Device for securing a towel

Abstract

A device for securing a towel includes a pair of opposed clamping members, adjoined at one end, free at the other end and defining an opening with a v-shaped space therebetween. The opening of the space is preferably sufficiently wide to engage at least two layers of a towel. The clamping members are generally rigid but sufficiently flexible so that they may be deflected to increase the space therebetween. The inner surfaces of the clamping members include protrusions to enhance gripping friction without snagging or damaging the towel. The face of the device provides space for an aesthetically pleasing design, logo or advertisement.

Description

PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/299,325, filed Jun. 19, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The subject invention relates to towels. More particularly, the subject invention relates to a device and method for releasably securing a towel.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Beachgoers and swimmers require means 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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).

[0006] Thus, there is a need for an easy to use device for releasably securing and hanging a towel. The device should not snag, puncture or otherwise damage 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 means to market goods and services.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel without causing damage to the towel.

[0009] It is also another object of the invention to provide a relatively inexpensive, corrosion resistant, aesthetically pleasing device for releasably securing and/or hanging a towel.

[0010] It is yet another object 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] To achieve these and other objects, 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:

[0014] FIG. 1 conceptually depicts a free-end view of a first clamping member in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0015] FIG. 2 conceptually depicts a side profile view of a first clamping member in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0016] FIG. 3 conceptually depicts a plan view of a first clamping member with a plurality of protrusions in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0017] FIG. 4 conceptually depicts a perspective view of a first clamping member in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 5 conceptually depicts a free-end view of a second clamping member in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 6 conceptually depicts a side profile view of a second clamping member in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 7 conceptually depicts a plan view of a second clamping member with a plurality of protrusions in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 8 conceptually depicts a perspective view of a second clamping member in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention; and

[0022] FIG. 9 conceptually depicts a side view of a device in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to FIG. 9, a towel clamping device 910 in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention generally includes a pair of clamping members 200 and 600, adjoined at one end 940, free at the other end 910 and defining an opening therebetween 930, such as an opening having a generally u- or v-shaped space. The opening of the space is preferably sufficiently wide to engage at least two layers of a conventional towel. While many dimensions may be utilized and come within the scope of the present invention, in a preferred implementation the width of the opening at the free end (i.e., the distance between opposed clamping sides of clamping members 200 and 600) is equal to approximately one to three times the height of protrusions therein as discussed below. The clamping members are generally rigid but sufficiently flexible so that they may be deflected to increase the space therebetween. Clamping-side surfaces of the clamping members are preferably textured to enhance gripping friction. In an exemplary embodiment the texturing includes a plurality of protrusions, preferably ridges that are horizontally disposed along the inner surface. The inner surfaces also preferably have enough surface area to support the weight of a wet towel.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, end, side, plan and perspective views of a first clamping member 200 in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention are shown. In a preferred embodiment, the first clamping member 200 includes a face 300 and a clamping side 310. A plurality of protrusions such as horizontal ridges 210-240 are spaced apart along a portion of the length of the clamping side 310 of clamping member 200. Surfaces 290 and 295 are provided to be in contact with opposed surfaces of a second clamping member 600, as described below, thereby defining a u- or v-shaped space between the two clamping members. Means for interlocking the opposed surfaces, such as female receptacles 250 and 260 are preferably also provided. Chamfer 280 and opposed chamfer 680 (as in FIG. 6) define a channel for receiving an object, such as a cord or chain for creating a loop to hang the device.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, end, side, plan and perspective views of a second clamping member 600 in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present invention are shown. In a preferred embodiment, the first clamping member 600 includes a face 700 and a clamping side 710. A plurality of protrusions such as horizontal ridges 610-630 are spaced apart along a portion of the length of the clamping side 710 of clamping member 600. Surfaces 690 and 695 are provided to be in contact with opposed surfaces 290 and 295 of first clamping member 200, thereby defining a u- or v-shaped space between the two clamping members. Means for interlocking the surfaces 690 and 695 with opposed surfaces 290 and 295, such as male pins 650 and 660, are preferably also provided. Chamfer 680 is provided to oppose chamfer 280 and thereby define a channel 920 (as in FIG. 9) for receiving an object, such as a cord or chain for creating a loop to hang the device.

[0027] An important aspect of a preferred embodiment is the arrangement of protrusions or ribs. Preferably ribs protrude from the clamping-side surface of each clamping member. The ribs preferably have rounded tops extending outwardly from the base of the inner surface by approximately the thickness of a typical towel. The outward extension is referred to herein as the height, even if the ribs extend sideways or downward. The rounded tops of the ribs grip the towel without damaging it. Opposed ribs are staggered or offset so they do not collide when the clamping means is depressed, closing the opening. The distance from the centerline of one rib to the centerline of an adjacent opposed rib is preferably at least the thickness of a typical towel (e.g., approximately 0.125 inches for a typical uncompressed towel). While many dimensions may be utilized and come within the scope of the present invention, in a preferred implementation adjacent ribs on a clamping member are spaced approximately 0.75 inches apart and the ribs have an average height of approximately 0.125 inches.

[0028] A towel clamping device in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present 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 space may narrow, the gripping forces may progressively increase and the towel becomes securely wedged therein. The ribs prevent the towel from retreating from the device, without damaging the towel. This provides means for securing layers of towels having various thicknesses.

[0029] Protrusion geometries and arrangements other than ribs are possible. Preferably, the protrusions enhance frictional gripping of the towel without damaging it. Such other protrusions may include curved ribs, rounded nubs and the like.

[0030] A towel clamping device in accordance with a preferred implementation of the present 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.

[0031] 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 it from the device.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 a preferred implementation the clamping means are produced from injection molding of ABS.

[0034] 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 a preferred 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 the present 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 the present invention.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The subject invention may also be used to secure articles other than towels. For example, the device may be used to secure hats or baseball caps to a pocket or belt by slipping the opening over a portion of the held article and the pocket or belt. In such case, the portion of the held article and the belt or pocket are wedged in the device. Again, the secured article may easily be released by deflecting the clamping members to increase the space therebetween while removing the article from the device (or vice versa).

[0037] The subject invention may also be used to secure portions of a shirt in a taught configuration, thereby preventing flapping and achieving a fashionable appearance, or in a raised configuration, thereby exposing part of the wearer's torso. To do so, the device may be slipped over folded portions of the shirt. The folded portions may be gathered in the front, on either side or in the back of the shirt. In such case, the folded portions of the shirt are wedged in the device. Again, the secured folded portions may easily be released by deflecting the clamping members to increase the space therebetween while removing the article from the device (or vice versa).

[0038] Another possible use of the device includes securing articles (e.g., directions or parking passes) to a visor in an automobile. To do so, the device may be slipped over a portion of the articles and the visor, wedging them into the device. Again, the articles may be released by deflecting the clamping members to increase the space therebetween while removing the secured article from the device (or vice versa).

[0039] In a preferred 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 a preferred implementation of the present 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.

[0040] 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 the present 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.

Claims

1. A device for releasably securing a towel, said device including:

a first clamping member having a free end, a joining end, a clamping side and a plurality of protrusions on the clamping side to frictionally engage a towel;

a second clamping member having a free end, a joining end, a clamping side and a plurality of protrusions on the clamping side to frictionally engage a towel;

said second clamping member and said first clamping member being joined at the joining end of the first clamping member and the joining end of the second clamping member by a joining means, said clamping side of said second clamping member being 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.

2. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of protrusions on said first clamping member have geometries that will not damage a towel and said plurality of protrusions on said second clamping member have geometries that will not damage a towel.

3. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 2, wherein said plurality of protrusions on said first clamping member are comprised of a plurality of horizontal ridges and said plurality of protrusions on said second clamping member are comprised of a plurality of horizontal ridges.

4. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 3, wherein said plurality of horizontal ridges on said first clamping member are offset from said plurality of horizontal ridges on said second clamping member.

5. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 4, wherein said first clamping member is flexible to allow a user to manually deflect said first clamping member so as to increase the width of said opening to facilitate releasing or engaging a towel.

6. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 5, wherein said second clamping member is flexible to allow a user to manually deflect said second clamping member so as to increase the width of said opening to facilitate releasing or engaging a towel.

7. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 6, wherein said first clamping member and said second clamping member are comprised of a plastic.

8. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 7, wherein said joining means is comprised of a chemical bond.

9. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 1, said device further comprising a means for hanging said device.

10. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 1, said device further comprising a face for displaying one or more promotional indicia.

11. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 4, wherein said plurality of horizontal ridges on said first clamping member and said plurality of horizontal ridges on said second clamping member have an average height, and the maximum distance between the clamping side of said first clamping member and the clamping side of said second clamping member is approximately less than three times the average height of said horizontal ridges.

12. A device for releasably securing a towel as in claim 11, wherein said towel has an uncompressed thickness and said average height is approximately equal to 0.25 to 1.25 times said uncompressed thickness.

13. A method for securing a towel around a person's waist or torso using a device as in claim 1, said method comprising steps of wrapping the towel around said 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, sliding the device down 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 device securely engages the towel within the opening or space provided between the first and second clamping member.

14. A method for securing a towel around a person's waist or torso as in claim 13, said method further comprising a step of displaying one or more promotional indicia on said device.

15. A method for hanging a towel on an object using a device as in claim 9, said method comprising steps of sliding the device down onto a portion of the towel until the device securely engages the towel within the opening or space provided between the first and second clamping member, hanging the device on the object using said hanging means.