Crash cushion with improved side panel attachment
US11453988B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01F15/0423
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A crash cushion includes a number of spaced-apart supports or bulkheads, energy-absorbing modules positioned between the supports; and overlapping side panels that interconnect the supports and envelop the energy-absorbing modules. The crash cushion collapses upon itself in an accordion fashion when struck by a vehicle so as to transfer and absorb vehicle impact energy over a predetermined distance. The side panels are attached to the supports and to each other with fastener assemblies. Each fastener assembly comprises a slider bolt, a nut, and a spacer shim. The spacer shim maintain gaps between the slider bolts and the side panels so that the overlapping edges of adjacent side panels are not compressed together regardless of the torque applied to the slider bolt to allow the side panels to collapse and telescope together smoothly when the crash cushion is struck by a vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.