Arresting systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment.

1 . A system for impeding movement of an object travelling in a path along a travel surface 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 sufficiently above the travel surface so as not to intersect the path, the barrier being deformable in both of the first and second directions;   b. means for repositioning the barrier so as to intersect the path; and   c. means for controlling deformation of the barrier following its contact with the object.   
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the barrier comprises a net. 
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2  in which the deformation control means comprises:
 a. at least one spooled tape connected directly or indirectly to the net; and   b. means for impeding unspooling of the tape following its contact with the object.   
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 3  in which the means for impeding unspooling of the tape comprises a friction brake. 
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 4  in which the net comprises a plurality of horizontal members and a plurality of vertical members perpendicular to the horizontal members. 
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 3  in which the deformation control means further comprises sheave rollers through which the tape passes. 
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 4  in which (i) the deformation control means further comprises a reel acted upon by the friction brake and (ii) the tape may be rewound onto the reel, and the net may be returned to a position not intersecting the path for reuse after contact with the object. 
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 7  in which the object is a vehicle containing at least one human occupant and the travel surface is a roadway. 
   
   
       9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the repositioning means comprises a superstructure, at least a portion of which superstructure is positioned sufficiently above the travel surface so as not to intersect the path. 
   
   
       12 . A method of impeding movement of an object travelling in a path along a travel surface in either a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction, the system comprising:
 a. providing a barrier having at least a portion positioned sufficiently above the travel surface so as not to intersect the path, the barrier being deformable in both of the first and second directions;   b. repositioning the barrier so as to intersect the path; and   c. controlling deformation of the barrier following its contact with the object.   
   
   
       13 . A system according to  claim 1  in which the deformation control means comprises a rotary hydraulic brake.