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 When actuated by a user, a controllable ratchet-pawl release mechanism permits the tether to be withdrawn against the tension of the rewinding mechanism.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.