ROBUST LEASH MARKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Methods and systems are presented to configure leashes using a commercial heat press. A first or second strap (or both) is marked adjacent one or more hot platens. Then a handle assembly of a leash is configured to include a handle and a handle support that both extend between first and second joints, with the handle being longer than the handle support and being strongly connected to a distal portion of the leash (i.e. away from the user).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1illustrates a leash configuration system as a completed leash made of a plurality of straps in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 2illustrates a facility in which straps have been placed on a platen of a commercial heat press in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 3illustrates an augmented leash handle assembly in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 4illustrates other leash handle structure in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 5illustrates additional leash handle structure in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 6illustrates a manufacturing flow in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 7illustrates another leash configuration aspect in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

FIG. 8illustrates yet another leash configuration aspect in which one or more technologies may be implemented.

DESCRIPTION

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.

“About,” “across,” “additional,” “adjacent,” “adjusted,” “affixed,” “along,” “alternatively,” “another,” “arranged,” “augmented,” “before,” “between,” “between,” “big,” “both,” “by virtue of,” “central,” “comprising,” “configured,” “directly,” “distal,” “endmost,” “engaged,” “enough,” “exceeding,” “extending,” “first,” “for,” “formed,” “having,” “heated,” “indirectly,” “intermediate,” “longer,” “medium-sized,” “more,” “narrower,” “obtained,” “of,” “opposite,” “proximal,” “roughly,” “safely,” “second,” “shorter,” “strength-indicative,” “thereon,” “thinner,” “third,” “through,” “unsuitable,” “using,” “via,” “weak,” “wherein,” “wide,” “within,” “without,” or other such descriptors herein are used in their normal yes-or-no sense, not merely as terms of degree, unless context dictates otherwise. In light of the present disclosure those skilled in the art will understand from context what is meant by “configured” or “enough” and by other such relational descriptors used herein. As used herein two quantities are “about” equal if they differ by a factor of less than two and they are “roughly” equal if they differ by a factor of less than five. Other descriptors as used but not explicitly defined herein will all be adequately clear and definite from context, in light of teachings herein.

FIG. 1depicts a leash configuration system100as a completed dog leash comprising a plurality of straps141,142at least one of which has been robustly customized with a commercial heat press (e.g. seeFIG. 2). The assembled leash has an intermediate handle152that a user10may prefer for greater control in crowded spaces. The assembled leash is longer than the heat press platens used for such customization, but the component straps141,142thereof each have a length132that is shorter than the platens. The straps form a D-shaped assembly such that a (proximal) longer portion of the first strap141comprises a handle152and a (distal) shorter portion of the second strap142comprises a corresponding handle support162. Stitched joints174,175are formed at opposite ends of the handle152and support162such that the length183of the handle152exceeds that of the support162by about 2 cm. As shown each strap has a width131of about 2 cm and a length132of about 80 cm. Even for a lightweight leash (e.g. having a nominal strap thickness of 1.2 mm or less) an especially secure connection is formed by providing a single strap141extending all the way from a distal end portion191and also through the first handle152. The straps may be a woven material in which a substantial component135is polyester (i.e. more than 40% by weight).

FIG. 2depicts a factory or other facility200in which a worker20is preparing to heat at least first and second straps241,242(e.g. to apply one or more images thereon) in a commercial heat press218. As shown each strap lies flat adjacent a heat press platen219or between platens. Commercial-grade platen lengths289are shorter than almost any dog leash, previously making this application untenable because inadequately uniform heating would cause a simple leash to undergo substantial enough heat-discoloration gradients to become noticeable along the leash. This can occur, for example, in a context in which no unheated image application technologies would create adequately cost-effective image placement that is both sharp and durable. A replicated occasion-specific image or novelty image, for example, may be deposited via a printer in sublimation ink onto transfer paper215above or below (or both) one or more straps to be marked.

As used herein a “length” of a strap refers to its longest dimension unless context dictates otherwise. The “length” of a platen or other item, however, refers to its dimension (nominally) along a strap unless context dictates otherwise. In some contexts, for example, a platen may have a width that is greater than its length. Also as used herein items may be “adjacent” if they are within 2 centimeters even if paper, fabric, or other thin layers of material are situated between them.

FIG. 3depicts a handle assembly300in which the first strap241or the second strap242(or both) ofFIG. 2has been marked with lettering or other images with a heat treatment, making it much easier and more natural for a user10to grip. As shown the handle assembly300has joints374,375at each end thereof so that the handle352has a length383that is greater than a length384of the corresponding support362by roughly 2 centimeters. This can occur, for example, in a context in which the straps241,242each have a respective (nominal) thickness303of 0.6 to 1.1 millimeters and a width131of 1.8 to 2.6 centimeters; and in which such a lightweight first strap241would not be suitable for managing a big dog without an augmented intermediate handle assembly300as described herein. This can occur, for example, in a context in which a less-augmented design would otherwise allow the more-distal joint174,374to suffer damage or fail when in use with a strong dog trying to chase a squirrel. Alternatively or additionally, in some contexts, handle assembly300may be configured so that an (instance of) image133is placed and (at least part of) the second strap242are affixed to opposite surfaces301,302of the first strap241.

FIG. 4depicts another view of the handle assembly300ofFIG. 3, on in which a vicinity of the first joint374(comprising one or more instances of adhesives411, rows412of stitches, or rivets413) is magnified. Joint374is where an end portion491A of the second strap242is directly or otherwise coupled adjacent a midsection492A of the first strap241(near a proximal end thereof). In this configuration numerous fibers471(i.e. hundreds or more) of said first strap241each extend between a distal end portion (i.e. farthest from a human leash user10) of said first strap241continuously and through the first handle352thereof but no single fiber472extends between (any part of) the corresponding support362and the opposite (distal) end portion of said first strap241. Moreover an image433as shown has been durably affixed (e.g. by a heat press218like that ofFIG. 2) onto an outward-facing surface302(i.e. opposite an interior) of the handle assembly300.

FIG. 5depicts another view of the handle assembly300ofFIG. 3, focusing on a vicinity of the second joint375. Joint375is where an end portion491B of the first strap241is directly or otherwise coupled adjacent a midsection492B of the second strap242(several centimeters away from a distal end thereof). Moreover a proximal end of image433has been durably affixed (e.g. by a heat press218like that ofFIG. 2) onto an outward-facing surface302of the handle assembly300.

FIG. 600illustrates an operational flow600(e.g. performed by one or more workers20) suitable for use with at least one embodiment. As will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art, not all events of sourcing, manufacture, distribution, or use are illustrated inFIG. 6. Rather, for clarity, only those steps reasonably relevant to durable labeling and handle assemblies are shown and described. Those having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize the present embodiment is merely one exemplary embodiment and that variations on the present embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the broader inventive concept set forth in the clauses and claims below.

Operation610describes obtaining two or more straps for use in a leash assembly. This can occur, for example, in a context in which all of the component straps for a given assembly300are cut from a single roll (e.g. with a hot knife).

Operation620describes marking at least the first strap with a first image via a heat press having one or more heated platens adjacent an entire length of the first strap. This can occur, for example, in a context in which at least one of the straps was cut short enough to fit entirely within a commercial heat press218; in which transfer paper215is used for placing one or more images133,433(e.g. on both surfaces301,302of a given strap241,242) including the first image simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the first image133may comprise a strength-indicative rating or other design specification (e.g. a maximum dog weight for which the leash is deemed safe), a composition identifier, or a source identifier.

Operation630describes constructing a D-shaped handle assembly to include a first joint, a second joint, part of the first strap forming a handle extending between the first joint and the second joint, and part of the second strap forming a corresponding handle support also extending between the first joint and the second joint. This can occur, for example, in a context in which a length of a leash-midsection handle exceeds a length of the corresponding handle support by about 2 centimeters or in which the first image and the second strap are on opposite surfaces of the first strap (or both).

Operation640describes using the D-shaped handle assembly as a central component of a leash that is longer than the one or more heated platens. This can occur, for example, in a context in which such a strong connection between the handle and the distal end could not otherwise be achieved with such cost-effective slender and thin straps and in which the distal end is configured generally as shown inFIG. 7. Alternatively or additionally, a proximal end of the resulting leash may be configured generally as shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 7depicts a leash configuration system700that can include an intermediate handle assembly300(as described above) or can implement a distal end of system100(or both). Strap741as shown inFIG. 7is a (distal) “first” strap141,241like those described above and can include some or all features of strap141as shown inFIG. 1or of strap241as shown inFIGS. 2-5(or both). As shown an endmost portion of the “first” strap141,241,741has passed through a ring787of a swivel snap hook with a hook728and jaw729as shown. The jaw729is spring-biased outward so that no fine manipulation is needed when engaging a ring (e.g. of a leash or harness) worn by a dog. A (distal) second handle assembly is shown in which an endmost strap portion serves as a distal second handle752and in which a strap midsection serves as a corresponding support762. As shown the second handle assembly has joints774,775at each end thereof so that the handle752has a length383that is greater than a length384of the corresponding support762by roughly 2 centimeters. This can occur, for example, in a context in which strap741has a (nominal) thickness of 0.6 to 1.1 millimeters or a width of 1.8 to 2.6 centimeters (or both). A distal D-type handle752of this general type typically will not be as vulnerable and failure-prone as an intermediate D-type handle of similar design in actual use.

FIG. 8depicts a leash configuration system800that can likewise include an intermediate/central handle assembly300(as described above) or can implement a distal end of system100(or both). Strap842as shown inFIG. 8is a more-proximal “second” strap142,242like those described above and can include some or all features of strap142as shown inFIG. 1or of strap242as shown inFIGS. 2-5(or both). As shown a proximal endmost portion892of the “second” strap142,242,842extends through a ring887and a (male) first snap-clip component881. The ring887is secured to the “second” strap142,242,842by a pair of joints874,875one of which joints874also secures the first snap-clip component881to the intermediate/central handle assembly300. A third strap843is affixed to the “second” strap142,242,842with another joint876as shown. Yet another joint877affixes an opposite end of the third strap843with a (female) second snap-clip component882, making the resulting system800ideal for hitching a dog to a stationary post, loop, or other suitable docking fixture around which the snap-clip components881,882can engage. When departing, the snap-clip components881,882can then be separated, removed from the docking fixture, and re-engaged to form a proximal looped handle. Alternatively or additionally, one or more straps741,842,843of a 3-strap leash may have been customized or otherwise durably marked before assembly as described above with reference to a commercial heat press218like that ofFIG. 2.

With respect to the numbered clauses and claims expressed below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise. Also in the numbered clauses below, specific combinations of aspects and embodiments are articulated in a shorthand form such that (1) according to respective embodiments, for each instance in which a “component” or other such identifiers appear to be introduced (with “a” or “an,” e.g.) more than once in a given chain of clauses, such designations may either identify the same entity or distinct entities; and (2) what might be called “dependent” clauses below may or may not incorporate, in respective embodiments, the features of “independent” clauses to which they refer or other features described above.

CLAUSES

1. (Independent) A handle assembly300or other leash configuration method (e.g. implemented in flow600) using a heat press218having one or more heat press platens219with a (nominal) length289(“L”), the method comprising:

obtaining a plurality of straps including a first strap141,241,741and a second strap142,242,842at least one of which comprises a particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843with (at least) a first image133,433affixed thereon via a heat press218with an entire length132thereof placed (nominally) along/adjacent a length289of (at least one of) the one or more heat press platens219; and

constructing a first handle assembly300to include a first joint174,374and a second joint175,375and part of the first strap141,241,741forming a first handle152,352extending between the first joint174,374and the second joint175,375and part of the second strap142,242,842forming a corresponding first handle support162,362also extending between the first joint174,374and the second joint175,375so that a length183,383of the first handle152,352exceeds a length384of the first handle support162,362.

2. The method of any of the above CLAUSES wherein the constructing the first handle assembly300comprises:

causing a length183,383of the first handle152,352to exceeds a length384of the first handle support162,362by roughly 2 centimeters (i.e. by more than 4 mm and by less than 10 centimeters).

3. The method of any of the above CLAUSES wherein the constructing the first handle assembly300comprises:

causing a length183,383of the first handle152,352to exceeds a length384of the first handle support162,362by about 2 centimeters (i.e. by more than 1 centimeter and by less than 4 centimeters).

4. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a one-off leash (e.g. as a completed leash configuration system100,700,800having a total length T>L) that is longer than the one or more heat press platens219.

5. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a small-run leash (i.e. in a manufacturing project in which fewer than 500 leashes with nominally identical labeling are made in a single batch).

6. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a small-run leash (i.e. in a manufacturing project) in which fewer than 50 leashes with nominally identical labeling are made in a single batch.

7. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

configuring the first handle assembly300so that the length183,383of the first handle152,352exceeds the length384of the first handle support162,362by more than 1.5 cm and less than 4 cm.

8. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

configuring the first handle assembly300so that the length183,383of the first handle152,352exceeds the length384of the first handle support162,362by more than 1 cm and less than 5 cm.

9. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material that is primarily a synthetic resin (i.e. more than 50% by weight).

10. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material that is primarily a synthetic resin (i.e. more than 50% by weight).

11. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material that is more than 60% polyester by weight.

12. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material that is more than 60% polyester by weight.

13. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material that comprises more than 80% by weight of at least one of polyester or nylon.

14. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material that comprises more than 80% by weight of at least one of polyester or nylon.

15. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material having a (nominal) thickness303of about 0.9 millimeters.

16. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material having a (nominal) thickness303of about 0.9 millimeters.

17. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material that is (thin, narrow, or otherwise) weak enough as to be unsuitable for managing a big dog (i.e. more than 60 lbs.) without an augmented intermediate handle assembly300as described herein but in which a strength-indicative rating (e.g. “okay for dogs up to 70 lbs.”) of a leash that includes the augmented intermediate handle assembly300signals that some such dogs may nevertheless be managed.

18. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material that is (thin, narrow, or otherwise) weak enough as to be unsuitable for managing a big dog (i.e. more than 60 lbs.) without an augmented intermediate handle assembly300as described herein but in which a strength-indicative rating (e.g. “okay for dogs up to 70 lbs.”) of a leash that includes the augmented intermediate handle assembly300signals that some such dogs may nevertheless be managed.

19. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:making the first strap141,241,741from a material that is (thin, narrow, or otherwise) weak enough as to be (nominally or effectively) unsuitable for managing a medium-size dog (i.e. more than 30 lbs.) without an augmented intermediate handle assembly300as described herein but in which a strength-indicative rating (e.g. “not for use with dogs more than 40 lbs.”) of a leash that includes the augmented intermediate handle assembly300signals that some such dogs may nevertheless be managed.

20. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material that is (thin, narrow, or otherwise) weak enough as to be (nominally or effectively) unsuitable for managing a medium-size dog (i.e. more than 30 lbs.) without an augmented intermediate handle assembly300as described herein but in which a strength-indicative rating (e.g. “not for use with dogs more than 40 lbs.”) of a leash that includes the augmented intermediate handle assembly300signals that some such dogs may nevertheless be managed.

21. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material (nominally) at most 1.1 mm thick.

22. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material (nominally) at most 1.1 mm thick.

23. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material (nominally) at most 1.0 mm thick.

24. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material (nominally) at most 1.0 mm thick.

25. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material at least 0.6 mm thick.

26. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material at least 0.6 mm thick.

27. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material at least 0.8 mm thick.

28. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material at least 0.8 mm thick.

29. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843wider than 1.3 cm.

30. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741wider than 1.3 cm.

31. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843wider than 1.8 cm.

32. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741wider than 1.8 cm.

33. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843from a material having a width131of about 2 cm.

34. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741from a material having a width131of about 2 cm.

35. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843narrower than 2.6 cm.

36. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

making the first strap141,241,741narrower than 2.6 cm.

37. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component (i.e. spanning a midsection) of a leash (e.g. as a completed leash configuration system100,700,800having a total length T>L) that is longer than the one or more heat press platens219, comprising:allowing a distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741to (pass or otherwise) extend through a swivel snap jaw ring787; andcoupling the swivel snap jaw ring787to the first strap141,241,741by forming a joint774across the distal end portion within 5 centimeters of the swivel snap jaw ring787.

38. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a leash (e.g. as a completed leash configuration system100,700,800having a total length T>L) that is longer than the one or more heat press platens219, comprising:allowing a distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741to (pass or otherwise) extend through a swivel snap jaw ring787; andcoupling the swivel snap jaw ring787to the first strap141,241,741by forming a joint774across the distal end portion within 5 centimeters of the swivel snap jaw ring787.

39. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a leash (e.g. as a completed leash configuration system100,700,800having a total length T>L) that is longer than the one or more heat press platens219, comprising:allowing a distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741to (pass or otherwise) extend through a swivel snap jaw ring787;coupling the swivel snap jaw ring787to the first strap141,241,741by forming a joint774across the distal end portion within 5 centimeters of the swivel snap jaw ring787; andconstructing a second handle assembly300to include a first joint774and a second joint775and part of the first strap141,241,741forming a second handle752and part of the first strap141,241,741forming a second handle support762, wherein the second handle752and the second handle support762each extend between the first and second joints774,775of the second handle assembly300.

40. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a leash (e.g. as a completed leash configuration system100,700,800having a total length T>L with no components881,882disengaged) that is longer than the one or more heat press platens219, comprising:allowing a proximal end portion892of the second strap842to (pass through or otherwise) extend through a first snap clip component881,882; andallowing a first end portion of a third strap843to (pass through or otherwise) extend through a second snap clip component (e.g. as shown or reversing the components881-882as shown) configured to click together with the first snap clip component881,882.

41. The method of any of the above CLAUSES comprising:

using the first handle assembly300as a central component of a leash that is longer than the one or more heat press platens219, comprising:allowing a proximal end portion892of the second strap842to (pass through or otherwise) extend through a first snap clip component881,882;allowing a first end portion of a third strap843to (pass through or otherwise) extend through a second snap clip component (e.g. as shown or reversing the components881-882as shown) configured to click together with the first snap clip component881,882; andforming a more-proximal additional handle by constructing a joint876that affixes a proximal portion892(e.g. as shown inFIG. 8) of the second strap with a second end portion of the third strap843that is opposite to the first end portion of the third strap843.

42. (Independent) A handle assembly300or other leash configuration system100,700,800made using a heat press218having one or more heat press platens219with a (nominal) length289, the system100,700,800comprising:

a plurality of straps including a first strap141,241,741and a second strap142,242,842, at least one of which comprises a particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843with at least a first image133,433affixed thereon via the heat press218with an entire length132thereof placed (nominally) along/adjacent a length289of (at least one of) the one or more heat press platens219; and

a first handle assembly300configured to include a first joint174,374and a second joint175,375and part of the first strap141,241,741forming a first handle152,352extending between the first joint174,374and the second joint175,375and part of the second strap142,242,842forming a corresponding first handle support162,362also extending between the first joint174,374and the second joint175,375so that a length183,383of the first handle152,352exceeds a length384of the first handle support162,362by roughly 2 centimeters (i.e. by more than 4 millimeters and less than 10 centimeters).

43. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first and second joints174,175of the first handle assembly300each comprise one or more adhesives411.

44. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first and second joints374,375of the first handle assembly300each comprise one or more rows412of stitches.

45. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first and second joints174,175,374,375of the first handle assembly300each comprise one or more rivets413.

46. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first and second joints174,175,374,375of the first handle assembly300each comprise one or more staples.

47. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first and second joints174,175,374,375of the first handle assembly300each comprise one or more clasps.

48. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first image133,433comprises a strength-indicative rating (e.g. marked with “up to 50 lb. dogs” or the like) pertaining to some or all of the leash configuration system.

49. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first image133,433comprises a source identifier (e.g. a trademark identifying a maker or distributor of the leash).

50. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first image133,433comprises a composition identifier (e.g. marked with “100% polyester” or the like) or other design specification pertaining to some or all of the leash configuration system.

51. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein (at least part of) the first image133,433and (at least part of) the second strap142,242,842are on opposite surfaces301,302of the first strap141,241.

52. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first (contiguous or other) image133,433is longer than 10 cm along the particular strap141,142,241,242,741,842,843.

53. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES whereby a more durable tethering (in terms of tension before failure) is maintained from a distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741to the first handle152,352than to the first handle support162by virtue of the first strap141,241,741extending all the way from the distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741through the first handle152,352.

54. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein many fibers471(i.e. dozens or more) of the first strap141,241,741each extend from a distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741continuously through the first handle152,352.

55. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein many fibers471of the first strap141,241,741each extend from a distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741continuously through the first handle152,352but in which no fiber extends from the distal end portion191of the first strap141,241,741continuously through (any part of) the first handle support162,362.

56. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES comprising:

a third strap843directly or otherwise coupled to the second strap142,742,842; wherein a second image heat-pressed upon one of the straps comprises at least one of a strength-indicative rating or a source identifier.

57. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES comprising:

a third strap843directly or otherwise coupled to the second strap142,742,842; wherein a second image heat-pressed upon one of the straps comprises a strength-indicative rating.

58. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein another image heat-pressed upon one of the straps comprises a composition identifier (e.g. “100% polyester”).

59. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first strap is more than 40% polyester by weight.

60. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the first strap is more than 80% polyester by weight.

61. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the system comprises a completed leash longer than 1.25 meters.

62. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the system includes a swivel snap hook728at a distal end thereof (i.e. farthest from a user of the system100,700,800).

63. The system100,700,800of any of the above SYSTEM CLAUSES wherein the second strap142,242,842,842directly engages a first snap-clip component881, wherein a third strap843directly engages a second snap-clip component882, and wherein the first snap-clip component881directly engages the second snap-clip component882(generally) at a proximal end of a leash comprising the system100,700,800.

While various system, method, article of manufacture, or other embodiments or aspects have been disclosed above, also, other combinations of embodiments or aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. The various embodiments and aspects disclosed above are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the final claim set that follows.