Patent Publication Number: US-6986530-B2

Title: Stabilizer pad configurations

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/575,931 filed May 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,246, which, in turn, is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/070,638 filed Apr. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,650. The applicant hereby makes a claim to priority to both of the above applications. Furthermore, the above applications as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,761,021; 5,050,904; 5,054,812; 4,889,362; 5,564,871; 5,466,004; 5,547,220; 5,667,245; 5,992,883; 5,957,496; 6,109,650; 6,270,119; 6,422,603 are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to stabilizer pads for vehicles, and more particularly to improved stabilizer pad configurations which can be used in conjunction with a pivotally mounted, two-way stabilizer pads. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Construction equipment, such as earth-moving vehicles and the like, must be stabilized during construction or digging operations to prevent movement of the equipment or vehicles. Typically, stabilization is provided by hydraulically actuated arms that extend from the vehicle and that have earth-engaging pads mounted on their distal ends. When the vehicle or equipment is moved into a working position, if extra stability is needed, the stabilizer arms are hydraulically operated to move from a retracted position, in which the arms generally extend upwardly and out of the way, to a user position in which the arms extend downwardly at an acute angle to the ground surface so that the pads contact the ground surface. When it is desired to move the vehicle, the arms are returned to the retracted position, and the vehicle is moved to a new operating location. 
   Reversible stabilizer pads for construction equipment, such as earth-moving vehicles and the like, are well-known in the prior art. Examples of such pads are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,761,021 and 4,889,362. Such stabilizer pads generally have a first surface for engagement with a softer surface, such as gravel and soft earth, and a more resilient second surface on the opposite side of the first surface for engagement with harder surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Typically, the first surface includes flanges with grouser points that permit the pads to dig into the softer, unfinished surface formed by gravel or soft earth, to better anchor and stabilize the vehicle when encountering difficult digging conditions. The first surface is unsuitable for contact with a hard surface, since the grouser points could damage or mar the hard asphalt or concrete. The second surface of the pad typically is formed of a laminated, rubber pad for better stability on the more solid surface provided by concrete or asphalt. The stabilizer pad typically is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the hydraulically operated arm so that the pad may be rotated to contact the ground with either the first surface or the second surface. 
   While such prior art laminated structures are suitable for engagement with concrete or asphalt, the construction of such pads is expensive, labor-intensive and time consuming. It is desirable to provide suitable laminated pad assemblies for use on the resilient, second surface of the stabilizer pad that can be fabricated in an automated manner, and that provide improved stability and longer wear. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To achieve the foregoing desired objectives, in accordance with the present invention improved, there are provided resilient, laminated stabilizer pad assemblies for stabilizer pads for use on the side of the pad opposite the grouser points for engagement with hard asphalt or concrete surfaces. The improved pad assemblies of the present invention are preferably for use in conjunction with reversible stabilizer pads, but may also find use in connection with other pad applications. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the resilient stabilizer pad assemblies include a bracket which typically is formed from a piece of metal and which is bent or otherwise deformed to partially surround and capture the resilient portion of the pad assembly. The resilient portion of the pad assembly typically is a laminate formed of a plurality of parallel layers of rubber or other like materials. The laminate is attached to the bracket by a connector or pin which passes through each of the layers of the laminate. Extending from an upper surface of the bracket are a plurality of mounting devices, such as studs or bolts which are adapted to pass through a plate on the stabilizer pad to permit the attachment and removal of the pad assemblies as needed. 
   In another aspect of the invention, each of the brackets is formed of a planar piece of material such as steel which is bent during the forming process. In one embodiment flaps are formed which capture the laminate between them and hold the layers together. To prevent the upper flat surface of the bracket from bowing during the forming process, a force must be applied downwardly toward the laminate. In another aspect of the present invention, a reverse bend or camber is applied to the upper flat surface of the bracket to offset the bowing tendency of the bracket. In another embodiment, reinforcing ribs are provided to prevent bowing of the bracket. 
   In another embodiment, bowing of the bracket may be minimized and bending of the flaps may be facilitated by the removal of material along the fold lines, such as by forming score lines or holes or the like along the fold lines. 
   In another aspect of the invention, various techniques may be utilized to secure and restrain the laminated layers, including a nut and bolt, welded pins, or a pin welded at one end and threaded at the other for attachment of a nut. 
   In yet another aspect of the present invention, inaccuracies or lack of standardization of the thicknesses of the layers of the laminate can be accommodated by the provision of a compressible layer of material disposed amongst the layers of the laminate that may be compressed to the desired size by applying lateral forces to the laminate. 
   In yet another aspect of the invention, the laminate may be affixed to the bracket by lips extending from flaps on the bracket into notches or channels formed in the laminate. 
   In yet another aspect of the invention, the laminate may include multiple projections and is affixed to a metal frame which includes strips residing in valleys disposed between the projections formed in the laminate. 
   In yet another further aspect of the invention, the layers of the laminate may not be of all the same height. Rather, they may be stepped in such a manner that the layers adjacent the flaps of the bracket have the smallest height, while the layers in the center of the pad farthest from the flaps have the greatest height. This arrangement prevents splaying of layers of the laminate closest to the flaps of the bracket. 
   In still another aspect of the invention there is provided a stabilizer pad construction that is characterized by improved gripping with the ground surface. This minimizes slipping of the pad, particularly on smoother surfaces such as paved surfaces of asphalt or concrete. An uneven ground-contacting surface of the pad assures this performance. Such a surface may be formed by grooves, slots, nubs, dimples, ribs and/or other uneven surface patterns. In a preferred embodiment the ground-contacting surface is of a “waved” pattern formed in a resilient laminate. 
   Other embodiments of this invention relate to the methods for assembling the pad assemblies described above. 
   The foregoing pad assemblies made in accordance with the present invention can be constructed more quickly and cheaply than prior art pad assemblies which required multiple, manual steps. Such pad assemblies provide superior performance and may be attached to and removed from existing stabilizer pads in the same manner as prior art pad assemblies. Finally, particularly with respect to some of the embodiments described above, the structures permit a greater thickness of resilient material below the lower edge of the bracket, thus providing a longer life to the pad. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects, advantages and features of this invention will be more clearly appreciated from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a fragmentary, pictorial view of a typical prior art loader/backhoe having stabilizer arms with pads; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded, plan view of one surface of the stabilizer pad of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the opposite side of the stabilizer pad of  FIG. 2  illustrating the resilient pad assemblies; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a pad assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is an elevational, end-view illustrating assembly of the pad assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an elevational, end-view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 4  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 7  is an elevational, end-view of another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 8  is an elevational end-view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 7  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional, end-view illustrating assembly of the pad assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional, end-view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 9  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded, perspective view of yet another embodiment of the bracket of this invention; 
       FIG. 13  is an elevational, end-view illustrating assembly of the bracket of  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is an elevational end-view of the assembly of  FIG. 13  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bracket of this invention; 
       FIG. 16  is an elevational, end-view of a pad assembly utilizing the bracket of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the bracket of this invention; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of yet another further embodiment of the bracket of this invention; 
       FIG. 19  is an exploded, perspective view illustrating a tool for assembly of pad assemblies of this invention; 
       FIG. 20  is an elevational, end-view showing use of the tool of  FIG. 19 ; 
       FIG. 21  is an elevational, end-view showing a further assembly step utilizing the tool of  FIG. 19 ; 
       FIG. 22  is an elevational, end-view illustrating potential problems encountered with formation of pad assemblies; 
       FIG. 23  is an elevational end view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention that overcomes the problem illustrated in  FIG. 22 ; 
       FIG. 24  is an elevational end-view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 23  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional end-view of a pad assembly illustrating one embodiment of an attachment element of this invention; 
       FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional end-view of a pad assembly illustrating another embodiment of the attachment element of this invention; 
       FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional end-view of a pad assembly illustrating yet another embodiment of the attachment element of this invention; 
       FIG. 28  is an exploded, elevational, side view of yet another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 29  is an elevational side view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 28  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 30  is an exploded, perspective view of yet another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 31  is an elevational, end-view of the assembled pad assembly of  FIG. 30 ; 
       FIG. 32  is an elevational, broken, side view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 30  in its assembled condition; 
       FIG. 33  is a cutaway, perspective view of yet another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 34  is a side, elevational view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 33 ; 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 36  is an exploded, perspective view of the pad assembly of  FIG. 35 ; 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of yet another further embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention; 
       FIG. 38  is an elevational, end-view of another configuration of the embodiment of the pad assembly of  FIG. 37 ; 
       FIG. 39  is a perspective view of yet another configuration of the embodiment of the pad assembly of  FIG. 37 ; 
       FIG. 40  is a perspective view of yet another pad construction depicted with the ground engaging surface facing upwardly; 
       FIG. 41  is a side elevation view of the pad of  FIG. 40  with the ground engaging surface facing downwardly; 
       FIG. 42  is a perspective view of still another pad construction in which the separate laminate layers have cross-ribs defining cross-grooves; 
       FIG. 43  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pad construction using cross-ribs and cross-grooves in a solid pad construction; 
       FIG. 44  is a perspective view illustrating still another pad construction including a laminated pad having alternating height laminate segments or layers; 
       FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a pad construction held by a bracket pocket and illustrating a dimpled surface; 
       FIG. 46  is a perspective view similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 45  but instead showing upstanding nubs; 
       FIG. 47  is a perspective view employing a bracket pocket for the pad and in which the pad construction has a treaded ground engaging surface; and 
       FIG. 48  is a fragmentary view showing an alternate embodiment to that described in  FIG. 40  in which the adjacent layers of the laminate are linearly staggered in position one from the other. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a typical piece of construction equipment or earth-moving apparatus, such as a loader/backhoe  10  with which the stabilizer pad assemblies of this invention are intended to be utilized. Backhoe  10  includes a shovel mechanism  12 , stabilizer arms  14  and  16  and associated stabilizer pads  18  and  20  respectively. Hydraulic piston  15  typically operates each stabilizer arm  14  and  16  independently of the other.  FIG. 1  illustrates the positions of arms  14  and  16  during operation of the shovel mechanism to provide the desired lateral stability to backhoe  10  to prevent lateral movement of backhoe  10 . As can be seen, arms  14  and  16  are disposed on opposite sides of backhoe  10  adjacent shovel mechanism  12 . Each arm  14  and  16  extends from backhoe  10  to form an acute angle with respect to an underlying surface  11  upon which backhoe  10  and arms  14  and  16  rest. Surface  11  typically could be formed of soil, rock, asphalt, gravel or concrete, although backhoe  10  may be used in conjunction with other types of surfaces where a digging operation is desired. As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , pads  18  and  20  press against surface  11 . The angle formed by arms  14  and  16  with respect to surface  11  is such that pads  18  and  20  typically are disposed outwardly away from the center of backhoe  10  beyond the tires of backhoe  10 , although a position closer to backhoe  10  within the outer edge of the tires is also possible. When it is desired to stop the digging operation and move backhoe  10  to a different location, pistons  15  associated with each arm  14  and  16  are withdrawn so that arms  14  and  16  pivot upwardly away from surface  11  so that pads  18  and  20  are elevated above surface  11  and are not in contact therewith. 
   Pads  18  and  20  preferably are pivotally mounted to the distal ends of respective arms  14  and  16 . This pivotal mounting permits the pads to accommodate the acute angle between arms  14  and  16  and surface  11  and permits the pads to be flipped from one position to another, so that either side of the pad may be selectively placed in position to engage surface  11 . The pads may be flipped when they are elevated above surface  11  by piston  15 . Once the flipping operation has been completed, hydraulic piston  15  may be actuated to lower arms  14  and  16  until respective pads  18  and  20  are in engagement with surface  11 , as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the structure of one side of a typical pad  18  or  20 , while  FIG. 3  illustrates the structure of the opposite side of the same pad  18  or  20 . The side of pad  18  or  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2  typically is used on a yielding surface such as dirt or gravel where one is not concerned with whether the surface is defaced or broken. The side of the pad illustrated in  FIG. 2  displays a hard surface with no resiliency and with projections as will be described. The side of the pad illustrated in  FIG. 3  is for use with asphalt or concrete where it is undesirable for the pad to dig into the surface or mark the surface, and where some level of resiliency is desired. 
   Pads  18  and  20  each include a substantially flat plate  22 . On the side of plate  22  shown in  FIG. 2 , flanges  24  and  26  extend from plate  22  generally perpendicularly of the surface thereof. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , upstanding ribs  28  are provided and extend outwardly away from respective flanges  24  and  26  to provide structural strength. Disposed between flanges  24  and  26  is a notch or cutout  30 . The width of notch  30  is at least as wide as arm  14  or  16  to accommodate arm  14  or  16  during rotation of pad  18  or  20 . A pin  34  extends through the distal end of arm  14  or  16  and through associated holes  35  and  36  in respective flanges  24  and  26  to pivotally mount arm  14  or  16  to respective pad  18  or  20 . Pin  34  may be secured in place using a cotter pin, or pin  34  may be threaded to accommodate a nut for retaining pad  18  or  20  on respective arm  14  or  16 . 
   Typically, grouser points  24   a  and  24   b  are found on an edge of flange  24 , and grouser points  26   a  and  26   b  are found on an edge of flange  26 . Grouser points  24   a ,  24   b ,  26   a  and  26   b  engage surface  11 . As a result, there are four points of contact per pad providing stability to the pad, and preventing rocking of the pad. Preferably, grouser points  24   a  and  24   b  on flange  24  and grouser points  26   a  and  26   b  on flange  26  are disposed symmetrically about the pivot point defined by pin  34  so as to enhance the stability of the pad. 
   With reference now to  FIG. 3 , the resilient side of each pad  18  and  20  will be described.  FIG. 3  illustrates three pad assemblies  40 , although fewer or more pad assemblies could be used depending on the particular construction of pads  18  and  20 . Each pad assembly  40  typically comprises a laminate  42  formed of a plurality of layers  41  which are compressed together. Typically, layers  41  are held together by a bolt  44 . Typically, each layer  41  is pre-drilled with holes when cut to receive the bolts  44 . Each pad assembly  40  is secured to plate  22  by a series of bolts  46  or the like having associated nuts  48 . 
   Preferably, each layer  41  is formed of rubber or some other resilient material. Each layer  41  typically has a thickness of the order of ¼″ to ¾″ in its uncompressed state, and preferably has a thickness of about ¼″ in an uncompressed state. In a typical laminate  42 , eight to ten layers  41  may be employed, although a larger or smaller number may be used for particular applications. A preferred material for layers  41  is a sidewall segment of a truck-tire carcass. It is preferred not to use steel belted tires for forming layers  41  because it is more difficult to cut a steel belted tire into the desired sizes and shapes. Truck tires are preferred as the source of material for layers  41  because truck tires typically are of 10-ply or greater. A multiple-ply truck tire is preferred because it provides a relatively high ratio of cord to rubber thickness. The thickness of the cord that provides the primary stability is preferably four times that of the thickness of the rubber in such tires. The greater the ply number of the tire, the greater is the stability of the laminate formed by layers  41 . As a result, each layer  41  is of a proper thickness and provides the proper durability and stiffness. 
   A first embodiment of the pad assemblies of this invention will now be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . Like numbers will be used for like parts where applicable. Pad assembly  50  of this invention includes a bracket  52  and laminate  54  that is substantially identical to laminate  42 . In this embodiment, bolts  46  typically are either pressed in place studs, or are more traditional carriage bolts which extend through bracket  52 , as shown, to allow mounting of assembly  50  to plate  22 . 
   Bracket  52  typically is formed of a sheet of steel or the like, which is cut to size, and which is in a flat configuration prior to assembly. During the assembly process, bracket  52  is deformed along fold or bend lines  56  to form side flaps  58  to capture laminate  54  therebetween. Preferably, laminate  54  has been pre-formed into the desired thickness, and so that the distance between fold lines  56  is equal to the thickness of laminate  54 . Holes  57  in laminate  54  and holes  59  in flaps  58  have been pre-drilled and are aligned during the assembly process as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Thereafter, connector devices  53  are inserted therethrough to secure laminate  54  between flaps  58 . Devices  53  typically are carriage bolts with associated nuts  51  as shown, although devices  53  could be other types of connectors as will be described. The assembly process typically is a two step process in which flaps  58  are folded about lines  56  to capture laminate  54  in a first step, and in which devices  53  are inserted in a second step. The heads of bolts  46  are imbedded into the top surface of laminate  54  when the assembly is complete. 
   During the folding of flaps  58  about lines  56 , there is a tendency for the upper surface of bracket  52  to bow upwardly away from laminate  54  as shown by the dashed line in  FIG. 6. A  flat upper surface of bracket  52  is desired, so that when assembly  50  is attached to plate  22 , the bond is secure, and there is no rocking or movement of assembly  50  with respect to plate  22 . Any such rocking or movement would provide instability which is undesired and which could be detrimental to the stability of apparatus  10 . Therefore, during the forming process, appropriate pressure must be placed downwardly against the upper surface of bracket  52  and against flaps  58  as shown by the arrows in FIG.  6 . 
   Another embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . This embodiment minimizes or prevents the bowing just described with respect to the upper surface of bracket  52 . Bracket  60  of  FIGS. 7 and 8  includes a top surface  64  and side flaps  66 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , during the formation of bracket  60 , a reverse camber or bend  62  is applied to surface  64  prior to or simultaneously with the formation of flaps  66 . In this way, when a tool is utilized to apply pressure as illustrated by the arrows in  FIG. 8  to force bracket  60  downwardly onto laminate  54  and to apply the necessary lateral pressure to flaps  66 , the reverse bend  62  in surface  64  prevents or minimizes the bowing illustrated in FIG.  6 . This reverse bend  62  could be an actual crease applied in upper surface  64  by bending bracket  60  about a tool, or reverse bend  62  could be a more gradual and less abrupt camber applied to surface  64  with a large radius of curvature, such as by pre-stressing surface  64  in a known manner. Thus, when pressure is applied to align the holes in flaps  66  with the holes in laminate  54  during the formation process, as shown by the arrows  61  and  63 , the tendency of upper surface  64  to bow upwardly is offset by bend  62  so that the result is a generally flat upper surface  64  as shown in FIG.  8 . 
   Another embodiment of the pad assembly of this invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 9-11 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 9-11  also overcomes the problem of bowing of the upper surface of the bracket. This embodiment includes laminate  78  and bracket  70  that includes top surface  74  and side flaps  72 . Bracket  70  includes reinforcing ribs  76  on upper surface  74 , to provide a desired level of strength and rigidity to surface  74 . Preferably, ribs  76  represent portions of surface  74  which have been deformed downwardly as shown in  FIGS. 9-11  to form a depression in surface  74  that extends downwardly below the lower surface of surface  74 . Alternatively, ribs  76  could be separate strips of material that are either welded or in some other way bonded to the lower side of surface  74 .  FIG. 9  illustrates two such ribs  76 , although one rib or more than two ribs could also be used so long as the desired rigidity is provided to surface  74 . To accommodate ribs  76 , laminate  78  has corresponding cutouts  79  that are formed in an upper surface and that are at least as large as ribs  76  to allow ribs  76  to seat therein when the assembly is fully formed, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Laminate  78  is identical in all other respects to laminate  54 , except for the provision of cutouts  79 , and will not be further described. 
   During the assembly process, typically ribs  76  are formed or added at the same time that the stock is initially cut from which bracket  70  is formed. If the ribs are formed from the material of bracket  70 , ribs  76  are stamped into bracket  70  in a known manner. Thus, bracket  70  would be provided as a flat sheet with the ribs stamped therein. During the assembly process, bracket  70  is placed on the top of laminate  78  as shown in FIG.  10 . Thereafter, a tool applies a lateral force to bend flaps  72  as shown by arrows  71  while downward pressure is applied to surface  74  as shown by arrows  73 . Once the desired configuration has been formed, bolts  53  are inserted and nuts are applied in a known manner. Any bowing of surface  74  is prevented by ribs  76  so that a flat surface is provided. 
   Another embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 12-14 , and includes bracket  80  and laminate  54 . Bracket  80  of this embodiment includes top surface  81  and side flaps  84 . This embodiment further includes a reinforcing plate  82  made of a metal such as steel or the like which is disposed between top surface  81  and laminate  54 . Plate  82  provides several functions. In the first place, plate  82  provides a bearing surface or anvil about which flaps  84  may be folded to form fold lines  83 . By dimensioning plate  82  to be substantially equal in width to the width of laminate  54 , it can be assured that during the assembly process, fold lines  83  are formed in the right position to permit flaps  84  to tightly capture laminate  54  therebetween. Secondly, plate  82  assures that straight and sharp fold lines  83  are formed during the assembly process. Thirdly, plate  82  provides reinforcement to upper surface  81  to provide additional strength to the assembly. Fourthly, plate  82  assists in preventing bowing of upper surface  81 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 12 , square or rectangular cutouts  88  can be provided for bolts  86  that attach the pad assembly to plate  22 . If the heads of bolts  86  are provided with correspondingly formed, square or rectangular portions  87  which seat within cutouts  88 , rotation of bolts  86  is prevented during the process of attaching the assembly to plate  22 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , flaps  84  of bracket  80  are bent along fold lines  83  as previously described during the assembly process. A tool provides the necessary force to the top surface  81  and to flaps  84  as illustrated by the arrows in  FIG. 14  to complete the assembly process, and to allow a bolt or pin  53  to be inserted through holes formed in flaps  84  and in laminate  54 , as previously discussed. As force is applied to upper surface  84 , plate  82  is urged into contact with an adjacent surface of laminate  54  and the head of each bolt  46  is embedded into laminate  54 . 
     FIGS. 15-18  illustrate another aspect of the present invention in which the formation of fold lines and bending of the flaps on the bracket are facilitated. In particular, in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the plate of sheet metal which is to be formed into bracket  90  is provided with a cut or score line  93  where each fold line is to be formed for a flap  94 . Cut  93  can be formed using a stamp, a saw blade or some other like sharp device which removes material and provides an area of reduced thickness along the fold line used to form flap  94 . Typically, although not necessarily, cut  93  extends less than halfway through the thickness of the material of bracket  90 , so that the strength of bracket  90  is not unduly compromised. Bracket  90  is then formed in the manner previously described by the use of a tool which provides lateral forces on flaps  94  and a downward force on surface  92  to cause flaps  94  to bend about the cut  93  and into the shape as shown in FIG.  16 . 
     FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate alternative embodiments related to this aspect of the invention. Instead of cuts  93 , bracket  100  includes cutouts  102  along fold lines  104  at the edge of surface to permit formation of flaps  106 . Cutouts  102  of necessity must be spaced from one another and extend entirely through the material forming bracket  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , cutouts  102  preferably are slots elongated along the fold line. Cutouts  102  may be formed by stamping, drilling, milling or by any other known technique. Cutouts  102  could also be circular in shape and more closely spaced to provide the same effect. Cutouts  102  function in generally the same fashion as cuts  93 . Cutouts  102  should be spaced sufficiently to allow formation of flaps  106  but should be sufficiently close to provide the desired structural strength. 
   In  FIG. 18 , cutouts  102  and cuts  93  are replaced by dimples  109 . Dimples  109  represent a series of spaced depressions aligned along fold line  104 . Dimples  109  do not extend all the way through the material of bracket  100 . Rather, they represent removal of enough material to extend part of the way through the material to provide a weakened area along fold line  104 . Dimples  109  may be stamped, drilled, milled or formed in any other conventional manner so long as dimples  109  do not extend entirely through the material of bracket  100 . Dimples  109  should be spaced sufficiently far apart so that the material of bracket  100  retains the structural strength necessary to hold together layers  54 . However, dimples  109  should be sufficiently close that fold line  104  is adequately defined and flap  106  is readily bent. 
   The provision of cuts  93 , cutouts  102  or dimples  109  has several benefits. In the first place, any upward bowing of the top surface of the bracket is minimized, since there is lesser resistance to the bending of the flaps. Secondly, the provision of cuts  93 , cutouts  102  or dimples  109  ensures that the flaps are bent or formed at precisely the locations desired to minimize if not totally eliminate any tolerance errors due to tool malfunction or movement of the bracket during assembly. Thirdly, cuts  93 , cutouts  102  or dimples  109  permit a reduction in the amount of lateral force required to be applied to the flaps, as the flaps will more easily bend. 
   Another aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 19-21  which illustrate a tool  120  that may be used to form any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-18 . Pad assembly  110  of  FIG. 19  represents any one of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-18  and includes laminate  115  and bracket  112  having an upper surface  113  and flaps  114 . Laminate  115  is captured between flaps  114  as previously discussed. Studs or bolts  111 A and  111 B allow mounting of assembly  110  to plate  22  as previously discussed. 
   Tool  120  includes a mounting shaft  123 , top plate  121 , spaced side legs  117 , and side plate  122 . Shaft  123  is adapted to be affixed or mounted onto a conventional machine tool that raises and lowers tool  120  as necessary to perform the assembly process. Top plate  121  applies a downward force to surface  113  to drive it against laminate  115  to minimize bowing of surface  113 . Legs  117  and plate  122  serve to bend flaps  114  about fold lines  125  during the forming process. The lower edges of plate  122  and legs  117  are provided with sloped surfaces  126  to facilitate the bending process and to permit engagement of flaps  114  without causing any lateral movement of bracket  112  as it is being formed. Preferably, the spacing between the inside surface of plate  122  and the inside surfaces of legs  117  and  119  is equal to the thickness of laminate  115  plus the thickness of flaps  114 , or equal to the forming between fold lines  125 . Legs  117  preferably are spaced from one another by a gap  116  sufficient to accommodate the head of a bolt  128  extending through flaps  114  and laminate  115 . Top plate  121  preferably includes a slot  118  to accommodate a bolt or stud  111 B during the stamping process. Back plate  122  preferably includes a cutout  129  to accommodate the end of a bolt  128  and a nut  127 . 
   The method of this aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 19-21 . Initially, laminate  115  is formed by cutting and aligning its layers. Holes designed to accommodate a plurality of bolts  128  are drilled through the laminate  115  in a direction perpendicular to the alignment of the individual layers as previously discussed. Bolts  111 A and  111 B are inserted through upper surface  113  of bracket  112  and are pressed in place, or are otherwise restrained in a known manner to prevent them from falling out, and to prevent bolts  111 A and  111 B from rotating. Thereafter, bracket  112  is placed on top of laminate  115  on support platform  124 , such as the bed of a machine tool, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . Typically, bracket  112  initially has a generally planar configuration and is aligned such that fold lines  125 , whether previously formed or not, are aligned with the outer edges of laminate  115 . If no fold lines have been previously formed, bracket  112  in its planar configuration is roughly centered on laminate  115  so that appropriate material needed to form flaps  114  is disposed on either side of laminate  115  and so that flaps  114  are of the same width on both sides of laminate  115 . Thereafter, the machine tool (not shown) drives shaft  123  and thus tool  120  downwardly as illustrated in  FIG. 20  so that sloped surfaces  126  on plate  122  and legs  117  and  119  engage flaps  114  bending them downwardly and about fold lines  125 . Typically, tool  120  has a width less than the spacing between bolts  111 A, so that tool  120  is completely disposed between bolts  111 A and is centered roughly on bolt  111 B. However, for different configurations of bolts  111 A and  111 B, a different size or shaped tool could be provided. For example, if four or more bolts  111 A and  111 B were utilized, tool  120  could have holes or cutouts to accommodate each of these bolts. 
   As flaps  114  are engaged by sloped surfaces  126 , flaps  114  bend about fold lines  125 . Initially, some upward bowing of surface  113  may be expected. As tool  120  continues to drop in the direction shown by the arrow in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , sloped surfaces  126  continue to bend flaps  114 . As tool  120  continues to drop farther, the non-sloped portions of plate  122  and legs  117  and  119  engage flaps  114  to provide a sharp bend to fold lines  125 , and to provide a lateral force on flaps  114  urging flaps  114  toward each other to capture laminate  115  therebetween. As shown in  FIG. 21 , as top plate  121  comes to rest on surface  113 , surface  113  no longer demonstrates any bowing, and fold lines  125  are sharply defined by the right angles formed by the inside surfaces of top plate  121  and legs  117  and  119  and backplate  122 , as illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
   At this point, in one embodiment, tool  120  may be raised off bracket  112 , and bolts  128  may be inserted and nuts  127  may be attached. In another embodiment, while tool  120  is in place, a bolt  128  may be inserted through gap  116  and a nut  127  may be applied through cutout  129 . This embodiment may be preferred where fold lines  125  have not been previously formed or where fold lines  125  are not disposed along weakened or reduced thickness portions of bracket  112  and where there is some risk that once tool  120  has been removed, flaps  114  may rise upwardly slightly off laminate  115 . If bolt  128  and associated nut  127  are applied while tool  120  is still in place to hold flaps  114  downwardly, once tool  120  is removed, flaps  114  will be incapable of moving, and the remainder of bolts  128  can be inserted through the other holes drilled through flaps  114  without fear of disassembly. Once all of bolts  128  and nuts  127  have been affixed, assembly  110  is ready for mounting onto a plate  22 . 
   Another aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 22-24 .  FIG. 22  illustrates a problem that potentially arises when layers of laminate  54  are not of uniform thickness. This problem could arise where the sidewalls of truck tires are employed for forming laminate  54 , and different truck tires are used for different layers, or where different sized truck tires are used for different layers, or where the tires used have undergone varying amounts of wear. For example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , layer  138  is thicker than any of the other layers, as exemplified by layer  137 . Moreover, layer  139  is thinner than layer  137  or layer  138  or any of the other layers. As a result of the varying thicknesses of layers  137 ,  138  and  139 , the overall thickness of laminate  54 , WL, is less than the distance D between fold lines  134  of bracket  132 . As a result, as flaps  136  are folded downwardly, flaps  136  are not tightly pressed against laminate  54 , resulting in the possibility that laminate  54  could shift with respect to bracket  132 , or that after assembly, the movement permitted between laminate  54  and bracket  132  could result in an unstable stabilizer pad which would permit undesired movement of backhoe  10  and excessive wear of laminate  54 . It is equally undesirable for the distance WL to be greater than the distance D, as it may be difficult if not impossible to bend flaps  136  into a position perpendicular to upper surface  135 , resulting in a bulging assembly  130  and one in which it is very difficult to insert a bolt  53  or the like to properly secure laminate  54  to bracket  132 . 
   Because of the unpredictability of the thicknesses of layers  137 ,  138  and  139 , and because of quality control problems, it sometimes is difficult if not impossible to specify exactly where fold lines  134  should be located. 
   One solution to the foregoing problem is illustrated in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . In this aspect of the invention, laminate  54  is provided with a layer  140  that is formed of a material that is more resilient than layers  137 ,  138  and  139  and that is suitably compressible and yet still provides the performance desired for the material of laminate  54 . Layer  140  has a thickness WI that causes laminate  54  to have a width, WL greater than the distance D between fold lines  134  when layer  140  is in its fully expanded and uncompressed state. The assembly process previously described compresses layer  140  of laminate  54  so that the distance D between fold lines  134  becomes equal to the width WL of laminate  54 , as illustrated in FIG.  24 . Bolt  53  and nut  51  are then mounted onto assembly  130  in the usual manner to hold the assembly together. 
   The exact initial width WI of layer  140  in its uncompressed state is not important, so long as it produces a width WL of laminate  54  greater than distance D between fold lines  134 . In this way, the assembly of layers  137 ,  138  and  139  could be somewhat random, so long as a layer  140  is used, and so long as the resulting width WL is somewhat greater than distance D. This embodiment permits a person assembling pad assembly  130  to do so more quickly with less attention to detail and decreases the tolerance requirements as to the permitted thicknesses of layers  137 ,  138  and  139 . The result is a shorter assembly time and therefore a less expensive final product. Similarly, the width W 2  of layer  140  in its compressed state is unimportant, so long as the final width W 2  is one to which layer  140  may be readily compressed using the forces resulting from the assembly techniques previously described. A preferred width WI is about the same as the widths for layers  137 , and a final width W 2  preferably is the same as the width of layer  139 , or less. 
   Layer  140  must be sufficiently compressible that the force applied to it during assembly of pad assembly  130  is able to compress it to width W 2 . For example, tool  120 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-21  should be sufficient to compress layer  140  from W 1  to a width W 2  as shown in  FIG. 24. A  preferred material for layer  140  is either an open or closed cell foam of Shore 00 and a durometer hardness in the range of between about 30 and about 65. A material formed of a rubber that has been suitably molded and provided with the desired resilience, strength and compressibility could also be used for layer  140 . 
   Alternative embodiments for the connection device will now be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 25-27 . In all respects other than those described below, the stabilizer pad assemblies of  FIGS. 25-27  are identical to any one of the embodiments described with respect to  FIGS. 4-24 , and this aspect of  FIGS. 25-27  will not be further described.  FIG. 25  illustrates a pad assembly  150  with a bracket  152  and a laminate  154 . Bolt  156  includes a shaft  158  having threads  159  at one end and a head  160  at the other end. Typically, head  160  is recessed with respect to flap  153  and is glued, welded, braised or soldered onto flap  153 . A nut  162  is used in conjunction with threads  159  at the other end of bolt  156 . 
     FIG. 26  illustrates an embodiment in which a pin  164  is employed. Pin  164  includes a shaft  165  and a weld  166  at each end. Preferably, as in  FIG. 25 , each weld  166  secures each pin  164  to its associated flap  153 . 
     FIG. 27  illustrates another embodiment in which a rivet  170  is employed. Rivet  170  has heads  172  and  174  at opposite ends and extends through laminate  154  and flaps  153 . Rivet  170  may be any conventional rivet installed by a conventional rivet applying system so long as it possesses the necessary strength and durability to hold together laminate  154  and hold laminate  154  within assembly  150 . 
   Another aspect of this invention will now be described with a particular reference to  FIGS. 28 and 29 . Pad assembly  180  includes laminate  182  which is formed of individual layers and which is identical in all respects to laminate  54 . Laminate  182  is held together by two end plates  184  and an associated plurality of bolts or pins  186  extending through end plates  184  and laminate  182 . Bolts or pins  186  may be a bolt with an associated nut (not shown), a rivet as depicted in  FIGS. 28 and 29  or any of the other embodiments shown in  FIGS. 25-27 . End plates  184  typically are elongated strips of metal having a length substantially equal to that of flaps  58  as shown in FIG.  4 . To provide greater strength, end plates  184  typically have a greater thickness than that of flaps  58 . Disposed on top of the combination of end plates  184  and laminate  182  is a top plate  188  which is preferably welded or braised or soldered or glued onto adjacent portions of end plates  184 . Top plate  188  includes bolts  189 . Bolts  189  are identical to bolts  46  as shown in  FIG. 4  in all material respects. 
   In the method of this embodiment, typically the layers of laminate  182  are precut and aligned as previously discussed. Holes are drilled in the layers of laminate  182  for bolts or pins  186  at the time the layers are cut and the holes for the layers are then aligned as laminate  182  is formed. End plates  184  are cut and drilled with holes corresponding to those found in laminate  182 . Thereafter, bolts or pins  186  are passed through laminate  182  and plates  184 . Finally, a plate  188  which has been precut to overlap end plates  184  a distance sufficient to allow proper bonding is placed on top of the assembly of end plates  184  and laminate  182  with bolts  189  already in place. Pressure is applied to top plate  188  to urge the heads of bolts  189  into laminate  182  so that the lower surface of top plate  188  is in engagement with or touching top surfaces of end plates  184  to allow proper welding, soldering, braising or gluing. Thereafter, plate  188  is affixed to end plates  184  along the entire length of end plates  184  preferably by soldering, welding, braising, or gluing. 
   This embodiment also permits the use of layers in laminate  182  which are of a different width and does not require careful control of the total width of laminate  182  so long as it falls within general ranges determined by the size of top plate  188 . Therefore, the assembly process is somewhat quicker and tolerances related to the width of the layers of laminate  182  need not be as carefully controlled. As a result, the assembly costs are reduced. 
   A thicker material than that of bracket  52  may be used for end plates  184 , and top plate  188  since the material need not be bent or folded in the assembly process. This particular construction could be used where the load and strength requirements are somewhat greater. This embodiment also obviates any steps previously discussed to avoid bowing of top plate  188 . In another aspect of the invention, in each of the foregoing embodiments, the vertical dimension of the side flaps, such as flaps  58  or end plate  184  or the distance the side flaps extend below the top surface of the bracket, may be reduced by changing the shape of the bolt or pin, such as bolt  53 , which passes through the side flaps and through the laminate to hold the two together. In particular, a certain spacing of the pin or bolt  53  below the top surface of the bracket is required to provide sufficient laminate material between the pin or bolt  53  and the top of the laminate to retain bolt or pin  53  in place in the laminate and to prevent the laminate from being pulled out of the bracket during extreme stress conditions. For a rounded bolt or pin, the distance from the top surface of the laminate to the bolt or pin determines the retaining strength of the laminate, and the circumference of the bolt or pin determines the length over which the laminate engages the bolt or pin. A greater retention length and greater strength can be obtained if, instead of using a bolt or pin with a circular cross-sectional shape, as is illustrated in each of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-29 , a square or rectangular pin or bolt is used. The use of flat bolt or pin surfaces requires less material between the bolt or pin and the top plate or top surface to provide the same level of holding strength for the laminate. With a square pin or bolt, the pin or bolt may be placed closer to the top plate or top surface of the bracket than for a rounded pin or bolt, and shorter side flaps or end plates are required. Thus, for a given size laminate, more laminate is exposed below the side flap or end plate. The more laminate that is exposed, the longer is the life of the assembly, or the longer is the time until the laminate is worn away to a point where there is no laminate at all below the end plate or side flap. A somewhat similar result may be achieved by using a semi-circular bolt or pin that has a flat surface facing upwardly towards the top plate or top surface. This result is desirable, because the material cost for the laminate is high and it is costly just to increase the size of the laminate layers. 
   Another aspect of this invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 30-32 . This embodiment also permits a greater amount of laminate to be exposed for a given laminate size, and thereby also increases the service life of the pad assembly. Pad assembly  190  includes a bracket  192  and a laminate  194  formed of a plurality of layers of material. Laminate  194  may be formed of layers  191  in the same manner as laminate  54  as previously described. Bracket  192  includes end flaps  196  and side flaps  198 . End flaps  196  and side flaps  198  may be formed or bent prior to assembly or formed at the time of assembly. In addition, as discussed with respect to previous embodiments, the fold lines for end flaps  196  and side flaps  198  may be preformed by removing material or by a score line to allow more precise formation of the flaps and to prevent bowing of the top surface of bracket  192 . Each of side flaps  198  includes a lip  199 , preferably extending from a lower, distal edge at an angle generally perpendicular to side flap  198 . Lip  199  extends into a correspondingly cut channel  195  or notch formed in the side of laminate  194 . Lip  199 , when assembly  190  is fully formed, is urged into tight engagement with channel  195  to retain laminate  194  within bracket  192 . End flaps  196  are also folded downwardly. To prevent side flaps  198  from springing outwardly and permitting release of laminate  194  from bracket  192 , welds  193  may be applied at the corners between side flaps  198  and end flaps  196  to hold side flaps  198  in a downwardly directed position to retain lip  199  within channel  195 . Bolts  197  are identical to bolts  46  in most all respects, and will not be further described. 
   In the preferred method of manufacturing assembly  190 , bracket  192  is first cut from sheet metal stock. The fold lines for flaps  196  and  198  may be preformed, as discussed above. Laminate  194  is formed of layers  191 , as discussed, and channels  195  are cut. Bolts  197  are pressed in place or otherwise inserted as previously discussed for other embodiments. Thereafter, a forming tool bends flaps  196  and  198  about their fold lines about laminate  194 . During the forming process, lips  199  are urged into channels  195 , and preferably welds  193  are applied at the corners of flaps  196  and  198 . 
   In the embodiment of  FIGS. 30-32 , flaps  196  and  198  need not support any bolts or pins  53 . Therefore, flaps  196  and  198  need not be as long, or have the same dimension as measured from the top surface of bracket downwardly, as flaps  58 . For a given size of laminate  194 , more laminate is exposed below flaps  196  and  198  and assembly  190  has a longer service life than assembly  50 . 
   In  FIGS. 30-32 , the orientation of the individual layers  191  of laminate  194  is crosswise to the long dimension of laminate  194  and thus bracket  192 . There are three reasons for this orientation. First, the engagement between lips  199  and channels  195  is likely to be less secure than between a bolt or pin which is screwed, welded or otherwise affixed in place, and laminate  194 . Therefore, laminate  194  is more likely to break free of bracket  192 , and individual layers  191  are more likely to come loose, than were a bolt to be used. Therefore, it is desirable to have lip  199  engage laminate  194  in its longer direction to provide more mechanical interlocking between laminate  194  and lip  199  over a greater length and to engage each and every layer  191 . Secondly, because of the somewhat less secure affixation of laminate  194  to bracket  192 , it is preferred that assembly  190  be mounted on plate  22  such that the typical sideways movement of arms  14  and  16  produces frictional interaction between laminate  194  and surface  11  in a direction parallel to the direction of orientation of layers  191  rather than transverse thereto. Laminate  194  is more rigid in a direction parallel to the direction of elongation of the layers, rather than transverse thereto. Application of friction parallel to layers  191  is less likely to cause laminate  194  or individual layers  191  to pop out of bracket  192 , than is the application of friction transverse of layers  191 . Thus, the configuration shown in  FIGS. 30-32  is most suited for the pad assembly disposed by itself at the end of plate  22  as shown in FIG.  3 . Thirdly, it is difficult, if not impossible to cut layers  191  from truck tires to be sufficiently long to extend the entire length of assembly  190  in its long direction. A practical limit on the layers  191  is imposed by the nature of their source. 
     FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate a further embodiment of this aspect of the invention in which the direction of orientation of the layers of the laminate is parallel to the direction of elongation of the pad assembly  200 . This embodiment is more suited to the pad assemblies  40  disposed on either side of arm  14  or  16  on plate  22 , as shown in FIG.  3 . Assembly  200  includes bracket  202  and at least one laminate  204  formed of layers  205  of material, as previously discussed with respect to laminate  54 . Because of the difficulty and cost of forming layers  205  sufficiently long to extend the entire length of assembly  200 , typically two laminates  204  are employed, each having individual layers  205  extending in the direction of elongation of assembly  200 . However, a single laminate  204  extending the length of assembly  200  could also be used. As in the embodiment of  FIGS. 30-32 , bracket  202  includes side flaps  208  and end flaps  206 . In this embodiment however, lip  209  is formed only on end flaps  206 . Lips  209  extend into correspondingly formed channels  207  formed on a confronting end surface of each laminate  204 . Assembly  200  also includes bolts  201 , for mounting on plate  22 , as previously discussed. 
   Because of the greater length of assembly  200  and because of the need to have a plurality of laminates  204 , lips  209  and corresponding channels  207  may not be sufficient to retain laminates  204  within bracket  202 . Therefore, a plurality of reinforcing splines  210  are used to provide the necessary strength. Splines  210  extend through correspondingly formed tunnels in laminates  204 . Each spline  210  extends from one side flap  208  to an opposite side flap  208 . Preferably, each flap  208  is provided with a correspondingly formed slot  212  that is positioned so that an associated spline end rests on a small supporting strip  214  of material which is part of side flap  208 . Splines  210  preferably are each welded at  216  to side flaps  208  in respective slots  212 .  FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate three splines  210 , one disposed at the junction of the two laminates  204 , and one spline disposed approximately in the center of each of laminates  204 . However, a single spline  210  could be used at the junction of laminates  204 , or two splines  210  could be used, one in each laminate  204 . Additional splines also could be used for greater strength and rigidity. 
   Preferably, splines  210  have a rectangular or square configuration with an upper flat surface  218 . As previously discussed, such a square or rectangular configuration requires less supporting laminate material to provide the same level of strength as a round or oval cross-sectional configuration. Thus, as with  FIGS. 30-32 , the length or vertical dimension of flaps  206  and  208  may be less than the vertical dimension of flaps  58  or other like flaps in other embodiments disclosed herein, thus exposing a greater amount of laminates  204  below the lower edges of flaps  206  and  208  than with other embodiments discussed in this application for a given size of laminates  204 . Like the embodiment of  FIGS. 30-32 , the embodiment of  FIGS. 33 and 34  allows the construction of a pad assembly having a greater service life. 
   A final embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 35 and 36 . In this embodiment, pad assembly  220  includes a laminate  222 , a plate  224  and a bracket  226 . Plate  224  includes bolts  225  for mounting on plate  22  as previously discussed. 
   Laminate  222  is cut into a plurality of projecting portions  228  having valleys  229  disposed therebetween. While three projecting portions  228  are disclosed, the number of projecting portions can be more or less. Bracket  226  includes side walls  230  and end walls  232 . Extending between side walls  230  are a plurality of strips  234 . Each strip  234  is adapted to reside in an associated valley  229  in laminate  222 . Extending inwardly toward the laminate  222  at each end wall  232  is a lip  236  that is adapted to overlie an associated projection  238  of laminate  222 . Typically, bracket  226  is welded to plate  224  along end walls  232  and side walls  230 . Preferably, the layers  221  of laminate  222  are aligned to extend between end walls  232  or crosswise to valleys  229  and portions  228 . 
   In the preferred method of assembly of the embodiment of  FIGS. 35 and 36 , a laminate  222  is formed in the same manner as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6 . Thereafter, valleys  229  are cut using a saw blade or some other like cutting tool, and the ends of laminate  222  are cut to form projections  238 . Bracket  226  is formed from sheet metal by forming and then bending end wall  232  to form lip  236  and by cutting the remainder of bracket  226  from a piece of sheet metal stock to leave strips  234  and to form side walls  230  which are bent into the desired configuration. Bolts  225  are inserted through associated holes and held in place. Laminate  222  is placed on plate  224 , and bracket  226  is placed over laminate  222 . Thereafter, bracket  226  is welded or braised or soldered or glued to plate  224  along end walls  232  and sidewalls  230 . 
   The embodiment of  FIGS. 35 and 36  is particularly suitable where additional frictional interaction between pads  18  or  20  and surface  11  is desired. The embodiment of  FIGS. 35 and 36  may provide a squeegee effect to enhance the frictional interaction with surface  11 . The orientation of layers  221  in laminate  222  as shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36  provides a stronger structure and more rigid projecting portions  228  to enhance the strength of the assembly. Since the orientation of layers  221  is transverse to the direction of elongation of projecting portions  228 , assembly  220  could be used where there is movement of the pad in either a direction parallel to the direction of elongation of assembly  220  or crosswise thereto, since equivalent strength and rigidity is provided in either direction. If layers  221  were to be oriented parallel to the direction of elongation of projecting portions  228 , the resulting structure could be too flexible to provide the desired frictional engagement in certain situations. However, such an orientation in which the layers  221  extend in the direction of elongation of projecting portions  228  may be suitable for certain other applications. 
   Another aspect of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to  FIGS. 37-39 . Since the layers of the laminate are not bonded together with glue or the like, it has been observed during use that the layers of the laminate sometimes tend to separate, particularly where the pad is subjected to considerable movement along the ground or to substantial forces in a direction transverse to the direction of elongation of the individual layers of the laminate. Such movement or forces sometimes result in the laminate layers closest to the flap of the bracket splaying outwardly away from the center of the laminate, particularly in embodiments such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 28-34  where greater amounts of the laminate are exposed and unrestrained beyond the lower edges of the flaps. This splaying results in a less secure engagement between the ground surface and the pad and in more rapid deterioration of the pad assembly itself. 
   One solution to this splaying problem will now be described with respect to FIG.  37 . Pad assembly  240  includes a bracket  242  and a laminate  250  formed of a plurality of layers  252  and  254 . Bracket  242  includes flaps  244  and upper surface  246 . Bolts  241  are provided for attachment of pad assembly  240  to plate  22 , as previously described. Bracket  242  may be formed as previously discussed in accordance with any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-27 . Splines  248  extend through correspondingly formed tunnels in laminate  250 , and each spline  248  extends from one flap  244  to an opposite flap  244 . Each flap  244  is provided with correspondingly formed slots  249  into which the ends of the splines  248  extend. Preferably the ends of the splines are welded to flaps  244  within slots  249 . 
   To maximize the amount of laminate available and to maximize the life span of assembly  240 , flaps  244  extend a minimum distance from upper surface  246 . Therefore, a maximum amount of laminate  250  is exposed beyond the lower edges of flaps  244 . Layers  252  are disposed immediately adjacent flaps  244 , and have a shorter height as measured from upper surface  246  then do layers  254 . In effect, laminate  250  is stepped from flaps  244  up to layers  254 . Because the height of layers  252  is less than that of layers  254 , less of layers  252  is exposed beyond the edges of flaps  244 . Also, layers  252  do not necessarily engage the ground surface. For these reasons and because layers  252  are restrained along a greater portion of their height as measured from upper surface  246 , layers  252  are less likely to bend or splay outwardly away from central layers  254 . Also, this stepped configuration makes it less likely that the layers  254  adjacent to layers  252  will splay or be bent in a direction transverse to the direction of elongation of the layers, since layers  252  will inhibit such splaying on the part of layers  254 . 
     FIG. 38  illustrates another configuration of the embodiment of FIG.  37 . Like numbers will be used for like parts where applicable. In this embodiment, to further inhibit splaying of layers  254 , intermediate layer  262  is provided between each layer  252  and adjacent layers  254 . Layers  262  each have a height intermediate that of layers  254  and layers  252  as measured from surface  246 , so that a double step is provided to laminate  250  on both sides. It is also noted that in  FIG. 38 , instead of using splines  248 , a pin, bolt or rivet  264  is employed to hold laminate  250  within bracket  242 . Pin, bolt or rivet  264  may be any one of those employed in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4-27 . While  FIG. 38  illustrates two steps for laminate  250 , it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill that laminate  250  could also have more than two stepped layers. In fact, each layer in the laminate could have a greater height than an adjacent layer as measured from surface  246  on a side of laminate  250  facing a flap  244 , so that the height of the layers on both sides of laminate  250  increases with each layer toward the center of the laminate. The layer or layers at the center would have the greatest heights. 
     FIG. 39  illustrates another configuration of the embodiment of FIG.  37 . Pad assembly  270  is constructed much like that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,021, which is incorporated herein by reference. Pad assembly  270  includes a bracket  272  and a laminate  274 . Bracket  272  includes two angle irons  276  and  278 . As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,021, angle irons  276  and  278  have respective upright legs  277  and  279  through which pins  280  pass, and respective base legs  277 A and  279 A. Pins  280  extend through holes in upright legs  277  and  279  and through laminate  274 . Pins  280  can be bolts, rivets or pins, as previously discussed in this application with respect to  FIGS. 4-27 . Laminate  274  includes layers  282  and  284 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 37 , layers  282 , which are like layers  252 , have a height less than layers  284 , as measured from base legs  277 A and  279 A, and are disposed immediately adjacent upright legs  277  and  279  of respective angle irons  276  and  278 . The embodiment of  FIG. 39  also provides resistance to splaying of the layers  284  of the laminate  274 . Base legs  277 A and  279 A of respective angle irons  276  and  278  are spaced from one another along their length sufficiently so that during assembly of pad assembly  270 , angle irons  276  and  278  do not touch one another in the final, assembled product, so that sufficient compression is applied to laminate  274  by upright legs  277  and  279 . Bolts  286  are provided for, attachment of pad assembly  270  to plate  22 , as previously described. The embodiment of  FIG. 39  could also be provided with the two-stepped or multiple-stepped configurations as described with respect to  FIG. 38  for pad assembly  274 . 
   Reference is now made to further embodiments described herein in  FIGS. 40-48 . These embodiments are characterized by an improved gripping of the pad particularly when the pad is used on a paved surface, such as on asphalt or concrete. These pad constructions provide for better gripping and less slippage between the pad and the surface that the pad contacts. In  FIGS. 40-48  the support for each of the resilient pads, whether laminated or solid, can be by means previously described such as the bracket arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 30-32  or a U-shaped bracket such as illustrated in  FIG. 4  herein. In  FIGS. 40-48  the details of the assembly of each of the pad assemblies is not repeated as the assembly procedures previously described may be used in fabricating these other embodiments. 
   The embodiments described in  FIGS. 40-48  are characterized by the resilient pad member having different portions thereof that include at least first and second portions preferably adjacently disposed with the first portion extending a greater distance from the pad base than the second portion so as to form an uneven ground engaging surface. This can be embodied in either a laminated pad or a solid pad, and in different inventive embodiments described herein may be formed by different surface structures. The aforementioned first and second portions may be defined by separate layers, may be defined by different areas within any one layer, may be defined by different areas within a solid resilient member, or may be defined in other ways. 
   In  FIG. 40  there is disclosed a pad assembly  310  comprised of a U-shaped bracket  312  and a resilient pad  314 . Bolts  316  may be used for securing the resilient pad  314  in place. This securing may be in a manner previously described with regard to earlier embodiments illustrated herein. 
   The resilient pad  314  is illustrated as being comprised of a plurality of separate pad segments or layers  320 . These layers  320  are held fixedly in position between the sidewalls of the bracket  312  and are furthermore held in place by virtue of the bolts  316  passing through holes in the layers  320 . To provide anti-slip properties and improved gripping of the pad, the top surface of the pad is constructed with a wave configuration as illustrated at  324 . This wave configuration may be considered as having a sinusoidal pattern, as specifically shown in a side elevation view in FIG.  41 . Preferably, the range between the peak and the valley, illustrated as range A in  FIG. 41 , should be on the order of ⅛ to ¾ inch. This embodiment also illustrates the dimension B that is essentially the measurement of the layer as it extends from the bracket to the wave configuration. This may also be termed the pad exposure or wear dimension B. In this embodiment the dimension A should be no greater than ⅓ of the dimension B, or stated another way, the dimension B is at least three times the dimension A. The dimension A preferably is in a range of ⅛ to ⅓ of dimension B. 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 42  for a perspective view of another embodiment that has the properties of anti-slip and improved gripping. This pad assembly  350  is comprised of a U-shaped bracket  352  supporting a resilient pad member  354 . The pad member  354  is constructed of separate laminate layers  360 . The laminate layers  360  are held within the bracket  352  in the manner previously described and with the use of bolts  356 . To provide the gripping action, the ground contact surface of the pad has a ribbed structure defined by cross-grooves  366 , defining therebetween cross-ribs  364 . These ribs and grooves define different heights of the pad therebetween that may be on the same order of magnitude as the dimension A in  FIGS. 40 and 41 . 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 43  for a further perspective view of a pad assembly  380  that is comprised of a bracket  382  and resilient pad member  384 . In this embodiment the pad member  384 , rather than being constructed of separate laminate layers, is constructed as a solid piece. The ground engaging surface of the resilient pad member  384  is provided with alternating grooves  392  defining therebetween ribs  390 . Also, the contour of the ground engaging surface, as shown by the dotted line  396 , is in a wave or sinusoidal configuration. This embodiment essentially combines the characteristics of  FIGS. 40 and 42 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 43 , the solid resilient member  384  is held in position within the sidewalls of the bracket  382  and may also held in position by means of the securing bolts  386 . 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 44  that illustrates an embodiment of the invention somewhat similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 37-39  but including alternating height layers. In  FIG. 44  there is disclosed a pad assembly  410  that is comprised of a bracket  412  and a resilient laminate  414 . In this particular embodiment, laminate  414  has layers that are alternately arranged including greater height layers  416  and lesser height layers  418 . Preferably, in this arrangement the lesser height layers  418  are disposed next to the side walls of the bracket, as illustrated. In this embodiment the difference in the height of the pad layers may be substantially the same as the dimension A previously discussed with respect to  FIGS. 40 and 41 . 
   In  FIGS. 40-44 , the support for the resilient member has been primarily by means of a U-shaped bracket. Now, in  FIGS. 45-47  the support is by means of a bracket such as illustrated, by way of example, in  FIG. 30  in which edges of the bracket engage with the resilient member. Refer to previous discussions of means and methods of securing between the bracket and the resilient pad member, such as in  FIGS. 30-34 . In  FIG. 45  there is disclosed a pad assembly  440  that includes a bracket  442  and a resilient member  444 . The resilient member  444  is a solid resilient member in this embodiment. The gripping action is provided by means of dimples  446  provided in a top surface  448  of the resilient member  444 . 
   In  FIG. 46  there is shown a pad assembly  460  that is comprised of a bracket  462  and a resilient member  464 . The resilient member  464  is also a solid resilient piece and the gripping action is provided by means of a plurality of nubs  466  that extend from a top surface  468  of the resilient member  464 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 45 and 46  it is noted that the brackets  442  and  462  have inwardly turned edges that engage with side slots in the corresponding resilient members  444  and  464 . 
   In  FIG. 47  there is also disclosed a pad assembly  480  that includes a securing bracket  482  and a resilient member  484 . The resilient member  484  may be constructed from segments of a tire, particularly a truck tire, having on the ground engaging surface thereof a tread pattern as illustrated at  486  in FIG.  47 . In this embodiment there are shown slots  488  that extend lengthwise rather than crosswise as in previous embodiments. 
   Reference is also now made to a further alternate embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG.  48 . In  FIG. 48  the arrangement is substantially similar to that described in  FIG. 40 , however, each of the individual layers is staggered, one from the next adjacent one. This is illustrated in  FIG. 48  by the layers  490  and  492 . This lengthwise staggering in the embodiment is illustrated by 180 degrees. In other embodiments the staggering may be by other amounts such as 90 degrees or 60 degrees. The staggering may also be only between adjacent layers or the staggering can occur in sets of layers of three or more. 
   In view of the above description, it is likely that modifications and improvements may occur to those skilled in the art which are within the scope of this invention. The above description is intended to be exemplary only, the scope of the invention being defined by the following claims and their equivalents.