Accessory strap for apparel

Abstract

Embodiments provide accessory straps for apparel, such as outerwear. In various embodiments, the accessory strap may be used to secure gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, and/or other accessories to a piece of apparel, such as outerwear, when the accessory is not being used. Various embodiments of the accessory strap may include an elastomeric element, so that the strap may stretch to encompass large or bulky items. Some embodiments may have an adjustable fit, so that various sized accessories may be securely stowed. In various embodiments, the accessory strap may be stowed under a flap, bellow, or other feature of the outerwear when not in use, for instance to hide it from view and/or prevent it from catching on nearby objects, and various embodiments of the accessory strap may be incorporated into the design of a pocket.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An accessory strap for apparel comprising:
 an accessory strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to an article of apparel, and wherein the second end is adapted to couple to a fastening element;   a fastening element coupled to the apparel, and   a strap covering element adapted to cover the accessory strap when the accessory strap is not in use.   
     
     
         2 . The accessory strap of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory strap comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory strap of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening element comprises a buckle, a D-ring, a hook-and-eye fastener, a button, a snap, or a hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein the accessory strap assumes a substantially vertical position on the apparel when coupled to the fastening element. 
     
     
         4 . The accessory strap of  claim 3 , wherein the fastening element is coupled to the apparel via an intermediate element. 
     
     
         5 . The accessory strap of  claim 1 , wherein the strap covering element comprises one or more bellows, pleats, folds, creases, or flaps. 
     
     
         6 . The accessory strap of  claim 5 , wherein the strap covering element further comprises a closure element. 
     
     
         7 . The accessory strap of  claim 6 , wherein the closure element comprises a hook-and-eye fastener, a buckle, a button, a snap, a zipper, or a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The accessory strap of  claim 1 , wherein the apparel comprises a pocket, and wherein the pocket comprises the accessory strap. 
     
     
         9 . The accessory strap of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket is a cargo pocket, a patch pocket, a single welt pocket, a double welt pocket, a flap pocket, or a slash pocket. 
     
     
         10 . The accessory strap of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket is a jacket pocket, a vest pocket, a shirt pocket, a coat pocket, a shorts pocket, or a pants pocket. 
     
     
         11 . An accessory strap for apparel comprising:
 an accessory strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to an article of apparel, wherein the second end is adapted to couple to a buckle, wherein the buckle is coupled to the apparel, wherein the first end and the buckle are spaced to span an outerwear accessory, wherein the accessory strap comprises an elastomeric element, and wherein the accessory strap is oriented to assume a substantially vertical position on the apparel when coupled to the buckle; and   a strap covering element adapted to cover the accessory strap when the accessory strap is not in use.   
     
     
         12 . The accessory strap of  claim 11 , wherein the strap covering element comprises one or more bellows, pleats, folds, creases, or flaps. 
     
     
         13 . The accessory strap of  claim 12 , wherein the strap covering element further comprises a closure element. 
     
     
         14 . The accessory strap of  claim 13 , wherein the closure element comprises a hook-and-eye fastener, a buckle, a button, a snap, a zipper, or a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     
     
         15 . The accessory strap of  claim 11 , wherein the apparel comprises a pocket and wherein the pocket comprises the accessory strap. 
     
     
         16 . The accessory strap of  claim 15 , wherein the pocket is a cargo pocket, a patch pocket, a single welt pocket, a double welt pocket, a flap pocket, or a slash pocket. 
     
     
         17 . An accessory strap for apparel comprising:
 an accessory strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to an article of apparel at a first location, wherein the second end is coupled to the apparel at a second location, wherein the first and second locations are spaced to accommodate an outerwear accessory and positioned to orient the accessory strap in a substantially vertical position on the apparel, and wherein the accessory strap comprises an elastomeric element; and   a strap covering element adapted to cover the accessory strap when the accessory strap is not in use.   
     
     
         18 . The accessory strap of  claim 17 , wherein the strap covering element comprises one or more bellows, pleats, folds, creases, or flaps. 
     
     
         19 . The accessory strap of  claim 17 , wherein the apparel comprises a pocket and wherein the pocket comprises the accessory strap. 
     
     
         20 . The accessory strap of  claim 17 , wherein the elastomeric element is configured to secure the outerwear accessory to the apparel. 
     
     
         21 . A method of securing an accessory to an article of apparel comprising:
 providing:
 an accessory strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to an article of apparel, and wherein the second end is adapted to couple to a fastening element; 
 a fastening element coupled to the apparel, wherein the accessory strap assumes a substantially vertical position on the apparel when coupled to the fastening element; and 
 a strap covering element adapted to cover the accessory strap when the accessory strap is not in use; 
   extending the accessory strap from the strap covering element a distance sufficient to accommodate a desired accessory;   inserting the accessory between the accessory strap and the outerwear; and   tightening the accessory strap to secure the accessory to the outerwear.