The present invention relates to an improved stabilizer pad construction in which a resilient pad is selectively supplemented by the use of a grouser member for providing enhanced operation on a wide variety of ground surfaces. The present invention is particularly adapted for use with a machine of the type having a substantially vertical boom or arm that carries the resilient pad member, in contrast to a machine that uses a set of spread arms that extend beyond the wheels of the machine. Background and Prior Art

The concepts of the present invention can be best understood by making reference to an existing earth moving machine, and certain problems associated therewith. With reference now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, an existing, prior art earth moving apparatus 10 is described. Earth moving apparatus 10 includes a body 12, spaced wheels 14 and stabilizer assembly 16. In a typical example, apparatus 10 is a backhoe which includes a front end loader with a bucket on a distal end and an excavator-style boom with an attached bucket extending from the back end as shown in Fig.1.

Stabilizer assembly 16 is intended to stabilize the rear end of the apparatus 10, or the end from which the excavator-style boom extends to provide stability during a digging operation. Stabilizer assembly 16 typically includes at least one fixed horizontal support structure 18 mounted onto body 12 and two rigid hollow tubes that form vertically oriented stabilizer arms 20. In Fig. 1 actually two horizontal arms 18 are employed.

Hollow stabilizer arms 20 have located within another smaller hollow tube 20A that telescopes inside of arm 20 and is moved upwardly or downwardly with respect to stabilizer arms 18 and ground surface 23 in a known manner, typically by the use of a conventional hydraulic system. Disposed on the lower end of each stabilizer arm 20A is a rectangular stabilizer pad 22. Pad 22 includes an upper, steel plate 24 and a lower, molded rubber pad 26. Pad 26 may be bonded to plate 24, or attached in another way such as by using bolts (not shown). Plate 24 typically includes a pair of upstanding, spaced, parallel brackets 30 having aligned holes passing therethrough. The lower end of associated arm 20A includes a mating hole passing therethrough, and a bolt 32 or the like extends through the hole in arm 20 A and the holes in brackets 30 to mount the lower end of arm 20 A to pad 22. The lower end of arm 20 is spaced above the upper surface of plate 24 to permit pad 22 to pivot through a limited arc about bolt 32 with respect to arm 20A. This pivoting motion permits the pad to accommodate an uneven or non-horizontal ground surface 23, as well as to accommodate an uneven or worn lower surface of molded rubber pad 26 as shown in Fig. 2.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, arm 20A is positioned off-center with respect to pad 22. In particular, arm 20 is disposed along and centered on an outside short edge 27 of pad 22. Pad 22 extends inwardly toward the center of apparatus 10 and away from edge 27 a distance. The pad 22 does not usually extend outwardly away from the center of apparatus 10 beyond wheels 14 or much beyond arm 20 A. This arrangement permits apparatus 10 to be positioned in confined spaces between buildings, walls or trees and the like during construction, and pad 22 does not further limit the space within which apparatus 10 may be used. This type of apparatus is particularly common in Europe where digging must be performed in very tight quarters.

As a consequence of the positioning of arm 20 on pad 22, substantially greater wear occurs along the outside edge 27 of pad 26, or along the portion of pad 26 directly below arm 20, than over other portions of pad 26, as shown in Fig. 2. For very large machines, the surface life of these pads can be particularly short. Moreover, the molded rubber in these pads is susceptible to being destroyed, particularly if the surface upon which the pad is used is somewhat abrasive. In particular, these pads tend to develop a small tear which results in the pad disintegrating into chunks. While some of this wear may be accommodated by pivoting of pad 22 about arm 20A, beyond a certain limit, the wear may not be tolerated because pad 22 is no longer able to stabilize apparatus 10 with a strong frictional interaction with the ground surface 23 and because unacceptable lateral stresses are applied to arm 20. Ultimately, pad 22 must be replaced. Such a replacement procedure is expensive and time-consuming, as the entire pad 22 must be replaced. If a replacement pad is not available, apparatus 10 cannot be used, resulting in unacceptable down time, and if used in a worn condition causes expensive damage to paved/finished surfaces requiring repairs to such. The novel arrangement of the present invention equalizes the loads applied to pad 26 by means of the unique load transferring bracket structure shown in, for example, Figs 5 and 13 including such items as 70,72, 74,(basically one structure) so that the wearing of the rubber surface is more even and prolongs its service life

substantially.

Another drawback of existing machines is that the use of a resilient pad for support of the machine, although perhaps suitable for use on concrete or asphalt, is not effective for use on other ground surfaces, particularly unfinished surfaces such as dirt, gravel, stone or the like. Particularly where the unfinished ground surface is hard and with loose material, the stabilization of the machine is not effective as the pads tend to slide and do not grip effectively.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stabilizer pad construction, particularly adapted to a machine of the type having a substantially vertical boom or arm carrying a resilient pad member, and in which the usual resilient pad is supplemented by a grouser member for providing enhanced operation on a wide variety of ground surfaces. This type of machine is particularly common in Europe where digging must be performed in very tight quarters, and thus the machine with a set of spread arms is, as a practical matter, is not useable. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved stabilizer pad construction in which the resilient pad surface is supplemented by a rotatable grouser member that can assume either of a stored position or an operative position.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved stabilizer pad construction, particularly adapted for a machine of the type having a substantially vertical boom or arm carrying a resilient pad member and in which the resilient pad member is mounted so as to be reversible. In this way a worn surface of the resilient pad member can be substituted by a not worn alternate surface of the resilient pad member. Description of Drawings

It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosure. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevation view of a prior art earth moving machine;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the support arms of the machine of FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a first embodiment of the improvement of the present invention which supplements the resilient pad construction by means of a grouser member;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of the stabilizer pad of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the stabilizer pad of the present invention showing further details;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the stabilizer pad;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a schematic side elevation view showing an initial position of the grouser member essentially in nested position thereof;

Fig. 9 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating the grouser member in a locked operative position;

Fig. 10 is a front view of the stabilizer pad with the grouser member in its operative or engaged position;

Fig. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the stabilizer pad of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a further exploded perspective view of the stabilizer pad;

Fig. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the stabilizer pad of the present invention in another embodiment in which the pad is reversible between different resilient pad sides;

Figs. 14-16 are respective cross-sectional views basically taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13 and illustrating how the pad is reversed;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the pad structure of the present invention using a pair of clamp bars;

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the pad structure of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of the pad structure of Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Fig. 19;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention which supplements the resilient pad construction by means of a grouser member;

Fig. 23 is a side elevation view of the stabilizer pad of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the stabilizer pad of the present invention showing further details;

Fig. 25 is a top plan view of the stabilizer pad;

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of Fig. 25;

Fig. 27 is a schematic side elevation view showing an initial position that the grouser member has been moved to;

Fig. 28 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating the grouser member in a locked operative position;

Fig. 29 is a front view of the stabilizer pad with the grouser member in its operative or engaged position;

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of Fig. 29;

Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is a partially exploded perspective view of the stabilizer pad of the present invention;

Fig. 33 is a further exploded perspective view of the stabilizer pad;

Fig. 34 is a partially exploded perspective view of the stabilizer pad of the present invention in another embodiment in which the pad is reversible between different resilient pad sides;

Figs. 35-37 are respective cross-sectional views basically taken along line 35-35 of Fig. 34 and illustrating how the pad is reversed;

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the pad structure of the present invention using a pair of clamp bars;

Fig. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the pad structure of Fig. 38; Fig. 40 is a side elevation view of the pad structure of Fig. 38;

Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 of Fig. 40; and Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 of Fig. 40. Detailed Description

A preferred embodiment of a stabilizer pad 40 in accordance with the present invention is described in Figs. 3-12. The improved stabilizer pad of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with a machine of the type illustrated in Fig. 1 referred to as a side shift machine. However, the concepts of the present invention may be used with other types of machines, vehicles or platforms having stabilizing members for stabilizing the particular machine. Refer later to a second embodiment of the resilient pad illustrated in Figs. 13-16 and in which the resilient pad is reversible. The apparatus described herein is to include a pivotal grouser member that can be readily moved between nested and operative positions, so that in the operative position thereof the grouser member can grip into the earth and assist in stabilizing the pad and therefore the entire piece of equipment. Refer also to a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 22- 42. In both of the main embodiments described herein the same reference numbers are used to describe like components.

Referring now to Figs. 3-5, the stabilizer pad 40 is illustrated as secured to the upright arm 42 at the pivot 41. This pivot 41 allows some limited pivoting of the stabilizer pad assembly relative to the support arm 42 such as illustrated in Fig. 7 herein.

The stabilizer pad assembly is comprised primarily of three main components including a pair of support brackets 44 and a center adapter bracket 46. Each of the support brackets 44 has a U-shaped cross section and is for the support of a resilient laminated pad 48. The laminated pad 48 may be constructed of a number of separate resilient pad layers 49 that are stacked together or molded. Each of the resilient pads 48 is contained within the pocket defined by each of the support brackets 44. The resilient layers 49 may be secured together in a number of different ways such as by with the use of an adhesive therebetween. Another technique is to use the bolt and nut arrangement illustrated in, for example, Fig. 11. For this purpose, each of the resilient pads 48 is provided with a pair of holes 50 that extend therethrough. Also shown is a clamping bar 52 having an aligned set of holes 53. Side walls of the support bracket 44 are also provided with holes 54 and an inner hole 55 that may be hexagonal in configuration so as to receive the nut 56. The elongated bolts 58 extend through the holes 50, 53 and 54 and are engaged at their threaded ends by the nut 56. As the bolt and nut are tightened, the nut 56 is urged against the clamp bar 52 holding the laminated pad in a secured position within each of the respective support brackets 44. In an alternate arrangement a pair of clamp bars may be used, one on either side of the laminated layers. The arrangement illustrated in, for example, Fig. 11 allows the position of a worn pad shown at 59 to be reversed horizontally. As a matter of fact, in Fig. 11 the pad has already been reversed so that the opposite surface can now function as a wear surface at 60. In place of a laminated pad, one can also use a solid block pad. Also, in place of the U-shaped support 44, a planar plate may be used from which the resilient pad is mounted.

Each of the support brackets 44 is also provided with a stop 62. This stop limits the counterclockwise rotation of the stabilizer pad as will be described in further detail hereinafter. The top surface 44 A, in addition to providing the support for the stop 62, also has welded thereto the sleeve 64 as shown in Figs. 4 and 12. Each of the sleeves 64 may be disposed approximately midway of the width of the surface 44A as shown in Fig. 6. The elongated pin 66 extends through both of the sleeves 64 and is prevented from longitudinal motion by means of the bolt 67 and nut 68 at either end thereof. The pin 66 has a head at one end and is provided with a through hole at the other end as shown in Fig. 12. The pin 66 is received in each of the respective sleeves 64 but also passes through the center adaptor bracket 46. The pin support of the brackets 44 enables each of the respective brackets 44 to have at least a limited amount of free rotation. The two resilient pads can thus have some limited amount of independent rotation from each other.

The center adaptor bracket 46 includes a post 70 that is integral with spaced legs 72. A bridge piece 75 is illustrated as between the legs 72 and the post 70. The post 70, bridge piece 75 and legs 72 may be secured together in any one of a number of different ways such as with the use of securing fasteners or by welding the metal pieces into the form illustrated in the drawings. The post 70 is engaged by the support arm 42 and for that purpose is provided with a hole 71 for receiving the pin 41. The post 70 may also be provided with an end wall that has sides thereof that extend over the support brackets 44. If an end wall is used this provides a stop to limit clockwise rotation of the pad assembly. In particular, it limits the rotation of the support brackets 44 relative to the post 70. The center bracket 46 functions as a means to equalize the weight transfer between the stabilizer arm and the resilient pads.

The legs 72 extend away from the post 70 and each have mounted, on an outer facing surface thereof, a sleeve 76 which may be welded to or press fit into a hole in each of the respective legs 72. In, for example, Fig. 3 a weld is shown at 73 to secure the sleeve 76 to its associated leg 72. The sleeves 76 are of the same diameter as the sleeves 64 mounted on the support brackets 44. The sleeves 76 are meant to align with the sleeves 64 such as in the position illustrated in Figs. 5 or 6. Accordingly, the pin 66 passes, not only through the sleeves 64, but also through the adaptor bracket 46 and specifically through the sleeves 76 mounted thereon.

In the embodiment that is disclosed, there is provided a single grouser member or cleat 80 having a shape as depicted in, for example, Figs. 7 and 12. The grouser member 80 includes a pointed end 82 that is adapted to engage with a ground surface such as a dirt or gravel surface. The grouser member 80 also includes a notch 84 and a pivot end 86. The pivot end 86 includes a through hole 87 that enables the grouser member 80 to be pivotally supported by the pin 66. In addition to the relatively large notch 84, the grouser member 80 is also provided with a smaller notch 88, both of which are clearly shown in Fig. 12. The notch 88 is at the pivot end 86 of the grouser member 80 while the notch 84 is essentially between the pivot end and the pointed end 82. The grouser member 80 when locked in the position of Fig. 9 (or Fig. 28) is dimensioned and shaped, like a knife edge, to thus provide ground resistance in one or multiple lateral directions.

In, for example, Fig. 7 the grouser member 80 is shown in a nested or withdrawn position wherein the grouser member is not for engagement with a ground surface. In, for example, Fig. 8 the grouser member is in a position where it is just being released, while on Fig. 9 the grouser member 80 is in its use position fully locked in that position by means of the securing pin 90. The securing pin 90 is shown in Fig. 12 as including a turned end 91 at one end thereof and a through hole 92 at the opposite end thereof. The end 91 is shaped to assist in fitting the pin in place and withdrawing the pin 90, and also limits the inward insertion of the pin. The pin 90 is engaged with the legs 72 of the center adaptor bracket 46 by passing through respective leg holes 95. The pin 90 essentially controls or locks the position of the grouser member 80 depending upon where the pin 90 engages therewith. The securing clip 96 holds the pin 90 in place as described hereinafter.

Reference is now made to the diagrams in Figs. 7-9 which show the sequence by which the grouser member 80 can be moved from a stowed or nested position such as illustrated in Fig. 7 to an operative position such as illustrated in Fig. 9. This transition is controlled by means of the placement of the pin 90. In the position of Fig. 7 the pin 90 is shown inserted through the legs 72 where the pin 90 engages with an edge of the large notch 84. This engagement is sufficient to hold the grouser member 80 in the position illustrated in Fig. 7 wherein the pointed end 82 of the grouser member 80 is away from any ground contact, essentially in a nested position relative to the pad. Fig. 8 schematically shows the pin 90 having been withdrawn from the holes 95 so that the grouser member is free to rotate into an operative position. The pointed end 82 of the grouser member 80 has sufficient weight so that the grouser member 80 readily swings toward the position shown in Fig. 9.

Once in the position of Fig. 9, the pin 90 is re-inserted and makes contact with the smaller notch 88 of the grouser member 80 so as to lock the grouser member in place and in the position shown in Fig. 9. In either the position of Figs. 7 or the position of Fig. 9, the pin 90 is held in place by means of the securing clip 96 which is shown as a conventional clip which, in the engaged position thereof, passes through the hole 92 in the pin 90 and having a recess 97 that mates with the pin 90 so that the clip 96 is prevented from removal. The clip 96 may be removed when it is desired to change the position of the grouser member 80 by pulling on the clip so that it disengages from the pin 90. Once the grouser member 80 has been moved to a different position, such as the nested position in Fig. 7, then the pin 90 can be re -inserted and the clip 96 engaged with the pin 90 so as to hold the grouser member 80 in its nested position.

The mechanism also includes a stop pin 100 that is supported between the legs 72, as illustrated in, for example, Fig. 11. For this purpose each of the legs 72 is provided with a through hole sized to receive the pin 100 and aligned with each other. The stop pin 100 may be secured to the legs 72 in any one of a number of ways so that the stop pin 100 does not move out of the position illustrated. In that position the ends of the stop pin 100 extend preferably the same amount on either side of the respective legs 72. The stop pin 100 is positioned to contact the respective stops 62 to limit the rotation of the pad structure.

Reference is now made to an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the resilient pads are reversible so that both top and bottom surfaces thereof can be a ground engaging surface. Refer to the cross-sectional views of Figs. 14-16 that illustrate this reversing procedure. In Fig. 13 the majority of the structure is substantially the same as show in Fig. 11, particularly regarding the grouser structure and operation. The main difference is that, instead of the support brackets 44, in their place there is provided a support bracket that is slotted as shown in Fig. 13 with the slots for receiving corresponding posts or pins of the pad assembly. For some further details reference is made to co-pending application Serial No. 11/508,602.

The stabilizer pad described in Figs. 13-16 basically comprises a metal structure that supports a pair of outboard disposed resilient pads 12'. The resilient pads 12' represent one of two oppositely disposed work surfaces. The resilient pads 12' are for use to support the equipment on and not to mark the finished hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. The pad structure also includes a pair of opposite support brackets 20'. Each of the support brackets 20' form a pocket for receiving a corresponding resilient pad 12'. Each of the side pieces 20' includes a top wall 22' and, integral therewith, a pair of downwardly extending sidewalls 24'. The walls 22' and 24' form the aforementioned pocket for receiving the resilient pad 12'.

As indicated previously, each of the resilient pads 12 'is accommodated in a pocket formed between the side walls 24' and the top wall 22' of the respective support brackets 20'. Each of the resilient pads 12', as shown in, for example, Fig. 14 is comprised of a plurality of laminated layers 30' of resilient material. In the embodiment disclosed herein, these layers are maintained together by means of a plurality of pins 32' that extend through holes in the laminate layers. The pins 32' are preferably force-fit through the holes and extend beyond the ends of the laminate layers, such as is illustrated in Fig. 13 herein. As also depicted in Fig. 13, the outer wall 24' includes a series of slots 34' for accommodating the very end of each of the support pins 32 ' .

A backing plate 36' is provided having extending therefrom a pair of threaded rods 38' as depicted in Fig. 15. Fig. 13 illustrates one of the backing plates 36' exploded away from the structure. Another backing plates is associated with the other support bracket.. A clamping bar 40' is also provided with a series of passages 42' for receiving the opposite ends of each of the pins 32'. The pins 32' transfer forces from the resilient pad 12' to the clamping bar 40' and from there through the support bracket 20'. The clamping bar 40' is also provided with a pair of through holes 44' for accommodating the respective threaded rods 38'.

Reference is now made to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 which shows the manner in which the threaded rods 38' engage with a bushing 50', washer 52' and nut 54'. The nut 54' is adapted to thread on the threaded end of the rods 38'. In the embodiment disclosed two such threaded rods 38' are used. Each of the bushings 50' is adapted to pass through a corresponding hole in the outer sidewall 24'. The inner end of the bushing 50' contacts the clamping bar 40' and when the nut 54' is tightened this action clamps the bushing against the bar 40' which in turn clamps all of the laminate layers together in a unitary resilient pad construction. Of course, the laminated layers are also connected as a unit by the pins 32'.

The cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 illustrates the securing rods in place and with the resilient pad 12' having little or no wear on its ground engaging surface. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 15 illustrates the pad having been worn on one side as indicated at 51 '. Fig. 15 also illustrates the securing rods 38' having been withdrawn and the bushing 50'and nut 54' having been disengaged. The resilient pad 12' can then be reversed in position to that illustrated in the cross- sectional view of Fig. 16 with the unused side now facing downwardly. The clamping bar or plate 40' is then placed back onto the pins 32'. The assembly of the clamping bar 40', the resilient layers 30' and the securing pins 32' is then lifted into place and guided by the slots 34'. The threaded rods 38' then pass through the holes of the resilient pad laminate, and through the holes 44' in the clamp bar. The nuts 54' are then threaded onto the threaded rods 38' with the threaded rods 38 'capturing the bushing 50'. The nuts 54' are then tightened to clamp the resilient pad in place. Once inserted through all engagement holes shown in Fig 11 (items 54, 50,53, 55) the installed threaded rods or bolts thus capture and prevent the resilient pads from disengaging from the support bracket 44.

A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 17-21. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of this embodiment of the pad structure of the present invention that uses a pair of clamp bars in the pad pocket. Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the pad structure of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of the pad structure of Fig. 17; Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20- 20 of Fig. 19; and Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Fig. 19. In this embodiment because the grouser arrangement is substantially the same as shown in Figs. 13-16, the following description is directed primarily to the different arrangement for the support of the resilient pads shown in Figs. 17-21 at 34". In this embodiment there is provided the mounting plates 14" each including, in addition to the base 28", orthogonally bent flanges 30". The base 28" and the flanges 30" together define a pocket into which is disposed the resilient pad 34". Each of the mounting plates 14" is also provided with spaced slots 60" disposed at the outer respective corners between the base 28" and the flange 30". These slots 60" accommodate tabs 58" of the clamp bar 50", as will be described in further detail hereinafter. Each of the mounting plates 14" is illustrated as secured to the rest of the weldment by a weld to the respective sleeves 64 at the respective bases 28 " .

Reference is now made to further details of the stabilizer pad as illustrated in Figs. 17-21. As indicated previously, the resilient pad 34 " is illustrated as a laminated pad including a plurality of laminations 36". Each of these laminations preferably has a wave shape 37" at both opposed surfaces such as illustrated at opposed surfaces 42 " and 44 " in Fig. 21. Although this wave shape is preferred, the upper and lower surfaces may also be of other shapes or even planar. For the support of the resilient pad 34", there are provided a series of support pins 38". The resilient pad 34" is provided with a series of holes 39" (Fig. 21) for accommodating these support pins 38". The resilient pad 34" is also provided with a further pair of holes 41 " for accommodating the bolt 40 " . There is actually a pair of holes 41 " at opposite ends of the pad 34", as depicted in, for example, Fig. 18. This accommodates a bolt 40" at each end of the pad 34 " . A like pair of bolts 40 ' ' secures the other pad in the other mounting plate 14 " . A pair of holes 41 " is used so that the different holes can be used by the bolt 40" depending on the positioning of, or reversal of, the pad 34". In this regard refer to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 20 that depicts the bolt 40" passing through an upper hole 41 " . When the pad is reversed then the bolt 40 " will engage the other hole 41 ". Each of the mounting plates 14" is provided with an inwardly facing hole 31 " for each of the bolts 40 " to pass through and securing the resilient pad in place in the mounting plate pocket. There are two holes 31 " disposed along the inner flange 30", such as illustrated in Fig. 18. The outer flange 30" is also provided with a pair of holes 33 " which may be a round, hexagonal-shaped or other shape hole for receiving the nut 52". The holes 33 " are similarly spaced apart on the outer flange 30" as were the holes 31 " on the inner flange 30". The threaded end of bolt 40" is for engagement with the nut 52". The inter-engagement between the nut 52" and its accommodating hole 33" is constructed and arranged so that it preferably prevents rotation of the nut 52" while permitting the bolt 40" to be tightened urging the nut 52" against the clamp bar 50" as is clearly illustrated in Fig. 20.

The cross-sectional views of Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate further details of the clamp bars 50". Refer also to the exploded perspective view of Fig. 18. In the disclosed embodiment both the clamps bars 50 " are identical in configuration. Each of the clamp bars includes an upwardly directed set of tabs 58" for accommodation in the respective slots 60". At the bottom edge of each of the clamp bars 50" there is provided partially open holes 56 " for accommodating respective support pins 38". In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 there are six support pins 38" and thus also six corresponding holes 56" in each of the clamp bars 50". Lastly, each of the clamp bars 50" is provided with a somewhat elongated slot 54". The slots 54" are for receiving the bolts 40". A pair of slots 54" is provided disposed at respective ends of the clamp bar 50" . The slots 54" allow a small amount of "play" in the event that some debris is deposited between the pad and mounting plate.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 19. This cross- sectional view illustrates the nut 52" disposed within the hole 33 " of the flange 30. Preferably, a tightening or rotation of the bolt 40" at its head causes the nut 52", which remains rotationally stationary, to be urged against the side of the left-most clamp bar 50" . In Fig. 20 the bolt 40" at each side is illustrated as extending through the slot 54". Fig. 20 also illustrates the top of each clamp bar 50" with the tab 58" extending through the slot 60". In this position of bolt 40", the resilient pad 34" is at an initial position with a first wear surface 42" in a position facing the ground support surface. In this position it is noted that the bolt 40 ' ' passes through the upper one of the through holes 41 ".

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Fig. 19 and taken through one of the support pins 38". Fig. 21 also illustrates the wear surface 42". The support pin 38" also has its ends extending through respective holes 56" in the clamp bars 50 " . The side flanges 30 " of the mounting plate 14" prevent the pin 38" from disengaging from the resilient pad. The pins 38" may be lose fitting within the resilient pad 34" or the pins 38" may be force fit with the resilient pad 34". Figs. 20 and 21 also illustrate an upper second wear surface at 44". Thus, in accordance with the present invention it is preferred that the resilient pad be supported so that after a first wear surface 42" has worn down sufficiently, the resilient pad can be inverted so that the other wear surface, namely surface 44" then becomes the downwardly facing ground engaging wear surface.

In accordance with the embodiment of Figs. 17-21 , the stabilizer pad structure is of a relatively more simplified design requiring fewer components and one in which the resilient pad is positively engaged with its retaining structure regardless of which side of the pad is being used as the ground engaging side. In the past bumper bars have been used on either side of the resilient pad structure itself, integral with the resilient pad laminations. In accordance with the present invention rather than providing integral bumper bars on either side of the resilient pad itself, the resilient pad is held primarily by the support pins 38".

In accordance with this embodiment, rather than using a pair of bumper bars in combination with the clamp bar, separate clamp bars are used as illustrated by the clamp bars 50" herein. Moreover, these clamp bars are now interlocked with the mounting plate structure via tabs 58" in slots 60". By placing the resilient pack in the pocket defined by the mounting plate, the support pins are prevented from creeping out. Moreover, the clamp bars themselves now serve as support members. In this way, the structure is quite simplified, is economical to produce and is characterized by damaged-proof components. In accordance with this embodiment, an effective wear surface is provided essentially with less metal and in a smaller-sized resilient pad.

With further reference to Fig. 21 , it is noted that the slots 60 ' ' are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting plate 14" essentially at the corners between the base 28" and the side flanges 30". Each of the slots 60" extend a sufficient distance, particularly along the base 28" so that as the bolts 40" are tightened the gap 32" is formed with the nut 52" pressing against the left most clamp bar 50" . The interlock between the clamp bars 50" and the mounting plate 14", by means of the tabs 58" in slots 60", keep the tabs from sliding from left to right in Fig. 19. This interlock stabilizes the position of the pad relative to the pad mounting plate 14" . Moreover, each of the tabs 58" defines a shoulder 59" which engages the underside of the base 28 " . This engagement transfers force form the resilient pad, through the support pins 38 " to the clamping bar and from there to the mounting plate 14". Refer also to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 21 where the arrow 17" is indicative of the transfer of force from each of the support pins 38" to the mounting plate 14" via the clamping bars 50" . This transfer of force occurs in both sides of the resilient pad by virtue of the pair of clamping bars both of which interlock on opposite sides of the base 28" as illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21.

In the embodiment disclosed herein each of the clamping bars has two tabs. In other embodiments of the present invention fewer or greater numbers of tabs may be provided on each of the clamping bars. These tabs are for interlock with receiving pockets in the resilient pad pocket. As indicated previously, the purpose of these tabs is to limit the movement of the clamping bars, particularly when the first side of the rubber pack is worn down and the rubber pack is reversed. This interlock prevents any potential rollover of the resilient pad when it is reversed. Another function of the interlock between the clamp bar and the mounting plate is to limit the fore and aft movement of the resilient pad pack, particularly when the earth moving equipment is moving. This arrangement allows for the use of smaller, less expensive securing bolts 40 " . Because most of the force is not transferred through the bolts 40 " , the primary function of the bolts is now to simply clamp the laminated layers of the resilient pad together and prevent it from falling out of the pocket.

Another embodiment of a stabilizer pad 40 in accordance with the present invention is described in Figs. 22-42. Referring now to Figs. 22-24, the stabilizer pad 40 is illustrated as secured to the upright arm 42 at the pivot 41. This pivot 41 allows some limited pivoting of the stabilizer pad assembly relative to the support arm 42. In this embodiment like reference numbers are used as previously used in the first embodiment previously described. The stabilizer pad assembly is comprised primarily of three main components including a pair of support brackets 44 and a center adapter bracket 46. Each of the support brackets 44 has a U- shaped cross section and is for the support of a resilient laminated pad 48. The laminated pad 48 may be constructed of a number of separate resilient pad layers 49 that are stacked together or molded. Each of the resilient pads 48 is contained within the pocket defined by each of the support brackets 44. The resilient layers 49 may be secured together in a number of different ways such as by with the use of an adhesive therebetween. Another technique is to use the bolt and nut arrangement illustrated in, for example, Fig. 32. For this purpose, each of the resilient pads 48 is provided with a pair of holes 50 that extend therethrough. Also shown is a clamping bar 52 having an aligned set of holes 53. Side walls of the support bracket 44 are also provided with holes 54 and an inner hole 55 that may be hexagonal in configuration so as to receive the nut 56. The elongated bolts 58 extend through the holes 50, 53 and 54 and are engaged at their threaded ends by the nut 56. As the bolt and nut are tightened, the nut 56 is urged against the clamp bar 52 holding the laminated pad in a secured position within each of the respective support brackets 44. In an alternate arrangement a pair of clamp bars may be used, one on either side of the laminated layers. The arrangement illustrated in, for example, Fig. 32 allows the position of a worn pad shown at 59 to be reversed. As a matter of fact, in Fig. 32 the pad has already been reversed so that the opposite surface can now function as a wear surface at 60. In addition, the whole pad can be rotated through 180 degrees so that the opposite top surface 61 can be engaged with the ground as a pad support surface. This can be

accomplished by simply releasing the bolts 58.

Each of the support brackets 44 is also provided with a stop 62. This stop limits the counterclockwise rotation of the stabilizer pad as will be described in further detail hereinafter. The top surface 44A, in addition to providing the support for the stop 62, also has welded thereto the sleeve 64 as shown in Figs. 23, 24, 32 and 33. Each of the sleeves 64 may be disposed approximately midway of the width of the surface 44A as shown in Fig. 6. The elongated pin 66 extends through both of the sleeves 64 and is prevented from longitudinal motion by means of the bolt 67 and nut 68 at either end thereof. The pin 66 is received in each of the respective sleeves 64 but also passes through the center adaptor bracket 46. The pin support of the support brackets 44 enables each of the respective brackets 44 to have at least a limited amount of free rotation. The two resilient pads can thus have some limited amount of independent rotation from each other.

The center adaptor bracket 46 includes a post 70 that is integral with spaced legs 72. The post 70 is engaged by the support arm 42 and for that purpose is provided with a hole 71 for receiving the pin 41. The post 70 is also provided with an end wall 74 that has sides thereof that extend over the support brackets 44. In this regard refer to the plan view of Fig. 25 which shows the wall 74 extending at its ends over the respective mounting brackets 44. This arrangement provides a stop to limit clockwise rotation of the pad assembly. In particular, it limits the rotation of the support brackets 44 relative to the post 70.

The legs 72 extend away from the post 70 and each have mounted on an outer facing surface thereof a sleeve 76 which may be welded or press fit into a hole in each of the respective legs 72. The sleeves 76 are of the same diameter of the sleeves 64 mounted on the support brackets 44. The sleeves 76 are meant to align with the sleeves 64 such as in the position illustrated in Figs. 24 or 25.

Accordingly, the pin 66 passes, not only through the sleeves 64 but also through the adaptor bracket 46 and specifically through the sleeves 76 mounted thereon.

In the embodiment that is disclosed, there is provided a single grouser member or cleat 80 having a shape as depicted in, for example, Figs. 27 and 33. The grouser member 80 includes a pointed end 82 that is adapted to engage with a ground surface such as a dirt or gravel surface. The grouser member 80 also includes a notch 84 and a pivot end 86. The pivot end 86 includes a through hole 87. At the pivot end 86 of the grouser member 80, there is also fixedly attached a cam follower 90. The cam assembly 92 includes a sleeve 94 and the cam 93. In one position of the grouser member, the sleeve 94 is nested within the notch 84, such as is illustrated in Fig. 23. The cam assembly 92 also includes a through hole 95 that extends through the sleeve 94. The cam 93 has a relatively large surface with a weighted bottom end 96. This weighted end 96 assists in maintaining the cam assembly in its selected position.

The control of the cam assembly 92 is basically from the control pin 100 which includes a knob 102 for controlling the rotation of the pin 100 about its longitudinal axis. The rotation knob 102 may include a threaded shaft for threading into an internal hole in the pin 100. The primary support for the rotation pin 100 is at a pair of aligned holes 104 in the respective legs 72 of the adaptor bracket 46. The rotation pin 100 fits through the holes 104 and furthermore supports the cam assembly 92. For this purpose the pin 100 passes through the hole 95 in the cam assembly 92. The cam assembly 92 is secured to the pin 100 by means of the bolt 106 and nut 108. Thus, any rotation of the pin 100 at the knob 102 causes a like rotation of the cam assembly 92.

There is also provided a friction member that is essentially disposed between one of the legs 72 and the cam assembly 92 in the particular sleeve 94 thereof. This includes a bolt 110, a washer 112 and nut 114. The bolt 110 extends through one of the legs 72. Between the legs 72 and the washer 112 there is disposed a resilient member 116. When the bolt and nut are tightened the resilient member 116 expands and provides a friction fit against the sleeve 94. In this regard refer to the cross-sectional views of Figs. 30 and 31.

Reference is now made to the diagrams in Figs. 26-28 which show the sequence by which the grouser member 80 can be moved from a stowed position such as illustrated in Fig. 27 to an operative position such as illustrated in Fig. 28. This transition is controlled by the motion of the knob 102 and in turn the rotation of the control pin 100. Fig. 23 as well as Fig. 26 shows the knob 102 in its most clockwise position. Fig. 26 shows the grouser member in a nested position wherein the cam 92 essentially blocks the cam follower 90 preventing its rotation and, thus also the rotation of the grouser member 80. Fig. 27 depicts the rotation of the control pin 100 and, in turn, the rotation of the cam member 92, allowing the cam follower 90 and, in turn, the grouser member to rotate under gravity toward the extended position thereof. See Fig. 28 where a side of the cam 92 blocks and retains the position of the cam follower 90 and, in turn, the grouser member 80.

Reference is now made to an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the resilient pads are reversible so that both top and bottom surfaces thereof can be a ground engaging surface. Refer to the cross-sectional views of Figs. 35-37 that illustrate this reversing procedure. In Fig. 34 the majority of the structure is substantially the same as show in Fig. 33, particularly regarding the grouser structure and operation. The main difference is that, instead of the support brackets 44, in their place there is provided a support bracket that is slotted as shown in Fig. 34 with the slots for receiving corresponding posts or pins of the pad assembly. For some further details reference is made to co-pending application Serial No. 11/508,602.

The stabilizer pad described in Figs. 34-37 basically comprises a metal structure that supports a pair of outboard disposed resilient pads 12'. The resilient pads 12' represent one of two oppositely disposed work surfaces. The resilient pads 12' are for use primarily on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. The pad structure also includes a pair of opposite support brackets 20'. Each of the support brackets 20' form a pocket for receiving a corresponding resilient pad 12'. Each of the side pieces 20' includes a top wall 22' and, integral therewith, a pair of downwardly extending sidewalls 24'. The walls 22' and 24' form the

aforementioned pocket for receiving the resilient pad 12'.

As indicated previously, each of the resilient pads 12 'is accommodated in a pocket formed between the side walls 24' and the top wall 22' of the respective support brackets 20'. Each of the resilient pads 12', as shown in, for example, Fig. 35 is comprised of a plurality of laminated layers 30' of resilient material. In the embodiment disclosed herein, these layers are maintained together by means of a plurality of pins 32' that extend through holes in the laminate layers. The pins 32' are preferably force-fit through the holes and extend beyond the ends of the laminate layers, such as is illustrated in Fig. 34 herein. As also depicted in Fig. 34, the outer wall 24' includes a series of slots 34' for accommodating the very end of each of the support pins 32 ' .

A backing plate 36' is provided having extending therefrom a pair of threaded rods 38' as depicted in Fig. 34. Fig. 34 illustrates one of the backing plates 36' exploded away from the structure, another backing plates is associated with the other support bracket.. A clamping bar 40' is also provided with a series of passages 42' for receiving the opposite ends of each of the pins 32'. The pins 32' transfer forces from the resilient pad 12' to the clamping bar 40' and from there through the support bracket 20'. The clamping bar 40' is also provided with a pair of through holes 44' for accommodating the respective threaded rods 38'.

Reference is now made to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 35 which shows the manner in which the threaded rods 38' engage with a bushing 50', washer 52' and nut 54'. The nut 54' is adapted to thread on the threaded end of the rods 38'. In the embodiment disclosed two such threaded rods 38' are used. Each of the bushings 50' is adapted to pass through a corresponding hole in the outer sidewall 24'. The inner end of the bushing 50' contacts the clamping bar 40' and when the nut 54' is tightened this action clamps the bushing against the bar 40' which in turn clamps all of the laminate layers together in a unitary resilient pad

construction. Of course, the laminated layers are also connected as a unit by the pins 32'.

The cross-sectional view of Fig. 35 illustrates the securing rods in place and with the resilient pad 12' having little or no wear on its ground engaging surface. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 36 illustrates the pad having been worn on one side as indicated at 51 '. Fig. 36 also illustrates the securing rods 38' having been withdrawn and the bushing 50'and nut 54' having been disengaged. The resilient pad 12' can then be reversed in position to that illustrated in the cross- sectional view of Fig. 37 with the unused side now facing downwardly. The clamping bar or plate 40' is then placed back onto the pins 32'. The assembly of the clamping bar 40', the resilient layers 30' and the securing pins 32' is then lifted into place and guided by the slots 34'. The threaded rods 38' then pass through the holes of the resilient pad laminate, and through the holes 44' in the clamp bar. The nuts 54' are then threaded onto the threaded rods 38' with the threaded rods 38 'capturing the bushing 50'. The nuts 54' are then tightened to clamp the resilient pad in place. Once inserted through all engagement holes shown in Fig 32, (items 54, 50,53, 55) the installed threaded rods or bolts thus capture and prevent the resilient pads from disengaging from the support bracket 44.

A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 38-42. Fig. 38 is a perspective view of this embodiment of the pad structure of the present invention that uses a pair of clamp bars in the pad pocket. Fig. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the pad structure of Fig. 38. Fig. 40 is a side elevation view of the pad structure of Fig. 38; Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41- 41 of Fig. 40; and Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 of Fig. 40. In this embodiment because the grouser arrangement is substantially the same as shown in Figs. 34-37, the following description is directed primarily to the different arrangement for the support of the resilient pads shown in Figs. 38-42 at 34".

In this embodiment there is provided the mounting plates 14" each including, in addition to the base 28", orthogonally bent flanges 30". The base 28" and the flanges 30" together define a pocket into which is disposed the resilient pad 34". Each of the mounting plates 14" is also provided with spaced slots 60" disposed at the outer respective corners between the base 28" and the flange 30". These slots 60" accommodate tabs 58" of the clamp bar 50", as will be described in further detail hereinafter. Each of the mounting plates 14" is illustrated as secured to the rest of the weldment by a weld to the respective sleeves 64 at the respective bases 28 " .

Reference is now made to further details of the stabilizer pad as illustrated in Figs. 38-42. As indicated previously, the resilient pad 34" is illustrated as a laminated pad including a plurality of laminations 36". Each of these laminations preferably has a wave shape 37 " at both opposed surfaces such as illustrated at opposed surfaces 42" and 44" in Fig. 42. Although this wave shape is preferred, the upper and lower surfaces may also be of other shapes or even planar. For the support of the resilient pad 34", there are provided a series of support pins 38". The resilient pad 34" is provided with a series of holes 39" (Fig. 42) for accommodating these support pins 38". The resilient pad 34" is also provided with a further pair of holes 41 " for accommodating the bolt 40 " . There is actually a pair of holes 41 " at opposite ends of the pad 34", as depicted in, for example, Fig. 39. This accommodates a bolt 40" at each end of the pad 34 " . A like pair of bolts 40 ' ' secures the other pad in the other mounting plate 14 " . A pair of holes 41 " is used so that the different holes can be used by the bolt 40" depending on the positioning of, or reversal of, the pad 34". In this regard refer to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 41 that depicts the bolt 40" passing through an upper hole 41 ". When the pad is reversed then the bolt 40" will engage the other hole 41 ". Each of the mounting plates 14" is provided with an inwardly facing hole 31 " for each of the bolts 40 " to pass through and securing the resilient pad in place in the mounting plate pocket. There are two holes 31 " disposed along the inner flange 30", such as illustrated in Fig. 39. The outer flange 30" is also provided with a pair of holes 33 " which may be a round, hexagonal-shaped or other shape hole for receiving the nut 52". The holes 33 " are similarly spaced apart on the outer flange 30" as were the holes 31 " on the inner flange 30". The threaded end of bolt 40" is for engagement with the nut 52". The inter-engagement between the nut 52" and its accommodating hole 33" is constructed and arranged so that it preferably prevents rotation of the nut 52" while permitting the bolt 40" to be tightened urging the nut 52" against the clamp bar 50" as is clearly illustrated in Fig. 41.

The cross-sectional views of Figs. 41 and 42 illustrate further details of the clamp bars 50". Refer also to the exploded perspective view of Fig. 39. In the disclosed embodiment both the clamps bars 50 " are identical in configuration. Each of the clamp bars includes an upwardly directed set of tabs 58" for accommodation in the respective slots 60". At the bottom edge of each of the clamp bars 50" there is provided partially open holes 56 " for accommodating respective support pins 38". In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 39 there are six support pins 38" and thus also six corresponding holes 56" in each of the clamp bars 50". Lastly, each of the clamp bars 50" is provided with a somewhat elongated slot 54". The slots 54" are for receiving the bolts 40". A pair of slots 54" is provided disposed at respective ends of the clamp bar 50" . The slots 54" allow a small amount of "play" in the event that some debris is deposited between the pad and mounting plate.

Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 41-41 of Fig. 40. This cross- sectional view illustrates the nut 52" disposed within the hole 33 " of the flange 30. Preferably, a tightening or rotation of the bolt 40" at its head causes the nut 52", which remains rotationally stationary, to be urged against the side of the left-most clamp bar 50". In Fig. 41 the bolt 40" at each side is illustrated as extending through the slot 54". Fig. 41 also illustrates the top of each clamp bar 50" with the tab 58" extending through the slot 60". In this position of bolt 40", the resilient pad 34" is at an initial position with a first wear surface 42" in a position facing the ground support surface. In this position it is noted that the bolt 40 ' ' passes through the upper one of the through holes 41 ".

Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 of Fig. 40 and taken through one of the support pins 38". Fig. 42 also illustrates the wear surface 42". The support pin 38" also has its ends extending through respective holes 56" in the clamp bars 50 " . The side flanges 30 " of the mounting plate 14" prevent the pin 38" from disengaging from the resilient pad. The pins 38" may be lose fitting within the resilient pad 34" or the pins 38" may be force fit with the resilient pad 34". Figs. 41 and 42 also illustrate an upper second wear surface at 44". Thus, in accordance with the present invention it is preferred that the resilient pad be supported so that after a first wear surface 42" has worn down sufficiently, the resilient pad can be inverted so that the other wear surface, namely surface 44" then becomes the downwardly facing ground engaging wear surface. In accordance with the embodiment of Figs. 38-42, the stabilizer pad structure is of a relatively more simplified design requiring fewer components and one in which the resilient pad is positively engaged with its retaining structure regardless of which side of the pad is being used as the ground engaging side. In the past bumper bars have been used on either side of the resilient pad structure itself, integral with the resilient pad laminations. In accordance with the present invention rather than providing integral bumper bars on either side of the resilient pad itself, the resilient pad is held primarily by the support pins 38".

In accordance with this embodiment, rather than using a pair of bumper bars in combination with the clamp bar, separate clamp bars are used as illustrated by the clamp bars 50" herein. Moreover, these clamp bars are now interlocked with the mounting plate structure via tabs 58" in slots 60". By placing the resilient pack in the pocket defined by the mounting plate, the support pins are prevented from creeping out. Moreover, the clamp bars themselves now serve as support members. In this way, the structure is quite simplified, is economical to produce and is characterized by damaged-proof components. In accordance with this embodiment, an effective wear surface is provided essentially with less metal and in a smaller-sized resilient pad.

With further reference to Fig. 42, it is noted that the slots 60 ' ' are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting plate 14" essentially at the corners between the base 28" and the side flanges 30". Each of the slots 60" extend a sufficient distance, particularly along the base 28" so that as the bolts 40" are tightened the gap 32" is formed with the nut 52" pressing against the left most clamp bar 50" . The interlock between the clamp bars 50" and the mounting plate 14", by means of the tabs 58" in slots 60", keep the tabs from sliding from left to right in Fig. 40. This interlock stabilizes the position of the pad relative to the pad mounting plate 14" . Moreover, each of the tabs 58" defines a shoulder 59" which engages the underside of the base 28 " . This engagement transfers force form the resilient pad, through the support pins 38 " to the clamping bar and from there to the mounting plate 14". Refer also to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 42 where the arrow 17" is indicative of the transfer of force from each of the support pins 38" to the mounting plate 14" via the clamping bars 50" . This transfer of force occurs in both sides of the resilient pad by virtue of the pair of clamping bars both of which interlock on opposite sides of the base 28" as illustrated in Figs. 41 and 42.

In the embodiment disclosed herein each of the clamping bars has two tabs. In other embodiments of the present invention fewer or greater numbers of tabs may be provided on each of the clamping bars. These tabs are for interlock with receiving pockets in the resilient pad pocket. As indicated previously, the purpose of these tabs is to limit the movement of the clamping bars, particularly when the first side of the rubber pack is worn down and the rubber pack is reversed. This interlock prevents any potential rollover of the resilient pad when it is reversed. Another function of the interlock between the clamp bar and the mounting plate is to limit the fore and aft movement of the resilient pad pack, particularly when the earth moving equipment is digging. This arrangement allows for the use of smaller, less expensive securing bolts 40 " . Because most of the force is not transferred through the bolts 40 " , the primary function of the bolts is now to simply clamp the laminated layers of the resilient pad together and prevent it from falling out of the pocket.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, bolts having hex-shaped heads and corresponding hex nuts are depicted for securing the resilient pad within the mounting plate. However, any appropriate securing member can be employed for securing the pad within the mounting plate. Furthermore, the sizing and exemplary numbers used herein are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only. The teachings are clearly applicable to all types of resilient pad structures retained within a pocket formed of a weldment. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is: