EP3206539A1

EP3206539A1 - Modular structure for supporting objects, in particular tablewares

Info

Publication number: EP3206539A1
Application number: EP15804939.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Franco Bonin
Original assignee: Vibo SpA
Current assignee: Vibo SpA
Priority date: 2014-10-14
Filing date: 2015-10-14
Publication date: 2017-08-23
Also published as: WO2016059573A1; IL251698A0; RU2017115412A

Abstract

A modular structure (1) for supporting objects, preferably tableware, comprises at least one supporting frame (2), at least one pair of supporting brackets (9), operatively connectable to the supporting frame (2) at predefined heights, each provided with a shaped seat (11) for housing a respective end (10) of at least one horizontal bar (3) and at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') for supporting tableware, which is engageable cantilevered to the at least one horizontal bar (3) in a removably manner.

Description

"MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING OBJECTS, IN

PARTICULAR TABLEWARES"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

5 The present invention refers to a modular structure, of the sectional type, for supporting objects.

In particular, the present invention refers to a modular structure for supporting tableware able to be positioned inside a wall cabinet or constrained to or wall or, furthermore, able to be positioned freely on a substantially horizontal i o support surface.

STATE OF THE ART

In rooms such as home or professional kitchens it is known to use supporting structures, draining racks, housed inside wall cabinets to momentarily place the tableware, such as plates, crockery, cups, cutlery, etc., during their drying. 15 The wall cabinets inside which such supporting structures are installed generally lack the lower wall in order to allow the air to circulate inside the wall cabinet itself and can have a collection tray, arranged below the draining rack, adapted for collecting drained water.

Generally, draining racks, although they have numerous structural variants, 20 comprise a support plane connectable, possibly in a removable manner, to supports constrained inside the side walls of the wall cabinet and have specific spaces for supporting plates, crockery, cups, cutlery, tableware and the like.

Such spaces, in turn, comprise openings to allow the evacuation of the water

25 that will be collected in the lower drainage tray.

The draining racks available on the market have some drawbacks, with reference to the fact that the arrangement of the spaces inside the base structure cannot be modified and, moreover, the structure itself cannot be adapted for the various sizes of wall cabinets available on the market.

30 This means for manufacturers the need to design and make numerous supporting structures with different dimensions, according to the width of the wall cabinet in which the installation thereof is foreseen, in such a way increasing the production time and costs.

Moreover, manufacturers must provide a continuous adjustment of production range according to specific market requirements.

The above can then represent a drawback in the specific case of wall cabinets custom-made with different dimensions with respect to those normally available on the market, thus requiring that the end user makes a compromise between their own needs and what is available on the market.

A further drawback is represented by the fact that draining racks for wall cabinets available on the market cannot be personalised, with reference to the possibility of freely modifying the arrangement of the specific spaces for the various types of tableware.

The installation of such supporting structures inside wall cabinets is done by constraining at least two pairs of supports, at the same predefined height, along the inner surface of the side walls of a wall cabinet.

Such supports act as a support for the draining rack.

A drawback of a supporting structure thus made consists of the fact that once the structure has been installed inside a wall cabinet it is difficult to modify the position thereof, since it becomes necessary to make further seats for the connection of the supports, exposing the previous seats to view. Such a modification, in practice, alters the internal aesthetics of the wall cabinet, actually being unacceptable for a user and is also complex to carry out.

It should also be observed that the installation of the structures available on the market is not without difficulties, since the supports must be installed at the same height, adequately aligned with each other, to ensure a correct positioning of the supporting structure and avoid unstable support thereof on the supports arranged inside the wall cabinet.

US 2012/0255924 Al describes a goods display comprising a support element, configured substantially like a tray, able to be associated with a support bar.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A purpose of the present invention is to make a modular structure for supporting objects, preferably tableware, which is able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art with reference to the possibility of personalising the dimensions and configuration thereof in response to specific requirements of a user.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make a modular structure for supporting tableware that is quick and easy to install.

Another purpose of the present invention is to make a modular structure for supporting tableware the dimensions of which can be easily adapted to the space available, whether this means a volume inside a wall cabinet or a surface along a wall.

A further purpose of the present invention is to make a modular structure for supporting tableware having low manufacturing costs, characterised by high flexibility of production thanks to which there is no need for continuous tool changing in the production lines to make the different dimensions or types of modular structures for supporting tableware.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention a modular structure for supporting tableware is foreseen according to claim 1.

According to a further aspect of the present invention a wall cabinet is foreseen comprising a modular structure for supporting tableware according to claim 15.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment, of a modular structure for supporting objects, preferably tableware, illustrated for indicating, but not limiting purposes, in the attached tables of drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view slightly from above of the modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention, installed inside a wall cabinet, on which tableware is positioned;

figure 2 is a front view of a modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention installed inside a wall cabinet, in which some components have been removed;

figure 3 is an enlarged view of a detail of the modular structure for supporting tableware according to figure 2;

figure 4 is a front view of a further version of the modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention, connected to a wall; figure 5 is a side view of a module able to be connected to the modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention;

figure 6 is a perspective view slightly from above of the module according to figure 5;

figure 7 is a rear perspective view of a further version of a module of the modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention;

figure 8 is a perspective view, in subjective, of a pair of modules able to be connected to the modular structure according to the present invention, beside one another;

figures 9-1 1 are perspective views slightly from below of an enlarged detail of the modules according to figure 8;

figure 12 is a perspective view slightly from above of a further embodiment of a structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description reference will be made, as a non-limiting example, to a modular structure for supporting tableware.

However, it should be considered that the modular support structure according to the present invention can find an application in all fields in which it is necessary to have a sectional structure for supporting objects.

The modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention is easy to install.

Moreover, the high sectionality of the modular structure according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain numerous assembly configurations with a limited number of supporting modules, that can be put together in various ways and possible connected to each other, to allow a user to satisfy his/her own needs.

With reference to the attached figures, a modular structure for supporting tableware according to the present invention is wholly indicated with reference numeral 1.

Hereafter, with the term "modular structure" reference will be made to a modular structure, i.e. of the sectional type, for supporting tableware in general.

The modular structure 1 according to the present invention comprises a supporting frame 2 to which at least one horizontal bar 3 can be operatively connected in a removably manner.

Along the at least one horizontal bar 3 at least one module 4 for supporting tableware 5 is then removably engageable cantilevered, as better described hereafter.

The supporting frame 2, as illustrated in figure 2, comprises at least one pair of rods or tracks 6, oriented in use preferably in the vertical direction, substantially parallel to one another.

According to a version of the present invention, see the attached figures 1 -3, each of the rods or tracks 6 is constrainable inside a wall cabinet 7, at a respective side wall 8 thereof, according to ways known to those skilled in the art that, therefore, will not be described any further.

In the attached figures the wall cabinet 7 is illustrated with a broken line for better comprehensibility of the present invention. Inside the wall cabinet 7, the rods 6 are installed in a position aligned with each other both along a vertical and horizontal direction, in practice, facing one another.

According to a further version of the present invention, see figure 4, the rods 6 are connected, aligned with each other in the vertical direction, at the opposite vertical sides of a rear wall P of a wall cabinet 7 or at a side P' of wall or similar.

It should be observed that the only restriction to the connection of the rods or tracks 6 to the rear wall of a wall cabinet 7 or to a side P' of a wall consists of the actual capacity of such walls P, P' to support the loads bearing down on the single rods 6, without being damaged or yielding.

The modular structure 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one pair of brackets 9 for supporting the at least one horizontal bar 3, engageable at a predefined height along the rods or tracks 6 of the supporting frame 2.

Each support bracket 9 has a seat 1 1 , see figure 3, for the engagement with shape coupling and the support of a respective end 10 of the at least one horizontal bar 3.

It should be observed that, as an example, the at least one horizontal bar 3 can be obtained from a box-shaped profile or, in general, from a tubular element with a square, rectangular, oval or similar section.

Consequently, the seat 1 1 will have a shape matching that of the at least one horizontal bar 3.

The shape coupling between the opposite ends 10 of the at least one horizontal bar 3 and the respective seats 1 1 of the supporting brackets 9 the occurring of a relative rotation being able to occur between the at least one horizontal bar 3 and the supporting frame 2.

In this way, the at least one horizontal bar 3 is firmly connected to the supporting frame 2 and provides a stable support for the cantilevered connection of the at least one module 4. As known, a canti-levered connection, since it is not balanced, forces the rotation of the element on which a force acts, for example the weight force, with respect to the support to which it is connected cantilevered.

In the present invention, the shape connection between the at least one horizontal bar 3 and the respective supporting brackets 9 prevents the at least one horizontal bar 3 itself from being able to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. In this way, the at least one module 4 connected cantilevered to the at least one horizontal bar 3 is kept, in use, connected to the supporting frame 2 firmly in horizontal position.

Along each shaft 6 of the supporting frame 2 there are a plurality of first seats

12 foreseen for the removable connection of the supporting brackets 9 at a predefined height of the supporting frame 2.

It should be specified that the supporting frame 2 comprises connecting means

13 to easily and quickly modify the height at which the at least one horizontal bar 3 is connected to the supporting frame 2, thus allowing specific usage requirements of each user to be met.

The connecting means 13 comprise means for the selective engagement of each supporting bracket 9 in one of the first seats 12 of the rods or tracks 6. According to a version of the present invention, not illustrated in the figures, the engagement means are made directly on each supporting bracket 9.

In this case, the engagement means comprise at least one fastener or similar shaped substantially like a hook, which extends from one or more sides of each supporting bracket 9.

Each hook is selectively engageable in one of the first seats 12 formed along the rods 6.

The connecting means 13 are suitable for ensuring the removable connection of the supporting brackets 9 to the rods 6 both in the case in which the rods 6 are constrained to the opposite side walls 8 of a wall cabinet, beside one another or, possibly, in the case in which the rods 6 are constrained to the rear wall of a wall cabinet P or to a masonry wall P' or similar. According to a further version of the present invention, illustrated in figure 3, the engagement means are foreseen separate from the supporting brackets 9 and removably engageable in through openings 15 provided in the supporting brackets 9 themselves.

In this case, the engagement means 14 comprise screws or pins or inserts in general.

In particular, according to such a version of the present invention, in order to carry out the connection between a supporting bracket 9 and a rod 6 it is necessary to arrange the through opening 15 of the supporting bracket 9 at one of the first seats 12, facing it in the bulk of the latter.

Thereafter, the engagement means 14 are introduced through the through opening 15 engaging them then inside a first seat 12 and actually constraining the supporting bracket 9 to the supporting frame 2.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the supporting frame 2 comprises two horizontal bars 3, spaced apart in the vertical direction.

However, it is possible to have further configurations of the modular structure 1 comprising a larger or smaller number of horizontal bars 3 with respect to what is illustrated in the attached figures, without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

The sectionality of the modular structure 1 according to the present invention is extremely flexible, since in the case in which it is foreseen to install two or more horizontal bars 3 they can be installed at respective heights independently from one another.

The assembly of the modular structure 1 is particularly simple to carry out, since after having arranged the supporting frame 2, the at least one horizontal bar 3 is connected thereto and, then, one or more modules 4 is engaged cantilevered to the at least one horizontal bar 3.

The at least one module 4 comprises a rear portion 16, in use, for comiection of the at least one module 4 to the at least one horizontal bar 3, a front portion 17, in use, for gripping and a central portion 18 arranged between the rear portion 16 and the front portion 17.

The rear portion 16 is provided with at least one hooking element 19 suitable for engaging, by shape coupling, with at least one section of the at least one horizontal bar 3 when the at least one module 4 is arranged resting cantilevered on the at least one horizontal bar 3 itself.

The hooking element 19 projects rearwardly from the rear portion 16 and is configured to ensure a stable connection without any relative rotation between the at least one module 4 and the at least one horizontal bar 3.

According to a version of the present invention, the at least one hooking element 19 is shaped like a hook or a similar element. In greater detail, the hooking element 19 can have a substantially "L" or inverted "U" shaped cross section (figure 5 and 7).

The at least one hooking element 19 is configured to connect, by shape coupling, to the at least one horizontal bar 3, preferably through the engagement from above with at least one section of the at least one horizontal bar 3 itself.

Such a configuration of the at least one hooking element 19 facilitates the stable connection of the at least one module 4 to the at least one horizontal bar 3 that, in fact, is carried out by positioning the at least one module 4 close to the at least one horizontal bar 3, with the hooking element 19 arranged above it, and then lowering the at least one module 4 until the complete engagement of the at least one horizontal bar 3 inside the at least one hooking element 19. In practice, the at least one module 4 once connected to the at least one , horizontal bar 3 projects cantilevered therefrom along a substantially horizontal direction.

In fact, the connection between the at least one module 4 and the at least one horizontal bar 3 is extremely easy to carry out and does not require the use of further supports to keep the at least one module 4 stable in horizontal position. The central portion 18 of the at least one module 4 is of the polyfunctional type, in the sense that it comprises means 20 for supporting tableware 5 or cutlery 23.

It should be specified that the tableware 5, as well as the cutlery 23, are not part of the present invention and are described and illustrated in order to make it easier to understand.

5 For better intelligibility of the present invention, in the attached figures some versions of the at least one module 4 are illustrated, as an example but not for limiting purposes, indicated with reference numerals 4A, 4B, 4C.

Such versions of the at least one module 4A, 4B, 4C differ from each other for the configuration of the respective support means indicated with 20A, 20B, i o 20C.

According to a version of the present invention, the at least one module 4A (see Figure 1 ) can comprise support means 20A configured to support plates, bowls or saucers.

Such support means 20A can comprise a plurality of mutually parallel slits 15 suitable for supporting the plates and, possibly, a rack 21 that extends in use in the vertical direction, close to the slits, suitable for providing a further support for the plates.

According to a version of the present invention the rack 21 can comprise a plurality of rod-shaped elements 22 that extend, in use, vertically from the 20 substantially horizontal support plane that constitutes the bottom of the module 4.

The rod-shaped elements 22 can be removably connected to the central portion 18 of the module 4A.

As an example, a section of the lower portion of each rod-shaped element 22 25 can be inserted with interference inside a corresponding seat, not illustrated in the figures, formed along the central portion 18 of the module 4A.

According to a further version, each rod-shaped element 22 can, at the lower portion, have a threaded section suitable for engaging in a corresponding threaded seat, not illustrated in the figures, made along the central portion 18 30 of the module 4 A. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the at least one module 4B (see figure 1) is provided with supporting means 20B configured for supporting tableware such as glasses, crockery, cups or similar, corresponding to a substantially horizontal support plane.

According another further aspect of the present invention, the at least one module 4C (see figures 1 , 5 and 6) can have supporting means 20C configured for supporting cutlery 23.

In this case, the central portion 18 of the at least one module 4C comprises a space 24, which extends from the substantially horizontal support plane that constitutes the bottom of the module 4C, inside which it is possible to place the cutlery 23.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is at least one module, not illustrated in the figures, comprising means configured for hung- supporting stem glasses.

Such means for hung-supporting stem glasses can comprise a rack equipped with a plurality of rod-shaped elements spaced apart that in use project horizontally from the rear portion of the at least one support module.

It should be considered that further configurations of the at least one module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C comprising supporting means not described here are possible, which still should be considered covered by the scope of protection of the present invention, without any limitation.

The at least one module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C comprises a plurality of lower openings, not illustrated in the figures, suitable for promoting the draining of the water falling from the tableware 5 and from the cutlery 23.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the modular structure 1 can comprise an extractable lower tray 25, for collecting the water drained from the tableware, beneath the modular structure 1.

The structure of such a collection tray 25 is per se known and, therefore, it will not be described any further.

Figure 7 illustrates a further variant of a module according to the present invention, indicated with reference numeral 4'.

The at least one module 4' differs from the previous embodiment of the at least one module 4 in that it has a greater width, roughly equal to double or triple that of the at least one module 4 itself.

Similarly to what was described earlier, the at least one module 4' can have supporting means 20A, 20B, 20C according to the type of tableware 5 or cutlery 23 to be supported.

The at least one module 4' can comprise, at the portion 16 that is rear in use, two or more hooking elements 19 in order to ensure a stable connection thereof to the at least one horizontal bar 3.

In particular, the number of hooking elements 19 can vary as a function of the total width of the at least one module 4' itself.

The central portion 18 of the at least one module 4' can have at least one reinforcing rib 26, as illustrated as an example in figure 7.

It is moreover clear that such at least one reinforcing rib 26 is present in order to increase the resistance to bending of the at least one module 4' and prevent the deformation thereof as a result of the weight of the tableware 5 or cutlery 23 sitting on it.

Furthermore, the central portion 18 of the at least one module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' can have at least one insert 27, for example made of metallic material, defining a support or similar.

The at least one insert 27 gives greater rigidity to the at least one module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' itself, as well as a pleasant appearance.

The at least one module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' has opposite side walls 28 that delimit the bulk thereof in width.

In practice, the opposite side walls 28 extend from the rear portion 16 up to the front portion 17.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the at least one module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' can comprise at least one pair of housings 29 for possible mutual connection means thereof with at least one second module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'. Each housing 29 is made at the side wall 28, preferably close to the front portion 17. Therefore, the housings 29 of each module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' are positioned at the opposite side ends of the module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' itself. It should be specified that the housing 29 has a first opening 29', which inferiorly projects from the bottom of the module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4', and a second opening 29", which projects from a side wall 28 of the module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'.

The mutual connection means, indicated in the figures with reference numeral

30, allow the removable connection of further modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' positioned adjacently cantilevered along the at least one horizontal bar 3, thus preventing them being able to have a misalignment in the vertical direction or moving apart accidentally.

In practice, through the connection means 30 a support for tableware is obtained that is substantially continuous and extremely modular along the at least one horizontal bar 3.

As an example, in the attached figures 8-1 1 some steps of the mutual connection of two mutually adjacent modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' are schematically illustrated.

It is totally intuitive that it is possible to connect a greater number of modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4', in mutually adjacent position, with respect to what is illustrated in the attached figures, as described better hereafter.

The connecting means 30 comprise a connecting element, specifically a latch

31 , equipped with an engagement portion 32 and with a grasping portion 33, constrained to one another.

The grasping portion 33 projects from the engagement portion 32 and allows a user to actuate the latch 31 in a considerably easy manner, without requiring the use of any further tool.

In practice, in order to connect together two modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' the latch 31 is introduced into the housing 29 of one of the two modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4', through the first opening 29' (see figure 9). Thereafter, two modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4', and in particular the respective second openings 29", are aligned with each other, bringing them close together.

Then, the latch 31 is actuated, taking it from a first operative position (see figure 10), of non-engagement, to a second operative position (see figure 1 1), in which the engagement portion 32 projects from the second opening 29" of the module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' in which the latch 31 is housed until it engages in the second opening 29" of a second module 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'.

In order to separate the two modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' the reverse is done. According to a further version of the present invention, not illustrated in the figures, the connecting means can comprise, in place of the latch, a pin or a peg or a similar element, engageable in the second openings 29" of respective mutually adjacent modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'.

With reference to the above, it is totally clear that the mutual connecting means 30 make it possible to connect/separate the single modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' of the present modular structure 1 in an extremely simple and reliable solution.

The dimensions of the modular structure 1 according to the present invention, meaning in height and in width, can be modified and adapted as a function of specific requirements, like for example the space available inside a wall cabinet 7 or along a wall P', without any limitation.

Figure 12 illustrates a further embodiment of a modular structure for supporting objects, preferably tableware, wholly indicated with reference numeral 100.

Hereafter, for better reference, the components corresponding to those described in the previous embodiment will be indicated with the same reference numeral.

Hereafter, as a non-limiting example, explicit reference will be made to a modular structure 100 for supporting tableware.

Similarly to the previous embodiment, it should still be considered that the modular structure 100 can have an application in all fields in which it is necessary to have a sectional structure for supporting objects.

The modular structure 100 differs from the previous embodiment relative to the configuration of the supporting frame 102.

The supporting frame 102, indeed, comprises a support base 140 arranged at the lower portion, in use, of the supporting frame 102, suitable for allowing the positioning of the modular structure 100 resting freely on a horizontal support plane, like for example a work surface of a kitchen.

According to a version of the present invention, the support base 140 comprises at least two profiled elements 141 , spaced apart and parallel to each other, which project in use horizontally from the lower portion of the supporting frame 102.

Such profiled elements 141 can be connected to each other through at least one horizontal cross member, not illustrated in the figures, constrained at its opposite ends to each of the profiled elements 141.

According to a further version, the supporting frame 102 can comprise at least one second horizontal cross member 142, provided at the upper end portion, in use, with the supporting frame 102.

The supporting frame 102 also comprises a pair of rods 6 that rise up perpendicularly, in use, along a vertical direction, at the opposite sides of the support base 140.

The horizontal cross member 142, synergically to the support base 140, gives high structural rigidity to the supporting frame 102, thus ensuring a stable support of the modules 4 engaged cantilevered thereto and of the tableware 5 rested on them.

The rods 6 are parallel to each other and each comprise, similarly to the previous embodiment, a plurality of first seats 12 spaced apart to allow the connection of supporting brackets 9 of at least one horizontal bar 3 at a predetermined height along the supporting frame 102.

The at least one horizontal bar 3 has opposite ends 10 removably engageable by shape coupling with respective supporting brackets 9 positioned along the rods or tracks 6 of the supporting frame 102, at a variable height as a function of specific usage requirements by a user.

Each supporting bracket 9 is removably connected to a respective rod or track 5 6 through connecting means 13.

The modular supporting structure 100 can possibly comprise, at the support base 140, an extractable collection tray 25 for the water drained from the tableware 5.

Such a tray 25, if present, is foreseen at the top in close proximity to the i o support base 140.

In order to allow the extraction of the tray 25 horizontal guides can be provided, not illustrated in the figures, for example made through grooves formed along the profiled elements 141.

The modular supporting structure 100 achieves the same purposes as the 15 previous embodiment, with reference to the possibility of connecting and arranging the modules 4 for supporting tableware 5 at the supporting frame 102 according to the specific requirements.

It is also totally clear that the modularity of the modular structure 1 , 100 according to the present invention, requires that the manufacturer has a 20 limited amount of equipment, thus allowing the overall manufacturing costs thereof to be reduced.

Moreover, the modularity of the modular structure 1 , 100 makes it possible to modify the number, the arrangement and the type of modules 4 for supporting tableware in an extremely quick and simple manner, in order to be able to

25 meet the specific needs of a user.

Each module 4, indeed, can be installed cantilevered or removed in an easy manner simply by resting it or lifting it from the at least one horizontal bar 3. This makes it possible to modify the type of modules 4 to be installed in the modular structure 1 , 100 or to make alternative configurations of the modular

30 structure 1 , 100 by simply modifying the arrangement of the modules 4 themselves that are available.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the modular structure 1 , 100 is also extremely easy to clean.

Unlike draining racks for wall cabinets on the market, in order to clean the at least one module 4 it is not necessary to completely remove the support structure 1 , 100 respectively from the wall cabinet 7 or from the wall P' to which t is connected, but it is sufficient to act on the single modules 4 arranged along the at least one horizontal bar 3.

In particular, as far as the single modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' are concerned, it should be observed that they are made in sufficiently small dimensions in order to be able to be introduced into domestic or industrial dishwashers. Concerning this, the single modules 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4' are made from a material, preferably plastic, of a type suitable for coming into contact with food and compatible with the washing cycles of dishwashers.

It is thus clear how it is easy and simple to keep the single modules 4, 4A, 4B clean and efficient, 4C, 4', since they can be washed repeatedly, possibly at regular intervals, for example in dishwashers, without suffering any damage. The invention thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and variants all of which are covered by the inventive concept.

Moreover, all of the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting objects comprising at least one supporting frame (2, 102), at least a pair of supporting brackets (9), operatively and removably connectable to said supporting frame (2, 102) by connecting means (13), at predefined heights, each of said supporting brackets (9) comprising a seat (1 1) for housing, through shape coupling, a respective end (10) of at least one horizontal bar (3), and at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'), for supporting objects, comprising a rear portion (16), in use, for the connection of said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') to said at least one horizontal bar (3), a front portion (17), in use, for gripping said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') and a central portion (18) arranged between said rear portion (16) and said front portion (17), characterized in that said at least one module (4, 4 A, 4B, 4C, 4') is engageable cantilevered, in a removably manner, to said at least one horizontal bar (3) with said rear portion (16) connected to said at least one horizontal bar (3).

2. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to claim 1 , wherein said a rear portion (16) comprises at least one hooking element ( 19) shaped for engaging, by shape coupling, said at least one horizontal bar (3) when said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') is arranged resting cantilevered on said at least one horizontal bar (3).

3. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to claim 2, wherein said at least one hooking element (19) have a "L" or inverted "U" shaped cross section for engaging said at least one horizontal bar (3), through engagement from above.

4. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to claim 1 , wherein said supporting frame (2, 102) comprises a pair of rods or tracks (6) arranged, in use, spaced apart from and parallel to each other along a vertical direction.

5. Modular structure (100) for supporting according to the preceding claim, wherein said supporting frame (102) comprises, at the lower end, in use, of said supporting frame (102), a support base (140).

6. Modular structure (100) for supporting according to the preceding claim, wherein said supporting base (140) comprises at least one pair of profiles (141 ) which project, in use, parallel to and spaced apart from each other along a substantially horizontal direction.

7. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to claim 3, wherein said connecting means (13) comprise means for engaging said supporting brackets (9) in respective first seats (12) provided along said rods (6).

8. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein central portion (18) comprises means (20, 20 A, 20B, 20C) configured for allowing the support of tableware, such as dishes or glasses or stem glass or crockery or cutlery or the like on said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4').

9. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') comprises opposite side walls (28), which extend from said rear portion (16) up to said front portion (17).

10. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') comprises at least a pair of housings (29) for means (30) for the mutual connection of at least one first of said module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') with at least one second of said module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'), each of said housings (29) being provided at said front portion (17).

1 1. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to the preceding claim, wherein said housing (29) comprises a first opening (29') which inferiorly projects from the bottom of said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'), and a second opening (29") which projects from one of said side walls (28) of said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') near which said housing (29) is provided, said first opening (29') and said second opening (29") being in communication with each other.

12. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to claim 9, wherein said connection means (30) comprise a latch (31) or a pin or a peg selectively movable between a first operating position, wherein they project from one of said second openings (29") provided in a first of said modules (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') for engagement with one of said second openings (29") provided in a second of said modules (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4'), and a second operating position wherein said connection means (30) do not engage said second opening (29").

13. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') comprises a central reinforcing rib (26) which extends across the entire length of said central portion (18).

14. Modular structure (1 , 100) for supporting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one module (4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4') comprises at least one reinforcing metal insert (27) along at least said central portion (18).

15. Wall cabinet (7) comprising, within it, a modular structure (1 ) for supporting objects and/or tableware, according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 14.