Abstract:
The present invention relates to road spikes that can made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics that, when deployed, are geometrically positioned to puncture or disable a tire. The spikes can be formed of a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic containing 10-70% long fibers by weight. Spikes of this material can be made as direct and/or alternative replacements for existing metal spikes or as unique integrated devices. One integrated component is a device having several piercing elements that are deployed in a vertically divergent manner spaced about a vertical axis wherein at least one piercing element is directed towards the direction of the oncoming vehicle. In one embodiment deployable from a string, this is accomplished through the use of spikes with six piercing elements that are self-leveling and self-centering. In another embodiment, several clusters can be fixed to a tube that is foldable and extendable.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to road spikes with improved characteristics and methods of deployment, and in particular to road spikes made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics that, when deployed, are geometrically positioned to puncture or disable a tire. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The problems associated with stopping the escape of a vehicle in police and military applications are well known. It is desirable to cause rapid stopping of the vehicle by puncturing one or more tires, and then allowing the air to escape without plugging the hole. There are numerous devices that are designed to accomplish these tasks. Some examples are: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,346,713 to Walker is titled Caltrop. This patent teaches a body having four hollow arms equally spaced about a body. When three of the arms are in contact with a horizontal surface, the fourth arm is vertically oriented. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,912,229 to Persgard is titled Vehicle Impeding Device. This patent illustrates the use of spikes that are releasably received within a base, and as such, can be picked up by a tire. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,292 to Williams is titled Traffic Barrier Chain. This patent shows a barrier chain having splines, wherein ½ of the splines face the direction of the traffic flow at an angle of 45 degrees. The splines, however, do not appear to be removable from the chain. Also, any deviation from having the chain deployed perpendicular to the flow of traffic will result in deviation from the illustrated puncture angle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,703 to Becker et al. is titled Caltrop. This patent illustrates a rigid caltrop structure that is formed from two metallic members which abut each other and are welded together. Pairs of adjacent corners of sides of triangular portions create penetration points. When three of the penetration points rest on a horizontal surface, the fourth penetration point projects upwards. The angle of penetration point projection is dependent upon the rotational angle of the caltrop relative the road surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,189 to Marphetia is titled Vehicle Tire Puncturing and Deflating Spike and Assembly Therefor. This patent shows a configuration of a metal spike. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,875 to Christle et al. is titled Entrapment Snare for the Termination of Vehicle Pursuits. This patent illustrates the use of two small but heavy weights connected by a flexible cable covered with spikes. FIG. 12 of this patent illustrates a spike design wherein all of the spikes are within a singular plane. Also, the spikes do not appear to be removable from the chain. 
     None of the existing products, including those illustrated in the above-mentioned patents teach, show or suggest spike assembly containing multiple spikes that can be removably attached to a deployment string. 
     Further, it is the industry standard to use metal spikes. This is because plastic is regarded as either too brittle (subject to shatter) or too flexible (incapable of puncture) to be used as road spikes. Yet metal spikes can be expensive, heavy and may require corrosion prevention protection. Hence, an engineered solution using plastics is desirable, both as replacement spikes in existing systems and as integrated devices. 
     Still further, none of the existing products, including those illustrated in the above-mentioned patents teach, show or suggest a configuration aligns at least one spike angled vertically divergent towards oncoming traffic regardless of device rotational orientation. 
     Related, none of the existing products, including those illustrated in the above-mentioned patents teach, show or suggest a six point configuration wherein the device is automatically self-leveling and self-centering on three spikes and having three remaining spikes project upwards with at least one spike being angled vertically divergent towards oncoming traffic regardless of the device rotational orientation. 
     Thus, there exists a need for road spikes with improved characteristics that solves these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to road spikes with improved characteristics and methods of deployment, and in particular to road spikes made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics that, when deployed, are geometrically positioned to puncture or disable a tire. The spikes can be formed of a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic containing 10-70% long fibers by weight. Spikes of this material can be made as direct and/or alternative replacements for existing metal spikes or as unique integrated devices. One integrated component is a device having several piercing elements that are deployed in a vertically divergent manner spaced about a vertical axis wherein at least one piercing element is directed towards the direction of the oncoming vehicle. The device can be configured to deploy from a carrier strip or a flexible string. In one embodiment deployable from a string, this is accomplished through the use of spikes with six piercing elements that are self-leveling and self-centering. 
     According to one advantage of the present invention, spikes made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic can be provided. Advantageously, the spike can be comprised of approximately 10-70% long fiber by weight, wherein the fibers can be chopped to discontinuous lengths of fiber. The long fiber reinforced thermoplastic is strong and stiff to ensure piercing, and tough to prevent shattering. Further, long fiber reinforced thermoplastic is light weight, cost-effective, recyclable, reusable and does not require corrosion prevention measures. Spikes of this material can be made specifically as replacement spikes in existing systems, or can be incorporated into novel integrated configurations. 
     According to another advantage of the present invention, a device can be provided wherein at least one spike is angled vertically divergent towards oncoming traffic regardless of device rotational orientation. This can be accomplished in one embodiment wherein three or more piercing elements are oriented in vertically divergent positions and spaced about a vertical axis, and a base is removable held in a carrier strip. This is accomplished in another embodiment with a six point configuration wherein the device is automatically self-centering and self-leveling on three spikes and has the three remaining spikes project upwards with at least one spike being angled vertically divergent towards oncoming traffic regardless of the device rotational orientation. 
     According to a further advantage of one embodiment of the present invention, the device can be designed to break free from a chain upon impaling of a tire. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the device can be an integrated device. 
     According to a still further advantage of the present invention, a string with multiple devices is both easily storable in a compact manner and easy deployable across a relatively wide section of road. Related, successful deployment can be accomplished from a moving vehicle without the need for precision, due to the self-centering and self-leveling configuration and the ability to be properly angularly aligned relative the target vehicle regardless of angular orientation. 
     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing several devices attached to a deployment string in a deployed position. 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up view of a portion of  FIG. 4  as noted by circle- 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing many devices attached to a deployment string in a storage position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a spike. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7   
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of one embodiment of a carrier strip. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view showing several devices attached to the carrier strip illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the alternative preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the alternative preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment shown in a folded position. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , but in a storage container. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 21  shown in a straight deployed orientation. 
         FIG. 24  is a close up perspective view of a preferred cluster. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a trigger assembly connected to a rail. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 25  in a storage position. 
         FIG. 27  is a close up perspective exploded view showing an end to end relationship of several rails. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention will be described in connection with several preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Starting with  FIGS. 7 and 8 , it is seen that a spike  180  having a tip  181 , a base  182  with an inside  183  and an outside  184 , and having flutes  185  is provided. The base can fit over a male connector on an existing track, or alternatively act as a male connector that fits within a cup or hole in the track. 
     The spike  180  is fully interchangeable with existing metal spikes. However, it is appreciated that spike  180  is preferably made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic. In the preferred embodiment, the long fiber content by weight is approximately 10-70%. It is even more preferred that the long fiber content by weight be approximately 30-50%. However, it is understood that relative amounts outside of the preferred range may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. One preferred fiber is E-glass fibers. Another is carbon fiber. It is also understood that other fibers, such as natural fibers derived from plants and wood including lignin and cellulose, or other synthesized organic fibers such as polyester, non-organic such as synthetic carbon fiber or metallic such as stainless steel may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. It is preferred that the average fiber length is approximately 2-4 millimeters with a 25-30% Gaussian distribution around the average. Yet, it is understood that it may be possible to use fiber lengths that are shorter or longer without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Spikes formed with this reinforcement are strong enough to puncture or pierce tires, yet tough enough to resist shattering under the large amounts of force imparted upon the spike by an automobile tire. 
     Formation of the spikes  180  can be accomplished with any suitable process including injection, compression or injection-compression molding, or any other plastic-forming/shaping process. Raw materials can be provided as a prefabricated pellet of fiber embedded in resin, or alternatively can be provided separately for in-line mixing of resin and fiber. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-3 , it is seen that a preferred embodiment of a device  10  is illustrated. The device  10 , when deployed on a surface  5 , has a vertical axis  15 . The device has a central hub  20 . A plurality of piercing elements (described below) extends approximately 1.5 inches from the center of the hub  20 . The device  10  is preferably made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic. However, other materials can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Piercing element  30  has a point  31 , a base  32  connected to the hub  20  side flutes  33 . Piercing element  40  has a point  41 , a base  42  connected to the hub  20  side flutes  43 . Piercing element  50  has a point  51 , a base  52  connected to the hub  20  side flutes  53 . Piercing element  60  has a point  61 , a base  62  connected to the hub  20  side flutes  63 . Piercing element  70  has a point  71 , a base  72  connected to the hub  20  side flutes  73 . Piercing element  80  has a point  81 , a base  82  connected to the hub  20  side flutes  83 . 
     Each piercing element is preferably cone-shaped, and all of the piercing elements are preferably equally space about the hub  20 . In this regard, with six piercing elements, each piercing element is spaced approximately 90 degrees from the four adjacent piercing elements, and is preferably collinear with the one opposite piercing element. 
     Four retainers  90 ,  100 ,  110  and  120  are further provided. Retainer  90  has a slot  91  and a neck  92 . Retainer  100  has a slot  101  and a neck  102 . Retainer  110  has a slot  111  and a neck  112 . Retainer  120  has a slot  121  and a neck  122 . The slots are preferably round in perimeter and are designed to receive a deployment string  130  (described below). The necks are preferably smaller than their respective slots, wherein a predetermined amount of force is necessary to force the string through the neck to remove the device from the string. Retainer  90  preferably spans between piercing elements  30  and  40 . Retainer  100  preferably spans between piercing elements  40  and  50 . 
     Retainer  110  preferably spans between piercing elements  50  and  60 . Retainer  120  preferably spans between piercing elements  60  and  30 . It is illustrated that all of the retainers lie in a single plane. However, it is understood that other retainer locations, configurations and/or numbers of retainers could be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Device  10  is designed for use on a deployment string and alternatively as a stand-alone tool.  FIGS. 4-6  illustrate engagement of multiple devices  10 ,  10 A and  10 B on a deployment string. In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates several devices in the deployed position, and  FIG. 6  illustrates the devices and deployment string in a storage position. 
     When deployed, three of the piercing elements contact a surface, roadway or ground. It is appreciated that any three adjacent elements can simultaneously contact the surface and in this regard the device is self-centering, self-balancing and self-leveling. The remaining three piercing elements supported in an upwardly projected orientation. It is preferred that the piercing elements project in a vertically divergent manner. It is also preferred that the three projecting elements are equidistant from each other about the vertical axis  15 . In this regard, at least one piercing element will be angled generally towards the tire of an oncoming vehicle regardless of the rotational orientation of the device  10  about the vertical axis relative. It is understood that the devices  10  can be deployed from a moving vehicle, due to the self centering aspects of the present invention. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the device  10  detaches from the deployment string upon being impaled by the tire. However, the device could alternatively be designed such that the remainder of the string winds around the vehicle axis when one device impales the tire without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9-12 , it is seen that an additional preferred embodiment of a device  210  is illustrated. The device  210 , when deployed on a carrier strip  280 , has a vertical axis  215 . A base  220  is provided, as is a plurality of piercing elements  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260  and  270 . The device  210  is preferably made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic. However, other materials can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Base  220  has a cylindrical outside  221  and an interior shaft  222 . A fastener  225 , such as a pop rivet, can be used to secure the device  210  to a hole  283  between the ends  281  and  282  of a carrier strip  280 . The cylindrical outside can alternative friction fit within a carrier strip hole without a separate fastener without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Piercing element  230  has a point  231 , a base  232  connected to the base  220  side flutes  233 . Piercing element  240  has a point  241 , a base  242  connected to the base  220  side flutes  243 . Piercing element  250  has a point  251 , a base  252  connected to the base  220  side flutes  253 . Piercing element  260  has a point  261 , a base  262  connected to the base  220  side flutes  263 . 
     Piercing elements  230 ,  240 ,  250  and  260  are preferably vertically divergent from each other. Each element is preferably equidistantly spaced about the vertical axis  215  and is preferably oriented approximately 60 degrees from vertical. Yet, it is understood that other angles of vertical divergence, other numbers of piercing elements and/or variably spaced piercing elements may be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Piercing element  270  has a point  271 , a base  272  connected to the base  220  side flutes  273 . Piercing element  270  is preferably vertically oriented on the device  210  and is connected to the base  220 . 
     Each of the piercing elements preferably generally has a conical shape. However, other shapes could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     A preferred embodiment of the carrier strip  280  is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-16 . The strip  280  is shown to have a generally rectangular perimeter, and is shown to be straight. However, other perimeter shapes and other orientations are within the scope of the present invention. The strip can be made of rigid or flexible materials, such as metal, leather, wood or any other suitable material. It is further appreciated that other types of carrier strips, such as accordion-style or other strips, may be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 17-20 , it is seen that another preferred embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, a device cluster  310  is provided. The cluster  310  has a hub  320 , and a frame  330  comprising cross piece  331  and end pieces  332  and  333 , respectively. The hub  320  is preferably centrally located within the frame  330 . 
     A spike  340  having a vertically oriented piercing element  341  and a plurality of vertically divergent piercing elements  342  is provided. In this illustrated embodiment, four vertically divergent piercing elements are provided. 
     A spike  350  having a vertically oriented piercing element  351  and a plurality of vertically divergent piercing elements  352  is provided. In this illustrated embodiment, four vertically divergent piercing elements are provided. 
     A spike  360  having a vertically oriented piercing element  361  and a plurality of vertically divergent piercing elements  362  is provided. In this illustrated embodiment, four vertically divergent piercing elements are provided. 
     A spike  370  having a vertically oriented piercing element  371  and a plurality of vertically divergent piercing elements  372  is provided. In this illustrated embodiment, four vertically divergent piercing elements are provided. 
     Spikes  340 ,  350 ,  360  and  370  are preferably integrally connected to frame  330 . This can be accomplished by forming the device cluster  310  in a multiple-cavity mold. The hub  320  can attach to a base in an existing carrier strip or device. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 21-24 , it is seen that a further preferred embodiment of the device  410  is illustrated. Device  410  can be selectably folded for storage in a container  420 , and straightened for deployment on a road or other surface. 
     In one embodiment, a gas canister  430  is provided for selectably inflating tube  440 . One preferred gas is air. However, it is understood that many gasses could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Tube  440  has ends  441  and  442 . A plurality of folds  443  separate segments that are generally straight. The segments are generally parallel when the tube is in a deflated storage position. However, the inflation of the tube  440  causes the folds  443  to release and the tube  440  to straighten. The straightened length of the device is several times the length of the stored device. 
     A plurality of clusters  450  are preferably removably connected to tube  440 . In the preferred embodiment, one cluster  450  is connected to the tube  440  in each segment. Clusters each have a central hub  455 . A frame  456 , preferably one that is rigid, extends away from the hub  455  in a plane  458  that lies generally perpendicular to a vertical axis  457  of the cluster. 
     The frame  456  supports preferably four upwardly oriented piercing elements  460 , and also four downwardly oriented piercing elements  470 . All the piercing elements preferably have a central axis that is parallel with the vertical axis  457  of the cluster  450 . It is appreciated that more or fewer piercing elements  460  and  470  may be used without departing from the broad aspect of the present invention. 
     The clusters  450  are self centering. In this regard, there are always upwardly and downwardly oriented piercing elements regardless of whether the cluster is flipped or tipped on the deployment surface. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 25-27 , it is seen that a still further alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The device  510  is mountable on a rail  520 . The rail  520  has ends  522  and  523 . The first end of one rail is mountable with the second end of the adjacent rail. Two adjacent rails can be secured in an end-to-end (via quick connect pieces) arrangement with a segment of extendable chord. Each rail  520  has many holes or notches  524  formed through the rail along its longitudinal axis. 
     Trigger assemblies  530  are secured along the rail  520 , having protrusions that extend through selected notches. Spacing of the trigger assemblies can vary widely. Each trigger assembly received a piercing element. Three configurations are shown in  FIG. 25  (insertion, set, and removal). 
     Trigger assembly  530  has a vertical axis extending through the base  540 . A support arm  541  and a latch  542  operate to secure the piercing element  550  within a hole  544  in the base. The support arm  541  engages a flute of the piercing element in order to secure the piercing element in place. A second support arm  543  is also provided for engaging the piercing element. 
     Insertion of piercing element  550 B into trigger assembly hole  544 B of base  540 B of trigger assembly  530 B is also shown in  FIG. 25 . The latch  542 B and support arm  541 B are shown ready to lock the piercing element  550 B in place. 
     Piercing element  550 A is locked in place within trigger assembly  530 A. Support arm  541 A and latch  542 B are positioned so as to orient the end of support arm  541 A in engagement with a fluted side of the piercing element. Arm  543 A is also seen to be engaging piercing element  550 A. It is seen that the vertical axis of the piercing element is preferably vertically divergent from the vertical axis  531 A of the trigger assembly  530 A when the piercing element is inserted into the trigger assembly. 
     Piercing element  550  is shown being released from the trigger assembly  530 . This occurs when or after the piercing element  550  is impaled by a tire or the like. 
     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, road spikes with improved characteristics and methods of deployment that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.