Portable tire deflator

Abstract

A tire deflation device having an elongated base with a hinge positioned near the middle of the elongated base, a first elongated arm attached to a first end of the elongated base and running perpendicular to the elongated base, a second elongated arm attached to a second end of the elongated base and running perpendicular to the elongated base, a plurality of spikes attached to each of the first and second elongated arms, and a handle connected to the elongated base.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Law enforcement officials routinely stop motor vehicles for various reasons, such as traffic violations, suspected criminal offences, and safety inspections. Typically, the law enforcement officer is required to approach the stopped vehicle for inspection, or to speak with the operator of the stopped vehicle. In such circumstances, the operator of the stopped vehicle may decide to flee, placing the law enforcement official's safety in great risk. For instance, the officer may be hit, dragged, or run-over by the fleeing vehicle.

[0002] To alleviate the risk of personal injuries to law enforcement officials, there is a need for a method or device capable of immobilizing stopped vehicles. One such method is the deflation of the vehicle's pneumatic tires by using tire deflation devices.

[0003] Traditionally, tire deflation devices used by law enforcement have been in the form of portable barricades positioned across a roadway to encourage one or more fleeing vehicles to stop. These devices generally comprise an extendible support frame and one or more rocker arms disposed in relation to the support frame. The rocker arms are constructed to engage one or more hollow spikes. The rocker arms are formed having a plurality of actuators that provide a means for pivoting the rocker arms so as to appropriately position the hollow spike into a pneumatic tire rolling thereover. Correspondingly, a hollow spike is introduced into the tire, thereby providing a controlled deflation of the tire.

[0004] Other tire deflation devices have also been developed by those skilled in the art. For example, prior art tire deflation devices were developed comprising an outer body formed of a collapsible material including a three-piece spike assembly embedded therein and disposed at various angular relationships to each other. In operation, when a pneumatic tire rolls over the outer body of these prior art tire deflation devices, one or more of the spikes housed within the collapsible outer body typically emerge to puncture the tire.

[0005] Still other tire deflation devices comprise of an electromechanical means for selectively and remotely activating a strip or array of spikes, relatively disposed in a modular frame, in order to raise the spikes into an upright position thus exposing the protruding tip of the spikes for the purpose of puncturing one or more tires of a vehicle passing thereover. Similarly, these prior art tire deflation devices typically provide a similar means for selectively and remotely deactivating the strip or array of spikes, thus providing a means for lowering the spikes into a downward position so that vehicles can safely pass thereover.

[0006] However, the tire deflation devices described above have several meaningful disadvantages. For example, prior art tire deflation devices are typically bulky, comprise numerous moving parts, or are otherwise cumbersome. In particular, prior art tire deflation devices commonly consist of one or more collapsible frames having numerous structural features engageably disposed in relation therewith and are usually constructed in such a manner so as to provide an extendible means for covering the width of a lane of traffic or an entire roadway by using a single device or, in the alternative, by disposing a plurality of extendable frames in a connectable relationship across a roadway.

[0007] Consequently, deployment of prior art tire deflation devices is usually difficult and slow. Accordingly, law enforcement officers typically use tire deflation devices to stop moving vehicles, not to prevent stopped vehicles from moving.

[0008] Furthermore, law enforcement officers without a car, such as law enforcement officers operating a motorcycle, riding a horse, or on foot patrol, cannot carry the bulky prior art tire deflation devices. Even those officers with a vehicle having sufficient space for storing a prior art tire deflation device will typically need significant time and space to deploy the tire deflation devices.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a lightweight, portable, easily deployable and inexpensive tire deflation device capable of immobilizing stopped vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus of immobilizing stopped vehicles by the deflating at least one of the stopped vehicle's pneumatic tires if the operator of the stopped vehicle attempts to flee. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a portable tire deflator which is inherently light-weight, easily deployable, reliable, safe, and easy to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an angled side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a close up of a screw coupling used to house a handle.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the handle used in one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of a first spike according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of a second spike according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment showing a bolt and a hinge

[0019] FIG. 9 is a representation of the interconnection of the bolt and hinge shown in FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 12 is an angled view of an alternative handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0023] It is to be understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 12, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0024] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a tire deflator 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The tire deflator 10 is substantially "U" shaped, having a rectangular base 11 and at least two rectangular arms 12, 13. In one embodiment, the rectangular base has a base length 20 of approximately twenty inches and two arm widths 21, 22 of approximately six inches and six and one-quarter (1/4) inches, respectively. The tire deflator 10 has a plurality of spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 positioned on the rectangular arms 12, 13. Each spike 30, 31, 32, 33 has at least one point 34, 35, 36, 37.

[0026] The rectangular base 11 of the tire deflator 10 has a hinge 40 located approximately the center of the rectangular base 11. The hinge 40 is operable to collapse the tire deflator so that the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 fold together. In one embodiment, the spikes 33, 34, 35, 36 are positioned at varying locations on the rectangular arms such that the tire deflator 10 may be collapsed without the spikes coming into contact with one another. In one embodiment, the hinge 40 is positioned such as to collapse the tire deflator 10 in such manner that the points 34, 35, 36, 37 are facing each other without coming into contact with one another.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rectangular base 11, the rectangular arms 12, 13 and the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 are to be constructed of a lightweight and rust resistant metal, such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chromium or any other metal alloy. In another embodiment, the rectangular base 11, the rectangular arms 12, 13 and the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 are constructed of a lightweight and fatigue resistant plastic material, or another similar material.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the rectangular arm 12 and rectangular base 11. The spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 extend upward such that the points 34, 35, 36, 37 may exert a force upon a pneumatic tire, thereby puncturing the pneumatic tire when the pneumatic tire is moved thereon. In one embodiment, the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 are fastened to the rectangular arms by rivets. In an alternate embodiment, spikes 30, 32 are fastened to the rectangular arms by rivets, and spikes 31 and 33 are formed by bending the edge of the rectangular arms upward. In yet another embodiment, spikes 30, 32 are formed by cutting a substantially "V" shape into the rectangular arms 12, 13 and bending the substantially V shaped cutout upward, and spikes 31 and 33 are formed by bending the edge of the rectangular arms upward. In one embodiment of the present invention, a set screw coupling 50 is attached to the bottom of rectangular base 11, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention having spikes formed from substantially the same material as the arm widths 21, 22, wherein the spikes are positioned to run parallel to the base length 20.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows the set screw coupling 50 and cutout portion 51. FIG. 4 shows that the set screw coupling 50 has a cutout portion 51 to engage an insertion portion 57 of a handle 55, as shown in FIG. 3. The handle 55 is substantially "L" shaped, having a holding portion 56 substantially longer than then the insertion portion 57. In one embodiment, the insertion portion 57 of a handle 55 engages the screw coupling 50 such that the tire deflator 10 may be easily moved and positioned around a pneumatic tire.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the handle 55, is made of a tubular upper segment 60, a plurality of tubular intermediate segments 61, 62, and a tubular lower segment 63. The tubular upper segment 60 has a handgrip 64 and top pin member (not shown) to which a tension cord 71 is internally connected. The tension cord 71 is disposed within the tubular intermediate segments 61, 62, and is, in turn, connected to a bottom pin member (not shown) in the tubular lower segment 63. The tubular intermediate segments 61, 62, and a tubular lower segment 63 each have a tapered portion 64, 65, 66, fitting into non-tapered portions 67, 68, 69 of tubular segments 60, 61, 62. The tubular lower segment 63 is substantially "L" shaped, having a pressure pin 72 located on the non-tapered end 70. The non-tapered segment 70 of the tubular lower segment is shaped so as to fit into the set screw coupling 50. The pressure pin 72 is positioned so as to fit into the cutout portion 51 of the set screw coupling 50.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of at least one of the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, spikes are substantially cone shaped with a hollow center. In one embodiment, the hollow center is large enough to allow air to escape, yet narrow enough to afford the spike sufficient structural rigidity and strength to withstand the downward pressure exerted by pneumatic tires. The tip of the spike is shaped so as to pierce pneumatic tires, and has an opening to allow air to pass through each of the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33.

[0033] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of at least of the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, spikes are substantially cone shaped, have a hollow center, and have a cutout portion on at least one side of the cone. The tip of the spike is shaped so as to pierce pneumatic tires, and has an opening to allow air to pass through each of the spikes 30, 31, 32, 33. In this embodiment, the cutout portion should be of enough length to allow air to escape.

[0034] FIGS. 8 and 9 show another embodiment of the present invention having the spikes formed of the same metal as each of the two arm widths 21, 22, (as in FIG. 3) but having spikes positioned perpendicular to the base length 20. FIGS. 8 and 9 also show the hinge positioned such as to collapse the tire deflator 10 in such manner that the points 34, 35, 36, 37 are facing each other. In this embodiment, the hinge 40 should be positioned slightly to the right or the left of the center of the tire deflator 10, so that the spikes 34, 35, 36, 37 will not come into contact with each other when the tire deflator 10 is collapsed.

[0035] FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment of the present invention wherein the set screw coupling 50 is replaced with an eye hook 80. In this embodiment, one end of the handle 55 is formed to have a hook shape 81, the hook being curved sufficiently so as to be able to engage the eye hook 80.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the handle 55, is attached to the rectangular base 11 via a spring loaded joint assembly 90. The spring loaded joint assembly 90 has a spring 91, a pear shaped member 92, a washer 93, and an L-shaped member 94. The L-shaped member 94 has a horizontal end 98 and a vertical end 99. The pear shaped member 92 has a narrow end 95 and a wide end 96. In this embodiment, the washer 93 is shaped to fit around the narrow end 95 of the pear shaped member 92, and to support at least one end of the spring 91.

[0037] The narrow end 95 of the pear shaped member 92 has a cavity (not shown) large enough for a pressure pin 97 to pass through. The wide end 96 of the pear shaped member 92 is loosely bolted to the vertical end 99 of the L-shaped member 94 such that the narrow end 95 of the pear shaped member 92 may be moved from side to side.

[0038] The horizontal end 98 of the L-shaped member 94 is coupled to the rectangular base 11. The spring 91 is connected to a groove 100 on the horizontal end 98 of the L-shaped member 94. The spring is also connected to the washer 93 such that the spring 91 is stretched when the handle is partway deployed and less stretched when it is stowed or all the way deployed.

[0039] In view of the preceding, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0040] While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof, as disclosed and illustrated herein, are not to be considered in a limiting sense because numerous variations are possible. Applicant regards the subject matter of his invention to include all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element, or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The following claims define certain combinations and sub-combinations which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of applicant's invention.

Claims

1. A tire deflation device comprising: an elongated base having a hinge; a first elongated arm attached to a first end of the elongated base and running perpendicular to the elongated base; a second elongated arm attached to a second end of the elongated base and running perpendicular to the elongated base; a plurality of spikes attached to each of the first and second elongated arms; and a handle connected to the elongated base.

2. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the hinge is located slightly off center of the elongated base.

3. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes includes at least one spike having more than one point.

4. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes on the first elongated arm are not inline with the spikes on the second elongated arm.

5. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the spikes are fastened to the first and second elongated arms by rivets.

6. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein at least one spike of the plurality of spikes on the first elongated arm and at least one spike of the plurality of spikes on the second elongated arm are fastened by rivets.

7. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein an edge of the first elongated arm has a sharp apex and is bent in a vertical direction to form a point.

8. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes run parallel to the elongated base.

9. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of spikes are positioned to run perpendicular to the elongated base.

10. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein at least one spike of the plurality of spikes is conic with a hollow center.

11. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein at least one spike of the plurality of spikes is triangular.

12. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises of a tubular upper segment having a handgrip and a top pin member to which a first end of a tension cord is internally connected, a plurality of tubular intermediate segments through which the tension cord is extended, and a tubular lower segment having a bottom pin member to which a second end of the tension cord is internally connected.

13. The tire deflation device of claim 1 wherein the handle is attached to the elongated base via a spring loaded joint assembly.

14. The tire deflation device of claim 1 further comprising: an eye hook attached the elongated base, and a hook attached to one end of the handle.

15. A method of immobilizing a vehicle having pneumatic tires, the method comprising: placing an elongated base having two elongated arms with at least one spike protruding upward from each of the two arms around one of the vehicle's pneumatic tires; and securing the device such that the spikes puncture the pneumatic tire if the pneumatic tire is moved.

16. A tire deflation device comprising: an elongated base having a hinge and a handle connecting means; a first elongated arm attached to a first end of the elongated base; a second elongated arm attached to a second end of the elongated base; and a plurality of spikes attached to each of the first and second elongated arms.

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