U.S. patent application number 13/136145 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for novel towel and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Shelly Ehler.
Application Number | 20120023635 13/136145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45525171 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120023635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ehler; Shelly |
February 2, 2012 |
Novel towel and method of using same
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.
Inventors: |
Ehler; Shelly; (Ladera
Ranch, CA) |
Family ID: |
45525171 |
Appl. No.: |
13/136145 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61400555 |
Jul 29, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20130101; A47K
10/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00 |
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.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] 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
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.RTM., hook and loop,
and the like.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.RTM., a hook and loop mechanism,
snap, buttons or any other means for fastening.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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
[0020] 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.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a wearable towel in an
open position.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 3 a detail of the closed neck opening in the wearable
towel.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view thereof as it would normally
appear when worn by a person.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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
[0033] 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
[0034] 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
[0035] 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.
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