Abstract:
A mono-filament plastic line is formed into a tether by forming a loop intermediate first and second ends of the line and crossing and re-crossing the line over itself to form link-like line sections between each cross-over. A washer-like retainer is disposed at each cross-over to retain and maintain the link-like sections and cross-overs. The tether so formed is utilized for a sports practice activity, such as golf, baseball, football and the like by connecting free ends of the tether over a guide line that is to extend at an angle between spaced supports and so as to suspend a sports practice device, such as a golf ball or baseball to be struck by a person practicing the sport, or a football to be kicked by a person. Stops are carried by the guide line to limit the travel of the tether and thereby of the sports practice device therealong. An alternative tether construction forms each tether free end into a mounting loop to be disposed over the guide line and by forming into each such free end link-like sections by crossing and re-crossing each free end over itself and providing similar retainers for each such cross-over. In another embodiment the tethers free ends are looped back upon themselves and crimped in place by a covering sleeve. Loops are also similarly formed in ends of the guide line. In yet another embodiment, the tether is formed such that a sheathed section is intermediate the first and second ends of the line.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of the earlier filed application Ser. No. 08/680,857 filed Jul. 16, 1996 and co-pending application Ser. No. 09/188,123 for “Tether and Sports Practice Device and Activity Utilizing Same”. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-FIELD OF APPLICATION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to tethers and uses thereof, and more particularly to unique tether constructions and uses thereof for sports practice devices, equipment and activities.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0003]    Tethers are often utilized to secure or attach a person or animal to a fixed (or relatively fixed) object such as a porch rail, tree, post, stake or the like so that the person or animal may have some free but limited movement from the fixed object. Astronauts are often tethered to the space vehicle so that the astronaut may engage in an activity outside the vehicle; while children may be tethered to the house so that the child may play outside without the parent fearing that the child will wander away. Animals such as dogs are quite often tethered to a post or tree or even a wire or rope strung between posts or trees so that the animal may have some freedom to run and move about without concern that the animal may stray off of the property. However, it appears that tethers of the type utilized for astronauts probably are extremely expensive for day-to-day other uses that require a tether, while simple ropes and clothes lines of the type utilized for animals and children may not provide sufficient strength for other applications, such as sports practice.  
           [0004]    It also appears that inanimate objects tethered to a fixed stop or confining arrangement have found utility in practicing for some sports such as golf, baseball and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 883,058 patented to A. R. Sprague on Mar. 24, 1908 for “Apparatus For Golf Practice” and U.S. Pat. No. 1,700,224 patented to O. A. Hendersen on Jan. 29, 1929 for “Practice Golf Ball Device” show golf balls tethered to anchors that are inserted into the ground to facilitate practicing golf swings. However, the Sprague tether requires the use of clevis&#39; and elastic webbing while that of Hendersen requires the use of a multiplicity of springs connected to each other. Such tethers are relatively complex and expensive in construction and in their attachment to the golf ball. They may be otherwise undesirable because the relatively long and heavy tethers and attachments to the golf ball may result in unnatural coaction between the golf club and ball and result in unacceptable golf practice.  
           [0005]    Batting practice for the sport of baseball may also be facilitated by the use of sports practice apparatus&#39; of the type shown and described: in U.S. Pat. No. 2,680,022 patented to H. R. Walden on Jun. 1, 1954 for “Baseball Practice Device”; and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,086,775 patented to J. L. Albert on Apr. 23, 1963 for “Baseball Practice Device” and in U.S. Pat. No. 2,942,883 patented to W. H. Moore on Jun. 28, 1960 for “Baseball Batting Device”. But, the Albert apparatus is not only relatively expensive and complex in construction but adds what must be an unacceptable increment of weight that must respond to striking the ball as to render the apparatus undesirable to many; while the Walden cord that attaches the practice ball to the cable may not be sufficiently strong to withstand repeated batting of the ball and thus also prove to be unacceptable; and the Moore apparatus not only has a relatively weak connection to the ball but also would appear to put the person holding and swinging the ball in possible danger of being hit by the ball.  
           [0006]    Other practice apparatus&#39; are shown and described in: U.S. Pat. No.  3 , 754 , 761  patented on Aug. 28, 1973 to G. M. W. Pruss for “Golf Practice Device”; in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,028 patented on Feb. 15, 1994 to C. D. Daugard for “Golf Swing Training System”; in U.S. Pat. No. 1,224,410patented on May 1, 1917 to T. J. Porte for “Golf Practice Device”; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,347 patented on May 9, 1995 to B. G. Prater for “Devices For Hitting Golf Balls When In confined Spaces”. However, devices such as that of Daugard not only require a special practice club but also deny the golfer practice with their usual and favorite club; while those of Porte and Pruss place the practice golf ball is such close proximity to the guide wire as to possibly interfere with the golfers swing and thus also result in unacceptable practice. The Prater device, on the other hand, tethers the practice golf ball to the guide wire by only a string which might not be able to withstand the severe blows applied to the practice golf ball thus rendering the practice unacceptable. Paddle ball game equipment, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,764,140 patented on Oct. 9, 1973 to M. H. Lotfy for “Tethered Ball Apparatus Including Paddle And Wear Resistant Tether Connection To Ball” and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,686 patented on Jul. 25, 1967 to D. V. Frost for “Competitive Light Athletic Game With Soft, Compact, Orbiting Ball” while suitable for paddle ball are most surely unsuitable for golf and baseball practice as the player may be struck by the ball in practice. Furthermore, the tethers utilized in the Lofty and Frost patents are merely single strand with connections to the ball such that could loosen and let the ball fly free of the tether. Retaining devices such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,453,697 patented to C. P. Berzeny, Sr. on Jul. 8, 1969 for “Navy Kerchief Retaining Device” designed for use with fabric kerchiefs are most unsuitable for the forces applied to sports devices during sports activity practice.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of this invention to provide new and novel tethers.  
           [0008]    It is another object of this invention to provide new and novel methods of fabricating tethers.  
           [0009]    It is still another object of this invention to provide new and novel tethers for use in practicing a sports activity.  
           [0010]    It is yet still another object of this invention to provide new and novel tethers for attachment to objects to be struck or kicked or thrown while practicing a sports activity.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and novel tethers for attachment to golf balls when practicing golf.  
           [0012]    It is still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel sports activity practice apparatus.  
           [0013]    It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel golf practice devices.  
           [0014]    Other object, features and advantages of the invention in details of construction and arrangement of parts will be seen from the above and from the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered with the drawing and from the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0015]    In the drawing:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tether incorporating the instant invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 a  is a plan view of a retainer for use with the tether of FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 b  is an elevation view of the retainer of FIG. 1 a;    
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 c  is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of retainer for use with the tether of FIG. 1;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a schematic of a sports activity practice apparatus incorporating the instant invention and showing a golf practice device;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a section through the golf ball of the sports activity practice apparatus of FIG. 2 incorporating the tether of FIG. 1 and showing the connection of the tether of FIG. 1 with a golf ball;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail showing of the attachment of the tether of FIG. 1 to the guide line of the sports activity practice apparatus of FIG. 2;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail showing of an alternative embodiment of tether, incorporating the instant invention, and showing same carried by the guide line of the sports activity practice apparatus of FIG. 2;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective showing of a second alternative embodiment of tether, incorporating the instant invention, utilized for a football sports activity and showing same carried by a segment of guide line of alternative construction and which also incorporates the instant invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6A is a perspective showing the second alternative embodiment of the tether, incorporating the instant invention, utilized for a baseball sports activity with the baseball being attached to two tethers and each tether being attached to a separate guide line;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective showing of another embodiment of tether with a releasable coupling for attaching the tether to a guide line;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective showing of the second alternative embodiment of tether with a safety line loop for redundantly attaching the tether to a guide line;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective showing of a third alternative embodiment of tether, incorporating the instant invention with a sheathed section;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9A is an enlarged detail section of a third alternative embodiment of tether of FIG. 9.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective showing of a fourth alternative embodiment of tether, incorporating the instant invention with a sheathed section and a mounting tee securing means;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail section of the mounting tee securing means of FIG. 10;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail perspective showing of the mounting tee securing means of FIG. 10;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 13 is a perspective showing of a fourth alternative embodiment of tether, incorporating the instant invention with an alternative embodiment of a guide line having a mounting tee securing means;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail section of the mounting tee securing means of FIG. 13;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 15 is an enlarged detail perspective showing of the mounting tee securing means of FIG. 13.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 16 is a perspective showing of an embodiment of a sports practice device incorporating the instant invention with a height adjustable pole;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 17 is an end showing of the height adjustable pole of FIG. 16;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 18 is an enlarged detail section of the height adjustable pole of FIG. 16; and  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 19 is a perspective showing a fifth alternative embodiment of a tether and practice ball device with safety line loops for facilitating the attachment of the tether to a guide line.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]    With reference to FIG. 1 there is generally shown at  10  a tether fabricated from a line  12  of suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material, preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic. Line  12  is selected to a desired length for the purpose and includes a first strand or length  14  terminating in a first end  16  and a second strand or length  18  terminating in a second end  20 . A loop  30 , of selected size, is provided intermediate ends  16 ,  20  of line  12 . Between loop  30  and ends  16 ,  20  there is provided a plurality of cross-overs  32  of strands  14 ,  18  dividing tether  10  into a plurality of link-like sections  40 . At each cross-over  32  a strand retainer  42  (FIGS. 1, 1 a  and  1   b ) is disposed to secure and retain strands  14 ,  18  in their cross-over disposition.  
         [0041]    Retainers  42  are shown as washer-like in configuration each including a hole  44  at the center thereof and of a size just sufficient to receive and retain strands  14 ,  18  in their cross-over disposition. Each retainer has an outside diameter and a thickness sufficient to provide retainers of appropriate strength for the size of tether  12 . Each retainer  42  is fabricated from a suitable plastic that could be the same as that utilized for line  12 . Retainers  42  may otherwise be formed as rings or with a crown  46  as shown for retainer  48  of FIG. 4 c . Thus, in the fabrication of tether  10  strands  14 ,  18  of line  12  are crossed-over at  32  to form a link-like section  40  and a retainer  42  is slipped over cross-over  32 . Additional link-like sections  40  are thereafter formed with each cross-over  32  secured by a retainer  42  until a desired length of tether is fabricated. Tether ends  16 ,  20  of desired length are provided for tether  10  to facilitate attachment of tether  10  to whatever tether  10  is to be attached to.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 2-4 shows a tether utilized in a practice sport activity apparatus or device  50 , such as a golf practice device. A guide wire  100  may be fabricated of cord, rope, cable or other suitable material. Guide wire  100  may also be fabricated of elastic cord or other similarly resilient material. Guide wire  100  may also alternately be a rigid rod fabricated of plastic, metal or other suitable material. Guide wire  100  is attached at one end  102  to a support  104  which could be at any height suitable for the purpose to be hereinafter described; and at a second end  106  to another vertical support  108  which may be a pole, tree or wall. The height of end  106  of guide wire  100  is selected to be above end  102  thereof and at a distance from end  102  appropriate for the practice of the selected sports activity which in this instance is golf. A stop  110  is provided on guide wire  100  proximate end  106  thereof. An additional stop  112  may also be secured to guide wire  100  proximate its end  102 .  
         [0043]    A tether  200  (FIGS. 2-4) is provided for golf practice device  50 . Tether  200  is fabricated as described above for tether  10  (FIG. 1); except that when forming loop  30  and before forming link-like sections  40  and cross-overs  32  a selected length of line  12  are threaded through a first hole  202  formed through a practice golf ball  210  and through a second hold  212  formed parallel to first hole  202  but spaced therefrom. an end  214  of a loop  216  thus formed in line  12  is disposed proximate an outer surface  220  of practice ball  210  and preferably tight against surface  220  of practice golf ball  210 . The strands of line  12  are thereafter formed into link-like sections (like sections  40  of tether  10  of FIG. 1) with cross-overs (like cross-overs  32  of tether  10  of FIG. 1) and secured and retained by retainers (like retainers  42  of tether  10  of FIG. 1). A first end and a second end (like ends  16 ,  20  of tether  10  of FIG. 1) are provided for tether  200  and secured together at  240  (FIG. 4) in a suitable manner as by tying or otherwise and so as to form an opening  250  disposed and about guide wire  100  of golf practice apparatus  50  (FIG. 2), and through which guide line  100  freely passes.  
         [0044]    The length of tether  200  and the height at which end  102  of line  100  is secured to support wall  104  is selected to accommodate the height and golf swing of the party utilizing golf practice device  50 . Tether  200  is secured about guide wire  100  between stops  110  and  112 . The person practicing golf with apparatus  50  stands in appropriate position with respect to practice ball  210 . After the person strikes ball  210  the ball  210  is constrained to move towards support  108  and in the direction of guide wire  100  by tether  200  and its attachment to guide wire  100  at  240 . Alternatively, the tether can be secured to the guide wire  100  by a quick release engaging the wire  100  and loop  240 . The construction of tether  200  provides tether  200  with sufficient strength to withstand the forces applied to practice ball  210  and even more.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of tether construction  300 , that also embodies the instant invention, and which is shown carried by guide wire  100  of sports activity practice apparatus of device  50  (only the attachment of the tether to the guide line being shown the remainder of the construction is as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-4).  
         [0046]    Tether  300  is fabricated and attached to a sports activity play item such as golf ball  210  (FIG. 3) as described above for tether  10 . Tether  300  is fabricated from line  312  (FIG. 5) of suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or suitable material; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described above for tether  10 . Line  312  is also selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes a first strand or length  314  terminating in a first end  316  and a second strand or length  318  terminating in a second end  320 . A loop (not shown-but similar to loop  30  of FIG. 1) is provided intermediate ends  316 ,  320  of line  312  and a practice golf ball is disposed thereat in a manner as described above for practice golf ball  210  (FIG. 3).  
         [0047]    Between such loop and practice ball and ends  316 ,  320  there is provided for tether  300  a number of crossovers  332  of strands  314 ,  318  similar to cross-overs  32  of tether  10  of FIG. 1 and dividing tether  300  into a plurality of link-like sections  340  similar to sections  40  of tether  10 . A strand retainer  342  is disposed at each cross-over  332  of strands  314 ,  318 . Retainers  342  (like retainers  42 ) are each washer-like in configuration, each including a hole  344  at the center thereof and of a size just sufficient to receive and retain strands  314 ,  318  in their cross-over dispositions. Tether  300  is otherwise formed as shown and described hereinabove for tether  10  and somewhat similar to tether  200  except that strand ends  316 ,  320  of tether  300  are fabricated and utilized differently than the strand ends of tether  200  (FIGS. 2 and 4).  
         [0048]    Strand end  316  is looped over to form a mounting loop  350  (FIG. 5) at a location intermediate an end length  352  of strand end  316  and a last cross-over  354  of tether  300 , to form a pair of end strands  360 ,  362  for strand end  316 . End strands  360 ,  362  are then crossed over each other to form a number of cross-overs  372  (similar to cross-overs  332 ) each providing a number of link-like sections  374  for strand end  316 . A strand retainer  374 , similar to strand retainers  342 , is disposed at each cross-over  372 ; all similar to the cross-overs, link-like sections and strand retainers described hereinabove.  
         [0049]    Strand end  318  is similarly formed with end strands  380 ,  382  forming a mounting loop  390 , cross-overs  392 , and link-like sections  394 , all retained by strand retainers  396  as described above for end strand  316  and so as to provide an end length  398  therefore.  
         [0050]    A sleeve  400  of suitable material such as a plastic is slipped over end lengths  352 ,  398  of strand ends  316 ,  318  to complete this aspect of the fabrication thereof and to facilitate retention of the fabrication and prevent unwinding thereof. A washer-like retainer  402  and a bead-like retainer  404  may also be threaded onto end lengths  352 ,  398  between an end  410  of sleeve  400  and end links  412  of end strands  316 ,  318  also to facilitate retention thereof as disposed in FIG. 5.  
         [0051]    Tether  300  is mounted onto guide line  100  by slipping mounting loops  350 ,  380  over line  100  between stops  110 ,  112  (FIG. 2). Alternatively mounting loops  350 ,  380  may be formed about guide line  100  and end strands  316 ,  318  thereafter fabricated into the dispositions shown therefore in FIG. 5. Tether  300  is utilized in a manner similar to that described above for tether  200 .  
         [0052]    Other sports activities may similarly be practiced by appropriate positioning of the guide wire and attachment of the object to be struck such as a baseball, hockey puck or the like thereto as well as securing such baseball, hockey puck or the like to the tether as shown for golf ball  210  and tether  200 . Stop  112  is so dimensioned that the opening  250  of the tether can be slipped thereover for ease of replacement.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 6 shows a second alternative embodiment of tether construction  500 , that also embodies the instant invention, and which is shown carried by an alternative construction of guide wire  510  (only an end section of guide wire  510  being shown as will be hereinafter described).  
         [0054]    Tether  500  (similar to lines  12  and  312 ) is fabricated from a line  520  of suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Line  520  is also selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes a first strand or length  524  terminating in a first end  526  and a second strand or length  528  terminating in a second end  530 . A loop  540  (similar to loop  30  of FIG. 1) is provided intermediate ends  526 ,  530  of line  520  and a practice football  542  is disposed thereat by either forming loop  540  about the laces  542  of practice football  544  when forming tether  500  or by inserting laces  544  of practice football  542  through loop  540  after tether  500  has been fabricated.  
         [0055]    Between such loop  540  and practice ball  544  and ends  526 ,  530  of line  520  there is provided for tether  500  a number of cross-overs  552  of strands  524 ,  528 , similar to cross-overs  32  of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and dividing tether  500  into a plurality of link-like sections  546  similar to sections  40  of tether  10  (FIG. 1). A strand retainer  562  is disposed at each cross-over  552  of strands  524 ,  528 . Retainers  562  (FIG. 6) are identical to retainers  40  (FIG. 1, 1 a  and  1   b ) and are each washer-like in configuration, each including a hole  564  (FIG. 6) at the center thereof of a size just sufficient to receive and retain strands  524 ,  528  in their cross-over dispositions. A washer-like retainer  572  which may have a frustra-conical top  574  is disposed proximate loop  540  while another retainer  572  is disposed proximate an end cross-over  576  for tether  500 .  
         [0056]    Strands  524  and  528  are threaded through a securing sleeve  600  to be disposed proximate retainer  572  disposed at end cross-over  576  with sleeve  600  either adjacent such retainer  572  or slightly spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 6. Each such strand  524 ,  528  is then looped over at  602 ,  604  respectively and first end  526  of strand  524  and second end  530  of strand  528  are threaded back into sleeve  600  which is then crimped at  610  to retain ends  526 ,  530  in place. If so desired, prior to crimping ends  526 ,  530  in place in sleeve  600  loops  602 ,  604  may be formed over line  650  of guide wire  510 . Alternatively, the tether can be secured to the line  650  by a quick release engaging the line  650  and loops  602  and  604 .  
         [0057]    Guide wire  510  is to be disposed and used similar to guide wire  100  of FIG. 2. The respective ends of guide wire  510  are to be secured at heights depending upon the intended sports activity. A first end  652  of line  650  is threaded through a short sleeve  654 , a long sleeve  656 , a washer  658  and another short sleeve  660  to be looped over at  662  and then threaded back into sleeve  660 . Sleeves  654 ,  660  may be fabricated from a suitable plastic or metal which can be crimped to hold guide wire  652  in place within sleeve  660 . A stop  680 , which may be a sponge rubber ball or the like, is also carried by wire  652  proximate sleeve  654 . Sleeve  656  may be any desired length depending upon the desired spacing of stop  680  from looped over end  662  of guide wire  652 . The other end of guide wire  652  may be similarly constructed.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 6A shows the second alternative embodiment of tether construction  500  that embodies the instant invention, and that employs two tethers  500  attached opposite each other to a baseball  546  by threading loops  540  through holes  548 . Each tether  500  is attached to a separate guide wire  510 . The guide wires  510  are disposed vertically parallel to each other and spaced apart at a distance that the tethers  500  are taught but not tight with baseball  546  suspended between them.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 7 shows additional alternative embodiments for releasably connecting the tether to a guide line and for retainers all incorporating the instant invention. A tether  700 , similar to tether  500  of FIG. 6, includes looped over ends  702 ,  704  formed from a line  706  and extending from a sleeve  710 . A pair of washer-like retainers  720  are disposed about line  706 . Each retainer  720  may include a frustra-conical top  722  and a base  724 , similar to retainers  572  of FIG. 6. However it should be noted that a pair of retainers are disposed with their respective bases  724  one against the other. An additional pair of washer-like retainers  720  are also disposed near laces  742  of a practice football  744 . These additional retainers are also disposed with their respective bases  724  adjacent one another. A releasable coupling  750  is provided for use in mounting tether  700  and its practice ball  744  onto a guide line  760 . Guide line  760  is similar to guide line  650  of FIG. 6 and as such mounts a stop  780  near a sleeve  786  and a looped over end  790  for guide line  760 . Coupling  750  is generally rectangular in configuration and includes a release member  800  that is unscrewed to facilitate hooking coupling  790  through line ends  702 ,  704  and over guide line  760 . Thereafter release member  800  is screwed back in place to close coupling  750 . Reopening of coupling  750  is accomplished by unscrewing member  800  so that the coupling can be separated from guide line  760  and from tether  700  is so desired.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 8 shows the second alternative embodiment of tether construction  500  (FIG. 6), that further embodies the instant invention, that may also include a safety line loop  900 . Safety line loop  900  includes looped over ends  902 ,  904  formed from a line  906  and extending from a securing sleeve  910 . Sleeve  910  is also disposed about strands  524  and  528 , which are threaded through sleeve  910 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 9 and 9A show a third alternative embodiment of tether construction  1000 , that also embodies the instant invention, and which is shown carried by guide wire  1010 . Tether  1000  may be fabricated from a line  1020  of suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Line  1020  may also be selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes a first strand or length  1024  terminating in a first end  1026  and a second strand or length  1028  terminating in a second end  1030 . A loop  1040  (similar to loop  540  of FIG. 6) may be provided intermediate ends  1026  and  1030  of line  1020  and a practice ball  1042  is disposed there at by inserting loop  1040  through two holes  1044 , provided through the practice ball.  
         [0062]    Between such loop  1040  and practice ball  1042  and ends  1026 ,  1030  of line  1020  there is provided a sheath  1050  disposed about strands  1024 ,  1028 . Sheath  1050  is fabricated of a suitable substance such as plastic, rubber or other suitable material. A washer-like retainer  1072  which may have a frustra-conical top  1074  is disposed proximate loop  1040 , while another retainer  1072  which may have a frustra-conical top  1074  is disposed proximate an end  1043  of sheath  1050 .  
         [0063]    Strands  1024  and  1028  are threaded through a securing sleeve  1100  to be disposed proximate retainer  1074  disposed at end  1054  with sleeve  1100  either adjacent such retainer  1074  or slightly spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 9. Each such strand  1024 ,  1028  is then looped over at  1102 ,  1104  respectively and first end  1026  of strand  1024  and second end  1030  of strand  1028  are threaded back into sleeve  11100  which is then crimped at  1110  to retain ends  1026 ,  1030  in place. If so desired, prior to crimping ends  1026 ,  1030  in place in sleeve  1100  loops  1102 ,  1104  may be formed over line  1150  of guide wire  1010 . Alternatively, the tether can be secured to the line  1150  by a quick release engaging the line  1150  and loops  1102  and  1104 .  
         [0064]    [0064]FIGS. 10, 11 and  12  show a fourth alternative embodiment of tether construction  1200 , that also embodies the instant invention, and which is shown carried by guide wire  1210 . Tether  1200  may be fabricated from a line  1220  of suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Line  1220  may also be selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes a first strand or length  1224  terminating in a first end  1226  and a second strand or length  1228  terminating in a second end  1230 . A loop  1240  (similar to loop  540  of FIG. 6) may be provided intermediate ends  1026  and  1030  of line  1020  and a mounting tee  1260 . The loop  1240  is threaded through barrel  1262  in the mounting tee  1260  and through two holes  1264  provided in the mounting tee. A retaining line  1270  is disposed through loop  1240 , between the loop and mounting tee  1260 . Retaining line may be fabricated from a material similar to that of line  1220 ; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Mounting tee  1260  is fixedly attached, by a means such as glue or epoxy, to a practice ball  1242 . Alternately, the combination of the loop  1240 , mounting tee  1260  and practice ball  1242  may be formed of a single, solid piece of material such as molded plastic.  
         [0065]    Between such mounting tee barrel  1262  and ends  1226  and  1230  of line  1220  there is provided a sheath  1250  disposed about strands  1224 ,  1228 . Sheath  1250  is fabricated of a suitable substance such as plastic, rubber or other suitable material. A washer-like retainer  1272 , which may have a frustra-conical top  1274  is disposed proximate loop  1240 , while another retainer  1272 , which may have a frustra-conical top  1274  disposed proximate an end  1243  of sheath  1250 .  
         [0066]    Strands  1224  and  1228  are threaded through a securing sleeve  1300  to be disposed proximate retainer  1274  disposed at end  1254  with sleeve  1300  either adjacent such retainer  1274  or slightly spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 10. Each such strand  1224 ,  1228  is then looped over at  1302 ,  1304  respectively and first end  1226  of strand  1224  and second end  1230  of strand  1228  are threaded back into sleeve  1300  which is then crimped at  1310  to retain ends  1226 ,  1230  in place. If so desired, prior to crimping ends  1226 ,  1230  in place in sleeve  1300  loops  1302 ,  1304  may be formed over line  1350  of guide wire  1210 . Alternatively, the tether can be secured to the line  1350  by a quick release engaging the line  1350  and loops  1302  and  1304 .  
         [0067]    [0067]FIGS. 13, 14 and  15  show the fourth alternative embodiment of tether construction  1200 , that also embodies the instant invention, and which is shown carried by an alternative guide wire  2000 . Line  2010  is fabricated of a suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Line  2010  may also be selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes first strands or lengths  2012 , severed and having two ends  2014 , and a second strand or length  2016 . A loop  2020  (similar to loop  540  of FIG. 6) may be provided intermediate ends  2014  and  2018  of line  2010  and a mounting tee  2030 . The loop  2020  is threaded through barrel  2032  in the mounting tee  2030  and through two holes  2034  provided in the mounting tee. A retaining line  2040  is disposed through loop  2020 , between the loop and mounting tee  2030 . Retaining line may be fabricated from a material similar to that of line  2010 ; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Mounting tee  2030  is fixedly attached, by a means such as glue or epoxy, to a first shock absorbing means, such as a playground ball,  2040 .  
         [0068]    Between such mounting tee barrel  2032  and ends  2014  and  2018  of line  2010  there is provided a sheath  2050  disposed about strands  2012 ,  2016 . Sheath  2050  is fabricated of a suitable substance such as plastic, rubber or other suitable material. A washer-like retainer which may have a frustra-conical top  2052  is disposed proximate loop  2020 , while another retainer  2054  is disposed proximate an end  2051  of sheath  2050 .  
         [0069]    Line  2010 , at strands  2012  and  2016 , is threaded through a securing sleeve  2100  to be disposed proximate retainer  2054  disposed at end  2051  with sleeve  2100  either adjacent such retainer  2054  or slightly spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 13. Line  2010  is then looped over. Sleeve  2100  is then crimped to retain strands  2012  and  2016  in place.  
         [0070]    Line  2010 ′ is fabricated of a suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Line  2010 ′ may also be selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes first strand or length  2012 ′ and a second strand or length  2016 ′ terminating in a end  2018 ′. The loop  2020 ′ is threaded through barrel  2032 ′ in the mounting tee  2030 ′ and through two holes  2034 ′ provided in the mounting tee. A retaining line  2040 ′ is disposed through loop  2020 ′, between the loop  2020 ′ and mounting tee  2030 ′. Retaining line  2040 ′ may be fabricated from a material similar to that of line  2010 ′; preferably a mono-filament line of appropriate plastic like that described for the hereinabove described embodiments. Mounting tee  2030 ′ is fixedly attached, by a means such as glue or epoxy, to first shock absorbing means  2040 . Alternately, the combination of the loops  2020  and  2020 ′, mounting tees  2030  and  2030 ′ and practice ball  2040  may be formed of a single, solid piece of material such as molded plastic.  
         [0071]    Between such mounting tee barrel  2032 ′ and ends  2014 ′ and  2018 ′ of line  2010 ′ there is provided two washer-like retainers  2052 ′.  
         [0072]    Line  2010 ′, at strands  2012 ′ and  2016 ′, is threaded through two retainers  2052 ′ disposed as shown in FIG. 13. Strand  2012 ′ extends through second shock absorbing means, such as a handball,  2041 . Strand  2012 ′ then extends such that tether  1200  may be threaded about it.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIGS. 16, 17 and  18  show a sports practice device that also embodies the instant invention, utilizing the fourth alternative embodiment of tether construction  1200 , which is shown carried by line  2010  of an alternative guide wire  2000  and by a line  2010 A, said lines being suspended between two height adjustable poles  2200 .  
         [0074]    Each pole  2200  may be fabricated from wood; plastic, metal or other suitable material. Along their height, poles  2200  have a multiplicity of eyeholes  2202  which extend through the diameter of each pole. As shown in FIG. 18, each end of each line  2010  and line  2010 A of each guide wire  2000  is threaded first through an eyelet  2210  and then through a securing sleeve  2100 , such that a secured loop is formed. Eyelets  2210  may be placed in any of a number of desired configurations in eyeholes  2202 , such that the height of the guide wires  2000  and tether  1200  may be adjusted to suit specific users. Each eyelet  2202  has an aperture near the end of its shaft so that it may receive a retaining clip  2220 . Once placed in eyeholes  2202 , retaining clips  2220  are removably fastened through and about eyelets  2210  to retain the eyelets within the poles  2000  and thereby retaining the desired configuration of the tethers  2000  while the sports practice device is in use.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 19 shows a fourth alternative embodiment of a tether construction  3000 , that also embodies the instant invention, and which may be carried by, for example, the connector shown in FIG. 7: the quick coupler  750  upon a guide wire  760 .  
         [0076]    Tether  3000  may be fabricated from a line  3010  of suitable substance such as cord, rope, cable or other suitable material; preferably a mono-filament plastic line may be used. Line  3010  may also be selected to the desired length for the purpose and includes a single strand or length terminating in a first end  3020  and a second end  3030 . The single line  3010  may be formed or turned upon itself to define four strands  3040 ,  3050 ,  3060 , and  3070 . The first strand  3040  proceeds continuously from the first end  3020  into the second strand  3050  to define a first loop  3080 . The second strand  3050  proceeds along the first strand  3040 , through a It then proceeds from the loop  3050  and continues through proceed to form a first loop  3040  then proceeds through a retainer or washer  1072 ′ (having may have the same general configuration as the retainer  1072  in FIG. 9) and then through one  3090  of two holes  3090  and  3100  in a practice ball  1042 ′. The holes  3090  and  3100  may be substantially parallel to one another and symmetrically disposed on opposed sides of the center (not identified) of the practice ball  1042 ′. The part  3050  continues through the hole  3090  and then may be turned at the other end of the ball  1042 ′ to enter the second hole  3100  as portion  3060 . Part or portion  3060  continues through the second hole  3100 , then through the retainer  1072 ′, along side of parts  3030  and  3040  of strand  3010  then upwardly to form a second loop  3110  adjacent the first loop  3080 . As the filament  3010  continues as part  3070  it terminates in end  3030 . Both ends  3020  and  3030  may be terminated adjacent the retainer  1072 ′. The four strands  3040 ,  3050 ,  3060 , and  3070  may be held fixedly in position between the loops  3080  and  3110  and the retainer  1072 ′ by at least one sleeve or crimp  3120  and, preferably, as shown three such sleeves or crimps  3120 ,  3130 , and  3140 . (It is to be understood that a “crimp” also refers to a hog ring customarily used in the upholstery industry and elsewhere and similar means.) The sleeves or crimps  3120 ,  3130 , and  3140  are formed in a snug fit to retain the four strands  3040 ,  3050 ,  3060 , and  3070  in a side-by-side position, retaining the shape and location of the loops  3080  and  3110  and holding the ends  3020  and  3030  of the filament  3010  in place. Preferably, such sleeves or crimps  3120 ,  3130 , and  3140  may be made of metal and pressed against the filament  3010 . The sleeves or crimps are spaced from one another so as to permit the line  3010  to have flexibility. The retainer  1072 ′ as all of the other retainers disclosed herein, serves to position the line  3010  as it enters and leaves the ball  1042 ′ and relieve the stress of the filament  3010  as it flexes as the ball  1042 ′ is struck or thrown during practice.  
         [0077]    From the above description it will thus be seen that there has been provided new and novel tethers of unique and novel fabrication as well as methods of fabricating such tethers. In addition, there has been provided new and novel sports activity practice apparatus for practicing for a sport such as golf, baseball, football and the like, which utilizes the new and novel tethers.  
         [0078]    It is understood that although there has been shown the preferred embodiments of the invention that various modifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit as comprehended by the following claims.