Handcuff key light

[0002] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/238,502 filed on Oct. 6, 2000.

[0003] The present invention relates to a key light, in general, and, in particular, to a handcuff key light.

[0004] Law enforcement officers are often required to perform their duties under adverse conditions and in dimly lit areas. One specific task they must perform is the placing and removing of handcuffs on a difficult and struggling suspect.

[0005] Due to the fact that a suspect may be struggling in a dimly lit area, it can be quite difficult for the officer to see where the keyhole is on the handcuffs. Furthermore, powerful officers will not be able to restrict the amount of force that may be required while removing the handcuffs, thereby subjecting the handcuff keys to enormous amounts of stress during turning. As a result, a way is needed to project a light generally along the key shaft, to illuminate the handcuff key hole. Also, it is desirable to have a handcuff key that is strong enough to withstand the forces that it will be subjected to during turning under harsh physical conditions.

[0006] To this end, the present invention comprises a handcuff key light, having a cylindrical handcuff operating member comprised of either a key or a double locking pin, having one or more stabilizing protrusions extending generally radially from the cylindrical key, which is molded into a body. Additionally, there is a light source for providing light along the cylindrical handcuff operating member, and connected to an electrical power source to provide electrical power to the light source.

[0007] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more easily and better understood when read in conjunction with the Figures of the Drawing which include:

[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a handcuff key light according to the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view schematic diagram of the handcuff key light of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a partial side section elevation schematic diagram of the handcuff key light shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side elevation schematic diagram of the cover shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0012] FIG. 5A is a side elevation schematic diagram of the handcuff key light shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] FIG. 5B is a cross-section schematic diagram of the handcuff key light shown in FIG. 5A, as viewed along line 5B—5B thereof.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the handcuff key light according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view schematic diagram of the alternative embodiment of the handcuff key light of FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a partial side section elevation schematic diagram of the alternative embodiment of the handcuff key light shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a side elevation schematic diagram of the cover shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section schematic diagram of the alternative embodiment of the handcuff key light shown in FIG. 6.

[0019] In the Drawing, where an element or feature is shown in more than one drawing figure, the same alphanumeric designation may be used to designate such element or feature in each figure, and where a closely related or modified element is shown in a figure, the same alphanumerical designation primed may be used to designate the modified element or feature. It is noted that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale, and the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a handcuff key light according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view schematic diagram of the handcuff key light of FIG. 1. Handcuff key light 10 comprises a cylindrical handcuff operating member, which may be in the form of an operative cylindrical key 20, extending forward from a front end of molded body 30, for locking and/or unlocking a handcuff. Cylindrical key 20 is typically inserted into and rotated in a handcuff keyhole in order to release the handcuffs from a suspect's hands. As may be convenient, another cylindrical handcuff operating member in the form of a locking pin 34 is provided at the rearward end of molded body 30. In addition, swivel collar 35, swivel loop 36, and ring 37 may also be provided at the rearward end of body 30 for carrying convenience.

[0021] Molded body 30 is generally rectilinear, resembling a rectangular parallelpieped having a taper at the front end where cylindrical key 20 is molded into body 30, and a similar taper at the rearward end where pin 34 and collar 35 are disposed. Furthermore body 30 contains cavity 38, typically a cylindrical cavity, substantially centrally located in body 30, and typically encompassing the greater portion of the center of body 30, as may be seen in the partial side-section elevation schematic diagram of FIG. 3. Cylindrical cavity 38 in body 30 is adapted to receive at least one cylindrical battery 50.

[0022] Molded body 30 typically includes a base 45 and a cover 32 that are fastened together. A forward cavity 24 is provided at the front taper of body 30, typically in base 45, and is adapted to receive a light source, such as LED 40. LED 40 is disposed within body 30, with its light-producing end in cavity 24, such that a first lead 41 of LED 40 is substantially flush against the bottom of cavity 38, and is disposed along channel 25. The depth of channel 25 is less than the diameter or thickness of lead 41. When LED 40 is disposed in cavity 24, the light it produces is directed generally along the axial direction of cylindrical key 30.

[0023] At least one battery 50 is positioned in cavity 38 of body 30, typically in base 45, such that a first battery terminal of the battery is in constant electrical contact with first lead 41 of LED 40 at the bottom of cavity 38. An annular insulator such as insulating washer 31 is disposed against the second terminal of the battery, and separates the second lead 42 of LED 40 from the second terminal of battery 50, so that second lead 42 will not make contact with the second terminal of battery 50 until desired by the user of handcuff key light 10. The second lead 42 of LED 40 extends therefrom approximately parallel to lead 41, and is spaced away from lead 41, such that LED 40 is disposed with leads 41 and 42 straddling battery 50 and insulating washer 31. Lead 42 is flexed for selectively making electrical contact with battery 50 when actuating portion 39 of cover 32 is depressed.

[0024] Cover 32 is disposed over insulating washer 31, batteries 50, and LED 40, and is typically fastened to base 45 body 30 by means of screws 33. At least two screws 33, and preferably three screws 33 as in the illustrated embodiment, are employed to fasten cover 32 to body 30. Cover 32 is fastened to body 30 in a manner to provide sufficient stiffness to key 10, so that cover 32 will not separate from body 30 when exposed to high turning torque during rotation of handcuff key 10 in use. An arrangement with two screws at the forward end of body 30 (i.e. oppositely disposed on either side of key section 20), and one screw at the rearward end of body 30, situated approximately centrally to body 30 is satisfactory. However, any other means of fastening, besides screws, such as pins or rivets, chemical, heat or ultrasonic welding or adhesives, can also be utilized as may be convenient.

[0025] Cover 32 includes a flexible actuating portion 39 in the central region thereof. Actuating portion 39 is formed thinner than the surrounding area of cover 32 in order to increase pliability in that region and reduce the amount of pressure required to depress actuating portion 39. Lead 42 is positioned such that it rests against the inside wall of cover 32, along channel 47, proximate to actuating portion 39, and, as shown in the side elevation schematic diagram of FIG. 4, spaced apart from battery 50 by insulating ring 31. Preferably, lead 42 is bent at an angle, for example, at about 45 degrees, and is disposed adjacent to raised feature 44 on the inside of the central region of cover 32. The height of raised feature 44 is less than the diameter or thickness of lead 42 so that when flexible actuating portion 39 is flexed to move toward battery 50, lead 42 makes contact with the terminal of battery 50.

[0026] Cylindrical key 20, which is generally cylindrical in shape, includes a metal shaft 21, some portion of which may be hollow, and a longitudinal lock flag 22 extending radially at the forward end thereof. Lock flag 22 is adapted for insertion into a handcuff keyhole for locking and/or unlocking the handcuff. Key 20 further includes one or more stabilizing protrusions, such as a longitudinal stabilizing flag 23, extending radially from the rearward end of metal shaft 21 to resist relative rotational movement of key 20 with respect to molded body 30. Other means of stabilization may be employed as well, for example, two or more stabilizing flags 23 extending radially from the rearward end of metal shaft 21, and spaced radially around the outside circumference of metal shaft 21.

[0027] At the rearward end of metal shaft 21 there exists a tip 26, which may provide further stability of key 20 as an alignment aid. It will be seen that tip 26 can also be formed in other ways, such as a recess within the metal shaft 21 of key 20, or a feature extending axially from the rearward end thereof. The rearward portion of metal shaft 21 and stabilizing flag 23 are molded into body 30 thereby to maintain the orientation of key 20 fixed with respect to key body 30, and prevent rotation of key 20 inside body 30 when subjected to rotational torque, e.g., due to the turning of handcuff key 10 inside of a handcuff lock. Key 20 is disposed at one end, usually referred to as the forward end, of body 30.

[0028] Cylindrical collar 35 is disposed annularly around pin 34 and annular flange 61 at the rear section of body 30 and has a hole through which pin 34 extends. Furthermore, collar 35 is held in place axially on body 30 by two prongs of swivel loop 36, extending radially inward into annular groove 60 through two opposing holes in collar 35 so as to engage annular flange 61, thereby, to secure loop 36 to body 30 in a manner that allows loop 36 and collar 35 to rotate, or swivel, about the longitudinal axis of body 30 of key 10, while remaining free to rotate about the axis of pin 34. Loop 36 can also be connected to an external key ring 37, such as a split ring key ring, for storage, transportation, and the like. Loop 36 is preferably formed triangularly, but any other suitable shape may be employed. As a result of the swivel action of collar 35, key 20 and body 30 may be rotated about their longitudinal axes in operation to lock or unlock a lock, such as a lock on a handcuff, without rotational restriction as a result of the swivel action of collar 35 and loop 36 with respect to body 30.

[0029] The cylindrical handcuff operating member may also be in the form of a pin 34. Pin 34 is disposed in the rear section of body section 30 and may be used, for example, engaging or disengaging the double-lock, or safety lock of a handcuff. Pin 34 is preferably molded into the rearward end of molded body 30 and may extend therefrom substantially coaxially with key 20, but can be disposed elsewhere on body 30 as may be convenient.

[0030] Battery 50 can be one or more batteries, each containing one or more cells, connected in series. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two (2) three-volt (3 V) lithium cell batteries 50 are placed one on top of the other in cavity 38, preferably with their respective positive terminals facing the bottom of cavity 38, with the positive terminal of the bottom battery 50 placed in constant physical contact with anode lead 41 of LED 40. Thus, two series-connected 3-volt batteries cooperate to provide a 6-volt battery. The negative terminal of the series-connected batteries 50 is positioned proximate cathode lead 42 of LED 40, but is normally separated or spaced apart therefrom by insulating ring 31. Furthermore, LED 40 and battery 50 cooperate, or operate in conjunction with each other, to provide illumination along the shaft of cylindrical key 20, allowing an officer to illuminate the keyhole on the handcuff, when leads 41 and 42 are selectively connected to battery 50.

[0031] When actuating portion 39 is depressed, the interior surface of actuating portion 39 flexes LED lead 42, so that LED lead 42 is selectively brought into contact with the second terminal of battery 50. Thus, a complete circuit is selectively formed between the second terminal of battery 50 and the first terminal of battery 50, thus applying the potential provided by battery 50 across LED 40, and causing LED 40 to illuminate in the directions of key 20 and pin 34.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, two 3-volt lithium batteries are shown in a series circuit configuration, producing a total source voltage of 6 V across LED 40. However, there can be other embodiments incorporating more than two, or less than two batteries 50, configured in series and connected to lead 41 and lead 42 of LED 40.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, an alternative embodiment of the handcuff key light according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] FIG. 6 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a handcuff key light according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view schematic diagram of the handcuff key light of FIG. 6. Handcuff key light 10′ comprises a cylindrical handcuff operating member, which may be in the form of an operative cylindrical key 20, extending forward from a front end of molded body 30′, for locking and/or unlocking a handcuff. Cylindrical key 20 is typically inserted into and rotated in a handcuff keyhole in order to release the handcuffs from a suspect's hands. As may be convenient, another cylindrical handcuff operating member in the form of a locking pin 34 is provided at the rearward end of molded body 30′. In addition, swivel collar 35, swivel loop 36, and ring 37 may also be provided at the rearward end of body 30′ for carrying convenience.

[0035] Molded body 30′ is generally rectilinear, resembling a rectangular parallelpieped having a taper at the front end where cylindrical key 20 is molded into body 30′, and a similar taper at the rearward end where pin 34 and collar 35 are disposed. Furthermore body 30′ contains a cavity 38, typically a cylindrical cavity 38 substantially centrally located in body 30′, and typically encompassing the greater portion of the center of body 30′, as may be seen in the partial side-section elevation schematic diagram of FIG. 8. Cylindrical cavity 38 in body 30′ is adapted to receive at least one cylindrical battery 50.

[0036] Molded body 30′ typically includes a base 45′ and a cover 32′ that are fastened together. A forward cavity 24ais provided at the front taper of molded body 30′, typically in molded base 45′, and is adapted to receive a light source, such as LED 40a. LED 40ais disposed within body 30′, with its light-producing end in cavity 24a, such that a first lead 41ais substantially flush against the bottom of cavity 38, and is disposed along channel 25a. The depth of channel 25ais less than the diameter or thickness of lead 41a. When LED 40ais disposed in cavity 24, the light it produces is directed generally along the axial direction of cylindrical key 20.

[0037] A rearward cavity 24bis formed at the rear of molded body 30′, typically in molded base 45′, and is adapted to receive a light source, such as LED 40b. LED 40bis also disposed within body 30′, with its light-producing end in cavity 24b, such that a first lead 41bof LED 40bis substantially flush against the bottom of cavity 38, and is disposed along channel 25b. The depth of channel 25bis also less than the diameter or thickness of lead 41b. When LED 40bis disposed in cavity 24b, the light it produces is directed generally along the axial direction of pin 34.

[0038] At least one battery 50 is positioned in cavity 38 of body 30′, typically in base 45′, such that a first battery terminal of the battery 50 is in constant electrical contact with first leads 41aand 41bof LEDs 40aand 40b, respectively, at the bottom of cavity 38. An annular insulator such as insulating washer 31 is disposed against the second terminal of the battery 50, and separates the second leads 42aand 42bof LEDs 40aand 40b, respectively, from the second terminal of battery 50, so that second leads 42aand 42bwill not make contact with the second terminal of battery 50 until desired by the user of handcuff key light 10′. The second leads 42aand 42bof LEDs 40aand 40bextend therefrom approximately parallel to leads 41aand 41b, and are spaced away from leads 41aand 41b, such that LEDs 40aand 40bare disposed with leads 41aand 42a, and leads 41band 42bstraddle battery 50 and insulating washer 31. Leads 42aand 42bare flexed for selectively making electrical contact with battery 50 when actuating portion 39 of cover 32′ is pressed.

[0039] Cover 32′ is disposed over insulating washer 31, batteries 50, and LEDs 40aand 40b, and is fastened to base 45′ of body 30′ by means of screws 33. At least two screws 33, and preferably three screws 33 as in the illustrated embodiment, are employed to fasten cover 32′ to body 30. Cover 32′ is fastened to body 30′ in a manner to provide sufficient stiffness to key 10′, so that cover 32′ will not separate from body 30′ when exposed to high turning torque during rotation of handcuff key 10′ in use.

[0040] An arrangement with two screws at the forward end of body 30′ (i.e. oppositely disposed on either side of key section 20), and one screw at the rearward end of body 30′, situated approximately centrally to body 30′ is satisfactory. However, any other means of fastening, besides screws, such as pins or rivets, chemical, heat or ultrasonic welding or adhesives, can also be utilized as may be convenient.

[0041] Cover 32′ includes a flexible actuating portion 39 in the central region thereof. Actuating portion 39 is formed thinner than the surrounding area of cover 32′ in order to increase pliability in that region and reduce the amount of pressure required to depress actuating portion 39. Leads 42aand 42bare positioned such that they rest against the inside wall of cover 32′, along channels 47aand 47b, respectively, proximate to actuating portion 39, and, as shown in the side elevation schematic diagram of FIG. 9, spaced apart from battery 50 by insulating ring 31. Preferably, leads 42aand 42bare bent at an angle, for example, at about 45 degrees, and are disposed adjacent to raised feature 44 on the inside of the central region of cover 32′. The height of raised feature 44 is less than the diameter or thickness of leads 42aand 42bso that when flexible actuating portion 39 is flexed to move toward battery 50, leads 42aand 42bmake contact with the terminal of battery 50.

[0042] Cylindrical key 20, which is generally cylindrical in shape, includes a metal shaft 21, some portion of which may be hollow, and a longitudinal lock flag 22 extending radially at the forward end thereof. Lock flag 22 is adapted for insertion into a handcuff keyhole for locking and unlocking the handcuff. Key 20 further includes one or more stabilizing protrusions, such as a longitudinal stabilizing flag 23, extending radially from the rearward end of metal shaft 21 to resist relative rotational movement of key 20 with respect to molded body 30′. Other means of stabilization may be employed as well, for example, two or more stabilizing flags 23 extending radially from the rearward end of metal shaft 21, and spaced radially around the outside circumference of metal shaft 21.

[0043] At the rearward end of metal shaft 21 there exists a tip 26, which may provide further stability of key 20 as an alignment aid. Tip 26 can also be formed in other ways, such as a recess within the metal shaft 21 of key 20, or a feature extending axially from the rearward end thereof. The rearward portion of metal shaft 21 and stabilizing flag 23 are molded into body 30′ thereby to maintain the orientation of key 20 fixed with respect to key body 30′, and prevent rotation of key 20 inside body 30′ when subjected to rotational torque, e.g., due to the turning of handcuff key 10′ inside of a handcuff lock. Key 20 is disposed at one end, usually referred to as the forward end, of body 30′.

[0044] Cylindrical collar 35 is disposed annularly around pin 34 and annular flange 61 at the rear section of body 30′ and has a hole through which pin 34 extends. Furthermore, collar 35 is held in place axially on body 30′ by two prongs of swivel loop 36, extending radially inward into annular groove 60 through two opposing holes in collar 35 so as to engage annular flange 61, thereby, to secure loop 36 to body 30′ in a manner that allows loop 36 and collar 35 to rotate, or swivel, about the longitudinal axis of body 30′ of key 10′, while remaining free to rotate about the axis of pin 34.

[0045] Loop 36 can also be connected to an external key ring 37, such as a split ring key ring, for storage, transportation, and the like. Loop 36 is preferably formed triangularly, but any other suitable shape may be employed. As a result of the swivel action of collar 35, key 20 and body 30′ may be rotated about their longitudinal axes in operation to lock or unlock a lock, such as a lock on a handcuff, without rotational restriction as a result of the swivel action of collar 35 and loop 36 with respect to body 30′.

[0046] Pin 34 is a cylindrical handcuff operating member disposed in the rear section of body section 30′ and may be used for engaging or disengaging the double-lock, or safety lock of a handcuff. Pin 34 is preferably molded into the rearward end of molded body 30′, but can be disposed elsewhere on body 30′ as may be convenient.

[0047] Battery 50 can be one or more batteries, each containing one or more cells, connected in series. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two (2) three-volt (3 V) lithium cell batteries 50 are placed one on top of the other in cavity 38, preferably with their respective positive terminals facing the bottom of cavity 38, with the positive terminal of the bottom battery 50 placed in constant physical contact with the respective anode leads 41aand 41bof LEDs 40aand 40b. Thus, two series connected 3-volt batteries cooperate to provide a 6-volt battery. The negative terminal of the series-connected batteries 50 is positioned proximate cathode leads 42aand 42bof LEDs 40aand 40b, but is normally separated or spaced apart therefrom by insulating ring 31, so that leads 42aand 42bwhen flexed selectively connect to battery 50. Furthermore, LED 40aand battery 50 cooperate, or operate in conjunction with each other, to provide illumination in a direction along the shaft of cylindrical key 20, allowing an officer to illuminate the keyhole on the handcuff, when leads 41aand 41b, and 42aand 42bare selectively connected to battery 50. Likewise, LED 40band battery 50 cooperate, or operate in conjunction with each other, to provide illumination in a direction along the shaft of pin 34.

[0048] When actuating portion 39 is depressed, the interior surface of actuating portion 39 flexes LED leads 42aand 42b, so that LED leads 42aand 42bare selectively brought into contact with the second terminal of battery 50. Thus, a complete circuit is selectively formed between the second terminal of battery 50 and the first terminal of battery 50, thus applying the potential provided by battery 50 across LEDs 40aand 40b, and causing LEDs 40aand 40bto illuminate in the directions of key 20 and pin 34.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, two 3-volt lithium batteries are shown in a series circuit configuration, producing a total source voltage of 6 V across LEDs 40 and 40′. However, there can be other embodiments incorporating more than two, or less than two batteries 50, configured in series and connected to leads 41aand 41b, and leads 42aand 42bof LEDs 40aand 40b, respectively.

[0050] Molded body 30, 30′ and cover 32, 32′ are formed of a plastic material having a modulus of flexibility in a range such that the cover and body will not break during the high turning stresses they may be subjected to by a powerful police officer, but that is rigid enough so that the cover and/or body will not easily distort and/or separate from each other during such use to a degree that the selective electrical connections of LED leads 41, 41a, 41b, 42, 42aand/or 42bwith battery or batteries 50 is interrupted. Furthermore, it is desirable that both the cover and body be formed of the same material, e.g., for uniform appearance. One suitable material is an unreinforced super tough nylon.

[0051] Additionally, other materials can be utilized. Examples thereof include, for example, a super tough nylon 6/6, such as DuPont ZYTEL® nylon (polyamide), which has a modulus of flexibility of about 2.45×10⁵psi @25° C. and about 2.85×10⁵psi @−40° C. Furthermore, nylon is an injection moldable thermoplastic. Alternatively, DuPont ZYTEL® nylon 6/6, with a modulus of flexibility of about 3.2×10⁵psi @25° C., and with a 14% glass fiber filler for reinforcement may also be a suitable material. Likewise, thermoplastic elastomers such as urethane or santoprene #103-50 are suitable materials, but may be less desirable. G-33 glass filled nylon, which has a 33% glass filler, while sufficiently strong, may be too rigid to permit easy actuation of actuating portion 39 if portion 39 is relatively thick.

[0052] Suitable batteries include, for example, type CR2016 available from Energizer and similar button cells available from other battery suppliers. Suitable LEDs 40aand 40binclude, for example, types NP-W available from Nichia Company, located in Japan. Cylindrical key 20 may be formed from an extruded blank from which portions of a longitudinal flange are removed to leave lock flag 26 and stabilizing flag 23, or flags 23 and 26 could be welded to a cylindrical blank. Suitable materials for key 20 and pin 34 include brass, steel, stainless steel and the like. Suitable handcuff keys 20 are standard items available from many commercial sources.

[0053] While the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, variations within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims following will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, flex portion 39 could be in cover 32, 32′ as illustrated, or as a flex portion of body 30, 30′ providing the bottom or fundus of cavity 38, or both. Moreover, the designations “cover” and “body” are typically given to the thinner and thicker parts, respectively, that together provide a body within which are disposed one or more batteries 50 and one or more light sources 40. Rather than being provided as two pieces, such body could be a unit as obtained when a cover and body are fastened, e.g., by heat or ultrasonic welding or a solvent-type adhesive, or by a unitary molded body containing battery or batteries 50 and LEDs 40, or 40a, 40b.

[0054] While the exemplary light source described above is a LED, other types of light sources, such as an incandescent lamp, a xenon lamp, and the like, may be employed, and the light provided thereby, while generally in a direction along the operating member, need not be precisely aligned or focused, buy may provide general illumination. Moreover, while the exemplary battery type described above is a lithium cell, other types of batteries, such as alkaline batteries, silver batteries, and rechargeable batteries, among others, may be employed. In addition, cylindrical key 20 may be solid, hollow, or partially hollow.

[0055] LED 40, 40a, 40bmay have at least one of its leads held spaced apart from battery 50 by an insulating member, such as washer 31, or a block or bar or rod of insulating material, or by the spacing of the leads 41, 42 or LED 40 being sufficiently greater than the thickness of battery 50 without an intervening insulating spacer.