Patent ID: 6921228
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: E01F

Abstract:
1. A deformable panel member adapted to be mounted to a fixed surface for absorbing the energy of a moving object impacting the panel member, the deformable panel member comprising: a front wall; a base wall, at least a portion of the base wall being adapted to abut the fixed surface when the panel member is mounted to the fixed surface; a first side wall and a second side wall extending between and interconnecting the front wall and base wall whereby a cavity is defined in the panel member by the inner surfaces of the front, base and side walls, the first and second side walls extending from the base wall such that the inner surface of the first side wall and the inner surface of the base wall define an acute angle and the inner surface of the second side wall and the inner surface of the base wall define an obtuse angle, wherein an edge of at least one of the first side wall or the second side wall interconnects at an edge of the front wall; and a support wall disposed in the cavity and extending between and merging integrally with at least two of the front, base, and side walls for providing support to the panel member, such that the force of impact of the moving object on the panel member tends to deform the panel member whereby the front wall of the panel member is displaced, the first side wall is elongated, and the second side wall is compressed relative to the base wall.