Patent ID: 7467909

Claim:
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: i. a plurality of generally horizontal members; ii. a plurality of generally vertical members perpendicular to the horizontal members; iii. at least one generally horizontal beam; and iv. a plurality of diagonal members forming an end; 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: i. being configured to control deformation of the barrier in each of the first and second directions so that energy from the vehicle is absorbed and movement of the vehicle is arrested regardless of whether the vehicle is travelling in the first direction or the second direction; and ii. comprising: A. at least one wound tape connected to the end of the net; B. means, comprising a brake, for impeding unwinding of the tape following its contact with the object; C. a reel acted upon by the brake; and D. sheave rollers through which the tape passes; and 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.