Patent ID: 6494640
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: E01F

Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting a structural support from impact, said apparatus comprising:an impact protection component in the form of a rigid, molded, single unitary part having a top, a base, and a peripheral side wall, said side wall having a rear portion and a front portion, said top, base, rear portion and front portion enclosing an air chamber; said a rear portion configured to mate with the structural support so as to seat said component in an installed position adjoining the structural support; said front portion configured to deflect inwardly toward said rear portion so as to reduce the volume of said air chamber upon the impact of a vehicle, and thereby to protect the structural support from said impact; said rear portion of said side wall having flat faces that are located opposite each other so as to mate with corresponding opposite flat faces of the structural support, and being flexible so as to conform to the shape of the structural support at the opposite flat faces of the structural support so as to fit said component closely in said installed position adjoining the structural support; said component further having an opening which is open in use of said component and through which air can vent from said air chamber upon said reduction of said volume.