US6092959A — Method for decelerating a vehicle, highway crash …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 182 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; and at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 182 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; and at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the first and second side frame elements are coupled to the respective transverse frames by additional hinges.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 10 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the restraints comprise bolts.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 22 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the hinges are arranged such that the side frame elements hinge outwardly from the respective bays.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 17 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the energy absorbing element comprises a plurality of tapered deformable elements.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 13 words

The invention of claim 5 wherein the deformable elements comprise conically-shaped sheet material.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 44 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the restraints are associated with respective bays, wherein the first and second restraints release the side frames of the respective bay at respective first and second levels of compressive force, and wherein the first and second levels differ.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 33 words

The invention of claim 1 further comprising a second energy absorbing element disposed in the second bay, wherein the first and second energy absorbing elements differ in stiffness in the anticipated impact direction.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 31 words

The invention of claim 1 further comprising: means for at least partially collapsing one of the bays to cause the first and third transverse frames to approach one another for storage.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 13 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the frame is mounted to a vehicle.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein the frame is mounted to a vehicle as a self supporting structure.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention of claim 1 wherein said at least one energy absorbing element is disposed in the second bay and no energy absorbing element is disposed in the first bay.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 228 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges; and a second energy absorbing element disposed in the second bay, wherein the first and second energy absorbing elements are shorter than the respective bays by respective first and second distances in the anticipated impact direction, and wherein the first and second distances differ from one another.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 228 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges; and a second energy absorbing element disposed in the second bay, wherein the first and second energy absorbing elements are shorter than the respective bays by respective first and second distances in the anticipated impact direction, and wherein the first and second distances differ from one another.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 263 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges; a plurality of auxiliary hinges in the first side frame elements of the first and second side frames; a first cable coupled to at least one of the first and second side frames to pull the first and second side frames to an operational position and to cause the auxiliary hinges to close; and a second cable coupled to the first transverse frame to pull the first transverse frame toward the third transverse frame and to cause the auxiliary hinges to open.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 263 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges; a plurality of auxiliary hinges in the first side frame elements of the first and second side frames; a first cable coupled to at least one of the first and second side frames to pull the first and second side frames to an operational position and to cause the auxiliary hinges to close; and a second cable coupled to the first transverse frame to pull the first transverse frame toward the third transverse frame and to cause the auxiliary hinges to open.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 229 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges; means for automatically collapsing the first bay at least partially as the crash cushion is rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position; and means for automatically extending the first bay to an operational position as the crash cushion is rotated from a vertical to a horizontal position.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 229 words

A highway crash cushion comprising: a frame forming at least first and second bays arranged one behind another in an anticipated impact direction, said frame comprising: at least first, second and third transverse frames spaced from one another along the anticipated impact direction such that the first bay is between the first and second transverse frames and the second bay is between the second and third transverse frames; at least first, second, third and fourth side frames, said first and second side frames extending between the first and second transverse frames on respective sides of the first bay, and said third and fourth side frames extending between the second and third transverse frames on respective sides of the second bay, each of said side frames comprising: first and second side frame elements coupled to the respective transverse frames, and a hinge coupled between the first and second side frame elements; at least one energy absorbing element disposed in at least one of the bays; at least first and second restraints coupled to the side frames to resist movement of the hinges; means for automatically collapsing the first bay at least partially as the crash cushion is rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position; and means for automatically extending the first bay to an operational position as the crash cushion is rotated from a vertical to a horizontal position.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 131 words

An energy absorbing element for a highway crash cushion, said energy absorbing element comprising: a plurality of tapered deformable elements, each deformable element comprising a respective smaller end, a respective larger end, and a respective wall extending therebetween, each deformable element defining a respective longitudinal axis extending between the respective smaller and larger ends, said longitudinal axes generally aligned with the smaller ends of first ones of the deformable elements facing a first side of the energy absorbing element and the smaller ends of second ones of the deformable elements facing a second side of the energy absorbing element, opposite the first side, the walls of at least one pair of adjacent first and second ones of the deformable elements being physically separate from one another and extending alongside one another.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 131 words

An energy absorbing element for a highway crash cushion, said energy absorbing element comprising: a plurality of tapered deformable elements, each deformable element comprising a respective smaller end, a respective larger end, and a respective wall extending therebetween, each deformable element defining a respective longitudinal axis extending between the respective smaller and larger ends, said longitudinal axes generally aligned with the smaller ends of first ones of the deformable elements facing a first side of the energy absorbing element and the smaller ends of second ones of the deformable elements facing a second side of the energy absorbing element, opposite the first side, the walls of at least one pair of adjacent first and second ones of the deformable elements being physically separate from one another and extending alongside one another.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 13 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein the deformable elements comprise conically-shaped sheet material.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 12 words

The invention of claim 17 wherein the sheet material comprises sheet metal.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 35 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein the first ones of the deformable elements having smaller ends facing the first side of the energy absorbing element are formed from and interconnected by an integral metal sheet.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 34 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein a first plurality of the deformable elements comprise two metal sheets, each metal sheet forming a respective half of and extending between the first plurality of deformable elements.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 43 words

The invention of claim 20 wherein the first plurality of deformable elements comprise both deformable elements with smaller ends facing the first side of the energy absorbing element and deformable elements with smaller ends facing the second side of the energy absorbing element.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 15 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein the deformable elements are substantially polygonal in cross section.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 15 words

The invention of claim 16 wherein the deformable elements are substantially circular in cross section.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 123 words

A method for decelerating a vehicle that has left a roadway, said method comprising the following steps: (a) applying decelerating force that peaks above a value F1 to a vehicle with a crash cushion during an initial portion of an impact event between the vehicle and the crash cushion; (b) applying a decelerating force that falls below a value F2 to the vehicle with the crash cushion during an intermediate portion of the impact event, after the initial portion; and (c) applying a decelerating force at an average value F to the vehicle with the crash cushion during a final portion of the impact event, after the intermediate portion; wherein F1 is substantially greater than F and F2 is substantially less than F.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 123 words

A method for decelerating a vehicle that has left a roadway, said method comprising the following steps: (a) applying decelerating force that peaks above a value F1 to a vehicle with a crash cushion during an initial portion of an impact event between the vehicle and the crash cushion; (b) applying a decelerating force that falls below a value F2 to the vehicle with the crash cushion during an intermediate portion of the impact event, after the initial portion; and (c) applying a decelerating force at an average value F to the vehicle with the crash cushion during a final portion of the impact event, after the intermediate portion; wherein F1 is substantially greater than F and F2 is substantially less than F.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 24 wherein F2 is less than one-half of F.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 24 wherein F2 is less than one-fifth of F.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 24 wherein F2 is less than one-tenth of F.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 24 wherein F1 is more than 1.5 times F.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 24 wherein F1 is more than two times F.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 24 wherein F1 is more than three times F.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 24 wherein the decelerating force during the intermediate portion remains below one-half of F for at least 20 mSec.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 24 wherein the decelerating force during the intermediate portion remains below one-half of F for at least 30 mSec.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 24 wherein the decelerating force during the intermediate portion remains below one-half of F for at least 40 mSec.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 106 words

A highway crash cushion that generates a system response profile when impacted by a vehicle of a selected class at a selected speed, said system response profile characterized by an initial portion, an intermediate portion, and a final portion; said crash cushion comprising: means for applying an average decelerating force F to the impacting vehicle during the final portion; means for applying a decelerating force to the impacting vehicle during the initial portion that peaks at a value substantially greater than F; and means for applying a decelerating force to the impacting vehicle during the intermediate portion that falls to a value substantially less than F.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 106 words

A highway crash cushion that generates a system response profile when impacted by a vehicle of a selected class at a selected speed, said system response profile characterized by an initial portion, an intermediate portion, and a final portion; said crash cushion comprising: means for applying an average decelerating force F to the impacting vehicle during the final portion; means for applying a decelerating force to the impacting vehicle during the initial portion that peaks at a value substantially greater than F; and means for applying a decelerating force to the impacting vehicle during the intermediate portion that falls to a value substantially less than F.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force to the impacting vehicle falls during the intermediate portion to a value less than one-half of F.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force to the impacting vehicle falls during the intermediate portion to a value less than one-fifth of F.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force to the impacting vehicle falls during the intermediate portion to a value less than one-tenth of F.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force to the impacting vehicle peaks during the initial portion at a value more than 1.5 times F.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force to the impacting vehicle peaks during the initial portion at a value more than two times F.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force to the impacting vehicle peaks during the initial portion at a value more than three times F.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force during the intermediate portion remains below one-half of F for at least 20 mSec.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force during the intermediate portion remains below one-half of F for at least 30 mSec.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention of claim 34 wherein the decelerating force during the intermediate portion remains below one-half of F for at least 40 mSec.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-07-25	2004-01-24	2004-07-25	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-07-25	2008-01-24	2008-07-25	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-07-25	2012-01-24	2012-07-25	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method for decelerating a vehicle, highway crash cushion, and energy absorbing element therefor

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