Leash

Abstract

A leash assembly ( 110 ) for watercraft users with an elongate composite horn ( 112 ) and extended base ( 128 ) providing a superior stand-off distance for the leash cord. In addition, an over-braided sheathed cord ( 114 ) provides substantial improvements in use with respect to elongation, strength and tangling. The leash assembly ( 110 ) may also feature a low hydrodynamic drag rail saver, non-slip arrangement for the cuff ( 116 ) and a unique pull tab ( 119 ) release for the cuff ( 116 ).

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A leash for a watercraft comprising:
 a cuff adapted to be attached about a limb of a watercraft user;   a securing strap to the watercraft;   a composite horn having a first section adapted to be secured to the cuff and a second section connected to a first end of an over-braided cord;   the over-braided cord second end is connected the securing strap; and   a swivel with at least one of the horn and the securing strap.   
     
     
         29 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein the watercraft is at least one of a surfboard, a body board, a kite-board and a stand-up paddle board. 
     
     
         30 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein the over-braided cord comprises:
 an elastic core, and   a tubular over-braiding about the core,   
       wherein the over-braiding is formed with a plurality of yarns that are less elastic than the core, and
 wherein the over-braiding limits an extension of the core as the cord elongates. 
 
     
     
         31 . A leash according to  claim 30 , whereby the leash substantially does not tangle with at least one of the user and the over-braided cord with itself. 
     
     
         32 . A leash according to claim  3 , wherein the form of the over-braiding is selected to control and/or adjust an extension of the cord. 
     
     
         33 . A leash according to  claim 30 , wherein the core is formed of a plurality of core strands bundled by a tubular over-braid. 
     
     
         34 . A leash according to  claim 30 , wherein the core is a single elastic core. 
     
     
         35 . A leash according to  claim 30 , wherein the plurality of yarns are at least one of a higher tensile strength, higher ultimate break strength and higher fracture point than the elastic core. 
     
     
         36 . A leash according to  claim 28 , further including a termination for the over-braided cord comprising:
 splayed yarns of the overbraiding at an end of the overbraided cord are imbedded in a termination overmoulding,   wherein the termination overmoulding forms a termination suitable for coupling or connecting with at least one of the second section of the composite horn and the securing strap.   
     
     
         37 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein the composite horn is enlarged. 
     
     
         38 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein,
 the cuff for connecting to a surfer's body includes an enlarged composite horn; and   the over-braided cord is constructed from a high strength braided outer portion and an elastic inner portion.   
     
     
         39 . A leash according to claim  4 , wherein the composite horn first section is adapted to be secured to the cuff by an extended base;
 wherein the extended base extends longitudinally and at least partially circumferentially about a leash wearer's limb.   
     
     
         40 . A leash according to  claim 38 , wherein the composite horn further comprises:
 a tapered horn extending from the base to the over-braided cord; and   a core of a lower density material to a shell forming the base and the tapered horn.   
     
     
         41 . A leash according to  claim 40 , wherein the extended base and the elongated horn of the composite horn provide an increased stand-off distance between the over-braided cord and the leash wearer's limb to reduce a tangling. 
     
     
         42 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein the securing strap includes a rail-saver with a conformal overmould connection between a rail-saver strap end and the second end of the over-braided cord. 
     
     
         43 . A leash according to  claim 42 , wherein the conformal overmould of the securing strap is formed or configured to reduce hydrodynamic drag. 
     
     
         44 . A leash according to  claim 42 , wherein the rail-saver or the securing strap is constructed with the strap end housed within a hydrodynamic moulded connecting part. 
     
     
         45 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein the cuff includes a slip reducing arrangement of a plurality of protuberances applied to an inside face of the cuff. 
     
     
         46 . A leash according to  claim 45 , wherein the slip reducing arrangement aids at least one of securing and preventing movement of the cuff about the limb of the watercraft user. 
     
     
         47 . A leash according to  claim 46 , wherein the slip reducing arrangement includes a printed region on the inside facing of the cuff using a slip-reducing ink, polymer or rubber to increase a friction of the cuff about a limb of a user. 
     
     
         48 . A leash according to  claim 28 , wherein an outward face of the cuff includes a pull tab with a resilient erect loop formed to receive or be grasped by at least one of a finger or thumb of a watercraft user. 
     
     
         49 . A leash according to  claim 48 , wherein the pull tab is configured to be naturally and resiliently receptive to the user's removal grip and hydrodynamic.