Tether system for a ball

Abstract

A tether system for a ball, such as a soccer ball, includes a simple swivel that is adapted to be connected directly to an extending tab on a ball. The swivel fastener is a two piece member. The two piece swivel is relatively less expensive than other more complicated swivel connectors, thus reducing the overall cost of the tether system. In addition, since the two piece swivel can be connected directly to on the ball, the tether system in accordance with the present invention also eliminates a process step of connecting the swivel to an intermediate ring, thus further reducing the cost of the tether system.

1 . A tether system comprising: 
 a practice ball having one or more extending tabs;    one or more swivel connectors formed from two pieces and configured to be directly attached to such one or more extending tabs; and    one or more elastic cords connected to said one or more swivel connectors.    
   
   
       2 . (Cancelled).  
   
   
       3 . The tether system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said extending tabs include a folded portion of material forming a loop for receiving said first loop portion of said swivel connector.  
   
   
       4 . The tether system as recited in  claim 1 , further including one or more stakes for attachment to an extending end of said elastic cords.  
   
   
       5 . The tether system are recited in  claim 4 , wherein said stakes are formed in a generally U-shape with cord retaining portions and are configured with a head portion.  
   
   
       6 . The tether system as recited in  claim 5 , further including an elastic ring for attaching to one end of said elastic cord and configured to be stretched over said head portion of said stakes and received in said cord retaining portions of said stakes.