Patent ID: 7210874

Claim:
An energy absorbing system disposed proximate a roadside hazard comprising: a first end and a second end; a first side having a plurality of panels extending generally longitudinally between the first end and the second end; a second side having a plurality of panels spaced from the first side and extending generally longitudinally between the first end and the second end; the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side disposed proximate the first end of the energy absorbing system; the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side spaced from each other at a first distance; the second end of the first side and the second end of the second side spaced from each other by a second distance at least twice the first distance at the first end of the first side and the first end of the second side; a pair of guide rails extending from the first end toward the second end; the guide rails disposed generally parallel with each other; a plurality of panel support frames with respective panels attached thereto; the panel support frames slidably engaged with the guide rails; the panels of the first side extending generally parallel with the guide rails; and the second side having at least one group of panels disposed at an acute angle relative to the guide rails.