Watch leash apparatus and methods

Abstract

Systems, devices and methods for tethering a person to a sports board are disclosed herein. An article of manufacture provides a flexible, shock-absorbing tether, having an integrated timekeeping device.

1 . An article of manufacture, comprising:
 a cuff configured to encircle an extremity of a user, the cuff comprising a waterproof timekeeping device;   a non-rigid shock-absorbing member comprising a first proximal end and a first distal end, the first proximal end flexibly coupled to the cuff and having at least two degrees of freedom of motion with respect to the cuff;   a non-rigid substantially non-shock-absorbing member comprising a second proximal end and a second distal end, the second proximal end coupled to the first distal end and having at least two degrees of freedom of motion with respect to the non-rigid shock-absorbing member;   a anchoring device configured for removable attachment to a waterboard, the anchoring device coupled to the second distal end and having at least two degrees of freedom of motion with respect to the non-rigid substantially non-shock absorbing member.   
   
   
       2 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the timekeeping device comprises at least one of a watch, a countdown timer, a stop-watch and a tidal gauge. 
   
   
       3 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the cuff further comprises:
 a fabric sleeve configured to retain the waterproof timekeeping device; and   an adjustable strap configured to engage the fabric sleeve and to adjust a circumference of the cuff.   
   
   
       4 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the non-rigid shock-absorbing member comprises a coiled non-elastic cord. 
   
   
       5 . The article of manufacture of  claim 4 , wherein the coiled non-elastic cord is fabricated from one of urethane and polypropylene. 
   
   
       6 . The article of manufacture of  claim 5 , wherein the coiled non-elastic cord is covered with a plastic sleeve. 
   
   
       7 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the non-rigid shock-absorbing member comprises a non-coiled elastic cord. 
   
   
       8 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the non-rigid, substantially non-shock-absorbing member comprises one of a nylon strap and a neoprene strap. 
   
   
       9 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the waterproof timekeeping device is selected from an analog watch, a digital watch, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. 
   
   
       10 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the waterproof timekeeping device incorporates a tide gauge. 
   
   
       11 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , further comprising a tide gauge. 
   
   
       12 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said a non-rigid substantially non-shock-absorbing member comprises a lanyard. 
   
   
       13 . The article of manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said a non-rigid substantially non-shock-absorbing member comprises a swivel. 
   
   
       14 . The article of manufacture of  claim 12 , wherein said lanyard comprises a swivel.