Abstract:
A towel constructed of absorbent fabric, and at least two sets of male and female rivet fasteners, strategically located to mimic other garments when snapped together (i.e. a hooded robe, a cape, a poncho, a cover-up, wrap, sarong, and kilt), and may also be fastened to one another creating a blanket. The addition of fasteners to the snappy towel greatly expands the versatility and functionality of the garment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of towels and more specifically relates to modular towel systems. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Towels are used by individuals to absorb moisture for varying reasons. Hooded robes and wraps help maintain modesty, and are ideal for removing moisture from the body. Keeping towels and robes of various sizes while on the go or at the beach can be cumbersome. People love to use robes while at home and at hotels to keep dry, but do not typically wish to let sand or similar materials sully the robe. Robes can be expensive and using them outdoors can damage the material which may compromise the robe. Traditional towels usually are designed in a rectangular shape and are not multi-functional. 
         [0004]    The use of towels on the beach is common but not always preferred. People may wish to use hooded robes or wraps, however, still desire to lay on a towel while lying on the sand at the beach. Furthermore, small children may use towels and robes to play with to provide entertainment. By tying the towel as a garment around their neck or waist, a hazardous situation may occur. Therefore a multi-functional towel that may be used to dry a user and may be modularly fastened and removed quickly is desired. The modular design must allow for a variety of useful configurations to provide a suitable solution. 
         [0005]    Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in International and U.S. Pat. Nos., and Pub. Nos. 1,497,685 to C. R. Hoyme; 3,176,315 to Fred Freund; 4,656,670 to Hans Schluter; 3,013,274 to Dike Charlotte B; 3,381,306 to George C Innes; CA2303417 to Helen Stranzl et al; CA2700886 to Chazon Stein; CA2096666 to Sumiko Yamaguchi et al; CA 234761 to Christopher Robert Hoyme; CA2525052 to Pathak Geetu et al; CA2490001 to Boulgakova Adilia; JP2009207752 to Kamillia Darnell; JP2012101019 to Cameron Jones; US 1,916,068 to Barney R. Nyhagen; 7,178,185 to Gerlinde Maria Nattier; US 2005/0044606 to Maureen Flanagan-Frazier; 2011/0258749 to Shirley Hibbs; 2011/0305866 to Jonathan Stowe; and 2013/0333090 to Ennio Buno. This art is representative of towels. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0006]    Preferably, a modular towel system should provide a multi-functional and modular towel that can be fastened to itself and to other (similarly-equipped) towels for improved versatility and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable modular towel system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known towel and garment art, the present invention provides a novel snapably fastenable and wearable towel system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an integral fastening system for a towel or similar garment for the purpose of wearing as a hooded robe, wrap, poncho, and the like, yet also able to function as a towel for drying purposes. 
         [0008]    The present invention comprises a towel (assembly) which may be constructed of any toweling fabric such as cotton, polyester, suede microfiber, terrycloth, or waffle-weave microfiber fabric, and at least two sets of male and female rivet fasteners, strategically located to mimic other garments when snapped together (i.e. a hooded robe, a cape, a poncho, a cover-up, wrap, sarong, and kilt), and may also be fastened to one another creating a blanket (extended towel). The addition of rivet fasteners to the snappy towel™ greatly expands the versatility and functionality of the garment; thus making it multi-functional in nature. 
         [0009]    A snappy towel system is disclosed herein in a preferred embodiment comprising: a modular towel assembly (as a towel) having a body portion preferably comprised of waffle-weave microfiber fabric, and at least two securing means that preferably include at least one female riveted fastener, and at least one male riveted fastener (as a plurality of fasteners). The body comprises a front-surface, and a back-surface, a periphery (comprising a first-edge, a second-edge, a third-edge, and a fourth-edge). The modular towel system, as such, comprises the modular towel assembly, wherein modular towel assembly comprises in functional combination the towel and the fasteners. The towel comprises the body with a periphery, as mentioned; the periphery outlining the body. A thickness of the body is defined by the front-surface and the back-surface and the periphery is defined by the first-edge, the second-edge, the third-edge, and the fourth-edge. 
         [0010]    The plurality of fasteners are preferably located about the periphery (other positions may be used), as mentioned, and as designed; the modular towel assembly is structured and arranged to provide a plurality of modular combinations such that a user is able to dry and wear the modular towel system (as desired). In preferred embodiments the towel comprises fabric; wherein the fabric preferably comprises waffle-weave microfiber, or other suitable equivalent such as suede microfiber, microfiber terrycloth or cotton terrycloth. 
         [0011]    The plurality of fasteners preferably comprise snap-assemblies, but may comprise other suitably equivalent fastening means in alternate embodiments. The snap-assemblies when used comprise a male-portion and a female portion; wherein the male-portion is matable with any female-portion to create a removably coupleable union. The removably coupleable union allows the towel to be affixable to itself; wherein the removably coupleable union is alternately affixable to an adjacent modular towel system, or to accessories such as pockets, sand anchors, chair attachment clips or hooks, pillows, carrying straps, toys, lights, etc. 
         [0012]    The periphery preferably comprises a rectangle (but may be square, round, tapered, or curved towel); the fasteners situated there-around. The fasteners preferably comprise plastic, but may comprise other materials in other embodiments. The fasteners may comprise a riveted-type manufacture. The fasteners are fixably attached along the periphery of the modular towel assembly. Located around the periphery (or back or front of the towel body) may be at least two complete sets (2 complete sets refers to 1 pair of male &amp; female snaps) of the fasteners comprising rivets comprising at least one female rivet socket and at least one male rivet stud. The modular towel system is structured and arranged to be modular such that the adult and alternately the child is able to shroud themselves within the towel and alternately use the towel in a modular manner. 
         [0013]    A kit is disclosed herein including: a plurality of the towel(s), each having the plurality of fasteners and a set of user-instructions for modular assembly. Kit optionally may include other accessories such as snap-on sand anchors, lights, pockets, chair clips or chair hooks. 
         [0014]    A method of using a modular towel system is also disclosed herein comprising the steps of: unfolding a towel (assembly), applying the towel to body (or there-about), wrapping the towel across a user&#39;s body, and fastening the fasteners to one another to provide a user-preferred modular construction. The method may further comprise the steps of: unfastening the towel, unwrapping the towel, and washing the towel. The towel assembly may be used in a multitude of modular combinations for example for drying, for play and the like. 
         [0015]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a modular towel system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, modular towel systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a modular towel system during an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view illustrating a modular towel assembly of the modular towel systems comprising a towel comprising fabric according to a poncho configuration (towel affixed to itself) of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view illustrating the modular towel assembly in a cape configuration (towel affixed to itself) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view illustrating the modular towel assembly in a cape configuration with a hood formed according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the modular towel assembly as removably couplable to adjacent modular towel assemblies (to form a modular construction useful as an extended towel or blanket) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating (riveted) fasteners as affixed to the modular towel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the modular towel system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0024]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a towel and more particularly to a modular towel system as used to improve the versatility of towel assemblies for modular (multi-functional) use. 
         [0026]    Generally speaking, towels perform the function of drying a user after showering, or upon the completion of water sports such as swimming, water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, and the like. Children may use towels as a source of amusement, creating hooded cloaks or capes to be used during play. The modular towel system can be modified to create a variety of configurations to suit these purposes. 
         [0027]    Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , modular towel system  100  comprising modular towel assembly  101  having towel  103  (including body  102  comprising front-surface  105 , and back-surface  110 , periphery  125  comprising first-edge  112 , second-edge  114 , third-edge  116 , and fourth-edge  118 ), and a plurality of fasteners  160 . As such, modular towel system  100  comprises modular towel assembly  101 , wherein modular towel assembly  101  comprises in functional combination towel  103  and fasteners  160 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to towel  103  comprising body  102 . Body  102  is manufactured with periphery  125 ; periphery  125  outlining body  102 , wherein body  102  is defined by front-surface  105  and back-surface  110 , and is further defined by first-edge  112 , second-edge  114 , third-edge  116 , and fourth-edge  118 . Certain alternate embodiments may comprise a different number of edges (sides) such as three, five, six, seven, eight, and more in number, and curved or rounded sides are also envisioned. This may provide that various configurations be formed as desired. Body  102  comprises a thickness located between front-surface  105  and back-surface  110  that is suitable for wicking moisture for example useful for drying and the like. The front and/or back sides can be embroidered, painted or printed to form entertaining play surfaces for children, or advertising, promotional or marketing purposes for charities, schools, corporations or other organizations. 
         [0029]    The plurality of fasteners  160  are located about periphery  125 , as shown, such that modular towel assembly  101  is structured and arranged to provide a plurality of modular combinations  130 , as shown in  FIG. 2A and 2B  for exemplary means, such that a user  140  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is able to dry and wear the modular towel system  100  as desired. Other configurations of modular towel system  100  are shown in  FIG. 3  wherein modular towel assemblies  101  may be coupled for use for example for beach towels to lay on, blankets, or the like, or fastened to other accessories to provide further utility such as joining pockets, lights, sand-anchors, chair-attachment hooks or clamps, or carrying straps.  FIG. 2C  shows the hooded version of the present invention as formed and as used. 
         [0030]    Towel  103  of modular towel system  100  towel comprises fabric  145  suitably comfortable to the touch and comprising sufficient wicking means. Fabric  145  preferably comprises waffle-weave micro-fiber, but may alternately comprise terrycloth microfiber, suede microfiber, cotton terrycloth or another suitable towelling fabric  147 . Alternate embodiments may comprise other fabrics and weaves as per particular application. The plurality of fasteners  160  preferably comprise snap-assemblies  164 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Snap-assemblies  164  comprise a male-portion  166  and a female portion  168 . In these particular embodiments male-portion  166  mates with female-portion  168 , when joined, creating a removably coupleable union. 
         [0031]    The removably coupleable union allows modular towel assembly  101  to be affixed to itself as shown in  FIGS. 1-2B . Removably coupleable union allows modular towel assembly  101  to be affixed to at least one adjacent modular towel assembly  101 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Clips or buttons or other suitably equivalent fastening means may be used. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view illustrating modular towel assembly  101  in a cape configuration with a hood formed according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . The present invention may be worn in such manner. In this way the present invention may serve as a garment. 
         [0033]    Periphery  125  comprises a rectangle  108  in preferred embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Fasteners  160  preferably comprise plastic such that fasteners  160  do not cause abrasion making it safer for use with children. Other materials may be used. Fasteners  160  are fixably attached along periphery  125  of towel  103  inset (offset) from first-edge  112 , second-edge  114 , third-edge  116 , and fourth-edge  118 . Body  102  of towel  103  is able to shroud user  140  as desired. Plastic such as polyacetyl is preferred, but fasteners may comprise metal, polymers, carbon fiber and the like. 
         [0034]    Fasteners  160  of modular towel system  100  preferably comprise a riveted-type  175 . Periphery  125  preferably comprises at least two complete sets of fasteners  160  comprising riveted type  175 . Male-portion  166  is located opposed in relation to female-portion  168  on body  102  of towel  103  such that they may be coupled in union when desired. For example male-portion  166  may be located on first-edge  112 , and third-edge  116 , and female-portion  168  may be located on second-edge  114 , and fourth-edge  118 . Other configurations and locations for fasteners  160  may be employed. Male and female snaps may be present on all sides. 
         [0035]    Modular towel system  100  may be sold as a kit comprising the following parts: at least one towel  103 ; a plurality of fasteners  160 ; and at least one set of user instructions for modular assembly. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Modular towel system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or fewer components, customized parts, different fastener combinations, accessories such as snappable pockets, pillows, carrying straps, sand anchors, chair attatching hooks or clips and parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing flowchart  550  illustrating method of use for modular towel systems  100  comprising the steps of: step one  501  unfolding towel  103  of modular towel assembly  101 , step two  502  applying towel  103  to user&#39;s  140  body, step three  503  wrapping towel  103  across/around/about (at least a portion of) a user&#39;s  140  body, and step four  504  fastening the fasteners  160  to one another to provide a user-preferred modular construction. As shown, method of use  500  may further comprise the steps of: step five  505  unfastening towel  103 , step six  506  unwrapping towel  103 , and step seven  507  washing towel  103  as needed. 
         [0037]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0038]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.