Abstract: The present invention, a SOFT HAND RESTRAINT DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING PRISONERS comprising a fabric pouch, a retaining clip mechanism, a wrist retaining strap, restraint grommets, a handcuff retainer and a splay device seeks to provide law enforcement personnel a means of safely transporting prisoners, whereby the ability of a prisoner to grasp objects or persons and exercise his hands in an offensive posture is temporarily debilitated. This is accomplished by maintaining the hand in a position whereby the middle and ring finger are splayed apart at a predetermined distance by a splay device, which interferes with the grip ergonomics, wherein the prisoner is unable to exert sufficient force to overcome the splay device and hence is unable to form a grip. Additional embodiments providing differing arrangements of the primary elements are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Braces are disclosed that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's hand or foot and, in certain embodiments, in contact with the thumb and/or fingers or toes. The brace typically contains an adjustable casing and in some embodiments a removable support connecting one portion of the user's arm to another. The brace also includes compressible material such as an air cell. Systems and method for use and manufacture of the braces are also contemplated.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is adaptable for either left or right sided use. The brace includes a softgood pad having a distal edge, a proximal edge opposite the distal edge, a dorsal edge, and a radial edge opposite the dorsal edge. A strap retainer is disposed on the radial or ulnar edge, and a strap pod is removably attachable to the pad in a left or right sided closure position. The strap pod cooperates with the strap retainer to secure the pad closed about a left limb, when the strap pod is attached in the left sided closure position, or about a right limb, when the strap pod is attached in the right sided closure position. A distal retention strap extends from the pad proximate to the distal and radial edges, and a reversible fastening member is coupled to the distal retention strap.

Abstract: A pediatric digital wrap comprising a flexible T-shaped base member having a first end adapted to fold over and substantially cover a finger tip of a patient's injured digit. A removable insert comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive with a non-adhesive center pad provides protection and padding for the injured digit. The removable insert is secured to the first side of the base member so that the insert is placed directly over the wound of the patient's digit when the first end is folded over the patient's finger tip. A finger strap wraps around the periphery of the patient's injured digit below the patient's finger tip and serves to secure the first end of the base member over the finger tip of the injured digit. A wrist strap is disposed perpendicular to the first end of the base member and adapted to wrap around a patient's wrist.

Abstract: A unitary flexible body having an anchor portion wrapping about the wrist to secure the body there, the anchor portion freely offset from the thumb, palm and dorsum of the hand, the body having a support extension extending distally from the anchor portion in supporting relation with the Thenar Emminence of the palm, and extending part way about the thumb via the web space between the thumb and forefinger, and having terminal attachment to said anchor portion.

Abstract: The restraining apparatus includes a housing having an interior. A first end of a binding loop strap is attached to the interior of the housing and a second end is routed through the housing and connected to a handle for pulling with one hand. The binding loop is slideably movable in a first direction to reduce the overall dimension of the loop. The binding loop is slideably movable in a second direction to expand the overall dimension of the binding loop. A locking mechanism is disposed in the interior of the housing and connects to the binding loop. The locking mechanism includes both a lower cleat and an upper cleat for controlling the movement of the binding loop through a groove within the locking mechanism. When the lower cleat is engaged, the overall dimension of the binding loop decreases. When the upper cleat is engaged, the overall dimension of the binding loop increases.

Abstract: A traction device for use in surgery is disclosed with the traction device being secured to one side of a surgical table. The traction device includes one or more traction lines which include a line-tensioning device at one end thereof and a connector at the other end thereof for attachment to the limb of a patient undergoing surgery. A tension meter is associated with each of the traction or lines with the tension meter being connected to a readout which indicates the tension or traction force being imposed in the traction line. The traction device may be used for patients undergoing shoulder surgery or other types of limb surgery.

Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for, among other functions, flexing or extending a users joint, positioning a limb or digit during or after a surgical procedure, correcting foot drop due to soft tissue contraction, and augmenting soft tissue during weight bearing therapies. In a preferred form, the orthosis includes a padded shell adapted to be worn on a user's limb and a distal support to be worn on one or more digits of the hand or foot or on the forefoot or body of the hand. The padded shell is connected to the distal support solely via an elastic member such as surgical tubing, which also applies a tension force between the two supports. One end of the elastic member carries teeth that mate with a ratcheting device that permits the wearer (1) to gradually increase the tension between the supports and (2) to quickly release the tension.

Abstract: In a thumb wrap, the combination comprising a user's hand and wrist flexible wrap, a generally tubular portion to receive the user's thumb, said tubular portion being integral with the hand and wrap, a securing strap endwise seamlessly integral with the hand and wrist wrap, and extending with elongation to be wrapped over the hand and wrist wrap palmwise and endwise of the tubular portion and then to be wrapped between the user's thumb and forefinger, and then back over the hand and wrist wrap for tensioned tightening and for the effecting thumb positively supported securement.

Abstract: A knee brace including an adaptable anterior thigh pad for securing an upper portion of the brace to a user's thigh wherein the anterior thigh pad automatically adjusts to underlying soft tissue motion during knee and leg movement. The anterior thigh pad includes a flexible upper horizontal connection and a pair of substantially rigid x-crossing connections. The anterior thigh pad tightens and loosens during normal leg flexing and straightening so as to maintain a tight skeletal grip on the users leg while adapting to thigh muscle movement. The individual straps of the anterior thigh pad connecting the thigh pad to the rigid arms of the knee brace are independently adjustable to accommodate any leg size or shape.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a sling having pockets positioned such that an individual wearing the sling may access them. In one embodiment of the invention, the sling may include a strap configured to be worn over a shoulder of an individual and a U-shaped support member depending from the strap. The U-shaped support member may form a channel configured to support an arm of the individual. The sling may also include at least one pocket positioned internal to the U-shaped support member such that the at least one pocket may be accessible to the individual. In another embodiment of the invention, the sling may include two straps for supporting the support member and an individual's arm.

Abstract: A breast-board system, components and methods of use therefore. A generally U-shaped wrist support with a flattened bottom and rounded post like tops that may be used as either a cupping-support or as a grasping-post is mounted on a post atop a tiltable breast-board. A second support having a generally U-shaped cross section mounted on a supporting framework extends from a base, which is rotatably mounted to the tiltable breast-board near the edge thereof. The base includes a portion extending over the edge of the breast-board, and, a slidable locking mechanism on the bottom surface, which may be retracted to slide the mechanism out of a recess located on the breast-board. The support may then be rotated to a desired position and the slidable locking mechanism actuated to engage with a desired recess on the breast-board.

Abstract: This orthopedic orthosis, includes a textile article with first and second faces; the orthosis can be fitted in place such that either the first and second faces can equally well contact a patient limb. The orthosis has at least one fastening tab including an active face with fastening elements that may cooperate with first or second securing means arranged respectively on the first the second faces of the textile article, and an inactive face opposite the active face, said fastening tab being fixed non-removably via its inactive face on a zone contiguous to an edge of the textile article, so as to be able to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to this edge, between a first position, in which the active face catches by contact on the first securing means, and a second position, in which the active face catches by contact on the second securing means.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for isolating an wrist during aerobic exercise on an exercise machine such as a hand operated exercise bicycle or elliptical trainer, configured to be worn on the arm of a person having an wrist injury so that the person may operate the exercise machine with the arm having the wrist injury without pressure on the wrist, wherein weight and force are distributed from the exercise machine to the forearm and upper arm without implicating the wrist.

Abstract: There is proposed a finger protector for a sports glove, including a plate that is connected in one piece with strips to be associated to several fingers of one hand, each strip consisting of a chain of members which are connected in one piece with each other and can be moved relative to each other in two opposite directions by means of through holes extending transverse to the chain direction, and a member band with nipples which are pushed into the through holes. The invention further relates to a sports glove incorporating such finger protector.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction tower system, and components thereof, for use in surgery, fracture repair, and/or radiography. The traction tower system may include a base for receiving the proximal end of a patient's limb, a tower arm for applying tractive forces to a distal end of a patient's limb, and a joint that movably connects the base and the tower arm such that the tower arm can be positioned for surgical access and/or for applying different types of traction, among others.

Abstract: An orthotic device designed to prevent shoulder injuries in individuals suffering from muscle spasticity, weakness of muscle, and other symptoms of neurological disorders is disclosed. The device includes a lower arm support configured to receive and position an individual's lower forearm or wrist adjacent to the individual's body in a manner so as to stabilize the shoulder. The device further includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a person's body via a belt or article of clothing. The support and attachment mechanism are interconnected in a manner that permits the person's arm to be positioned adjacent the body in a fixed position so as to substantially minimize movement of the shoulder. In certain implementations, the device further includes a static adjustment portion which allows the positioning of the first portion to be adjusted relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A cast for use in limiting movement of the hand to promote healing of an injured body part includes a water hardenable orthopaedic blank for mounting on the forearm, preferably with a thumb hole, and an outrigger, also impregnated with water hardenable material, secured to the blank for holding the thumb or fingers against movement. This construction minimizes irritation of the web between the thumb and forefinger and reduces discomfort and trauma caused by chafing and pressure.

Abstract: A hand and digit immobilizer prevents a patient from dislodging a pulse oximeter finger sensor by finger movement or fist clenching. In one form, the hand and digit immobilizer includes a glove body having a palm section and a back section defining a proximal opening for receiving a person's hand. The glove body has four finger base openings for receiving the fingers of the hand and has a thumb base opening for receiving the thumb. A finger covering section is connected to and extends away from each finger base opening. At least one finger covering section having a distal finger opening at its distal end. A rigid plate is secured to the palm section of the glove body and a palm side of each finger covering section such that clenching of the fingers is prevented thereby avoiding dislodging of a finger sensor from a fingertip.

Abstract: A forelimb brace device suitable for use by snowboarders, skiers, in-line skaters and others protects against hyperextension and other injuries, by maintaining a selected orientation of the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm within a substantially rigid shell assembly having a palmar arch grip element and tensioning elements for maintaining a selected tension of the palmer element across the users' hand and forearm. The forelimb is maintained in a flexed position, while an extension stop prevents hyperextension of the phalanges, and a thumb portion prevents abduction or opposition injuries to the thumb.

Abstract: A method of making a glove is described. The method comprises dipping a glove form into two different formulations. Each formulation comprises a carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber with different amounts of covalent and ionic cross linkers. The gloves preferably have a stress retention value of greater than 50%.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a shield for protecting a patient's extremities when positioned on an arm or leg board or other surgical or examination table extension. The shield comprises essentially an inverted C-shaped or U-shaped covering with a channel therein. It may further comprise one or more flanges to aid in supporting and positioning the shield.

Abstract: The present invention includes a support system for surgical patients, a convertible support for surgical patients, and a method for providing a convertible support for surgical patients. The support system comprises an arm cradle adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle when the patient is in a supine position and a side bolster adapted to be positioned against a side of a patient opposite the arm cradle. The side bolster is adapted to stabilize the patient in the supine position. The arm cradle is adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle conducive to recovery from shoulder surgery when the patient is in a supine position. The arm cradle is also adapted to be worn as a sling when the patient is ambulatory. The arm cradle, side bolster, and an optional head support may be secured to a mat in a temporary manner.

Abstract: Hand and/or wrist support apparatus, comprising in combination, a first brace configured for application to the hand and/or wrist of the user, and a second brace configured for application over at least a portion of the first brace, each brace configured for in-place retention, providing support to a substantial portion of the hand and/or wrist of the user, including the thumb.

Abstract: An orthosis having at least one adjustable joint for articulating two hinged parts of the orthosis, the joint comprises a tensor for carrying the load applied between the two hinged parts. Compression surfaces coupled to the hinged parts are constructed to apply compression forces to a compression element when the angle between the two parts widens. Preferably the compression element comprises a block of resilient material. The joint allows adjustability of the unloaded angle between the hinged parts by varying the dimensions of the block, while selecting blocks having different compressional characteristics such as modulus of elasticity allows varying the degree of resistance to widening the angle between the two hinged parts. The joint is particularly advantageous in constructing an articulating leg brace.

Abstract: The invention is a slide lock for adjusting static progressive splints having a housing, a glide member, and a wheel whereby a monofilament can pass through the housing and be securely held in place by using the glide to force the wheel toward the floor of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a gravity assisted passive restraint for use during surgery. The restraint comprises two hand-rings attached with a mostly inelastic connection band. The rings may take any shape, though round and “D” rings are preferred, and may feature finger grooves for added comfort and efficacy. The connection band may take any shape desired. Dimensions will be dependent upon desired location of the patient's limbs, either above or below the patient's diaphragm, and the size of the patient. In use, the patient's relaxed hands are positioned to hook into the hand rings while gravity pulls the hands away from each other, thus positioning the hands by using the tension generated in the band.

Abstract: A patient arm support comprises a first elongate resilient segment extending along an axis having a top and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to rest upon a substantially planar surface and the top surface is configured to support an upper portion of the patient's arm. A second elongate resilient segment is attached to the first elongate resilient segment extending along the axis. The second elongate resilient segment has a top and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to rest upon a substantially planar surface and the top surface being configured to support a lower portion of the patient's arm. A lengthwise channel is formed in the top surface of the second elongate resilient segment. The lengthwise channel may have a V-shaped cross-section configured to receive a portion of the patient's hand.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.

Abstract: A low-profile, simple, orthotic glove with wrist support attachment for treating loss or impairment of extensor and/or flexor muscle function in the upper extremities, particularly in the wrist, hand and fingers, due to a peripheral neuropathy. The glove is attractive, comfortable, easy to use, and can be made with an optional wrist support attachment either built into the glove or added as an optional attachment, and can include thermoplastic to provide rigidity. The glove has channels into which interchangeable resilient digit extensor elements, or stays, of varying resiliency are placed such that stays of greater or lesser resiliency can be inserted if the degree of the patient's extensor muscle control changes, or the medical practitioner in charge decides that there is a need to change the support and exercise treatment regimens. The splint also has several improvements for thumb support, additional digit extension support, and for supination of the forearm.

Abstract: A forearm crutch cover that provides padding in the forearm cradle to increase the comfort of the user and covers the pivoting attachment junction that attaches the forearm cradle to the pole of the forearm crutch to help prevent injury or damage caused at the pivoting attachment junction when the forearm cradle is moved. The cover may also include a forearm strap to prevent the cradle from slipping off the arm. An elastic tongue may act as a reset for cradle to prevent the cradle from falling downward and allows easy access to the cradle for the user.

Abstract: The apparatus to assist sternal rehabilitation includes a torso belt circumscribing an abdomen of a patient, a first humeral restraint coupled to the torso belt, and a second humeral restraint coupled to the torso belt. Each humeral restraint circumscribes an upper arm of the patient between a glenohumeral joint and an antecubital space of the upper arm. The humeral restraints substantially confine the upper arms to a position lateral, slightly anterior, and to the side of a torso of the patient. The torso belt may include a substantially inelastic flexible material. The torso belt may also include a comfort material coupled to the substantially inelastic flexible material. The comfort material may be interposed between the substantially inelastic flexible material and the torso. The torso belt may circumscribe the abdomen below a pectoral line and above a pelvic line of the patient.

Abstract: A patient care system for positioning on a limb of a patient for assisting in flexion or extension of a joint. The system has a threaded shaft which engages a toothed gear. The threaded shaft is rotated to rotate the toothed gear for assisting in flexion or extension of the joint.

Abstract: A patient arm support comprises a first elongate resilient segment extending along an axis having a top and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to rest upon a substantially planar surface and the top surface being configured to support an upper portion of the patient's arm. A second elongate resilient segment extends along the axis and also has a top and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to rest upon a substantially planar surface and the top surface being configured to support a lower portion of the patient's arm. In one embodiment a void provides axial separation between the top surfaces of the first and second resilient segments. The void is configured to receive the ulnar nerve at the elbow of the patient without the ulnar nerve contacting a surrounding surface. In another embodiment the second elongate resilient segment is inclined upward as it extends away from the first elongate resilient segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrist-wearable electronic interface movably mounted on an arm-attachment mechanism. Interface moves from under-sleeve wrist-adjacent position to palm-adjacent position where it can be manipulated by the hand of the arm wearing the device. Alternately adaptable to telephones, audio recorders, remote controls, auto ID equipment, telephone call-blocking, and more. Alternative embodiment provides a wrist-mounted docking station. Another alternative embodiment includes a superior carpal tunnel syndrome therapy device. The system also includes novel battery chargers: (1) window-mounted, solar-powered; (2) mounted in an automobile that also includes an improved odometer, license plate, and cabin air filtration system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for a joint linkage device suitable for training multi-joints in a single limb. The joint linkage device is capable of rotation at a proximal end and a distal end. The device includes a proximal end having an upper plate, a middle plate, and a lower plate, a distal plate, a side bar, a main bar, a switch mechanism, and an extended bar. In use, a torque from a motor is applied to the upper plate to provide a user with an assistance torque, a resistance torque, or a assistance/resistance torque.

Abstract: A finger and hand brace, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated brace body, adapted to be applied lengthwise to the wrist and finger region of the hand; multiple flexible flaps carried by the body to be spaced lengthwise thereof and to extend from the body; separate flaps configured to be wrapped about at least two of the following: hand, wrist, a finger or fingers; and retention means on the brace to retain the flaps in wrapped condition; and two generally longitudinally elongated stiffeners carried by the body, the stiffeners having undulating extent or extents with convex concave curvatures, to readily conform to wrist and finger contour with the fingers extended in natural condition.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed. The adapter is for use with a surgical table having a bed and comprises a base portion and a pair of arm supports. The base portion overlies and is supported by the bed in use. The pair of arm supports project from opposite sides of and are supported by the base portion. The arm supports are adapted to support, in use, the forearms of a patient lying prone on said surgical table when the upper arms of said patient extend downwardly and apart from one another.

Abstract: An arm board for supporting the forearm, wrist and hand during IV therapy which includes a contoured brace with removable straps for securing the forearm and middle two fingers of the patient's hand to the support, allowing some limited movement of the middle two fingers, and free movement of the little finger, thumb and index finger to reduce fatigue without altering the position of the IV tubing.

Abstract: The invention is a basketball training device for training players of all ages and skill levels how to shoot a basketball and/or how to play defense. The device comprises at least one elongated piece of substantially flexible material having two opposing ends, the ends secured together to define a substantially circular flexible device, the device being worn around a player's legs, wrists and/or hands. The device provides tension and support to the player's legs, wrists and/or hands, wherein the tension keeps the player's legs, wrists and/or hands in a desired basketball position. In a preferred version, the tension further provides at least some degree of feedback to the player when the player's legs, wrists and/or hands assume an undesired basketball position. The device may be used to train a player in offense (i.e., shooting) as well as defense.

Abstract: A limb supporting apparatus adaptable for use during orthopedic surgery on a patient's limb having a platform base; an appendage rest supported by the platform base and adapted to immobilize the limb; an access port supported by the platform base; and a curved cannula supported by the access port and adapted to facilitate access to target bone during orthopedic surgery. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of performing an orthopedic procedure on a limb including the steps of immobilizing the limb on an appendage rest of a platform base; aligning a curved cannula supported by an access port with a target bone of the limb; and performing an orthopedic procedure on the target bone through the cannula.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. Various embodiments of the inventive apparatus commonly include a housing for receiving the hypothenar portion of the patient's hand with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the hypothenar region of the patient's hand, with an edge of the housing extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand, while a flexible resilient strap is wrapped around the thenar portion of the hand (i.e. around the thumb area) in such a manner as to pull the thenar portion of the hand upward with the edge of the housing serving as a fulcrum around which the thenar and hypothenar portions of the hand are bent.

Abstract: Restraint devices which have a first bracelet, a second bracelet, and a central holder. In one embodiment, the central holder contains a one-way locking mechanism and a retraction/extension mechanism. In a second embodiment, the central holder comprises a retraction/extension mechanism. One end of a line is attached to the second bracelet and the other end of the line is attached to the retraction/extension mechanism, which urges the second bracelet toward the central holder. When the first bracelet is open, the line may be extended from the central holder or retracted to the central holder. When the first bracelet is closed, the retraction/extension mechanism is engaged, causing the one way locking mechanism/one way clutch to allow retraction of the bracelet toward the central holder, but to prevent extension of the bracelet away from the central holder. A line stopper is disclosed which connects with the line between the retraction/extension mechanism and the second bracelet.

Abstract: A therapeutic hand device comprising a first thumb-sleeve for receiving therein the thumb of a hand, a second index-finger sleeve for receiving therein the index finger of the hand, and a third middle-finger sleeve for receiving therein the middle finger of the hand. The first thumb-sleeve is connected to said second sleeve and is also connected to the third sleeve by adjustable straps. An open space is defined interiorly of, and delimited by, the first, second and third sleeves, whereby when the device is worn on a hand, an object may be inserted into the open space between the first, second and third sleeves, with the adjustable straps being used to firmly hold the thumb and fingers in a pincer hold against the object, whereby the object may be held and manipulated with support and assistance by the device.

Abstract: An arm supporting pillow in sling apparatus, comprising in combination a flexible sling, with a first strap having connection to the sling to be supported by a user, an insert pillow received in the sling, to be retrievable from the sling, the sling and pillow dimensioned to receive a user's forearm alongside the pillow, in the sling.

Abstract: An inmate transport restraint which comprises a handcuff having two loops formed from two straps, each strap separately inserted into a housing, wherein each housing has a first channel and a second channel, with the strap passing through each channel, the second channel adapted for releasably retaining a free end of the strap and the first channel retaining a stop end of the strap in a semi-permanent manner, the housing further containing a key-operated lift cam that cooperates with a tension spring to releasably retain the strap within the housing. The restraint further comprises a handcuff cover which fits over a portion of the handcuff to limit access and movement of the hands and wrists. The cover cooperates with a link pin, attached to a belly chain, to secure an inmate for transport.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus are provided for securing one or more transducers to a patient. According to one illustrative embodiment, a transducer holder is provided that includes a base, one or more fasteners for securing one or more transducers, respectively, at least one strap attached to the base for securing the base to the patient, wherein at least two of the fasteners have a different color from one another.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus are provided for securing one or more transducers to a patient. According to one illustrative embodiment, a transducer holder is provided that includes a base, one or more fasteners for securing one or more transducers, respectively, and at least one strap attached to the base for securing the base to the patient.

Abstract: A shoulder stabilizing restraint which includes a pillow and a forearm wrap. The pillow has an arcuately-configured posterior face for engaging an anterior quadrant of a torso on a first side of a user. The pillow also has a flat forearm engagement face for engaging a forearm on the first side of the user. The forearm engagement face is preferably converges with the posterior face at a posterior/lateral convergence which is positionable proximal to a lateral border of the torso on the first side of the user. The forearm wrap is fastenable to the pillow to retain the forearm in engagement with the forearm engagement face and the shoulder joint at a positive external rotation angle.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention typically comprises a pair of opposing restraint members wherein a first restraint member is attached to a first end of a thin, flexible, high tensile belt, cord or cable tether, whose second end is attached to a controllably-ratcheted, winding-rewinding spool within a suitable housing. A second restraint member is attached to an opposite end of the housing. The housing may have respective arms which further include a pivotable connection. When actuated by a user, a controllable ratchet-pawl release mechanism permits the tether to be withdrawn against the tension of the rewinding mechanism. When the ratchet-pawl release mechanism ceases to be actuated, the tether can no longer be extracted and can only be ratcheted back onto the spool while being retracted by the rewinding mechanism, thus bringing the attached opposing restraint members toward a closed connection.