Energy absorbing barrier system with crash indication

A restraining barrier system including means for indicating the status of a restraining barrier comprising:

• first and second vertically disposed towers, having a restraint zone defined between the lower portions thereof, first and second transport means mounted for vertical movement with respect to said first and second towers respectively, drive means for moving said transport means to selectable vertical positions, at least one of said transport means comprising energy absorbing means, a restraining barrier for support between said first and second transport means and being vertically movable therewith, means for supporting said barrier means to said first and second transport means and for coupling said end of said barrier means to an energy absorbing means, said selectable positions including a deployed position in which said restraining barrier blocks the path of travel of a vehicle through the restraint zone and a passive position in which said restraining barrier is positioned vertically above the restraint zone so as to permit a vehicle to pass therethrough, sensing cable means coupling an end of said barrier means to said first transport means, indicator means for indicating operation of said barrier means for restraining a vehicle, activator means for operating said indicator means, said activator means being coupled to sensing cable means such that said activator means is impeded by said sensing cable means from operating said indicator means and said activator means being operated in response to breaking of said sensing cable means when said barrier impedes a vehicle.

A restraining barrier system including means for indicating the status of restraining barrier comprising:

• first and second vertically disposed towers, having a restraint zone defined between the lower portions thereof, first and second transport means slidably mounted to said first and second towers respectively, drive means for moving said transport means to selectable vertical positions, a least one of said transport means comprising energy absorbing means, a restraining barrier for support between said first and second transport means and being vertically movable therewith, means for supporting said barrier means to said first and second transport means and for coupling said barrier means to an energy absorbing means, said selectable positions including a deployed position in which said restraining barrier blocks the path of travel of a vehicle through the restraint zone and a passive position in which said restraining barrier is positioned to permit a vehicle to pass therethrough, sensing cable means connected between said barrier and a fixed point, whereby said cable means is broken by a vehicle collision of a with said barrier in a deployed position, motion sensing means operable upon sensing entry of a vehicle into said restraining zone at least a predetermined velocity, indicator means for indicating operation of said motion sensing means, activator means for operating said indicator means, said activator means being coupled to said motion sensing means such that said activator means is impeded by said sensing cable from operating said indicator means and said activator means moves to operate said indicator means in response to breaking of said sensing cable, and said indicator means being enabled in response to operation of said motion sensing means.