IMPACT ATTENUATOR

Claims

A shock absorber comprising first and second diaphragm frames, each having laterally spaced first and second sides defining inwardly sloping first and second planes from the top to the bottom of each side of the first and second diaphragm frames. The first diaphragm frame is movable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to a frontal impact. First and second side panels are respectively fixed to the first and second sides of the first and second diaphragm frames, wherein the first and second side panels are movable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to a frontal impact. In one embodiment, the side panels may have cross-sectional shapes that vary along their length. Furthermore, each frame may include a plurality of longitudinally spaced guides for engagement with a rail.