Bearing pad

A bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module on a ground surface can include a main body member having a lower ground engaging surface and a first slot defined by a first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member. The first slot can be planar and disposed transversely to the lower ground engaging surface of the main body member. The vertically oriented structural member that can be received and retained in the first slot by the first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to bearing pads and more particularly to bearing pads for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module, such as a plastic module, for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Pathways such as pedestrian walkways and the like are often made from modules that typically from a plastic material or combination of plastic materials, one or more composite materials, a metal material, or any other suitable materials or combination of materials. Typically, such modules, which are also often referred to as panels, have a top deck with end walls and side walls depending from the top deck. Also, for added structural rigidity and strength, there is typically a plurality of general vertically oriented cross support members depending from the top deck.

Such modules can be found in in U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,487 entitled Securely Interconnectable Modules For Use In Constructing A Pathway For Traffic issued May 31, 2016 and various United States published patent applications including U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/955,179 entitled Heatable Module For Use In Constructing A Pathway For Traffic, U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/955,214 entitled Securely Interconnectable Modules For Use In Constructing A Pathway For Traffic, U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/955,233 entitled Heatable Pathway System For Traffic, U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/955,248 entitled Module For Use In Constructing A Pathway For Traffic, and U.S. Published patent application Ser. No. 14/955,266 entitled Securely Interconnectable Modules, with each of these patents and published patent applications having a common inventor with the present patent application.

In each of these patents and published patent applications, the module that is used in constructing a pathway for traffic comprise a base member having a top deck with side walls and end walls depending from the top deck. A plurality of substantially vertically oriented structural members, referred to as cross support members, also depend from the top plate between the sidewalls and end walls. It has been found that if such a module rests on and is therefore supported by a gravel surface or possibly a dirt surface, it is possible for the various side walls and end walls and cross support members to dig into the gravel surface or dirt surface, which can cause at least two problems. First, the module may be unevenly supported and therefore may move, which is unacceptable. Secondly, the downwardly directed vertical forces transmitted from the relatively thin side walls, end walls and cross support members are transmitted to a correspondingly very small cross-sectional area of the ground surface, which can cause shifting of the ground surface.

In general principle, in order ameliorate these problems, the downwardly directed vertical forces from the side walls, end walls and cross support members need to be distributed more evenly over the ground surface.

The closest known prior art, which is considered to be not overly relevant, is U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,088 issued Jun. 15, 2010, to Boxall et al, discloses a Rectangular Bearing pad. The generally rectangular bearing pad is for transferring loads between a first cast-in-place slab and a second cast-in-place slab separated by a joint. The bearing pad is adapted to transfer load between the first and second slabs directed essentially perpendicular to the intended upper surface of the first slab, and allows relative movement between adjacent concrete slabs along the joint between the slabs with minimal joint opening between the slabs. A pocket former embedded within the first slab may also be included to position the bearing pad and create void space on the sides of the bearing pad to permit the relative movement. A compressible material along the side of the bearing pad may also be used to permit the relative movement. Neither the void space created by the pocket former nor the compressible material are dependent upon the existence of a significant gap in the joint between the concrete slabs.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad is cost effective.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad is inexpensive to manufacture.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad can be made from a plastic material.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad can readily be engaged with the module.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad can slidably receive and retain the substantially vertically oriented structural members of the module.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad can effectively transmit the downwardly directed forces from the module to the ground below.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface, wherein the bearing pad can effectively transmit the downwardly directed forces from the module to a gravel surface below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure there is disclosed a novel bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface. The bearing pad comprises a main body member having a lower ground engaging surface and a first slot defined by a first substantially vertically oriented structural member engaging portion of the main body member. The first slot is generally planar and is disposed generally transversely to the lower ground engaging surface of the main body member. The first slot has a fully open top, a fully open first end and a fully open second end to thereby slidably receive a substantially vertically oriented structural member therein that is larger than the first upwardly open slot. In use, the substantially vertically oriented structural member that is slidably received and retained in the first slot is retained in place by the first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is disclosed a novel shim for use under a bearing pad. The shim comprises a base portion having a perimeter edge and a central portion. A first hook member and a second hook member each extending upwardly from the base portion. The first hook member and the second hook member are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion with the central portion disposed therebetween.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is disclosed a novel apparatus for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the module on a ground surface. The apparatus comprises a bearing pad having a lower ground engaging surface and a first upwardly open slot, and a shim securable to the bearing pad in underlying relation thereto. In use, a substantially vertically oriented structural member of the module that is slidably received and retained in the first slot is securely retained in place by the bearing pad, and the bearing pad is slidably received and retained in load bearing relation by the shim.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 34of the drawings, it will be noted thatFIG. 1is a general view of the present disclosure in use,FIGS. 2 and 3show an illustrated embodiment of a bearing pad according to the present disclosure and a pathway module for use in constructing a pathway,FIGS. 4 through 8show a first illustrated embodiment of a bearing pad according to the present disclosure,FIGS. 9 through 13show a first illustrated embodiment of a shim according to the present disclosure,FIGS. 14 through 16show the first illustrated embodiment of the shim according to the present disclosure and the bearing pad according to the present disclosure,FIGS. 17 through 21show a second illustrated embodiment of a shim according to the present disclosure,FIGS. 22 through 24show the second illustrated embodiment of a shim according to the present disclosure and the bearing pad according to the present disclosure,FIGS. 25 through 29show the third illustrated embodiment of a shim according to the present disclosure,FIGS. 30 and 31show a second illustrated embodiment of a bearing pad according to the present disclosure, andFIGS. 32 through 34shows a fourth illustrated embodiment of a shim according to the present disclosure.

Reference will now be made toFIGS. 1 through 8, which show a first illustrated embodiment of a bearing pad according to the present disclosure, as indicated by the general reference numeral110, for receiving and retaining substantially vertically oriented structural members102of a pathway module104for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module104on a ground surface100, such as a gravel surface, which is a potentially uneven surface. The pathway modules104are for use in constructing a pathway for traffic106, such as a pedestrian walkway, and more particularly a transit platform, adjacent a railroad track108, as can be best seen inFIG. 1.

The pathway module104, as illustrated, is preferably made from a suitable plastic material or combination of plastic materials, one or more composite materials, a metal material, or any other suitable materials or combination of materials. Typically, such pathway modules, which are also often referred to as panels, have a top deck with end walls and side walls depending from the top deck. Also, for added structural rigidity and strength, there is typically a plurality of general vertically oriented cross support members depending from the top deck. The substantially vertically oriented structural members102of a pathway module104may include, but are not limited to, the end walls, the side walls, and the general vertically oriented cross support members (i.e. ribs).

It should also be noted that the pathway module104might be any one or more of a panel, a tile, a platform, a platform portion, a deck, a deck portion, a plate, flooring, and the like.

The bearing pad110comprises a main body member112having a lower ground engaging surface111and a first upwardly open slot120and a second upwardly open slot130, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently. The first upwardly open slot120and the second upwardly open slot130are oriented substantially transversely one to the other and intersect at a vertically oriented common space118. Further, the first upwardly open slot120is generally planar and is disposed generally transversely to the lower ground engaging surface111of the main body member112. Similarly, the second upwardly open slot130is generally planar and is disposed generally transversely to the lower ground engaging surface111of the main body member112.

Also, the first upwardly open slot120has a fully open top123, a fully open first end121and a fully open second end122to thereby receive a substantially vertically oriented structural member102therein that is larger than the first upwardly open slot120such that a received substantially vertically oriented structural member102extends beyond the first upwardly open slot120at the fully open top123, the fully open first end121and the fully open second end122. Similarly, the second upwardly open slot130has a fully open top133, a fully open first end131and a fully open second end132to thereby receive a substantially vertically oriented structural member102therein that is larger than the second upwardly open slot130such that a received substantially vertically oriented structural member102extends beyond the second upwardly open slot130at the fully open top133, the fully open first end131and the fully open second end132.

The main body member112of the bearing pad110further comprises a base member140, a first left wall150L, a first right wall150R. The base member140as illustrated is substantially planar and also substantially flat. Also, as illustrated, the base member140is substantially square, although it can be of any suitable shape, such as circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, and so on. The main body member112may comprise one type of plastic material, and further may comprise a unitary piece of plastic material, for the sake of ease of manufacturing and low cost.

The first left wall150L and the first right wall150R each extend upwardly from the base member140. In use, in a typical orientation of the bearing pad, the lower ground engaging surface111of the base member140comprises a bottom ground engaging surface111and would face downwardly to engage the ground, and accordingly, the first left wall150L and the first right wall150R would each extend substantially vertically upwardly.

As can be best seen inFIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 8, the first cross support member engaging portion160comprises a first left cross support member engaging surface160L and a first right cross support member engaging surface160R. The first left cross support member engaging surface160L and the first right cross support member engaging surface160R face each other to define a first gap162therebetween. The first gap162is disposed between the first left cross support member engaging surface160L and the first right cross support member engaging surface160R and is the first upwardly open slot120. The first left cross support member engaging surface160L is disposed on the first left wall150L and the first right cross support member engaging surface160R is disposed on the first right wall150R.

The main body member112of the bearing pad110further comprises a second left wall170L and a second right wall170R each extending upwardly from the base member140. In use, in a typical orientation of the bearing pad, the second left wall170L and the second right wall170R would each extend substantially vertically upwardly.

As can be best seen inFIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6, the second cross support member engaging portion180comprises a second left cross support member engaging surface180L and a second right cross support member engaging surface180R. The second left cross support member engaging surface180L and the second right cross support member engaging surface180R face each other to define a second gap172therebetween. The second gap172is between the left cross support member engaging surface and is the right cross support member engaging surface is the second upwardly open slot130. The second left cross support member engaging surface180L is disposed on the second left wall170L and the second right cross support member engaging surface180R is disposed on the second right wall170R.

As can be readily seen in the Figures, the first upwardly open slot120is defined by the first cross support member engaging portion160of the main body member112and the second upwardly open slot130is defined by the second cross support member engaging portion180of the main body member112.

Each of the first left wall150L, the first right wall150R, the second left wall170L and the second right wall170R comprise two longitudinally aligned wall portions. More specifically, the first left wall150L comprises two longitudinally aligned wall portions150LA,150LB. Similarly, the first right wall150R comprises two longitudinally aligned wall portions150RA,150RB. Also, similarly, the second left wall170L comprises two longitudinally aligned wall portions170LA,170LB. Once again similarly, the second right wall170R comprises two longitudinally aligned wall portions170RA,170RB.

Moreover, each of the longitudinally aligned wall portions150LA,150LB,150RA,150RB,170LA,170LB,170RA,170RB comprises a horizontal-top-edge portion190disposed adjacent the vertically oriented common space118and a sloped-top-edge portion192extending outwardly from the horizontal top edge portion190.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of the wall portions150LA,150LB,150RA,150RB,170LA,170LB,170RA,170RB while minimizing the amount of plastic used, of the longitudinally aligned wall portions further comprises a rail portion194extending outwardly from the sloped-top-edge portion192.

Further, each of the first left wall150L and a first right wall150R has a width “WW”, and the width “WW” of the first left wall150L and the width of the first right wall150R are substantially the same one as the other. Also, each of the first gap162and the second gap172has a width “WG”. As can be readily seen, the width of the first gap162is slightly greater than the width of the first left wall150L and the width of the first right wall150R. Similarly, the width of the second gap172is slightly greater than the width of the second left wall170L and the width of the second right wall170R.

It should also be noted that the size and draft angle of the first gap162and the second gap172can be selected to properly accommodate the thickness of the substantially vertically oriented structural member102that the first gap162and the second gap172will be receiving and retaining.

Also is can readily be seen inFIG. 4, the base member140has a width “WB” and each horizontal-top-edge portion180has a height “HH”, and the ratio of the width “WB” of the base member140to the height “HH” of each horizontal-top-edge portion190is between 4:1 and 5:1. Further, the base member140has a thickness “TB”, each horizontal-top-edge portion190has a thickness “TT”, and each sloped-top-edge portion192has a thickness “TS”, and the ratio of the thickness “TB” of the base member140to the thickness “TT” of each horizontal-top-edge portion190and the thickness “TS” of each sloped-top-edge portion192is about 5:4. The width “WB” and the thickness “TB” of the base member140, and the height “HH” and thickness “TB” of the horizontal-top-edge portion190, and the thickness “TS” of the sloped-top-edge portion192can be selected to properly accommodate the various parameters of the substantially vertically oriented structural member102and the dynamic loads that will be placed on it.

The first and second cross support member engaging portions160and180further comprise a generally upwardly facing weight bearing stop surface188that bears the downward vertical force transmitted by a substantially vertically oriented structural member102that is received and retained in either the first upwardly open slot120or the second upwardly open slot130. The generally upwardly facing weight bearing stop surface188is substantially cross-shaped and is disposed partially between the first left wall150L and the first right wall150R and disposed partially between the second left wall170L and the second right wall170R.

In use, a plurality of bearing pads110are individually introduced to the pathway module104, as indicated by arrow “A” inFIG. 2, and as seen in place inFIG. 3, such that one of the substantially vertically oriented structural members102of the pathway module104is slidably received and retained in the first upwardly open slot120is securely retained in place in frictional relation by the cross support member engaging portion of the main body member112. Further, another substantially vertically oriented structural member102of the pathway module104that is slidably received and retained in the second upwardly open slot130is securely retained in place in frictional relation by the second cross support member engaging portion180of the main body member112. In this manner, the pathway module104and the bearing pad110are securely retained together such that when the pathway module104is being installed in place to construct a pathway for traffic106, such as a pedestrian walkway. Further, the bearing pad110reinforces the substantially vertically oriented structural member102.

It should be noted that when the bearing pad110is received by two substantially vertically oriented structural members102that are end walls or side walls of the pathway module104, the bearing pad110acts as a connector to help retain the two adjacent pathway modules104securely together.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, that can be best seen inFIGS. 9 through 13, there is disclosed a first illustrated embodiment of a shim200that is positionable under the bearing pad110. The first illustrated embodiment of the shim200comprises a base portion205having a perimeter edge207and a central portion206. The perimeter edge207has a first perimeter edge portion207a, a second perimeter edge portion207b, a third perimeter edge portion207c, and a fourth perimeter edge portion207d. A first hook member201and a second hook member202each extend upwardly from the base portion205at the perimeter edge207of the base portion205. The first hook member201is disposed at the first perimeter edge portion207aand the second hook member202is disposed at the second perimeter edge portion207b, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion205with the central portion206disposed therebetween. Also, a third hook member203is disposed at the first perimeter edge portion207aand a fourth hook member204is disposed at the second perimeter edge portion207b, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion205with the central portion206disposed therebetween. The hook members201,202,203,204each engage a small portion of a top surface of the base member140of the bearing pad110to securely retain the shim200to the bearing pad110.

Further, a first guide member211and a second guide member212each extend upwardly from the base portion205at the perimeter edge207of the base portion205. The first guide member211is disposed at the third perimeter edge portion207cand the second guide member212is disposed at the fourth perimeter edge portion207d, and are accordingly disposed in opposed relation on the base portion205with the central portion206disposed therebetween. Also a third guide member213is disposed at the third perimeter edge portion207cand a fourth guide member214is disposed at the fourth perimeter edge portion207d, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion205with the central portion206disposed therebetween. Together, the hook members201,202,203,204and the guide members211,212,213,214preclude lateral movement of the shim200and the bearing pad110with respect to each other.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, that can be best seen inFIGS. 14 through 16, there is disclosed an apparatus300for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members102of a pathway module104for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module104on a ground surface100. The apparatus comprises the bearing pad110having the lower ground engaging surface111, the first upwardly open slot120, the second upwardly open slot130, and the shim200securable to the bearing pad110in underlying relation thereto. There is also means310for selectively securing the bearing pad110and the shim200one to the other such that the bearing pad110and the shim200remain secured together during use. The means310for selectively securing the bearing pad110and the shim200one to the other comprises the first hook member201, the second hook member202, the third hook member203and the fourth hook member204, which each extend upwardly from the base portion205of the shim200.

In use, a substantially vertically oriented structural member102of the pathway module104that is slidably received and retained in the first upwardly open slot120is securely retained in place by the bearing pad110, and a substantially vertically oriented structural member102of the pathway module104that is received and retained in the second upwardly open slot130is securely retained in place by the bearing pad110. The bearing pad110is slidably received and retained in load bearing relation by the shim200.

Reference will now be made toFIGS. 17 through 24, which show a second illustrated embodiment of a shim400according to the present disclosure. The second illustrated embodiment of the shim400is similar to the first illustrated embodiment of the shim200except that it stackable and/or nestable with other similar shims400; however, it requires separate fasteners to connect together similar shims400.

More specifically, the second illustrated embodiment of the shim400comprises a base portion405having a perimeter edge407and a central portion406. The perimeter edge407has a first perimeter edge portion407a, a second perimeter edge portion407b, a third perimeter edge portion407c, and a fourth perimeter edge portion407d. A first fastener-receiving aperture401is disposed in the base portion405adjacent the first perimeter edge portion407a. Similarly, a second fastener-receiving aperture402is disposed in the base portion405adjacent the fourth perimeter edge portion407d. Also, a third fastener-receiving aperture403is disposed in the base portion405adjacent the third perimeter edge portion407c. Threaded fasteners410are used to secure together two shims400. In the above described manner, the second illustrated embodiment shim400can be stacked with other like shims400to produce a selected height stack of shims.

Reference will now be made toFIGS. 25 through 29, which show a third illustrated embodiment of a shim500according to the present disclosure. The third illustrated embodiment of the shim500is similar to the first illustrated embodiment of the shim200in not requiring separate fasteners to connect together the bearing pad110and the shim200,500. Further, the third illustrated embodiment of the shim500is similar to the second illustrated embodiment shim400in that they are each stackable and/or nestable with other similar shims400,500.

More specifically, the third illustrated embodiment of the shim500comprises a base portion505having a perimeter edge507and a central portion506. The perimeter edge507has a first perimeter edge portion507a, a second perimeter edge portion507b, a third perimeter edge portion507c, and a fourth perimeter edge portion507d. A first hook member501and a second hook member502each extend upwardly from the base portion505at the perimeter edge507of the base portion505. The first hook member501is disposed at the first perimeter edge portion507aand the second hook member502is disposed at the second perimeter edge portion507b, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion505with the central portion506disposed therebetween. Also, a third hook member503is disposed at the first perimeter edge portion507aand a fourth hook member504is disposed at the second perimeter edge portion507b, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion505with the central portion506disposed therebetween. The hook members501,502,503,504each engage a small portion of the top surface of the base member140of the bearing pad110to securely retain the shim500on the bearing pad110.

Further, a first indent511is disposed at the third perimeter edge portion507cand a second indent512is disposed at the fourth perimeter edge portion507d, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion505with the central portion506disposed therebetween. Also a third indent513is disposed at the third perimeter edge portion507cand a fourth indent514is disposed at the fourth perimeter edge portion507d, and accordingly are disposed in opposed relation on the base portion505with the central portion506disposed therebetween. The hook members501,502,503,504are positioned such that they engage the indents511,512,513,514, respectively, when two shims500are engaged with one another such that the hook members501,502,503,504are aligned with the indents511,512,513,514. The hook members501,502,503,504each engage a small portion of the top surface508of the base member505adjacent the indents511,512,513,514, to securely retain two shims500to each other. In the above described manner, the third illustrated embodiment of the shim500can be stacked with other like shims500to produce a selected height stack of shims without the use of separate fasteners.

Reference will be now made toFIGS. 30 through 31, which show another embodiment of a bearing pad610according to the present disclosure. The bearing pad610has a first cross support member engaging surface660that extends from the first right wall650R and from the first left wall650L into the first slot620, and a second cross support member engaging surface680that extends from the second right wall670R and from the second left wall670L into the second slot630. For example, the first cross support member engaging surface660and the second cross support member engaging surface680may be curved or planar. When a substantially vertically oriented structural member102is received in the first slot620and the second slot630, the substantially vertically oriented structural member102contacts the first cross support member engaging surface660and the second cross support member engaging surface680. This contact can cause the first right wall650R, the first left wall650L, the second right wall670R, and the second left wall670L to flex, and provide a pinching effect to retain the substantially vertically oriented structural member102in the first slot620and the second slot630.

The first cross support member engaging surface660and second cross support member engaging surface680can be integrally molded features. For example, pins may be inserted into the lower ground engaging surface611of the bearing pad610to deform the walls650R,650L,670R, and670L, which forms the first cross support member engaging surfaces660and second cross support member engaging surfaces680thereon. When the bearing pad610is removed from the mold, holes681in the lower ground engaging surface611are present from where the pins were inserted. The holes681can contribute to the ability of walls650R,650L,670R, and670L to flex during use. The ability of walls650R,650L,670R, and670L to flex can avoid cracking and ultimate failure of the bearing pad610during use.

Reference will be now made toFIGS. 32 through 34, which show a fourth illustrated embodiment of a shim700according to the present disclosure. The shim700, shown inFIG. 32, includes a first hook701, a second hook702, a top surface706, a bottom surface707, a first hook engaging surface711, and a second hook engaging surface712. The top surface706and the bottom surface707may be angled relative to one another, an angle θ. For example, the angle θ may be about 1°. The angle θ may be any suitable angle, and is not limited by the examples provided herein.

The first hook701and the second hook702extend from the top surface706at opposite ends of the shim700, and engage a small portion of a top surface of the base member140of the bearing pad110to securely retain the shim700to the bearing pad110, as shown inFIG. 33. By securing the shim700to the bearing pad110, the slope of the pathway module104may be modified by the angle θ. Changing the slope of the pathway module104may be desirable to facilitate drainage, for example water runoff. Alternatively, the angle θ may level the pathway module104on a sloped ground surface.

The first hook engaging surface711and the second hook engaging surface712may be configured to receive the first hook701and the second hook702of a second shim700, to securely retain the two shims700together, as shown inFIG. 34. By securing multiple shims700to a bearing pad110, the slope provided to the pathway module104may be compounded. For example, two shims700may provide a slope of angle2θ. For example, if each shim provides an angle θ of 1°, the combination of two shims700will provide a total of 2°. Any number of additional shims700may be connected to further contribute to the slope modification. Alternatively, each shim700may provide different angles θ, for further customization of the slope of the pathway module104.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the disclosure, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the bearing pad and shim, of the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to one or more particular embodiments, it will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, the present invention is deemed limited only by the appended claims and the reasonable interpretation thereof.