Patent Publication Number: US-9890568-B2

Title: Appendage restraint system and apparatus

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     Handcuffs, wrist restraints, ankle restraints, and other such devices are used by military, law enforcement, and correction officers to restrain individuals in order to restrict movement and prevent assaultive behavior or escape. Commonly, handcuffs are formed of metal. Other embodiments include restraints manufactured of plastic materials such as so-called “zip ties.” Certain of these devices are difficult to secure on a resisting individual, and are expensive to replace if lost, broken, or stolen. 
     SUMMARY 
     A disposable strap is a flexible material including a single figure eight-like loop forming two outer lobe sections. The opposing ends of this continuous loop pass through a lock box or block. The strap passes through a longitudinal passage from a first side of the box to a second side of the box. Each end of the strap is then inserted into one of two rear passages within the block. Within the block, each end of the strap passes through an opening in a locking plate. The opening in the locking plate is configured such that the strap can pass through from the rear of the block to the front of the block. The opening in the locking plate is also configured such that the strap cannot be withdrawn from the locking plate after insertion. In certain embodiments, the locking plate defines an opening sized so as to allow passage of the strap in either direction. Locking tines connected to the plate “bite” the strap if the strap is pulled in a direction opposite the direction of insertion, thus preventing removal. Once cuffed, the restraint can only be removed from the cuffed individual by cutting the strap. 
     In one aspect, the technology relates to a system having: a block having a front end, a rear end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are disposed between the front end and the rear end, and wherein the block defines: a receiving slot passing from the first side to the second side; a first locking slot passing from the front end to the rear end; and a second locking slot passing from the front end to the rear end; and a single elongate cable has a first terminus and a second terminus, wherein a central portion of the single elongate cable is received in the receiving slot by passing the first terminus through the receiving slot, and wherein the first terminus is passed through the first locking slot from the rear end to the front end, and wherein the second terminus is passed through the second locking slot from the rear end to the front end. In an embodiment, the block includes a one-way locking element, wherein the one-way locking element allows movement of the single elongate cable from the rear end to the front end, but resists movement of the single elongate cable from the front end to the rear end. In another embodiment, the one-way locking element includes a plate defining an opening. In yet another embodiment, the plate has a locking projection disposed proximate the opening. In still another embodiment, the plate has a locking projection disposed remote from the opening. 
     In another embodiment of the above aspect, the one-way locking element includes at least two one-way locking elements, wherein a first one of the at least two locking one-way locking elements is axially aligned with the first locking slot and a second one of the at least two locking one-way locking elements is axially aligned with the second locking slot. In an embodiment, the block includes a first block portion and a second block portion, wherein at least a portion of both of the first locking slot and at least a portion of the second locking slot are defined by both of the first block portion and the second block portion. In another embodiment, the first block portion and the second block portion define a receiver for receiving the at least one locking element. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: a block including a front end, a rear end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are disposed between the front end and the rear end, and wherein the block defines: a first slot passing from the front end to the rear end; and a second slot passing from the front end to the rear end; and a one-way locking element disposed proximate each of the first slot and the second slot, wherein each one-way locking element is adapted to lock a cable inserted into each of the first slot and the second slot. In an embodiment, each one-way locking element at least partially defines an opening substantially axially aligned with at least one of the first slot and the second slot. In another embodiment, each one-way locking element includes a resilient projection that extends towards an axis of the first slot and the second slot. In yet another embodiment, each of the one-way locking elements includes a throat disposed around the opening. In still another embodiment, the block further defines at least one receiving slot for receiving an elongate cable. 
     In another embodiment of the above aspect, the receiving slot passes from the first side to the second side. In an embodiment, each one-way locking element has two one-way locking elements. In another embodiment, each one-way locking element includes a substantially triangular bracket having a plurality of tines. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of tines extend into either of the first slot and the second slot. In still another embodiment, the tines are configured to deflect outward when a cable is passed in a first direction through either of the first slot and the second slot, and wherein the tines are configured to deflect inward when the cable is passed in a second direction through either of the first slot and the second slot. In yet another embodiment, deflecting inward causes the tines to bite into the cable. In still another embodiment, the block includes a unitary part. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of an appendage restraint apparatus. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an appendage restraint apparatus. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  depict sectional views of an appendage restraint system. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an appendage restraint apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side sectional view of a locking element utilized in an appendage restraint apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an appendage restraint system utilizing the appendage restraint apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  depict various views of other embodiments of an appendage restraint systems. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict perspective view and exploded perspective views, respectively, of appendage restraint apparatuses  100 ,  100 ′.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are described simultaneously. The apparatus  100 ,  100 ′ may be in the shape of a block having a generally rectangular form factor, although other form factors are contemplated. In the depicted embodiment, the block  100 ,  100 ′ includes two block portions  102   a ,  102   b , which may also be referred to as an upper portion  102   a  and a lower portion  102   b , respectively. Each block portion  102   a ,  102   b  at least partially defines a first locking slot or passage  104   a  and a second locking slot or passage  104   b . In  FIG. 1A , a receiving slot or passage  106  is defined by the upper block portion  102   a . In  FIG. 1B , however, a receiving slot  106  is defined by both the upper block portion  102   a  and the lower block portion  102   b . Thus, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1B , the block portions  102   a  and  102   b  are mirror images of each other, thus reducing manufacturing costs. The receiving slot  106  extends from a first side  108  to a second side  110  of the block  100 ,  100 ′. The locking slots  104   a ,  104   b  extend from a front end  112  to a rear end  114  of the block  100 ,  100 ′ and can be defined by both the upper  102   a  and lower  102   b  portions. One or more outer surfaces of the block  100 ,  100 ′ may be textured  116  to allow for easy grip and manipulation of the block  100 ,  100 ′ during use. 
     In addition to defining the locking slots  104   a ,  104   b , the block portions  102   a ,  102   b  can also define receivers  118  for receiving one or more locking elements  120 . The locking elements  120  are disposed proximate the locking slots  104   a ,  104   b . In certain embodiments, the locking elements  120  define an opening  122  that can be aligned with an axis A of each of the locking slots  104   a ,  104   b . In the depicted embodiment, the locking elements  120  include a plurality of locking projections or tines  124  that are described in further detail below. In the depicted embodiments, receivers  118  for two locking elements  120  are present proximate each of the two locking slots  104   a ,  104   b . Once assembled, the two block portions  102   a ,  102   b  can be secured together with an adhesive, one or more fasteners, or other securement elements. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  depict sectional views of an appendage restraint system  200  that includes a block  202  and a single cable  204 . Only one portion of the block  202  is depicted. The block  202  at least partially defines a first locking slot or passage  206   a  and a second locking slot or passage  206   b . Each locking slot  206   a ,  206   b  extends from a rear end  208  to a front end  210  of the block  202 . Two one-way locking elements  212  are disposed in each of the locking slots  206   a ,  206   b . In the depicted embodiment, the locking elements  212  are substantially triangular-shaped and include a base  214  and a plurality of tines  216  located remotely therefrom. The base  214  defines an opening  218  substantially aligned with an axis A of the locking slots  206   a ,  206   b . The tines  216  are resilient and project towards the axis A, so as to deflect outward when the cable  204  is inserted into the locking slots  206   a ,  206   b  as described below. The tines  216  deflect inward, however, when the cable  204  is pulled in the opposite direction thus locking the cable  204  in place. The block  202  also defines a receiving slot  220  that passes from a first side  222  to a second side  224  of the block  202 . In the depicted embodiment, the receiving slot  220  is disposed so as not to intersect either of the locking slots  206   a ,  206   b . In other embodiments, the receiving slot  220  may intersect one or more of the locking slots  206   a ,  206   b , provided the intersection does not cause interference with movement of the cable  204  contained therein. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts the appendage restraint system  200  after a first terminus  226  of the cable  204  has been inserted into the receiving slot  220 . After complete passage of the first terminus  226  through the receiving slot  220 , a central portion  228  of the cable  204  remains in the receiving slot  220 , and due to the dimensions thereof, is able to move freely back and forth in the receiving slot  220 . Alternatively, a second terminus  230  of the cable  204  can be inserted into the receiving slot  220  such that the central portion  228  remains. 
       FIG. 2C  depicts the appendage restraint system  200  after the first terminus  226  of the cable  204  has been inserted into the first locking slot  206   a  and the second terminus  230  has been inserted into the second locking slot  206   b  the receiving slot  220 . As depicted, each of the first terminus  226  and the second terminus  230  are inserted from a rear end  208  of the block  202  toward a front end  210  of the block  202 . Once inserted, the cable  204  forms two loops  232  into which can be inserted appendages (wrists, arms, ankles, legs, fingers, toes) of a subject (a person or animal) so as to restrain that subject. Additionally, multiple subjects may be secured to each other, having one appendage each disposed in one loop  232 . 
     In  FIG. 2D  depicts the appendage restraint system  200  after appendages  234  have been inserted into the loops  232  and tightened so as to restrain a subject. The loops  232  are tightened by pulling the first terminus  226  and the second terminus  230  away from the front end  210  of the block  202  in the locking direction L. Of course, each loop  232  can be individually tightened as required or desired. The cable  204  is free to pass in the locking direction L through the openings  218  in the locking elements  214 . When pulled in an opposite direction, however (e.g., as the restrained subject tries to resist to free themselves), the tines  216  of the locking elements  214  bite into the cable  204 , preventing movement of the cable  204  in a direction opposite the locking direction L. Thus, to be released from the appendage restraint system  200 , the cable  204  must be cut proximate the loops  232 . The portions of the cable  204  connected to the first terminus  226  and the second terminus  230  can be pulled through the locking slots  206   a ,  206   b  in the locking direction L, while the central portion  228  of the cable may be pulled in either direction from the receiving slot  220 . The block  202  can then be reused utilizing a new cable. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an appendage restraint apparatus  300 . The apparatus  300  is in the form factor of a block  302  that may be a unitary part that defines a number of passages. Two locking passages  304   a ,  304   b  extend from a rear end  306  to a front end  308  of the block  302 . Additionally, a receiving passage  310  extends from a first side  312  to a second side  314  of the block  302 . The block  302  also defines two receivers  316   a ,  316   b  that are sized to each receive a locking element in the form of a plate.  FIG. 4  depicts a side sectional view of such a locking element  318 . The locking element  318  is in a form factor of a plate  320  that defines an opening  322  sized to allow passage of a cable  324 . Proximate the opening  322  can be one or more locking element tines, as depicted in the embodiments above. In the depicted embodiment, however, the opening  322  forms a throat  326  around the circumference of the opening  322 . The throat  326  is sized so as to allow passage of the cable  324  in a first direction D, due to pulling or pushing of the cable  324 , as described above. A counterforce C applied to the cable  324 , however, causes the throat  326  to pinch or bite the cable  324 , preventing further movement in the direction of counterforce C. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , a variety of locking plates may be utilized in the depicted apparatus  300 . For example, the locking passages  304   a ,  304   b  may be sized to accommodate a maximum cable diameter. Various locking plates having openings sized to accommodate a variety of cables of different diameters may be interchangeably utilized in the apparatus  300 . For example, locking plates having openings configured to accommodate cables having diameters of about _mm, _mm, or _mm may be selectively inserted into the apparatus  300 . After insertion, the locking plates may be removably or permanently fixed in the receivers  316   a ,  316   b , and an appropriately sized cable can be utilized to secure a subject. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an appendage restraint system  300 ′ utilizing the appendage restraint apparatus  300  of  FIG. 3 . Many of the components of the apparatus  300  are described above with regard to  FIG. 3  and are therefore not necessarily described further. The system  300 ′ includes a cable  330  having a central portion  332  thereof inserted into the receiving passage  310 . A first terminus  334  is inserted into a first passage  304   a  of the two locking passages and a second terminus  336  is inserted into a second passage  306   b  of the two locking passages. This forms two loops  338  that are configured to receive and tighten around appendages of a subject. The locking plates (not shown) contained in the receivers  316   a ,  316   b  allow movement of the cable from a rear end  306  to a front end  308  of the block  302 , but resist such movement in the opposite direction. 
     Embodiments of appendage restraint systems depicted in the figures above share certain common structures. For example, the receiving slots are parallel to each other and provide locking force on a cable in the same direction (e.g., front end-to-rear end). This can provide an advantage in that both of the first terminus and the second terminus of the cable can be drawn tight simultaneously. Additionally, a receiving slot is disposed so as to span the block from a first side to a second side. This receiving slot is disposed on the same side of the locking slots, but also be otherwise oriented within the block. Other embodiments of appendage restraint systems having different structure are contemplated. Certain such embodiments are depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
       FIG. 6A , for example, depicts a sectional view of an appendage restraint system  400  including a block  402 . The block  402  is depicted having a substantially rectangular form factor for ease of presentation, but other shapes are contemplated. In the depicted embodiment, a cable  404  includes a central portion  406  that is received in a receiving passage  408  disposed on one side of two locking passages  410   a ,  410   b . Locking elements  412  in each locking passage  410   a ,  410   b  are oriented in opposing directions, such that the locking directions L are opposite each other in each locking passage  410   a ,  410   b . Thus, a first terminus  414  can be freely inserted from a front end  416  to a rear end  418  of the block  402 , while a second terminus  420  may be freely inserted from the rear end  418  to the front end  416 . In this or any embodiment, it may be desirable to round or chamfer corners  422  of the block  402  so as to reduce potential discomfort sharp edges may produce on appendages that are secured in loops  424 . 
       FIG. 6B  depicts a sectional view of an appendage restraint system  500  including a block  502 . The block  502  is depicted having a substantially rectangular form factor for ease of presentation, but other shapes are contemplated. In the depicted embodiment, a cable  504  includes a central portion  506  that is received in a receiving passage  508  disposed between and substantially coplanar with two locking passages  510   a ,  510   b . Locking elements  512  in each locking passage  510   a ,  510   b  are oriented in opposing directions, such that the locking directions L are opposite each other in each locking passage  510   a ,  510   b . Thus, a first terminus  514  can be freely inserted from a front end  516  to a rear end  518  of the block  502 , while a second terminus  520  may be freely inserted from the rear end  518  to the front end  516 . Appendages may be secured in loops  524 . 
       FIG. 6C  depicts a perspective view of an appendage restraint system  600  including a block  602 . The block  602  is depicted having a substantially cubic form factor for ease of presentation, but other shapes are contemplated. In the depicted embodiment, a cable  604  includes a central portion  606  that is received in a receiving passage  608  extending from a top surface  626  to a bottom surface  628  of the block  602 . The receiving passage  608  disposed between two locking passages  610   a ,  610   b . Locking elements  612  in each locking passage  610   a ,  610   b  are oriented in opposing directions, such that the locking directions L are opposite each other in each locking passage  610   a ,  610   b . Thus, a first terminus  614  can be freely inserted from a front end  616  to a rear end  618  of the block  602 , while a second terminus  620  may be freely inserted from the rear end  618  to the front end  616 . Appendages may be secured in loops  624 . 
     Different types of materials may be used for both the block and cable depending on application and expected use of the system. For example, nylon cable may be utilized. Other materials may include polyethylene or other robust plastics. The block may be made of plastic or metal, or a combination thereof (i.e., a plastic overmolded onto a metal core). Hollow or solid materials may be utilized. Acceptable plastics may include PVC, ABS, or fiber-reinforced plastics. Acceptable metals may include steel, aluminum, or other materials. These are merely exemplary and may be modified as required or desired for a particular application. 
     Additionally, appendage restraint systems utilizing multiple cables are also contemplated. For example, for the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1B , two cables may each be knotted at a first end. The unknotted ends may then be inserted into one of the depicted receiving slots  106 , then into one of the locking slots  104   a ,  104   b  to form two loops to secure appendages. 
     While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.