TDD deployment system

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for remotely deploying a tyre deflation device (TDD).

Description

TDD DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMFIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for remotely deploying a tyre deflation device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles operating at excessive speeds, seeking to evade capture, or holding explosives can be extremely dangerous weapons and create dangerous situations for the public. Tyre deflation devices (TDD) are often employed in these situations to enable capture of a vehicle by deflating the vehicle’s tyres, following which the vehicle and its occupants can be more easily captured. TDDs are therefore primarily used in law enforcement and military applications, and should ideally disable moving vehicles safely and effectively to eliminate further threat of vehicle borne attacks and criminal or terrorist activities.

[0003] TDDs such as the ‘Stinger’ Spike System and ‘STOP STICK’ are re-usable, field serviceable devices which use high-strength hollow spikes to penetrate the vehicle’s tyres and allow the tyres to deflate at a controlled rate. Such controlled deflation prevents tyre blowout and slows the vehicle to a safer rate of speed and eventually a controlled stop. The Stinger Spike System and STOP STICK are each configured to be manually deployed by a human operator located adjacent to the deployment location. Unfortunately, the manual deployment by a human operator has resulted in horrific injuries and even death in deploying such TDDs.

[0004] The ‘Pro-Spike’ TDD system eliminates the risk to the operator by deploying the TDD remotely. The Pro-Spike comprises an extendible TDD system in which the spike bed is formed of intersecting arms which elongate upon deployment in a scissor-lift like manner. That is, prior to deployment the spike bed is stored in a non-extended configuration and upon deployment stretches out to an extended position much like a scissor lift. This system is necessarily large, heavy, and expensive due to the mechanical components constituting an extendible spike bed and components required to drive extension of the spike bed. The device is approximately 1 metre long in a non-deployed or non-extended configuration which in turn limits the locations in which it may be deployed while also making the susceptible to detection by targets. The Pro-Spike is best suited for swept, hard surfaces noting they are prone to mechanical failure due to moving parts that can get stuck on small rocks and / or angles of deployment sites. Contact with the target vehicle can also bend components of spike bed, preventing further deployment (such that the device may only end up being useful for a single deployment).

[0005] ‘Nighthawk’ devices are also remotely deployable and are smaller and lighter than the Pro-Spike. They use explosive charges to shoot a row of "Stop Sticks" across the road. Each deployment of Stop Sticks is very expensive to replace, and the deployment distance is limited based on the size of explosive charges and the physical length of the spike strips that can be contained within the device. Due to the inherently complex refurbishment and repacking procedures, the device is very difficult to re-deploy in case of multiple targets or in case or accidental early activation. The device is also hard to conceal from target drivers, noting it requires a clear line of sight to the other side of the road to ensure a proper trajectory for the spikes. The deployment distance of the Nighthawk is limited to approximately 30 metres, which makes it unsuitable for multi-lane highways thus limiting site selections. Furthermore, due to the high flight trajectory of the Stop Stick spike strips, the Nighthawk has a slightly longer deployment time for the spikes to physically hit the roadway in front of the vehicle which makes it more difficult for an operator to correctly time the firing of the device in order to effectively disable the target vehicle.

[0006] Such large devices as the Pro-Spike and the Nighthawk are heavy and not easily concealable. Target vehicles are usually on the lookout for TDDs and can often swerve out of the way last minute which is even more dangerous as they can either lose control or end up driving on the other side of the road or off the road all together. Therefore, the more discrete the system the less likely it is to be seen and avoided by the target.

[0007] In view of the above, it may be desirable to provide a low-cost apparatus which addresses on or more of the above issues to provide for safe deployment of a TDD, or at least provide a viable alternative to the above devices.

[0008] The above discussion of background art is included to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the background art was known or part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of any one of the claims of the specification.SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for deploying a tyre deflation device (TDD) across a path, the apparatus comprising: a first line for connection to a TDD, a first line retrieval system connected to the first line; and a remote activation device for activating the first line retrieval system remote from the line retrieval system;wherein the first line retrieval system is configured to pull the TDD upon activation to deploy the TDD.

[0010] In an embodiment, the apparatus may deploy pre-existing manually deployed TDDs. The remote activation device therefore eliminates the serious risks associated with manual deployment to ensure operator safety, whilst providing the potential to retrofit onto existing TDD devices which in turn significantly reduces the costs of purchasing large expensive all- in-one systems. That is, since the apparatus need not involve complex expensive components (such as found with the Pro-Spike and the Nighthawk), it provides a cost-effective solution for upgrading manual TDDs with low ongoing costs. The invention enables design of an apparatus with robustness and reliability, requiring limited maintenance even when used on a regular basis.

[0011] In an embodiment, the remote activation device is configured to communicate with the first line retrieval system via one or more of: a remote wire connected to the first line retrieval system, infra-red, wi-fi or Bluetooth. Any suitable wireless communication system may be used. In an embodiment, the communication system may comprise an interference free radio transmission to avoid unintentional deployment. In an embodiment, the remote activation device provides on demand transmission to the first line retrieval system, such that it only transmits a signal to the first line retrieval system when it receives input from the operator.

[0012] In an embodiment, the remote activation device is capable of activating the first line retrieval system from at least 5 metres away from the line retrieval system, preferably at least 30 metres away from the line retrieval system., to allow the operator to be positioned safely away from the system. Ultimately, the greater the operable distance between the line retrieval system and the remote activation device, the greater the flexibility in operation achieved by the apparatus. The maximum operable distance will depend on the nature of the communication system used to communicate between the remote activation device and the line retrieval system. For example, when using infra-red, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, the maximum activation distance from the line retrieval system may according to certain embodiments be around 100 metres. In an embodiment, the remote activation device and / or the apparatus may provide a signal strength test button and indicator to determine whether the remote activation device is within activation distance of the apparatus.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first line is manufactured from a metal or a synthetic polymer. Alternatively, the first line is produced from a material selected from a group consisting of nylon, polyethylene, or fluorocarbon. Optionally, the first line constitutes a monofilament line or a braided line.

[0014] In an embodiment, the diameter of the first line is less than 3mm, optionally less than 1mm. This provides a thin line which is less visible to the target vehicle and thereby more difficult to detect and avoid.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first line retrieval system comprises a motorised reel enabling the first line to be wound upon the reel.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first line retrieval system comprises a flat base for lying on or beside a road. Preferably, the first line retrieval system comprises a slip / skid resistance base to ensure that it remains in situ when the TDD is deployed. Alternatively, or additionally, the first line retrieval system comprises a face for mounting to a fixed structure. For example, the first line retrieval system may be mounted either under an object such as under a vehicle, or on the side of a roadside object such as a bollard or power pole. Optionally, the first line retrieval system does not produce any obvious visual warning signs that may be noticed by oncoming drivers, such as overt colours, labels, bright lights or antennas. Such an arrangement allows the first line retrieval apparatus to remain covertly hidden from the target vehicle prior to deployment.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first line retrieval system may be configured to be permanently fixed to a specified location for static security or semi-permanent installation during vehicle halts or checkpoints.

[0018] In an embodiment, the apparatus is lightweight, mobile, and configured to be manually carried by an operator to an installation location. In an embodiment, the first line retrieval system weighs less than 10kg, or even less than 5kg or 3kg.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first line comprises a carabiner, or a hook and eye system, to connect the first line to a TDD.

[0020] In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to upon activation pull a TDD from a first position not in the path of a vehicle to a second position in the path of a vehicle in under two seconds. This ensures that there is not enough time for the target vehicle to avoid the TDD once activated.

[0021] In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to pull a TDD up to 100m upon activation. This is ideal for large multi-lane highways as it allows enough distance to reach the furthest lane whilst remaining covert as it is installed far enough off the road to not be visible to the target vehicle. Optionally, the apparatus is configured to pull a TDD up to 30m upon activation. Optionally, the apparatus is configured to pull a TDD a pre-set distance uponactivation. That is, by for example pressing a ‘button’ upon the remote activation device, the TDD may be automatically pulled a set distance of for example 15m. This enables simple predictable operation in potentially stressful situations in which the operator has limited time to conduct complex operations.

[0022] In an embodiment, the remote activation device is configured to enable an operator to select between two or more pre-set distances to pull the TDD upon activation (for example 15m upon pressing a first ‘button, or 25m upon pressing a second button). Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus may be configured to enable an operator to manually determine the distance that a TDD would be pulled during activation (such as by holding down a ‘button’ until the TDD is in position).

[0023] In an embodiment, the apparatus enables an operator to manually control the speed at which the TDD would be pulled using the remote activation device. Optionally, the remote activation device is configured to enable an operator to select between one or more pre-set speeds to pull the TDD upon activation (e.g. at two pre-set speeds in which a first pre-set speed of 10m / s is selected pressing a first ‘button’ and a second pre-set speed of 15m / is selected using a second ‘button’).

[0024] In an embodiment, the apparatus pulls the TDD at variable speeds of between 5m / s and 30m / s. The optimum speed will depend upon the distance required to be pulled and time required to get into position, while ensuring that momentum does not cause the TDD to slide out of a deployment position. In an embodiment, the TDD is pulled to its target destination in under two seconds while allowing for accurate positioning in the path of the target vehicle.

[0025] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a camera. In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to send images captured by the camera to the remote activation device for viewing by an operator (or another device for viewing by the operator).

[0026] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises: a second line retrieval system connected either to the first line, or to a second line for connection to the TDD, wherein the remote activation device activates both the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system such that: when the first line retrieval system pulls the line connected to the first line retrieval system, the second line retrieval system releases the line connected to the second line retrieval system; andwhen the second line retrieval system pulls the line connected to the second line retrieval system, the first line retrieval system releases the line connected to the first line retrieval system.

[0027] Reference to a second line in this context enables a TDD to for example be joined to a first line at a first end of the TDD and to a second line at an opposite end of the TDD such that there is a connection between the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system. Alternatively, the TDD may be connected to a single first line which runs along or through the TDD to connect to both the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system. Use of a second line retrieval system enables shuttle like retrieval back and forth between a deployment position and a non-deployment position, and for example enables easy re-deployment in circumstances of accidental early deployment or where multiple deployments is desired (to for example stop multiple vehicles in traffic).

[0028] In an embodiment, the second line retrieval system meets all the limitations of the first line retrieval system. Optionally, the second line retrieval system is substantially identical to the first line retrieval system. In an embodiment, the second line is identical to the first line.

[0029] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: placing a TDD on one side of a path; placing a first line retrieval system connected to the TDD via a first line on the opposite side of the path to the TDD; and operating the remote activation device to activate the line retrieval system and pull the TDD onto the path.

[0030] In an embodiment, the apparatus is easy to refurbish and configured to be resettable on the roadside within seconds for rapid follow up deployments. Maintenance such as changing batteries and refurbishing the spikes are simple and brief which reduces the resetting time and costs associated with expensive maintenance and replacements.

[0031] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: placing a TDD on one side of a path; placing one of a first line retrieval system and a second line retrieval system connected to the TDD on the same side of the path as the TDD; placing the other of the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system on the opposite side of the path to the TDD; andoperating the remote activation device to activate either or both of the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system to pull the TDD onto the path.

[0032] As noted above, this allows the TDD to shuttle back and forth across the path stopping in various locations (for example, specific lanes of a freeway) if required, without the need for resetting between deployments.

[0033] In an embodiment according to either one of the methods of the second aspect of the invention or the method of the third aspect of the invention, the operator of the remote activation device may operate the remote activation device at least 5 metres from each line retrieval system in order to ensure operator safety.

[0034] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise: reference to like numbers denotes reference to like features; the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps; the use of '(s)' following a noun means the plural and / or singular form of that noun. Further, as used herein the term 'and / or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows both; reference to a “base” is not intended to limit the referenced member to a “base” of unitary construction and should be understood to include further arrangements such as assemblies of multiple elements. In this way, reference to a base includes reference to an assembly of base components; reference to “a” or “one” thing, includes a reference to “one or more” of that thing; terms such as "side," "end," "top," "base," and the like are only used to describe elements as they relate to one another but are in no way meant to recite specific orientations of the device, to indicate or imply necessary or required orientations of the device, or to specify how the invention described herein will be used, mounted, displayed, or positioned in use; and the reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] The present invention is described by way of non-limiting examples within the following description and figures. T o those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changesin construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the present invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein, which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates; such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0036] FIGURE 1A shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIGURE 1 B shows a motorised reel which may be used within an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIGURES 2A and 2B shows images of TDD being pulled into and past the path of a vehicle by an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIGURES 3A to 3C shows images of a TDD being pulled into a second position in the path of a vehicle, by an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIGURES 4A and 4B shows perspective views of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising two line retrieval systems with one line and two lines respectively.List of Parts1 Apparatus2 TDD3 First line4 First line retrieval system5 First motorised reel6 Vehicle7 Handle8 Remote activation device9 Camera attachment10 Second line retrieval system11 Second line12 Connection meansDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In broad terms, the present invention provides an apparatus for deploying a TDD. Within the broader inventive concept, various embodiments of the apparatus are described in further detail below with reference to FIGURES 1-4.

[0042] FIGURE 1A shows an apparatus 1 for deploying a TDD 2 across a path, such as a road. The apparatus 1 has a first line 3 extending out of a first line retrieval system 4. The first line retrieval system 4 comprises a motorised reel 5 located therein and has a flat base for lying flat on a horizontal surface such as a road and weighs less than 10kg. It comprises a handle 7 to be manually carried by the operator. Preferably, the handle 7 may be compact, robust, and capable of being stored internally within the apparatus 1 when not in use.

[0043] The first line retrieval system 4 may also comprise a flat side or back face for mounting to a fixed structure such as a power pole or bollard. This is ideal for situations where permanent, long-term, or repetitive use is required. In other embodiments, the first line retrieval system 4 has a flat top for mounting underneath a fixed structure such as a bench. It is small enough that it can be covertly placed behind objects such as poles or trees, or under objects such as cars or benches.

[0044] External to the first line retrieval system 4, the first line 3 connects to a TDD 2. The TDD 2 may for example be one of existing configuration which has been designed for manual deployment. The first line 3 may connect to the TDD by a connection means 12 such as a carabiner, a hook and eye system or even simply a knot. Internally, the first line 3 connects to a motorised reel 5 forming part of the first line retrieval system 4, as shown in FIGURE 1 B. In a preferred embodiment, the motorised reel 5 is powered by a battery housed within the first line retrieval system 4, enabling for portability and ease of use in circumstances where access to electricity is limited, such as in typical roadside circumstances. In an embodiment, the battery may be a lithium battery. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable, optionally via a 12v power source, and easily interchanged in order to provide cost efficiency and convenience. In an embodiment, the battery may provide up to 12 continuous hours of charge when on standby. The motorised reel 5, as exemplified in FIGURE 1 B, may be mounted horizontally (to rotate about a horizontal axis) or vertically (to rotate about a vertical axis) depending upon size, shape, and other design considerations.

[0045] According to certain embodiments, the first line 3 can be manufactured from any material which is strong enough to pull the TDD 2 along the path, flexible enough to wind around the motorised reel 5, weather resistant so as to withstand direct sunlight and rain and comprise enough durability and abrasion resistance that it can run along ground, including bitumen, repeatedly and reliably without fraying and breakage. It should also have sufficientbody to not get caught in the tyres of a vehicle prior to deployment of the TDD for example (for example by getting caught in the tyres of a non-targeted vehicle). Such materials may include but are not limited to metal (e.g. metal wire or fine chain), natural polymer twines such as cotton, or synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene, or fluorocarbon. Optionally, the first line 3 constitutes a monofilament line or a braided line.

[0046] The diameter of the first line 3 may be less than 3mm, or ideally less than 1mm, so as to further reduce visibility of the line across the path. The line 3 can have lengths of up to (or even more than) 100m which allows it to operate over large multilane highways and still be placed far enough off a path that the likelihood of detection is significantly reduced. Alternatively, the line 3 may lay within a channel in or underneath the path to reduce visibility even further. During use, the line 3 may ideally lay loose to ensure it lies flat against the ground to reduce visibility.

[0047] The apparatus 1 further comprises a remote activation device 8 which, according to preferred embodiments, is small enough to be handheld. In an embodiment, the remote activation device 8 may not automatically power off or time out. The remote activation device 8 may according to certain embodiments be configured to activate the first line retrieval system 4 from at least 5 metres’ distance so that the operator can remain safe and out of harm’s way during operation, as well ideally out of the vision of oncoming cars. The remote activation device 8 is configured to communicate with the first line retrieval system 4 via any suitable communication means such as a remote wire connected to the first retrieval system, wi-fi, infrared, or Bluetooth. In an embodiment, the remote activation device 8 may simply be a mobile phone or tablet device. In an embodiment, the remote activation device 8 and / or the apparatus 1 may display the battery charge level indicator.

[0048] Upon activation, the first line 3 is wound around the first motorised reel 5 in order to pull the TDD 2 towards the first line retrieval system 4. FIGURE 2A shows the TDD 2 (in Figure 2 the TDD 2 is a ‘Stinger’ TDD) pulled onto a road for deployment, and FIGURE 2B shows how the TDD 2 is pulled off the road and concertinas into a compressed non-deployed or nonextended configuration next to the first line retrieval system 4 when the first line 3 is fully wound around the motorised reel 5. More generally, and as may be particularly useful in circumstances where a TDD 2 is configured to fold down or otherwise reduce in size in a nondeployed configuration (such as is the case with the Stinger TDD), the first line retrieval system 2 (and or the second line retravel system 11 , as the case may be) may comprise a compartment to house a TDD 2 during storage and for ease of use. Preferably, the apparatus 1 is configured to pull a TDD 2 into the compartment at the end of an operation. This enables fast and easy removal of the apparatus from a deployment location at the end of an operation.For example, if the TDD 2 is capable of compressing in size like the ‘Stinger’ the TDD 2 may according to certain embodiments be housed within a line retrieval system 4 according to certain embodiments. This enables the TDD 2 to simply be removed from storage within the line retrieval system 4 and positioned on the other side of the path of a target vehicle to prepare for deployment.

[0049] According to certain embodiments, the remote activation device 8 may be configured to pull the TDD 2 a pre-set distance upon activation. Further, it may potentially be configured to enable the operator to select the distance that the TDD 2 is to be pulled either manually or by selecting between two or more pre-set distances. According to an embodiment, the remote activation device 8 and overall apparatus 1 may be configured to enable the operator to specify a set distance prior to deployment in a first step (e.g. 25m) and then activate the apparatus to deploy the TDD 2 is a second step, in which the second step may be as simple as pressing a ‘button’ upon the remote activation device 8. To assist the operator to determine an appropriate distance for retrieval, the first line 3 (and where applicable the second line 11) may include markers or indicators of length (such as the line changing colour every 5 metres, or including a black mark every 5 metres). In this way, the operator can easily determine how far a TDD 2 must be pulled in order to move between a pre-deployment location, which is ideally not visible to a target vehicle, and a deployed position in front of a target vehicle. In other embodiments, the remote activation device 8 may enable manual deployment in which for example the operator simply holds down a ‘button’ to activate deployment and ceases to hold down the ‘button’ once the TDD 2 is in a deployment position.

[0050] According to certain embodiments, the speed of deployment could be varied between 5m / s and 30m / s, by for example manual variation or by selecting among a range of pre-set speeds. This versatility ensures that the TDD 2 can always be deployed into specific positions, particularly across multilane highways, at the right time regardless of the distance of from a non-deployed position to a deployed position.

[0051] FIGURE 3 broadly shows a TDD 2 being deployed in front of a vehicle 6 and the vehicle 6 thereafter running over the deployed TDD 2 in order to deflate the tyres of the vehicle 6 and stop the vehicle 6. In FIGURE 3A the TDD 2 is mid-way through deployment as vehicle 6 approaches. In FIGURE 3B and FIGURE 3C the TDD is deployed to puncture firstly the front tyres of the vehicle 6 (as shown in FIGURE 3B) and thereafter the rear tyres of the vehicle 6 as shown in FIGURE 3C. With reference to FIGURE 3A, the benefit of rapid deployment is shown whereby a TDD 2 can be deployed immediately in front of a vehicle 6 without giving the driver sufficient time to avoid the TDD. Ideally, the apparatus 1 will deploy the TDD from a non-deployed (and ideally hidden) position to a deployed position in less than 2 seconds.Ideally the timeframe is even shorter that accuracy of deployment before the target vehicle 6 is ensured.

[0052] In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 further comprises a camera 9 which is configured to send images to the remote activation device 8 for viewing by an operator. This can assist in determining the best time to activate the first line retrieval system 4 from a safe view out of sight of the vehicle 6. In certain embodiments the camera 9 is located on or with the first line retrieval device (or second line retrieval device). In other embodiments, the camera 9 may be provided separate to the first line retrieval device (or second line retrieval device) and may therefore be provided on an adjacent roadside feature such as a post or parked vehicle to ensure an appropriate line of sight to approaching vehicles.

[0053] FIGURE 4A shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the apparatus 1 further comprises a second line retrieval system 10. In certain embodiments the second line retrieval system 10 meets all of the limitations of the first line retrieval system 4 (i.e. it is configured in a like manner, if not substantially identically, to the first line retrieval system 4, though in other embodiments the second line retrieval system 10 may have an entirely different configuration. As shown the second line retrieval system 10 is connected to the first line 3, and the TDD 2 (not shown) may be connected to and lay along the first line 3. For example, the first line 3 may pass through the TDD 2, or may pass alongside the TDD 2. The first line retrieval system 4 is positioned on one side of a path, and the second line retrieval system 10 is positioned on the opposite side of the path. The remote activation device 8 may be configured to enable an operator to operate the first line retrieval system 4 and the second line retrieval system 10 simultaneously whereby the two cooperate.

[0054] For example, according to certain embodiments, when the first line retrieval system 4 is activated, it pulls the first line 3 whilst the second line retrieval system 10 releases the first line 3, to deploy the TDD 2 in a first direction toward the first line retrieval system 4. Similarly, when the second line retrieval system 10 is activated, it pulls the first line 3 whilst the first line retrieval system 4 releases the first line 3, to deploy the TDD 2 in a second direction toward the second line retrieval system 10. This allows the TDD 2 to be capable of for example shuttling back and forth across a multilane highway without the need for manual involvement of the operator.

[0055] FIGURE 4B shows another embodiment where the second line retrieval system 10 comprises a second line 11 , which meets all of the limitations of the first line 3. The TDD 2 is then connected to the first line 3 and the second line 11. When the first line retrieval system 4 is activated, it pulls the first line 3 whilst the second line retrieval system 10 releases thesecond line 11 , to deploy the TDD 2. When the second line retrieval system 10 is activated, it pulls the second line 11 whilst the first line retrieval system 4 releases the first line 3, to deploy the TDD 2.

[0056] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments and / or examples as described herein are therefore to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for deploying a tyre deflation device (TDD) across a path, the apparatus comprising: a first line for connection to a TDD, a first line retrieval system connected to the first line; and a remote activation device for activating the first line retrieval system remotely from the line retrieval system; wherein the first line retrieval system is configured to pull the TDD along the ground upon activation to deploy the TDD.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the remote activation device may activate the first line retrieval system from at least 5 metres from the line retrieval system.

3. An apparatus according to either one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is configured to deploy pre-existing manually deployed TDDs.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the remote activation device is configured to communicate with the first line retrieval system via one or more of: a remote wire, wi-fi, infra-red, or Bluetooth.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 4, wherein the first line is manufactured from a metal or a synthetic polymer.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first line is produced from a material selected from a group consisting of nylon, polyethylene, or fluorocarbon.

7. An apparatus according to either of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first line constitutes a monofilament line or a braided line.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 7, wherein the diameter of the first line is less than three millimetres (3mm).

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the diameter of the first line is less than 1mm.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 9, wherein the first line retrieval system comprises a motorised reel enabling the first line to be wound upon the reel.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claim claims 1 to claim 10, wherein the first line retrieval system comprises a battery to power the motorised reel.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 11 , wherein the first line retrieval system comprises a flat base for lying on or beside a road.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 12, wherein the first line retrieval system comprises a flat face for mounting to a fixed structure.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 13, wherein the apparatus is configured to be manually carried by an operator to an installation location.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 14, wherein the first line retrieval system weighs less than 10kg.

16. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the apparatus is configured to be permanently fixed to a roadside location.

17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 16, wherein the first line comprises a carabiner, or a hook and eye system, to connect such line to a TDD.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 17, wherein the apparatus is configured to upon activation pull a TDD from a first position not in the path of a vehicle to a second position in the path of a vehicle in under two seconds.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured to pull a TDD up to 100m upon activation.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the apparatus is configured to pull a TDD up to 30m upon activation.

21. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the apparatus is configured to pull a TDD a pre-set distance upon activation.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein the apparatus is configured to enable an operator to set the pre-set distance prior to activation.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the remote activation device is configured to enable an operator to select between two or more pre-set distances to pull the TDD upon activation.

24. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the apparatus is configured to enable an operator to manually during activation determine the distance that a TDD is pulled.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the apparatus enables an operator to manually control the speed at which the TDD would be pulled using the remote activation device.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 25, wherein apparatus is configured to pull the TDD upon activation at a pre-set speed.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, to enable an operator to set the pre-set speed prior to activation.

28. An apparatus according to either of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the remote activation device is configured to enable an operator to select between two or more pre-set speeds to pull the TDD upon activation.

29. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured to enable an operator to manually during activation vary the speed at which the TDD is pulled.

30. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 29, wherein the apparatus pulls the TDD at variable speeds of between 5 / s and 30 / s.

31. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 30, wherein the apparatus further comprises a camera.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the apparatus is configured to send images captured by the camera to the remote activation device for viewing by an operator.

33. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to claim 32, the apparatus further comprises a TDD connected to the first line.

34. A method of using an apparatus according to claim 33, the method comprising: placing a TDD on one side of a path; placing a first line retrieval system connected to the TDD on the opposite side of the path to the TDD; and operating the remote activation device to activate the line retrieval system and pull the TDD onto the path.

35. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the apparatus further comprises:a second line retrieval system connected either to the first line, or to a second line for connection to the TDD, wherein the remote activation device activates both the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system such that: when the first line retrieval system pulls the line connected to the first line retrieval system, the second line retrieval system releases the line connected to the second line retrieval system; and when the second line retrieval system pulls the line connected to the second line retrieval system, the first line retrieval system releases the line connected to the first line retrieval system.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the second line retrieval system meets all the limitations of a first line retrieval system as specified in any one of claims 1 to 33.

37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the second line retrieval system is substantially identical to the first line retrieval system.

38. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to claim 37, wherein the apparatus further comprises a TDD connected: if the first line is connected to bother the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system, to the first line; or if the first line is connected to the first line retrieval system and a second line is connected to the second line retrieval system, to each of the first line and the second line.

39. A method of using an apparatus according to claim 38, the method comprising: placing a TDD on one side of a path; placing one of a first line retrieval system and a second line retrieval system connected to the TDD on the same side of the path as the TDD; placing the other of the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system on the opposite side of the path to the TDD; and operating the remote activation device to activate either or both of the first line retrieval system and the second line retrieval system to pull the TDD onto the path.

40. A method according to either one of claim 34 or claim 39, wherein the operator of the remote activation device operates the remote activation device at least 5 metres from each line retrieval system.

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