Tethering system for portable article

In combination:

• a portable article;
• and
• a tethering system for the portable article, the tethering system comprising:
• an elongate flexible component;
• a main body having a first slot;
• and
• a housing,
• a part of the elongate flexible component fixed to the main body,
• the elongate body configured so that a length of the elongate flexible component extending away from the fixed part of the elongate flexible component can be formed into a “U” shape with spaced legs with one of the spaced legs of the “U” shape directed into the first slot over a first length of the main body and to beyond the main body for connection to a support,
• the housing and main body configured so that the housing and main body can be placed in an assembled relationship wherein the housing blocks the one of the spaced legs of the “U” shape in the first slot on the main body over the first length whereby friction forces generated between the elongate flexible component and at least one of the main body and housing resist sliding of the elongate flexible component along the first slot as would change a size of the “U” shape,
• wherein with the main body and housing in the assembled relationship the “U” shape and at least one of the main body and housing cooperatively define a closed loop with an effective diameter,
• wherein the tethering system can be used to engage the portable article by either:
• a) extending the closed loop around at least a part of the portable article;
• or b) extending a length of the elongate flexible component through the closed loop to produce a secondary loop that can be extended around at least part of the portable article.