Handcuff cover
A handcuff cover is a piece of plastic or metal that can be placed around a pair of handcuffs. It consists of a hinged, box-like assembly locked over the handcuff chain, wristlets and keyholes.[1]
The first handcuff cover was invented by J.D. Cullip and K.E. Stefansen[2] and patented in 1973.[3] It is made from high-strength, high-impact ABS plastic[4] and is still distributed by C & S Security Inc. as "Black Box" handcuff cover.[5] Other companies sell similar devices, e.g. CTS Thompson ("Blue Box" handcuff cover) or Sisco restraints.
A handcuff cover has two key purposes:[6]
- It converts a pair of standard chain link handcuffs into rigid handcuffs, providing a rather more severe restraint.
- It covers the keyholes of the handcuffs for further security.
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In most cases, a handcuff cover is used in combination with a martin link belly chain which fixes the handcuffs at waist level. This provides a rather uncomfortable restraint and may result in injury to the individual if maintained for an extended period of time.[7] When using a handcuff cover in combination with a belly chain, the hands may be cuffed in a parallel or in a stacked position.
In the stacked position, the shackled person's freedom of movement is strongly restricted and the arms are kept in a rather unnatural position which may cause discomfort or even pain[8] because in this arrangement, the individual's wrists are restrained in close proximity to the torso.[7]
In a parallel position, the restraint will cause the wrists to spread outwardly in an angular relationship.[7] As the handcuff cover provides a rigid structure, the individual's wrists may be bruised or cocked, restricting blood circulation.[7]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Tutorial showing the use of handcuff covers and restraint chains | |
| Presentation and demonstration of "Falcon" handcuff cover |
A handcuff cover can also be linked with a connector chain to a pair of leg irons. Individuals with a handcuff cover fitted over their handcuffs can also be restrained together for transportation using so-called "gang chains".[9]
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CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover -
The handcuffs are put into the plastic box. -
The box is closed and fixed with the metallic slider. -
Prisoner in handcuffs with a CTS Thompson "Blue Box" handcuff cover, secured with a belly chain around the prisoner's waist.
References
- ^ [1], Thompson, Charles E., "Safety shield for double-lock handcuffs"
- ^ Nichols, Alex R. (2002). A Guidebook to Handcuffs and other Restraints of the World. Kingscourt. p. 192.
- ^ [2], J, Cullip & K, Stefansen, "Handcuff cover assembly"
- ^ http://www.got-webdesign.com, Got Web, Inc. "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". candssecurity.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
{{cite web}}: External link in|last= - ^ http://www.got-webdesign.com, Got Web, Inc. "Handcuffs Gang Chains by C&S Security Prisoner Transport". www.candssecurity.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
{{cite web}}: External link in|last= - ^ "Collection 2". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
- ^ a b c d [3], Moore, Eddie G. & Bray, Jerrell, "United States Patent: 5732576 - V-shaped safety shield for handcuffs"
- ^ "THE INFAMOUS BLACK BOX". Forgotten Majority. Retrieved 2017-01-15.
- ^ "PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY ILLUSTRATING ITEMS IN USE". www.alexhandcuffs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-15.