A movable support system for a display device for ceramic tiles

Abstract

A novel movable support system (21) is described for a novel display device (22) for tiles (2). This latter comprises a fixed support system (3, 23) and at least a movable support system (21) according to the invention. The novel display device (22) is able to support a plurality of tiles, arranged vertically, in both a storage configuration and in a display configuration. The movable support system (21) is characterised in that it comprises a pair of support devices, separate from one another. This allows the novel display device (22) to be able to act as a vertical support, in the storage configuration and in the display configuration of the tiles (2), independently of the width thereof.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the sector of systems for movable support for tile display devices which comprise a fixed support system and at least a movable support system and which are able to vertically support a plurality of tiles, preferably ceramic, in a storage configuration and / or in a display configuration. To contain the management costs and guarantee a broad assortment, the showrooms of tiles retailers must be able to display a varied range of tiles in the smallest space possible. With reference to figures 1-6, a known display device (1) for tiles (2) comprises a fixed support system (3, 23) (illustrated singly in figure 5) and at least a movable support system (4) (illustrated separately in figure 6). The at least a movable support system (4) is typically a plurality of movable support systems 4. This fixed support system (3, 23) comprises: a base element (5) and an aligning element (9). The base element (5), which is generally a base slab, has: a first larger surface destined to face a horizontal support plane; and a second larger surface, which is opposite the first larger surface and which comprises a plurality of parallel and linear grooves. Each of the grooves (6) originates in proximity of a first edge (7) of the base element (5) and generally terminates in proximity of a second edge (8) of the base element (5), which is opposite the first edge (7). The grooves (6) generally do not extend to the first edge (7) and the second edge (8). The aligning element (9), which is typically an aligning slab, in turn comprises a first edge (10), which is fixed to the first edge (7) of the base element (5), and a second edge (11), which is opposite the relative first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); a plurality of parallel slits, numerically corresponding to the plurality of grooves. Each slit (12) is a through-slit, is substantially linear, and is proximal to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9) and extends to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9). Therefore, the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) comprises a plurality of edge portions, intervalled by a different discontinuity of a plurality of discontinuities. This numerically corresponds to the plurality of slits. The aligning element (9) is arranged vertically and with the plurality of slits arranged at the plurality of grooves, so that each slit (12) of the plurality of slits is arranged along a different vertical plane passing through a different groove of the plurality of grooves. The aligning element (9) further comprises a plurality of protuberances, numerically corresponding to the plurality of edge portions, in which each protuberance (14): is fixed to a different edge portion (13) of the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9). The aligning element (9) further comprises a plurality of pairs of rollers, numerically corresponding to the plurality of slits. Each roller (15) of the plurality of pairs of rollers is rotatably fixed with the relative vertical rotation axis proximal to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) wherein each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers comprises a first roller (15) and a second roller (15) which are fixed, respectively, to a first side and a second side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, so that the first roller (15) and the second roller (15) are facing and arranged at a distance that is smaller than the minimum width of the slits (12) of the plurality of slits and which is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of a tile or a pair of tiles. A known movable support system (4), comprised in the known display device (1), comprises: a first wheel (16) able to rotate about rotation axis thereof, in and along a first groove (6) of the plurality of grooves of the base element (5); a second wheel (17), typically identical to the first wheel, a first connecting element (18), a second connecting element (19), and a profiled element (20) having a U-section. The first wheel (16) is arranged with the relative rotation axis horizontal and is rotatably fixed to the first connecting element (18). The second wheel (17) is arranged with the relative rotation axis horizontal and is rotatably fixed to the second connecting element (19). The first connecting element (18) and the second connecting element (19) are respectively fixed to a first longitudinal end of the profiled element (20) and a second longitudinal end of the profiled element (20), on an opposite side with respect to the concavity thereof. The concavity is therefore facing upwards when the first wheel (16) and the second wheel (17) are resting on a support plane. The rotation axes of the two wheels (16, 17) are arranged perpendicularly to the profiled element (20). The first and second connecting element (19) are generally made in a single body or are welded to the profiled element (20). The length of the profiled element (20) is typically greater than the length of the grooves (6) and, usually, is greater than a quantity corresponding to the length of the first connecting element (18). The display device, in a coupling arrangement, has the fixed support system (3, 23) and the movable support system (4) coupled to one another. The base element (5) rests on a support plane, the first wheel 16 of the movable support system 4 is resting on the first groove 6 of the fixed support system (3, 23); the profiled element (20) of the movable support system (4) crosses a first groove (12) arranged in the same vertical plane passing through the first groove. The second wheel (17) of the movable support system is arranged externally of the fixed support system (3, 23) and projects from the aligning element (9). The movable support system is conformed in such a way that, when the fixed support system (3, 23) and the movable support system are coupled in the coupling arrangement, the profiled element (20) is arranged parallel to the rest plane. In practice, the height of the first connecting element (18) is lower than the height of the second connecting element (19) by a quantity equal to the thickness of the base element (5), measured at grooves (6). The known display device (1), in the coupling arrangement, can assume: a storage configuration (see figures 1-3) wherein the aligning element (9) is in contact with the second wheel (17) and / or with the second aligning element (9) which function / s as an abutment; and a display configuration (not illustrated) wherein the aligning element (9) is in contact with the first wheel (16) and / or with the first connecting element (18) which therefore function / s as an abutment, limiting the stroke of the profiled element (20) through the first groove. The known display device (1), in the relative coupling arrangement, enables supporting: a plurality of tiles numerically corresponding to the plurality of grooves and the plurality of slits, when the width of the concavities of each profiled member (20) and the width of each slit are slightly greater than the thickness of a tile (2) or, alternatively, a pair of flanked tiles, when the width of the concavity of each profiled member (20) and the width of each slit (12) are slightly greater than the thickness of two tiles (2). It is clear that the known display device (1) enables supporting only tiles having a width that is equal to or slightly smaller than the length of the profiled element (20). With tiles (2) having a width that is smaller than the length of the profiled element (20) (for example equal to the length of the profiled element (20) minus a quantity equal to the length of the first connecting element (18) or the length of the second connecting element (19), in at least one of the two cited conformations, the tile would not be maintained in a vertical position by the fixed support device (3) as it would not be arranged in any slit (12) of the aligning element (9), which, therefore, would not be able to maintain it vertically. It follows that the known display device (1) is not sufficiently versatile to support various tile (2) sizes, nor is it sufficient to support both one tile (2) and a pair of tiles of the same thickness at the same slit (12).

[0002] Thus there arises a need to make available a display device for ceramic tiles which is versatile and which can support ceramic tiles of various sizes, in particular having a different width.

[0003] The main aim of the present invention is to obviate the drawbacks in the prior art by making available a display device for tiles that is versatile and which can support ceramic tiles of various sizes, in particular those having a different width. The invention further provides a display device for tiles that is easy to realise, which is reliable and which has relatively modest costs with respect to the intended aim of the invention.

[0004] An additional aim of the present invention consists in enabling support of both one tile and a pair of tiles of the same thickness with a single display device for tiles.

[0005] The main aim is attained with a new movable support movable support for a display device for ceramic tiles according to claim 1. It allows, when coupled to the first planar ceramic element and to a movable support (even if of known type) of a display device for tiles, supporting tiles having different widths, in the resulting novel display device, which comprises it. This is true both when the display device is in a storage configuration, and in when it is in a display configuration. In fact, the detail that the novel movable support comprises a pair of support devices, separate from one another, enables adjusting the distance between the first support device and the second support device on the basis of the width of the ceramic tile of the planar ceramic element to be supported. As is visible in figure 7, the novel display device according to the invention is in the storage configuration, with a first and a second terminal and corner element of the first supported planar ceramic element which are separately housed in a first seat of a different support device of the pair of support devices of the movable support system. A first support device of the pair of support devices is arranged externally of the fixed support system and a second support device of the pair of support devices has the relative wheel inserted in a groove of the base element of the fixed support system. In this way, the planar ceramic element is supported via a slit in the aligning element of the fixed support system. In the storage configuration, the first support device functions as an end run externally contacting the fixed support system at an external side of the aligning element. In the display configuration (not illustrated), wherein the first planar ceramic element continues crossing the slit of the aligning element, it is instead the second support device that functions as an end run and contacts the aligning element at an internal side thereof opposite the external side. Therefore, differently to the movable support of known type described in the present document, independently of the width of the first planar ceramic element to be supported, the movable support system of the invention enables maintaining in the slot, and in safety, a transversal portion of the supported ceramic element. Further, the movable support system of the invention is easy to assemble and deassemble and therefore allows rapidly substituting the planar ceramic element to be displayed, making quickly available a versaitle new display device able to support tiles of a different width. It is also worthy of note that the movable support system according to the invention is easy to produce and simple to assemble, as well as economical.

[0006] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which: figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic views and, respectively, perspective, frontal and lateral of a known display device for tiles which supports a plurality of tiles in a relative storage configuration; figure 4 is a schematic and lateral view of the known movable support system of the known display device (1) of figure 1 of a tile supported by the movable support system; figure 5 is a schematic and lateral view of the known fixed support system of the known display device (1) of figure 1; figure 6 is a schematic and lateral view of the known movable support system of figure 4; figure 7 is a schematic and perspective view of a first embodiment of a display device for tiles according to the invention which supports a plurality of tiles in a relative storage configuration; figures 8, and 9 are larger-scale views respectively of details K and J of figure 7; figure 10 is a further schematic and perspective view of the display device of figure 7 and of the plurality of tiles that it supports in a passage configuration between the storage configuration and the display configuration; figures 11 and 12 are schematic and perspective views of a first support element of a first embodiment of the movable support system according to the invention; figures 13, 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views, respectively frontal, lateral and from above of the support element of figure 11; figure 16 is a schematic view of further components of the first embodiment of the first movable support system of the invention; figures 17 and 18 are schematic and perspective views of a second support element of the first embodiment of the movable support system according to the invention; figures 19, 20 and 21 are schematic perspective views, respectively frontal, lateral and from above of the second support element of figure 17; figures 22 and 23 are schematic and perspective views, of a first support element of a second embodiment of the movable support system according to the invention; figures 24, 25 and 26 are schematic views, respectively frontal, lateral and from above of the first support element of figure (22); figures 27 and 28 are schematic and perspective views of a second support element of the second embodiment of the movable support system of the invention; figures 29, 30 and 31 are schematic views, respectively frontal, lateral and from above of the second support element of figure 27; figure 32 is a schematic and frontal view of a group of components of a display device for ceramic tiles according to the invention; figures 33, 34 and 35 are schematic views, respectively, from below and from above and perspective, of the group of components of figure 32; figures 36 and 37 are schematic views, respectively from above and in perspective, of a base element of a display device for ceramic tiles according to the invention; figure 38 is a schematic and frontal view of an aligning element of a movable support system for a display device for ceramic tiles of the invention; figure 39 is a schematic and frontal view of a further aligning element of a movable support system for a display device for ceramic tiles of the invention; figure 40 is a further schematic and perspective view, and exploded, of the first embodimentof the movable support system of the invention; figure 41 is a further exploded schematic and perspective view of the second embodiment of the movable support system of the invention.

[0007] With reference to figures 7-41, reference numeral 1 denotes a movable support system for a display device for ceramic tiles according to the invention and reference numeral (22) denotes a novel and inventive display device (22) for ceramic tiles which comprises at least a movable support system (1) according to the invention.

[0008] The characteristics of the invention will be described in the following in which some preferred but not exclusive embodiments thereof are described.

[0009] The object of the invention is for a novel movable support system (21) for a novel display device (22) for tiles (2), in particular for ceramic tiles (2).

[0010] The display device (22) for tiles (2) comprises a fixed support system (3, 23), and at least a movable support system (21) according to the invention and is able to support a plurality of tiles, arranged vertically, in both a storage configuration and in a display configuration. The movable support system (21) according to the invention (illustrated in exploded form in two different embodiments in figures 40 and 41) is characterised in that it comprises: a pair of support devices, separate from one another. Note that the novel movable support system (21) according to the invention can advantageously be coupled with a known fixed support system (3), of a display device for tiles to realise the new display device (22) for tiles (2) claimed in the following.

[0011] Each support device (24, 25) of the pair of support devices comprises, in turn, following relative components: a wheel (16, 17), in turn comprising: a rotation axis; and a first fixing element (241); a second fixing element (251); at least a third fixing element (30); and a support element (26), in turn comprising: a coupling wall (27); a first support wall (28) and a second support wall (29); wherein the coupling wall (27) comprises: a first edge (31); a second edge (32), which is opposite the first edge (31) of the first coupling wall (27) (and is preferably parallel thereto); a third edge (33) which joins the first edge (31) to the second edge (32) (and, preferably, is perpendicular thereto), a fourth edge (34) which is opposite the third edge (33) (and is preferably is parallel thereto) (see figures 19, 13, 22 and 29); a fourth fixing element (35) (which is preferably a first threaded through-hole (35) and which more preferably is arranged in proximity of the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27)), and at least a fifth fixing element (36) (which is preferably at least a second threaded through-hole (36)); wherein the first fixing element (241) (preferably a through-hole arranged axially to the wheel), the second fixing element (251) and the fourth fixing element (35) are couplable, obviously to one another, (and preferably are coupled) so as to rotatably fix the wheel (16, 17) to the coupling wall (27) with the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) arranged along a first direction which is perpendicular to the coupling wall (27) and with the wheel (16, 17) at least partially projecting from the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27); wherein the first support wall (28) originates from and is fixed to the first edge (31) of the coupling wall (27) and projects from the first side of the coupling wall (27) and is preferably perpendicular to the coupling wall (27); in which the second support wall (29) originates from and is fixed to the second edge (32) of the coupling wall (27) and projects from the first side of the coupling wall (27) and, preferably, is perpendicular to the coupling wall (27); in which the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) each comprise a first edge (37) (see figures 14 and 20) which is contiguous to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27) and which comprises a first recess (39); in which the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) are facing one another with the relative first recesses (39) facing one another and with the relative first recesses (39) together defining, a first seat (41) (see figures 14, 20, 25 and 30) conformed to house the terminal portion of a first planar ceramic element (2) arranged perpendicularly to the first direction; in which the first planar ceramic element (2) is selected from: a ceramic tile (2); and two ceramic tiles (2), facing one another and in mutual contact (see figures 7 - 10); and in which the at least a fifth fixing element (36) (which, preferably, is a threaded hole, more preferably having an axis perpendicular to the coupling wall (27), advantageously arranged proximal to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27)) is arranged at the first seat (41) so as to engage with the at least a third fixing element (30), when the third fixing element is arranged parallel to the first direction, so as to fix the terminal portion of the first planar ceramic element (2, 43) to the first seat (41), when housed there. It is clear that the first planar ceramic element (2) can be a ceramic tile (2), or two ceramic tiles (2), facing one another and in mutual contact. Obviously the term "recess" (39) is taken to mean an undercut, i.e. a space in the first support wall (28) and in the second support wall (29). Clearly, at these recesses the thickness of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) will be zero.

[0012] Therefore, the fifth fixing element (36) is arranged at the first seat (41) and is engageable with at least a third fixing element (30), when the third fixing element is arranged parallel to the first direction, so as to fix the terminal portion of the first planar ceramic element (2) to the first seat (41), when housed there, so that the at least a third fixing element (30) is in contact with the first planar ceramic element (2, 43), fixing it to the first seat (41) and pushing it towards a contact surface of the first seat (41).

[0013] The display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) of the invention, which is able to support a plurality of tiles, arranged vertically, in both a storage configuration and in a display configuration, comprises: at least a movable support system (21) according to any one preceding claim and a fixed support system (3, 23).

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2), the relative fixed support system (23) in turn comprises (see figures 32-35 and 36 and 37): a base element (5) and an aligning element (9) (which, preferably, is a plate, more preferably made of metal), wherein the base element (5) comprises: a first larger surface destined to face a horizontal support plane; and a second larger surface, which is opposite the first larger surface and which comprises a plurality of parallel grooves, wherein each of the grooves (6) of the plurality of parallel grooves: is linear; originates in proximity of a first edge (7) of the base element (5); and terminates in proximity of a second edge (8) of the base element (5), which is facing the first edge (7) of the base element (5), wherein the aligning element (9): comprises a first edge (10), which is fixed to the first edge (7) of the base element (5), a second edge (11 which is opposite the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); a plurality of parallel slits, numerically corresponding to the plurality of grooves, wherein each slit (12) of the plurality of parallel slits is a through-slit: is substantially linear; originates proximally to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); and extends to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9). The second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) comprises a plurality of edge portions wherein the edge portions of the plurality of edge portions are intervalled by a different discontinuity of a plurality of discontinuities which numerically corresponds to the plurality of parallel slits. The aligning element (9) is arranged vertically with the plurality of parallel slits arranged vertically in an operating position selected from a first operating position, in which the plurality of parallel slits is arranged at the plurality of parallel grooves (i.e. is aligned with the plurality of parallel grooves) so that each slit (12) of the plurality of slits is arranged along a different vertical plane passing through a different groove (6) of the plurality of grooves (as in figures 7-10) and in a second operating position (not illustrated) wherein the plurality of parallel slits is arranged offset from the plurality of parallel grooves by a fifth distance so that the plurality of parallel grooves is arranged along a first plurality of parallel planes which is parallel and offset by the fifth distance from a second plurality of parallel planes, wherein each parallel plane of the second plurality of parallel planes passes through a different groove of the plurality of grooves. The wheel (16) of a first support device (24) of the pair of support devices of each movable support system (21) is partially housable, and preferably housed, in a different groove (6) of the plurality of grooves with the relative rotation axis perpendicular to the plurality of grooves so as to rollingly slide in the different groove of the plurality of grooves.

[0015] Note that the display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) according to the invention includes one only movable support system (comprising the pair of support devices) for each of the grooves (6) of the plurality of parallel grooves (see figures 7 and 10). This is because one only movable support system allows supporting in use, in cooperation with the fixed support system (3, 23) for a display device for ceramic tiles (2), a single ceramic element at a time, at a single groove (6) of the plurality of parallel grooves.

[0016] A display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) according to the invention is preferred, in which the plurality of parallel slits is arranged at the plurality of parallel grooves (i.e. is aligned therewith) so that each slit (12) of the plurality of slits is arranged along a different first vertical plane passing through a different groove of the plurality of grooves.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the movable support system (21) according to the invention, the first seat (41) can be configured to house only the terminal portion of a first planar ceramic element (2) which is a ceramic tile (2) (see figures 11-15, 17-20). In this case, the display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) of the invention, which comprises this embodiment, can advantageously comprise a fixed support system (3) alike to the prior art comprising an aligning element (9) (see figure 38) comprising a plurality of parallel slits, wherein each slit (12) of the plurality of parallel slits has a width that is slightly greater than the thickness of a single ceramic tile.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the movable support system (21) of the invention can comprise the first seat (41) conformed to house the terminal portion of a first planar ceramic element (2) which is constituted by two ceramic tiles (2), facing one another and in mutual contact.

[0019] In this case, the display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) of the invention, able to support a plurality of tiles, arranged vertically, is in a storage configuration and in a display configuration, wherein the display device (22) for tiles (2), which comprises this alternative embodiment, can advantageously comprise a fixed support system (3) alike to the prior art, comprising an aligning element (9) (see figure 39) comprising a plurality of parallel slits, wherein each slit (12) of the plurality of parallel slits has a width that is slightly greater than the thickness of two ceramic tiles.

[0020] Therefore, the novel movable support (21) of the invention advantageously enables reutilising a fixed support system (3) of known type in which the width of each slit is compatible with the dimensions of the first seat (41). This leads to a lower cost for the display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) of the invention.

[0021] With the purpose of further increasing the versatility, and enabling support of each movable support system (21) according to the invention one or two tiles are also particularly preferred in a relative embodiment (see figures 7-10, 22-31 and 41) wherein the first seat (41) is configured to house only the first ceramic element, which is a ceramic tile (2); wherein the fifth fixing element (36) is arranged proximal to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27), and wherein the coupling wall (27) further comprises: a sixth fixing element (45), arranged proximal to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27) and at least a seventh fixing element (46) arranged proximal to the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27); wherein the first fixing element (241), the second fixing element (251) and the sixth fixing element (45) are couplable, obviously to one another, (and preferably coupled) so as to rotatably fix the wheel (16, 17) to the coupling wall (27), with the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) arranged along a second direction which is parallel to the first direction, and with the wheel (16, 17) at least partially projecting from the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27). Further, the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) each comprise a relative second edge (38) (see figures 25 annd 30), which is opposite the relative first edge (37) and which comprises a second recess (40). The second recess (40) of the first support wall (28) and the second recess (40) of the second support wall (29) are facing one another and together define a second seat (42) (see figures 25 and 30) conformed to house a terminal portion of a second planar ceramic element (43) arranged perpendicularly to the second direction. The second ceramic element is constituted by two ceramic tiles (2), facing one another and in mutual contact. The at least a seventh fixing element (46) (which is preferably a threaded through-hole (46)) is configured and arranged to engage with the at least a third fixing element (30), when the third fixing element is arranged parallel to the second direction, so as to fix the terminal portion of the second ceramic element (43) to the second seat (42), when housed there. It is obvious that this embodiment of the movable support system (21) according to the invention enables choosing whether to house a ceramic tile (2) in the first seat (41) or two facing ceramic tiles in the second seat (42) and can be used both with a known first fixed support system (3) for a display device of ceramic tiles the aligning element (9) of which has slits of a slightly greater width than the thickness of a ceramic tile (2) (such as the one illustrated in figure 38), and with a known second fixed support system (3) for a display device of ceramic tiles the aligning element (9) of which has slits of a slightly greater width than the thickness of two ceramic tiles (2) (such as the one illustrated in figure 39). Further, as this embodiment of the movable support system (21) is particularly simple to assemble, the chosen assembly can easily be inverted.

[0022] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the at least a fifth fixing element (36) and, when present, the at least a sixth fixing element (46) can comprise or, preferably, can be a threaded through-hole (36, 46). In this case, the at least a third fixing element (30) can be a threaded element couplable by screwing-in to the threaded through-hole (36), such as a threaded screw (30) or a grub screw. Alternatively, the fifth fixing element (36) and, when present, the at least a sixth fixing element (46), can comprise, or preferably, can be a housing made in the coupling wall (27) at the first side thereof. In this case, (not illustrated), the at least a third fixing element (30) can be an elastically deformable element when subject to compression (such as a compressible spring) and at least partially housable in the at least a first housing so as to be compressed between the first housing and the first planar ceramic element (2, 43) partially into the first seat (41) and pushing towards the first planar ceramic element (2, 43), fixing it to the first seat (41).

[0023] Note that each first recess (39) as well as each second recess (40) (when present) can, preferably, have a U-shape (more preferably having a 90° angle) in which each profile has a first edge, a second edge perpendicular to the first edge and a third edge parallel to the first edge, wherein, in use the second edge is parallel to the support plane, so as respectively to abut the terminal portion of the first planar ceramic element (2), when housed in the first seat (41) and the terminal portion of the second planar ceramic element (43), when housed in the second seat (42). The second edge of the U-shaped profile of the first recess is preferably parallel to the third edge and the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27).

[0024] The first seat and the second seat (when present and utilised instead of the first seat for housing the second planar ceramic element 43), when the movable support system (21) of the invention is in use, supportingly house, respectively, the first planar ceramic element (2) or the second planar ceramic element (43).

[0025] It is particularly preferable that, in the movable support system (21) of the invention, the wheel (16, 17) is rotatably fixed to the coupling wall (27), with the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) arranged along the first direction or the second direction, and the wheel (16, 17) arranged at the first side of the coupling wall (27), wherein, when the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) is arranged along the first direction, the wheel (16, 17) is arranged externally of the first seat (41) and, when the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) is arranged along the second direction, the wheel (16, 17) is arranged externally of the second seat (42). This does not exclude the possibility that the wheel (16, 17) can also be fixed to the first side of the coupling wall (27) from which the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) project. In this case, the wheel (16, 17), when fixed to the fourth fixing element (35), must be external of the first seat (41) and, when fixed to the sixth fixing element (45), must be external of the second seat (43).

[0026] When the second recess (40) is included, the pair of support devices of the movable support system (21) of the invention can preferably comprise a first support device (24) and a second support device (25) wherein a first distance (D1) between the first recess (39) and the second recess (40) of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the first support device (24) is greater than a second distance (D2) between the first recess (39) and the second recess (40) of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the second support device (25) (see figures 25, 30 and 41). Differently, when only the first recess (39) is included, the first support wall (28) and a second support wall (29) each comprise, a relative second edge (38) which is opposite the relative first edge (37); the pair of support devices can comprise a first support device (24) and a second support device (25), wherein a third distance (D3) between the first recess (39) and the second edge (38) in the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the first support device is greater than a fourth distance (D4) between the first recess (39) and the second edge (38) in the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the second support device (25).

[0027] The first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) of first support device (24) are preferably mutually specular and the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) of the second support device are mutually specular.

[0028] In both cases cited above, the display device (22) according to the invention comprises at least a movable support system (21) according to the invention, in which the wheel (16, 17) of each of the support devices of the pair of support devices of each movable support system (21) has the same radial value and in which the base element (5) has a thickness, measured at each groove (6) of the plurality of grooves, which is equal to the difference between the second distance (D2) and the first distance (D1) or to the difference between the third distance (D3) and the fourth distance (D4).

[0029] When, on the other hand, there is no difference between the second distance (D2) and the first distance (D1) or between the third distance (D3) and the fourth distance (D4), in a first alternative, the difference between the radius of the wheel (16) of the first support device (24) and the radius of the wheel (17) of the second support device (25) can be equal to the thickness, while, in a second alternative, the thickness can be zero, allowing the wheel (17) of the second support device (25) to be resting directly on the support plane at a groove (6) of the plurality of parallel grooves.

[0030] The display devices (22) of the invention are preferable, as they comprise at least a movable support system (21) according to the invention, in which the first recess (39) has a first width (L1), measured perpendicular to the coupling wall (27) and a first depth (P1), measured parallel to the coupling wall (27), and the second recess (40) has a second width (L2), measured perpendicular to the coupling wall (27) and a second depth (P2), measured parallel to the coupling wall (27) which is smaller than the first depth (P1) (see figures 20 and 25). Each slit (12) of the plurality of slits (see figures 7, 10, 32 and, in particular, figure 33) comprises: a first portion (47) which is proximal to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9) and which has a third width (L3), measured parallel to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); and an extension (E), measured parallel to the relative slit (12), which is equal to the difference between the first depth (P1) and the second depth (P2); and a second portion (48) which originates from the first portion (47) and extends up to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) and which has a fourth width (L4), measured parallel to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9), wherein the third width (L3) is equal to or greater than the first width (L1) and smaller than the second width (L2) and wherein the fourth width (L4) is equal to or greater than the second width (L2). In this case, preferably, the fourth edge 34 of the coupling wall (27) and the portions of the first edges (37) of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29), which are adjacent to the first recess (39), are arranged on a same first perpendicular plane to the coupling wall (27); the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27) and the portions of the second edges (38) of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29), which are adjacent to the second recess (40), are arranged on a same second perpendicular plane to the coupling wall (27); and the distance between the fourth fixing element (35) and the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27) is equal to the distance between the sixth fixing element (45) and the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27).

[0031] With the purpose of more effectively supporting the plurality of tiles and especially facilitating the passage between the storage configuration and the display configuration, and vice versa, in the display device (22) according to the invention, the aligning element (9) can further comprise a plurality of pairs of rollers (not illustrated in the figures relating to the invention), numerically corresponding to the plurality of slits, wherein each roller of the plurality of pairs of rollers is rotatably fixable with the relative rotation axis arranged vertically and proximally to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9), in which each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers comprises a first roller and a second roller which are fixed, respectively, to a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, in such a way that the first roller and the second roller are facing one another and arranged at a sixth distance from one another, which is substantially equal to the thickness of the first planar ceramic element (2) of the second planar ceramic element (43).

[0032] With the purpose of adjusting the sixth distance, depending on the first planar ceramic element (2) or on the second planar ceramic element (43) to be supported, the fixed support system (3, 23) can preferably further comprise: a plurality of protuberances, numerically corresponding to the plurality of edge portions of the aligning element (9); in which each protuberance of the (14) plurality of protuberances: originates from and is fixed to (and, preferably is in a single body with) a different edge portion (13) of the plurality of edge portions of the aligning element (9); projects from a first side of the aligning element (9) facing towards the base element (5). The plurality of protuberances comprises a plurality of first pairs of through-holes; and a plurality of second pairs of through-holes, wherein each different first pair of through-holes of the plurality of first pairs of through-holes comprises a first threaded hole (51) and a second threaded hole (52) arranged at, respectively, the first longitudinal side and the second side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, so that the first threaded hole (51) of each first pair of holes and the second threaded hole (52) of each first pair of holes are arranged at a seventh distance (D7). Each different second pair of holes of the plurality of second pairs of through-holes comprises a first threaded hole (49) and a second hole (50) arranged at, respectively, the first side and the second side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, so that the first threaded hole (49) of each second pair of holes and the second threaded hole (50) of each second pair of holes are arranged at an eighth distance (D8), that is greater than the seventh distance (D7). Each pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers is fixable, and is preferably fixed, in a first position wherein the first roller and the second roller of each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers are rotatably fixed, respectively, to the first hole (51) and to the second hole (52) of a different first pair of holes of the plurality of first pairs of through-holes, or in a second position in which the first roller and the second roller of each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers are rotatably fixed, respectively, to the first hole (49) and to the second hole (50) of a different second pair of holes of the plurality of second pairs of through-holes. Obviously the seventh distance (D7) and the eighth distance (D8) are measured parallel to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9).

[0033] The fixed support system (3, 23) can further comprise an eighth fixing element (53) (visible in figures 33 and 34) which originates from and is fixed to (and, preferably is in a single body with) the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9) and projects from a first side of the aligning element (9) facing towards the base element (5) in order to abut the base element, enabling the anchoring of the base element to the aligning element (9), for example by means of a plurality of threaded elements that can be screwed into a plurality of holes made in the eighth fixing element (53).

Claims

1. A movable support system (21) for a display device (22) for tiles (2), which display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) comprises a fixed support system (3, 23) and at least a movable support system (21) and is able to support a plurality of tiles, vertically arranged in both a storage configuration and in a display configuration, wherein the movable support system (21) is characterised in that it comprises: a pair of support devices, separate from one another, wherein each support device comprises, in turn, following relative components: - a wheel (16, 17), in turn comprising: a rotation axis; and a first fixing element (241); - a second fixing element (251); - at least a third fixing element (30); and - a support element (26), in turn comprising: a coupling wall (27); a first support wall (28) and a second support wall (29); wherein the coupling wall (27) comprises: a first edge (31); a second edge (32), which is opposite the first edge (31) of the first coupling wall (27); a third edge (33) which joins the first edge (31) to the second edge (32), a fourth edge (34) which is opposite the third edge (33); a fourth fixing element (35), and at least a fifth fixing element (36); wherein the first fixing element (241), the second fixing element (251) and the fourth fixing element (35) are couplable so as to rotatably fix the wheel (16, 17) to the coupling wall (27), with the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) arranged along a first direction which is perpendicular to the coupling wall (27) and with the wheel (16, 17) at least partially projecting from the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27); wherein the first support wall (28) originates from and is fixed to the first edge (31) of the coupling wall (27) and projects from a first side of the coupling wall (27); wherein the second support wall (29) originates from and is fixed to the second edge (32) of the coupling wall (27) and projects from the first side of the coupling wall (27); wherein the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) each comprise a first edge (37) which is contiguous to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27) and which comprises a first recess (39); wherein the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) are facing one another with the relative first recesses (39) facing one another and with the relative first recesses (39) together defining, a first seat (41) conformed to house a terminal portion of a first planar ceramic element (2, 43) arranged perpendicularly to the first direction; wherein the first planar ceramic element (2) is a ceramic tile (2), or two ceramic tiles (2) facing one another and in contact; and wherein the at least a fifth fixing element (36) is arranged at the first seat (41) so as to engage with the at least a third fixing element (30), when the third fixing element is arranged parallel to the first direction, so as to fix the terminal portion of the first planar ceramic element (2, 43) to the first seat (41), when housed there.

2. The movable support system (21) of claim 1, wherein the first seat (41) is configured to house only the first ceramic element, which is a ceramic tile (2); wherein the fifth fixing element (36) is arranged proximal to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27); wherein the coupling wall (27) further comprises: a sixth fixing element (45), arranged proximal to the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27) and at least a seventh fixing element (46) arranged proximal to the third edge (33) of the coupling wall (27); wherein the first fixing element (241), the second fixing element (251) and the sixth fixing element (45), are couplable so as to rotatably fix the wheel (16, 17) to the coupling wall (27), with the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) arranged along a second direction which is parallel to the first direction, and with the wheel (16, 17) at least partially projecting from the fourth edge (34) of the coupling wall (27); wherein the first support wall (28) and the second support wall (29) each comprise a relative second edge (38), which is opposite the relative first edge (37) and which comprises a second recess (40); wherein the second recess (40) of the first support wall (28) and the second recess (40) of the second support wall (29) are facing one another and together define a second seat (42) conformed to house a terminal portion of a second planar ceramic element (43) arranged perpendicularly to the second direction; and wherein the second ceramic element is constituted by two ceramic tiles (2), that are facing one another and in contact; and wherein the at least a seventh fixing element (46) is configured and arranged so as to engage with the at least a third fixing element (30), when the third fixing element is arranged parallel to the second direction, so as to fix the terminal portion of the second ceramic element (43) to the second seat (42), when housed there.

3. The movable support system (21) of any one preceding claim, wherein the wheel (16, 17) is rotatably fixed to the coupling wall (27), with the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) arranged along the first direction or the second direction, and the wheel (16, 17) is arranged at the first side of the coupling wall (27), wherein, when the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) is arranged along the first direction, the wheel (16, 17) is arranged externally of the first seat (41) and, when the rotation axis of the wheel (16, 17) is arranged along the second direction, the wheel (16, 17) is arranged externally of the second seat (42).

4. The movable support system (21) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the pair of support devices comprises a first support device (24) and a second support device (25), wherein a first distance (D1) between the first recess (39) and the second recess (40) of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the first support device (24) is greater than a second distance (D2) between the first recess (39) and the second recess (40) of the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the second support device (25).

5. The movable support system (21) of claim 1, wherein the first support wall (28) and a second support wall (29) each comprise, a relative second edge (38) which is opposite the relative first edge (37); wherein the pair of support devices comprises a first support device (24) and a second support device (25), wherein a third distance (D3) between the first recess (39) and the second edge (38) in the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the first support device (24) is greater than a fourth distance (D4) between the first recess (39) and the second edge (38) in the first support wall (28) and of the second support wall (29) of the second support device (25).

6. A display device (22) for ceramic tiles (2) able to support a plurality of tiles, arranged vertically, in both a storage configuration and in a display configuration, wherein the display device (22) for tiles (2) comprises: at least a movable support system (21) according to any one preceding claim and a fixed support system (3, 23), in turn comprising: a base element (5) and an aligning element (9), wherein the base element (5) comprises: a first larger surface destined to face a horizontal support plane; and a second larger surface, which is opposite the first larger surface and which comprises a plurality of parallel grooves, wherein each of the grooves (6) of the plurality of parallel grooves: is linear; originates in proximity of a first edge (7) of the base element (5); and terminates in proximity of a second edge (8) of the base element (5), which is opposite the first edge (7) of the base element (5), wherein the aligning element (9): comprises a first edge (10), which is fixed to the first edge (7) of the base element (5), a second edge (11 which is opposite the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); a plurality of parallel slits, numerically corresponding to the plurality of grooves, wherein each slit (12) of the plurality of parallel slits is a through-slit: is substantially linear; originates proximally to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); and extends up to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9), wherein the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) comprises a plurality of edge portions wherein the edge portions of the plurality of edge portions are intervalled by a different discontinuity of a plurality of discontinuities which numerically corresponds to the plurality of parallel slits, wherein the aligning element (9) is arranged vertically with the plurality of parallel slits arranged vertically in an operating position selected from a first operating position, wherein the plurality of parallel slits is arranged at the plurality of parallel grooves so that each slit (12) of the plurality of slits is arranged along a different vertical plane passing through a different groove (6) of the plurality of grooves and in a second operating position wherein the plurality of parallel slits is arranged offset from the plurality of parallel grooves by a fifth distance so that the plurality of parallel grooves is arranged along a first plurality of parallel planes which is parallel and offset by the fifth distance from a second plurality of parallel planes, wherein each parallel plane of the second plurality of parallel planes is passing through a different groove (6) of the plurality of grooves; wherein the wheel (16, 17) of each of the support devices of the pair of support devices of each movable support system (21) is partially housable in a different groove (6) of the plurality of grooves with the relative rotation axis perpendicular to the plurality of grooves so as to rollingly slide in the different groove of the plurality of grooves.

7. The display device (22) of claim 6, wherein the plurality of parallel slits is arranged at the plurality of parallel grooves so that each slit (12) of the plurality of slits is arranged along a different first vertical plane passing through a different groove of the plurality of grooves.

8. The display device (22) of claim 6 or 7, comprising at least a movable support system (21) according to claims 2-5, wherein the first recess (39) has a first width (L1), measured perpendicular to the coupling wall (27) and a first depth (P1), measured parallel to the coupling wall (27), and the second recess (40) has a second width (L2), measured perpendicular to the coupling wall (27) and a second depth (P2), measured parallel to the coupling wall (27) which is smaller than the first depth (P1), wherein each slit (12) of the plurality of slits comprises: a first portion (47) which is proximal to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9) and which has a third width (L3), measured parallel to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9); and an extension (E), measured parallel to the relative slit (12), which is equal to the difference between the first depth (P1) and the second depth (P2); and a second portion (48) which originates from the first portion (47) and extends up to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) and which has a fourth width (L4), measured parallel to the first edge (10) of the aligning element (9), wherein the third width (L3) is equal to or greater than the first width (L1) and smaller than the second width (L2), and wherein the fourth width (L4) is equal to or greater than the second width (L2).

9. The display device (22) of any one claim from 6 to 8, wherein the aligning element (9) further comprises a plurality of pairs of rollers, numerically corresponding to the plurality of slits, wherein each roller of the plurality of pairs of rollers is rotatably fixable, proximally to the second edge (11) of the aligning element (9) with the relative rotation axis arranged vertically, wherein each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers comprises a first roller and a second roller which are fixed, respectively, to a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, in such a way that the first roller and the second roller are facing one another and arranged at a sixth distance from one another, which is substantially equal to the thickness of the first planar ceramic element (2) of the second planar ceramic element (43).

10. The display device (22) of the preceding claim, wherein the fixed support system (3, 23) further comprises: a plurality of protuberances, numerically corresponding to the plurality of edge portions of the aligning element (9); wherein each protuberance (14) of the plurality of protuberances: originates from and is fixed to a different edge portion (13) of the plurality of edge portions of the aligning element (9); and projects from a first side of the aligning element (9) facing towards the base element (5), wherein the plurality of protuberances comprises a plurality of first pairs of through-holes; and a plurality of second pairs of through-holes, wherein each different first pair of holes of the plurality of first pairs of through-holes comprises a first hole (51) and a second hole (52) arranged at, respectively, the first longitudinal side and the second side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, so that the first hole (51) of each first pair of holes and the second hole (52) of each first pair of holes are arranged at a seventh distance (D7); wherein each different second pair of holes of the plurality of second pairs of through-holes comprises a first threaded hole (49) and a second hole (50) arranged at, respectively, the first side and the second side of a different slit (12) of the plurality of slits, so that the first hole (49) of each second pair of through-holes and the second hole (50) of each second pair of holes are arranged at an eighth distance (D8), that is greater than the seventh distance (D7), and wherein each pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers is fixable in a first position wherein the first roller and the second roller of each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers are rotatably fixed, respectively, to the first hole (51) and to the second hole (52) of a different first pair of holes of the plurality of first pairs of through-holes, or in a second position wherein the first roller and the second roller of each different pair of rollers of the plurality of pairs of rollers are rotatably fixed, respectively, to the first hole (49) and to the second hole (50) of a different second pair of holes of the plurality of second pairs of through-holes.

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