US20070220673A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20070220673A1
Application number: US11/588,460
Authority: US
Inventors: Susan Nichols
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-24
Filing date: 2006-10-27
Publication date: 2007-09-27

Abstract

A towel (10) includes a base layer (12) and a plurality of raised projections (14) that project away from the base layer (12). The base layer (12) has a first side (16) and a second side (18). In one embodiment, the projections (14) are discontinuously positioned and are each separately secured to one or both of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). In one embodiment, the projections (14) have a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer (12) relative to a surface (20). The base layer (12) can be formed from an absorbent material and the projections (14) can be formed from a relatively non-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the projections (14) cover less than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides (16, 18) of the base layer (12). Moreover, in one embodiment, the projections (14) can be substantially hemispherical in shape.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,157, filed on Mar. 24, 2006, which claims the benefit on U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,607, which claims the benefit on U.S. Pat. No. 6,961,969 under 35 U.S.C. § 120, which claims the benefit on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/484,697 filed on Jul. 3, 2003. To the extent permitted, the contents of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,137,157, 7,069,607 and 6,961,969 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/484,697 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Strength and coordination exercises are becoming increasingly more popular these days. Within health-conscious cultures, sports such as jogging, swimming and bicycling have long been common forms of exercise. More recently, however, those desiring to stay in shape are seeking different, more innovative ways to achieve or maintain a desired level of physical conditioning and mental health, while at the same time trying to decrease the incidence of injuries due to high impact exercising.

For example, various forms of yoga have gained greater acceptance within today's society. Yoga is known to increase strength and flexibility, while relaxing the mind through focusing on holding certain body positions. Consequently, yoga and other similar disciplines can provide participants with an increased fitness level and improved state of mind. Typically, cushioned rubber mats are used by those who practice yoga for providing a soft surface for kneeling, standing, and lying down. However, due to the physical demand of balancing while holding various poses for extended periods of time, the participants can perspire onto the mats, causing the mats to become slick, thereby increasing the likelihood of a slipping injury. Thus, the participant can become distracted from proper focus during the practice of yoga. Further, the mats are generally relatively non-absorbent, and offer few benefits other than creating a padded area for use by the yoga participants.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a towel that includes a base layer and a plurality of raised projections that project away from the base layer. The base layer has a first side and a second side. In one embodiment, the projections can be discontinuously positioned and can each be separately secured to one or both of the sides of the base layer. In one embodiment, the projections have a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer to inhibit relative movement between the towel and a surface upon which the towel is placed when the projections are in contact with the surface.

In one embodiment, the base layer is formed from a liquid-absorbing material such as a microfiber fabric material. Further, at least some of the projections are formed at least partially from a relatively non-absorbent latex material. In one embodiment, the projections cover less than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides of the base layer. Moreover, in one particular embodiment, at least some of the projections are substantially hemispherical in shape.

The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a towel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a towel having features of the present invention, shown in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a portion of another embodiment of the towel having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the projection illustrated inFIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the projection illustrated inFIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the projection illustrated inFIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the projection illustrated inFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a towel having features of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a towel having features of the present invention, shown in a second configuration.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of atowel10 in a first, unrolled configuration. In this embodiment, thetowel10 includes abase layer12 and a plurality of raisedprojections14 that project away from thebase layer12 as described herein. Thebase layer12 illustrated inFIG. 1 has afirst side16 and asecond side18. In this embodiment, theprojections14 are secured to thefirst side16. It is recognized, however, that either

side

16,18 can be thefirst side16 or thesecond side18. For example, theprojections14 can be secured to thesecond side18 of thebase layer12. Thetowel10 also includes aperimeter edge19 that can be bound by any generally acceptable manner known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 includes an orientation system that illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis that is orthogonal to the X-axis and a Z-axis that is orthogonal to the X- and Y-axes. It should be noted that these axes can also be referred to as the first, second and third axes, respectively, and that any of the axes can be the first, second or third axis.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1,towel10 can be placed on top of asurface20 that may otherwise become slick or slippery when moisture is introduced onto thesurface20. As shown inFIG. 1, thesurface20 can be any suitable type of yoga or other sports mat, such as those including closed or open-cell foam, for use during yoga or other sporting exercises, as explained in greater detail below. Alternatively, thesurface20 can be any type of flooring material, a table or other furniture, the ground, or any other type of supporting surface.

The dimensions of thetowel10 can vary. Thetowel10 can be sized to be substantially similar to thesurface20 upon which thetowel10 is placed. In one embodiment, thetowel10 can have dimensions of approximately 24 inches by 68 inches, which are the approximate dimensions of a standardsized yoga mat20. However, thetowel10 can have dimensions larger or smaller than 24 inches by 68 inches. For example, in alternative embodiments, thetowel10 can be sized for use as a washcloth, a hand towel, a beach towel, a bath towel, a bath mat, a dish towel, a gym or sport towel, a drop cloth, a throw rug, or a baby changing mat, as non-exclusive examples.

Further, although thetowel10 is particularly suited for use as a non-clothing item, thetowel10 can be used in other applications where absorbency is beneficial. For instance, thetowel10 can be incorporated into and/or manufactured for use as clothing, such as a bathrobe, a shirt, pants, a hat, a scarf, socks, or any other suitable clothing or non-clothing item. With this design, any moisture such as perspiration, precipitation or incidental moisture can be absorbed by thetowel10 as necessary.

Thebase layer12 can be formed from relatively absorbent materials that can vary depending upon the design requirements of thetowel10. For instance, thebase layer12 can include any suitably absorbent natural fibers or fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, etc., and/or synthetic materials such as acrylics, polyester microfiber, nylon and/or rayon, as non-exclusive examples.

Further, thebase layer12 can have a wide range of thicknesses, weights and/or densities depending upon the absorbency and/or specific usage requirements of thetowel10. Thebase layer12 can also include different colored materials and/or different colored patterns, images and the like.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, thesecond side18 of thebase layer12 includes afocal region22 having a color that is different than substantially the remainder of thebase layer12. With this design, an individual performing yoga, martial arts or other sporting activities can focus his or her attention on thefocal region22 to assist with concentration and/or focus during participation in such exercises. Thefocal region22 can be formed from the same material used to form the remainder of thebase layer12, or thefocal region22 can be formed from a different material. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, thefocal region22 is somewhat disc-shaped and is sized small enough to allow the user to focus on thefocal region22 without substantial movement of the user's eyes during exercise. For example, thefocal region22 can be between approximately 1.0 centimeter and 6.0 centimeters in diameter. However, the size of thefocal region22 can be outside this range. In alternative embodiments, thefocal region22 can have any other suitable configuration, i.e. rectangular, triangular, linear, oval or another appropriate geometry.

The material(s) used for theprojections14 can be varied. For example, theprojections14 can be formed from a substantially non-absorbent material such as various forms of plastic (e.g., latex), rubber, epoxy, or any other suitable material, as non-exclusive examples. The material used to form theprojections14 can have a relatively high coefficient of static friction. In one embodiment, the material used to form theprojections14 can have a coefficient of static friction that is greater than a coefficient of static friction of thebase layer12. With this design, the relatively high static friction of theprojections14 decrease the likelihood that thetowel10 will slip, slide or otherwise move relative to thesurface20 upon which thetowel10 is positioned. Stated another way, theprojections14 provide greater traction between thetowel10 and thesurface20.

The positioning, shape and size of theprojections14 can vary. In one embodiment, theprojections14 are positioned in a pattern. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, theprojections14 are positioned in a grid-like arrangement on thebase layer12. In this embodiment, theprojections14 are positioned in a plurality of substantially similar rows, each with a relatively consistent spacing between rows and betweenindividual projections14. Alternatively, theprojections14 can be positioned in a substantially random manner on thebase layer12.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, eachprojection14 is separately secured to thefirst side16 of thebase layer12 in an intermittent, unconnected and/or discontinuous manner. In one embodiment, theprojections14 can be secured to thebase layer12 by using a heat treatment method, which can include melting theprojections14 into position on thebase layer12. Examples of alternative methods that can be used to secure theprojections14 to thebase layer12 include chemical bonding, adhesive, or any other suitable means, although these methods are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

Because of the spacing betweenadjacent projections14, thebase layer12 can more readily absorb moisture from thesurface20 and/or the user, with reduced or no interference by theprojections14. Stated another way, any inhibition of moisture absorption caused by theprojections14 is reduced or eliminated because a substantially portion of the first side of thebase layer12 is still exposed, notwithstanding the quantity ofprojections14 secured to thebase layer12. For example, in one embodiment, theprojections14 are sized, shaped and positioned to cover less than approximately 20% of the total area of thebase layer12. In alternative embodiments, theprojections14 are sized, shaped and positioned to cover less than approximately 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% or 90% of the total area of thebase layer12.

In still an alternative embodiment, two or more of theprojections14 can be continuous, e.g. secured together on thebase layer12 to form lines, curves or other patterns on thebase layer12. Moreover, in one embodiment, each of theprojections14 can be symmetrical relative to two or more axes. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, theprojections14 are symmetrical relative to three axes: the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis. In another embodiment, theprojections14 are symmetrical relative to two different axes, such as the X-axis and the Y-axis, although the particular axes about which theprojections14 are symmetrical can vary. With these designs, the manufacturing process is facilitated and the tactile stimulus of the user is enhanced, as set forth in greater detail below.

The spacing between theprojections14 can vary. In one embodiment, the spacing of theprojections14 can be approximately one-quarter inch on center. However, the spacing between theprojections14 can be greater or less than one-quarter inch on center to achieve the desired level of inhibition of movement between the projections14 (and thus the base layer12) and thesurface20. Additionally, because theprojections14 can be positioned relatively close to one another while not unduly inhibiting moisture absorption by thebase layer12, there is less chance for thebase layer12 to move, e.g., between theprojections14, relative to thesurface20. Consequently, injuries caused by slippage of thetowel10 relative to thesurface20 are reduced.

Further, the distance that each of theprojections14 projects or extends away from thebase layer12 can vary. For instance, in one embodiment, theprojections14 can project at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away from thefirst side16 of thebase layer12. In alternative embodiments, theprojections14 can project at least approximately 0.2 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 0.75 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, 1.5 millimeters, 2.0 millimeters, 3.0 millimeters or 5.0 millimeters away from thefirst side16 of thebase layer12.

In alternative embodiments, theprojections14 can project within the range of (i) greater than 0.1 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, (ii) greater than 0.2 millimeters and less than 2.0 millimeters, or (iii) greater than 0.5 millimeters and less than 1.0 millimeter away from thefirst side16 of thebase layer12. Still alternatively, theprojections14 can project less than or greater than the foregoing distances and ranges away from thefirst side16 of thebase layer12. Moreover, depending upon the spacing of theprojections14, the height of theprojections14, and/or the thickness and/or weight of thebase layer12, a user can receive various tactile sensations when in static or dynamic contact with thetowel10, including force on certain pressure points of the user's body or a massage of the musculature of the user, as non-exclusive examples. With the foregoing designs, the user can receive the requisite level of tactile stimulus during usage of thetowel10.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of an alternative embodiment of thetowel210. In this embodiment, theprojections214 are positioned in a repeated, somewhat diamond-shaped pattern on thebase layer212 so that the rows are somewhat staggered from those illustrated inFIG. 1. Still alternatively, theprojections214 can be separately positioned to form concentric circles, triangles, or any other suitable geometric patterns.

FIGS. 3A-6B show various representative shapes of several embodiments of theprojections14. The embodiments depicted inFIGS. 3A-6B are provided for convenience of discussion only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. The shape of theprojections14 can vary depending upon the level of tactile stimulus desired by the user in contact with thetowel10, and/or the extent to which a higher level of friction is necessary or desired between theprojections14 and thesurface20.

FIG. 3A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of aprojection314. In this embodiment, theprojection314 has a round or circular footprint.FIG. 3B is a side view of theprojection314 illustrated inFIG. 3A.FIG. 3B shows that theprojection314 can have a substantially dome or hemispherical shape.

FIG. 4A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of aprojection414. In this embodiment, theprojection414 has a rectangular footprint.FIG. 4B is a side view of theprojection414 illustrated inFIG. 4A.FIG. 4B shows that theprojections414 have a substantially frusto-pyramidal shape.

FIG. 5A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of aprojection514. In this embodiment, theprojection514 has a round or circular footprint.FIG. 4B is a side view of theprojection514 illustrated inFIG. 5A.FIG. 5B shows that theprojection514 can have a substantially cylindrical, planar or flat shape.

FIG. 6A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of aprojection614. In this embodiment, theprojection614 has a round or circular footprint.FIG. 6B is a side view of theprojection614 illustrated inFIG. 6A.FIG. 6B shows that theprojection614 can have a substantially frusto-conical shape.

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of atowel710. In this embodiment, thetowel710 includes a plurality offirst projections714A on each of thefirst side716 of thebase layer712, and a plurality ofsecond projections714B thesecond side718 of thebase layer712. With this design, thetowel710 can be used with either

side

716,718 facing downward (toward a surface720) or upward (away from the surface720). Further, the user can feel an increase in the tactile stimulation depending upon the quantity, shape, size and positioning of the

projections

714A,714B secured to thebase layer712 of thetowel710. The

projections

714A,714B can be substantially the same shape, size and positioning on both

sides

716,718, or the shape, size and positioning can differ from thefirst side716 to thesecond side718.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of thetowel810 in a second, rolled-up configuration. In this embodiment, thetowel810 can be substantially similar to those previously described. However, thetowel810 can also include astrap824 that is removably or fixedly attached to thebase layer812. Thestrap824 can be attached to thebase layer812 by any suitable means, including loop and pile, hook and loop, snaps, etc. Alternatively, thestrap824 can be tied around thebase layer812 to maintain thetowel810 in the rolled-up configuration. Thestrap824 can include ahandle826 for more easily carrying or otherwise transporting thetowel810 between locations. Further, thestrap824 can be used for maintaining thetowel810 in the second, rolled up configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 8), e.g. for storage, until thetowel810 is ready for use.

While theparticular towel10 as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1-27. (canceled)

28. Clothing that inhibits movement between the clothing and a surface, the clothing comprising:

a base layer having (i) a first side that is at least partially formed from a liquid-absorbing material, and (ii) a second side that is substantially opposite the first side and at least partially formed from a liquid absorbing material, the second side being at least partially exposed; and

a plurality of raised projections that are each separately secured to the first side, the projections being formed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, epoxy and silicon, the projections having a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer so that the projections inhibit relative movement between the clothing and the surface when the projections are in contact with the surface.

29. The clothing ofclaim 28 wherein the projections are formed from a material that is substantially liquid impermeable.

30. The clothing ofclaim 28 wherein the projections have substantially the same dimensions relative to one another.

31. The clothing ofclaim 28 wherein the projections are positioned on at least a portion of the first side so that the projections have a density of at least one projection per square inch.

32. The clothing ofclaim 28 wherein at least one of the projections projects at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away from the first side of the base layer.

33. The clothing ofclaim 28 wherein the projections are substantially dome-shaped.

34. The clothing ofclaim 28 wherein the base layer is at least partially formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, hemp, microfiber, rayon and silk.

35. Clothing that inhibits movement between the clothing and a surface, the clothing comprising:

a base layer having (i) a first side that is at least partially formed from a liquid-permeable material, and (ii) a second side that is substantially opposite the first side and at least partially formed from a liquid-permeable material, the second side being at least partially exposed; and

a plurality of similarly sized, first projections that are each separately secured to the first side, the first projections being formed at least partially from a material that is substantially liquid impermeable, the first projections having a higher coefficient of static friction relative to the surface than the base layer.

36. The clothing ofclaim 35 wherein at least one of the projections is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, epoxy and silicon.

37. The clothing ofclaim 35 wherein the projections are positioned on at least a portion of the first side so that the projections have a density of at least one projection per square inch.

38. The clothing ofclaim 35 wherein at least one of the projections projects at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away from the first side of the base layer.

39. The clothing ofclaim 35 wherein the projections cover less than approximately 90% of the first side of the base layer.

40. The clothing ofclaim 35 wherein the projections are substantially dome-shaped.

41. The clothing ofclaim 35 wherein the base layer is at least partially formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, hemp, microfiber, rayon and silk.

42. Clothing that inhibits movement between the clothing and a surface, the clothing comprising:

a plurality of similarly sized, discontinuously positioned projections that are secured to and project away from the first side, the projections being formed substantially from a material that does not absorb liquids.

43. The clothing ofclaim 42 wherein at least one of the projections is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, epoxy and silicon.

44. The clothing ofclaim 42 wherein at least two adjacent projections are circular and are at least approximately one-quarter inch on center relative to one another.

45. The clothing ofclaim 42 wherein at least one of the projections projects at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away from the first side of the base layer.

46. The clothing ofclaim 42 wherein the projections cover less than approximately 90% of the first side of the base layer.

47. The clothing ofclaim 42 wherein the projections are substantially dome-shaped.

48. The clothing ofclaim 42 wherein the base layer is at least partially formed from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, hemp, microfiber, rayon and silk.