Towel with Integrally Weighted Peripheral Portions

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.,,′,″,andcould refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.

Referring to, a towelis described. The towelmay 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 towelmay include a flexible body. The flexible bodymay 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 bodymay be, at least partly, or fully, water absorbent. As an example, the flexible bodymay be made from one or more of cotton, polyester, and/or microfiber. In addition to said list of materials, the towelmay be made from any other material now known or in the future developed. Although the example applications of the towelare noted above, the towelmay find various other uses.

The towelmay 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 towelmay include a square shape, an oblong shape, etc. In effect, the rectangular shape of the towelis exemplary. The towelmay include four end edges, namely, a first end edge, a second end edge, a third end edge, and a fourth end edge. Given the exemplary rectangular shape of the towel, the first end edgeand the second end edgemay be disposed oppositely to each other, while the third end edgeand the fourth end edgemay be disposed oppositely to each other. Further, as shown, the third end edgeand the fourth end edgemay extend (e.g., orthogonally) between the first end edgeand the second end edgeto impart the exemplary rectangular shape to the towel. In an example embodiment, as shown in, the towelincludes a length (defined between the first end edgeand the second end edge) equal to approximately 62 inches, and a width (defined between the third end edgeand the fourth end edge) equal to approximately 32 inches.

The towelmay define a peripheral portionand a main body portion. The peripheral portionmay adjoin or include one of the end edges, e.g., the first end edge, of the towel. Further, the peripheral portionmay define a receptacleand weights (see weighted materials) may be received within the receptacle. Owing to the receipt of the weighted materialswithin the receptacle, the weighted materialsmay form a part of the towel, and, thus, the peripheral portionmay also be interchangeably referred to as an integrally weighted peripheral portion. The term ‘integrally’, as used here, means that the peripheral portionof the towelmay enclose (e.g., entirely enclose) the weighted materialstherein, and in a manner that the weighted materialsmay be non-removable, non-accessible, and/or non-viewable, from an outside of the receptacleunless the peripheral portionis forcibly divided, ruptured, and/or is torn apart. In some example embodiments, the weighted materialsfor 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, the weighted materialsfor a single end include a total weight of 100 grams. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values.

The peripheral portionmay impart a relative heaviness or may provide a weight to the towelat or towards the first end edgesuch that the peripheral portionof the toweltowards the first end edgeis heavier in comparison to other peripheral portions of the toweldefined towards any of the other end edges, e.g., the second end edge, the third end edge, and the fourth end edge. Such heaviness or weight may define a non-uniform weight or mass distribution across the towel's expanse, in other words, making one towel portion heavier than another towel portion. Additionally, the peripheral portionmay be contiguous to the main body portionof the towel, thus making the peripheral portionappear seamlessly merged and/or wholly integral with the main body portionof the towel. In some example embodiments, the peripheral portionmay include a width of 0.5 to 3.0 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in, the peripheral portionincludes a width of 2.5 inches. These values are provided for illustrative purposes only and can include other values.

The towelmay further include hems. The hemsmay be formed at the end edgesof the towel—e.g., each of the hemsmay be provided at a respective end edge of the towel. With four end edges, e.g., the first end edge, the second end edge, the third end edge, and the fourth end edge, the towelmay correspondingly include four hems, e.g., a first hem, a second hem, a third hem, and a fourth hem. Said hemsmay be respectively formed at the four end edgesof the towel, as has been illustrated in. In other words, the first hemmay be formed at the first end edge; the second hemmay be formed at the second end edge; the third hemmay be formed at the third end edge; and the fourth hemmay be formed at the fourth end edge.

The hemsmay correspondingly define depths. Although not limited, depths defined by one or more of the four hemswith respect to one or more of the other four hemsmay differ from each other. As exemplarily shown in, first depths, FT, defined by two opposite hems (e.g., the first hemand the second hemin) of the four hemsrespectively at two opposite end edges (e.g., the first end edgeand the second end edge) of the four end edgesof the towelare respectively larger than second depths, ST, defined by the other two opposite hems (e.g., the third hemand the fourth hemin) of the four hemsrespectively at the other two opposite end edges (e.g., the third end edgeand the fourth end edge) of the four end edgesof the towel.

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, the second hem, the third hem, and the fourth hem, may all differ from each other. In still some embodiments, depths of the first hemand one or more of the third hemand/or the fourth hemmay be the same, while, in some embodiments, the depths of the second hemand one or more of the third hemand/or the fourth hemmay 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, the depth FT of each of the first hemand the second hemis 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, the depth ST of each of the third hemand the fourth hemis 0.25 inches.

Referring toa methodof manufacturing the towelis exemplarily discussed. The methodincludes a series of stages, namely, a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, a fourth stage, a fifth stage, and a sixth stage, as illustrated in. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the methodmay also be interchangeably referred to as a first methodand the towel, as manufactured by way of the first method, may be interchangeably referred to as a first towel. The methodbegins at first stage.

The first stagein the manufacture of flexible bodyis shown in. To this end, the flexible bodymay 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. In so doing, the flexible bodymay include, or may be formed from, a cloth-based material or a fabric-based substrate. Further, the flexible bodymay be manufactured by using any production technique, now known or in the future developed. The production technique to manufacture the flexible bodymay include, but not be limited to, spinning, warping, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, etc. The flexible bodymay be further processed (as will be discussed below by way of the various stages of the method) to manufacture and arrive at the towel, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

As the towelmay include the rectangular shape, the flexible bodymay also include a rectangular shape. To this end, the flexible bodymay define four peripheral edge portions, namely, a first peripheral edge portion, a second peripheral edge portion, a third peripheral edge portion, and a fourth peripheral edge portion(see). Discussions below will include references corresponding to the first peripheral edge portion. Such discussions may be applied to one or more of the other peripheral edge portions, e.g., the second peripheral edge portion, the third peripheral edge portion, and/or the fourth peripheral edge portion, e.g., if a configuration of the towelwere to change from what has been discussed for the towel. The flexible bodymay also define a first borderat the first peripheral edge portion, a second borderat the second peripheral edge portion, a third borderat the third peripheral edge portion, and a fourth borderat the fourth peripheral edge portion.

The first peripheral edge portionmay include an end body sectionand a penultimate body section, as shown in. Although not limited, both the end body sectionand the penultimate body sectionmay possess the same shape and dimension. The penultimate body sectionmay be contiguous to (e.g., seamlessly merged with or integrally formed with) the end body section. Also, the end body sectionmay define the first borderof the flexible body. Further, a width, W, of the flexible bodymay be defined between two opposite edge portions (e.g., between the third borderof the third peripheral edge portionand the fourth borderof the fourth peripheral edge portion) of the four peripheral edge portionsand a length, L, of the flexible bodymay be defined between the other two opposite edge portions (e.g., the first borderof the first peripheral edge portionand the second borderof the second peripheral edge portion) of the four peripheral edge portions.

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, or the first stage, once the flexible bodyis manufactured, the flexible bodymay be brought forth and laid over a surface (not shown) for further processing. The methodproceeds to the second stage.

At second stage, and as shown in(and also in conjunction with), an operator may turn or fold the end body sectionover the penultimate body section, e.g., about an axis. In so doing, the end body sectionmay face (e.g., wholly face) the penultimate body section. 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 portionmay define a folded end edgeat an interface of the flexible bodyat which the end body sectionand the penultimate body sectionare turned about to be directed towards each other.

In some embodiments, a folding of the end body sectionover the penultimate body sectionmay be attained such that the first bordermay be positioned generally parallel to the folded end edge(also see alignment axis′ to which the first bordermay be brought into alignment during folding). The folded end edgeand a facing of the end body sectiontowards the penultimate body sectionis easily visualizable from the exemplary cross-sectional view of the integrally weighted peripheral portionof the towelprovided in. Some aspects and/or features of the towelinare exaggerated for easing understanding. The term ‘generally’ has been used here to account for manufacturing tolerances.

Once the end body sectionis folded over onto the penultimate body sectionto lay over and/or overlap the penultimate body section, the end body sectionand the penultimate body sectionmay be connected (e.g., along the third borderand the fourth border) to each other. As the end body sectionmay be folded over onto the penultimate body sectionand then by connecting portions of the end body sectionwith the penultimate body section, the receptaclemay be formed between the end body sectionand the penultimate body section, as shown. In further detail, to form the receptacle, portions of the end body sectionand the penultimate body sectiondefining the third borderand the fourth bordermay 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 sectionfolded over onto the penultimate body sectionmay be collectively referred to as a folded end section(see) of the towel. The methodproceeds to the third stage.

At third stage, and as shown in, the folded end sectionmay define a first sub-sectionand a second sub-section. Both the first sub-sectionand the second sub-sectionmay be defined or may span along the width, W. The first sub-sectionmay be disposed relatively away from the folded end edgeand may be closer to (and contiguous with) the first borderthan the second sub-section. Conversely, the second sub-sectionmay be disposed relatively away from the first borderand, instead, may be closer to (and contiguous with) the folded end edgethan the first sub-section. Effectively, the second sub-sectionof the folded end sectionmay extend between the first sub-sectionand the folded end edge, and the first sub-sectionof the folded end sectionmay extend between the second sub-sectionand the first border.

With continued reference to, and according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the receptacle(and/or a receptacle portionof the receptacle) defined by the first sub-sectionand/or disposed between the end body sectionand the penultimate body sectionmay be segmented to define a series of pocketsalong (e.g., entirely along) the width, W, of the flexible body. As an example, ten pocketsmay be defined, namely, a first pocket, a second pocket, a third pocket, a fourth pocket, a fifth pocket, a sixth pocket, a seventh pocket, an eight pocket, a ninth pocket, and a tenth pocket. In some embodiments, the segmentation of the receptacleand/or the series of pocketsmay be sequentially formed by stitching or sewing the first sub-sectionassociated with the end body sectionwith the first sub-sectionassociated with the penultimate body sectionat regular intervals along the width, W. In that manner, the series of pocketsmay be arranged to extend along the width, W, at regular spacing intervals, starting from the third borderand ending at the fourth border. Also, the series of pocketsas obtained by such segmentation may be provided across the width, W, of the flexible bodyand throughout the first peripheral edge portion, in an uninterrupted manner (e.g., without having gaps or spaces between the series of pockets). Notably, therefore, the series of pocketsmay be defined between the third borderand the fourth border.

The series of pockets-, as formed at the third stage, may define respective openings-—e.g., the first pocketmay define a first opening, the second pocketmay define a second opening, the third pocketmay define a third opening, the fourth pocketmay define a fourth opening, and so on. As shown, said openingsmay be defined between the first borderand the penultimate body section. In some embodiments, the series of pockets-may define a gap, G, with respect to the third borderand a gap, G, with respect to the fourth border. The methodproceeds to the fourth stage.

At fourth stage, and as shown in, the weighted materialsmay be incorporated into the flexible bodyto form the towel. In this regard, the operator may access the weighted materialsand may insert the weighted materialsinto the receptacle—e.g., each of the weighted materialsmay be received into a respective pocket(e.g., through a respective opening). The weighted materialsmay correspond to a first weighted material, a second weighted material, a third weighted material, a fourth weighted material, a fifth weighted material, a sixth weighted material, a seventh weighted material, an eighth weighted material, a ninth weighted material, and a tenth weighted material. As an example, the first weighted materialmay be received into the first pocketthrough the first openingof the first pocket; the second weighted materialmay be received into the second pocketthrough the second openingof the second pocket; the third weighted materialmay be received into the third pocketthrough the third openingof the third pocket; the fourth weighted materialmay be received into the fourth pocketthrough the fourth openingof the fourth pocket, and so on.

Here, each of the weighted materialsmay 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 materialsmay include or correspond to granular materials. Although not limited, the weighted materialshoused across the pocketsmay 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 materialsor one or more of the weighted materialsmay include an organic material, e.g., an organic granular material including grains or cereals. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materialsor one or more of the weighted materialsmay include an inorganic material, e.g., an inorganic granular material including silicone beads. In some embodiments, each of the weighted materialsmay include a combination of organic granular materials and inorganic granular materials. Using granular material, exemplarily, for the weighted materialsmay allow the flexible body(or the towelobtained by executing the method) to accommodate flexures in the flexible bodyor in the towel.

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 materialsand the flexible bodymay be made from materials which may be suitable for use with conventional home equipment, such as washers and/or dryers. The methodproceeds to the fifth stage.

At fifth stage, and as shown in, the openingsof the pocketsmay be sealed, for example, by connecting (e.g., by stitching or sewing) the first borderto the penultimate body section. In so doing, the end body section(or the first sub-sectionof the end body section) and the penultimate body sectionmay be connected to each other to permanently seal away the weighted materialsfrom external access and view. In that manner, the weighted materialsmay be incorporated or integrated into the flexible body(and thus may be made inherent to the towel). With such incorporation or integration of the weighted materialsinto the towel, the weighted materialsimpart weight and/or heaviness to the towelat the first peripheral edge portionor towards the first end edge. The methodnext proceeds to sixth stage.

At sixth stage, and as shown in(and in conjunction with) hemsmay be formed in the flexible bodyfor obtaining the towel. For example, the first hemmay be formed at the folded end edgeto define a boundaryof the towel. To form the first hem, portions of the second sub-sectionof the flexible bodymay be folded towards each other (e.g., about a first axis) and then they may be connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the first hemand thus the first end edgeof the towel. Similarly, portions of a second sectionat the second peripheral edge portionof the flexible bodymay be folded towards each other (e.g., about a second axis) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the second hemand thus the second end edgeof the towel.

Further, portions of a third sectionof the flexible bodydefined by the gap, G, may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a third axis) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the third hemand thus also the third end edgeof the towel. Similarly, portions of a fourth sectionof the flexible bodydefined by the gap, G, may be folded towards each other (e.g., about a fourth axis) and then also connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other to define the fourth hemand thus also the fourth end edgeof the towel.

shows the completed towelaccording to the exemplary first methodto manufacture the first towelof. Note that the number of pocketson each side of the towelmay 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 toweland the amount of additional weight needed to keep the towelfrom moving.

As noted above and shown in, the first hemand the second hemmay each define the first depth, FT, and the third hemand the fourth hemmay 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 hemand second hem) respectively at two opposite end edges (e.g., at the first end edgeand the second end edge) of the towelmay be respectively larger than second depths, ST, defined by other two opposite hems (e.g., the third hemand the fourth hem) respectively at the other two opposite end edges (e.g., the third end edgeand the fourth end edge) of the towel. In some embodiments, both the weighted materialsand the first hemare defined at the first peripheral edge portion. The methodends at sixth stage.

Referring to, another embodiment and/or an exemplary variation in the towel's design is discussed by way of a towel′. A structure and configuration of the towel′ may exemplarily remain the same or similar as that of the towel, 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′ and the towel, the towel′, instead of incorporating the weighted materialssolely at the peripheral portion at and across its first end edge, may include the weighted materialsat and across peripheral portions associated with all of its end edges′ (in the same way the weighted materialsare provided across the integrally weighted peripheral portion). In addition, the towelis shown to have four pockets (similar in design and structure to the pocketsof the towel) at two opposite end edges′, and seven pockets (similar in design and structure to the pocketsof the towel) at the remaining two opposite end edges′. It should be noted that, in some other embodiments, any number of pockets (similar in design and structure to the pockets), ranging from one to ten or more, may be formed depending on the shape and size of the towel′.

A methodof manufacturing the towel′ may use one or more of the aspects or stages or portions thereof, described for the method(e.g., described from). The methodmay also be interchangeably referred to as a second methodand the towel′, as manufactured by way of the second method, may also be interchangeably referred to as a second towel.

For example, and referring to, the flexible body′ applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel′ may differ from the flexible bodyapplied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel. In this regard, the flexible bodymay include cutoutsat its corners, imparting a polygonal profile to the flexible body. The cutoutsmay help the flexible body′ to accommodate curves and bends arising from folding end body sectionsof the flexible body′ with respect to corresponding penultimate body sectionsat each of the peripheral edge portionsof the flexible body.

Once the folds have been attained (see), folded end sectionsof the flexible body, as attained, may be processed in the same way as the folded end sectionof the flexible bodymay be processed—e.g., to form the pockets, incorporate the weighted materials, etc., and then hems(similar to the hems) may be formed (seeand). In so doing, the second towel′ (see) may be attained. Although not limited, in the case of the second towel′, hemsof the second towel′ may define common depths all throughout, for example, at all its end edges(see). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hems may vary in depth at the various end edges.

Referring to, another embodiment or an exemplary variation in the towel's design is discussed by way of a towel″. A structure and configuration of the towel″ may exemplarily remain the same or similar as that of the towel, 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″ and the towel, the towel″, instead of incorporating the weighted materialssolely at the peripheral portion at and across its first end edge″, may include the weighted portions at two peripheral portions associated with two of its end edges″, e.g., its first end edge″ and its fourth end edge″, as shown. In some other embodiments, the towel″ includes weighted portions at three or four peripheral portions associated with the end edges″. In addition, the towel″ is shown to have four pockets (similar to the pocketsof the towel) at one end edge″, and seven pockets (similar to the pocketsof the towel) at the other end edge″. It should be noted that, in some other embodiments, any number of pockets (similar to the pockets) may be formed depending on the shape and size of the towel.

A methodof manufacturing the towel″ may use one or more of the aspects or stages or portions thereof, described for the method(e.g., from) and/or the method(e.g., from). The methodmay also be interchangeably referred to as a third methodand the towel″, as manufactured by way of the third method, may also be interchangeably referred to as a third towel″.

For example, and referring to, the flexible body″ applied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel″ may differ from the flexible bodyapplied for manufacturing or obtaining the towel. In this regard, the flexible body″ may include a cutoutat one of its corners—e.g., at a corner that connects a first borderto a fourth borderof the flexible body″. The cutoutmay help the flexible body″ to accommodate curves and bends arising from a folding of end body sectionsof the flexible body″ with respect to its corresponding penultimate body sectionsat each of the peripheral edge portionsof the flexible body.

Once the folds have been attained (see), the folded end sectionsof the flexible body″, as attained, may be processed in the same way as the folded end sectionof the flexible bodymay be processed—e.g., forming the pockets, incorporate the weighted materials, etc., and then hems(similar to the hems) may be formed (seeand). In so doing, the third towel″ may be attained (see). Although not limited, in the case of the third towel″, the hemsof the third towel″ may define common depths all throughout, at all its end edges″ (see). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hems may vary in depth at the various end edges.

With reference to the first towel, the second towel′, and the third toweldiscussed 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’ may refer to one or more of the first towel, the second towel′, and the third towel″, as well, and their many variations, as may be contemplated by those of skill in the art, based on the present disclosure.

Referring to, the towelmay further optionally include a waterproof layer. The waterproof layermay be coupled (e.g., by stitching, sewing, and/or by industrial adhesives) to one or more of the penultimate body sectionand/or the end body section, as exemplarily shown, during the method, e.g., at first stage. As an example, the waterproof layermay be applied to hermetically seal the receptaclefrom ingress of fluids (e.g., water) into the receptacleand to retain the weighted materialsfree from moisture once the end body sectionand the penultimate body sectionare connected (e.g., by stitching or sewing) to each other. The waterproof layermay 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 layermay also be applied to the second towel′ and the third towel″ in a manner as has been described for the first towel.

Referring to, the towelmay include waterproof pouches. The waterproof pouchesmay be used to respectively house and hold the weighted materialstherewithin—e.g., one waterproof pouchmay house one weighted material. When manufacturing the towel, once the waterproof poucheshouse the weighted materials, the waterproof pouches, housing the weighted materials, may be inserted into the respective pocketsof the towelfor the incorporation of the weighted materialsinto the towel. Effectively, the waterproof pouchesrespectively house the weighted materialsprior to inserting the weighted materialsinto the series of pockets. In some embodiments, the waterproof pouchesmay be made from the same material as that of the waterproof layer. In some embodiments, the waterproof layermay be omitted from the towelif the waterproof pouchesmay be used to respectively house the weighted materials. The waterproof pouchesmay also be applied to the second towel′ and the third towel″ in a manner as has been described for the first towel.

The towel(or the first towel), having the weighted materialsincorporated therein, provides added weight to the fabric or to the flexible bodyof the towelby way of which the towelcan 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 materialsinto the towelavoids misplacement of the towelor changes in the position of the towel, e.g., because of factors such as wind, human interference, etc. A stitching or sewing in the towel, 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 materialsare positively retained within the receptacleor the pockets, and does not seep out or escape from the receptacleor the pockets. The ratio of the total weight of the weighted materialsin the towelcan vary relative to the weight of the flexible body. In some embodiments, the total weight of the weighted materialsin the towelis less than the weight of the flexible body. For example, in one embodiment with a towel having a weight of 400-600 grams (excluding the weighted materials), the total weight of the weighted materialson a single weighted end ranges between 20 to 200 grams. In another embodiment with two weighted ends, the total weight of the weighted materialsranges 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′ and the third towel″, as well. The weight of the towel (without the weighted materials) can vary significantly. In some embodiments, the towel (without the weighted materials) ranges between 100-1,000 grams, in other embodiments the weight of the towel (without the weighted materials) ranges between 200-800 grams. In another example embodiment, the weight of the towel (without the weighted materials) ranges between 400-600 grams, and in another example embodiment weighs approximately 560 grams.

The pocketshelp balance out the weighted materialsacross (entirely across in some embodiments, as has been shown and described above) the first end edgeof the towel. In other words, the pocketsensure that the weight defined by the weighted materialsare not concentrated or shifted to one region or spot within the receptacle. Rather, the pocketsensure that the weighted materialsare evenly distributed across the first end edgeof the towel, allowing the towelto be retained in place by way of the integrally weighted peripheral portion. The pocketsparticularly ensure retention of such distribution even when the towelis used by a user (e.g., even when the towelis 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′ and the third towel″, as well.

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.

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.