Patent Publication Number: US-10321854-B2

Title: Predictive double-release alarm belt

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/540,879 filed on Aug. 3, 2017 and titled Predictive Double Release Alarm Belt, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates, in general, to the field of fall prevention devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that allows medical personnel to monitor the location of various patients. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a belt that can be secured about a device on which a patient sits or lays that alerts medical personnel when the belt is removed or partially removed. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     Falls and fall-related injuries pose significant health issues, especially for elderly individuals, To address these health issues, various fall-prevention equipment is commonly used in hospitals, assist care facilities, nursing homes, senior citizen facilities, and any other locations to protect patients and residents. For instance, various sensors, alarms, and other devices are used to monitor the location and movement of individuals. By way of example, many pieces of furniture, including chairs, beds, wheelchairs, toilets, and the like, feature sensors that alert medical personnel when an individual exits these pieces of furniture. In the event an individual stands up, the sensor can trip an alarm that alerts medical personnel. Once the alarm is sounded, appropriate attention can be given to the individual who may not be steady on his or her feet. 
     One such type of fall-prevention equipment relates to belts that are wrapped around a patient who is sitting in a chair or lying in a bed. In the event the individual wishes to get up from the chair or bed, he or she must disengage the belt. Once the fastener of the belt is disengaged, an alarm is sounded to alert the medical staff. 
     While these fall-prevention belts are helpful, further improvements are desired. For instance, current fall-prevention belts resemble traditional belts, which can be disengaged quickly and easily by simply separating the first end and the second end at a single release point. Once the first end and the second end are disengaged about the single release point such that the belt is completely separated, an alarm is sounded. As a result, once the alarm is sounded, the patient is able to immediately stand up and move around, as desired. This means that the medical personnel must act immediately, and even then, the patient may have stood up, moved, or fallen down. 
     Additionally, traditional fall-prevention belts are expensive, requiring them to be reused. In many settings, such as household settings, this is not an issue. However, in hospital settings, sterility concerns require extensive cleaning before a fall-prevention belt is ready to be reused. This also adds to the cost of using and maintaining fall prevention belts. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a fall-prevention alarm belt that addresses at least the issues outlined above. More specifically, an alarm belt that provides medical personnel with additional time to reach the patient before the patient is able to stand up is needed. Similarly, an alarm belt that requires additional time for a patient to disengage is further needed. Further, what is needed is an affordable, disposable fall-prevention belt that can be installed to a chair, a bed, or another piece of furniture on which a patient is sitting or lying. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     By way of summary, the present invention is directed to a double-release alarm belt that is used with a device that holds or supports a patient. A primary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that allows medical personnel to monitor the location of the patient relative to the device. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is affordable and disposable for industries where sterility concerns are prevalent. 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing an apparatus having at least three straps, a cord configured to detect movement of at least one of the straps, and an alarm system connected to the cord. The at least three straps may be releasably secured to one another around the device and the patient. For instance, the at least three straps may include a first elongated strap, a second elongated strap releasably attached to the first elongated strap, a third elongated strap, and a fourth elongated strap releasably attached to the third elongated strap. 
     The at least three straps may be disengaged from the device and the patient by moving a first strap in a first direction and then moving a second strap in a second direction. Once the first strap is moved in the first direction, the cord may provide a transmission to the alarm system that results in the sounding of the alarm system. For instance, the third elongated strap may be disengaged from the fourth elongated strap by pulling the third elongated strap in the first direction. Once this occurs, the alarm system may be triggered. Thereafter, the first elongated strap may be disengaged from the second elongated strap by pulling the second elongated strap in the second direction opposite the first direction. 
     The apparatus may also include first, second, third, and fourth fasteners. For instance, the first fastener may be located on an upper side of the first elongated strap. The second fastener may be located on an underside of the second elongated strap, such that the second fastener is configured to releasably fasten to the first fastener. Additionally, the third fastener may be located on an underside of the third elongated strap. Finally, the fourth fastener may be located on an upper side of the fourth elongated strap, such that the first fastener is configured to releasably fasten to the third fastener. Also, a bond between the third fastener and the fourth fastener may be weaker than a bond between the first fastener and the second fastener. 
     Further still, the apparatus may include first and second handles. The first handle may be mounted to an upper side of the third elongated strap. This allows the third elongated strap to be disengaged from the fourth elongated strap by pulling on the first handle. The second handle may be mounted to an upper side of the second elongated strap to allow the second elongated strap to be disengaged from the first elongated strap. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing an apparatus comprising an inventive double-release alarm belt with a first elongated strap, a second elongated strap, a shortened strap, a cord, and an alarm system. The first elongated strap, the second elongated strap, the shortened strap, and the cord can be disposable, or they can be reusable. 
     The first elongated strap may have a first end, a second end, a midportion located between the first and the second end, an upper side, and an underside. The first elongated strap may also have a hook mechanism that is attached to the first end of the first elongated strap. The hook mechanism may be used to engage a second end of the second elongated strap. More specifically, the hook mechanism may comprise a first ring and a second ring where the second end of the second elongated strap is threaded through the first ring and the second ring. Additionally, the first elongated strap may have a first fastener extending along the underside of the second end of the first elongated strap. 
     The shortened strap may also have a first end, a second end, an upper side, and an underside. The shortened strap may be attached to the midportion of the first elongated strap about the first end of the shortened strap. Additionally, a second fastener may extend along the upper side of the shortened strap from the first end of the shortened strap to the second end of the shortened strap. 
     Similarly, the second elongated strap may have a first end, a second end, an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end, an upper side, and an underside. A third fastener may extend along the underside of the first end of the second elongated strap and a fourth fastener may extend along the upper side of the intermediate portion. 
     The first fastener may he releasably engaged by the fourth fastener, and the second fastener may he releasably engaged by the third fastener. More specifically, the first fastener may be releasably held together with the fourth fastener by a first bond and the second fastener may he releasably held together with the second fastener by a second bond. The first bond may be weaker than the second bond. This allows the bond between the first fastener and the fourth fastener to be easily broken. It is more difficult to break the bond between the second fastener and the third fastener. In this way, a patient can easily break the first bond, but it will be more difficult to break the second bond. Also, the first fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener using a first force and the second fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener using a second force. The first force is less than the second force. Each of the fasteners may be selected from one of a hook fastener and a loop fastener. 
     The cord is associated with the first elongated strap, the second elongated strap, and the shortened strap and is in communication with an alarm system. If the first fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener as monitored by the cord, the alarm system will generate an audible sound. This will notify medical personnel that there is risk that the patient is preparing to leave the device before the patient is actually able to leave the device. To disengage the various fasteners, the first fastener is disengaged from the fourth fastener when the first fastener is pulled in a first direction. Next, the second fastener may be disengaged from the third fastener by pulling in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. By requiring the patient to pull in the first direction and then the second direction, it takes additional time to disengage the double-release alarm belt in comparison to previous belts. 
     The inventive double-release belt may also include a first handle that is mounted to the upper side of the second end of the first elongated strap. Thus, the first handle is used to disengage the first fastener from the fourth fastener. The double-release belt also may include a second handle mounted to the upper side of the first end of the second elongated strip. Therefore, the second handle is used to disengage the first fastener from the fourth fastener. 
     The double-release belt preferably may also include a fifth fastener. The fifth fastener may be associated with the second end of the second elongated strap. The fifth fastener may be used to secure the first elongated strap, the second elongated strap, and the shortened strap in a wrapped position. Additionally, the fifth fastener may be used to secure the second end of the second elongated strap to the double-release belt once installed. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, these objects are achieved by providing a method of using the double-release alarm belt with a device holding a patient. The first step of the method is wrapping the double-release arm belt around the patient. Next, the double-release alarm belt is wrapped around the device. A first end of the double-release alarm belt is then engaged with a second end of the double-release alarm belt to secure the first and second ends to one another. Next, an alarm system is connected to the double-release alarm belt by a cord. 
     The method may include additional steps. The first elongated strap may be disengaged from the second elongated strap about a first portion. For instance, a first handle can be pulled to disengage the first elongated strap from the second elongated strap about a first portion. When this occurs, an audible alarm can be created by the alarm system. Additionally, the first elongated strap may be disengaged from the second elongated strap about a second portion. For instance, a second handle can be pulled to disengage the first elongated strap from the second elongated strap about a second portion. When this occurs, the patient is released so that he or she can move away from the device. Also, the first end of the double-release alarm belt may be threaded through a first ring and a second ring associated with the second end of the double-release belt. When this occurs, the belt is snug about the patient. Additionally, the first end of the double-release alarm belt can be secured in place using a hook and loop fastener. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a double-release alarm belt for use with a device holding a patient may include a first elongated strap, a shortened strap, a second elongated strap, and an alarm system. The shortened strap may extend from the first elongated strap. The second elongated strap may be configured to be releasably attached to the first elongated strap and to be releasably attached to the shortened strap. The alarm system is triggered when the second elongated strap is disengaged from the first elongated strap. The second elongated strap may be disengaged from the first elongated strap by pulling the first elongated strap in a first direction. The second elongated strap may also be disengaged from the shortened strap by pulling the second elongated strap in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     These, and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side elevation view of an inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIG. 1  where a first elongated strap associated with the belt is separate from a second elongated strap; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side elevation view of another inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIG. 3  where a first elongated strap associated with the belt is separate from a second elongated strap; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt in a wrapped position; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIG. 5  once a fifth fastener is disengaged allowing the alarm belt to be unwrapped; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , as it is unwrapped with a cord that is associated with an alarm belt and an alarm system; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-7  in a further unwrapped position showing a second elongated strap; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-8  in a further unwrapped position showing a first elongated strap; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of FIGS,  5 - 9  in a further unwrapped position; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-10  in a fully unwrapped position; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another perspective view of the underside of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-11  in a hilly unwrapped position; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another perspective view of the top side of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-12  in a fully unwrapped position; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-13 , and more specifically, a first handle located about a second end of the first elongated strap; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-14  and, more specifically, the second end of the first elongated strap being pulled in a first direction away from an intermediate portion of the second elongated strap to separate a first fastener from a fourth fastener; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-15  and, more specifically, the second end of the first elongated strap being pulled away from an intermediate portion of the second elongated strap after the bond between the first fastener and the fourth fastener has been broken; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-16  and, more specifically, a second handle mounted to an upper surface of the first end of the second elongated strap once the bond between the first fastener and the fourth fastener has been broken; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-17  and, more specifically, a detailed view of the second handle mounted to an upper surface of the first end of the second elongated strap; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-18  and, more specifically, a first end of the second elongated strap being pulled in a second direction away from an upper side of a shortened strap attached to the first elongated strap to separate a second fastener from a third fastener; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates another perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt of  FIGS. 5-19 , where the first elongated strap is separated from the second elongated strap such that the belt is completely disengaged; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt that is mounted around a patient and a device the patient is sitting or lying on; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt in a preferred position relative to the patient and a device that the patient is resting on; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of a hook mechanism associated with the first elongated strap where the fifth fastener is engaged with the belt so that the excess strap at the second end of the second elongated strap is secured; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt where the first elongated strap, the shortened strap, and the second elongated strap are attached to one another; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt where the first elongated strap is being pulled in a first direction away from the intermediate portion of the second elongated strap to separate the first fastener from the fourth fastener; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt where the second elongated strap is being pulled in a second direction opposite the first direction from the shortened strap that is attached to the first elongated strap to separate the second fastener from the third fastener; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of the inventive predictive alarm belt of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive alarm belt of  FIG. 27 , as it is being secured to a device or piece of furniture; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive alarm belt before the elongated straps are engaged with one another; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of the inventive predictive alarm belt after a patient is secured to the device or piece of furniture; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt where first, second, third, and fourth elongated straps are attached to one another; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt where the first elongated strap is being pulled in a first direction away from the second elongated strap to separate the first fastener from the fourth fastener; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release belt where the second elongated strap is moved away from the third elongated strap and the fourth elongated strap; and 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a simplified side elevation view of the inventive predictive double-release alarm belt where the third elongated strap is being pulled in a second direction away from the fourth elongated strap to separate the second fastener from the third fastener. 
     
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description. 
     1. System Overview 
     The current invention relates to a belt with two releasable straps portions which is connected to an alarm that can he secured around an occupant of a chair, bed, or other supporting device to monitor patient movement non-invasively. When a first releasable strap portion is disengaged by pulling in a first direction, an alarm will sound. The second releasable strap portion can then be disengaged by pulling in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. This gives an early warning to the medical personnel before the occupant attempts to exit the chair or bed. As a result, the necessary staff has time to intervene to assist the occupant who may be a fall risk. The belt could either be disposable or reusable based on the materials used. By offering both disposable and reusable belts, cost efficiency can be optimized depending on the specific context in which the belt is used. This invention is superior to previous sensor pads or alarms that typically only sound once the occupant has already exited the chair, bed, or other supporting device. 
     2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 
     The inventive double-release alarm belt  30  is generally shown in the figures. The double-release alarm belt  30  is used to monitor the position of a patient  34  or other individual who is resting on a support device  32 , for instance, a chair, a bed, a wheel chair, a cardiac chair, a recliner, or other furniture. The double-release alarm belt  30  has a first elongated strap  36 , a second elongated strap  64 , and an alarm system  80 . The double-release alarm belt  30  may also include a shortened strap  52 . The first elongated strap  36 , the second elongated strap  64 , and the shortened strap  52  may be releasably affixed to one another about a first portion  112  and a second portion  114 , as will be further described below. When the first elongated strap  36  and the second elongated strap  64  are disengaged about the first portion  112 , the alarm system  80  may create an audible alarm. In this way, the double-release alarm belt  30  provides medical personnel with an advanced warning before the patient  34  is able to disengage the second elongated strap  64  from the shortened strap  52  about the second portion  114  to get up from the device  32 . 
     Initially, the first elongated strap  36  will be described. The first elongated strap  36  can be seen, for instance, in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The first elongated strap  36  has a first end  38 , a second end  40  opposite the first end  38 , and a midportion  42  located between the first end  38  and the second end  40 . Additionally, the first elongated strap  36  may have an upper side  44  and an underside  46 . A hook mechanism  48  may be attached to the first end  38  of the first elongated strap  36 . The hook mechanism  48  may include a first ring  94  and a second ring  96 . Additionally, a first fastener  50  may be associated with the first elongated strap  36 . As shown, the first fastener  50  extends along the underside of the first end  38  of the first elongated strap  36 . Additionally, the first elongated strap  36  may have a first handle  86  that is mounted to the upper side  44  of the first elongated strap  36  along the second end  40 . The length of the first handle  86  may be substantially the same length of the first fastener  50 . 
     Moving on, the shortened strap  52  also has a first end  54  and a second end  56  opposite the first end  54 , as well as an upper side  58  and an underside  60 . The shortened strap  52  is best seen in  FIG. 20 . As shown, the first end  54  may be attached to the midportion  42  of the first elongated strap  36 . Additionally, a second fastener  62  extends along the upper side  58  of the shortened strap  52  from the first end  54  of the shortened strap  52  to the second end  56  of the shortened strap  52 . 
     Next, the second elongated strap  64  will be described, which again is best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Somewhat similar to the first elongated strap  36 , the second elongated strap  64  has a first end  66 , a second end  68 , and an intermediate portion  70  located between the first end  66  and the second end  68 . The second elongated strap  64  may also have an upper side  72  and an underside  74 . Additionally, a third fastener  76  and a fourth fastener  78  may be associated with the second elongated strap  64 . More specifically, the third fastener  76  may be mounted along the underside  74  of the first end  66  of the second elongated strap  64 . The fourth fastener  78  may be mounted along the upper side  72  of the intermediate portion  70 . Also, the second elongated strap  64  may have a handle  88  that is mounted to the upper side  72  of the second elongated strap  64  along the first end  66 . Further still, the second elongated strap  64  may have a fifth fastener  90  located about the second end  68 . The fifth fastener  90  can hold the double-release alarm belt  30  in a wrapped position  92 , as shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIGS. 6-11  show the double-release alarm belt  30  as it is unwrapped. Additionally, the fifth fastener  90  can be used to secure the second end to the double-release alarm belt  30  once installed about the patient  34  and the device  32 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6, 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20 , each of the fasteners  50 ,  62 ,  76 ,  78  may be selected from one of a hook fastener  106  and a loop fastener  108 . Other types of fasteners could similarly be used, such as snaps, adhesive, ties, and the like. Additionally, as shown, the compatible fasteners can be color-coded to simplify the assembly or re-assembly process. For instance, the first fastener  50  and the fourth fastener  78  are made of white hook and loop fasteners. Similarly, the second fastener  62  and the third fastener  76  are made of blue hook and loop fasteners. In this way, medical personnel can easily re-assemble the double-release alarm belt  30  without risk of engaging the wrong fasteners with one another. This is especially helpful where the double-release alarm belt  30  is reusable. Also, the handles  86 ,  88  can be a different color from the rest of the double-release alarm belt  30 , so that they can more easily be seen and distinguished from the other parts of the belt  30 . For instance, the handles  86 ,  88  may be a fluorescent yellow. 
     Each of the first elongated strap  36 , the shortened strap  52 , and the second elongated strap  64  may be disposable. Additionally, the cord  110 , which can be disengaged from the alarm system  80 , can also be disposable. For instance, the disposable version of the belt  30  could be made of a silver conductive fabric, as well as a nylon or foam laminate. These materials are typically less expensive in comparison to the materials needed to manufacture previous reusable belts. Additionally, the disposable version could have hook and loop fasteners as opposed to buckles, which can be expensive. For instance, the disposable materials may be 25-75% less expensive than those associate with traditional belts, and more preferably 40-50% less expensive than traditional belts. Such a configuration would be especially appealing in situations where the double-release alarm belt  30  is used in hospital settings or other environments where sterility must be maintained. By having an affordable disposable alarm belt  30 , the belt  30  can simply be thrown away after use without the need to sterilize a previously-used belt, which can be time-consuming and costly. Alternatively, in situations where sterility is not a concern, the double-release alarm belt  30  could be reusable. For instance, such a configuration could include materials, such as nylon webbing, seat belt buckles, biothan webbing, and silver conductive fabric. Alternatively, any aspect of the belt  30  could be made of any other number of materials, including non-woven materials, such as plastic or paper. Regardless of the material, the belt  30  is preferably configured to be able to withhold forces of over 100 pounds before failure. 
     Possible dimensions of the first elongated strap  36 , the shortened strap  52 , and the second elongated strap  64  will now be described. However, it should be noted that straps of various dimensions may be used to accommodate different uses. Additionally, it should be noted that larger straps could be used for patients with larger waist sizes or for use with larger chairs, beds, cardiac chairs, recliners, and the like. 
     For instance, the length of the double-release alarm belt  30  could be approximately 60-100 inches in length and, more preferably, approximately 78 inches, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Additionally, typical belts  30  will be approximately 2 inches in height, although again, different dimensioned belts could be used as required by the specific use. In such an embodiment, the first elongated strap  36  could be 20-40 inches, and more preferably 27.5 inches. Additionally, in this embodiment the second elongated strap  64  could be between 75-105 inches, and more preferably 90 inches. 
     An alternative double-release alarm belt  30  could be much longer, for instance, the length of the double-release alarm belt could be approximately 70-110 inches in length and, more preferably, approximately 92 inches as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Additionally, typical belts  30  will be approximately 2 inches in height, although again, different dimensioned belts could be used as required by the specific use. In this embodiment, the first elongated strap  36  could be 25-55 inches, and more preferably 40 inches. Additionally, in this embodiment the second elongated strap  64  could be between 75-105 inches, and more preferably 90 inches. As such, the same second elongated strap  64  could be used with either embodiment, with different first elongated straps  36  being used, depending on how the belt  30  will be used. 
     Functionality of the cord  110  and alarm system  80  will now be described. The cord  110  is embedded within the second elongated strap  64  and monitors the locations of the first fastener  50  and fourth fastener  78 . More specifically, when the fourth fastener  78  is pulled away from the first fastener  50 , the cord  110  transmits this information to the alarm system  80 , and the alarm system  80  generates an audible alarm. For instance, an electrical circuit can be completed where the first and fourth fasteners  50 ,  78  are connected to one another. When these fasteners  50 ,  78  are pulled apart from one another, the electrical circuit can be interrupted. Once the circuit is interrupted, the alarm can be triggered. Alternatively, a cord need not be included with the system, but instead, a wireless or Bluetooth system could be used to wirelessly trigger the alarm system  80  to generate the audible alarm when the first fastener  50  and the fourth fastener  78  are separated. The double-release alarm belt  30  can be used with any number of various fall-prevention alarm systems, as known to those of skill in the art. For instance, the belt  30  can be used with various POSEY fail alarms, including POSEY KEEPSAFE, POSEY KEEPSAFE DELUXE, POSEY KEEPSAFE SCOUT, and POSEY SITTER ELITE fall alarms. 
     To assemble the double-release alarm belt  30 , the first fastener  50  is releasably engaged with the fourth fastener  78  and the second fastener  62  is releasably engaged with the third fastener  76 . Once the double-release alarm belt  30  has been assembled, it can be installed about the patient  34 . Initially the patient  34  is seated or laid onto a piece supporting equipment device  32 , for instance, chairs, beds, recliners, and the like, as shown in  FIG. 21 . The belt  30  is wrapped around the patient&#39;s waist with the hook mechanism  48  located behind the patient  34 . See  FIGS. 21 and 22 . Preferably, the belt  30  is located at approximately a  45 . degree angle relative to the ground, although the specific angle could vary depending on the comfort of the patient  34 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . The position of the first end  38  of the first elongated strap  36  and the second end  68  of the second elongated strap  64  should be positioned behind the device  32 , as shown a chair back, as low as possible so that the belt  30  cannot slide up off the chair. Next, the second end  68  of the second elongated strap  64  is threaded through the hook mechanism  48 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . More specifically, the second end  68  of the second elongated strap  64  is first threaded through the first ring  94  and the second ring  96 , then back over one ring and through the other, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The second end  68  is then tightened so that it is securely held within the hook mechanism  48  so that the belt  30  is snug about the patient  34  and the supporting device  32 . The medical personnel can verify that the belt  30  is not overly constricting by sliding an open hand between the belt  30  and the patient  34 . Finally, a fifth fastener  90  located on the second end  68  of the second elongated strap  64  is engaged with a side of the double belt  30  as shown in  FIG. 23 . In this way, the loose second end  68  does not hang down on to the floor. Finally, the alarm cord  110  is connected to the alarm system  80  by inserting a jack  116  into a port  118  of the alarm system. Thereafter, the alarm system  80  is turned on. 
     Once the belt  30  has been installed, the position of the patient  34  about the device  32  can be monitored. In the event that the patient  34  begins to disengage the double-release alarm belt  30 , the medical personnel will be notified. This first occurs when the first fastener  50  and fourth fastener  78  are pulled apart with a first force  102 , such that the bond  98  between these fasteners  50 ,  78  is interrupted, as seen in  FIGS. 15, 16, and 25 . Preferably, due to the locations of the fasteners  50 ,  78  relative to the first elongated strap  36  and the second elongated strap  64 , the separation of the first fastener  50  and the fourth fastener  78  occurs by pulling the second end  56  of the first elongated strap  36  in a first direction  82 . See  FIG. 25 . As described above, once the first fastener  50  and the fourth fastener  78  are pulled apart, the alarm will sound to notify medical personnel that the patient  34  is trying to get out of the device  32 . Next, the second fastener  62  and the third fastener  76  are pulled apart with a second force  104 , such that the bond  100  between these fasteners  62 ,  76  is interrupted as seen in  FIGS. 19, 20, and 26 . The first force  102  required to disengage the first fastener  50  and the fourth fasteners  78  is less than the second force  104  required to disengage the second fastener  62  and the third fastener  76 . Due to the locations of the fasteners  62 ,  76  relative to the first elongated strap  36  and the second elongated strap  64 , the separation of the second fastener  62  and the third fastener  76  occurs by pulling the first end  66  of the second elongated strap  64  in a second direction  84 . See  FIG. 26 . Preferably, the first direction  82  is in the opposite direction as the second direction  84 . This results in increased time and difficulty for the patient  34  to remove the double-release alarm belt  30  than if the patient  34  simply had to repeatedly pull two separate belts in the same direction. 
     Furthermore, the bond  98  between the first fastener  50  and the fourth fastener  78  can be weaker than the bond  100  between the second fastener  62  and the third fastener  76 . In this way, the patient  34  can more easily disengage the first fastener  50  from the fourth fastener  78 , at which time the alarm will be sounded. Thereafter, due to the stronger bond  100  between the second fastener  62  and the third fastener  76 , it will be more difficult for the patient  34  to disengage these fasteners  62 ,  76 . This makes it more difficult for the second bond  100  to be broken, which increases the amount of time that medical staff has to approach the patient  34  after the initial alarm has been sounded. In this way, potential falls of the patient can be minimized. 
     A method of using the double-release alarm belt  30  will now be described. Initially, the double-release alarm belt  30  is wrapped around the patient  34  as well as the device  32 . Next, the first end  38  is engaged with the second end  68  to secure the ends  38 ,  68  to one another. Additionally, an alarm system  80  is connected to the double-release alarm belt  30 , for instance, by a cord  110 . Next, the first elongated strap  36  can be disengaged from the second elongated strap  64  about a first portion  112 . This can occur When the first handle  86  is pulled to disengage the first elongated strap  36  from the second elongated strap  64  about the first portion  112 . Once the straps  36 ,  64  are disengaged about the first portion  112 , the alarm system  80  creates an audible alarm. For instance, this may occur where an electrical circuit is interrupted. Alternatively, various sensors can be used to detect when the straps  36 ,  64  are disengaged about the first portion  112 , Of course, the alarm may be sounded using any other ways known to those of ordinary skill in the art to detect when the two straps  36 ,  64  are disengaged from one another. Thereafter, the first elongated strap  36  can be disengaged from the second elongated strap  64  about a second portion  114 . This can occur when the second handle  88  is pulled to disengage the first elongated strap  36  from the second elongated strap  64  about the second portion  114 . Thereafter, the patient  34  is released such that he or she can move away from the device  32 . Additional steps may include threading the second end  68  of the double-release alarm belt  30  through the first ring  94  and the second ring  96  associated with the first end  38  of the belt  30  until the double-release alarm belt  30  is snug about the patient  34 . Also, the second end  68  of the double,-release alarm belt  30  may be held in place using a hook and loop fastener  90 . 
     Another embodiment of the double-release alarm belt  230  is shown in  FIGS. 27-34 . The components found in  FIGS. 27-34  that have been previously described will he designated by the same reference numbers as those provided above incremented by 200. The double-release alarm belt  230  is used to monitor the position of a patient  234  or other individual who is resting on a support device  232 , as shown a bed. The double-release alarm belt  230  has a first elongated strap  236 , a second elongated strap  264 , and an alarm system  280 . The double-release alarm belt  230  may also include a third elongated strap  320  and a fourth elongated strap  322 . Additionally, the double-release alarm belt  230  includes a base  350  with a middle portion  352  and first and second ends  354 ,  356  having fasteners that can wrap around the support device  232 . For instance, the ends  354 ,  356  could have hook-and-loop fasteners  358 , as seen in  FIG. 28 . Of course, other fasteners could similarly be used to secure the belt  230  to the device  232 . Once the ends  354 ,  356  are wrapped around the device  232 , as shown frame portions of the bed, they can be fastened to themselves to secure the belt  230  in place. The middle portion  352  may be made of a thin, low-friction material that allows the patient  234  to lay on the middle portion  352  without feeling the middle portion  352 . Additionally, the middle portion  352  can be made of a durable, thin, moisture-wicking fabric that ensures comfort of the patient  234  once the belt  230  is installed. This ensures that integrity about the belt  230  can be maintained while the patient  234  does not feel the middle portion  352 . 
     The first elongated strap  236  and the second elongated strap  264  may be releasably affixed to one another about a first portion  312 , and the third elongated strap  320  and the fourth elongated strap  322  may be releasably affixed to one another about a second portion  314 , as will be further described below. When the first elongated strap  236  and the second elongated strap  264  are disengaged about the first portion  312 , the alarm system  80  may create an audible alarm. In this way, the double-release alarm belt  230  provides medical personnel with an advanced warning before the patient  234  is able to disengage the third elongated strap  320  from the fourth elongated strap  322  about the second portion  314  to get up from the device  232 . 
     initially, the first elongated strap  236  will be described. The first elongated strap  236  can be seen, for instance, in  FIG. 27 . The first elongated strap  236  has a first end  238 , a second end  240  opposite the first end  238 , and a midportion  242  located between the first end  238  and the second end  240 . Additionally, the first elongated strap  236  may have an upper side  244  and an underside  246 . Also, a first fastener  250  may be associated with the first elongated strap  236 . As shown, the first fastener  250  extends along the upper side  244  of the first elongated strap  236 . 
     Still looking to  FIG. 27 , the second elongated strap  264  will be described. The second elongated strap  264  has a first end  266 , a second end  268  opposite the first end  266 , and a midportion  270  located between the first end  238  and the second end  240 . Additionally, the second elongated strap  264  may have an upper side  272  and an underside  274 . Further, a second fastener  262  may be associated with the second elongated strap  264 . As shown, the second fastener  262  extends along the underside  274  of the second elongated strap  264 . Additionally, the second elongated strap  264  may have a first handle  286  that is mounted to the upper side  272  of the second elongated strap  264 . 
     Moving on, the third elongated strap  320  will be described. The third elongated strap  320  has a first end  324 , a second end  326  opposite the first end  324 , and a rnidportion  328  located between the first end  324  and the second end  326 . Additionally, the third elongated strap  320  may have an upper side  330  and an underside  332 . Further, a third fastener  334  may he associated with the third elongated strap  320 . As shown, the third fastener  334  extends along the underside  332  of the third elongated strap  320 . Further still, the third elongated strap  320  may have a second handle  288  that is mounted to the upper side  330  of the third elongated strap  320 . 
     Moving on, the fourth elongated strap  322  will he described. The fourth elongated strap  322  has a first end  336 , a second end  338  opposite the first end  336 , and a midportion  340  located between the first end  336  and the second end  338 . Additionally, the fourth elongated strap  322  may have an upper side  342  and an underside  344 . Also, a fourth fastener  346  may be associated with the fourth elongated strap  322 . As shown, the fourth fastener  346  extends along the upper side  342  of the fourth elongated strap  322 . 
     Installation of the belt will now be described. First, the first and second ends of the base are secured to the device  232 , 110  as shown in  FIG. 28 . Next, the patient  234  is rested on the middle portion  352 . Thereafter, the elongated straps are installed. initially, the first elongated strap  236  is placed directly onto the patient  234 . Thereafter, the second elongated strap  264  is placed on top of the first elongated strap  236 . When this occurs, the first fastener  250  and the second fastener  262  make contact with one another and are fastened to one another. Next, the fourth elongated strap  322  is placed on top of the second elongated strap  264 . Finally, the third elongated strap  320  is placed on top of the fourth elongated strap  322  such that the third fastener  334  and the fourth fastener  346  contact one another and are fastened together. Once this is complete, the double-release alarm belt  230  is secured in place as seen in  FIG. 30 . 
     As described above, once the third fastener  334  and the fourth fastener  346  are pulled apart by a first force  302 , the alarm will sound to notify medical personnel that the patient  234  is trying to get out of the device  232  as described above. Next, the first fastener  250  and the second fastener  262  are pulled apart with a second force  304 , such that the bond  300  between these fasteners  250 ,  262  is interrupted. The first force  302  required to disengage the third fastener  334  and the fourth fastener  346  is less than the second force  304  required to disengage the first fastener  250  and the second fastener  262 . Preferably, the separation of the third and fourth fasteners  334 ,  346  occurs by pulling the second handle  288  in a first direction  282  and the separation of the first and second fasteners  250 ,  256  occurs by pulling the first handle  286  in a second direction  284  opposite the first direction  282 . This results in increased time and difficulty for the patient  234  to remove the double-release alarm belt  30  than if the patient  34  simply had to repeatedly pull two separate belts in the same direction. 
     Furthermore, the bond (not shown) between the third fastener  334  and the fourth fastener  346  can be weaker than. the bond (not shown) between the first fastener  250  and the second fastener  262 . In this way, the patient  34  can more easily disengage the third fastener  334  and the fourth fastener  346 , at which time the alarm will be sounded. Thereafter, due to the stronger bond between the first fastener  250  and the second fastener  262 , it will be more difficult for the patient  234  to disengage these fasteners  250 ,  262 . This makes it more difficult for the second bond to be broken, which increases the amount of time that medical staff has to approach the patient  234  after the initial alarm has been sounded. In this way, potential falls of the patient can be minimized. 
     All the disclosed embodiments are useful in conjunction with patient monitoring. There are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation. 
     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
     For example, additional elongated straps or shortened straps could be used in conjunction with the straps described above. Similarly, additional fasteners could also be used to increase the amount of time between when the patient begins to remove the belt and when the patient is actually able to get up from the device. Also, the fasteners need not be in the exact locations described but could be located anywhere about the various straps. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials. 
     Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.