The present invention relates to vehicle disablement and, more particularly, to a device that is mobile and retractile.
In the year 2005, there were over 750 police pursuits in the city of Los Angeles alone. In the state of California, in that same year, there were over 7,000 police pursuits. No less than three deaths, in the city of Los Angeles alone, can be attributed to those who would run from the police, recklessly endangering the lives and property of American citizens. Unfortunately, law enforcement officials have very limited resources in dealing with this problem. Solutions given to agencies thus far are only effective given a very specific set of circumstances. In addition, presently, agencies across the United States have begun to tie the hands of Law Enforcement personnel by instituting “no pursuit” policies. Although “no pursuit” policies may be the safest alternative, this is only true due to the fact that a means by which to deal with the problem does not exist.
Every single United States citizen pays for the rise in police pursuit. Studies show that damage from crashes associated with police pursuit is rarely limited to less than five figures. When you consider the fact that the acting vehicle, the police vehicles, and often times bystander vehicles are damaged, it is not hard to understand why damage can run in excess of $100,000 per incident. This cost is passed on to citizens through higher insurance rates.
Tragedy often times follows high-speed pursuit. The fact is, that innocent people die every year. Mothers and fathers, children and elderly, all walks of life, all across America, people are dying because a tool does not exist that allows police to stop a high-speed pursuit, before it begins. No solution presently exists that allows the police, from within the safety of their vehicle, to disable a fleeing vehicle, and stop a pursuit.
Devices presently in use include U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,293 in which a device is thrown, by hand, across the roadway into the path of an oncoming pursued vehicle in order to deflate the tires. U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,832 describes a device that is used in the same manner as the previously listed device but differs in that the device itself is wider upon deployment and has a different type of spike. Although presently not in use, U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,205 describes a mobile device which when deployed is said to disable vehicle tires. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,849 describes a device meant to be used from within a police vehicle at speed. Devices described on television programs and magazines have included electronic remote controlled vehicles, which are said to have the ability to shut down a vehicle's computer, thus disabling said vehicle when remote controlled vehicle is driven under vehicle pursued. Scientific magazines have suggested that electromagnetic pulse may be used in the future.
Groen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,293 describes a device in which the police must know where the fleeing suspect is going and get there ahead of them, get out of the car and deploy said device across the roadway by hand. Similarly, Kilgrew U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,832 describes a device which must be deployed by hand across the roadway. These devices unfortunately, put the police officer in harm's way as they make it necessary for the police to exit their vehicle and stand next to the road to deploy their device. Devices such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,205 fail to deal with the fact that pursuits take place on every type of roadway, and that any uneven surface would damage the device described to the point it would be rendered useless and therefore necessitate costly repairs. Lowrie, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,475 describes a device that necessitates police pulling in front of the pursued vehicle to deploy the device. Police are unwilling to do this, given the possibility that the suspect may have a weapon. Being in front of a suspect with a weapon is too dangerous for the police to even consider this course of action. The tethering of the described device provides for rapid deceleration of said device and therefore must be timed perfectly in order to be effective. In addition, the best possible use of the aforementioned device is its use when the police car is not moving.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a completely mobile means for vehicle disablement.
It is another object of the invention to provide for safe deployment of a vehicle disablement device by allowing deployment from within the police or operator vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a vehicle disablement device that automatically retracts.
It is another object of the invention to provide a means for multiple deployments.
It is another object of the invention to provide a device that does not decelerate upon deployment.
It is another object of the invention to provide an engineered weak point and flexible joint by which the spike strip is attached to the device so as to prevent damage.
It is another object of the invention to provide a means for quick spike strip replacement without the aid of tools.
It is another object of the invention to provide a device that can be used in the blind spot of the pursued vehicle increasing officer safety.
It is another object of the invention to provide a device which can be deployed during a traffic stop to prevent suspect vehicle from leaving the scene.
It is another object of the invention to provide a maintained switch enabling deployment of device without operator maintaining pressure on deployment switch.
It is another object of the invention to provide an on-board tool for vehicle disablement.
It is another object of the invention to provide for left and right side deployment.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device which upon activation, disables a fleeing vehicle from within the safety of the operator's vehicle. The device mounts directly to the operator's vehicle. This device is controlled by the operator from within the vehicle by way of a control panel mounted within reach of either the driver or passenger of said vehicle. When deemed necessary, the system is armed using a protected switch mounted on said panel. This sends power to the momentary deployment switch and allows for instant deployment upon activation of said momentary deployment switch. Upon positioning of operator car, the momentary deployment switch is activated, allowing air from the air reservoir to flow through the solenoid valve and air hose to pressurize the telescoping assembly and thereby extend the piston and inner tube outward to their limiting stops. This action extends the spike strip outside of the inner tube laterally at a downward angle determined by the angle which telescoping assembly is mounted to vehicle. This places the spike strip under the pursued vehicle, in front of one or more of the pursued vehicle's tires. At this point, the operator of the device needs merely to apply the brakes of said vehicle, thereby causing the spike strip to travel under the pursued vehicle's tire, puncturing said tire and disabling the vehicle. Once the spike strip has traveled under the tire of the pursued vehicle, the operator needs only to remove pressure from the momentary deployment switch, causing the solenoid valve to exhaust the pressure within the telescoping assembly, allowing the large and small constant force springs to automatically retract and safely stow itself within the outer tubing from whence it came. The system can then be re-deployed at will.
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:
For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.
Air hose 224 is a flexible, rubber-like hose or other suitable material. Air hose 224 is coupled to solenoid valve 213 by conventional means. Exhaust muffler 214 prevents debris and insects from entering the exhaust port of solenoid valve 213. Exhaust muffler 214 can be made of metal, plastic or other suitable material. Exhaust muffler 214 is connected to solenoid valve 213 by conventional means. Solenoid valve 213 is a three way type electrically operated pneumatic control valve or suitable replacement. Solenoid valve 213 is coupled to air reservoir 211 by conventional means. Solenoid valve 213 is electrically connected to electrical control enclosure 226 with electrical wiring. Air reservoir 211 is made of metal, fiberglass or other suitable material. Air reservoir 211 is connected to pneumatic compressor 210 using flexible, rigid or any suitable means of compressed air transfer. Pressure switch 212 is an air pressure operated switch that has a set of electrical contacts for controlling the pneumatic compressor 210. Pressure switch 212 is coupled to air reservoir 211 by conventional means. Pressure switch 212 is electrically connected to the electrical control enclosure 226 using standard electrical wiring. Pneumatic compressor 210 is an electric motor driven compressor or other suitable style. Pneumatic compressor 210 is electrically connected to electrical control enclosure 226 using standard electrical wiring. Electrical control enclosure 226 houses all wiring connections between the electrical components. Electrical control enclosure 226 is electrically connected to dash controls enclosure 237 using panel cable 233 switch is electrically connected to panel cable 233 and mounted to dash controls enclosure 237 using conventional means. Arming switch 238 is of the safety type with a safety snap cover to prevent unwanted operation of the switch. Arming switch 238 is electrically connected to dash cable and mounted to dash controls enclosure 237. Momentary deployment pushbutton 240 is electrically connected to dash cable and mounted to dash controls enclosure 237 using conventional means. Deployed indicator light 239 is electrically connected to dash cable and is mounted to dash controls enclosure 237 using conventional means. Maintained deployment switch 241 is electrically connected to dash cable and is mounted to dash controls enclosure 237 using conventional means. Dash controls enclosure 237 provides a housing for the dash area control switches used by the operator and is made of metal, plastic or other suitable material. Dash controls enclosure 237 is mounted to the dash area or any other appropriate area within reach of operator using conventional means.
This figure also shows the reference to the section view of
This figure also shows the reference to the section view of
Inner tube 411 is shown in extended position. Pivot spring assembly 322 is fabricated from spring material and metal or other suitable materials. Pivot spring assembly 322 is shown in extended position to denote its placement in reference to the outermost end of the inner tube 411.
This figure also shows the reference to detailed views of
Outer tube 410 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material and is square, rectangle or other suitable shaped tubing. Inner tube 411 is fabricated from metal, plastic, or other suitable material and is the same shape as outer tube 410. Inner tube 411 is smaller in size than outer tube 410 allowing it to be inserted inside outer tube 410. Air hose 224 is connected to threaded hole on bottom of outer tube 410 by conventional means allowing for movement of compressed air from solenoid valve 213 to telescoping assembly 510. Air hose 224 is attached to threaded hole on bottom of outer tube 410 using a quick release coupling for convenience but is not required or limited to this means of connection. Pop off valve 471 is a pressure relieving device that prevents excessive pressure within telescoping assembly 510 and is attached to threaded hole on bottom of outer tube 410 by conventional means. Outer tube spring housing 430 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material. Outer tube spring housing 430 is inserted into outer tube 410 and is sealed and fastened using conventional means. Large spring drum axles 437 are female threaded metal or other suitable material. Large spring drum axles 437 are mounted within outer tube spring housing 430 using conventional fasteners. Large spring drums 436 are fabricated from plastic or other suitable material and provide a wheel-like action for the large constant force springs 432 to coil and uncoil upon. Large spring drums 436 are mounted and rotate upon large spring drum axles 437. Large constant force springs 432 are coiled around the circumference of large spring drums 436 and attached to large constant force springs end mount 450 using conventional means. Large constant force springs end mount 450 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material. Outer tube spring housing bumpers 453 are made of a rubber-like material and fastened with a threaded stud or other suitable means. Outer tube spring housing bumpers 453 are attached to outer tube spring housing 430 using conventional means. Large constant force springs end mount 450 is fabricated using metal, plastic or other suitable materials. Large constant force springs end mount 450 is fastened to inner tube spring housing 440 using conventional means. Inner tube seal 452 is made of rubber-like, plastic or other suitable material and fits the shape of the inside walls of the outer tube 410. Inner tube seal 452 is sandwiched between large constant force springs end mount 450 and inner tube spring housing 440 and is held in place by the compression force of the fasteners which attach large constant force springs end mount 450 to inner tube spring housing 440. Inner tube plastic bearing plates 415 are fabricated from sheet plastic or other suitable low friction material and are slightly thinner than the clearance between outer tube 410 and inner tube 411. Inner tube plastic bearing plates 415 are fastened to the outside surfaces at the innermost end of inner tube 411. Inner tube plastic bearing plates 415 provide a low friction surface for the innermost end of inner tube 411 to slide within outer tube 410. Inner tube stop plates 413 are fabricated from sheet metal or other suitable high strength material. Inner tube stop plates 413 are fastened to the outside surfaces of the inner tube 411 adjacent to inner tube plastic bearing plates 415. Inner tube spring housing 440 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material and houses the small constant force springs 442 with their associated small spring drums 445 and small spring drum axles 446. Inner tube spring housing 440 also provides a mount for inner tube spring housing bumper 451. Inner tube spring housing 440 is inserted into inner tube 411 and is sealed and fastened using conventional means. Small spring drum axles 446 are female threaded metal or other suitable material and are mounted within inner tube spring housing 440 using conventional fasteners. Small spring drums 445 are fabricated from plastic or other suitable material and provide a wheel-like action for the small constant force springs 442 to coil and uncoil upon. Small spring drums 445 are mounted and rotate upon small spring drum axles 446. Small constant force springs 442 are coiled around the circumference of small spring drums 445. Small constant force springs end mount 456 is fabricated from metal, plastic, or other suitable and fastened to inner most end of piston 454 using conventional means. Piston seal 455 is made of rubber-like, plastic or other suitable material and fits the shape of the inside walls of the inner tube 411 and is sandwiched between small constant force springs end mount 456 and piston 454. Piston seal 455 is held in place by the compression force of the fasteners which attach small constant force springs end mount 456 to piston 454. Magnet 458 is of the high force permanent type or other suitable style and is mounted within a recess of the piston 454 using friction, adhesives or other suitable means. This recess is deep enough to prevent the magnet 458 from rubbing inner tube 411. Magnetic switch 466 is of the reed type switch that is activated by the presence of a magnetic force in the immediate area. Magnetic switch 466 senses the magnet 458 that is mounted within piston 454. Magnetic switch 466 is mounted to the exterior of outer tube 410 using welds, adhesives or other suitable means of attachment. Magnetic switch 466 is electrically connected to electrical control enclosure 226 with magnetic switch cable 232. Piston 454 is fabricated from plastic or other suitable low friction material and provides a sturdy mount for pivot spring assembly female mounting tube 459. Piston 454 is inserted inside of inner tube 411 and travels between inner tube spring housing bumper 451 and piston end stops 461. Pivot spring assembly female mounting tube 459 is fabricated from metal pipe, metal bar stock or other suitable high strength material. Pivot spring assembly female mounting tube 459 is inserted inside of a drilled or machined hole in the outermost end of piston 454 and is fastened using conventional means. Pivot spring assembly female mounting tube 459 provides a sturdy female opening for pivot spring assembly 322 to be inserted within and held in place by pivot spring release pin 326. Pivot spring assembly 322 is fabricated from metal and an extension spring, or other suitable materials. The extension spring is welded or fastened to the other components forming the pivot spring assembly 322. This creates a flexible and sacrificial mount for the spike strip 320. Spike strip 320 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable flexible materials and is attached to the outermost end of pivot spring assembly 322 using conventional means. Tire spikes 321 are fabricated from metal or other suitable high strength material. Tire spikes 321 are of the needle type, broadhead arrow type or other type suitable for being inserted into a tire and deflating it. Tire spikes 321 are inserted into holes in spike strip 320 and held in place by friction, adhesives or other suitable means. Tire spikes 321 are intended to penetrate the tire and be removed from spike strip 320 and stay lodged in tire.
Outer tube anti slide brackets 472 are fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material and are attached to outside bottom of outer tube 410 using conventional means. Outer tube anti slide brackets 472 prevent telescoping assembly 510 from sliding in vehicle mounting brackets. Stop plate bumpers 421 are fabricated from rubber-like sheets or other suitable material and are housed between the outer sides of inner tube 411 and inner sides of outer tube 410. Stop plate bumpers 421 are thinner than the space between inner tube 411 and outer tube 410 allowing stop plate bumpers 421 to float freely between inner tube stop plates 413 and outer tube stop plates 412. Stop plate bumpers 421 provide a cushion between inner tube stop plates 413 and outer tube stop plates 412 when inner tube 411 reaches outer most end of extension. Outer tube stop plates 412 are fabricated from sheet metal or other suitable high strength material and are fastened to inside surfaces of outer tube 410 adjacent to outer tube plastic bearing plates 414 using conventional means. Outer tube plastic bearing plates 414 are fabricated from plastic sheet or other suitable low friction material and are fastened to inside surfaces of outer most end of outer tube 410. Outer tube plastic bearing plates 414 are slightly thinner than clearance between outer tube 410 and inner tube 411. Outer tube plastic bearing plates 414 provide a low friction surface for inner tube 411 to slide within outer tube 410. Piston end stops 461 are fabricated from metal or other suitable high strength material and are fastened to two opposite inside surfaces at outer most end of inner tube 411 by conventional means. Piston end stops 461 also serve the function of limiting the travel of spike strip 320 upward within inner tube 411.
Outer tube spring housing 430 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material and is shown as a welded metal assembly. However the outer tube spring housing 430 can be glued or machined if suitable.
Outer tube spring housing 430 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material and is shown as a welded metal assembly. However the outer tube spring housing 430 can be glued or machined if suitable.
Inner tube spring housing 440 is fabricated from metal, plastic or other suitable material and is shown as a welded metal assembly. However the inner tube spring housing 440 can be glued or machined if suitable.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 113264, filed Dec. 1, 2005, for MOBILE, LATERAL DEPLOYING, TIRE DEFLATION DEVICE, by Michael P. Moormeier, Todd C. O'Halloran, included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.