Abstract:
An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a plurality of segments flexibly attached end-to-end. At least a subset of the segments further comprise a spike ramp. The segments are connected at the ends via hinges. The segments are adapted to house a net package in a stowed-away configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to a subset of the segments to cause the segments to become unstacked for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/477,805 titled “Apparatus And Method For Rapidly Immobilizing A Land Vehicle” filed on Sep. 4, 2014 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,255,367, which claims priority to and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/873,812 titled “Apparatus And Method For Rapidly Immobilizing A Land Vehicle” filed on Sep. 4, 2013, the entire content of each of which is herein expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and a method for affecting movement of a land vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for deterring, slowing, disabling, restraining and/or immobilizing a motor vehicle by entangling one or more tires of the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional devices for restricting the movement of land vehicles include barriers, tire spike strips, caltrops, snares and electrical system disabling devices. For example, conventional spike strips include spikes projecting upwardly from an elongated base structure that is stored as either a rolled up device or an accordion type device. These conventional spike strips are tossed or thrown on a road in anticipation that an approaching target vehicle will drive over the spike strip. Successfully placing a conventional spike strip in the path of a target vehicle results in one or more tires of the target vehicle being impaled by the spike(s), thereby deflating the tire(s) and making the vehicle difficult to control such that the driver is compelled to slow or halt the vehicle. 
     Conventional spike strips may be used by first response personnel, law enforcement personnel, armed forces personnel or other security personnel. It is frequently the case that these personnel must remain in close proximity when deploying spike strips. For example, a conventional method of deploying a spike strip is to have the personnel toss the spike strip in the path of an approaching target vehicle. This conventional method places the security personnel at risk insofar as the driver of the target vehicle may try to run down the security personnel or the driver may lose control of the target vehicle while attempting to maneuver around the spike strip and hit the security personnel. Further, rapidly deflating only one of the steering tires may cause a target vehicle to careen wildly and possibly strike nearby security personnel, bystanders, or structures. 
     There are a number of disadvantages of conventional spike strips including difficulty deploying the strip in the path of a target vehicle and the risk that one of the spikes could injure security personnel while deploying or retracting the strip. The proximity of the security personnel to the target vehicle when it runs over strip places the security personnel at risk of being struck by the target vehicle. Further, allowing the strip to remain deployed after the target vehicle passes the strip places other vehicles at risk of running over the strip. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a land vehicle approaching a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  are schematic perspective views showing an exemplary device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure in an unarmed arrangement, an armed arrangement, and a deployed arrangement, respectively. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a netting package and an exemplary inflator device and an optional retractor device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure before the device is deployed. 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic view of an exemplary inflator device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3C  is a detailed view showing an exemplary, optional retractor device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3D  is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary control system that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3E  is a partial plan view showing an exemplary control panel that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side views of an arrangement of segments in a stacked configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view of an arrangement of segments in a stacked configuration without netting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  is a side view of an arrangement of segments in a partially stacked configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4E  is a side view of a plurality of segments in an unstacked configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of a segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial view of an embodiment of exemplary netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tether and a spike for a snaring netting package that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Specific details of embodiments according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to devices for deflating tires of an oncoming land vehicle. Other embodiments of the disclosure can have configurations, components, features or procedures different than those described in this section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the disclosure may have other embodiments with additional elements, or the disclosure may have other embodiments without several of the elements shown and described below with reference to the figures. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a land vehicle approaching a device  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. First response personnel, law enforcement personnel, armed forces personnel or other security personnel may use the device  10  to slow, disable, immobilize and/or restrict the movement of the land vehicle. Examples of land vehicles may include cars, trucks or any other vehicles that use tires to transport the land vehicle. The term “ground” may refer to natural or manmade terrain including improved roadways, gravel, sand, dirt, etc.  FIG. 1  shows a car C supported, steered, and/or accelerated by pneumatic tires T relative to a roadway R. 
     Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure deploy the device  10  in the expected pathway of a target vehicle, e.g., the car C. The undeployed device  10  may be placed on the ground, e.g., on or at the side of the road R, and then armed. For example, the device  10  can be armed by making a power source available in anticipation of deploying the device  10 . The device  10  is deployed, e.g., extended across the expected pathway of the target vehicle, as the vehicle approaches the device  10 . The device  10  may be deployed when the target vehicle is a short distance away, e.g., less than 100 feet. This may avoid alerting the driver to the presence of the device  10  and thus make it more likely that the target vehicle will successfully run over the device  10 . Similarly, remotely or automatically deploying the device  10  may reduce the likelihood that the driver will notice the device  10  or take evasive action to avoid running over the device  10 . Remotely deploying the device  10  also allows the device operator (not shown) to move away from the target vehicle and thereby reduce or eliminate the likelihood of the vehicle striking the operator. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrates a layout of the apparatus  10  in undeployed and partially deployed states according to embodiments of the disclosure. The apparatus  10  includes a housing  20  for transporting and/or handling the overall device  10  and for storing the segments. In some embodiments, the housing  40  may be a box-type configuration. As can be seen in  FIG. 2B , the housing  20  includes a base or bottom portion  20   a  and a closable lid  20   b  that is opened during the process of deployment. In some embodiments, the closable lid can be divided into two parts, a top portion  20   b  and a front portion  20   c . The lid can be manually opened to arm or activate the device, or in other embodiments, a switch can be tripped or otherwise a remote controlled signal can be used to arm the device and cause the lid to become opened. In some embodiments, the housing  40  can be made so as to be watertight when the apparatus is in the un-deployed state. The housing  40  also may include carrying handles or otherwise may be configured for easy carrying and transportation when the apparatus is in an undeployed state. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , in an undeployed state, the housing  20  contains a series of segments in a netting package  30 .  FIG. 2C  provides a transparent view of the housing  20  with the netting package  30  removed, but with other components remaining within the housing, including an inflation device  40 , a retractor device  60  and a power source  70  (such as a battery pack). When the apparatus  10  is deployed these components operate to unfurl the segments out of the housing  20  and onto the roadway in the expected path of an oncoming vehicle, and then to retract the segments out of the roadway after the vehicle has made contact with the segments. 
       FIG. 2D  illustrates the apparatus  10  in a partially deployed state. As can be seen, the plurality of segments in the netting package are arranged linearly when the apparatus is deployed. The segments are coupled together by coupling links, such as link  35 . The segments are configured to be lodged across a roadway (or other ground surface) as the apparatus is being deployed. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the netting package  30  including the inflator device  40  and the retractor device  60  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before the device  10  is deployed. The netting package  30  includes a plurality of segments  32  (ten plates  32   a - 32   j  are shown in  FIG. 3A ) that are pivotally coupled by alternating first and second hinges. Individual first hinges  34  (four first hinges  34   a - 34   d  are shown in  FIG. 3A ) include a single pivot axis between adjacent segments  32 , and individual second hinges  36  (five second hinges  36   a - 36   e  are shown in  FIG. 3A ) include two separate pivot axes spaced by a link between adjacent segments  32 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , second hinge  36   a  pivotally couples segments  32   a  and  32   b , first hinge  34   a  pivotally couples segments  32   b  and  32   c , second hinge  36   b  pivotally couples segments  32   c  and  32   d , first hinge  34   b  pivotally couples segments  32   d  and  32   e , second hinge  36   c  pivotally couples segments  32   e  and  32   f , first hinge  34   c  pivotally couples segments  32   f  and  32   g , second hinge  36   d  pivotally couples segments  32   g  and  32   h , first hinge  34   d  pivotally couples segments  32   h  and  32   i , and second hinge  36   e  pivotally couples segments  32   i  and  32   j . Accordingly, the netting package  30  includes an articulated series of segments  32  and hinges  34  and  36 . 
     The undeployed or stacked arrangement of the netting package  30  shown in  FIG. 3A  includes the segments  32   a  through  32   j  overlying one another. In particular, segment  32   j  overlies segment  32   i  (they are separated by second hinge  36   e ), segment  32   i  directly overlies segment  32   h  (they are coupled by first hinge  34   d ), segment  32   h  overlies segment  32   g  (they are separated by second hinge  36   d ), segment  32   g  directly overlies segment  32   f  (they are coupled by first hinge  34   c ), segment  32   f  overlies segment  32   e  (they are separated by second hinge  36   c ), segment  32   e  directly overlies segment  32   d  (they are coupled by first hinge  34   b ), segment  32   d  overlies segment  32   c  (they are separated by second hinge  36   b ), segment  32   c  directly overlies segment  32   b  (they are coupled by first hinge  34   a ), and segment  32   b  overlies segment  32   a  (they are separated by second hinge  36   a ). The spaces between the segments  32  due to the separation provided by the second hinges  36  accommodate penetrators and netting that are part of the segments  32  as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     The segments  32  and/or the second hinges  36  can include a base section comprised of fiberglass, corrugated plastic or cardboard, wood, or another material that is suitably strong and lightweight. For example, G10 is an extremely durable makeup of layers of fiberglass soaked in resin that is highly compressed and baked. Moreover, G10 is impervious to moisture or liquid and physically stable under climate change. The base section of the segment  32  should provide a platform suitable for supporting an assembly that includes inflatable hoses, netting, and spikes, as will be described below. The size of the segments  32  may affect how far the netting package  30  extends in the deployed arrangement, e.g., shorter segments  32  may result in a shorter netting package  30  being deployed for a narrow roadway. 
     The inflator device  40  includes inflatable bladders  42  (two inflatable bladders  42   a  and  42   b  are shown in  FIG. 4 ) that are also accommodated in the spaces between the segments  32  due to the separation provided by the second hinges  36 . The inflator device  40  additionally includes a pressure source  44 , e.g., a pressurized gas cylinder, gas generator, an accumulator, etc., and a manifold  46  coupling the pressure source  44  to the bladders  42 . The bladders  42  are mounted to the segments  32  and, in response to being inflated by the pressure source  44 , expand to deploy the netting package  30 . Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure include tubular bladders  42  mounted lengthwise along the segments  32  such that, in the stacked arrangement of the netting package  30 , the bladders  42  are temporarily creased at the first and second hinges  34  and  36 . Accordingly, each bladder  42  defines a series of chambers that may be sequentially inflated starting at the end of the bladder  42  coupled to the manifold  46 . As each chamber is inflated, the expanding bladder unstacks, e.g., unfolds, unfurls, or otherwise begins to deploy, adjacent overlying segments  32  until the bladders  42  are approximately fully expanded and the netting package is deployed, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2C . The pivot axes of the first and second hinges  34  and  36  may assist in constraining the netting package  30  to deploying in a plane, e.g., minimizing or eliminating twisting by the netting package  30  about its longitudinal axis when it is being deployed. 
     The inflator device  40  may also include a sensor (not shown) for sensing an approaching vehicle and automatically deploying the netting package  30 . Examples of suitable sensors may include magnetic sensors, range sensors, or any other device that can sense an approaching vehicle and deploy the netting package  30  before of the vehicle arrives at the device  10 . The inflator device  40  may alternatively or additionally include a remote actuation device (not shown) for manually deploying the netting package  30 . The sensor and/or the remote actuation device may be coupled to the device  10  by wires, wirelessly, or another communication system for conveying a “deploy signal” to the device  10 . Examples of wireless communication technology include electromagnetic transmission (e.g., radio frequency) and optical transmission (e.g., laser or infrared). 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic view of a multiple discharge, cold gas inflator device  400  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inflator device  400  shown in  FIG. 3B  includes a high pressure reservoir  410  for supplying a compressed gas, e.g., nitrogen, to an accumulator tank  420 . The supply of compressed gas can be controlled by a supply valve  412  and/or a pressure regulator  414  along a supply line  416  coupling the high pressure reservoir  410  and the accumulator tank  420 . The supply valve  412  can supply or shutoff a flow of the compressed gas from the high pressure reservoir  410  through the supply line  416 . According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the high pressure reservoir  410  can have a volume of approximately 50 cubic inches (in.sup.3) and can be initially pressurized to approximately 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The accumulator tank  420  can have a volume less than, similar to, or greater than that of the high pressure reservoir  410 . For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure can include an accumulator tank  420  having a slightly larger volume, e.g., approximately 62 in.sup.3, and the pressure regulator  414  can be adjusted to pressurize the accumulator tank  420  to a relatively lower pressure, e.g., to approximately 600 psi. In general, the volume and pressure of the accumulator tank  420  may be related to the volume of the bladders  42  and the desired time for deploying the netting package  30  with the bladders  42 . For example, greater deployment pressure and/or volume may reduce the time it takes to deploy the netting package  30  whereas lower deployment pressure and/or volume may provide a more controlled deployment of the netting package  30 . A gauge  418  can be coupled to the supply line  416  between the high pressure reservoir  410  and the supply valve  412  to indicate the pressure in the high pressure reservoir  410 . Certain other embodiments may use a different gas or mixture of gases, may include reservoirs or tanks with different volume(s), may include fixed or adjustable pressure regulators, and/or may use different pressure(s). 
     A drain valve  422  coupled to the supply line  416  downstream of the accumulator tank  420  can drain residual pressure in the accumulator tank  420  by opening the supply line  416  to the atmosphere. A gauge  424  can be coupled to the supply line  416  between the supply valve  412  and the drain valve  422  to indicate the pressure in the accumulator tank  420 . 
     Compressed gas for deploying the netting package  30  can flow along a deployment line  430  that couples the supply accumulator tank  420  and the manifold  46 . A deployment valve  432  is positioned along the deployment line  430  between the supply accumulator tank  420  and the manifold  46  to control flow of the compressed gas to the netting package  30 . According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the deployment valve  432  can include a 0.5 inch NPT normally closed solenoid valve with an approximately 15 millimeter orifice, a 1500 psi pressure capability, and can be actuated by a direct current signal, e.g., 24 volts. A signal to deploy the netting package  30  energizes the solenoid of the deployment valve  432  to allow compressed gas in the accumulator tank  420  to flow through the deployment line  430  and the manifold  46  to the bladders  42 , thereby deploying the netting package  30 . A vent valve  440  coupled to the deployment line  430  downstream of the deployment valve  432  and/or coupled to the manifold  46  can vent compressed gas in the bladders  42  to the atmosphere. According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the vent valve  440  can include a 0.125 inch NPT normally closed solenoid valve with an approximately 1.2 millimeter orifice and can also be actuated by a 24 volt direct current signal. A signal to vent the bladders  42  energizes the solenoid of the vent valve  440  to release to atmosphere the gas in the bladders  42 , for example, before and/or during operation of the retractor device  60 . 
       FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a retractor device  600  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The retractor device  600  may be electrically, pneumatically, mechanically (e.g., with a resilient element such as a torsion spring), or otherwise powered. The retractor device  600  shown in  FIG. 3C  includes a torque source  610 , e.g., an electric motor, a torque multiplier  620 , e.g., reduction gearing, a torque limiter  630 , e.g., a friction plate slip-clutch, a coupling  640 , and a one-way clutch  650 , e.g., a drawn cup needle clutch bearing. One or more brackets  660  (two brackets  660   a  and  660   b  are shown in  FIG. 3C ) may support the retractor device  600  with respect to the housing  20 . Certain embodiments of the retractor device  600  can include a 60-80 Watt direct current electric motor  610  rated at 3000 revolutions per minute and a 6:1 ratio planetary gear reducer  620 . The coupling  640  can be a steel mandrel for transferring driving torque to a drive pulley  62  for winding a cable  64  on the drive pulley  62 . An example of a drawn cup needle clutch bearing is part number RC-081208 manufactured by The Timken Company of Camden, Ohio. The one-way clutch  650  may be interposed between the coupling  640  and the drive pulley  62 . Accordingly, operating the torque source  610  engages the one-way clutch  650  thereby driving the drive pulley  62  and winding the cable  64  onto the drive pulley  62  to retract the netting package  30 . Moreover, the one-way clutch  650  allows the drive pulley  62  to turn generally freely to allow the cable  46  to pay-out when, for example, the netting package  30  is being deployed. 
     The electronics for the control of the device  10  can include at least two options for triggering deployment: (1) a wireless frequency operated button (“FOB”) and/or (2) a wired control box. Embodiments of option 1 according to the present disclosure can include a three-channel, 303 MHz wireless radio frequency board (e.g., Model Number RCR303A manufactured by Applied Wireless, Inc. of Camarillo, Calif.) in the housing  20  and a three-button FOB (e.g., Key Chain Transmitter KTX303Ax also manufactured by Applied Wireless, Inc.) that can be separated and remotely located from the housing  20 . Some other embodiments use radio frequency transmission equipment having a LINX RXM-418-LR 418 MHz receiver, CMD-KEY#-418-S5 transmitter, and LINX LICAL-DEC-MS001 decoder (which decodes the encrypted digital string sent by the transmitter). The wireless transmissions can be encoded at 24 bits (allowing for 16.7 million unique addresses) to negate the possibility of cross-talk between another nearby unit. Embodiments of option 2 according to the present disclosure can include a control box that can be separated and remotely located from the housing  20  but remains electrically coupled via a cable. Both options may be incorporated into the device  10  to provide a backup for controlling deployment of the netting package  30 . 
       FIG. 3D  is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit  500  for controlling the inflator device  400  and the retractor device  600  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic circuit  500  shown in  FIG. 3D  includes the power supply  70 , e.g., a 24 volt direct current battery, and a system switch  510  for turning ON/OFF the device  10 . The electronic circuit  500  may also include a first indicator  512  for showing the status of the device  10  based on the setting of the system switch  510  and a second indicator  514  for showing the voltage of the power supply  70 . A microprocessor  520  receives input signals, e.g., “FIRE” and “RETRACT,” from a wireless radio frequency board  530  (i.e., option 1) and/or an auxiliary handheld control box  540  (i.e., option 2) and sends output signals to (a) a solenoid coil  550  for the deployment valve  432 , (b) a solenoid coil  560  for the vent valve  440 , and/or (c) a motor winding  570  for the torque source  610 . 
     The electronic circuit  500  can also include circuitry to handle the timing and control of operational events. Such a circuit may be useful if, for example, there is a difference in voltage provided by the wired control box  540  (e.g., approximately 14-17 volts direct current) versus the voltage required to operate the deployment valve  432  and/or vent valve  440  (e.g., approximately 24 volts direct current). This other circuit operates based on operator input for each event from either the wireless radio frequency board  530  (i.e., option 1) and/or the wired control box  540  (i.e., option 2). 
       FIG. 3E  is a partial plan view showing a control panel  700  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control  700  can be coupled to the housing  20  and include the gauge  418  to indicate the pressure in the high pressure reservoir  410 , the gauge  424  to indicate the pressure in the accumulator tank  420 , the second indicator  514  for showing the voltage of the power supply  70 , the system switch  510 , the first indicator  512  for showing the ON/OFF status of the device  10  based on the setting of the system switch  510 , a knob  412   a  operating the supply valve  412  to supply or shutoff the flow of the compressed gas from the high pressure reservoir  410 , and a knob  422   a  operating the drain valve  422  to drain residual pressure in the accumulator tank  420  and purge the inflator device  400 , for example, when storing the device  10 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate in further detail an exemplary subset of stacked (folded) segments that may be incorporated into a netting package  30  of device  10  in an undeployed state, As delineated in  FIG. 4B ,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate four stacked segments,  801 ,  802 ,  803 ,  804 , arranged such that they are inverted lengthwise. Although four stacked segments are illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , it will be appreciated that device  10  may incorporate more segments when the netting package is incorporated into device  10 . The number of total segments to be included, and the length of each segment, will be determined such that the netting package, when unfurled for deployment, traverses the roadway, or at least a substantial width of the roadway, so that an oncoming vehicle will make contact with at least one of the segments. The length of each segment may be determined based in part upon weight and the ease and speed with which the segments will unfurl from the stacked position when the deployment hoses are inflated, and the ease of retracting the segments after the targeted vehicle has made contact with the device. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , each segment may include a plate or backing  805 . The plate incorporates hinge tabs or is otherwise affixed to tabs or some other mechanism to connect the segments together via hinges. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the plate is a rigid surface as described above with reference to  FIG. 3A . In alternative embodiments, however, the backing may be made of a flexible material, or may be made of a strong cloth. A small hinge  820   a  can be used to connect the backing  805  at one end of a first segment to a second segment, and a large hinge  820   b  can be used to connect the other end of the backing  805  of the first segment to a third segment. As can be seen, the small hinge  820   a  connects the backings  805  of two segments arranged “back-to-back,” whereas the large hinge  820   b  connects the backings  805  of two segments stacked “front-to-front.” 
     Atop the backing  805 , each segment will include netting  810 , a portion of which will be exposed at the side where the small hinge  820   a  is located when the segments are in the stacked configuration. Additionally, the segments each contain a plurality of spikes, quills or other penetrators  840  capable of penetrating into the tires of the targeted oncoming vehicle. As can be seen, when the segments are in the stacked configuration, the spikes point toward the opposing segment. Sufficient spacing must be provided such that, when the segments are in the stacked configuration, they are not penetrating into the opposing segment in a manner that would prevent the segments from unfurling when the deployment hoses are being inflated. 
     As shown, the segments also include a spike ramp  850  at a leading edge of the backing  805 . The spike ramp may be incorporated within the backing or may be made of a different material. The spike ramp holds a plurality of spikes in place, at an angle that facilitates having the spikes penetrate into the tires of an oncoming vehicle when the segments are unfurled for deployment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , each spike includes a spike tether  860 , which connects the base of the spike to the netting  810 . When the device  10  is deployed, at least one tire of an oncoming vehicle travels up the spike ramp  850  and is punctured by a spike  840 . The spike is then lodged in the tire, and via the tether, the netting is pulled from the segment, as will be described in further detail below. 
     Lastly,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show portions of the deployment hoses  830   a  and  830   b , which run the length of the segments. At one end of the segments, the uninflated deployment hose will fold tightly near the small hinge  820   a , from backing-to-backing of two segments. At the other end, the uninflated deployment hoses extend from the backing of one segment to the other, flanking the large hinge  820   b.    
       FIGS. 4C and 4D  illustrate the segments, with the netting removed.  FIG. 4C  illustrates three segments  802 ,  803 ,  804  in a stacked configuration, with the netting removed. A single deployment hose  830   a  and a single spike  840  is depicted.  FIG. 4D  illustrates the three segments, also with the netting removed, in a partially unstacked configuration. This provides a clear view of the rear side of the backing  805  of one segment as well as the front side of the backing for another segment. The front side of the backing  805  includes the spike ramp  850  and supports both deployment hoses  830   a  and  830   b.    
       FIG. 4E  illustrates four segments  801 ,  802 ,  803 ,  804  in an unstacked arranged, such as when in state that is ready for deployment. In this configuration, it can be seen that each deployment hose (such as  830   a ) is continuous from segment to segment. When unstacked, the spikes  840  are aligned facing the same direction, along with the spike ramp  850 . The netting  810  is also continuous from segment to segment.  FIG. 4E  also shows an optional segment cover  860 , which covers the segment itself but not the portion in which two segments are connected via a large hinge  820   b . In some embodiments, the segment cover  870  may be part of the netting packaging. Or in other embodiments, no segment cover is required. 
       FIG. 5  provides a close-up view of a single segment that may be incorporated into device  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. A portion of the net package  810  is housed by the segment (but the netting continues from segment to segment) and is folded so that it sits flush between the two deployment hoses (hose  830   a  is shown). Above the front deployment hose  830   a , a plurality of spike tethers  860  connect the spikes (not shown) to the netting  810 . The spikes sit in the spike ramp  850  and are retained via a series of spike clip/retainers  855  in the spike ramp so as to stay in place until one or more spikes is dislodged by penetrating the tire of an oncoming target vehicle. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial plan view showing portions of opposite corners of an embodiment of the netting  810  in an extended, unfolded configuration. The netting  810  can be comprised of, for example, a polyethylene mesh net, having a width W preferably suitable for encompassing the track of the wheels of a target vehicle and a length L preferably suitable for extending at least approximately 1.25 times around the circumference of the wheels of the target vehicle. For example, if the target vehicle has a track of approximately 65 inches and rides on wheels having an outer diameter of approximately 28 inches, the net  700  may have a width W of approximately 190 inches and a length L of at least approximately 110 inches. The dimensions the net  810  may be selected in part based upon the width of the roadway and also the circumference of the wheel of the type of vehicle that is desired to be restrained by the device. A preferable minimum length of the net  700  in the example may be selected by computing 1.25 times the circumference of the wheel. 
     The net  810  can have meshes that, in the contracted, folded arrangement of the net, have an approximately diamond shape with a major axis M 1  between distal opposite points approximately three to four times greater than a minor axis M 2  between proximal opposite points. For example, the size of individual meshes in the widthwise direction may be approximately one inch in the contracted arrangement, e.g., stowed configuration, of the net  700 , and the size of individual meshes in the lengthwise direction may be approximately 3.5 inches in the contracted arrangement of the net. Certain other embodiments according to the present invention may have approximately square shaped meshes. 
     The net  810  may be assembled according to known techniques such as using “Weavers Knots” and/or a “Fisherman&#39;s Knot” to join lengths of cord and form the mesh. Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure may include coating the net material with an acrylic dilution, e.g., one part acrylic to 20 parts water, to aid in setting the knots and prevent them from slipping or coming undone. 
     It may be desirable to provide a widthwise stretch ratio of approximately 3:1. Accordingly, each mesh is reshaped or stretches in the widthwise direction, e.g., parallel to the wheel track of the target vehicle, to a dimension approximately three times greater than its initial dimension. For example, a net having a 1.75 inch by 1.75 inch mesh size (unstretched) may be approximately 3.75 inches measured on the bias (stretched) when the net is entangled around the wheels of a target vehicle in the fully deployed configuration of the device  10 . According to this example, approximately 65 inches of the contracted net that is captured by the wheel track of the target vehicle is expanded to approximately 245 inches that may become entangled on features of the undercarriage of the target vehicle approximately within its wheel track. 
     The netting may also include a first strip  910  along a leading edge  904   a  of the net  810 , a second strip  920  along a trailing edge  904   b  of the net  810 , and/or lengthwise strips  930  (individual lengthwise strips  930   a  and  930   b  are shown in  FIG. 6 ). The first strip  910  may include, for example, approximately one inch wide nylon webbing that is sewn to the net  810  with rip-stitching. Accordingly, the style and/or material of the stitching securing the first strip  910  to the net  900  allows the first strip  910  to at least partially detach from the net  810  in response to the wheels of the target vehicle extracting the net  810  from the device. The second strip  920  includes a single strip extending approximately the entire width of the net  810 . The second strip  920  may include, for example, approximately two inch wide nylon webbing that is securely sewn to the net  810  such that the second strip  920  remains at least approximately secured to the net  810  in response to the wheels of the target vehicle extracting the net  810  from the device. Individual lengthwise strips  930  may include single strips intertwined with the meshes of the net  810  between the first and second strips  910  and  920 . The lengthwise strips  930  may be securely coupled to the first and second strips  910  and  920  such that the lengthwise strips  930  remain at least approximately secured to the first and second strips  910  and  920  in response to the wheels of the target vehicle extracting the net  810  from the device. 
     The first, second and/or lengthwise strips  910 ,  920  and  930  may maintain the approximate size and approximate shape of the net  810  in its contracted configuration, e.g., in a stowed configuration of the device. The second strip  920  that is secured to the trailing edge  904   b  of the net  810  may aid in cinching the net onto the wheels of the target vehicle so as to seize rotation of the entangled wheel(s) and thereby immobilize the target vehicle. The lengthwise strips  930  also may aid in cinching the netting onto the wheels of the target vehicle and/or minimize net flaring as the net  810  wraps around the wheels of the target vehicle. 
       FIG. 7  is a detailed view of one embodiment of a tether  902  coupled to an individual spike  840 . The tethers  860  may couple individual meshes at the leading edge  904   a  of the net to corresponding spikes  840 . Individual tethers  860  may be made of the same material as the net or any other material that is suitable for coupling the spikes  840  and the net. Loops may be formed at either end of the tether  860  by known weaving or braiding techniques. 
     A method according to embodiments of the present disclosure for implementing a vehicle immobilizing device will now be described. A vehicle immobilizing device  10  is to be positioned in along the side of a roadway. In some embodiments, the device can be permanently left in position at the roadside, and may be disguised. In other instances, the device can be transported in the trunk of an automobile, such as a police car or military vehicle. When the police or military are engaged in a chase and need to restrain a vehicle, the device  10  can then be quickly positioned along the roadway in the expected path of the vehicle. When the device is in an undeployed state, it may be a completely enclosed box, resembling, for example, a suitcase. In this undeployed state, the segments contained therein, which include the netting  810 , are in a stacked position inside the housing, as depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
     Once the target vehicle is in close proximity to the device  10 , the device can be deployed, either by a sensor, manually, or via remote control. Upon deployment, the inflator is powered and begins to quickly pump air into the deployment hoses  830 . Because the hoses are folded multiple times, the hoses are inflated in sections. As each section is inflated, segments begin to rotate about the hinges  820   a  and  820   b  so as to unfold and lie end to end. Because the device is positioned along the roadway, the segments then lay in a linear fashion across the roadway, just at, or near the time that the target vehicle is approaching. 
     As the vehicle&#39;s tires make contact with segments of the device, the tires are lifted slightly by the spike ramp  850  and then make contact with at least one spike  840 . In a preferred embodiment, the spikes  840  are placed sufficiently close together such that the vehicle&#39;s tires contact multiple spikes. The spikes penetrate into the front tires of the vehicle and become lodged in those tires. This cause the spikes to become dislodged from the spike clip/retainer  855  in the spike ramp  850 . 
     As the spikes are drawn around the circumference of the tire, the base of the spikes pulls the spike tethers  860 , which in turn is connected to the netting  810 . The netting is then pulled from the segments. The netting has been folded in a manner that it will be drawn out from the net packaging in a continuous motion. As the netting is drawn from the device  10 , it proceeds to wrap around the tire as it continues to rotate. The netting then proceeds to twist and becomes entangled around the rotating tires. The entangled snaring members then will continue to twist until leverage against the under carriage of the vehicle brings the tires to a stop. Accordingly, the vehicle can be slowed and stopped in a controlled and non-lethal manner. 
     The above detailed description of embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. Also, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. As an example, certain embodiments of devices according to the present disclosure may include a pressure generator disposed in a device control housing with other operating elements, such as, but not limited to, a pressure delivery manifold, control circuitry to arm and deploy, a proximity detector, a signal receiving and sending circuit and any other hardware, software or firmware necessary or helpful in the operation of the device. As another example, the device may be housed in a clamshell-type briefcase or ammunition box type housing and include a pressure manifold and a pressure-generating device, such as compressed gas or a gas generator connected to the manifold. In other embodiments more than one manifold and more than one pressure generating device, or any combination thereof, may be included in the device. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. Additionally, the words “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar connotation, when used in the present disclosure, shall refer to the present disclosure as a whole and not to any particular portions of the present disclosure. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. 
     While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.