Patent ID: 8016332

Claim:
An energy absorbing system, comprising: a container formed with a plurality of faces; an energy absorbing material within the container; an elongated member wherein the elongated member has a length dimension substantially greater than a height dimension and a width dimension, the elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end of the elongated member proximate to a plate; the plate located within the container, the plate proximate and approximately perpendicular to the proximate end of the elongated member, said plate positioned to compress the energy absorbing material; a first bumper proximate to the distal end of the elongated member; a first engagement mechanism proximate to the plate, wherein the engagement mechanism has a first position that fixes the plate to the elongated member and a second position that uncouples the plate from the elongated member; and a first sensor located to quantify a collision force on said first bumper, the sensor in communication with the first engagement mechanism whereby the position of the engagement mechanism is dependent on a quantity of the collision force sensed. a second plate located within the container; a second elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end of the second elongated member integral with the second plate; and the first bumper proximate to the distal end of the second elongated member.