Impact Assembly for an Energy Absorbing Device

Abstract

An impact assembly for transferring forces from a head-on impact or a side impact between a vehicle and one end of an energy absorbing device facing oncoming traffic. The impact assembly may be used to transfer energy from a floor structure of a vehicle during a side impact with the one end of the energy absorbing device. Portions of the impact assembly are positioned relative to ground level to engage the floor structure of an impacting vehicle and/or the front bumper of a low profile vehicle. Portions of the impact assembly may be manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.

1 .- 14 . (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . A method of forming an impact assembly for an energy system comprising: 
 forming a single piece of sheet metal having a generally elongated, rectangular configuration defined in part by a first end and a second end;    forming an opening in the single piece of sheet metal;    forming a first bend in the single piece of sheet metal between the opening and the first end; and    forming a second bend in the single piece of sheet metal between the opening and the second end.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising forming the first bend and the second end at respective angles of approximately 90 degrees.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 forming a third bend between the first bend and the first end of the single piece of sheet metal to form a first tapered surface extending from the impact assembly; and    forming a fourth bend between the second bend and the second end of the single piece of sheet metal to form a second tapered surface extending from the impact assembly.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising attaching a generally C-shaped channel with the single piece of sheet metal.  
     
     
         19 . A method of forming an impact assembly for an energy system comprising: 
 forming a metal sheet having a generally elongated, rectangular configuration defined in part by a first end and a second end;    forming an opening in the metal sheet between the first end and the second end;    forming a first bend in the metal sheet between the opening and the first end;    forming a second bend in the metal sheet between the opening and the second end;    forming a first tapered surface extending from the impact assembly;    forming a second tapered surface extending from the impact assembly; and    forming holes in the tapered surfaces for use in attaching the impact assembly to associated energy absorbing members.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising forming the opening with a generally U-shaped configuration sized to be mounted on an associated support post therein.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising attaching a metal channel with the metal sheet.  
     
     
         22 . A method of forming an impact assembly for an energy system comprising: 
 forming a metal sheet having a generally elongated, rectangular configuration defined in part by a first end and a second end;    forming an opening in the metal sheet;    forming a first bend in the metal sheet between the opening and the first end;    forming a second bend in the metal sheet between the opening and the second end; and    attaching a generally C-shaped channel with the metal sheet.    
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  further comprising forming the opening with a generally U-shaped configuration sized to engage an associated support post therein.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22  further comprising: 
 forming a third bend between the first bend and the first end of the metal sheet to form a first tapered surface extending from the impact assembly; and    forming a fourth bend between the second bend and the second end of the metal sheet to form a second tapered surface extending from the impact assembly.