Abstract:
A system whereby a disabling spike strip is deployed from the rear undercarriage of a vehicle is enabled by a dashboard-mounted switch powered by the vehicle electrical system. The spike strip comprises a main body and two (2) extensions which are deployed outwardly from each side of the main body by the action of internal compression springs. The undersides of the main body and each extension are provided with a plurality of skid pads. The spike strip further comprises front and rear stabilizer bars. The purpose of the pads and the stabilizers are to retain the location of the spike strip against the pavement and against the action of a trailing vehicle&#39;s wheels. The top portion of the spike strip comprises a plurality of fixed and spring-loaded spikes being designed to shred the tires of the trailing vehicle.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/286,906 filed on Dec. 16, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to spike strip devices for deflating vehicle tires, and in particular, to a spike strip device readily deployable from a moving vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Motor vehicle chases are a relatively rare but particularly trying part of law enforcement processes. High-speed chases involving law enforcement officers in pursuit of criminals provide a serious threat to the lives of the officers, the pursued, and bystanders unintentionally in the path of the chase. Thus the primary concern of law enforcement officers during such chases is to stop or disable the pursued vehicle as quickly as possible. 
     One (1) common method utilized in such situations is spike strips, which are installed on roads or streets at a location further ahead on the current path of the pursued vehicle. Such spike strips are effective at stopping a vehicle when the vehicle&#39;s tires come in contact with the spike strip. However, in many cases, such contact is typically unlikely as the fleeing vehicle may be aware of such practices and will have ample visual warning to avoid these strips. 
     Additionally, such spike strips are dangerous for the officers who are deploying them and may unintentionally endanger other law enforcement vehicles and the vehicles of innocent citizens. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide selectively deployable tire deflating systems. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,849 issued in the name of Pacholok et al., describes a mechanical tire deflating device including a compressed gas deployment mechanism which release a projectile on a tether. Once fully deployed, the projectile automatically deploys a plurality of spike arms in order to disable a target vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,903, issued in the name of Marts et al., describes a barrier strip with a plurality of retractable tire-puncture spikes with a selectable control mechanism which allows a user to quick expose and lock the spikes and subsequent retract the spikes as desired. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,475, issued in the name of Lowrie, describes a quick stop deployment system and method which includes a pair of tire deflation systems deployable on either side of a vehicle in order to inhibit progress of a vehicle in an adjacent lane. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices require the device to be pre-disposed at a fixed location prior to use. Also, many such devices do not cover a sufficiently broad area when deployed which may inhibit the effectiveness of the device. Furthermore, many such devices are difficult to deploy and to reset due to complex, non-reversible release mechanisms. In addition, many such devices are unstable when connected to a pursuit vehicle and pose danger to those operating the device. Accordingly, there exists a need for a deployable spike strip system without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a selectively deployable spike strip system for use with a moving vehicle which includes a simple and quick release and reset mechanism and a stable deployment process. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a spike strip system for deployment from a vehicle which allows selective disablement of a trailing vehicle, such as a law enforcement vehicle pursuing a fugitive vehicle. The system comprises a main body portion, first and second extension portions, and a pair of mounting brackets. 
     Another object of the present invention is to include a plurality of spikes which disable a trailing vehicle by damaging tire portions of the trailing vehicle including a plurality of upwardly extending spikes located on a top surface of the main body portion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to securely fasten the system to an undercarriage frame of a vehicle using the pair of mounting brackets. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to quickly release the main body portion and the first and second extension portions from the mounting bracket as desired. Each mounting bracket comprises a magnet further comprising an internal permanent magnet rotatably housed within a ferrous metal enclosure such that rotation of the internal permanent magnet provides deactivation of the magnetic attraction by the magnet upon an armature portion of a corresponding extension portion of the system, thereby causing the main body portion and the first and second extension portions to drop from the vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow the user to selectively deploy the main body portion and the first and second extension portions from within the vehicle. The system comprises a control module including a switch which is in electrical communication with a pair of rotary actuators attached to each mounting bracket. When the switch is manually actuated by the user, the magnets are rotated and the system is deployed as previously described. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to automatically extend the first and second extension portions upon deployment of the system using an internal spring-loaded deployment mechanism. Further upon extension of the first and second extension, a plurality of internal spring-loaded spikes are rotated upwardly through a plurality of correspondingly position rectangular spike slots in order to provide a spiked surface across the length of the system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide stable, high-friction sliding against a pavement surface. The system further comprises a plurality of horizontally extending stabilizers and a plurality of downwardly disposed skid pads affixed to the main body portion and the first and second extension portions which provide the system with secure planar stability during deployment and when run over by the wheels of a trailing vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of driving the leading vehicle to a location ahead of a trailing vehicle; selecting the “ON” position on the control module to deploy and jettison the main body and extension portions of the system onto the pavement into a path of the trailing vehicle; disabling the trailing vehicle wherein the tire portions of the trailing vehicle are punctured when traveling over the spike strip system; recovering the system; cleaning and repairing the system, if required; restoring the system to a ready state; and, benefiting from a mobile and compact means of deploying a spike strip to disable a trailing vehicle afforded a user of the system. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective environmental view of a spike strip system  10  depicting a deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the spike strip system  10  in a ready state mounted upon a an undercarriage portion of a vehicle  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of the spike strip system  10  in a ready state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view of an end portion of the spike strip system  10  depicting a deployed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up perspective view of spring-loaded spike portions  16  of the spike strip system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a perspective bottom view of the spike strip system  10  in a deployed state depicting skid pad portions  34 ,  35 ,  36 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a partial cut-away view of main body  11  and second extension  12   b  portions of the spike strip system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   c  is a section view of main body  11  and extension portions  12   a ,  12   b  of the spike strip system  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3   a ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical block diagram of the spike strip system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 spike strip system 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 main body 
               
               
                   
                 12a 
                 first extension 
               
               
                   
                 12b 
                 second extension 
               
               
                   
                 13a 
                 first stabilizer 
               
               
                   
                 13b 
                 second stabilizer 
               
               
                   
                 13c 
                 third stabilizer 
               
               
                   
                 14a 
                 first armature plate 
               
               
                   
                 14b 
                 second armature plate 
               
               
                   
                 15  
                 fixed spike 
               
               
                   
                 16  
                 spring-loaded spike 
               
               
                   
                 17  
                 first connector 
               
               
                   
                 18  
                 second connector 
               
               
                   
                 19  
                 main conductor 
               
               
                   
                 20  
                 switch 
               
               
                   
                 21  
                 male connector 
               
               
                   
                 22  
                 female connector 
               
               
                   
                 23  
                 control module 
               
               
                   
                 24a 
                 first magnet 
               
               
                   
                 24b 
                 second magnet 
               
               
                   
                 25a 
                 first rotary actuator 
               
               
                   
                 25b 
                 second rotary actuator 
               
               
                   
                 26  
                 axle 
               
               
                   
                 27  
                 spike slot 
               
               
                   
                 28  
                 compression spring 
               
               
                   
                 30  
                 backer plate 
               
               
                   
                 31  
                 first extension stop 
               
               
                   
                 32  
                 second extension stop 
               
               
                   
                 34  
                 first skid pad 
               
               
                   
                 35  
                 second skid pad 
               
               
                   
                 36  
                 third skid pad 
               
               
                   
                 37  
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                   
                 38  
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 40  
                 existing vehicle electrical system 
               
               
                   
                 60  
                 leading vehicle 
               
               
                   
                 61  
                 pavement 
               
               
                   
                 70  
                 trailing vehicle 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a spike strip system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , and a method for deploying said system  10  from a vehicle which in turn provides a means for disabling a trailing vehicle  70  from a leading deploying vehicle  60 . The present invention is particularly suited for use when the leading deploying vehicle  60  is a law enforcement vehicle and the trailing vehicle  70  is a fugitive vehicle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective environmental view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is depicted in a state of having been jettisoned from an undercarriage portion of a moving leading vehicle  60  and deployed onto a subjacent pavement surface  61 . The system  10  provides an effective means of disabling a trailing vehicle  70  by damaging tire portions of said trailing vehicle  70  via fixed spike portions  15  and raised spring-loaded spike portions  16  of the system  10 . Said spring-loaded spikes  16  allow the system  10  to laterally collapse, thereby enabling compact storage under the leading vehicle  60  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3   a ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a bottom view of the system  10  mounted upon an undercarriage portion of a leading vehicle  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is depicted in a “ready” state wherein first extension  12   a  and second extension  12   b  portions are compactly retracted into a main body portion  11  of the system  10  and being transversely affixed to a rear undercarriage frame portion of the leading vehicle  60  via a pair of mounting brackets  37  (see  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a perspective view of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is depicted here with both extension portions  12   a ,  12   b  secured in a retracted state and being retained by respective first magnet  24   a  and second magnet  24   b  portions, which in turn magnetically act upon subjacent first armature plate  14   a  and a second armature plate  14   b  portions, respectively. Said first  24   a  and second  24   b  magnets preferably provide a similar magnetic clamping function as a magnetic dial indicator base commonly used in machining and tool making industries, wherein a manual half-turn rotation of an internal permanent magnet housed within a ferrous metal enclosure, directs magnetism to a subjacent flat ferrous metal surface. Rotation of the magnet portions  24   a ,  24   b  of the system  10  is achieved via direct connection of said magnets  24   a ,  24   b  to corresponding electric first rotary actuator  25   a  and second rotary actuator  25   b  members being powered by an existing vehicle electrical system  40  of the leading vehicle  60 . Rotation of said magnets  24   a ,  24   b  by said rotary actuators  25   a ,  25   b  provides activation or deactivation of the magnetic attraction exerted by said magnets  24   a ,  24   b  thereupon the corresponding armature plates  14   a ,  14   b , thereby enabling the main body  11  and extension  12   a ,  12   b  portions of the system  10  to be selectively retained in the retracted state or to be released downwardly and deployed outwardly when needed. The armature plates  14   a ,  14   b  comprise flat rectangular magnetic mild steel plates approximately six (6) to eight (8) inches on a side and approximately one-half (½) to one (1) inch in thickness. Said armature plates  14   a ,  14   b  are preferably welded or otherwise fastened to top surfaces of each end portion of the extensions  12   a  and  12   b , respectively. 
     Electrical power is conducted to the first  25   a  and second  25   b  rotary actuators by respective first wire  17  and second wire  18  portions in a synchronous manner via electrical connection to a selectable “ON” and “OFF” position upon a control module  23  being preferably mounted upon a dashboard portion of the leading vehicle  60 . The system  10  comprises a male connector  21  which provides a molded body portion which acts to join said first  17  and second  18  wires at a proximal end as well as providing a common electrical connection to a mating female connector  22  upon a distal end portion. Said female connector  22  in turn comprises an integral single main conductor  19  which is routed to the aforementioned control module  23 . In use, a user within the leading vehicle  60  may manually deploy the system  10  by utilizing a selector switch portion  20  of the control module  23 . The joined and interconnected first  17  and second  18  wires provide a resultant simultaneous release of the armatures  14   a ,  14   b  from the magnets  24   a ,  24   b , thereby resulting in downward release of the system  10  and horizontal extension of both extension portions  12   a ,  12   b , thereby ensuring that the system  10  contacts the pavement  61  in a flat, straight and uniform manner. 
     Each magnet  24   a  and  24   b  is housed within an upwardly extending mounting bracket  37  which provides a means to securely fasten of the system  10  to undercarriage frame portions of the leading vehicle  60 . The mounting brackets  37  are envisioned being made of a durable ferrous metal so as to effectively conduct the magnetism from the internal magnets  24   a ,  24   b  to the respective subjacent armature plates  14   a ,  14   b . Said mounting brackets  37  are depicted here taking a form of “L”-shaped units comprising vertical plate portions further comprising a pair of fastening apertures  38  each; however, it is understood that various mounting brackets having different designs may be utilized to provide a fastening means to various makes and models of leading vehicles  60  onto which the system  10  may be applied and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . 
     The system  10  further comprises a main body  11 , a first extension  12   a , a second extension  12   b , a first stabilizer  13   a , a second stabilizer  13   b , a third stabilizer  13   c , a plurality of fixed spikes  15 , and a plurality of spring-loaded spikes  16 . The structures of the main body  11  and the extensions  12   a  and  12   b  are envisioned to be rectangular in cross section and fabricated, cast, molded or extruded of rugged metal materials such as, but not limited to: steel or aluminum, in either an internally reinforced box-like structure, a flattened tubular shape, or in a honeycomb-like structure to reduce weight. Outer end portions of each extension  12   a ,  12   b  comprise forwardly extending first  13   a  and second  13   b  stabilizer portions, respectively. Said first  13   a  and second  13   b  stabilizers are preferably welded to outer end surfaces of the respective extensions  12   a ,  12   b  and extend perpendicularly in a forward direction approximately eighteen (18) inches and being angled slightly upward at an end portion, thereby providing smooth sliding along an uneven paved surface  61 . Furthermore, the system  10  comprises a third stabilizer  13   c  being permanently welded to a rear vertical surface of the main body  11  at an intermediate position. Said third stabilizer  13   c  is to extend in a rearward direction approximately six (6) to twelve (12) inches, thereby further enhancing a stable sliding motion. Said stabilizers  13   a ,  13   b ,  13   c  are envisioned to be made using rectangular bar stock of metal materials similar to those of the main body  11 . The stabilizers  13   a ,  13   b ,  13   c  provide the system  10  with secure planar stability while sliding across pavement  61  as well as when being run over by the wheels of the trailing vehicle  70  during deployment. 
     The system  10  further comprises a plurality of fixed spikes  15  located along a top surface of the main body  11  and a portion of each extension  12   a ,  12   b  along a top surface which protrudes beyond the main body  11  when said extensions  12   a ,  12   b  are in the retracted state. Said fixed spikes  15  comprise pointed triangle-shaped protrusions approximately two (2) to three (3) inches in height being capable of piercing vehicle tires and are to be securely welded to said top surface portions of said main body  11  and the extension  12   a ,  12   b  portions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   b , a perspective view of the second extension  12   b  of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The second extension  12   b  is depicted here having been released and downwardly deployed from the corresponding second magnet  24   b , and subsequently extended horizontally outward from the main body  11  by a force exerted by an internal compression spring  28  contained within said main body  11  (see  FIG. 5   c ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a close-up perspective view of spring-loaded spike portions  16  of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a plurality of spring-loaded spikes  16  within a portion of each extension  12   a ,  12   b  which is recessed within the main body  11  when said extensions  12   a ,  12   b  are in the retracted state. Each spring-loaded spike  16  comprises a spiral wound torsional spring portion having a first protruding end portion shaped into a sharp spike configuration and a second end being braced against an interior portion of the respective extensions  12   a  and  12   b . Each spring-loaded spike  16  is supported and laterally positioned by an axle  26  being inserted through each spring-loaded spike  16 . Prior to activation and release of the system  10 , the spring-loaded spikes  16  are retained in a depressed position against an inner surface of the main body  11 . Upon release and horizontal extension of said extensions  12   a ,  12   b , the spring-loaded spikes  16  are then free to rotate upwardly through correspondingly positioned rectangular-shaped spike slots  27  being machined or formed along top surfaces of the extensions  12   a ,  12   b . Said spike slots  27  also provide a mechanical limitation to an upward rotation of said spring-loaded spikes  16  so as to retain said spring-loaded spikes  16  in a vertical orientation. Said spring-loaded spikes  16  protrude above a top surface of said extensions  12   a ,  12   b  approximately two (2) to three (3) inches being capable of piercing and shredding tire portions of the trailing vehicle  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5   a , a perspective bottom view of the system  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Underside portions of the main body  11  and both extensions  12   a ,  12   b  provide an increased friction and stabilizing means during contact with the pavement  61  upon deployment. Said main body  11  comprises a centrally located first skid pad  34  and four (4) second skid pads  35  being arranged along a bottom surface of said main body  11  so as to cover a majority of said surface area. Said extensions  12   a ,  12   b  further comprise respective third skid pads  36  being positioned adjacent to the aforementioned first  13   a  and second  13   b  stabilizers. Said pads  34 ,  35 ,  36  comprise various rectangular shapes being permanently bonded to the underside portions of the main body  11  and the extensions  12   a ,  12   b . Said friction pads  34 ,  35 ,  36  are envisioned to be made of rubber, neoprene, or equivalent high-friction compounds having an appropriate durometer hardness, thereby providing a stable high-friction sliding action against the surface of the pavement  61 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5   b , a partial cut-away view of main body  11  and second extension  12   b  portions of the spike strip system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The extensions  12   a ,  12   b  are insertingly and slidingly engaged into an inner cavity portion of the main body  11 . A horizontal force to motion said extensions  12   a ,  12   b  outwardly is exerted via respective compression springs  28  (only the second extension  12   b  is shown here). Said compression springs  28  propel respective extensions  12   a ,  12   b  outwardly a distance of approximately sixteen (16) to twenty (20) inches upon release from the respective magnets  24   a ,  24   b . Said outward motion of the extensions  12   a ,  12   b  is mechanically limited via internal contact of first extension stop portions  31  of said extensions  12   a ,  12   b  with second extension stop portions  32  of the main body  11  (see  FIG. 5   c ). 
     The preferred method for securing and releasing the system  10  is disclosed herein utilizing magnetic devices; however, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that various means of retaining the system  10  onto the undercarriage of the leading vehicle  60 , and ejecting the system  10  onto the pavement  61  may be utilized without deviating from the concept such as, but not limited to: various mechanically activated devices, electro-magnets, vacuum pad devices an electric pump, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5   c , a section view of main body  11  and extension portions  12   a ,  12   b  of the system  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3   a ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The first extension  12   a  is depicted here in a retracted state and the second extension  12   b  is depicted in an extended state for illustration sake. The retracted state of the first extension  12   a  provides mechanical retention of the spring-loaded spikes  16  within the spike slot portions  27  along the top surface of said first extension  12   a  and against a top surface of the main body  11  until said first extension  12   a  is deployed outwardly (see  FIG. 5   b ). Said retracted state of said first extension  12   a  also results in compression of the compression spring  28  against an internal backer plate  30  being integral to the main body  11 . Said backer plate  30  comprises an internal perpendicular wall structure, thereby separating an inner space of said main body  11  into two (2) equal chambers to contain the respective first  12   a  and second  12   b  extensions and corresponding compression springs  28 . 
     The second extension  12   b  is depicted here being horizontally extended outward from the main body  11  having been released and thereby propelled via the force exerted by the compression spring  28 . Outward extension of the extensions  12   a ,  12   b  is limited by mechanical contact between first extension stop portions  31  of the extensions  12   a ,  12   b , and respective second extension stop portions  32  of the main body  11 . Each first extension stop  31  comprises an integral portion of the extensions  12   a ,  12   b  and comprises a widened end portion of each extension  12   a ,  12   b  being contained within the main body  11 . The second extension stops  32  comprise retaining rectangular openings at each end of the main body  11  being particularly sized to allow smooth inserted motioning of the extensions  12   a ,  12   b  while providing interference with said first extension stop portions  31 , thereby retaining the system  10  in a fully deployed state during use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical block diagram of the spike strip system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  utilizes polarized DC electrical power from an existing 12-volt vehicle electrical system  40 . Said electrical power  40  is in turn controlled via a double pole-single throw type switch  20  within a control module  23  envisioned to be mounted within convenient reach by an operator driving the leading vehicle  60 . Said switch  20  provides constant power to the first  25   a  and second  25   b  rotary actuators while the system  10  is in both “ready” and deployed states. Power is in turn conducted to the system  10  via a main conductor  19  being routed to a rear portion of the leading vehicle  60 . Said main conductor  19  is in turn removably connected to the first  17  and second  18  wires via joining male  21  and female  22  connectors. Said female connector  22  provides a junction means to said first  17  and second  18  wires which are in turn connected to respective first  25   a  and second  25   b  rotary actuators, thereby providing power to said rotary actuators  25   a ,  25   b  in a synchronous manner to deploy the system  10  in a downward parallel manner upon the subjacent pavement  61 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The method of installing the system  10  to the leading vehicle  60  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the system  10  being suitable to a particular make and model of leading vehicle  60  onto which the system  10  is to be applied; fastening or welding the mounting brackets  37  to rear undercarriage frame portions of the leading vehicle  60  based upon requirements of a particular installation; routing and securing the first  17  and second  18  wires from the rotary actuators  25   a ,  25   b  along undercarriage frame portions of the leading deploying vehicle  60 ; mounting the control module  23  in a position within the leading vehicle  60  such as upon a dashboard area such that said control module  23  may be easily reached by the operator; providing electrical power to the system  10  by connecting the existing vehicle electrical system  40  within the dashboard to the control module  23 ; routing the main conductor  19  from the control module  23  along the undercarriage of the leading vehicle  60  to a location of the male connector  21 ; connecting the female connector portion  22  of the main conductor  19  to the male connector  21  portion of the first  17  and second  18  wires; and, mounting the extensions  12   a  and  12   b  and main body  11  portions of the system  10  to the mounting brackets  37  as described below. 
     The method of configuring the system  10  to the “ready” state may be achieved by performing the following steps: ensuring that the magnets  24   a  and  24   b  are deactivated by verifying that the control module  23  is set to the “OFF” position; raising the leading vehicle  60 ; placing a ratcheting strapping device horizontally around the system  10 ; operating the ratcheting device to progressively compress the compression springs  28  and retract the extensions  12   a  and  12   b  within the main body  11  while coincidentally and sequentially manually motioning the spring-loaded spikes  16  downwardly into the spike slots  27 ; raising and blocking the strapped system  10  so as to position the magnets  24   a ,  24   b  against the armature plates  14   a ,  14   b ; activating and securing said magnets  24   a  and  24   b  to said armature plates  14   a ,  14   b  by turning the control module  23  to the “ON” position; reversing the ratcheting device to release and remove a temporary retaining strap portion; and, lowering the deploying vehicle  60 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: driving the leading vehicle  60  to a location ahead of a trailing vehicle  70 ; selecting the “ON” position on the control module  23  to deploy and jettison the main body  11  and extension  12   a ,  12   b  portions of the system  10  onto the pavement  61  into a path of the trailing vehicle  70 ; disabling the trailing vehicle  70  wherein the tire portions of the trailing vehicle  70  are punctured when traveling over the spike strip system  10 ; recovering the system  10 ; cleaning and repairing the system  10 , if required; restoring the system  10  to the “ready” state by following the steps described above; and, benefiting from a mobile and compact means of deploying a spike strip to disable a trailing vehicle  70  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.