US20160345640A1

US20160345640A1 - Wearable towel with loop and method of formation and use

Info

Publication number: US20160345640A1
Application number: US14/726,342
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark A. Betts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2016-12-01

Abstract

A wearable towel with a locking loop device configurable for multiple applications and its method of use are described. In some configurations, the wearable towel is secured to the wrist or forearm by a band and may be worn wrapped around the wrist or forearm in a corkscrew fashion for use as a towel, a sports-wrist sweatband, or a utility towel. Alternatively, the wearable towel may be wrapped around the forehead or the face for use as a sweatband/headband or facemask, and secured by tucking the free short end of the towel through the loop. The particular shape and fabric composition of the invention contribute to the comfort and ease of use of the wearable towel on the arm, head, or face.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a device and methods for forming and using a wearable towel. Specifically, the invention relates to a wearable towel with a loop device configurable for multiple applications and methods for its formation and use.
2. State of the Art
Towels are widely used throughout all developed societies and are used in many different ways. The potential uses for a small, personal towel, such as a utility, sweat, or protective towel, are extensive. Utility towels are used to wipe dirt or other undesirable material from a work surface. Sweat towels are used to absorb sweat from the face, head, arms or any other body part during outdoor/indoor work or athletic activity. A towel can also be used as a protective device, such as when covering the nose and mouth during a dust storm or other settings where there is a high level of particulate matter in the air.
Using a personal towel in the aforementioned and other similar applications generally requires carrying the towel, either in one hand or in a separate storage container which must be kept nearby. Alternatively, a personal towel can be tied around the head or face, if long enough. Some towels may be clipped to the outside of a backpack or clothing article. Tying a towel for transport and untying a towel for use is unnecessarily time-consuming. Towels not attached to the person of the user may be misplaced or lost. Methods of using a personal towel are cumbersome and inconvenient. For example, carrying a towel limits use of the carrying hand. Tying a towel to a body part, such as a forehead or wrist, results in a bulky, unwieldy mass of towel comprising the knot.
Accordingly, an invention is needed to provide a compact personal utility towel which is wearable and therefore allows for hands-free transport and immediate unrestricted use, and does not require knotting the towel or other cumbersome means to attach the towel to a person.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a wearable towel with loop device configurable for multiple applications, including a method of formation and methods of use. The wearable towel with loop may be worn on the wrist, around the forehead as a sweat-towel, or around the face in dusty environments, in a few non-limiting examples. The invention is, thus, configurable for multiple applications and environments.
Disclosed is a wearable towel comprising a fabric comprising a shape, two first edges, a second edge, and a gathered edge; a loop comprising a member; and a coupling seam; wherein the gathered edge is coupled to the loop by the coupling seam.
In some embodiments, the size ratio of the second edge to one of the two first edges is greater than 0.35. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises a blend of a cotton fiber between 90% and 98% by weight, and a spandex fiber between 2% and 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the percentage of the cotton fiber is 95% and the percentage of the spandex fiber is 5%. In some embodiments, the spandex fibers are oriented perpendicular to the second edge. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises a weight of between three (3) ounces and ten (10) ounces per square yard. In some embodiments, the fabric further comprises an antimicrobial compound. In some embodiments, the first edge comprises a rolled edge. In some embodiments, the shape is a six-sided irregular polygon. In some embodiments, the first edge measures between 16 inches and 28 inches. In some embodiments, the second edge measures between eight (8) inches and fourteen (14) inches. In some embodiments, the coupling seam is located at the midpoint of the distance between the two first edges. In some embodiments, the coupling seam is located at a point between 20% and 45% of the distance one of the two first edges to the second first edge. In some embodiments, the member is an elastomeric member. In come embodiments, the member comprises a width between 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the member comprises a ribbed weave.
Disclosed is a method of forming a wearable towel comprising the steps of cutting a second edge of a fabric such that the second edge is divided into a first length and two second lengths; folding two first edges of the fabric toward a centerline perpendicular to the first length; and attaching a loop to the first length of the folded second edge.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises a second folding step wherein the two folded first edges are folded a second time toward the centerline perpendicular to the first length.
Disclosed is a method of using a wearable towel comprising the steps of placing a loop over a body part; wrapping a length of a fabric around the body part in a corkscrew direction; and tucking a short end beneath the wrapped length of the fabric thereby securing the fabric to the body part.
Disclosed is a method of using a wearable towel comprising the steps of wrapping a length of a fabric around a body part; passing a short end of the fabric through a loop; and adjusting a desired tension of the wrapped length of fabric by moving the fabric through the loop.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front-view of a wearable towel;

FIG. 2 is a magnified view of inset “A” of FIG. 1, comprising a fabric adjacent to a first edge of a wearable towel;

FIG. 3 is an end-view of a roll of a first edge of a wearable towel;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a loop of a wearable towel;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagramming a method 200 of forming a wearable towel;

FIG. 6a-e is an illustration of the steps of a method of forming a wearable towel;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagramming a method 300 of using a wearable towel;

FIG. 8a-d is an illustration of steps of a method of using a wearable towel;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart diagramming a method 400 of using a wearable towel

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a use of a wearable towel; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a use of a wearable towel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of this invention disclose a wearable towel with a loop device configurable for multiple applications, including methods of formation and use. Creating a towel with a means wherein it may be removably and comfortably attached to the person makes use of a personal utility towel less cumbersome. Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein describe such a device. The attachment means is by way of a loop coupled to a gathered short-edge of the towel, such as by stitching, for example. The loop may fit over a relatively small body part, like the wrist. Alternatively, the opposite end of the towel may be passed through the loop itself, allowing the towel to be wrapped around a larger body part, such as the head or the face.
Additionally, methods of forming a wearable towel are disclosed. Finally, various alternative methods of use are disclosed. The drawing figures are used to illustrate a representative embodiment of the device itself, a method of formation, and various methods of use, and in no way are intended to limit the disclosed invention to the embodiments shown in the figures. They are described fully herein below.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a wearable towel. FIG. 1 shows a wearable towel 100, including a fabric 102 and a loop 112. Loop 112 is coupled to fabric 102 at a coupling seam 115. Fabric 102, as shown in FIG. 1, further comprises a shape 108, a first edge 103, a second edge 104, and a gathered edge 105.
As shown by FIG. 1, shape 108 is defined by the dimensions and relationships between two first edges 103, second edge 104, and gathered edge 105. Two first edges 103 represent the edges of fabric 102 parallel to a long axis 118 of shape 108. In some embodiments, two first edges 103 are a generally straight line. Such examples include the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, other irregular polygon shapes, rectangle shapes, and square shapes. In some embodiments, two first edges 103 are a curve, including but not limited to examples wherein shape 108 is a teardrop shape, and ellipse, or an eye-shape. The importance of shape 108 to the formation and use of 100 is discussed extensively herein below (See discussion of FIG. 6a-e and FIG. 8a-d ).
In many, but not all, embodiments, wearable towel 100 is worn on the user's forearm, wherein the user passes loop 112 over her hand onto her wrist. In this configuration, and in some embodiments, wearable towel 100 also functions as a sweatband. Fabric 102 is then wrapped around the user's forearm with second edge 104 tucked underneath the wrap, between the wrap the skin (see FIG. 8a -d, discussed herein below). Shape 108 is very important to this “wrap and tuck” use of wearable towel 100 in some embodiments. To create a flat, non-bulky, comfortable wrap which secures the wrap but remains comfortable and non-obtrusive, shape 108 is advantageously of a certain configuration and dimension.
In some embodiments, the length of each of the two first edges 103 is between 16 inches and 28 inches. In some embodiments, the length of second edge is between 8 inches and 14 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the two first edges 103 is 16.25 inches, the length of second edge 104 is 11.50 inches, and a useable area 125 is 188 square inches. Advantages inherent the aforementioned configurations and dimensions of shape 108 include, but are not limited to, ability to “wrap-and-tuck” fabric 108 around the user's forearm while retaining the ability to use wearable towel 100 as a bandana/headband or a facemask, as discussed herein below. Additionally, the generally elongate-rectangular configuration of shape 108 tends to maximize the size of useable area 125 and minimize wasted material during formation of wearable towel 100.
There are multiple other configurations for shape 108, each with advantages and disadvantages which have been determined by experimentation. In some embodiments, shape 108 is an ellipse; in some embodiments, the long axis of the ellipse is approximately 16 inches. In this and similar example embodiments, shape 108 has the advantage of wrapping well around the forearm and the disadvantage of presenting a relatively narrow but elongate useable area for wiping of sweat or other material.
In some embodiments, shape 108 is a rectangle. In some embodiments, shape 108 is a square; in some embodiments, a side of the square measures between ten and thirteen inches. In some embodiments, a side of the square measures 11.75 inches. In these and some similar embodiments, the 1:1 length-to-width (one fist edge 103 to second edge 104) ratio of fabric 102 creates excess fabric width which is bulky, and makes it difficult to wrap fabric 102 around the forearm and to tuck the wrapped fabric 102 securely. When wrapped around the user's forearm, fabric 102 is also bulky and not aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, this particular shape and configuration makes it impossible to utilize wearable towel 100 as a bandana/headband or a facemask.
In some embodiments, shape 108 is an eye-shape with long axis 118 of between 18 and 23 inches and a short axis 119 between 7 and 10 inches. In some embodiments, the eye-shape long axis 118 is 17 inches and the short axis is between 9 and 10 inches. In some embodiments wherein shape 108 is an eye-shape, disadvantages inherent to the particular dimensions and eye-shape include impossibility of use as a bandana/headband or face mask, and great difficulty in tucking the wrapped fabric 102 when worn on the user's forearm. Each of these difficulties arises from a greatly attenuated second edge 104, making it difficult to either tuck fabric 102 or for loop 112 to secure fabric 102 (loop 112, including its characteristics and function, is discussed extensively herein below).
In some embodiments, shape 108 is an eight-sided irregular polygon with long axis 118 between 18 and 22 inches and a short axis 119 of between 6 and 8 inches. In these and similar embodiments, the dimensions of shape 108 make it impossible to use as a bandana/headband or facemask. As with the eye-shape discussed herein above, the eight-sided irregular polygon comprises fabric 102 which is narrow approaching second edge 104 and, consequently, difficult to secure adequately within loop 112. Additionally, fabric 102 is bulkier and more difficult to securely wrap-and-tuck around the user's forearm.
As shown in FIG. 1, fabric 102 is coupled at gathered edge 105 to loop 112 by coupling seam 115. In some embodiments, coupling seam 115 is a stitched seam between fabric 102 and loop 112. Heavy thread may be used for the stitching, whether comprising natural or synthetic fibers. A stitched coupling seam 115 is by example only, and is not meant to be limiting. Other non-limiting examples include coupling seam 115 glued with an adhesive, such as an epoxy adhesive, or some other adhesive compound known to those in the fabric arts. In some embodiments, coupling seam 115 is heat-fused wherein fabric 102 and loop 112 comprise synthetic fibers which may be induced to melt and fuse following external application of heat. In some embodiments, coupling seam 115 comprises a fastener, such as a grommet, a rivet, or similar fastener passing through the substance of fabric 102 and loop 112.
In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, coupling seam is located approximately midway along the length of gathered edge 105. Location of coupling seam 115 approximately at the midpoint of gathered edge 105 allows even wrapping of fabric 102 around a body part, such as a forearm. Locating coupling seam 115 away from the midpoint, however, facilitates eccentric wrapping around the circumference of a body part of progressively increasing or decreasing diameter along the length of the body part. A non-limiting example is the forearm of a muscular or obese person. In this and other examples wherein coupling seam 115 is located away from the midpoint of gathered edge 105, fabric 102 naturally orients slightly offset from the long axis of the body part, facilitating the corkscrew “barber pole” helical wrap along a length of the body part. Therefore, in some embodiments, coupling seam 115 is located at a point between 20% and 45% of the distance from one of two first edges 103 to the second first edge 103. For the purposes of this disclosure, the “midpoint” of gathered edge 105 is considered as the point beginning approximately 50% of the distance from one of two first edges 103 to the second first edge 103.
FIG. 1 also shows loop 112. Loop 112, in some embodiments, is the means by which wearable towel 100 attaches to a body part of the user. In some embodiments, the user passes loop 112 over his wrist, wherein loop 112 contacts the skin of user's wrist or distal forearm and attaches directly to the user (see FIG. 8a ). In some embodiments wherein wearable towel 100 is used as a bandana/headband or facemask (see FIG. 8a -d, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11). In these and other embodiments similar to those shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, loop 112 does not directly attach to any body part of the user. Rather, loop 112 functions to secure fabric 102 near second edge 104 of wearable towel 100 wherein fabric 102 itself forms a loop around a body part of the user, such as the user's head or face as shown. Therefore, the material composition and construction of loop 112 are important to loop 112's two separate functional modalities.
In addition to coupling seam 115, loop 112 comprises a member 113 having a loop length 114. In some embodiments, member 113 is an elastomeric member. An elastomeric member is advantageous, although not absolutely necessary for the function of loop 112. For example, an elastomeric member 113 may be stretched slightly to allow the user to pass his hand through loop 112 for forearm use of wearable towel 100, allowing member 113 to tightened slightly and comfortably around the user's wrist or forearm. Alternatively, a non-elastic member 113 may be used, however a longer loop length 114 is required to allow passage over the user's hand, which is generally larger in diameter than the wrist or forearm. Member 113 may comprise an elastomeric fabric, whether natural or synthetic. In some embodiments, member 113 comprises a ribbed weave 116, as shown in FIG. 1. Ribbed weave 116 creates additional friction between loop 112 and the skin of a user. This additional friction tends to resist rotation of loop 112 around the wrist or forearm, which would unwind wearable towel 100 which is wrapped around the user's arm. Additionally, ribbed weave 116 created additional friction against fabric 102 when wearable towel is used as a headband or facemask, as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11. In these and other similar embodiments, the additional friction tends to keep fabric 102 from slipping out of loop 112, keeping fabric 102 securely around the head, face, or other body part of the user. In some embodiments, the additional friction allows for the user to adjust the tightness of fabric 102 looped around the user's head, face, or other body part with some precision, allowing the user to adapt wearable towel 100 to the user's particular use-application and personal comfort.
Loop length 114 may assume various values, depending upon whether a small or large loop 112 is desired. In some embodiments, loop length 114 is between 5.5 inches and 10 inches. In some embodiments, loop length 114 is between 6 inches and 9 inches. In some embodiments, loop length 114 includes the circumference of formed loop 112 plus an additional 1 inch for forming coupling seam 115 by using ½ inch from each end of member 113. Loop length 114 is chosen, in some embodiments, based upon the gender of the user. For example, in some embodiments wherein the user is a woman, length 114 is 6.5 inches. In some embodiments wherein the user is a man, length 114 is 8.5 inches. The aforementioned loop lengths were determined by experimentation and use of wearable towel 100 by persons of each gender and various body sizes. A loop length 114 of 6.5 inches provides comfortable, secure use of wearable towel 100 in multiple configurations and applications by most women, and a loop length 114 of 8.5 inches is preferable for most men. As already mentioned, these lengths include the total circumference of loop 112 plus an additional 1 inch for formation of coupling seam 115.
FIG. 2 is a magnified view of inset “A” of FIG. 1, comprising a portion of fabric 102 adjacent to first edge 103 of wearable towel 100. The material composition of wearable towel 100 is important, and selected in order to optimize the desired functional aspects of wearable towel 100; namely, absorbency, light-weight, non-bulkiness, and comfort. Fabric 102, in some embodiments, is a cloth fabric manufactured from natural textiles, such as cotton for example; or synthetics, such as spandex, or a blended combination fabric comprising a mixture of cotton and spandex fiber. For example, cotton fibers are highly absorbent, relatively lightweight, and soft. Spandex is generally non-absorbent, however spandex is elastomeric and breathable, even when wet. Spandex fibers, therefore, increase breathability and fit of a wrapped fabric 102, which is important to a user of wearable towel 100. Spandex fibers additionally increase drying of wet fabric 102, thereby decreasing drying time. Increasing the percentage of spandex fibers in a blended fabric, however, decreases the absorbency of fabric 102. FIG. 2 illustrates a blended material composition of some embodiments of fabric 102, including a cotton fiber 121 and a spandex fiber 122. This is an example embodiment, and not meant to be limiting. In some embodiments, fabric 102 has a material composition of 100% cotton fiber. In some embodiments, fabric 102 has a material composition of a blended fiber comprising cotton fiber 121 and spandex fiber 122. Cotton fiber utilizing a “terrycloth” weave is highly absorbent while feeling soft and comfortable to the user's skin. In some embodiments, fabric 102 comprises a blended fiber of between 90% and 98% by weight of cotton fiber 121 and 2% to 10% by weight of spandex fiber 122. In some embodiments, the percentage of cotton fiber 121 by weight is 95% and the percentage of spandex fiber by weight is 5%. In these and similar embodiments, the relative composition of fabric 102 is such that absorbency, drying, and comfort are maximized. Other characteristics of fabric 102 affect absorbency, comfort, and drying time which are independent of the fiber composition; namely the weight of the material. A heavy-weight material adds absorbency, but also ads bulk and increased drying time overall. A low-weight material decreases drying time and is less bulky, however if too light-weight, the material is not sufficiently absorbent. Accordingly, in some embodiments, fabric 102 comprises a weight of between three (3) ounces and ten (10) ounces per square yard of fabric 102. In some embodiments, fabric 102 comprises a weight of five (5) ounces per square yard.
The orientation of cotton fiber 121 and spandex fiber 122 in a blended material composition of fabric 102 is also important. For example, creating mild elasticity parallel to long axis 118 of shape 108 is desirable because this elasticity tends to constrict forearm-wrapped fabric 102 gently and comfortably against the forearm, tenting to secure the wrapped fabric 102 in place, resist loosening, and slightly decrease bulk. Conversely, creating some rigidity perpendicular to long axis 118 of shape 108 allows for easier and more secure dispersal when fabric 102 is wrapped around the forehead or face, such as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. Therefore, FIG. 2 shows the orientation of spandex fibers 122 and cotton fibers 121 relative to one another and to long axis 118 of shape 108 present in some embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, relatively inelastic cotton fibers 121 are oriented perpendicular to two first edges 103, and therefore perpendicular to the long axis 118 of shape 108, creating some rigidity across short axis 119 of shape 108. Spandex fibers 122 are correspondingly oriented parallel to two first edges 103, and therefore to long axis 118 of shape 108, while being perpendicular to second edge 104, creating some elasticity across the length of fabric 102.
Additional compounds and treatments may be added to fabric 102, according to wearable towel 100's intended use. For example, in some embodiments, fabric 102 further comprises an antimicrobial compound. Antimicrobial compounds discourage grown of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes commonly colonizing towels used to absorb sweat. Some specific, but non-limiting, examples of such antimicrobial compounds include chelated elemental silver, quaternary ammonium compounds, and other non-toxic antimicrobial compounds commercially available and known to those in the art.
FIG. 3 is an end-view of a roll of one first edge 103 of wearable towel 100. Roll 106 occurs naturally along two first edges 103 when fabric 102 comprising a blend of cotton fibers 121 and spandex fibers 122 is folded according to the invention (see FIG. 6a-f ) and functions to increase friction between wraps of fabric 102 around the user's forearm. Roll 106 also feels slightly more comfortable against the user's skin than unrolled two first edges 103.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a loop 112 of a wearable towel. FIG. 4 shows loop length 114 of member 113 encircled with the ends of member 113 joined at coupling seam 115. Ribbed weave 116 is also shown. A width 117 is shown. Width 117 of member 113 is considered to achieve a balance between functionality and user comfort. A large width 117 is creates additional friction by having a greater surface area per unit length contacting skin of fabric 102. The disadvantage of a larger width 117, however, is a bulkier, less comfortable wearable towel 100. Very narrow widths 117 create members 113 that are constricting when worn on the wrist or forearm. Therefore, width 117 of member 113 is chosen accordingly. In some embodiments, width 117 of member 113 is between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, width 117 of member 113 is approximately 0.81 (13/16) inches.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagramming a method 200 of forming a wearable towel. Method 200 comprises a cutting step 210, a folding step 220, and an attaching step 230. FIG. 6a-e illustrates the steps of method 200, in some embodiments.
FIG. 6a-e shows an illustration of the steps of a method 200 of forming a wearable towel. A shape 208, as shown in FIG. 6a , is important to the formation and use of wearable towel 100. In some embodiments, shape 208 is a six-sided irregular polygon. In some embodiments, shape 208 comprises two first edges 203 which are opposite one another. In some embodiments, two first edges 203 are generally parallel. In some embodiments, such as those wherein shape 208 is an eye-shape, for example, two first edges 203 are not parallel. In some embodiments wherein two first edges 203 are generally parallel, each one first edge 203 intersects a second edge 204 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, a gathered edge 205 is generally opposite shape 208 from second edge 204 and comprises two first lengths 251, each first length 251 intersecting one first edge 203 at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees; and a second length 250 intersecting each first length 251. After folding step 220 of method 200, shown by FIGS. 6b-c for attachment of a loop 212 at gathered edge 205, fabric 202 has a useable area 125.
In embodiments of the invention wherein shape 208 is generally rectangular, useable area 125 is calculated by multiplying the length of one first edge 102 by the length of second edge 204. In embodiments wherein shape 208 is not rectangular, a maximum value for usable area 125 is something less than the product of the length of the long axis of shape 208 and the short axis of shape 208. It is advantageous to form wearable towel 100 to maximize useable area 125 while still allowing for a flatly-wrapped towel 100 which is comfortable, not too bulky, and aesthetically pleasing. In some embodiments, useable area 125 measures between 170 square inches and 200 square inches.
Cutting step 210 comprises cutting a gathered edge 205 of fabric 202 such that gathered edge 205 is divided into first length 250 and two second lengths 251. Cutting step 210 shapes gathered edge 205 such that fabric 202 may be appropriately folded (in subsequent steps) to create a point of attachment between fabric 202 and a loop 212 at a coupling seam 215. In some embodiments, cutting step is performed using scissors or any other suitable cutting instrument, manual or automated without limitation, to cut fabric 202 on an angle to allow for first length 250 comprising approximately 30% of gathered edge 105, as shown in FIG. 6 a.
Folding step 220 comprises folding two first edges 203 of fabric 202 toward the center of fabric 202. FIGS. 6a -b illustrate folding step 220. Referring to the figures, in some embodiments, a portion of each first edge 203 is passed over fabric 202 and brought toward a centerline “A,” but not onto centerline A, along a fold “B.” A gap “G” between folded first edges 203 measuring between 0.75 and 1.75 inches should remain between the folded first edges 203, with centerline A located at the approximate mid-position of gap G, as shown in FIG. 6b , in some embodiments. In some embodiments, folding step 220 comprises folding each first edge 203 onto centerline A such that no gap G remains between folded first edges 203. In some embodiments, method 200 comprises an additional folding step, wherein fabric 202 is folded along a line “C” onto centerline A, as shown in FIG. 6b , resulting in folded fabric 202 shown in FIG. 6c . In some embodiments, method 200 comprises an additional folding step, wherein the two folded first edges 103 are folded toward centerline A perpendicular to second edge 204. In some embodiments, between 0.375 inches and 0.750 inches of folded gathered edge 205 is folded toward second edge 204 along a fold line “D.” In some embodiments, this additional folding step creates a folded square of fabric 202 measuring approximately 1 inch on each side.
Attaching step 230 comprises attaching a loop to the first length of the folded second edge. Attaching step 230 forms coupling seam 215 and is illustrated by FIGS. 6d -e. Attaching step 230, in some non-limiting example embodiments, is formed by sewing, heat-fusing, gluing; attachment of a pass-through fastener, such as a grommet of a rivet, for example; or any other suitable method of attaching fabric to a cloth elastomeric member known in the art. In some embodiments, attaching step 230 comprises sewing elastomeric loop 212 to a folded square of fabric 202 measuring approximately 1 inches on each side using standard sewing techniques know in the art.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagramming a method 300 of using a wearable towel. Method 300 comprises a placing step 310, a wrapping step 320, and a tucking step 330, in some embodiments. FIG. 8a-d illustrates performance of the steps of method 300, in some embodiments. Method 300 comprises some, but not all embodiments of a method of using a wearable towel. Specifically, method 300 is limited to the use of a wearable towel worn over a forearm, ankle, or other similar generally elongate narrow cylindrical body part.
Placing step 310 comprises placing a loop 312 over a wrist or a forearm. The user passes a loop 312 over her hand and onto her wrist, in some embodiments. This is not meant to be limiting; placing step 310 may be performed using an ankle or similar generally cylindrical, elongate body part. In some embodiments, placing step 310 is facilitated wherein loop 312 is an elastomeric loop as discussed herein above with reference to loop 112. FIG. 8a illustrates the appearance of a wearable towel upon completing of placing step 310, in some embodiments.
Wrapping step 320 comprises wrapping a length of a fabric 302 around the wrist or the forearm in a corkscrew direction. Again, use of the wrist of forearm is by non-limiting example only as mentioned herein above. FIGS. 8b -c illustrate wrapping step 320, in some embodiments. The user grasps a short end 304 of a fabric 302 and wraps fabric 302 around the user's forearm or similar body part. Wrapping step 320 is generally in a corkscrew or “barber pole” configuration such that wrapped fabric 302 partially overlaps itself with each successive wrap, as shown by FIG. 8 d.
Tucking step 330 comprises tucking a short edge beneath the wrapped length of fabric 302 thereby securing the fabric on the wrist or forearm. The user tucks short end 304 under wrapped fabric 302, lodging short end 304 in between wrappings of fabric 302 and the user's skin. In some embodiments, the user tucks short end 304 between wrappings of fabric 302 wherein short end 304 does not contact the user's skin. Friction between the skin and fabric 302, or fabric 302 with itself, wrappings comfortably and securely holds shot end 304 in place and resists loosening of the fabric 302 wrappings.
FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart diagramming the steps of a method 400 of using a wearable towel. Method 400 comprises a wrapping step 410, a passing step 420, and an adjusting step 430, in some embodiments. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate the steps of method 400, in some embodiments. Method 400 comprises some, but not all embodiments of a method of using a wearable towel. Specifically, method 400 is specific to the use of a wearable towel worn over a larger body part, such as the head or face of a user. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, some embodiments of method 400 feature wrapping a fabric 402 around the body part and securing a wearable towel to the body part by passing a short end 404 through a loop 412, friction between fabric 402 near short end 404 with the material of loop 412, forming a “noose” of fabric 402 around the body part and securing the wearable towel in place.
Wrapping step 410 comprises wrapping a length of a wearable towel around a forehead or a face. Wrapping step 410 may involves some body part too large to pass through a loop.
Passing step 420 comprises passing a short end of a fabric through a loop. This action forms a “noose” of fabric encircling the body part. The noose is maintained through friction between fabric 402 and loop 412, as mentioned herein above.
Adjusting step 430 comprises moving loop 412 with respect to fabric 402 to adjust the size of the “noose” and the tension on fabric 402. Friction between fabric 402 and loop 412 resists slipping and tends to keep loop 412 and fabric 402 in the adjusted position. In some embodiments, loop 412 is an elastomeric loop, the elastomeric properties increasing the ability to precisely tension the “noose” of fabric 402 around the body part.
This invention overcomes the aforementioned and other difficulties encountered with using prior art, like the need of a comfortable, non-obtrusive way to secure and “wear” a personal towel without carrying or knotting the towel, for example. The wearable towel with loop is designed to create a practical, versatile, and comfortable means of providing the user instant access to a personal towel. The widespread availability of a wearable towel with loop will aid athletes, vacationers, hikers, outdoor workers, rescue workers, mechanics, and other service providers to wipe sweat or dirt from surfaces, and to protect mouth, nose, and respiratory tract from inhalation of particulate matter. This invention also has applications for use in many other situations requiring a readily available personal utility towel.
Exceptional results can be obtained with the wearable towel with loop device, method of formation, and methods of use described in the various embodiments of the invention. The device is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. Thus, the disclosed method of use and various embodiments of the wearable towel with loop device have immediate applicability in the recreational and service industries, and similarly across other applications.
The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.

Claims

1. A wearable towel comprising:

a fabric comprising a shape, two first edges, a second edge, and a gathered edge wherein the gathered edge comprises a first length and two second lengths;

a loop; and

a coupling seam;

wherein the first length of the gathered edge is coupled to the loop by the coupling seam.

2. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein a size ratio of the second edge to one of the two first edges is greater than 0.35.

3. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises a blend of a cotton fiber between 90% and 98% by weight, and a spandex fiber between 2% and 10% by weight.

4. The wearable towel of claim 3, wherein a percentage percentage of the cotton fiber is 95% and the percentage of the spandex fiber is 5%.

5. The wearable towel of claim 3, wherein the spandex fibers are oriented perpendicular to the second edge.

6. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises a weight of between three (3) ounces and ten (10) ounces per square yard.

7. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the fabric further comprises an antimicrobial compound.

8. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the two first edges comprises rolled edges.

9. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the shape is a six-sided irregular polygon.

10. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the two first edges measure between 16 inches and 28 inches each.

11. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the second edge measures between 8 inches and 14 inches.

12. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the coupling seam is located at a midpoint of a distance between the two first edges.

13. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the coupling seam is located at a point between 20% and 45% of a distance along a short axis between the two first edges.

14. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the member is an elastomeric member.

15. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a width of greater than 0.75 inches and less than 1.25 inches.

16. The wearable towel of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a ribbed weave.

17. A method of forming a wearable towel comprising the steps of:

cutting a second edge of a fabric such that the second edge is divided into a first length and two second lengths;

folding two first edges of the fabric toward a centerline perpendicular to the first length; and

attaching a loop to the folded first length.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising a second folding step folding two folded first edges toward the centerline perpendicular to the first length.

19. A method of using a wearable towel comprising the steps of:

placing an elastic loop over a wrist or a forearm;

wrapping a length of a fabric around a body part in a corkscrew direction; and

tucking a short edge beneath the wrapped length of the fabric, thereby securing the fabric on the body part.

20. A method of using a wearable towel comprising the steps of:

wrapping a length of a wearable towel around a body part;

passing a second edge of a fabric through a loop; and

adjusting a desired tension of the wrapped length of the fabric by moving the fabric through the loop.