Shelving construction

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a structure for interconnecting elements of a metal shelving assembly wherein a vertically extending slot having an arcuate edge along its lower end is provided by one of the metal shelving elements.
A punch press-formed, tablike projection provided as an integral portion of another of the elements is received and retained in the slot.
The projection includes an arcuate load-bearing surface that rests on the arcuate edge of the slot in contiguous relationship at all interface points.
Preferably, that portion of the slot receiving and engaging the projection is undersized to provide an interference fit with the projection to releasably lock the elements together in assembled relation.
The tablike projection preferably includes a downwardly projecting, tonguelike portion that overlaps a portion of the slot providing member to maintain the position of the load-bearing surface in engagement with the lower edge of the slot.
As an integrally formed portion of one of the shelving elements, the tablike projection has been found to be very strong and rugged as compared to other prior art structures.
Further, the tablike projection can be formed in a one-step stamping operation as compared to multi-step processes of the prior art that add cost to the manufacture of shelving units of the type under consideration.
A fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.