Abstract:
A vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus which utilizes a pair of top and bottom clamp fingers to grasp the back end of a fleeing vehicle. The clamp fingers are opened and closed through the use of a pneumatic cylinder and rod. The grasping apparatus is connected to the front bumper of a motor vehicle. When not in use, the clamp fingers of the grasping apparatus are maintained in a closed position. When a fleeing vehicle is to be stopped, the chase vehicle operator would cause the pneumatic cylinder of the grasping apparatus to be pressurized so that the clamp fingers are in an open position. Once the impact or proximity triggers of the grasping apparatus come into contact with the fleeing vehicle, the clamp fingers instantly close upon the fleeing vehicle&#39;s rear bumper or trunk. By applying the chase vehicle&#39;s brakes, the fleeing vehicle will be sufficiently slowed or stopped.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to vehicle stopping apparatuses, and more specifically to devices for remotely preventing car movement. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Vehicular police pursuits of criminal suspects happen on a daily basis and can, needless to say, result in harm to innocent bystanders, especially in densely populated urban areas. For this reason and for the sake of apprehending a fleeing criminal, it is highly desirable to stop such pursuits before unnecessary harm can result. Because a police car pursuing a criminal suspect&#39;s vehicle is typically directly behind the chased vehicle, an effective device for stopping the suspect&#39;s vehicle must operate remotely from that vehicle. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a device that will accurately and effectively disable a fleeing vehicle. The device should be usable regardless of the path that the fleeing vehicle takes. Numerous efforts have been made in these regards, yet nothing prior to the present invention meets the clear need for a device for disabling a fleeing vehicle. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,353,386, issued on Jul. 11, 1944, to Charles D. Bourcier, describes a device for deflating pneumatic tires. The device acts by passively providing a conduit between the inside space of such a tire and the environment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,104, issued on Oct. 25, 1977, to Irving B. Osofsky et al., describes a tire-piercing device which is intended to be imbedded in a paved surface. U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,714, issued on May 10, 1983, to Walter G. Hutchison, describes a passive device for deflating pneumatic tires by providing a conduit between the inside space of such a tire and the environment. The device may be interconnected with similar devices, which are together placed on pavement where a vehicle is expected to pass. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,756, issued on Feb. 26, 1991, to Donald C. Kilgrow et al., describes a tire deflator with a supporting base that supports and then releases puncturing conduits once such conduits are imbedded in tires. U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,894, issued on Sep. 14, 1993, to Michael A. Minovitch, describes a blinding light intended to immobilize assailants. The light is not used to guide or aim a projectile. U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,950, issued on Oct. 19, 1993; to Donald C. Kilgrow et al., describes a foldable tire deflator. There is no projectile and no laser aiming or guiding. U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,292; issued on Jul. 12, 1994, to Francis R. Williams, describes a tire-puncturing traffic barrier chain. U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,285, issued on Jul. 19, 1994, to Kenneth J. Greves et al., describes an apparatus for deflating tires that is collapsible. It is to be placed in front of cars. 
         [0007]    All of the above patents are drawn to devices useful for deflating tires of a vehicle. Upon deflation of the tires, the driver no longer retains control of the vehicle, thereby possibly subjecting both law enforcement officers and bystanders to serious injury from the uncontrollable vehicle. Moreover, the rate of success for a tire deflation apparatus is relatively low. Furthermore, the law enforcement officer typically possesses one such tire deflation apparatus. Thus, if the law enforcement officer is not given a second chance if not successful on the first attempt. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which allows law enforcement officers to safely slow down a pursued vehicle and to bring the pursued vehicle to a stop without endangering citizens or their property. Furthermore, with the present invention, if a law enforcement officer is not successful in disabling the pursued vehicle on his first attempt, he can continue to utilize the apparatus until the pursued vehicle has been safely stopped. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    By the present invention, an improved vehicle grasping apparatus is disclosed for quickly and safely grasping irregularly shaped objects, such as a bumper. The invention discloses an improved pair of spaced, opposed gripping fingers which gripping fingers can be drawn together to grasp and hold an object or objects within the fingers. Likewise, the fingers can be pivoted to open the grasping region to release an object from the grip of the grasping apparatus. The grasping apparatus is fixedly attached to the front frame of a motor vehicle. 
         [0010]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a grasping apparatus for use in seizing one vehicle from a following or trailing vehicle. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a grasping apparatus which can be adapted to positively grip an object of irregular size or shape without causing a misgrip. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the invention to provide a means for disabling a pursued vehicle while maintaining control of the pursued vehicle. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the invention to provide a grasping apparatus which can be easily installed on existing law enforcement vehicles. 
         [0014]    Still another object of the invention is to prevent harm to innocent bystanders as a result of a police pursuit. 
         [0015]    Still another object of the invention is to enable the fingers to close automatically upon the grasping apparatus coming into contact with the pursued motor vehicle. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
         [0017]    These, and other, aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made without the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with the clamp fingers in the closed or grasping position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with the clamp fingers in the open position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with a side plate removed and the pneumatic cylinder and cylinder rod visible. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with a side plate removed and the mechanical link visible. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with the clamp fingers in the closed or grasping position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with the clamp fingers in the open position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus, front bumper and covering. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a top clamp finger of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a bottom clamp finger of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the mechanical link of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of a top clamp finger of the alternative embodiment of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of a bottom clamp finger of the alternative embodiment of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with a side plate removed and the pneumatic cylinder and cylinder rod visible. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  are perspective views of the alternative embodiment of the vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus with a side plate removed. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    When automobile police pursuits occur, there is a risk of harm to innocent bystanders stemming from reckless driving. Moreover, the pursued automobile in such a pursuit must be stopped to apprehend the fleeing driver. For these reasons, it is highly desirable to provide a device that law enforcement officials can use to stop a chased automobile, while it is being chased. Because a path of a chased vehicle cannot generally be predicted, a mere stationary blockade cannot provide the desired effect of stopping a chased automobile. Instead, the present invention provides a device which law enforcement can utilize to slow down or stop a chased vehicle at a location deemed appropriate by the law enforcement officer. 
         [0036]    The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in the following description. 
         [0037]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 to 17 , the grasping apparatus is comprised of a first side plate  12 , and a second side plate  14  which side plates  12 ,  14  are generally “L” shaped. Adjacent to the distal ends of the side plates  12 ,  14  are first circular openings  16 . At the midpoint of the side plates  12 ,  14  are second circular openings  18 . At the proximal ends of the side plates  12 ,  14  are third circular openings  20 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4 , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device consists of a first top clamp finger  22 , a second top clamp finger  24 , a first bottom clamp finger  26  and a second bottom clamp finger  28 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24  are generally arcuate members that extend from a first end  30  to a second end  32  defining the tip of the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24 . Adjacent to the first end  30  of the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24  is a first circular opening  34 . Contiguous to the first circular opening  34  is a second circular opening  35 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  are likewise generally arcuate with a rectangular-shaped extension having a first end  36  and a second end  38  with the second end  38  defining the tip of the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 . Three circular openings are maintained on the rectangular portion of the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  with the first circular opening  40  being adjacent to the first end  36 . The second circular opening  42  and the third circular opening  44  are in spaced relation to the first circular opening  40 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24  are rotatably attached to the side plates  12 ,  14  by means of a pivot pin  78 . To rotatably attach the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24  to the side plates  12 ,  14 , the first circular opening  34  of a top clamp finger  22 ,  24  is aligned with the second circular side plate opening  18 . A pivot pin  78  is inserted into the opening, thereby enabling the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24  to rotate about the side plates  12 ,  14 . 
         [0041]    The grasping apparatus further includes a pneumatic cylinder  46  maintained within the first and second side plates  12 ,  14 . The first end  48  of the pneumatic cylinder  46 , having a horizontally extending cylindrical opening  50 , is removably maintained between the first and second side plates  12 ,  14  by means of a pivot pin  52 . The pivot pin  52  is retained within the third circular openings  20  of the first and second side plates  12 ,  14  and the horizontally extending opening  50 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the second end  54  of the pneumatic cylinder  46  is found at the distal end of the cylinder rod  56  with said second end  54  having a cylindrical opening  58 . The second end  54  is removably attached to the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  by means of a pivot pin  60 . The cylindrical opening  58  of the cylinder rod  56  is aligned with the first circular opening  40  of the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 . The pivot pin  60  is inserted into the aligned openings so as to allow the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  to rotate about the pivot pin  60 . Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , when the cylinder rod  56  is in its extended position; the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  are rotated to a closed position. Conversely, when the cylinder rod  56  is in a retracted position, the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  are rotated to an open position. 
         [0043]    To synchronize the rotation of the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24  with the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 , the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28  are removably attached to the top claim fingers  22 ,  24  by a pair of mechanical links  62 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , the mechanical links  62  have a first end  64  and a second end  66  with circular openings adjacent to each end. 
         [0044]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the opening adjacent to the first end  64  of the mechanical link  62  is aligned with and rotatably attached with a pivot pin to the second circular opening  35  of the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24 . The opening adjacent to the second end  66  of the mechanical link  62  is aligned with and rotatably attached with a pivot pin to the second circular opening  42  of the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 . 
         [0045]    The gripping device further contains an impact or proximity trigger  68  which causes the clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  to close immediately upon contact with the forward vehicle. 
         [0046]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the grasping apparatus utilizes a single set of clamp fingers. Reference is now made to  FIG. 13 , the alternative embodiment of the grasping apparatus is comprised of a first side plate  100 , and a second side plate  102  which side plates  100 ,  102  are generally “L” shaped. Adjacent to the distal end of the first side plate  100  is first circular opening  104 . At the midpoint of the side plates  100 ,  102  are second circular openings  106 . At the proximal ends of the side plates  100 ,  102  are third circular openings  108 . 
         [0047]    In the alternative embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device consists of a top clamp finger  110  and a bottom clamp finger  112 . The top clamp finger  110  is rotatably attached to the first side plate  100  by means of a pivot pin  114 . To rotatably attach the top clamp finger  110  to the first side plate  100 , the first circular opening  120  of the top clamp finger  110  is aligned with the second circular side plate opening  106 . A pivot pin  114  is inserted into the openings  106 ,  120 , thereby enabling the top clamp finger  110  to rotate about the side plates  100 ,  102 . The bottom clamp finger  112  is similarly rotatably attached to the first side plate  100  by means of a pivot pin  124 . The third circular opening  134  of the bottom clamp finger  112  is aligned with the first circular side plate opening  104 . A pivot pin  124  is inserted into the openings  104 ,  134 , thereby enabling the bottom clamp finger  112  to rotate about the first side plate  100 . 
         [0048]    The alternative embodiment of the present invention further includes a pneumatic cylinder  136  maintained between the first and second side plates  100 ,  102 . The first end  138  of the pneumatic cylinder  136 , having a horizontally extending cylindrical opening  140 , is removably maintained between the first and second side plates  100 ,  102  by means of a pivot pin  142 . The pivot pin  142  is retained within the third circular openings  108  of the first and second side plates  100 ,  102  and the horizontally extending opening  140 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the second end  144  of the pneumatic cylinder  136  is found at the distal end of the cylinder rod  146  with said second end  144  having a cylindrical opening. The second end  144  is removably attached to the bottom clamp finger  112  by means of a pivot pin  148 . The cylindrical opening of the cylinder rod  146  is aligned with the first circular opening  130  of the bottom clamp finger  112 . The pivot pin  148  is inserted into the aligned openings  130 ,  144  so as to allow the bottom clamp finger  112  to rotate about the pivot pin  148 . Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , when the cylinder rod  146  is in its extended position, the bottom clamp finger  112  is rotated to a closed position. Conversely, when the cylinder rod  146  is in a retracted position, the bottom clamp finger  112  is rotated to an open position. 
         [0050]    To synchronize the rotation of the top clamp finger  110  with the bottom clamp finger  112 , the bottom clamp finger  112  is removably attached to the top claim finger  110  by a mechanical link  150 . Referring to  FIG. 17 , the mechanical link  150  has a first end  152  and a second end  154  with circular openings adjacent to each end  152 ,  154 . 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the opening adjacent to the first end  152  of the mechanical link  150  is aligned with and rotatably attached with a pivot pin to the second circular opening  122  of the top claim finger  110 . The opening adjacent to the second end  154  of the mechanical link  150  is aligned with and rotatably attached with a pivot pin to the second circular opening  132  of the bottom clamp finger  112 . 
         [0052]    The alternative embodiment of the present invention further contains an impact or proximity trigger  156  which causes the clamp fingers  100 ,  102  to close immediately upon contact with the forward vehicle. 
         [0053]    To engage the clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  110 ,  112  to enable the gripping device to attach to another vehicle, the law enforcement officer simply retracts the cylinder rod  56 ,  146  of the pneumatic cylinder  46 ,  136  through a remote control device (not shown). The retraction of the cylinder rod  56 ,  146  causes the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 ,  112  to rotate in a downward direction. Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  17  as the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 ,  112  rotate, the mechanical links  62 ,  150  cause the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  110  to rotate in an upward position, thereby resulting in the clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  110 ,  112  being in an open position. 
         [0054]    Upon the forward vehicle coming into contact with the impact or proximity triggers  68 ,  156  the cylinder rod  56 ,  146  is instantly extended. The extended cylinder rod  56 ,  146  pushes the first end  36 ,  130  of the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 ,  112  in a downward direction causing the second end  38 ,  128  of the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 ,  112  to travel in an upward direction with the second end  38 ,  128  coming into contact with the bottom side of the forward vehicle. As the bottom clamp fingers  26 ,  28 ,  112  rotate, the mechanical links  62 ,  150  cause the simultaneous rotation of the top clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  110  resulting in the second end  32 ,  118  of the first clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  110  rotating in a downward direction and coming into contact with the back end of the forward vehicle. 
         [0055]    Once the clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  110 ,  112  are in the closed position, the law enforcement officer need simply apply the brakes of his or her vehicle to slow or stop the forward vehicle. To open the clamp fingers  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  110 ,  112  when in the closed position, the law enforcement officer simply retracts the cylinder rod  56 ,  146  of the pneumatic cylinder  46 ,  136  through a remote control device (not shown). 
         [0056]    In the preferred and alternative embodiments, the grasping apparatus is attached to the front bumper  70  of a motor vehicle (see  FIG. 8 ) by means of the bumper flange  72  of the first and second side plates  12 ,  14 . To disguise the grasping apparatus when not in use, a front cover  74  and side covers  76  can be applied without limiting or otherwise restricting the functionality of the grasping apparatus. 
         [0057]    Although the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
         [0058]    The individual components mentioned herein need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable and strong materials. 
         [0059]    Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any suitable configuration. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Index of Elements for Vehicle Grasping Apparatus 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 12. 
                 First Side Plate 
               
               
                 14. 
                 Second Side Plate 
               
               
                 16. 
                 Side Plate First Circular Opening 
               
               
                 18. 
                 Side Plate Second Circular Opening 
               
               
                 20. 
                 Side Plate Third Circular Opening 
               
               
                 22. 
                 First Top Clamp Finger 
               
               
                 24. 
                 Second Top Clamp Finger 
               
               
                 26. 
                 First Bottom Clamp Finger 
               
               
                 28. 
                 Second Bottom Clamp Finger 
               
               
                 30. 
                 Top Finger First End 
               
               
                 32. 
                 Top Finger Second End 
               
               
                 34. 
                 Top Finger First Opening 
               
               
                 35. 
                 Top Finger Second Opening 
               
               
                 36. 
                 Bottom Finger First End 
               
               
                 38. 
                 Bottom Finger Second End 
               
               
                 40. 
                 Bottom Finger First Opening 
               
               
                 42. 
                 Bottom Finger Second Opening 
               
               
                 44. 
                 Bottom Finger Third Opening 
               
               
                 46. 
                 Pneumatic Cylinder 
               
               
                 48. 
                 Cylinder First End 
               
               
                 50. 
                 Horizontally Extending Opening 
               
               
                 52. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 54. 
                 Cylinder Second End 
               
               
                 56. 
                 Cylinder Rod 
               
               
                 58. 
                 Cylinder Cylindrical Opening 
               
               
                 60. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 62. 
                 Mechanical Link 
               
               
                 64. 
                 Link First End 
               
               
                 66. 
                 Link Second End 
               
               
                 68. 
                 Impact or Proximity Trigger 
               
               
                 70. 
                 Front Bumper 
               
               
                 72. 
                 Bumper Flange 
               
               
                 74. 
                 Cover 
               
               
                 76. 
                 Cover 
               
               
                 78. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 80. 
               
               
                 82. 
               
               
                 84. 
               
               
                 86. 
               
               
                 88. 
               
               
                 90. 
               
               
                 92. 
               
               
                 94. 
               
               
                 96. 
               
               
                 98. 
               
               
                 100. 
                 First Side Plate 
               
               
                 102. 
                 Second Side Plate 
               
               
                 104. 
                 Plate First Opening 
               
               
                 106. 
                 Plate Second Opening 
               
               
                 108. 
                 Plate Third Opening 
               
               
                 110. 
                 Top Clamp Finger 
               
               
                 112. 
                 Bottom Clamp Finger 
               
               
                 114. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 116. 
                 Top Finger First End 
               
               
                 118. 
                 Top Finger Second End 
               
               
                 120. 
                 Top Finger First Opening 
               
               
                 122. 
                 Top Finger Second Opening 
               
               
                 124. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 126. 
                 Bottom Finger First End 
               
               
                 128. 
                 Bottom Finger Second End 
               
               
                 130. 
                 Bottom Finger First Opening 
               
               
                 132. 
                 Bottom Finger Second Opening 
               
               
                 134. 
                 Bottom Finger Third Opening 
               
               
                 136. 
                 Pneumatic Cylinder 
               
               
                 138. 
                 Cylinder First End 
               
               
                 140. 
                 Horizontally Extending Opening 
               
               
                 142. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 144. 
                 Cylinder Second End 
               
               
                 146. 
                 Cylinder Rod 
               
               
                 148. 
                 Pivot Pin 
               
               
                 150. 
                 Mechanical Link 
               
               
                 152. 
                 Link First End 
               
               
                 154. 
                 Link Second End 
               
               
                 156. 
                 Impact or Proximity Trigger