Patents by Inventor Michael J. Buehler
Michael J. Buehler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11377055Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration. The hinge assembly includes a release plate fixedly connected to the first frame member, wherein the release plate comprises a fastener opening and a slot extending between the fastener opening and an edge of the release plate, and a fastener extending through the fastener opening and connecting the release plate to the second frame member when the first and second frames are in the pre-impact configuration. A hinge assembly, and method of using the crash attenuator, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Trinity Highway Products LLCInventor: Michael J. Buehler
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Publication number: 20210277615Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Trinity Highway Products LLCInventors: Brent Sindorf, Michael J. Buehler
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Publication number: 20200361407Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration. The hinge assembly includes a release plate fixedly connected to the first frame member, wherein the release plate comprises a fastener opening and a slot extending between the fastener opening and an edge of the release plate, and a fastener extending through the fastener opening and connecting the release plate to the second frame member when the first and second frames are in the pre-impact configuration. A hinge assembly, and method of using the crash attenuator, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: Trinity Highway Products LLCInventor: Michael J. Buehler
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Patent number: 10006179Abstract: A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Aaron J. Cox
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Patent number: 9399845Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Sean Thompson, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Publication number: 20150191883Abstract: A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Applicant: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: MICHAEL J. BUEHLER, AARON J. COX
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Publication number: 20150069771Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: MICHAEL J. BUEHLER, SEAN THOMPSON, PATRICK A. LEONHARDT
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Patent number: 8974142Abstract: A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Aaron J. Cox
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Patent number: 8556286Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on a towing vehicle, such that the hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more retraction mechanisms connected to the crash cushion.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bret Eckert, Michael J. Buehler, James B. Welch
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Patent number: 8464825Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: John F. LaTurner, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Publication number: 20130140791Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Energy Aborption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bret Eckert, Michael J. Buehler, James B. Welch
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Patent number: 8388012Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
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Patent number: 8360400Abstract: A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Publication number: 20120211710Abstract: A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Patent number: 8215619Abstract: A breakaway support post for a guardrail includes an upper post member and a lower post member. The upper and lower post members are overlapping and configured such that the upper and lower post members are non-rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in an axial impact direction. In one embodiment, a tensile fastener extends in the axial impact direction and connects overlapping portions of the upper and lower post members. In another embodiment, a shear fastener extends transversely to the axial impact direction and is the only connection between the upper and lower post members. In another aspect, a guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Publication number: 20120146313Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Michael J. BUEHLER, Bret ECKERT, James B. WELCH
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Publication number: 20120121325Abstract: A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Michael J. BUEHLER, Aaron J. COX
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Publication number: 20120074721Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: John F. LaTurner, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Patent number: RE43927Abstract: A vehicle impact attenuator includes a rail and at least one guide member moveable along the rail. At least a portion of the guide member is rotatable relative to the rail about a vertical axis by at least ±10° without binding the guide member against the rail. At least one energy absorbing element is located adjacent said guide member. A method of attenuating the impact of a vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Buehler
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Patent number: RE46861Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: John F. LaTurner, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf