Towel with integrally weighted peripheral portions

Abstract

A towel includes a flexible body defining at least one peripheral edge portion. The peripheral edge portion has an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section. The end body section is folded over the penultimate body section to face the penultimate body section. A receptacle is defined between the end body section and the penultimate body section. The receptacle is sequentially segmented at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the peripheral edge portion. The towel further includes weighted materials. Each weighted material is received into a respective pocket of the series of pockets. The end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other to permanently seal away the weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the peripheral edge portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 654,916, filed May 31, 2024, and entitled “Towel with Integrally Weighted Peripheral Portions”, the content of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to towels having integrally weighted peripheral portions, and a method for manufacturing the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Towels, e.g., standard bathing towels, beach towels, pool towels, washcloths, hand towels, gym towels, and spa towels, are generally well suited for drying oneself as part of both indoor and outdoor use. In the case of outdoor use, for example, factors such as wind, etc., can cause a towel to move away from its desired position. Towels that are uniformly weighted all throughout and / or are relatively light weight may need additional articles (and / or mechanisms) so that they can be weighed down at a desired location in order to be retained at that desired location.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a towel. The towel includes a flexible body defining at least one peripheral edge portion. The peripheral edge portion has an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section. The end body section is folded over the penultimate body section to face the penultimate body section. Further, a receptacle is defined between the end body section and the penultimate body section and is sequentially segmented at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the peripheral edge portion. The towel also includes a plurality of weighted materials. Each weighted material is received into a respective pocket. The end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other to permanently seal away the weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the peripheral edge portion.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for manufacturing a towel. The method includes use of a flexible body. The flexible body defines at least one peripheral edge portion having an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section. The method includes folding the end body section over the penultimate body section such that the end body section faces the penultimate body section to define a receptacle between the end body section and the penultimate body section. The method includes sequentially segmenting the receptacle at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the peripheral edge portion. Further, the method includes inserting weighted materials into the series of pockets, such that each weighted material is received into a respective pocket. Furthermore, the method includes connecting the end body section with the penultimate body section to permanently seal away the weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the peripheral edge portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a view of an exemplary first towel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIGS. 2A through 2H illustrate an exemplary first method to manufacture the first towel of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2I is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the first towel viewed along a section depicted in FIG. 2H, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary second towel, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate an exemplary second method to manufacture the second towel of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a view of an exemplary third towel, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate an exemplary third method to manufacture the third towel of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary manner of incorporation of a waterproof layer into any of the first towel, the second towel, and / or the third towel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary manner of incorporation of waterproof pouches into any of the first towel, the second towel, and / or the third towel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1′, 1″, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a towel 100 is described. The towel 100 may be applied as one or more of a standard bathing towel, a beach towel, a pool towel, a washcloth, a hand towel, a gym towel, a spa towel, and the like. The towel 100 may include a flexible body 104. The flexible body 104 may be formed from a cloth-based material and / or a fabric-based substrate, and which may be used to wipe and / or dry a surface such as a human skin surface and / or an animal skin surface. The flexible body 104 may be, at least partly, or fully, water absorbent. As an example, the flexible body 104 may be made from one or more of cotton, polyester, and / or microfiber. In addition to said list of materials, the towel 100 may be made from any other material now known or in the future developed. Although the example applications of the towel 100 are noted above, the towel 100 may find various other uses.

[0017] The towel 100 may include a rectangular shape, although aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to towels with a variety of other shapes and / or profiles. For example, the towel 100 may include a square shape, an oblong shape, etc. In effect, the rectangular shape of the towel 100 is exemplary. The towel 100 may include four end edges 106, namely, a first end edge 108, a second end edge 112, a third end edge 116, and a fourth end edge 120. Given the exemplary rectangular shape of the towel 100, the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112 may be disposed oppositely to each other, while the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120 may be disposed oppositely to each other. Further, as shown, the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120 may extend (e.g., orthogonally) between the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112 to impart the exemplary rectangular shape to the towel 100. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the towel 100 includes a length (defined between the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112) equal to approximately 62 inches, and a width (defined between the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120) equal to approximately 32 inches.

[0018] The towel 100 may define a peripheral portion 124 and a main body portion 128. The peripheral portion 124 may adjoin or include one of the end edges 106, e.g., the first end edge 108, of the towel 100. Further, the peripheral portion 124 may define a receptacle 132 and weights (see weighted materials 136) may be received within the receptacle 132. Owing to the receipt of the weighted materials 136 within the receptacle 132, the weighted materials 136 may form a part of the towel 100, and, thus, the peripheral portion 124 may also be interchangeably referred to as an integrally weighted peripheral portion 124. The term ‘integrally’, as used here, means that the peripheral portion 124 of the towel 100 may enclose (e.g., entirely enclose) the weighted materials 136 therein, and in a manner that the weighted materials 136 may be non-removable, non-accessible, and / or non-viewable, from an outside of the receptacle 132 unless the peripheral portion 124 is forcibly divided, ruptured, and / or is torn apart. In some example embodiments, the weighted materials 136 for a single end may include a total weight between 20 to 200 grams, and in other embodiments, between 50 to 150 grams. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the weighted materials 136 for a single end include a total weight of 100 grams. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values.

[0019] The peripheral portion 124 may impart a relative heaviness or may provide a weight to the towel 100 at or towards the first end edge 108 such that the peripheral portion 124 of the towel 100 towards the first end edge 108 is heavier in comparison to other peripheral portions of the towel 100 defined towards any of the other end edges 106, e.g., the second end edge 112, the third end edge 116, and the fourth end edge 120. Such heaviness or weight may define a non-uniform weight or mass distribution across the towel 100's expanse, in other words, making one towel portion heavier than another towel portion. Additionally, the peripheral portion 124 may be contiguous to the main body portion 128 of the towel 100, thus making the peripheral portion 124 appear seamlessly merged and / or wholly integral with the main body portion 128 of the towel 100. In some example embodiments, the peripheral portion 124 may include a width of 0.5 to 3.0 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral portion 124 includes a width of 2.5 inches. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values.

[0020] The towel 100 may further include hems 140. The hems 140 may be formed at the end edges 106 of the towel 100—e.g., each of the hems 140 may be provided at a respective end edge of the towel 100. With four end edges 106, e.g., the first end edge 108, the second end edge 112, the third end edge 116, and the fourth end edge 120, the towel 100 may correspondingly include four hems 140, e.g., a first hem 144, a second hem 148, a third hem 152, and a fourth hem 156. Said hems 140 may be respectively formed at the four end edges 106 of the towel 100, as has been illustrated in FIG. 1. In other words, the first hem 144 may be formed at the first end edge 108; the second hem 148 may be formed at the second end edge 112; the third hem 152 may be formed at the third end edge 116; and the fourth hem 156 may be formed at the fourth end edge 120.

[0021] The hems 140 may correspondingly define depths. Although not limited, depths defined by one or more of the four hems 140 with respect to one or more of the other four hems 140 may differ from each other. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1, first depths, FT, defined by two opposite hems (e.g., the first hem 144 and the second hem 148 in FIGS. 1 and 2H) of the four hems 140 respectively at two opposite end edges (e.g., the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112) of the four end edges 106 of the towel 100 are respectively larger than second depths, ST, defined by the other two opposite hems (e.g., the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156 in FIGS. 1 and 2H) of the four hems 140 respectively at the other two opposite end edges (e.g., the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120) of the four end edges 106 of the towel 100.

[0022] Conversely, in some embodiments, the depths, FT, may be smaller than the depths, ST. Further, in some embodiments, the depths, FT and ST, may be the same. In yet some embodiments, the depths of the first hem 144, the second hem 148, the third hem 152, and the fourth hem 156, may all differ from each other. In still some embodiments, depths of the first hem 144 and one or more of the third hem 152 and / or the fourth hem 156 may be the same, while, in some embodiments, the depths of the second hem 148 and one or more of the third hem 152 and / or the fourth hem 156 may be the same. In an example, the depth FT of the hem is between 0.25 to 3 inches, and more particularly approximately 0.25 to 0.75 inches. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the depth FT of each of the first hem 144 and the second hem 148 is 0.5 inches. Further, in an example, the depth ST of the hem is between 0.125 to 2 inches, and more particularly approximately 0.25 to 0.75 inches. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the depth ST of each of the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156 is 0.25 inches.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2H a method 200 of manufacturing the towel 100 is exemplarily discussed. The method 200 includes a series of stages, namely, a first stage 204, a second stage 208, a third stage 212, a fourth stage 216, a fifth stage 224, and a sixth stage 228, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2H. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the method 200 may also be interchangeably referred to as a first method 200 and the towel 100, as manufactured by way of the first method 200, may be interchangeably referred to as a first towel 100. The method 200 begins at first stage 204.

[0024] The first stage 204 in the manufacture of flexible body 104 is shown in FIG. 2A. To this end, the flexible body 104 may be manufactured by using cloth-based materials, such as cotton, polyester, and / or microfiber, and the like, although various other materials, now known or in the future developed, may also be used for manufacturing the flexible body 104. In so doing, the flexible body 104 may include, or may be formed from, a cloth-based material or a fabric-based substrate. Further, the flexible body 104 may be manufactured by using any production technique, now known or in the future developed. The production technique to manufacture the flexible body 104 may include, but not be limited to, spinning, warping, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, etc. The flexible body 104 may be further processed (as will be discussed below by way of the various stages of the method 200) to manufacture and arrive at the towel 100, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] As the towel 100 may include the rectangular shape, the flexible body 104 may also include a rectangular shape. To this end, the flexible body 104 may define four peripheral edge portions 240, namely, a first peripheral edge portion 244, a second peripheral edge portion 248, a third peripheral edge portion 252, and a fourth peripheral edge portion 256 (see FIG. 2A). Discussions below will include references corresponding to the first peripheral edge portion 244. Such discussions may be applied to one or more of the other peripheral edge portions 240, e.g., the second peripheral edge portion 248, the third peripheral edge portion 252, and / or the fourth peripheral edge portion 256, e.g., if a configuration of the towel 100 were to change from what has been discussed for the towel 100. The flexible body 104 may also define a first border 260 at the first peripheral edge portion 244, a second border 268 at the second peripheral edge portion 248, a third border 272 at the third peripheral edge portion 252, and a fourth border 276 at the fourth peripheral edge portion 256.

[0026] The first peripheral edge portion 244 may include an end body section 280 and a penultimate body section 284, as shown in FIG. 2A. Although not limited, both the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 may possess the same shape and dimension. The penultimate body section 284 may be contiguous to (e.g., seamlessly merged with or integrally formed with) the end body section 280. Also, the end body section 280 may define the first border 260 of the flexible body 104. Further, a width, W, of the flexible body 104 may be defined between two opposite edge portions (e.g., between the third border 272 of the third peripheral edge portion 252 and the fourth border 276 of the fourth peripheral edge portion 256) of the four peripheral edge portions 240 and a length, L, of the flexible body 104 may be defined between the other two opposite edge portions (e.g., the first border 260 of the first peripheral edge portion 244 and the second border 268 of the second peripheral edge portion 248) of the four peripheral edge portions 240.

[0027] In some embodiments, the width, W, is between 10 to 84 inches and the length, L, is between 10 to 84 inches. In other embodiments, the width, W, is between 30 to 50 inches and the length, L, is between 50 to 70 inches. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values. As part of the method 200, or the first stage 204, once the flexible body 104 is manufactured, the flexible body 104 may be brought forth and laid over a surface (not shown) for further processing. The method 200 proceeds to the second stage 208.

[0028] At second stage 208, and as shown in FIG. 2B (and also in conjunction with FIG. 2I), an operator may turn or fold the end body section 280 over the penultimate body section 284, e.g., about an axis 288. In so doing, the end body section 280 may face (e.g., wholly face) the penultimate body section 284. The term ‘operator’, as used in the present disclosure, may include or refer to a human. Alternatively, or in addition, the term ‘operator’ may include a machine or an equipment that may function in response to commands provided to it (e.g., by a human or by another machine) and / or one which may function semi-automatically or fully automatically. In some embodiments, the first peripheral edge portion 244 may define a folded end edge 292 at an interface of the flexible body 104 at which the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 are turned about to be directed towards each other.

[0029] In some embodiments, a folding of the end body section 280 over the penultimate body section 284 may be attained such that the first border 260 may be positioned generally parallel to the folded end edge 292 (also see alignment axis 288′ to which the first border 260 may be brought into alignment during folding). The folded end edge 292 and a facing of the end body section 280 towards the penultimate body section 284 is easily visualizable from the exemplary cross-sectional view of the integrally weighted peripheral portion 124 of the towel 100 provided in FIG. 2I. Some aspects and / or features of the towel 100 in FIG. 2I are exaggerated for easing understanding. The term ‘generally’ has been used here to account for manufacturing tolerances.

[0030] Once the end body section 280 is folded over onto the penultimate body section 284 to lay over and / or overlap the penultimate body section 284, the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 may be connected (e.g., along the third border 272 and the fourth border 276) to each other. As the end body section 280 may be folded over onto the penultimate body section 284 and then by connecting portions of the end body section 280 with the penultimate body section 284, the receptacle 132 may be formed between the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284, as shown. In further detail, to form the receptacle 132, portions of the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 defining the third border 272 and the fourth border 276 may be connected, e.g., by stitching, sewing, use of industrial adhesives, and the like techniques, with each other. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the end body section 280 folded over onto the penultimate body section 284 may be collectively referred to as a folded end section 300 (see FIG. 2C) of the towel 100. The method 200 proceeds to the third stage 212.

[0031] At third stage 212, and as shown in FIG. 2C, the folded end section 300 may define a first sub-section 304 and a second sub-section 308. Both the first sub-section 304 and the second sub-section 308 may be defined or may span along the width, W. The first sub-section 304 may be disposed relatively away from the folded end edge 292 and may be closer to (and contiguous with) the first border 260 than the second sub-section 308. Conversely, the second sub-section 308 may be disposed relatively away from the first border 260 and, instead, may be closer to (and contiguous with) the folded end edge 292 than the first sub-section 304. Effectively, the second sub-section 308 of the folded end section 300 may extend between the first sub-section 304 and the folded end edge 292, and the first sub-section 304 of the folded end section 300 may extend between the second sub-section 308 and the first border 260.

[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 2C, and according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the receptacle 132 (and / or a receptacle portion 312 of the receptacle 132) defined by the first sub-section 304 and / or disposed between the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 may be segmented to define a series of pockets 316 along (e.g., entirely along) the width, W, of the flexible body 104. As an example, ten pockets 316 may be defined, namely, a first pocket 316a, a second pocket 316b, a third pocket 316c, a fourth pocket 316d, a fifth pocket 316e, a sixth pocket 316f, a seventh pocket 316g, an eight pocket 316h, a ninth pocket 316i, and a tenth pocket 316j. In some embodiments, the segmentation of the receptacle 132 and / or the series of pockets 316 may be sequentially formed by stitching or sewing the first sub-section 304 associated with the end body section 280 with the first sub-section 304 associated with the penultimate body section 284 at regular intervals along the width, W. In that manner, the series of pockets 316 may be arranged to extend along the width, W, at regular spacing intervals, starting from the third border 272 and ending at the fourth border 276. Also, the series of pockets 316 as obtained by such segmentation may be provided across the width, W, of the flexible body 104 and throughout the first peripheral edge portion 244, in an uninterrupted manner (e.g., without having gaps or spaces between the series of pockets 316). Notably, therefore, the series of pockets 316 may be defined between the third border 272 and the fourth border 276.

[0033] The series of pockets 316a-316j, as formed at the third stage 212, may define respective openings 320a-320j—e.g., the first pocket 316a may define a first opening 320a, the second pocket 316b may define a second opening 320b, the third pocket 316c may define a third opening 320c, the fourth pocket 316d may define a fourth opening 320d, and so on. As shown, said openings 320 may be defined between the first border 260 and the penultimate body section 284. In some embodiments, the series of pockets 316a-316j may define a gap, G1, with respect to the third border 272 and a gap, G2, with respect to the fourth border 276. The method 200 proceeds to the fourth stage 216.

[0034] At fourth stage 216, and as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the weighted materials 136 may be incorporated into the flexible body 104 to form the towel 100. In this regard, the operator may access the weighted materials 136 and may insert the weighted materials 136 into the receptacle 132—e.g., each of the weighted materials 136 may be received into a respective pocket 316 (e.g., through a respective opening 320). The weighted materials 136 may correspond to a first weighted material 136a, a second weighted material 136b, a third weighted material 136c, a fourth weighted material 136d, a fifth weighted material 136e, a sixth weighted material 136f, a seventh weighted material 136g, an eighth weighted material 136h, a ninth weighted material 136i, and a tenth weighted material 136j. As an example, the first weighted material 136a may be received into the first pocket 316a through the first opening 320a of the first pocket 316a; the second weighted material 136b may be received into the second pocket 316b through the second opening 320b of the second pocket 316b; the third weighted material 136c may be received into the third pocket 316c through the third opening 320c of the third pocket 316c; the fourth weighted material 136d may be received into the fourth pocket 316d through the fourth opening 320d of the fourth pocket 316d, and so on.

[0035] Here, each of the weighted materials 136 may correspond to or may mean a pack or a set or a pile or a handful of a weighted material. As an example, each of the weighted materials 136 may include or correspond to granular materials. Although not limited, the weighted materials 136 housed across the pockets 316 may generally possess the same (or similar) properties and / or specifications, e.g., weight and type of the material used. The term ‘generally’ has been used here to account for manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materials 136 or one or more of the weighted materials 136 may include an organic material, e.g., an organic granular material including grains or cereals. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materials 136 or one or more of the weighted materials 136 may include an inorganic material, e.g., an inorganic granular material including silicone beads. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materials 136 may include a combination of organic granular materials and inorganic granular materials. Using granular material, exemplarily, for the weighted materials 136 may allow the flexible body 104 (or the towel 100 obtained by executing the method 200) to accommodate flexures in the flexible body 104 or in the towel 100.

[0036] The inorganic material may be selected from materials that are suitable for use in toys, and which may be non-toxic and non-allergic so as to be suitable for various skin types. As an example, the inorganic material may be ones that may be able to endure varying moisture levels (and thus may exhibit hydrophobic properties), and / or which may remain largely unaffected by factors such as moisture, heat, temperature variations, and exposure to chemicals such as those that are used in detergents, and the like. As with the inorganic material, the organic material may also possess similar characteristics as have been discussed above for the inorganic material. Also, both the weighted materials 136 and the flexible body 104 may be made from materials which may be suitable for use with conventional home equipment, such as washers and / or dryers. The method 200 proceeds to the fifth stage 224.

[0037] At fifth stage 224, and as shown in FIG. 2F, the openings 320 of the pockets 316 may be sealed, for example, by connecting (e.g., by stitching or sewing) the first border 260 to the penultimate body section 284. In so doing, the end body section 280 (or the first sub-section 304 of the end body section 280) and the penultimate body section 284 may be connected to each other to permanently seal away the weighted materials 136 from external access and view. In that manner, the weighted materials 136 may be incorporated or integrated into the flexible body 104 (and thus may be made inherent to the towel 100). With such incorporation or integration of the weighted materials 136 into the towel 100, the weighted materials 136 impart weight and / or heaviness to the towel 100 at the first peripheral edge portion 244 or towards the first end edge 108. The method 200 next proceeds to sixth stage 228.

[0038] At sixth stage 228, and as shown in FIGS. 2G and 2H (and in conjunction with FIG. 2I) hems 140 may be formed in the flexible body 104 for obtaining the towel 100. For example, the first hem 144 may be formed at the folded end edge 292 to define a boundary 328 of the towel 100. To form the first hem 144, portions of the second sub-section 308 of the flexible body 104 may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a first axis 332) and then they may be connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the first hem 144 and thus the first end edge 108 of the towel 100. Similarly, portions of a second section 336 at the second peripheral edge portion 248 of the flexible body 104 may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a second axis 340) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the second hem 148 and thus the second end edge 112 of the towel 100.

[0039] Further, portions of a third section 344 of the flexible body 104 defined by the gap, G1, may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a third axis 348) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the third hem 152 and thus also the third end edge 116 of the towel 100. Similarly, portions of a fourth section 352 of the flexible body 104 defined by the gap, G2, may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a fourth axis 356) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the fourth hem 156 and thus also the fourth end edge 120 of the towel 100.

[0040] FIG. 2H shows the completed towel 100 according to the exemplary first method 200 to manufacture the first towel 100 of FIG. 1. Note that the number of pockets 316 on each side of the towel 100 may widely vary—from one pocket to as many as ten or more pockets on each side, depending on a number of factors including the length and width of the towel 100 and the amount of additional weight needed to keep the towel 100 from moving.

[0041] As noted above and shown in FIG. 1, the first hem 144 and the second hem 148 may each define the first depth, FT, and the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156 may each define the second depth, ST. Although not limited, the first depth, FT, may be larger than the second depth, ST. Effectively, first depths, FT, defined by two opposite hems (e.g., first hem 144 and second hem 148) respectively at two opposite end edges (e.g., at the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112) of the towel 100 may be respectively larger than second depths, ST, defined by other two opposite hems (e.g., the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156) respectively at the other two opposite end edges (e.g., the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120) of the towel 100. In some embodiments, both the weighted materials 136 and the first hem 144 are defined at the first peripheral edge portion 244. The method 200 ends at sixth stage 228.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment and / or an exemplary variation in the towel 100's design is discussed by way of a towel 100′. A structure and configuration of the towel 100′ may exemplarily remain the same or similar as that of the towel 100, and, therefore, same, or similar reference numerals shall be used, wherever possible. Common features shall not be discussed. With regard to the differences between the towel 100′ and the towel 100, the towel 100′, instead of incorporating the weighted materials 136 solely at the peripheral portion at and across its first end edge 108, may include the weighted materials 136 at and across peripheral portions associated with all of its end edges 106′ (in the same way the weighted materials 136 are provided across the integrally weighted peripheral portion 124). In addition, the towel 100 is shown to have four pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at two opposite end edges 106′, and seven pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at the remaining two opposite end edges 106′. It should be noted that, in some other embodiments, any number of pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets 316), ranging from one to ten or more, may be formed depending on the shape and size of the towel 100′.

[0043] A method 400 of manufacturing the towel 100′ may use one or more of the aspects or stages or portions thereof, described for the method 200 (e.g., described from FIGS. 2A through 2H). The method 400 may also be interchangeably referred to as a second method 400 and the towel 100′, as manufactured by way of the second method 400, may also be interchangeably referred to as a second towel 100.

[0044] For example, and referring to FIG. 4A, the flexible body 104′ applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100′ may differ from the flexible body 104 applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100. In this regard, the flexible body 104 may include cutouts 404 at its corners, imparting a polygonal profile to the flexible body 104. The cutouts 404 may help the flexible body 104′ to accommodate curves and bends arising from folding end body sections 408 of the flexible body 104′ with respect to corresponding penultimate body sections 412 at each of the peripheral edge portions 416 of the flexible body 104.

[0045] Once the folds have been attained (see FIG. 4B), folded end sections 420 of the flexible body 104, as attained, may be processed in the same way as the folded end section 300 of the flexible body 104 may be processed—e.g., to form the pockets 316, incorporate the weighted materials 136, etc., and then hems 424 (similar to the hems 140) may be formed (see FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D). In so doing, the second towel 100′ (see FIGS. 3 and 4D) may be attained. Although not limited, in the case of the second towel 100′, hems 424 of the second towel 100′ may define common depths all throughout, for example, at all its end edges 106 (see FIGS. 3 and 4D). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hems may vary in depth at the various end edges 106.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment or an exemplary variation in the towel 100's design is discussed by way of a towel 100″. A structure and configuration of the towel 100″ may exemplarily remain the same or similar as that of the towel 100, and, therefore, same, or similar reference numerals shall be used, wherever possible. Common features shall not be discussed. With regard to the differences between the towel 100″ and the towel 100, the towel 100″, instead of incorporating the weighted materials 136 solely at the peripheral portion at and across its first end edge 108″, may include the weighted portions at two peripheral portions associated with two of its end edges 106″, e.g., its first end edge 108″ and its fourth end edge 120″, as shown. In some other embodiments, the towel 100″ includes weighted portions at three or four peripheral portions associated with the end edges 106″. In addition, the towel 100″ is shown to have four pockets (similar to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at one end edge 106″, and seven pockets (similar to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at the other end edge 106″. It should be noted that, in some other embodiments, any number of pockets (similar to the pockets 316) may be formed depending on the shape and size of the towel 100.

[0047] A method 600 of manufacturing the towel 100″ may use one or more of the aspects or stages or portions thereof, described for the method 200 (e.g., from FIGS. 2A through 2H) and / or the method 400 (e.g., from FIGS. 4A through 4D). The method 600 may also be interchangeably referred to as a third method 600 and the towel 100″, as manufactured by way of the third method 600, may also be interchangeably referred to as a third towel 100″.

[0048] For example, and referring to FIG. 6A, the flexible body 104″ applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100″ may differ from the flexible body 104 applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100. In this regard, the flexible body 104″ may include a cutout 604 at one of its corners—e.g., at a corner that connects a first border 660 to a fourth border 672 of the flexible body 104″. The cutout 604 may help the flexible body 104″ to accommodate curves and bends arising from a folding of end body sections 608 of the flexible body 104″ with respect to its corresponding penultimate body sections 612 at each of the peripheral edge portions 616 of the flexible body 104.

[0049] Once the folds have been attained (see FIG. 6B), the folded end sections 620 of the flexible body 104″, as attained, may be processed in the same way as the folded end section 300 of the flexible body 104 may be processed—e.g., forming the pockets 316, incorporate the weighted materials 136, etc., and then hems 624 (similar to the hems 140) may be formed (see FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D). In so doing, the third towel 100″ may be attained (see FIGS. 5 and 6D). Although not limited, in the case of the third towel 100″, the hems 624 of the third towel 100″ may define common depths all throughout, at all its end edges 106″ (see FIGS. 5 and 6D). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hems may vary in depth at the various end edges.

[0050] With reference to the first towel 100, the second towel 100′, and the third towel 100 discussed above, it will be appreciated that the variations discussed between them are purely exemplary. It will further be appreciated that additional such variations are possible and the same may be contemplated by someone skilled in the art. Further, forthcoming references to ‘towel’ and / or ‘towel 100’ may refer to one or more of the first towel 100, the second towel 100′, and the third towel 100″, as well, and their many variations, as may be contemplated by those of skill in the art, based on the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, the towel 100 may further optionally include a waterproof layer 704. The waterproof layer 704 may be coupled (e.g., by stitching, sewing, and / or by industrial adhesives) to one or more of the penultimate body section 284 and / or the end body section 280, as exemplarily shown, during the method 200, e.g., at first stage 204. As an example, the waterproof layer 704 may be applied to hermetically seal the receptacle 132 from ingress of fluids (e.g., water) into the receptacle 132 and to retain the weighted materials 136 free from moisture once the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 are connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other. The waterproof layer 704 may include any waterproof material and / or waterproof coating, e.g., polyurethane, wax, rubber, polymer, plastic, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or any other material now known or in the future developed. The waterproof layer 704 may also be applied to the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″ in a manner as has been described for the first towel 100.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, the towel 100 may include waterproof pouches 804. The waterproof pouches 804 may be used to respectively house and hold the weighted materials 136 therewithin—e.g., one waterproof pouch 804 may house one weighted material 136. When manufacturing the towel 100, once the waterproof pouches 804 house the weighted materials 136, the waterproof pouches 804, housing the weighted materials 136, may be inserted into the respective pockets 316 of the towel 100 for the incorporation of the weighted materials 136 into the towel 100. Effectively, the waterproof pouches 804 respectively house the weighted materials 136 prior to inserting the weighted materials 136 into the series of pockets 316. In some embodiments, the waterproof pouches 804 may be made from the same material as that of the waterproof layer 704. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer 704 may be omitted from the towel 100 if the waterproof pouches 804 may be used to respectively house the weighted materials 136. The waterproof pouches 804 may also be applied to the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″ in a manner as has been described for the first towel 100.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0053] The towel 100 (or the first towel 100), having the weighted materials 136 incorporated therein, provides added weight to the fabric or to the flexible body 104 of the towel 100 by way of which the towel 100 can be anchored or weighed down at a location (e.g., when in use or otherwise) (e.g., on a chair, table, hanger, etc.) in order to be retained at that location. Incorporating weighted materials 136 into the towel 100 avoids misplacement of the towel 100 or changes in the position of the towel 100, e.g., because of factors such as wind, human interference, etc. A stitching or sewing in the towel 100, as described above, can be attained with the use of high-quality threads and / or threading patterns, now known or in the future developed, to ensure that the weighted materials 136 are positively retained within the receptacle 132 or the pockets 316, and does not seep out or escape from the receptacle 132 or the pockets 316. The ratio of the total weight of the weighted materials 136 in the towel 100 can vary relative to the weight of the flexible body 104. In some embodiments, the total weight of the weighted materials 136 in the towel 100 is less than the weight of the flexible body 104. For example, in one embodiment with a towel having a weight of 400-600 grams (excluding the weighted materials 136), the total weight of the weighted materials 136 on a single weighted end ranges between 20 to 200 grams. In another embodiment with two weighted ends, the total weight of the weighted materials 136 ranges between 40 to 400 grams. However, the total amount of the added weights can vary and be greater than or less than the total weight, depending on the amount of weight that is determined to be sufficient to serve the purpose of preventing movement of the towel from wind or external factors. Such discussions may be contemplated for the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″, as well. The weight of the towel (without the weighted materials 136) can vary significantly. In some embodiments, the towel (without the weighted materials 136) ranges between 100-1,000 grams, in other embodiments the weight of the towel (without the weighted materials 136) ranges between 200-800 grams. In another example embodiment, the weight of the towel (without the weighted materials 136) ranges between 400-600 grams, and in another example embodiment weighs approximately 560 grams.

[0054] The pockets 316 help balance out the weighted materials 136 across (entirely across in some embodiments, as has been shown and described above) the first end edge 108 of the towel 100. In other words, the pockets 316 ensure that the weight defined by the weighted materials 136 are not concentrated or shifted to one region or spot within the receptacle 132. Rather, the pockets 316 ensure that the weighted materials 136 are evenly distributed across the first end edge 108 of the towel 100, allowing the towel 100 to be retained in place by way of the integrally weighted peripheral portion 124. The pockets 316 particularly ensure retention of such distribution even when the towel 100 is used by a user (e.g., even when the towel 100 is turned, twisted, rotated, squeezed, folded, packed, or stacked away, etc.) and / or is in transit between multiple locations. Such discussions may be contemplated for the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″, as well.

[0055] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B″) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the towel and the method of manufacturing the towel of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the towel and the method of manufacturing the towel disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as examples only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0015]Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1′, 1″, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0016]Referring to FIG. 1, a towel 100 is described. The towel 100 may be applied as one or more of a standard bathing towel, a beach towel, a pool towel, a washcloth, a hand towel, a gym towel, a spa towel, and the like. The towel 100 may include a flexible body 104. The flexible body 104 may be formed from a cloth-based material and / or a fabric-based substrate, and which may be used to wipe and / or dry a surface such as a human skin surface and / or an animal skin surface. The flexible body 104 may be, at least partly, or fully, water absorbent. As an example, the flexible body 104 may be m...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 654,916, filed May 31, 2024, and entitled “Towel with Integrally Weighted Peripheral Portions”, the content of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to towels having integrally weighted peripheral portions, and a method for manufacturing the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Towels, e.g., standard bathing towels, beach towels, pool towels, washcloths, hand towels, gym towels, and spa towels, are generally well suited for drying oneself as part of both indoor and outdoor use. In the case of outdoor use, for example, factors such as wind, etc., can cause a towel to move away from its desired position. Towels that are uniformly weighted all throughout and / or are relatively light weight may need additional articles (and / or mechanisms) so that they can be weighed down at a desired location in order to be retained at that desired location.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a towel. The towel includes a flexible body defining at least one peripheral edge portion. The peripheral edge portion has an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section. The end body section is folded over the penultimate body section to face the penultimate body section. Further, a receptacle is defined between the end body section and the penultimate body section and is sequentially segmented at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the peripheral edge portion. The towel also includes a plurality of weighted materials. Each weighted material is received into a respective pocket. The end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other to permanently seal away the weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the peripheral edge portion.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for manufacturing a towel. The method includes use of a flexible body. The flexible body defines at least one peripheral edge portion having an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section. The method includes folding the end body section over the penultimate body section such that the end body section faces the penultimate body section to define a receptacle between the end body section and the penultimate body section. The method includes sequentially segmenting the receptacle at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the peripheral edge portion. Further, the method includes inserting weighted materials into the series of pockets, such that each weighted material is received into a respective pocket. Furthermore, the method includes connecting the end body section with the penultimate body section to permanently seal away the weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the peripheral edge portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a view of an exemplary first towel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIGS. 2A through 2H illustrate an exemplary first method to manufacture the first towel of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2I is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the first towel viewed along a section depicted in FIG. 2H, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary second towel, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate an exemplary second method to manufacture the second towel of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a view of an exemplary third towel, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate an exemplary third method to manufacture the third towel of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary manner of incorporation of a waterproof layer into any of the first towel, the second towel, and / or the third towel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary manner of incorporation of waterproof pouches into any of the first towel, the second towel, and / or the third towel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1′, 1″, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a towel 100 is described. The towel 100 may be applied as one or more of a standard bathing towel, a beach towel, a pool towel, a washcloth, a hand towel, a gym towel, a spa towel, and the like. The towel 100 may include a flexible body 104. The flexible body 104 may be formed from a cloth-based material and / or a fabric-based substrate, and which may be used to wipe and / or dry a surface such as a human skin surface and / or an animal skin surface. The flexible body 104 may be, at least partly, or fully, water absorbent. As an example, the flexible body 104 may be made from one or more of cotton, polyester, and / or microfiber. In addition to said list of materials, the towel 100 may be made from any other material now known or in the future developed. Although the example applications of the towel 100 are noted above, the towel 100 may find various other uses.

[0017] The towel 100 may include a rectangular shape, although aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to towels with a variety of other shapes and / or profiles. For example, the towel 100 may include a square shape, an oblong shape, etc. In effect, the rectangular shape of the towel 100 is exemplary. The towel 100 may include four end edges 106, namely, a first end edge 108, a second end edge 112, a third end edge 116, and a fourth end edge 120. Given the exemplary rectangular shape of the towel 100, the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112 may be disposed oppositely to each other, while the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120 may be disposed oppositely to each other. Further, as shown, the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120 may extend (e.g., orthogonally) between the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112 to impart the exemplary rectangular shape to the towel 100. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the towel 100 includes a length (defined between the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112) equal to approximately 62 inches, and a width (defined between the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120) equal to approximately 32 inches.

[0018] The towel 100 may define a peripheral portion 124 and a main body portion 128. The peripheral portion 124 may adjoin or include one of the end edges 106, e.g., the first end edge 108, of the towel 100. Further, the peripheral portion 124 may define a receptacle 132 and weights (see weighted materials 136) may be received within the receptacle 132. Owing to the receipt of the weighted materials 136 within the receptacle 132, the weighted materials 136 may form a part of the towel 100, and, thus, the peripheral portion 124 may also be interchangeably referred to as an integrally weighted peripheral portion 124. The term ‘integrally’, as used here, means that the peripheral portion 124 of the towel 100 may enclose (e.g., entirely enclose) the weighted materials 136 therein, and in a manner that the weighted materials 136 may be non-removable, non-accessible, and / or non-viewable, from an outside of the receptacle 132 unless the peripheral portion 124 is forcibly divided, ruptured, and / or is torn apart. In some example embodiments, the weighted materials 136 for a single end may include a total weight between 20 to 200 grams, and in other embodiments, between 50 to 150 grams. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the weighted materials 136 for a single end include a total weight of 100 grams. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values.

[0019] The peripheral portion 124 may impart a relative heaviness or may provide a weight to the towel 100 at or towards the first end edge 108 such that the peripheral portion 124 of the towel 100 towards the first end edge 108 is heavier in comparison to other peripheral portions of the towel 100 defined towards any of the other end edges 106, e.g., the second end edge 112, the third end edge 116, and the fourth end edge 120. Such heaviness or weight may define a non-uniform weight or mass distribution across the towel 100's expanse, in other words, making one towel portion heavier than another towel portion. Additionally, the peripheral portion 124 may be contiguous to the main body portion 128 of the towel 100, thus making the peripheral portion 124 appear seamlessly merged and / or wholly integral with the main body portion 128 of the towel 100. In some example embodiments, the peripheral portion 124 may include a width of 0.5 to 3.0 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral portion 124 includes a width of 2.5 inches. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values.

[0020] The towel 100 may further include hems 140. The hems 140 may be formed at the end edges 106 of the towel 100—e.g., each of the hems 140 may be provided at a respective end edge of the towel 100. With four end edges 106, e.g., the first end edge 108, the second end edge 112, the third end edge 116, and the fourth end edge 120, the towel 100 may correspondingly include four hems 140, e.g., a first hem 144, a second hem 148, a third hem 152, and a fourth hem 156. Said hems 140 may be respectively formed at the four end edges 106 of the towel 100, as has been illustrated in FIG. 1. In other words, the first hem 144 may be formed at the first end edge 108; the second hem 148 may be formed at the second end edge 112; the third hem 152 may be formed at the third end edge 116; and the fourth hem 156 may be formed at the fourth end edge 120.

[0021] The hems 140 may correspondingly define depths. Although not limited, depths defined by one or more of the four hems 140 with respect to one or more of the other four hems 140 may differ from each other. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1, first depths, FT, defined by two opposite hems (e.g., the first hem 144 and the second hem 148 in FIGS. 1 and 2H) of the four hems 140 respectively at two opposite end edges (e.g., the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112) of the four end edges 106 of the towel 100 are respectively larger than second depths, ST, defined by the other two opposite hems (e.g., the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156 in FIGS. 1 and 2H) of the four hems 140 respectively at the other two opposite end edges (e.g., the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120) of the four end edges 106 of the towel 100.

[0022] Conversely, in some embodiments, the depths, FT, may be smaller than the depths, ST. Further, in some embodiments, the depths, FT and ST, may be the same. In yet some embodiments, the depths of the first hem 144, the second hem 148, the third hem 152, and the fourth hem 156, may all differ from each other. In still some embodiments, depths of the first hem 144 and one or more of the third hem 152 and / or the fourth hem 156 may be the same, while, in some embodiments, the depths of the second hem 148 and one or more of the third hem 152 and / or the fourth hem 156 may be the same. In an example, the depth FT of the hem is between 0.25 to 3 inches, and more particularly approximately 0.25 to 0.75 inches. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the depth FT of each of the first hem 144 and the second hem 148 is 0.5 inches. Further, in an example, the depth ST of the hem is between 0.125 to 2 inches, and more particularly approximately 0.25 to 0.75 inches. In an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the depth ST of each of the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156 is 0.25 inches.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2H a method 200 of manufacturing the towel 100 is exemplarily discussed. The method 200 includes a series of stages, namely, a first stage 204, a second stage 208, a third stage 212, a fourth stage 216, a fifth stage 224, and a sixth stage 228, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2H. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the method 200 may also be interchangeably referred to as a first method 200 and the towel 100, as manufactured by way of the first method 200, may be interchangeably referred to as a first towel 100. The method 200 begins at first stage 204.

[0024] The first stage 204 in the manufacture of flexible body 104 is shown in FIG. 2A. To this end, the flexible body 104 may be manufactured by using cloth-based materials, such as cotton, polyester, and / or microfiber, and the like, although various other materials, now known or in the future developed, may also be used for manufacturing the flexible body 104. In so doing, the flexible body 104 may include, or may be formed from, a cloth-based material or a fabric-based substrate. Further, the flexible body 104 may be manufactured by using any production technique, now known or in the future developed. The production technique to manufacture the flexible body 104 may include, but not be limited to, spinning, warping, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, etc. The flexible body 104 may be further processed (as will be discussed below by way of the various stages of the method 200) to manufacture and arrive at the towel 100, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] As the towel 100 may include the rectangular shape, the flexible body 104 may also include a rectangular shape. To this end, the flexible body 104 may define four peripheral edge portions 240, namely, a first peripheral edge portion 244, a second peripheral edge portion 248, a third peripheral edge portion 252, and a fourth peripheral edge portion 256 (see FIG. 2A). Discussions below will include references corresponding to the first peripheral edge portion 244. Such discussions may be applied to one or more of the other peripheral edge portions 240, e.g., the second peripheral edge portion 248, the third peripheral edge portion 252, and / or the fourth peripheral edge portion 256, e.g., if a configuration of the towel 100 were to change from what has been discussed for the towel 100. The flexible body 104 may also define a first border 260 at the first peripheral edge portion 244, a second border 268 at the second peripheral edge portion 248, a third border 272 at the third peripheral edge portion 252, and a fourth border 276 at the fourth peripheral edge portion 256.

[0026] The first peripheral edge portion 244 may include an end body section 280 and a penultimate body section 284, as shown in FIG. 2A. Although not limited, both the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 may possess the same shape and dimension. The penultimate body section 284 may be contiguous to (e.g., seamlessly merged with or integrally formed with) the end body section 280. Also, the end body section 280 may define the first border 260 of the flexible body 104. Further, a width, W, of the flexible body 104 may be defined between two opposite edge portions (e.g., between the third border 272 of the third peripheral edge portion 252 and the fourth border 276 of the fourth peripheral edge portion 256) of the four peripheral edge portions 240 and a length, L, of the flexible body 104 may be defined between the other two opposite edge portions (e.g., the first border 260 of the first peripheral edge portion 244 and the second border 268 of the second peripheral edge portion 248) of the four peripheral edge portions 240.

[0027] In some embodiments, the width, W, is between 10 to 84 inches and the length, L, is between 10 to 84 inches. In other embodiments, the width, W, is between 30 to 50 inches and the length, L, is between 50 to 70 inches. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values. As part of the method 200, or the first stage 204, once the flexible body 104 is manufactured, the flexible body 104 may be brought forth and laid over a surface (not shown) for further processing. The method 200 proceeds to the second stage 208.

[0028] At second stage 208, and as shown in FIG. 2B (and also in conjunction with FIG. 2I), an operator may turn or fold the end body section 280 over the penultimate body section 284, e.g., about an axis 288. In so doing, the end body section 280 may face (e.g., wholly face) the penultimate body section 284. The term ‘operator’, as used in the present disclosure, may include or refer to a human. Alternatively, or in addition, the term ‘operator’ may include a machine or an equipment that may function in response to commands provided to it (e.g., by a human or by another machine) and / or one which may function semi-automatically or fully automatically. In some embodiments, the first peripheral edge portion 244 may define a folded end edge 292 at an interface of the flexible body 104 at which the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 are turned about to be directed towards each other.

[0029] In some embodiments, a folding of the end body section 280 over the penultimate body section 284 may be attained such that the first border 260 may be positioned generally parallel to the folded end edge 292 (also see alignment axis 288′ to which the first border 260 may be brought into alignment during folding). The folded end edge 292 and a facing of the end body section 280 towards the penultimate body section 284 is easily visualizable from the exemplary cross-sectional view of the integrally weighted peripheral portion 124 of the towel 100 provided in FIG. 2I. Some aspects and / or features of the towel 100 in FIG. 2I are exaggerated for easing understanding. The term ‘generally’ has been used here to account for manufacturing tolerances.

[0030] Once the end body section 280 is folded over onto the penultimate body section 284 to lay over and / or overlap the penultimate body section 284, the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 may be connected (e.g., along the third border 272 and the fourth border 276) to each other. As the end body section 280 may be folded over onto the penultimate body section 284 and then by connecting portions of the end body section 280 with the penultimate body section 284, the receptacle 132 may be formed between the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284, as shown. In further detail, to form the receptacle 132, portions of the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 defining the third border 272 and the fourth border 276 may be connected, e.g., by stitching, sewing, use of industrial adhesives, and the like techniques, with each other. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the end body section 280 folded over onto the penultimate body section 284 may be collectively referred to as a folded end section 300 (see FIG. 2C) of the towel 100. The method 200 proceeds to the third stage 212.

[0031] At third stage 212, and as shown in FIG. 2C, the folded end section 300 may define a first sub-section 304 and a second sub-section 308. Both the first sub-section 304 and the second sub-section 308 may be defined or may span along the width, W. The first sub-section 304 may be disposed relatively away from the folded end edge 292 and may be closer to (and contiguous with) the first border 260 than the second sub-section 308. Conversely, the second sub-section 308 may be disposed relatively away from the first border 260 and, instead, may be closer to (and contiguous with) the folded end edge 292 than the first sub-section 304. Effectively, the second sub-section 308 of the folded end section 300 may extend between the first sub-section 304 and the folded end edge 292, and the first sub-section 304 of the folded end section 300 may extend between the second sub-section 308 and the first border 260.

[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 2C, and according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the receptacle 132 (and / or a receptacle portion 312 of the receptacle 132) defined by the first sub-section 304 and / or disposed between the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 may be segmented to define a series of pockets 316 along (e.g., entirely along) the width, W, of the flexible body 104. As an example, ten pockets 316 may be defined, namely, a first pocket 316a, a second pocket 316b, a third pocket 316c, a fourth pocket 316d, a fifth pocket 316e, a sixth pocket 316f, a seventh pocket 316g, an eight pocket 316h, a ninth pocket 316i, and a tenth pocket 316j. In some embodiments, the segmentation of the receptacle 132 and / or the series of pockets 316 may be sequentially formed by stitching or sewing the first sub-section 304 associated with the end body section 280 with the first sub-section 304 associated with the penultimate body section 284 at regular intervals along the width, W. In that manner, the series of pockets 316 may be arranged to extend along the width, W, at regular spacing intervals, starting from the third border 272 and ending at the fourth border 276. Also, the series of pockets 316 as obtained by such segmentation may be provided across the width, W, of the flexible body 104 and throughout the first peripheral edge portion 244, in an uninterrupted manner (e.g., without having gaps or spaces between the series of pockets 316). Notably, therefore, the series of pockets 316 may be defined between the third border 272 and the fourth border 276.

[0033] The series of pockets 316a-316j, as formed at the third stage 212, may define respective openings 320a-320j—e.g., the first pocket 316a may define a first opening 320a, the second pocket 316b may define a second opening 320b, the third pocket 316c may define a third opening 320c, the fourth pocket 316d may define a fourth opening 320d, and so on. As shown, said openings 320 may be defined between the first border 260 and the penultimate body section 284. In some embodiments, the series of pockets 316a-316j may define a gap, G1, with respect to the third border 272 and a gap, G2, with respect to the fourth border 276. The method 200 proceeds to the fourth stage 216.

[0034] At fourth stage 216, and as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the weighted materials 136 may be incorporated into the flexible body 104 to form the towel 100. In this regard, the operator may access the weighted materials 136 and may insert the weighted materials 136 into the receptacle 132—e.g., each of the weighted materials 136 may be received into a respective pocket 316 (e.g., through a respective opening 320). The weighted materials 136 may correspond to a first weighted material 136a, a second weighted material 136b, a third weighted material 136c, a fourth weighted material 136d, a fifth weighted material 136e, a sixth weighted material 136f, a seventh weighted material 136g, an eighth weighted material 136h, a ninth weighted material 136i, and a tenth weighted material 136j. As an example, the first weighted material 136a may be received into the first pocket 316a through the first opening 320a of the first pocket 316a; the second weighted material 136b may be received into the second pocket 316b through the second opening 320b of the second pocket 316b; the third weighted material 136c may be received into the third pocket 316c through the third opening 320c of the third pocket 316c; the fourth weighted material 136d may be received into the fourth pocket 316d through the fourth opening 320d of the fourth pocket 316d, and so on.

[0035] Here, each of the weighted materials 136 may correspond to or may mean a pack or a set or a pile or a handful of a weighted material. As an example, each of the weighted materials 136 may include or correspond to granular materials. Although not limited, the weighted materials 136 housed across the pockets 316 may generally possess the same (or similar) properties and / or specifications, e.g., weight and type of the material used. The term ‘generally’ has been used here to account for manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materials 136 or one or more of the weighted materials 136 may include an organic material, e.g., an organic granular material including grains or cereals. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materials 136 or one or more of the weighted materials 136 may include an inorganic material, e.g., an inorganic granular material including silicone beads. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materials 136 may include a combination of organic granular materials and inorganic granular materials. Using granular material, exemplarily, for the weighted materials 136 may allow the flexible body 104 (or the towel 100 obtained by executing the method 200) to accommodate flexures in the flexible body 104 or in the towel 100.

[0036] The inorganic material may be selected from materials that are suitable for use in toys, and which may be non-toxic and non-allergic so as to be suitable for various skin types. As an example, the inorganic material may be ones that may be able to endure varying moisture levels (and thus may exhibit hydrophobic properties), and / or which may remain largely unaffected by factors such as moisture, heat, temperature variations, and exposure to chemicals such as those that are used in detergents, and the like. As with the inorganic material, the organic material may also possess similar characteristics as have been discussed above for the inorganic material. Also, both the weighted materials 136 and the flexible body 104 may be made from materials which may be suitable for use with conventional home equipment, such as washers and / or dryers. The method 200 proceeds to the fifth stage 224.

[0037] At fifth stage 224, and as shown in FIG. 2F, the openings 320 of the pockets 316 may be sealed, for example, by connecting (e.g., by stitching or sewing) the first border 260 to the penultimate body section 284. In so doing, the end body section 280 (or the first sub-section 304 of the end body section 280) and the penultimate body section 284 may be connected to each other to permanently seal away the weighted materials 136 from external access and view. In that manner, the weighted materials 136 may be incorporated or integrated into the flexible body 104 (and thus may be made inherent to the towel 100). With such incorporation or integration of the weighted materials 136 into the towel 100, the weighted materials 136 impart weight and / or heaviness to the towel 100 at the first peripheral edge portion 244 or towards the first end edge 108. The method 200 next proceeds to sixth stage 228.

[0038] At sixth stage 228, and as shown in FIGS. 2G and 2H (and in conjunction with FIG. 2I) hems 140 may be formed in the flexible body 104 for obtaining the towel 100. For example, the first hem 144 may be formed at the folded end edge 292 to define a boundary 328 of the towel 100. To form the first hem 144, portions of the second sub-section 308 of the flexible body 104 may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a first axis 332) and then they may be connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the first hem 144 and thus the first end edge 108 of the towel 100. Similarly, portions of a second section 336 at the second peripheral edge portion 248 of the flexible body 104 may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a second axis 340) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the second hem 148 and thus the second end edge 112 of the towel 100.

[0039] Further, portions of a third section 344 of the flexible body 104 defined by the gap, G1, may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a third axis 348) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the third hem 152 and thus also the third end edge 116 of the towel 100. Similarly, portions of a fourth section 352 of the flexible body 104 defined by the gap, G2, may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a fourth axis 356) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the fourth hem 156 and thus also the fourth end edge 120 of the towel 100.

[0040] FIG. 2H shows the completed towel 100 according to the exemplary first method 200 to manufacture the first towel 100 of FIG. 1. Note that the number of pockets 316 on each side of the towel 100 may widely vary—from one pocket to as many as ten or more pockets on each side, depending on a number of factors including the length and width of the towel 100 and the amount of additional weight needed to keep the towel 100 from moving.

[0041] As noted above and shown in FIG. 1, the first hem 144 and the second hem 148 may each define the first depth, FT, and the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156 may each define the second depth, ST. Although not limited, the first depth, FT, may be larger than the second depth, ST. Effectively, first depths, FT, defined by two opposite hems (e.g., first hem 144 and second hem 148) respectively at two opposite end edges (e.g., at the first end edge 108 and the second end edge 112) of the towel 100 may be respectively larger than second depths, ST, defined by other two opposite hems (e.g., the third hem 152 and the fourth hem 156) respectively at the other two opposite end edges (e.g., the third end edge 116 and the fourth end edge 120) of the towel 100. In some embodiments, both the weighted materials 136 and the first hem 144 are defined at the first peripheral edge portion 244. The method 200 ends at sixth stage 228.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment and / or an exemplary variation in the towel 100's design is discussed by way of a towel 100′. A structure and configuration of the towel 100′ may exemplarily remain the same or similar as that of the towel 100, and, therefore, same, or similar reference numerals shall be used, wherever possible. Common features shall not be discussed. With regard to the differences between the towel 100′ and the towel 100, the towel 100′, instead of incorporating the weighted materials 136 solely at the peripheral portion at and across its first end edge 108, may include the weighted materials 136 at and across peripheral portions associated with all of its end edges 106′ (in the same way the weighted materials 136 are provided across the integrally weighted peripheral portion 124). In addition, the towel 100 is shown to have four pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at two opposite end edges 106′, and seven pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at the remaining two opposite end edges 106′. It should be noted that, in some other embodiments, any number of pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets 316), ranging from one to ten or more, may be formed depending on the shape and size of the towel 100′.

[0043] A method 400 of manufacturing the towel 100′ may use one or more of the aspects or stages or portions thereof, described for the method 200 (e.g., described from FIGS. 2A through 2H). The method 400 may also be interchangeably referred to as a second method 400 and the towel 100′, as manufactured by way of the second method 400, may also be interchangeably referred to as a second towel 100.

[0044] For example, and referring to FIG. 4A, the flexible body 104′ applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100′ may differ from the flexible body 104 applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100. In this regard, the flexible body 104 may include cutouts 404 at its corners, imparting a polygonal profile to the flexible body 104. The cutouts 404 may help the flexible body 104′ to accommodate curves and bends arising from folding end body sections 408 of the flexible body 104′ with respect to corresponding penultimate body sections 412 at each of the peripheral edge portions 416 of the flexible body 104.

[0045] Once the folds have been attained (see FIG. 4B), folded end sections 420 of the flexible body 104, as attained, may be processed in the same way as the folded end section 300 of the flexible body 104 may be processed—e.g., to form the pockets 316, incorporate the weighted materials 136, etc., and then hems 424 (similar to the hems 140) may be formed (see FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D). In so doing, the second towel 100′ (see FIGS. 3 and 4D) may be attained. Although not limited, in the case of the second towel 100′, hems 424 of the second towel 100′ may define common depths all throughout, for example, at all its end edges 106 (see FIGS. 3 and 4D). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hems may vary in depth at the various end edges 106.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment or an exemplary variation in the towel 100's design is discussed by way of a towel 100″. A structure and configuration of the towel 100″ may exemplarily remain the same or similar as that of the towel 100, and, therefore, same, or similar reference numerals shall be used, wherever possible. Common features shall not be discussed. With regard to the differences between the towel 100″ and the towel 100, the towel 100″, instead of incorporating the weighted materials 136 solely at the peripheral portion at and across its first end edge 108″, may include the weighted portions at two peripheral portions associated with two of its end edges 106″, e.g., its first end edge 108″ and its fourth end edge 120″, as shown. In some other embodiments, the towel 100″ includes weighted portions at three or four peripheral portions associated with the end edges 106″. In addition, the towel 100″ is shown to have four pockets (similar to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at one end edge 106″, and seven pockets (similar to the pockets 316 of the towel 100) at the other end edge 106″. It should be noted that, in some other embodiments, any number of pockets (similar to the pockets 316) may be formed depending on the shape and size of the towel 100.

[0047] A method 600 of manufacturing the towel 100″ may use one or more of the aspects or stages or portions thereof, described for the method 200 (e.g., from FIGS. 2A through 2H) and / or the method 400 (e.g., from FIGS. 4A through 4D). The method 600 may also be interchangeably referred to as a third method 600 and the towel 100″, as manufactured by way of the third method 600, may also be interchangeably referred to as a third towel 100″.

[0048] For example, and referring to FIG. 6A, the flexible body 104″ applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100″ may differ from the flexible body 104 applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel 100. In this regard, the flexible body 104″ may include a cutout 604 at one of its corners—e.g., at a corner that connects a first border 660 to a fourth border 672 of the flexible body 104″. The cutout 604 may help the flexible body 104″ to accommodate curves and bends arising from a folding of end body sections 608 of the flexible body 104″ with respect to its corresponding penultimate body sections 612 at each of the peripheral edge portions 616 of the flexible body 104.

[0049] Once the folds have been attained (see FIG. 6B), the folded end sections 620 of the flexible body 104″, as attained, may be processed in the same way as the folded end section 300 of the flexible body 104 may be processed—e.g., forming the pockets 316, incorporate the weighted materials 136, etc., and then hems 624 (similar to the hems 140) may be formed (see FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D). In so doing, the third towel 100″ may be attained (see FIGS. 5 and 6D). Although not limited, in the case of the third towel 100″, the hems 624 of the third towel 100″ may define common depths all throughout, at all its end edges 106″ (see FIGS. 5 and 6D). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hems may vary in depth at the various end edges.

[0050] With reference to the first towel 100, the second towel 100′, and the third towel 100 discussed above, it will be appreciated that the variations discussed between them are purely exemplary. It will further be appreciated that additional such variations are possible and the same may be contemplated by someone skilled in the art. Further, forthcoming references to ‘towel’ and / or ‘towel 100’ may refer to one or more of the first towel 100, the second towel 100′, and the third towel 100″, as well, and their many variations, as may be contemplated by those of skill in the art, based on the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, the towel 100 may further optionally include a waterproof layer 704. The waterproof layer 704 may be coupled (e.g., by stitching, sewing, and / or by industrial adhesives) to one or more of the penultimate body section 284 and / or the end body section 280, as exemplarily shown, during the method 200, e.g., at first stage 204. As an example, the waterproof layer 704 may be applied to hermetically seal the receptacle 132 from ingress of fluids (e.g., water) into the receptacle 132 and to retain the weighted materials 136 free from moisture once the end body section 280 and the penultimate body section 284 are connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other. The waterproof layer 704 may include any waterproof material and / or waterproof coating, e.g., polyurethane, wax, rubber, polymer, plastic, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), or any other material now known or in the future developed. The waterproof layer 704 may also be applied to the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″ in a manner as has been described for the first towel 100.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, the towel 100 may include waterproof pouches 804. The waterproof pouches 804 may be used to respectively house and hold the weighted materials 136 therewithin—e.g., one waterproof pouch 804 may house one weighted material 136. When manufacturing the towel 100, once the waterproof pouches 804 house the weighted materials 136, the waterproof pouches 804, housing the weighted materials 136, may be inserted into the respective pockets 316 of the towel 100 for the incorporation of the weighted materials 136 into the towel 100. Effectively, the waterproof pouches 804 respectively house the weighted materials 136 prior to inserting the weighted materials 136 into the series of pockets 316. In some embodiments, the waterproof pouches 804 may be made from the same material as that of the waterproof layer 704. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer 704 may be omitted from the towel 100 if the waterproof pouches 804 may be used to respectively house the weighted materials 136. The waterproof pouches 804 may also be applied to the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″ in a manner as has been described for the first towel 100.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0053] The towel 100 (or the first towel 100), having the weighted materials 136 incorporated therein, provides added weight to the fabric or to the flexible body 104 of the towel 100 by way of which the towel 100 can be anchored or weighed down at a location (e.g., when in use or otherwise) (e.g., on a chair, table, hanger, etc.) in order to be retained at that location. Incorporating weighted materials 136 into the towel 100 avoids misplacement of the towel 100 or changes in the position of the towel 100, e.g., because of factors such as wind, human interference, etc. A stitching or sewing in the towel 100, as described above, can be attained with the use of high-quality threads and / or threading patterns, now known or in the future developed, to ensure that the weighted materials 136 are positively retained within the receptacle 132 or the pockets 316, and does not seep out or escape from the receptacle 132 or the pockets 316. The ratio of the total weight of the weighted materials 136 in the towel 100 can vary relative to the weight of the flexible body 104. In some embodiments, the total weight of the weighted materials 136 in the towel 100 is less than the weight of the flexible body 104. For example, in one embodiment with a towel having a weight of 400-600 grams (excluding the weighted materials 136), the total weight of the weighted materials 136 on a single weighted end ranges between 20 to 200 grams. In another embodiment with two weighted ends, the total weight of the weighted materials 136 ranges between 40 to 400 grams. However, the total amount of the added weights can vary and be greater than or less than the total weight, depending on the amount of weight that is determined to be sufficient to serve the purpose of preventing movement of the towel from wind or external factors. Such discussions may be contemplated for the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″, as well. The weight of the towel (without the weighted materials 136) can vary significantly. In some embodiments, the towel (without the weighted materials 136) ranges between 100-1,000 grams, in other embodiments the weight of the towel (without the weighted materials 136) ranges between 200-800 grams. In another example embodiment, the weight of the towel (without the weighted materials 136) ranges between 400-600 grams, and in another example embodiment weighs approximately 560 grams.

[0054] The pockets 316 help balance out the weighted materials 136 across (entirely across in some embodiments, as has been shown and described above) the first end edge 108 of the towel 100. In other words, the pockets 316 ensure that the weight defined by the weighted materials 136 are not concentrated or shifted to one region or spot within the receptacle 132. Rather, the pockets 316 ensure that the weighted materials 136 are evenly distributed across the first end edge 108 of the towel 100, allowing the towel 100 to be retained in place by way of the integrally weighted peripheral portion 124. The pockets 316 particularly ensure retention of such distribution even when the towel 100 is used by a user (e.g., even when the towel 100 is turned, twisted, rotated, squeezed, folded, packed, or stacked away, etc.) and / or is in transit between multiple locations. Such discussions may be contemplated for the second towel 100′ and the third towel 100″, as well.

[0055] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B″) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the towel and the method of manufacturing the towel of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the towel and the method of manufacturing the towel disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as examples only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0015]Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1′, 1″, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0016]Referring to FIG. 1, a towel 100 is described. The towel 100 may be applied as one or more of a standard bathing towel, a beach towel, a pool towel, a washcloth, a hand towel, a gym towel, a spa towel, and the like. The towel 100 may include a flexible body 104. The flexible body 104 may be formed from a cloth-based material and / or a fabric-based substrate, and which may be used to wipe and / or dry a surface such as a human skin surface and / or an animal skin surface. The flexible body 104 may be, at least partly, or fully, water absorbent. As an example, the flexible body 104 may be m...

Claims

1. A towel, comprising:a flexible body defining at least one peripheral edge portion having an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section, the end body section being folded over the penultimate body section to face the penultimate body section, a receptacle defined between the end body section and the penultimate body section and sequentially segmented at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the at least one peripheral edge portion, anda plurality of weighted materials, each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials being received into a respective pocket of the series of pockets,wherein the end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other to permanently seal away the plurality of weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the at least one peripheral edge portion.

2. The towel of claim 1, wherein each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials received into a respective pocket of the series of pockets at the at least one peripheral edge portion includes a granular material configured to accommodate flexures in the flexible body.

3. The towel of claim 1, whereinthe flexible body is rectangular shaped defining four peripheral edge portions, andthe at least one peripheral edge portion corresponds to one or more peripheral edge portions of the four peripheral edge portions.

4. The towel of claim 3, whereina width of the flexible body is defined between two opposite edge portions of the four peripheral edge portions and a length of the flexible body is defined between other two opposite edge portions of the four peripheral edge portions.

5. The towel of claim 4, whereinthe four peripheral edge portions respectively define four end edges of the towel, the towel further including four hems respectively formed at the four end edges, andfirst depths defined by two opposite hems of the four hems respectively at the two opposite edge portions is respectively larger than second depths defined by the other two opposite hems of the four hems respectively at the other two opposite edge portions.

6. The towel of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of waterproof pouches to respectively house the plurality of weighted materials.

7. The towel of claim 1, wherein the end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other by stitching.

8. The towel of claim 1, further comprising a waterproof layer coupled to one or more of the penultimate body section and the end body section to hermetically seal the receptacle from ingress of fluids into the receptacle and to retain the plurality of weighted materials free from moisture when the end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other.

9. The towel of claim 1, wherein each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials includes an organic granular material.

10. The towel of claim 9, wherein the organic granular material includes grains.

11. The towel of claim 1, wherein each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials includes an inorganic granular material.

12. The towel of claim 11, wherein the inorganic granular material includes silicone beads.

13. The towel of claim 1, whereinthe at least one peripheral edge portion defines a folded end edge at an interface of the flexible body at which the end body section and the penultimate body section are turned about to face each other,the towel further including a hem formed at the folded end edge to define a boundary of the towel, andboth the plurality of weighted materials and the hem are defined at the at least one peripheral edge portion.

14. The towel of claim 1, wherein the flexible body is made from one or more of cotton, polyester, and / or microfiber.

15. A method for manufacturing a towel, the method comprising:using a flexible body defining at least one peripheral edge portion having an end body section and a penultimate body section contiguous to the end body section,folding the end body section over the penultimate body section such that the end body section faces the penultimate body section to define a receptacle between the end body section and the penultimate body section;sequentially segmenting the receptacle at regular spacing intervals to define a series of pockets uninterruptedly throughout the at least one peripheral edge portion;inserting a plurality of weighted materials into the series of pockets, such that each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials is received into a respective pocket of the series of pockets; andconnecting the end body section with the penultimate body section to permanently seal away the plurality of weighted materials from external access and to impart weight to the towel at the at least one peripheral edge portion.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising coupling a waterproof layer to one or more of the penultimate body section and the end body section to hermetically seal the receptacle from ingress of fluids into the receptacle and to retain the plurality of weighted materials free from moisture when the end body section and the penultimate body section are connected to each other.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising using a plurality of waterproof pouches to respectively house the plurality of weighted materials prior to inserting the plurality of weighted materials into the series of pockets, such that each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials is received into a respective waterproof pouch of the plurality of waterproof pouches.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein folding the end body section over the penultimate body section defines a folded end edge at an interface of the flexible body at which the end body section and the penultimate body section are turned about to face each other, the method further including: forming a hem at the folded end edge to define a boundary of the towel, such that both the plurality of weighted materials and the hem are defined at the at least one peripheral edge portion.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein each weighted material of the plurality of weighted materials received into a respective pocket of the series of pockets at the at least one peripheral edge portion includes granular material configured to accommodate flexures in the flexible body.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the granular material includes one or more of an organic granular material or an inorganic granular material.

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