AU2011100650A4 - An Improved Towel - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A towel is provided with a waterproof layer 6 located between an absorbent layer 2 and a sand barrier layer 5. The waterproof layer 6 is formed as a coating on one side of the sand resistant layer 5 during manufacture. The waterproof layer 6 is made of material with a high waterproof rating. In the present embodiment the material of the waterproof layer 6 is a 1mm thick, polyurethane coating which provides water proof properties to a high degree. A bonding medium layer 8 of environmentally friendly glue is disposed between base layer 9 of absorbent layer 2 and the waterproof layer 6 to thereby firmly bond the absorbent layer 2 with the waterproof layer 6. This bonding gives the towel the flexibility and feel of a common beach towel, i.e. one of a single web of continuous material. 14JW x x Jx Jww_/ w %jJL Y JL %j JL JL Iv I h~ C -II 1 ~ 6.(l

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AN IMPROVED TOWEL The invention is described in the following statement: 1 AN IMPROVED TOWEL Field of the Invention The present Invention relates to towels. In particular, it relates to towels for use 5 at beaches or other environments that expose the towel to sand or other particulates. Background of the Invention 10 Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. Towels are used by people to dry themselves. 15 A problem with beach towels in general is that sand often sticks to the beach towel and is not easily dislodged. The sand can be transferred to the body of a user when they use the towel to dry themselves. This process causes irritation to the user's skin. The beach towel may also transport sand to the user's luggage, 20 car or home of the person. This problem arises from the need of the towel to be made of absorbent material for drying purposes. Absorbent materials are prone to collecting and transporting sand because they are by nature loosely woven. Sand is easily trapped within the loose fibres and will often become dislodged in an undesirable location causing mess, frustration and irritation for all concerned. 25 A towel in which the absorbent material has become wet collects more sand than a dry one. Commonly a beach towel user will lie down on a towel which has just been used to dry them. The damp towel will collect more sand than usual and hence increase problems related to irritation and unwanted sand transportation. 30 It would be advantageous if a towel were provided that overcame or reduced the above discussed problems and disadvantages. It is an object of the present 2 invention to provide a towel that addresses the previously described problems or which is at least a useful alternative to those towels hitherto known in the prior art. Summary of Aspects of the Invention 5 Aspects of the present invention, though not necessarily the broadest aspects, provide a towel including: an absorbent layer of toweling material having multiple absorbent fabric loops; 10 a water barrier layer; and a particulate barrier layer. The absorbent Layer may comprise a material which has two different sides. The side which protrudes away from the other layers may consist of multiple large 15 loopey fibres or other high absorbent fibres. The side which abuts the water barrier layer may be continuous and flat, similar to jacquard weaving of terry cotton. The water barrier layer may be located between the absorbent layer and the 20 particulate barrier layer. The water barrier layer may comprise a material which presents a substantially continuous surface to water. The substantially continuous surface may be a continuous layer of vinyl, Polyethylene coating, Polyurethane coating, plastic 25 material and/or a continuous layer of adhesive. The water barrier layer may be reinforced with a woven material. The waterproof layer may comprise a material which is waterproof to a determined waterproof pressure. 30 The particulate barrier layer may comprise woven material. The particulate barrier layer may comprise a synthetic material consisting of chemically or heat bonded short fibres 3 The particulate barrier layer may comprise a material that is elastic. The particulate barrier layer may comprise a material which is resistant to wetting, 5 which may be a material suitable for weaving, that material provided with a wetting resistant coating. The particulate barrier layer may comprise a smooth and soft material. This provides a towel which provides absorbency and waterproof properties and 10 presents to a user an elastic material opposite the absorbent layer so that the towel is waterproof but has properties which make it comfortable for a user to handle. Other aspects of the present invention, though not necessarily the broadest 15 aspects, provide a towel including: an absorbent layer of toweling material having multiple absorbent fabric loops; a water barrier layer; and a water resistant layer, 20 wherein the water barrier layer is located between the absorbent layer and the water resistant layer. The water barrier layer may comprise a first material and the water resistant layer may comprise a second material, wherein the first material is resistant to water at 25 a higher pressure than a pressure to which the second material resists water. The second material may present a substantially continuous surface to water. The first material may be a continuous layer of vinyl and/or a plastic material. 30 The material may be reinforced with a woven material. The second material may comprise an elastic material. The second material may comprise material which is resistant to wetting.

4 This material may be a material suitable for weaving, that material provided with a wetting resistant coating. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a top view of a towel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 2 shows a bottom view of a towel according to the same embodiment as figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a towel according to the same preferred embodiment as Figures 1 and 2. 15 Detailed Description of Embodiments of Aspects of the Invention A towel 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3 which are respectively topside, underside and cross-sectional 20 views. The towel 1 has an absorbent layer 2 of absorbent material to allow a person to use to dry themselves. In this embodiment the material is cotton terry cloth. In other embodiments the absorbent layer may be cotton polyester material. Suitable alternative materials which are suitable for absorbing water to dry a person will be known to the reader, but will typically be material that is 25 formed of loosely spun fibres and/or which is loosely woven or woven to expose loops of fibres or yarn. With reference to Figure 3 in this embodiment the absorbent layer 2 consists of two sides. An outer side 7 has multiple large loopey fibres which extend from a 30 flat cotton/polyester base layer 9 that presents a continuous flat surface for bonding to other layers of the towel as will be described. In this embodiment the absorbent layer 2 is 5mm to 10mm thick, although other suitable thicknesses may be apparent to the reader. Further alternative embodiments may use a chamois material for the absorbent layer 2.

5 The towel 1 also has an edging or edge restraint 3 which is stitched to the absorbent layer 2. The edge restraint serves to hem the absorbent layer 2 to prevent fraying and also serves to secure the absorbent layer 2 to other layers in 5 the towel 1. In this embodiment the edge restraint 3 is cotton which is soft enough to feel soft and comfortable against a person's skin but hard wearing enough to resist fraying. Also in this embodiment the edge restraint 3 is formed from material which is 2mm to 4mm thick. In this embodiment the edging is formed from cotton although suitable alternative materials will be known to the 10 reader. In this embodiment the edge restraint is formed by an extension of the terrycloth material, without the 'loopy fibres', folded back on itself as is the case with the traditional beach towel Stitching 4 is shown in Figure 1. The stitching 4 secures the edging 3 to layers of 15 the towel 1 and secures the layers to each other. In this embodiment thread used for the stitching 4 is 1 mm thick cotton or polyester. Figure 2, shows the opposite side of the towel to Figure 1. The towel 1 of this embodiment has a particulate barrier layer 5, or sand barrier layer, on a surface 20 of the towel opposite to the absorbent layer 2. The sand barrier layer 5 is made of material selected to resist the ingress of sand. In this embodiment the material of the sand barrier layer 5 is also selected to be elastic or stretchy, to be easy for a person to grasp. Additionally, the material of the sand barrier layer 5 is selected to be smooth and soft to the touch. In this embodiment the sand barrier layer is 25 formed of water resistant material. This material is capable of resisting water entering the interior of the towel. Other embodiments may have a sand barrier layer 5 which is formed of material which is not water proof but which does not hold or absorb water, or does not become wet. Suitable materials will be apparent to the reader, but may be materials which are suitable for weaving into a 30 cloth and may include materials which have a low surface tension for water. They may also include a material which is suitable for weaving and which is coated with a material that is wetting resistant. In this embodiment the material of the sand barrier layer is Lycra TM, specifically a water resistant Lycra TM. Other embodiments may be formed of Elastine TM or tightly woven Nylon. These 6 materials are comfortable for a person to handle and resistant to the ingress of both water and sand to the interior of the towel. The sand resistant layer 5 of this embodiment is stitched to the same edge restraint 3 as the absorbent layer 2. This arrangement holds the absorbent layer 2 to the sand barrier layer 5. 5 A cut-away profile of the towel 1 of the same embodiment as Figures 1 and 2 is shown in Figure 3. The Cut-away is taken along the line denoted by A in Figure 1. A waterproof layer 6 is located between the absorbent layer 2 and the sand barrier layer 5. The waterproof layer 6 formed on one side of the sand resistant 10 layer 5 during manufacture. The waterproof layer 6 is made of material with a high waterproof rating. The material of the waterproof layer is selected principally for waterproof properties. This might be at the sacrifice of the material being comfortable to the touch because it will not come into contact with a person by being between the absorbent layer 2 and the sand barrier layer 5. 15 In the present embodiment the material of the waterproof layer 6 is 1mm thick, polyurethane coating which provides water proof properties to a high degree. This might typically be in terms of water pressure, such as may be calibrated in pounds per square inch (psi), and is economical. The waterproof layer 6 also 20 provides a degree of stiffness against pointed objects underneath the towel to improve the comfort of the person using the towel. The Polyurethane waterproof layer 6 used in this embodiment presents a continuous barrier to any water, and therefore, provides water proofing to water at pressures in excess of anything caused by a person sitting, standing or jumping on the towel and sufficient to 25 allow for degradation of the material with wear. The water proof layer 6 exhibits a high degree of friction and can cause chafing or friction burns on a person's skin, or at least is not luxurious to touch however this potential disadvantage is overcome by sandwiching it between outer layers 5 and 30 2. A bonding medium layer 8 of environmentally friendly glue is disposed between base layer 9 of absorbent layer 2 and the waterproof layer 6 to thereby firmly bond the absorbent layer 2 with the waterproof layer 6.

7 This bonding gives the towel the flexibility and feel of a common beach towel, i.e. one of a single web of continuous material. Environmental glue is a common textile adhesive. 5 Embodiments of the present invention illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 3 will now be further illustrated with a description of the towel 1 in use. The towel 1 is typically carried rolled up in a bag. The towel 1 is then removed from the bag and laid upon the sand with the absorbent layer 2 facing upwards and the sand barrier layer 5 facing downwards, and in contact with the sand. A person then 10 typically lies or sits on the towel 1 which is forced, under their weight, against the sand. Particles in the sand are similarly forced into contact with the towel 1 but are resisted by the sand resistant layer 5 and do not enter any space within the towel 1 such as between the sand resistant layer 5 and the waterproof layer 6. 15 If the sand is wet, the sand barrier layer 5 may resist water. However, the sand barrier layer may have a limited degree of water resistance because water proof properties may have been sacrificed to a degree so the sand barrier is soft and/or smooth to the touch. If the sand barrier layer does not keep water passing the sand barrier 5, of this embodiment, water from the wet sand will be resisted by 20 the waterproof layer 6 which is water resistant to high enough pressure to comfortably resist water at pressures created by a person standing, sitting lying, kneeling or similar on the towel 1. The polyurethane layer used in this embodiment is sufficiently water proof that it resists water to these pressures even after prolonged use and repeated washing of the towel. This durability is 25 enhanced by the polyurethane layer forming a continuous molded or set surface, rather than a woven surface, which does not have fibres which can be worked loose during repeated washing or use. In this illustration of the towel's use the dry user will remain dry despite sitting on a wet surface. 30 Next, after swimming for example, a person may remove the towel from the sand (dry). Sand will not tend to stick to the sand barrier layer 5 because the material is water resistant or does not become wetted to cause the sand to adhere or stick. Also the material exhibits particulate resistant properties. Any sand which does adhere to the sand barrier layer is readily removed by the person shaking 8 the towel or the person wiping the sand barrier layer. The sand will not have come into contact with the absorbent layer on the other side of the sand barrier layer 5, although a small amount of sand may have been kicked onto the absorbent layer 2 from beside the towel 1. The person then removes any sand 5 from the towel by lifting and shaking the towel 1 and uses the absorbent layer 2 to dry themselves. The 5mm to 10mm thick terry cloth absorbent layer 2 provides the user with a luxurious feel. As the person grasps the towel 1 to dry themselves the persons fingers, and knuckles particularly, will come into contact with the sand barrier layer 5. However, the smooth stretchy material of sand barrier layer 10 5 does not detract from the luxurious feel of the towel 1. The towel 1 can then be set out with sand barrier layer 5 facing downwards. After use for drying only the absorbent layer 2 will be damp. The towel can continue to be used in the process mentioned above without any undesired effects usually encountered whilst using a damp traditional beach towel. When the user desires to leave they can then 15 pack the towel which will have minimal, if any, sand on it, so sand will not be transported from the beach to the persons bag and on to the person's car, house or similar. The person may also use the towel to protect car seats or furniture. The 20 absorbent layer 2 is placed facing upwards and the Sand barrier layer 5 is placed facing downwards on the seat. The user (wet) can then sit on the absorbent layer 2 with confidence that water will not seep into the seat because the waterproof barrier 6 prevents this from occurring. 25 Some embodiments may use a flexible high strength adhesive to bond the three layers of the towel 1; absorbent layer 2, Sand Barrier Layer 5, and the waterproof layer 6. This arrangement causes the layers to feel to a person using the towel as a unitary piece of material. Suitable adhesives and points for the adhesive will be apparent to the reader. 30 Embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed with reference to the drawings by example only. It will be apparent to the reader that other aspects of the invention can reside in different combinations or alternatives to the example 9 materials and features disclosed herein. It is further understood that aspects of the invention are limited only by the claims. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language 5 more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting 10 the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A towel including: an absorbent layer of toweling material having multiple absorbent fabric loops; a water barrier layer; and a particulate barrier layer.

2. A towel according to claim 1, wherein the particulate barrier layer comprises elastic material.

3. A towel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the water barrier layer is formed as a coating on an internal side of the particulate barrier layer.

4. A towel according to any one of the preceding claims including an adhesive disposed between the absorbent layer and the water barrier layer.

5. A towel as herein described and illustrated with respect to Figures 1 to 3. * * *