Guardrail safety system for dissipating energy to decelerate the impacting vehicle
US7694941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01F15/143
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, an end treatment of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam that has a downstream end and an upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a first vertical height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a second vertical height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A flattening portion forms a channel through which the terminal portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. A vertical dimension of the channel is greater at a downstream end of the flattening portion than at an upstream end of the flattening portion. An impact plate is connected to the flattening portion for engaging an impacting vehicle at an end of said guardrail beam. During an end-on impact, the impact plate and the flattening portion are advanced longitudinally along the guardrail in a downstream direction by the vehicle. The advancement of the impact plate and flattening portion dissipate energy to decelerate the impacting vehicle. As downstream portions of the guardrail beam are forced into the flattening portion, the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.