WO2005106169A1

WO2005106169A1 - Restraint device

Info

Publication number: WO2005106169A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2005/000085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Michael Olivecrona
Original assignee: Massey University
Priority date: 2004-04-28
Filing date: 2005-04-28
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: NZ532609A

Abstract

A restraint device (1) including an engageable bracelet member (2) rigidly connected to a lever (4) and wherein said lever member (4) is further adapted to be selectively engageable with a further restraint member.

Description

Restraint Device

The present invention relates to a restraint device, in particular a restraint device suitable for restraining and controlling an individual.

Background

Restraint devices, in the form of conventional handcuffs that comprise a restraint bracelet adapted to be secured around the wrist or ankle of an individual are well known. The restraint bracelet is often chained or connected through a hinge to a further restraint bracelet. However, such conventional restraint devices are often very difficult to apply to an individual when the individual is less than compliant. To apply a conventional restraint bracelet to a less than compliant individual requires the full efforts of the restrainer and the use of both hands. Even when the restraint bracelet is secured to one wrist or one ankle of the individual being restrained, the other restraint bracelet can still be very difficult to secure either to the other wrist or other ankle of the individual being restrained. It can be very difficult for the restrainer to apply the second restraint bracelet or to even secure the second restraint bracelet to a fixed object, such as a fitting secured on the wall of a cell or the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative restraint device which overcomes some of these difficulties, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect the present invention provides a restraint device including an engageable bracelet member rigidly connected to a lever member and wherein said lever member is further adapted to be selectively engageable with a further restraint member.

Preferably, the bracelet member is dimensioned to be secured around a wrist or an ankle of an individual.

Preferably, the engageable bracelet member is adapted to engage about the wrist or ankle of an individual when struck against the wrist or ankle of an individual. In a preferred embodiment the further restraint member is a second restraint device as defined above, a baton or a restraint fixture.

Preferably the engageable bracelet is lockable.

Preferably, the lever member includes indicating means to indicate the orientation of the engageable bracelet member.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a lever member adapted for optional assembly with an engagable bracelet member to provide a restraint device as defined above.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of assembling a lever member with an engagable bracelet to provide a restraint device as defined above.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using one or more of the restraint devices defined above for the purpose of restraining an individual requiring restraint.

In a preferred embodiment, the restraint device is selected by the operator, the orientation of the engageable bracelet is determined by the operator locating the indicating means on the lever member and the engageable bracelet is struck substantially perpendicular against the wrist or ankle of the individual requiring restraint.

Preferably, the method includes the further step of coupling the restraint device and the restrained individual to a further restraint member. The further restraint member may be a second restraint device as defined above, a baton or a restraint fixture.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following details of the description with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a restraint device.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a restraint device.

Figure 3 shows a pair of restraint devices engaged together. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a suitably modified and extended telescopic baton handle adapted to receive a restraint device of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows one side view of the modified and compressed telescopic baton handle

Figure 6 shows another side view to the view shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a modified and extended telescopic baton handle with the outline of an engaged restraint device of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows an exploded and perspective view of the handle and a restraint device.

Detailed Description

With reference to figures 1 and 2, two embodiments of the restraint device 1 of the invention are illustrated. In Figure 1 a male version of the restraint device is illustrated. The restraint device 1 provides an engageable bracelet 2. The engageable bracelet 2 is shown in a closed position and is able to be locked through keyhole 3. The engageable bracelet is rigidly connected to a lever member 4. The lever member 4 in this embodiment is a male lever member, meaning that the length of the lever may be received by a complimentary female lever member. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 2 and described further below. The lever member preferably includes an indicating means 5 so that an operator can determine^' the orientation of the engageable bracelet through feeling for the indicating means, rather than needing to bring the engageable bracelet into the operator's line of vision prior to use. Preferably the lever member is adapted to include an antirotation feature 7, which limits rotation, when in use, of the restraint device relative to a second engaged complimentary restraint device.

A locking feature 8 is provided to snap-lockingly engage with the complimentary female lever member of the restraint device as illustrated in Figure 2. The locking feature can be a biased locking lever 8 on the male member that can be depressed and released from engagement upon applying pressure to the locking lever. The locking lever could provide a locking tooth 9 that engages with a complimentary shaped receiving notch or groove 10 (shown in Figure 2) on the lever member of the female restraint device. It is to be appreciated that two such locking features could be provided on opposite sides of the restraint device. Alternatively, the snap lock closure can be a biased button on the male lever member that can be optionally depressed and then biased to release into a complimentary receiving orifice on the female member. Other methods of securing a female and male coupling together in a snap locking manner could also be applicable.

Figure 2 shows an engageable bracelet 2 which can be locked through keyhole 3 and which is rigidly connected to a female lever member 7. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 the engageable bracelet is shown in an open position. This illustration shows that one arm 11 of the bracelet rotates about pin 12 from the closed position to an open position. In use what occurs is that the arm 11 as illustrated in Figure 1 in the closed position can be struck substantially perpendicular against a wrist or the like forcing the rotation of the arm through the gap 13 in the other fixed arm 14 around into the open position to enclose the wrist. The arm 11 , which has a series of spaced apart teeth 15 then ratchet into a closed position against a biased pawl (not shown) that abuts the spaced apart teeth located in the internal mechanism of the engageable bracelet. This is the manner of operation of a conventional handcuff bracelet and reference is made to the corresponding detailed description of US 5461890 outlining how such an engageable bracelet arrangement operates. Figure 2 also shows an antirotation feature 16, which is a pin extending through the lever member, which co-operates with the feature 7 shown in Figure 1 on the complimentary male lever member.

In both embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 the female and male lever members are of a length sufficient to enable someone to grip on to the lever member and control the application of the engageable bracelet over the wrist or the ankle of an individual requiring restraint. The preferred length of each lever member is between 15 cm to 30 cm. It is to be appreciated that the length of a lever member can vary depending on the type of purpose to which the restraint device is to be put. The preferred length of each lever member has been selected to ensure a reasonable distance is maintained when a complimentary pair of lever members are engaged together.

Because of the ability of the operator to lever the engageable bracelet relative to an ankle or wrist, means that the operator has considerable leverage and control over the ankle or wrist of the individual requiring restraint and furthermore the operator has such control without the need to use both hands. The leverage is such that the individual being restrained, can be readily made to comply with the operator of the restraint device. Surprisingly, it has also been found that even when the engageable bracelet has not been fastened tightly by ratcheting the arm 11 into the biasing pawl that the operator of the restraint device can still have considerable control over an offender.

A further advantage of the lever member is that the engageable bracelet can be engaged onto either side of an individual's wrist or ankle requiring restraint from a distance more remote than with conventional cuffs. This is desirable from a safety perspective when an operator of the restraint device can remain somewhat remote from the individual requiring restraint.

With reference to Figure 3, this figure illustrates the connection of a pair of restraint devices as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. In use, female and male lever members can be coupled together providing, if required, an option of applying the engageable bracelet to both ankles or both wrists, for example, of an individual requiring restraint. The female and male members can be engaged using a coupling or snap locking engagement mechanism (not shown in Figure 3), but described above.

Figure 4 shows a modified extended telescopic baton 17, which can be employed by the likes of a police officer, riot squad member or the like. The baton 17 has a modified handle 18. The handle 18 is adapted to be optionally engagable with a female lever member of a restraint device as shown in Figure 2. The handle 18 has a gripping surface 19. The handle is further adapted to include an antirotation feature 20 which is adapted to engage in a complimentary manner with an antirotation pin extending through the complimentary female lever member (not shown).

Figures 5 and 6 show the baton in a non-extended form. In Figure 5 the handle 18 is also shown as having locating means 21 on one side. This provides a user with a non-visual guide to determine the orientation of the baton handle just prior to fitting a restraint device to the handle. A locking feature 22 is provided to snap-lockingly engage with the complimentary female lever member of the restraint device as illustrated in Figure 7. The locking feature 22 is a locking lever that can be depressed and released from engagement upon applying pressure to the locking lever above depression 23. The locking feature 22 provides a locking tooth 24 that engages with a complimentary shaped receiving notch or groove on the lever member of the female restraint device 25 as illustrated in Figure 7. It will be appreciated that the positioning of a restraint device on the end of a baton like this enables a restrainer to engage the ankle or wrist of an offender even move remotely using the length of the baton to provide distance between the restrainer and the individual requiring restraint. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the restrainer has the ability to apply further leverage to the ankle or wrist about which the engageable bracelet is secured. It is envisaged that the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 would be particularly useful for restrainers in riot or protest situations where the protesters or rioters are within an arms length of a line of police or riot squad members. In such a situation, the front line riot squad or police member could use the baton and restraint device to apprehend an offending individual relatively easily, without breaking the line or having to exchange the baton for a separate restraint device. The leverage that the apprehender could apply to the engageable bracelet would be such that the offender would become relatively compliant and the riot squad member or police officer could simply pass the baton onto a second line police or riot squad member. The process could be repeated whereby a second line police officer or riot squad member passes a further baton and restraint device to the front line officer or riot squad member enabling the process to be repeated, where necessary.

Figure 8 shows that it is possible to upgrade an existing hand cuff assembly 26 where the hand cuff assembly comprises a cuff attached to another cuff through a length of chain link. The chain link can be readily removed to leave a lug 27 at the base of the cuff. The cuff can then be secured to a lever member by taking advantage of the existing lug and securing a pin through the lug and an orifice 28 in lever member 29 as illustrated. The inventor has found that this modification and assembly of existing cuffs in this manner is readily achievable. It is therefore to be appreciated that this method of assembly and the modified lever member also form aspects of the invention provided.

It is to be appreciated that the restraint device of the invention and parts therefor could be constructed from the likes of rigid plastics material, possibly injection moulded, metals and metal alloys and ceramics materials. Any material would be suitable provided it provides rigidity and strength to the final restraint device to a degree that would enable the apprehension and control of a large and strong individual without the risk of structural defects occurring and without the risk of physical injury being experienced by the user or the individual being restrained.

In trials using the restraint device of the present invention it has been established that one can readily flick the engageable bracelet onto either side of the wrist or ankle of a person requiring apprehension without any sophisticated moves or techniques, which are often required for the use of conventional handcuffs. It has also been established that a one-handed technique can be readily employed to restrain the individual requiring restraint with very little, effort.

It is has also been surprising just how the additional leverage can make a person requiring restraint very compliant. This is so even when the engageable bracelet remains loosely applied.

Furthermore, when the restraint device is secured to the end of a baton, it is difficult for a person being apprehended to grab or snatch away the baton when the cuff is positioned at the end of it.

It is also envisaged that miniature versions of such restraint devices could be developed for the purposes of restraining a thumb or large toe of a person requiring restraint. Such miniaturised restraint devices could be useful for situations that warrant a lower level of restraint.

It is to be appreciated that the female or male lever members of the restraint device can be engaged and secured with complimentary restraint fixtures that are attached either to the inside of a cell, a wall or even to a specially modified van or vehicle. Such a complimentary restraint fixture member could be the likes of a complimentary protruding male restraint fixture that engages a female lever member of a restraint device. Similarly, a complimentary female inset restraint fixture may be used to engage with a complimentary male lever member of a restraint device of the invention.

It is envisaged that the restraint devices could be worn by the likes of a police officer or a riot squad member or the like simply using a quick release clip or the like that engages to the belt of the police officer or riot squad member so that the restraint device is worn externally and hangs from the belt of a police officer or riot squad member or the like available for quick access.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 A restraint device including an engageable bracelet member rigidly connected to a lever member and wherein said lever member is further adapted to be selectively engageable with a further restraint member.

2 The restraint device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracelet member is dimensioned to be secured around a wrist or an ankle of an individual.

3 The restraint device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the engageable bracelet member is adapted to engage about the wrist or ankle of an individual when struck against the wrist or ankle of an individual.

4 The restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the further restraint member is a second restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, a baton or a restraint fixture.

5 The restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the engageable bracelet is lockable.

6 The restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the lever member includes indicating means to indicate the orientation of the engageable bracelet member.

7 A lever member adapted for optional assembly with an engagable bracelet member to provide a restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8 A method of assembling a lever member with an engagable bracelet to provide a restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9 A method of using one or more of the restraint devices as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 for the purpose of restraining an individual requiring restraint.

10 A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the restraint device is selected by an operator, the orientation of the engageable bracelet is then determined by the operator by locating the indicating means on the lever member and the engageable bracelet is struck substantially perpendicular against the wrist or ankle of the individual requiring restraint. 11 The method as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 which further includes the step of coupling the restraint device and the restrained individual to a further restraint member.

12 The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the further restraint member is a second restraint device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, a baton or a restraint fixture.