US20120242126A1

US20120242126A1 - Securable Towels

Info

Publication number: US20120242126A1
Application number: US13/364,303
Authority: US
Inventors: Lindsay Cherylan Burns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-24
Filing date: 2012-02-01
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: WO2012129315A2; WO2012129315A3

Abstract

Towels usable on chairs are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus usable on a chair includes a towel, and a plurality of band pockets on the towel. The apparatus also includes a plurality of bands. Each of the plurality of bands has a first end coupled to the towel and a second end. Each of the plurality of bands is retractable into one of the plurality of band pockets. The second ends of at least two bands in the plurality of bands are adapted to be coupled to one another such that the towel and the at least two bands surround a portion of a chair. Any one or more of the bands may have an adjustable length, and hook-and-loop fastener may be used to close openable ends of the band pockets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/071,430, filed Mar. 24, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The illustrative embodiments relate generally to towels, and more particularly, to securable towels.

BACKGROUND

Towels may be used in a wide variety of contexts, including by a pool, at a beach, in various outdoor activities, in the home, at work, etc. At times, it may be useful to utilize a towel for a purpose other than drying, such as for covering a chair or other surface. For example, a person at a pool or beach may desire to cover a pool-side or beach chair before sitting or lying in the chair. However, current towels fail to conveniently, reliably, and/or customizably allow a user to cover a chair or other surface. Current towels may also fail to adjust to different chair sizes.

SUMMARY

According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus usable on a chair includes a towel having a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end edge, and a second end edge. The apparatus includes a first band pocket adjacent the first side edge of the towel. The first band pocket includes an inner surface forming an inner cavity. The apparatus includes a second band pocket adjacent the second side edge of the towel. The second band pocket includes an inner surface forming an inner cavity. The apparatus includes a first band having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first band is coupled to a portion of the first band pocket forming the inner cavity of the first band pocket. The first band is at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the first band pocket. The apparatus includes a second band having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second band is coupled to a portion of the second band pocket forming the inner cavity of the second band pocket. The second band is at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the second band pocket. At least one of the first band or the second band has an adjustable length The towel is placable on a first, sitting side of a chair. The second end of the first band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the second band adjacent a second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair.
According to another embodiment, an apparatus usable on a chair includes a towel and a plurality of band pockets on the towel. Each of the plurality of band pockets has an openable end substantially aligned with an edge of the towel. Each of the plurality of band pockets includes two or more pieces of hook-and-loop fastener adjacent the openable end. The apparatus includes a plurality of bands. Each of the plurality of bands have a first end coupled to a portion of a respective band pocket and a second end. Each of the plurality of bands is retractable into one of the plurality of band pockets. Each of the plurality of bands is substantially prevented from leaving the respective band pocket when the band is retracted into the respective band pocket and the openable end of the respective band pocket is closed using the two or more pieces of hook-and-loop fastener. The second ends of at least two bands in the plurality of bands are adapted to be coupled to one another such that the towel and the at least two bands surround a portion of a chair.
According to another embodiment, an apparatus usable on a chair includes a towel having a first surface and a second, opposite surface. The towel further has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end edge at a first end of the towel, and a second end edge at a second end of the towel. The apparatus includes a first band pocket on the first surface of the towel. The first band pocket has an openable end. The first band pocket includes a first outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge. The inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the first outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the first side edge and the first end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the first band pocket. The openable end of the first band pocket is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel. A towel-facing portion of the first outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the first band pocket includes a first piece of hook-and-loop fastener. A first outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the first band pocket includes a second piece of hook-and-loop fastener. The second piece of hook-and-loop fastener is adapted to couple to the first piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the first band pocket. The apparatus includes a second band pocket on the first surface of the towel. The second band pocket has an openable end. The second band pocket includes a second outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge. The inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the second outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the second side edge and the first end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the second band pocket. The openable end of the second band pocket is substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel. A towel-facing portion of the second outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the second band pocket includes a third piece of hook-and-loop fastener. A second outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the second band pocket includes a fourth piece of hook-and-loop fastener. The third piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the fourth piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the second band pocket. The apparatus includes a third band pocket on the first surface of the towel. The third band pocket has an openable end. The third band pocket includes a third outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge. The inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the third outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the first side edge and the second end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the third band pocket. The openable end of the third band pocket is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel. A towel-facing portion of the third outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the third band pocket includes a fifth piece of hook-and-loop fastener. A third outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the third band pocket includes a sixth piece of hook-and-loop fastener. The fifth piece of hook-and-loop fastener is adapted to couple to the sixth piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the third band pocket. The apparatus includes a fourth band pocket on the first surface of the towel. The fourth band pocket has an openable end. The fourth band pocket includes a fourth outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge. The inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the fourth outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the second side edge and the second end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the fourth band pocket. The openable end of the fourth band pocket is substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel. A towel-facing portion of the fourth outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the fourth band pocket includes a seventh piece of hook-and-loop fastener. A fourth outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the fourth an pocket includes an eighth piece of hook-and-loop fastener. The seventh piece of hook-and-loop fastener is adapted to couple to the eighth piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the fourth band pocket. The apparatus includes a first band having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first band is coupled to a portion of at least one of the first outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the first band pocket. The first band is at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the first band pocket. The apparatus includes a second band having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second band is coupled to a portion of at least one of the second outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the second band pocket. The second band is at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the second band pocket. At least one of the first band or the second band includes a buckle slidable to adjust the length of the at least one of the first band or the second band. The apparatus includes a third band having a first end and a second end. The first end of the third band is coupled to a portion of at least one of the third outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the third band pocket. The third band is at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the third band pocket. The apparatus includes a fourth band having a first end and a second end. The first end of the fourth band is coupled to a portion of at least one of the fourth outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the fourth band pocket. The fourth band is at least partially retractable into inner cavity of the fourth band pocket. At least one of the third band or the fourth band includes a buckle slidable to adjust the length of the at least one of the third band or the fourth band. The towel is placable on a first, sitting side of a chair. The second end of the first band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the second band adjacent a second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the first end of the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair. The second end of the third band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the fourth band adjacent the second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the second end of the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a securable towel secured to a chair according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, plan view of a securable towel according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a schematic, plan view of a band pocket into which a band is retracted according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a schematic, plan view of the band pocket in FIG. 3A in which the band extends out of the band pocket;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, plan view of a portion of the non-sitting side of a chair at which two bands may be coupled to secure the securable towel to the chair according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a securable towel secured to a chair according to another illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, plan view of a securable towel according to another illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of an openable end of a band pocket that is closable using hook-and-loop fastener;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, plan view of an extension band coupled to two bands according to an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic, perspective view of a securable towel secured to a chair on a boat according to an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, an illustrative embodiment of a securable towel 100 includes a towel 102 on which one or more band pockets 104, 105, 106, or 107 may be disposed. For example, the securable towel 100 may include a first band pocket 104, a second band pocket 105, a third band pocket 106, and a fourth band pocket 107. Each of the bands pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may include a band 108, 109, 110, 111, respectively, and the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may be used to secure the towel 102 onto a chair 112 or other surface. Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.
The towel may have a first end edge 114 at a first end 115 of the towel 102. The towel 102 may also have a second end edge 116 at a second end 117 of the towel 102. The towel may also have a first side edge 118 and a second side edge 119. In addition, the towel 102 may have a first surface 120 and a second, opposite surface 121. It will be appreciated that the width of any of the edges 114, 116, 118, 119 of the towel 102 may vary or be adjustable. In one example, the size of the towel 102, including the length of any of the edges 114, 116, 118, 119, may vary depending on the type, size, shape, or other attribute of the chair, such as the chair 112, on which the towel 102 is to be secured. Also, while FIGS. 1 and 2 show the towel 102 as being rectangular in shape, the towel 102 may have any shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, square, polygonal, triangular, an irregular or customized shape, etc.). Also, the securable towel 100 may be any thickness, be made from any material, including, but not limited to a towel-like or wicking material, and be any color.
Any number of band pockets may be coupled, or otherwise included, on the towel 102, and the band pockets may be located anywhere on the towel 102. As used herein, the term “coupled” may include coupling via a separate object and may also include direct coupling. The term “coupled” may also encompass two or more components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the components being formed from the same piece of material. Also, the term “coupled” may include chemical, such as via a chemical bond, mechanical, thermal, or magnetic coupling.
In one illustrative embodiment, the towel 102 may include four bands pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 that are each located on the first surface 120 of the towel 102. The first band pocket 104 may be located in a first quadrant, or corner, 122 of the towel 102, and, in a specific non-limiting example, may be disposed adjacent the first end edge 114 and the first side edge 118 of the towel 102. The second band pocket 105 may be located in a second quadrant, or corner, 123, and, in a specific non-limiting example, may be disposed adjacent the first end edge 114 and the second side edge 119 of the towel 102. The third band pocket 106 may be located in a third quadrant, or corner, 124 of the towel 102, and, in a specific non-limiting example, may be disposed adjacent the second end edge 116 and the first side edge 118 of the towel 102. The fourth band pocket 107 may be located in a fourth quadrant, or corner, 125 of the towel 102, and, in a specific non-limiting example, may be disposed adjacent the second end edge 116 and the second side edge 119 of the towel 102.
It will be appreciated that the towel 102 may include less than four band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107. For example, the towel 102 may include two bands pockets, such as the first and second band pockets 104, 105, which may be located anywhere adjacent the first or second side edges 118, 119, respectively, of the towel 102. In another example, all of the bands pockets on the towel 102 may be adjacent a single side edge 118, 119 or end edge 114, 116 of the towel 102. In yet another embodiment, more than four band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may be disposed on the towel 102 in any orientation. For example, an additional one or two band pockets may be disposed anywhere along either or both side edges 118 or 119. It will also be appreciated that the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may be located on either or both of the first or second surfaces 120 or 121 of the towel 102. For example, any portion of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may be located on the first surface 120, and the remainder of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may be located on the second surface 121 of the towel 102. Indeed, as illustrated by the non-limiting examples herein, the possible positions and number of the band pockets are numerous.
While the structure and other attributes of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may vary, one illustrative embodiment of the second band pocket 105 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The first band pocket 104, the third band pocket 106, and the fourth band pocket 107 may be analogous in structure to the second band pocket 105 described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The second band pocket 105 may be formed by coupling a second outer pocket material 126 to a portion of the towel 102 adjacent the first end edge 114 and the second side edge 119. Similarly, the first band pocket 104 may be formed by coupling a first outer pocket material 127 to a portion of the towel 102 adjacent the first end edge 114 and the first side edge 118, the third band pocket 106 may be formed by coupling a third outer pocket material 128 to a portion of the towel 102 adjacent the second end edge 116 and the first side edge 118, and the fourth band pocket 107 may be formed by coupling a fourth outer pocket material 129 to a portion of the towel 102 adjacent the second end edge 116 and the second side edge 119.
Referring again to the second band pocket 105 in FIGS. 3A and 3B, which may be structurally analogous to the remaining band pockets 104, 106, 107, the second outer pocket material 126 may include a bottom edge 130, a first side edge 131, a second side edge 132, and an open edge 133. In one embodiment, the first side edge 131, second side edge 132, and the bottom edge 130 may be coupled to the towel 102 using any technique (e.g., sewing, glue, snaps, etc.) to form an inner cavity 138. In one illustrative embodiment, the inner cavity 138 is formed by an inner surface of the second outer pocket material 126 and the portion of the towel 102 covered by the second outer pocket material 126. The inner surface of the inner cavity 138 may also include any seams, joints, or juxtapositions of materials formed by the coupling of the second outer pocket material 126 to the towel 102.
In one embodiment, the bottom edges 134, 135, 136, 137 of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107, respectively, may be aligned, or coincident with, one of the side edges 118, 119 of the towel 102. For example, the bottom edges 134, 136 of the first and third band pockets 104, 106, respectively, may be aligned with the first side edge 118 of the towel 102. Also, the bottom edges 135, 137 of the second and fourth band pockets 105, 107, respectively, may be aligned with the second side edge 119 of the towel 102. In another embodiment, the bottom edges 134, 135, 136, 137 may be offset, instead of aligned, from either side edge 118, 119 of the towel 102 by any distance. In yet another embodiment, any combination of the bottom edges 134, 135, 136, 137 of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107, respectively, may be aligned or offset from either or both of the first end edge 114 or the second end edge 116 of the towel 102.
Each of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may have a respective openable end 140, 141, 142, 143. The openable ends 140, 141, 142, 143 of each of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may be openable to reveal or expose the inner cavities of the respective band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107. The openable ends 140, 141, 142, 143 of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may each be inward-facing by virtue of facing toward the longitudinal centerline of the towel 102. However, in other embodiments, the openable ends 140, 141, 142, 143 of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may face any direction (e.g., outward, upward, downward, diagonally, etc.), and any combination of the openable ends 140, 141, 142, 143 may face different or similar directions.
In one embodiment, the openable ends 140, 141, 142, 143 of each of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 may be partially or fully closable by a respective closable flap 144, 145, 146, 147. With reference to the second band pocket 105 in FIGS. 3A and 3B for purposes of illustration, the second closable flap 145 may be coupled adjacent or abutting the openable end 141 of the second band pocket 105. In one embodiment, the second closable flap 145 may be coupled directly to the towel 102, and may be any distance from the second outer pocket material 126 that allows the closable flap 145 to close the openable end 141.
The second closable flab 145 may be moved between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 3A, and an open position, as shown in FIG. 3B. When the second closable flap 145 is in the open position, the inner cavity 138 of the second band pocket 105 may be exposed to allow the second band 109 to be extended from out of the second band pocket 105. When the second band 109 is retracted into the second band pocket 105, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second closable flap 145 may be closed to contain the second band 109 within the inner cavity 138 of the second band pocket 105.
The second closable flap 145 may be securable to the second outer pocket material 126, or any other portion of the second band pocket 105, when in the closed position. in numerous ways. In one embodiment, the second outer pocket material 126 may be coupled to, otherwise include, a button 143. When the second closable flap 145 is in the closed position, the button 188 may be inserted into a button slit 150 formed by or within the second closable flap 145. While the respective closable flaps 144, 145, 146, 147 of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107 are shown to be securable in the closed position using the button and button slit combination described above, the closable flaps 144, 145, 146, 147 may be secured in the closed position in any manner. By way of non-limiting example, the closable flaps 144, 145, 146, 147 may be secured in the closed position using snaps, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), magnets, zipper(s), hooks, string, folds, or any other securing mechanism. In another embodiment, no closing mechanism may be included or used at all when the closable flaps 144, 145, 146, 147 are closed.
In one embodiment, a band 108, 109, 110, 111 may be fully or partially retractable into each of the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107, respectively. Again, by representative reference to the second band pocket 105 in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second band 109 may have a first end 152 and a second end 153. The first end 152 of the second band 109 may be coupled to the inner surface of the second band pocket 105 that forms the inner cavity 138. For example, the first end 152 of the second band 109 may be sandwiched or positioned between the bottom edge 130 of the second outer pocket material 126 and the second side edge 19 of the towel 102. The first end 152 of the second band 109 may be held into place between the bottom edge 130 of the second outer pocket material 126 and the second side edge 119 of the towel 102 by a sewed seam, glue, or any other coupling method. The first band 108, the third band 110, and the fourth band 111 may be coupled to and/or retractable into the first band pocket 104, the third band pocket 106, and the fourth band pocket 107, respectively, in a similar manner as that described for the second band pocket 105.
The bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may be made from any material, including elastic or inelastic materials. In another embodiment, any of the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may have an adjustable length.
In one embodiment, the second ends 154, 153, 155, 156 of the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may be coupled to one another in any combination in order to secure the towel 102 to the chair 112. The second ends 154, 153, 155, 156 of the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may be coupled to one another in any manner. For example, the second end 154 of the first band 108 may be coupled to a first clasping portion 160 that may be detachably coupled to a second clasping portion 162 that is, in turn, coupled to the second end 153 of the second band 109. In one embodiment, the first clasping portion 160 may be mechanically interlockable with the second clasping portion 162 so as to couple the second ends 154, 153 of the first and second bands 108, 109. The second ends 155, 156 of the third and fourth bands 110, 111 may be coupled to one another in a similar manner. For example, the second end 155 of the third band 110 may be coupled to a third clasping portion 164 that, may be detachably coupled to a fourth clasping portion 166 that is, in turn, coupled to the second end 156 of the fourth band 111. While the second ends 154, 153, 155, 156 are shown to be coupled so one another using mechanically interlockable members (i.e., the clasping portions 160, 162, 164, 166), the second ends 154, 153, 155, 156 may be coupled to one another in any manner, such as by the use of magnets, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), manual tying, etc.
The bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may be used to couple the towel 102 to a sitting side 170 of the chair 112. The sitting side 170 of the chair 112 is the side of the chair 112 on which a person may sit, lie down, or otherwise customarily contact. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first surface 120 of the towel 102, which is the surface of the towel 102 that includes the band pockets 104, 105, 106, 107, faces, or makes contact with, the sitting side 170 of the chair 112. However, in another embodiment, the towel 102 may be secured to the chair 112 by contacting the second surface 121 of the towel 102 to the sitting side 170 of the chair 112.
After laying the towel 102 on the chair 112, the first end 115 of the towel 102 may be secured to an upper portion 172 of the chair 112 by coupling the second ends 154, 153 of the bands 108, 109 to one another on the back, or non-sitting, side of the chair 112. By securing the second ends 154, 153 of the bands 108, 109 to one another in this manner, the towel 102, the first band 108, and the second band 109, substantially surround the upper portion 172 of the chair 112 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Once the first end 115 of the towel 102 is secured to the upper portion 172 of the chair 112, the first end 115 of the towel 102 may be slid along the length 174 of the upper portion 172 of the chair 112 to achieve a desired secured placement of the towel 102 on the chair 112 by the user. Also, the upper portion 172 of the chair 112 may be moved into any position (e.g., upright, lying down, a intermediate position, etc.) while the first end 115 of the towel 102 is secured to the upper portion 172 of the chair 112.
In a similar manner, the second end 117 of the towel 102 may be secured to a lower portion 176 of the chair 112 using the third and fourth bands 110, 111. As shown in more detail in FIG. 4, the second ends 155, 156 of the third and fourth bands 110, 111 may be coupled to one another using the third and fourth clasping portions 164, 166, which may be coupled to one another on the non-sitting side 178 of the chair 112. Thus, the towel 102, the third band 110, and the fourth band 111 may substantially surround the lower portion 176 of the chair 112, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, so that the towel 102 is secured to the sitting side 170 of the lower portion 176 of the chair 112. After securing the second end 117 of the towel 102 to the lower portion 176 of the chair 112, the second end 117 of the towel 102 may be slid along a length 180 of the lower portion 176 of the chair 112 as desired by a user.
It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the towel 102 may be secured to the chair 112 by coupling the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 to one another in alternative manners. For example, each of the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 may be coupled or tie-able to the chair 112 itself, instead of to one another as described above. In yet another embodiment, the second ends 154, 155 of the first band 108 and the third band 110 may be coupled to one another on the non-sitting side 178 of the chair 112 or elsewhere, in order to secure the towel 102 to the chair 112. Similarly, the second ends 153, 156 of the second and fourth bands 109, 111 may be coupled to one another on the non-sitting side 178 of the chair 112 or elsewhere, in order to secure the towel 102 to the chair 112.
In another embodiment, any one or more of the bands 108, 109, 110, 111, or any other additional band, may be used to roll or bundle the securable towel 100 into a more compact space. For example, after rolling or folding the securable towel 100 into a bundle, the first band 108 may be wrapped around the bundle and coupled to itself or another portion of the securable towel 100 in order to keep the securable towel 100 into a bundled space. In yet another embodiment, a mat (e.g., yoga mat, waterproof mat, etc.), film, board, etc. may be used in lieu of or in addition to the towel 102. Also, the securable towel 100 may be securable to other surfaces, such as a table, platform, bed, or other surfaces that a person may contact. In yet another embodiment, the band pockets may be formed by slits in the towel 102; in one example of this embodiment, the towel 102 may be formed from two layers, and each band may be retractable into a respective slit formed in one of the surfaces 120, 121 of the towel 102. Also, while FIGS. 1 and 4 show the ends 115, 117 of the towel 102 as wrapping around part of the sides of the chair 112, it will be appreciated that the towel 102 need not wrap around the sides of the chair 112, and may instead lie substantially on the sitting side 170 of the chair 112, while the bands 108, 109, 110, 111 wrap around the sides of the chair to couple to one another on the non-sitting side 178 of the chair 112.
Referring to FIG. 5, another illustrative embodiment of a securable towel 200 is securable to a different type of chair 212 than that shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Elements of FIG. 5 that are analogous to elements in FIGS. 1 through 4 have been shown by indexing the reference numerals by 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the securable towel 200 may have a shorter length from the first end edge 214 to the second end edge 216 to accommodate a smaller type of chair 212. Also, instead of the clasping portions in FIGS. 1 through 4, the bands 208, 209, 210, 211 may be coupled to one another using hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) 284, 286.
The securable towel 200 may also include a storage pocket 288, which may be located anywhere on the towel 202, and in which an object (e.g., phone, sunglasses, book, etc.) may be stored by a user. In one embodiment, the storage pocket 288 may be located on the same side of the towel 202 as the band pocket(s). In another embodiment, the securable towel 200 may include only the bands 208 and 209 to secure the towel 202 to the upper portion 272 of the chair 212, while the second end 217 of the towel 202 rests on the lower portion 276 of the chair 212 without the aid of the bands 210, 211.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, another illustrative embodiment of the securable towel 300 includes a plurality of band pockets 304, 305, 306, and 307. Elements of FIGS. 6 and 7 that are analogous to elements in FIGS. 1 through 4 have been shown by indexing the reference numerals by 200. In contrast to the illustrative embodiment of the securable towel 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the securable towel 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes band pockets 304, 305, 306, 307 having a different structure, and one or more of the bands associated with the band pockets may have an adjustable length so that different chair sizes may be accommodated by the securable towel 300.
While the structure of the third band pocket 306 will now be described in detail, the structure of the first, second, and fourth band pockets 304, 305, 307 may be analogous in some or all respects to the third band pocket 306. The third band pocket 306 may include an openable end 342 that is at, coincident, or substantially aligned with, the first side edge 318 of the securable towel 300; the openable ends of the other band pockets 304, 305, 307 may be at, coincident, or substantially aligned with, other edges of the securable towel 300 as shown in FIG. 6.
In one embodiment, the third band pocket 306 is formed, in part, by a third outer pocket material 328. The third outer pocket material 328 may include an inner edge 384, a first side edge 385, a second side edge 386, and an open edge 387. The inner edge 384, the first side edge 385, and second side edge 386 may be coupled to a portion of the towel 302 adjacent the first side edge 318 to form an inner cavity 388 of the third band pocket 306. The open edge 387 of the third outer pocket material 328 may remain openable from the towel 302 so as to form the openable end 342 of the third band pocket 306.
In one embodiment, the towel-facing portion of the third outer pocket material 328 may include a first piece of hook-and-loop fastener 389 (e.g., Velcro), and a third outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel 302 may include a second piece of hook-and-loop fastener 390. The two pieces of hook-and- loop fastener 389 and 390 may removably stick or be coupled to one another so as to close the openable end 342 of the third band pocket 306. In one embodiment, the first and second pieces of hook-and- loop fastener 389 and 390 may each be rectangular-shaped strips, and may extend along or adjacent a portion of the openable edge 387 of the third outer pocket material 328 and the first side edge 318 of the towel 302, respectively. However, any number of pieces of hook-and-loop fastener may be used, and these pieces may be positioned anywhere at or within the third band pocket 306 to allow the openable end 342 of the third band pocket 306 to close.
In one embodiment, a third band 310, which may be retractable into the inner cavity 388 of the third band pocket may include a first end (not shown) and a second end 391. The first end of the third band 310 may be coupled to the third band pocket 306, which may include both the third outer pocket material 328 and any portion of the towel 302 covered by or adjacent the third outer pocket material 328, in any manner. For example, the first end of the third band 310 may be coupled to a portion of the third band pocket 306 that forms the inner cavity 388 of the third band pocket 306. In this example, the first end of the third band 310 may be coupled to a portion of the third outer pocket material 328 or a portion of the towel 302 that forms the inner cavity 388, or may be coupled at, between, or within the seams or junctures between the third outer pocket material 328 and the towel 302. In another example, the first end of the third band 310 may be coupled adjacent or near one of the pieces of hook-and- loop fastener 389 and 390.
In one embodiment, the third band 310 has an adjustable length. This may allow the third band 310 to have an adjustable reach to another band, such as the fourth band 311. The third band 310 may be adjustable using a buckle 392 that is slidable along a length of the third band 310 so that the third band 310 may be extended by moving the buckle 392 toward the clasping portion 364 and may be shortened by moving the buckle 392 toward the third band pocket 306, as these elements are shown in FIG. 7. The third band 310 may loop around a loop portion of the clasping portion 364 so that a slack portion of the third band 310 may loop back around to the buckle 392, again as shown in FIG. 7.
As shown in FIG. 6, the third band 310 has an adjustable length, but the fourth band 311 does not it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, both the third and fourth bands 310 and 311 may have adjustable lengths. Indeed, any combination or all of the bands coupled to the securable towel 300 may be adjustable using a buckle (as described above) or any other mechanism. In one non-limiting example, the length of the bands associated with the first and third pockets 304 and 306 may be adjustable using a buckle or other mechanism, while the length of the bands associated with the second and fourth pockets 305 and 307 are not. In another example, the length of the bands associated with the second and fourth pockets 305 and 307 may be adjustable using a buckle or other mechanism, while the length of the bands associated with the first and third pockets 304 and 306 are not.
The third band 310 may be pulled into or retracted into the inner cavity 388 of the third band pocket 306. The openable end 342 may then be closed using the hook-and- loop fasteners 389 and 390 to substantially contain the third band 310 in the third band pocket 306. When sealed into the inner cavity 388 of the third band pocket 306, the third band 310 may be prevented from falling out of the third band pocket 306. Containing the third band 310 in this manner may be useful to a user of the securable towel 300 when, e.g., the third band 310 is not currently being used.
Again, it is noted that the other band pockets 304, 305, 307, and their respective bands, may be structured analogously to the third band pocket 306, while still having different positions as shown in FIG. 6. For example, all of the band pockets may have hook-and-loop fastener at an openable end, as described for the third band pocket 306. The bands contained in each of the band pockets 304, 305, 306, 307 may be utilized in a manner analogous to that described above in the previous Figures. Also, any of the alternate embodiments, variations, or details described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 5 may be applied to the securable towel 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Referring to FIG. 8, an illustrative embodiment of the securable towel 400 includes an extension band 493 having a first end 494 and a second end 495. Elements of FIG. 8 that are analogous to elements in FIGS. 1 through 4 have been shown by indexing the reference numerals by 300. The extension band 493 may be used to extend the wraparound reach of the securable towel 400 so that, e.g., the securable towel 400 may be wrapped around differently sized chairs, including chairs that may be too large for the first and second bands 408, 409 alone. When not in use, the extension band 493 may be placed into any one of the band pockets of the securable towel 400, or any other location.
In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first end 494 of the extension band 493 may be coupled to an end of the first band 408, and the second end 495 of the extension band 493 may be coupled to an end of the second band 409. The first and second ends 494 and 495 may each include a clasping portion 496 and 497, respectively, which may be coupled to the ends of the first and second bands 408 and 409, respectively. These clasping portions may be mechanically interlocked with one another, and have been described above.
The extension band 493 may also have an adjustable length. In particular, the extension band 493 may include a buckle 498 that is slidable to adjust the length of the extension band 49. The buckle 498, and its interaction with the extension band 493, may be analogous to the buckle described in FIGS. 6 and 7 with respect to the third band.
Referring to FIG. 9, an illustrative embodiment of the securable towel 500 is secured to a chair 512 on a boat 599. As discussed above, the chair 512 on which the securable towel 500 may be secured may have any shape, size, or orientation. Furthermore, the securable towel 500 may be secured to chairs in a large variety or environments, including on a moving vehicle such as the boat 599, any marine vehicle, an automobile, an airplane, etc. In some moving environments, such as a boat environment, the securability of the securable towel 500 may help to prevent the securable towel 500 from blowing away or changing position on the chair 512.
In the particular environment of FIG. 9, the securable towel 500 is secured to the chair 512 using bands 508, 510, 511. Specifically, the first and second bands 508 and 509 may be wrapped around an upper portion of the chair 512 and the third and fourth bands 510, 511 may be wrapped around a lower portion of the chair 512. The length of the securable towel 512 may be adjusted by sliding the first and second bands 508, 509 and the third fourth bands 510, 511 anywhere along a longitudinal length of the chair 512. Also, the chair 512 may fold at any point, as in a reclining chair or chair with a movable back portion.
As used herein, including in the claims, the terms first, second, third, etc. . . . used in relation to an element (e.g., first band pocket, second band pocket, etc.) are for reference or identification purposes only, and these terms, unless otherwise indicated, are not intended to describe or suggest a number, order, source, purpose, or substantive quality for any element for which such a term is used.
Although the illustrative embodiments described herein have been disclosed is the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should he understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus usable on a chair, the apparatus comprising:

a towel having a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end edge, and a second end edge;

a first band pocket adjacent the first side edge of the towel, the first band pocket comprising an inner surface forming an inner cavity;

a second band pocket adjacent the second side edge of the towel, the second band pocket comprising an inner surface forming an inner cavity;

a first band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first band coupled to a portion of the first band pocket forming the inner cavity of the first band pocket, the first band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the first band pocket; and

a second band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second band coupled to a portion of the second band pocket forming the inner cavity of the second band pocket, the second band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the second band pocket;

wherein at least one of the first band or the second band has an adjustable length;

wherein the towel is placable on a first, sitting side of a chair; and

wherein the second end of the first band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the second band adjacent a second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first band pocket comprises:

a first outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge, wherein the inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the first outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the first side edge of the towel to form the inner cavity of the first band pocket, wherein the first end of the first band is coupled to a portion of at least one of the first outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the first, band pocket; and

wherein the second band pocket comprises:

a second outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge, wherein the inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the second outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the second side edge of the towel to form the inner cavity of the second band pocket, wherein the first end of the second band is coupled to a portion of at least one of the second outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the second band pocket.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first band pocket further comprises:

an openable end at the first side edge of the towel; and

wherein the second band pocket further comprises:

an openable end at the second side edge of the towel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first band pocket further comprises:

a first outer pocket material coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the first side edge of the towel to form an openable end of the first band pocket substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel; and

wherein the second band pocket further comprises:

a second outer pocket material coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the second side edge of the towel to form an openable end of the second band pocket substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a towel-facing portion of the first outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the first band pocket includes a first piece of hook-and-loop fastener;

wherein a first outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the first band pocket includes a second piece of hook-and-loop fastener, the second piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the first piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close openable end of the first band pocket;

wherein a towel-facing portion of the second outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the second band pocket includes a third piece of hook-and-loop fastener; and

wherein a second outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the second band pocket includes a fourth piece of hook-and-loop fastener, the fourth piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the third piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the second band pocket.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth pieces of hook-and-loop fastener are rectangular-shaped strips.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first band pocket is adapted to substantially contain the first band when the first band is retracted into the first band pocket and the openable end of the first band pocket is closed; and

wherein the second band pocket is adapted to substantially contain the second band when the second band is retracted into the second band pocket and the openable end of the second band pocket is closed.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first band is substantially prevented from failing out of the first band pocket when the first band is retracted into the first band pocket and the openable end of the first band pocket is closed; and

wherein the second band is substantially prevented from falling out of the second band pocket when the second band is retracted into the second band pocket and the openable end of the second band pocket is closed.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first band pocket comprises an openable end, the openable end of the first band pocket substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel; and

wherein the second band pocket comprises an openable end, the openable end of the second band pocket substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an extension band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the extension band adapted to be coupled to the second end of the first band, the second end of the extension band adapted to be coupled to the second end of the second band.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extension band has an adjustable length.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the extension band comprises a buckle slidable to adjust the length of the extension band.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first end of the extension band includes a clasping portion that is mechanically interlockable with a clasping portion coupled to the second end of the first band; and

wherein the second end of the extension band includes a clasping portion that is mechanically interlockable with a clasping portion coupled to the second end of the second band.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first band or the second band comprises a buckle slidable to adjust the length of the at least one of the first band or the second band.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first clasping portion coupled to the second end of the first band; and

a second clasping portion coupled to the second end of the second band;

wherein the first clasping portion is adapted to be coupled to the second clasping portion.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second bands are elastic bands.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end edge of the towel is at a first end of the towel, wherein the second end edge of the towel is at a second end of the towel, wherein the first, and second band pockets are adjacent the first end edge of the towel, and wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a third band pocket adjacent the first side edge of the towel and the second end edge of the towel, the third band pocket comprising an inner surface forming an inner cavity;

a fourth band pocket adjacent the second side edge of the towel and the second end edge of the towel, the fourth band pocket comprising an inner surface forming an inner cavity;

a third band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third band coupled to a portion of the third band pocket forming the inner cavity of the third band pocket, the third band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the third band pocket; and

a fourth band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth band coupled to a portion of the fourth band pocket forming the inner cavity of the fourth band pocket, the fourth band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the fourth band pocket;

wherein at least one of the third band or the fourth band has an adjustable length;

wherein the second end of the first band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the second band adjacent the second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the first end of the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair; and

wherein the second end of the third band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the fourth band adjacent the second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the second end of the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first band pocket comprises an openable end, the openable end of the first band pocket substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel;

wherein the second band pocket comprises an openable end, the openable end of the second band pocket substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel;

wherein the third band pocket comprises an openable end, the openable end of the third band pocket substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel; and

wherein the fourth band pocket comprises an openable end, the openable end of she fourth band pocket substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel.

19. An apparatus usable a chair, the apparatus comprising:

a towel;

a plurality of band pockets on the towel, each of the plurality of band pockets having an openable end substantially aligned with an edge of the towel, each of the plurality of band pockets comprising:

two or more pieces of hook-and-loop fastener adjacent the openable end;

a plurality of bands, each of the plurality of bands having a first end coupled to a portion of a respective band pocket and a second end, each of the plurality of bands retractable into one of the plurality of band pockets, each of plurality of bands substantially prevented from leaving the respective band pocket when the band is retracted into the respective band pocket and the openable end of the respective band pocket is closed using the two or more pieces of hook-and-loop fastener;

wherein the second ends of at least two bands in the plurality of bands are adapted to be coupled to one another such that the towel and the at least two bands surround a portion of a chair.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the towel has a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end edge, and a second end edge;

wherein the plurality of band pockets comprises a first band pocket adjacent the first side edge of the towel and the first end edge of the towel, the plurality of bands comprising a first band retractable into the first band pocket;

wherein the plurality of band pockets comprises a second band pocket adjacent the second side edge of the towel and the first end edge of the towel, the plurality of bands comprising a second band retractable into the second band pocket, at least one of the first band or the second band having an adjustable length;

wherein the plurality of band pockets comprises a third band pocket adjacent the first side edge of the towel and the second end edge of the towel, the plurality of bands comprising a third band retractable into the third band pocket; and

wherein the plurality of band pockets comprises a fourth band pocket adjacent the second side edge of the towel and the second end edge of the towel, the plurality of bands comprising a fourth band retractable into the fourth band pocket, at least one of the third band or the fourth band having an adjustable length.

21. An apparatus usable on a chair, the apparatus comprising:

a towel having a first surface and a second, opposite surface, the towel further having a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end edge at a first end of the towel, and a second end edge at a second end of the towel;

a first band pocket on the first surface of the towel, the first band pocket having an openable end, the first band pocket comprising:

a first outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge, wherein the inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the first outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the first side edge and the first end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the first band pocket, the openable end of the first band pocket substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel;

wherein a towel-facing portion of the first outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the first band pocket includes a first piece of hook-and-loop fastener; and

wherein a first outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the first band pocket includes a second piece of hook-and-loop fastener, the second piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the first piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the first band pocket;

a second band pocket on the first surface of the towel, the second band pocket having an openable end, the second band pocket comprising:

a second outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge, wherein the inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the second outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the second side edge and the first end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the second band pocket, the openable end of the second band pocket substantially aligned with the second side edge of she towel;

wherein a second outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the second band pocket includes a fourth piece of hook-and-loop fastener, the third piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the fourth piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the second band pocket;

a third band pocket on the first surface of the towel, the third band pocket having an openable end, the third band pocket comprising:

a third outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge, wherein the inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the third outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the first side edge and the second end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the third band pocket, the openable end of the third band pocket substantially aligned with the first side edge of the towel;

wherein a towel-facing portion of the third outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the third band pocket includes a fifth piece of hook-and-loop fastener; and

wherein a third outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the third band pocket includes a sixth piece of hook-and-loop fastener, the fifth piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the sixth piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the third band pocket;

a fourth band pocket on the first surface of the towel, the fourth band pocket having an openable end, the fourth band pocket comprising:

a fourth outer pocket material having an inner edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and an open edge, wherein the inner edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the fourth outer pocket material are coupled to a portion of the towel adjacent the second side edge and the second end edge of the towel to form an inner cavity and the openable end of the fourth band pocket, the openable end of the fourth band pocket substantially aligned with the second side edge of the towel;

wherein a towel-facing portion of the fourth outer pocket material adjacent the openable end of the fourth band pocket includes a seventh piece of hook-and-loop fastener; and

wherein a fourth outer pocket material-facing portion of the towel adjacent the openable end of the fourth band pocket includes an eighth piece of hook-and-loop fastener, the seventh piece of hook-and-loop fastener adapted to couple to the eighth piece of hoop-and-loop fastener to close the openable end of the fourth band pocket;

a first band flaying a first end and a second end, the first end of the first band coupled to a portion of at least one of the first outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the first band pocket, the first band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the first band pocket;

a second band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second band coupled to a portion of at least one of the second outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the second band pocket, the second band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the second band pocket, at least one of the first band or the second band comprising a buckle slidable to adjust the length of the at least one of the first band or the second band;

a third band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third band coupled to a portion of at least one of the third outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the third band pocket, the third band at least partially retractable into the inner cavity of the third band pocket; and

a fourth band having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fourth band coupled to a portion of at least one of the fourth outer pocket material or the towel forming the inner cavity of the fourth band pocket, the fourth band at least. partially retractable into the inner cavity of the fourth band pocket, at least one of the third band or the fourth band comprising a buckle slidable to adjust the length of the at least one of the third band or the fourth band;

wherein the towel is placable on a first, sitting side of a chair;

wherein the second end of the first band is adapted to be coupled to the second end of the second band adjacent a second, non-sitting side of the chair to secure the first end of the towel to the first, sitting side of the chair; and