Patents by Inventor Andrew T. Hoffman

Andrew T. Hoffman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5551447
    Abstract: A restraint device and lockable buckles therefore are disclosed which serve to secure a person's arms and legs, while providing for a limited amount of movement but only under complete control of an escorting person. The device includes an elongated belt having a hasp/belt buckle connection to secure the belt around the person's waist, arm restraints each including a tether and a handcuff, each arm restraint independently attached to the belt by a tether buckle, and optionally an adjustable leg tether with buckles for restraint of one or both legs. The buckles (and handcuffs) all have locks to control releasability of each restraint or tether, with the locks all preferably operable by a single key such as a handcuff key. Use of the tethers permits the person's arms or legs to independently have limited freedom for walking, fingerprinting, holding objects, etc., while remaining under the control of the escort. The length of the belt is adjustable, so that different waist sizes can be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Andrew T. Hoffman, Christopher J. Hoffman, Tracy D. Webster, John D. Arnold