US Patent 7484906 Crash cushion

A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength. In another aspect, a deformable tube is at least partially filled with a secondary component, which filled portion has a greater deformation strength than unfilled portions of the tube. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels. A connector includes a first strap portion disposed in a valley of and connected to the first side panel and a second strap portion disposed adjacent to and connected to a ridge of the second side panel.