US20120023635A1

US20120023635A1 - Novel towel and method of using same

Info

Publication number: US20120023635A1
Application number: US13/136,145
Authority: US
Inventors: Shelly Ehler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-29
Filing date: 2011-07-25
Publication date: 2012-02-02

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a novel towel easily fixed about the body of a wearer, the towel having a substantially planer rectangular main body having a single vertical opening in the main body for securing the towel to body of the wearer by placing the towel over the wearer's head allowing the wearer full use of their hands.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/400,555, filed on Jul. 29, 1010, titled, “Novel Towel and Method of Using Same” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a novel towel. More particularly, it concerns a method of using the novel towel which allows a person full use of their hands while maintaining complete coverage of the body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every person who has had an experience with water is familiar with a towel. After getting wet people use towels to not only dry themselves off but also for privacy or to maintain warmth of their bodies while the drying process takes place.
However, often times a person may find the need to use their hands when their bodies are still wet. Accomplishing a simple task can seem daunting while trying to hold the towel in place and get the job done. There have been many modifications to towels over the years which have been the subject for several U.S. patents. Robes, wrap towels, and tote towels are well known in the art. Generally, these modifications are awkward, fall off, difficult to use, incapable of being removed quickly, and simply extra, unwanted baggage.
Unfortunately none of the present modifications to towels maintain the standard function of the towel and are known to be as simple and useful as the present invention. The present invention involves a novel, easy to manufacture, simple to use towel to address the current need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments as described herein addresses the desirable aspects lacking in the relevant art and provides in various exemplary product embodiments a novel towel configuration and method of use wherein the towel is fixed to the body allowing the wearer full use of their hands.
This invention is based, at least in part, on a novel towel. This towel provides all standard functions such as wiping, lounging, warmth, protection and privacy while allowing the wearer to be hands free.
In a preferred embodiment the towel includes a substantially planer rectangular main body as commonly known. There is a single opening approximately located in the center of the towel in the form of a slit. The opening is placed over the wearers head so that the towel securely fixed to the body.
In a most preferred embodiment the slit is approximately 12 inches in size. The size of the slit will most likely be directly proportional to the size of the towel and/or the size of the person.
Alternatively, the single opening located in the center of the towel can be other shapes, including but not limited to, diamonds, ovals, circle, square or rectangle. It is contemplated that any shape or size opening in the center of the towel would provide the same function as the preferred embodiment the slit.
In another embodiment the rectangular planer body of the towel is different sizes. The various sizes can accommodate persons of all ages and sizes from a small infant to a large adult man.
In another embodiment the slit may have a mechanism for keeping the slit shut. Said mechanism may be any commonly known, and can include but not be limited to, Velcro®, hook and loop, and the like.
In a preferred embodiment the towel slit is reinforced with another type of material bordering each of the openings for structural support. The reinforcement will maintain the shape and structure of the slit over time.
The towel may be formed of any acceptable material, including but not limited to the traditional terrycloth type material. The terrycloth type material is a fabric with loops that can absorb large amounts of water. Alternatively the towel can be made of any type of suitable material including but not limited to cotton, wetsuit or shammy materials.
In yet another embodiment the towel can have a variety of enhancements for decorative purposes, including but not limited to monograms, different patterned fabrics, designs, jewels, pockets, hoods and the like.
In yet another embodiment the towel may be closed on the sides once said towel is placed over the head of the wearer. Once the towel is secured to the body of the wearer the sides can be brought together further closing the towel. For example, the fasteners can be ties, Velcro®, a hook and loop mechanism, snap, buttons or any other means for fastening.
It is contemplated that any method, system or information described herein can be implemented with respect to any other method, system or information described herein.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use of the present invention; other suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials and methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein, are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control.
These, and other, embodiments of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a wearable towel in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational front view of the towel in a folded position of the front side thereof, the opposite rear side being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 3 a detail of the closed neck opening in the wearable towel.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view thereof as it would normally appear when worn by a person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel towel and method of use. The present invention will be described in relation to a standard rectangular planer towel. However, it will be appreciated that, with minor modifications, the towel may be adapted for use with other shape towels as well as the placement and shape of the slit.
The present invention will be used in places where a towel is commonly used, such as water entertainment areas like the beach, pool, lakes, temporary uses for maintaining privacy while changing, physical workouts, after showering or baths, or during a routine for an outing like shaving, make up application, and changing.
The existence of a single opening in the center of the towel allows for ease of use. More importantly even with the opening the towel maintains its primary function as a towel for example for lounging on and drying the body. Even the youngest of wearers can quickly put on and remove the towel as needed. Further the opening allows the towel to be securely fastened to the body while providing full coverage.
Referring now to FIG. 1, which illustrates a single embodiment of the novel towel. The main body of the towel comprises terry cloth material or any other suitable material. The towel is generally rectangular in size and the size of the towel is directly proportional to the size of the person wearing the towel. The dimensions of the towel can vary depending on the preference of fit for the person wearing the towel. It is contemplated that the towel can be used for infants to adults.
Because the opening is a slit the opening closes almost completely shut so the towel can be used as a normal towel. For example, if the towel were used at the beach the wearer could lie on the towel on the sand and the opening would not expose the person to the sand. Or for sunbathing the opening would protect the wearer's skin from a hot surface beneath. There is no need to bring an extra towel to the location because the present invention will suffice.
Referring now FIG. 2, which illustrates a side elevational front view of the towel in a folded position of the front side thereof, the opposite rear side being a mirror image thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 3, which shows how the opening can be reinforced to provide extra support to the opening to prevent or defer wear and tear. The towel can be enhanced with an endless number of modifications for decorative purposes. The towels can have any added feature to make the towel more attractive or to customize to a wearer's request.
Referring now to FIG. 4, which shows an exemplary method of wearing the towel. The wearer would place their head through the slit as shown. It is contemplated that the single opening, shown for example purposes in this figure as a vertical opening in the center of the towel, can be any opening. The opening can be any vertical slit, a rectangle, circle, square, oval, triangle, diamond or any other means that would allow a wearer to secure the towel to the body by placing the head through an opening.

Materials and Methods

Methods and materials are described herein. However, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Throughout this application, various publications, patents, and/or patent applications are referenced in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. The disclosures of these publications, patents, and/or patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, and for the subject matter for which they are specifically referenced in the same or a prior sentence, to the same extent as if each independent publication, patent, and/or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wearable towel comprising:

a substantially planer rectangular main body having a single vertical opening approximately in the center of said towel.

2. The towel of claim 1, wherein said vertical opening is an opening for a human head.

3. The towel of claim 2, wherein said slit is reinforced with a border material.

4. The towel of claim 1 wherein the shape of said single vertical opening is selected from the group consisting of a rectangle, square, oval, circle, triangle, diamond, and the like.

5. A method for wearing a towel comprising the steps of:

providing a towel as in claim 1;

securing the towel to the body by placing said towel over a wearer's head; and

draping the towel over said wearer's body.

6. A method for wearing a towel with a single vertical opening said method comprising: a wearer using the opening to secure said towel to said wearer by placing the towel over said wearer's head through said single opening.

7. A method of making a wearable towel said method comprising having a planer rectangular material cutting a single vertical opening in the center of said planer material for placing a wearer's head through said opening.