Abstract:
An inmate transport restraint which comprises a handcuff having two loops formed from two straps, each strap separately inserted into a housing, wherein each housing has a first channel and a second channel, with the strap passing through each channel, the second channel adapted for releasably retaining a free end of the strap and the first channel retaining a stop end of the strap in a semi-permanent manner, the housing further containing a key-operated lift cam that cooperates with a tension spring to releasably retain the strap within the housing. The restraint further comprises a handcuff cover which fits over a portion of the handcuff to limit access and movement of the hands and wrists. The cover cooperates with a link pin, attached to a belly chain, to secure an inmate for transport.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a Continuation-In-Part application which claims benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/031,575 filed Jan. 6, 2005, entitled “Restraint Device” which is hereby incorporated by reference and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/623,319 filed Oct. 29, 2004 and entitled “Restraint Device” which is also incorporated by reference. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING 
   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to human restraint devices. More particularly, this invention pertains to a humane restraint device and a system and method of restraint for the transport of inmates consisting of a handcuff, handcuff cover and a belly chain link pin, which cooperate in a unique manner with each other. 
   The restraint of the present invention overcomes some of the problems of the prior art restraints. The handcuff of the present invention utilizes a wide strap for the wrists instead of a narrower strap that can cut into the wrists and cause injury. The wrist straps of the present invention cannot be bent or pried to cause failure of the operating mechanism, unlike prior art metal handcuff restraints. 
   Unlike handcuff covers in the prior art, the handcuff cover of the present invention, with its 35 degree angles, allows the hand and forearms of a restrained individual to relax in a more normal posture. 
   Further, the belly chain link pin when attached to the handcuff cover will allow semi-rotational movement of the hands and forearms of a restrained individual to stimulate circulation. 
   Various types and constructions of flexible material wrist restraints for use by law enforcement personnel in dealing with subduing suspects and controlling prisoners are known. Such restraints in most instances are made of a polymeric based material and embody a strap which can be formed into loops for girding both wrists of a person, and means to secure or lock the loops, the locking means commonly being teeth or projections carried on the strap and a cooperating latch or stop usually carried elsewhere on the strap for engaging the teeth or projections to effect a stop function which secured the loops. Typically, these devices are constructed so that locking mechanism only allows the strap to move in one direction such that the loops can be made smaller but cannot be made larger. This type of restraint is not suitable for the routine transport of inmates. Such restraints are favored in part because they are lightweight, easy to carry and inexpensive. These restraints are typically not suitable to be used more than once. 
   Representative of the mentioned constructions are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,071,023; 4,909,051; 4,910,831; 5,088,158 and 5,159,728. These patents disclose generally flat straps for use as the loop forming component. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 567,049; 1,478,999; 1,883,598; 2,582,339; and 3,319,609 teach restraint devices for holding animals, in particular pigs. Although these devices each have a loop which can be tightened, they are designed to hold the snout, or some other body part, of an animal and are not suitable for use on humans. 
   Because of the material and/or design, these types of restraints are suitable only for a single-use or a limited number of uses, as the restraints are constructed from material which can weaken and fail if used multiple times. These restraints are intended to be used once and disposed of. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a restraint system which provides a handcuff with the advantages associated with a wide nylon strap material but also provides a secure, key-operated locking mechanism that can be reused, allowing the inexpensive strap to be replaced as needed while maintaining a secure locking mechanism and a handcuff cover that when applied to the handcuffs allows the hands and arms of an individual to rest in a relaxed position and a belly chain with a belly chain link pin that when secured into the handcuff cover will allow semi-rotational movement of the individual&#39;s hands and arms to stimulate circulation while maintaining a secure restraint system. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an inmate transport restraint device and system which comprises a handcuff that utilizes wide nylon straps, a handcuff cover angled to allow hands and arms to relax in a more normal position and a belly chain link pin that secures the handcuff and cover together to restrain an individual. The handcuff comprises a loop formed from a strap and a housing through which the strap is inserted, wherein the housing has a first channel and a second channel, with the strap passing through each channel, the second channel adapted for releasably retaining a free end of the strap and the first channel retaining a stop end of the strap in a semi-permanent manner, the housing further containing a lift cam, a tension spring for releasably retaining the strap within the housing, wherein the tension spring is adapted to cooperatively work with the lift cam to releasably retain said strap, and a swivel connection link attached to the exterior of said housing to attach two housings together by means of a chain or other fetter. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an effective and secure means for the transport of inmates. 
   It is a further object of this invention to reduce the physical fatigue and injury of restrained individuals during transport. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a transport restraint that is releasable by a standard handcuff key. 
   Yet another object of this invention is to provide a restraint that is adjustable to fit all sizes of wrists and ankles including those in a cast. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the transport restraint of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the transport restraint of the present invention as applied to an individual. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the handcuff of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the link pin of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the handcuff cover. 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the handcuff cover as attached to the belly chain link pin. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of the link pin and the back of the handcuff cover. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of the link pin and the front of the handcuff cover. 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the handcuff. 
       FIG. 10  is a view of the interior of the housing of the handcuff. 
       FIG. 11  is a view of the exterior of the housing of the handcuff. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross section of the rear plate of the handcuff. 
       FIG. 13  is a cutaway view of the interior of the handcuff. 
       FIG. 14  is a view of the strap formed into a loop. 
       FIG. 15  is a view of the stop end of the strap and of the slots in the strap. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, the handcuff of the present invention is referred to as  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , the handcuff  10  comprises a housing  12  and a strap  14 . The strap  14  passes through the housing  12  and forms a loop through which a person&#39;s hand or foot is passed so that the loop can be tightened around the wrist or ankle to restrain the person. The strap  14  may also be wrapped around a person&#39;s foot or hand and then secured with the housing  12 . It is contemplated that the present invention would be useful in restraining inmates as well as restraining persons in medical, psychiatric or other settings where restraint is necessary. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the housing  12  is comprised of a front plate  24  and a rear plate  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the housing  12  is constructed from impact plastic or 7075 aluminum. The tension spring  36 , lift cam  38  and pin  44  fit inside the housing  12 . In a preferred embodiment, front plate  24  and rear plate  26  each have four holes which align so that the plates may be attached to one another by security head screws  48 . However, it is contemplated that the front plate and rear plate can be connected or attached in numerous ways which are known to those of skill in the art.  FIGS. 9 and 10  also illustrate keyhole  46  in front plate  24 , key  22 , and restraint connection attachment  20 , also referred to as swivel  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , the plates of the housing  12  are each formed with first channel  28 , second channel  30 , chamber  32 , and spring slot  34 . When front plate  24  and rear plate  26  are aligned, the channels, chamber, and spring slot form hollow enclosures. Front plate  24  and rear plate  26  are identical except that in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, front plate  24  contains a keyhole  46  ( FIG. 3 ) into which a key may be inserted to operate the lift cam  38  to release the strap  14 .  FIG. 10  also illustrates attachment point  50 , or restraint connection attachment  50 , where swivel  20  is attached to housing  12 . 
     FIG. 13  shows the housing  12  with the lift cam  38  and tension spring  36  in position. The housing  12  forms a hollow chamber  32  into which the lift cam  38  and tension spring  36  fit. The tension spring  36 , preferably comprised of spring steel, is configured to fit within the shape of chamber  32  and around lift cam  38 . In the locked position, arm  54  of spring  36  extends through spring slot  34  into second channel  30  where it engages strap  14 . Specifically, the end of arm  54  engages the slots  56  ( FIG. 12 ) of strap  14  such that when in the locked position, the arm is in one of the slots  56  of strap  14  and strap  14  cannot be removed so that the loop formed by the strap cannot be increased in size and the wrist or ankle around which the loop is fitted cannot be removed from the loop without a key, thus securing the person. 
     FIG. 12  shows slots  56  in strap  14 . In a preferred embodiment, slots  56  could run the entire length of strap  14 . However, it is also contemplated that strap  14  could have slots on only part of its length. It is contemplated that the slots  56  could take on any number of shapes known in the art. It is also contemplated that grooves formed in strap  14  could be used instead of slots. 
   Lift cam  38  is shown in  FIG. 12 . Lift cam  38  includes cam base  40 , wedge  42  and pin  44 . In a preferred embodiment, lift cam  38  has a trapezoidal shape. Lift cam  38  is positioned so that keyhole  46  in front plate  24  aligns with pin  44 , allowing key  22  to engage pin  44  to rotate cam  38 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 13 , the free end  18  of strap  14  is pushed through first channel  28 , entering first channel  28  at opening  60  and exiting at opening  62 . Free end  18  is then inserted into second channel opening  64 , exiting at second channel exit  66 , forming a closed loop with the strap. Strap  14  is secured on one end by stop  58  on stop end  16 , also referred to as opposing end  16 , of strap  14 , and on the other end by the cooperation of tension spring  36  with the slots  56  ( FIG. 12 ) on strap  14 . 
   To release strap  14  so that the size of the loop may be increased, key  22  is fitted into keyhole  46 . When the key  22  is inserted into keyhole  46 , the hollow body of the key  22  fits on pin  44 . When the key  22  is rotated, key flange  52  engages wedge  42  forcing cam base  40  to rotate. As cam base  40  rotates, it compresses tension spring  36 , retracting arm  54  of tension spring  36  out of second channel  30 , disengaging arm  54  from the slots  56  of strap  14  thereby releasing the strap  14  so that it can be moved freely though second channel  30 . 
   Strap  14  is a semi-rigid slotted or grooved material and it is contemplated that strap  14  could be formed from any number of materials known to one of skill in the art including nylon-6.6, Tefzel®, Halar®, polypropylene, nylon 4.6 or nylon 12. It is contemplated that the width and the thickness of strap  14  could be of any dimension and that housing  12  could be designed to accommodate various strap dimensions to meet custody and control level requirements when escorting or transporting inmates, making cell moves, or restraining inmates in a hospital setting. The length of strap  14  will also vary based on need. 
   Handcuff  10  can be used with handcuff cover  68 . Cover  68  serves further to restrict hand movement and provides a higher level of security, blocking access to the keyway of the handcuff.  FIG. 5  shows cover  68  is comprised of front  210  and back  220  joined together by top  230 . The bottom and sides of cover  68  are open. Front  210  has a semicircle-shaped hole  240  which aligns with a semicircle-shaped hole (shown in  FIG. 7 ) in back  220 . It is contemplated that back  220  could have a full circle hole. In a preferred embodiment, ends  250 ,  260  are angled toward front  210  of cover  68 , preferably at an angle of approximately 35 degrees. Angled ends  250 ,  260  allow the restrained individual&#39;s hands and arms to relax in a more normal position, improving circulation. 
   Chain  74 , also referred to as fetter  74 , (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is inserted into the open edge of cover  68  so that cover  68  encloses chain  74  and partially covers housing  12 , including keyhole  46 , providing a rigid link between straps  14  of the handcuff  10 , thus blocking access to the keyholes. 
     FIG. 4  shows link pin  80 . Link pin  80  has a semicircle-shaped notch  82  which cooperates with hole  240  in cover  68 . Link pin  80  further has aperture  84  which cooperates with a padlock ( FIG. 2 ). At the opposite end of link pin  80 , the pin attaches to chain  90 . 
     FIG. 6  shows cover  68  with link pin  80  inserted through cover  68 . 
     FIG. 2  shows the restraint system of the present invention. Straps  14  of handcuff  10  encircle the wrists of the restrained individual. Cover  68  is in place over a portion of handcuff  10 . Link pin  80  attached to chain  90  is inserted in cover  68  to further restrain movement of the hands. 
   METHOD OF USE 
   A method of restraining a person&#39;s hands or feet is described. First a slotted strap is secured in a housing so that the strap forms a closed loop. Then the person&#39;s hand or foot is inserted through the loop so that the strap is around either the wrist or ankle respectively. The loop is then tightened by pulling the strap through the housing until the desired level of tightness is achieved. The loop is secured in the housing by the force of a tension spring located within the housing, the arm of the tension spring being inserted into a slot of the strap so that the strap cannot be removed and the loop cannot be lengthened or released without a key. 
   Alternatively, the strap can be inserted in the first channel, then wrapped around the wrist or leg being restrained and then inserted into the second channel. 
   Once the handcuff is in place, the cover is placed over the fetter linking the two straps or loops together and also partially covering the housings. The link pin, already attached to a belly chain, is inserted from the back side of the cover such that the fetter is above the link pin and secured inside the cover between the link pin and enclosed top of the cover. The link pin is then rotated so that it cannot slide out of the semicircle-shaped apertures in the cover. A padlock is then inserted through the aperture in the link pin, securing the system in place. 
   Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Inmate Transport Restraint, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.