WO2006002468A1

WO2006002468A1 - Device to releasably attach a closed loop of a leash to a surfboard

Info

Publication number: WO2006002468A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald B Mccredie
Original assignee: HYDRO SPORTZ Pty Ltd
Current assignee: HYDRO SPORTZ Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-06-30
Filing date: 2005-06-30
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2006-12-30

Abstract

A device (1) for receiving and releasably securing a looped member (2) of the leash or rope (8) to a surfboard (4), watercraft, snowboard and the like. The device (1) includes a body (3) having a circular base (20) and sidewall (21) fixed to mounted formation such as a recess in a formed core of the surfboard, and a retaining device (5). The retaining device is a bridge (30) that extends diametrically across and is defined by a retainer (5) and tab (17) which are both integrally formed with body (3) at one end. The other end (16) of the retainer abuts the other end of the tab to form a closed configuration. The resilient retainer is moved downwards to provide an open configuration to allow the looped member to be inserted and secured in the device when the retainer (5) returns to abut the tab (17).

Description

DEVICETORELEASABLYATTACHACLOSEDLOOPOFALEASHTOASURFBOARD

FIELDOFTHEINVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment device.

The invention has been developed primarily for attaching a leash to a surfboard and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that particular field of use and is also suitable for other individual watercraft, snowboards, and recreational equipment, amongst other things.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

It is common to use a leash or other tether to prevent an item of sporting equipment from leaving its user's proximity. For example: the use of leash with surfboard. The leash is attachable at one end to an attachment device on the surfboard, and at the other end to a user's leg. In use, where the user becomes separated from the surfboard, the leash preferably prevents the surfboard from leaving the user's proximity.

Known attachment devices for securing a leash a surfboard include a plastics former, which is typically mounted to a recess is typically formed in the body of the surfboard. In the case conventional surfboards, the recess is defined in a foam core of the surfboard. The former defines an open-ended cylindrical container, and a rod is supported across the opening to define a recessed passageway. The user manually threads the free end of the leash through the passageway before securing that free end to the leash to form a closed loop around the rod. It will be appreciated that this attaches the leash to the board.

Attaching a leash to a surfboard using known attachment devices takes some time and skill to complete correctly, and for less skilled users takes many minutes. Other factors that contribute to the time taken include the prevailing conditions, the dimensions of the former and rod - and the gap between the two - and the diameter and pliancy of the leash. Once the leash is secured to the surfboard via the attachment device it requires the reverse of the abovementioned, often lengthy, operation.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sporting apparatus including an attachment device for receiving and releasably securing a looped member, the device including: a body fixedly mountable to a mounting formation on the apparatus; and a retaining device moveable with respect to the body between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing the looped member and a closed configuration for securing the looped member intermediate the retaining device and the body.

In a preferred embodiment, the sporting apparatus is a surfboard. In some embodiments the sporting apparatus is any one of bodyboard; a softboard; a snowboard; a wakeboard; a water-ski; a canoe; a skateboard; a snowdeck; a ski; a kiteboard; a surf ski; a paddle; or a surf rescue board.

Preferably the mounting formation is a mounting recess. In other embodiments the mounting formation includes a threaded insert, a complementary receiving aperture, or a catch. Preferably, the retaining device is biased towards the closed configuration. More preferably the retaining device extends from a first end that is fixedly connected to the body and a second end that is abuttingly engageable with a retaining tab on the body in the closed configuration. Preferably the first end is rotatably mounted to the body. More preferably the retaining device is integrally formed with the body. In a preferred embodiment the body includes a first component with which the first end is integrally formed and a second component fixedly attachable to the first component. Preferably the first component is formed of a resilient material. More preferably the second component is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the first component. In some embodiments the first component is formed from nylon 66 and the second component is formed from nylon 6. Preferably, the body includes: a base; and a tubular sidewall assembly extending from the base to define a container, the sidewall assembly terminating at a peripheral lip defining an opening.

More preferably the sidewall assembly includes either or both of circumferential and axial web formations.

Preferably the container is sidewall assembly is cylindrical. More preferably the sidewall assembly is right cylindrical.

In some embodiments a bridge extends diametrically across the sidewall assembly from a leading end to a trailing end such that: the bridge and the sidewall assembly collectively define a discreet first and second sub-opening; and the first sub-opening, the container, and the second sub-opening collectively define a re-entrant passageway.

Preferably, the bridge is at least partially defined by the retaining device. More preferably the bridge is defined by the retaining device and a retaining tab abuttingly engageable with the retaining device.

The retaining device and retaining tab preferably include complimentary fitments for maintaining alignment of the respective axis of the retaining device, the retaining tab and the bridge. Preferably, the base is substantially planar and the bridge includes a surface substantially parallel to the base, the surface having a pair of opposite bridge edges that diverge with respect to axis of the bridge from the trailing end to the leading end. More preferably the sidewall assembly includes portions substantially parallel with each of the bridge edges such the first and second sub-openings have respective axis parallel to their respective adjacent bridge edge.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment device is defined by a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is fixedly attachable to the second component. Preferably the first component includes a support plate having a branch extending therefrom for supporting the retaining device. More preferably, the second component includes a floor having an opening formed therein through which the branch and retaining device are insertable. Even more preferably the floor and the support plate are substantially peripherally identical. hi a preferred embodiment a wall structure extends from the floor such that the first component is substantially tubular. Preferably a retaining tab extends inwardly from the wall structure for abutting engagement with the retaining device. More preferably, the retaining tab and the retaining device collectively define a bridge across the tube defined by the first component.

Preferably the attachment device is releasably engageable with a complimentary protective cover. Preferably the protective cover protects regions of the plug that are exposed upon mounting the attachment device in the mounting recess.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a leash plug for receiving and releasably securing a looped member to a surfboard having a mounting formation, the plug including: a body fixedly mountable to the mounting formation; and a retaining device moveable with respect to the body between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing the looped member and a closed configuration for securing the looped member intermediate the retaining device and the body.

Preferably the mounting formation is a mounting recess. In other embodiments the mounting formation includes a threaded insert, a complementary receiving aperture, or a catch.

Preferably, the retaining device is biased towards the closed configuration. More preferably the retaining device extends from a first end that is fixedly connected to the body and a second end that is abuttingly engageable with a retaining tab on the body in the closed configuration. Preferably the first end is rotatably mounted to the body. More preferably the retaining device is integrally formed with the body.

In a preferred embodiment the body includes a first component with which the first end is integrally formed and a second component fixedly attachable to the first component. Preferably the first component is formed of a resilient material. More preferably the second component is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the first component. In some embodiments the first component is formed from nylon 66 and the second component is formed from nylon 6. Preferably, the body includes: a base; and a tubular sidewall assembly extending from the base to define a container, the sidewall assembly terminating at a peripheral lip defining an opening. More preferably the sidewall assembly includes either or both of circumferential and axial web formations.

In some embodiments a bridge extends diametrically across the sidewall assembly from a leading end to a trailing end such that: the bridge and the sidewall assembly collectively define a discreet first and second sub-opening; and the first sub-opening, the container, and the second sub-opening collectively define a re-entrant passageway. Preferably, the bridge is at least partially defined by the retaining device. More preferably the bridge is defined by the retaining device and a retaining tab abuttingly engageable with the retaining device.

The retaining device and retaining tab preferably include complimentary fitments for maintaining alignment of the respective axis of the retaining device, the retaining tab and the bridge.

Preferably, the base is substantially planar and the bridge includes a surface substantially parallel to the base, the surface having a pair of opposite bridge edges that diverge with respect to axis of the bridge from the trailing end to the leading end. More preferably the sidewall assembly includes portions substantially parallel with each of the bridge edges such the first and second sub-openings have respective axis parallel to their respective adjacent bridge edge.

In a preferred embodiment, the leash plug is defined by a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is fixedly attachable to the second component. Preferably the first component includes a support plate having a branch extending therefrom for supporting the retaining device. More preferably, the second component includes a floor having an opening formed therein through which the branch and retaining device are insertable. Even more preferably the floor and the support plate are substantially peripherally identical.

In a preferred embodiment a wall structure extends from the floor such that the first component is substantially tubular. Preferably a retaining tab extends inwardly from the wall structure for abutting engagement with the retaining device. More preferably, the retaining tab and the retaining device collectively define a bridge across the tube defined by the first component.

Preferably the leash plug is releasably engageable with a complimentary protective cover. Preferably the protective cover protects regions of the plug that are exposed upon mounting the plug in the mounting recess.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment device for receiving and releasably securing a looped member, the device including: a body fixedly mountable to a mounting formation; and a retaining device moveable with respect to the body between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing the looped member and a closed configuration for securing the looped member intermediate the retaining device and the body.

Preferably the mounting formation is a mounting recess. In other embodiments the mounting formation includes a threaded insert, a complementary receiving aperture, or a catch. Preferably, the retaining device is biased towards the closed configuration. More preferably the retaining device extends from a first end that is fixedly connected to the body and a second end that is abuttingly engageable with a retaining tab on the body in the closed configuration. Preferably the first end is rotatably mounted to the body. More preferably the retaining device is integrally formed with the body. In a preferred embodiment the body includes a first component with which the first end is integrally formed and a second component fixedly attachable to the first component. Preferably the first component is formed of a resilient material. More preferably the second component is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the first component. In some embodiments the first component is formed from nylon 66 and the second component is formed from nylon 6.

Preferably, the body includes: a base; and a tubular sidewall assembly extending from the base to define a container, the sidewall assembly terminating at a peripheral lip defining an opening.

The retaining device and retaining tab preferably include complimentary fitments for maintaining alignment of the respective axis of the retaining device, the retaining tab and the bridge. Preferably, the base is substantially planar the bridge includes a surface substantially parallel to the base, the surface having a pair of opposite bridge edges that diverge with respect to axis of the bridge from the trailing end to the leading end. More preferably the sidewall assembly includes portions substantially parallel with each of the bridge edges such the first and second sub-openings have respective axis parallel to their respective adjacent bridge edge.

Preferably the leash plug is releasably engageable with a complimentary protective cover. Preferably the protective cover protects regions of the plug that are exposed upon mounting of attachment device in the mounting recess.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a protective cover for a surfboard leash plug, the cover including an engagement formation for allowing releasable engagement of the cover portion to the leash plug such that the leash plug is substantially protected from damage during manufacture of a surfboard on which the leash plug is mounted.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for mounting a leash plug on a surfboard, the method including the steps of: providing a leash plug; providing a mounting recess in the surfboard; inserting the leash plug into the mounting recess; engaging a protective cover portion to the leash plug to substantially protect regions of the plug that are exposed upon the insertion to thereby substantially protect the leash plug from damage during the manufacture of the surfboard; and removing the cover portion. According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an attachment device for attaching an item to a piece of equipment having a mounting formation, the device including: a body fixedly mountable to a mounting formation; and a retaining device moveable with respect to the body between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing the looped member and a closed configuration for securing the looped member intermediate the retaining device and the body. Preferably, the body is disposed substantially wholly within the recess. More preferably, the body includes a cavity and the retaining device is mounted within the cavity. Even more preferably, the mounting device is disposed substantially wholly within the cavity. hi a preferred form, the retaining device extends from a first end that is rotatably mounted to the body and a second end that is abutted with the body in the closed configuration. More preferably, the body is substantially tubular and includes a mounting formation to which the first end is mounted, and an abutment that is opposed to the mounting formation and against which the second end abuts when the retaining device is in the closed configuration.

Preferably also, the piece of equipment is a personal craft having a substrate in which the recess if formed. More preferably, the craft has a general direction of travel and the first end and the second end are, in use, aligned in the direction of travel. Even more preferably, the personal craft is one of: a surfboard; a bodyboard; other individual watercraft; a snowboard; and the like.

Preferably, the body is generally toroidal and defines a generally cylindrically tubular cavity. More preferably, the mounting formation and the abutment are diametrically opposed and extend inwardly toward each other. Even more preferably, the body includes a substantially planar mounting base having a first face that, in use, abuts the substrate, and a second opposite face that part defines the cavity.

In a preferred form, the mounting device and the abutment include load surfaces for bearing preferentially to the retaining device any forces applied by the attachment device by the item. More preferably, the retaining device is a stainless steel clip. Even more preferably, the clip is resiliently biased to the closed configuration, hi some embodiments, the mounting device and the abutment extend radially inwardly to reduce the required length of the clip, as well as reducing the chances of the clip bearing any load forces applied by the item.

Preferably also, the body is moulded from plastics. More preferably, the body includes a plurality of separately moulded body parts that are connected to collectively define the body. Even more preferably, the separately moulded body parts include complementarily engageable formations for facilitating the assembly and strength of the body. In some embodiments, the formations allow the body parts to be snap-locked together, m alternative embodiments, however, the body parts are adhered, heat welded or otherwise secured together.

In other embodiments, the body is made from alternative materials. Preferably, the body includes at least one external groove for accepting a settable fixing compound. More preferably, the settable fixing compound is liberally applied to the groove and the circumferential exterior of the body prior to it being inserted into the recess. Wherein, thereafter, the setting of the compound results in the body being fixedly attached to the piece of equipment. In the preferred embodiments the compound is an adhesive. However, in other embodiments use is made of a grout or an expandable filler material.

In a preferred form the mounting device and the abutment are integrally formed with the body.

Preferably, the second end of the retaining device, when progressing to the open configuration, moves into the cavity. More preferably, load forces applied by the item to the retaining device effects a more secure engagement between the second end and the abutment.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for attaching an item to a piece of equipment having a mounting recess, the method including: providing a body for extending into and being fixed within the recess; and mounting a retaining device to the body for movement between a closed configuration and an open configuration for respectively allowing the retention and release of the item to and from the piece of equipment.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an individual leisure craft including one or more of the attachment devices of the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a surfboard including an attachment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in conjunction with a surfboard leash; Figure 2 is an enlarged top view of the surfboard of Figure 1, showing the leash detached from the attachment device;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the attachment device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a top view of the attachment device; Figure 5 is a side view of the attachment device;

Figure 6 is an alternate side view of the attachment device;

Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line 7-7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a top view of the device;

Figure 9 is a top view of a first component of the device; Figure 10 is a top view of a second component of the device;

Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of Figure 9; Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of Figure 10;

Figure 16 is bottom view of a protective cover;

Figure 17 is a front view of a protective cover; and

Figure 18 is a side view of a protective cover.

PREFERRED MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, it will be appreciated that, in the different figures, corresponding features have been denoted by corresponding reference numerals.

Referring to the drawings, there is provided an attachment device 1 for receiving and releasably securing a looped member 2. Device 1 includes a body 3 fixedly mountable to a mounting formation, such as a mounting recess formed in the foam core of a conventional surfboard 4. Device 1 also includes a retaining device, in the form of retainer 5. Retainer 5 is moveable with respect to body 3 between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing member 2, and a closed configuration for securing member 2 intermediate retainer 5 and body 3.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate device 1 mounted to a conventional surfboard 4. In this embodiment, device 1 is implemented as a surfboard leash plug. During the manufacture of surfboard 4, a mounting recess is formed in the foam core of surfboard 4. In some embodiments the recess extends through layers of fibreglass that surround the core and into one or more wooden stringers 6. Various other methods for installing leash plugs into surfboards will be known to those skilled in the relevant art. Typically, installation is such that the upper surface defined by device 1 is flush with the upper surface defined by surfboard 4. To this end, the mounting recess preferably has a depth slightly less than or equal to the depth of device 1.

To fixedly mount body 3 in the mounting recess, the circumferential outer surface of body 3 is coated generously with an agent of permanent bonding qualities such as resin a catalyst or fibreglass. Body 3 is then positioned coaxially with the mounting recess, and axially advanced into an intimate interference fit. Once the agent sets, the casing is effectively fixedly disposed within the well.

In other embodiments, body 3 is a moulding that is attached to a prefabricated board or craft by ultrasonic welding. In further embodiments, the device is pre-seated in an existing mould designed for producing boards or craft. In some embodiments a complimentary receiving catch is mounted in the mounting recess, the catch being releasably lockingly engageable with device 1. This facilitates convenient removal and replacement of device 1. This is useful in cases of damage, or where it is preferable to replace device 1 after a predetermined period due to prolonged stress. It will be appreciated that replacement of a conventional leash plug is difficult and typically involves damage to the surfboard.

In the illustrated embodiment member 2 is a loop connected at one end 7 of a leash 8. Leash 8 includes a strap 9 at the other end 10 that is attachable to the ankle of a surfer to prevent the surfboard from leaving a maximum predetermined proximity from the surfer. Member 2 is typically formed from a natural or synthetic string. In some cases member 2 is inherently formed as a loop, whilst in other cases a tie, attachment or knot is positioned at a location along its length to define a loop.

In other embodiments device 1 is utilised with other pieces of equipment, typically sporting apparatuses. Common examples include other personal watercraft such as bodyboards, softboards, wakeboards, water-skis, kiteboards, canoes, surf skis or surf rescue boards. In other embodiments device 1 is used with the likes of snowboards, skateboards, mountainboards, snowdecks, and paddles. That is, sporting apparatus that are used in conjunction with a leash or other form of tether.

Device 1 is biased towards the closed configuration. To achieve this, retainer 5 extends from a first end 15 that is fixedly connected to body 3 and a second end 16 that is abuttingly engageable with a retaining tab 17 on body 3 in the closed configuration. End 15 is rotatably mounted to body 3. hi the present embodiment retainer 5 is integrally formed with body 3 and formed of a resilient material. It will be appreciated that this provides for the rotational mounting and provides a resilient bias, hi other embodiments retainer 5 is discretely formed from body 3, for example as a metal clip, hi such cases resilient bias is achieved by design of either or both of the clip and the body, an in some cases involves the use of one or more springs.

Body 3 includes a circular base 20 and a right cylindrical tubular sidewall 21 extending from base 20 to define a right cylindrical container 22. Sidewall 21 terminates at a peripheral lip 23 to define an opening, hi other embodiments alternate shapes are used.

Sidewall 21 includes circumferential web formations 24 and axial web formations 25. These serve both to increase the structural rigidity and strength of body 3 and also to facilitate reliable mounting into a mounting recess. Body 3 also includes cut-away portions 26 for increased structural rigidity. Those skilled in the art will recognise techniques for structurally designing a cylinder such as body 3 given predetermined strength, weight and rigidity parameters.

A bridge 30 extends diametrically across sidewall 21 from a leading end 31 to a trailing end 32. As best shown in Figure 2, these leading and trailing ends are aligned with the leading and trailing ends defined by surfboard 4 with reference to the conventional direction of movement. Bridge 30 and sidewall 21 collectively define a discreet first sub-opening 33 and a second sub-opening 34. Sub opening 33₅ container 22, and sub-opening 34 collectively define a re-entrant passageway.

Bridge 30 is defined by retainer 5 and tab 17. As such, bridge 30 is temporarily broken when device 1 is in the open configuration. Retainer 5 and tab 17 include complimentary fitments for maintaining alignment of the respective axis of the retaining device and the retaining tab and the bridge with an axis 36. These fitments are best shown in Figures 14 and 15.

Bridge 30 includes a surface 40 substantially parallel to base 20. Surface 40 has a pair of opposite bridge edges 41 and 42 that diverge with respect axis 36 from end 32 to end 31. In the embodiment of Figures 8 to 10 sidewall 21 includes portions 43 substantially parallel with each the bridge edges 41 and 42 such the first and second sub- openings 33 and 34 have respective axis 44 and 45 parallel to their respective adjacent bridge edges 41 and 42. It will be appreciated that, in use, this directs loop 2 towards end 32 as a result of a wide range of directional forces. It will be appreciated that, in the example of a surfboard leash plug, the typical force realized in normal use is substantially towards trailing end 32. This is primarily a result of the geometric location of device 1 on surfboard 4. Due to this, along with buoyancy effects, member 2 is usually pulled against inner surfaces of device 1 in region 48 in a direction 49. It is appreciated that other forces are experienced in some cases. Axis 44 and 45 of openings 33 and 34 combine with the typical directive force situation to provide a relatively high assurance that the maximum force exerted by member 2 on device 1 in general use is at region 48 in direction 49. As such, region 48 is particularly strengthened, as discussed further below.

In the present embodiment, device 1 includes a first component 50 and a second component 51, as best shown in Figures 7 to 13. Components 50 and 51 are individually formed and fixedly attached together, m some embodiments device 1 is formed of a single component. That being said, the illustrated approach has two major advantages in situations where plastics materials are used. Firstly, forming of the discrete components individually simplifies the forming procedure. Secondly, material selection between the components is facilitated. These advantages will be dealt with in more detail below. Referring particularly to Figure 7, component 50 includes a support plate 52 having a branch 53 extending therefrom for supporting retainer 15. End 15 of retainer 15 is integrally formed with branch 53. Component 50 is formed of a resilient material such that retainer 5 is elastically rotatable with respect to branch 53, end 15 acting as a resilient hinge. In the present embodiment the material used is nylon 66, although in other embodiments alternate materials are used, such as nylon 6. Material selection is dealt with in greater detail further below.

Branch 53 diverges between a sectionally narrow portion 55 at end 15, which facilitates the rotation of retainer 5, to a sectionally wide portion 56. Sectionally wide portion 56 increases the rigidity of the corner defined by plate 52 and branch 53. A raised centre portion 57 is provided on plate 52, this connecting branch 53 to an abutment formation 58.

Although Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a relatively angular component 50 as compared to Figure 7, it will be appreciated that either design is appropriate. That being said, in practice particular materials are analyse to derive an optimum profile based on strength parameters, typically using design software. This is possible for those with knowledge of the art on the basis of the general design concept taught in the present disclosure. For example, a curved design is particularly appropriate for plastics materials, whereas an angular design is often appropriate for metallic materials. Component 51 includes a floor 60 having an opening 61 formed therein. Opening

61 is sized to receive retainer 5, branch 53, raised centre portion 57, and abutment formation 58. Preferably the sizing is relatively precise such that component 50 snap fits into opening 61. That being said, in use it is typically preferable to adhere component 50 to component 51 using an appropriate adhesive, such as an epoxy glue. Component 51 also includes a substantially tubular wall structure 62 that defines an outer portion of sidewall 21. Formation 58 and branch 53 abut with corresponding locations on structure 52 upon insertion of component 50 into component 51. It will be recognised that tab 17 is integrally mounted to structure 62.

Floor 60 is substantially defined by a disc that is peripherally identical to plate 52. These collectively define base 20. Upon insertion of component 50 into component 51 these are superimposed and prevent total passage of component 50 through component 51.

It will be recognised that forces transferred through component 50 upon rotation of retainer 55 result in forces being exerted against structure 62 and floor 60. In the present embodiment, the material used for component 51 is selected such that it has sufficiently high rigidity to withstand these forces without substantial deformation. In particular, nylon 6 is used.

The use of nylon 66 for component 50 and nylon 6 for component 51 provides a device 1 that achieves a good balance between structural strength and ease of use. That is, the ability to conveniently bend retainer 51 into the open configuration to permit receipt or release of member 2 does not substantially detract from the performance of device 1 under high stresses. This is particularity realized in combination with design characteristics, as summarized below.

As mentioned above, the typical maximum force experienced by device 1 in use as a surfboard leash plug is in direction 49 against in interior surfaces of device 1 at region 48. In the present embodiment, this is the region at which tab 17 meets structure 62, a region integrally formed from nylon 6. The strength and rigidity of nylon 6 is sufficient to prevent sufficient bending of tab 17 with respect to structure 62 open device 1 such that leash 8 is removable. In a situation where a substantial force is exerted by member 2 in direction 70 against region 71 , the direction of the force combined with the rigidity of nylon 66 is sufficient to substantially prevent rotation of retainer 5. Further, in a situation where a substantial force is exerted by member 2 in direction 72 against region 73, the abutting engagement of retainer 5 with tab 17 prevents rotation beyond the horizontal position, and prevents unwanted release of member 2. The locking engagement of complimentary fitments 74 and 75 of Figures 14 and 15 reduce the risk of unwanted release following forces angled away from the axis of bridge 30.

To use device 1, the device is firstly mounted into a mounting recess on surfboard 4. More specifically, a mounting recess is formed in the foam core, and - is necessary - in the fibreglass layer and the stringer. Device 1 is maintained in the mounting recess using a suitable adhesive.

It is known for leash plugs to be damaged by a sanding process during surfboard manufacture. Whilst sanding regions proximal the leash plug, a shaper often sands the leash plug itself. It will be appreciated that this is disposed to compromise the structural composure of device 1. As such, a method and device for installing device 1 has been developed. This method and device is applicable to other leash plugs. In particular, a protective cover 80 is clipped onto device 1 to protect the device from damage, as outlined below.

Cover 80 includes a disc 81, from which a pair of resilient inwardly directed mutually opposed clips 82 and 83 extend. Clips 82 and 83 are configured for insertion into sub-openings 33 and 34 such that tips 84 and 85 are lockingly engageable with the underside of bridge 30 to removably mount cover 80 to device 1. That is, cover 80 is pressed into device 1, clips 82 and 83 partially diverge around bridge 30, and then resiliently reposition themselves under bridge 30. A plurality of bores 84 are formed in disc 81 to provide a visual indication of when cover 80 has been reduced to a minimum recommended thickness .

Cover 80 is locked to device 1 during installation of device 1. As such, a shaper of surfboard 4 is able to carry out conventional sanding with reduced risk of damaging device 1. More specifically, the shaper is able to sand over the top of cover 80 and device 1 without damaging device 1. Bores 84 become visually observable following a period of sanding, which informs the shaper that cover 80 is becoming thin, and that further sanding involves a risk of damaging device 1. It will be appreciated that cover 80 is easily removed by hand at this stage. If further sanding is necessary, a replacement cover 80 is used. Once the shaper has completed sanding surfboard 4, cover 80 is removed to expose device 1 for intended use. In some cases an additional cover 80 is placed on device 1 at this stage to display information.

Once device 1 is fixedly mounted, a user depresses retainer 5 by hand, and slides a portion of member 2 intermediate tab 17 and retainer 5. Member 2 is then secured to device 1. To remove member 2, retainer 5 is again depressed and member 2 is pulled out through the gap defined between tab 17 and retainer 5. It will be appreciated that the illustrated device allows a surfer to quickly and easily attach or remove a leash from a surfboard. This is particularly advantageous where a surfer wishes to change boards whilst in water. It is difficult to remove a leg rope strap whilst preserving buoyancy. Instead, member 2 is removed from the attachment device on one surfboard and inserted into a corresponding device on another surfboard. Other examples of where device 1 is particularly useful include competition surfing, where it is often desirable to quickly change boards during a competition heat, and in the case of leashes having integrated shark repellent beacons that require charging from mains power after each surf.

The dimensions of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are applied to surfboards, are approximately 30 mm in diameter and 13 mm in depth, hi other embodiments, alternative dimensions are used. The weight of device 1 is about 30 grams. However, in other embodiments, alternative weights are used. More typically, for use with surfboards, the weight is in the range of about 20 grams to 40 grams. hi an alternate embodiment, device 1 is used in conjunction with a snowboard. Typically, a user attaches a leash between a snowboard binding and the user's leg to prevent loss of the snowboard in the event of a binding failure. This is often an unsuitable approach given that it is possible for the binding to become detached from the snowboard. Snowboards themselves are generally planar, and do not provide a location for the attachment of a leach. Snowboards do, however, include mounting formations in the form of stainless steel inserts into which binding mounting hardware is insertable. These are positioned in a spaced array long the top surface of the snowboard. It is common for one or more of these inserts to be exposed during conventional use of the snowboard. As such, device 1 is modified for engagement with these inserts. In particular, a threaded member is formed with or mounted to body 3 such that a threaded portion extends outwardly of base 20. This threaded portion is screwed into and maintained within an exposed insert, and device 1 is then used substantially as described above. Similar inserts are available on wakeboards and kiteboards, which facilitates use of device 1 on such apparatuses.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be embodied in many other forms, hi particular, those skilled in the art will immediately recognise how embodiments are implemented with apparatuses other than surfboards.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sporting apparatus including an attachment device for receiving and releasably securing a looped member, the device including: a body fixedly mountable to a mounting formation on the apparatus; and a retaining device moveable with respect to the body between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing the looped member and a closed configuration for securing the looped member intermediate the retaining device and the body.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the retaining device is biased towards the closed configuration.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the retaining device extends from a first end that is fixedly connected to the body and a second end that is abuttingly engageable with a retaining tab on the body in the closed configuration.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the first end is rotatably mounted to the body.

5. A device according to claim 2 wherein the retaining device is integrally formed with the body.

6. A device according to claim 3 wherein the body includes a first component with which the first end is integrally formed and a second component fixedly attachable to the first component.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the first component is formed of a resilient material.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the second component is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than the first component.

9. A device according to claim 1 wherein the body includes: a base; and a tubular sidewall assembly extending from the base to define a container, the sidewall assembly terminating at a peripheral lip defining an opening.

10. A device according to claim 9 including a bridge extending diametrically across the sidewall assembly from a leading end to a trailing end such that: the bridge and the sidewall assembly collectively define a discreet first and second sub-opening; and the first sub-opening, the container, and the second sub-opening collectively define a re-entrant passageway.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the bridge is at least partially defined by the retaining device.

12. A device according to claim 11 wherein the bridge is defined by the retaining device and a retaining tab abuttingly engageable with the retaining device.

13. A device according to claim 10 wherein the base is substantially planar and the bridge includes a surface substantially parallel to the base, the surface having a pair of opposite bridge edges that diverge with respect to axis of the bridge from the trailing end to the leading end.

14. A device according to claim 13 wherein the sidewall assembly includes portions substantially parallel with each of the bridge edges such the first and second sub-openings have respective axis parallel to their respective adjacent bridge edge.

15. A device according to claim 1 defined by a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is fixedly attachable to the second component.

16. A device according to claim 15 wherein the first component includes a support plate having a branch extending therefrom for supporting the retaining device.

17. A device according to claim 16 wherein the second component includes a floor having an opening formed therein through which the branch and retaining device are insertable.

18. A device according to claim 17 wherein the base and the floor are substantially peripherally identical.

19. A device according to claim 17 wherein a wall structure extends from the base such that the first component is substantially tubular.

20. A leash plug for receiving and releasably securing a looped member to a surfboard having a mounting formation, the device including: a body fixedly mountable to the mounting formation; and a retaining device moveable with respect to the body between an open configuration for receiving and or releasing the looped member and a closed configuration for securing the looped member intermediate the retaining device and the body.