US3618345A

US3618345A - Double-hinge handcuff assembly

Info

Publication number: US3618345A
Application number: US9521A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hollis B Smith
Original assignee: Essex Lock and Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Essex Lock and Manufacturing Co Inc; Colt Industries Inc
Priority date: 1970-02-09
Filing date: 1970-02-09
Publication date: 1971-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 1988-11-09

Abstract

A DOUBLE-HINGE HANDCUFF ASSEMBLY COMPRISES A CENTRAL HING BLOCK AND A PAIR OF SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL LOCKABLE CUFFS PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE BLOCK. EACH CUFF IS CONSTRUCTED OF A FOLDED ONE-PIECE SHEET METAL BODY MEMBER OF GENERALLY U-SHAPED, CROSS-SECTIONAL CONFIGURATION HAVING A PAIR OF SPACED CONFRONTING SIDE WALLS AND AN INTEGRAL ARCUATE CONNECTING PORTION FORMING A HINGE KNUCKLE FOR CONNECTING THE CUFF TO THE HINGE BLOCK. EACH CUFF IS FURTHER PROVIDED WITH A CURVED SHACKLE MOVABLE BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS AND PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE SIDE WALLS FOR MOVEMENT THEREBETWEEN. A LOCK ASSEMBLY SECURELY MOUNTED ON THE CONFRONTING WALL PORTIONS ADJACENT THE HINGE CONNECTION INCLUDES A ROTATABLE KEY-OPERATED TUMBLER PLUG AND A SHACKLE LOCK DRUM CONNECTED

THERETO BY A LOST-MOTION CONNECTION. THE DRUM IS ADAPTED FOR COAXIAL ROTATION WITH THE PLUG AND INCLUDES PERIPHERAL LOCKING TEETH ROTATABLE INTO LOCKING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SHACKLE FOR RETENTION THEREOF IN ITS CLOSED POSITION.

Description

NOV. 9, 1971 H B 5M|TH 3,618,345

DOUBLE-HINGE HANDCUFF ASSEMBLY Filed Feb. 9, 1969 F/G. /Z 55 M 38 4 5 11/3564 (.48 62 4 1 Z4 w i Z4 1 1 I Z8 M M Z8 INVENTOR HOLLIS B. SMITH 34 4E 12 92 w ;VMW MM% ATTORN EYS United States Patent j" 3,618,345 DOUBLE-HIN GE HANDCUFF ASSEMBLY Hollis B. Smith, Island Pond, Vt., assignor to Essex Lock & Manufacturing Company, Inc., Island Pond, Vt. Filed Feb. 9, 1970, Ser. No. 9,521 Int. Cl. E05b 25/00 U.S. Cl. 70-16 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A double-hinge handcuff assembly comprises a central hinge block and a pair of substantially identical lockable cuffs pivotally connected to the block. Each cuff is constructed of a folded one-piece sheet metal body member of generally U-shaped, cross-sectional configuration having a pair of spaced confronting side walls and an integral arcuate connecting portion forming a hinge knuckle for connecting the cuff to the hinge block. Each cuff is further provided with a curved shackle movable between open and closed positions and pivotally connected to the side walls for movement therebetween. A look assembly securely mounted on the confronting wall portions adjacent the hinge connection includes a rotatable key-operated tumbler plug and a shackle lock drum connected thereto by a lost-motion connection. The drum is adapted for coaxial rotation with the plug and includes peripheral locking teeth rotatable into locking engagement with the shackle for retention thereof in its closed position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION vThe present invention relates generally to handcuffs or manacles. More particularly, it is concerned with a new and improved handcuff assembly of a type which prevents relative twisting movement between the cuffs.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved handcuff assembly of the type described having a folded sheet metal body of compact lightweight construction possessing high strength and durability characteristics and prolonged trouble-free operation.

f Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved sheet metal handcuff assembly adapted for rapid, facile manufacture and capable of being easily folded'into a neat and compact unit for storage or transport. Included in this object is the provision for a double-hinge construction which not only permits folding of the assembly into a compact unit but also prevents angular movement of the cuffs or the application'of a relative twisting force therebetween while facilitating ease of carrying, such as on a belt or other support, without undesirable projection of any portion thereof. 7 I

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved handcuff assembly of the type described which utilizes a simplified lock arrangement and design providing high strength to the sheet metal construction of the cuffs.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out more in detail hereinafter.

These and related objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by providing a doublehinge handcuff assembly comprising a central hinge block having a pair of spaced generally parallel bores for receiving pivot pins of separate hinge connections and a pair of substantially identical lockable cuffs pivotally connected to the block by the hinge pins. Each cuff is constructed of a folded one-piece sheet metal body member of generally U-shaped, cross-sectional configuration having a pair of spaced confronting side walls and an integral arcuate fold connecting the side walls and form- 3,618,345 Patented Nov. 9, 1971 ing a hinge knuckle for pivotally attaching the cuff to the hinge block. Each cuff is further provided with a curved shackle movable between open and closed positions and pivotally connected to the side walls for movement therebetween. A lock assembly for each cuff is securely mounted between the confronting side walls adjacent the hinge connection and includes a rotatable key-operated tumbler plug and a shackle lock drum connected thereto through a lost-motion connection. The drum is adapted for coaxial rotation with the plug and includes peripheral locking teeth rotatable into locking engagement with the shackle for retention thereof in its closed position.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawing which set forth an illustrative embodiment and are indicative of the way in which the principle of the invention is employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partially broken away and partially in section, illustrating an unfolded handcuff assembly incorporating the features of the present invention;

'FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of the handcuff assembly of FIG. 1 folded into its compact storage or transport condition; I

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the hinge and lock portion of one of the handcuffs, the view being taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lock mechanism in its ratcheting position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing the bottom of the hinge and lock drum;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the lock drum shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of the lock drum of FIG. 5 depicting in phantom the relative position of the drive lug when the lock is in the ratcheting position illustrated in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing in greater detail wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several figures, the invention is embodied within a handcuff assembly 10 comprised of a pair of identical handcuffs 12. pivotally mounted in fixed spaced relationship on a central hinge block 14 of. cruciform configuration. Each cuff is provided with its own hinge connection to the central block thereby facilitating folding of the cuffs into the substantially parallelized, spaced condition illustrated in FIG. 2. The block 14 is of sufficient width to provide adequate clearance between the parallelized cuffs and. permit mounting thereof over a belt or similar support member without causing one of the cuffs to project outwardly. The block includes integral side extensions 16 provided with generally cylindrical bores 18 passing therethrough in spaced parallel relationship to each other. As shown in FIG. 3, the bores 18 are of sufficient size to slidably receive a hinge pin or pintle 22 which passes therethrough and is securely mounted within the individual handcuff. As will be readily appreciated, the dual hinge construction illustrated in the drawing not only provides for neat compact storage but also enables the cuffs to hold the individual wrists in such a manner as to prevent angular or twisting movement therebet-ween thereby substantially restricting movement of both the hands and arms of the person to whom the handcuffs have been applied.

In the embodiment illustrated, each cuff of the assembly. is identical in construction thereby permitting economy in manufacturing coupled with rugged simplicity of construction. Each cuff is comprised of a double-sided, sheet metal body member 24 hingedly connected to the central hinge block 14 and adapted to securely receive a vertically disposed lock assembly 26 and a generally C-shaped pivotal shackle 28. The sheet metal cuff body is generally 'U-shaped in cross section, as best seen in FIG. 2, and includes a pair of fiat confronting side walls 32 integrally joined by an arcuate fold 34 forming knuckles for the hinge pin 22 connecting the individual handcuffs to the central block. The fold portion 34 is provided with an enlarged notch 36 for receiving the side extension 16 of the central hinge block and thereby providing a conventional hinge-like construction. The confronting side walls 32 of the body member 24 are disposed in spaced parallel relationship and are maintained therein by both a spacing rivet 38 and a shackle pivot shank 42 joining their free ends 44. As shown, the shackle 28 is pivotally mounted on shank 42 between the side walls 32 for full circle swinging movement.

The lock assembly 26 for each cuff includes an elongated generally rectangular lock housing 46 provided with a central flange 48 projecting outwardly along one side thereof along its full length and extending below the bottom thereof. The flange is generally equal in thickness to the spacing between the side walls of the cuff body and is confinably retained therebetween by a lock-retaining pin 52 projecting through both side walls 34 and the flange 48 adjacent the bottom of the lock housing. The flange 48 is provided with a pin-receiving extension '54 which is slidably received within the fold portion 34 of the cuff body and is provided with an elongated bore 56 for immovably securing a reduced diameter portion 58 of the pivot pin :22. The lock housing 46 is further provided with a centrally disposed top tab 62 projecting from the side opposite the extension 54. The tab 62 carries a dowel 64 which rests in notches 66 in the side walls 32 and cooperates with the lock-retaining pin 52 and extension 54 to immobilize the lock assembly 26 on the cuff body member 32. An elongated bore 68 extends axially through the lock housing 46 for receiving a shackle lock drum 72 and an overlying cylindrical key plug 74 for driving the drum 72 between its locked, unlocked and ratcheting positions.

The cylindrical plug 74 closes the top opening of the axial bore 68 and encloses the lock drum 72 therein in coaxial alignment therewith. The plug 74 is retained within the bore 68 through the cooperative interengagement between a peripheral notch 76 on the exterior of the plug 74 and a lock pin 78 (see FIG. 1) mounted in the lock housing. The cylindrical plug is further provided with a longitudinally extending central keyway '82 which communicates in a conventional manner with the plurality of tumblers 84 located in the transversely extending tumbler bores 86 provided in the upper portion of the housing 46 and flange 4 8 for releasably retaining the cylindrical plug in its key receiving and removing orientation illustrated in FIG. 2.

The shackle lock drum 72 is a generally cylindrical member mounted for coaxial movement with the cylindrical plug 74 in response to the driving action thereof. The drum is provided with a spring-biased locating pin 88 which projects from the bottom of the drum and seats within one of two detents 92 provided in the base of the housings axial bore 68 for locating the shackle lock drum 72 in either its ratcheting or fully locked position. The drum 72 is further provided with a smooth, downwardly tapering outer surface 94 over slightly less than one-half its circumference. The taper of surface 94 conforms to the curvature of the shackle 28 and permits smooth passage thereof past the drum without interference. Immediately adjacent the smooth tapered surface 94 is a tapered stepped peripheral portion of the drum forming a plurality of integral locking teeth 96 over a circumference of approximately 90. Thus by rotation of the drum 72 4 clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 6 (counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 4) the locking teeth 96 are brought into locking engagement with the tooth segment 98 of the shackle 28 to prevent movement of the shackle in either direction.

The drum 72 is further provided with a transverse bore 102 extending upwardly into the drum at an angle of about 45 to its longitudinal and rotational axis from a position on the smooth tapered surface 94 immediately adjacent the locking teeth 96. A generally cylindrical pawl 104 is secured within the bore 102 for limited slidable movement by a pin 106 and is biased outwardly by a spring 108 into engagement with the shackles tooth segment 98. The engagement between the pawl 104 and the tooth segment 98 prevents counterclockwise movement of the shackle as viewed in FIG. 3. However, the angular orientation of bore 102, and therefore pawl 104, permits the pawl to be driven against the bias of its spring 108 by the shackle as the shackle moves in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 toward its closed position.

A depending drive lug 112 of rectangular configuration extends downwardly from the plug 74 into the drive notch 114 formed in the top of the shackle locked drum 72. As best seen in FIG. 6, the notch 114 permits free, nondriving motion of the lug 112 through an angle of approximately 45 Thus the lug may be moved through a 45 arc in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 6 without imparting corresponding clockwise movement to the shackle lock drum 72. Thus, insertion of a key into the keyway 82 of the cylindrical plug 74 and rotation of the plug clockwise as viewed in FIG. 2 (counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 4) through an arc of 45 will impart no movement to the shackle lock drum. However, continued movement of the key in a clockwise direction will release the pawl 104 from the shackle tooth segment 98 and bring the smooth surface 94 into confronting relationship therewith, permitting the shackle 28 to freely slide into a fully opened position. Since the key has been rotated approximately from the key removable position illustrated in FIG. 2, the key must be rotated counterclockwise through an arc of 90 in order to return the lock drum 72 to its ratcheting position illustrated in the drawing. The key may then be removed and the shackle pivoted toward a closed position for retention by the pawl 104. The shackle, of course, will ratchet past the pawl until the desired closed position is attained. It will, of course, be appreciated that the shackle is designed to permit full 360 rotation about its pivot shank 42.

In order to lock the shackle against movement in either direction the key must be rotated counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2 through an arc of 45 to its fully locked position. This rotation causes driving engagement between the driving lug 112 of the cylindrical plug and the shackle lock drum 72 bringing the locking teeth 96 into fixed locking engagement with the tooth segment 98 of the shackle. The lost-motion connection between the cylindrical plug and the locking drum permits the key to be returned to the key removal position illustrated in FIG. 2 without moving the shackle lock drum out of its fully locked condition. Thus, it can be seen, that by simply rotating the locking drum either clockwise or counterclockwise and returning the keyway to its key removal position the lock can be either fully unlocked for removal of the shackle and returned to its ratcheting position or it can be fully locked and retained in that position, with key removal in both instances.

It is also a feature of the present invention that the teeth in the segment 98 of the shackle have an included tooth angle of 90 thereby providing increased strength and security of locking while at the same time facilitating easy ratcheting of the shackle into its desired closed position.

As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description the present invention provides a simplified double-hinge handcuff design capable of easy and rapid manufacture from sheet metal without sacrificing strength, durability or ruggedness. The use of sheet metal cuff body members also decreases the weight of the assembly and the doublehinge construction enables compact and neat storage and transport thereof. The lock assembly provides positive multi-tooth locking engagement with the shackle and rapid rotational interengagement coupled with key removal in either a fully locked or ratcheting position.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

I claim:

1. A double-hinge handcuff assembly comprising a central hinge block having a pair of spaced, generally parallel pin-receiving bores forming portions of separate hinge connections and a pair of substantially identical, lockable cuffs hingedly connected to the block at the hinge connections, each culf having a folded, one-piece, sheet metal cuff body of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration comprising spaced confronting side walls and an integral connecting fold portion forming a hinge knuckle, each culf having a shackle movable between open and closed positions and pivotally connected to the confronting side walls for movement therebetween and each cuff having a lock mounted on said confronting side walls adjacent the fold portion for holding the shackle in a closed position.

2. The handcuff assembly of claim 1 including a hinge pin for each hinge connection passing through a bore in the hinge block and retained within the hinge knuckle of the sheet metal cuff body.

3. The handcuff assembly of claim 1 wherein the fold portion of the cult body forms a pair of hinge knuckles disposed at opposite ends of a pintle-receiving bore of the hinge block.

4. The handcuif assembly of claim 1 wherein the side Walls are secured in spaced parallel relationship and the shackle is pivotally mounted for unobstructed full revolution passage therebetween.

5. The handcuff assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock includes a lock housing traversing said side Walls and having an integral mounting flange confinably secured between the said side walls.

6. The handcufl assembly of claim 5 wherein said mounting flange extends into and is retained within the fold portion of the cuff body.

7. The handcutf assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock includes a rotatable tumbler plug and a coaxially movable shackle lock drum having peripheral locking teeth rotatably movable into locking engagement with the shackle for retention thereof in its closed position.

8. The handcuif assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge connection and includes a shackle lock drum having a pawl member permitting movement of the shackle toward a closed position and peripheral locking teeth rotatable into locking engagement with the shackle for retention thereof in its closed positions.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,775,727 9/1930 Latou l6 2,966,787 l/1961 Tompkins 70-16 3,392,554 7/ 1968 Williamson 70l6 FOREIGN PATENTS 6,808,902 12/ 1969 Netherlands 70l6 171,637 11/1934 Switzerland 70l6 GEORGE F. MAUTZ, Primary Examiner E. J. MCCARTHY, Assistant Examiner