US Patent RE41988 Highway crash cushion and components thereof

A highway crash cushion includes a single, central, rigid, guide tail that guides the crash cushion in axial collapse. Diaphragm assemblies are each provided with recessed legs, and a central guide that slides along the rail while locking against the rail in a lateral collision. The diaphragm assemblies support fender panels that include four longitudinally extending ridges, a central slot, and a tapered trailing edge that reduces vehicle snagging. Energy absorbing elements are disposed between the diaphragm assemblies, and each includes an indicator that clearly indicates when the element has been compressed and possibly damaged.