Energy absorbing system with support
View Patent ↗An energy absorbing system. The system includes an energy absorber mechanically coupled to a net, a joint mechanically coupled to an anchor, and a support mechanically coupled to the net via a frangible connector. The frangible connector may uncouple the support from the net upon application of at least a threshold force to the frangible connector. The joint may pivot on a horizontal axis and support the energy absorber at a predetermined angle relative to ground level.
1. An energy absorbing system comprising:
an energy absorber mechanically coupled to a net;
a joint mechanically coupling the energy absorber to an anchor; and
a support mechanically coupled to the net via a frangible connector,
wherein the frangible connector uncouples the support from the net upon application of at least a threshold force to the frangible connector, and wherein the joint pivots on a horizontal axis and supports the energy absorber at a predetermined angle relative to ground level.
2. The energy absorbing system of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined angle is substantially parallel to ground level.
3. The energy absorbing system of claim 1 , wherein the joint includes a stop plate preventing the joint from pivoting beyond the predetermined angle.
4. The energy absorbing system of claim 1 , further comprising a tensioning device mechanically coupling the frangible connector and one of the net and the support.
5. The energy absorbing system of claim 4 , wherein the frangible connector and tensioning device are combined into a single device.
6. The energy absorbing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second energy absorber mechanically coupled to a lower portion of the net and arranged below the energy absorber; and
a second joint mechanically coupling the second energy absorber and the anchor,
wherein the second joint pivots on a horizontal axis and supports the second energy absorber at a predetermined angle relative to ground level.
7. A method for absorbing the energy of an errant vehicle, comprising:
positioning a net across an area through which the vehicle is expected to pass, the net being mechanically coupled to an energy absorber, which is mechanically coupled to a joint, which is mechanically coupled to an anchor; and
mechanically coupling the net to a support through a frangible connector,
wherein the frangible connector uncouples the support from the net upon application of at least a threshold force to the frangible connector by the vehicle and the force of the vehicle is transferred through the net to the anchor, and
wherein the joint pivots on a horizontal axis and supports the energy absorber at a predetermined angle relative to ground level.
8. An energy absorbing system comprising:
means for absorbing energy;
means for restraining a vehicle, the restraining means being connected to the energy absorbing means to enable the transfer of energy from a vehicle impacting the restraining means to the energy absorbing means;
means for pivoting the restraining means on a horizontal axis and supporting the energy absorbing means at a predetermined angle relative to ground level; and
means for supporting the restraining means in a position likely to be impacted by the vehicle until the application of at least a threshold force by the vehicle to the restraining means.
9. An energy absorbing system comprising:
an energy absorber mechanically coupled to a net;
a joint mechanically coupling the energy absorber and an anchor; and
a support having a base mechanically coupled to a post mechanically coupled to the net,
wherein the post uncouples from the base upon application of at least a threshold force to the net, and wherein the joint supports the energy absorber at a predetermined angle relative to ground level.