Patent Publication Number: US-2022213721-A1

Title: Restraint devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/606,862, filed 21 Oct. 2019; which is a National Phase of International Application PCT/US18/33024 filed 16 May 2018; which claims a benefit of priority to U.S. patent application 62/597,153 filed 11 Dec. 2017 and a benefit of priority to U.S. patent application 62/507,331 filed 17 May 2017; each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to restraint devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There is a desire for a technology to enable a restraint device, which includes a pair of bracelets that can adjust in distance therebetween, while at least one of the bracelets can be dually engaged during a restraint and dually disengaged not during the restraint. Further, there is a desire for a technology to enable a restraint device to be converted from a “chain style” into a “hinge style” and vice versa. Additionally, there is a desire for a technology to enable a restraint device to avoid overtightening when restraining. However, such technologies do not exist. Therefore, this disclosure enables such technologies. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a restraint device comprises: a housing; an arm coupled to the housing pivotally, wherein the arm includes a first set of teeth; a first bar housed within the housing pivotally, wherein the first bar includes a second set of teeth and a projection; a second bar housed within the housing such that the second bar travels between a first position and a second position, wherein the second bar includes a depression configured to enclose the projection as the second bar is in the first position such that the second set of teeth disengages the first set of teeth, wherein the depression is configured not to enclose the projection as the second bar is in the second position such that the second set of teeth engages the first set of teeth; a first spring housed within the housing, wherein the first spring engages the first bar and the second bar; a reel housed within the housing, wherein the reel includes a third set of teeth; a second spring housed within the housing; and a pivot housed within the housing such that the pivot rotates between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the pivot hosts a first extension, a second extension, and a third extension, wherein the first extension engages at least one tooth of the first set of teeth as the second set of teeth engages the first set of teeth and the second extension engages at least one tooth of the third set of teeth when the pivot is in the third position, wherein the first extension avoids engaging the first set of teeth as the second set of teeth avoid engaging the first set of teeth and the second extension avoids engaging the third set of teeth when the pivot is in the fourth position, wherein the second spring engages the third extension. 
     In an embodiment, a restraint device comprises: a first bracelet including a first housing and a reel, wherein the reel hosts a cable; a second bracelet including a second housing, wherein the cable is coupled to the second housing; and a sleeve mounted onto the first housing and the second housing such that the cable extends through the sleeve. 
     In an embodiment, a restraint device comprises: a housing; a bar housed within the housing pivotally, wherein the bar hosts a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth, wherein the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are configured to mesh in opposing directions; a first arm coupled to the housing pivotally, wherein the first arm hosts a third set of teeth, wherein the first set of teeth is configured to mesh with the third set of teeth; a spring hosted within the first arm and engaging the first arm; and a second arm coupled to the first arm pivotally and engaging the spring, wherein the second arm hosts a fourth set of teeth, wherein the fourth set of teeth is configured to mesh with the second set of teeth when the spring is compressed, wherein the fourth set of teeth is configured to avoid meshing with the second set of teeth when the spring is not compressed. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a restraint device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being disengaged according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being engaged according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a pivot engaging an arm and a spool according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a pivot not engaging an arm and a spool according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a pair of rotary directions of a spool according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being disengaged according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being engaged according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a projection of a first bar being enclosed via a depression of a second bar according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  shows a plurality of views of an embodiment of a cable configuration for spanning between a pair of bracelets according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a sleeve engaging a restraint device according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a cable of a restraint device extending through a sleeve according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a sleeve according to this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 16-34  show a plurality of various views of a first arm elastically coupled to a second arm to reduce overtightening according to this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally, this disclosure discloses a restraint device including a pair of bracelets that are adjustable in distance therebetween, while at least one of the bracelets can be dually engaged during a restraint and dually disengaged not during the restraint. Further, this disclosure discloses a sleeve to enable a restraint device to be converted from a “chain style” into a “hinge style” and vice versa. Additionally, this disclosure discloses a restraint device including a first arm and a second arm, where the second arm is elastically coupled to the first arm in order to avoid overtightening when restraining. This disclosure is now described more fully with reference to  FIGS. 1-34 , in which various example embodiments of this disclosure are shown. This disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to the example embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in a relevant art. 
     Various terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element and/or intervening elements can be present, including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from various teachings of this disclosure. 
     Various terminology used herein is for describing particular example embodiments and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, various singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include various plural forms as well, unless a context clearly indicates otherwise. Various terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify a presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence and/or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, a term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of a set of natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in an art to which this disclosure belongs. Various terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with a meaning in a context of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” can be used herein to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as illustrated in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of illustrated technologies in addition to an orientation depicted in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. For example, if a device in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings were turned over, then various elements described as being on a “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of other elements. Similarly, if a device in one of illustrative figures were turned over, then various elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” other elements. Therefore, various example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. 
     As used herein, a term “about” and/or “substantially” refers to a +/−10% variation from a nominal value/term. Such variation is always included in any given value/term provided herein, whether or not such variation is specifically referred thereto. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a restraint device according to this disclosure. In particular, a restraint device  100  includes a first bracelet  104  and a second bracelet  106 . 
     The first bracelet  104  includes a first housing  102 . The first housing  102  defines a first interior cavity, a first opening  114 , a second opening  118 , and a third opening  122 , all of which are sized and shaped differently, although variations or non-variations on size and shape are possible. The first opening  114  extends along a width plane of the first housing  102 , whereas the second opening  118  extends along a depth plane of the first housing  102  and the third opening  122  extends along a longitudinal plane of the first housing  102 . The first opening  114  hosts a button  116 , which is further described below. The second opening  118  is dimensioned to receive a key  120 , which is further described below. The third opening  122  is dimensioned to host an anchor  124 , which is further described below. The first housing  102  is metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. The first housing  102  can be of a pivotal clamshell type (two pivotally coupled plates) or a sandwich plate type (two mating plates). 
     The first housing  102  includes a first arm portion  108  extending therefrom in a cantilevered manner. The first arm portion  108  is unitary with the first housing  102 , but can be assembled with the first housing  102 , such as via fastening, mating, adhering, pivoting, or others. The first arm portion  108  is arcuate, but can be shaped differently, such as linear or others. The first arm portion  108  includes metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. 
     The first arm portion  108  hosts a first pin  110  riveted thereto, but other forms of coupling are possible, such as fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, or others. The first pin  110  is rectilinear and includes metal, but can be shaped differently, such as arcuate or others, or include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. 
     The first arm portion  108  is coupled to a first arm  112  via the first pin  110  in a cantilevered manner. The first arm  112  is arcuate, but can be shaped differently, such as linear or others. The first arm  112  includes metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. Resultantly, the first bracelet  104  is defined via the first housing  102 , the first arm portion  108 , and the first arm  112 . 
     The second bracelet  106  includes a second housing  128 . The second housing  128  defines a second interior cavity and a fourth opening  138 , all of which are sized and shaped differently, although variations or non-variations on size and shape are possible. The fourth opening  138  extends along a depth plane of the second housing  128 . The fourth opening  138  is dimensioned to receive the key  120 , which is further described below. The second housing  128  is metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. 
     The second housing  128  includes a second arm portion  130  extending therefrom in a cantilevered manner. The second arm portion  130  is unitary with the second housing  128 , but can be assembled with the second housing  128 , such as via fastening, mating, adhering, pivoting, or others. The second arm portion  130  is arcuate, but can be shaped differently, such as linear or others. The second arm portion  130  includes metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. 
     The second arm portion  130  hosts a second pin  132  riveted thereto, but other forms of coupling are possible, such as fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, or others. The second pin  130  is rectilinear and includes metal, but can be shaped differently, such as arcuate or others, or include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. 
     The second arm portion  130  is coupled to a second arm  134  via the second pin  130  in a cantilevered manner. The second arm  134  is arcuate, but can be shaped differently, such as linear or others. The second arm  134  includes metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. The second arm  134  hosts a set of teeth  136 , which is further described below. Resultantly, the second bracelet  106  is defined via the second housing  128 , the second arm portion  130 , and the second arm  134 . 
     The first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106  are coupled to each via a chain  126  spanning therebetween. The chain  126  includes at least one link, which is oval, but can be of any shape, such as circular, triangular, or others, and includes metal, but can include plastic, rubber, wood, or others. Note that a cable, a rope, a wire, a string, or other line types can be used, whether additional or alternative to the chain  126 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed according to this disclosure.  FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed according to this disclosure. In particular, the first arm  112  includes a set of teeth  140 . The first housing  102  hosts a first bar  142  and a first shaft  144  therein. The first bar  142  is pivotally coupled to the first housing  102  via the shaft  144 . The first bar  142  hosts a set of teeth  146  and a projection  148 . The set of teeth  140  is configured to mesh and thereby engage with the set of teeth  146 . The set of teeth  146  opposes the projection  148  on the first bar  142 . The projection  148  is square shaped, but such shaping can vary, such as triangular, pentagonal, oval, circular, or others. 
     The first housing  102  hosts a second bar  152  therein such that the second bar  152  is able to travel between a first position (locked) and a second position (unlocked) along the width plane of the first housing  102 , which is further described below. The second bar  152  hosts a depression  154  configured to enclose and receive the projection  148  as the second bar  152  is in the second position such that the set of teeth  146  does not securely engage the set of teeth  140 , as further described below. Likewise, the depression  154  is configured not to enclose and not receive the projection  148  as the second bar  152  is positioned in the first position such that the set of teeth  146  securely engage the set of teeth  140 , as further described below. The button  116  is mechanically linked to the second bar  152  such that the button  116  can cause the bar  152  to travel between the first position and the second position along the width plane of the first housing  102 , which is further described below. 
     The first housing  102  hosts a first spring  150  therein such that the first spring  150  engages the first bar  142  and the second bar  152 . Note that the first spring  150  is not V-shaped, although V-shaping is possible. The first spring  150  extends about a shaft housed within the first housing  102 , with such shaft extending along the depth plane of the first housing  102  and between the first bar  142  and the second bar  152 . 
     The first housing  102  hosts a second spring  158  and a third spring  156  therein. The second spring  158  is V-shaped, but other shaping is possible, such as U-shape or others. The second spring  158  engages the first housing  102 . The third spring  156  is J-shaped, but other shaping is possible, such as U-shape, V-shape, or others. The third spring  156  engages the first housing  102 . 
     The first housing  102  hosts a pivot  160  therein such that the pivot rotates about an axis between a third position and a fourth position, which is further described below. The axis extends along the depth plane of the first housing  102 . The axis extends longitudinally between the second spring  158  and the third spring  158 . 
     The first housing  102  hosts an axle  165  and a reel  162 . The axle  165  extends longitudinally along the depth plane of the first housing  102 . The reel  162  includes a set of teeth  164  and is mounted onto the axle  165  such that the reel  162  can rotate about the axle  165 . Note that the reel  162  can include a spool. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being disengaged according to this disclosure. In particular, 
     the second bar  152  includes a wall  153 , which partially defines the depression  154 . The button  116  is mechanically linked to the second bar  152  such that the button  116  can cause the second bar  152  to travel between the first position (locked) and the second position (unlocked) along the width plane of the first housing  102  (laterally), which is further described below. As shown here, the button  116  is not pressed such that the second bar  152  is in the second position. When the second bar  152  is in the second position, the first bar  142  can pivot about the first shaft  144 . Such pivoting can cause the depression  154  to enclose the projection  148  and the depression  154  to receive the projection  148  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  140 , as urged via the first spring  150 , to enable a clockwise rotation of the first arm  112 . Therefore, the first arm  112  can rotate about the first pin  110  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  140  (no restraint). 
       FIG. 5  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being engaged according to this disclosure. In particular and in contrast to  FIG. 4 , the button  116  is pushed toward the projection  148  such that the second bar  152  travels from the second position (unlocked) to the first position (locked) along the width plane of the first housing  102  (laterally). The button  116  can be pushed in various ways. For example, the button  116  can be pushed via the key  120  forcibly contacting the button  116  through the first opening  114  or a pin sized to fit into first opening  114  and forcibly contacting the button  116 . 
     When the second bar  152  is positioned in the first position, the first bar  142  can pivot about the first shaft  144 . However, such pivoting is unable to cause the depression  154  to enclose the projection  148  and the depression  154  to receive the projection  148  because the projection  148  engages the wall  153 , which blocks further movement of the projection  148 , away from the set of teeth  140 , as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  140 . Therefore, the first arm  112  cannot rotate about the first pin  110  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  140  (restraint). Note that the second bar  152  can travel from the first position (locked) to the second position (unlocked) via the key  120  being inserted into the second opening  118  and rotationally engaging the second bar  152  opposite from the button  116 . For example, the key  120  can be rotated clockwise to release the second bar  152  and counterclockwise to release the first bar  142  to release the first arm  112 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a pivot engaging an arm and a spool according to this disclosure. In particular, the pivot  160  hosts a first extension  166 , a second extension  168 , and a third extension  170 , any of which may be similar or dissimilar in shape or size or may include metal, plastic, or others or may be unitary or assembled with the pivot  160 , such as via fastening, mating, or others. The pivot  160  can rotate between the second spring  158  and the third spring  156 . The first extension  166  and the second extension  168  are angled therebetween at about ninety degrees or less. The first extension  166  and the third extension  170  are angled therebetween at about one hundred eighty degrees or less. The second extension  168  and the third extension  170  are angled therebetween at about one hundred eighty degrees or less. The first extension  166  extends away from the reel along the first bar  142  and the second bar  152 . Note that the first housing  102  includes a pair of plates (sides) and, as such, the first bar  142 , the second bar  152 , and the first extension  116  are positioned between the pair of sides, where the first extension  166  extends between the first bar  142  or the second bar  152  and one side of the pair of sides. The second spring  158  engages the third extension  170  and the first housing  102 . The third spring  156  engages the second extension  168  and the first housing  102 . 
     When the second bar  152  is positioned in the first position (locked) and the pivot  160  is rotated to the third position, as urged via the second spring  158  or the third spring  156 , the first extension  166  engages at least one tooth of the set of teeth  140  of the first arm  112  as the set of teeth  146  of the first bar  142  also engages the set of teeth  140  of the first arm  112 , while the second extension  168  engages at least one tooth of the set of teeth  164  of the reel  162 , as urged via the second spring  158  or the third spring  156 . As such, the second extension  168  locks the reel  162  from rotation as the first arm  112  securely engages the first extension  166 . The first extension  166  allows the third spring  156  to push the second extension  168  into the set of teeth  164 , thereby allowing rotation in a single direction, such as counterclockwise or others. 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a pivot not engaging an arm and a spool according to this disclosure. In particular and in contrast to  FIG. 6 , when the second bar  152  is positioned in the second position (unlocked) and the pivot  160  is rotated to the fourth position, as urged via the second spring  158  or the third spring  156 , the first extension  166  avoids engaging the set of teeth  140  of the first arm  112  as the set of teeth  146  of the first bar  142  also avoids engaging the set of teeth  140  of the first arm  112 , while the second extension  168  avoids engaging the set of teeth  164  of the reel  162 , as urged via the second spring  158  or the third spring  156 . As such, the second extension  168  unlocks the reel  162  to enable free rotation as the first arm  112  does not securely engage the first extension  166 . The first extension  166  is forced open by the second spring  158 , which forces the second extension  168  to disengage from the reel  162  and thereby let the reel  162  to rotate freely. Therefore, the reel  162  is configured to rotate freely when the set of teeth  140  avoid engaging the set of teeth  146  and the first extension  166 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a pair of rotary directions of a spool according to this disclosure. In particular, the reel  162  hosts a constant-force-spring. Further, the reel  162  is coupled to a cable  123 , such as via fastening, mating, or others. The cable  123  is coupled to the anchor  124 , such as via fastening, mating, or others. Note that the cable  123  can include any type of line, such as a rope, a chain, a cord, or others. Therefore, when the set of teeth  140  of the first arm  112  avoid engaging the set of teeth  146  of the first bar  142  and the first extension  166 , the constant-force-spring can rewind the reel  162  and thereby the cable  123  into the first housing  102 . Note that directionality of rotation of the reel  162  can be varied, such as reversed from what is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being disengaged according to this disclosure.  FIG. 10  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a safety lock being engaged according to this disclosure.  FIG. 11  shows a side view of an embodiment of a housing with a cover plate removed and a projection of a first bar being enclosed via a depression of a second bar according to this disclosure. In particular, the second bracelet  106  operates similarly to the first bracelet  104 , but without the pivot  160 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 9  illustrates the set of teeth  146  of the first bar  142  engaging with the set of teeth  136  of the second arm  134  when the button  116  is not pressed and the second bar  152  is positioned in the second position (unlocked). In particular, the first bar  142  can pivot about the first shaft  144 . Such pivoting can cause the depression  154  to enclose the projection  148  and the depression  154  to receive the projection  148  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  136 , as urged via the first spring  150 , to enable a clockwise rotation of the second arm  134 . Therefore, the second arm  134  can rotate about the second pin  132  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  136  (no restraint). 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 10  contrasts  FIG. 9  and illustrates the button  116  is pushed toward the projection  148  such that the second bar  152  travels from the second position (unlocked) to the first position (locked) along the width plane of the second housing  128  (laterally). The button  116  can be pushed in various ways. For example, the button  116  can be pushed via the key  120  forcibly contacting the button  116  through an opening in the second housing  128  or a pin sized to fit into that opening and forcibly contacting the button  116 . 
     When the second bar  152  is positioned in the first position, the first bar  142  can pivot about the first shaft  144 . However, such pivoting is unable to cause the depression  154  to enclose the projection  148  and the depression  154  to receive the projection  148  because the projection  148  engages the wall  153 , which blocks further movement of the projection  148 , away from the set of teeth  134 , as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  134 . Therefore, the second arm  134  cannot rotate about the second pin  132  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  134  (restraint). Note that the second bar  152  can travel from the first position (locked) to the second position (unlocked) via the key  120  being inserted into the fourth opening  138  and rotationally engaging the second bar  152  opposite from the button  116 . For example, the key  120  can be rotated clockwise to release the second bar  152  and counterclockwise to release the first bar  142  to release the second arm  134 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 11  contrasts  FIG. 10  and illustrates the depression  154  enclosing the projection  148  and the depression  154  receiving the projection  148  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  136 , as urged via the first spring  150 , to enable a clockwise rotation of the second arm  134 . Therefore, the second arm  134  can rotate about the second pin  132  as the set of teeth  146  engage the set of teeth  136  (no restraint). 
       FIG. 12  shows a plurality of views of an embodiment of a cable configuration for spanning between a pair of bracelets according to this disclosure. In particular, with reference to  FIG. 1 , the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106  are coupled via an assembly including the cable  123 , the anchor  124 , the chain  126 , and an element  127 , which operates as a rework screw to keep the cable  123  coupled to the anchor  124 . Note that the chain  126  can contain one link or two links or more. Further, note that the anchor  124  includes a D-ring  131  defining an opening  129  therein, which is circular, but can vary in shape, such as triangular, pentagonal, or others. The anchor  124  extends along a central axis  133 . Moreover, note that the anchor  124  includes metal but can include other materials, such as plastic. Additionally, note that the anchor  124  lacks external sharp edges. 
     In some embodiments, an orientation of any set of teeth can be reversed or a reduction or an increase of a number of teeth from two to one or two to three can occur, such as in order to modify, such as enhance, a ratcheting action of at least one of the first bracelet  104  or the second bracelet  106 . 
     The restraint device  100  can be used as a handcuff device, a legcuff device, or others to restrain a mammal, such as a human or others, via a first body part thereof, such as via a wrist, an ankle, a neck, a torso, or others, against a second body part thereof, such as via a wrist, an ankle, a neck, a torso, or others, or another mammal, such as a human or others, or an object, such as a pole, a building, a vehicle, or others, whether mobile or stationary. In some embodiments, the restraint device  100  can be configured as a winch, whether manual or powered, or a winch includes at least some components of the restraint device  100 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a sleeve engaging a restraint device according to this disclosure.  FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a cable of a restraint device extending through a sleeve according to this disclosure. In particular, the restraint device  100  includes a sleeve  172  that is tubular and hour-glass shaped. The sleeve  172  includes a pair of open end portions  176  such that the sleeve  172  tapers away from the pair of open end portions  176  to be hour-glass shaped. As such, the sleeve  172  varies in shape or size longitudinally and laterally, although uniform shape or size is possible as well. For example, the sleeve  172  can be pear shaped, 8-shaped, or shaped in another way, whether rectilinear, sinusoidal, arcuate, pulsating, or others. The sleeve  172  includes a plurality of depressions  174 , such as a plurality of wells, that are configured for an engagement with a human hand. However, note that the sleeve  172  can include a plurality of projections, such as a plurality of bumps, that are configured for an engagement with a human hand. Since the sleeve  172  is internally hollow, the pair of open end portions  176  are in fluid communication with each other through the sleeve  172 . Note that at least one of the open end portions  176  can mostly open, such as to accommodate a wide-ranging lateral movement of the cable  123 . For example, at least one of the open end portions  176  can be mostly open via being open at least 51% of an open terminal area of that respective end. However, note that at least one of the open end portions  176  can be mostly non-open or non-mostly open. Further, note that the sleeve  172  can internally host a wall between the open end portions  176  with an opening sized to accommodate the cable  123 . The sleeve  172  includes rubber, but can include plastic, metal, wood, or others. The sleeve  172  is solid, but can be perforated or meshed or include a plurality of scales or a plurality of links. The sleeve  172  is flexible, stretchable, and elastic, but can be rigid. In some embodiments, the sleeve  172  can include an electronic circuit, a sensor, or other form of hardware logic, such as a wireless transceiver or others. For example, the sensor can sense an environmental property, a physical movement, a biometric, or others. 
     The sleeve  172  spans between the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106 . The sleeve  172  is configured to mount onto the first housing  102  and the second housing  128  via the open end portions  176  such that the sleeve  172  is positioned between the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106 . 
     Such mounting can be permanent or temporary, whether snug or non-snug. For example, at least one of the end portions  176  can permanently mount to at least one of the first housing  102  or the second housing  104  via welding, thermal bonding, adhering, or others. For example, at least one of the end portions  176  can temporarily mount to at least one of the first housing  102  or the second housing  128  via fastening, mating (male/female), interlocking, adhering, magnetizing, suction cupping, hook-and-looping, hooking, or others. For example, the sleeve  172  can mount onto at least one of the first housing  102  or the second housing  128  via the open end portions  176  such that the sleeve  172  is not able to rotate, such as inclusively less than about 360 degrees, inclusively less than about 270 degrees, inclusively less than about 180 degrees, inclusively less than about 90 degrees, inclusively less than about 45 degrees, inclusively less than about 30 degrees, inclusively less than about 15 degrees, inclusively less than about 10 degrees, inclusively less than about 5 degrees, or others, including intermediate degree values, with respect to at least one of the first housing  102  or the second housing  128  or vice versa, i.e., at least one of the first housing  102  or the second housing  128  with respect to the sleeve  172 . For example, the sleeve  172  can include an about one inch to about two inches of varying diameter butyl rubber tube that is about six inches to about seven inches long. The sleeve  172  is mounted onto the first housing  102  via stretching and onto the second housing  128  when the second bracelet  106  is retracted. When deployed, the sleeve  172  releases the second housing  128  and the cable  123  will pass through one of open end portions  176 . In some embodiments, at least one of the first bracelet  104  or the second bracelet  106  is configured as, structured as, or includes the sleeve  172  as an integral component thereof. For example, the first housing  102  can be configured as or structured as the sleeve  172 , such as via being tubular, hourglass-shaped or others, configured to accommodate the cable  123 , and configured to receive the second housing  128  for mounting thereinto, as disclosed herein. 
     As such, the sleeve  172  can act as a deterrent for dust and particles to enter the first housing  102  or the second housing  128  when in non-retracted state, as well as an ergonomic comfort grip for a human hand. Further, the sleeve  172  can enable a conversion of the restraint device  100  from being a “chain style” restraint device into a “hinge style” restraint device and vice versa, whether during handcuffing procedure or handcuffing deployment. For example, the sleeve  172  can enable efficient bracelet orientation, without bracelet rotation, when withdrawing from a pouch/holster. For example, the sleeve  172  can enable a self-alignment of the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106  since the sleeve  172  maintains that alignment. Moreover, the sleeve  172  can provide an ergonomic benefit to the first housing  102  or the second housing  128 . For example, the sleeve  172  can cover the cable  123  and can provide a stretchy, rubber membrane linking an area where the cable  123  joins the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106 . For example, the sleeve  172 , by not being permanently affixed to either of the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106 , can serve its alignment function without a limitation of a rigid hinge that can eliminate rotation that can be provided by the cable  123 . For example, the sleeve  172  can be shaped to provide for alignment without restriction on an orientation of the first bracelet  104  or the second bracelet  106 , which can provide for bracelet alignment in whatever orientation desired. Therefore, the sleeve  172  can provide a benefit of a hinge handcuff (automatic alignment) without their foremost limitation (restriction in angle of engagement and range of motion). 
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a sleeve according to this disclosure. Unlike the sleeve  172  of  FIGS. 13-14 , this sleeve  172  is circularly uniform in lateral cross-section longitudinally. However, note that other shapes are possible, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, rectangular, octagonal, star, crescent, cross, or any other closed shape polygon, whether uniform or non-uniform in lateral cross-section longitudinally. 
       FIGS. 16-34  show a plurality of various views of a first arm elastically coupled to a second arm to reduce overtightening according to this disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of the first arm  112  that includes the set of teeth  140 . Although the first arm  112  is described in context of the first bracelet  104 , this technology can also be similarly implemented in the second bracelet  106 . The first arm  112  also defines a cavity  178  extending laterally thereinto, a seat  180  extending laterally thereinto, and a cavity  182  laterally extending thereinto. The cavity  178 , the seat  180 , or the cavity  182  can be a well or a channel extending fully therethrough. The cavity  178  is shaped annularly, but can be shaped differently, such as oval, D-shape, or others. The seat  180  is V-shaped, but can be shaped differently, such as W-shaped, M-shaped, N-shaped, O-shaped, X-shaped, U-shaped, or others. The cavity  182  is shaped rectangularly, but can be shaped differently, such as square, oval, triangular, or others. The cavity  178 , the seat  180 , or the cavity  182  can be internally smooth or rough. 
     The cavity  178  is sized to receive a pin  184 , such as for riveting to the first housing  102  or the second housing  128 . The pin  184  includes a rectilinear stem, although the stem can be non-rectilinear, such as arcuate, sinusoidal, or others. The pin  184  can include a head extending from the stem, with the head being unitary with the stem, such as via casting, molding, or others, or assembled with the stem, such as via fastening, mating, adhering, or others. The pin  184  is smooth, but can be rough or threaded or spiked. The pin  184  includes metal, but can include other materials, such as plastic, rubber, wood, or others. 
     The first arm  112  is configured to host a third arm  186  that extends in an arcuate manner, such as to conform or accommodate a human wrist or others. However, note that the third arm  186  can extend in other ways, such as rectilinear, sinusoidal, or others. The third arm  186  includes metal, but can include other materials, such as plastic, rubber, wood, or others. The third arm  186  has a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, with the first longitudinal end portion opposing the second longitudinal end portion. The first longitudinal end portion defines a cavity  188  extending laterally thereinto. The cavity  188  is sized to host the pin  184 . The cavity  188  can be a well or a channel extending fully therethrough. The cavity  188  is shaped annularly, but can be shaped differently, such as oval, D-shape, or others. The cavity  188  can be internally smooth or rough. The second longitudinal end portion defines a tail  192  extending therefrom in a cantilevered manner. The tail  192  is unitary to the third arm  186 , but can be assembled therewith, such as via fastening, mating, adhering, or others. The third arm  186  hosts a set of teeth  190  between the first longitudinal end portion and the second longitudinal end portion and between the cavity  188  and the tail  192 . Note that the set of teeth  140  and the set of teeth  190  are arranged for meshing in opposite directions. 
     The seat  180  is configured to host a spring  194 , which can include a helical spring, a non-helical spring, a torsion spring, or others. Note that the spring  194  can include or be substituted with a foam member, an elastic plug, a resilient piece, or others. The seat  180  can host the spring  194  snugly, although non-snug hosting is possible. When seated in the seat  180 , the spring  194  engages the first arm  112  and the third arm  186 , such as via contact or others. For example, the spring  194  can engage the third arm  186  between the first longitudinal end portion and the second longitudinal end portion and between the cavity  188  and the tail  192 . For example, the spring  194  can engage against the first longitudinal end portion such that the spring  194  contacts the third arm  186  between the cavity  194  and the tail  192 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the seat  180  seats the spring  194  such that the spring  194  engages the first arm  112  and the third arm  186 , as the spring  194  is positioned between the pin  184 , as the pin  184  extends through the cavity  178 , and the set of teeth  140 . Note that the set of teeth  140  and the set of teeth  190  are arranged for meshing in opposite directions. The first arm  112  includes a ledge  196  that engages, such as via contact or others, the tail  192  when the spring  194  is not compressed, such via the spring  194  being in a default position, although a vice versa configuration is possible, such as when the spring  194  is compressed. 
     In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 18 , when the spring  194  is compressed, such as into a non-default position, such as via the third arm  186  contacting a human wrist or others and thereby urging the spring  194  to compress, the third arm  186  pivots about the pin  184  such the tail  192  moves away from the ledge  196  and such that an air gap is formed between the ledge  196  and the tail  192 . In some embodiments, the third arm  186  is pivotally coupled to the first arm  112  via a pair of horns, which can be co-aligned, rigid, rectilinear, arcuate, or sinusoidal, extending from the third arm  186  in directions opposite from each other into a pair of cavities, as disclosed above, in the first arm  112 . In some embodiments, the third arm  186  is pivotally coupled to the first arm  112  via a pair of horns, which can be co-aligned, rigid, rectilinear, arcuate, or sinusoidal, extending from the first arm  112  toward each other into a pair of cavities, as disclosed above, in the third arm  186 . In some embodiments, the ledge  196  engages the tail  192  when the spring  194  is in a compressed position and disengages the tail  192  when the spring  194  is in a non-compressed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the set of teeth  146  of the first bar  142  meshes with the set of teeth  140  of the first arm  112 , as the tail  192  contacts the ledge  196  based on the spring  194  not being compressed, although a vice versa embodiment is possible, as disclosed above. Note that the third arm  186  extends out of the cavity  182  when the spring  194  is not compressed, although a vice versa embodiment is possible, as disclosed above. In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the spring  194  is compressed, such when the third arm  186  contacts a human wrist or others and thereby urges the spring  194  to compress or vice versa, and the third arm  186  pivots via the pin  184  with respect to the first arm  112  such that the tail  192  moves away from the ledge  196  and an air gap is formed therebetween and the third arm  186  is pressed into the cavity  182  towards the set of teeth  140 . At that time, the set of teeth  190  engages the first bar  142 , as further explained below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 29-34 , the first bar  142  includes a set of teeth  195  that are configured to mesh with the set of teeth  190  on the third arm  186 . Therefore, the first bar  142  includes the set of teeth  146  and the set of teeth  195 . Note that the set of teeth  146  and the set of teeth  195  are arranged for meshing in opposite directions. Resultantly, the set of teeth  146  meshes with the set of teeth  140  and the set of teeth  195  meshes with the set of teeth  190  when the spring  194  is compressed or vice versa, such as via the third arm  186  contacting a human wrist or others and thereby urging the spring  194  to compress or vice versa, and the third arm  186  pivoting about the pin  184  with respect to the first arm  112  such that the tail  192  moves away from the ledge  196  toward the first bar  142  and does not contact the ledge  196  and such that an air gap between the ledge  196  and the tail  192  is formed. 
     Note that the first arm  112  can host at least one row of the set of teeth  140 , which can be positioned longitudinally along, in parallel, and adjacent to the set of teeth  190  of the third arm  186 , such as when the spring  194  is compressed or non-compressed. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 29-34 , the first arm  112  hosts two rows of the set of teeth  140 , both of which mesh with two rows of the set of teeth  146  on the first bar  140 . In some embodiments, more than two rows of the set of teeth  140  and the set of teeth  146  can be used. Likewise, since the third arm  186  is pivotally hosted via the pin  184  on the first arm  112 , the set of teeth  190  is interposed between the two rows of the set of teeth  140 , such as when the spring  194  is compressed or non-compressed. Note that when more than two rows of the set of teeth  140  or the set of teeth  146  are used, then the set of teeth  190  or the set of teeth  195  can be used, such as via alternating between the two rows of the set of teeth  140  or the set of teeth  146 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28 , the third arm  186  can be used as the sleeve  172  spans between the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106 . The sleeve  172  is configured to mount onto the first housing  102  and the second housing  128  via the open end portions  176  such that the sleeve  172  is positioned between the first bracelet  104  and the second bracelet  106 . 
     Features described with respect to certain example embodiments can be combined and sub-combined in and/or with various other example embodiments. Also, different aspects and/or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, can be combined and sub-combined in a similar manner as well. Further, some example embodiments, whether individually and/or collectively, can be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures can take precedence over and/or otherwise modify their application. Additionally, a number of steps can be required before, after, and/or concurrently with example embodiments, as disclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, at least as disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via at least one entity in any manner. 
     Example embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of this disclosure. As such, variations from various illustrated shapes as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, various example embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to various particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. 
     Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or be separately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assembly and/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be manufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and/or other any other types of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth. 
     Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include, whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, an amorphous material, a ceramic, a glass ceramic, an organic solid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, a semiconductor, a nanomaterial, a biomaterial and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be and/or include, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including an informational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesive coating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, such as tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such as for tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency, translucency, opaqueness, luminescence, reflection, phosphorescence, anti-reflection and/or holography, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be rigid, flexible, and/or any other combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be identical and/or different from each other in material, shape, size, color and/or any measurable dimension, such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation, perimeter, volume, breadth, density, temperature, resistance, and so forth. 
     Various corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in various claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Various embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain various principles of this disclosure and various practical applications thereof, and to enable others of ordinary skill in a pertinent art to understand this disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to a particular use contemplated. 
     This detailed description has been presented for various purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustive and/or limited to this disclosure in various forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations in techniques and structures will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in an art without departing from a scope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in various claims that follow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplated as being a part of this disclosure. A scope of this disclosure is defined by various claims, which include known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at a time of filing of this disclosure.