U.S. patent application number 11/252165 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for retainer for use with a vehicle tire puncturing and deflating spike and an assembly thereof.
Invention is credited to Toranj Marphetia.
Application Number | 20060083587 11/252165 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36180927 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060083587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marphetia; Toranj |
April 20, 2006 |
RETAINER FOR USE WITH A VEHICLE TIRE PUNCTURING AND DEFLATING SPIKE
AND AN ASSEMBLY THEREOF
Abstract
A molded "shear pin" or spike retainer is used with an assembly
of tire-puncturing and tire-deflating spikes. The retainer is a
solid U-shaped device having at least two straight portions that
are connected together by bends. A first retainer portion is
dimensioned to be slidingly insertable through a bore that is
defined within the base of the spike. The first retainer portion is
also dimensioned to be slidingly insertable through opposing
apertures that are defined within a spike holder. When the opposing
spike holder apertures are aligned with the spike aperture, the
spike is spaced above a floor that forms part of a cavity within
the spike holder. The first retainer portion holds the spike firmly
within the spike holder. In this position, the spike is axially and
downwardly movable relative to the spike holder when the first
retainer portion is sheared by a downward force exerted on the
spike.
Inventors: |
Marphetia; Toranj;
(Brookfield, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOSEPH S. HEINO, ESQ.;DAVIS & KUELTHAU, S.C.
111 E. KILBOURN
SUITE 1400
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-6613
US
|
Family ID: |
36180927 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252165 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60619978 |
Oct 19, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/006 |
International
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20060101
E01F013/12 |
Claims
1. A tire-puncturing and tire-deflating assembly that comprises a
plurality of spikes, each spike having an upwardly pointing spike
tip, a centrally disposed spike body and a spike base, and each
spike base having a transversely disposed spike aperture defined in
it, at least one spike holder slat, the spike holder slat having a
plurality of spike holders defined in it, each spike holder having
an axially upright aperture and a pair of transversely disposed and
opposing spike retainer apertures defined in it, and a plurality of
spike retainers, wherein a spike retainer is insertable through the
spike retaining apertures and through the spike base aperture to
retain the spike within the spike holder by frictional
engagement.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein each spike includes an axial
spike alignment means for ensuring the transverse alignment of the
spike retaining apertures with the spike base aperture.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the axial spike alignment means
comprises an axially extending alignment ridge defined within each
spike base and each spike holder has a vertically disposed groove,
the alignment ridge being receivable within the groove.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the placement of the alignment
ridge within the groove aligns the spike retaining apertures with
the spike base aperture.
5. The assembly of claim 2 wherein each spike holder further
comprises a counter-bore disposed below the spike base when the
spike base is inserted into the spike holder aperture and the spike
retainer is inserted into and through the spike retaining apertures
and the spike base aperture.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the spike retainer comprises a
generally U-shaped structure.
7. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the spike retainer comprises a
generally straight first retainer portion, a generally straight
second portion and a generally straight third retainer portion, the
first and second retainer portions being substantially disposed at
a right angle relative to one another and connected by a first
elbow, and the second and third retainer portions being similarly
substantially disposed at a right angle relative to one another and
connected by a second elbow.
8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the retainer is constructed of a
solid material having some flexibility.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the retainer is constructed of a
nylon resin reinforced with a mineral or mineral and glass
combination.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the slat further includes at
least one hollow defined within a ridge that extends between
adjacent spike holders, such hollow being functionally adapted to
receive a portion of the retainer within it when another portion of
the retainer is inserted into and through the spike retaining
apertures and the spike base aperture.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the slat hollow is a generally
C-shaped cylindrical void that allows the portion of the retainer
to be releasably held therewithin.
12. A spike retainer for use in a tire-puncturing and
tire-deflating assembly that comprises a plurality of spikes, each
spike having an upwardly pointing spike tip, a centrally disposed
spike body and a spike base, and each spike base having a
transversely disposed spike aperture defined in it, at least one
spike holder slat, the spike holder slat having a plurality of
spike holders defined in it, each spike holder having an axially
upright aperture and a pair of transversely disposed and opposing
spike retainer apertures defined in it, which comprises a generally
U-shaped structure having a generally straight first retainer
portion, a generally straight second portion, and a generally
straight third retainer portion, the first and second retainer
portions being substantially disposed at a right angle relative to
one another and connected by a first elbow, and the second and
third retainer portions being similarly substantially disposed at a
right angle relative to one another and connected by a second
elbow, wherein the spike retainer is insertable through the spike
retaining apertures and through the spike base aperture to retain
the spike within the spike holder by frictional engagement.
13. The spike retainer of claim 12 wherein each spike holder
further comprises a counter-bore disposed below the spike base when
the spike base is inserted into the spike holder aperture and the
spike retainer is inserted into and through the spike retaining
apertures and the spike base aperture.
14. The spike retainer of claim 13 wherein the retainer is
constructed of a solid material having some flexibility.
15. The spike retainer of claim 14 wherein the retainer is
constructed of a nylon resin reinforced with a mineral or mineral
and glass combination.
16. The spike retainer of claim 12 wherein the slat further
includes at least one hollow defined within a ridge that extends
between adjacent spike holders, such hollow being functionally
adapted to receive a portion of the retainer within it when another
portion of the retainer is inserted into and through the spike
retaining apertures and the spike base aperture.
17. The spike retainer of claim 16 wherein the slat hollow is a
generally C-shaped cylindrical void that allows the portion of the
retainer to be releasably held therewithin.
18. The spike retainer of claim 12 wherein each spike includes an
axial spike alignment means for ensuring the transverse alignment
of the spike retaining apertures with the spike base aperture.
19. The spike retainer of claim 18 wherein the axial spike
alignment means comprises an axially extending alignment ridge
defined within each spike base and each spike holder has a
vertically disposed groove, the alignment ridge being receivable
within the groove.
20. The spike retainer of claim 19 wherein the placement of the
alignment ridge within the groove aligns the spike retaining
apertures with the spike base aperture.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/619,978 filed Oct. 19, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to devices that are used by
law enforcement agencies and others for intentionally puncturing
the rubber tires of a motor vehicle, thereby slowing down and
eventually stopping that motor vehicle. More particularly, this
invention relates to a device that can be used for retaining a
vehicle tire puncturing and deflating spike within an assembly that
uses a plurality of such retainers with a like plurality of spikes.
It also relates to a spike retainer that is quickly and easily
replaced following spike deployment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is occasionally necessary for law enforcement agencies to
impede and stop the movement of a speeding motor vehicle. One
method of accomplishing this is by direct pursuit of the vehicle by
the vehicles that are used by the agency. However, direct pursuit
is a risky proposition since it can and does have the potential for
placing the pursuers and the public at large in harm's way,
particularly when such pursuits lead through city streets and other
populated areas. As one safer alternative to the direct pursuit of
an illegally speeding vehicle, it has been recognized that
strategic placement of tire-deflating mechanisms in the path, or
the anticipated path, of the vehicle can also effectively impede
and stop its movement. Such portable tire-deflating mechanisms
often take the form of strips of material that can be set down on a
roadway, the strips including some sort of puncturing device
attached to it. Mechanisms of this type can, in the experience of
this inventor, be deployed with relative ease and have taken
several forms in recent years. One such mechanism, invented by this
inventor, is formed with a "scissors-like" base having a plurality
of tire-puncturing spikes that are removably held within the base.
That mechanism, including the detail of the tire-deflating spikes
that are used with it, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,961 and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,189 issued to this inventor, respectively.
[0004] In the experience of this inventor, the tire-puncturing
spike and retainer assembly as described above has worked superbly
in the field. Notwithstanding the improved method of retaining a
tire-deflating spike within its assembly, as is disclosed and
claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,961 mentioned above, there are still
situations where the vehicle sought to be slowed down or stopped
runs over the assembly with such force and in such a violent
fashion that the assembly "whiplashes" under or behind the vehicle
thereby causing a few extra spikes to be thrown from the assembly.
Furthermore, it is this inventor's intended use of the assembly
that all spikes that do not have direct tire contact not to be
affected and remain intact within the assembly, even when the
assembly is whiplashed in this fashion. Accordingly, it is this
inventor's intention to further improve the original design of his
assembly to further reduce the possibility of spikes being
inadvertently deployed when there is no tire contact whatsoever and
to do so in such a way as to avoid dramatic alteration of his
current configuration of the overall assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to
provide a new, useful, and uncomplicated retainer for holding a
tire-puncturing and tire-deflating spike securely within an
assembly under all conditions of use except where there is direct
tire contact with the spike. It is yet another object of this
invention to provide such a spike retainer that requires only a
minimal number of elements in order to secure a spike within the
assembly, which is easy to use and which allows for ready
replacement for a detached spike.
[0006] The present invention has obtained these objects. It
provides for a molded "shear pin" or spike retainer that can be
used with an assembly of the type which has been previously
described. The retainer is a solid unitary rod-like device that is
formed into a generally "U-shape." That is, the retainer has at
least two straight portions that are connected together by bends. A
first retainer portion is dimensioned to be slidingly insertable
through an only slightly larger dimensioned bore that is defined
within the base of the tire-puncturing spike. The first retainer
portion is also dimensioned to be slidingly insertable through
opposing apertures that are defined within a spike holder. When the
opposing spike holder apertures are aligned with the spike
aperture, the spike is spaced above a floor that forms part of the
cavity within the spike holder. The first retainer portion is
inserted and passes through the spike and holder apertures. This
holds the spike firmly within the spike holder. In this position,
the spike is axially and downwardly movable relative to the spike
holder, but only if the first retainer portion is sheared by a
downward force exerted on the spike. This first retainer portion is
the first leg of the substantially "U-shaped" retainer.
[0007] Another portion of the retainer, which is the other leg of
the "U-shaped" retainer and which is generally parallel to the
first leg, is firmly held in place within another portion of the
base assembly. This insures that the spike retainer is held in
place until it becomes necessary to deploy the spike. When the
spike is impacted by a tire that rolls over it, the spike is forced
downwardly, the portion of the retainer that passes through the
spike base is sheared off, and the spike is deployed from the base,
with the remaining spikes continuing to be retained within the
base. The foregoing and other features of this invention will be
apparent from the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of one slat in a
spike-deployment assembly that uses a spike retainer in accordance
with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged top plan view of one of the
spike retainers illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the slat in
phantom view.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevational and cross-sectioned view of one
spike and spike retainer of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side elevational and cross-sectioned view of one
slat in a deployment assembly that shows a plurality of spikes and
a plurality of spike retainers held within it.
[0012] FIG. 5 is the same view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2 but
showing a tire initiating contact with one of the spikes, driving
that spike downwardly and shearing a portion of the spike
retainer.
[0013] FIG. 6 is the same view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and
3 but showing the tire continuing to roll over the assembly and the
deployment of spikes from the assembly.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an assembly constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like
numbered elements refer to like elements as well, FIG. 1
illustrates a portion of the preferred embodiment of the
tire-puncturing and tire-deflating spike retaining assembly,
generally identified 10, that is constructed in accordance with the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the assembly 10 includes a
plurality of spikes, generally identified 20, a plurality of spike
holder slats, generally identified 30, and a spike retainer,
generally identified 40, one spike retainer 40 being provided for
each spike 20.
[0016] Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that each spike
20 includes an upwardly pointing spike tip 22, a centrally disposed
spike body 24 and a spike base 26. See also FIG. 3. Each spike base
26 is functionally adapted to be received within an axially upright
aperture or cavity 34 that is defined within a substantially
cylindrical and axially upright spike holder 32. Each slat 30
includes a plurality of such spike holders 32, one for each spike
20. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates an assembly 10 that includes
twelve slats 30, each utilizing eight spike holders 32 and a like
number of spikes 20. It is to be understood that the exact number
of spikes 20, spike holders 32, and slats 30 is not a limitation of
the present invention. Any number of such elements could be used
without deviating from the scope of this invention.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be seen that that the base
26 of each spike 20 includes a base alignment ridge 28. As shown in
FIG. 3, it will also be seen that each spike 20 includes a
transversely-disposed spike base aperture 27. The base alignment
ridge 28 of the spike base 26 is receivable within a vertically
disposed groove 31 to one side of the spike holder cavity 34. This
insures proper rotational orientation of the spike base 26 relative
to the spike holder cavity 34 and also assists in proper axial
alignment of the base aperture 27 with first and second apertures
36, 37, respectively, that are defined within the spike holder 32.
The first and second apertures 36, 37 of the spike holder 32 are
also transversely disposed relative to a spike 20 that is held
within the holder 32. That is, the first and second spike holder
apertures 36, 37, respectively, and the base aperture 27 are
aligned such that the axis of each is the same when the spike 20 is
properly positioned within the spike holder 32. The importance of
this rotational alignment feature is significant although other
alignment means may be employed without deviating from the scope of
the present invention. Virtually any structure or design that
positions the respective apertures 27, 36, 37 in an axial alignment
could be used and still come within this invention. Such is not a
limitation of the present invention.
[0018] Each spike holder 32 includes a cavity counter-bore 33 at
the upper edge 35 of the spike holder 32. See FIGS. 1 and 3. This
counter-bore 33 is provided to assist in removal of the spike 20
from the cavity 34 when the assembly 10 is used as intended. The
significance of this feature will also be apparent later in this
detailed description.
[0019] Most importantly, the assembly 10 of the present invention
includes a retainer, generally identified 40. As shown in FIG. 2,
it will be seen that the retainer 40 includes a generally straight
first retainer portion 42, a generally straight second retainer
portion 44, and a generally straight third retainer portion 46. The
first and second retainer portions 42, 44, respectfully, are
substantially disposed at a right angle relative to one another and
connected by a first elbow 43. Similarly, the second and third
retainer portions 44, 46, respectfully, are similarly disposed at a
generally right angle and connected by a second elbow 45. In this
fashion, the retainer 40 is constructed in a somewhat "U-shaped"
configuration. However, other configurations could be used without
deviating from the scope of this invention. For example, a truly
"U-shaped" retainer could be used. In the experience of this
inventor, however, the use of a more angular retainer 40 provides
the user with a point or surface (i.e. the first elbow 43) that the
user can use to urge the first retainer portion 42 through the
aligned apertures 27, 36, 37, the apertures 27, 36, 37 being
transversely disposed relative to the axis of the spike 20 and
providing some resistance by virtue of a snug fit between those
elements, which fit is desired to firmly hold the spike 20 within
the holder 32.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the retainer 40 of the present
invention is constructed of a solid material which has some
flexibility, but is generally a rigid structure. This rigidity
assists the user during insertion of the first retainer portion 42
into the transversely-disposed and linearly-aligned apertures 27,
36, 37. The exact material used is not, however, a limitation of
this invention. For example, the retainer 40 can be made of a
Minlon.RTM. material (a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de
Nemours and Company) which is a nylon resin reinforced with a
mineral or mineral/glass combination for low warpage, improved
dimensional stability, enhanced stiffness, strength and heat
resistance.
[0021] In the preferred embodiment, and as previously stated, the
first retainer portion 42 is functionally adapted to be inserted
into and through the first holder aperture 36, then through the
base aperture 27 and finally through the second holder aperture 37.
In this fashion, the spike 20 is properly positioned within the
holder 32 and is held in a vertical position that is slightly off
of and above the floor 35 of the holder cavity 34. The third
portion 46 of the pin 40 is functionally adapted to be "snap"
received within a hollow 38 that is defined within a ridge 39
extending between adjacent spike holders 32. See FIGS. 1 through 3.
The hollow 38 is a generally "C-shaped" cylindrical void which
allows the third retainer portion 46 to be securely, but
releasably, held within it.
[0022] In application, it will be seen in FIG. 4 that a plurality
of spikes 20 are held substantially upright by placement of the
spike base 26 into the cavity 34 of a corresponding spike holder
32. In this cross-sectioned view, it will be seen that the first
portion 42 of the retainer 40 is held within the aligned apertures
27, 36, 37 and that the third portion 46 of the retainer 40 is held
within a corresponding hollow 38. It will be observed that, in this
configuration, the base 26 of each spike 20 is held off of the
floor 35 of the spike holder cavity 34.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5, it will be seen that, as a tire 60
of current manufacture begins to roll over the slat section 30, it
impales itself on one or more spikes 20 that are held within that
slat section 30. As pressure is exerted downwardly on the spike 20
and the spike tip 22 begins to penetrate the tire tread 62, enough
resistance is encountered during tire 60 penetration to force the
spike 20 downwardly into the spike holder cavity 34. The downward
force exerted on the spike 20 also exerts a shear force between the
spike base 26 and the inside surface of the spike holder 32,
thereby shearing off the first portion 42 of the retainer 40 at two
points, one to either side of the spike base 26.
[0024] As the tire 60 continues to roll over the array of spikes
20, as shown in FIG. 6, the spikes 20 are pulled along with the
pierced tire tread 62 and pulled from their respective holders 32.
Once the retainer 40 is sheared at the base 26 of the spike 20,
there is virtually no resistance to the spike 20 being pulled from
the slat 30. While FIG. 6 demonstrates an ideal illustration, the
spikes 20, in reality, are dynamically twisted in a sideways
direction relative to the spike holder 32 as the tire 60 continues
to rotate. Though not specifically shown in FIG. 6, it is to be
understood that the use of the cavity counter-bore 33 allows the
impaled spike 20 to be more easily withdrawn from the spike holder
cavity 34 as the tire 60 continues to carry the spike 20 with it.
Also in this configuration, spikes that are not impacted by the
tread 62 of the tire 60 remain intact within the assembly 10. This
further enhances the safety of the assembly 10, making it even more
attractive in its use by law enforcement agencies and others who
are charged with public safety.
[0025] After the assembly 10 has been successfully used, and a
number of spikes 20 have been deployed from it, the portion of the
retainer 40 remaining from each deployed spike 20 is pulled from
the slat hollow 38. A new spike 20, or even the old spike 20 if
undamaged, and new retainer 40 may then be reinserted for later use
of the assembly 10.
[0026] Accordingly, it will be seen that there has been provided a
new, useful and non-obvious retainer and assembly for holding a
tire-puncturing and tire-deflating spike securely within the
assembly under all conditions of use except where there is direct
tire contact with the spike; that is uncomplicated and requires
only a minimal number of elements in order to secure a spike within
the assembly; that is easy to use; and that allows for ready
replacement of detached spikes.
* * * * *