Highway crash attenuator frame
AssigneeEnergy Absorption Systems, Inc.
InventorsJames B. Welch, Lincoln C. Cobb
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A highway crash attenuator frame includes transverse elements that are interconnected by side elements. Each side element is disposed entirely on a respective side of a central longitudinal axis of the frame, and one or more tension elements are secured to the side elements to extend between the side elements across the longitudinal axis. Each tension element includes a mechanical fuse operative to fail in tension when the first and second side elements supply an excessive tensile load to the tension element. When the mechanical fuse fails in tension in an impact, the side elements are simultaneously released to move outwardly, away from the longitudinal axis, and thereby to collapse in a way which is coordinated between the left and the right sides of the frame.
Claims9
A highway crash attenuator frame comprising:
- first and second transverse elements spaced along a central longitudinal axis;
- a first side element extending between the first and second transverse elements, said first side element disposed entirely on a first side of the longitudinal axis;
- a second side element extending between the first and second transverse elements, said second side element disposed entirely on a second side of the longitudinal axis, opposite the first side;
- a tension element secured to the first and second side elements and extending between the first and second side elements across the longitudinal axis, said tension element comprising a mechanical fuse operative to fail in tension when the first and second side elements apply an excessive load to the tension element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.