Guardrail terminal

US11846077B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sicking Safety Systems LLC · US

Inventors

• Dean L. Sicking · Lincoln, US
• Dakotah Sicking · Keller, US
• Steven D. Thompson · Bessemer, US
• Kenneth Walls · Trussville, US
• Kevin D. Schrum · Pelham, US
• Joseph Schwertz · Birmingham, US
• David Littlefield · Garland, US
• Andrew Dameron · Birmingham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 7, 2022
• Grant date: Dec 19, 2023
• Expiry date: Oct 7, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E01F15/0461
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Guardrail, guardrail terminal, and support post designs that improve control of a vehicle during collisions are described. The disclosed designs also reduce the likelihood of intrusion into vehicle systems and the occupant compartment(s). Embodiments include folding and/or flattening of the guardrail and controlling the folded and flattened guardrail to avoid intrusion into the vehicle. Other embodiments include containing the guardrail in an impact head of a guardrail terminal, which also avoids vehicle intrusion.