Abstract:
A set of double locking handcuffs wherein a single cuff has a frame that is a solid member, having an ergonomic base and a single arcuate arm, to which an opposite-facing arcuate swing arm is pivotally affixed at the top of the arm that rotates parallel to the frame in a bypass manner without a mechanical union with the base of the frame. At the top of the swing arm at the pivot point is the housing, having the gear, pawl, and lock assembly disposed in its cavity. The gear&#39;s circumference has both ratcheting and smooth surfaces that cooperate with the pawl. The lock assembly comprises a keyway that is configured to cooperate with protrusions within the cavity to prevent defeat of the cuff. The housing of one cuff is at the opposite axial end of the housing of the adjoining cuff when the set is extended outward.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to manacles, restraint systems, and handcuffs. The described handcuffs are designed to facilitate the handcuffing of an individual. 
         [0005]    Manacles, shackles, and handcuffs are portable locking devices used by law enforcement and custodial personnel to temporarily but securely detain suspects or persons in their custody. These comprise a pair of shackles joined together so that the wrists or ankles of a prisoner are secured to one another. The modern handcuff design has proven to be functional and has changed very little for decades. 
         [0006]    One typical design for conventional handcuffs is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,731. In the &#39;731 patent, a pivoting, curvilinear jaw with ratcheting teeth moves downward into the cavity of the handcuff frame, also known as the cheek plates, and against a pawl with opposing and cooperating ratcheting teeth. In this manner, the pawl-and-ratchet mechanism permits one way rotational movement of the jaw. The jaw may continue downward, but spring pressure atop the pawl prevents the jaw from upward movement. 
         [0007]    The downward movement of the jaw is generally and typically produced by the momentum of the jaw itself as the cuff is applied to the wrist of the subject. Standardized training in the use and application of handcuffs reinforces this reliance on the jaw&#39;s momentum and probability that the unobstructed jaw will continue to the cavity of the frame, contacting the opposing teeth of the pawl. If the jaw&#39;s momentum is not enough to drive it to the frame and contact the pawl, or if the jaw&#39;s momentum is slowed or stopped by an obstruction in its path, e.g., clothing, skin, wrist watch, jewelry, the cuff will remain in an open position and not lock. Until manually pushing the jaw downward and/or clearing the obstruction then pushing the jaw downward into the cavity, the cuff is ineffective. Subsequently, there are more incidents than not when the jaw of the cuff does not contact with the pawl and lock or an obstruction needs to be cleared prior to applying the cuff, requiring extra effort and crucial restraint time to effect a detention. Due to the mandatory marriage of the pivoting jaw with the cavity of the handcuff frame, the handcuffs can be difficult to apply, particularly when the subject being detained is uncooperative, has bulky clothing, or is large in stature. 
         [0008]    The conventional handcuff is comprised of two planar, parallel, curvilinear cheek plates that are identical and opposed and a lock housing at the bottom to form a frame. A pin at the top of the cheek plates attaches to the top of a curvilinear arm or jaw, which rotates in a circular motion parallel to and between the two cheek plates. Between the cheek plates at the top of the lock housing is a cavity which the jaw passes through. In this cavity is an exposed pawl, which has ratchet teeth opposing the teeth at the bottom of the jaw. Accordingly, the inner surfaces on the cheek plates, the teeth of the jaw, and the cavity on the top of the lock housing are not easily accessible for cleaning and disinfecting after detaining a subject who potentially has a hazardous disease, or after blood or other bodily fluid had been transferred to the cuff. 
         [0009]    The conventional handcuff has a locking mechanism that requires a conventional handcuff key. The keyhole has a protruding post in the center and is shaped specifically to accept the handcuff key, which is designed to prevent other objects from fitting into the keyhole. Once the handcuff key is inserted, a simple rotation of the key will release the cuff. The release is accomplished by using the bit of the key to move the spring-loaded ratcheting teeth of the pawl within the frame, separating them from the opposing teeth of the pivoting jaw. If the cuff has been double locked, the key is first rotated in one direction to disengage the lock, then rotated in the opposite direction to enable the release. However, due to the lack of further defensive measures to ensure the integrity of the lock, this simple and somewhat primitive design has proved to be inadequate protection against disabling or unlocking the mechanism with a small object or instrument. Furthermore, the modern handcuff can be defeated by sliding a flat instrument from outside the cuff to an area between the pawl and jaw, disengaging the opposing teeth. There are currently a multitude of public online videos and websites that reveal and instruct simple methods for defeating conventional handcuffs with common objects. 
         [0010]    Additionally, the keyhole of a conventional handcuff is located at the bottom of the cheek plates in the mechanical space of the frame, nearest the connecting chain. When the handcuffs are restraining a subject, this location places the keyholes in an unwieldy and awkward location in the confined space between the wrists of the subject. Releasing the handcuffs, which are typically worn behind the subject&#39;s back, can be a problematic task and frequently causes distress to a presumably cooperative subject while the cuffs are removed, and also can place the officer or other user in a potentially dangerous stooped position behind the subject. 
         [0011]    With the conventional handcuff, the cuffs can be double locked to prevent any further downward movement of the pivoting jaw once joined with the opposing teeth within the frame, thus preventing further tightening of the cuff around the subject&#39;s wrist. There are different variations of this double locking mechanism. In the &#39;731 patent, the small, pin-like protuberance of a typical handcuff key is inserted into a slot in the cuff frame, then moved left to right to prevent movement of the bolt away from the jaw. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,064, the same small end of the handcuff key is inserted into a small bore or hole in the frame of the cuff, moving a bolt to block the pawl&#39;s movement away from the jaw. Both methods are accomplished at the bottom of the frame nearest the subject&#39;s wrists and connecting chain. Additionally, both methods require using the very small end of the handcuff key, nearest the user&#39;s grasping point of the key. Double locking a modern handcuff can prove difficult or dangerous in low light conditions or with a combative subject and hazardous if there is blood or other bodily fluid in the area of the cuff. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the intent of the present invention is to alleviate the aforementioned safety and health concerns that are common in the conventional handcuff design. The invention is an improved handcuff with the objectives that it is easier to apply on a subject, easier to release due to the location and operation of the keyhole and related mechanism, and is not defeatable by overtly advertised methods. Additionally, the invention is an improved handcuff with the objectives to have a double locking mechanism that gives positive tactile feedback and is both easily and safely engaged, and a handcuff that has surfaces without crevices and uncleanable areas. Using fewer parts and simple construction, the invention may also be less expensive to produce and equip law enforcement or other custodial personnel. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In its various aspects, an embodiment of the invention provides improved handcuffs and a preferred method for their use. Generally stated, it consists of a solid frame, a solid swing arm with a housing containing mechanical components within its cavity, a gear, a housing cover, and a chain with a swivel at either end, connecting two handcuffs together. 
         [0014]    The frame is a solid curvilinear plate that has a base and an arcuate arm, forming one side of the cuff. The base is wider than the width of the arm, and has an arc at the top defined by the radius of the swing arm as it pivotally passes the frame. A swivel is affixed to the bottom of the base at the axis. From the back edge of the base extends the curvilinear arm upward. 
         [0015]    The swing arm is a solid curvilinear plate that forms the other side of the cuff. The bottom of the swing arm has a slight curvature in the opposite and outward direction, allowing the user to extend the index finger from the pistol grip position and pull the swing arm toward the base of the frame, thus tightening the cuff using one hand in its original position of control. There is a housing at the top of the swing arm, the cavity of which is the machinery space containing the pawl, pawl spring, lock assembly, and frame gear when assembled. The keyhole is located on the outer surface of the housing. There are two small protuberances inside the cavity surrounding the keyhole, wherein a spur of the keyway seats between or beyond them to prevent defeat of the cuff and unintended rotation of the keyway. The protuberances are identified as the outer and inner stops, and their function is to isolate the keyway in specific locations around the pawl, designated as the stored position, double locked position, and the releasing position. A hinge shaft protrudes perpendicularly outward from the cavity plate that connects the assembled swing arm to the frame through the gear. The swing arm pivots at the shaft in parallel with the plane of the frame and rotates in a bypass, circular motion. 
         [0016]    Affixed to the pivot point of the frame is a gear that cooperates with the pawl and is perpendicular to the plane of the frame. The gear&#39;s circumference has ratcheting teeth and a smooth surface, allowing the swing arm unidirectional rotation when ratcheting and free rotation in either direction when not ratcheting. The smooth circumference allows the swing arm to rotate swiftly with little resistance from the pawl when the cuff is first applied and the arm is rotating prior to encircling the subject&#39;s wrist. The gear is pivotally disposed within the cavity of the housing when assembled. 
         [0017]    The pawl is pivotally disposed inside the cavity of the housing. The contour of the sides of the pawl is to some extent egg shaped, with the teeth on the smaller end and the pivot point in the center of the larger end. A cylindrical bore is centered at the pivot point in which the keyway will be disposed. The height of the pawl is significantly decreased in a half-circle sector of the pawl, opposite the pivot point from the teeth and surrounding the bore. This region accommodates rotation of the keyway spur within that sector, which cooperates with the stops of the pawl on either side of the bore. The stops are identified as the locking and release stops, and are a product of the sector&#39;s reduction in height. A flat spring sits behind the pawl and directs pressure against the pawl toward the gear. The teeth of the pawl face and cooperate with the radius and teeth of the frame gear, allowing the housing and swing arm to ratchet unidirectional. When the teeth of the pawl are in contact with the smooth surface area of the gear, the housing and swing arm may move freely in either direction. 
         [0018]    The lock assembly consists of a keyway, spring washer, and pin. The keyway is a hollow cylinder pivotally disposed within the bore of the pawl and perpendicular to the housing cavity plate, wherein the inside diameter of the keyway accepts the shaft of a conventional handcuff key. The keyway sits directly beneath the keyhole, and has an open sector for the bit of the handcuff key to enter and rotate within the cylinder and operate the lock. A spring washer is disposed within the bore of the pawl and biases the base of the keyway. In this manner, the top of the keyway cylinder is in contact with the underside of the housing at the keyhole, preventing small instruments or objects to enter the mechanical space through the keyhole and manipulate the pawl. The outer surface of the keyway cylinder has one protruding spur extending outward into the housing cavity. The spur cooperates with the outer and inner stops of the housing to impede tampering and movement, and also cooperates with the pawl stops, effecting the double lock and release of the cuff. From the stored position, when the keyway is depressed with the key and rotated 90 degrees away from the pivot point, the spur prevents movement of the pawl away from the gear and accordingly double locks the cuff. From either the double locked or stored position, when the key is rotated 180 degrees in the opposite direction, the subsequent rotation of the keyway causes the spur to contact and drive the pawl away from the gear and releases the cuff. 
         [0019]    The housing cover is fastened over the open swing arm housing cavity, forming a plate of the cavity and providing security for the mechanical components. It comprises a circular opening for the frame gear and a protruding pin to enter the hollow shaft of the handcuff key. The pin extends through the axis of the keyway and keyhole opening. 
         [0020]    The preferred application and releasing of the embodiment uses the same fundamental procedures as conventional handcuffs and exemplifies techniques taught through standardized training methods. With the cuff in a stored position, the user grasps the base of the frame in a position of control. The base of the cuff&#39;s frame is wider than the arm and ergonomically shaped so the user preferably employs a “pistol grip” grasp, using the crux of the web of the hand between the thumb and index finger on the back of the base and crux of a joint of the middle finger on the front of the base, allowing for enhanced cuff control upon application. The user then pushes the apex of the swing arm against the subject&#39;s wrist. As sustained force is applied, the ratcheting teeth of the pawl disposed within the swing arm housing cooperate with the teeth of the gear, and the swing arm rotates unidirectional around the gear. As the subject&#39;s wrist drives the swing arm further in the direction of the frame, the teeth of the pawl shift onto the smooth circumference of the gear. The swing arm then rotates freely around the subject&#39;s wrist by its momentum until the teeth of the pawl reunite with the teeth of the gear, at which point the swing arm and frame are nearly encompassing the wrist and the cuff is capable of temporary restraint without a union of the two arms at the opposite end of the hinge point. When properly applied, momentum preferably should continue to ratchet the swing arm near the point of contact with the wrist. If the cuff needs to be tighter around the wrist for suitable restraint, the user applies pressure with their index finger to the bottom curvature of the swing arm and pulls it closer to the subject&#39;s wrist until proper restraint is achieved. 
         [0021]    Double locking the handcuff uses a conventional handcuff key, but is accomplished in a much more accessible location to the outside of the subject&#39;s wrist. Once the key is inserted into the keyway, downward pressure parallel with the shaft of the key is applied, compressing the spring washer housed under the keyway. This lowers the keyway spur below the outer stop on the inside of the housing and allows the keyway to rotate. The key is then rotated away from the pivot point of the cuff 90 degrees until the spur contacts the locking stop on the pawl, preventing the pawl&#39;s movement away from the gear. When downward pressure is released, the keyway returns to a raised position via the spring washer, and the spur of the keyway seats beyond the outer stop in the double locked position. Rotation of the key back 90 degrees within the open sector of the keyway will allow removal of the key through the keyhole. 
         [0022]    Releasing the handcuff uses a conventional handcuff key and is performed much in the same manner as the double locking procedure. The key is inserted into the keyway and downward pressure is applied, compressing the spring washer and lowering the keyway spur below the outer stop of the housing. Rotating the key toward the pivoting point of the cuff 90 degrees while maintaining downward pressure moves the spur from blocking the pawl and disengages the double lock. Continuing the key rotation another 90 degrees will contact the spur with the releasing stop of the pawl, pivoting it away from the gear and releasing the cuff. Preferably, the user would apply continuous downward pressure and make one fluid 180 degree rotation to release the cuff. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly with respect to the following descriptions, appended claims, and accompanying drawings: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a plain view of a single handcuff of one embodiment. The plate of the housing is omitted in order to view the components of the mechanical space within the housing; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the housing shown in  FIG. 1 , indicated by a dashed circle; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a plain view of a single handcuff; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  is a plain view of the handcuff in  FIG. 3A  rotated on its axis 90 degrees clockwise; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3C  is a plain view of the handcuff in  FIG. 3A  rotated on its axis 180 degrees; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3D  is a plain view of the handcuff in  FIG. 3A  rotated on its axis 90 degrees counterclockwise; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a plain view of the swing arm housing, absent of the mechanical components within the cavity; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is a sectional view of  FIG. 4A , taken in the direction of cut line  4 B- 4 B; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a plain view of the underside of the housing cover; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a sectional view of  FIG. 5A , taken in the direction of cut line  5 B- 5 B; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6A  is a plain view of the swing arm housing, with the plate of the housing omitted, indicating the direction of the keyway in the stored position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6B  is a plain view of the swing arm housing, with the plate of the housing omitted, indicating the direction of the keyway in the double locked position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6C  is a plain view of the swing arm housing, with the plate of the housing omitted, indicating the direction of the keyway in the releasing position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded perspective view of the keyway, spring washer, and pawl; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of  FIG. 7A  subsequent to assembly, and includes the cylindrical pin that passes through the handcuff key shaft; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of  FIG. 7B , with a cutaway view of the housing plate atop the assembly; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the hinge area with a cutaway of the housing wall to expose the components within the mechanical space 
           [0041]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the hinge area represented in  FIG. 8A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the complete assembly for one handcuff, representing a transparent housing of the swing arm; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10A  is a plain view of a single handcuff of an alternative embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10B  is a plain view of the handcuff in  FIG. 10A  rotated on its axis 90 degrees clockwise; 
           [0045]      FIG. 10C  is a plain view of the handcuff in  FIG. 10A  rotated on its axis 180 degrees; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 10D  is a plain view of the handcuff in  FIG. 10A  rotated on its axis 90 degrees counterclockwise. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    A set of two handcuffs are identical, excluding that the components of each are oppositely constructed and assembled, consequently creating a mirror image of each other. Each component of opposing cuffs, accordingly, shares the same reference numeral, and one applies to the other. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , an embodiment of the invention is shown. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a single cuff is shown comprising frame  20  and swing arm  22 . A chain  44  links two cuffs together by means of attached swivel  42  in a conventional manner. The frame  20  is comprised of arcuate arm  27  and base  30 . The base  30  of frame  20  is wider than that of arm  27  for an improved grasp in a position of control. The base  30  is also ergonomically designed to fit the user&#39;s hand in a pistol grip position by means of rear curvilinear surface  28  and protrusion  29  below, and forward curvilinear surface  34  and protrusion  33  below. The top edge of base  30  is an arc  32  that emulates the radius of swing arm  22  as it traverses frame  20 . The gear  26  is affixed to the top of arm  27  of frame  20  at the pivot point. 
         [0050]    The swing arm  22  is comprised of housing  40  and arcuate arm  38 . The arm  38  has curvilinear tab  36  that provides the user with a lever to tighten the cuff with the index finger while maintaining a controlled grip. The housing  40  is comprised of a cavity  66  which has a shaft  62  extending perpendicularly outward from the inside plane of housing  40 . The cavity  66  defines the machinery space of the cuff. The bottom plate of housing  40  in  FIG. 1  is not shown to reveal the machinery space and its components, shown in  FIG. 2  as keyway  74 , pawl  64 , spring  68 , gear  26 , and pin  72 . 
         [0051]    The keyway  74  is a hollow cylinder that is pivotally disposed within the cylindrical bore of pawl  64  that accepts the shaft of a conventional handcuff key. 
         [0052]    The pawl  64  is pivotally disposed within housing  40  and rotates within cavity  66 , held in place by the surrounding wall of cavity  66  and wall indent  71 . The pawl  64  cooperates with ratchet teeth  69  and smooth plane  70  of the circumference of gear  26 . The pawl  64  and keyway  74  share a corresponding axis. 
         [0053]    The pawl spring  68  is comprised of a bowed thin metal that is configured for applying lateral bias to pawl  64  against gear  26 . 
         [0054]    The gear  26  is disposed into housing  40  when frame  20  is assembled with swing arm  22 , and is surrounded partly by the wall of cavity  66 . The gear  26  has a cylindrical bore that accepts housing shaft  62 , wherein shaft  62  is pivotally disposed when assembled through gear  26  and frame  20 . The shaft  62  is then pivotally machined or pressed about frame  20  upon assembly, whereas the tolerance allows for free rotation of swing arm  22 . 
         [0055]    The small cylindrical pin  72  extends through the center of the hollow bore of keyway  74 , and enters the hollow shaft of a conventional handcuff key when the key is placed into keyway  74 . 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIGS. 3A-3D , a single handcuff is shown at various angles. In  FIG. 3A , the location of keyhole  76  and pin  72  are shown. It is noteworthy that the location outside the subject&#39;s wrist provides for unproblematic access to keyhole  76  when double locking and releasing the cuff.  FIG. 3B  shows the cuff in  FIG. 3A  rotated 90 degrees clockwise, wherein the bypass element of swing arm  22  to frame  20  is shown.  FIG. 3C  shows the opposite side of the cuff shown in  FIG. 3A , wherein frame  20  is atop swing arm  22 , and  FIG. 3D  shows the cuff in  FIG. 3A  rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, wherein the bypass element of swing arm  22  and frame  20  is again shown. 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A-4B , housing  40  of the swing arm is shown, wherein cavity  66  is void of the mechanical components. On inner cavity plate  60  of housing  40  is the cylindrical housing shaft  62  that perpendicularly extends outward from cavity  66  beyond the plane of cavity  66  opening. The keyhole  76  is also located on plate  60  of housing  40 , centered on the axis of the smaller semi cylindrical wall of cavity  66 . Around keyhole  76  with corresponding radiuses are sectors and protuberances that cooperate with the keyway to prevent unintended movement of the keyway. The center sector  54  of plate  60  defines the area of the stored position, with protuberances outer stop  52  and inner stop  56  on either side. The outer sector  50  defining the area of the double locked position is beyond outer stop  52 , and inner sector  57  defining the area of releasing is beyond inner stop  56 . The plate recess  39  at the opening of cavity  66  is indicated by stippling and is stepped down, allowing for the housing cover shown in  FIG. 5A  to seat flush with the outer plate of housing  40 . The location and perspective of the cross section in  FIG. 4B  is indicated by a section line in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5B , housing cover  41  is shown. The cover  41  is joined to housing  40  after the mechanical components are disposed within cavity  66 , and seats in plate recess  39 . The gear shown in  FIG. 2  is rotatably positioned on shaft  62  through cover opening  94 . The pin  72  extends perpendicularly from the plate of cover  41  and is centered within keyhole  76 , flush with the planar surface of the outer plate of housing  40 . The location and perspective of the cross section in  FIG. 5B  is indicated by a section line in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIGS. 6A-6C , housing  40  is shown absent of the bottom plate to reveal the mechanical space, and outer stop  52  and inner stop  56  are shown.  FIG. 6A  indicates the position of keyhole  76  by a broken line over keyway  74 , which is shown in the stored position, or moreover, a position where keyway  74  is not influencing the operation of the cuff. In this position, keyway spur  82  is seated between outer stop  56  and inner stop  52  against the inside plate of housing  40 . Once the cuff is applied onto a subject&#39;s wrist, a conventional handcuff key is used to operate the keyway. To double lock, the user inserts the key into keyhole  76 , allowing pin  72  to enter the hollow shaft of the key. The shaft enters cylindrical opening  78  of keyway  74 , and the bit of the key enters open sector  80  of keyway  74 . Referring to  FIG. 6B , the user applies downward force to the key, lowering spur  82  of keyway  74  below outer stop  52 . Rotation of the key away from the pivot point of housing  40  above lower step  98  of pawl  64  contacts the bit of the key with stop  84  of keyway  74 , and a 90 degree turn positions spur  82  against locking stop  88  of pawl  64 . Releasing the downward force raises spur  82  beyond outer stop  52 , preventing the pivotal movement of pawl  64  and subsequently double locking the cuff. The key can then be rotated back 90 degrees within open sector  80  and removed. Referring to  FIG. 6C , the cuff is released by applying downward force and rotating the bit of the inserted key in open sector  80  toward the pivot point of housing  40 . The rotation of the key above lower step  98  of pawl  64  contacts the bit with stop  86  of keyway  74 , and the downward force permits spur  82  to travel below outer stop  52  and inner stop  56 , and against release stop  90  of pawl  64 . Further rotation of the key will pivot pawl  64  against the bias of pawl spring  68 , separating teeth  92  of pawl  64  from gear  26 , allowing for free rotation. An arrow is shown, indicating the rotation of keyway  74 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7C , keyway  74 , spring washer  96 , and pawl  64  are shown in an exploded view in their position of assembly in  FIG. 7A . Also shown is the solid outer circumference  75  surrounding open sector  80  of keyway  74 , which safeguards the mechanical space from small instruments or objects manipulating pawl  64  from the keyhole. In  FIG. 7B , the components referenced in  FIG. 7A  are shown as assembled, with the addition of pin  72  disposed in the center of keyway  74  for better comprehension of the assembly, sharing an axis with keyway  74  and pawl  64 . The spring washer  96  is now out of view, disposed below keyway  74  within the cylindrical bore of pawl  64 . The keyway spur  82  hovers above lower step  98  of pawl  64 , allowing for keyway  74  to drop lower in the cylindrical bore of pawl  64  when downward force is applied to keyway  74  with a conventional handcuff key. As the bottom surface of spur  82  contacts the top planar surface of lower step  98  of pawl  64 , spur  82  drops below the protuberances of the housing and move with the rotation of the key. Locking stop  88  and release stop  90  of pawl  64  are also shown. A directional arrow above lower step  98  indicates the rotational movement of keyway  74 . In  FIG. 7C , a sectional cutaway view of the plate of housing  40  is atop the assembled components shown in  FIG. 7B , comprising keyway  74 , spring washer  96 , pawl  64 , and pin  72 . Also shown are the protuberances within housing  40 , consisting of outer stop  52  and inner stop  56 . The spur  82  is shown seated between stop  52  and stop  56  in the stored position. The void between the stops and lower step  98 , wherein spur  82  rotates and cooperates with pawl  64 , is also represented. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8A-8B , the hinge area of the handcuff is shown in a perspective view, with a portion of the wall of housing  40  cut away in  FIG. 8A  to show mechanical components keyway  74 , pawl  64 , pawl spring  68 , pin  72  and gear  26 . Also shown is spur  82  of keyway  74  seated between inner stop  56  and outer stop  52  of housing  40  in the stored position. The top of arm  27  of frame  20  is shown as assembled. 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , the complete assembly at the hinge point for one handcuff is shown in an exploded view. Housing  40  is represented as transparent for clarity of the embodiment. The mechanical components consisting of keyway  74 , spring washer  96 , flat spring  68 , and pawl  64  are disposed into the smaller cylindrical cavity of housing  40 , centered at keyhole  76 . The housing cover  41  is affixed onto housing  40 , wherein pin  72  enters the cylindrical bore of keyway  74 . The gear  26  affixed to frame  20  is placed into housing cover opening  94 , wherein shaft  62  enters the cylindrical bore  63  of gear  26 . When assembled, gear  26  is pivotally disposed into the larger cylindrical cavity of housing  40 . The shaft  62  passes through the plate of frame  20  with suitable tolerance to rotate freely, and is machined pivotally to frame  20  as a complete assembly. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 10A-10D  show an alternative embodiment of a double locking handcuff at various angles, wherein frame  20 A has base  33  with a taller arc and a recessed channel, in which arcuate tab  36  of swing arm  22  traverses frame  20 A. This alternative embodiment potentially offers a higher level of security. 
         [0064]    Although the present invention is described as a handcuff designed to block the member of or restraining an individual, its usage could be for other applications, e.g., leg restraints and shackles, or applications not related to handcuffs but within the framework and scope of this invention. Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that since various additions, modifications, and substitutions could be made to the above-described invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is intended that the description and presently disclosed drawings of the embodiments included herein are merely examples of the concept and should not be construed as limitations to the invention.