Stabilizer pads and assemblies

Abstract

The present invention provides ergonomic stabilizer pads and ergonomic assemblies for stabilizing equipment during use, such as cranes with outriggers, and for protecting the ground on which the equipment is installed. [Solution] The stabilizer pad includes an ergonomic handle and device. The ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly has modular components that distribute the weight of the assembly among the individual components, allowing each component to be transported separately, enabling the stabilizer pad assembly to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, and further compensating for pad deflection that occurs during use, and may be used together with existing stabilizer pads. The present invention simplifies lifting operations associated with the transport and positioning of stabilizer pads and can reduce the occurrence of user injuries. According to the present invention, pads of any size, even large and heavy ones, can be easily handled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 111,607, filed Nov. 9, 2020.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of construction, and more particularly, the present invention relates to stabilizer pads and assemblies that stabilize equipment (such as construction heavy equipment such as a crane with outriggers or any equipment) during use and protect the ground on which the equipment is installed.

Background Art

[0003] Stabilizer pads are used with equipment such as cranes or equipment equipped with outriggers. Some stabilizer pads are also known as crane mats, crane pads, outrigger pads, outrigger mats, ground support mats, ground support pads. Stabilizer pads are used to stabilize the equipment and protect the ground on which the equipment is installed. The pads prevent the equipment from moving during use, for example, sinking into the ground, tipping over, etc. The pads prevent the equipment from breaking through the ground (brick, rock, concrete, asphalt, sand, soil, or any other substance) and damaging the equipment.

[0004] Stabilizer pads provide a solid flat surface that creates a sturdy base during equipment operation. Stabilizer pads further distribute concentrated loads or disperse the weight from the outriggers. Stabilizer pads are very heavy (e.g., over 22.68 kg (50 pounds)) and are known to be transported by rolling them along their edges. Heavy pads can be difficult to transport in such a manner and can be unstable and carry a risk of tipping over.

[0005] Stabilizer pads can also be transported by manually pulling or mechanically lifting, both of which may require additional pull ropes or straps attached to the pad. Some pads have handles to assist in their transport. These handles may be constructed of rope secured through holes in the mat, but the integrity of rope handles easily deteriorates with repeated use and eventually falls apart. Handles constructed of cable are known to be attached using pins passed through anchor holes, but this can be unstable and risk detaching from the mat. This can be particularly problematic if the handle detaches from the pad while being lifted and moved by machine. Furthermore, certain known cable handles are positioned along the periphery of the pad but create small or little play (e.g., 0–1.91 cm (0–3 / 4 inches)) between them and the ground. This makes it difficult for the user to position their hands around the handle.

[0006] Another problem with current stabilizer pads is that during use, a portion of the pad flexes upward from the ground, thereby reducing the amount of load the pad can support. Specifically, the more the stabilizer pad flexes, the less load it can support. Increasing the size of the pad to account for the flex is not a desirable solution, as it would increase the weight of the pad. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] An improved stabilizer pad is needed—one that is easily transportable, incorporates ergonomic features, and compensates for pad deflection that occurs during use. This invention fulfills this need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is described in relation to cranes, but any vehicle having outriggers or other support structures for equipment can be envisioned. The present invention relates to ergonomic stabilizer pads and ergonomic assemblies for stabilizing equipment during use, for example, cranes or vehicles with outriggers, and protecting the ground on which the equipment is installed. The stabilizer pad includes an ergonomic handle and an ergonomic handle device along the outer circumference of the pad. The ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly comprises modular components configured to "nest" with each other (i.e., one is placed or housed in the other), which divide the weight of the assembly among the individual components. Each component can be transported separately, and the stabilizer pad assembly can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. Furthermore, the ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly may be used in conjunction with existing stabilizer pads to compensate for pad deflection that occurs during use. The present invention can simplify lifting operations associated with the transport and positioning of stabilizer pads and reduce the occurrence of user injuries. According to the present invention, pads of any size, even large sizes with heavy weight, can be easily handled.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer pad comprises a pad component having an ergonomic handle and device. Specifically, the handle device includes a handle that alternately positions itself near a first surface of the pad component and near a second surface on the opposite side of the pad component. When the pad component is placed on the ground, a gap is created between the lower part of the handle and the ground. The handle positioned near one surface provides a larger gap than the handle positioned near the opposite surface. The gap allows the user to place their hand in the space below and above the handle.

[0010] Furthermore, the handle may be integrated with the pad components. For example, the handle may be insert-molded into the pad or machined from the pad material.

[0011] In addition, the stabilizer pad includes a notch with a dedicated body segment for attaching a tow rope (with an ergonomic handle) for transporting the pad.

[0012] The stabilizer pad may also include a product tag or label containing information such as a serial number, model number, manufacturing date, or machine-readable code such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark). It is conceivable that the machine-readable code may be used in conjunction with an internet website or smartphone application. The label may further cover and seal a pocket configured to house the device.

[0013] The device may provide data such as location, identification information, certification, recertification, current load weight, or the total load weight of the pads it has supported during its lifespan. The data-providing device may operate using short-range wireless communication such as RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth. The device may operate using a satellite-based system such as GPS.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer pad comprises an assembly of separate components (referred to as an inner pad component and an outer pad component). The inner pad component is detachable from the outer pad component, thereby dividing the weight of a conventional crane mat. This makes it easier to transport and handle the pad, especially when carried out by hand (or by rolling it along its periphery).

[0015] In certain embodiments, both sides of the inner pad component can be used. The first side has a flat surface, and the second side has a surface with a portion that rises from a non-relieving portion to a higher position. The non-relieving portion stabilizes the pad, so the relieving portion may be used to receive the outrigger. When inverted or flipped over, this non-relieving portion may be received by an opening in the outer pad component. It is also conceivable that the inner pad component may include a pocket to receive the device described above.

[0016] The pad components of the stabilizer pad may be manufactured from any conceivable material, to name a few, such as wood, plywood, metal, steel, rubber, plastic, bamboo, concrete, aluminum, fiberglass, and thermoplastic. The inner pad components may be manufactured from the same or different materials as the pad components. It is also conceivable that one or more components may include anti-slip surfaces to help prevent the outrigger from slipping.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pad components are manufactured from bamboo. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that has been found to have higher tensile strength than steel. The composite material may be constructed from layers processed from bamboo, and it is conceivable that the bamboo may be laminated or bonded together by adhesive or any other known method.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer pad assembly comprises an auxiliary component. The auxiliary component compensates for the deflection of the pad components, including the combined inner pad component and outer pad component, so as not to reduce the load that the assembly can support.

[0019] In one embodiment, the auxiliary component includes a cavity element that receives the pad component, for example, the pad component or an outer pad component and an inner pad component. It is conceivable that the auxiliary component is configured to work with an existing pad, as well as with a plurality of different inner pads, depending on the equipment, work, and ground conditions. In another embodiment, the auxiliary component and the pad component are integrated as a single component.

[0020] When the assembly is subjected to a load, the continuous base portion of the auxiliary component moves to a position parallel to the ground. This compensates for the deflection of the inner pad by distributing the load to the continuous base portion extending around the periphery of the auxiliary component. As a result, the amount of load the assembly can withstand is not reduced. The auxiliary component includes a continuous rim with a scalloped portion, and an ergonomic handle and device. The scalloped portion assists in controlling the auxiliary component when transporting and manipulating the pad, such as by rolling it along the periphery. Preferably, the auxiliary component is manufactured from rubber or a rubber / metal combination, but any material that helps compensate for the deflection of the pad component in use is conceivable.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer pad assembly comprises reinforcing components. The reinforcing components may include any flexible material, a rigid material, or a combination of both. An example of a flexible material is rubber. An example of a rigid material is spring steel, or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Layers of materials may be bonded or laminated together to form a single sheet, for example, rubber and FRP or spring steel, i.e., spring steel backed with rubber. The reinforcing components may be positioned between the ground and the bottom of the stabilizer pad, or between the pad components and auxiliary components, to protect the pad from wear and puncture, improve the strength and durability of the assembly, and / or reduce pad deflection.

[0022] In embodiments of the present invention in which the stabilizer pad assembly comprises two or more components, these components may be joined to one another using one or more overlapping joint configurations in which the components overlap. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the overlapping joint configuration may include guide elements such as angled surfaces or radii such as balls and sockets to assist in aligning the components.

[0023] The advantages of the lap joint configuration include providing a strong connection between components and being usable for joining components made from dissimilar materials. It is also conceivable that other elements may be used to join the components of the present invention. For example, a strip element may be used to provide an interference fit between components. The strip may be made from any compressible material such as nylon, rubber, or foam. Alternatively, it may be integrated with one of the components, namely a pad component or auxiliary component.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention includes an ergonomic handgrip element that may be used with a strap or pull rope to assist in the movement of a stabilizer pad or assembly. The handgrip element includes ergonomic characteristics such as size, texture, pattern, and material composition. A pull rope including the handgrip element can be attached to any of the components of the present invention, for example, the pull rope may be fixed to an ergonomic handle of a pad component, an inner pad component, or an auxiliary component. The pull rope is used to attach a lifting hook of a machine to move the stabilizer pad or assembly. They may also be used to manually move or pull the stabilizer pad or assembly. The handgrip element is movable on the pull rope; that is, the handgrip element includes a through hole to receive the pull rope and provides sufficient play so that the handgrip element can slide to various positions along the pull rope. Thus, the handgrip element can be used to manipulate the pad or assembly in a state that is easily movable to avoid interference with the lifting hook.

[0025] The present invention and its attributes and advantages will be further understood and recognized by reference to the following detailed description of the presently contemplated embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is an isometric view showing a pad component. [Figure 2] It is a top view showing a pad component. [Figure 3] It is an isometric view showing a pad component having an outrigger. [Figure 4] It is an exploded isometric view showing an outer pad component including an inner pad component. [Figure 5] It is an isometric view showing an outer pad component. [Figure 6] It is a top view showing an outer pad component. [Figure 7] It is an isometric view showing an inner pad component. [Figure 8] It is a bottom view showing an inner pad component. [Figure 9] It is an isometric view showing an outer pad component assembled with an inner pad component. [Figure 10] It is a top view showing an outer pad component assembled with an inner pad component. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing an outer pad component assembled with an inner pad component. [Figure 12] It is an isometric view showing an outer pad component assembled with an inner pad component and an outrigger. [Figure 13] It is an isometric view showing an inner pad component having an outrigger. [Figure 14] It is an isometric view showing an auxiliary component. [Figure 15]This is a top view showing auxiliary components. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing a pad component that is not under load. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing a pad component under load. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view showing the pad components and auxiliary components when no load is applied. [Figure 19] This is a detailed view showing a portion of the auxiliary components of Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view showing the pad components and auxiliary components under load. [Figure 21] This is a detailed diagram showing a portion of the auxiliary components of Figure 20. [Figure 22] This is a side view showing the effective area of ​​a load applied to a pad component that does not have auxiliary components. [Figure 23] This is a side view showing the effective area of ​​the load applied to a pad component having auxiliary components. [Figure 24] This is an isometric view showing the pad components and auxiliary components. [Figure 25] This is an isometric view showing the pad components assembled together with the auxiliary components. [Figure 26] This is a top view showing the pad component assembled together with the auxiliary components. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view showing the pad component assembled together with the auxiliary components. [Figure 28] This is an exploded isometric view showing the outer pad components, inner pad components, and auxiliary components. [Figure 29] This is an isometric view showing the outer pad component assembled together with both the inner pad component and the auxiliary component. [Figure 30] This is a top view showing the outer pad component assembled together with both the inner pad component and the auxiliary component. [Figure 31]This is a cross-sectional view showing the outer pad component assembled together with both the inner pad component and the auxiliary component. [Figure 32] This is an isometric view showing the main pad components integrated with the auxiliary components. [Figure 33] This is a top view showing the main pad components integrated with the auxiliary components. [Figure 34] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main pad component integrated with the auxiliary components. [Figure 35] This is an isometric view showing the reinforcing components. [Figure 36] This is a top view showing the reinforcing components. [Figure 37] This is an isometric view showing a pad component with reinforcing and auxiliary components. [Figure 38] This is an isometric view showing the outer pad component assembled together with the inner pad component, reinforcing component, and auxiliary component. [Figure 39] This is an isometric view showing an exemplary material structure of the pad components. [Figure 40] This is an isometric view showing a pad component including band elements positioned around the periphery. [Figure 41] This is an isometric view showing the assembled and disassembled pad components, including band elements. [Figure 42] This is an isometric view showing the pad components assembled together with the auxiliary components. [Figure 43] This is an isometric view showing the handgrip elements. [Figure 44] This is an isometric view showing the assembled and disassembled handgrip elements. [Figure 45] This figure shows a stabilizer pad assembly having a pull rope that includes a handgrip element. [Figure 46] This figure shows a stabilizer pad having a tow rope that includes a handgrip element suspended by a hook. [Figure 47]This figure shows a stabilizer pad assembly having a tow rope that includes a handgrip element suspended by a hook. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Ergonomic stabilizer pads and ergonomic assemblies for stabilizing equipment during use, such as cranes or vehicles with outriggers. For the purposes of this application, the stabilizer pads are illustrated and described as having a circular shape, but any shape, such as square, rectangular, or octagonal, can be envisioned. However, a circular shape is known to work well for rolling the pad along its edges.

[0029] The stabilizer pad includes an ergonomic handle and device. In certain embodiments, the stabilizer pad 100 may include a pad component 120. In certain other embodiments, the stabilizer pad assembly 101 may include an outer pad component 180 and an inner pad component 200. The outer pad component 180 can be considered a pad component 120 having a removable portion, i.e., the inner pad component 200.

[0030] One embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3. The pad component 120 comprises a first surface 122, a second surface 124 on the opposite side, and a side wall surface 126 that forms the peripheral edge of the pad 100.

[0031] At least two recessed elements 110 are provided in the pad 100, each accommodating a handle element 140. Although four recessed elements 110 are illustrated, any number of two or more can be imagined. Each recessed element 110 is formed inward from the side wall surface 126 toward the center of the pad component 120. The recessed element 110 is defined by a first surface portion 112, a second surface portion 114, and a third surface portion 116 connecting both of them. A space is formed between the handle 140 and the third surface portion 116.

[0032] The ergonomic handle device includes two or more handle elements 140, which alternately position one near a first surface 122 of the main pad component 120 and the other near a second surface 124 on the opposite side. When the pad component 120 is placed on the ground, a gap 144 is created between the lower part of the handle and the ground. As shown in the figure, handle element 140A is positioned near the first surface 122 and provides a larger gap than handle element 140B, which is positioned near the second surface 124 on the opposite side, allowing the user to place their hands in the space below and above the handle.

[0033] The handle is integrated with a pad component 120, such as by insert molding into the pad or by machining from the pad material. For example, each handle element 140 may be a ring insert molded into the pad component 120.

[0034] The pad component may further include a dedicated notch element 130 for attaching a pull rope (having an ergonomic handle) for transporting the stabilizer pad. The notch element 130 is formed inward from the side wall surface 126 toward the center of the pad component 120. The notch element 130 is defined by a first face segment 132, a second face segment 134, and a third face segment 136 connecting both of them. The notch element 130 includes a body segment 138 that, together with the third face segment 136, forms a slot. The pull rope is connected to the notch element 130 by passing the pull rope through the slot and securing it around the body segment 138.

[0035] The pad components may further include groove elements 127 positioned on the side wall surface 126. The groove elements 127 may extend over or to part of the periphery of the pad 100. The groove elements 127 may be used to receive strip elements 170 (see Figure 27) and create interference fit between the components.

[0036] The stabilizer pad may further include a product tag or label element 150 positioned on the first surface 122, although the label element 150 may also be positioned on the second surface 124 or the side wall surface 126. The label element 150 may provide information such as a serial number, model number, manufacturing date, or machine-readable code such as a barcode or QR code. It is conceivable that the machine-readable code may be used in conjunction with an internet website or smartphone application.

[0037] The label element 150 may further cover and seal a pocket element (shown in Figure 4) positioned on either the first surface 122 or the second surface 124. The pocket element may include a device that provides data such as location, identification information, authentication, re-authentication, current load weight, or the total load weight supported by the pad during the device's lifespan. The data-providing device may operate using short-range wireless communication such as RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth. The device may also operate using a satellite-based system such as GPS.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a pad component 120 having an outrigger positioned on the main pad component 120.

[0039] Another embodiment of the stabilizer pad 101 is shown in Figures 4 to 13. In this embodiment, the stabilizer pad 101 comprises an outer pad component 180 having an inner pad component 200. The outer pad component 180 comprises a first surface 182, a second surface 184 on the opposite side, and a side wall surface 186 that forms the periphery of the pad 180. The outer pad component 180 further includes a receptacle portion 190 configured to receive the inner pad component 200. The outer pad component 180 includes two or more recessed elements 110, including a handle element 140 as illustrated above. The outer pad component 180 may also further include a notched element 130 for attaching a tow rope as illustrated above.

[0040] The inner pad component 200 comprises an upper surface 202, an opposite lower surface 204, and an edge wall surface 206 that forms the periphery of the inner pad component 200. The inner pad component 200 may also include two or more recessed elements 110, including a handle element 140 as illustrated above. The inner pad component 200 may further include a notched element 130 for attaching a tow rope as illustrated above.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the outer pad component 180 includes a label element 150 protecting the pocket element 160, which may include a device that provides data such as location, identification information, certification, recertification, current load weight, or the total load weight that the pad has supported during the life of the device. The pocket element 160 is defined by a base surface 162 separated from the first surface 182 by a side surface 164. Any depth of the pocket element 160 from the first surface 182 is recalled. The pocket element 160 may further include a compartment portion 166 for further securing the device. The label element 150 may be positioned flush with or horizontal to the first surface 182. As shown in Figure 4, the inner pad component 200 may also include the label element 150 as described above.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the receptacle portion 190 is configured to receive the inner pad component 200 and includes surfaces 192, 194, and 196. The first surface 192 defines a first aperture 190A, which is bounded by a third surface 196 that is parallel to the first surface 184. The second surface 194 defines a second aperture 190B.

[0043] Figures 7 and 8 show the inner pad component 200. In certain embodiments, both sides of the inner pad component can be used. The upper surface is a flat surface, and the lower surface has a portion that rises from a non-relieved portion to a higher position. The lower surface 204 is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The lower surface includes a raised portion 210 and a non-relieved portion 220. The non-relieved portion 210 is formed by the edge wall surface 206 and the first lower surface 204A. The raised portion 220 is formed by the inner edge wall surface 208 and the second lower surface 204B.

[0044] Figures 9 to 11 show the outer pad component 180 assembled together with the inner pad component 200. As shown, the inner pad component 200 is positioned within the receptacle portion 190 of the outer pad component 180 using an overlap joint configuration. The raised portion 200 is positioned within the second aperture 190B. Once positioned, the upper surface 202 of the inner pad component 200 and the first surface 182 of the outer pad component 180 are horizontal. As shown in Figure 11, the edge wall surface 206 of the inner pad component 200 is bounded by the first surface 192 of the outer pad component 180, the first lower surface 204 of the inner pad component 200 is bounded by the third surface 196 of the outer pad component 180, and the inner edge wall surface 208 of the inner pad component 200 is bounded by the second surface 194 of the outer pad component 180.

[0045] Figure 11 also shows a strip element 170 positioned on the side wall surface 186 of the outer pad component 180. This strip element may help to secure the stabilizer pad assembly 101 within the auxiliary component 300 (see Figures 28–30).

[0046] Figure 12 shows an isometric view of the inner pad component 200 and the outer pad component 180 assembled with the outriggers, and Figure 13 shows an isometric view of the inner pad component 200 with the outriggers. As shown in Figure 13, the upper surface 202 of the inner pad component 200 may be positioned on the ground. The larger surface area of ​​the non-relieving portion 210 acts as a base when the relieving portion 220 receives the outriggers.

[0047] Figures 14 and 15 show auxiliary components. The auxiliary component 300 compensates for the deflection of the pad component that occurs during use and may be used together with the existing stabilizer pad. The auxiliary component 300 may include an upper surface 302 and a lower surface 304. The auxiliary component 300 includes a cavity element 310 that accepts different types of inner pads of various shapes and sizes.

[0048] The cavity element 310 is defined by a wall element 312. The wall element 312 includes an inner boundary surface 314, an outer boundary surface 316, and an upper boundary surface 318. The aperture 320 is defined by a side surface 322. The auxiliary component 300 includes a handle element 340 with a continuous rim portion 342. Multiple ergonomic handgrip portions 344 and scallop portions 346 are integrated with the rim portion 342. The scallop portions assist in controlling the auxiliary component when transporting and manipulating the pad, such as by rolling it along the periphery. The rim portion 342 may further include bolster components to increase strength, for example, a wire or cable may be positioned throughout the entire rim portion 342. The handle element 340 is integrated with the wall element 312.

[0049] Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the pad component without load, and Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the pad component with load applied. As can be seen in Figure 17, the central portion of the pad component flexes downward. This flexure is reduced by using auxiliary components.

[0050] Figure 18 shows cross-sectional views of the pad and auxiliary components when no load is applied. As shown, the lower surface 304 of the auxiliary component 300 includes a base portion 350. The base portion 350 extends continuously around the circumference of the lower surface 304 and includes an inner edge surface 352, an outer edge surface 354, and a leg surface 356. The leg surface 356 of the base portion 350 is positioned at an angle to the ground on which it is placed, as shown in Figure 19.

[0051] Figure 20 shows cross-sectional views of the pad and auxiliary components under load. When the assembly is loaded, the leg surfaces 356 of the base portion 350 move to a position parallel to the ground, as shown in Figure 21. This counteracts the deflection of the pad components. Specifically, the load is distributed to the continuous base portion 350 extending around the circumference of the lower surface 304. As a result, the amount of load the device can handle is not reduced.

[0052] Figure 22 shows a side view of the effective area of ​​a load applied to a pad component without auxiliary components. Figure 23 shows a side view of the effective area of ​​a load applied to a pad component with auxiliary components. The effective area may be defined as an active area, a transition area, and a passive area. As can be seen from the figures, the effective area is significantly increased by using auxiliary components.

[0053] Figures 24–27 show a stabilizer pad assembly 102 comprising a pad component 120 assembled with an auxiliary component 300. As shown, the pad component 120 is positioned within the cavity element 310 of the auxiliary component 300 using an overlap joint configuration. As shown in Figure 27, the side wall surface 126 of the pad component 120 is bounded by the inner boundary surface 314 of the wall element 312. The second surface 124 is bounded by the top surface 302 of the auxiliary component 300. Figure 27 also shows a strip element 170 positioned on the side wall surface 126 of the pad component 120. This strip element may help to secure the pad component 120 within the auxiliary component 300.

[0054] Figures 28–31 show a stabilizer pad assembly 103, comprising an outer pad component 180 assembled with an inner pad component 200, both of which are combined with an auxiliary component 300. As shown, the inner pad component 200 is positioned within the receptacle portion 190 of the outer pad component 180 using an overlap joint configuration, as described in detail with reference to Figure 11. The outer pad component 180 and the inner pad component 200 are positioned within the cavity element 310 of the auxiliary component 300 using another overlap joint configuration. As shown in Figure 31, the side wall surface 186 of the outer pad component 180 is bounded by the inner boundary surface 314 of the wall element 312. The second surface 184 is bounded by the top surface 302 of the auxiliary component 300.

[0055] Figures 32 and 33 show a stabilizer pad assembly 104 comprising a pad component 128 integrated with an auxiliary component 300. In this embodiment, the pad component 128 is not removable from the auxiliary component 300. Figure 34 shows a cross-sectional view of the pad component integrated with the auxiliary component.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer pad assembly may include a reinforcing component 400 as shown in Figures 35 and 36. The reinforcing component 400 may be any flexible material, a rigid material, or a combination of both. The reinforcing component 400 includes an upper surface 402 and a lower surface 404 separated by a side surface 406. The reinforcing component 400 may be positioned between the ground and the bottom of the stabilizer pad, or between the pad component and the auxiliary component, to protect the pad from wear, perforation, and / or reduce the deflection of the pad. Figure 37 shows a stabilizer pad assembly 105 including a main pad component 120, a reinforcing component 400, and an auxiliary component 300. Figure 38 shows a stabilizer pad assembly 106 including an outer pad component 180, an inner pad component 200, a reinforcing component 400, and an auxiliary component 300.

[0057] Figure 39 shows an isometric view of the assembled and disassembled exemplary material structure of the pad component 500. Layers 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512 are fabricated in a weave pattern in which the grains (i.e., longitudinal arrangement of fibers) of each material layer are positioned non-parallel to each adjacent layer. This improves the shear coefficient of the pad component. As shown, the grains of one layer are positioned at approximately 30 degrees from the grains of the adjacent layer, but any angle from 90 degrees to parallel (i.e., 0 degrees) is conceivable. The top layer 502 and the bottom layer 514 are used to surround and protect the pad component 500. It is conceivable that layers 502 and 514 may be constructed from, for example, carbon fiber or glass fiber.

[0058] Figure 40 shows a pad component assembly 107 comprising a pad component 502 having the material structure described in Figure 39. The pad component 502 includes a first surface 504, a second surface 506 on the opposite side, and a side wall surface 508 that forms the periphery of the pad component 502. A band element 520 is positioned around the periphery. The band element 520 protects the side wall surface 508 of the pad component 502 and may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0059] Figure 41 shows an isometric view of the assembled and disassembled pad component 502, including a band element 520. The band element comprises a plurality of individual vertical wall portions 522, a plurality of individual horizontal wall portions 524, and a handle wall portion 525. The wall portions 522, 524, and 525 are aligned with and attached to the side wall surface 508. The handle wall portion 524 is combined with the pad component 502 to form a handle element 142. The handle device includes a handle 142A positioned near the first surface 504 of the pad component 502 and a handle 142B positioned near the second surface 506 on the opposite side of the pad component 502. When the pad component 502 is placed on the ground, a gap 146 is created between the handle and the ground. The handle positioned near one surface provides a larger gap than the handle positioned near the opposite surface. The gap allows the user to place their hand in the space below and above the handle. The vertical wall section 522 and the horizontal wall section 524 are assembled to the pad component 502 using hardware elements 526, such as screws, nails, washers, nuts, bolts, etc.

[0060] Figure 42 shows a stabilizer pad assembly 108, which includes a pad component 502 assembled with an auxiliary component 300.

[0061] Figures 43 and 44 show one embodiment of the handgrip element 600. The handgrip element comprises a first housing portion 610 and a second housing portion 620. The first housing portion 610 and the second housing portion 620 are assembled to form a channel element 630. The housing portions 610 and 620 of the handgrip element 600 are shown in Figures 43 and 44 as being assembled using hardware 640, but any known method can be recalled.

[0062] As shown in Figure 44, the first housing portion 610 includes a first upper surface 612, a first lower surface 614, and a first side surface 616. The second housing portion 620 includes a second upper surface 622, a second lower surface 624, and a second side surface 626. When assembled, these surfaces form a channel element 630. The channel element 630 is configured to receive one or more pull ropes or straps that may be used to move the stabilizer pad and device of the present invention. The channel element 630 is configured to provide play space, allowing the pull rope to move to various positions along the pull rope within the channel element 630. The housing portions 610 and 620 include ergonomic characteristics, such as those relating to size, shape, texture, pattern, and material composition.

[0063] As illustrated by the exemplary embodiments in Figures 45 to 47, the pull rope including the handgrip element can be attached to any of the components of the present invention, such as the pad component, inner pad component, outer pad component, or auxiliary component. The pull rope is used to attach a lifting hook of the machine and move the stabilizer pad or assembly. Alternatively, the pull rope may be used to manually move or tow the stabilizer pad or assembly. Thus, the handgrip element can be used to manually operate the pad or assembly, as shown by Figure 45. The handgrip element slides easily along the pull rope to avoid interference with the lifting hook, as shown in Figures 46 and 47.

[0064] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art in light of this specification. Therefore, this specification should be interpreted as merely illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art a general way of carrying out the present invention. It should be understood that the forms of the present invention illustrated and described herein should be considered as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials may be replaced with those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the present invention may be used independently, all of which will be obvious to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the specification of the present invention. Modifications may be made to the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pad component including a first surface, The second surface on the opposite side, Side wall surfaces forming the periphery, A stabilizer pad comprising two or more recessed elements, each recessed element formed inward from the side wall surface, each recessed element including a handle element, the handle element being positioned alternately near the first surface and near the opposite second surface, thereby creating a gap between the lower part of the handle and the ground when the pad component is placed on the ground, so that at least one handle provides a larger gap than adjacent handle elements, allowing a user to place their hand in the space below and above the handle.

2. The stabilizer pad according to claim 1, wherein the handle element is insert-molded into the stabilizer pad or machined from the pad material.

3. The stabilizer pad according to claim 1, further comprising a notched element 130 formed inward from the side wall surface, the notched element 130 having a main body segment configured to fix a pull rope.

4. The stabilizer pad according to claim 1, further comprising groove elements extending around all or part of the peripheral edge of the side wall surface, configured to receive strip elements.

5. The stabilizer pad according to claim 1, further comprising a pocket element for one or more devices that provides data such as position, identification information, certification, recertification, current load weight, or total load weight that the pad has supported during the lifespan of the device.

6. The stabilizer pad according to claim 1, further comprising a receptacle portion and an inner pad component, wherein the receptacle portion is configured to receive the inner pad component.

7. The stabilizer pad according to claim 6, wherein the inner pad component comprises a flat surface and a surface having a raised portion and a non-raised portion.

8. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 6, further comprising an auxiliary component, the auxiliary component including a cavity element configured to receive one or more of the pad component and the inner pad component.

9. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 8, wherein the auxiliary component includes a handle element having a continuous rim portion.

10. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 9, wherein the continuous rim portion comprises a plurality of ergonomic handgrip portions and a plurality of scallop portions.

11. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing component comprising one or more flexible materials or rigid materials.

12. The stabilizer P.2 riser pad component according to claim 11, wherein the reinforcing component is made of rubber material and spring steel material.

13. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 1, further comprising a handgrip element including a channel element, wherein the channel element is configured to provide a play space that allows a tow rope to move within the channel element.

14. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 8, wherein the auxiliary component is made of a rubber material.

15. The stabilizer pad component according to claim 1, wherein the pad component is made of bamboo material.

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