Watercraft Tether Device

Abstract

A watercraft tether device includes a shaft member having opposing ends, and end stabilizers respectively provided at the opposing ends of the shaft member. The end stabilizers each include a lateral stabilizing portion that extends orthogonally with respect to the shaft member and has an outer edge that extends from a first end of the lateral stabilizing portion to a second end of the lateral stabilizing portion. One or more strap members of the watercraft tether device may be respectively engaged with the end stabilizers such that portions of the strap members form adjustable loops extending from the end stabilizers for removably engaging with tethering structures of watercrafts. Also disclosed is a method of using a plurality of watercraft tether devices to tether together watercrafts floating in a body of water, and a strap system engaged with an end stabilizer of the watercraft tether device.

Claims

1. A watercraft tether device, comprising: (a) a shaft member having a first end and a second end; (b) end stabilizers respectively provided at the first end and the second end of the shaft member, wherein each of the end stabilizers has a top side and a bottom side and includes a lateral stabilizing portion that extends orthogonally with respect to the shaft member; (c) one or more strap members respectively engaged with the end stabilizers, wherein each of the one or more strap members has a secured end and a free end opposite the secured end; and (d) securing mechanisms respectively located on the end stabilizers, wherein each of the securing mechanisms is configured to adjustably secure the one or more strap members engaged with the end stabilizer on which the securing mechanism is positioned.

2. The watercraft tether device of claim 1, wherein each of the end stabilizers include a shaft member port that extends orthogonally from a center area of the lateral stabilizing portion of the end stabilizer.

3. The watercraft tether device of claim 1, wherein the secured ends of the one or more strap members are respectively secured to the securing mechanisms.

4. The watercraft tether device of claim 1, wherein the end stabilizers comprise a first end stabilizer provided at the first end of the shaft member and a second end stabilizer provided at the second end of the shaft member, the lateral stabilizing portions of which each include a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and an outer edge that extends from the first end of the lateral stabilizing portion to the second end of the lateral stabilizing portion.

5. The watercraft tether device of claim 4, wherein the one or more strap members comprise: (a) a first strap member engaged with the first end stabilizer having at least one portion that extends from the first end to the second end, and around the outer edge, of the lateral stabilizing portion of the first end stabilizer, and at least one portion that extends from a center aperture in the outer edge of the lateral stabilizing portion of the first end stabilizer to the free end of the first strap member; and (b) a second strap member engaged with the second end stabilizer having at least one portion that extends from the first end to the second end, and around the outer edge, of the lateral stabilizing portion of the second end stabilizer, and at least one portion that extends from a center aperture in the outer edge of the lateral stabilizing portion of the second end stabilizer to the free end of the second strap member.

6. The watercraft tether device of claim 4, wherein each of the first end stabilizer and the second end stabilizer comprise: (a) a top side aperture formed in the top side; (b) a first end aperture formed in the first end of the lateral stabilizing portion or a cap secured to the first end of the lateral stabilizing portion; (c) a second end aperture formed in the second end of the lateral stabilizing portion or a cap secured to the second end of the lateral stabilizing portion; and (d) a center aperture formed in a center of the outer edge of the lateral stabilizing portion.

7. The watercraft tether device of claim 6, wherein the one or more strap members comprise: (a) a first strap member engaged with the first end stabilizer and having a first strap portion extending from the securing mechanism on the top side of the first end stabilizer to the first end aperture through the top side aperture of the first end stabilizer, a second strap portion extending from the first end aperture to the second end aperture, and around the outer edge, of the lateral stabilizing portion of the first end stabilizer, a third strap portion extending from the second end aperture to the center aperture internally through the first end stabilizer, and a fourth strap portion extending from the center aperture to the free end of the first strap member; and (b) a second strap member engaged with the second end stabilizer and having a first strap portion extending from the securing mechanism on the top side of the second end stabilizer to the first end aperture through the top side aperture of the second end stabilizer, a second strap portion extending from the first end aperture to the second end aperture, and around the outer edge, of the lateral stabilizing portion of the second end stabilizer, a third strap portion extending from the second end aperture to the center aperture internally through the second end stabilizer, and a fourth strap portion extending from the center aperture to the free end of the second strap member.

8. The watercraft tether device of claim 3, further comprising a sleeve wrapped around the shaft member.

9. The watercraft tether device of claim 4, wherein the sleeve comprises or is integrated with a buoyant material.

10. The watercraft tether device of claim 7, wherein the shaft member and the end stabilizers are made of polyvinyl chloride.

11. A strap system engaged with an end stabilizer of a watercraft tether device, comprising a strap member having a secured end and a free end, the secured end being secured to a securing mechanism positioned on a top side of the end stabilizer and the strap member extending continuously from: (a) the securing mechanism internally through the end stabilizer to a first end of the lateral stabilizing portion of the end stabilizer; (b) the first end to the second end, and around the outer edge, of the lateral stabilizing portion of the end stabilizer; (c) the second end internally through the end stabilizer to a center aperture formed in the outer edge of the lateral stabilizing portion of the end stabilizer; and (d) the center aperture to the free end of the strap member, the strap member being adjustably securable to the securing mechanism from the free end.

12. The strap system of claim 11, comprising a second strap member having a secured end and a free end, the secured end being secured to a second securing mechanism positioned on a top side of a second end stabilizer of the watercraft tether device and the second strap member extending continuously from: (a) the second securing mechanism internally through the second end stabilizer to a first end of the lateral stabilizing portion of the second end stabilizer; (b) the first end to the second end, and around the outer edge, of the lateral stabilizing portion of the second end stabilizer; (c) the second end internally through the second end stabilizer to a center aperture formed in the outer edge of the lateral stabilizing portion of the second end stabilizer; and (d) the center aperture to the free end of the second strap member, the free end of the second strap member being adjustably securable to the second securing mechanism from the free end.

13. A method of using watercraft tether devices to tether a first watercraft and a second watercraft together at a distance apart while floating side-by-side in a body of water, the method comprising the steps of: (a) engaging a first end stabilizer of a first watercraft tether device with a first tethering structure of the first watercraft via a first strap member of the first watercraft tether device; (b) engaging a second end stabilizer of the first watercraft tether device with a first tethering structure of the second watercraft via a second strap member of the first watercraft tether device; (c) engaging a first end stabilizer of a second watercraft tether device with a second tethering structure of the first watercraft via a first strap member of the second watercraft tether device; (d) engaging a second end stabilizer of the second watercraft tether device with a second tethering structure of the first watercraft via a second strap member of the second watercraft tether device; and (e) by engaging the first end stabilizers and the second end stabilizers of the first watercraft tether device and the second watercraft tether device with the first tethering structures and the second tethering structures of the first watercraft and the second watercraft, tethering the first watercraft and the second watercraft together at the distance apart.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the steps (a) through (d) comprise the substeps of: (a) positioning an end stabilizer against an outer side of a tethering structure of a watercraft; (b) wrapping around a base of the tethering structure a first adjustable loop formed by a first portion of a strap member extending from the first end of the lateral stabilizing portion of the end stabilizer to the second end of the lateral stabilizing portion of the end stabilizer and around an outer edge of the end stabilizer; (c) looping through an opening in the base of the tethering structure a second portion of the strap member that extends from a center aperture in the outer edge of the lateral stabilizing portion to the free end of the strap member; and (d) securely engaging the second portion of the strap member with a securing mechanism located on the end stabilizer.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of resisting lateral movements, while allowing for vertical movements, of one of the first watercraft and the second water with respect to the other of the first watercraft and the second watercraft by completing the substeps (a)-(d) for each of steps (a)-(d).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the watercraft tether device of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a top side view of the watercraft tether device of an embodiment of the present invention without strap members associated with the end stabilizers.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a bottom side view of the watercraft tether device of an embodiment of the present invention without strap members associated with the end stabilizers.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial view of one of the end stabilizers of the watercraft tether device of an embodiment of the present invention with a strap member.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a partial view of one of the end stabilizers of the watercraft tether device of an embodiment of the present invention without a strap member.

[0014] FIG. 4B is a partial transparent view of one of the end stabilizers of an embodiment of the present invention showing a continuous path of a strap member associated with the end stabilizer

[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial view of one of the end stabilizers of the watercraft tether device of an embodiment of the present invention removably engaged with a tethering structure of a watercraft.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of two watercraft tether devices of an embodiment of the present tethering two watercrafts a distance apart while floating in a body of water.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of using watercraft tether devices to tether watercrafts together at a distance apart while floating in a body of water.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of showing exemplary substeps of a method of using watercraft tether devices to tether watercrafts together at a distance apart while floating in a body of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described herein with frequent reference to FIGS. 1-8. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements indicated therein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and reference labels have been repeated thereamong to indicate analogous elements. Each embodiment is disclosed for the purpose of enabling persons of ordinary skill in the art to appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that all of such embodiments are merely examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0020] The present invention is directed generally to a watercraft tether device 10 which can be used to tether together watercrafts while floating in a body of water. A watercraft may be embodied by any recreational boat, personal watercraft, pleasure boat, powerboat, or other suitable boat or watercraft. A watercraft, as used herein, generally includes one or more hull(s) and one or more tethering structures, such as cleats, attached to the one or more hull(s), for example, at locations in front portions of the hulls and rear portions of the hulls as shown in FIG. 6. Although embodiments are described herein with reference to watercrafts, the present invention is not limited to use in tethering watercrafts and may readily be used to or adapted for use in tethering other objects having tethering structures. Tethering structures have an inner side directed toward an interior area of the watercraft and an outer side directed away from the watercraft. Tethering structures include a base attached to a hull of a watercraft. An opening may be defined in the base of one or more tethering structures passing from the outer side(s) of such tethering structure(s) to the inner side(s).

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a watercraft tether device 10 of an embodiment of the present invention. Watercraft tether device 10 includes a shaft member 2, end stabilizers 4, strap members 6, and securing mechanisms 8. The shaft member 2 may be embodied by a shaft, rod, tube, pipe, or other elongated structure made of a material having a mechanical strength and durability (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polysulfone, acrylic resin, or stainless steel). Shaft member 2 includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, shaft member 2 may be generally cylindrical with a circular cross section. In alternative embodiments, shaft member 2 may have a cross section of a multi-sided or other suitable shape, such as an ovular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal cross section. It is to be understood, however, that shaft member 2 may be made with any suitable material or with any constructions or specifications without departing from the present invention. The size and shape of shaft member 2 and other components of the present invention may vary, for example, based on the intended use. In one embodiment used for tethering recreational boats, for example, shaft member 2 is embodied by a polyvinyl chloride pipe measuring 28 inches in length and 1 inches in diameter. Shaft member 2 may be made with any suitable material or with any constructions or specifications without departing from the present invention. In various embodiments, watercraft tether device 10 may include a sleeve 3 wrapped around shaft member 2 as shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 1. The sleeve 3 may comprise, enclose, or be integrated with a buoyant material, such as closed-cell polyethylene foam, to facilitate the buoyancy of watercraft tether device 10 in a body of water.

[0022] End stabilizers 4 are provided respectively at the ends of shaft member 2. End stabilizers 4 may be made of a material having a mechanical strength and durability (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polysulfone, acrylic resin, or stainless steel). End stabilizers 4 may be formed integrally with shaft member 2 as a unitary part thereof or separately from shaft member 2. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, each end stabilizer 4 may be constituted by a separate T-shaped body having a lateral stabilizing portion 4a that extends orthogonally with respect to shaft member 2, and a shaft member port 4b extending orthogonally from a center area of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a. Each end stabilizer 4 may be made with a shaft member port 4b of any desired constructions or specifications capable of being secured to a respective end of shaft member 2 without departing from the present invention. In some embodiments, shaft member port 4b includes an inner passage formed by an internal surface of shaft member port 4b, which can measure any desired diameter for securely receiving the shaft member (e.g., 1 inches in diameter). The ends of shaft member 2 may be respectively secured to shaft member ports 4b of such end stabilizers 4 (e.g., within the inner passages) by any suitable connecting means, such as mechanical connectors, chemical bonding (e.g., adhesives), or thermal bonding (with or without a separate bonding agent). The lateral stabilizing portion 4a of each end stabilizer 4 includes an exterior surface that defines an outer edge 4a4 extending from a first end 4a1 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a to a second end 4a2 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a opposite the first end 4a1. Lateral stabilizing portion 4a may be tubular, for example, having an internal surface that defines an inner passage through the lateral stabilizing portion 4a from the first end 4a1 to the second end 4a2. The inner passage of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of each end stabilizer 4 may be integrally formed with the inner passage of shaft member port 4b of such end stabilizer 4 to form a T-shaped inner passage within each end stabilizer 4. Each end stabilizer 4 may include one or more caps 5a, 5b respectively secured on the ends 4a1, 4a2 of its lateral stabilizing portion 4a by any suitable connecting means, including, for example, mechanical connectors, chemical bonding (e.g., adhesives), or thermal bonding (with or without a separate bonding agent). The caps 5a, 5b may be made of an elastic material, such as vinyl, or an inelastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polysulfone, acrylic resin, or stainless steel.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a plurality of watercraft tether devices 10 disposed between watercrafts floating adjacently in a body of water. As shown in FIG. 6, watercraft tether device 10, for example, may be removably engaged via strap members 6 with tethering structures of watercrafts floating side-by-side in a body of water. Strap members 6 may be made from any desired material or with any desired constructions or specifications without departing from the present invention. In the example embodiment, strap members 6 are made from a strong, flexible material formed into an elongated strip of material. The material may be elastic or inelastic. If desired, strap members 6 may include one or more wires, cables, fibers, or other stretch resistant components engaged or integrated with them to at least partially reduce their elasticity. Each strap member 6 has a free end 6a2 and a secured end 6a1 which is opposite the free end 6a2 and, in the example embodiment, is secured to a securing mechanism 8 constituted by a clamp structure located on a top side 4d of the end stabilizer 4. Other securing mechanisms 8 may be used without departing from the present invention, including, for example, a buckle structure, a ratchet mechanism, buttons, snaps, and hook-and-loop materials.

[0024] Strap members 6 may be implemented as a strap system engaged with end stabilizers 4. The strap system may include one or more strap members 6 engaged with each of end stabilizers 4. For example, strap members 6 may extend along separate continuous paths respectively associated with each end stabilizer 4 such that at least one portion of strap members 6 form a first adjustable loop 6c extending respectively from the first end 4a1 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of each end stabilizer 4 to the second end 4a2 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of each end stabilizer 4 and around the outer edge 4a4 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of each end stabilizer, and other portions of such strap member(s) 6 may be respectively engaged with securing mechanisms 8 a second adjustable loop 6e extending from a center aperture 4c4 in the outer edge 4a4 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of each end stabilizer 4 to securing mechanisms 8 located respectively on a top side 4d of each end stabilizer 4. In the example embodiment, two strap members 6 are separately associated with end stabilizers 4. It is to be understood, however, that any number of strap members 6 may be used to create the strap arrangement described above, provided that at least a portion of strap members 6 form with respect to each end stabilizer 4 a first adjustable loop 6c extending from the first end 4a1 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of such end stabilizer 4 to the second end 4a2 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of such end stabilizer 4 and around the outer edge 4a4 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of such end stabilizer 4, and a second adjustable loop 6e extending from a center aperture 4c4 in the outer edge 4a4 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of such end stabilizer 4 to securing mechanism 8 on the top side of such end stabilizer 4 when a free ends 6a2 of the strap member(s) 6 engaged with such end stabilizer 4 is engaged the securing mechanism 8 on such end stabilizer 6.

[0025] Strap member guides may be provided at appropriate locations on end stabilizers 4 to help maintain portions of strap members 6 at desired positions with respect to end stabilizers 4. For example, a plurality of apertures 4c1-4c4 may be formed in each end stabilizer 4 to guide one or more strap members 6 along a continuous path that forms the strap arrangement described above. Referring to the example embodiment of FIG. 4A, each end stabilizer 4 may include a top side aperture 4c1 formed in its top side 4d; a first end aperture 4c2 formed in a first cap 5a secured on the first end 4a1 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of the end stabilizer 4; a second end aperture 4c3 formed in a second cap 5b secured on the second end 4a2 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of the end stabilizer 4; and a center aperture 4c4 formed at a center area of the outer edge 4a4 of the end stabilizer 4. As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 4B, one or more strap members 6 may extend through strap member guides along continuous paths separately associated with each end stabilizer 4 as follows: (a) a first strap portion 6b extending from securing mechanism 8 on the top side of the end stabilizer 4 to the first end aperture 4c2 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of the end stabilizer 4 through the top side aperture 4c1 of the end stabilizer 4; (b) a second strap portion 6c extending from the first end aperture 4c2 in lateral stabilizing portion 4a of end stabilizer 4 to the second end aperture 4c3 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of end stabilizer 4 and around the outer edge 4a4 of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of end stabilizer 4; (c) a third strap portion 6d extending from the second end aperture 4c3 of end stabilizer 4 to the center aperture 4c4 of end stabilizer 4 internally through the inner passage of the lateral stabilizing portion 4a of end stabilizer 4; and (d) a fourth strap portion 6e extending from the center aperture 4c4 of end stabilizer 4 to the free end 6a2 of strap member 6, which can be adjustably secured to securing mechanism 8.

[0026] One or more watercraft tether device(s) 10 may be disposed between watercrafts 20, 30 floating adjacently in a body of water to tether them a distance apart. For example, as shown in the example embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, end stabilizers 4 of watercraft tether device(s) 10 may be removably engaged with tethering structures 24, 34 of the watercrafts 20, 30 via strap members 6. Watercraft tether device(s) 10 can be engaged with tethering structures 24, 34 in a position to resist lateral movements of the watercrafts 20, 30 with respect to each other while allowing for vertical movements of the watercrafts 20, 30 with respect to each other. For example, the outer edges 4a4 of the lateral stabilizing portions 4a of end stabilizers 4 may be respectively positioned against the watercrafts, such as against outer sides of the tethering structures and portions of the hulls of the watercrafts adjacent to the outer sides of the tethering structures as shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 5. Such positioning of the lateral stabilizing portions 4a of end stabilizers 4 enables vertical movements of the watercrafts with respect to each other by allowing the lateral stabilizing portions 4a of end stabilizers 4 to at least partially roll or pivot against the watercrafts, for example, in response to vertical displacements in the water, such as waves, while also resisting lateral movements of the watercrafts with respect to each other by, for example, exerting on watercrafts outward forces normal to the watercrafts, inward forces opposite the outward forces, and, as watercraft tether device 10 rotates in a first rotational direction in response to one of the watercrafts moving in a backward direction or a forward direction along side the other watercraft, gradually focusing forces received from the watercrafts towards ends of the lateral stabilizing portions 4a on opposite sides of shaft member 2 to create a torque in an second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

[0027] A method of using watercraft tether device(s) to tether watercrafts floating in a body of water will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8. In describing the method, it is to be understood that the watercrafts have been positioned side-by-side in a body of water such that a first tethering structure 20 of the first watercraft 20 is aligned or substantially aligned with a first tethering structure 34a of the second watercraft 30, and a second tethering structure of the first watercraft 20 is aligned or substantially aligned with a second tethering structure 34b of the second watercraft 30, across a distance between the watercrafts 20, 30.

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method of using watercraft tether devices to tether together watercrafts 20, 30 floating in a body of water. In a first step S1, a first end stabilizer of a first watercraft tether device 10a is engaged with the first tethering structure 24a of first watercraft 20 via a first strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a. In a second step S2, a second end stabilizer of first watercraft tether device 10a is engaged with the first tethering structure 34a of the second watercraft 30 via a second strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a. In a third step S3, a first end stabilizer of a second watercraft tether device 10b is engaged with the second tethering structure 24b of first watercraft 20 via a first strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b. In a fourth step S4, a second end stabilizer of second watercraft tether device 10b is engaged with the second tethering structure 34b of the second watercraft 30 via a second strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b. In a fifth step S5, the first watercraft 20 and the second watercraft 30 are tethered at a distance apart in the body of water by first watercraft tether device 10a and second watercraft tether device 10b.

[0029] One or more steps of the method described above can include substeps. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of exemplary substeps that can be included in each of steps S1 through S4. For example, in reference to FIG. 8, steps S1-S4 may each mainly include the substeps SS1-SS4 of positioning the end stabilizer against an outer side of the tethering structure of the watercraft 20 and wrapping the first adjustable loop 6c formed by the second strap portion 6c of the strap member 6 of watercraft tether device 10a around the base of the tethering structure and looping the fourth strap portion 6e of the strap member 6 under the outer side and over the inner side of the tethering structure of the watercraft 20 through the opening in the base of the tethering structure and securing the free end 6a2 of the strap member 6 in the securing mechanism 8 located on the top side of the end stabilizer to form a second adjustable loop 6e with the strap member 6 of watercraft tether device. The strap member 6 may be adjusted in the securing mechanism to tighten the adjustable loops 6c, 6e with respect to the tethering structure to complete the substep SS5.

[0030] More specifically, the first step may, for example, mainly include the substeps of positioning the first end stabilizer against an outer side of the first tethering structure 24a of the first watercraft 20 and wrapping a first adjustable loop 6c formed by the second strap portion 6c of the first strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a around the base of the first tethering structure 24a of the first watercraft 20 and looping the fourth strap portion 6e of the second strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a under an outer side and over an inner side of the first tethering structure 24a of the first watercraft 20 through the center opening in the base of said first tethering structure and securing the free end 6a2 of the first strap member 6 in a first securing mechanism 8 on the top side of the second end stabilizer of first watercraft tether device 10a to form a second adjustable loop 6e with the first strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a.

[0031] The second step may, for example, mainly includes the substeps of positioning the second end stabilizer against an outer side of the first tethering structure 34a of the second watercraft 30 and wrapping a first adjustable loop 6c formed by the second strap portion 6c of the second strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a around the base of the first tethering structure 34a of the second watercraft 30 and looping the fourth strap portion 6e of the second strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a under an outer side and over an inner side of the first tethering structure 34a of the second watercraft 30 through the center opening in the base of said first tethering structure and securing the free end 6a2 of the second strap member 6 in a second securing mechanism 8 on the top side of the second end stabilizer of first watercraft tether device 10a to form a second adjustable loop 6e with the second strap member 6 of first watercraft tether device 10a.

[0032] The third step may, for example, mainly include the substeps of positioning the first end stabilizer of second watercraft tether device 10b against an outer side of the second tethering structure 24b of the first watercraft 20 and wrapping a first adjustable loop 6c formed by the second strap portion 6c of the first strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b around the base of the second tethering structure of the first watercraft 20 and looping the fourth strap portion 6e of the first strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b under an outer side and over an inner side of the second tethering structure of the first watercraft 20 through the center opening in the base of said second tethering structure and securing the free end 6a2 of the second strap member 6 in a first securing mechanism 8 on the top side of the first end stabilizer of second watercraft tether device 10b to form a second adjustable loop 6e with the first strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b.

[0033] The fourth step may, for example, mainly include the substeps of positioning the second end stabilizer against an outer side of the second tethering structure 34b of the second watercraft 30 and wrapping a first adjustable loop 6c formed by the second strap portion 6c of the second strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b around the base of the second tethering structure 34b of the second watercraft 30 and looping the fourth strap portion 6e of the second strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b under an outer side and over an inner side of the second tethering structure 34b of the second watercraft 30 though the center opening in the base of said tethering structure and securing the free end 6a2 of the second strap member 6 in a second securing mechanism 8 on the top side of the second end stabilizer of second watercraft tether device 10b to form a second adjustable loop 6e with the second strap member 6 of second watercraft tether device 10b.

[0034] The principles, preferred embodiment, and various methods of use of the present invention have been described in this specification. All references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference insofar as there is no inconsistency with the disclosure of this specification. In interpreting this specification, all of the terms used to describe the present invention should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the context. For example, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, modes, integers, steps, elements, operations, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or absence of other features, modes, integers, steps, elements, operations, components, and/or groups thereof. The conjunctive term and/or, or terms of similar import, shall be understood to be inclusive of any and all combinations of the items listed in connection with such term. Ordinal numbers, such as first, second, and third, are used to distinguish between various constituent elements, operations, and/or modes for convenience and do not denote the order of constituent elements, modes, and/or operations so distinguished. Further, directional terms, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, left, right, upward, and downward, are used to clarify and describe the relationship between various constituent elements of specific embodiments of the present invention, but do not denote absolute orientation. Therefore, such terms vary according to the orientation of the present invention. In addition to the foregoing terminological considerations, specific embodiments referenced in describing the present invention are not to be regarded as exhaustive or as limiting to the full scope of the present invention. Other persons may modify the disclosed embodiments, or employ equivalents thereof, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.