Deployable Device Having An Unrolled Configuration For Rapidly Immobilizing A Land Vehicle And Associated Methods

Abstract

An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle is described. The apparatus comprises a continuous base layer further comprising a plurality of spike holders. The base layer is adapted to support a net package in a rolled stowed configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to the base layer to cause the base layer to become unrolled for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.

Description

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.

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 and side views showing an exemplary device that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure in an undeployed arrangement.

FIGS. 2E-2F are schematic perspective and partial close-up views showing the exemplary device of FIGS. 2A-2D in a deployed arrangement.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a netting package with certain component removed for clarity that may be utilized with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 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.

FIGS. 5A-5B are section and partial close-up views of the spike of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of an embodiment of exemplary netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7D are perspective and partial close-up views of exemplary netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of exemplary netting that may be utilized in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of exemplary netting 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 then 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-2F illustrate a layout of the device 10 (e.g., apparatus) in undeployed and deployed states (e.g., positions or configurations) according to embodiments of the disclosure. The device 10 includes a housing 20 (e.g., case, shell) for transporting and/or handling the overall device 10 and for storing components of the device. In some embodiments, the housing 20 may be a box-type configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the housing 20 includes a base or bottom portion 20a and a closable lid 20b that is opened during the process of deployment. In some embodiments, the closable lid can be divided into two parts, a top portion 20b and a front portion 20c. 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 20 can be made so as to be watertight (e.g., waterproof, water resistant) when the device is in the undeployed state. The housing 20 also may include carrying handles or otherwise may be configured for easy carrying and transportation when the device 10 is in an undeployed state.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, in an undeployed state, the housing 20 contains a netting package 30 in a stowed position. For example, the netting package 30 includes a continuous or substantially continuous base layer 32 (e.g., backing, surface) that can be stowed (e.g., rolled, retracted) into a roll (e.g., a cylindrical or tubular roll). For example, the base layer 32 can be rolled into a series or loops, rings, and/or rolls around each other. The base layer 32 can be, for example, a flexible, e.g., non-rigid, cover and/or shell made of fabric or another suitable non-rigid material. In some embodiments, one or more sheets 34 (e.g., made of carbon fiber or another suitably strong and lightweight material) can extend along the length of the base layer 32, e.g., between top and bottom portions, over a top portion, and/or under a bottom portion of the base layer 32 to provide support and/or reinforcement. The base layer 32 should provide a platform (e.g., a continuous and/or non-rigid support plate, surface, backing) suitable for supporting an assembly that includes inflatable hoses, netting, and spikes, as will be described below. The size of the base layer 32 may affect how far the netting package 30 extends in the deployed arrangement, e.g., a shorter base layer 32 may result in a shorter netting package 30 being deployed for a narrow roadway.

FIG. 2D provides a transparent view of the housing 20 with the netting package 30 and portions of the housing 20 removed, but with other components remaining within the housing, including a deployment module 36 having an inflation device 40 and a power source 70 (such as a battery pack) operably connected to the inflation device 40 to provide the device 10 with a pneumatic and/or electrically operated deployment mechanism. When the device 10 is deployed these components operate to unfurl the netting package 30 out of the housing 20 and onto the roadway in the expected path of an oncoming vehicle. The device 10 can include an inflation device and other related components, e.g., a triggering or initiating device, control system, sensor(s), reservoir, tank, pressure gauge, valve(s), electronic control, control panel, circuit(s), switch, microprocessor, cable(s), and/or pressure regulator, etc. as described in more detail below and/or, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0063906, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPIDLY IMMOBILIZING A LAND VEHICLE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the inflator device 40 can include a pressure source 44, e.g., a pressurized gas cylinder, gas generator, an accumulator, etc., operably coupled to one or more bladders 42. The bladders 42 are configured to deploy the netting package 30 when expanded as described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2E-2F. 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 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).

FIGS. 2E-2F illustrate the device 10 in a deployed state. As can be seen, the netting package 30 is unfurled (e.g., unrolled, uncoiled, extended) when the device 10 is deployed. The netting package 30 is configured to extend across, or at least substantially the length across, a roadway (or other ground surface) as the device 10 is being deployed. The base layer 32 rests against the roadway or other surface. The netting package 30 includes the one or more bladders 42 (identified individually as a first bladder 42a and a second bladder 42b) mounted or secured to the base layer 32 and configured to extend along the length of the netting package 30. The bladders 42, 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, e.g., hoses, mounted lengthwise along the netting package 30, the bladders 42 are also rolled into a roll when the netting package 30 is in the stowed position.

Accordingly, as each bladder 42 starting at a first (e.g., outer) edge or end 46 of the bladder 42 adjacent a base of the housing 20 is inflated and continuing to a second (e.g., inner) edge 48 or end adjacent a center of the rolled netting package 30, the expanding bladder 42 unfurls, e.g., unrolls, uncoils, extends or otherwise begins to deploy the base layer 32 until the netting package 30 is deployed, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2E-2F. Once unfurled or deployed, the first end and second ends of each bladder 42 are positioned at opposing ends lengthwise of the deployed netting package 30. A back plate positioned at the rear of the housing 20 can act as a reaction surface the netting package 30 can push-off against as it unfurls to the deployed state and/or act as a pushing mechanism to provide initial acceleration of the netting package 30 and/or to assist in holding the netting package 30 in the housing 20. Velcro or other suitable fasteners 38, e.g., an adhesive, bolts, pins, etc., can also secure the base layer 32 to the housing 20 as the netting package 30 is unfurled.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2E-2F, a front side of the backing 32 includes a spike holder as described in more detail below and supports the bladders and an ensnaring netting or net 50. Atop the base layer 32, the netting 50 extends laterally and longitudinally across a portion of the base layer 32. The netting 50 can be removably secured (e.g., configured to tear-away) from the base layer 32 via one or more Velcro fastener strips or patches 52. In other embodiments, other suitable fasteners can be used to removably secure the netting 50 to the base layer 32. Additionally, one or more straps 54 extending laterally across the base layer 32 between leading edge 22 and trailing edge 24 of the base layer 32 can assist in removably securing the netting 50 to the base layer 32. Details of the netting 50 are described in more detail below.

The base layer 32 contains a plurality of spikes 60, e.g., quills or other penetrators, capable of penetrating into the tires of the targeted oncoming vehicle. As illustrated, the netting package 30 includes a row of spikes 60 extending along a length of and removably attached to the base layer 32. As can be seen, when the netting package 30 is in the stowed or undeployed configuration, the spikes 60 point toward a center of the rolled base layer 32. Sufficient spacing between the spikes on subsequent rolls, e.g., loops or rings, of the base layer 32 and/or a tapered leading edge 22 on the base layer 32 may be provided such that, when the netting package 30 is in the stowed or undeployed configuration, the spikes 60 are not penetrating into the subsequent rolls in a manner that would prevent the base layer 32 from unfurling when the deployment bladders 42 are being inflated. For example, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the base layer 32 is rolled into a roll in the stowed position such that spikes 60 of subsequent rolls are offset or misaligned (e.g., medially or toward a center of the rolled base layer 32 as illustrated in FIG. 2C.

As shown, the netting package 30 includes one or more spike holders 62 at a leading edge 22 of the base layer 32. The spike holder 62 may be incorporated within the base layer 32 or may be made of a different material (e.g., plastic or other lightweight material). The spike holder 62 holds a plurality of spikes in place, vertically and/or at an angle that facilitates having the spikes 60 penetrate into the tires of an oncoming vehicle when the segments are unfurled for deployment. As illustrated in FIG. 3 with a foam retainer 64 on the spike holder 62 and the netting 50 removed for clarity, the spike holder 62 can be a wedge shape or other shape having a flat, inclined or ramped surface 66. In the deployed configuration, the spikes 60 are aligned facing the same direction, along with the spike holder 62. The foam retainers 64 and/or other Velcro portions assist in ensuring the spikes 60 are aligned and/or are directed towards a consistent orientation. The spikes sit in the spike holder 62 and are retained via a series of spike foam retainers 64 in the spike holder 62 so as to stay in place until one or more spikes is dislodged by penetrating the tire of an oncoming target vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 4, each spike 60 includes a spike tether 68, which connects the base of the spike to the netting 50. When the device 10 is deployed, at least one tire of an oncoming vehicle is punctured by a spike 66. The spike is then lodged in the tire, and via the tether 68, the netting is pulled from the base layer 32, as will be described in further detail below. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of one embodiment of a tether 68 coupled to an individual spike 60. The tethers 68 may couple individual meshes at a leading edge of the net to corresponding spikes 60. Individual tethers 68 may be made of the same material as the net or any other material that is suitable for coupling the spikes 60 and the net 50. Loops may be formed at either end of the tether 68 by known weaving or braiding techniques.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a section view of the spike 60 and a partial section view of a barb 69. The spike 60 includes a sharp tip or point for piercing and penetrating into a tire. The spike includes double barbs or two or more barbs 69 (identified individually as first barb 69a and second barb 69b) spaced axially apart along a shaft or stem portion of the spike 60. The barbs 69 extend radially outward from the shaft or stem portions of the spike 60 to prevent or restrict back-out or pull-out of the spikes once they penetrate into the tires of a vehicle. The individual barbs 69 can extend at different angles away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft of the spike 60. In some embodiments, the second barb 69b positioned at a greater distance axially from the tip of the spike 60 extends at a larger angle away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft than the first barb 69a positioned more proximate to the tip of the spike 60. In some embodiments, the second barb 69b extends at a smaller angle away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft than the first barb 69a. In other embodiments, the barbs 69 extend at substantially the same angle away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The spikes 60 can be of a solid or non-hollow construction.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing portions of opposite corners of an embodiment of the netting 50 in an extended, unfolded configuration. The netting 50 can be comprised of, for example, a Dyneema® or other ultra-high molecular weight Polyethylene mesh net with sufficiently high tensile strength, having a width W preferably suitable for encompassing the track of the tires or wheels of a target vehicle and a length L preferably suitable for extending at least approximately 1.25 times around the circumference of the tires of the target vehicle. For example, if the target vehicle has a track of approximately 65 inches and rides on tires 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 50 may be selected in part based upon the width of the roadway and also the circumference of the tire or wheel of the type of vehicle that is desired to be restrained by the device. A preferable minimum length of the net 50 in the example may be selected by computing 1.25 times the circumference of the wheel.

The netting 50 can have meshes that, in the stowed, rolled and/or coiled arrangement of the net, have an approximately diamond shape with a major axis M1 between distal opposite points approximately three to four times greater than a minor axis M2 between proximal opposite points. For example, the size of individual meshes in the widthwise direction may be approximately one inch in the stowed configuration, of the net 50, 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 netting 50 may be assembled according to known techniques such as using “Weavers Knots” and/or a “Fisherman'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 or tire 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 or tires 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 tire 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 tire track.

The netting may also include a first strip 610 along a leading edge 604a of the net 50, a second strip 620 along a trailing edge 604b of the net 50, and/or lateral strips 630 (individual lateral strips 630a and 630b are shown in FIG. 6) extending between the leading and trailing edges. The first strip 610 may include, for example, approximately one inch wide nylon webbing that is sewn to the net 610 with rip-stitching. Accordingly, the style and/or material of the stitching securing the first strip 610 to the net 50 allows the first strip 610 to at least partially detach from the net 50 in response to the tires of the target vehicle extracting the net 50 from the device 10 (e.g., the base layer 32). The second strip 620 includes a single strip extending approximately the entire width of the net 50. The second strip 620 may include, for example, approximately two inch wide nylon webbing that is securely sewn to the net 50 such that the second strip 620 remains at least approximately secured to the net 50 in response to the tires of the target vehicle extracting the net 50 from the device. Individual lateral strips 630 may include single strips intertwined with the meshes of the net 50 between the first and second strips 610 and 620. The lengthwise strips 630 may be securely coupled to the first and second strips 610 and 620 such that the lengthwise strips 630 remain at least approximately secured to the first and second strips 610 and 620 in response to the tires of the target vehicle extracting the net 50 from the device 10.

The first, second and/or lateral strips 610, 620 and 630 may maintain the approximate size and approximate shape of the net 50 in its contracted configuration, e.g., in a stowed configuration of the device. The second strip 620 that is secured to the trailing edge 604b of the net 50 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 lateral strips 630 also may aid in cinching the netting onto the wheels or tires of the target vehicle and/or minimize net flaring as the net 50 wraps around the wheels or tires of the target vehicle.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, the netting 50 can include one or more reinforcing strips 740, e.g., webbing, extending at various slopes from a common origin or center point 742 on the netting 50 and/or central axis of the netting. The reinforcing strips 740 can extend outward in both direction from the common center point 742. The reinforcing strips 740 can be intertwined or interwoven through the meshes to form various sloped or angled weave patterns within the netting 50 (as indicated by circled portions 746 in FIG. 7A showing transitions of the reinforcing strips 740 through the mesh. For example, FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a top view and a partial close-up view of a netting 50 having the reinforcing strips 740 interweaved into the netting 50. An example tire track 744 illustrates how a weave pattern of reinforcing strips 740 extending from a common center point between the tire track 744 in FIGS. 7A and 7C.

FIG. 7B illustrates a partial close-up view of the different sloped reinforcing strips 740 (identified individually as reinforcing strips 740a-740d) in FIG. 7A. The slopes of the reinforcing strips 740a-740d vary. For example, reinforcing strip 740a extends at a slope of four and one half over along the M2 axis and one half up along the M1 axis of the netting 50. Reinforcing strip 740b extends at a slope of one and one half over along the M2 axis and one half up along the M1 axis. Reinforcing strip 740c extends at a slope of two over along the M2 axis and one up along the M1 axis. Reinforcing strips 740d extends at a slope of one half over along the M2 axis and one half up along the M1 axis. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, with respect to strip 740b, some of the reinforcing strips may extend in a non-linear fashion (with varying slopes) due to the elasticity of the strips and/or the netting 50 and how they are interweaved in the netting 50. As illustrated in FIGS. 7C-7D, the netting may have more or less reinforcing strips 740 (e.g., identified individually as reinforcing strips 740d-740f) as necessary that extend at different or varying slopes. The netting 50 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and/or more reinforcing strips 740. In some embodiments, each reinforcing strip can have a slope that is twice the slope of the strip preceding it (e.g., eight over and one up, four over and one up, two over and one up). Such reinforcing strips 740 helps the netting 50 ensnare and wrap around the tires of a vehicle to immobilize or restrict its motion.

FIG. 8 illustrates the net 50 having multiple rip-stitched straps 880 (e.g., net tensioning straps that are positioned throughout the length of the net 50. These straps are configured to detach from the net 50 during the capture (e.g., ensnaring of the tires or vehicles). As the tires stretch the net 50 the rip-stitching straps 880 provide a resistance (e.g., tensioning) force that causes the net 50 to wrap tightly around the vehicle tires.

FIG. 9 illustrates the net 50 as described above having a plurality of weights 990 that are tethered or otherwise secured to the side edges or ends of the net 50. The weights 990 are used as “slingers” or “slinger weights” that can transfer the momentum of the net's removal from the carrier or base layer 32 to aid in wrapping the net 50 on the outside of the vehicle (e.g., tires or wheels) being captured. The weights 990 can be implemented on any of the net configurations described herein.

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 netting package 30 contained therein, which includes the netting 50 and base layer 32, are rolled in a rolled position inside the housing 20, as depicted in FIG. 2A.

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 40 is powered and begins to quickly pump air into the deployment bladders 42. Because the bladders are rolled multiple times, the hoses are inflated in sequentially as each subsequent layer or roll is uncoiled or unrolled. As each section is inflated, the rolled base layer 32 begins to unroll or uncoil and extend across a roadway or other surface. Because the device 10 is positioned along the roadway, the netting base layer 32 then lays in a linear fashion across the roadway, just at, or near the time that the target vehicle is approaching.

As the vehicle's tires make contact with portions of the device, the tires are making contact with at least one spike 60. In a preferred embodiment, the spikes 60 are placed sufficiently close together such that the vehicle's tires contact multiple spikes. The spikes 60 penetrate into the front tires of the vehicle and become lodged in those tires. This causes the spikes to become dislodged from the spike holders 62 and the base layer 32.

As the spikes 60 are drawn around the circumference of the tire, the base of the spikes 60 pulls the spike tethers 66, which in turn is connected to the netting 50. The netting is then pulled from the base layer 32. The netting 50 has been folded in a manner that it will be drawn out from the net packaging 30 in a continuous motion. As the netting 50 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 base layer 32 remains in the roadway and can be manually rolled up and stored for subsequent use with another netting package 30.

Embodiments of the device 10 according to the present disclosure are generally lightweight to allow the netting 50 to be deployed in, for example, 2 seconds or less. Being able to deploy the device faster allows a user to deploy the device later to reduce the ability of an oncoming drive to see the deployed netting 50 across a roadway or other surface. The continuous base fabric layer 32 (e.g., being able to be rolled into a roll), foam covers, plastic spike holders and/or Velcro fasteners help reduce or decrease the weight of the device 10. The lightweight aspect also allows such a device 10 to be portable and/or to be carried by a single person or two people.

Further, the reinforcing strips 740 strengthen the netting 50 and its ability to ensnare and wrap around a vehicle's tires. Therefore, the netting 50 can arrest or immobilize faster moving and heavier vehicles. For example, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 10 can arrest a 6000 lb vehicle traveling at 60 mph in less than 100 m after the vehicle contacts the device 10.

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.

Claims

1. An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle, comprising:

a netting package having a base layer, the base layer further comprising at least one deployment hose, wherein the base layer provides housing for a plurality of penetrators and netting tethered to the penetrators and is stowed in a rolled configuration when in a non-deployment state; and

a deployment module configured to inflate the deployment hose upon initial deployment, wherein the inflation of the deployment hose causes the base layer to unroll and lay across the roadway upon deployment,

wherein, upon deployment, the penetrators are arranged on the roadway to puncture a tire of the oncoming vehicle and cause the netting to be pulled from the base layer to ensnare the tire.

2. An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle, comprising:

a base layer temporarily housing a plurality of penetrators and netting tethered to the penetrators,

wherein the base layer is arranged in a rolled configuration when in a non-deployment state.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one deployment hose attached to the base layer.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the deployment hose is configured to be in a rolled configuration when the base layer is in a stowed configuration, and wherein inflation of the deployment hose causes the base layer to unroll and lay across the roadway upon deployment.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising penetrator holders removably attached to the base layer for holding the penetrators in a desired orientation and position.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of penetrators are spikes.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising spike tethers connecting spikes to the netting.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the spikes are positioned in the base layer to point toward a center of the base layer when in a rolled configuration.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising two deployment hoses, each attached at opposing sides of the base layer.

10. An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle, comprising:

a net package having a base layer further comprising a spike holder, wherein the base layer is rolled into a roll in a stowed configuration.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spike holder includes an integrated spike positioning retainer.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the net package includes netting and a plurality of spikes tethered to the netting, and the spike positioning retainer positions the spikes tethered to the netting.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising two deployment hoses, each attached at opposing sides of the base layer.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spike holder includes an integrated spike positioning retainer and the net package includes netting and a plurality of spikes tethered to the netting, and the spike positioning retainer positions the spikes tethered to the netting.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein inflation of the deployment hoses causes the base layer to unroll as the hoses straighten such that the base layer lays substantially flat across the roadway upon deployment, and the spike holder is configured to cause tires of an oncoming vehicle to make contact with at least one spike.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the deployment hoses are configured to be connected to a pressure-generating device to be inflated.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the netting includes a plurality of reinforcing strips interweaved through a mesh of the netting, each reinforcing strip extending a different slope from a common origin on the netting.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the spikes include two or more barbs to restrict back-out of the spikes once they penetrate a tire.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the segments are configured such that when a tire of an oncoming vehicle is penetrated by a spike, the netting tethered to the spike is pulled from the segments and is caused to wrap around the tire.