Abstract:
Perfect Gym Towel is a multi-purpose towel to be used during exercise activities. More specifically, the Perfect Gym Towel comprises one side having a fabric sheet for absorbing sweat of a user and a second side comprising an anti-bacterial barrier to be placed on gym equipment during exercise activities or when resting the gym towel during periods of non-use. The antibacterial barrier comprises a rubber-based material, such as an artificial elastomer comprising a polymer, providing a resistant surface. These layers in combination create a usable towel with a water resistant barrier to protect the user from contaminates like germs, sweat, and solvents that are left behind on gym equipment (by other users) which can be absorbed into a traditional gym towel. Perfect Gym Towel is a towel option that can be appreciated by virtually all gym-goers for its cleanliness and protection that the product affords.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/444,508, filed Feb. 18, 2011 and to pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/084,780 filed Apr. 12, 2011 which applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the field of towels and more specifically relates to an improved sanitary towel for use at a public facility while exercising. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Towels provide a valuable function in society. First and foremost, towels are used to dry one&#39;s skin after emerging from water. Many people enjoy the feeling of a soft, cool and fresh scented towel waiting after a hot shower. Beach goers and pool swimmers find comfort and warmth in a waiting towel after getting out of the water. Hand towels are ‘handy’ for drying recently washed hands, drying dishes, and cleaning small messes. Lastly, sports players, gym enthusiasts, outdoor workers, and professional athletes rely on towels to absorb dripping sweat. Regardless of the purpose, towels perform a daily and continuous utility in society. 
         [0008]    Many individuals use a small towel at the gym in order to wipe sweat from their face during a workout. In between use, the towel is often placed on a piece of gym equipment, such as a bench or set of handlebars. Since the towel is absorbent, it typically soaks up whatever is residing on the equipment, such as sweat, cleaning solvent, germs, and more. The individual then picks up the towel and wipes their face. This results in a transfer of the contaminants from the towel to the user&#39;s face. Despite the evolvements in the manufacturing of innovative towels, a more direct and specific solution is needed. 
         [0009]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,719 to Samecki; U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,004 to Wooten et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,155 to Cheek; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,379 to Rich et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,603 to Drust; U.S. Pat. No. D561,290 to Prior et al; and 2002/0068144 to McCumber. This prior art is representative of towels with various surfaces on each side. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0010]    Ideally, a sanitary gym towel should be easy to use, operate reliably to avoid unhealthy transfer of germs and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a Perfect Gym Towel to provide a towel option that may be used by virtually all gym goers to protect against unknown elements and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known sanitary towel art, the present invention provides a novel Perfect Gym Towel. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a towel to be used during exercise or athletic activities whereby one side of the towel comprises a sweat absorbent wicking volume for absorbing the sweat of the user and the other side comprises a water and sweat-proof rubber material for deflecting germs, bacteria, and solvents. 
         [0012]    Perfect Gym Towel, as disclosed herein, comprises a towel to be used during or after exercise activities. More specifically, the Perfect Gym Towel comprises one side comprising a fabric sheet for absorbing sweat of the user and a second side comprising an antibacterial bather to be used when resting the gym towel during periods of non-use. A fabric fastener, such as stitches, may be used to affix the fabric sheet to the antibacterial barrier. 
         [0013]    The antibacterial barrier preferably comprises a rubber-based material, such as an artificial elastomer comprising a polymer, providing a resistant surface. In such a manner, germs, bacteria, and other contaminates that exist in public facilities, such as a gym, will not be soaked up by the absorbent towel and therefore the towel will be more sanitary for use, thereby promoting good health in its users. 
         [0014]    The antibacterial barrier of the present invention preferably comprises a plurality of small dimples thereby forming a dimpled surface. It should be appreciated that the dimpled surface of the antibacterial barrier may reduce the overall surface area of contact. In such a manner, germs and bacteria are less likely to transfer to antibacterial barrier. Further, the dimpled surface may provide greater traction when a gym-user places the Perfect Gym Towel on a surface to be retained while in a resting condition. 
         [0015]    The Perfect Gym Towel may be produced in different sizes and colors appealing to a wide variety of gym users. Further, the fabric sheet or the antibacterial barrier of the Perfect Gym Towel may comprise indicia in the form of writing, symbols, or a logo, thereby providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the gym towel. A method of use is also described herein. 
         [0016]    Perfect Gym Towels may be comprised of two or more layers of various fabric sheets or anti-bacterial, artificial elastomer(s) comprising a polymer, providing a water resistant surface in certain embodiments. 
         [0017]    The basic Perfect Gym Towel preferably comprises two layers that may be stitched together, one being an absorbent fabric sheet and that other an anti-bacterial, artificial elastomer comprising a polymer, providing a water resistant surface. 
         [0018]    A Deluxe Perfect Gym Towel version may be created by using three layers (multilayered—other embodiments may comprise more than three layers), where the anti-bacterial, artificial elastomer comprises a polymer, providing a water resistant surface that will be stitched between the two sheets of different color fabric sheets. A bright vibrant color fabric sheet for the user&#39;s side and a darker colored side that will be placed on gym equipment. 
         [0019]    An Ultimate Perfect Gym Towel may be created using four layers. This towel will preferably have two sheet of anti-bacterial, artificial elastomer comprising a polymer that will be stitched between two sheets of different color fabric sheets. A bright vibrant color fabric sheet for the users side and a darker side the will be placed on gym equipment. The at least one bright color provides that the towel is both readily user-identifiable and such that the water/sweat-proof surface is distinguishable from the wicking volume for placing on the equipment using the proper surface touching the equipment. The sweat absorbing loops comprise a first bright color identifying that it is a side of said fabric-based sheet and the water/sweat-proof surface comprises a second bright (or dark) color identifying that it is a side of the rubber-based material (the side to be placed in contact with the equipment.) 
         [0020]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a Perfect Gym Towel. 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 
         [0021]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Perfect Gym Towel, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a perfect gym towel in an in-use condition to absorb the sweat of a user while exercising at a gym according to an embodiment of the present invention 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the perfect gym towel in a resting condition providing an anti-bacterial barrier between an exercise machine surface and the absorbent side of the towel according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an absorbent side of the perfect gym towel comprising a fabric sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an antibacterial barrier comprising a sweat-resistant dimpled surface according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the perfect gym towel according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    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 
       [0028]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sanitary gym towel and more particularly to a sanitary gym towel to be used while exercising in a public facility such as a gym. 
         [0029]    Gym towels provide a valuable and necessary tool to a gym-user. The gym towel is used to wipe beads of sweat from the face, arms, legs, and the neck. Further, the gym-user often uses the same towel to wipe down the surface of an exercise machine. Gym-users frequently place the towel on the floor or on the exercise machine itself while using the machine or engaging in other types of exercise activities. When the towel is in a resting condition, the absorbent nature of the fabric sheet may soak up germs and bacteria left behind by other gym-users. Consequently, the towel frequently becomes germ-ridden which may lead to the transfer of disease and sickness. Therefore, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved sanitary towel to be used by gym-goers, athletes, and other individuals who may wish to reduce the risk of the spreading of disease and improve their overall health. 
         [0030]    In referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating perfect gym towel  100  in an in-use condition  150  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, perfect gym towel  100  may generally comprise fabric sheet  110  which may be used for absorbing sweat  160  of gym-user  140 . Perfect gym towel  100  may further comprise antibacterial barrier  120  which may be securely affixed to a back surface of fabric sheet  110 . In a preferred embodiment, fabric sheet  110  and antibacterial barrier  120  are cut into a rectangular shape of the same size. Antibacterial barrier  120  may comprise a water resistant material such as a high-grade rubber material for providing a sweat-resistant surface of perfect gym towel  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , gym-user  140  may use absorbing surface of fabric sheet  110  for absorbing sweat  160  off skin  135  produced during exercise activity. Fabric sheet  110  integrally comprises a wicking volume for absorbing and retaining sweat  160 . 
         [0031]    Perfect gym towel  100  may comprise a multi-purpose gym towel for use by gym-user  140  during a workout and may comprise a rectangular, fabric sheet  110  manufactured from terrycloth comprising sweat absorbent loops  305 . Sweat absorbing loops  305  may comprise a wicking volume for absorbing sweat  160  which may be stored within fabric sheet  110 . Perfect gym towel  100  may further comprise a rectangular, rubber-based material manufactured from artificial elastomer cut to the same size as fabric sheet  110  and may comprise antibacterial barrier  120  for providing a water/sweat-proof surface. In such a manner, antibactieral barrier  120  may prevent contact by gym-user  140  with germs  182  and bacteria  184  present on exercise machine  130 . Further, fabric fastener  320  may serve to securely affix fabric sheet  110  to antibactieral barrier  120 . When in an in-use condition  150 , perfect gym towel  100  may provide a sanitary wipe for gym-user  140  before, during, and after a workout. 
         [0032]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2 , illustrating perfect gym towel  100  in resting condition  255  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, once gym-user  140  has dried off sweat  160  from skin  135 , perfect gym towel  100  may be laid to rest on antibacterial barrier  120  comprising water resistant surface. In such a manner, germs  182  and bacteria  184  left behind from other gym users will not be absorbed by perfect gym towel  100  as a result of antibacterial barrier  120 . Gym-user  140  may confidently place perfect gym towel  100  on either the floor or draped over exercise machine  130  without risk that germs  182  or other bacteria  184  will come into contact with fabric sheet  110  as a result of antibacterial barrier  120 . 
         [0033]    In now referring to  FIG. 3 , illustrating a sweat-absorbent surface of perfect gym towel  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, fabric sheet  110  may comprise a suitable, machine-washable material such as terrycloth comprising a plurality of absorbent loops  305  for absorbing sweat  160  of gym-user  140 . It should be appreciated that absorbent loops  305  may serve to increase the wicking volume of fabric sheet  110 . In such a manner, gym-user  140  may use perfect gym towel  100  continuously throughout a gym workout or while engaging in exercise activity over a period of time and may still effectively use perfect gym towel  100  for absorbing sweat  160  from skin  145 . In this way the present invention is multi-purpose in nature. 
         [0034]    In continuing to refer to  FIG. 3 , fabric sheet  110  may be affixed to antibacterial barrier  120  via fabric fastener  320 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , fabric fastener  320  may comprise stitches  330 , wherein stitches comprise a threading which may securely affix antibacterial barrier  120  to fabric sheet  110 . It should be appreciated that in addition to providing a secure fabric fastener  320 , stitches may comprise different colors and provide an increased aesthetic appearance to perfect gym towel  100 . In alternative embodiments, fabric fastener  320  may comprise Velcro  332  or adhesive sheet  334 . Adhesive sheet  334  may comprise a high-grade bonding solution or other comparable glue adaptable for use with both fabric sheet  110  and antibacterial barrier  120 . It should be appreciated that other suitable equivalent bonding means may be used or that the present invention may be manufactured in alternate ways such as heat-shrinking/bonding the layers together or the like. 
         [0035]    Now referring to  FIG. 4 , illustrating antibacterial barrier  120  according to a preferred embodiment of perfect gym towel  100 . Antibacterial barrier  120  may be manufactured from an artificial elastomer. Further artificial elastomer may comprise a polymer suitable for resisting the absorption of liquids due to its inherent properties. Further, at ambient temperatures, elastomers are relatively soft and deformable making perfect gym towel  100  comfortable in use, yet durable. In alternative embodiments, antibacterial barrier  120  may comprise a natural elastomer which may serve the equivalent purpose as the artificial elastomer. In use, antibacterial barrier  120  provides an improved sanitary shielding surface so that gym-user  140  may place perfect gym towel  100  on a potentially contaminated surface during a resting condition  255 . Antibacterial barrier may serve to minimize the risk of fabric sheet  110  from absorbing germs  182  and bacteria  184  left behind from other users. 
         [0036]    In continuing to refer to  FIG. 4 , antibacterial barrier  120  may further comprise a plurality of small dimples  405  thereby creating a dimpled surface. Dimples  405  provide a slightly raised surface of antibacterial barrier  120 . In use, gym-user  140  may place perfect gym towel  100  on an unsanitary surface, such as the floor of the gym or on exercise machine  130  and the elevated surface of dimples  405  may reduce the overall surface of contact. In such a manner, germs  182  and bacteria  184  are less likely to transfer to antibacterial barrier  120 . Further, dimples  405  may provide greater traction (friction coefficient increasing means) when gym-user  140  places perfect gym towel  100  on a surface to be stored while in resting condition  255 . For example, exercise machine  130  may have a beam or an arm which may be used to temporarily hang perfect gym towel  100 . Dimples  405  may help retain perfect gym towel  100  thereby serving to minimize the chances of perfect gym towel from falling to the floor and landing on fabric sheet  110  comprising an absorbent surface. 
         [0037]    In alternative embodiments of perfect gym towel  100 , various types of indicia in the form of writing, a logo, or a symbol may be inscribed on either fabric sheet  110  and/or antibacterial barrier  120 . The various forms of indicia may serve as a marketing and promoting tool for a gym, or for companies who may wish to sponsor the gym. Further, perfect gym towel  100  may comprise writing that depicts the name or signature of the owner. This may be useful in personalizing perfect gym towel  100  to the standards of gym-user  140  so that it may be easy to identify. For example, should perfect gym towel  100  become lost or misplaced in a public facility, the unique signature may assist gym-user  140  in locating perfect gym towel  100 . Rubber-based material of perfect gym towel  100  may comprises a solid, bright color that is readily user-identifiable such that gym-user  140  is able to claim his/her perfect gym towel  100  thereby avoiding cross-contamination. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  of perfect gym towel  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0039]    Method of use  500  may comprise the steps of: step one  501  engaging in exercise activity, step two  502  drying sweat  160  off skin  135  using fabric sheet  110  of perfect gym towel  100 , step three  503  resting antibacterial barrier  120  of perfect gym towel  100  on exercise machine  130  or other contaminated surface, and step four  504  washing perfect gym towel  100  by hand or using a washing machine in between exercise activity. 
         [0040]    It should be noted that step four  504  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
         [0041]    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. 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. 
         [0042]    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.