U.S. patent application number 14/666114 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for deployable device having an unrolled configuration for rapidly immobilizing a land vehicle and associated methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph M. Sullivan, Paul D. Wallis.
Application Number | 20160281307 14/666114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56974918 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160281307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sullivan; Joseph M. ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
Deployable Device Having An Unrolled Configuration For Rapidly
Immobilizing A Land Vehicle And Associated Methods
Abstract
An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for
ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle is described. The
apparatus comprises a continuous base layer further comprising a
plurality of spike holders. The base layer is adapted to support a
net package in a rolled stowed configuration. The net package
includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is
connected to the base layer to cause the base layer to become
unrolled for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.
Inventors: |
Sullivan; Joseph M.;
(Gilbert, AZ) ; Wallis; Paul D.; (Queen Creek,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California)
LLC |
Valencia |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56974918 |
Appl. No.: |
14/666114 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20060101
E01F013/12; E01F 15/00 20060101 E01F015/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for
ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle, comprising: a netting
package having a base layer, the base layer further comprising at
least one deployment hose, wherein the base layer provides housing
for a plurality of penetrators and netting tethered to the
penetrators and is stowed in a rolled configuration when in a
non-deployment state; and a deployment module configured to inflate
the deployment hose upon initial deployment, wherein the inflation
of the deployment hose causes the base layer to unroll and lay
across the roadway upon deployment, wherein, upon deployment, the
penetrators are arranged on the roadway to puncture a tire of the
oncoming vehicle and cause the netting to be pulled from the base
layer to ensnare the tire.
2. An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for
ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle, comprising: a base
layer temporarily housing a plurality of penetrators and netting
tethered to the penetrators, wherein the base layer is arranged in
a rolled configuration when in a non-deployment state.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one
deployment hose attached to the base layer.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the deployment hose is
configured to be in a rolled configuration when the base layer is
in a stowed configuration, and wherein inflation of the deployment
hose causes the base layer to unroll and lay across the roadway
upon deployment.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising penetrator holders
removably attached to the base layer for holding the penetrators in
a desired orientation and position.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of penetrators
are spikes.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising spike tethers
connecting spikes to the netting.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the spikes are positioned in
the base layer to point toward a center of the base layer when in a
rolled configuration.
9. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising two deployment
hoses, each attached at opposing sides of the base layer.
10. An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for
ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle, comprising: a net
package having a base layer further comprising a spike holder,
wherein the base layer is rolled into a roll in a stowed
configuration.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spike holder includes an
integrated spike positioning retainer.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the net package includes
netting and a plurality of spikes tethered to the netting, and the
spike positioning retainer positions the spikes tethered to the
netting.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising two deployment
hoses, each attached at opposing sides of the base layer.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spike holder includes an
integrated spike positioning retainer and the net package includes
netting and a plurality of spikes tethered to the netting, and the
spike positioning retainer positions the spikes tethered to the
netting.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein inflation of the deployment
hoses causes the base layer to unroll as the hoses straighten such
that the base layer lays substantially flat across the roadway upon
deployment, and the spike holder is configured to cause tires of an
oncoming vehicle to make contact with at least one spike.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the deployment hoses are
configured to be connected to a pressure-generating device to be
inflated.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the netting includes a
plurality of reinforcing strips interweaved through a mesh of the
netting, each reinforcing strip extending a different slope from a
common origin on the netting.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the spikes include two or
more barbs to restrict back-out of the spikes once they penetrate a
tire.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the segments are configured
such that when a tire of an oncoming vehicle is penetrated by a
spike, the netting tethered to the spike is pulled from the
segments and is caused to wrap around the tire.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and
a method for affecting movement of a land vehicle. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses,
systems and methods for deterring, slowing, disabling, restraining
and/or immobilizing a motor vehicle by entangling one or more tires
of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional devices for restricting the movement of land
vehicles include barriers, tire spike strips, caltrops, snares and
electrical system disabling devices. For example, conventional
spike strips include spikes projecting upwardly from an elongated
base structure that is stored as either a rolled up device or an
accordion type device. These conventional spike strips are tossed
or thrown on a road in anticipation that an approaching target
vehicle will drive over the spike strip. Successfully placing a
conventional spike strip in the path of a target vehicle results in
one or more tires of the target vehicle being impaled by the
spike(s), thereby deflating the tire(s) and making the vehicle
difficult to control such that the driver is compelled to slow or
halt the vehicle.
[0003] Conventional spike strips may be used by first response
personnel, law enforcement personnel, armed forces personnel or
other security personnel. It is frequently the case that these
personnel must remain in close proximity when deploying spike
strips. For example, a conventional method of deploying a spike
strip is to have the personnel toss the spike strip in the path of
an approaching target vehicle. This conventional method places the
security personnel at risk insofar as the driver of the target
vehicle may try to run down the security personnel or the driver
may lose control of the target vehicle while attempting to maneuver
around the spike strip and hit the security personnel. Further,
rapidly deflating only one of the steering tires may cause a target
vehicle to careen wildly and possibly strike nearby security
personnel, bystanders, or structures.
[0004] There are a number of disadvantages of conventional spike
strips including difficulty deploying the strip in the path of a
target vehicle and the risk that one of the spikes could injure
security personnel while deploying or retracting the strip. The
proximity of the security personnel to the target vehicle when it
runs over strip places the security personnel at risk of being
struck by the target vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a land vehicle
approaching a device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic perspective and side views showing
an exemplary device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the
present disclosure in an undeployed arrangement.
[0007] FIGS. 2E-2F are schematic perspective and partial close-up
views showing the exemplary device of FIGS. 2A-2D in a deployed
arrangement.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a netting package
with certain component removed for clarity that may be utilized
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tether
and a spike for a snaring netting package that may be utilized in
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIGS. 5A-5B are section and partial close-up views of the
spike of FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a partial view of an embodiment of exemplary
netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 7A-7D are perspective and partial close-up views of
exemplary netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of exemplary netting that may
be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of exemplary netting that may
be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Specific details of embodiments according to the present
disclosure are described below with reference to devices for
deflating tires of an oncoming land vehicle. Other embodiments of
the disclosure can have configurations, components, features or
procedures different than those described in this section. A person
of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly
understand that the disclosure may have other embodiments with
additional elements, or the disclosure may have other embodiments
without several of the elements shown and described below with
reference to the figures.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a land vehicle
approaching a device 10 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. First response personnel, law enforcement personnel,
armed forces personnel or other security personnel may use the
device 10 to slow, disable, immobilize and/or restrict the movement
of the land vehicle. Examples of land vehicles may include cars,
trucks or any other vehicles that use tires to transport the land
vehicle. The term "ground" may refer to natural or manmade terrain
including improved roadways, gravel, sand, dirt, etc. FIG. 1 shows
a car C supported, steered, and/or accelerated by pneumatic tires T
relative to a roadway R.
[0017] Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure
deploy the device 10 in the expected pathway of a target vehicle,
e.g., the car C. The undeployed device 10 may be placed on the
ground, e.g., on or at the side of the road R, and then armed. For
example, the device 10 can be armed by making a power source
available in anticipation of deploying the device 10. The device 10
is then deployed, e.g., extended across the expected pathway of the
target vehicle, as the vehicle approaches the device 10. The device
10 may be deployed when the target vehicle is a short distance
away, e.g., less than 100 feet. This may avoid alerting the driver
to the presence of the device 10 and thus make it more likely that
the target vehicle will successfully run over the device 10.
Similarly, remotely or automatically deploying the device 10 may
reduce the likelihood that the driver will notice the device 10 or
take evasive action to avoid running over the device 10. Remotely
deploying the device 10 also allows the device operator (not shown)
to move away from the target vehicle and thereby reduce or
eliminate the likelihood of the vehicle striking the operator.
[0018] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate a layout of the device 10 (e.g.,
apparatus) in undeployed and deployed states (e.g., positions or
configurations) according to embodiments of the disclosure. The
device 10 includes a housing 20 (e.g., case, shell) for
transporting and/or handling the overall device 10 and for storing
components of the device. In some embodiments, the housing 20 may
be a box-type configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the housing
20 includes a base or bottom portion 20a and a closable lid 20b
that is opened during the process of deployment. In some
embodiments, the closable lid can be divided into two parts, a top
portion 20b and a front portion 20c. The lid can be manually opened
to arm or activate the device, or in other embodiments, a switch
can be tripped or otherwise a remote controlled signal can be used
to arm the device and cause the lid to become opened. In some
embodiments, the housing 20 can be made so as to be watertight
(e.g., waterproof, water resistant) when the device is in the
undeployed state. The housing 20 also may include carrying handles
or otherwise may be configured for easy carrying and transportation
when the device 10 is in an undeployed state.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, in an undeployed state, the housing
20 contains a netting package 30 in a stowed position. For example,
the netting package 30 includes a continuous or substantially
continuous base layer 32 (e.g., backing, surface) that can be
stowed (e.g., rolled, retracted) into a roll (e.g., a cylindrical
or tubular roll). For example, the base layer 32 can be rolled into
a series or loops, rings, and/or rolls around each other. The base
layer 32 can be, for example, a flexible, e.g., non-rigid, cover
and/or shell made of fabric or another suitable non-rigid material.
In some embodiments, one or more sheets 34 (e.g., made of carbon
fiber or another suitably strong and lightweight material) can
extend along the length of the base layer 32, e.g., between top and
bottom portions, over a top portion, and/or under a bottom portion
of the base layer 32 to provide support and/or reinforcement. The
base layer 32 should provide a platform (e.g., a continuous and/or
non-rigid support plate, surface, backing) suitable for supporting
an assembly that includes inflatable hoses, netting, and spikes, as
will be described below. The size of the base layer 32 may affect
how far the netting package 30 extends in the deployed arrangement,
e.g., a shorter base layer 32 may result in a shorter netting
package 30 being deployed for a narrow roadway.
[0020] FIG. 2D provides a transparent view of the housing 20 with
the netting package 30 and portions of the housing 20 removed, but
with other components remaining within the housing, including a
deployment module 36 having an inflation device 40 and a power
source 70 (such as a battery pack) operably connected to the
inflation device 40 to provide the device 10 with a pneumatic
and/or electrically operated deployment mechanism. When the device
10 is deployed these components operate to unfurl the netting
package 30 out of the housing 20 and onto the roadway in the
expected path of an oncoming vehicle. The device 10 can include an
inflation device and other related components, e.g., a triggering
or initiating device, control system, sensor(s), reservoir, tank,
pressure gauge, valve(s), electronic control, control panel,
circuit(s), switch, microprocessor, cable(s), and/or pressure
regulator, etc. as described in more detail below and/or, for
example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0063906,
entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPIDLY IMMOBILIZING A LAND
VEHICLE," which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the inflator device 40 can
include a pressure source 44, e.g., a pressurized gas cylinder, gas
generator, an accumulator, etc., operably coupled to one or more
bladders 42. The bladders 42 are configured to deploy the netting
package 30 when expanded as described in more detail below with
respect to FIGS. 2E-2F. The inflator device 40 may also include a
sensor (not shown) for sensing an approaching vehicle and
automatically deploying the netting package 30. Examples of
suitable sensors may include magnetic sensors, range sensors, or
any other device that can sense an approaching vehicle and deploy
the netting package 30 before the vehicle arrives at the device 10.
The inflator device 40 may alternatively or additionally include a
remote actuation device (not shown) for manually deploying the
netting package 30. The sensor and/or the remote actuation device
may be coupled to the device 10 by wires, wirelessly, or another
communication system for conveying a "deploy signal" to the device
10. Examples of wireless communication technology include
electromagnetic transmission (e.g., radio frequency) and optical
transmission (e.g., laser or infrared).
[0022] FIGS. 2E-2F illustrate the device 10 in a deployed state. As
can be seen, the netting package 30 is unfurled (e.g., unrolled,
uncoiled, extended) when the device 10 is deployed. The netting
package 30 is configured to extend across, or at least
substantially the length across, a roadway (or other ground
surface) as the device 10 is being deployed. The base layer 32
rests against the roadway or other surface. The netting package 30
includes the one or more bladders 42 (identified individually as a
first bladder 42a and a second bladder 42b) mounted or secured to
the base layer 32 and configured to extend along the length of the
netting package 30. The bladders 42, in response to being inflated
by the pressure source 44, expand to deploy the netting package 30.
Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure include
tubular bladders 42, e.g., hoses, mounted lengthwise along the
netting package 30, the bladders 42 are also rolled into a roll
when the netting package 30 is in the stowed position.
[0023] Accordingly, as each bladder 42 starting at a first (e.g.,
outer) edge or end 46 of the bladder 42 adjacent a base of the
housing 20 is inflated and continuing to a second (e.g., inner)
edge 48 or end adjacent a center of the rolled netting package 30,
the expanding bladder 42 unfurls, e.g., unrolls, uncoils, extends
or otherwise begins to deploy the base layer 32 until the netting
package 30 is deployed, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2E-2F. Once
unfurled or deployed, the first end and second ends of each bladder
42 are positioned at opposing ends lengthwise of the deployed
netting package 30. A back plate positioned at the rear of the
housing 20 can act as a reaction surface the netting package 30 can
push-off against as it unfurls to the deployed state and/or act as
a pushing mechanism to provide initial acceleration of the netting
package 30 and/or to assist in holding the netting package 30 in
the housing 20. Velcro or other suitable fasteners 38, e.g., an
adhesive, bolts, pins, etc., can also secure the base layer 32 to
the housing 20 as the netting package 30 is unfurled.
[0024] As can be seen in FIGS. 2E-2F, a front side of the backing
32 includes a spike holder as described in more detail below and
supports the bladders and an ensnaring netting or net 50. Atop the
base layer 32, the netting 50 extends laterally and longitudinally
across a portion of the base layer 32. The netting 50 can be
removably secured (e.g., configured to tear-away) from the base
layer 32 via one or more Velcro fastener strips or patches 52. In
other embodiments, other suitable fasteners can be used to
removably secure the netting 50 to the base layer 32. Additionally,
one or more straps 54 extending laterally across the base layer 32
between leading edge 22 and trailing edge 24 of the base layer 32
can assist in removably securing the netting 50 to the base layer
32. Details of the netting 50 are described in more detail
below.
[0025] The base layer 32 contains a plurality of spikes 60, e.g.,
quills or other penetrators, capable of penetrating into the tires
of the targeted oncoming vehicle. As illustrated, the netting
package 30 includes a row of spikes 60 extending along a length of
and removably attached to the base layer 32. As can be seen, when
the netting package 30 is in the stowed or undeployed
configuration, the spikes 60 point toward a center of the rolled
base layer 32. Sufficient spacing between the spikes on subsequent
rolls, e.g., loops or rings, of the base layer 32 and/or a tapered
leading edge 22 on the base layer 32 may be provided such that,
when the netting package 30 is in the stowed or undeployed
configuration, the spikes 60 are not penetrating into the
subsequent rolls in a manner that would prevent the base layer 32
from unfurling when the deployment bladders 42 are being inflated.
For example, according to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure, the base layer 32 is rolled into a roll in the stowed
position such that spikes 60 of subsequent rolls are offset or
misaligned (e.g., medially or toward a center of the rolled base
layer 32 as illustrated in FIG. 2C.
[0026] As shown, the netting package 30 includes one or more spike
holders 62 at a leading edge 22 of the base layer 32. The spike
holder 62 may be incorporated within the base layer 32 or may be
made of a different material (e.g., plastic or other lightweight
material). The spike holder 62 holds a plurality of spikes in
place, vertically and/or at an angle that facilitates having the
spikes 60 penetrate into the tires of an oncoming vehicle when the
segments are unfurled for deployment. As illustrated in FIG. 3 with
a foam retainer 64 on the spike holder 62 and the netting 50
removed for clarity, the spike holder 62 can be a wedge shape or
other shape having a flat, inclined or ramped surface 66. In the
deployed configuration, the spikes 60 are aligned facing the same
direction, along with the spike holder 62. The foam retainers 64
and/or other Velcro portions assist in ensuring the spikes 60 are
aligned and/or are directed towards a consistent orientation. The
spikes sit in the spike holder 62 and are retained via a series of
spike foam retainers 64 in the spike holder 62 so as to stay in
place until one or more spikes is dislodged by penetrating the tire
of an oncoming target vehicle.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, each spike 60 includes a spike tether
68, which connects the base of the spike to the netting 50. When
the device 10 is deployed, at least one tire of an oncoming vehicle
is punctured by a spike 66. The spike is then lodged in the tire,
and via the tether 68, the netting is pulled from the base layer
32, as will be described in further detail below. FIG. 4 is a
detailed view of one embodiment of a tether 68 coupled to an
individual spike 60. The tethers 68 may couple individual meshes at
a leading edge of the net to corresponding spikes 60. Individual
tethers 68 may be made of the same material as the net or any other
material that is suitable for coupling the spikes 60 and the net
50. Loops may be formed at either end of the tether 68 by known
weaving or braiding techniques.
[0028] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a section view of the spike 60 and a
partial section view of a barb 69. The spike 60 includes a sharp
tip or point for piercing and penetrating into a tire. The spike
includes double barbs or two or more barbs 69 (identified
individually as first barb 69a and second barb 69b) spaced axially
apart along a shaft or stem portion of the spike 60. The barbs 69
extend radially outward from the shaft or stem portions of the
spike 60 to prevent or restrict back-out or pull-out of the spikes
once they penetrate into the tires of a vehicle. The individual
barbs 69 can extend at different angles away from a longitudinal
axis of the shaft of the spike 60. In some embodiments, the second
barb 69b positioned at a greater distance axially from the tip of
the spike 60 extends at a larger angle away from the longitudinal
axis of the shaft than the first barb 69a positioned more proximate
to the tip of the spike 60. In some embodiments, the second barb
69b extends at a smaller angle away from the longitudinal axis of
the shaft than the first barb 69a. In other embodiments, the barbs
69 extend at substantially the same angle away from the
longitudinal axis of the shaft. The spikes 60 can be of a solid or
non-hollow construction.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing portions of opposite
corners of an embodiment of the netting 50 in an extended, unfolded
configuration. The netting 50 can be comprised of, for example, a
Dyneema.RTM. or other ultra-high molecular weight Polyethylene mesh
net with sufficiently high tensile strength, having a width W
preferably suitable for encompassing the track of the tires or
wheels of a target vehicle and a length L preferably suitable for
extending at least approximately 1.25 times around the
circumference of the tires of the target vehicle. For example, if
the target vehicle has a track of approximately 65 inches and rides
on tires having an outer diameter of approximately 28 inches, the
net 700 may have a width W of approximately 190 inches and a length
L of at least approximately 110 inches. The dimensions the net 50
may be selected in part based upon the width of the roadway and
also the circumference of the tire or wheel of the type of vehicle
that is desired to be restrained by the device. A preferable
minimum length of the net 50 in the example may be selected by
computing 1.25 times the circumference of the wheel.
[0030] The netting 50 can have meshes that, in the stowed, rolled
and/or coiled arrangement of the net, have an approximately diamond
shape with a major axis M1 between distal opposite points
approximately three to four times greater than a minor axis M2
between proximal opposite points. For example, the size of
individual meshes in the widthwise direction may be approximately
one inch in the stowed configuration, of the net 50, and the size
of individual meshes in the lengthwise direction may be
approximately 3.5 inches in the contracted arrangement of the net.
Certain other embodiments according to the present invention may
have approximately square shaped meshes.
[0031] The netting 50 may be assembled according to known
techniques such as using "Weavers Knots" and/or a "Fisherman's
Knot" to join lengths of cord and form the mesh. Certain
embodiments according to the present disclosure may include coating
the net material with an acrylic dilution, e.g., one part acrylic
to 20 parts water, to aid in setting the knots and prevent them
from slipping or coming undone.
[0032] It may be desirable to provide a widthwise stretch ratio of
approximately 3:1. Accordingly, each mesh is reshaped or stretches
in the widthwise direction, e.g., parallel to the wheel or tire
track of the target vehicle, to a dimension approximately three
times greater than its initial dimension. For example, a net having
a 1.75 inch by 1.75 inch mesh size (unstretched) may be
approximately 3.75 inches measured on the bias (stretched) when the
net is entangled around the wheels or tires of a target vehicle in
the fully deployed configuration of the device 10. According to
this example, approximately 65 inches of the contracted net that is
captured by the tire track of the target vehicle is expanded to
approximately 245 inches that may become entangled on features of
the undercarriage of the target vehicle approximately within its
tire track.
[0033] The netting may also include a first strip 610 along a
leading edge 604a of the net 50, a second strip 620 along a
trailing edge 604b of the net 50, and/or lateral strips 630
(individual lateral strips 630a and 630b are shown in FIG. 6)
extending between the leading and trailing edges. The first strip
610 may include, for example, approximately one inch wide nylon
webbing that is sewn to the net 610 with rip-stitching.
Accordingly, the style and/or material of the stitching securing
the first strip 610 to the net 50 allows the first strip 610 to at
least partially detach from the net 50 in response to the tires of
the target vehicle extracting the net 50 from the device 10 (e.g.,
the base layer 32). The second strip 620 includes a single strip
extending approximately the entire width of the net 50. The second
strip 620 may include, for example, approximately two inch wide
nylon webbing that is securely sewn to the net 50 such that the
second strip 620 remains at least approximately secured to the net
50 in response to the tires of the target vehicle extracting the
net 50 from the device. Individual lateral strips 630 may include
single strips intertwined with the meshes of the net 50 between the
first and second strips 610 and 620. The lengthwise strips 630 may
be securely coupled to the first and second strips 610 and 620 such
that the lengthwise strips 630 remain at least approximately
secured to the first and second strips 610 and 620 in response to
the tires of the target vehicle extracting the net 50 from the
device 10.
[0034] The first, second and/or lateral strips 610, 620 and 630 may
maintain the approximate size and approximate shape of the net 50
in its contracted configuration, e.g., in a stowed configuration of
the device. The second strip 620 that is secured to the trailing
edge 604b of the net 50 may aid in cinching the net onto the wheels
of the target vehicle so as to seize rotation of the entangled
wheel(s) and thereby immobilize the target vehicle. The lateral
strips 630 also may aid in cinching the netting onto the wheels or
tires of the target vehicle and/or minimize net flaring as the net
50 wraps around the wheels or tires of the target vehicle.
[0035] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, the netting 50
can include one or more reinforcing strips 740, e.g., webbing,
extending at various slopes from a common origin or center point
742 on the netting 50 and/or central axis of the netting. The
reinforcing strips 740 can extend outward in both direction from
the common center point 742. The reinforcing strips 740 can be
intertwined or interwoven through the meshes to form various sloped
or angled weave patterns within the netting 50 (as indicated by
circled portions 746 in FIG. 7A showing transitions of the
reinforcing strips 740 through the mesh. For example, FIGS. 7A-7B
illustrate a top view and a partial close-up view of a netting 50
having the reinforcing strips 740 interweaved into the netting 50.
An example tire track 744 illustrates how a weave pattern of
reinforcing strips 740 extending from a common center point between
the tire track 744 in FIGS. 7A and 7C.
[0036] FIG. 7B illustrates a partial close-up view of the different
sloped reinforcing strips 740 (identified individually as
reinforcing strips 740a-740d) in FIG. 7A. The slopes of the
reinforcing strips 740a-740d vary. For example, reinforcing strip
740a extends at a slope of four and one half over along the M2 axis
and one half up along the M1 axis of the netting 50. Reinforcing
strip 740b extends at a slope of one and one half over along the M2
axis and one half up along the M1 axis. Reinforcing strip 740c
extends at a slope of two over along the M2 axis and one up along
the M1 axis. Reinforcing strips 740d extends at a slope of one half
over along the M2 axis and one half up along the M1 axis. As
illustrated in FIG. 7B, with respect to strip 740b, some of the
reinforcing strips may extend in a non-linear fashion (with varying
slopes) due to the elasticity of the strips and/or the netting 50
and how they are interweaved in the netting 50. As illustrated in
FIGS. 7C-7D, the netting may have more or less reinforcing strips
740 (e.g., identified individually as reinforcing strips 740d-740f)
as necessary that extend at different or varying slopes. The
netting 50 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and/or more
reinforcing strips 740. In some embodiments, each reinforcing strip
can have a slope that is twice the slope of the strip preceding it
(e.g., eight over and one up, four over and one up, two over and
one up). Such reinforcing strips 740 helps the netting 50 ensnare
and wrap around the tires of a vehicle to immobilize or restrict
its motion.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates the net 50 having multiple rip-stitched
straps 880 (e.g., net tensioning straps that are positioned
throughout the length of the net 50. These straps are configured to
detach from the net 50 during the capture (e.g., ensnaring of the
tires or vehicles). As the tires stretch the net 50 the
rip-stitching straps 880 provide a resistance (e.g., tensioning)
force that causes the net 50 to wrap tightly around the vehicle
tires.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates the net 50 as described above having a
plurality of weights 990 that are tethered or otherwise secured to
the side edges or ends of the net 50. The weights 990 are used as
"slingers" or "slinger weights" that can transfer the momentum of
the net's removal from the carrier or base layer 32 to aid in
wrapping the net 50 on the outside of the vehicle (e.g., tires or
wheels) being captured. The weights 990 can be implemented on any
of the net configurations described herein.
[0039] A method according to embodiments of the present disclosure
for implementing a vehicle immobilizing device will now be
described. A vehicle immobilizing device 10 is to be positioned in
along the side of a roadway. In some embodiments, the device can be
permanently left in position at the roadside, and may be disguised.
In other instances, the device can be transported in the trunk of
an automobile, such as a police car or military vehicle. When the
police or military are engaged in a chase and need to restrain a
vehicle, the device 10 can then be quickly positioned along the
roadway in the expected path of the vehicle. When the device is in
an undeployed state, it may be a completely enclosed box,
resembling, for example, a suitcase. In this undeployed state, the
netting package 30 contained therein, which includes the netting 50
and base layer 32, are rolled in a rolled position inside the
housing 20, as depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0040] Once the target vehicle is in close proximity to the device
10, the device can be deployed, either by a sensor, manually, or
via remote control. Upon deployment, the inflator 40 is powered and
begins to quickly pump air into the deployment bladders 42. Because
the bladders are rolled multiple times, the hoses are inflated in
sequentially as each subsequent layer or roll is uncoiled or
unrolled. As each section is inflated, the rolled base layer 32
begins to unroll or uncoil and extend across a roadway or other
surface. Because the device 10 is positioned along the roadway, the
netting base layer 32 then lays in a linear fashion across the
roadway, just at, or near the time that the target vehicle is
approaching.
[0041] As the vehicle's tires make contact with portions of the
device, the tires are making contact with at least one spike 60. In
a preferred embodiment, the spikes 60 are placed sufficiently close
together such that the vehicle's tires contact multiple spikes. The
spikes 60 penetrate into the front tires of the vehicle and become
lodged in those tires. This causes the spikes to become dislodged
from the spike holders 62 and the base layer 32.
[0042] As the spikes 60 are drawn around the circumference of the
tire, the base of the spikes 60 pulls the spike tethers 66, which
in turn is connected to the netting 50. The netting is then pulled
from the base layer 32. The netting 50 has been folded in a manner
that it will be drawn out from the net packaging 30 in a continuous
motion. As the netting 50 is drawn from the device 10, it proceeds
to wrap around the tire as it continues to rotate. The netting then
proceeds to twist and becomes entangled around the rotating tires.
The entangled snaring members then will continue to twist until
leverage against the under carriage of the vehicle brings the tires
to a stop. Accordingly, the vehicle can be slowed and stopped in a
controlled and non-lethal manner. The base layer 32 remains in the
roadway and can be manually rolled up and stored for subsequent use
with another netting package 30.
[0043] Embodiments of the device 10 according to the present
disclosure are generally lightweight to allow the netting 50 to be
deployed in, for example, 2 seconds or less. Being able to deploy
the device faster allows a user to deploy the device later to
reduce the ability of an oncoming drive to see the deployed netting
50 across a roadway or other surface. The continuous base fabric
layer 32 (e.g., being able to be rolled into a roll), foam covers,
plastic spike holders and/or Velcro fasteners help reduce or
decrease the weight of the device 10. The lightweight aspect also
allows such a device 10 to be portable and/or to be carried by a
single person or two people.
[0044] Further, the reinforcing strips 740 strengthen the netting
50 and its ability to ensnare and wrap around a vehicle's tires.
Therefore, the netting 50 can arrest or immobilize faster moving
and heavier vehicles. For example, according to certain embodiments
of the present disclosure, the device 10 can arrest a 6000 lb
vehicle traveling at 60 mph in less than 100 m after the vehicle
contacts the device 10.
[0045] The above detailed description of embodiments is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed above. Also, well-known structures and functions
have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present
disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the
invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various
equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the
invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. As
an example, certain embodiments of devices according to the present
disclosure may include a pressure generator disposed in a device
control housing with other operating elements, such as, but not
limited to, a pressure delivery manifold, control circuitry to arm
and deploy, a proximity detector, a signal receiving and sending
circuit and any other hardware, software or firmware necessary or
helpful in the operation of the device. As another example, the
device may be housed in a clamshell-type briefcase or ammunition
box type housing and include a pressure manifold and a
pressure-generating device, such as compressed gas or a gas
generator connected to the manifold. In other embodiments more than
one manifold and more than one pressure generating device, or any
combination thereof, may be included in the device.
[0046] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising",
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of including, but not limited to. Additionally, the words "herein",
"above", "below", and words of similar connotation, when used in
the present disclosure, shall refer to the present disclosure as a
whole and not to any particular portions of the present disclosure.
Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description
using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or
singular number respectively. The word "or", in reference to a list
of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations
of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the
list, and any combination of the items in the list.
[0047] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly,
the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the invention.
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