Energy absorbing system

Abstract

An energy absorbing system, operable as an impact attenuation device for reducing the severity of vehicular collisions, comprising guidance frame means, energy absorbing means and impacting plate means. The guidance frame means, which is operable to secure one end of the energy absorbing system in fixed relation to an object, includes an attachment plate through which the guidance frame means is fastened at one end to the aforesaid object, structural tubing members having one end thereof secured to the attachment plate, first support means operable for supporting the structural tubing members and for securing the other end of the structural tubing members to the aforesaid object, and reinforcing means mounted on the structural tubing members operable to provide additional structural strength to the structural tubing members. The energy absorbing means, which function to absorb the energy released during the vehicular collision, includes a multiplicity of pipe sections connected together in series relation and supported in interposed relation between the guidance frame means and the impacting plate means. The impacting plate means, which is the portion of the energy absorbing system designed to be struck during the vehicular collision, includes a reinforced plate member, structural members having one end thereof supported in sliding relation within the structural tubing members of the guidance frame means, and second support means having one end fastened to the aforesaid object operable to provide additional vertical support to the energy absorbing system relative to the aforesaid object.