Patent Application
20140021152
The present invention relates generally to a hanging apparel strap and, more particularly, to a device for storing apparel, footwear, accessories, electronics and related items used by soldiers, campers and other individuals who desire a system for storing various personal belongings in a compact and organized manner and in a way that keeps such items off of the ground.
Active duty military personnel, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other such professionals often have a variety of items which they must keep with them because of the nature of their jobs. In addition, individuals who participate in outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, picnicking, fishing, rafting and hunting often have a variety of items they keep with them for use during the course of their outdoor activities. Oftentimes in these situations, it is difficult for individuals to find suitable and convenient storage for the items needed for the above-described activities. If appropriate storage is unavailable, individuals may not be able to locate the items they desire or items may get lost or damaged. Suitable storage is thus particularly important in these situations where it is desirable to keep items organized so they are easily accessible. In some circumstances, it is preferable to store items off the ground because it keeps the items clean, secure and allows for a clear floor space in compact areas.
Thus, it would be desirable to develop a portable, foldable hanging apparel strap which is attachable to a vertical surface.
The present invention is directed to a hanging apparel strap securable to any type of vertical support which provides for portable, foldable storage for a variety of items. The hanging apparel strap includes a support member which provides structural support. The support member may further include a cord attached to an outer surface of the support member at intermediate intervals. In one embodiment, tabs may be spaced in pairs at intermediate intervals along the length of the support member over the cord, a first tab being positioned slightly above a second tab. The cord lying between the first and second tabs is not attached to the support member. As a result, the space formed between the first and second tabs allows the cord to form a sleeve or eyelet, each sleeve or eyelet being adapted for receiving an S-hook or other fastening device allowing it to be removably secured thereto. The cord may further extend past one or both ends of the support member thereby forming a loop which allows the hanging apparel strap to be secured to any vertical surface.
Specific advantages and features of the present assembly will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description of several illustrative embodiments of the present invention.
It should be understood that the present drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments, disclosed herein are sometimes illustrated by fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should also be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Like numbers utilized throughout the various figures designate like or similar parts or structure.
Referring now to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers,
As illustrated in
The support member 12 further includes a cord 14 attached to an outer surface 16 of the support member 12 at intermediate intervals along its length. In one embodiment, the cord 14 may be secured to the support member 12 by stitching, adhesives, fusion bonding or by any other coupling process. In another embodiment, the cord 14 may be secured solely by the tabs 22 as will be hereinafter explained. The cord 14 may extend past a first end 18 of the support member 12 thereby forming a first loop 20 which allows the hanging apparel strap 10 to be secured to any vertical surface or other object.
As best illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the cord 14 may also extend past a second end 28 of the support member 12 also forming a second loop 30 at the opposite end. As illustrated in
Thus, there has been shown and described an embodiment of a novel hanging apparel strap. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
