Abstract: A collapsible barrier (10) comprises: a first pair of members (12,14) pivotally coupled together at a first coupling (16); and a second pair of members (18, 20) pivotally coupled together at a second coupling (22); wherein each member (12, 14) of the first pair is pivotally coupled at a respective lateral coupling (24, 26) to a corresponding member (18, 20) of the second pair such that the members (12, 14, 18, 20) are movable from an erected configuration where the members of the first pair are mutually inclined at a first angular separation, and a collapsed configuration where the members of the first pair are mutually inclined at a second angular separation which is less than the first angular separation.

Abstract: A sacrificial crash cushion (10) for a roadside object (e.g. post, mast or pylon), comprising a body (12) defining a chamber (14) containing a sacrificial energy absorber (16), the chamber (14) having a central region (20) and a lateral region (22, 24) on each side thereof, wherein the lateral regions (22, 24) extend away from the central region (20) such that the body (12) has a profile (30) configured to abut a roadside object, the profile having in each of two spaced-apart locations a contact surface (32, 34) for contacting a roadside object, with the contact surfaces (32, 34) facing in different directions.

Abstract: A collapsible barrier (10) comprises: a first pair of members (12,14) pivotally coupled together at a first coupling (16); and a second pair of members (18, 20) pivotally coupled together at a second coupling (22); wherein each member (12, 14) of the first pair is pivotally coupled at a respective lateral coupling (24, 26) to a corresponding member (18, 20) of the second pair such that the members (12, 14, 18, 20) are movable from an erected configuration where the members of the first pair are mutually inclined at a first angular separation, and a collapsed configuration where the members of the first pair are mutually inclined at a second angular separation which is less than the first angular separation.

Abstract: A method of making an energy-absorbing structure in the form of a sheet having a pattern of alternating front and rear projections in front of and behind a median plane with each projection having an end face, a pitch region spaced from the end face, and a transition region therebetween including varying at least one parameter of the structure from the group consisting of local variation in sheet thickness in the pitch region, local variation in slope in the pitch region, geometry of the end face and geometry of the transition region, analyzing the energy absorption characteristics of the structure in response to the variation of the or each parameter, selecting the value of the or each parameter which gives a desired absorption characteristic and making a structure with the selected values of the or each parameter.

Abstract: A method of making an energy-absorbing structure in the form of a sheet having a pattern of alternating front and rear projections in front of and behind a median plane with each projection having an end face, a pitch region spaced from the end face, and a transition region therebetween including varying at least one parameter of the structure from the group consisting of local variation in sheet thickness in the pitch region, local variation in slope in the pitch region, geometry of the end face and geometry of the transition region, analyzing the energy absorption characteristics of the structure in response to the variation of the or each parameter, selecting the value of the or each parameter which gives a desired absorption characteristic and making a structure with the selected values of the or each parameter.

Abstract: A composite structural component for use in bearing a static load and a method of making same. The component comprises a non-planar member (1) in the form of a sheet which has a pattern of projections (3, 5) extending from at least one face of the sheet and a planar skin (11) which is bonded to one side of the non-planar member (1). The projections may be frustoconical with substantially flat tops (7).

Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure (10) comprising a sacrificial member (12) and a skin (14) for covering one side (16) of the sacrifical member (12). The skin (14) has an array (18) of grooves (20) formed in the surface (22) closest to the sacrifical member (12). The grooves (20) provide lines of wakness which improve yieldability of the structure (10) when in collision with large objects (e.g pedestrians), but without adversely affecting damage resistance to small object, e.g. stone chippings.

Abstract: A method of making an energy-absorbing structure in the form of a sheet having a pattern of alternating front and rear projections in front of and behind a median plane with each projection having an end face, a pitch region spaced from the end face, and a transition region therebetween including varying at least one parameter of the structure from the group consisting of local variation in sheet thickness in the pitch region, local variation in slope in the pitch region, geometry of the end face and geometry of the transition region, analyzing the energy absorption characteristics of the structure in response to the variation of the or each parameter, selecting the value of the or each parameter which gives a desired absorption characteristic and making a structure with the selected values of the or each parameter.

Abstract: An energy absorbing sheet 1 has alternating front 3 and rear 5 projections at angles between 25 to 60 degrees from the plane of the sheet. The sheet absorbs impact by plastic deformation such that the curve of stress to deformation shows a plateau for example at a level of stress which does not break bone. The sheet 1 may be made of aluminium.

Abstract: The invention thus provides a method of making a foam-filled composite matrix having a cellular core, and the composite matrix of the method, e.g. for use as sacrificial energy absorbing structures particularly for the passenger compartments of vehicles, e.g. motor vehicles. Thus the structures may be used in head linings in automobiles and as linings and even seats in vehicles such as aircraft. Additionally the structures may form crash padding in crash helmets and body armour.