Belt Key Retainer with Curved Pocket and Cutout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current belts with handcuff holsters often result in the accidental loss or unauthorized retrieval of handcuff keys during struggles or due to forgetfulness, as these keys are typically carried in clothing or exposed.
Innovation Solution
A belt design featuring a receptacle with a pocket and cutout specifically for the handcuff key, where the belt's curvature secures the key in place, preventing accidental dislodgment, and can be easily accessed by reversing the belt's curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handcuff key is carried in clothing or exposed on the belt, then the key is easily accessible, but the key is vulnerable to accidental loss during struggles or unauthorized retrieval by prisoners
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into functional zones: a concealed receptacle pocket for secure key storage and an external holster area for handcuffs. This segmentation allows the key to be separated from the handcuffs and stored in a secure location while maintaining operational accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The key receptacle is nested within the belt structure itself, with the pocket formed between the inner and outer layers of the belt. The key is further nested within this pocket and secured by the cutout feature, creating multiple levels of containment that protect the key while keeping it accessible.
2Ease of operation
If the key is carried in a visible or exposed location, then the key can be quickly retrieved, but the key may be secretly retrieved by prisoners without knowledge of the custodian
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is pre-configured with the key receptacle pocket and cutout feature during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the key to be quickly inserted and secured without requiring complex manipulation during critical moments, while the concealed design prevents prisoners from locating the key.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt structure acts as an intermediary between the custodian and the key. It provides a secure interface that allows the custodian to access the key when needed while preventing unauthorized access by prisoners, effectively mediating the interaction between the key and potential users.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the key is carried in clothing, then the key is concealed from prisoners, but the key may be accidentally lost during struggles
Solution Approach 1:
The belt and its receptacle are designed to conform to the curved surface of the wearer's waist. This curvature ensures that the key remains securely positioned against the body during movement and struggles, preventing accidental dislodgment while maintaining concealment.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the key retention mechanism changes based on belt curvature. When the belt is worn around the waist, the curvature creates compressive forces that secure the key in the receptacle. When removed or flattened, the retention mechanism releases, allowing easy removal of the key.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt is provided having a longitudinal axis configured to encompass the waist of a person, a patch is disposed on the belt, the patch extends across a width of the belt and forms a longitudinal pocket for a key between the patch and belt where an opening of the pocket receives the actuator end of the key, the longitudinal pocket is oriented to receive the key parallel to the longitudinal axis of the belt and a cutout in the patch extends outwards from the opening and from the pocket along the longitudinal axis, the cutout traces the outline of the handle of the key wherein a curvature of the belt causes the portion of the patch surrounding the opening to pull the handle of the key into the cutout against the belt thereby preventing the key from being accidentally dislodged.