4. Use a single, heavier cheek plate to eliminate the present gap between the two existing cheek plates. When handcuffs are applied to an individual the gap between the cheek plates is readily accessible and almost any available prying tool may he engaged in the gap. Even the ratchet of the other handcuff may be inserted into the gap and a large mechanical advantage may be brought to bear upon the cheek plates and rivets. If a single and necessarily stronger cheek plate is used, this gap would not exist and the ability to pry cheek plates apart would be eliminated. This design change would also require a design change in the ratchet pivot point. A possible benefit of such a change is that there could be an opportunity to combine several parts into a single part.S. Use a longer pusher that protrudes a small distance from the housing when the bolt is in the inactive position such that the pusher may push the bolt to the active position without the use of a key tip. Present handcuffs use a short pusher that does not extend to the housing's external surface thereby requiring the use of the key tip or other pin-like object to activate the double lock. This present arrangement makes it relatively difficult for an officer to activate the double lock once an individual is handcuffed. This becomes an important problem if the individual is hostile or it is dark, when it would be difficult to get the key out, find the pusher hole, engage the pusher and press upon the pusher to activate