Patent ID: 7467909
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: B61L,E01F

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling arrestment of a vehicle containing at least one human occupant travelling in a path along a roadway in either a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction, the system comprising: a. a barrier having at least a portion positioned below the roadway so as not to intersect the path, the barrier being deformable in both of the first and second directions and comprising a fabric net comprising: b. means for repositioning the barrier so as to intersect the path, such means comprising a stanchion connected to the generally horizontal beam of the net and having at least a portion positioned below the roadway; c. means for controlling deformation of the barrier following its contact with the vehicle, such means: d. a slotted beam having an upper surface substantially flush with the roadway and a portion extending therebeneath, the net being positioned in the slot prior to the barrier being repositioned; and in which (i) the tape plays out at least approximately thirty-five feet along the path after the vehicle contacts the net so as to absorb energy from and arrest movement of the vehicle in a manner non-lethal to the human occupant and (ii) the tape may be rewound onto the reel and the net may be returned to a position in the slot for reuse after arrestment of the vehicle.