Stabilizer Pads and Assemblies

Abstract

An ergonomic stabilizer pad and assembly for stabilizing equipment during use, such as a crane or vehicle with outriggers, as well as protecting the ground on which the equipment is placed. The stabilizer pad includes an ergonomic handle and device. The ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly includes modular components that divide the weight of the assembly between the individual components. Each component can be transported separately, allowing the stabilizer pad assembly to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. Furthermore, the ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly counteracts deflection of the pad that occurs during use and may be used with existing stabilizer pads. The present invention simplifies lifting operations associated with transporting and positioning the stabilizer pad, reducing the occurrence of injuries to users. According to the present invention, pads of any size can be easily handled, even large sizes with heavy weights.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 111,607, filed November 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 (e.g., heavy construction equipment such as cranes or any equipment with outriggers) during use, as well as protect the ground on which the equipment is placed. [Background technology]

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

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

[0005] Stabilizer pads can also be transported by manual pulling or mechanical lifting, both of which may require additional tow lines or straps secured to the pad. Some pads have handles to aid in their transport. These handles are sometimes constructed with ropes secured through holes in the mat, but the integrity of the rope handles easily deteriorates and eventually falls apart during repeated use. Cable-constructed handles are known to be attached using pins threaded through anchor holes, but this can become unstable and risk detachment from the mat. This can be particularly problematic if the handle detaches from the pad during mechanical lifting and transportation. Furthermore, certain known cable handles are positioned along the periphery of the pad, creating little or no play (e.g., 0-3 / 4 inches) with the ground. This makes it difficult for users to position their hands around the handle.

[0006] Another problem with current stabilizer pads is that a portion of the pad flexes upward from the ground during use, thereby reducing the amount of load the pad can support. Specifically, the more the stabilizer pad flexes, the less load the pad can support. Also, increasing the size of the pad to account for flexing is not a desirable solution because this increases the weight of the pad. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is a need for an improved stabilizer pad, one that is easily transportable, includes ergonomic features, and compensates for the flexing of the pad that occurs during use. The present invention fills this need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] While the present invention is described with respect to a crane, any vehicle having outriggers or other equipment support structures is contemplated. The present invention is directed to an ergonomic stabilizer pad and assembly that stabilizes equipment, such as a crane or vehicle with outriggers, during use and protects the ground on which the equipment is placed. The stabilizer pad includes an ergonomic handle and an ergonomic handle arrangement along the periphery of the pad. The ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly includes modular components configured to "nestate" with one another (i.e., placed or stored one within the other), dividing the weight of the assembly between the individual components. Each component can be transported separately, allowing for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the stabilizer pad assembly. Furthermore, the ergonomic stabilizer pad assembly compensates for pad deflection that occurs during use and may be used with existing stabilizer pads. The present invention simplifies lifting operations associated with transporting and positioning stabilizer pads, reducing the risk of user injury. Pads of any size, even large and heavy ones, can be easily handled with the present invention.

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

[0010] Additionally, the handle may be integrated with the pad component, for example, the handle may be insert molded into the pad or machined out of the pad material.

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

[0012] The stabilizer pad may further include a product tag or label, which may include information such as a serial number, model number, manufacturing date, or a machine-readable code such as a barcode or QR code. It is envisioned 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 receive the device.

[0013] The device may provide data such as location, identification, certification, recertification, current load weight, or total load weight of pads it has supported over the device's lifetime. The device providing the data 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 up the weight of a conventional crane mat. This makes the pad easier to transport and manipulate, especially when performed by hand (or by rolling along the periphery).

[0015] In certain embodiments, both sides of the inner pad component can be used. The first side comprises a flat surface, and the second side comprises a surface having a raised portion from a non-raised portion to a higher position. The raised portion may be used to receive an outrigger, as the non-raised portion stabilizes the pad. When flipped or inverted, this non-raised portion may be received by an opening in the outer pad component. It is envisioned that the inner pad component may also include a pocket for receiving a device such as those described above.

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

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the padding components are manufactured from bamboo, a sustainable resource that has been found to have a higher tensile strength than steel. It is envisioned that composite materials may be constructed from layers processed from bamboo, which may be laminated or bonded together, such as by adhesive or any other known method.

[0018] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a stabilizer pad assembly includes an auxiliary component that compensates for deflection of pad components, including combined inner and outer pad components, such that the load that the assembly can support is not reduced.

[0019] In one embodiment, the auxiliary component includes a cavity element that receives the pad component, e.g., the pad component or the outer and inner pad components. It is envisioned that the auxiliary component is configured to interface with an existing pad and with multiple different inner pads depending on the equipment, task, and ground conditions. In another embodiment, the auxiliary component and the pad component are integrated as a unitary 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 offsets 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 scalloped portions and an ergonomic handle and device. The scalloped portions aid in control of the auxiliary component when transporting and manipulating the pad, such as by rolling it along the periphery. Preferably, the auxiliary component is fabricated from rubber or a rubber / metal combination, although any material that helps offset deflection of the pad component during use is envisioned.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizer pad assembly includes a reinforcing component. The reinforcing component may include any flexible or rigid material, or a combination of both. An example of a flexible material may include rubber. An example of a rigid material may include spring steel or a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Layers of material may be bonded or laminated together into a single sheet, for example, rubber and FRP or spring steel, i.e., rubber-backed spring steel. The reinforcing component may be positioned between the ground and the bottom of the stabilizer pad, or between the pad component and an auxiliary component, to protect the pad from abrasion 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 includes two or more components, the components may be joined together using one or more lap joint configurations in which the components overlap. It is further envisioned that the lap joint configurations may include guide elements, such as angled surfaces, or radii, such as balls and sockets, that assist in aligning the components.

[0023] Advantages of the lap joint configuration include providing a strong connection between components and the fact that it may be used to join components made from dissimilar materials. It is also envisioned that other elements may be used to join the components of the present invention. For example, strip elements may be used to provide an interference fit between the components. The strips may be made from any compressible material, such as nylon, rubber, foam, etc., or may be integrated with one of the components, i.e., the pad component, or the auxiliary component.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention includes ergonomic hand grip elements that may be used with a strap or pull cord to assist in moving a stabilizer pad or assembly. The hand grip elements include ergonomic characteristics, such as size, texture, pattern, material composition, etc. The pull cords, including the hand grip elements, can be attached to any of the components of the present invention; for example, the pull cords may be secured to the ergonomic handles of a pad component, an inner pad component, or an auxiliary component. The pull cords are used to attach machine lifting hooks to move the stabilizer pad or assembly. They may also be used to manually move or tow the stabilizer pad or assembly. The hand grip elements are movable on the pull cord; i.e., the hand grip elements include through-holes that accept the pull cord and provide sufficient slack to allow the hand grip elements to slide to various positions along the pull cord. Thus, the hand grip elements can be used to manipulate the pad or assembly while remaining easily movable to avoid interference with the lifting hook.

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

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing pad components. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the pad components. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an isometric view showing a pad component with outriggers. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing the outer padding component including the inner padding component. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the outer pad components. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the outer pad component. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the inner padding component. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the inner padding component. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the outer padding component assembled with the inner padding component. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the outer padding component assembled with the inner padding component. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the outer padding component assembled with the inner padding component. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an isometric view showing the outer pad component assembled with the inner pad component and outriggers. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an isometric view showing the inner pad component with outriggers. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing auxiliary components. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a top view showing auxiliary components. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an unloaded pad component. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pad component under load. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the pad component and auxiliary component with no load applied. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a detailed view of a portion of the auxiliary component of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the pad component and auxiliary component under load. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a detailed view of a portion of the auxiliary component of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the effective area of ​​the load applied to the pad component without the auxiliary component. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the effective area of ​​applied load on a pad component with an auxiliary component. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing padding and auxiliary components. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the pad component assembled with the auxiliary components. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the pad component assembled with the auxiliary components. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the pad component assembled with the auxiliary component. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing outer padding components, inner padding components, and auxiliary components. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the outer padding component assembled with both the inner and auxiliary padding components. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the outer padding component assembled with both the inner padding component and the auxiliary component. [Figure 31]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the outer padding component assembled with both the inner padding component and the auxiliary component. [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the main pad component integrated with the auxiliary components. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the main pad component integrated with the auxiliary component. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main pad component integrated with a secondary component. [Figure 35] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a reinforcement component. [Figure 36] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a reinforcing component. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing a pad component with a reinforcing component and an auxiliary component. [Figure 38] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing the outer padding component assembled with the inner padding component, the reinforcing component, and the auxiliary component. [Figure 39] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing an exemplary material structure of a pad component. [Figure 40] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a pad component including a band element positioned around the periphery. [Figure 41] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing pad components including band elements. [Figure 42] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the pad component assembled with the auxiliary components. [Figure 43] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the hand grip element. [Figure 44] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view showing the hand grip elements. [Figure 45] 10A-10C illustrate a stabilizer pad assembly having a tether including a hand grip element. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 shows a stabilizer pad with a tether including a hand grip element in a state where it is lifted by a hook. [Figure 47]FIG. 10 shows a stabilizer pad assembly with a tether including a hand grip element being lifted by a hook. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An ergonomic stabilizer pad and assembly for stabilizing equipment during use, such as a crane or vehicle having outriggers. For purposes of this application, the stabilizer pad is shown and described as being circular in shape, although any shape is contemplated, such as square, rectangular, octagonal, etc. However, it has been found that a circular shape works well for rolling the pad on 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 the pad component 120 with a removable portion, i.e., the inner pad component 200.

[0030] One embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1-3. Pad component 120 includes a first surface 122, an opposing second surface 124, and a sidewall 126 that forms the periphery of pad 100.

[0031] At least two recess elements 110 are provided in the pad 100, each accommodating a handle element 140. Four recess elements 110 are illustrated, but any number greater than two is contemplated. Each recess element 110 is formed inwardly from the sidewall surface 126 toward the center of the pad component 120. The recess element 110 is defined by a first surface portion 112, a second surface portion 114, and a third surface portion 116 connecting the first and second surface portions. A space is formed between the handle 140 and the third surface portion 116.

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

[0033] The handles are integral with the pad component 120, such as by being insert molded into the pad or machined out of the pad material. As an example, each handle element 140 may be a ring that is insert molded into the pad component 120.

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

[0035] The pad component may further include a groove element 127 positioned on the sidewall surface 126. The groove element 127 may extend around all or part of the periphery of the pad 100. The groove element 127 may be used to receive a strip element 170 (see FIG. 27) to provide an 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 sidewall surface 126. The label element 150 may provide information such as a serial number, a model number, a manufacturing date, or a machine-readable code such as a barcode or QR code. It is envisioned that the machine-readable code may be used in conjunction with an internet website or a smartphone application.

[0037] The label element 150 may further cover and seal a pocket element (shown in FIG. 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, certification, recertification, current load weight, or total load weight that the pad has supported over the life of the device. 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] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the pad component 120 with outriggers positioned on the main pad component 120.

[0039] Another embodiment of the stabilizer pad 101 is shown in Figures 4-13. In this embodiment, the stabilizer pad 101 includes an outer pad component 180 having an inner pad component 200. The outer pad component 180 includes a first surface 182, an opposing second surface 184, and a sidewall 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 recess elements 110 that include handle elements 140 as shown and described above. The outer pad component 180 may also further include a cutout element 130 for attaching a lanyard as shown and described above.

[0040] The inner padding component 200 includes an upper surface 202, an opposing lower surface 204, and an edge wall 206 that forms the periphery of the inner padding component 200. The inner padding component 200 may include two or more recess elements 110, including a handle element 140, as shown and described above. The inner padding component 200 may also further include a cutout element 130 for attaching a lanyard, as shown and described above.

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

[0042] 4-6, receptacle portion 190 is configured to receive inner pad component 200 and includes surfaces 192, 194, and 196. First surface 192 defines a first aperture 190A bounded by a third surface 196 that is parallel to first surface 194. Second surface 194 defines a second aperture 190B.

[0043] 7-8 show the inner padding component 200. In certain embodiments, both sides of the inner padding component can be used. The upper surface is flat, and the lower surface includes a raised portion that rises from a non-raised portion to a higher position. The lower surface 204 is shown in FIGS. 7-8. The lower surface includes a raised portion 210 and a non-raised portion 220. The non-raised 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] 9-11 show the outer pad component 180 assembled 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 a lap joint configuration. The raised portion 200 is positioned within the second aperture 190B. When 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 FIG. 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] 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 secure the stabilizer pad assembly 101 within the auxiliary component 300 (see FIGS. 28-30).

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

[0047] 14-15 illustrate an auxiliary component 300. The auxiliary component 300 offsets deflection of the pad component that occurs during use and may be used with existing stabilizer pads. 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 side surfaces 322. The auxiliary component 300 includes a handle element 340 with a continuous rim portion 342. A plurality of ergonomic hand grip portions 344 and a scalloped portion 346 are integrated with the rim portion 342. The scalloped portion aids in control of the auxiliary component when carrying and manipulating the pad, such as by rolling it along its periphery. The rim portion 342 may further include a bolster component for added strength; for example, a wire or cable may be positioned throughout the 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. As can be seen in Figure 17, the central portion of the pad component deflects downward. Using the assist component, this deflection is reduced.

[0050] 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the pad component and auxiliary component with no load 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 marginal surface 352, an outer marginal surface 354, and a foot surface 356. The foot surface 356 of the base portion 350 is positioned at an angle with respect to the ground on which it rests, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0051] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the pad and auxiliary components under load. When the assembly is subjected to a load, the foot surface 356 of the base portion 350 moves to a position parallel to the ground, as shown in FIG. 21. This offsets the deflection of the pad component. Specifically, the load is distributed across the continuous base portion 350, which extends 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 an auxiliary component. Figure 23 shows a side view of the effective area of ​​a load applied to a pad component with an auxiliary component. The effective area may be defined as an active area, a transition area, and a passive area. As can be seen, the effective area is significantly increased by using an auxiliary component.

[0053] 24-27 show a stabilizer pad assembly 102 including a pad component 120 assembled with an auxiliary component 300. As shown, the pad component 120 is positioned within a cavity element 310 of the auxiliary component 300 using a lap joint configuration. As shown in FIG. 27, the side wall surface 126 of the pad component 120 is bounded by an 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. FIG. 27 also shows a strip element 170 positioned on the side wall surface 126 of the pad component 120. This strip element may help secure the pad component 120 within the auxiliary component 300.

[0054] 28-31 show a stabilizer pad assembly 103 comprising an assembled outer pad component 180 with an inner pad component 200, both of which are coupled to 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 a lap joint configuration as described in detail with reference to FIG. 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 lap joint configuration. As shown in FIG. 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] 32 and 33 show a stabilizer pad assembly 104 with a pad component 128 integrated with an auxiliary component 300. In this embodiment, the pad component 128 is not detachable from the auxiliary component 300. FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of the pad component integrated with the auxiliary component.

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

[0057] FIG. 39 shows an exploded isometric view of an exemplary material structure of pad component 500. Layers 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512 are fabricated in a weave pattern in which the grain (i.e., the longitudinal arrangement of fibers) of each material layer is positioned non-parallel to each adjacent layer. This improves the shear modulus of the pad component. As shown, the grain of one layer is positioned approximately 30 degrees from the grain of the adjacent layer, although any angle from 90 degrees to parallel (i.e., 0 degrees) is contemplated. Top layer 502 and bottom layer 514 are used to surround and protect pad component 500. It is contemplated 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 of material construction as described in Figure 39. The pad component 502 includes a first surface 504, an opposing second surface 506, and a sidewall 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 sidewall surface 508 of the pad component 502 and may be made from metal, plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0059] FIG. 41 shows an exploded isometric view of a pad component 502 including a band element 520. The band element includes 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 mates with the pad component 502 to form the handle element 142. The handle arrangement includes a handle 142A positioned near a first surface 504 of the pad component 502 and a handle 142B positioned near an opposite second surface 506 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 creates a larger gap than the handle positioned near the opposite surface. The gap allows a user to place their hands in the space below and above the handle. The vertical wall portion 522 and horizontal wall portion 524 are assembled to the pad component 502 using hardware elements 526, such as screws, nails, washers, nuts, bolts, and the like.

[0060] FIG. 42 shows the stabilizer pad assembly 108 including the pad component 502 assembled with the auxiliary component 300 .

[0061] 43 and 44 illustrate one embodiment of a hand grip element 600. The hand grip 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, 620 of the hand grip element 600 are shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 as being assembled using hardware 640, although any known method is contemplated.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 44 , first housing portion 610 includes a first upper surface 612, a first lower surface 614, and a first side surface 616. 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. Channel element 630 is configured to receive one or more pull cords or straps that may be used to move the stabilizer pads and devices of the present invention. Channel element 630 is configured to provide play space that allows the pull cord to move within channel element 630 to various positions along the pull cord. Housing portions 610, 620 include ergonomic features, such as those related to size, shape, texture, pattern, material composition, etc.

[0063] As shown by the exemplary embodiment in Figures 45-47, a tow rope including a hand grip 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 tow rope can be used to attach a machine lifting hook to move the stabilizer pad or assembly. Alternatively, the tow rope may be used to manually move or tow the stabilizer pad or assembly. Thus, the hand grip element can be used to manually manipulate the pad or assembly, as shown by Figure 45. The hand grip element easily slides along the tow 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 invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this specification. Accordingly, this specification is to be construed as merely illustrative, and is intended to teach those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be considered as exemplary embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all of which would be apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this specification. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. a pad component including a first surface; an opposing second surface; and a sidewall surface forming a peripheral portion; two or more recessed elements, each recessed element formed inwardly from the sidewall surface, each recessed element including a handle element that is alternately positioned near the first surface and near the opposite second surface, whereby, when the pad component is placed on the ground, a gap is created between a lower portion of the handle and the ground, with at least one handle providing a larger gap than an adjacent handle element to allow a user to place their hands in the space below and above the handle; Equipped with a stabilizer pad.

2. The stabilizer pad of claim 1 , wherein the handle element is insert molded into the stabilizer pad or machined out of the pad material.

3. 10. The stabilizer pad of claim 1, further comprising a notch element (130) formed inwardly from the sidewall surface, the notch element (130) comprising a body segment configured to secure a lanyard.

4. The stabilizer pad of claim 1 , further comprising a groove element extending around all or a portion of the periphery of the side wall surface, the groove element configured to receive a strip element.

5. 10. The stabilizer pad of claim 1, further comprising a pocket element for one or more devices that provides data such as location, identification, certification, recertification, current load weight, or total load weight that the pad has supported over the life of the device.

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

7. The stabilizer pad of claim 6 , wherein the inner pad component comprises a flat surface and a surface comprising raised and non-raised portions.

8. The stabilizer pad component of 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 of claim 8 , wherein the auxiliary component includes a handle element with a continuous rim portion.

10. The stabilizer pad component of claim 9 , wherein the continuous rim portion comprises a plurality of ergonomic hand grip portions and a plurality of scalloped portions.

11. The stabilizer pad component of claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing component comprising one or more of a flexible material or a rigid material.

12. The stabilizer pad component of claim 11 , wherein the reinforcing component is made of a rubber material and a spring steel material.

13. The stabilizer pad component of claim 1 , further comprising a hand grip element including a channel element configured to provide play space for allowing a tether to move within the channel element.

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

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

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