- the first and second folded end portions are mainly from an extension of the second vertical inner portion of the inner front wall of the front face;

- the shelf may have a single locking stop or, on the contrary, more than two locking stops;

- the shelf may comprise a front face and / or a rear face and / or a first side and / or a second side, formed from more than one fold;

- the shelf may comprise a front face and / or a rear face and / or a first side and / or a second side, without a folded portion on the inner surface of the upper panel;

- the shelf may have a single closed corner or more closed corners;

- the shelf may include a stringer whose support flaps are formed by one or more folds;

- the shelf may contain a single stringer, or two struts or even more than three struts, divided or not over the depth of the shelf; and / or

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26/26

- the shelf may contain additional reinforcement pieces extending to the depth of the shelf.

[0120] More generally it is remembered that the invention is not limited to the described and represented examples.

Claims (15)

1. Metal shelf configured to equip a device for displaying merchandise items, notably a gondola, comprising an upper panel (20) extending globally longitudinally and forming an outer surface (30) for displaying merchandise items as well as a inner surface (31) opposite the outer surface, a front face (23) and a rear face (26) opposite the front face each extending transversely from the top panel and along the length of the shelf (5), a first side (24) and a second side (25) opposite the first side, each extending transversely from the top panel and into the depth of the shelf, characterized by the fact that the front face (23) has an external front wall ( 40) and an internal front wall (43) folded over themselves and forming a front fold, the rear face (26) has an external rear wall (50) and an internal rear wall (53) d built on themselves and forming a rear fold, the first side (24) has at least two walls (70, 72) folded on themselves and forming a first fold on the side, the second side (25) has at least two walls ( 60, 62) folded over themselves and forming a second side fold, the front face (23) of the shelf meeting, at the same time, the first side (24) and the second side (25) by two portions of opposite ends of the front face, at least one of the end portions (58, 68) of the front face being folded and arranged against the first side or against the second side, and the shelf additionally comprises at least one locking mechanism (34) configured to ensuring the retention of said at least an end portion (58) against the first side or against the second side. 2. Shelf, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first side has a first external wall (70) extending from the upper panel and provided with a first vertical external portion (71), a first wall of inner side (72) provided with a first vertical inner portion (73) extending from the first vertical outer portion and folded over the latter, the first vertical inner portion being extended by a second portion Petition 870190056897, of 6/19/2019, p. 36/63 2/6 internal transverse (74) extending into the shelf in support against the interior surface of its upper panel; and / or the second side has a second outer wall (60) extending from the top panel and provided with a first vertical outer portion (61), and with a second inner side wall (62) provided with a first vertical inner portion (63) extending from the first vertical outer portion (61) and folded over the latter, the first vertical inner portion being extended by a second transverse inner portion (64) extending into the support shelf against the inner surface of your top panel. Shelf according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the external front wall (40) extends from the upper panel and is provided with a first vertical external portion (41) extended by a second transverse outer portion (42) extending into the shelf, the inner front wall (43) is provided with a first transverse inner portion (44) extending from the second transverse outer portion (42) and folded over the latter , the first transverse inner portion (44) being extended by a second vertical inner portion (45) in support against the first vertical outer portion (41), the second vertical inner portion (45) being extended by a third transverse portion (46) extending into the shelf in support against the interior surface of its upper panel; and / or the outer rear wall (50) extends from the top panel and is provided with a first vertical external portion (51) extended by a second transverse external portion (52), the latter extending into the shelf , and the inner rear wall (53) having a first transverse internal portion (54) extending from the second transverse external portion (52) and folded over the latter, the first transverse internal portion (54) being extended by a second vertical inner portion (55) in support against the first vertical outer portion (51), the second vertical inner portion (55) being extended by a third transverse portion (56) extending into the shelf in support against the surface inside of your top panel. Petition 870190056897, of 6/19/2019, p. 37/63 3/6 Shelf according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking mechanism is formed by a locking tab (57) from the first side (24) and folded over a first end portion ( 58) of the front face (23) which is folded and arranged against the first side, and / or by a locking tab (67) from the second side (25) and folded over a second end portion (68) of the front face (23) which is folded and arranged against the second side (25). 5. Shelf according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the locking flap (57, 67) comes from an extension of the first vertical outer portion (71) of the first outer side wall (70) on the first side (24) or the first vertical outer portion (61) of the second outer wall (60) of the second side (25); while the first folded end portion (58) comes from an extension of the front face (23) and is housed against the first vertical outer portion (71) of the first outer side wall (70) of the first side (24), at the level of a first end (69) of the latter, and / or the second folded end portion (68) comes from an extension of the front face (23), formed on the opposite side of the first folded end portion (58) and it is housed against the first vertical outer portion (61) of the second outer side wall (60) of the second side (25), at the level of a first end of the latter. 6. Shelf according to claim 5, characterized in that the first vertical inner portion (73) of the first inner side wall (72) of the first side (24) is interrupted at the level of one end (88) and it has a chamfer (89) whose outline is L-shaped, the first portion of the folded end (58) of the front face (23) has a first portion (90) of substantially rectangular shape, which comes to lodge in front of the end ( 88) of the first vertical inner portion (73) of the first inner side wall (72) of the first side (24), and extending through a second portion (91) substantially in the shape of a hammer, the second portion of which (91) comes stay in front of the chamfer (89) of the first vertical inner portion (73); and / or the first vertical inner portion (63) of the second inner side wall (62) of the second side (25) is interrupted at Petition 870190056897, of 6/19/2019, p. 38/63 Λ / Q level of one end and has a chamfer whose contour is L-shaped, the second end portion (68) of the front face (23) has a first portion of substantially rectangular shape, which comes to lodge in front of the end of the first vertical inner portion (63) of the second inner side wall (62) of the second side (25) and which extends through a second substantially hammer-shaped portion, the second portion of which comes in front of the chamfer of this first portion vertical internal (63). Shelf according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by the fact that the locking tab (57, 67) is formed between two notches (92) made in the first vertical external portion (71) of the first wall of outer side (70) of the first side (24) or in the first vertical outer portion (61) of the second outer side wall (60) of the second side (25), on one side and the other of the place where the locking tab ( 57, 67) protrudes from this first respective vertical outer portion. 8. Shelf according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by the fact that the locking tab (57, 67) is provided with several openings (59) at the level of its fold. 9. Shelf according to either of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the notches and openings are configured to facilitate folding the locking tab and positioning the latter, at least partially, against the first and second portions (90, 91) of the first or second end portion (58, 68) of the front face (23). 10. Shelf according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rear face (26) extends between two free ends that are in the immediate proximity of the first side (24) and the second side ( 25), but which do not join them, in order to form a space (36) configured to allow the passage of a console (21,22) forming an interface for mounting the shelf on the merchandise display device. 11. Shelf, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that Petition 870190056897, of 6/19/2019, p. 39/63 5/6 that the rear face (26) and the first side (24) are configured so that the respective rear fold and the first side fold do not overlap and / or the rear face (26) and the second side (25 ) are configured so that the respective rear fold and second respective side fold do not overlap. 12. Shelf according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one reinforcement piece (35) extending globally longitudinally and comprising a bottom wall (47), two legs (48) extending vertically from opposite ends of the bottom wall, and two support flaps (49) respectively extending from the two legs, on the opposite side of the bottom wall, the two support flaps being fixed firmly mechanically to the top panel for its interior surface. 13. Shelf according to claim 12, characterized in that the support flaps (49) are located facing each other and have a first support portion (75) and a second support portion (76) extending from the first support portion and folded over the latter and in which each support flap is provided, in the proximity of a free end of the reinforcement piece, with an extension (86) formed in the extension of its second support portion and of a recess (87) formed by interrupting its first folded support portion, said extension (86) being configured to rest on the second transverse inner portion (74) of the first inner side wall (72) on the first side (24) , or to rest on the second transverse inner portion (64) of the second inner side wall (62) of the second side (25). Shelf according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the front fold, the rear fold and the first and second side folds are fixed mechanically by gluing and / or laser welding on the inner surface the top panel. 15. Device for displaying merchandise items, characterized by the fact that it comprises a base (2), two vertical uprights (3) extending from the base (2), a bottom panel (4) interposed between the two uprights vertical Petition 870190056897, of 6/19/2019, p. 40/63 6/6 (3), as well as a plurality of shelves (5) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, which are fixed in balance on the vertical uprights (3) on at least one side of the bottom panel, and that extend in front of the base.