Abstract: In one embodiment, a brace with an integrated lumbar support system includes a belt adapted to be positioned about a user's lower torso, the belt including a tube at least partially integrated within the belt. The brace includes a lumbar pad coupled to the belt, the lumbar pad adapted to be positioned proximate the user's lumbar region and to be inflated to provide lumbar support to the user. The brace includes a pump coupled to the belt, the pump adapted to provide air to the lumbar pad through the tube at least partially integrated within the belt to inflate the lumbar pad.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis having discrete left and right side belt-like segments configured to wrap around a wearer's torso and be adjustably connected in the front and rear portions of the side segments. Each belt-like segment includes an anterior and posterior edges disposed in overlapping relationship to one another. Fastening means are provided for releasably connecting the anterior overlapping portions to initially mount the orthosis around the wearer's waist. The posterior portion of the orthosis includes a semi-rigid or rigid lumbar support panel to which the overlapping posterior portions of each side segment are adjustably connected via a plurality of slots and aligned holes in either the panel or the side segments and a fastener extended through a respective aligned hole and slot. The fasteners are permitted to slide within the confines of the respective slots to modify the effective circumferential girth defined by the side segments.

Abstract: A novel adjustment compact posture pack for posterior-thoracic counter balance (13) comprising of a stationary weight pack (32) having a right shoulder strap (14) having an adjustment device (18), a left shoulder strap (15) having an adjustment device (19) a lower center-rear strap (16) having a single strap connector (24), an upper center-rear strap (17) having an adjustment device (26). Each strap having one end attached to top edge of stationary weight pack (32) at coordinated locations with other end connected to a common 3-way strap connector (20).

Abstract: There is provided a gear for preventing a user from lapsing into an apneic state by maintaining the body of said user in an inclined posture during said user's sleep. The gear includes a clothing body worn by said user and a pad. The clothing body includes a back body and a front body. The pad is attached to the back body of the clothing body and extends in the longitudinal direction. The pad includes a plurality of segments arranged along the longitudinal direction, capacities of the segments are different from each other, and each segment is expanded in accordance with the capacity thereof by a fluid to be supplied to each segment.

Abstract: This device is used for compressing the abdominal wall and colon during colonoscopy so as to facilitate the colonoscopy exam. A vest including inflatable bladders is wrapped around a patient. The bladders are inflated to apply pressure to the patient's abdomen. Particularly, the bladders may apply pressure to the sigmoid, descending and ascending the colon of the patient to aid in a colonoscopy. The bladders may be selectively inflated, and deflated, in order to apply any desired amount of pressure to aid the doctor performing a colonoscopy examination. The bladders are enclosed between two layers of plastic to form the vest. The vest is inserted into a pillowcase-type slip, which is disposable. The vest is secured about the patient by such conventional connectors as hook and loop fasteners, located at the opposing ends of the vest.

Abstract: An arm-sling vest includes sleeveless front and back vest panels defining an opening permitting the panels to fit over a person's head so as to rest upon the shoulders. Lateral edges of the panels include hook and loop fasteners for releasably and adjustably connecting the panels together about a person's torso. A pair of support straps are attached to an outer surface of the front vest panel and include free ends extending therefrom. A corresponding pair of retainer patches are attached to the front vest panel and positioned above the support straps and aligned therewith, respectively. The support straps and retainer patches include complementary fasteners such that the straps may cradle a person's forearm and secured to a respective retainer patch. The support straps are independently operable such that a person's forearm may be cradled in a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: This device is used for compressing the abdominal wall and colon during colonoscopy so as to facilitate the colonoscopy exam.

Abstract: A device for applying traction to, and/or relieving part of the pressure on, the human spinal column, including a lower, adjustable harness (2), being supported against the patient's pelvis/hipbone, an upper, adjustable harness (1) taking support around the patient's shoulders and under the arm pits, thus applying traction to a maximum number of the vertebrae via keybones and shoulder blades, and elastic force elements (3), striving to separate the two harnesses, symmetrically arranged between said harnesses, on both sides of the spine, said elastic force elements all being located on the front side of the patient's body and including at least two gas springs (3) having the same, pre-selectable, nearly stroke-independent force, and being symmetrically located on each side of, and equally spaced from, the body symmetry plane through the spine.

Abstract: An force generator includes an elongate force generator body that has a longitudinal dimension and has a fluid chamber defined therein. The force generator body exhibits a dimensional extension responsive to an increase in fluid in the fluid chamber and a dimensional retraction responsive to a decrease in fluid in the fluid chamber. A restraint apparatus channels the dimensional extension/retraction into the longitudinal dimension and restrains dimensional extension in a dimension transverse thereto.

Abstract: A strait jacket including a front panel for positioning against the chest of a wearer and a rear panel for positioning against the back of a wearer. The front panel is disguised to look like the front of a conventional jacket. The rear panel is divided into side-by-side parts and has a releasable fastener joining these parts together. A pair of tubular sleeves for receiving the arms of a wearer is joined to the front and back panels and extends therefrom. The sleeves are sewn to the front panel so that a wearer cannot raise such.

Abstract: A patient restraint for gathering and retaining the limbs of a patient, and for retaining tubes of medical equipment on the body of the patient. The restraint includes a rectangular flexible base panel lined with hook and loop fastener, and three straps lined with complementing hook and loop fastener. The base panel is sufficiently long as to be able to wrap almost entirely around an adult human torso. The width is half the magnitude of the length. The straps are limited in length to half the length of the base panel and in width to one tenth that of the base panel. One of the straps is shorter and narrower than are the other two straps.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a wearer's shoulder joint during movement is made of elastic material and comprises a torso strap, a shoulder strap, upper and lower stabilizing straps and a vertical support strap. The torso strap is securable around the torso of the wearer generally across the lower end of the rib cage. The shoulder strap is secured at a first end to the torso strap on a side opposite the shoulder to be supported. The shoulder strap extends across the front of the wearer, over and around the shoulder to be supported and across the back of the wearer and is removably securable at a second end to the torso strap along the side opposite the supported shoulder. The shoulder strap is secured to the torso strap under tension to provide the desired support to the shoulder. The upper and lower stabilizing straps cooperate with the shoulder strap to form a shoulder receiving pocket in the shoulder strap and help hold the shoulder strap in place.

Abstract: A diaper changing restraint system for restraining an infant while changing the infant's diaper. The system provides a four-point restraint system for securing the infant by itself or in conjunction with a diaper-changing table. The system includes a bottom portion, a top portion and a mechanism for fastening the top portion to the bottom portion. The top portion is generally one piece and is in the shape of the front of a tank-top shirt having two shoulder straps and two side portions. The bottom portion includes a stiff stable surface having four cloth-like material portions attached thereto. The four cloth-like material portions are positioned so as to align with the two shoulder straps and the two side portions of the top portion. A fastening mechanism, preferably hook and pile (i.e., VELCRO.RTM.), is provided for attaching the top portion to the bottom portion via the two shoulder straps and the two side portions.

Abstract: A harness for wearing by a person allows the weight of a stretcher with a casualty to be carried on the shoulders, hips, or hands of the person. The harness has two padded shoulder straps which are vertically adjustable. The shoulder straps are connected by a horizontal piece of fabric which is horizontally adjustable, bringing the shoulder straps closer together or farther apart. The shoulder straps are attached to a padded hip belt. The hip belt is horizontally adjustable and has four fabric loops, two on each side. The loops are used for the stretcher arms. The two arms of a stretcher are placed in the loops, one arm in two loops. The weight of the stretcher is thus carried on the loops and the harness allows the weight of the stretcher to be transferred to the shoulders, hips, or hands.

Abstract: An ambulatory, wearable support to be worn by a person for applying an extending force to a portion of the human anatomy while being worn, the portion of the human anatomy having an anterior portion and an opposed posterior portion, includes a first anchor member substantially encircling a first portion of the human anatomy, A second anchor member is spaced apart from the first anchor member, the portion of the human anatomy that is to be subjected to the extending force being disposed substantially between said first and second anchor members. A plurality of extender sets have at least one selectively inflatable bladder. The at least one bladder has a first end operably coupled to the first anchor member and a second end operably coupled to the second anchor member, the plurality of extender sets being spaced apart and disposed both anteriorly and posteriorly with respect to the portion of the human anatomy that is to be subjected to the extending force.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying force to a patient's upper torso and cervical region, and method for using the same, comprising a pair of panels adapted to fit under the arms of a patient and to cover the patient's chest and back. The panels have edges defining lateral extremities of the panels at the patient's chest and back. A pair of sleeves is provided having tubular portions adapted for receiving the patient's arms therein. The tubular portions have a slit and are adapted for adjustable fitting about the patient's distal biceps. Straps are used for maintaining the panels against the patient's chest. A bulbous disk is provided for contacting the rear of the patient's lower neck and upper back and for applying a spreading force over the patient's neck and back. Straps are connected to front surfaces of the sleeve upper portions and adapted for applying force to the disk and hence to the patient's neck, back, shoulder girdles, and upper extremities.

Abstract: The invention is a vest formed from mesh material for assisting ambulatory patients move about. The vest is formed of a single piece of material with a hole in the center for the head and recesses that form arm holes when the material is folded over the body creating a front and back panel. The panels are connected under the arm holes with zippers or other material consistent with a zipper closure. The back panel contains a pair of straps attached at a diagonal to the shape of the back and intersect near the center point of the panel. A pair of handles of web or other strong material are vertically mounted proximate the center point to the straps, thereby allowing a high degree of control over the torso of the patient.

Abstract: A spinal immobilizer extrication vest designed to be compact and easily applied to accident victims in confined spaces, such as deformed structures of automobiles, or applied following structure collapse. The device is constructed of lightweight nylon material, with rigid longitudinal cylindrical rods which, in addition to intrinsic rigidity form a stiffening arc when the rods are applied about the victim and secured anteriorly, by two overlapping nylon body panels with hook fastener and loop fastener material. Contiguous ear panels augment head immobilization, provided by prior application of a rigid cervical collar. Following placement of such a collar, the vest is positioned, body panels are opened beneath the victim's arms and wrapped around the victim providing cervical, thoracic and lumbar immobilization. Sacral and pelvic support is provided by a triangular cradle of nylon material which extends from the lower edge of the central body panel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable spinal traction device capable of both preventing spinal injuries, and of facilitating the healing of existing spinal injuries. As disclosed, the device of the present invention includes an upper horizontal support member, a lower horizontal support member, and a plurality of vertical support members fixedly attached at each end to the upper and lower members, wherein each of the vertical support members contains therein an inflatable bladder in fluid connection to an inflation means.

Abstract: A garment for wear during game play provides protection against impact forces. The garment comprises inner and outer layers of a fabric mesh with an intermediate support layer. A support layer includes a primary air channel extending along the normal seam locations of the garment with an interwoven grid of secondary air tubes being in communication with the primary air channel. Pressurized air is introduced through a valve in the primary air channel so as to inflate the air channel and grids connected thereto. Upon inflation, the grids cover the underlying body parts so as to protect against impact forces. The valve allows for a quick deflation of the air channel for allowing the garment to be worn during normal game play. The garment may also be worn in non-game environments in order to support the underlying muscles of the wearer.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed which is worn by a person but does not interfere with movement of the limbs, and is provided with handles that may be grasped to assist in carrying, stabilizing or moving the person. A girdle-like device of cloth construction is worn about the waist and is formed by a flexible panel having a T-shaped configuration before application to the wearer. This configuration presents a pair of opposed arms which are brought about the waist and secured to form a band, and a single connecting element that extends front to rear under the crotch and is joined to the band.

Abstract: A back traction device is disclosed that allows a patient or person to be seated in any type of seat and will relieve the pressure and tension on the disc of the lower back of the patient as much as possible. The back traction device comprises a halter with ribs that serve to transfer some of the pressure that is associated with sitting in a chair when the patient is seated in the chair. The back traction device includes a halter and a traction member. The halter has strips of hook and loop fastening material at an outward rear position that mate with hook and loop fastener portions on the traction device that is attached to a chair or the like. In one embodiment, the traction device comprises a member that has straps that allow it to be removably attached to a chair and, in a second embodiment, the hook and loop material traction device is permanently attached to the back of a chair.

Abstract: An animal restraining jacket having openings in the abdominal, neck and arm areas along with a longitudinally extending slit to facilitate placement of the jacket upon a laboratory animal and securement thereon by attaching of a main fastening device which extends along the slit such as a zipper. A flap is positioned on the exterior of the jacket to define a pocket between the jacket and the flap and an access slot is defined in the jacket within the pocket to facilitate communication of a medical device such as a blood catheter from the pocket through the jacket to the interior area for direct access to the laboratory animal. The pocket includes a fastening device such as a zipper which is adapted to close the pocket to prevent infection or tissue damage resulting from an animal scratching or otherwise mishandling of the medical device such as the blood catheter. A cover flap is adapted to extend over the longitudinally extending fastening zipper to prevent tampering thereof by the laboratory animal.

Abstract: A protective garment incorporating radiation resistant materials has a resilient support for conforming to and supporting the weight of the garment across the back of the wearer. The support is a wide resilient band having a first end connected at a first interior side seam and a second end connected at a second interior side seam for extending across an interior back panel surface of the garment. When stretched across the back, the garment weight is distributed uniformly across the back to reduce fatigue. Alternatively, the garment may have a pair of resilient straps which extend from the shoulder seams and sides of a front panel, across the back to the front of the garment. By providing resilient back panels which extend from the shoulders, the front panel weight is distributed over the shoulders and back. Utilizing such a protective garment reduces upper body fatigue for those required to wear such garments.

Abstract: An upper torso restraining device is disclosed for maintaining an individual in a seated position in a chair or similar by providing attachment and support of the upper torso. An external upper body garment with appearance similar to ordinary clothing is provided with side slits. An interior vest having straps extending from front crossover and crossunder portions is attached to the upper body garment along the upper edges of the interior vest. Straps from the crossunder portion pass through one side of the interior vest through interior slits and straps from the crossover portion pass through external loops located on the opposing side of the interior vest. The straps then pass through the side slits, and may be secured together behind an individual wearing the interior vest and upper body garment.

Abstract: A thoracic-lumbar-sacral corrective orthosis ("TLSO") device, for supporting, controlling and correcting structural and postural curvature and deformation of the spine and a chair side support buttress to further support a patient seated in a chair. The TLSO device can be used by ambulatory and non-ambulatory patient's alike and has an arcuate rigid back portion, a flexible vest portion and straps to hold the TLSO device against the patient's back to apply corrective pressure to the patient's spine. A lumbar support cushion is located on the arcuate rigid back portion to provide lumbar support to the patient's spine. Chair attachment straps are affixed to arcuate rigid back portion for use in securing a patient wearing the TLSO device in a chair. The chair side support buttress is positioned between the armrest of a chair and extends upwards to lie adjacent to the patient's side.

Abstract: A shoulder brace comprising a resilient shoulder means conformable to the shoulder and upper arm of the wearer. The shoulder brace also includes a plurality of resilient torso straps each having a shoulder end which is attached to the shoulder means and an anchor end, and a plurality of resilient side straps each having a sleeve end which is attached to the shoulder means and a waist end. A waist belt is also provided which includes an overlap means for releasably affixing the waist belt about the waist of the user and a plurality of loop means in spatial relationship about the waist belt for removably securing each of the anchor ends and waist ends to the waist belt.

Abstract: The harness includes a torso engaging device made of nylon strips conformed in a figure eight pattern; the arms of the wearer extending through the loops. An arm cuff is also provided which engages about the upper arm of the wearer and is connected to the torso engaging device by means of rubber tubings which act to limit range of motion of the arm. Also, to keep the torso engaging device from riding up around the arms of the wearer, further rubber tubings engage a lower torso strip section to clips engaged to the harness wearer's belt. The harness can be used for either arm, or both arms, as desired. Also, with simple modifications, the harness could be used to control range of motion of other joints as well.

Abstract: A portable, customizable support apparatus for a patient's torso is provided for maintaining the patient in a substantially upright sitting position. The apparatus includes a left side member, a right side member and a back member and assemblies for securing the apparatus to the patient and to a seating unit. The support apparatus also includes a device for interconnecting the left and right side members at the front of the torso such that the left and right side members and back member substantially surround the patient's torso. The assembled apparatus can be used with most conventional chairs and seats, including geriatric chairs and wheelchairs.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: A shaped halo vest includes front and back vest components for overlying the front and back of the patient's upper torso. Each component is shaped three-dimensionally to load selected areas of the body, i.e., selected muscle groups, and avoid loading other selected areas of the body, i.e., bony prominences. The shaping includes three-dimensional compound curves for bowing the molded plastic vest components inwardly to transfer loads or outwardly to avoid transfer of loads. The marginal edges of the vest components are flared outwardly to avoid pinching or bruising the underlying tissue upon relative movement of the patient and vest. The three-dimensional compound curves and the flared edges contribute to the structural rigidity of the vest. The front and back components are secured one to the other by adjustable straps along the opposite sides of the lower portions of the vest and adjustable length shoulder straps. Vent holes are provided in the back vest component.

Abstract: A medical appliance, having a thick foam core received within a cover made of fleece, for simultaneously treating spinal, shoulder girdle, head, neck and related conditions. The appliance includes a seat cushion surrounded on three sides by a three-sided vest having a back wall and a pair of forwardly extending side walls. Each side wall includes an inwardly projecting protuberance formed on its inner surface that bears against the patient's waistline for therapeutic purposes when a belt that circumscribes the back and side walls is tightened, and a similar protuberance is formed in each side wall at the bottom thereof to help center the patient's hips atop the cushion and to hold them against lateral displacement. The rigidity of a side wall is enhanced by selectively placing a rigid stay member in a slot formed in each side wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the wrists and hands of an individual adjacent the individual's waist.

Abstract: An extrication and spinal restraint device for use in emergency rescues, an onsite medical aid where potential back, neck and shoulder injuries may exist includes a jacket of flexible material arranged to extend the entire length of a victim's spine, neck and head and be secured thereto by head, torso and pelvic straps, the jacket mounting a pair of rigid backboard members arranged to be disposed behind a victim's back, neck and head and configured to extend with the confronting longitudinal edges disposed along a victim's spine to provide rigid support only inwardly of the sides of a victim's body and head, the pelvic straps configured and disposed specifically to engage the pelvic structure of a human torso specifically above the articulating joints of the hips, so that movement of the legs is permitted without affecting changes in tension on the jacket, and the head is positively immobilized by a pair of straps configured specifically to engage only the fixed, non-articulating portion of a human skull or a

Abstract: A disposable restraint jacket having a pair of laterally spaced, releasably secured flaps, formed in the front of the jacket, that grant ready access to the subclavian area. The jacket is color coded as to size, is marked with indicia to indicate its front and back parts, and its neck opening prevents choking of the patient. The flaps and other confronting parts of the jacket are releasably secured by a combination of locking devices of the hook and loop type. Additional embodiments add zippers and flaps on the back of the jacket.

Abstract: A patient restraint device for restraining invalid patients and the like. A generally unitary vest body has two face portions merging at the shoulder, and a neck opening formed between the shoulders. Each of the face portions has a distal edge formed at the ends of the faces furthest removed from the neck opening. Each of the faces terminates at the distal edge portion in straps. Two such straps are provided for each of the faces, one at each side edge thereof. The distal edge of one of the faces is longer than the distal edge of the other of the faces. An opening is formed in the face having the longer of the two distal edges, and adapted to receive at least two of the straps. The opening is a single vertical slot positioned just above and at the center of the distal edge of the face having the longer distal edge.

Abstract: A patient restraint garment, which is quickly applied to or removed from a patient and which is substantially non-defeatable by the patient, is disclosed which comprises: a flexible panel having an opening to receive the head and neck of a patient thereby forming front and rear portions covering the upper torso of the patient; tying straps attached to the bottom corners of the front portion of the panel for engagement with at least one of a plurality of loops attached to the bottom region of the rear portion of the panel, to connect and snug the bottom regions of the front and rear portions of the panel about the patient, prior to securing the tying straps to a structure out of reach of the patient, at least one side strap extending laterally from each side of the front portion of the panel, at chest level, which straps have fastening means thereon for engagement with a portion of a receiving means attached to the upper back region of the rear portion of the panel to create custom-fit, adjustable arm holes fo

Abstract: A fall intervention garment adapted to secure a person to a tethered supporting structure is disclosed. The garment is generally in the form of a vest and includes an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is formed so as to be responsive to a load being placed on the upper section for generating an inwardly directed holding force about the person's torso area. Attachment ring are connected to the upper section for detachably connecting the vest to a support structure.

Abstract: A device for preventing infant colic and stomach discomfort includes a collar or vest for attachment to the infant and a bubble level is attached to the collar or vest for visually indicating the position of the infant's torso with respect to vertical. The level visually displays a range of desirable positions with respect to vertical for the infant's torso during nursing, and the level displays a range of desirable positions with respect to vertical for the infant's torso during so-called burping procedures for eliminating air from the infant's stomach.

Abstract: A medical absorption garment for use by wearers with medical appliances connected to their body in the vicinity of their upper chest or neck. The garment comprises a frontal bib member which has a neck yoke at its upper end, and an attenuated yoke panel immediately below and adjacent to the yoke's lower edge. The bib is fabricated in a laminate structure comprising at least one absorbant inner layer, with covering layers on the outside thereof. Strapping attached to the bib allows it to be temporarily fastened to the wearer.

Abstract: A patient restraining vest having a main body panel comprising front and pack panel portions and a head opening. A pair of straps extending in opposite directions from the front panel portion is provided for wrapping around the patient to secure the patient in the vest. A third strap extending in both directions from the front panel portion is provided for wrapping around the frame of a supporting structure such as a bed, chair or the like, and attaching to each strap the pair of straps to restrain the patient to the supporting structure. An opening is provided to access to the patient's chest without removing the vest.

Abstract: A vest-like patient restraint garment presenting neck and arm apertures; the garment includes a unitary front and has at least two back panels each connected to the front panel. Each back panel has at least one elongated fastening strap secured at one of its longitudinal ends contiguous to the edge of each such panel.The fastening straps extend toward and at least partially overlapping the remaining adjacent back panel.One anchoring strap is provided for each fastening strap, with each such anchoring strap being adapted to cooperate with its respective fastening strap, with the length of the anchoring strap passing through the attachment means of the fastening strap.Each of the anchoring straps terminate in mateable elements which form an anchor strap joinder and release means.

Abstract: A jumpsuit style support and restraint garment designed to safely and comfortably confine a person to a chair or wheelchair while providing proper body alignment and allowing full range of motion of arms and legs. A human body fitting cloth panel with front and shoulder covering has a rib-knit V-neck in the top. A bottom fold having rib-knit lined leg holes frontwardly horizontally aligned is a seat portion and a continuation of the panel which can be passed under the back rest of a wheelchair. The panel continues as a back member which extends up the outside backrest of the wheelchair and is zipper-fastened to the shoulder covering behind the patient's neck. A special locking ring prevents the patient from easily unzipping the fasteners. Movement of the support materials is restricted by handle apertures which fit the wheelchair handles. Full pants and shorts styles are available in the jumpsuit design.

Abstract: A patient restraining device having an adjustable length bar configured to attach to the side rails of a bed and be located beneath the bed. Pivoted levers attached to the bar are connectable to straps passing around each side of the bed and connected to a restraining vest worn by the patient. The pivotable levers are in turn connected to a switch box attached to the bar so that tension in either one or both of the restraining straps causes the switch mechanism of the switch box to be activated, which in turn activates an internal or external alarm. The pivotable levers are arranged with compressible bushings so that tension in the straps must exceed a predetermined level for the levers to pivot far enough to activate the alarm.