Automatic cuff device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device that actuates the clasp of a cuff to immobilise a moving individual. It comprises a housing (1) provided with an electric motor (2) actuating a pulley (3), which winds a cable (4), and a clasp (5) composed of rigid links (6) interconnected by a flexible joint. When the motor (2) is started, it activates the cable (4), which circulates from link to link (6), thus winding the clasp (5) in a spiral and closing the cuff on the limb of the individual to be immobilised. The device according to the invention is intended to be used for protecting material goods and premises - shops, private houses and warehouses - and is intended to be used by the police force.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handcuff whose clasp has alternating projection and spacing and comprises a succession of rigid elements connected to each other by a flexible joint and crossed by a cable which, when actuated by a motor, reduces the spacing between the adjacent rigid elements, generating the spiral winding of the clasp and the closing of the handcuff.

[0002] Alarm systems for homes, shops, warehouses, and factories operate on the principle of deterrence. They threaten the arrival of an intervention force to put burglars to flight, but do not allow their capture for arrest and do not protect material property from vandalism. Furthermore, "wolf trap" type systems that allow catching a moving individual are prohibited because they can cause serious injury. Similarly, police officers must engage their security to immobilize offenders before handcuffing them and can hardly intervene in the middle of a crowd that makes their interventions high-risk. Document US 2012 / 118027 A1 (Shulman Purt H) of May 17, 2012 presents handcuffs with automatic closures, however, the capabilities offered by its constituent elements do not allow the problems identified to be solved.

[0003] It would therefore be advantageous to solve one or more of the problems identified with an automatic handcuffing device that allows the limb of a moving offender to be encircled and immobilized for arrest.

[0004] To solve one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above, an automatic handcuff device comprises: a housing comprising at least one electric motor actuating at least one pulley and a clasp composed of a set of links forming a chain in which each link is connected by its sides to the adjacent link with a pin, the first link being fixed by one side to the housing with a pin, the links have an asymmetrical structure and their assembly generates a repeated offset such that the clasp can be wound in a spiral, each link has on its front face a projection provided with at least one substantially horizontal orifice crossed by a cable, each cable circulating from link to link through the orifices and each cable being fixed by one end to a pulley and fixed by the other end to the projection of a link and at least one cable being fixed to the last link of the clasp so that, when the motor operates the pulleys and winds the cables, each cable pulls on the projection of a link to which it is attached, said projection, acting as a lever, pivots said link and presses on the projection of the adjacent and preceding link, transmitting to it the force of said cable and in turn producing the rotation of all the links, causing the clasp to wind in a spiral on its front face and closing the handcuff, the motor is switched off by an overvoltage sensor and the pulleys equipped with a disengageable anti-return maintain the tension in the cables and the wound clasp, the handcuff is opened by disengaging the anti-return of the pulleys and starting the motor in the opposite direction, releasing the tension in the cables and allowing the clasp to unwind.

[0005] Automatic handcuff device comprising a housing equipped with an electric motor actuating a pulley and a clasp made of a strap of semi-rigid material in which projections are sculpted, a spacing separating each projection such that the flexibility of the strap allows the projections to be inclined and offset, each projection is provided with at least one substantially horizontal orifice and pierced at an angle, such that the orifices of two adjacent projections have a horizontal offset, each orifice being crossed by a cable, each cable circulating from projection to projection and each cable being fixed by one end to a pulley and fixed by the other end to a projection, the strap being fixed by a screw to the housing, so that, when the motor operates the pulleys and winds the cables, each cable pulls on the projection to which it is attached, said projection, acting as a lever, tilts against the adjacent projection and the holes aligning and coming into contact, the projection shifts and transmits the tension of the cable to the previous projection and all the projections of the strap tilt and shift in turn, generating the spiral winding of the clasp and the closing of the handcuff to open the handcuff, the motor is stopped, releasing the tension in the cables and allowing the clasp to unwind.

[0006] Special features of the embodiment are: The holes in the projections can be equipped with pulleys guiding the cables.

[0007] The case may have wheels and, like a motorized model vehicle, may be steered by a remote operator using a remote control to control the winding and unwinding of the clasp.

[0008] The motor can be controlled by an electronic detection system.

[0009] The housing may include a hatch provided with a closing latch and may include a spring, fixed by one end to the first link and by the other end to said housing so that when the engine is started, the latch is open and the spring, contracting, pivots on its pin the first link which, pushing the hatch, comes out of the housing, and so that in the open position of the handcuff, the hatch closed by the latch keeps the clasp in the housing, forcing the spring into extension.

[0010] The housing may comprise a second motor actuating a pulley and each link may have on its rear face a projection provided with an orifice crossed by a cable circulating from link to link and said cable being fixed by one end to the pulley and by the other end to the projection of the last link of the clasp so that, when the motor actuates the pulley and winds the cable, said cable pulls on the projection to which it is fixed, said projection, acting as a lever, pivots the link on its rear face and presses on the projection of the adjacent link, transmitting the tension of the cable and each link pivoting in turn, the clasp unwinds and the handcuff opens.

[0011] The motor can be connected to each pulley by a disengageable clutch so that when the programmed sequence of the electronic box for closing the handcuff is engaged, the clutch of the large pulley is disengaged, the motor is started and actuates the small pulley, winding the small cable which pulls on the projection of the link to which it is attached, producing the rotation of said link and in turn of the links preceding it and generating the winding of the first part of the clasp, the last part of the clasp, having an elongated shape, pivots, actuated by the movement of the link to which the small cable is attached, the programmed sequence of the electronic box then engaging the clutch of the large pulley and disengaging the clutch of the small pulley which remains blocked by its anti-return device, the large pulley then actuating the large cable which pulls on the last link, winding in turn the preceding links and winding the last part of the clasp,closing the handcuff.,

[0012] The rear projections may have a shape identical to the front projections and the motors may be connected to the pulleys by a clutch so that when the motor is started and the clutch disconnects the pulleys from the motor, the clasp is wound onto the rear face of the links by the cables which pull on the rear projections of the links, closing the handcuff, said handcuff being able to close on the rear and front face of the links.

[0013] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the attached figures, given solely by way of example.

[0014] Brief description of the figures. There figure 1 is a perspective view of the automatic handcuff device according to a first embodiment of the invention. figure 2 is a front view of the figure 3 . There figure 3 is a perspective and locally enlarged view of one of the elements constituting the clasp of the device as shown in the figure 1 There figure 4 is a top view of the figure 3 There figure 5 is a side view of the figure 3 There figure 6 is a side view of the assembly of the elements constituting the clasp of the device as shown in the figure 1 There figure 7 is a side view showing the vertical offset of the elements constituting the clasp of the device as shown in the figure 1 There figure 8 is a top view of the assembly of the elements constituting the clasp of the device as shown in the figure 1 There figure 9 is a locally enlarged view of the device of the figure 1 in open position The figure 10 is a top and locally enlarged view of the device of the figure 1 in open position The figure 11 is a top view of the device of the figure 1 during the closing process The figure 12 is a front view of the figure 13 There figure 13 is a locally enlarged perspective view of one of the elements constituting the clasp of the device as shown in the figure 16 . There figure 14 is a top view of the figure 13 There figure 15 is a side view of the figure 13 There figure 16 is a top and locally enlarged view of a variant of the automatic handcuff device as shown in the figure 1 There figure 17 is a top and locally enlarged view of the device as shown in the figure 16 in open position The figure 18 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 16 whose trapdoor is closed figure 19 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 16 whose trapdoor is open figure 20 is a locally enlarged view of elements of the device of the figure 21 There figure 21 is a top view of a variant of the device of the figure 16 There figure 22 is a top view of a variant of the device of the figure 16 There figure 23 is a perspective and enlarged view of an element constituting the clasp of the device of the figure 22 There figure 24 is a top view of the device of the figure 22 in reverse closed position. The figure 25 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device. figure 26 is a locally enlarged view of elements of the device of the figure 25 There figure 27 is a locally enlarged view of elements of the device of the figure 25 Figure 28 is an isometric view of a variant of the device of the figures 16 Figure 29 is a top view of the device of Figure 28.

[0015] In reference to the figures 1 à 11 a first embodiment of an automatic handcuff is shown. In the figure 1 , only the base of the box (1) is shown. The box (1) is positioned so as to remain hidden from view, and in a strategic location so that the handcuff offers the best effectiveness, such as, for example, embedded in a wall near a door or at the bottom of a store window. The box (1) is equipped with an electric motor (2) which drives two pulleys (3) of different dimensions winding the cables (4) and actuating the winding of the clasp (5) in a spiral and the closing of the handcuff. The clasp (5) is composed like a chain of links (6) and measures 80cm in length. The links (6) have holes (7) in which the cables (4) circulate.

[0016] In the figures 2, 3 , 4 et 5 one of the links (6) making up the clasp (5) is shown. The link (6) has a projecting front face (8) provided with several lateral orifices (7) which are substantially inclined relative to the horizontal. The orifices (7) are each equipped with a pulley (9) which guides the winding cables (4) circulating in the orifices (7) which allows, among other things, to limit friction and improve the speed of closing of the handcuff. The pulleys (9) are fixed using a pin (10). In the figure 2 , The link (6) has on its right side two lugs (11) positioned symmetrically with respect to the horizontal axis (A) and on the opposite side, a single lug (11) positioned below the horizontal axis (A). The lugs (11) have a substantially vertical orifice (12).

[0017] In the figure 6 , the adjacent links (6) making up the clasp (5) are connected to each other by their lugs (11): the single lug (11) of a link fits between the two duplicate lugs of the adjacent link and a pin (13) is inserted into the orifice (12) of the three lugs, thus forming a rotary junction connecting the adjacent links which can pivot. The asymmetrical positioning of the single lug (11) creates a repeated vertical offset (D) between the adjacent links (6), allowing the clasp (5) to spiral.

[0018] There figure 7 illustrates the offset obtained by the asymmetrical positioning of the single lug (11) presented figure 2 And figure 6 . The link (6) measures 2.8 cm in height and 6 cm in length, the single lug (11) has an offset (D) of 0.5 cm downwards, thus, the offset obtained with seven links being 3.5 cm, the width of the projections (8) is determined to limit the rotation of the links (6) and obtain a complete winding turn with seven links in order to allow the spiral winding of the clasp (5). The spiral winding of the clasp (5) makes it possible to produce a handcuff with a long clasp offering a large sweeping and gripping area for high gripping efficiency. The power of the motor (2), the length of the projections (8) and the limitation of friction of the cable (4) determine the speed of winding of the clasp.

[0019] In the figure 8 , the rotation of the adjacent links (6) reduces the spacing between the projections (8) generating the winding of the clasp (5). The orifices (7) have a substantially inclined drilling so that when the links rotate, the orifices (7) of the adjacent links are opposite each other and compensate for the height offset produced by the single lug (11).

[0020] In the figures 9, 10 And 11 , not all links (6) of the clasp are shown for greater clarity of drawing. Figure 9 , only the large pulley (3) is shown.

[0021] In the figures 9 et 10 , the motor (2) is switched off, the clasp (5) is unwound and rests in the housing (1) which has two compartments, one containing the motor-pulley system, the other containing the clasp (5). The winding cables (4) pass through the holes in the partition wall (14) separating the compartments. Only the base of the housing and the partition wall (14) are shown. The first link (6) at the base of the clasp is fixed to the housing (1) by a pin (13). The motor compartment is locked and accessible only to the operator. The winding cables (4) circulate from link to link through the holes (7).

[0022] The longest winding cable (4) is glued by one end to the largest pulley (3) and by the other end is fixed to the projection (8) of the last link (6) of the clasp, using a locking end piece (15). The shortest cable (4) is glued to the smallest pulley (3) and to the projection (8) of the first link (6) of the clasp using a locking end piece (15). The pulleys (3) are equipped with a disengageable anti-return system (16) which prevents the reverse rotation of the pulleys when the motor (2) is switched off, allowing the clasp to be kept locked in its wound position and the handcuff closed.

[0023] A motion detector (17) activates the start of the motor (2) when an individual passes by. The overvoltage sensor (18) stops the motor (2) when the traction of the motor on the cables (4) exceeds a determined threshold so that the clasp (5) does not cause injury. The electronic box (e) manages the detectors (17)(18), the motor (2) and the anti-return device (16) of the pulleys (3), and allows the operator to control the opening and closing of the automatic handcuff remotely, like an alarm controlled remotely by a security service.

[0024] In the figure 11 , the clasp winding process is in progress.

[0025] The operating process is as follows: When the motion detector (17) is activated, it starts the motor (2), actuating the pulleys (3) and winding the cables (4) which pull on the projections (8) to which they are attached causing the rotation of the links by their projection (8) which act as a lever, and said projections (8) come to press on the projection of the adjacent and previous link (6), transmitting the force of the cable (4). All the links (6) of the clasp pivot in turn reducing the spacing between their projections (8) and generating the spiral winding of the clasp (5) and the closing of the handcuff. The overvoltage detector (18) stops the motor (2). The anti-reverse (16) of the pulleys (3) blocks the cable (4) and keeps the clasp (5) wound. When the handcuff wraps around a limb, the operating process includes an additional factor: the links rest on the limb, pivoting around it and transmitting the tension of the cable.

[0026] The operator activates the opening of the handcuff via the electronic box (e) which disengages the anti-return device (16) and starts the motor (2) in the reverse direction, the pulleys (3) then unwind the cables (4), opening the clasp. The electronic box is programmed to stop the motor (2) when the cables (4) are completely unwound and to re-engage the anti-return device (16) of the pulleys (3). The operator then replaces the clasp (5) in the box (1).

[0027] The projections (8) are lined on their front face with a layer of soft rubber to protect the member enclosed in the handcuff. The first link (6) at the base of the clasp is connected to the housing by a pin (13) and has a greater length than the other links. Under the pulling action of the cable (4), the first link pivots and shifts all the other links of the housing (1). The duration of winding of the longest cable (4) around the large pulley (3) is equal to the duration of winding of the smallest cable around the small pulley so, at the end of winding of the clasp, all the winding cables (4) arrive at the same time at the end of winding around their respective pulley allowing the rotation of all the links (6) and a complete closure of the clasp (5).

[0028] The cables (4) are all attached to a different link (5) and a different pulley (3) and pass through different holes (7). The number of cables (4) and the choice of links (6) on which said cables (4) are attached, determines the number and position of the starting points of winding of the clasp, thus by multiplying the attachment angles, the clasp tightens more effectively around the limb to be immobilized and makes it possible to optimize the attachment capacity of the handcuff.

[0029] A variant of the device of the figure 1 is illustrated in the figures 12 à 19 .

[0030] In the figure 13 , the link (6) has a projection (20) on the rear face provided with a single orifice (21) crossed by the cable (24) which circulates from link to link. The cable (24) is glued by one end to the pulley (23) and by the other end is fixed on the last link with a locking end piece (15). The pulley (23) is actuated by the motor (22). The shape and width of the projections (20) prevent the rotation of the links on their rear face and when the clasp is completely unwound, the projections (20) are in contact and the clasp has a longitudinal shape.

[0031] The winding cables (4) run from link (6) to link through the holes (7) and are glued by one end to a pulley (3) and are fixed by the other end to the projection (8) of a link (6) using a locking end piece (15) such that: The longest winding cable (4) is glued to the largest pulley (3) and fixed to the projection (8) of the last link (6) of the clasp. The shorter cable (4) is fixed to the smallest pulley (3) and to the projection (8) of the fifth link (6) of the clasp. The medium-length cable (4) is fixed to the medium-sized pulley (3) and to the projection (8) of the ninth link (6) of the clasp. An electronic box (e) manages the detectors, motors and anti-return devices (16) of the pulleys (3), and allows the operator to control the opening of the handcuff.

[0032] In the figures 16,17 , 18 et 19 , the housing has two compartments, one containing the two motors (2) and (22), the pulleys (3) equipped with a disengageable non-return device (16) and the pulley (23) which is not equipped with a non-return device. The other compartment contains the clasp (5).

[0033] The cables (4) and (24) pass through the holes in the partition (14) separating the compartments. The first link (6) of the base of the clasp is connected by a pin (13) to the housing (1) and has a longer length than the other links. The spring (25) is fixed by one end to the housing (1) with a screw (26) and by the other end to the projection (8) of the first link (6) by a screw (26) such that in the unwound position of the clasp (5) and open position of the handcuff, the first link is housed in the housing and the spring is stretched.

[0034] The length of the projection (8) of the links (6) and the power of the motor (2) determine the speed and the closing power of the handcuff. The motor (22) turns significantly faster than the motor (2).

[0035] In the figure 16 , the clasp spirals downwards, not all links (6) of the clasp are shown for greater clarity of drawing. The projections (8) of the adjacent links are in contact and their shape associated with their width cover and protect the cables (4) against possible cutting. The spring (25) is in the rest position. Figure 17 , the clasp is unwound in the housing (1), the spring (25) is stretched, the handcuff is opened.

[0036] The operating process is as follows: When activated, the weight detector (27) which is positioned in the gripping area of ​​the handcuff, triggers the closing process of the handcuff via the electronic box (e): The latch (28) of the hatch (29) is open, the first link (6) pivots, under the action of the spring (25), and comes out of the housing (1) pushing the hatch (29). the first link undergoes an accelerated pivot thanks to the spring which positions the clasp at 90° from the housing, improving the gripping capacity of the handcuff.

[0037] The motor (22) is started in reverse, actuating the pulley (23) and unwinding the cable (24). The motor (2) is started, actuating the pulleys (3) and winding the cables (4). The cables (4) pull on the links (6) which engage a rotation on their front face winding the clasp (5) and closing the handcuff. The overvoltage detector (18) stops the motor (2). The anti-reverse device (16) of the pulleys (3) blocks the cables (4) which keep the clasp wound and the handcuff closed. To open the handcuff, the operator, via the electronic box (e), starts the opening process: The anti-return device (16) of the pulleys (3) is disengaged, the motor (2) starts in the opposite direction, actuating the pulleys (3) which unwind the cables (4 and the motor (22) starts, actuating the pulley (23) which winds the cable (24). The cable (24) activates the rotation of the links (6) on their rear face, unwinding the clasp (5) and opening the handcuff.When the clasp is fully unwound, the projections (20) of the adjacent links (6) are in contact and the overvoltage sensor (18) of the motor (22) stops the motors (22) and (2) when the tensile force on the cables (24) exceeds a predetermined threshold. The clasp (5) is housed in the housing (1) by stretching the spring (25), the trapdoor (29) falls back and the latch (28) blocks the trapdoor which holds the first link in the housing and contains the tension of the spring (25). The anti-return device (16) of the pulleys (3) is engaged.

[0038] THE figures 20 et 21 illustrate a variant of the device of the figure 16 .

[0039] In this variant, each of the pulleys (3) is connected to the motor (2) by a disengageable clutch (30) which allows them to be detached from the motor (2) independently of each other. The pulley (23) is connected to the motor (22) by a disengageable clutch (30) which allows it to be detached from the motor (22). The pulleys (3) have a non-return device (16). The clutches (30) and the non-return devices (16) are controlled by the electronic box (e). The small cable (4) is fixed by one end with the locking end piece (15) to the fifteenth link (6) and by the other end is glued to the small pulley (3).

[0040] The programmed closing sequence of the electronic box (e) is as follows: The motor (2) is started and the clutch (30) of the large pulley (3) and the pulley (23) are disengaged. The small pulley (3) actuates the small cable (4) which pulls on the projection (8) of the fifteenth link (6) which pivots and generates the rotation of the preceding links, winding the first part of the clasp (5). Since the last link and the links preceding up to the sixteenth link do not wind, this last part of the clasp has an elongated shape which pivots on the fifteenth link, providing a large gripping span for the handcuff. The electronic box (e) engages, after a programmed period of time, the clutch (30) of the large pulley (3) and disengages the clutch (30) of the small pulley which remains blocked by its anti-return device (16).The large pulley (3) operates the large cable (4) which pulls on the last link (6), winding the previous links and winding the clasp on its last part, closing the handcuff.

[0041] The programming of the electronic box (e) managing the engagement of the pulleys (3) makes it possible to modify the closing sequencing of the clasp winding points and to optimize the attachment of the handcuff.

[0042] To open the handcuff, the operator, via the electronic box (e), initiates the opening process: The anti-return devices (16) and the clutches of the pulleys (3) are disengaged, the clutch (30) of the pulley (23) is engaged. The motor (22) starts, actuating the pulley (23) which winds the cable (24). The cable (24) activates the rotation of the links (6) on their rear face, unwinding the clasp and opening the handcuff. The overvoltage device (18) stops the motor (22).

[0043] THE figures 22, 23 And 24illustrate a variant of the device of the figure 16 .

[0044] In this variant, the links (6) have a rear projection (20) of substantially the same width as the projection (8), allowing the adjacent links (6) to rotate substantially equally on their rear and front faces, allowing the clasp to be wound in both directions, the handcuff closing on both sides. For greater clarity of drawing, only the base of the case (1) and the wall (14) separating the compartments are shown and the clasp (5) spirals downwards, the links (6) below are not shown.

[0045] Figure 22 , the pulleys (3) are connected to the motor (2) by a clutch (30) which allows them to be detached from the motor (2) independently of each other. The pulleys (23) are connected to the motor (22) by a clutch (30) which allows them to be detached from the motor (22) independently of each other. The winding cables (4) circulate from link to link through the holes (7), they are glued by one end to a pulley (3) and are fixed by the other end to the projection (8) of a link (6) using a locking end piece (15). The longest winding cable (4) is glued to the largest pulley (3) and fixed to the projection (8) of the last link (6) of the clasp. The shorter cable (4) is attached to the smaller pulley (3) and to the projection (8) of the sixth link (6) of the clasp.

[0046] The cables (24) pass from link to link through the holes (21), they are glued by one end to a pulley (23) and are fixed by the other end to the projection (20) of a link (6) using a locking end piece (15). The longest winding cable (24) is glued to the largest pulley (23) and fixed to the projection (20) of the last link (6) of the clasp. The shorter cable (24) is fixed to the smallest pulley (23) and to the projection (20) of the sixth link (6) of the clasp. The pulleys (3) and (23) are equipped with a disengageable anti-reverse device (16). The electronic box (e) manages the interactions between the motors, the clutches (30) and the anti-return devices (16) of the pulleys (3), and allows the operator to close the handcuff on the front and rear sides of the links (6).The operation is as follows: The clasp being wound on the front side of the links, the operator, via the electronic box (e) engages the closure on the rear side: The anti-return devices (16) and the clutches (30) of the pulleys (3) are disengaged, releasing the tension in the cables (4). The motor (22) is started and actuates the pulleys (23) winding the cables (24) which pull on the rear projections (20) of the links (6) to which they are fixed, producing their rotation and reducing the spacing between the projections (8) and generating the winding of the clasp on the rear face of the links. The overvoltage sensor (18) stops the motor (22) and the anti-return device (16) of the pulleys (23) blocks the cables (24) which keep the clasp wound and the handcuff closed on the rear side of the links. The anti-return (16) and the clutches (30) of the pulleys (3) are engaged.

[0047] To wind the clasp (5) in the other direction, the operator starts the closing process on the front side of the links. The clutches (30) and the anti-return devices (16) of the pulleys (23) are disengaged. The motor (2) is started and actuates the pulleys (3) winding the cables (4) which pull on the front projections (8) of the links (6) to which they are fixed, producing their rotation and reducing the spacing between the projections (8) and generating the winding of the clasp on the front face of the links. The overvoltage sensor (18) stops the motor (2) and the anti-return device (16) of the pulleys (3) blocks the cables (4) which keep the clasp wound and the handcuff closed on the front side of the links (6). The anti-return devices (16) and the clutches (30) of the pulleys (23) are engaged.

[0048] In reference to the figures 25 à 27 a second embodiment of the automatic handcuff is illustrated. In the figure 25 , only the base of the housing (1) is shown. The housing (1) is equipped with an electric motor (2) driving two pulleys (3) which wind the cables (4) actuating the winding of the clasp (5) and the closing of the handcuff. The clasp (5) is made of a strap (33) made of a tire rubber type material having projections (8) sculpted in the material, a spacing separating each projection (8) such that the clasp (5) has a crenellated shape. The flexibility of the strap (33) allows the projections (8) to be inclined and offset. The projections (8) are pierced with orifices (7) in which the cables (4) circulate. The drilling of the orifices (7) is at an angle and has a horizontal offset between the entry and the exit such that said orifices (7) of the adjacent links (6) are not opposite each other and have a horizontal offset.The longest cable (4) is fixed at one end to the last projection (8) with a locking end piece (15) and at the other end is glued to the largest pulley (3). The shortest cable (4) is fixed at one end to the sixteenth projection (8) with a locking element (15) and at the other end is glued to the smallest pulley (3). The strap (33) is fixed to the housing (1) by a screw (26).

[0049] When the motor starts, (2) it drives the pulleys (3) and winds the cables (4) which pull on the projections (8) to which they are attached. The force transmitted by the cables (4) on the projections (8), brings the adjacent holes (7) together which align, tilting and shifting the projections (8) by deforming the narrow part of the rubber strap. As the spacing between the adjacent projections (8) reduces, they come into contact, transmitting the tension of the cable (4) and all the projections (8) tilt and shift in turn, the clasp (5) winds in a spiral closing the handcuff. The overvoltage detector (18) stops the motor (2) and the anti-reverse device (16) of the pulleys (3) locks the handcuff. Disengaging the anti-reverse device allows the handcuff to be opened. The flexibility of the clasp material (5) prevents injury to the gripped limb.

[0050] Figures 28 and 29 illustrate a variant of the device according to the figures 1 , 16 , 22 And25 .

[0051] In this variant, the housing (1) is equipped with wheels (38) driven by a motor (39) and like a model vehicle is remotely steered by an operator using a remote control (40) and a camera (41). The model vehicle is armored and weighs 30 kg. The clasp (5) of the handcuff on the left side has been triggered and, in Figure 35, encircles a leg. The hatch (29) on the right side is closed. The operator controls the winding and unwinding of the clasps (5) and maneuvers the device to grasp a fast-moving individual.

[0052] According to an embodiment not shown, and according to a variant of the device of the figure 25 , the clasp consists of a crenellated strap having both crenellations forming projections on its front face and crenellations forming projections on its rear face. The rear projections are provided with holes in which a cable circulates, fixed by its ends to a pulley and on the last rear projection, the pulley being actuated by a motor which winds the cable, allows the winding of the clasp on its rear face and the handcuff can be closed on both sides.

[0053] According to a second embodiment not shown, and according to a variant of the device of the figure 1 , the links have inclined lugs whose assembly generates an inclined rotation of the adjacent links allowing the spiral winding of the clasp.

[0054] In the claims, the indefinite article “a / an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0055] The device according to the invention is more particularly intended to ensure the protection of material goods such as, for example, residential houses, shops, warehouses, prisons, factories and to support police forces for the arrest of offenders and high-risk mobile interventions.

Claims

1. Automatic handcuff device characterized in that it comprises a housing (1) comprising at least one electric motor (2) actuating at least one pulley (3) and a clasp (5) composed as a set of links (6) forming a chain in which each link (6) is connected by its sides to the adjacent link with a pin (13), the first link (6) being fixed to the housing (1) with a pin (13), the links have an asymmetrical structure and their assembly generates a repeated offset such that the clasp (5) can be wound in a spiral, each link (6) has on its front face a projection (8) provided with at least one orifice (7) crossed by a cable (4), each cable circulating from link to link through the orifices (7) and each cable (4) being fixed by one end to a pulley (3) and fixed by the other end to the projection (8) of a link (6) and at least one cable (4) being fixed to the last link (6) of the clasp so that, • when the motor (2) starts, it actuates at least one pulley (3) which winds a cable (4), each cable (4) pulls on the projection (8) of a link (6) to which it is fixed, said projection (8), acting as a lever, pivots said link (6) and presses on the projection (8) of the adjacent and preceding link, transmitting to it the force of said cable (4) and in turn producing the rotation of all the links (6), causing the clasp (5) to wind in a spiral on its front face and closing the handcuff, the motor (2) is switched off by an overvoltage sensor (18) and the pulleys (3) equipped with a disengageable anti-return device (16) maintain the tension in the cables (4) and the clasp (5) wound, • the handcuff is opened by disengaging the anti-return mechanism of the pulleys (3) and starting the motor (2) in the opposite direction, releasing the tension in the cables and allowing the clasp to unroll.

2. Automatic handcuff device characterized in that it comprises a housing (1) provided with an electric motor (2) actuating a pulley (3) and a clasp (5) consisting of a strap (33) made of semi-rigid material in which projections (8) are sculpted, a spacing separating each projection (8) such that the flexibility of the strap (33) allows the projections (8) to be tilted and offset, each projection (8) is provided with at least one substantially horizontal orifice (7) pierced at an angle, such that the orifices (7) of two adjacent projections (8) have a horizontal offset, each orifice (7) being crossed by a cable (4), each cable circulating from projection (8) to projection (8) and each cable (4) being fixed by one end to a pulley (3) and fixed by the other end to a projection (8), the strap being fixed by a screw (26) to the housing (1), such that, • when the motor (2) operates the pulleys (3) and winds the cables (4), each cable pulls on the projection (8) to which it is fixed, said projection, acting as a lever, tilts against the adjacent projection (8) and the holes (7) align and come into contact, the projection (8) shifts and transmits the tension of the cable (4) to the previous projection (8) and in turn all the projections (8) of the strap (33) tilt and shift, generating the spiral winding of the clasp (5) and the closing of the handcuff, • to open the handcuff, the motor (2) is stopped, releasing the tension in the cables (4) and allowing the clasp (5) to unwind.

3. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the orifices (7) of the projections (8) are equipped with pulleys (9) guiding the cables (4).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the housing (1) comprises wheels (38) and a motor (39) and, like a motorized model vehicle, is controlled by a remote operator, by means of a remote control (40) which makes it possible to control the winding and unwinding of the clasp (5).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the closing of the handcuff is triggered by an electronic detection system (16)(27).

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing comprises a hatch (29) provided with a closing latch (28) and a spring (25), fixed by one end on the first link (6) and by the other end on said housing (1) so that when the motor (2), the latch (28) is open and the spring (25) contracting, pivots on its pin (13) the first link (6) which, pushing the trapdoor, comes out of the housing (1), and such that in the open position of the handcuff, the trapdoor (29) closed by the latch (28) holds the clasp (5) in the housing (1) forcing the spring (25) into extension.

7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) comprises a second motor (22) actuating a pulley (23) and each link (6) has on its rear face a projection (20) provided with an orifice (21) crossed by a cable (24) circulating from link to link (6) and said cable (24) being fixed by one end to the pulley (23) and by the other end to the projection (20) of the last link (6) of the clasp (5) such that, when the motor (22) actuates the pulley (23) and winds the cable (24), said cable pulls on the projection (20) to which it is fixed, said projection, acting as a lever, pivots the link (6) on its rear face and comes to press on the projection (20) of the adjacent link (6), transmitting the tension of the cable (24) and each link (6) pivoting in turn, the clasp (5) unrolls and the handcuff opens.

8. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the motor (2) is connected to at least one pulley (3) by a clutch (30) disengageable such that when the programmed sequence of the electronic box (e) for closing the handcuff is engaged, the clutch (30) of the large pulley (3) is disengaged, the motor (2) is started and actuates the small pulley (3), winding the small cable (4) which pulls on the projection (8) of the link (6) to which it is fixed, producing the rotation of said link and in turn of the links preceding it and generating the winding of the first part of the clasp (5), the last part of the clasp, having an elongated shape, pivots, actuated by the movement of the link (6) to which the small cable (4) is fixed, the programmed sequence of the electronic box (e) then engaging the clutch of the large pulley (3) and disengaging the clutch (30) of the small pulley (3) which remains blocked by a anti-return (16), the large pulley (3) then actuating the large cable (4) which pulls on the last link (6), winding the previous links in turn and winding the last part of the clasp, closing the handcuff.

9. Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the rear projections (20) have a shape identical to the front projections (8) and the motors (2) and (22) are connected to the pulleys (3) and (23) by a clutch (30) such that when the motor (22) is started and the clutch (30) disconnects the pulleys (3) from the motor (2), the clasp is wound on the rear face of the links (6) by the cables (24) which pull on the rear projections (20) of the links (6), closing the handcuff, said handcuff being able to close on the rear and front face of the links.

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