Patent Application
20050066488
The subject invention relates to towels. More particularly, the subject invention relates to a device and method for releasably securing a beach towel around a person's waist.
Beachgoers and swimmers require a device for securing their towels. Often, towels are wrapped around waists in a familiar manner. To keep a wrapped towel in place, it is well-known to tuck the top corner of the outer layer behind the one or more inner wrapped layers. Unfortunately, to remain secure, the towel must often be wrapped uncomfortably tight around the waist. Invariably, over time, especially with movement, the tucked corner tends to loosen, causing the towel to slide down or fall to the ground. In addition to being an annoyance, such loosening may cause tripping or result in a soiled, wet or otherwise damaged towel.
Loosening is particularly problematic with heavy towels. A high quality thick beach towel, woven of 100% cotton two-ply yams, may use 10 to 30 ounces of material per square yard for comfort. With a size of up to approximately 30 to 36 inches wide by 60 to 70 inches long, a good beach towel may weigh a few pounds even when dry.
Beachgoers and swimmers also require a means to securely hang a towel, such as while showering to rinse off sand or chlorine. Many facilities lack clean and dry places for hanging a towel while showering.
Concomitantly, businesses seek new media for displaying advertising. Beachgoers and swimmers provide an ideal target audience for marketing goods and services such as those directed to summer and beach-related products (e.g., swimwear, tanning lotions, surfboards and related gear, snack foods, beer and soft drinks, to name a few).
Thus, there is a need for an easy to use device for releasably securing and hanging a towel. The device should be strong enough to secure a heavy beach towel around a person's waist without snagging, puncturing or otherwise damaging the towel, even with repeated use. The device should also preferably be lightweight, relatively inexpensive, corrosion resistant, small enough to fit in a purse or pocket, and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the device should also preferably provide a structure on which to market goods and services.
The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
It is therefore an object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide a device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel.
It is another object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide a device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel without causing damage to the towel.
It is also another object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide a relatively inexpensive, corrosion resistant, aesthetically pleasing device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel.
It is yet another object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide a device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel wherein the device is small enough to fit in a conventional purse or pocket.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel wherein the device may be used for marketing purposes.
To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a towel clamping device is provided for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel. The device includes opposed clamping members with staggered or offset opposed protrusions for frictionally engaging a towel. The members are sufficiently rigid to securely grip the towel, yet flexible enough to facilitate releasing the towel. Faces of the towel clamping device are preferably well-suited for displaying an aesthetically pleasing design or advertisement.
In one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device for releasably securing a towel around a person's waist includes a first clamping member having a free end, a joining end, a clamping side and a plurality of ribs on the clamping side to frictionally engage a towel.
The device also includes a second clamping member having a free end, a joining end, a clamping side and a plurality of ribs on the clamping side to frictionally engage a towel. The second clamping member and the first clamping member are joined at the joining end of the first clamping member and the joining end of the second clamping member. The clamping side of said second clamping member is opposed and in spaced relation to said clamping side of said first clamping member to define an opening for frictionally engaging a towel between the clamping side of said first clamping member and the clamping side of said second clamping member. The plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the first clamping member are positioned to interdigitate with said plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the second clamping member. The plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the first clamping member and said plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the second clamping member are approximately 0.125 inches in height. The opening between the clamping side of said first clamping member and the clamping side of said second clamping member being approximately at least as wide as the height of said plurality of ribs near the free ends of the first clamping member and the second clamping member.
In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device for releasably securing a towel around a person's waist includes a first clamping member having a free end, a joining end, a clamping side and a plurality of ribs on the clamping side to frictionally engage a towel. The device also includes a second clamping member having a free end, a joining end, a clamping side and a plurality of ribs on the clamping side to frictionally engage a towel. The second clamping member and said first clamping member are joined at the joining end of the first clamping member and the joining end of the second clamping member. The clamping side of said second clamping member are opposed and in spaced relation to said clamping side of said first clamping member to define an opening for frictionally engaging a towel between the clamping side of said first clamping member and the clamping side of said second clamping member. The plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the first clamping member are positioned to interdigitate with said plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the second clamping member. The plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the second clamping member have a determined width. The plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the first clamping member are spaced apart approximately three to five times the determined width. The plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the second clamping member are spaced apart approximately the same spacing as the plurality of ribs on the clamping side of the first clamping member. The opening between the clamping side of said first clamping member and the clamping side of said second clamping member are approximately at least as wide as the height of said plurality of ribs near the free ends of the first clamping member and the second clamping member.
In a further aspect of an exemplary implementation of the invention, a method is provided for securing a towel around a person's waist or torso using a device according to the invention. The method includes steps of wrapping the towel around a person's waist or torso such that the wrapped towel includes a free outer exposed end and one or more underlying wrapped layers of the towel. Then the device is slid onto a portion of the towel at or near the free outer exposed end of the towel and a portion of one or more of said one or more underlying towel layers until the portion of the towel at or near the free outer exposed end of the towel. These portions are interwoven and securely engaged within the opening or space provided between the first and second clamping members.
The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to towel clamping device. Referring to
While many dimensions may be utilized within the scope of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in an exemplary implementation the width 905 of the opening at the unbent free end (i.e., the distance between opposed clamping sides of clamping members 200 and 600) is equal to approximately the height of protrusions therein, as discussed below. In an exemplary implementation, the width 945 of the opening near the unbent fixed end is equal to approximately 1¼ to 1¾ times the height of protrusions therein.
The clamping members 200 and 600 are generally rigid but sufficiently flexible so that they may be bent or deflected to increase the space therebetween. Because a clamp according to the invention frictionally engages a towel primarily by weaving between protrusions, relatively little or no deflection is needed to engage and remove a towel.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the towel engaging surfaces of the device may have a rough texture to enhance frictional engagement. Clamping-side surfaces 310 and 710 (including horizontal ribs 210-240, 610-630) of the clamping members may be rough textured to enhance gripping friction. The clamping members may be molded (e.g., injection molded) using a mold having a roughened surface. At least, a portion of the surface of the mold which forms the clamping side surfaces of a clamping member my have a roughened surface. Laser machining, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), etching and plating techniques and other methodologies can be employed to form molds with roughened surfaces for clamping members according to the invention. Alternatively, clamping side surfaces of clamping members may be roughened after the clamping members have been formed using abrasion techniques such as sanding, sandblasting and the like. As another alternative, additives may be introduced into the composition to impart roughness.
An important aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the configuration of protrusions or ribs. The ribs are uniquely dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage a beach towel. Unlike many other fabrics, a beach towel is a relatively thick compressible fabric that can easily be snagged. The horizontal ribs protrude from the clamping-side surface of each clamping member. The ribs increase the clamping side surface area in frictional contact with the towel. The length of each horizontal rib is preferably slightly less than the width of the clamping side surface of the clamping member. To provide an adequate surface for engaging a towel, rib lengths of approximately 1 inch to 1.25 inches is generally considered sufficient. Thus, the ribs do not extend beyond the sides of the clamping member. The ribs extend outwardly from the base of the clamping-side surface by approximately the thickness of a typical thick uncompressed towel. The outward extension is referred to herein as the height. The width and height of each rib may be approximately 0.125 inches, which is approximately the thickness of a thick heavy-weight uncompressed towel. The length of each rib is approximately eight to ten times the width of each rib. A height approximately equal to a towel thickness is an important aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. A substantially smaller height will not provide desired weaving of a beach towel. Instead, the protrusions (e.g., slight bumps) would simply be absorbed into the thick compressible towel material. On the other hand, a substantially greater height will prevent an engaged towel from contacting the clamping side surfaces of the clamping members between ribs, thereby substantially compromising the frictionally engaging surface area. In such a case, the towel would be suspended between adjacent ribs. A substantially greater height will also result in a substantially thicker clamp, which can create discomfort when secured against and pressed into a wearer's waist.
Another important aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the shape of the ribs. The ribs are uniquely shaped to frictionally engage a beach towel (i.e., a fabric that can be easily snagged and pierced) without causing damage such as by piercing or snagging the material. In an exemplary embodiment, ribs having generally trapezoidal cross-sections are used, as shown in
Another important aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the arrangement and coordination of the ribs. Opposed ribs are staggered or offset so they do not collide when the clamping means is depressed, closing the opening. In other words, the ribs of opposing clamping members interdigitate with one another when the opposing clamping members are moved towards one another. Thus, the ribs of one clamping member extend into spaces between counterpart ribs of another clamping member when the clamping members are moved towards one another. In an exemplary implementation, the three ribs 610-630 of the second clamping member are positioned approximately midway between counterpart ribs 210-240 of the first clamping member. If forced together, remaining or interdigital spaces will exist between the interdigitated ribs of the clamping members because the ribs are spaced apart more than the width of ribs. In an exemplary embodiment, the space between adjacent ribs on a clamping member is approximately three to five times the width of a clamping member. While many dimensions may be utilized and come within the scope of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in an exemplary implementation there is approximately 0.625 inches between adjacent ribs on a clamping member and the ribs have an average height of approximately 0.125 inches. With an opposed rib extending between adjacent ribs of a clamping member, the space remaining between the opposed rib and each of the adjacent ribs is approximately once or twice the width of the ribs. Advantageously, this space is sufficient to facilitate weaving of a few layers of a beach towel. A substantially smaller space would not accommodate thick towels. Instead, inadequate space would prevent towel layers from engaging the clamping side surface between ribs. In such a case, only the engaged rib surface would provide traction, resulting in significantly reduced frictional gripping force.
Another important aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the number of the ribs. The number of ribs should be adequate to provide sufficient traction upon frictional engagement of towel. In a preferred implementation, at least 5 ribs are provided. The clamps shown in the Figures have seven ribs—three ribs on the second clamping member and four ribs on the first clamping member. While seven ribs is considered to provide better traction than the traction provided by five ribs, there is a limit to the number of ribs. Specifically, the clamp should not have an excessive number of ribs that would result in clutter and inadequate spacing between ribs as discussed above.
Referring now to
An individual may use the device to secure a towel wrapped around his or her waist. The opening of the device is slipped over portions of the free exposed end of the wrapped towel and the underlying wrapped layer or layers of the towel. The device is slid down securely over the portions of the free end of the towel and underlying towel layers until the clamping members securely engage the towel within the opening or space provided therebetween. Any attempt to release the towel with the device securely in place will then be resisted. Layers of towels engaged between the clamping members, are forced under clamping pressure to weave between the ribs and into the interdigital spaces. Such weaving provides traction and frictional gripping force of the clamping members upon the engaged towel. In addition, clamping members and/or ribs having roughened surfaces provide enhanced traction and further resist movement of the gripped towel.
Another important aspect of an exemplary embodiment is the shape of the clamping members, particularly the leading edge and outer surface. Having a leading edge (free edge) 205 and 605 with a rounded periphery (as shown in
A towel clamping device in accordance with an exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention uses ribs as well as the inner surface of each clamping member to effectively grip a towel. When the device is applied to a towel, the towel is interwoven between opposed ribs. This creates many points of frictional contact between the device and the towel. As the towel approaches the tip of the u- or v-shaped closure, the gripping forces may progressively increase and the towel becomes securely wedged therein. The progressive increase in gripping force may be attributed to the increased resistance to deflection near the tip of the u- or v-shaped closure. The ribs prevent the towel from unintentionally retreating from the device, without damaging the towel. This provides means for securing layers of towels having various thicknesses.
Using the exemplary device, a towel may be engaged without manually spreading the clamping members apart. The opening between the clamping members allows the towel to be received. The received towel readily becomes interwoven around the rounded ribs as the device is slid onto one or more layers of a towel.
Protrusion geometries and arrangements other than ribs as shown in the Figures are possible. Preferably, the protrusions enhance frictional gripping of the towel without damaging it.
An important aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is the ability to generate significant traction using opposed clamping members and ribs for interweaving as described above. This provides holding force without requiring a spring bias to urge the opening of the device into a closed condition.
A towel clamping device in accordance with an exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention may also include a hanging means such as a ring, chain or cord for attachment to a key chain or for hanging the device from a hook or the like. The ring, chain or cord may engage channel 920. While suspended thereform, the device may securely hold a towel. Thus, for example, a towel may be safely hung in a restroom.
A secured towel may easily be released by deflecting the clamping members to increase the space therebetween while removing the towel from the device (or vice versa). A towel may also be released by pulling the towel from the device or pulling the device off the towel, without deflecting the clamping members.
In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping means are comprised of a plastic known in the art, such as plastics based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers (ABS), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. Though other materials may be used, preferably the material is corrosion resistant, light weight, durable, relatively inexpensive and capable of producing an aesthetically pleasing part. The material may further include additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors, surface textures, structural characteristics, glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat).
The clamping means 200 and 600 may be produced using plastic manufacturing techniques known in the art, such as injection, compression, structural foam, blow, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques; and casting. In an exemplary implementation the clamping means are produced from injection molding of ABS.
The clamping means 200 and 600 may be joined at 290-295 and 690-695 using any joining means and processes capable of producing a strong, durable, waterproof, aesthetically pleasing joint. In an exemplary embodiment, a methacrylate adhesive or a methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) solvent may be used to achieve a chemical bond with little or no surface preparation. Other glues, adhesives chemical bonding agents, tapes, mechanical fasteners and the like may also be used as joining means without departing from the scope of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the clamping device may be comprised of a single integral piece having clamping means 200 and 600 joined at or near the end opposite the free end of each clamping member. Each clamping member may also be comprised of a plurality of separate pieces without departing from the scope of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
The device may also include one or more compartments for storing keys, money and the like. Preferably, such a compartment would be formed in a clamping member and include a means for entry thereto. Thus, the device may provide means for safekeeping valuables while engaged in beach or poolside activities.
In an exemplary embodiment, either or both faces 300 and 700 may include decorative features or promotional information. Thus, the device may provide a unique fashion accessory or advertising means. For example, in a mode of advertising use, businesses may display their trademarks or service marks on a face (300 and/or 700) and distribute towel clamping devices in accordance with an exemplary implementation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to their customers (or potential customers), such as in giveaways as part of a promotional campaign. In using the device on a beach, in a locker room or around a pool, customers would display the trademarks or service marks for all individuals in the vicinity to view. Given the uniqueness of the device and the mode of use, it is believed that the device will draw considerable attention. In beach and poolside settings this could translate into exposure to hundreds or thousands of potential consumers. At televised events, the exposure can be significantly greater.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, materials, shapes, forms, functions, compositions and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. All substantially equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. As numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, configuration and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents that may be resorted to, are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.
While the invention has been described in terms of various embodiments and implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 10/174,927, filed Jun. 19, 2002, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/299,325, filed Jun. 19, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference therein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60299325 | Jun 2001 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10174927 | Jun 2002 | US |
| Child | 10897776 | Jul 2004 | US |
