US20230122221A1

US20230122221A1 - Securable Cover With Attaching Mechanisms

Info

Publication number: US20230122221A1
Application number: US17/892,017
Authority: US
Inventors: Shryle E. Lyles; Annie Austin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2022-08-19
Publication date: 2023-04-20

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a securable cover. The securable cover may comprise an outer layer. The securable cover may comprise a first portion. The securable cover may comprise a second portion. The securable cover may comprise at least one liner. The securable cover may comprise at least one attachment mechanism. The securable cover may comprise a first connector. The securable cover may comprise a second connector. The securable cover may comprise an attachable layer. The securable cover may comprise at least one internal material. When the securable cover comprises at least one internal material, the internal material(s) may be weighted.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the full benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/262,666 (filed Oct. 18, 2021, and titled “TOWEL WITH SNAP CLOSURE AND HEAT RESISTANT LINER”), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, barbers and hairstylists have difficulty keeping towels secure around clients' necks during the provision of one or more services. Currently available towels must be held in place, for example, with a client's hands or with clips. Unfortunately, these methods of holding the towel in place often result in the towels falling on the floor. Oftentimes when the towel hits the floor it picks up hair and dirt that make the towel unfit for continued use. The dropped towel usually must be replaced with a new towel or risk soiling the client's clothing.
In addition to the challenges associated with keeping a towel secured during the provision of hair services, currently available towels typically provide little to no protection against other forms of soiling a client's clothing. For example, a hairstylist may need to spray down a client's hair with water during an appointment. As the water runs off the client's hair, the towel may absorb the moisture. Because of the towel's water retention properties, this dampness may transfer to the client's clothing under the towel. Even worse, the towel may become saturated with water and, because of this same retention property, keep the client's clothing wet for the duration of the appointment.
The above-described properties of currently available towels often leave a client with an unsanitary and uncomfortable experience for the duration of a hair appointment. Currently, no towels sufficiently protect a client's clothing from getting wet or soiled.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

What is needed is a securable cover that secures around a client's neck and prevents wetting or soiling of the client's clothing. The disclosed securable cover may prevent circumstances wherein a towel falls from around the neck of a client while the client receives one or more salon services without the need for the client or a separate object to physically hold the towel around the client's neck. In some embodiments, a water and/or heat resistant lining may be added to the inside of the securable cover to reduce the chances of a client's clothing becoming excessively wet and/or soiled and to minimize the potential for one or more chemicals to damage the client's clothing.
The present disclosure provides for a securable cover. The securable cover may comprise an outer layer. The securable cover may comprise a first portion. The securable cover may comprise a second portion. The securable cover may comprise at least one liner. The securable cover may comprise at least one attachment mechanism. The securable cover may comprise a first connector. The securable cover may comprise a second connector. The securable cover may comprise an attachable layer. The securable cover may comprise an internal material. When the securable cover comprises an internal material, the internal material may be weighted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an exemplary securable cover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear view of an exemplary securable cover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising a liner, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a section view of an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a section view of an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a section view of an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an exemplary securable cover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of an exemplary securable cover comprising a first portion and a second portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of an exemplary securable cover comprising a first portion and a second portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an exemplary securable cover comprising a first portion and a second portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of an exemplary securable cover comprising a first portion and a second portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of an exemplary securable cover comprising a removeable first portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D illustrates a front view of an exemplary securable cover comprising a removeable first portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachable layer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachable layer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary securable cover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachable layer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary securable cover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an internal material, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary securable cover, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11D illustrates an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-C, an exemplary securable cover 100 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 100 may comprise an outer layer 110 that comprises a contact surface and an opposing inner layer that comprises an interior surface, wherein the inner layer is attached to the outer layer 110 In some implementations, the securable cover 100 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 130. In some aspects, the securable cover 100 may comprise at least one liner 120. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the securable cover 100, such as, by way of example and not limitation, the inner layer, the outer layer 110, and/or the at least one liner 120 may at least partially comprise an at least partially pliable and/or at least partially absorbent material, such as fabric, canvas, cotton, polyester, leather, vinyl, foam, rubber, latex, plastic, and other non-limiting examples, as well as any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the liner 120 may be configured to be removably attached to the interior surface of the inner layer or the contact surface of the outer layer 110 via, by way of example and not limitation, one or more attachment mechanisms 130. In some implementations, the liner 120 may provide additional characteristics to the securable cover 100. For example, the liner 120 may at least partially comprise one or more heat-resistant materials (such as, by way of example and not limitation, woven fiberglass, silicone, other polymers, or similar non-limiting examples, as well as any combination thereof) that may increase the longevity of the securable cover 100 and improve the comfort of the wearer by absorbing heat from hair dryers or other heat sources at a hair salon.
As an illustrative example, a securable cover 100 may at least partially comprise a towel and may be used in hair salons by being placed around a client's neck during an appointment. The securable cover 100 may be attached via at least one attachment mechanism 130 in the form of, for example and not limitation, one or more snap-fit elements (such as, for example and not limitation, snap buttons), clips, clamps, clasps, hooks, pins, holes, hook-and-loop fasteners, or any similar elements or combination(s) thereof to keep the securable cover 100 from slipping off the client's shoulders after the towel is placed.
In some implementations, two different types of attachment mechanisms 130 may be configured to interact with each other to keep the securable cover 100 in place around the client's neck. By way of example and not limitation, a first attachment mechanism 130 in the form of a hook or pin may be configured to be securely received by a second attachment mechanism 130 in the form of a hole.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A-C, a section view of an exemplary securable cover comprising an attachment mechanism 230, 231 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover may comprise an outer layer 210. In some implementations, the securable cover may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 230, 231. In some aspects, the securable cover may comprise at least one liner 220.
In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 230, 231 may comprise a first connector 240, 241 attached to a first location on the securable cover. In some implementations, the attachment mechanism 230, 231 may comprise a second connector 245 attached to a second location on the securable cover 200. In some aspects, the first connector 240, 241 may be removably secured to the second connector 245 to at least temporarily secure two objects (such as, by way of example and not limitation, the first location on the securable cover and the second location on the securable cover) together.
In some embodiments, the first connector 240, 241 may be connected to or integrated with the outer layer 210. In some implementations the second connector 245 may at least partially protrude through the liner 220.
In some aspects, at least a portion of the first connector 240, 241 may penetrate through the securable cover from the outer layer 210 and may extrude from liner 220 and be removably received by the second connector 245. In some embodiments, the first connector 240, 241 may be configured to interface with or be removably secured to at least one external device or at least one external connector, or a combination thereof.
In some aspects, the first connector 240, 241 may at least partially comprise a material such as, by way of example and not limitation, a magnetic alloy that may assist with the alignment and securing of the first connector 240, 241 to the second connector 245. In some embodiments, the first connector 240, 241 may be configured to interface with or be removably secured to at least one external connector through a medium based on the type of material that comprises the first connector 240, 241 and/or the external connector(s), such as via magnetic attachment, as a non-limiting example.
Referring now to FIG. 3 , an exemplary securable cover 300 is illustrated. In some aspects, the securable cover 300 may comprise an outer layer 310. In some embodiments, the securable cover 300 may comprise a plurality of attachment mechanisms 330, 331.
In some implementations, the attachment mechanisms 330, 331 may allow the securable cover 300 to be arranged in a variety of pre-established forms when the attachment mechanisms 330, 331 are connected or secured in various configurations. For example, buttons on tapered ends of a securable cover 300 that at least partially comprises a towel may allow a user to adjust the towel from a draped position around the user's neck and wrap it up around wet hair on the user's head to retain the moisture in the hair and prevent water from dripping until the user is ready to dry the hair.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A-B, an exemplary securable cover 400 comprising a first portion 415 and second portion 417 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 400 may comprise an outer layer 410. In some implementations, the outer layer 410 may comprise a first portion 415. In some aspects, the outer layer 410 may comprise a second portion 417. In some embodiments, a bottom region of the first portion 415 may be configured to interface with a top region of the second portion 417.
For example, the bottom region of the first portion 415 may be configured to make at least partial physical contact with the top region of the second portion 417 or the bottom region of the first portion 415 may be configured to overlap or cover the top region of the second portion 417. In some implementations, the securable cover 400 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 430. In some aspects, the bottom region of the first portion 415 may be removably attached to the top region of the second portion 417 via the at least one attachment mechanism 430.
In some implementations, the first portion 415 may at least partially comprise a different material than the second portion 417. In some aspects, the first portion 415 may comprise a different material for the purpose of taking advantage of various material-specific properties. For example, the first portion 415 may at least partially comprise a material that is waterproof, thereby preventing liquid from saturating or soaking through the securable cover 400.
As another example, the first portion 415 may at least partially comprise a material with water-repellent properties and the second portion 417 may at least partially comprise a material with water-absorbent properties that absorbs moisture or liquid that is redirected, repelled, or deflected from the first portion 415.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A-D, an exemplary securable cover 500 comprising a first portion 515, 516 and second portion 517 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 500 may comprise an outer layer 510. In some implementations, the outer layer 510 may comprise a first portion 515. In some aspects, the outer layer 510 may comprise a second portion 517. In some embodiments, a bottom region of the first portion 515 may be configured to interface with a top region of the second portion 517. In some implementations, the securable cover 500 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 530. In some aspects, the bottom region of the first portion 515 may be removably attached to the top region of second portion 517 via the at least one attachment mechanism 530.
In some implementations, the first portion 515 or the second portion 517 may be removable or detachable. In some embodiments, the first portion 516 may retain the shape of the securable cover 500 for ease in reattaching the first portion 516 to the second portion 517. In some aspects, the first portion 515 or the second portion 517, or both, may at least partially comprise a material that is machine-washable. In some embodiments, the securable cover 500 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 530 that allows the first portion 515 or the second portion 517 to be at least temporarily attached and secured to the securable cover 500.
In some implementations, the securable cover 500 may comprise at least one liner that spans the length of both the first portion 515 and the second portion 517 to provide an attachable surface for the first portion 515 or the second portion 517 to be at least temporarily attached and secured to.
Referring now to FIG. 6A-B, an exemplary securable cover 600 comprising an attachable layer 650 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 600 may comprise an outer layer 610. In some implementations, the securable cover 600 may comprise a plurality of attachment mechanisms 630, 631.
In some aspects, the securable cover 600 may comprise a generic material or object that may be adapted to a specific use through the fastening of at least one removable attachment mechanism 630, 631 and an attachable layer 650. In some embodiments, a plurality of attachment mechanisms 630 may be at least temporarily fastened or otherwise secured to the outer layer 610 of the securable cover 600 to equip the securable cover 600 for an intended purpose.
As an illustrative example, a person dying their hair at home may wish to take advantage of the uses of the securable cover 600. To do so, they make take an ordinary towel and attach sleeves, clips, clasps, clamps, or similar fastening elements containing corresponding attachment mechanisms 630 to the corners of the towel via, by way of example and not limitation, a tension or friction-based fit and then fasten the attachment mechanisms 630 together in a selected or preferred configuration. The user may also use at least one secondary attachment mechanism 631 to at least temporarily attach and secure an attachable layer 650 to the top of the towel. This attachable layer 650 may at least partially comprise a waterproof material that is designed to keep the hair dye from staining the towel.
Referring now to FIG. 7 , an exemplary securable cover 700 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 700 may comprise an outer layer 710. In some implementations, the securable cover 700 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 730.
In some aspects, the outer layer 710 may at least partially comprise a hydrophobic, waterproof, water-resistant, or similar material (such as, by way of example and not limitation, various types of plastics and other polymers) that directs water and moisture further down the securable cover 700. In some embodiments, the outer layer 710 may at least partially comprise a liquid-catching region, such as a curved lip 712 on the edge of a bottom region of the outer layer 710, as a non-limiting example, which may catch or retain liquid from the hydrophobic material.
Continuing the example of a curved lip design, in some implementations, the curved lip 712 or other liquid-catching region (or one or more portions thereof) may at least partially comprise an absorbent material that, for example, may line the curved lip 712. In some aspects, the curved lip 712 may comprise a slanted surface that directs all collected liquid to one end of the curved lip 712. In some embodiments, the curved lip 712 may comprise a draining mechanism to remove or release the collected liquid, such as a draining outlet, draining port, or draining tube, as a list of non-limiting examples.
Referring now to FIG. 8 , an exemplary securable cover 800 comprising an attachable layer 850 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 800 may comprise an outer layer 810. In some implementations, the securable cover 800 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 830. In some aspects, the securable cover 800 may comprise an attachable layer 850.
In some embodiments, the attachable layer 850 may supplement the utility of the securable cover 800. For example, the attachable layer 850 may at least partially comprise an absorbent material that captures water as it drips from recently washed hair. In some implementations, the attachable layer 850 may be at least temporarily removably secured to the securable cover 800 by at least one attachment mechanism 830. In some aspects, the attachable layer 850 may be detachable. In some embodiments, the attachable layer 850 may at least partially comprise a material that is machine washable.
As another example, in some implementations the attachable layer 850 may at least partially comprise a statically charged material that attracts and retains loose hairs. The attachable layer 850 may thereby improve cleaning after a haircut by retaining most of the cut hair and then, by being detachable and washable, the attachable layer 850 may enable the barber or stylist to clean and discard cut hair quickly. In some implementations, the attachable layer 850 may be disposable and discarded upon use.
Referring now to FIGS. 9A-B, an exemplary securable cover 900 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 900 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 930. In some implementations, the securable cover 900 may comprise at least one internal material 960.
In some aspects, the securable cover 900 may comprise at least one internal material 960. In some embodiments, the internal material 960 may at least partially comprise a weighted material or one or more weighted elements. In some implementations, the weight of the internal material 960 may provide stability to the securable cover 900 during use. In some aspects, the weight of the internal material 960 may provide a calming or soothing effect on a wearer of the securable cover 900.
As an example, a child may wear a weighted securable cover 900 that at least partially comprises a towel during their first haircut. The weight of the securable cover 900 may help the securable cover 900 stay in place during the child's haircut and may help reduce fidgeting and restlessness by providing comfort to the child in a fashion similar to a weighted blanket.
Referring now to FIG. 10 , an exemplary securable cover 1000 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the securable cover 1000 may comprise an outer layer 1010. In some implementations, the securable cover 1000 may comprise at least one attachment mechanism 1030.
In some aspects, the securable cover 1000 may comprise two or more attachment mechanisms 1030. In some implementations, a first connector of each of the two or more attachment mechanisms 1030 may be configured to be removably secured to a second connector of at least one different attachment mechanism 1030. In some embodiments, the two or more attachment mechanisms 1030 may allow the size or fit of the securable cover 1000 to be adjusted.
As an example, the securable cover 1000 may be worn by an adult and sized and secured to fit the adult's frame by a combination of two or more attachment mechanisms 1030. After the adult is finished using the securable cover 1000, the securable cover 1000 may be adjusted to fit the frame of a child by engaging, securing, or fastening a combination of two or more attachment mechanisms 1030 that differs from the combination of attachment mechanisms 1030 used to secure the securable cover 1000 on/to the adult.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A-D, an exemplary securable cover comprising at least one attachment mechanism 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133 may comprise a plurality of methods or means of attachment such as snap-on clasps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or a zipper, as a non-limiting list of examples.
In some implementations, the attachment mechanism 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133 may allow the securable cover to fit two or more people of different sizes. As an example, the securable cover may be used at a hair salon, where it may first be secured to a large man, then to an average-sized woman, and finally to a small child. The attachment mechanism 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133 may allow the same securable cover to fit all three people by allowing for different configurations of securing the securable cover.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.
Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A securable cover comprising:

an outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a contact surface;

an inner layer, wherein the inner layer is attached to the outer layer and comprises an interior surface opposite of the contact surface;

at least one attachment mechanism, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism comprises:

a first connector, wherein the first connector is attached to a first location on the securable cover; and

a second connector, wherein the second connector is attached to a second location on the securable cover, wherein the first connector is configured to be removably secured to the second connector.

2. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the securable cover further comprises at least one liner, wherein the at least one liner is configured to be removably attached to the interior surface of the inner layer.

3. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the securable cover further comprises:

a first portion and a second portion, wherein a bottom region of the first portion is configured to interface with a top region of the second portion.

4. The securable cover of claim 3, wherein the bottom region of the first portion is removably attachable to the top region of the second portion.

5. The securable cover of claim 3, wherein the bottom region of the first portion is removably attachable to the top region of the second portion via the at least one attachment mechanism.

6. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the securable cover further comprises an attachable layer.

7. The securable cover of claim 6, wherein the attachable layer at least partially comprises an absorbent material.

8. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism comprises at least one of: a snap-fit element, a clip, a clamp, a clasp, a hook, a pin, a hole, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

9. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the securable cover comprises two or more of the at least one attachment mechanism.

10. The securable cover of claim 9, wherein the first connector of each of the two or more of the at least one attachment mechanism is configured to be removably secured to the second connector of a different at least one attachment mechanism.

11. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is removable.

12. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the securable cover at least partially comprises an absorbent material.

13. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the outer layer at least partially comprises a hydrophobic material.

14. The securable cover of claim 13, wherein the outer layer at least partially comprises a liquid-catching region.

15. The securable cover of claim 14, wherein the liquid-catching region at least partially comprises a curved lip on an edge of a bottom region of the outer layer.

16. The securable cover of claim 14, wherein the liquid-catching region at least partially comprises an absorbent material.

17. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein the securable cover comprises at least one internal material.

18. The securable cover of claim 17, wherein the at least one internal material at least partially comprises a weighted material.

19. The securable cover of claim 1, wherein securable cover further comprises at least one liner, wherein the at least one liner is configured to be removably attached to the contact surface of the outer layer.

20. The securable cover of claim 2, wherein the at least one liner at least partially comprises at least one heat-resistant material.