Patent Publication Number: US-8539798-B2

Title: Handcuff apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority based upon my prior co-pending patent application Ser. No. 13/199,541, filed Sep. 2, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to handcuff apparatuses, and, more particularly, to handcuff apparatuses that are especially adapted to be for single use and are disposable. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The present invention is an improved handcuff apparatus that contains improvements to the handcuff apparatus disclosed by the same inventor in U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, incorporated herein by reference. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, a top depressor portion  116  is disclosed which is convex in shape. Since a user&#39;s fingertips are also convex in shape, a user&#39;s fingertips can have a tendency to slide off of the convex top depressor portion  116 . In this respect, it would be desirable if a top depressor portion were not convex in shape. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, a manually movable locking member  114  is provided that has a top end camming ramp  140  which provides a locking camming action at the top of the manually movable locking member  114  against an inside flat channel wall of a locking head and strap support  112 . As a result, with U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, although there is a locking camming action for the top end of the manually movable locking member  114 , there is no locking camming action for the bottom end of the manually movable locking member  114 . In this respect, to improve a secure locking of a manually movable locking member inside a locking head and strap support when the manually movable locking member  114  is in a locked position, it would be desirable for there to be a locking camming action for the bottom end of a manually movable locking member. 
     Thus, while the foregoing related art indicates it to be well known to use handcuff apparatuses, the related art described above does not teach or suggest an improved handcuff apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) has manually movable locking members each of which includes a top depressor portion which is not convex in shape; and (2) provides a locking camming action for the bottom ends of manually movable locking members. 
     The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique improved handcuff apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a handcuff apparatus which includes a pair of handcuff straps which include strap ratchets. A locking head and strap support receives the handcuff straps. The locking head and strap support includes a pair of first inside channel walls and a pair of second inside channel walls. A pair of manually movable locking members are received in the locking head and strap support. Each of the manually movable locking members includes locking member ratchets for engagement with the strap ratchets, wherein each of the manually movable locking members includes a respective top end and a bottom end. 
     Channel wall compression ribs are located on the second inside channel walls. Each of the manually movable locking members includes a first side and a second side. The first side of each of the manually movable locking members includes locking member ratchets adapted to engage the strap ratchets when the manually movable locking members are in a locking condition with respect to the handcuff straps. Second sides of the manually movable locking members are smooth and engage the channel wall compression ribs when the manually movable locking members are in the locking condition. The channel wall compression ribs urge the ratchets on the strap members into secure engagement with complementary ratchets on the manually movable locking members. 
     Preferably, when the manually movable locking members are in a locking condition, the channel wall compression ribs are in registration with bottom ends of the manually movable locking members. 
     In addition, each of the manually movable locking members includes a concave top depressor portion. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a single-strap handcuff apparatus is provided which includes a single handcuff strap which includes strap ratchets. A single locking head/single strap support receives the single handcuff strap. The single locking head/single strap support includes an inside channel wall. A manually movable locking member is received in the single locking head/single strap support. The manually movable locking member includes locking member ratchets for engagement with the strap ratchets. The manually movable locking member includes a respective top end and a bottom end. Channel wall compression ribs are located on the inside channel wall. The manually movable locking member includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the manually movable locking member includes the locking member ratchets adapted to engage the strap ratchets when the manually movable locking member is in a locking condition with respect to the single handcuff strap. The second side of the manually movable locking member is smooth and engages the channel wall compression ribs when the manually movable locking member is in the locking condition. 
     When the manually movable locking member is in a locking condition, the channel wall compression ribs are in registration with a bottom end of the manually movable locking member. The manually movable locking member includes a concave top depressor portion. 
     With one embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention, a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses includes a first single-strap handcuff apparatus which includes a first single locking head/single strap support and a first strap received in the first single locking head/single strap support, wherein, in an untightened condition, the first strap includes a first strap loop. 
     A second single-strap handcuff apparatus includes a second single locking head/single strap support and a second strap received in the second single locking head/single strap support, wherein, in an untightened condition, the second strap includes a second strap loop. The second strap loop is interengaged with the first strap loop, whereby the interengaged second strap loop and the first strap loop form a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. 
     With another embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention, a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses includes a first single-strap handcuff apparatus which includes a first single locking head/single strap support and a first strap received in the first single locking head/single strap support, wherein, in an untightened condition, the first strap includes a first strap loop. 
     A second single-strap handcuff apparatus includes a second single locking head/single strap support and a second strap that is received in the second single locking head/single strap support, wherein, in an untightened condition, the second strap includes a second strap loop. 
     A third single-strap handcuff apparatus includes a third single locking head/single strap support and a third strap received in the third single locking head/single strap support, wherein, in an untightened condition, the third strap includes a third strap loop. The first strap loop is in looped engagement with the second strap loop. The second strap loop is in looped engagement with the third strap loop, such that the second strap loop is located between the first strap loop and the third strap loop, whereby the first strap loop, the second strap loop, and the third strap loop form a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. 
     The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved handcuff apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved handcuff apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved handcuff apparatus which is of durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved handcuff apparatus which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such improved handcuff apparatus available to the buying public. 
     Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved handcuff apparatus which has manually movable locking members each of which includes a top depressor portion which is not convex in shape. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved handcuff apparatus that provides a locking camming action for the bottom ends of manually movable locking members. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide both a double-strap handcuff apparatus and a single-strap handcuff apparatus. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses and a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a single strap handcuff apparatus that is foldable in the untightened condition to provide for compact storage. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single-strap foldable handcuff apparatus that has a movable locking member which when locked in the tightened condition prevents the strap from being further tightened. 
     These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a RELATED ART handcuff apparatus disclosed in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, incorporated herein by reference. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a RELATED ART manually movable locking member disclosed in FIG. 13 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, incorporated herein by reference. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view in elevation of a combined locking head and strap support portion of an embodiment of a double-strap handcuff apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view in elevation of the combined locking head and strap support portion of the embodiment of the double-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  showing a manually movable locking member in a non-locked position within the locking head of the double-strap handcuff apparatus embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  showing manually movable locking member in a locked position within the locking head. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5  showing the manually movable locking member in a non-locked position within the locking head. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5  showing the manually movable locking member in a locked position within the locking head. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of a three-link chain embodiment of the invention using three single-strap handcuff apparatuses of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view in elevation of a single locking head/single strap support portion of an embodiment of a single-strap handcuff apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view in elevation of the single locking head/single strap support portion of the embodiment of the single-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional of the single locking head/single strap support shown in  FIG. 10  showing a manually movable locking member in a non-locked position within the single locking head/single strap support of the single-strap handcuff apparatus embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the single locking head/single strap support in  FIG. 12  showing manually movable locking member in a locked position within the single locking head/single strap support. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 12  showing the manually movable locking member in a non-locked position within the single locking head/single strap support. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view from  FIG. 14  showing the manually movable locking member in a locked position within the single locking head/single strap support. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear view of an alternatively preferred embodiment of the single locking head/single strap handcuff apparatus of  FIG. 10  wherein the strap portion is foldable to facilitate compact storage. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the alternatively preferred embodiment of  FIG. 16  showing the strap portion in an unfolded condition. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the alternatively preferred embodiment of  FIG. 17  showing the strap portion in the folded condition or compact storage condition. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the drawings, a new and improved handcuff apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described. 
     As stated above,  FIG. 1  is perspective view of a RELATED ART handcuff apparatus, by the present inventor, disclosed in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, incorporated herein by reference. In addition,  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a RELATED ART manually movable locking member, by the present inventor, disclosed in FIG. 13 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, incorporated herein by reference. 
     In  FIG. 1 , a handcuff apparatus disclosed in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599 is presented. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3-8 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of the double-strap handcuff apparatus of the invention generally designated by reference numeral  10 . In each of the figures, reference numerals are shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in other figures. 
     In the preferred embodiment, improved handcuff apparatus  10  includes a way to render the handcuff apparatus of the present invention substantially pick-proof. In this respect, the subject invention includes a sliding manually movable locking member  98  in conjunction with the locking head and strap support. Such a preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 3-8  where the locking head and strap support  112  is somewhat enlarged transversely to accommodate a manually movable locking member  98 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, the manually movable locking member  98  generally is U-shaped and includes a concave top depressor portion  92  and a pair of opposed retainer prongs  118 ,  120  each of which terminates distally in a corresponding outwardly extending barb  122 ,  124 , substantially as depicted. The concave top depressor portion  92  is readily adapted to receive a user&#39;s finger which is complementarily convex in shape. 
     Each barb  122 ,  124 , in turn, defines an upwardly facing bearing shoulder surface or ledge  126 ,  128 . A first or front side  130  of manually movable locking member  98  has a T-shaped locking ratchet support member  132  thereon having a first portion defining a first series of unidirectional locking member ratchets  134  which extend transversely above prongs  118 ,  120  substantially entirely the full width of the manually movable locking member  98  essentially as depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . T-shaped locking ratchet support member  132  has a further portion extending downwardly to define a second series of unidirectional locking member ratchet teeth  136  which extend transversely between prongs  118 ,  120 . Thus, the first series of locking member ratchets  134  has a transverse extent greater than the transverse extent of the second series of locking member ratchets  136 . On the second side  88  or opposed side of manually movable locking member  98 , proximal to concave top depressor portion  92 , is a camming ramp substantially as shown in  FIG. 5 , the purpose of which will be described more fully below. 
     In addition, the first strap reception channel  54  includes a first inside channel wall  80  from which at least one channel wall compression rib  82  projects. Also, the second strap reception channel  56  includes a second inside channel wall  84  from which at least one channel wall compression rib  82  projects. 
     Also, the manually movable locking member  98  includes a first side and a second side, wherein the first side  90  of the manually movable locking member  98  includes third unidirectional locking member ratchets adapted to engage strap ratchets on either said first or second handcuff straps, wherein the strap ratchets are unidirectional ratchet members which engage the manually movable locking member  98  only when the manually movable locking member  98  is in the locking condition. 
     Also, in accordance with the present invention, the second side  88  of the manually movable locking member  98  is smooth and engages the channel wall compression ribs  82  when the manually movable locking member  98  is in the locking condition. Preferably, when the manually movable locking member  98  is in the “locked” or “locking” condition, the channel wall compression ribs  82  are in registration with the bottom ends of the manually movable locking member  98 . In this way, the channel wall compression ribs  82  urge the ratchets at the bottom end of the manually movable locking member  98  into secure locked engagement with the complementary ratchets (strap ratchets  96 ) on the straps  14  and  24 . In this respect, when the channel wall compression ribs  82  are compressed against the manually movable locking member  98 , the ratchet members (locking member ratchets  136 ) of the manually movable locking member  98  are even more securely wedged into the corresponding ratchet members  96  of the straps  14  and  24 , in addition to the camming action of the camming ramp on the second side  88  of the manually movable locking member  98 . 
     Preferably, the channel wall compression ribs  82  are molded into the of the first inside channel wall  80  and the second inside channel wall  84 . 
     For a handcuff apparatus which is reusable, the channel wall compression ribs  82  can be made from resilient material. For a single-use handcuff apparatus, the channel wall compression ribs  82  can be made from crushable material. 
     Locking head and strap support  112  includes a pair of parallel substantially parallel strap reception channels  54 ,  56 , and first and second locking ratchet support members  46  and  50 , each carrying respective unidirectional locking ratchets  48  and  52 . Locking head and strap support  112  has a front wall  142 , a back wall  144 , a first side wall  146 , and a second side wall  148 . Front and back walls  142 ,  144  furthermore include pairs of longitudinally spaced axially aligned through openings proximal to the inside surface of each opposed first and second side wall  146 ,  148 , respectively. Thus, with reference to FIGS.  3  and  5 - 8 , a first pair of through openings  150 ,  152  is provided in front wall  142  in axial alignment with a second pair of through openings  154 , 156  provided in back wall  144 . Similarly, a third pair of through openings  158 ,  160 , is provided in front wall  142  in axial alignment with a fourth pair of through openings  162 ,  164  provided in back wall  144 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, axially aligned through holes or openings  150 ,  154  are adapted to locate and capture manually movable locking member  98  in a first “non-locking” location in strap reception channel  54 ; axially aligned through openings  152 ,  156  are adapted to locate and capture manually movable locking member  98  in a second or “locking” condition in strap reception channel  54 ; axially aligned through openings  158 ,  162  are adapted to locate and capture manually movable locking member  98  in a first “non-locking” location in strap reception channel  56 ; and axially aligned through openings  160 ,  164  are adapted to locate and capture manually movable locking member  98  in a second or “locking” condition in strap reception channel  56 . 
     More specifically, each manually movable locking member  98  is adapted to be supported in either a “locking” or “non-locking” condition inside its respective strap reception channel  54  and  56  by the engagement of the distal outwardly extending barbs  122 ,  124 , on clip prongs  118 ,  120  of the manually movable locking member  98 , respectively, in a corresponding pair of opposed, axially aligned openings in front wall  142  and back wall  144 , respectively. Such engagement is characterized by abutting contact between the upwardly facing bearing shoulder surface or ledge  126 ,  128  of each barb and the corresponding upper wall surface or ceiling defined by each through opening respectively ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). 
     Deployment of the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-8  employs the step of pressing down on the concave top depressor portions  92  of the manually movable locking members  98  after the ends of the first handcuff strap  14  and the second handcuff strap  24  are pulled away from the combination locking head and strap support  112  such that the first handcuff strap  14  and the second handcuff strap  24  are tight around the respective wrists encircled therein (e.g. see FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,599, incorporated herein by reference). When this is done, each manually movable locking member  98  appears and is in the “non-locking” position substantially as depicted herein in  FIGS. 3-5  and  7 . Next each manually movable locking member  98  is slidingly moved from the “non-locking” condition to the “locking” condition by depressing concave top depressor portion  92  on the upper or top portion of the clip sufficiently to move the entire clip downwardly into its respective strap reception channel as schematically by arrows  170  in  FIG. 6  (see also  FIGS. 7-8 ). Such movement continues until the barbs on the prongs of the manually movable locking member  98  enter and engage openings  152 ,  156  and  160 ,  164  on the front and back walls  142 , and  144 , respectively, in a “snap-fit” manner thereby re-engaging those walls by being captured in their subsequent through openings. 
     It will be appreciated that because the barbs have angled surfaces, and the prongs are somewhat flexible, relatively light downward pressure on the concave top depressor portion  92  facilitates release of engagement from the top row of through openings (non-locking)  150 ,  154 ,  158 ,  162  and “snap-fit” re-engagement in the bottom row of through openings (locking)  152 ,  156 ,  160 ,  164 , as viewed in the drawings. It will also be appreciated that as a result of the camming action of the second side  88  of the manually movable locking member  98 , the T-shaped locking ratchet support member  132  and the ratchets thereon are urged toward and into locking engagement with corresponding unidirectional ratchet teeth on each strap received in each strap reception channel as best viewed in  FIG. 6 . In this “locking” position, it is noted that the bottom portion of the T-shaped locking ratchet support member  132  (second series of unidirectional locking ratchets  136  extending transversely between prongs  118 ,  120 ) on each clip comes into abutting contact against the top portion of locking ratchet support members  46  and  50  respectively ( FIGS. 6 ,  8 ) and remains locked in place in that position when the barbs on the prongs of each clip are “snap fit” engaged in their subsequent bottom row of wall openings, respectively. By this action, not only are the unidirectional locking ratchets on each ratchet support member  46  and  50  engaging corresponding unidirectional locking ratchets on each strap  14 , 24 , but additionally, the first series of unidirectional locking ratchets  134  which extend transversely above prongs  118 ,  120  substantially entirely the full width of the manually movable locking member  98 , and the second series of unidirectional locking ratchets  136  on the T-shaped ratchet teeth support member  132 , also are engaging corresponding additional teeth on each strap, respectively. This unique preferred arrangement thus renders the handcuff apparatus of the present invention substantially pick-proof because in the “locking condition” afforded by the depressible, manually movable locking member  98 , the total number of unidirectional locking ratchets on the preferred locking head and strap support (with manually movable locking member  98 ) engaging each strap is increased dramatically. 
     In using the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-8 , it is preferred that manually movable locking member  98  be fabricated from a material that is somewhat harder and tougher than the thermoplastic material used to mold the straps and the combined locking head and strap support. A suitable material meeting this desideratum is a polyamide (Nylon), and such material is particularly preferred. Finally, it may be desirable to provide a signalling device on the outwardly facing surface of each clip to indicate it is in the non-locking condition. Such a signalling device may be a colored dot  168  on the surface of the manually movable locking member  98  proximal to concave top depressor portion  92  ( FIG. 4 ) and which is clearly visible when the manually movable locking member  98  is in the raised or “non-locking” condition, but which is not visible when the manually movable locking member  98  is depressed and in the locking condition ( FIGS. 6 and 8 ). In addition, if desired, a series of molded rounded projections or ridges  172  may be formed (molded) on side walls  146  and  148  to enhance the grip-ability of the combined locking head and strap support substantially as depicted in  FIGS. 3-6 . 
     Now turning to  FIGS. 9-18 , details of ALTERNATIVELY preferred embodiments of the single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  of the invention are shown and described. 
     A single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  is provided which includes a single handcuff strap  14  which includes strap ratchets  96 . A single locking head/single strap support  174  receives the single handcuff strap  14 . The single locking head/single strap support  174  includes an inside channel wall  80 . A manually movable locking member  98  is received in the single locking head/single strap support  174 . The manually movable locking member  98  includes locking member ratchets  134  for engagement with the strap ratchets  96 . The manually movable locking member  98  includes a respective top end and a bottom end. Channel wall compression ribs  82  are located on the inside channel wall  80 . The manually movable locking member  98  includes a first side  90  and a second side  88 . The first side  90  of the manually movable locking member  98  includes the locking member ratchets  134  adapted to engage the strap ratchets  96  when the manually movable locking member  98  is in a locking condition with respect to the single handcuff strap  14 . The second side  88  of the manually movable locking member  98  is smooth and engages the channel wall compression ribs  82  when the manually movable locking member  98  is in the locking condition. 
     When the manually movable locking member  98  is in a locking condition, the channel wall compression ribs  82  are in registration with a bottom end of the manually movable locking member  98 . The manually movable locking member  98  includes a concave top depressor portion  92 . 
     Although not shown in the drawings, but related to  FIG. 9 , a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses  12  includes a first single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  which includes a first single locking head/single strap support  174  and a first strap  14  received in the first single locking head/single strap support  174 , wherein, in an untightened condition, the first strap  14  includes a first strap loop  143 . 
     A second single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  includes a second single locking head/single strap support  174  and a second strap  14  received in the second single locking head/single strap support  174 , wherein, in an untightened condition, the second strap  14  includes a second strap loop  147 . The second strap loop  147  is interengaged with the first strap loop  143 , whereby the interengaged second strap loop  147  and the first strap loop  143  form a two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. 
     To use the two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses, the first single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  is taken by a user. The first strap loop  143  is earlier formed. Then, the second strap  14  of the second single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  is threaded through the first strap loop  143 . Then, the second strap  14  of the second single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  is inserted into the second single locking head/single strap support  174 , whereby the second strap loop  147  is formed and is in untightened looped engagement with the first strap loop  143 . 
     To use the two-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. An untightened first strap loop  143  is placed on the first wrist  11  of a person, and the first strap  14  is pulled to tighten and lock the first strap loop to have a tight fit on the first wrist  11 . Then, an untightened second strap loop  147  is placed on the second wrist  15  of the person  13 , and the second strap  14  is pulled to tighten and lock the second strap loop  147  to have a tight fit on the second wrist  15 . When the above-described steps are taken, the first strap loop  143  is tight and locked on the first wrist  11 , the second strap loop  147  is tight and locked on the second wrist  15 , and the interlooped first strap loop  143  and second strap loop  147  are tightly engaging each other in locked engagement. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses includes a first single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  which includes a first single locking head/single strap support  174  and a first strap  14  received in the first single locking head/single strap support  174 , wherein, in an untightened condition, the first strap  14  includes a first strap loop  143 . 
     A second single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  includes a second single locking head/single strap support  174  and a second strap  14  that is received in the second single locking head/single strap support  174 , wherein, in an untightened condition, the second strap  14  includes a second strap loop  147 . 
     A third single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  includes a third single locking head/single strap support  174  and a third strap  14  received in the third single locking head/single strap support  174 , wherein, in an untightened condition, the third strap  14  includes a third strap loop  145 . The first strap loop  143  is in looped engagement with the second strap loop  147 . The second strap loop  147  is in looped engagement with the third strap loop  145 , such that the second strap loop  147  is located between the first strap loop  143  and the third strap loop  145 , whereby the first strap loop  143 , the second strap loop  147 , and the third strap loop  145  form a three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. 
     For a user to use the three-link chain of single-strap handcuff apparatuses. An untightened first strap loop  143  is placed around the first wrist  11  of the person  13 , and the first strap  14  is pulled by the user to tighten and lock the first strap loop  143  onto the first wrist  11 . Then, an untightened third strap loop  145  is placed around the second wrist  15  of the person, and the third strap  14  is pulled by the user to tighten and lock the third strap loop  145  onto the second wrist  15 . Then, the user pulls on the second strap  14  to tighten and lock the second strap loop  147  between the first strap loop  143  and the third strap loop  145 . 
     More specifically, with a person  13  has a narrow girth, when the second strap loop  147  is tightened and locked between the tightened and locked first strap loop  143  and the tightened and locked third strap loop  145 , the first wrist  11  and the second wrist  15  can be touching each other, and the tightened and locked first strap loop  143  and the tightened and locked third strap loop  145  can be touching each other also. 
     In contrast, with a person  13  of wide girth, when the second strap loop  147  is tightened and locked between the tightened and locked first strap loop  143  and the tightened and locked third strap loop  145 , the first wrist  11  and the second wrist  15  may be spaced apart from each other, as shown in  FIG. 9 , and the first strap loop  143  and the third strap loop  145  may also be spaced apart from each other as shown in  FIG. 9  also. 
     It is also noted that a single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  such as shown in  FIGS. 9-15  is more easy to mold and manufacture than a double-strap handcuff apparatus  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . Of greater interest is that two single-strap handcuff apparatuses  12  are more easy to mold and manufacture than one double-strap handcuff apparatus  10 . 
     An important feature of the present invention is that the strap  14  of single single-strap handcuff apparatus  12  may be provided in a foldable condition. This unique arrangement is illustrated in  FIGS. 16-18 . As substantially depicted therein, strap  14  is provided with first, second, and third reduced wall-thickness sections  180 ,  182 , and  184 , respectively defining first, second and third crease or hinge sections, respectively. The strap  12  suitably may be folded about these crease sections to be deployed in the storage mode ( FIG. 18 ), or may be unfolded so as to be deployed in the ready-to-use mode ( FIG. 17 ). It will be appreciated that in the storage configuration of  FIG. 18 , the handcuff apparatus  12  is compact and takes up relatively little storage space easily enabling a multiplicity of handcuff apparatuses to be carried in a pocket or utility pouch. 
     The components of the improved handcuff apparatus of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable plastic materials. 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided. 
     It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved handcuff apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to provide manually movable locking members each of which includes a top depressor portion which is not convex in shape. Also, with the invention, an improved handcuff apparatus provides a locking camming action for the bottom end of a manually movable locking member. With the present invention a single strap/locking head handcuff apparatus is provided having a foldable strap for compact storage. With the present invention there is provided a movable locking member that when moved to the locking condition causes engagement not only with the strap ratchets, but also with the locking head itself thereby preventing an over-tightened condition. With the present invention a multiplicity of single strap handcuff apparatuses may be interlocked together to fit large girth people, or to be used as leg restraints, if desired. 
     The proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all obvious modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.