Outrigger Stabilizer Pad Having a Frictional Surface

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to outrigger pads, and specifically outrigger stabilizer pads providing a three-dimensional frictional surface, which provides additional stability between the outrigger foot and the staging ground surface. The frictional surface provides the pad with a non-slip feature when the pad is used on slippery surfaces, such as mud, snow and ice. Additionally, the frictional surface of the present outrigger pads provide the pad with interlocking capabilities, either for stacking complimentary outrigger pads on top of one another, or for engagement with another object such as a cribbing block, for changing the height of the outrigger pad.

Claims

1. An outrigger pad for use between an outrigger foot and a surface, the outrigger pad comprising: a pad formed from a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall; a front surface on the top wall; a back surface on the bottom wall; and a frictional element formed on at least one of the front and back surfaces.

2. The outrigger pad of claim 1 wherein the side wall forms a perimeter of the pad.

3. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the frictional element is formed on the front surface of the pad.

4. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the frictional element is formed on the back surface of the pad.

5. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the frictional element is formed on both the front surface and on the back surface of the pad.

6. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the frictional element completely covers the front surface of the pad to the perimeter of the pad.

7. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the frictional element is a plurality of peaks connected with valleys.

8. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the frictional element is a plurality of teeth.

9. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the pad further includes at least one opening.

10. The outrigger pad of claim 9, wherein the opening passes through the top wall and the bottom wall.

11. The outrigger pad of claim 10, wherein the opening is configured for receiving a handle.

12. The outrigger pad of claim 1, wherein the pad further includes at least a pair of openings.

13. The outrigger pad of claim 12, wherein the openings are configured for receiving a handle.

14. An outrigger pad for use in stabilizing an outrigger foot on a piece of heavy equipment, the outrigger pad comprising: a pad formed from a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall forming a perimeter of the pad; a front side on the top wall; a back side on the bottom wall; a frictional surface on at least one of the front side or the back side, the frictional surface configured to contact a ground surface and minimize slip of the pad on the ground surface; and, at least one opening through the front side and the back side.

15. The outrigger pad of claim 14, wherein the frictional surface is distributed uniformly on the front side of the top wall.

16. The outrigger pad of claim 14, wherein the frictional surface is distributed uniformly on the front side and the back side.

17. The outrigger pad of claim 14, wherein the frictional surface comprises a repetitive pattern of peaks and valleys.

18. The outrigger pad of claim 17, wherein the peaks and valleys are configured to engage the ground surface.

19. The outrigger pad of claim 17, wherein the peaks and valleys are configured to engage a corresponding frictional surface on another device.

20. The outrigger pad of claim 14, wherein the opening is configured for receiving a handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an outrigger stabilizer pad according to the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the embodiment of the outrigger stabilizer pad of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the outrigger stabilizer pad of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an outrigger stabilizer pad according to the present disclosure; and,

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the frictional element of the outrigger stabilizer pad of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure relates to outrigger pads, and specifically outrigger stabilizer pads having a frictional surface and improved stability between the outrigger foot of an apparatus, such as heavy construction equipment, and the staging surface. The frictional surface enhances the non-slip ability of the pad on slippery surfaces, such as mud, snow and ice. Additionally, the frictional surface of the present outrigger stabilizer pads provide the pad with interlocking capabilities, either for stacking outrigger pads having the same frictional surface on top of one another, or for engagement with another object such as a cribbing block, which can be used for changing the height of the outrigger pad. The present outrigger stabilizer pads provide a level base on uneven or inconsistent ground surfaces.

[0026] Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate embodiments of the present outrigger stabilizer pad 10 incorporating the frictional element 30 on a surface of the pad. FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of the surface of an embodiment of the present outrigger stabilizer pads, illustrating the details of the frictional element configuration of the surface of the present outrigger stabilizer pad.

[0027] Outrigger stabilizer pads can be constructed from any durable material, including wood and plastics, preferably UHWM polyethylene, which can be cut, heat stamped, shaped or molded into any desired form using known techniques. Stabilizer pads of the type described in the present disclosure are generally used to provide a support platform for a typical outrigger on an apparatus, such as heavy construction equipment, including construction cranes, RVs and other large mobile homes, fire engines and apparatus. The present disclosure illustrates both a square pad and a round pad; however, it should be understood that the present outrigger pad can have any variety of geometric shapes.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outrigger stabilizer pad 10 of the present embodiment comprises a pad 12 formed from a top wall 14, a bottom wall 16, and a side wall 18, which forms an outer perimeter 19 of the pad. As noted, the pad 10 can have any geometric shape, typically square and round (FIGS. 1 and 4). The top wall 14 includes a front surface or side 20, while the bottom wall 16 has a back surface or side 22. Positioned typically near the perimeter 19 of the pad, there is at least one opening 24 adapted for receiving the end of a handle 26. The opening 24 passes through the front side 20 and the back side 22. Preferably, the pad 10 includes two openings spaced apart from one another across the pad 10 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The openings 24 receive and secure a handle 26, in this case a rope or plastic handle, secured either by tying the distal ends 26a of the handle as a knot within the opening, as shown. Optionally, the handle 26 may be secured to the pad 10 another know securing mechanism or known fastener.

[0029] As shown in the Figures, at least one handle 26 is attached to the pad 10. Although a single handle 26 is shown in the Figures, it should be understood that a single pad may include two or more handles positioned at various points around the body of the pad. The handle 26, having a generally C-shape or U-shape, and can be constructed from a variety of durable and flexible materials, for example, rope, plastic and rubber. As shown the Figures, the distal ends 26a of the handle are inserted through the opening 24 in the pad. The handle 26 is ideally shaped to provide enough clearance so that the user can easily slip a hand between the handle and the perimeter 19 of the pad 10 for grasping, carrying and positioning of the pad.

[0030] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate square and round embodiments of outrigger stability pads 10 according to the present disclosure. In these particular embodiments, the entire front surface 20 to the perimeter 19 of each pad 10 is covered by the frictional element 30. The frictional element 30 can be described as a plurality of peaks 32 and valleys 34 or a plurality of teeth, which form a repetitive, three dimensional surface over the entirety of the front surface 20 of the pad 10. Optionally, the back surface 22 of the bottom wall 16 can also include the same frictional element 30 across the entirety of the back surface. Although FIGS. 1 and 4 show the entire front surface 20 of the pad 10 covered by or formed as the frictional element 30, it should be understood that the frictional element can cover an area less than the entire front surface 20 of the pad 10, and/or the frictional element may be arranged in any pattern suitable for a specific purpose or as customization surface for a customer.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a closer view of the three dimensional configuration of the raised peaks 32 and valleys 34 surface of the frictional element 30. The peaks 32 and valleys 34 of the frictional element 30 on the surface 20 of the pad 10 provide the pad with a raised surface capable of anti-slip properties. In particular, when the pad 10 is placed with the frictional element 30 in contact with the ground, the peaks 32 are capable of gripping or grabbing onto the ground. This is particularly advantageous on slippery surfaces, such as mud, snow or ice. The grip provided by the pad 10 further acts as a brace preventing lateral movement of the pad on the staging ground. The natural valleys 34 provided by the frictional element 30 pattern are further useful for directing moisture or water away from the surface of the pad 10. Additionally, the frictional element 30 pattern may be complimented by additional channels (not shown) disposed on the surface 20 of the pad 10, which are also useful for directing moisture, water or other liquids away from the surface of the pad when placed on the staging ground.

[0032] Another feature offered by the present outrigger stabilizer pad 10 is that pads with a similar or complementary three dimensional surface features are capable of being stacked one on top of another in an interlocking manner. This can be particularly useful with uneven staging grounds, where the outriggers of a vehicle may be at different heights. When the present outrigger stabilizer pad 10 is positioned with the frictional element 30 face up, the peaks 32 and valleys 34 surface configuration enables the pad to mesh or interlock with another pad having a complimentary surface configuration. In this manner, the stacked pads are less likely to slip apart from one another. The interlocking feature of the frictional element 30 of the outrigger pads 10 permits pads to be joined together, providing additional height. Other items having a similar frictional element surface, such as a cribbing block (not shown), may engage with the frictional element of the outrigger pad to adjust the height of the pad. Additionally, stacking outrigger pads that may interlock with one another is convenient for storage of the pads.

[0033] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to the invention are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.