Coiled disposable handcuffs and apparatus for coiling the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to disposable police restraints (hand cuffs), of both the single loop variety and the double loop variety. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for coiling such cuffs, which are normally carried in their open configuration, or in a partially closed loop, into a small, easy to carry, and easy to use, coiled cuff form. Other embodiments of the present invention are the coiled disposable cuffs themselves, both in the single loop form and the double loop form.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly owned, copending application Ser. No. 09/410,129 filed 30 Sep. 1999, now ______. The disclosure of that application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to disposable handcuffs, of both the single loop variety and the double loop variety. These bulky products would find more use by police and other security personnel if they could be carried in a more convenient manner.

[0003] Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for coiling such cuffs, which are normally carried in their open configuration, or in a partially closed loop, into a small, easy to carry, and easy to use, coiled cuff form. Other embodiments of the present invention are the coiled disposable cuffs themselves, both in the single loop form and the double loop form.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Temporary police restraints are those which are used once and disposed of after use. The restraint is typically made of a semi-rigid polymeric material such as nylon with a permanent locking head. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,254, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In order to release such restraints, the strap cut apart, as otherwise the strap cannot be manually released from the locked engagement with the head. Temporary restraints of this type have been used for many years and in many forms, both as a single loop restraint and in recent years as a double loop restraint. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,910,831, 5,159,728 and 5,398,383, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Single loop cuffs are typically made from an elongated, substantially flat strap having a toothed socket clasp located at one end. Double loop cuffs are typically made from two elongated, substantially flat straps having a toothed socket clasp located at the midpoint. The cuffs are used by inserting the free end(s) into the opening(s) in the socket clasp. The strap(s) also have a toothed surface, and the teeth allow forward movement which makes the loop(s) smaller and tighter, but do not permit withdrawal of the strap(s) from the clasp(s).

[0006] The problem with such temporary restraints, whether single loop or double loop, is that they are very bulky, and are thus awkward to store and carry. The cuffs are a semi-rigid, substantially unbreakable polymeric material that generally lies flat, extending from about 15 to 25 inches in length for the single cuffs and about 40 to 60 inches in length for the double cuffs. The police officer needs to have ready availability of these restraints when they are needed. Often such restraints are employed in crowd and/or riot situations, where a number of such restraints are required. Disposable restraints would be much more useful if the police officers could carry a number of the restraints on their person in a convenient manner.

[0007] Some manufacturers have tried to solve the bulkiness problem by making one or more “folds” or using hinges in the cuffs, thereby allowing the cuffs to be carried in a more compact manner. See for example the Monadnock EZ fold cuff, available from Monadnock Lifetime Products, Inc. of Fitzwilliam, N.H., and the ASP Tri-fold cuff, available from Armament Systems & Procedures, Appleton, Wis. The ASP cuff is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,110, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. When a cuff of this type is folded, you must pinch the cross-section of the cuff material (e.g., Nylon) taking strength away from it. By pinching the cross-section, the cross-section is kinked, often making the cuff more difficult to use than if it were not kinked. Hinges introduce a weak spot in the cuff, which defeats the purpose of using the cuff as a restraint. Even when folded, disposable cuffs of both the single loop and especially the double loop variety are still quite bulky and awkward to carry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art disposable cuffs, of both the single loop variety and the double loop variety, by providing a method and apparatus for coiling these cuffs into a small, easy to carry, and easy to use, coiled cuff form. Other embodiments of the present invention are the coiled disposable cuffs themselves, both in the single loop form and the double loop form.

[0009] The term “coiled” as used herein, describes a wound version, preferably a tightly wound version, of the strap portion of the cuff device, wound in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise manner, to significantly reduce the size of the otherwise very bulky cuff, to permit easy carrying of the same.

[0010] Disposable cuffs have a head member (a locking socket) and one or more strap members. Once the strap and is properly inserted into the locking socket of the head member, the strap cannot be removed, and it must be cut to be released. To coil a disposable cuff according to this invention, the end of each strap is wound in a circular manner toward the head member a number of times, producing a number of concentric loops of the strap material. Preferably at least three such concentric loops are formed by the coiling of the strap. More preferably at least four concentric loops are formed during the coiling process. If desired, a band member may be employed to secure the coil(s) against the head of the cuff.

[0011] In the single loop form, the locking socket can be wound inside the strap, or the strap can be wound leaving the socket on the outside of the coil. In the double loop form, the two straps are normally wound separately, such that the coils are gathered about the central socket member.

[0012] Bingold, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,728, teaches a semi-rigid disposable cuff in which the straps can be inserted into two non-locking apertures located in the central head member, thereby forming one or more loose loops. The head apertures are only wide enough to permit a single passage of the straps there through. Such wide open loops (forming at most-two concentric circles) are specifically excluded from the definition of the term “coiled” as used herein.

[0013] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the coiled cuffs are prepared by rolling or coiling the free end(s) of two commercially available temporary restraints manufactured by Monadnock Lifetime Products, Inc., and currently sold under the trademarks SPARE CUFF™ and DOUBLE CUFF™ for the single loop variety and the double loop variety, respectively. These products are both manufactured from ½ inch wide; {fraction (3/32)} inch thick (minimum) impact enhanced Nylon 66. These cuffs each have a ⅛ inch thick edge and a tensile strength of over 350 lbs. Once placed on a detainee's wrist(s) or ankles, the cuffs can only be removed by cutting them off. Monadnock sells a Cuff Cutter, but other cutting devices suitable for cutting Nylon 66 can be used. See for example the cuff cutter of U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,669.

[0014] In accordance with the preferred method of the present invention, the cuffs are coiled into a compact mass by rolling or coiling the free end(s) of the cuff into a very tight, compact package, and securing the coil(s) with a band around the perimeter of the coil. The free end of the single loop cuff is coiled into a single coil unit. The two free ends of the double loop cuff are coiled into a two coil unit, both preferably being held together by a single band of plastic material (e.g., a cable tie) looped around the periphery of the coil or coils. The Monadnock products are especially amenable to this coiling and banding, because the ⅛ inch thick outer edges of the cuffs provides a central depression where the band can easily be secured.

[0015] As described above, after the end(s) of the cuff have been rolled into the desired compact configuration, the coil must be stabilized by banding it with a material strong enough to hold it in place, but flexible enough to allow it to be easily removed when needed. The banding material preferably used in this invention is a small plastic, e.g., Nylon loop, which easily slips onto the coil, and which can also be easily pushed or pulled off of the coil, freeing the cuff for use. While Nylon is preferred, other types of similar polymeric materials may likewise be employed. Conventional cable ties are useful for this purpose, as they have a locking head which makes the banding easy to accomplish.

[0016] The rolling or coiling of the free end(s) of the cuffs requires special tooling, which is described in detail below. This tooling and method of the present invention thus permit the formation of a compact disposable hand cuff, which retains the full strength of the materials used in the construction, and introduces no weak points, as are typically found in the folded or hinged cuffs of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIGS. 1A-1E show the prior art version of a preferred double loop variety of disposable handcuff used in the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows the preferred apparatus for coiling single loop or double loop disposable handcuffs according to the method of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows the starting position for coiling a double loop disposable handcuff in the apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the drive gears in the apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows the end position of a coiled double loop disposable handcuff, formed in the apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows the overwrapped and secured coiled double loop disposable handcuff, separated from the apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show the preferred single loop cuff of the present invention in its uncoiled form (A), banded coiled form (B), and alternate banded coiled form (C).

[0024] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show the preferred double loop cuff of the present invention in its uncoiled form (A), banded coiled form (B), and alternate banded coiled form (C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] FIGS. 1A-1E show the prior art version of a preferred disposable double loop handcuff 10 used in the present invention, namely the Monadnock DOUBLE CUFF™. This cuff has two straps 12 and 14 and a central locking head member 16. See also, U.S. Design Pat. No. 347,156, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The preferred prior art single loop handcuff used in the present invention is the Monadnock SPARE CUFF™. Similar disposable handcuffs from other manufacturers are likewise amenable to being coiled according to the method of the present invention into a compact and easy to use form, as taught herein.

[0026] FIGS. 2-6 best illustrate the apparatus used to coil a double loop cuff according to the method of the present invention. The same apparatus may be used for coiling a single cuff, but one end of the cuff, advantageously the socket clasp end, is either held in place by hand, or it is mounted into a holder (not shown).

[0027] As described in FIGS. 2-6, the apparatus which is used in the coiling of the cuffs according to the method of the present invention comprises two 0.750 inch diameter mandrels 26 & 28 which are spaced apart at a precise distance so as to allow the coils of the cuff material form, in a tight and compact manner, and in the double loop version, advantageously having the two coils be at the same time compressed together for maximum compactness.

[0028] The mandrels are advantageously slotted through the center with a slot in the shape of a radius in order to hold the two sections being rolled tight to the mandrels. The two mandrels are counter rotated using drive gears 42 & 44, such that they move toward one another in order to coil the strap cuff sections 12 & 14 tight against the middle section 16. The radius slots also assist in allowing the coiled cuff to be stripped off of the mandrels in tact and not unrolled.

[0029] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the drive gears which move the counter rotating mandrels are advantageously powered by a motor 22, because of the force needed to compact the Nylon material employed in the manufacture of the cuffs. If other materials are used in the manufacture of such cuffs, hand power could be sufficient to allow the coiling.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a movable plate 24 is used, placed over the two mandrels, so that the cuff, once it has been tightly coiled and secured with a band, can be ejected from the mandrels. This may be accomplished by applying a yoke with a handle, attached to the plate, which forces the plate forward to eject the coiled and banded cuff. Another feature of the Monadnock cuff which allows the cuff to stay together once it is rolled together and not to unroll, is the width of the cuff in combination with the high ridges on the sides cuff.

[0031] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the preferred single loop cuff of the present invention in its uncoiled form (A) and coiled form (B) held in the coiled form by an outside plastic loop. FIG. 7C shows the outside plastic loop with a separate locking head member 74 (e.g., a plastic cable tie).

[0032] FIGS. 8A and 8B show the preferred double loop cuff of the present invention in its uncoiled form (A) and coiled form (B) held in the coiled form by an outside plastic loop. FIG. 8C shows the outside plastic loop with a separate locking head member 86 (e.g., a plastic cable tie).

[0033] This method for rolling a single or double cuff to compact it for easy storage and carrying convenience has very important advantages. It does not weaken the cuff cross-sectional strength as do pinching methods. It also does not kink the cross-section, which makes it difficult to open and use. Finally, the coiling method produces a disposable cuff, in either a single loop version or a double loop version that is much smaller in length than comparable cuffs folded or hinged. By virtue of this invention, police officers and other security personnel (e.g., airport and airline security, building security, and the like) can carry any number of these disposable cuffs on their person, or in a small bag, ready for immediate use.

[0034] The present invention has been described in detail, including the preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the present disclosure, may make modifications and/or improvements on this invention and still be within the scope and spirit of this invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of forming a compact disposable police restraint comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a cuff device comprising at least one elongated, substantially flat semi-rigid strap, connected to a toothed socket clasp;

(b) rolling the flat strap of the cuff device into a coil; and

(c) securing the coil with a plastic banding device.

2. A compact disposable police restraint formed by the method of claim 1.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cuff device comprises a single substantially flat, toothed strap and a single slot, toothed socket clasp at one end thereof.

4. A compact disposable police restraint formed by the method of claim 3.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the flat strap is rolled so as to leave the toothed socket clasp on the outside of the coil.

6. A compact disposable police restraint formed by the method of claim 5.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the flat strap is rolled so as to place the toothed socket clasp on the inside of the coil.

8. A compact disposable police restraint formed by the method of claim 7.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the cuff device comprises two substantially flat, semi-rigid toothed straps and a two slot, toothed socket clasp at one about the midpoint of said straps.

10. A compact disposable police restraint formed by the method of claim 9.

11. Apparatus for manufacturing a compact disposable police restraint, said apparatus comprising two spaced apart, rotatable mandrels, which when rotated will form coils from an elongated, substantially flat strap of a cuff device attached thereto.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the mandrels are slotted through the center, with the slots having the shape of a radius.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the mandrels are counter rotated using drive gears, such that they move toward one another in order to coil the cuff sections tight against each other.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the drive gears which move the counter rotating mandrels are powered by a motor.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a movable plate, mounted over the two mandrels, so that the cuff, once it has been tightly coiled and secured with a band, can be ejected from the mandrels.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a yoke with a handle, attached to the movable plate, which forces the plate forward to eject the coiled and banded cuff.

17. A disposable handcuff comprising a single tightly coiled semi-rigid toothed strap with a single slot, toothed socket clasp at one end thereof.

18. A disposable handcuff comprising a single coiled semi-rigid toothed strap with a single slot, toothed socket clasp at one end thereof, further comprising a plastic banding device holding the coil in place.

19. A disposable handcuff comprising two tightly coiled semi-rigid toothed straps and a two slot, toothed socket clasp at about the midpoint of said straps.

20. A disposable handcuff comprising two coiled semi-rigid toothed straps and a two slot, toothed socket clasp at about the midpoint of said straps, further comprising a plastic banding device holding the coils in place.

21. A method of forming a compact disposable police restraint comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a disposable police restraint device comprising at least one semi-rigid strap connected to a toothed socket clasp;

(b) coiling the rigid strap of the device into a small, tight coil having at least three concentric coiled loops; and

(c) securing the compact police restraint with a plastic banding device capable of maintaining the coiled shape of the device.

22. A disposable handcuff comprising a single tightly coiled semi-rigid toothed strap with a single slot, toothed socket clasp at one end thereof, further comprising a banding device holding the coil in place, made by the method of claim 21.

23. The disposable handcuff of claim 22, wherein the semi-rigid strap comprises Nylon.

24. The disposable handcuff of claim 23, wherein the Nylon is impact enhanced Nylon 66.

25. A method of forming a compact disposable police restraint comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a disposable police restraint device comprising two semi-rigid straps, each connected to opposite sides of a toothed socket clasp;

(b) coiling the semi-rigid straps of the device into individual small tight coils, each having at least three concentric coiled loops; and

(c) securing the compact coiled police restraint with a banding device capable of maintaining the coiled shapes of the straps.

26. A disposable handcuff comprising two tightly coiled semi-rigid toothed straps and a two slot, toothed socket clasp at about the midpoint of said straps, made by the method of claim 25.

27. The disposable handcuff of claim 26, wherein the semi-rigid strap comprises Nylon.

28. The disposable handcuff of claim 27, wherein the Nylon is impact enhanced Nylon 66.