EP4603412A1

EP4603412A1 - Movable tile supporting platform and modular shelving

Info

Publication number: EP4603412A1
Application number: EP25157947.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maurizio Bardi
Original assignee: Gruppo Tecnoferrari SpA
Current assignee: Gruppo Tecnoferrari SpA
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2025-02-14
Publication date: 2025-08-20

Abstract

A movable supporting platform (30) for temporarily supporting tiles, comprising: a loading plane (31) configured to supportingly receive a tile or a plurality of stacked tiles; at least two pairs of support feet (32) configured to keep the loading plane (31) elevated from the ground, wherein each support foot (32) has a lower end (33) arranged distal from the loading plane (31) and an opposite upper end (34) arranged proximal to the loading plane (31); a pair of fork seats (312) which can be forked by the forks of a carrier for transporting the movable supporting platform (30) and arranged between an upper surface of the loading plane (31) and the lower end (33) of the support feet (32); wherein the fork seats (312) have a greater length than a width of the loading plane (31), in such a way that each fork seat (312) projects, with a relative projecting axial portion (3120), beyond a larger beam (310) of the loading plane (31).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns, in general, storage and/or transport of a plurality of slabs, preferably ceramic slabs, forming a stack of slabs with use of a movable supporting platform.
The present invention also relates to storage of the stack of slabs (ceramic slabs) using modular shelving constituted by a plurality of movable supporting platforms stacked one on another.

PRIOR ART

Movable supporting platforms are known, for storage and transport of tiles or stacks of tiles, in particular slabs of large dimensions.
A known requirement in the sector is that of preventing the tiles, notoriously fragile and heavy, from breaking or becoming damaged when placed resting on the movable supporting platforms, both in stationary conditions and in conditions of transport and/or handling.
A further known requirement in the sector is that of being able to increase, as much as possible, the load capacity (and stacking) of the movable supporting platforms, considered both singly and when stacked to form a modular shelving.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An aim of the present invention is to obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks (and other necessities) of the prior art, with a solution that is simple, rational and inexpensive.
The aims are attained by the characteristics of the invention as reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims delineate preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.
In particular, the invention provides a movable supporting platform (30) for temporarily supporting tiles, wherein:

it comprises a loading plane configured to supportingly receive a tile or a plurality of stacked tiles;
it comprises at least two pairs of support feet on the ground surface, configured to keep the loading plane elevated from the ground, wherein each support foot has a lower end arranged distal from the loading plane and an opposite upper end arranged proximal to the loading plane;
it comprises a pair of fork seats which can be forked by the forks of a carrier for transporting the movable supporting platform and arranged between an upper surface of the loading plane and the lower end of the support feet;
the fork seats have a greater length than the width of the loading plane, in such a way that each fork seat projects, with a relative projecting axial portion, beyond a larger beam than the loading plane.

Maximising the length of the fork seats advantageously enables reducing, and even eliminating, the flexion that the forks of a carrier vehicle (for example of an AGV) transmit to the loading plane when it raised, or released on the ground surface, the movable supporting platform.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the support feet of each pair of support feet are aligned along an alignment direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fork seats and are arranged (at least partially, or totally) aligned in plan view with a respective fork seat (or aligned in plan view with respect to an axial extension - real or virtual - of the fork seat, i.e. they start below the respective fork seat, for example of an axial end thereof) or are arranged adjacent to a respective fork seat (substantially in contact therewith) along a flanking direction parallel to the loading plane and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fork seats.
With this solution it is possible to obtain the aims as described in the foregoing.
In fact, owing to the reciprocal arrangement of the support feet and the fork seats, the loading plane is such as to be able to flex (substantially either convex (upwards) or concave (downwards)) by the action of the load defined by the tiles in such a way as to minimise the stresses on the tiles, therefore reducing the possibility that they could be damaged during the steps of transport and/or temporary resting.
The support feet and the fork seats can advantageously be arranged in such a way that when a load defined by at least one tile or a stack of tiles is bearing on the loading plane and, at the same time, it is supported on the support feet and/or on the fork seats, the loading plane is deformable in flexion with an arc-shaped deformation with concavity facing downwards or upwards and having a continuous curvature, wherein the curvature has a maximum point or a minimum point substantially at a vertical median plane of the loading plane equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats.
The continuous curvature (without flex points), substantially convex, is such as to minimise the stresses on the tiles, both when the movable supporting platform is supported on the support feet, and when the movable supporting platform is supported on the forks of a carrier via the engagement thereof with the fork seats of the movable supporting platform.
Further, the upper end of each support foot is arranged below or is coplanar with the upper surface of the loading plane.
Owing to this, it is possible to increase the load capacity of the movable support platforms.
In particular, the arrangement of the support feet is such as to leave the volume/support space of the tiles on the support plane free of lateral containment elements (which in the prior art, for example, were defined by upper portions of the feet emerging superiorly to the loading plane, or by upper beam or balcony structures).
Advantageously, each fork seat (when it is adjacent and not totally superposed in plan to the respective pair of support feet) can comprise an outer side wall proximal to a support foot which is adjacent to the respective support foot, preferably in contact therewith.
When, on the other hand, each fork seat is aligned in plan view to a respective pair of support feet, it is preferable - though not limiting - that a longitudinal vertical median plane of the fork seat coincides with a vertical median plane of the respective two support feet, i.e. that the support feet are centred on the fork seat.
In any case, the proximity between the fork seat and the support feet adjacent thereto (external) and/or the vertical alignment between them is particularly important for obtaining a like deformation (or one having the same characteristics) of the loading plane when passing from the support configuration on the support feet to the forking for transport and vice versa.
Further, the lower surface of the loading plane can define, externally of each support foot along the perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis of the fork seats, a support zone which is distinct and different to the support feet and the internal cavities of the fork seats, wherein the support zone is vertically aligned with a respective fork seat below thereof, or is adjacent to the respective support foot and placed on the opposite side of the support foot with respect to the proximal fork seat.
With this solution, it is possible also to rest the movable supporting platform on temporary support shelves (for example a cantilever shelving or a loading or unloading machine station of the tiles on the plane) and, at the same time, it is possible to keep the tiles in the stable condition that they have when the movable supporting platform is supported on the support feet (and on the fork seats).
To optimise the analogy of the deformations in the varous load conditions, (the support feet), the fork seats and support zone/s can be aligned in plan view, for example with the median planes thereof coinciding.
The support zone is preferably defined by an outer lower wall of each fork seat.
With regard to this aspect, the movable supporting platform can be configured to be selectively restingly supported at the support feet, the fork seats and the support zones, the loading plane, when a load defined by at least one tile or a stack of tiles is bearing thereon, and, at the same time, the platform is supported on the support feet and/or on the fork seats and/or on the support zones, being deformable in flexion with an arc-shaped deformation with concavity facing downwards or upwards and having a continuous curvature (always in the same direction), wherein the curvature has a maximum point or a minimum point substantially at a vertical median plane of the loading plane equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats).
As previously mentioned, the continuous curvature (without flex points), substantially convex, is such as to minimise the stresses on the tiles, both when the movable supporting platform is supported on the support feet and/or on the fork seats and when the support platform is located resting on the forks of a carrier by means of use thereof with the fork seats of the movable supporting platform and also when it is located resting on temporary support shelves in the above-mentioned support zones.
The curvature of the loading plane is advantageously substantially the same when it is supported on the support feet, when it is supported at the fork seats and when it is supported at the support zones or the continuous curvature of the loading plane differs, at most, when it is supported on the support feet, when it is supported at the fork seats and when it is supported at the support zones possibly only for the opening of the curvature, wherein when the loading plane is supported at the fork seats it has a minimum opening and when it is supported at the support zones it has a maximum opening.
In this way, once the tiles are loaded on the loading plane they can be brought into a flex configuration that is especially suitable for preventing damage, in any resting condition that the movable supporting platform is destined to reach during use thereof.
Further, at least one from between the upper end and the lower end comprises a coupling profile configured to accommodate another from between the lower end and the upper end of a further movable supporting platform, facilitating the vertical stackability thereof on the support feet.
The coupling profile can advantageously comprise a hollow trunco-conical or a truncated pyramidal seat, converging towards a central axis of the support foot.
With this solution it is possible to facilitate the stacking operations of the movable support platforms and, at the same time, make the structure thereof simple and functional, without further vertical volumes above the loading plane.
In a further preferred aspect, superiorly of the loading plane there can be installed, rigidly or slidably, and removably, one or more containment elements rising from the loading plane and configured to laterally contain the tiles or stack of tiles arranged on the loading plane.
The containment elements, entirely optional and not necessary, are removable when required, so that there is no volume on the loading plane (at least during the step of loading/unloading the loading plane), in this way being able to facilitate and accelerate the loading/unloading steps of the tiles from the loading plane.
These containment elements might therefore be added only during the steps of transport of the movable supporting platforms, after the loading thereof, and removed before the unloading thereof.
With the containment elements, when installed, the stack of tiles can be easily retained laterally, facilitating the transport thereof on the movable supporting platform.
According to an aspect of the invention:

the loading plane comprises a pair of larger beams;
each support foot comprises:
- a first wall which contacts an outer side wall of the projecting axial portion of a corresponding fork seat; and
- a second wall which contacts a peripheral portion of a larger beam.

Additionally, the following can be present:

the upper end of each support foot is provided with a coupling profile having four walls;
two walls of the coupling profile are countersunk, so as to facilitate insertion of the lower end of a further movable supporting platform;
the remaining two walls of the coupling profile are defined by a part of the projecting axial portion of a corresponding fork seat and by a part of the peripheral portion of a corresponding larger beam.

According to another aspect of the invention:

each support foot is inserted internally of a right-angle defined between an outer side wall of a projecting axial portion of the respective fork seat and the peripheral portion of the respective larger beam, with a vertical corner substantially coinciding with the corner of the right-angle;
the upper end of each support foot is provided with a coupling profile, which is defined by two countersunk walls which extend from the support foot, while the other two walls of the seat are defined by a free part of the projecting axial portion of the respective fork seat and by a further peripheral portion of the respective larger beam.

In accordance with the above-mentioned aims, the invention provides a modular shelving for storing slabs which comprises a plurality of movable supporting platforms as described above, wherein the plurality of movable supporting platforms are vertically stacked on one another to form a stack of movable supporting platforms, wherein each movable supporting platform of the stack vertically superposed on another movable supporting platform has the lower end of the support feet thereof rested on the upper end of the support feet of the adjacent lower movable supporting platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from a reading of the following description, provided by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the figures illustrated in the appended tables of drawings.

Figure 1 is an axonometric view from above of a movable supporting platform according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is an axonometric view from above of the movable supporting platform of figure 1, bearing a tile.
Figure 3 is a plan view from above of figure 1.
Figure 4 is a plan view from below of figure 1.
Figure 5 is a lateral raised view of figure 1.
Figure 6 is a section view along section plane VI-VI of figure 3.
Figure 7 is a lateral raised view of a second embodiment of a movable supporting platform according to the invention.
Figure 8 is a lateral raised view of a shelving according to the invention.
Figures 9a, 9b and 9c are a lateral raised view of the movable supporting platform of figure 1 with the static deformations d',d",d"'of the loading plane, respectively when it is resting on the support feet, the fork seats (internally or externally thereof) and the support zones.
Figures 10a and 10b are a lateral raised view of the movable supporting platform of figure 7 with the static deformations d',d" of the loading plane highlighted, respectively when resting in support of the support feet and on the fork seats (internally or externally thereof) and/or on the support zones.

BEST WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With particular reference to the figures of the drawings, reference numeral (30) denotes a movable supporting platform, configured to restingly receive and support (elevated from the ground surface) a plurality of tiles (P) (ceramic) or slabs (preferably slabs of fragile material, such as ceramic slabs or glass slabs or the like), preferably, though not limitedly, stacked (vertically) one on another so as to form a stack of tiles (P).
The movable supporting platform (30) is configured to be supported on the ground surface, elevated and/or transported by means of appropriate carriers (with forks or a plane) and/or stacked on other movable supporting platforms (30) (identical) and/or rested (singly) on suitable shelves located in work stations/machines, as will be more fully explained in the following.
The movable supporting platform (30) comprises a (single) loading plane (31), horizontal, configured to supportingly receive a tile or a plurality of tiles, for example flanked horizontally with respect to one another or, preferably, stacked vertically to form a stack of tiles.
The loading plane (31) (in use arranged substantially horizontal) has a shape in plan view, for example quadrangular, preferably rectangular.
The loading plane (31) preferably has a horizontal longitudinal axis (A), and therefore has a prevalent length or dimension (defined by two long perimeter sides of the loading plane (31) parallel to one another) and a smaller width than the length (defined by two short perimeter sides, parallel to one another and orthogonal to the long sides of the loading plane (31).
For example, the loading plane (31) has a modest thickness and a broadened plan shape.
The loading plane (31) is made up of a plurality of beams (for example interconnected to define a network of beams, as will be more fully described in the following).
Each of the beams, for example, is defined by a hollow profiled element (metal) obtained by extrusion.
The loading plane (31) preferably comprises at least two larger beams (310) (or longitudinal) which are perimetral, parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31) and two smaller beams (311), perimetral, orthogonal to the larger beams (310) (and to the longitudinal axis A), wherein the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311) are fixed to one another rigidly at right angles (at the relative axial ends) to define a border (rectangular).
The larger beams (310) have for example a larger section than the section of the smaller beams (311).
For example, the larger beams (310) have a constant section over the whole length thereof.
The larger beams (310) are advantageously free of enlarged sections (central), with an anti-flex function of the loading plane (31).
Further, the movable supporting platform (30) and/or the loading plane (31) comprises a pair of fork seats (312) which can be forked by the forks of a (fork) carrier for transporting the movable supporting platform (30).
The fork seats (312) have a straight longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (B) thereof and are parallel to one another (and horizontal) and, preferably, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31).
The fork seats 312 are advantageously parallel to the smaller beams 311 and are fixed, in proximity of the opposite axial ends thereof, to the larger beams (310) at right angles therewith.
Each fork seat (312) is defined by a (hollow) metal tube, open at least at an axial end thereof, preferably at each of the axial ends thereof, so as to be forked by a respective fork of the carrier.
The fork seats 312 preferably define a structural part of the loading plane (31), i.e. they substantially define two beams of the beamed structure which defines the loading plane (31).
Each fork seat (312) comprises: an upper wall (for contacting the upper wall of a fork); a pair of lateral containment walls that are parallel to one another and at right angles with the upper wall and, for example, a lower wall opposite (and parallel to) the upper wall, preferably at right angles with the containing walls.
For example, the upper wall of the fork seats (312) is coplanar to the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311).
Preferably, though not limitedly, the lower wall of the fork seats (312) is located at a level (slightly) lower than the lower walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) (although the vertical thickness of the fork seats (312) is slightly less than double the vertical thickness of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311)).
The overall maximum (vertical) thickness of the loading plane (31) is defined, for example, by the (external) distance between the upper wall and the lower wall of the fork seats (312).
Each fork seat (312) advantageously has a greater length than the width (i.e. the dimension orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A) of the loading plane (31), i.e. the border defined by the assembly of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311).
In practice, each fork seat (312) projects, by an (equal) predetermined projecting axial portion (3120) (which terminates with the opening of the free axial end), beyond the larger beam (310) to which it is fixed, for example at both axial ends thereof.
Each larger beam (310) is, in fact, defined by at least three portions (coaxial and aligned) of which:

a central portion, interposed (along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A)) between the two fork seats (312), which joins (at the head), for example by welding or another joining method, at the opposite axial ends thereof (a lateral containment wall, internal of) a fork seat (312); and
two opposite peripheral portions, each of which has an internal end joined (at the head), for example by welding or another joining method, to (a lateral containment wall, externally of) a proximal fork seat (312) and a (free) external end joined, for example by welding or another joining method, to an end of a proximal smaller beam (311).

In practice, between each peripheral portion of (each) larger beam (310) (and each central portion of larger beam (310)) and each projecting axial portion (3120) of (each) fork seat (312) defines a right angle, the (vertical) corner of which is orthogonal to the upper surface of the fork seats (312) (and of the loading plane (31) in its entirety).
The loading plane (31) further comprises one or more reinforcing beams.
The loading plane (31) preferably comprises at least a transversal reinforcing beam (313), preferably a plurality of transversal reinforcing beams, each parallel to the fork seats (312) (and therefore orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31)).
For example, the loading plane (31) comprises at least a pair of transversal reinforcing beams (313) external of the fork seats (312) which join (for example by welding or another joining method), at the axial ends thereof, to the larger beams (310) at the peripheral portions thereof.
Further, the loading plane (31) comprises at least a central transversal reinforcing beam (313), for example centred on the transversal median plane of the loading plane (31) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A), which joins (for example by welding or another joining method), at the axial ends thereof, to the larger beams (310) at the central portion thereof.
For example, the upper wall of the transversal reinforcing beams (313) (each of which or some of which) is coplanar to the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) (and the fork seats (312).
Preferably, though not limitedly, the lower wall of the transversal reinforcing beams (313) (each of which or some of which) is coplanar to the lower walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) (and is located at a higher level than the lower wall of the fork seats (312)).
The loading plane (31) preferably also comprises at least a longitudinal reinforcing beam (314), preferably a plurality of transversal reinforcing beams, each parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) (i.e. to the larger beams (310)) and therefore orthogonal to the fork seats (312).
For example, the loading plane (31) comprises at least a central longitudinal reinforcing beam (314), for example centred on the longitudinal median plane of the loading plane (31) parallel to the vertical and longitudinal axis (A), which joins (for example by welding or another joining method), at the axial ends thereof, to the fork seats (312), at the median line thereof.
For example, the central transversal reinforcing beam (313) is subdivided into two axial trunks each of which has an external end joined as described above to a respective larger beam (310) at the central portion thereof, and an internal end joined (for example by welding or another joining method) to the central longitudinal reinforcing beam (314), at a median line thereof.
For example, the upper wall of the (only) central longitudinal reinforcing beam (314) is coplanar to the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) (and of the fork seats (312)).
Preferably, though not limitedly, the upper wall of the (only) central longitudinal reinforcing beam (314) is coplanar to the lower walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) (and is located at a higher level than the lower wall of the fork seats (312)).
Again, the loading plane (31) comprises at least a pair of longitudinal reinforcing beams (314) external of the fork seats (312).
For example, the loading plane (31) comprises at least a pair of first external longitudinal reinforcing beams (314) (centred on the above-mentioned longitudinal median plane) which join (for example by welding or another joining method), at the axial ends thereof, respectively to a smaller beam (311) and to a peripheral transversal reinforcing beam (313), for example at a central section thereof.
The loading plane (31) also comprises at least a pair of second external longitudinal reinforcing beams (314), for example two pairs of second longitudinal reinforcing beams (wherein each pair of second longitudinal reinforcing beams has to second longitudinal reinforcing beams that are symmetrical and distanced with respect to the above-mentioned longitudinal median plane) which join (for example by welding or another joining method), at the axial ends thereof, respectively, to a peripheral transversal reinforcing beam (313) and to a (proximal) fork seat (312).
For example, the upper wall of the external longitudinal reinforcing beams (314) is not coplanar to the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and/or of the smaller beams (311) (and of the fork seats (312), but is located at a lower level with respect to the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and/or of the smaller beams (311) (and of the fork seats (312)) and above the lower walls of the larger beams (310) and/or of the smaller beams (311) (and of the fork seats (312)).
Preferably, though not limitedly, the lower wall of the external longitudinal reinforcing beams (314) is not coplanar to the lower walls of the larger beams (310) and/or of the smaller beams (311) (and of the fork seats (312), but is at a higher level (for example as can be observed for the second longitudinal reinforcing beams (314) or lower (for example as can be observed for the first longitudinal reinforcing beams (314) with respect to the lower walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) and in any case, lower than the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and/or the smaller beams (311) (and/or above the lower walls of the fork seats (312)).
Advantageously, though not limitedly, the (coplanar) upper surface of the fork seats (312, of the smaller cross members (311), of the larger cross-members (310) (and the transversal reinforcing cross members (313), as well as the central reinforcing cross member (314)) overall defines a support surface (direct or indirect) for the tiles (P) (i.e. for the tile (P) at the base of the stack of tiles (P).
It is possible to see, as in the illustrated case, that the loading plane (31) comprises a support plate (315) (or a plurality of flanked support plates (315)), for example perforated, which rests (and is rigidly fixed, for example by welding or another joining method) on the above-mentioned support surface defined by the (coplanar) upper surface of the fork seats (312), of the smaller cross members (311), of the larger cross-members (310) (and the transversal reinforcing cross members (313), as well as the central reinforcing cross member (314)), on which support plate (315) the tiles (P) are destined to be supported (directly/in contact) (i.e. for the tile (P) at the base of the stack of tiles (P).
The support plate (315) and/or the support plates (315) are snugly inscribed internally of the border defined by the smaller beams (311) and the larger beams (310).
The movable supporting platform (30) further comprises a plurality of support feet (32) configured to support the loading plane (31) (and the load bearing thereon) and, for example, at least for keeping the loading plane (31) elevated from the ground (at a non-zero distance therefrom) or from another support surface.
The movable supporting platform (30) preferably comprises (exclusively) four (identical) support feet (32), i.e. two pairs of support feet (32) wherein the support feet of each pair of support feet (32) are aligned along a direction parallel to the fork seats (312) and the pairs of support feet (32) are aligned along the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31) (and equidistant/symmetrical with respect to the transversal vertical median plane of the loading plane (31).
The support feet (32) are rigid, i.e. are undeformable (in terms of compression and/or flexion and/or torsion) under the normal stresses to which the movable supporting platform (30) is subjected in use (i.e.under the load of the maximum stack of tiles admissible, which is sustainable by means of the movable supporting platform (30)).
For example, the support feet (32) are arranged so as to be at the corners of a quadrilateral, for example, a rectangle or a square, the crossing of the diagonals substantially coincides with the crossing of the diagonals of the quadrilateral defined by (the border delimited by) the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311).
In a first embodiment illustrated in figures 1-6, the support feet (32) are arranged externally with respect to the two fork seats (312) along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).
In other words, the fork seats 312 are internal of the two pairs of support feet (32) aligned along the longitudinal axis (A).
In practice (the vertical projections of) the fork seats (312) intersect the imaginary quadrilateral defined by the four support feet (32).
The support feet (32) are rigidly fixed (for example by welding or another joining method) to the loading plane (31), as will be more fully explained in the following.
The support feet (32), for example, are dealigned in plan view with respect to the loading plane (31), i.e. are arranged externally of the defined border defined by the smaller beams (311) and the larger beams (310) of the loading plane (31).
Each support foot (32) has a longitudinal extension (prevalent) that is substantially vertical (in use), i.e. substantially orthogonal to the support surface defined by the loading plane (31).
Each support foot (32) has a lower end (33) (support end) arranged distal from the loading plane (31) and an opposite upper end (34) arranged proximal to the loading plane (31).
Each support foot (32) is preferably fixed to the loading plane (31) at the upper end (34) thereof.
For example, each support foot (32) is defined by a prismatic longitudinal member (having a quadrangular base, preferably square), the top wall of which (closed) defines the upper end (34) and the base wall of which (also closed, for example) defines the lower end (33).
The upper end (34) of each support foot (32) (which are located at the same level/are coplanar) is preferably at a level such as to be arranged below or, at most, coplanar with the upper surface of the loading plane (31), i.e. at the support surface defined thereby.
The upper end (34) of each support foot (32) is preferably at a level such as to be comprised internally of the thickness of the loading plane (31), preferably proximal to the lower surface thereof (i.e. at a higher level than the lower wall of the fork seats (312) and/or of the larger beams (310) and the lower beams (311).
At least one from between the upper end (34) and the lower end (33) of each support foot (32) comprises a coupling profile configured to receive/couple with the other with the other of the lower end (33) and upper end (34) (possibly comprising a complementary coupling profile) of a further movable supporting platform (30), facilitating/allowing the vertical stackability thereof on the support feet (32) thereof.
In the example, the (only) upper end (34) of each support foot (32) comprises a coupling profile, which is configured to receive/couple (directly) with the lower end (33) of a corresponding support foot (32) of a further movable supporting platform (30).
In the example, the coupling profile comprises a concave seat (35), (for example having a substantially truncopyramidal or truncoconical shape (hollow) rising from the upper end (33) (i.e. from the top wall) of the respective support foot (32).
The seat (35) converges (towards the central longitudinal axis of the support foot (32)) from the upper end thereof towards the lower end, which for example coincides with the top wall of the support foot (32) (which defines the smaller lower base of the truncopyramidal seat (35).
The upper larger base of the seat (35) is open so as to be able to receive, by axial insertion (vertical) the lower end of a corresponding support foot (32) of a further movable supporting platform (30) (when these are vertically stacked on one another).
The walls converging (towards the central longitudinal axis of the support foot (32)) downwards towards the seat (35) define a centring ramp (converging towards the central vertical axis of the support foot (32)) for the lower end of the support foot (32) of the further movable supporting platform (30) (when these are vertically stacked on one another).
The upper free end of each coupling profile, i.e. the larger base of each seat (35) (which are located at the same level/are coplanar) is preferably located at a level so as to be inferiorly arranged or, at most, coplanar with the upper surface of the loading plane (31), i.e. at the support surface defined thereby.
The upper free end of each coupling profile, i.e. the larger base of each seat (35) (which are reciprocally placed at a same level/coplanar) is preferably located at a level such as to be comprised internally of the thickness of the loading plane (31), preferably proximal to the upper surface thereof (i.e. near or at most coplanar to the support surface defined by the upper wall of the fork seats (312) and at least the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311)).
It is not excluded that the coupling profile can be of a different type with respect to what is described and illustrated in the foregoing, such as for example each support foot (32) can be provided, at the upper end (34) thereof, with a pin, for example truncoconical or truncopyramidal (rising from the top wall of the support foot (32), configured to couple with a seat (complementary) realised recessed in the support foot (32) at a lower end (33) of a support foot (32) of a further (identical) movable supporting platform (30).
In this case too, the upper free end of each coupling profile, i.e. the top of the pin (which are reciprocally placed at a same level/coplanar) is located at a level such as to be comprised internally of the thickness of the loading plane (31), preferably proximal to the upper surface thereof (i.e. near or at most coplanar to the support surface defined by the upper wall of the fork seats (312) and at least the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311)).
In practice, no part of each support foot (32) (not even the coupling profile located at the upper end (34) thereof) projects (superiorly) beyond the support surface of the loading plane (31) defined by the upper wall of the fork seats (312) and at least the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311).
Further, the movable supporting platform (30) is free of any reinforcing structure (anti-flex of the loading plane (31)), for example such as arched or bridge beams, which is arranged superiorly to the support surface of the loading plane (31) which, for example, is defined by the upper wall of the fork seats (312) and at least the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311).
The movable supporting platform (30) advantageously comprises two auxiliary longitudinal reinforcing cross-members (36) (parallel to one another), which extend longitudinally in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31) and connect two support feet (32) (aligned along the same direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31)).
The cross members (36) can also be replicated in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis (B) of the seats for the fork (312).
For example, each of the longitudinal reinforcing cross-members (36) has the opposite ends thereof rigidly fixed (for example by welding or another joining method) to the two support feet (32) which it connects.
In the example, the upper surface of the longitudinal reinforcing cross-members (36) is in contact with/fixed to (for example by welding or another joining method) the lower wall of the fork seats (312).
Preferably, in the first embodiment, each pair of support feet (32), wherein the support feet (32) of the pair of support feet (32) are aligned along an alignment direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (B) of the fork seats (312), i.e. orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31), is arranged adjacent (externally thereof) to a respective fork seat (312) (i.e. to the proximal fork seat (312) and substantially in contact therewith) along a flanking direction parallel to the loading plane and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the fork seats (312), i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31).
In the preferred illustrated example, each support foot 32 is contiguous (and in contact) with a respective (proximal) fork seat (312), i.e. with the outer side wall thereof, preferably at a respective projecting axial portion (3120) of the fork seat (312).
Each support foot (32) is preferably rigidly fixed (for example by welding or another joining method), at the upper end (34) thereof, to a projecting axial portion (3120) of a proximal fork seat (312).
For example, each support foot (32) is inserted internally of the above-mentioned right angle defined between the outer side wall of the projecting axial portion (3120) of a fork seat (312) and the peripheral portion of the larger beam (310), with a vertical corner substantially coinciding with the corner of the right-angle (and rigidly fixed thereto).
In this circumstance, the seat (35) (defining the coupling profile at the upper end (34) of each support foot (32)) is realised by two countersunk walls which extend from the support foot (32) and the opposite two walls of the seat (35) are defined by a free portion of the projecting axial portion (3120) of a fork seat (312) and a further free portion of peripheral portion of the larger beam (310) (which define the above-mentioned right angle).
In a second embodiment illustrated in figure 7, the support feet (32) are arranged, at least partially, or totally, as in the illustrated example, aligned in plan view with respect to the two fork seats (312) or to an axial extension (real or virtual) thereof.
For example, each pair of flanked support feet (32) with respect to a flanking direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the proximal fork seat (312) is arranged so as to be, at least partially, or totally, arranged below the proximal fork seat (312) or beneath an axial extension of the fork seat (312), for example at right angles thereto.
In other words, the support feet (32) originate from the lower wall of the fork seats (312) (and extend vertically/orthogonally with respect thereto).
In practice, the vertical projection of each of the fork seats (312) contains the vertical projection of a pair of support feet (32) aligned along the alignment direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective fork seat (312).
The support feet (32) are preferably centred on the fork seats (312), i.e. the longitudinal vertical median plane of each fork seat (312), parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, coincides with a median plane of each of the support feet (32) aligned along the alignment direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fork seat (312).
For example, the width of each support foot 32 is smaller than the width of each fork seat (312).
The support feet (32) are rigidly fixed (for example by welding or another joining method) to the loading plane (31), as will be more fully explained in the following, in particular to the relative (lower wall of the) fork seat 312.
The support feet (32), for example, are dealigned in plan view with respect to the loading plane (31), i.e. are arranged externally of the border defined by the smaller beams (311) and the larger beams (310) of the loading plane (31).
Each support foot (32) advantageously derives beneath a respective projecting axial portion (3120) of the fork seat (312) (at right angles and aligned in plan therewith).
Each support foot (32) has a longitudinal extension (prevalent) that is substantially vertical (in use), i.e. substantially orthogonal to the support surface defined by the loading plane (31).
Each support foot (32) has a lower end (33) (support end) arranged distal from the loading plane (31) and an opposite upper end (34) arranged proximal to the loading plane (31).
Each support foot (32) is preferably fixed to the loading plane (31) (i.e. to the lower wall of the respective fork seat 312, in greater detail, of the projecting axial portion (3120) of the fork seat (312)) at the upper end (34) thereof.
For example, each support foot (32) is rigidly fixed (for example by welding or another joining method), at the upper end (34) thereof, to the lower wall of a projecting axial portion (3120) of a respective fork seat (312).
In fact, the upper end (34) of each support foot (32) coincides with or is fixed to the lower wall of a projecting axial portion (3120) of a respective fork seat (312).
For example, each support foot (32) is defined by a prismatic longitudinal member (having a quadrangular base, preferably square), the top wall of which (closed) defines the upper end (34) and the base wall of which (also closed, for example) defines the lower end (33).
The upper end (34) of each support foot (32) (which are located at the same level/are coplanar) is preferably positioned at a level that is such as to be arranged below the support surface defined thereby.
The upper end (34) of each support foot (32) is preferably located at a level such as to be lower than the fork seats (312) (or are coplanar/coincidental with the lower wall thereof).
No part of the support feet (32) projects superiorly of the loading plane (31).
The movable supporting platform (30) advantageously comprises a profile/group of coupling profiles configured to allow/stabilise the stacking of two or more movable support platforms (30) one on another.
In the second embodiment, each projecting axial portion (3120) of each fork seat (312) comprises a coupling profile, for example defined by a profiled cavity or by a profiled recess or by a pair of lateral walls diverging upwards, which is configured to couple to a (complementary) lower end (33) of a support foot (32) of a further movable supporting platform (30), facilitating/allowing the vertical stackability thereof on the support feet (32) thereof.
In the example, each projecting axial portion (3120) of each fork seat (312) comprises a hole or opening at the upper wall thereof so as to allow insertion from above (of the lower end (33)) of a support foot (32) and defining, for example with the lateral walls thereof, a coupling profile, which is configured to accommodate/couple (directly) with the lower end (33) of a corresponding support foot (32) of a further movable supporting platform (30).
The support foot (32) of the upper movable supporting platform (30), by inserting from above into the opening made in the upper wall of the projecting axial portion (3120) of the fork seat (312) goes to rest on the internal lower wall of the projecting axial portion (3120) which, in fact, coincides with or is fixed superiorly to the upper end (34) of the support foot (34) of the movable supporting platform (30) immediately below.
In this case too, no part of each support foot (32) (neither the coupling profile located at the upper wall of the projecting axial portion (3120) of the fork seat (312) and/or in the lateral walls thereof) projects (superiorly) beyond the support surface of the loading plane (31) defined by the upper wall of the fork seats (312) and at least the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311).
Further, the movable supporting platform (30) is free of any reinforcing structure (anti-flex of the loading plane (31)), for example such as arched or bridge beams, which is arranged superiorly to the support surface of the loading plane (31) which, for example, is defined by the upper wall of the fork seats (312) and at least the upper walls of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311).
The movable supporting platform (30) advantageously comprises two auxiliary longitudinal reinforcing cross-members (36) (parallel to one another), which extend longitudinally in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31) and connect two support feet (32) (aligned along the same direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31)).
For example, each of the longitudinal reinforcing cross-members (36) has the opposite ends thereof rigidly fixed (for example by welding or another joining method) to the two support feet (32) which it connects.
In the example, the upper surface of the longitudinal reinforcing cross-members (36) is in contact with/fixed to (for example by welding or another joining method) the lower wall of the fork seats (312), though this embodiment is not strictly constraining. The loading plane (31) is conformed in such a way as to be deformable in flexion, in a controlled way, about a (single) axis of curvature (continuous) parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fork seats (312) (when subjected to a load - static and preferably uniformly distributed - bearing on the support surface of the support plane).
When the loading plane (31) is relieved of the weight it has an undeformed configuration that is substantially planar, i.e. in which the support surface thereof is substantially planar (and horizontal).
The loading plane (31) has a first predetermined flexional rigidity/resistance with respect to a flexion stress such as to produce a flexion moment that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the fork seats (i.e. orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31)) and for example a second pretermined flexional rigidity/resistance with respect to a flexion stress so as to produce a moment that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the loading plane (31), wherein the first predetermined flexional rigidity/resistance is smaller than the second pretermined flexional rigidity/resistance.
In practice, the loading plane (31) is configured to flex prevalently (or exclusively) following a flexion stress such as to produce a flexion moment that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the fork seats (i.e. orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A) of the loading plane (31)).
The first predetermined flexional rigidity/resistance of the loading plane (31) is dimensioned in such a way as to allow the loading plane (31) to bend (elastically) about a (single) axis of curvature (continuous) parallel to the longitudinal axes of the fork seats (312).
In practice, the loading plane (31) is configured to deform (elastically) - during the (single) flexion - with an arc-shaped deformation (or parabola), see figures 9a-9c and figures 10a, 10b, with a concavity facing downwards (or upwards) and having a continuous curvature (i.e. a curve without flex points or breaks), wherein the continuous curvature has a maximum or minimum point (or rather a maximum or minimum line parallel to the axis of curvature as mentioned above) substantially at a transversal vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats (312).
This continuous curvature is symmetrical with respect to the transversal vertical median plane (parallel to the longitudinal axes B of the fork seats 312) of the loading plane (31).
The amplitude of the curvature (or overturned parabola) of the loading plane (31) is at least partially defined (as well as by the position of the constraint means acting on the loading plane (31), as will be described in the following) by the flexional rigidity/resistance of the loading plane (31).
The (four) support feet (32) and the (two) fork seats (312) are preferably arranged (in plan view), as described above (i.e. with the pairs of support feet (32) proximal and/or in contact/superposed with the proximal fork seats (312)), in such a way that when a load is bearing on the loading plane (31) (uniformly distributed on a larger part of the support surface thereof and with the centre of gravity lying on the transversal median plane as defined above) - such as the load defined by at least one tile (P) or a stack of tiles (P) - and, at the same time, the movable supporting platform (30) is supported on the support feet (32) and/or on the fork seats (312) (for example by dint of the elevating due to the forking of the carrier forks), the loading plane (31) is deformable in flexion with an arc-shaped deformation (or parabola) with concavity facing downwards (or upwards) and having a single continuous curvature, wherein the curvature has a maximum point (or a minimum point) substantially at a transversal vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats.
Advantageously, given the proximity of the constraint means (alternatively defined by the support feet (32) and by the fork seats (312)), the curvature of the loading plane (31) is advantageously substantially the same or alike when it is resting on the support feet (32) with respect to when it is supported at the fork seats (312) (raised from the support feet (32) and received by the forks of a carrier).
In this context, "substantially equal" is taken to mean that the continuous curvature is the same as or differs when rested on the support feet (32) with respect to when it is supported at the fork seats (312) possibly only for the opening (of the parabola), wherein when the loading plane (31) is supported at the fork seats (312) it has a minimum opening and when it is supported at the support feet (32) it has a greater opening than when at the minimum opening. In determined work steps, the movable supporting platform (30) can be temporarily arranged temporarily resting on shelves (one or more pairs of shelves facing and substantially arranged symmetrically with respect to the transversal vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) of a work station/machine, such as for example a tile loading/unloading machine onto or from the movable supporting platform (30).
For this purpose, the loading plane (31) comprises further constraint means selectively engageable with respect to those described in the foregoing.
In particular, the loading plane (31) comprises a pair of support zones (37) (distinct from and different to the support feet (32) and from the internal cavities of the fork seats (312)) defined at the lower surface of the loading plane (31).
In a first embodiment illustrated in figures 1-6, each support zone (37) is arranged on the opposite side of a fork seat (312) with respect to the pair of support feet (32) (aligned along the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fork seat 312) proximal thereto.
In this case, each support zone (37) is arranged adjacent (externally thereof) to the proximal pair of support feet (32) (i.e. the horizontal projection thereof along the direction of reciprocal alignment).
Each support zone (37) is advantageously defined by/at a portion of a peripheral portion of the larger beams (310) of the loading plane (31) (proximal to the internal end constrained to the fork seats 312) and possibly by a portion of the (second) longitudinal reinforcing beams (314).
For example, each support zone (37) can be defined by a plate (of a certain thickness) fixed inferiorly to the portion of peripheral portion of the larger beams (310) of the loading plane (31) (proximal to the internal end constrained to the fork seats 312) and possibly below the portion of the (second) longitudinal reinforcing beams (314).
In the second embodiment illustrated in figure 7, each support zone (37) is aligned to a respective fork seat (312), for example is defined by the lower wall of a respective fork seat (312) or a portion thereof.
The movable supporting platform (30) is advantageously configured to be selectively restingly supported at the support feet (32), the fork seats (312) (as described above) and the support zones (37) (by dint of the shelves).
The loading plane (31), for how it is configured and constrained with respect to the constraint means, when a load defined by at least one tile or a stack of tiles (P) is bearing thereon, and at the same time is rested on the support feet (32) and/or on the fork seats (312) and/or on the support zones (37), is deformable in flexion (as described above) with an arc-shaped deformation with a concavity facing downwards (or upwards) and having a continuous curvature, wherein the continuous curvature has a maximum point (or maximum line) or a minimum point (or minimum line) substantially at a transversal vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats (312).
Given the proximity/coincidence of the constraint means (also defined by the support feet (32), by the fork seats (312) and by the support zones (37)), the curvature of the loading plane (31) is advantageously substantially the same when it is resting on the support feet (32) with respect to when it is supported at the fork seats (312) (elevated from the support feet (32) and received by the forks of a carrier) and when it is supported at the support zones (37).
In this context, by "substantially equal" is taken to mean that the continuous curvature is the same as or differs when rested on the support feet (32) with respect to when it is supported at the fork seats (312) and with respect to when it is supported on the support zones (37) possibly only for the opening (of the parabola), wherein when the loading plane (31) is supported at the fork seats (312) it has a minimum opening and when it is supported at the support feet (32) it has an intermediate opening which is greater than the minimum opening and when the loading plane (31) is supported at the support zones (37) it has a maximum opening (greater than the minimum opening and the intermediate opening).
Again, the movable supporting platform (30) can be raised and transported by a (different type of) self-propelling carrier, AGV, which comprises a bearing frame mounted on drive wheels having dimensions that are such as to be insertable below the loading plane (31) of the movable supporting platform (30), for example between the support feet (32).
This self-propelling carrier comprises a loading unit (defined by loading columns or a loading plane) defining an upper support plane, substantially horizontal (i.e. parallel to the ground surface (150)), which is arranged superiorly of the bearing frame.
The loading unit can be contained in the volume (in width and/or length) of the bearing frame, for example it can have a shape or volume that is overall in a rectangular plan (homologous or having smaller dimensions) to the plan shape of the bearing frame.
The loading unit, for example, is defined by a plurality of coplanar planar surfaces (defined by the top of the loading columns), for example arranged at the corners of a quadrilateral form, preferably a rectangle.
The self-propelling carrier further comprises an actuation system, which is configured to vary the height of the loading unit with respect to the ground surface (150), alternatively between a lowered position, wherein the height (i.e. the vertical volume) of the self-propelling carrier is at a minimum height (smaller than the distance from the ground surface (150) of the loading plane (31) resting on the ground surface with the support feet (32)), and a raised position, wherein the height of the self-propelling carrier (20) is greater than the above-mentioned minimum height (and is greater than the distance from the ground surface (150) of the loading plane (31)) rested on the ground surface with the support feet (32)).
For example, the loading unit (defined by the above-mentioned upper support surfaces) is formed by the top of a respective plurality of linear actuators of which the above-described actuation system is composed.
In this case, the loading unit of the self-propelling carrier is configured to raise the movable supporting platform (30) for the transport thereof by inserting below the loading plane (31) (between the support feet (32)) with the loading unit in the lowered position and, thereafter, to elevate the loading unit (up to the raised position), in such a way that (the four upper support surfaces define) the loading plane of the self-propelling carrier goes into contact with the lower wall of the fork seats (312) (or a surface beside it or a lower surface than it) and receives and accommodates the movable supporting platform (30).
In this configuration, the movable supporting platform (30) rests on the loading plane of the carrier at the (lower walls of the) fork seats (312) or on other proximal rests.
In this load configuration too, the loading plane (31), due to how it is configured and constrained with respect to the constraint means, when a load defined by at least one tile or a stack of tiles (P) is bearing thereon and is resting on the (lower walls of the) fork seats (312), it is deformable in flexion (as described above) with the above (equal) deformation (continuous) arc-shaped with the concavity facing downwards (or upwards) and having a single continuous curvature, wherein the curvature has a maximum (or minimal) point (or line) substantially at a transversal vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats (312).
Given the proximity/coincidence of the constraint means (defined alternatively by the support feet (32), by the fork seats (312) (internal or external) and by the support zones (37)), the curvature of the loading plane (31) is advantageously substantially the same when it is resting on the support feet (32) with respect to when it is supported at the fork seats (312) (raised by the support feet (32) and taken over by the forks of a carrier or by the loading plane of a self-propelling carrier) and when it is supported at the support zones (37).
The movable supporting platform 30 can further comprise one or more containment elements of the load (i.e. of the tile (P) or stack of tiles (P) resting on the loading plane (31), which rise from the loading plane (31), for example perimetrally with respect thereto, and are configured to laterally contain the tiles (P) or stack of tiles (P) arranged on the loading plane (31).
The containment elements - illustrated only in figure 6 - are installed, rigidly (as illustrated) or slidably/movably as described in Italian Patent no. 102021000011402 belonging to the same Applicant - for example in such a way to tighten laterally on the load - with respect to the loading plane (31).
The containment elements are preferably fixed to the loading plane (31) removably, i.e. in such a way as to be able to be removed when required.
In particular, in the loading/unloading steps of the movable supporting platform (30) with tiles (P), the containment elements can advantageously be removed, so as not to constitute an obstacle for the loading/unloading operations.
In this way, the loading plane (31) is free from any facing element above it.
The containment elements, for example, comprise or are constituted by a plurality of pins (38) (rising vertically at right angles from the upper surface of the loading plane (31) and) provided with a lower end constrained (for example screwed) to the loading plane (31), for example at a respective portion of upper wall of the larger beams (310) and the smaller beams (311), and a free opposite upper end.
The height of the containment elements is advantageously smaller than the height of the support feet (32) (in such a way as not to prevent/obstruct the stacking of a plurality of movable support platforms (30))
The invention further provides a modular shelving for storing tiles (P) which comprises a plurality of movable supporting platforms (30) as described above, independent of one another, which are (singly) stacked on one another to form a vertical stack of movable supporting platforms (30).
As alreadly mentioned, each movable supporting platform (30) of the stack of movable supporting platforms (30) vertically superposed on another movable supporting platform (30) has the lower end (33) of the support feet (32) thereof rested on the upper end (34) of the support feet (32) of the adjacent lower movable supporting platform (30) (and inserted in the seat (35) defining the above-described coupling profile, which facilitates the stacking and makes the reciprocal connection of the stacked movable supporting platforms (30).
The invention as it is conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.
Further, all the details can be replaceable with other technically-equivalent elements.
In practice the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, can be any according to requirements, without forsaking the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

A movable supporting platform (30) for temporarily supporting tiles, comprising:
a loading plane (31) configured to supportingly receive a tile or a plurality of stacked tiles;

at least two pairs of support feet (32) configured to keep the loading plane (31) elevated from the ground, wherein each support foot (32) has a lower end (33) arranged distal from the loading plane (31) and an opposite upper end (34) arranged proximal to the loading plane (31);

a pair of fork seats (312) which can be forked by the forks of a carrier for transporting the movable supporting platform (30) and arranged between an upper surface of the loading plane (31) and the lower end (33) of the support feet (32);

characterised in that the fork seats (312) have a greater length than a width of the loading plane (31), in such a way that each fork seat (312) projects, with a relative projecting axial portion (3120), beyond a larger beam (310) of the loading plane (31).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein the support feet (32) of each pair of support feet (32) are aligned along an alignment direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (B) of the fork seats (312) and are arranged vertically aligned with a respective fork seat (312) or are arranged adjacent to a respective fork seat (312) along a flanking direction parallel to the loading plane (31) and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (B) of the fork seats (312).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein the support feet (32) and the fork seats (312) are arranged so that when a load defined by at least one tile or a stack of tiles is bearing on the loading plane (31) and, at the same time, the load is supported on the support feet (32) and/or on the fork seats (312), the loading plane (31) is deformable in flexion with an arc-shaped deformation with concavity facing downwards or upwards and having a continuous curvature, wherein the curvature has a maximum point or a minimum point which is substantially at a vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats (312).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein the upper end (34) of each support foot (32) is arranged below or coplanar with the upper surface of the loading plane (31).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each fork seat (312) comprises an outer side wall proximal to a support foot (32) which is adjacent to the respective support foot (32), preferably in contact therewith, or wherein each fork seat (32) comprises a lower wall, each support foot deriving below the lower wall of the fork seat (32) aligned in plan therewith.
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the loading plane (31) defines, externally of each support foot (32), a support zone (37) which is distinct and different from the support feet (32) and from the internal cavities of the fork seats (312), wherein the support zone (37) is vertically aligned with a respective fork seat (312) below thereof, or is adjacent to the respective support foot (32) and placed on the opposite side of the support foot (32) with respect to the proximal fork seat (312).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support zone (37) is defined by an outer lower wall of each fork seat (312).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 6, wherein the movable supporting platform (30) is configured to be selectively restingly supported at the support feet (32), the fork seats (312) and the support zones (37), the loading plane (31), when a load defined by at least one tile or a stack of tiles is bearing thereon, and at the same time is rested on the support feet (32) and/or on the fork seats (312) and/or on the support zones (37), being deformable in flexion with an arc-shaped deformation with a concavity facing downwards or upwards and having a continuous curvature, wherein the curvature has a maximum point or a minimum point which is substantially at a vertical median plane of the loading plane (31) equidistant from and parallel to the fork seats (312).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the curvature of the loading plane (31) is substantially the same when it is supported on the support feet (32), when it is supported at the fork seats (312) and when it is supported at the support zones (37) or the continuous curvature of the loading plane (31) differs when it is supported on the support feet (32), when it is supported at the fork seats (312) and when it is supported at the support zones (37) only for the opening of the curvature, wherein when the loading plane (31) is supported at the fork seats (312) it has a minimum opening and when it is supported at the support zones (37) it has a maximum opening.
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein above the loading plane (31), one or more containment elements (38) are installed removably, fixedly or slidably, rising from the loading plane (31) and configured to laterally contain the tiles or stack of tiles arranged on the loading plane (31).
The movable supporting platform (30) according to claim 1, wherein at least one from between the upper end (34) and the lower end (33) comprises a coupling profile configured to accommodate another from between the lower end (33) and the upper end (34) of a further movable supporting platform (30), facilitating the vertical stackability thereof on the support feet (32), wherein the coupling profile preferably comprises a truncoconical or truncopyramidal seat (35), converging towards a central axis of the support foot (32).
The movable supporting platform (30) of any one of claims from 1 to 10, wherein:
the loading plane (31) comprises a pair of larger beams (310);

each support foot (32) comprises:
a first wall which contacts an outer side wall of a projecting axial portion (3120) of a corresponding fork seat (312); and

a second wall which contacts a peripheral portion of a larger beam (310).
The movable supporting platform (30) of the preceding claim, wherein:
the upper end (34) of each support foot (32) is provided with a coupling profile having four walls;

two walls of the coupling profile are countersunk, so as to facilitate insertion of the lower end (33) of a further movable supporting platform (30);

the remaining two walls of the coupling profile are defined by a part of the projecting axial portion (3120) of a corresponding fork seat (312) and by a part of the peripheral portion of a corresponding larger beam (310).
The movable supporting platform (30) of any one of claims from 1 to 10, wherein:
each support foot (32) is inserted internally of a right-angle defined between an outer side wall of a projecting axial portion (3120) of the respective fork seat (312) and the peripheral portion of the respective larger beam (310), with a vertical corner substantially coinciding with the corner of the right-angle;

the upper end (34) of each support foot (32) is provided with a coupling profile, which is defined by two countersunk walls which extend from the support foot (32), while the other two walls of the seat (35) are defined by a free part of the projecting axial portion (3120) of the respective fork seat (312) and by a further peripheral portion of the respective larger beam (310).
A modular shelving for storing slabs which comprises a plurality of movable supporting platforms (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of movable supporting platforms (30) are vertically stacked on one another to form a stack of movable supporting platforms (30), wherein each movable supporting platform (30) of the stack vertically superposed on another movable supporting platform (30) has the lower end (33) of the support feet (32) thereof rested on the upper end (34) of the support feet (32) of the adjacent lower movable supporting platform (30).