Abstract:
A restraint locking mechanism provides a double-radiused, double-rounded spring for biasing the bolt toward the jaw, and for resisting movement of the stop when the stop is in the double lock position. The resistance provided by the double-radiused, double-rounded spring to movement of the stop increases to a maximum level of resistance as the stop is moved toward the single lock position, and then decreases, as contrasted with providing maximum resistance at the beginning of the stop&#39;s movement, and no resistance thereafter. The double-radiused, double-rounded spring design provides for improved fatugue resistance in the spring.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from co-pending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/760,102, filed Jan. 18, 2006, and entitled Locking Mechanism For Restraints With Improved Resilience. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for restraints such as handcuffs including an improved spring. More specifically, the invention provides a locking mechanism having a flat, doubly radiused spring, serving to bias the bolt against the jaw, and to resist movement of the stop when the stop is in the double locked position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Double locking restraints such as handcuffs, leg irons, and other shackles are commonly used by police to restrain those in their custody, for both the additional security that they offer, and the increased safety for the handcuffed person achieved by minimizing the likelihood that the jaw will inadvertently tighten around the person&#39;s wrist or ankle. Single locked is defined as permitting the jaw to ratchet inward to tighten the bracelet of the handcuff, but not move outward to loosen or open the bracelet. Double locked is defined as resisting both inward, tightening, and outward, loosening, movement of the jaw. However, presently available double lock mechanisms utilize a stop that is held in place by a spring-biased tab abutting a detent within the stop. Such designs provide maximum resistance to movement of the stop immediately before movement begins, with no resistance to movement provided after the stop begins moving. Such designs may not only be picked too easily, but also the stop may slide from the double locked to the single locked position if the handcuff is subjected to a sufficiently strong blow. 
         [0004]    Others have proposed various modifications to handcuffs in an attempt to address this and other problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,466, issued to J. E. Harris on Feb. 9, 1982, describes a handcuff incorporating a sliding stop for preventing the bolt from moving out of engagement with the jaw. The bolt is automatically pushed into the double locked position by a lever actuated by contact with a handcuffed person&#39;s wrist as the handcuff is applied. When the stop is moved into the double locked position, the end of the stop closest to the pin slides into a recess, so that a ledge resists movement of the stop in the opposite direction. Unlocking the handcuff requires moving the stop so that it clears the ledge before turning the key to move the stop. Means for moving the stop away from the ledge include a second pin, a second keyhole for a second key, or a rod extending through the swivel. Turning the key in the opposite direction moves the bolt away from the jaw in the conventional manner. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,600, issued to W. P. Moffett on Mar. 11, 1986, describes a handcuff wherein a leaf spring biasing the bolt toward the jaw slides between a position wherein it blocks movement of the bolt, and a position wherein it permits movement of the bolt, but continues to bias the bolt toward the jaw. The spring is moved to the first position by inserting a pin on a handcuff key into the appropriate slot, and move to the second position by inserting and turning the key in the keyhole. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,666, issued to R. S. Bellingham, et al. on Sep. 22, 1987, describes a handcuff having a sliding runner that blocks movement of the bolt in one position, permitting movement in the other position. The handcuff is unlocked by turning the key to slide the runner out of engagement with the bolt, and continuing to turn the key in the same direction to move the bolt out of engagement with the jaw. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,441, issued to M. L. Allen on Oct. 6, 1987, describes a handcuff using a conventional locking mechanism, and having bracelets joined by a single pin, permitting the bracelets to pivot within the plane in which they are located with respect to each other, thereby remaining parallel both in use and in storage. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,852, issued to D. E. Corcoran on Aug. 18, 1992, describes a handcuff having a locking mechanism with a pair of individually spring-biased pawls combined with a slidable bolt for blocking movement of the pawls. The bolt includes a pair of detents for engaging a tab at the opposite end of each spring for the pawls. The handcuff has a cushioned edge, with the cushion capable of fitting between the side plates when not compressed, but not fitting between the side plates when compressed. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,890, issued to R. LeFavor on Oct. 31, 1995, describes a handcuff having a handle for controlling a handcuffed person. This patent does not describe or illustrate any double locking mechanism. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,884, issued to L. S. Woo et al. on Nov. 7, 1995, describes a handcuff having a quick release button. The quick release button may operate either the bolt but not the double lock, or may operate both the bolt and the double lock. In the second configuration wherein the quick release button operates both the bolt and double lock, it is removable so that the handcuff can be used for both training and for restraining those in custody. A similar handcuff is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,117, issued to L. S. Woo on Apr. 28, 1998. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,751, issued to F. W. Strickland et al. on Sep. 17, 1996, describes a handcuff wherein each bracelet is closed by sliding a telescoping handle portion surrounding the handcuff&#39;s locking mechanism toward that bracelet. When the handle is moved toward the bracelet, it causes a tapered cam to engage rollers on each bracelet arm, thereby pivoting the arms to their closed position. A spring-biased bolt secures the cams in their closed position. Inserting and turning a key engages the spring-biased bolt, causing the cam springs to retract the cams and open the bracelet. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,381, issued to J. M. Savage on Mar. 25, 1997, describes a rigid handcuff incorporating a deadbolt for engaging a waist chain, actuated by the same cam used to move the bolts out of engagement with the jaws. This patent does not illustrate or describe any double locking mechanism. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,064, issued to R. J. Ecker et al. on Aug. 26, 1997, describes a handcuff having a double lock bolt with two notches for receiving a spring-biased tab, with one notch corresponding to the double locked position (wherein the bolt resists movement of the ratchet arm), and the other notch corresponding to the single locked position (wherein the bolt does not resist movement of the ratchet arm). 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,231, issued to T. H. Tobin, Jr., on Dec. 16, 1997, describes a handcuff wherein the two bracelets are joined by a swivel link having a pair of spherical lobes connected by a neck. Each spherical lobe is secured within the lock housing of one of the two bracelets. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,284, issued to A. E. Lurie on Aug. 25, 1998, describes a handcuff having the position of the spring-biased bolt controlled by a cylinder lock. The cylinder lock has a central position permitting ratcheting engagement of the bolt and jaw. The cylinder lock may rotate between one position wherein movement of the bolt is resisted, and a second position disengaging the bolt from the jaw. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,514, issued to T. H. Tobin, Jr., et al. on Sep. 1, 1998, describes a handcuff having a locking mechanism controlled by compressed gas pressure. A spring-biased bolt engages the jaw. A piston having a default central position permitting ratcheting movement of the jaw may be moved by compressed gas pressure between one position wherein all movement of the bolt is resisted, and another position disengaging the bolt from the jaw. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,529, issued to J. B. Kang on Nov. 6, 2001, describes a handcuff having one or two gears engaging the bracelet&#39;s jaw, with each gear having a secondary gear engaging a pivoting, flat spring-biased ratchet arm. A sliding stop member may double lock the handcuff being moved into a position wherein it abuts the ratchet arm, resisting movement of the ratchet arm. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,077, issued to James L. Robinson on Sep. 16, 2003, describes a restraint locking mechanism that provides a spring for biasing the bolt toward the jaw, and for resisting movement of the stop when the stop is in the double lock position. The resistance provided by the spring to movement of the stop increases to a maximum level of resistance as the stop is moved toward the single lock position, and then decreases, as contrasted with providing maximum resistance at the beginning of the stop&#39;s movement, and no resistance thereafter. Such a locking mechanism is more difficult to pick, and is less likely to be moved from its double lock position to its single lock position, by a blow to the locking mechanism. However, the spring utilized to bias the bolt toward the jaw may tend to crack at its root under certain circumstances due to stress fatigue caused by repeated cycling, thus diminishing reliability of the device. 
         [0019]    French Patent Application No. 2518-622-A, published Jun. 24, 1983, describes a handcuff using an arcuate ratchet biased towards its locked position by a coil spring, thereby securing the jaw. A barrel lock using a second key is used to double lock the handcuff. 
         [0020]    Russian Patent No. 2015283-C1, published Jan. 15, 1994, describes a handcuff using a lever to engage the teeth of the jaw. An L-shaped locking bolt holds the lever in engagement with the jaw. A keyhole in the side of the lock housing permits an L-shaped key to disengage the lock. 
         [0021]    Russian Patent No. 2005872-C1 illustrates another handcuff locking mechanism. 
         [0022]    Accordingly, a handcuff having a double locking mechanism providing resistance to movement out of the double locked position not only at the beginning of movement, but also throughout the first portion of such movement, and without a risk of stress-cracks developing in the spring, is desired. Additionally, a handcuff locking mechanism having a double locking mechanism dimensioned and configured so that resistance to movement of the stop increases as the stop is moved out of the double lock position is desired. Furthermore, there is a need for a handcuff having a locking mechanism that is more difficult to pick. Additionally, there is a need for a handcuff locking mechanism that will remain locked if a blow is inadvertently struck to the handcuff&#39;s locking mechanism. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The present invention provides an improved locking mechanism for restraints, providing a decreased possibility of inadvertent unlocking of the double lock mechanism, and increased difficulty in picking the lock. The improved locking mechanism will be utilized with restraints such as handcuffs, leg irons, or other shackles, which are typically formed having a pair of side plates on either side. The side plates enclose a locking mechanism at one end, and pivotally secure a jaw between them at their other end. It is well known that the side plates also typically secure a means for joining the shackle to another identical or substantially similar shackle between them as well, for example, a chain, a hinge, etc. The jaw typically includes a plurality of ratcheting teeth at its free end, with the ratcheting teeth facing outward, so that they are dimensioned and configured to engage the locking mechanism. 
         [0024]    The locking mechanism includes a spring-biased bolt, having one or more teeth dimensioned and configured to engage the teeth of the jaw. The bolt includes means for restraining its movement between a locked position into which it is spring-biased, and wherein it engages the jaw, and an unlocked position, wherein it permits movement of the jaw in either direction. In the illustrated example, this means includes a pivot. The bolt also includes means for engaging the flag of a handcuff key. The locking mechanism also includes a slidably movable stop member, which slides between a first position wherein it permits movement of the bolt between the locked and unlocked positions, and a second position wherein it resists movement of the bolt away from the locked position. The stop includes at least one detent for engaging a means for securing the stop in the double locked position. In a locking mechanism of the present invention, when the stop is in a double locked position, the same double-radiused spring that biases the bolt toward its locked position will engage one of these detents, thereby securing the stop in the double locked position. The locking mechanism also includes a double lock pin, which may be pushed utilizing a post on the handcuff key to push the stop from the single locked first position to the double locked second position, and means for engaging the flag of a handcuff key so that rotating the key may move the stop from the double locked position to the single locked position. 
         [0025]    Many of the advantages of the improved locking mechanism are provided by the configuration of the spring. A preferred spring is a flat spring having a radiused first and second tip, with one radiused tip dimensioned and configured to engage the bolt, and the other radiused tip dimensioned and configured to engage either the lock mechanism housing, or the detent within the stop. The double-radiused spring is preferably angled at an acute angle with respect to the stop. Therefore, as the stop moves from the double locked position to the single locked position, the resistance to this movement supplied by the double-radiused spring will gradually increase until a maximum level of resistance is reached, at which point the double-radiused spring will disengage from the stop, permitting the stop to move the remainder of the distance to the single locked position. In presently available handcuff locking mechanisms, a spring-biased member engages a detent in the stop when the stop is in the double locked position, exiting the detent as soon as the stop begins to move away from the double locked position. Therefore, in a conventional handcuff, maximum resistance to movement of the stop is provided only at the beginning of the stop&#39;s movement. By providing resistance to movement of the stop over a greater portion of the stop&#39;s movement from the double lock position to the single lock position, and by making the point of maximum resistance later in that movement, the locking mechanism becomes more resistant to picking attempts and less likely to move from its double locked position when subjected to a hard blow. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment that is particularly durable locking mechanism for a restraint having at least one bracelet where the bracelet has a pair of side plates that secure a pivotally mounted jaw. The jaw often has a plurality of ratchet teeth. The side plates define a lock housing in which is located a locking mechanism that includes a bolt having at least one ratchet tooth dimensioned and configured to releasably engage the ratchet teeth of the jaw so as to (i) permit tightening ratcheting movement of the jaw, and (ii) to resist outward, loosening movement of the jaw. The bolt moves between a locked position where the ratchet teeth of the bolt engage the ratchet teeth of the jaw, and an unlocked position wherein the ratchet teeth of the bolt are disengaged by the ratchet teeth of the jaw. A stop is provided that is dimensioned and configured for movement between (i) a single locked position where the stop permits movement of the bolt between the locked and unlocked positions of the bolt, and (ii) a double locked position where the stop resists movement of the bolt from the locked position. Advantageously, a spring is provided that includes a pair of spaced-apart rounded and radiused ends. One of the radiused ends has a first curved section that is formed at about a 0.042 inch radius, and includes a first arm that extends outwardly from a tangent to the first curved section by about 0.145 inches so as to be configured to engage the bolt. The other of the radiused ends has a second curved section that is formed at a less than 0.042 inch radius, and includes a second arm that extends outwardly from a tangent to the second curved section so as to be configured to engage the stop when the stop is in the double locked position, and to engage the lock housing in the single locked position. The spring is thus dimensioned and configured to bias the bolt towards the locked position, and to resist movement of the stop from the double locked position with increasing force until a maximum resisting force is reached. Significantly, the maximum resisting force occurs after the stop has moved from the double locked position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a handcuff according to the present invention, with one of the two side plates removed for clarity, showing the components of the lock in the single locked position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a handcuff according to the present invention, with one of the two side plates removed for clarity, showing the components of the locking mechanism in the double locked position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a handcuff according to the present invention, with one of the two side plates removed for clarity, showing the components of the handcuff in the unlocked position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a spring formed in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    The present invention provides an improved locking mechanism for restraints such as handcuffs, leg irons, belly chains, and other shackles commonly used by law enforcement personnel. This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
         [0034]    Referring to the figures, a single bracelet  10  utilizing the present invention is illustrated. The bracelet  10  includes a pair of mirror image side plates  12  (one of which has been omitted for clarity). The side plates  12  define a lock housing  14  and an arm  16 , dimensioned and configured to fit approximately halfway around a wrist or ankle. A jaw  18 , also dimensioned and configured to fit partway around a wrist or ankle, is pivotally secured to the arm  16  at pivot  20 , opposite the lock housing  14 . The outside edge of the free end  22  of the jaw  18  includes a plurality of ratchet teeth  24 , having an angled front surface  26 , and a back surface  28  generally perpendicular to the jaw  18 . A channel  30  may extend along the free end  22  of the jaw  18 . The channel  30  is dimensioned and configured to mate with a guide ridge (not shown and well known in the art of restraints) on each side plate  12 . 
         [0035]    The lock housing  14  contains a bolt  32 , a stop  34 , a double-radiused, double-rounded spring  36 , and a double lock pin  38 . The bolt  32  includes one or more teeth  40 , with each tooth  40  having an angled surface  42  corresponding to the angled surface  26  of the jaws teeth, and a perpendicular surface  44  corresponding to the perpendicular surface  28  of the jaws teeth. The bolt  32  is dimensioned and configured so that its teeth  40  releasably engage the teeth  24  of the jaw  18 , so that the corresponding angled surfaces  26 ,  42  permits the jaw  18  to be moved inward to tighten the bracelet  10 , but the corresponding vertical surfaces  28 ,  44  resist loosening the bracelet  10 . A preferred means by which the bolt  32  will releasably engage the jaw  18  include the pivot  46 , at the opposite end of the bolt  32 , thereby permitting the teeth  40  to be pivoted towards or away from the jaw  18 . The spring  36  is dimensioned and configured to bias the bolt  32  towards its locked position, wherein it engages the teeth  24  of the jaw  18 . Metal fatigue is caused by repeated cycling of a load which causes a progressive localized damage due to fluctuating stresses and strains on the spring  36 , with metal fatigue cracks initiating and propagating in regions where the strain is most severe, i.e., at the interface between the spring and the other structures of the restraint. To solve this problem, a preferred double-radiused, double-rounded spring  36  is provided that includes a first radiused end  48 , dimensioned so as to have a curved section  47  that is formed at about a 0.042 inch radius, and including a first arm  49  that extends outwardly from a tangent to curved section  47  by about 0.145 inches. First radiused end  48  is configured to fit within a recess  50  defined in the bolt  32 . A second radiused end  52  of the spring  36  is preferably dimensioned so as to have a curved section  53  that is formed at a less than 0.42 inch radius, and including a second arm  55  that extends outwardly from a tangent to curved section  53 . Second radiused end  52  is spaced away from first radiused end  48 , and is configured to engage the lock housing  14 , possibly at corner  54 , and the stop  34 , as will be explained below. The double-radiused spring  36  is preferably made from a material having a high modulus of resilience, for example, high carbon steel, stainless steel, or titanium. The bolt  32  also contains a cut-out  56 , adjacent to the key pin  58  within the lock housing  14 , and dimensioned and configured to receive the flag of a standard handcuff key (not shown but well known in the art of restraints). 
         [0036]    The stop  34  is dimensioned and configured to releasably secure the bolt  32  in its locked position. The stop  34  includes a camming surface  60 , corresponding to the surface  62  of the bolt. The opposite end of the stop  34  includes a detent  64 , dimensioned and configured to receive the radiused end  52  of the double-radiused spring  36 . The stop terminates in a wedge  66  adjacent to the detent  64 , with the radiused end  52  of the double-radiused spring  36  bearing against both the corner  54  and the wedge  66 . The stop  34  also includes a pin-engaging surface  68 , against which the slidably mounted double lock pin  38  will be pushed when the pin  38  is pushed inward, and a key-engaging cut-out  70 , dimensioned and configured to engage the flag of a standard handcuff key. The double lock pin  38  is slidably mounted within the channel  72  of the lock housing  14 . 
         [0037]    In use, the default position of the bracelet  10  will be the single locked position illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this single locked position, the bolt  32  is biased against the jaw  18  by the double-radiused spring  36 , bearing against the corner  54  of the lock housing  14 . The stop  34  is in its left-most position, wherein the corresponding camming surfaces  60 ,  62  do not engage each other, permitting the bolts  32  to pivot away from the jaw  18  against the pressure of the double-radiused spring  36 . In this position, inward movement of the jaw  18  will cam the angled surfaces  26  against the angled surfaces  42 , pushing the bolts  32  towards its unlocked position, away from the jaw  18 , and permitting the jaw  18  to move towards the arm  16 . Attempting to move the jaw  18  away from the arm  16  will cause the vertical surfaces  28 ,  44  to abut, resisting outward movement of the jaw  18 . 
         [0038]    When it is desired to double lock the bracelet  10 , for example, when the bracelet is around the wrist or ankle of an individual in custody, a pin on a handcuff key may be used to push inward on the double lock pin  38 , thereby moving the stop from its left-most position of  FIG. 1  to its right-most position of  FIG. 2 . In the position of  FIG. 2 , the camming surfaces  60 ,  62  abut each other, thereby resisting movement of the bolt  32  away from the jaw  18 . Therefore, the interaction of the teeth  24  and the teeth  40  prevent movement of the jaw  18  in either direction. Additionally, the radiused end  52  of the double-radiused spring  36  has now engaged the detent  64  in the stop  34 , thereby securing the stop  34  in this double locked position. When the stop  34  was moved from the position of  FIG. 1  to the position of  FIG. 2 , the wedge  66  forced the radiused end  52  of the double-radiused spring  36  away from the corner  54  of the housing  14  and into the detent  64 . In this position, the double-radiused spring  36  not only biases the bolt  32  against the jaw  18 , but also biases the stop  34  in this double locked position. 
         [0039]    To unlock the handcuff, a standard handcuff key (not shown, and well known in the art of restraints) is inserted into the keyhole (not shown) and onto the key pin  58 . The key is first turned so that the key flag engages the cut-out  70  within the stop  34 , pushing the stop  34  into the position illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , wherein the stop  34  permits the bolts  32  to be pushed away from the jaw  18  against the bias of the double-radiused spring  36 . Next, the key is rotated the opposite direction to engage the cut-out  56  in the bolt  32 , thereby pulling the bolt  32  away from the jaw  18 , to the position illustrated in  FIG. 3 . With the bolt in this position, the jaw  18  may freely move in either direction. Removing the key from the lock housing  14  will cause the double-radiused spring  36  to push the bolt  32  back to its single locked position of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , it becomes apparent that moving the stop  34  from the double lock position illustrated to the single lock position requires moving the stop  34  against the bias of the double-radiused spring  36 . Because the double-radiused spring  36  is at an acute angle with respect to the stop  34 , moving the stop  34  will increase the resistance of the double-radiused spring  36  to this movement until the double-radiused spring  36  is pulled into a vertical position. Continued movement of the stop  34  past this point of maximum resistance, the double-radiused spring  36  will exit the detent  64 , freeing the stop  34  for the remainder of its movement. Because resistance to movement of the stop  34  from the double lock position occurs over a larger portion of its range of motion than in a conventional locking mechanism, and because the point of maximum resistance to this motion occurs after the stop  34  has already moved some distance, a locking mechanism of the present invention is more difficult to pick than a conventional handcuff locking mechanism, and is also less likely to leave its double locked position as a result of a blow to the locking mechanism. 
         [0041]    While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.