Inventors:
Jeffery Smith - St. Charles IL, US
Randy Warner - Harrisburg PA, US
Les Okreglak - Carson City NV, US
Paul Eckert - Carson City NV, US
Robert Lauck - San Juan, Capistrano CA, US
International Classification:
A01K003/00, E01F015/00
Abstract:
An improved redirective end treatment is disclosed which uses a braking system that provides a varied braking force to maintain the rate of deceleration of a vehicle impacting the end treatment at or below a predetermined value. The redirective end treatment includes a guardrail structure and an impact sled positioned ahead of the guardrail structure. Pivotally attached to the front of the guardrail structure is a smart braking unit positioned within the impact sled. When a vehicle collides with the impact sled, the sled is caused to translate backwards towards the braking unit and guardrail structure. As the impact sled collides with the braking unit, the guardrail structure is caused to move vertically and fold in a scissors-like action. The amount of linear space finally occupied by the end treatment is then reduced, but because the impact sled, braking unit and guardrail structure are not physically damaged they can be returned to their original positions for reuse.