Patent ID: 9458583
Filing Date: 2016-10-04
CPC Classification: E01F

Claim Text:
1. An energy absorbing system operable to minimize an impact between a vehicle and a hazard comprising: the energy absorbing system having a first end and a second end; the second end of the energy absorbing system disposed adjacent to the hazard with the first end extending longitudinally therefrom; a sled assembly slidably disposed proximate the first end of the energy absorbing system; a plurality of panel support frames slidably diposed on a first guide rail and a second guide rail between the sled assembly and the hazard; the panel support frames spaced longitudinally from each other; and a plurality of panels attached to the panel support frames and extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the energy absorbing system; a first row of energy absorbing assemblies and a second row of energy absorbing assemblies extending from the hazard; the first row and the second row of energy absorbing assemblies spaced laterally from each other; each energy absorbing assembly having at least one energy absorbing element; the sled assembly having a first shredder and a second shredder mounted thereon and generally aligned normal to associated energy absorbing elements; and the sled assembly having a first end facing oncoming traffic whereby an impact of a vehicle with the first end of the sled assembly results in each shredder dissipating kinetic energy of the vehicle by shredding portions of the associated energy absorbing elements.