US20030233717A1

US20030233717A1 - Multi-surface towel

Info

Publication number: US20030233717A1
Application number: US10/264,456
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Ortega; Paul Wiederkehr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-25
Filing date: 2002-10-04
Publication date: 2003-12-25
Also published as: US20040194242A1; US20060005335A1

Abstract

A multi-surface towel is afforded. A first piece of material has an absorbent surface. A second piece of material is coupled to the first piece of material and has a surface suitable for polishing. A third piece of material is coupled to the first and second piece of material and has an abrasive surface. Thus, the towel is multi-functional.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/391,914 filed Jun. 25, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of towels, and more particularly to a multi-surface towel having various materials for performing different functions.

2. Background of the Invention

Ideally, golf courses require manicured grass, which is watered often in order to maintain green color and durability of the grass. Due to the damp grass, golf balls and golf clubs frequently accumulate mud and dirt. Further, course hazards, such as water obstacles, sand traps, etc. result in a wet or dirty golf ball and/or golf club. Because a golfer's hands often come in contact with the wet and dirty golf balls and golf clubs, the golfer's hands become wet and soiled as well. Accordingly, golfers tend to carry golf towels in order to clean and dry hands and golf equipment.

Conventional golf towels are typically small terry cloth towels attached to a golf bag in some manner. The golf towels are utilized to dry the golfer's hands, as well as the golfer's equipment. The mud and/or dirt on golf clubs and golf balls are often cleaned off utilizing the golf towel as well. Eventually, the golf towel itself becomes exceedingly soiled and is thus no longer capable of providing a proper surface for drying and cleaning hands, equipment, etc. Accordingly, traditional golf towels are habitually impractical for providing a drying and cleaning surface.

In addition, traditional golf towels are an inadequate means of cleaning stubborn dirt from balls and/or clubs. Mud is frequently left to dry on the golf ball and/or golf club. The temperature may be such that the mud dries on the golf equipment in between plays, or equipment may not have been cleaned following the end of a game of golf, etc. The terry cloth surface of conventional golf towels cannot sufficiently remove dried-on mud, or even sand embedded in the seams of a golf club head. Because the smallest amount of substance on golf equipment can interfere with play, the ability to remove even the minutest debris is paramount.

Additionally, once golf equipment is cleaned, the equipment commonly dulls in appearance. Traditional golf towels do not provide materials for polishing golf clubs. Disadvantageously, terry cloth can partially clean a surface in some instances, but it is not capable of actually polishing the surface of golf clubs to produce a shine and remove more subtle remnants of debris.

Similarly, other sports and activities require cleaning of equipment and accessories associated with the sport. For example, cyclists often meticulously clean their cycles. As another example, bowling accessories, such as bowling balls, bowling shoes, bowling bags, etc. frequently accumulate debris and must be cleaned and polished.

Thus, there is a need for a towel with surfaces for cleaning stubborn stains from equipment, for polishing the equipment, and for drying the equipment. There is a further need for the towel to dry a player's hands, a player's shoes, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides in various embodiments a towel having multiple surfaces. A first piece of material has an absorbent surface. A second piece of material is coupled to the first piece of material and has a surface suitable for polishing. A third piece of material is coupled to the first and second piece of material, and has an abrasive surface.

A multi-surface towel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first piece of material having an absorbent surface. The first piece of material forms a first side of the towel. A second piece of material, having a surface suitable for polishing, comprises a portion of a second side of the towel. A third piece of material has an abrasive surface, which comprises a portion of the second side of the towel contiguous with the second piece of material.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the inventions herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side of a towel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0014]
FIG. 2 is a back side of the towel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0015]
FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of material configuration of the towel of the present invention; [0016]
FIG. 4 is yet another alternative embodiment of material configuration of the towel of the present invention; [0017]
FIG. 5 is still another alternative embodiment of material configuration of the towel of the present invention; [0018]
FIG. 6 is still further alternative embodiment of the present invention; and [0019]
FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of means for attaching the towel of the present invention. [0020]

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the exemplary drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding elements among the figures, embodiments of a system according to the present invention will now be described in detail. The following description sets forth examples of multi-surface towels. Reference is made to the multi-surface towel in terms of a golf towel. While the multi-surface towel presents various advantages for use in the game of golf, one skilled in the art will recognize that the multi-surface towel has uses in a variety of sports and activities in general. [0021]
Referring now to FIG. 1, a front side of a [0022] towel 100 is shown. The front side includes an absorbent material 102. The absorbent material 102 may be terry cloth, for example. The towel 100 further includes an opening 104. The opening 104 may further include a reinforcer 106, such as a grommet. Additionally, a clip 108 may be inserted through the opening 104 in order to fasten the towel 100 to a bag or other equipment. For example, the towel 100 may be a golf towel, which may be attached to a golf bag. As shown in FIG. 1, a graphic 110 may be printed on the towel 100 for purposes of advertising, identifying the owner, etc.
A variety of materials or fabrics may be used for the [0023] absorbent material 102 that forms the front side of the towel 100. As previously discussed, terry cloth fabric may be utilized. Typically, terry cloth is made with cotton. However, terry cloth itself is available in various forms and may be made with various materials. For instance, terry cloth may be made with microfiber, such as a polyester blend, a stretch type material, etc. Further, terry cloth may be categorized as rich pile, velour, looped pile, sheared pile, etc. Ideally, loosely twisted loops tend to be softer and more absorbent, while tightly twisted loops tend to make a rougher fabric. Additionally, long pile tends to be more absorbent than short pile. Although terry cloth has been described for use in the present invention, any suitable absorbent material 102 may be utilized to form the front side of the towel 100 in accordance with the present invention.
Additionally, any type of [0024] opening 104 may be formed and any type of reinforcer 106 may be employed that is suitable for use with the present invention. Advantageously, the reinforcer 106 strengthens and/or augments the opening 104 so as to bolster the opening 104, and allow entry of the clip 108. The clip 108 may be any type of clip 108 that is suitable for use with the present invention. For example, a heavy duty clip 108, such as a carabiner, may be utilized. As another example, a light clip, such as a ring typically used with key chains may be utilized.
As a further example, any type of attachment mechanism suitable for use with the present invention may be utilized. For instance, a strap and buckle may be inserted through the opening, allowing the [0025] towel 100 to be buckled to an object in some manner.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a back side of the [0026] towel 100 is shown. The back side of the towel 100 includes a polishing material 202 that extends only a portion of the way down the back side. The remainder of the back side includes an abrasive material 204. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening 104 on the back side of the towel 100 is contiguous with the opening 104 from the front side of the towel 100. Further, the reinforcer 106 extends through, or is otherwise attached, to the back side of the towel 100 consistent with the front side of the towel 100.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the polishing [0027] material 202 is 13.5 inches along its length and 12 inches along its width, while the abrasive material 204 is 2.5 inches along its length and 12 inches along its width. This configuration dictates that the polishing material 202 extends down its elongated portion ⅚ to ⅞ of the way, with the abrasive material 204 extending down its elongated portion ⅙ to ⅛ of the entire length of the second side of the towel 100. The towel 100 shown in FIG. 2 is 16 inches by 12 inches. However, any suitable size towel 100 may be employed in accordance with the present invention. The length and width may be any variety of sizes. For example, a larger size may be particularly useful for cleaning the inside and outside of automobiles.
Furthermore, any suitable proportions of the polishing [0028] material 202 and abrasive material 204 may be employed. For example, the polishing material 202 may only extend down ¾ of the total length of the towel 100, while the abrasive material extends down ¼ of the entire length of the towel 100. As another example, the polishing material 202 and abrasive material 204 may each occupy equal space on the second side of the towel 100, etc.
The polishing [0029] material 202 may include any material suitable for polishing. For example, chamois (i.e. a soft, pliant leather) is a polishing material that may be utilized. Although chamois originates from the skin of a chamois, it may be made from the skin of sheep, goat, kid, deer, and calf. As another example, cotton fabric may be made to resemble chamois, and may also be utilized as a polishing cloth.
The [0030] abrasive material 204 may include any materials suitable for use with the present invention. A scrub pad, for example, may be utilized. Scrub pads and abrasive materials, generally, may include nylon, linen, loufa, sisal, wool, abrasive walnut shell, etc. The abrasive material 204 may also be scratch free.
The front side and the back side of the [0031] towel 100 may be attached to form the towel 100 in any suitable manner. For example, the front side and the back side of the towel 100 may be sewn together, snapped together, adhered together in some manner, etc.
An advantage of the [0032] towel 100 is that it is washable. Traditional golf towels, for example, often fray when washed. The towel 100 of the present invention maintains its form due to the front side of the towel 100 being bound to the second side of the towel 100.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the [0033] abrasive material 204 may be located on the front side of the towel 100, sharing a portion of the elongated section with the absorbent material 102. In such an embodiment, the polishing material 202 constitutes the entire back side of the towel 100. Alternatively, any combination of the absorbent material 102, polishing material 202, and abrasive material 204 is possible in accordance with the present invention.
In use, the [0034] towel 100 of the present invention offers many advantages. For example, rather than carrying several towels or cleaning items, only one towel 100 is needed. The absorbent material 102 is useful for drying hands, drying a golf club, etc. The abrasive material 204 is often needed for cleaning stubborn dirt off a club, removing residue from seams in a club head, etc. The polishing material 202 is useful for polishing club heads, club shafts, etc.
The [0035] towel 100 of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with any sport or activity in general. For example, the towel 100 of the present invention may be utilized to clean and polish a pair of shoes, golf related or otherwise. Further, furniture, jewelry, audio visual equipment, etc. may be cleaned utilizing the towel 100 of the present invention. As previously discussed, the towel 100 may be particularly useful for cleaning the interior and exterior of an automobile. A variety of uses are contemplated.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 both indicate stitch lines along the periphery of the [0036] towel 100 and along the abrasive material 204 section. Stitch lines may show both on the side of the towel 100 on which the particular material is sewn, as well as on the opposing side. It shall be noted that any manner of combining the materials discussed herein suitable for use with the present invention may be employed. In other words, although the FIGS. 1-7 indicate stitch lines, the materials may be joined via any other methods. For example, the materials may be joined via an adhesive.
In one embodiment, an opening may be included along a side of the [0037] towel 100. In other words, the materials may be joined together, except for a section that does not join the materials together. Such a section provides an area for a user to insert a hand, for better manipulation of the towel 100 and item for which the towel 100 is being utilized.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment as discussed herein is shown. A front side of a [0038] towel 300 comprises an absorbent material 302. The absorbent material 302 extends down a portion of the front side of the towel. An abrasive material 304 extends down the remaining portion of the front side of the towel. As discussed herein, the respective portions may be any portions suitable for use with the present invention. A back side of the towel 300 comprises a material suitable for polishing. It should be noted that reference to a front side and a back side of the towel 100, 300 is made for purposes of illustration and accordingly, the materials discussed may be located on either the front side or the back side of the towel 100, 300.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of a [0039] towel 400 is shown. A front side of the towel 400 comprises an absorbent material 402 extending down a portion of the front side, while a polishing material 404 extends down the remaining portion of the front side of the towel 400. The back side of the towel 400 comprises an abrasive material 406.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of a [0040] towel 500 is shown. The front side of the towel 500 is either an absorbent material or a polishing material. An abrasive material 506 extends vertically down the left side of the towel 500. Thus, the abrasive material 506 extends along a portion from a top to a bottom of the front side of the towel 500, the absorbent material 502 or the polishing material 504 extending along the remaining portion between the top and bottom of the front side of the towel 500. Alternatively, the abrasive material 506 may extend down the right side of the towel 500. The back side of the towel 500 is comprised of whichever material (i.e., absorbent material 502 or polishing material 504) does not comprise the front side of the towel 500.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a [0041] towel 600 is shown. A front side of the towel 600 comprises an absorbent material 602. A back side of the towel 600 comprises a polishing material 604. Further comprising the second side of the towel 600 is a triangular section of abrasive material 606 at either the right or left edge of the towel 600. Alternatively, the front side of the towel 600 may comprise the polishing material 604, having a back side comprised of the absorbent material 602 and a triangular section of abrasive material 606. As another alternative, a triangular section of abrasive material 606 may comprise both edges of either the front or back side of the towel 600.
Another embodiment includes a portion of each material occupying a portion of each side of the [0042] towel 600. For example, a front side of the towel 600 may include a strip of absorbent material, polishing material, and abrasive material arranged either horizontally or vertically along the front side. A back side of the same towel 600 may include a similar configuration or one of the materials, two of the materials, etc. Furthermore, a front side of the towel 600 may include an absorbent material with a strip of abrasive material occupying a portion of the space of the front side, while a back side of the towel 600 includes a polishing material with a strip of abrasive material occupying the remaining space on the back side. Accordingly, both the front side and the back side of the towel may include abrasive material, in strip form, triangular form, a square section on either edge of the towel 600, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the [0043] towel 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the opening 104 and reinforcer 106 are replaced by a snap 702 for attaching the towel to an object via snapping it in place. The snap 702 may include either the male or female section only, the object including the reciprocating section. As an alternative, the towel 700, itself, may include the reciprocating section of the snap 702 in another area on the towel 100. For example, an opposing edge may include the reciprocating section of the snap 702, allowing the towel 100 to be snapped around an object, to an object, etc.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, strings may extend from the [0044] towel 700, allowing the towel 100 to be tied to an object. As another example of attachment means, a button may be included on the towel 700 for attaching the towel to an object. An opening for the button may be included on the object for fastening the towel 700 thereto. Alternatively, the towel 700, itself, may include the opening for the button, allowing the towel to be fastened to the object by buttoning the towel 700 together. As another option, the towel 700 may be fastened to a button on the object via the button hole on the towel 700. Any attachment means suitable for use with the present invention is possible.
The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. [0045]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-surface towel, comprising:

a first piece of material having an absorbent surface, the first piece of material forming a first side of the towel;

a second piece of material having a surface suitable for polishing, the second piece of material comprising a portion of a second side of the towel; and

a third piece of material having an abrasive surface, the third piece of material comprising a portion of the second side of the towel contiguous with the second piece of material.

2. The multi-surface towel of claim 1, further comprising an opening passing through the first side of the towel, the opening contiguous with the second side of the towel.

3. The multi-surface towel of claim 2, further comprising a reinforcer to support the opening.

4. The multi-surface towel of claim 3, wherein the reinforcer is a grommet.

5. The multi-surface towel of claim 2, wherein an attachment means is passed through the opening for attaching the towel to an object.

6. The multi-surface towel of claim 5, wherein the attachment means is a carabiner.

7. The multi-surface towel of claim 1, wherein the first piece of material is terry cloth.

8. The multi-surface towel of claim 1, wherein the second piece of material is chamois.

9. The multi-surface towel of claim 1, wherein the third piece of material is a scrubber pad.

10. A towel, comprising:

a first piece of material having an absorbent surface;

a second piece of material coupled to the first piece of material, the second piece of material having a surface suitable for polishing; and

a third piece of material coupled to the first and second piece of material, the third piece of material having an abrasive surface.

11. The towel of claim 10, wherein the second piece of material and the third piece of material comprise a first side of the towel opposing a second side of the towel comprising the first piece of material.

12. The towel of claim 10, wherein the first piece of material and the third piece of material comprise a first side of the towel opposing a second side of the towel comprising the second piece of material.

13. The towel of claim 10, wherein the first piece of material and the second piece of material comprise a first side of the towel opposing a second side of the towel comprising the second piece of material.

14. The towel of claim 10, wherein the first piece of material is terry cloth.

15. The towel of claim 10, wherein the second piece of material is chamois.

16. The towel of claim 10, wherein the third piece of material is a scrubber pad.

17. The towel of claim 10, further comprising an opening extending through the towel.

18. The towel of claim 17, further comprising a reinforcer to support the opening.

19. The towel of claim 18, wherein the reinforcer is a grommet.

20. The towel of claim 17, further comprising an attachment means inserted through the opening for fastening the towel.

21. The towel of claim 20, wherein the attachment means is a carabiner.

22. A multi-functional towel comprising:

means for absorbing moisture from a surface of an object;

means for polishing the surface of the object; and

means for scrubbing the surface of the object.