Road structure – process – or apparatus – Traffic steering device or barrier
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-12
2001-11-06
Will, Thomas B. (Department: 3673)
Road structure, process, or apparatus
Traffic steering device or barrier
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312189
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to devices used by law enforcement agencies and the like for puncturing the rubber tires of a motor vehicle, thereby slowing down and eventually stopping such motor vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved tire puncturing device which utilizes a tire deflating spike which is constructed and configured so as to facilitate the flow of air out of a rubber vehicle tire once the rubber tire is punctured by the deflating spike. It also relates to an array or an assembly having a plurality of such deflating spikes for use with the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has long been recognized that it is occasionally necessary for law enforcement agencies to impede and altogether stop the movement of a run-away motor vehicle. Direct pursuit of such vehicles is often necessary, but brings with it concerns for public safety when such pursuits lead through city streets and other populated areas. Because such pursuits can also result in high speed chases, the safety of the pursuers is also a concern.
As a safer alternative to the direct pursuit of such vehicles, it has been recognized that strategic placement of tire deflating mechanisms in the path, or the anticipated path, of such run-away motor vehicles can effectively impede and stop the movement of them. Such portable tire deflating mechanisms can be deployed with relative ease and have taken several forms in recent years. One such mechanism is a multiple blade system whereby a plurality of blades, which blades are biased in the direction of the oncoming motor vehicle, are deployed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,774 issued to Behan. Other systems have been used which utilize what amount to large hollow needles or syringes. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,373 issued to Kilgrow et al. Still other systems utilize pyramidal spikes. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,109 issued to Lowndes. While each of these systems is, in the experience of this inventor, useful in its own right, each such array has functional limitations when the deflating mechanisms are confronted with the prospect of stopping a motor vehicle fitted with modem tires of the multiple layered, steel belted, self-sealing type. Such tires are specifically designed and configured to resist and possibly completely neutralize tire puncturing obstacles, including those intended as well as unintended. In the experience of this inventor, blade arrays have the drawback that, while they may cut through the rubber tread, a sharp blade will not be able to cut through several mesh steel wire belts thereby completely frustrating the tire deflating intention of the blade array device. Similarly, a needle-like or syringe-like puncturing device may even remain within the tire, but to no adverse result if a plug of rubber tire material becomes lodged within the inner void of the puncturing device, much the same as a cookie cutter can and does. Finally, other deflating device structures may remain in the tire, but to no avail and with no way to remove air from the tire until the deflating device becomes dislodged from the tire. Another safety concern arises with the use of such devices. And that is that such devices may eventually be dislodged and thrown from the motor vehicle tires they have impaled, thereby causing a safety concern for those in pursuit of such vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide a new, useful and uncomplicated device for quickly and efficiently puncturing and deflating the rubber tires of a motor vehicle. It is a further object of this invention to provide such a tire deflating device which requires only a minimal number of elements and which effectively enhances air flow from the tire along the outside of the device and then transfers the air flow to the interior of the device. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device which can be readily used in a variety of tire deflating arrays and which effectively punctures most, if not all, modem inflatable rubber tire constructions. It is still another object of this invention to provide such a device which remains imbedded in the rubber tire until removal is desired or required. It is still another object of this invention to provide such a device which minimizes the fracturing of puncturing device tips and which avoids any rubber tire material plug from being created in the tire puncturing process.
The present invention has obtained these objects. It provides for a rubber tire puncturing and deflating device which is insertable within and removable from a holder of an array of such devices. The tire puncturing and deflating device of the present invention comprises a metal spike having a plurality of sharp, fluted edges which are functionally adapted for puncturing a rubber tire as the tire passes over the spike. As the rubber tire moves away from the spike assembly or array, the fluted spike is withdrawn from the holder and remains imbedded in the tread of the tire. The spike of the present invention includes a plurality of grooves which extend along the body of the spike to allow pressurized air escaping from the tire to run along the spike grooves and to a plurality of air flow vents. Each air flow vent is an access opening to the interior of the spike which allows the pressurized air to continue to flow through the spike and out of the tire until the tire is partially or even completely deflated. The foregoing and other features of the device of the present invention will be further apparent from the detailed description which follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2912229 (1959-11-01), Persgard
patent: 3652059 (1972-03-01), Groblebe
patent: 4382714 (1983-05-01), Hutchison
patent: 4995756 (1991-02-01), Kilgrow et al.
patent: 5099579 (1992-03-01), Chadwick
patent: 5123774 (1992-06-01), Dubiel
patent: 5253950 (1993-10-01), Kilgrow et al.
patent: 5482397 (1996-01-01), Soleau
patent: 5536109 (1996-07-01), Lowndes
patent: 5588774 (1996-12-01), Behan
patent: 6048128 (2000-04-01), Jones, III et al.
patent: 2 187 491 (1987-09-01), None
“SafeStop Magnum Spike System,” Phoenix International Ltd. V.
Hartmann Gary S.
Heino Joseph S.
Will Thomas B.
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