TRANSPORT AID DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE USE THEREOF

Abstract

A transport aid device for at least two pallets, which each include a loading base that is oriented substantially horizontally in use, includes first and second supporting devices that each include at least one connecting element for mechanically connecting the supporting apparatus to at least the first pallet and two supporting bars which extend substantially in a vertical direction in use, each having a first end which forms an upper end of the supporting bar during transport. Two retaining elements are each arranged at a first end of one of the supporting bars. Each of the retaining elements is designed in a use position to retain or support the second of the two pallets in a vertically spaced position from the first pallet.

Claims

1. A transport aid device for at least two pallets, wherein the pallets each include a loading base which is oriented substantially horizontally in a usage position during transport, wherein the transport aid device includes a first support device and a second support device for supporting at least one of the pallets, both of the support devices comprising: at least one connecting element for the mechanical connection of the support device to the first pallet, and at least two support beams which, in the usage position during transport, extend substantially in a vertical direction and which each have a first end which, in the usage position during transport, forms the upper end of the respective support beam, at least two holding elements which are connected in each case to a first end of one of the two support beams, wherein each of the holding elements is provided for, in the usage position during transport of the two pallets, holding or supporting the second of said pallets with a vertical spacing to the first pallet.

2. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one first connecting projection of the connecting element extends substantially at right angles, and in the usage position substantially horizontally, out of a bottom plate of the support device, wherein the first connecting projection can engage mechanically into a first recess of one of the pallets.

3. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 2, having a second connecting projection, which in the usage position during transport has a vertical spacing to the first connecting projection, of the same connecting element, wherein a section of one, in particular of the first, of the pallets can be mechanically received between the two connecting projections.

4. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the first or second connecting projections has at least one second limb, which can bear against a loading base of one of the pallets, and one stiffening limb, which is angled relative to the second limb and which serves for stiffening the connecting projection.

5. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one stiffening rib extends out of a bottom plate of one of the support devices.

6. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the holding elements has a first support surface, which during transport is oriented substantially horizontally and which serves for supporting the second pallet, and at least one support projection (17a), which is angled relative to the first support surface.

7. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two support beams of at least one of the support devices are connected to one another by way of a first stabilizing strut.

8. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, having at least one connecting strut for the detachable mechanical connection of the first support device to the second support device.

9. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 5, wherein one of the stiffening ribs of the bottom plate has a mechanical connecting means for mechanical connection to one of the connecting struts.

10. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 8, wherein a first end of the connecting strut is articulately connected to one of the holding elements of the first support device, a second end, situated opposite the first end, of the connecting strut, having one of the mechanical connecting means, is detachably mechanically connectable to a first holding element of the second support device, the first holding element of the second support device has a mechanical connecting means which is complementary to the mechanical connecting means of the connecting strut.

11. The transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two support beams of at least one of the support devices are connected to one another by way of a functional strut, wherein preferably, at least one of the connecting struts is connectable to the functional strut.

12. An arrangement having a transport aid device as claimed in claim 1 and having one or two pallets, wherein the first support device and the second support device are in each case mechanically connected, by way of the connecting element thereof, to the first pallet.

13. An arrangement having a transport aid device as claimed in claim 1 and having a pallet, wherein the first support device lies on the loading base of the pallet, and the second support device lies on the first support device, and the two support devices are detachably mechanically connected to the pallet.

14. A method for the use of a transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, having the steps: S1 mechanically connecting a connecting element of a first support device of the transport aid device to a first pallet such that at least two support beams of the first support device extend, in the usage position during transport, substantially in a vertical direction, wherein in each case a first end of the support beams is connected to a holding element, S2 mechanically connecting a connecting element of a second support device of the transport aid device to the first pallet such that at least two support beams (3b, 3c) of the second support device extend, in the usage position during transport, substantially in the vertical direction, wherein in each case a first end of the support beams is connected to a holding element, S3 placing a second pallet onto at least one of the holding elements, wherein each of the holding elements is provided for, in the usage position during the transport of the two pallets, holding or supporting the second pallet with a vertical spacing to the first pallet.

15. A method for the use of a transport aid device as claimed in claim 1, having the steps: S8 placing a first support device of the transport aid device onto a loading base of a pallet, S9 placing a second support device of the transport aid device onto the first support device, in particular in such a way that the two support devices do not extend, or extend only to an insignificant extent, beyond delimiting edges of the loading base, S10 mechanically connecting the support devices to the pallet.

Description

[0087] Further advantages, features and possible uses of the present invention will emerge from the following description in conjunction with the figures, in which:

[0088] FIG. 1 partially schematically shows an arrangement with a preferred refinement of the transport aid device and with two pallets,

[0089] FIG. 2 partially schematically shows a perspective view of a support device of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0090] FIG. 3 partially schematically shows a detail of the arrangement of FIG. 1,

[0091] FIG. 4 partially schematically shows a further arrangement with a preferred refinement of the transport aid device and with a pallet,

[0092] FIG. 5 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0093] FIG. 6 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0094] FIG. 7 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0095] FIG. 8 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0096] FIG. 9 partially schematically shows various views of a bottom plate of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0097] FIG. 10 partially schematically shows various views of a first connecting projection of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0098] FIG. 11 partially schematically shows various views of a second connecting projection of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0099] FIG. 12 partially schematically shows various views of a holding element of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0100] FIG. 13 partially schematically shows various views of a stabilizing strut of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0101] FIG. 14 partially schematically shows various views of a connecting strut of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0102] FIG. 15 partially schematically shows one of the support devices of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0103] FIG. 16 partially schematically shows a bottom plate of the support device of FIG. 15,

[0104] FIG. 17 partially schematically shows a holding element of the support device of FIG. 15,

[0105] FIG. 18 partially schematically shows a further holding element of the support device of FIG. 15,

[0106] FIG. 19 partially schematically shows a connecting strut of the preferred refinement of the transport aid device of FIG. 15,

[0107] FIG. 20 partially schematically shows the transport aid device of FIG. 15 with two pallets,

[0108] FIG. 21 partially schematically shows one of the support devices of a further preferred refinement of the transport aid device,

[0109] FIG. 22 partially schematically shows a bottom plate of the support device of FIG. 21,

[0110] FIG. 23 partially schematically shows a functional strut of the support device of FIG. 21,

[0111] FIG. 24 partially schematically shows the transport aid device of FIG. 21 with two pallets.

[0112] FIG. 1 partially schematically shows an arrangement with a preferred refinement of the transport aid device 1 and with two pallets 20, 25.

[0113] Two support devices 2, 2a are connected to the first, lower pallet 20 and bear against the opposite shell surface 24, 24a. The two support devices 2, 2a are connected to one another by way of two connecting struts 33, 33a. The connecting struts 33, 33a stabilize the transport aid device and counteract an undesired relative movement of the two support devices 2, 2a.

[0114] The second pallet 25 is set down on holding elements 5, of the support devices 2, 2a. By way of the transport aid device, the first pallet 20 can be loaded with pressure-sensitive pallet goods, and/or only partially loaded, without the need for the space between the second pallet 25 arranged thereabove and an upper delimitation of the loading space, for example the roof of a heavy goods vehicle body, to remain unutilized.

[0115] The following statements relate to the left-hand support device 2, wherein the right-hand support device 2a is of substantially identical form.

[0116] The connecting element 4 of the support device 2 has two first connecting projections 8 and multiple second connecting projections 11, 11a, 11b, 11c which extend in each case substantially perpendicularly from the bottom plate 6. The first connecting projections 8 with substantially U-shaped cross sections engage into lifting means recesses 22 of the first pallet 20. The first connecting projections 8 have in each case second limbs 13 which extend below the loading base of the first pallet within in each case one lifting means recess 22 and which can bear against the loading base 21. The first connecting projections 8 have in each case two stiffening limbs 9 which, in particular during transport, can be supported on a loading space base or on a floor of a storage site. Furthermore, the stiffening limbs 9 stiffen the second limb 13 and thus the first connecting projection 8. The second connecting projections 11 extend in each case within a gap of the loading base 21, in particular between in each case two of the loading base boards of the first pallet 20.

[0117] Stiffening ribs 7, 7a for the stiffening of the bottom plate 6, of one of the support beams 3 and/or of the support device 2 extend, in sections, from the bottom plate 6. The first stiffening ribs 7, 7a extend in each case in sections along delimiting edges, which during transport are oriented substantially vertically, of the bottom plate 6 and/or of the support device 2. The bottom plate 6 is in each case cut out of a metal plate.

[0118] The support beams 3, 3a, which are arranged substantially parallel to one another, are connected, and supported relative to one another, by way of a stabilizing strut 18. Furthermore, the stiffening ribs 7, 7a also act so as to stiffen the support beams 3, 3a. Holding elements 5 are connected to a first end, which is the upper end during transport, of the support beams 3, 3a.

[0119] The holding elements 5 have in each case one first, substantially horizontally oriented first support surface 17 and at least one second support projection 17a, which is angled relative to the first support surface 17. The first support surfaces 17 serve for the support of the second pallet 25 and for spacing the second pallet 25 apart from the first pallet 20. The support projections 17a counteract an undesired displacement of the second pallet 25 relative to the first support surface 17. It is preferable for at least one of the support projections 17a to enclose an angle of between 90 and 135 with the first support surface 17 of the same holding element 5. The setting-down of the second pallet 25 onto the holding elements 5 is advantageously simplified by way of the support projections 17a.

[0120] The stiffening ribs 7, 7a have in each case mechanical connecting means 19, 19a for detachable connection to one of the connecting struts 33 formed with a belt. One of the mechanical connecting means is formed with a pin 19, which is in particular cut out of the stiffening rib 7a and which extends, during transport, substantially in a vertical direction and which is in particular connectable to a lashing means, in the form of a loop 34, of the connecting strut 33a. During the dismantling of the transport aid device, said loop 34 must preferably be released.

[0121] Another mechanical connecting means is formed with two projections 19a, 19b, which are in particular cut out of the stiffening rib 7a and which, during transport, extend substantially in a vertical direction. During transport, one of said projections 19a points downward, the other of said projections 19b points upward, and a gap remains between the free ends of said projections 19a, 19b. A lashing means, in the form of a loop 34, of the connecting strut 33 formed with a belt can be led through said gap and placed over both projections 19a, 19b.

[0122] FIG. 2 partially schematically shows a perspective view of a support device 2 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device 1.

[0123] Stiffening ribs 7, 7a extend at least in sections from opposite delimiting edges of the metallic bottom plate of the support device 2. The free ends, and the holding elements arranged there, of the substantially vertically oriented support beams 3, 3a are not illustrated.

[0124] The connecting element 4 is formed with two first connecting projections 8, 8a and with four second connecting projections 11, 11a, 11b, 11c. The connecting projections 8, 11 have in each case U-shaped cross sections. The first connecting projections 8, 8a, which are to be inserted into lifting means recesses 22, have in each case one second limb 10, 10a which is in particular oriented substantially horizontally during transport and on which the loading base 21 of the first pallet can lie during transport. The first connecting projections 8, 8a have stiffening limbs 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, which can stiffen the second limbs 10, 10a and which, in particular during transport, can be supported on a loading space base or on the floor of a storage site. The spacing between the first connecting projections 8 and the second connecting projections 11 is dimensioned such that the loading base (not illustrated) of a pallet can be received only with little play between the connecting projections 8, 11. The connecting projections 8, 11 are welded to the bottom plate 6. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0125] The mechanical connecting means 19 is formed with a pin 19 which is in particular cut out of the stiffening rib 7 and which, during transport, extends substantially in a vertical direction and which is in particular connectable to a lashing means, in the form of a loop 34, of the connecting strut 33a. During the dismantling of the transport aid device, said loop 34 must preferably be released. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0126] The mechanical connecting means is formed with two projections 19a, 19b, which are in particular cut out of the stiffening rib 7 and which during transport extend substantially in a vertical direction. During transport, one of said projections 19a points downward, the other of said projections 19b points upward, and a gap remains between the free ends of said projections 19a, 19b. A lashing means, in the form of a loop 34, of the connecting strut 33 can be led through said gap and placed over both projections 19a, 19b. Owing to the loop 34, the projections 19a, 19b and the gap between said projections 19a, 19b are not visible. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0127] FIG. 3 partially schematically shows a detail of the arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0128] The second pallet 25 has also been set down on the holding element 5. The holding element 5 is connected to the first end of the support beam 3. From the support beam 3, the stabilizing strut 18 extends to the adjacent support beam (not illustrated).

[0129] A support projection 17a extend from delimiting edges, which are arranged substantially at right angles to one another, of the first support surface 17. The support projection 17a counteracts an undesired displacement of the second pallet 25 relative to the first support surface 17. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0130] FIG. 4 partially schematically shows a further arrangement with a preferred refinement of the transport aid device and with a pallet. The transport aid device of FIG. 1 has been set down on the loading base 21 of the pallet 20 for the purposes of storage or return transport. The first support device 2 has been set down on the pallet 20, and the second support device 2a has been set down on the first support device 2. The two support devices 2, 2a are detachably mechanically connected to the pallet 20, preferably by way of at least one of the connecting struts 33 formed with a belt. The two support devices 2, 2a extend only to an insignificant extent beyond delimiting edges of the loading base 21. In this state, the transport aid device 1 can be stored, and/or transported between two storage sites, with little effort. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0131] FIG. 5 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0132] Stiffening ribs 7, 7a extend at least in sections from opposite delimiting edges of the metallic bottom plate of the support device 2 for the purposes of stiffening the bottom plate 6 and the support device 2. The stiffening ribs 7, 7a have mechanical connecting means 19 correspondingly to FIG. 2. The connecting element 4 is formed with first connecting projections 8 and with second connecting projections 11 correspondingly, to FIG. 2. First ends of the support beams 3, 3a, which are oriented substantially parallel, have holding elements 5, 5a substantially corresponding to those of FIG. 1. A stabilizing strut 18 connects the support beams 3, 3a and a further stabilizing strut 18a connects the holding elements 5, 5a, in particular for the purposes of mechanically stabilizing the support device 2. The connecting strut 33 formed with a tensile bar serves for detachable mechanical connection to the stabilizing struts 18a. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0133] FIG. 6 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device. Below, the differences in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 5 will be discussed. The stiffening rib 7 extends over the entire length of the support beam 3a and forms a limb of the support beam 3a. The stiffening rib 7 has a mechanical connecting means 19 correspondingly to FIG. 2. The support beam 3a has multiple recesses 15, 15a for detachable mechanical connection to one of the connecting struts. The connecting strut 33 formed with a tensile bar serves for detachable mechanical connection to the stabilizing struts 18a.

[0134] FIG. 7 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0135] Stiffening ribs 7, 7a extend at least in sections from opposite delimiting edges of the metallic bottom plate of the support device 2 for the purposes of stiffening the bottom plate 6 and the support device 2. The stiffening ribs 7, 7a have mechanical connecting means 19 correspondingly to FIG. 2. The connecting element 4 is formed with first connecting projections 8 and with second connecting projections 11 correspondingly to FIG. 2. First ends of the support beams 3, 3a, which are oriented substantially parallel, have holding elements 5, 5a substantially corresponding to those of FIG. 1. A stabilizing strut 18 connects the support beams 3, 3a and a further stabilizing strut 18a connects the holding elements 5, 5a, in particular for the purposes of mechanically stabilizing the support device 2. The connecting strut 33 formed with a tensile bar serves for detachable mechanical connection to the stabilizing struts 18a. The statements relating to the preceding figures apply otherwise.

[0136] FIG. 8 partially schematically shows various views of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device. Below, the differences in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 6 will be discussed. The support device 2, or the support beam 3a thereof, has a foot plate 14 which, during transport, can support the first pallet (not illustrated). The foot plate 14 is preferably connected, particularly preferably in integrally bonded fashion, to the stiffening limb 9, in particular for improved mechanical stability of the connecting element 4. The connecting strut 33 formed with a tensile bar serves for detachable mechanical connection to the stabilizing struts 18a.

[0137] FIG. 9 partially schematically shows various views of a bottom plate 6 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0138] Stiffening ribs 7, 7a extend in sections from the bottom plate 6. Holding elements 5, 5a are connected to the first ends of the support beams 3, 3a. The connecting element has not yet been fully produced. The bottom plate 6 has multiple recesses 15 for later connection to first and/or second connecting projections of the connecting element.

[0139] The stiffening ribs 7, 7a have in each case mechanical connecting means 19, 19a for detachable connection to one of the connecting struts 33. One of the mechanical connecting means is formed with a pin 19, which is in particular cut out of the stiffening rib 7a and which extends, during transport, substantially in a vertical direction and which is in particular connectable to a lashing means, in the form of a loop 34, of the connecting strut 33a. During the dismantling of the transport aid device, said loop 34 must preferably be released.

[0140] Another mechanical connecting means is formed with two projections 19a, 19b, which are in particular cut out of the stiffening rib 7a and which, during transport, extend substantially in a vertical direction. During transport, one of said projections 19a points downward, the other of said projections 19b points upward, and a gap remains between the free ends of said projections 19a, 19b. A lashing means, in the form of a loop 34, of the connecting strut 33 can be led through said gap and placed over both projections 19a, 19b.

[0141] FIG. 10 partially schematically shows various views of a first connecting projection 8 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device. The first connecting projection 8 is provided for later connection, in integrally bonded fashion, to the bottom plate.

[0142] The first connecting projection 8 has a second limb 10 which is supported by two stiffening limbs 9, 9a. The first connecting projection 8 is produced with a metal plate. The stiffening limbs 9, 9a are produced by folding of the metal plate.

[0143] Connecting sections 40, 40a, 40b extend from the limbs 9, 10. Said connecting sections are provided for mechanical connection to recesses 15 of the bottom plate 6 of FIG. 9.

[0144] FIG. 11 partially schematically shows various views of a second connecting projection 11 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device. The second connecting projection 11 is provided for later connection, in integrally bonded fashion, to the bottom plate 6 for example of FIG. 9.

[0145] The second connecting projection 11 has a second limb 13 which is supported by two stiffening limbs 12, 12a. The second connecting projection 11 is produced with a metal plate. The stiffening limbs 12, 12a are produced by folding of the metal plate.

[0146] Connecting sections 40, 40a extend from the stiffening limbs 12, 12a. Said connecting sections are provided for mechanical connection to recesses 15 of the bottom plate 6 for example of FIG. 9.

[0147] FIG. 12 partially schematically shows various views of a holding element 5 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device. The holding element 5 is provided for later connection, in integrally bonded fashion, to one of the support beams.

[0148] The holding element 5 is formed with a folded metal plate. The support projection 17a extends along a delimiting edge of the support surface 17. Connecting sections 40, 40a extend from the holding element 5, which connecting sections are provided for mechanical connection to recesses 15 of the bottom plate 6 for example of FIG. 9.

[0149] FIG. 13 partially schematically shows various views of a stabilizing strut 18 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0150] The stabilizing strut 18 is formed with a metal profile and is provided for being connected at a later point in time, in particular in integrally bonded fashion, to the bottom plate 6 for example of FIG. 9 or to the two support beams of the same support device.

[0151] The stabilizing strut 18 has a recess 15 which is provided for detachable mechanical connection to a connecting strut of the same transport aid device.

[0152] FIG. 14 partially schematically shows various views of a connecting strut 33 of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0153] The connecting strut 33 is formed with a metal profile and is provided for being detachably mechanically connected at a later point in time to in each case one of the stabilizing struts of the two support devices. At its ends, the connecting strut 33 has in each case recesses which are provided for engaging into recesses of the stabilizing strut of FIG. 13.

[0154] FIG. 15 partially schematically shows various views of one of the support devices of a preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0155] The transport aid device has at least one of the connecting struts 33, wherein a first end of the connecting strut 33 is articulately connected to one of the holding elements 16 of the first support device 2 and has a shaft 19b. The holding element 16 has a receiving element for the shaft 19b of the connecting strut 33. A second end of the connecting strut 33, having a hook 19, is detachably mechanically connectable to a holding element of the second support device (not illustrated).

[0156] The first support device 2 also has a holding element 5 which serves for detachable mechanical connection to a connecting strut of the second support device (not illustrated). For this purpose, the holding element 5 has, in one section, a passage hole 19a, wherein the section is produced from the rest of the holding element 5 by deformation, whereby at least the thickness of the connecting strut of the second support device (not illustrated) can be compensated.

[0157] The connecting strut 33 can be reversibly transferred from a rest position, in which the connecting strut extends substantially along one of the support beams of the first support device 2, into a usage position, in which the mechanical connecting means is detachably connected to the first holding element of the second support device and the connecting strut extends substantially horizontally.

[0158] The support beams 3, 3a are connected to one another by way of a stabilizing strut 18. The holding element 5 and the holding element 16 are connected to different support beams 3, 3a. The bottom plate 6 is connected to first connecting projections 8, 8a and to second connecting projections 11.

[0159] FIG. 16 partially schematically shows a bottom plate of the support device of FIG. 15. Said bottom plate 3 has been produced by cutting and deformation and has been prepared for connection to holding elements and connecting projections. The bottom plate is preferably formed with aluminum. The stiffening rib is preferably produced by deformation.

[0160] FIG. 17 partially schematically shows a holding element 16 of the support device of FIG. 15, which differs from the holding element of FIG. 12 in particular by a recess for one of the connecting struts.

[0161] FIG. 18 partially schematically shows a further holding element 5 of the support device of FIG. 15, which differs from the holding element of FIG. 12 in particular by a section with the passage hole 19a. The plane of the passage hole 19a is spaced apart from the plane of the first support surface 17.

[0162] FIG. 19 partially schematically shows a connecting strut 33 of the preferred refinement of the transport aid device of FIG. 15. The first end of the connecting strut 33 has a passage hole for a shaft, and the second end has the hook 19.

[0163] FIG. 20 partially schematically shows the transport aid device of FIG. 15 with two pallets 20, 25. The first connecting strut 33 is articulately connected to the first support device 2 and the second connecting strut 33a is articulately connected to the second support device 2a. The connecting struts 33, 33a have not yet been transferred into their usage positions. The support devices 2, 2a have however already been connected, by way of their connecting elements or first connecting projections 8, to the lower pallet 20, and the second pallet 25 has been set down onto the holding elements 5, 16.

[0164] In the preferred refinement, the cohesion of the two support devices during transport or in the usage position can be improved.

[0165] FIG. 21 partially schematically shows one of the support devices 2 of a further preferred refinement of the transport aid device.

[0166] At least two of the support beams 3, 3a of the support device 2 are connected, in particular in integrally bonded fashion, to one another by way of the functional strut 32, wherein preferably, one, two or more of the connecting struts (not illustrated) are mechanically connectable to the functional strut 32. The functional strut is formed with a U-shaped profile which, in the usage position, are arranged below the holding elements 5, 16. Belt rollers or tension belts may be fastened within the U-shaped profile.

[0167] Furthermore, the support beams 3, 3a are connected to one another by way of one of the stabilizing struts 18. The support device 2 has two first connecting projections 8, 8a and has mechanical connecting means 19a for connecting struts (not illustrated).

[0168] FIG. 22 partially schematically shows a bottom plate 3 of the support device of FIG. 21 with stiffening ribs 7 and with mechanical connecting means 19a for connecting struts (not illustrated).

[0169] FIG. 23 partially schematically shows a functional strut 32 of the support device of FIG. 21, with a substantially U-shaped cross section. The functional strut 32 has been prepared for mechanical connection to two tension belts.

[0170] FIG. 24 partially schematically shows the transport aid device of FIG. 21 with two pallets 20, 25. The support devices 2, 2a have however already been connected, by way of their connecting elements or first connecting projections 8, to the lower pallet 20, and the second pallet 25 has been set down onto the holding elements 5, 16. The connecting struts 33, 33a, which are each in the form of a tension belt, have been transferred into their usage positions, that is to say the first ends of the connecting struts 33, 33a are detachably mechanically connected to the respective other support device 2, 2a. For this purpose, the first ends of the connecting struts 33, 33a have in each case a mechanical connecting means in the form of a loop 34. The tension belts have been tensioned and force the support devices 2, 2a toward one another.

[0171] In the preferred refinement, the cohesion of the two support devices during transport or in the usage position can be improved.

REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

[0172] 1 Transport aid device [0173] 2, 2a Support device [0174] 3, 3a Support beam of a support device [0175] 4 Connecting element of a support device [0176] 5, 16 Holding element of a support device [0177] 6 Bottom plate of a support device [0178] 7 Stiffening rib of the bottom plate [0179] 8 First connecting projection of the connecting element [0180] 9 Stiffening limb of the first connecting projection [0181] 10 Second limb of the first connecting projection [0182] 11 Second connecting projection of the connecting element [0183] 12 Stiffening limb of the second connecting projection [0184] 13 Second limb of the second connecting projection [0185] 14 Foot plate [0186] 15 Recess [0187] 17 First support surface of the holding element [0188] 17a Support projection of the holding element [0189] 18 Stabilizing strut [0190] 19 Mechanical connecting means [0191] 20, 25 Pallet, pallet body [0192] 21 Loading base of a pallet [0193] 22 First recess, lifting means recess of a pallet [0194] 23 Gap in the loading base [0195] 24 Shell surface of a pallet [0196] 32 Functional strut [0197] 33 Connecting strut [0198] 34 Lashing means of the connecting strut [0199] 35 Reinforcement for functional strut [0200] 40 Connecting section