Patent ID: 8256339
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: F41F

Abstract:
1. A collapsible structure for controllably guiding a load comprises: a support structure; a load guiding structure; a collapsible support arrangement extending between said support structure and said load guiding structure, said collapsible support arrangement being affixed to said support structure and to said load guiding structure; and a capture arrangement affixed to at least one of (a) said support structure and (b) said load guiding structure, for deforming in conjunction with the collapse of said collapsible support arrangement to absorb energy from the collapse of said load guiding structure toward said support structure and to reduce rebound of said load guiding structure from said support structure, wherein said collapsible support arrangement includes at least one support member adapted to support said load guiding structure in a position generally away from said support structure in a first mode, and allow collapsing motion of said load guiding structure relative to said support structure in a second mode.