Abstract:
An improved surf leash with a tangle resistant cord, fabrication methods thereof, and an apparatus and methods operationally configured to resist tangling of existing surf leashes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/624,784 (filed Sep. 21, 2012), which is a division of a lowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,385 (filed Oct. 31, 2008) entitled “Apparatus for Avoiding Tangling of a Surf Leash,” which applications claim the priority of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. N 60/984/05, filed Nov. 1, 2007. This application is also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/902,763, filed Nov. 11, 2013. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0004]    The present application relates to the field of leashes for use with surfboards. 
         [0005]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0006]    A surfboard leash is a cord that is used to attach a surfboard to the surfer. It is useful for preventing waves from taking a runaway surfboard to the beach, or from hitting other surfers. Leashes were introduced to surfing on or about the early 1970s, and they have evolved significantly since then, but the basic purposes for the leash are the same. Most modern leashes are comprised of a plastic cord, which is usually urethane, where one end has a band with a Velcro® styled strap (clinging pile and corresponding loop fastener mechanism) that is attached to a surfer&#39;s back foot, and where the other end has a Velcro® strap attached to the tail of a user&#39;s surfboard. 
         [0007]    Despite the advances in surf leash technology, one major problem that persists with surf leashes is the tendency of the leash to tangle around the surfer&#39;s board and legs. The most common material for a surfboard leash is urethane. While the urethane is well suited for strength and balanced elasticity, the properties of this material, and other plastic cords, cause the leash to coil and tangle the user, often at undesirable times. On a day when waves are small, the problem may be just an annoyance. However, when the waves are large, or where the surf break has reef or sharp rocks, the condition of a tangled surfer can be extremely dangerous, or even deadly. A leash tangled around an ankle or a surfboard can delay take offs, limit needed mobility, or prevent a surfer from freedom to swim. A tangle in the leash can compromise a surfer&#39;s ability to gain distance from the surfboard, from other surfers, from large wave sets, and it increases the likelihood that a surfboard will strike and harm the surfer. 
         [0008]    There have been some notable improvements that have tried to address the problem of leash tangling, however, they have not taken the approach of the embodiments of the present application or are inadequate for a variety of reasons. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,634 (1986) to Kimura taught swivel mechanisms at opposite ends of a leash cord, near the ankle cuff and near the cushion strip. This improvement is very helpful, but the cords still have a considerable length between the swivels that is susceptible to tangling. U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,026 (1993) to Corwin teaches a leash that attaches to a surfers hip, however, this does not eradicate the tangle factor adequately and many surfers, who are contraption resistant, do not want to deal with such an obstruction to movement, or to feel the presence of the equipment. U.S. Pat. No. 7.204,734 (2007) to Kawasaki, and related pending applications, teach a circular weight disposed at a mid-point of the leash cord, however, many surfers do not want to drag a weight, and there is some concern that a weighted object on a slinging leash could potentially be dangerous to surfers, other boards, or swimmers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,039 (2002) to Underwood teaches an apparatus where a modification to the surf cuff is used to address leash tangling. while each of the improvements are noteworthy. Applicants believe that they fail to adequately control the tangling factor of surf cashes. Moreover, Applicants believe that many of the prior art technologies are unlikely to be embraced and desired by surfers by reason of awkwardness of use, for reasons of inadequate safety, or simply because they distract the surfer&#39;s ability to experience the waves unencumbered by contraptions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present application to provide a surfing leash that resists tangling. It is yet another objective of the present application to provide a surf leash adaptation that may be constructed originally, and minimally depart from the look and feel to existing leashes, but while better resisting tangling. 
         [0010]    It is yet another objective of the present application to provide a surf leash adaptation that may be constructed originally, or be used to retrofit existing surf leashes so they will resist tangling. 
         [0011]    It is yet another objective of the present application to provide a surf leash that enhances the safety of the surfer, 
         [0012]    It is yet another objective of the present application to provide a surf leash that does not obstruct existing equipment and that is not overly cumbersome or awkward to a surfer. 
         [0013]    Other objectives of the invention will became apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. These objectives are not to be construed as limitations of applicant&#39;s invention, but are merely aimed to suggest some of the many benefits that may be realized by the apparatus of the present application and with its many embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0014]    The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a surfer, a surfboard, and a prior art leash as such leashes tend to tangle around the leg of the surfer. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective drawing of standard prior art surf leash and typical components. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective drawing of a preferable embodiment of this application where the tangle factor of a typical surf leash has been augmented by the use of a sheath with physical characteristics that cause a bias of the surf leash away from its natural coiling tendencies. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective drawing of a preferable attachment of a sheath described in this application to a typical surf leash. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional and perspective view of the sheath embodiment of the present application as it typically relates to components of a typical surf leash. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a closer cross sectional view of the sheath embodiment of the present application as it may be fastened around the cord of a typical surf leash, and also demonstrating a resilient member used to augment the natural tendencies of leashes to coil. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  7 B are cross sectional views of alternate embodiments and shapes of sheaths that may be used to accomplish the inventive purposes of this application. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a depiction of a sheath embodiment of this application, with strategically placed supports to maintain sheath shape and positioning on a surf leash. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  10 A, and  11  relate to alternate cord shapes for a surf leash that are operationally configured to resist tangling. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross section of a surf cords to illustrate the various dimension of a typical surf leash cord that may be modified, as seen in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  10 A, and  11 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an alternate embodiment of this application featuring an adaptation for a surf leash featuring a plurality of ties that are used to envelop and modify the properties of a surf leash prone to tangling. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  depicts a plurality of resilient members disposed within a cord. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an alternative embodiment with a single resilient member. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is an alternative embodiment wherein the resilient members are reinforced portions or “shells” along the cord. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is another embodiment of a preferable construction for a resilient member encapsulated within a cord. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, drawings are not necessarily made to scale but are representative. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a surfer, a surfboard, and a prior art leash as such leashes tend to tangle around the leg of the surfer. This is a primary problem addressed by the inventive embodiments of this application. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective drawing of a standard prior art surf leash and typical components thereof, which include but are not necessarily limited to, a cord  5 ; the cord  5  being adapted to connect ultimately on one end to a surfboard, and on a second end to a surfer. Such a cord  5  is usually made of urethane because this material has been found to have adequate strength and elastomeric properties, including a minimal tendency to cause a board to snap back at the user (such as is typical of surgical tubing). Various chemical compositions may be used to make up a surf leash cord  5 , but the most common plastic is urethane. At one end of the cord (surfboard end), the cord  5  usually is connected to the board through a first connector  9 , which usually meets a cushion strip  3 , fastened to a string  1 , which string  1  is usually adapted to fasten the leash to a surfboard through an anchor attachment in a surfboard. The first connector  1  is usually a hard (usually high density) plastic component that fastens securely to the cord  5 , which first connector  1  may or may not feature a swivel mechanism (which is also aimed at reducing leash tangle). The first connector  1  of a typical leash will usually merge with a cushion strip  3 , which serves a dual role of connecting a cord  5  to the surfboard string  1  and protecting the surfboard surface from abrasion by the cord  5 . Many modern cushion strips  3  have a sandwiching Velcro® fastening mechanism that permits secure, but rapid separation of the surf leash from a surfboard. At the opposite end of a surf leash (the surfer end), the cord  5  has a second connector  11  which may or may not have a swivel mechanism, but that merges into a cuff  7  configured to wrap around the leg of a surfer. Cuffs  7  are commonly known and have a variety of quick release features, such as a Velcro® styled loop and fastener mechanism that allows a surfer to separate him or herself from the leash and surfboard, for instance, when transporting the surfboard, or when the surfboard or leash is caught on an underwater structure such as a reef and threatens to drown the surfer. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a perspective drawing of a preferable embodiment of this application where the tangle factor of a typical surf leash has been augmented and diminished by the use of a sheath  13  with physical characteristics that cause a bias of the cord  5  of the surf leash away from its natural coiling tendencies. The sheath  13  envelops a portion the cord  5  and does not allow the natural coiling tendencies. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a closer view of an embodiment of the sheath  13  of the present application, including a view of resilient member  12  housed in the sheath  13 . The resilient member  12  typically extends over a substantial portion of the length of the sheath  13  and is integrally housed in, on, or to the sheath  13 . The resilient member  12  serves to stabilize and augment the natural tendency of urethane cord  5  to coil. The cord  5  cannot curl because it is physically restricted from doing so by the resilient member  12  of the sheath  13 , which only bends in a restricted plane. The shape and flexibility of the resilient member  12  may be modified to accomplish a flexibility that will neither obstruct the normal trailing of the surf leash behind the surfer, nor remain so stiff to prevent bending of the leash. Also, as further discussed herein, a sheath  13  that envelops the cord  5  may feature a resilient member  12  with polygonal or rectangular shapes that restrict motion along the length of the sheath  13  in a plane so that tangling is prevented. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional and perspective view of the sheath  13  embodiment of the present application as it typically relates to components of a typical surf leash. The sheath  13  is adapted to envelop the cord  5  along a substantial portion of the length of the cord  5 . The sheath  13  may be secured around the leash cord  5  by use of a fastening means  10 , such as may be appreciated by those skilled in the arts, and may include, but are not limited to adhesives, zippers, or Velcro® styled fasteners. The sheath  13  is adapted for aftermarket use on existing surf leashes as they are purchased off of the shelf in a typical surf store, so ease of attachment is of concern.  FIG. 5  also shows the resilient member  12 , in a rectangular shape and fixedly disposed along the sheath  13  of the embodiment. While the sheath  13  is adapted to envelop the cord  5 , a distance “a” is used to show that some space is contemplated between the cord and the interior of the sheath  13 , and the sheath may or may not move up and down along the length of the cord  5 . This distance “a” between the cord  5  and sheath  13  interior may range and vary from about 0.1 to 30 millimeters, although A is possible that greater distances could operate. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a closer cross sectional view of the sheath  13  embodiment of the present application as it may be fastened around the cord  5  of a typical surf leash, and also demonstrating a resilient member  12  used to augment the leash&#39;s natural tendencies to coil. While there is some play inside of the sheath  13  with the cord  5  that moves within the sheath  13 , the resilient member  12  restricts coiling motion of cord  5 . The resilient member  12  is of such a construction that its tendency to bend is restricted to a particular plane of motion, but without coil. The resilient member  12  lends its flexibility, yet limited range of motion to the sheath  13 , which surrounds the cord  5 . However, the cord  5  still benefits from the elastomeric and strength of a typical urethane cord  5 . Thus, the leash of this embodiment enjoys all the benefits of a typical surf leash, without the likelihood of tangling. While most leashes are made of urethane, it is contemplated that the embodiment of this invention will work with a cord  5  of any chemical construction. The resilient member  12  is typically constructed of a semi-flexible plastic material, including but not limited to materials such as high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other hard plastic, composite, metal, or any other partially flexible, but resilient material  12 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  7 B are cross sectional views of alternate embodiments and shapes of sheaths that may be used to accomplish the inventive purposes of this application.  FIG. 7  is an embodiment of the sheath  13  where the sheath  13  is made to substantially define a circle around the cord  5 , and where a resilient member  12  is fixedly and integrally connected to such sheath  13  along its interior. The sheath  13  material may be of a variety of constructions, but is typically formed from a durable cloth, preferably capable of withstanding the rigors of repeated exposures to salt and sea. Examples of such cloth may include but are not limited to ripstop nylon, polyester or other materials having such qualities. These materials will be appreciated by those skilled in the arts. It is generally the case that the sheath  13  material will have greater flexibility than the resilient member  12 , although it is possible that the sheath  13  itself could also be used to impart a limited range of motion to the cord  5  of a surf leash.  FIG. 7A  represent another embodiment of the sheath  13  wherein a resilient member  12  may be fixedly connected along the exterior of the sheath  13 , and where the sheath  13  may also define a principally ovular configuration around the cord  5  with a greater distance “a” occurring between the cord  5  and the interior of the sheath at the “sides.”  FIG. 7B  represents an embodiment of the sheath  13  where the resilient member  12  comprises a broad portion of sheath  13  and is integrally connected to the sheath  13 , including on the exterior, although the resilient member  12  may be woven or sandwiched inside the material of the sheath  13 . A resilient member  12  is suitably of a range of width from about 2 millimeters to 40 millimeters in width, although other ranges are possible. A resilient member  12  typically extends over the entire length of sheath  13 , although the resilient member may also be sectioned in the fashion of vertebrae of a spine, so long as the range of motion remains slightly restricted in a plane that prevents tangling. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  depicts the sheath  13  embodiment of the present application, wherein the sheath  13  is further modified by supports  15  along the length of the sheath, which supports may be used to keep the sheath  13  from collapsing along its length, or also to secure the sheath to a desired place along the length of the cord  5 . It is contemplated that the sheath  13  of the present application may extend along the entire length of the cord  5 , or merely along a portion of the leash cord  5  adequate to prevent tangling. Most commercially available surf leashes range from 4 to 12 foot in length. The sheath  13  of the present application may be the same length of the cord  5  of the surf leash, but more typically is shorter that the cord  5  portion of the leash on which it is used. For example, on a 6 foot surf leash, which is a common short board size, the sheath  13  would typically be in the range of about 1.5 to 4 foot in length, and depending on the relative flexibility of the resilient member  12  employed. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  10 A, and  11  depict alternate embodiments of the present application wherein the surf leash accomplishes tangling avoidance by virtue of a cord  5  with a shape fabricated to avoid tangling.  FIG. 9  features a cord  5  that is rectangular in shape along the length. The rectangular shape is less prone to coiling because the rectangular shape causes motion and bending along a more restricted plane. In all other respects, the leash of  FIG. 9  is similar to those known in the art. By the same token,  FIG. 10  represents yet another embodiment of the invention where the cord  5  is of an ovular definition, and where the substantially “flatter” shape of the cord  5  resists tangling.  FIG. 11  represents a hybrid version of the leash cord of the present application wherein the cord  5  varies in shape along its length. In  FIG. 11 , the flat section of the cord  5  is centrally located, but the cord  5  is principally circular near each end where it meets the first  9  and second  11  connectors. 
         [0040]      FIG. 12  is a cross section of a surf cord  5  designed to illustrate the various dimension of a typical surf leash cord that may be modified, as seen in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  10 A, and  11 , and where “x” and “y” represent cross sectional dimensions of a cord  5  and where “z” represents the longitudinal length of a cord  5 . In  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  10 A for example, the “x” distance would exceed the “y” distance to accomplish a more rectangular shape along the entire length “z” of the cord  5 . In one non-limiting example, a typical “x” distance could be 2 centimeters, whereas a “y” would be 1.5 centimeters or less. Such as ratio of height to width avoids tangling, although various other ratios may also accomplish the non-tangling characteristics. 
         [0041]      FIG. 13  is an alternate embodiment of this application featuring an adaptation for a surf leash featuring a plurality of ties  16  that are used to envelop and modify the properties of a surf leash cord  5  prone to tangling. In this embodiment, the sheath  13  is avoided and the tendency of the cord  5  to tangle is augmented instead by directly tying a resilient member  12  to the surf leash cord  5 . Alternatively, this embodiment may be covered by a sheathing material in order to provide a uniform appearance and feel. Said sheathing material may consist of any type of ripstop nylon, polyester, urethane or other material with appropriately flexible characteristics. 
         [0042]    Therefore, minimally disclosed are an apparatus for avoiding tangling of a surf leash comprising a sheath operationally configured to envelop the cord of a surf leash; said sheath securable around said cord by a fastening means; said sheath having at least one resilient member disposed along at least a portion of the length of said sheath. Further minimally disclosed is a tangle resistant surf leash comprising a cord; said cord having a first connector at one end with said first connector being fixed to a cushion strip for attachment to the string of a surfboard; a second connector at opposite end of said cord, said second connector secured to a cuff; wherein said cord is defined by the distance of an “x” component that is greater than a “y” component, or wherein said cord  5  defines a rectangular shape, or a substantially flattened shape, or an ovular shape. 
         [0043]      FIG. 14  presents additional detail of a preferable cord  5  structure along with a preferable resilient member  12 . More specifically,  FIG. 3  depicts a plurality of resilient members  12  disposed within cord  5 . The resilient members augment the flexibility of cord  5  and tend to diminish the curling action of cord  5 . Typically, the resilient members  12  are formed of a material that is different or at least with different flexible properties than cord  5 . Moreover, the resilient members  12  can define a flat shape that avoids a tangling action by bending in a more restricted plane. A resilient member  12  can be fixed to bend in a restricted plane by changing the shape and/or the chemical properties of the materials (usually plastics) that form the resilient member(s)  12 .  FIG. 3  depicts more than one resilient member  12  embedded in cord  5 , although one may be suitable in many situations. 
         [0044]      FIG. 15  shows an alternative embodiment where a single resilient member  12  could effectively accomplish a similar property of a tangle resistant cord  5 . The resilient member  12  could be located anywhere along a portion of cord  5  and it could be embedded or anchored at various depths within the cord  5 . In a shorter surf leash, for example, one that is  6  foot or less, a single resilient member  12  will most likely avoid tangling of the leash; however, in a longer surf leash used by long borders or paddle-boarders it may be necessary to fix more than one resilient members  12  within the cord  5 . It should be noted that the resilient members  12  could be located coaxial to and along the center of cord  5  or they could be situated more towards the external portion of cord  5 . The resilient members  12  may adopt a flattened tape like shape also. 
         [0045]      FIG. 16  is yet another embodiment wherein the resilient members  12  may define “shells” or reinforced portions of the leash that closely hug or may be bound to cord  5  along at least a portion of the cord  5 . A principal concern of applicants is to meaningfully augment the properties of traditional surf leash cords  5  to avoid tangling, while not departing from the traditional feel or properties for stretch and strength found in existing leashes, which are generally appreciated by surfers. 
         [0046]      FIG. 17  represents yet another embodiment of a preferable construction for a resilient member  12  encapsulated within cord  5 . Featured is a space cushion  17  within which the resilient member  12  is located. The member  12  can move within the space cushion  17  so that it does not unduly affect the beneficial properties of cord  5  which is typically formed of urethane—and yet it still has the ability to let the resilient member  12  operate in a restricted plane that avoids tangling of the leash. Encapsulation of a “floating” resilient member  12  still allows the cord  5  to stretch lengthwise in response to forces that are typical of surfing. 
         [0047]    One embodiment of applicant&#39;s invention is surf leash with a cord that is configured to bend in a restricted plane by the mechanism of a resilient member located along at least a portion of the cord so that the resilient member causes cord to bend in a restricted plane. Another embodiment of the applicant&#39;s invention is a surf leash with a cord that has a resilient member that bends in a restricted plane and located along at least a portion of the cord so that the cord and resilient member both bend in a restricted plane. in one embodiment, the resilient member may be a cord that may be defined by a shape that bends in a restricted plane. For example, the cord may be flattened along at least a portion of the length of said cord. In another embodiment, the cord may also be defined by a plurality of said resilient members disposed within the cord. In another embodiment, the cord may be defined by a single resilient member located along a portion of cord. The single resilient member may also be embedded or anchored at depth within the cord. In another embodiment, the cord may contain at least one resilient member embedded therein. In another embodiment, the cord may contain at least one resilient member that reinforces a portion of the cord by closely hugging or binding to at least a portion of the surface of a cord. In another embodiment, the cord may contain a resilient member encapsulated within the cord. Specifically, the resilient member is located within a space cushion and the resilient member can move within the space cushion. 
         [0048]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention, are not to scale, and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments which are appreciated by those skilled in the arts.