AU2007100766A4 - Surfboard safety leash - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent 1-1 Applicant(s): Wen-Sheng Huang Invention Title: Surfboard safety leash The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: TITLE: SURFBOARD SAFETY LEASH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention is related to a surfboard safety leash, and more particularly, to one of a streamlined structure provided with multi-direction operation range.

Description of the Prior Art: A surfer will usually use a surfboard safety leash to the surfer's hand or ankle and a surfboard so to control the surfboard through the leash, and to fast reclaim the surfboard when separated from the surfer due to surge or for cause whatsoever. For a surfboard safety leash of the prior art, a locking ring is disposed on one end of the leash for engaging another locking ring disposed on a strap and the strap is tied to the surfer's wrist or ankle; and another end of the leash is also provided with a locking ring to engage with another locking ring disposed on the surfboard. However, in practice, operating space between locking rings is limited; consequently, agile operation of for the surfer to pull the surfboard is prevented because that the operating angle of the locking ring is restricted, or when the surfboard breaks away from the surfer or the surfer and the surfboard are washed away in different directions by the surge, the surfer is exposed to possible injury to the wrist or ankle by the wild surfboard.

As taught in Taiwan Utility Patent No. 923203368 "Surfboard Leash Construction", both ends of the leash are respectively connected to a connection base of a surfboard, The end of the leash passes through a holder and a locking bar made in an arc contour; the holder is provided N. \Meibourne\Casea\ Patent \7z2 -72999\P72642A U\Specis\P72642 AUGH SPECIFICATION.doc 14/08/07 with a small bore to allow the leash to pass through; a concave is formed on an inner side of the bore for the end of the leash to pass through the locking bar; and after having pass through the locking bar, the end of the leash is welded into a larger head and fixed to the inner side of the locking bar. In practice, the arc contour of the locking bar is capable of engaging relative revolution against the inner side of the concave to constitute a construction allowing a 3600 3D revolution.

However, the range of engaging relative revolution between the leash holder and the locking bar is limited and the leash fails to be in a position totally in parallel with the leash holder since the bore is provided in a given thickness to allow the revolution of the leash to where completely in parallel with the leash holder. Furthermore, both of the locking bar and the leash holder are made of plastic material and although they are provided with anti-rust property, they contribute to comparatively higher friction coefficient and slower revolution response. Accordingly, the surfer may get hurt due to failure to response in time when challenged by fast revolution of the surfboard under strong impacts from a breaking wave.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection structure for a surfboard leash that is capable of maintaining a 3D and larger range of revolution area for agile control of the surfboard of the surfer while riding a breaking wave.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection structure for a surfboard leash that is capable of executing faster response than that of the prior art to protect the surfer from getting N: \Melbourne\Cases\Patent\72000-72999\P72642.AU\Specis\P72642 AUGH SPECI ICTION.dc 1 4 /0 8 /07 injury by unexpected change of the wave.

To achieve these purposes, the present invention is essentially comprised of a leash having both ends disposed with connection terminals respectively pivoted by means of a toggling mechanism to a surfer's strap s and a cord connected to the surfboard for the overall structure to connect the surfer and the surfboard; the toggle comprised of a revolving spindle, a toggle, and a carrier disposed at the strap or the cord. The spindle includes two moving portions revolving relatively to each other and connected at where between the connection terminal and the toggling mechanism. A limiting region is defined at one end of the toggle by two limiting portions symmetrically disposed in the axial direction to receive one moving portion of the spindle for the spindle to swing within the limiting region; and an extension bar is separately provided in axial direction on the other end of the toggle to connect to the carrier. The carrier is disposed with two limiting portions symmetrically arranged in axial direction to constitute a limiting region for the extension bar to be pivoted to the limiting portions and swing within the limiting region.

Two limiting regions are at an included angle of 90 degrees to each other allowing each limiting region to provide a swing range of 180 degrees or wider; accordingly, a 360-degree, multi-directional hemispherical moving range between the leash and the strap or the cord by the toggling mechanism to provide better manipulation than that by the prior art for the surfer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

N:Melbourne\Caseos\Patent \7200072999\P2642AU\Specia\P72642AUGpSECrICATION.doc1 4 /08 07 1"Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing an operating status of a leash O in the present invention is laterally swinging.

INO

Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing an operating status of a leash in the present invention is longitudinally swinging.

SFig. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 showing a structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the preferred embodiment is comprised of a leash 10, a toggling mechanism 20, a strap 30, and a cord The leash has its both ends respectively disposed with a connection is terminal 11, both connection terminals 11 are respectively connected to a strap 30 and a cord 40 by having one connection terminal 11 pivoted to a toggling mechanism 20 to constitute an integral part for connection to a surfer and a surfboard; the toggling mechanism 20 includes a spindle 21, a toggle 22, and a carrier disposed to the strap 30or the cord 40, the spindle 21 contains two moving portions 211, 212 engaging in revolution against each other and connected to each other at where between the connection terminal 11 and the toggle 22, one end of the toggle is comprised of two limiting portions 221 symmetrically arranged in axial direction to define a limiting region for receiving one moving portion 212 of the spindle 21 for the moving portion 212 to swing within the therein; another end of the toggle 22 axially extending a bar 222 connected to the carrier 23; the N: \Melborne\Cases\Patent \7200072999\P72642AU\Speeia\P72642 AUGH SPECIPICATION.doc 1 4 /08/07 carrier 23 also contains two limiting portions 231 symmetrically arranged in axial direction to define a limiting region for the extension bar 222 to be pivoted to where between two limiting portions 231 and swing therein; and both limiting regions are disposed at a right angle to each other with each limiting region allowed a swinging range of 180 degrees or wider so to provide a 3D hemispherical moving range of manipulation for the surfer between the leash 10 and the strap 30 or the cord 40 by the toggling mechanism As illustrated, an axial hole 12 is provided on a top of the connection terminal 11 to accommodate the moving portion 211 and a radial through hole is disposed to the moving portion 211; a bolt 14 secures the moving portion 211 and the connection terminal 11 by inserting into a side hole disposed to the connection terminal 11 and the through hole of the moving portion 211 after having inserted into the axial is hole 12; a radial hole is disposed to the other moving portion 212 of the spindle 21; two side holes corresponding to the through hole of side both limiting portions 212 on the toggle 22 are symmetrically provided on those two limiting portions 221 to admit the moving portion 212 upon entering into the limiting region is pivoted therein by means of a pivoting piece 223 so to freely swing within the limiting region defined by both limiting portions 221. A through hole is disposed to the extension bar 222; two limiting portions 231 of the carrier 23 in the preferred embodiment are related to two hemispherical balls with their opposite cambers facing externally and away from each other; a limiting region is defined by both centers of those two limiting portions 231; each limiting portion 231 is disposed with a side hole 232 that penetrates through both limiting N:\MeIbourne\Casea\Patent\ 2720-72999\P72642 AU\Specis\P72642.AUcxSPECI CATIONdoc14/0/7 portions 231 to allow the extension bar 222 upon penetrating into where between two limiting portions 231 and a bolt to be pivoted to each other, thus to permit the extension bar 222 to freely swing at where between both limiting portions.

Now referring to Fig. 3, the leash 10 connects to the strap 30 via the toggling mechanism 30; wherein the leash 10 swings on the toggle 22 by the spindle 21 within a range of 180 degrees or wider against the strap and swings on its own axis for 360 degrees by the spindle 21; and the leash 10 is connected to the carrier 30 through the spindle 21 and the extension bar 222 from the toggle to execute swing up and down for 180 degrees or more. Accordingly, a 360-degree multi-directional 3D manipulation range is provided between the leash 10 and the strap 30 as illustrated in Fig. 4.

Both of the spindle 21 and the toggle 22 of the toggling mechanism 20 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are made of metal materials; both connection terminals 11 and the carrier 23 are made of plastic materials; metal screws or pivoting elements are used to pivot among members of the preferred embodiment to provide better structural strength to resist strong pull in coping with powerful tensile strength crated between the leash 10 and the surfboard or the surfer upon riding a breaking wave. Meanwhile, metallic members of the safety leash structure yields comparatively lower friction coefficient in a process of interaction so to provide fast response to then current condition for protecting the surfer from injury due to subject to greater torque.

In another preferred embodiment of the preset invention as illustrated in Fig. 5, on both ends of the leash 10, at where between the N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\72000-72999\P72642AU\SPeCis\P72642AUHSPECIFlCAIONdc 4 8 /07 leash 10 and the strap 30, and between the leash 10 and the cord 40, one toggle mechanism 20 is disposed for both ends of the leash 10 are disposed with multi-directional manipulation structures to provide even better Smanipulation of the surfboard for the surfer.

The present invention by allowing wider control area to correct the flaw of very limited manipulation range of the safety leash as found in the prior art for the surfer to command more agile manipulation of his/her surfer, and fast response of the toggling mechanism help minimize chance of getting injured due to impacts from the breaking wave when the 1o surfboard turns fast and suddenly realizes significant advancement.

However, it is to be noted that the preferred embodiments disclosed in the specification and the accompanying drawings are not limiting the present invention; and that any construction, installation, or characteristics that is same or similar to that of the present invention should fall within the scope of the purposes and claims of the present invention.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the N\\elbourne\Casea\Patent\7200072999\P72642AU\SpeciB\P72642AUGHSPECIPICATONd 4 /08/07 publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

N: \Melbourne\ Ca aes\ Patent\ 72000- 72999\P72642 AU\Speci8\P72642.AU GH SPEC IF ICATION. doc 14/08/07

Claims (4)

1. A surfboard safety leash comprising a leash disposed at two ends two connection terminals, one connection terminal or both s connection terminals being combined to a strap and a cord through pivoting with a toggling mechanism to connect a surfer and a surfboard; one end of the toggling mechanism being connected at where between the connection terminal and the toggle by means of a spindle; the toggle being connected to a carrier disposed at the strap or the code both of the connection terminal and the toggle being capable of engaging in relative revolutions by the spindle; one end of the spindle and the toggle being connected to each other; an extension bar being disposed on the other end of the toggle to connect to the carrier; and the toggle executing radial swing against the carrier.

2. The surfboard safety leash as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the spindle is comprised of two moving portions that revolve against each other; and two moving portions are respectively connected to the connection terminal and the toggle.

3. The surfboard safety leash as claimed in Claim 1, wherein one end of the toggle defines a limiting region that opens and closes in two directions defined by two limiting portions symmetrically arranged in an axial direction; the limiting region being pivoted to one end of the spindle; and the spindle swings in both opening directions within the limiting region.

4. The surfboard safety leash as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the N- \Melbourne\Casea\Patent\72000.72999\P72642 AU\Specis\P72642 AUGH SPECIPICATION doc 14/08/07 carrier is disposed with two limiting portions axially and symmetrically arraigned to define a limiting region that opens and closes in both directions; the toggle being pivoted two where between two limiting portions; and the toggle swings in both opening directions of the limiting region. The surfboard safety leash as claimed in Claim 1, wherein an axial hole is disposed on a top of the connection terminal; and the axial hole accommodates the spindle. N! \MelbourneCa&-\Patent\? 2000-72999\P72642 AU\Specia\P72642 AUGHSPECIFI CTION dOC 14/08/07