US-12617494-B2 - Adjustable tether line systems and securement methods

Abstract

An adjustable tethering system is disclosed that includes a primary line, a secondary line, and a bail release feature. The secondary line is wound about the primary line to form a frictional locking arrangement that resists translation of the secondary line along the primary line when tension is applied. The bail release feature is operable to be manipulated by a user to reduce the constriction of the windings about the primary line, thereby enabling controlled transition of the system from a secured state to a state in which the secondary line can translate along the primary line.

Inventors

• Caleb Bedsted
• Corey Uchtman
• Kristopher Clover
• Camron Olson
• Mark Bohlig

Assignees

• MISSION CORP.

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20251031

Claims (20)

1. 1 . An adjustable tethering system comprising: a primary line having a longitudinal length; a secondary line defining a bail section and an attachment section, the bail section of the secondary line being wound about the primary line in a first winding direction such that the secondary line further defines a plurality of windings with the bail section extending transversely across the plurality of windings, the secondary line being releasably slidable along the longitudinal length of the primary line; a capsule having an internal cavity, wherein the plurality of windings of the secondary line are positioned within the internal cavity; and a graspable bail release feature that, when manipulated to cause the bail section to translate in a direction opposite the winding direction, reduces a constriction of the plurality of windings about the primary line.
2. 2 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 1 , wherein the graspable bail release feature is wrapped around the bail section of the secondary line and includes a free end that extends outwardly from the bail section of the secondary line.
3. 3 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 1 , wherein the graspable bail release feature is permanently affixed to the bail section of the secondary line and includes a free end that extends outwardly from the bail section of the secondary line.
4. 4 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 3 , wherein the graspable bail release feature is a tab that is sewn to the bail section of the secondary line.
5. 5 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment section extends outwardly from within the internal cavity to beyond an exterior of the capsule.
6. 6 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable tethering system is configured to secure a watercraft during docking or mooring.
7. 7 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary line is wrapped around the primary line to form a Prusik knot.
8. 8 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary line is wrapped around the primary line to form a Klemheist knot.
9. 9 . An adjustable tethering system comprising: a primary line having a longitudinal length; a secondary line wrapped about the primary line to form a plurality of windings, an attachment section, and a bail section, wherein the bail section is defined by a portion of the secondary line that extends transversely across the plurality of windings, the secondary line being wrapped about the primary line such that a tensile force applied to the attachment section causes constriction of the windings about the primary line to arrest translation of the secondary line along the longitudinal length of the primary line; a capsule having an internal cavity, wherein the plurality of windings of the secondary line are positioned within the internal cavity; and a graspable bail release feature configured to be manipulated to reduce the constriction of the windings about the primary line thereby enabling translation of the secondary line along the longitudinal length of the primary line.
10. 10 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 9 , wherein the graspable bail release feature is wrapped around the bail section of the secondary line and includes a free end that extends outwardly from the bail section of the secondary line.
11. 11 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 9 , wherein the graspable bail release feature is permanently affixed to the bail section of the secondary line and includes a free end that extends outwardly from the bail section of the secondary line.
12. 12 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 11 , wherein the graspable bail release feature is a tab that is sewn to the bail section of the secondary line.
13. 13 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 9 , wherein the attachment section extends outwardly from within the internal cavity to beyond an exterior of the capsule.
14. 14 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 9 , wherein the adjustable tethering system is configured to secure a watercraft during docking or mooring.
15. 15 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 9 , wherein the secondary line is wrapped around the primary line to form a Prusik knot.
16. 16 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 9 , wherein the secondary line is wrapped around the primary line to form a Klemheist knot.
17. 17 . A method of manufacturing an adjustable tethering system, the method comprising: providing a primary line having a longitudinal length; winding a secondary line about the primary line in a first winding direction such that the secondary line forms a plurality of windings about the primary line and such that a portion of the secondary line extends transversely across the plurality of windings of the secondary line such that a tensile force applied to an attachment section opposite the portion of the secondary line extending transversely across the plurality of windings causes constriction of the windings about the primary line; providing a capsule having an internal cavity and positioning the plurality of windings of the secondary line within the internal cavity; and coupling a graspable bail release feature to the secondary line such that, when manipulated to cause the bail section to translate in a direction opposite the winding direction, reduces a constriction of the plurality of windings about the primary line.
18. 18 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of windings of the secondary line are positioned within the internal cavity such that the attachment section of the secondary line extends outwardly from within the internal cavity to beyond an exterior of the capsule.
19. 19 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 17 , wherein coupling the graspable bail release feature to the secondary line includes wrapping the graspable bail release feature around the bail section of the secondary line such that a free end of the bail release feature extends outwardly from the bail section of the secondary line.
20. 20 . The adjustable tethering system of claim 17 , wherein coupling the graspable bail release feature to the secondary line includes permanently affixing the graspable bail release feature to the bail section of the secondary line such that a free end of the bail release feature extends outwardly from the bail section of the secondary line.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/273,520, filed Jul. 18, 2025, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,459,604. TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to tethering systems and methods, and more particularly to adjustable tethering systems configured to provide controlled tensioning and releasable locking along a primary line. In various embodiments, the systems utilize structural principles akin to those found in friction hitch knots, such as the Prusik knot, to create adjustable, self-tightening securement. The tethering systems of the present disclosure are particularly well-suited for non-life-critical applications where adaptability, ease of use, and mechanical reliability are prioritized. Example use cases include marine tethering (e.g., dock lines and fender lines), recreational rigging, and general utility tie-downs, though the systems may be adapted for use across a wide range of environments. BACKGROUND Tethering mechanisms are frequently used to secure objects to fixed structures in dynamic environments. In marine contexts, dock lines are used for securing watercraft to docks, piers, and similar structures, while fender lines are used to suspend protective equipment, such as fenders, from the watercraft. Mooring features, such as cleats, are typically robust fittings located at predetermined permanent or semi-permanent positions and are designed to withstand substantial loads, even in the presence of wind, tide, or current. These features enable secure attachment of lines, such as dock lines, often through the use of knots or hitches. Docking and mooring conditions can vary widely due to differences in vessel geometry, dock configuration, and water level. Conventional systems rely on static mooring features and user-tied knots or hitches—methods that can be unreliable, time-consuming, or dependent on user skill, especially when wind, wave, or current conditions complicate the scenario. Many vessels lack optimally located mooring features for every securement situation. Operators often resort to using non-mooring features, such as railings or stanchions, which are not designed to bear significant loads. This can result in insecure attachments, damage to vessel features, or inadequate protection from devices like fenders. These limitations can produce unsafe, unreliable, or unworkable docking or mooring outcomes, adding stress and complexity for vessel operators. Accordingly, there is a need for a securement system that offers enhanced versatility, ease of attachment, and adjustability across diverse conditions. Adjustable tethering systems and knots that emphasize irreversible locking under load are well known in safety-critical applications. However, these designs are inherently unsuitable for systems requiring quick adjustment or deliberate release while being under a load. Introducing user-accessible release mechanisms into such systems would compromise their safety function. In contrast, applications outside the domain of human safety present an opportunity for systems that permit intentional, controlled release while under a load to improve usability and efficiency. The present disclosure addresses this need by providing a mechanically integrated tethering system comprising a capsule that houses a secondary line wound about a primary line. The capsule includes a bail release feature that can be selectively engaged—while the system is under load—to release tension in the secondary line. The system thus provides reversible locking and controlled release, thereby enabling secure, adjustable tethering in non-safety-critical environments without relying on knots or skilled knowledge. In some embodiments, the system includes looped ends to facilitate easy and intuitive attachment without tying knots, while enabling users to adjust the effective length of the tether line—and therefore the effective distance between the looped ends—without detaching it, enhancing both speed and ease of use. For the purposes of this disclosure, references to dock lines, fender lines, or the like are not intended to be limiting. These terms may be used interchangeably and should be interpreted broadly. Additionally, the terms securement feature, mooring feature, non-mooring feature, and fixture are used interchangeably and are to be interpreted broadly. The same applies to the terms mooring, docking, and tie-up, as well as protection means, like fender, bumper, boat fender, and boat bumper. SUMMARY According to some aspects of the disclosure, an adjustable tethering system is provided that includes a primary line having a longitudinal length and a secondary line defining a bail section and an attachment section. The bail section of the secondary line is wound about the primary line in a first winding direction such that the secondary line further defines a plurality of windings, with the bail section extending transvers