Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-04-24)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS:
1\. A crash cushion apparatus comprising: a rail assembly including: a plurality of anchor plates longitudinally spaced apart from each other; and a rail extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates; a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the rail, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including: a divider slidably entrained on the rail and longitudinally spaced from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and a plurality of side panels linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together, each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space; and a plurality of crushable tubes oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays.
2\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, the plurality of crushable tubes being distributed unevenly between the plurality of collapsible bays so that at least one of the plurality of collapsible bays has more of the plurality of crushable tubes than at least one other of the plurality of collapsible bays.
3\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 2, the crash cushion apparatus having opposing forward and rearward ends, the plurality of crushable tubes increasing in number per collapsible bay from the forward end to the rearward end.
4\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 3, one of the forward-most collapsible bays of the plurality of collapsible bays having zero crushable tubes.
5\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 2, some of the plurality of collapsible bays having one more crushable tube than the sequentially adjacent collapsible bay forward therefrom.
6\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, each of the plurality of crushable tubes including opposing ends, the plurality of dividers including a cradle member having recesses corresponding to crushable tubes disposed in the corresponding collapsible bay and an entrainment member extending over the ends of the crushable tubes disposed in the corresponding collapsible bay.
7\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, each of the plurality of crushable tubes including opposing ends and a plurality of holes near one of the opposing ends for promoting consistent longitudinal and progressive collapse of the plurality of crushable tubes.
8\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, the rail assembly including an additional rail laterally spaced from the rail, the rail assembly further including crossmembers extending laterally between the rail and the additional rail.
9\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, each of the plurality of dividers including a tab slidably entraining the divider on the rail and spaced from the rail via a gap to prevent binding between the divider and the rail when the divider moves relative to the rail.
10\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 9, each of the plurality of dividers including a beveled or tapered surface configured to engage the rail.
11\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, some of the plurality of dividers including a rubber shock absorption element to minimize shock between the plurality of dividers.
12\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, the plurality of side panels overlapping each other and being connected the plurality of dividers via biased fasteners.
13\. A crash cushion apparatus including opposing forward and rearward ends, the crash cushion apparatus comprising: a rail assembly including: a plurality of anchor plates longitudinally spaced apart from each other; and a rail extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates; a backstop positioned near an aft end of the rail; a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the rail, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including: a divider slidably entrained on the rail and longitudinally spaced from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and a plurality of side panels linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together, each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space; a nose component near the forward end and slidably entrained on the rail in longitudinal alignment with the plurality of collapsible bays, the nose component including: a plurality of rigidly-connected members forming a box frame; and a delineation plate extending between some of the plurality of rigidly-connected members thereby at least partially enclosing the box frame; and a plurality of crushable tubes oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail via the nose component and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays.
14\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 13, the plurality of crushable tubes being distributed unevenly between the plurality of collapsible bays so that at least one of the plurality of collapsible bays has more of the plurality of crushable tubes than at least one other of the plurality of collapsible bays.
15\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 14, the plurality of crushable tubes increasing in number per collapsible bay from the forward end to the rearward end.
16\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 15, one of the forward-most collapsible bays of the plurality of collapsible bays has zero crushable tubes.
17\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 14, some of the plurality of collapsible bays having one more crushable tube than the sequentially adjacent collapsible bay forward therefrom.
18\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 13, each of the plurality of crushable tubes including opposing ends, the plurality of dividers including a cradle member having recesses corresponding to crushable tubes disposed in the corresponding collapsible bay and an entrainment member extending over the ends of the crushable tubes disposed in the corresponding collapsible bay.
19\. The crash cushion apparatus of claim 13, each of the plurality of crushable tubes including opposing ends and a plurality of holes near one of the opposing ends for promoting consistent longitudinal and progressive collapse of the plurality of crushable tubes.
20\. A crash cushion apparatus including opposing forward and rearward ends, the crash cushion apparatus comprising: a rail assembly including: a plurality of anchor plates longitudinally spaced apart from each other; a backstop fixed to one of the plurality of anchor plates; opposing rails extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates and including aft ends; and a plurality of crossmembers extending laterally between the opposing rails; a backstop positioned near the aft ends of the opposing rails; a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the opposing rails, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including: a divider slideably entrained on the opposing rails and longitudinally spaced apart from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and a plurality of corrugated side panels linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together, the plurality of side panels and dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays being connected via biased fasteners, each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space; a nose component near the forward end and slidably entrained on the opposing rails in longitudinal alignment with the plurality of dividers, the nose component including: a plurality of rigidly-connected members forming a box frame; and a delineation plate extending between some of the plurality of rigidly-connected members thereby at least partially enclosing the box frame; and a plurality of crushable tubes oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of crushable tubes including opposing ends and a plurality of holes near some of the opposing ends for promoting longitudinal and progressive collapse of the plurality of crushable tubes, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail via the nose component and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays.

OFFICE ACTION:
EXAMINER'S AMENDMENT
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in an interview with Dane Schad on 4/17/2025.
The application has been amended as follows:
Amended Claim 1, as follows:
(Currently Amended) A crash cushion apparatus comprising:
a rail assembly including:
a plurality of anchor plates longitudinally spaced apart from each other; and
a rail extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates;
a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the rail, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including:
a divider slidably entrained on the rail and longitudinally spaced from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and
a plurality of side panels linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together, each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space; and
a plurality of crushable tubes oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers,
the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays;
each divider comprising one or more cradle members configured to receive a longitudinal end of a respective one of the plurality of crushable tubes so as to prevent displacement of the crushable tubes relative to the dividers without affixing the crushable tubes to the divider.
Amended Claim 6, as follows:
6. (Currently Amended) The crash cushion apparatus of claim 1, each of
Amended Claim 13, as follows:
13. (Currently Amended) A crash cushion apparatus including opposing forward and rearward ends, the crash cushion apparatus comprising:
a rail assembly including:
a plurality of anchor plates longitudinally spaced apart from each other; and a rail extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates;
a backstop positioned near an aft end of the rail:
a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the rail, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including:
a divider slidably entrained on the rail and longitudinally spaced from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and
a plurality of side panels linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together,
each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space;
a nose component near the forward end and slidably entrained on the rail in longitudinal alignment with the plurality of collapsible bays, the nose component including:
a plurality of rigidly-connected members forming a box frame; and
a delineation plate extending between some of the plurality of rigidly- connected members thereby at least partially enclosing the box frame; and
a plurality of crushable tubes oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers,
the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail via the nose component and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays;
each divider comprising one or more cradle members configured to receive a longitudinal end of a respective one of the plurality of crushable tubes so as to prevent displacement of the crushable tubes relative to the dividers without affixing the crushable tubes to the divider.
Amended Claim 18, as follows:
18. (Currently Amended) The crash cushion apparatus of claim 13, each of
Amended Claim 20, as follows:
20. (Currently Amended) A crash cushion apparatus including opposing forward and rearward ends, the crash cushion apparatus comprising:
a rail assembly including:
a plurality of anchor plates longitudinally spaced apart from each other;
a backstop fixed to one of the plurality of anchor plates;
opposing rails extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates and including aft ends; and
a plurality of crossmembers extending laterally between the opposing rails;
a backstop positioned near the aft ends of the opposing rails;
a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the opposing rails, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including:
a divider slideably entrained on the opposing rails and longitudinally spaced apart from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and
a plurality of corrugated side panels linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together, the plurality of side panels and dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays being connected via biased fasteners,
each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space;
a nose component near the forward end and slidably entrained on the opposing rails in longitudinal alignment with the plurality of dividers, the nose component including:
a plurality of rigidly-connected members forming a box frame; and
a delineation plate extending between some of the plurality of rigidly- connected members thereby at least partially enclosing the box frame; and
a plurality of crushable tubes oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of crushable tubes including opposing ends and a plurality of holes near some of the opposing ends for promoting longitudinal and progressive collapse of the plurality of crushable tubes, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers,
the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail via the nose component and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays;
each divider comprising one or more cradle members configured to receive a longitudinal end of a respective one of the plurality of crushable tubes so as to prevent displacement of the crushable tubes relative to the dividers without affixing the crushable tubes to the divider.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
As to Claim 1, Examiner considers US 9051698 to Anghileri et al. (hereinafter “Anghileri”) to be the closest prior art, insofar as it discloses:
a crash cushion apparatus comprising:
a rail assembly including:
a plurality of anchor plates 24 longitudinally spaced apart from each other; and
a rail 22 extending longitudinally between the plurality of anchor plates;
a plurality of collapsible bays supported on the rail, each of the plurality of collapsible bays including:
a divider 36 slidably entrained on the rail and longitudinally spaced from a divider of an adjacent one of the plurality of collapsible bays; and
a plurality of side panels 18 linking the dividers of the plurality of collapsible bays together, each of the plurality of collapsible bays forming a space; and
a plurality of crushable tubes 44 oriented longitudinally in the spaces formed by the plurality of collapsible bays and extending between sequentially adjacent ones of the plurality of dividers, the plurality of dividers entraining the plurality of crushable tubes in the longitudinal orientation without the plurality of crushable tubes being fixed to the plurality of dividers,
the plurality of dividers being configured to be driven rearward along the rail and crush the plurality of crushable tubes to sequentially collapse the collapsible bays.
However, the prior art is lacking a teaching, suggestion, or motivation to modify Anghileri such that: each divider comprises one or more cradle members configured to receive a longitudinal end of a respective one of the plurality of crushable tubes so as to prevent displacement of the crushable tubes relative to the dividers without affixing the crushable tubes to the divider.  (In fact, Anghileri specifically discloses affixing the ends of the tubes to the dividers via pins 40)
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US7059590B2: Claims:
An energy absorbing assembly comprising: at least two energy absorbing members extending substantially parallel to one another; each energy absorbing member having a first end and a second end spaced from each other; each second end operable for attachment to a traffic barrier; a plurality of support posts coupled to and supporting the energy absorbing members; the first end of the at least two energy absorbing members securely attached with one of the support posts proximate a first end of the energy absorbing assembly; the respective first end of the at least two energy absorbing members spaced laterally from each other; an impact assembly operable to transfer forces from a floor structure of a vehicle to each energy absorbing member; the impact assembly securely engaged with a lower portion of only the one support post and securely engaged with a bottom portion of the two energy absorbing members attached with the one support post; and the impact assembly including a generally rectangular metal sheet having an opening formed therein and sized to receive the one support post.
at least two energy absorbing members extending substantially parallel to one another;
each energy absorbing member having a first end and a second end spaced from each other;
each second end operable for attachment to a traffic barrier;
a plurality of support posts coupled to and supporting the energy absorbing members;
the first end of the at least two energy absorbing members securely attached with one of the support posts proximate a first end of the energy absorbing assembly;
the respective first end of the at least two energy absorbing members spaced laterally from each other;
an impact assembly operable to transfer forces from a floor structure of a vehicle to each energy absorbing member;
the impact assembly securely engaged with a lower portion of only the one support post and securely engaged with a bottom portion of the two energy absorbing members attached with the one support post; and
the impact assembly including a generally rectangular metal sheet having an opening formed therein and sized to receive the one support post.
The energy absorbing assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of energy absorbing members comprises at least one thrie beam.
The energy absorbing assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of energy absorbing members comprises at least one W-beam.
An energy absorbing assembly comprising: at least two energy absorbing members extending substantially parallel to one another; each energy absorbing member having a first end and a second end spaced from each other; a plurality of support posts slidably coupled to and supporting the energy absorbing members; the first end of the at least two energy absorbing members securely attached with one of the support posts proximate a first end of the energy absorbing assembly; the second end of the at least two energy absorbing members operable to be slidably coupled with a traffic baffler; an impact assembly securely engaged with only a lower portion of the one support post and securely engaged with a lower portion of each energy absorbing member adjacent to one support post; the impact assembly having a first component formed from a generally elongated rectangular metal sheet; and a generally C-shaped channel attached to the metal sheet.
a plurality of support posts slidably coupled to and supporting the energy absorbing members;
the second end of the at least two energy absorbing members operable to be slidably coupled with a traffic baffler;
an impact assembly securely engaged with only a lower portion of the one support post and securely engaged with a lower portion of each energy absorbing member adjacent to one support post;
the impact assembly having a first component formed from a generally elongated rectangular metal sheet; and
a generally C-shaped channel attached to the metal sheet.
A crash cushion comprising: a pair of beams spaced from each other and extending substantially parallel to each other; each beam having approximately an equal length with a first end and a second end spaced from each other; the second end operable to be slidably coupled with a traffic barrier; a first breakaway support post spaced from the first end of the beams; a second breakaway support post securely attached to and supporting the first end of the beams; additional breakaway support posts disposed after the second breakaway support post and slidably coupled with the beams; an impact assembly securely engaged with a lower portion of the second breakaway support post and securely engaged with a lower portion of each beam adjacent to the respective first end; a first component of the impact assembly formed from a generally elongated rectangular metal sheet; an opening formed in the metal sheet and sized to receive the second breakaway support post; and a generally C-shaped channel.
a pair of beams spaced from each other and extending substantially parallel to each other;
each beam having approximately an equal length with a first end and a second end spaced from each other;
the second end operable to be slidably coupled with a traffic barrier;
a first breakaway support post spaced from the first end of the beams;
a second breakaway support post securely attached to and supporting the first end of the beams;
additional breakaway support posts disposed after the second breakaway support post and slidably coupled with the beams;
an impact assembly securely engaged with a lower portion of the second breakaway support post and securely engaged with a lower portion of each beam adjacent to the respective first end;
a first component of the impact assembly formed from a generally elongated rectangular metal sheet;
an opening formed in the metal sheet and sized to receive the second breakaway support post; and a generally C-shaped channel.
An energy absorbing assembly comprising: at least two energy absorbing members extending substantially parallel to one another; each energy absorbing member having a first end and a second end spaced from each other; the second end slidably coupled to a traffic barrier to absorb energy from a vehicle colliding with an impact assembly; a plurality of support posts coupled to and supporting the energy absorbing members; the first end of at least two of the energy absorbing members securely attached with the impact assembly and one of the support posts proximate a first end of the energy absorbing assembly; the impact assembly securely engaged with a lower portion of the one support post and securely engaged with a lower portion of each energy absorbing member adjacent to the respective first end; the impact assembly having a first component and a second component securely engaged with and directly attached to each other; an opening formed proximate a mid point in the first component and sized to receive a support post associated with the energy absorbing device; projections formed on and extending from the first component of the impact assembly for use in coupling the impact assembly with portions of the energy absorbing device; the second component further comprises a generally C-shaped channel; and the projections from the first component and the second component cooperating with each other to transfer energy from a vehicle colliding with the impact assembly to the energy absorbing members.
the second end slidably coupled to a traffic barrier to absorb energy from a vehicle colliding with an impact assembly;
the first end of at least two of the energy absorbing members securely attached with the impact assembly and one of the support posts proximate a first end of the energy absorbing assembly;
the impact assembly securely engaged with a lower portion of the one support post and securely engaged with a lower portion of each energy absorbing member adjacent to the respective first end;
the impact assembly having a first component and a second component securely engaged with and directly attached to each other;
an opening formed proximate a mid point in the first component and sized to receive a support post associated with the energy absorbing device;
projections formed on and extending from the first component of the impact assembly for use in coupling the impact assembly with portions of the energy absorbing device;
the second component further comprises a generally C-shaped channel; and
the projections from the first component and the second component cooperating with each other to transfer energy from a vehicle colliding with the impact assembly to the energy absorbing members.
Ref US20060011900A1: Claims:
A guardrail system for installation along a roadway to redirect an errant vehicle, comprising: a plurality of spaced support posts; a guardrail mounted on the plurality of support posts by a plurality of securing members, each securing member passing through a respective opening in the guardrail and an opening in a respective support post; a releasing member adjacent the securing member for releasing the guardrail from the support post during a vehicle impact; and a positioning member for centering the releasing member with respect to a central portion of one of the openings in the guardrail and the support post.
a plurality of spaced support posts;
a guardrail mounted on the plurality of support posts by a plurality of securing members, each securing member passing through a respective opening in the guardrail and an opening in a respective support post;
a releasing member adjacent the securing member for releasing the guardrail from the support post during a vehicle impact; and
a positioning member for centering the releasing member with respect to a central portion of one of the openings in the guardrail and the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member deforms to release the guardrail from the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is a frangible member which cracks and breaks during release of the guardrail from the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member and includes a notch to facilitate deformation or breakage of the releasing member when the guardrail separates from the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.
A releasing member as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is formed from one of a metallic and ceramic material.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is integral with the securing member.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 6 , wherein the releasing member comprises a portion of an elongate securing member opposite a releasing notch in the securing member with respect to the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member at least partially overlaps at least one end of the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support post prior to releasing the guardrail from the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member includes a hook-shaped member.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is an edge portion of the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member, and the securing member includes a threaded rod.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the positioning member centers the positioning member in the opening in the guardrail.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 13 , wherein the opening in the guardrail is a slot.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the positioning member centers the positioning member in the opening in the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the positioning member also centers the securing member in the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support member.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the securing member includes a threaded fastener.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the securing member includes an elongate member passing through the openings in the guardrail and the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the guardrail is one of a thrie-beam and a w-beam, and the releasing member is a round washer of a substantially uniform thickness.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the positioning member includes a tapered front edge for engagement with at least one edge of the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support post.
A guardrail as defined in claim 20 , wherein the positioning member is configured to engage opposing ends of the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein a front edge of a positioning member facing the support post is curved.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the positioning member centers the securing member within a central area of the opening 20% or more from one edge of the opening and 80% or less from an opposing end of the opening.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 1 , further comprising: a force attenuating member between the guardrail and the support post for attenuating peak loads between the guardrail and the support post.
a force attenuating member between the guardrail and the support post for attenuating peak loads between the guardrail and the support post.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 24 , wherein the force attenuating member has a substantially conical configuration.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 24 , wherein the force attenuating member prevents over-tightening the securing member by limiting movement of the positioning member.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 23 , further comprising: a preselected spacing between a front portion of the releasing member facing the support post and a rear portion of the force attenuating member facing away from the support post.
A structural safety system to absorb energy from an errant vehicle, comprising: at least one support; at least one vehicle impact absorbing member mounted to the support by a securing member passing through an opening in one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support; a releasing member for releasing the vehicle impact absorbing member from the support during a vehicle impact, the releasing member being adjacent the securing member or being an edge portion of the opening in the one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support; and a positioning member for centering the releasing member with respect to a central portion of the opening in one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support.
at least one support;
at least one vehicle impact absorbing member mounted to the support by a securing member passing through an opening in one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support;
a releasing member for releasing the vehicle impact absorbing member from the support during a vehicle impact, the releasing member being adjacent the securing member or being an edge portion of the opening in the one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support; and
a positioning member for centering the releasing member with respect to a central portion of the opening in one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the releasing member deforms to release the guardrail from the support.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the releasing is a frangible member which cracks and breaks during release of the guardrail from the support.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member and includes a notch to facilitate deformation or breakage of the releasing member when the guardrail separates from the support.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member and has a substantially uniform thickness.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the releasing member is integral with the securing member.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the positioning member centers the securing member in the opening in the guardrail.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the positioning member includes a tapered front edge for engagement with at least one edge of the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support.
A structural safety system as defined in claim 31 , further comprising: a force attenuating member between the guardrail and the support for attenuating peak loads between the guardrail and the support.
a force attenuating member between the guardrail and the support for attenuating peak loads between the guardrail and the support.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 31 , wherein the positioning member also centers the securing member in the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support member.
A fastening system for mounting a vehicle impact absorbing member to a support, comprising: a securing member for securing the vehicle impact absorbing member to the support, the securing member passing through an opening in one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support; a releasing member adjacent the securing member for releasing the vehicle impact absorbing member from the support during a vehicle impact; and a positioning member for centering the releasing member with respect to a central portion of the one of the openings.
a securing member for securing the vehicle impact absorbing member to the support, the securing member passing through an opening in one of the vehicle impact absorbing member and the support;
a releasing member adjacent the securing member for releasing the vehicle impact absorbing member from the support during a vehicle impact; and
a positioning member for centering the releasing member with respect to a central portion of the one of the openings.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the support is permanently installed along a roadway.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the support is mounted to a truck.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the releasing member deforms to release the guardrail from the support.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member and is a frangible member which cracks and breaks during release of the guardrail from the support.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the releasing member is positioned on the securing member and includes a notch to facilitate deformation or breakage of the releasing member when the guardrail separates from the support.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the releasing member at least partially overlaps at least one end of the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support prior to releasing the guardrail from the support.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the positioning member includes a tapered front edge for engagement with at least one edge of the one of the opening in the guardrail and the support.
A guardrail system as defined in claim 41 , wherein the positioning member also centers the securing member in the one of the openings in the guardrail and the support member.
A fastening system as defined in claim 41 , further comprising: a force attenuating member between the guardrail and the support for attenuating peak loads between the guardrail and the support.
A highway safety structural system positioned along a roadway to attenuate the energy of an impact of an errant vehicle, comprising: a
[Truncated to input limit]