Patent Publication Number: US-10322776-B2

Title: Leash or cord lift system

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an improved surfboard or paddleboard leash or other cord system that raises the leash line away from the board or surface to prevent it from interfering with the user&#39;s freedom of movement. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Surfing is an age old hobby that continues to grow in popularity. A surfboard is usually attached to the user&#39;s leg via a leash. One end of the leash is secured around a portion of the user&#39;s leg, such as the ankle or calf, and another end of the leash is secured to the board. The leash prevents the surfboard from being separated from the user during a fall. Without the use of a leash, the surfboard could be pulled out to sea due to wave action and/or the tide. In other instances, the surfboard could be pushed closer to shore, requiring the user to swim a greater distance than would otherwise be necessary in order to retrieve the board. Use of a leash can also provide an important safety feature. In a deep water fall, the surfer may become disoriented. Due to the flotation nature of the surfboard, being connected to the leash will always indicate to the surfer which direction is “up”—the direction of the water surface. 
     Stand-up paddle boarding has also enjoyed enhanced popularity. Similar to use of a surfboard leash, a paddle boarder secures one end of a leash to his/her leg, such as the ankle or calf, and another end of the leash to the paddleboard. Being attached to the board provides similar advantages to those described above, particularly when paddle boarding in strong currents always. It is envisioned that other board sports or water sports may also enjoy benefits from having the board attached to the user. This disclosure is envisioned possible for any other type of appropriate sport. 
     However, the use of a leash can sometimes create hazardous conditions as well. It is possible that the leash may become tangled around the user&#39;s limbs or equipment in use. For example, the leash may tangle around the ankle, the calf, the arms, and/or the neck; in other instances, the leash may tangle around equipment, such as a paddle, the board itself, or video or other equipment. Such entanglement can cause a fall to be more dangerous. For example, if the boarder&#39;s ankles are caught in the leash, it may be more difficult to control a wipe out fall in a particular way or to fall off of a particular side of the board. Instead, the user&#39;s options may be more limited, which can create the potential for injuries. Additionally, an entangled board leash may limit the user&#39;s ability to traverse back and forth on the board, which can limit mobility and style. 
     One previously attempted solution has been to use a pull tab system that secures the leash at the surfer&#39;s waist and allows the surfer to release the pull tab prior to a fall. This system uses a VELCRO® member (or other type of hook and loop material) located at the waist of the surfer to which the leash is attached. The VELCRO® design utilizes a single strip of fabric with either side of the VELCRO® attached to the strip of fabric with a bare patch between the two and an additional tab of fabric at the end to act as a “pull tab.” This requires the leash to be placed between the two patches of VELCRO®, allowing it to freely slide while hanging. This design also requires the user to actively pull the tab during a fall in order to release the leash from the VELCRO® system. If the user is unable to pull the tab, then when the leash is pulled taught in a fall, the user&#39;s ankle or calf (the point of leash attachment) will be pulled up to the waist (the point of the VELCRO® device), which could potentially harm the wearer. The intent behind this system is to provide a rapid attachment but to also allow a breakaway when the surfer pulls the tab, allowing the leash to be freed. However, the present inventors have found that this system is not optimal. It requires the surfer to consciously pull the tab in order to release the leash. It is not designed to automatically detach the leash. Accordingly, an improved leash lift system is provided herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for an improved surfboard or paddleboard leash system that raises the leash line away from the board to prevent it from interfering with the user&#39;s freedom of movement on the board. Although described primarily for use with water sports boards, it should be understood that this disclosure may also be used to manage other types of dangling cords. Non-limiting examples of cords or leashes that may be managed using the leash lift system described include but are not limited to extension cords, vacuum cords, animal leashes, or any other time a user may need to manage a trailing or potentially entangling cord or leash. 
     The leash lift system generally includes a board leash comprising a leash-interfacing magnet; and a user garment comprising a user-interfacing magnet. In use, the user secures the leash-interfacing magnet to the user-interfacing magnet in order to raise the leash above the board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a surfboard or paddleboard leash. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a top plan view of one embodiment of a leash-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a leash-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of an externally positioned leash-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a side perspective view of the externally positioned leash-interfacing magnet of  FIG. 3A  in an opened position. 
         FIG. 4  shows a front plan view of a user garment having a user-interfacing magnet positioned therein. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a front plan view of a shorts-style user garment illustrating various magnet positions. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a front plan view of a bikini-style user garment illustrating various magnet positions. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a belt that could be used to support a user-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a clip that could be used to support a user-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a pin securement system that could be used to support a user-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates cooperation between a leash-interfacing magnet and a user-interfacing magnet. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a user of the leash system described herein in position on a surfboard. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a user of the leash system described herein in position on a stand-up paddleboard. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, a surfboard or paddleboard  10  (collectively referred to herein as a “board”) is provided with a leash  12 . As shown by  FIG. 1 , the leash is often provided as a rubber-like, flexible, elongated cord that has a first end  14  and a second end  16 . The first end  14  of the leash  12  is configured to be secured to the board  10 . (The board will often have a deck plug or hook/loop into which the first end  14  is inserted and the remainder of the leash is pulled through a loop to secure the leash to board. This is a standard leash securement and need not be described further.) The second end  16  of the leash  12  is configured to be secured around a user&#39;s ankle or calf. (This securement is often via a hook and loop attachment band  18 .) The leash body  20 , which is the portion of the leash in between the first end  14  and the second end  16 , generally remains loose and rests on the board or drags in the water in use. The leash body  20  is generally long enough to allow a user to have enough clearance space away from the board in the event of a fall. Often, a user will choose a leash that is about the length of the board. For example, a user of a 7 foot board is likely to choose a 7 foot leash. Leashes can range from about 4 feet for a child&#39;s board to about 12 feet for a long stand-up paddleboard. Smaller or longer leashes are possible, depending upon the experience and ability level of the user and the type of waves to be ridden. 
     Leashes may also vary in thickness. A thinner leash has less strength, but will also generate less drag in the water. By contrast, a thicker leash may be stronger, but in turn, may create more drag in the water. Board leashes are generally sold separately from boards for this reason. Leash dimension selection is a matter of preference, and all of the options described herein are intended for use on any type (length, width, material) of board leash. Because some leashes can get rather long, the leash body  20  can become unwieldy during the wave ride or the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience. 
     Although described primarily for use with water sports boards, it should be understood that this disclosure may also be used to manage other types of dangling cords. For example, a vacuum cleaner cord can generate frustration and management difficulty. Similarly, extension cords for electric devices, such as leaf blowers or electric lawnmowers, can create similar management difficulty. It is also envisioned that this disclosure may be used in connection with any other extended cord or leash management. 
     Accordingly, the leash lift system  30  described herein is provided. The leash lift system  30  includes one or more leash-interfacing magnets  32  and a user-interfacing magnet  34 . In use, the leash-interfacing magnet  32  cooperates with the user-interfacing magnet  34  in order to maintain at least a portion of the leash body  20  raised up and away from the board. Examples are illustrated by  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The strength, size, number of magnets and placement of the magnets used is determined by leash or cord size, length, material, and width. 
     In some examples, for a shorter leash, a single leash-interfacing magnet  32  may be sufficient. However, in other examples, a longer leash may benefit from multiple leash-interfacing magnets. For example, a leash (or cord) may be so long that providing more than one magnet in the leash can allow it to hang like a lasso from the user&#39;s waist. Similar to the motion of coiling an extension cord, the one or more leash-interfacing magnets on a long leash could be used to coil the leash, aligning each of the multiple magnets at the top of the coil to the user&#39;s waist. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in one embodiment, the leash-interfacing magnet  32  may be stitched into the leash body  20 . In this example, the magnet is inserted inside the leash during manufacture. This may create a magnetic field  36  that radiates from the leash body  20 . It is possible for the stitching location to be defined as a bulb  38  or otherwise as a portion with slightly protruding sides or a slightly thicker portion of the leash body  20 , as is shown by  FIG. 2A . In this example, the user can easily feel along the leash body  20  in order to locate the bulb  38 . In other examples, it is possible to provide a plurality of leash-interfacing magnets  32  positioned within the leash body  20 , as shown by  FIG. 2B . The user may be able to feel one or more of the individual magnets  32  along the leash body  20  by pinching the leash body  20  in order to ease user location of the magnet(s)  32 . In another example, it is possible to provide a different leash color and/or leash texture where the one or more leash-interfacing magnets  32  are positioned. This may ease user location of the leash lift system by providing an external visual surface along the leash body  20  and/or providing ease with a tactile touch/feel to location the position of the external magnets. A single version or one or more combinations of any of the disclosed leash-interfacing magnet  32  location systems may be used. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the leash-interfacing magnet  32  may be an externally-positioned system  40 , as illustrated by  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In this example, the magnet may be attached to the leash using an aftermarket device. This embodiment may be manufactured and sold as a separate leash lift system, because it is not required to be integrated into the original leash body. Instead, a user may use the externally-positioned system  40  to retrofit any currently available leash. In one example, the externally-positioned system  40  may be a clamshell-like member  42 . The clamshell member  42  may have first and second portions  44 ,  46 . In a specific embodiment, it is possible for each of the portions to have a certain polarity. In the example shown, the first portion  44  is associated with a positive polarity, and the second portion  46  is associated with a negative polarity. The first and second portions  44 ,  46  may be designed such that they are hingedly connected along one edge. The first and second portions  44 ,  46  may be designed such that they snap to one another. The first and second portions  44 ,  46  may be designed such that they are magnetically connected to one another. Clamshell examples are illustrated by  FIG. 3B . In another example, a silicone mold with a magnet formed therein may be used to form the leash-interfacing magnet. Peel and stick technology may be used to secure the magnet to the leash. Any combination of these attachment mechanisms or any other appropriate attachment mechanisms may be used and are considered within the scope of this disclosure. It is also possible to use an internal and an external attachment for the leash-interfacing magnet  32  in combination, if desired. 
     Regardless of which embodiment of the leash-interfacing magnet  32  is used, there is also a corresponding user-interfacing magnet  34  provided. The user-interfacing magnet  34  may be sewn into a user&#39;s waistband  50 , as illustrated by  FIG. 4 . In this example, the magnet is inserted into the garment during the clothing manufacturing process. The user-interfacing magnet  34  generally has polarities opposite to the leash-interfacing magnet  32  and creates an attractive force/magnetic field  36 .  FIGS. 5A, 5B , and  5 C illustrate alternate locations for the user-interfacing magnet  34 .  FIG. 5A  illustrates that one or more user-interfacing magnet(s)  34  may be positioned below the waist band, along suit sides, along suit edges, and/or anywhere along the bathing suit body, or any combination thereof.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a woman&#39;s bathing suit and that one or more user-interfacing magnet(s)  34  may be positioned within or below the waist band, along sides, and/or anywhere along the bathing suit body, or any combination thereof. These figures illustrate embodiments in which one or more user-interfacing magnet(s)  34  are sewn into, adhered, welded, or otherwise associated with the user&#39;s bathing suit or clothing. 
     In another example, it is possible to provide a user-interfacing magnet kit. The kit may be provided with a small pouch or material piece that contains or otherwise supports the magnet  34 . The pouch or material may be positioned, adhered, stitched, pinned, or otherwise secured to a bathing suit or other garment of choice of the user. In a specific example, the magnet may be heat sealed within a leather pouch portion. Edges of the leather pouch portion may have a plurality of edge holes. The edge holes may be used as guide holes for needle and thread for securing the magnet pouch to the garment. In order to ease the customer experience, the retrofit kit may be sold with the magnet pouch as well as with a needle and thread kit for easy securement of the pouch to the garment. 
     It is additionally possible to provide an embodiment in which one or more user-interfacing magnet(s)  34  may be worn by the user in a manner that is retrofittable. In other words, the user need not purchase a bathing suit that has the magnet  34  pre-positioned therein. In these examples, the magnet is configured to be provided as an aftermarket device. For example, instead, the user may wear a belt-like configuration  52  that has one or more user-interfacing magnet(s)  34  positioned therein. This example is illustrated by  FIG. 6A . The positioning may be pre-sewn, adhered, attached or positioned in any other appropriate manner. In another example, the user may wear a clip  54  into which one or more user-interfacing magnet(s)  34  is/are positioned. This example is illustrated by  FIG. 6B . In a specific example, the clip  54  may have two hinged arms  56 , at least one of which supports magnet  34 . The magnet  34  may be adhered to one of the arms  56 . In another example, one of the arms  56  is made of a magnetic material itself. 
     Another option is to provide a pin securement system  64 . In this example, a magnet face portion  60  and a rear portion  62  are joined by a pin securement system  64 . This example is illustrated by  FIG. 6C . This embodiment may function similar to store anti-theft tags, in which a pin  66  is received by an opening  68  of the rear portion  62 . The system may be released via any appropriate method. In use, it is envisioned that the rear portion  62  be positioned on the wearer-side of the bathing suit and the magnet face portion  60  be positioned on the external-side of the bathing suit. This allows the user-interfacing magnet to be easily accessible to the leash-interfacing magnet. In any of these examples, the user can wear the belt  52 , clip  54 , or securement system,  64  without having specialty bathing suit or another bathing suit retrofitted. A single version or any combination of one or more of the disclosed versions are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The magnets used in accordance with this disclosure may be any appropriate magnets. Strong magnets have been increasingly made to be smaller and smaller, and it is generally envisioned that the smallest but strongest magnet combination for the size and strength required is desirable. Price considerations may be weighed with design considerations in order to optimize the combination provided. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a leash body  20  having its leash-interfacing magnet  32  in cooperation with the user-interfacing magnet  34 . The magnets are generally envisioned as being strong enough that securement will be maintained while the user moves. However, the securement will be released upon a greater force, such as the user exiting the board in a forceful manner (e.g., a wipe out or ditch). 
     In use, as illustrated by  FIG. 8 , the user may wish to catch a wave with the leash lift system  30  already in position. This can ensure that the board-side portion  70  of the leash body  12  is raised, rather than dangling on the board surface when the user stands.  FIG. 9  illustrates a user in the standing position. As illustrated, the board-side portion  70  of the leash body is prevented from being tangled around the user&#39;s ankle. 
     When the leash lift system  30  is used, the leash body is lifted out of the water and magnetically secured to the user using magnetic force. When a user is wearing a user-interfacing magnet  34  and is using a leash that has a leash-interfacing magnet  32 , the following steps may take place: 
     (1) The user mounts the surf board or paddleboard onto which a leash with a leash-interfacing magnet  32  is positioned. 
     (2) The user lifts the leash and secures it to the implanted or attached user-interfacing magnet  34 . 
     (3) When the magnetic field of the leash comes in contact with the magnetic field of the wearer, the leash will attach itself to the wearer. This method of attachment will elevate the length of the board-side portion of the leash from the water and the user&#39;s feet, which allows for reduced drag and reduced tripping hazards. 
     (4) when the user falls or is otherwise separated the necessary distance from the board, the pull force on the leash lift system will force the separation between the leash-interfacing magnet and the user-interfacing magnet. Once separated, the leash functions as originally designed, with the full length of the leash body accessible. 
     It is envisioned that one commercially viable design for this disclosure is an aftermarket system that provides a kit designed to allow a user to (a) retrofit the leash body and (b) retrofit a bathing suit with the desired magnetic features. An equally alternative commercially viable design for this disclosure is to provide a leash lift system that is sold with (a) a leash body having the leash-interfacing magnet integrally incorporated therein and (b) a bathing suit additionally having the user-interfacing magnet integrally incorporated therein. A further commercially viable design is to provide any combination of retrofit options (a) and (b) along with integral options (a) and (b). For example, a leash body having an integral leash-interfacing magnet may be sold with a bathing suit retrofit kit. In another example, a bathing suit having an integral user-interfacing magnet may be sold with a leash retrofit kit. 
     Although described primarily for use with water sports boards, it should be understood that this disclosure may also be used to manage other types of dangling cords. Non-limiting examples of cords or leashes that may be managed using the leash lift system described include but are not limited to extension cords, vacuum cords, animal leashes, or any other time a user may need to manage a trailing or potentially entangling cord or leash. 
     Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure or the following claims.