Abstract: A crash cushion includes a pair of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending rails. A diaphragm frame is moveably supported by the rails. An outer guide is coupled to the diaphragm frame and is configured to engage an outboard portion of the rail on the impact side respectively during a lateral impact. The outer guide on the impact side is releasable from the outboard portion of the rail. A pair of laterally spaced inner guides are coupled to the diaphragm frame and successively engage and release the inboard portion of the impact side and non-impact side of the rails during an impact of sufficient severity. A flexible panel may be coupled to the impact side of the diaphragm frame. A deformable energy absorbing member is moveably connected to a stationary backup.

Abstract: A crash cushion includes a pair of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending rails. A diaphragm frame is moveably supported by the rails. An outer guide is coupled to the diaphragm frame and is configured to engage an outboard portion of the rail on the impact side respectively during a lateral impact. The outer guide on the impact side is releasable from the outboard portion of the rail. A pair of laterally spaced inner guides are coupled to the diaphragm frame and successively engage and release the inboard portion of the impact side and non-impact side of the rails during an impact of sufficient severity. A flexible panel may be coupled to the impact side of the diaphragm frame. A deformable energy absorbing member is moveably connected to a stationary backup.

Abstract: A crash cushion includes first and second diaphragm frames each having first and second laterally spaced sides defining first and second planes sloping inwardly from a top to a bottom of each side of the first and second diaphragm frames. The first diaphragm frame is moveable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to a head-on impact. The first and second side panels are attached respectively to the first and second sides of the first and second diaphragm frames, wherein the first and second side panels are moveable relative to the second diaphragm frame in response to the head-on impact. In one embodiment, the side panels may have variable cross sectional shapes along a length thereof. In addition, each frame may include a plurality of longitudinally spaced guides for engaging a rail.

Abstract: A crash cushion includes overlapping first and second rail sections coupled with a fastener. The first rail section is moveable relative to the second rail section from a pre-impact position to an impact position in response to an axial impact to the guardrail assembly. The first rail section includes an elongated slot aligned with the fastener and having a first length. A support post is releasably connected to the first rail section and is rotatable to a laid over position after the first rail section has moved a first travel distance, wherein the first length is greater than or equal to the first travel distance.