IT202100011402A1 - SLAB SUPPORT PLATFORM AND MODULAR STORAGE STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the Italian Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

?SLAB SUPPORT PLATFORM AND MODULAR STRUCTURE OF

STORAGE?

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to the storage and/or transport of a plurality of of slabs, preferably ceramic slabs, forming a stack of slabs by means of a support platform.

The present invention also relates the storage of the pile of slabs (ceramics) by means of modular shelving made up of several? support platforms placed adjacent to each other.

PRE-EXISTING TECHNIQUE

Load platforms are known for storing and transporting objects, in particular slabs forming a stack of slabs. The stack of slabs, although of substantial weight which facilitates its stability? of the load during the movements, not ? in any case immune to the accelerations of the means of transport both during the lifting and transfer phases; unforeseen events and/or knocks of the platform itself may occur which could ruin some, if not all of the slabs transported.

In addition to this, it must also be said that the dimensions of the loading surfaces are such as to allow for supporting slabs of different sizes, where the larger slabs nowadays reach considerable dimensions and therefore the problem arises of having a space available for storage that is suitable for containing all or most of the slab formats.

An object of the present invention ? that of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, within the ambit of a simple, rational and low-cost solution.

These purposes are achieved by the characteristics of the invention set forth in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in particular, makes available a support platform comprising a load platform configured to receive a plurality of of slabs to form a stack of slabs, and at least one containment element of the lateral stack of slabs rising with respect to the loading surface and movable associated with the loading surface along a movement trajectory parallel to the loading surface so as to be able to intercept and contact laterally the stack of slabs.

Thanks to this solution, by means of the containment element, the storage and transport of a stack of slabs is improved.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the support platform can understand a plurality of ground support feet configured to keep the loading surface off the ground and where each foot has an extremity? lower arranged below the loading surface and one extremity? higher placed above the loading surface.

By means of the preparation of the support feet as configured above, the stowage of several items is facilitated. platforms that can be stacked on top of each other creating a modular shelving suitable for stowing a plurality? of stacks of slabs.

Furthermore, an aspect of the invention is that of making the containing element slidingly associated with the loading surface and with a movement trajectory preferably rectilinear and orthogonal to one side of the loading surface proximal to the containing element.

In this way, even by varying the dimensions of the slabs to be supported, ? always guaranteed the possibility? to place the containment element in contact with stacks of slabs of different sizes; in addition, ? otherwise? possible, after withdrawing the containment element, free the loading platform for the stack transfer operations and then subsequently proceed to slide the containment element to make contact with the side of the stack of slabs.

A further aspect of the invention makes available a plurality of containment elements preferably arranged on opposite sides with respect to a median plane of the loading surface.

Thanks to this solution, ? is it possible to intercept pi? sides of the stack of slabs, increasing their safety during the transport and/or stowage operations of the platform.

A further aspect of the invention provides a containment element covered in a yielding material (for example elastically).

Thereby ? possible to prevent, precisely through the compliance of the coating, breakage due to contact impacts between the slabs, generally in fragile material, for example ceramic or glass or similar, and the containment element, generally in ductile and/or rigid material, for example a metallic or plastic material.

A further aspect of the invention provides temporary fastening means, for example comprising a threaded fastening member, which are configured to temporarily and/or fix the containing element in any position along the movement trajectory.

Thanks to this solution, in addition to facilitating, as already? said, the positioning of the containment element with respect to the stack of slabs, ? guaranteed interoperability? of the containment elements with particular maintenance advantage for their replacement.

A further aspect of the invention provides an upper holding member configured to be disposed at least partially above the loading surface so as to contact a top of the loading surface. of the stack of slabs, in which the holding organ? preferably connectable to the containment element.

Thereby, ? It is possible to intercept the stack of slabs not only laterally but also on their top, preventing possible lifting and/or breaking of the slabs during transport and/or transfer and/or stowage operations.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the holding member ? slidably associated with the containment element along a sliding direction perpendicular to the loading surface and, preferably, lockable in any axial position of the containment element.

In this way, the containment element acts as a reference guide for the retention member and as an aid for its subsequent blocking.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the platform comprises a pair of fork seats arranged in correspondence with the loading platform (for example below the upper surface of the same) and, preferably, above the end of the fork. bottom of the support feet.

In this way, the presence of the fork seats makes it possible to quickly and easily recover the platform with forklift trucks (self-driving or guided by an operator), both for transport and transfer operations and for racking stowage operations .

The invention, in particular, also makes Is there a modular shelving for the storage of slabs comprising a plurality? of support platforms as previously indicated and in which the plurality? of support platforms are stacked together to form a stack of platforms.

Advantageously, then, each support platform of the stack of platforms vertically superimposed on another support platform can present the? extremity? bottom of the support feet (where provided) resting on? top of the support feet (where provided) of the support platform adjacent below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached tables.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plate support platform according to the invention,

Figure 2 again illustrates the platform of Figure 1 with details in the assembly configuration of some of its possible elements,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a variant embodiment of the platform according to the invention,

Figure 4 illustrates an elevation and sectional view of the platform of figure 3, Figure 5 illustrates the modular structure obtainable following the stacking of several? platforms in accordance with one or more? embodiments of the invention.

BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is now being described in more detail. fully hereinafter with reference to its exemplary embodiments. The invention can be made in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided in a manner that satisfies required legal requirements.

In the description and claims, the singular forms "un", "one", ?una?, ?il?, ?lo?, ?la?, also include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

With particular reference to figures 1 to 5, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a support platform particularly suitable for receiving, resting on its loading platform indicated by reference reference numeral 20, a plurality of of plates (preferably plates of fragile material, such as ceramic plates or glass plates or similar) stacked on top of each other so? to form a stack of slabs 110.

The loading surface 20 (arranged in substantially horizontal use) has a plan shape, for example quadrangular, preferably rectangular.

For example, the loading surface 20 has a limited thickness and an enlarged plan.

The loading surface 20 has an upper (planar) surface defining the surface on which the stack of plates 110 rests and an opposite upper surface.

For example, the upper surface of the loading platform 20 ? defined by a support foil, preferably but not limited to, coated with a layer of yielding material (removable), and/or can? be composed of the whole of the upper surfaces of a plurality? of beams separated and parallel to each other, joined perimetrically by a frame.

With 30 do you generically indicate a plurality? of support feet, arranged orthogonally with respect to the loading surface 20.

In the example shown, the support platform 10 comprises a plurality of of support feet 30, as described below. However, it is not excluded that the support platform is devoid of support feet and, therefore, (substantially shaped like a support pallet) such as to rest on the ground through (the lower surface) of the support surface 20.

In the example there are four support feet 30, and they are arranged on the sides of the loading surface 20 (for example in correspondence with the two long sides of the same) so as? not to occupy the loading area of the stack of slabs 110.

Each foot 30, arranged vertically, has a lower section 31 which extends below the loading surface 20 (or its lower surface) and an upper section 32 which extends above the loading surface 20 (or its upper surface) ; in other words, the foot 30 ? long enough to extend both above and below the loading surface 20; thanks to this trick, ? allowed an effective stacking of more? platforms 10 to each other and therefore the convenient construction of a shelving 100, as better specified in the following description.

Still with regard to the lifting feet 30, it is observed that they have at the end lower 33 a stand while the? extremity? top 34 ? tapered, to create a sort of tip; thanks to this trick? Is it possible to effectively couple the two ends? 33 and 34 and realize cos? the modular shelving 100; in fact, the support platform 10 could? be superimposed on a corresponding support platform 10 through the respective ends? lower 33 of the support feet 30 which rest and remain in position on the end? upper parts 34 of the support feet 30 of the support platform 10 adjacent below.

From the figures it is also observed the presence of a containment element 40 of the stack of slabs rising with respect to the loading surface 20 and associated with the loading surface 20 along a movement trajectory 11 parallel to the loading surface 20 so as to be able to intercept and laterally contact the stack of plates 110. In the embodiments illustrated here the containment element 40 has the shape of a column, for example cylindrical, however this embodiment is not? limitation of the requested protection and may? be replaced by elements of technically equivalent forms for functionality?. In fact, the containment element 40, intercepting and coming into contact with the side or lateral portion of the stack of slabs, fulfills the function of contrast element, against any involuntary sliding thereof, above all during the operations of transport and/or transfer of the platform 10.

The longitudinal axis of the containment element 40 ? preferably arranged orthogonally to the loading surface 20.

Furthermore, the axial length of the containment element 40 is less than or equal to the sum of the axial length of each support foot 30 (net of the thickness of the loading surface 20), or the sum of the length of the section of each support foot 30 that protrudes below 20 (of the lower surface) of the loading surface 20 and of the portion of each support foot 30 which protrudes above (the upper surface) of the loading surface 20.

Advantageously, the containment element 40 is slidingly associated with the loading surface 20, being able to translate along a handling trajectory 11 which is preferably straight and orthogonal to one side of the loading surface proximal to the containment element 40.

In this regard, it should be noted that the containment element 40 ? associated with a corresponding sliding guide 12 which extends preferably rectilinear and orthogonal from one side of the plane 20 and in the direction of a median plane thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the slide guide 12 is preferably obtained below the loading surface 20, but may? also be arranged flush with the loading surface 20, as long as? keep the floor 20 free for the loading operations of the stack of plates 110.

In accordance with one embodiment, the slide rail 12 protrudes axially from the respective side of the loading floor 20 as follows: to allow the respective containment element 40 to be positioned outside the loading surface 20 itself, on external supports 21 (which also act as an external axial end stop) or alternatively on the guide 12, thus allowing the housing of a plate substantially corresponding in size to the (maximum) surface of the loading surface 20.

The guide 12?, for example, defined by a (metallic) profile, preferably shaped like a ?C?, an upper slot of which defines a longitudinal groove (straight) open at the top.

This longitudinal groove overlooks a longitudinal groove made on (the upper surface of) the loading surface 20, which has, for example one end? internal (proximal to the median plane of the load plane 20 orthogonal to it) closed axially, so? to be defined an axial limit switch (internal) for the containment element 40.

Guide 12 ? contained in the thickness of the loading surface 20 (ie interposed between the upper surface and the lower surface thereof).

The containment element 40 comprises a foot which slidably engages the guide 12 (without the possibility of rotating inside it), for example by defining a prismatic connection with it.

For example, the foot defined by a nut or block from which an upper pin rises which crosses (in the direction orthogonal to the loading surface) the longitudinal groove of the guide (and of the upper surface of the loading surface 20) and ? fixed (as will be better described hereinafter) to the containment element 40 itself.

In accordance with one embodiment, the platform 10 comprises a plurality of of containment elements 40 (and relative guides 12), in this case they are preferably arranged on opposite sides with respect to a median plane of the loading surface 20. In this way, the degree of containment of the stack of slabs 110 increases, being able to last be grabbed / held by pi? containment elements 40 and on opposite walls.

Preferably, each side of the loading platform 40 comprises at least one respective containment element 40, preferably a plurality of (e.g. two in number) for each side.

Each containment element 40 ? mobile independently of the other or, alternatively, means for synchronizing the movement of all or some containment elements 40 can be provided.

For example, each containment element 40 ? configured to be moved (sliding along the respective guide 12) alternately between an axial end position, in which ? disposed (for example) outside the loading surface 40 (so as to allow any slab to rest on the loading surface 40), and an axial internal limit switch position, in which ? arranged (for example) inside the loading platform 40.

When all of the containment elements 40 are in their inward end positions, the space between them is ? minimum and configured to accommodate slabs of minimum dimensions (smaller than the width of the loading surface 20).

Each containment element 40 ? then can be positioned in any axial position between the inner axial end position and the outer axial end position, so? to be able to grip (in a vice) on the respective lateral side of the stack of slabs 110 regardless of the width of the slabs that compose it.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, each containment element 40 is coated with a coating 41 in a yielding material, for example elastically, so? to be placed between the two materials in contact, i.e. the fragile one of the plates and the ductile/rigid one of the containment element 40. The yielding material? for example rubber.

For example, the lining 41 of a compliant material can be associated with the containment element 40 in a removable/replaceable way, so that you can replace it in case of wear.

According to an advantageous aspect, the containment element 40 is fixed in a temporary and/or resolvable way (to the loading surface 20) by means of temporary fixing means 50.

Advantageously, the temporary fixing means 50 can temporarily fix the containment element 40 in any position along the movement trajectory, in accordance with the size of the stack of plates 110, thus increasing the size of the containment element 40. the versatility of use of the platform 10.

By way of example, the temporary fastening means 50 comprise a threaded fastening member 51, however this fastening system is only one of the possible ways and not ? limiting the protection requested, which therefore may? be replaced by others technically equivalent in terms of functionality?.

For example, does the pin protruding from the foot of the containment element 40? threaded and the containment element 40 has a female screw (open at its lower end) which engages the threaded pin.

The threaded connection between the threaded pin and the female screw defines said threaded fastening member 51.

It is not excluded that a further pin, for example threaded, rises from the foot of the containment element, parallel to the pin which supports the containment element 40 (and aligned with it along the longitudinal axis of the guide 12), for example also Is it protruding from the upper groove of the guide 12 (and of the loading surface 20), on which it is? there is a threaded handwheel or a cam lever, configured to axially lock the foot and, therefore, the containment element 40 in any axial position of the guide 12.

In accordance with further possible embodiments, the platform 10 comprises a retaining member 60 configured to be arranged at least partially above the loading platform 20, and also to the stack of plates 110, in order to contact the top? of the stack of plates 110.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the retaining member 60 is preferably connectable to the containment element 40.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the retaining member 60 is slidably associated with the containment element 40 along a sliding direction perpendicular to the loading surface 20 and, preferably, lockable in any axial position of the containment element 40.

According to one embodiment of the retention member 60, the use of a perforated plate 61 is envisaged, with a hole of suitable dimensions to be inserted with play or by interference with the containment element 40; possibly can otherwise? be provided with known type of position retention means, for example spring and/or quick releases.

For example, at least the lower surface (in contact with the top of the stack of plates 110) of the perforated plate 61 can be covered in a yielding (elastic) material, such as rubber.

For example, platform 10 can? understand a plurality of connection members 60 (or perforated plates), preferably but not limited to one for each containment element 40.

According to a further embodiment of the retaining element 60, the use of one or more elements is envisaged. 62 bars, each of which ? preferably but not limitedly adjustable in length.

Each bar 62, for example, ends at the ends? with two eyelets 63 also provided with holes to be inserted (with play or by interference) with two containment elements 40 (preferably placed on different sides of the loading surface 20, for example opposite or adjacent). Possibly also in this case at least one of the eyelets 63 could be provided with known type of position retention means, for example spring and/or quick releases.

In accordance with a further characteristic of the present invention, the platform 10 comprises a pair of fork seats 70 (parallel) arranged in correspondence with the loading platform 20, for example contained between the upper surface and the lower surface of the loading platform 20.

The fork seats 70 are defined by two tunnels (parallel) and parallelepiped in shape open at the opposite ends? axial, so that they can be picked up by a fork of a forklift (standard).

For example, each fork seat 70 has at least one axial portion with a closed section (and at least one axial portion with an open section).

Preferably, each fork seat 70 has at least one (upper) section of one or both side walls inclined with respect to the vertical (i.e. to the plane orthogonal to the loading surface 20), so as to define a centering ramp for the forks of the carrier with forks (so that the load of the platform 10 is always centered on the support surface defined by the forks).

With particular reference to figure 5, a modular shelving 100 for the storage of slabs can be observed which comprises a plurality of of mutually independent support platforms 10 which are (individually) stacked together to form a stack of platforms.

How already? brought forward each support platform 10 of the stack of platforms vertically superimposed on another support platform 10 has the end? bottom 34 of the support feet 30 resting on? top 33 of the support feet 30 of the support platform 10 adjacent below.

The invention so? conceived ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as? the contingent shapes and dimensions may be any according to requirements without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A support platform (10) comprising: - a loading surface (20) configured to receive in support a plurality? of plates to form a stack of plates (110); And - at least one containment element (40) of the stack of slabs rising with respect to the loading surface (20) and movable associated with the loading surface (20) along a movement trajectory (11) parallel to the loading surface (20) so to be able to intercept and laterally contact the stack of plates (110). 2. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the containment element (40) is? slidingly associated with the loading surface (20), in which preferably the movement trajectory (11) is? rectilinear and orthogonal to one side of the loading surface proximal to the containment element (40). 3. The platform according to claim 1, which comprises a plurality of of containment elements (40), preferably arranged on opposite sides with respect to a median plane of the loading surface (20). 4. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the containment element (40) is? coated with a liner (41) made of a compliant material. 5. The platform according to claim 1, which comprises temporary fixing means (50) configured to fix the containment element (40) in a temporary and/or resolvable way in any position along the movement trajectory (11). The platform according to the preceding claim, wherein the temporary fastening means (50) comprises a threaded fastening member (51). 7. The bed according to claim 1, which includes an upper retaining member (60) configured to be disposed at least partially above the load bed so as to contact a top of the load bed. of the stack of slabs, in which the holding organ? preferably connectable to the containment element (40). 8. The platform according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining member (60) is? slidably associated with the containment element (40) along a sliding direction perpendicular to the loading surface (20) and, preferably, lockable in any axial position of the containment element (40). 9. The platform according to claim 1, which comprises a plurality of of feet (30) resting on the ground configured to keep the loading surface (20) off the ground, wherein each foot (30) has one end? bottom (33) arranged below the loading surface (20) and one end? upper (34) arranged above the loading surface (20). The bed according to claim 1, which includes a pair of fork seats (70). 11. A modular rack (100) for storing slabs comprising a plurality of of support platforms (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality? of support platforms (10) are stacked together to form a stack of platforms. 12. The shelving according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 9, wherein each support platform (10) of the stack of platforms vertically superimposed on another support platform (10) has the end? bottom (33) of the support feet (30) resting on the end? top (34) of the support feet (30) of the support platform (10) adjoining below.