Utility strap

Abstract

A utility strap comprising an interactive system of hook-and-loop fasteners, adjustment mechanisms, swiveling assemblies, and quick-release clasp assemblies, wherein the functional relationship or interface between the various features or assemblies of the utility strap effectively enables use of the strap across a broad range of applications.

1 . A method for securing an item, comprising the steps of: 
 connecting an anchor to the item via a strap; and    attaching said anchor to a structure to secure the item to the structure via the strap and the anchor.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of attaching said anchor to a structure comprises the steps of: 
 opening a gate of said anchor;    disposing at least a portion of the structure within a body of said anchor; and    closing said gate of said anchor, thereby retaining said portion of the structure within said body.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said body comprises a substantially C-shaped body, and wherein said gate is pivotally attached at a first end to a first portion of said substantially C-shaped body, whereby a second end of said gate is removably engageable with a second portion of said substantially C-shaped body, and wherein said substantially C-shaped body and said gate comprise a substantially closed-loop body when said second end of said gate is engaged with said second portion of said substantially C-shaped body.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said gate is biased toward a closed position.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of connecting said anchor to the item via said strap comprises the steps of: 
 wrapping a first portion of said strap around at least a portion of the item; and    attaching a second portion of said strap to said first portion of said strap to retain said portion of said item within a loop formed by said strap.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the step of attaching said second portion of said strap to said first portion of said strap comprises the step of connecting a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastener disposed on said second portion of said strap to a second portion of a hook-and-loop fastener disposed on said first portion of said strap.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the step of attaching said second portion of said strap to said first portion of said strap comprises the step of inserting a first portion of a buckle disposed on said first portion of said strap into a second portion of said buckle disposed on said second portion of said strap.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: 
 connecting a second anchor to said item via a second strap at a location spaced from said first strap; and    attaching said second anchor to one of the structure and a second structure.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of attaching said second anchor comprises attaching said second anchor to one of the structure and a second structure at a location spaced from said anchor.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of attaching said second anchor comprises attaching said second anchor to one of the structure and a second structure such that the item is secured generally horizontally.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the item is selected from the group consisting of a ladder, a tool, a board, a plurality of boards, an extension cord, a plurality of extension cords, a tool bag, a paint can, and a piece of furniture.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the structure is selected from the group consisting of a beam, a hook disposed on a wall, a hook disposed on a ceiling, and a ladder.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the structure is a ladder and the item is a tool bag, and wherein the step of attaching said anchor to the structure comprises attaching said anchor to a top portion of the ladder such that tool bag is accessible to a user of the ladder.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises a net.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of connecting comprises disposing the item within said net.  
   
   
       16 . A method of securing an item, comprising the steps of: 
 attaching an anchor to the item, said anchor including at least one strap attached thereto; and    attaching said at least one strap to a support structure to secure the item to the support structure.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the step of attaching said at least one strap to a support structure comprises wrapping said at least one strap around at least a portion of said support structure and securing a free end of said at least one strap to one of a second strap and a cinching buckle.  
   
   
       18 . A method of storing at least one item comprising the steps of: 
 disposing an item within a bag, said bag being connected to an anchoring device; and    attaching said bag to a structure via said anchoring device,    whereby the item is retained within said bag for storage.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of closing said bag via a drawstring.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of attaching said bag to a structure comprises the steps of: 
 opening a gate of said anchoring device;    disposing at least a portion of the structure within a body of said anchoring device; and    closing said gate of said anchoring device, thereby retaining said portion of the structure within said body.