BABY BURP DEVICE

Abstract

A baby burp device configured to drape over the shoulder of a user is provided. The single-use baby burp device includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion joining the front portion with the rear portion; wherein the front portion drapes over the chest, the middle portion drapes over the shoulder and the rear portion drapes over the back; wherein each of the front, middle and rear portions comprise a top layer having a top surface, wherein the top surface makes contact with a baby and wherein at least a portion of the top surface is water-proof or water-resistant; and a bottom layer attached to the top layer or a middle layer and having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface makes contact with the user; and an adhesive layer disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of at least one of the front portion, the rear portion, or the middle portion, wherein the adhesive layer makes contact with the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/838,839, filed on Jun. 24, 2013 and entitled, “Baby Burp Cloth,” the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many times, users such as caregivers, need to protect their clothing and/or their skin from unwanted material, such as unwanted regurgitated human material. For example, a caregiver may burp a baby on his or her shoulder, but would want to protect his or her clothing from regurgitated material or saliva from the baby. Baby burp cloths may be placed on the shoulder of the caregiver, and the baby placed on the baby burp cloth. However, these burp cloths tend to slip and not remain in place, causing regurgitated material or saliva to soil the caregiver's clothing or skin. Further, many times, caregivers may not be able to wash the burp cloth to keep it clean. Accordingly, a burp cloth less likely to slip, and more easy to use, is needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a single-use baby burp device configured to drape over the shoulder of a user is provided. The single-use baby burp device may include a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion joining the front portion with the rear portion. The front portion may drape over the chest of the user when deployed, the middle portion may drape over the shoulder of the user when deployed, and the rear portion may drape over the back of the user when deployed. Each of the front, middle and rear portions preferably comprise a top layer having a top surface, wherein the top surface makes contact with a baby when the device is deployed, and wherein at least a portion of the top surface is water-proof or water-resistant; and a bottom layer attached to the top layer or a middle layer and having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface makes contact with the user when the device is deployed. The single-use baby burp device may also include an adhesive layer disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of at least one of the front portion, the rear portion, or the middle portion, wherein the adhesive layer makes contact with the user when the device is deployed. The length of the single-use baby burp device measured from an end of front portion to an end of rear portion may be from about 10 inches to about 30 inches. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is disposed on at least a portion of the front portion and at least a portion of the rear portion. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom surface is water-proof

In some embodiments, a baby burp device configured to drape over the shoulder of a user is provided. The baby burp device may include a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion joining the front portion with the rear portion; wherein the front portion drapes over the chest of the user when deployed, the middle portion drapes over the shoulder of the user when deployed, and the rear portion drapes over the back of the user when deployed. Each of the front, middle and rear portions may include a top layer having a top surface, wherein the top surface makes contact with a baby when deployed; and a bottom layer attached to the top layer or a middle layer and having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface makes contact with the user when deployed. In these embodiments, at least a portion of top layer or at least a portion of bottom layer may be comprised of fabric. In some embodiments, the baby burp device further comprises a middle layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the middle layer is attached to at least a portion of the bottom layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top plan view of an embodiment of a baby burp device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the baby burp device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the baby burp device draped on a shoulder of a user when deployed;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of baby burp device used for breast-feeding a baby; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of baby burp device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a device which allows a user or a caretaker to accurately position and to deploy it with confidence that it will protect the caretaker's clothing and will be resistant to repositioning. The device may be used in a daycare, home, at a hospital or a medical clinic, nursing home, a dental office as a dental bib, restaurant, and the like. For ease of discussion, the present invention will be described in the context of childcare in general and baby burping in particular. In this regard, the device will be referred to as a “baby burp device.” The baby burp device may be used to burp the baby or breastfeed the baby. It is to be understood, however, that the device is not limited for use by babies and may be used, for example, by senior citizens and nursing homes. In this regard, the device may be used to protect the caregivers of senior citizens from unwanted material regurgitated, for example, by the senior citizens.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, baby burp device 100 includes one or more sheets or layers. Preferably, baby burp device 100 includes at least two sheets or layers, a top layer 102 and a bottom layer 104. Top layer 102 and bottom layer 104 may be attached together at the edges and/or pressed together at one or more points throughout baby burp device 100. Preferably, top layer 102 includes top surface 102a, and bottom layer 104 includes bottom surface 104a. When deployed, top surface 102a preferably makes contact with the baby, and bottom surface 104a preferably makes contact with the user's shoulder (or a garment worn by the user). “Deployed” or a grammatical version thereof, when used in the context of the present invention, refers to baby burp device 100 being in a usable position or ready-to-use position, i.e., being draped over the shoulder/garment of a user, or the like. In other embodiments, baby burp device 100 consists of only one layer. In yet other embodiments, baby burp device 100 includes more than two layers. For example, baby burp device 100 may include three layers, i.e., top layer 102, bottom layer 104, and a middle 110 layer disposed between top layer 102 and bottom layer 104. For example, in embodiments wherein baby burp device 100 is washable and reusable, middle layer 110 may be included.

Preferably, baby burp device 100 includes a front portion 106a, a rear portion 106b, and a middle portion 106c joining the front portion 106a and the rear portion 106b. In certain embodiments, front portion 106a, rear portion 106b, and middle portion 106c may be formed from the same piece of material. In these embodiments, reference to the foregoing portions describes sections within baby burp device 100. These sections may not have any clear boundaries. In other embodiments, front portion 106a, rear portion 106b, and middle portion 106c may be attached together (from, i.e., different pieces of material). When baby burp device 100 is deployed, front portion 106a drapes over chest of the user and rear portion 106b drapes over back of the user. Use of the term “portion(s)” to describe baby burp device 100 refers to sections within baby burp device 100. As such, it is understood that each of front portion 106a, rear portion 106b, and middle portion 106c include any and all layers and surfaces that extend to that section or region of baby burp device 100. For example, if baby burp device 100 includes top layer 102 and bottom layer 104, and top layer 102 and bottom layer 104 are of the same size and shape, then front portion 106a on that particular baby burp device 100 would include both layers. Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 1, each of front portion 106a, rear portion 106b, and middle portion 106c may include a center 106ai, a center 106bi, or a center 106ci, respectively. Centers 106ai, 106bi, and 106ci preferably refer to the center of each of the front portion 106a, rear portion 106b, and middle portion 106c, respectively. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, front portion 106a may include a first side 120a and a second side 120b, rear portion 106b may include a first side 122a and a second side 122b, and middle portion 106c may include a first side 124a and a second side 124b. The foregoing sides are not necessarily separate pieces. In some embodiments, first side 120a and second side 120b are symmetrical about center 106ai, first side 122a and second side 122b are symmetrical about center 106bi, and/or first side 124a and second side 124b are symmetrical about center 106ci. In other embodiments, first side 120a and second side 120b are not symmetrical about center 106ai, first side 122a and second side 122b are not symmetrical about center 106bi, and/or first side 124a and second side 124b are not symmetrical about center 106ci. In some embodiments, if an imaginary straight line is drawn longitudinally from center 106ai, through center 106bi, to center 106ci, first side 120a and second side 120b would be mirror images of each other, first side 122a and second side 122b would be mirror images of each other, and first side 124a and second side 124b would be mirror images of each other. In certain embodiments, front portion 106a drapes over back of user, and rear portion 106b drapes over chest of user.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, a transverse width 130a measured at the longest point of front portion 106a, and/or a transverse width 130b measured at the longest point of rear portion 106b, is from about 5 to about 20 inches each, more preferably, from about 8 to about 15 inches most preferably, about 10 inches. Further, a transverse width 130c measured at the longest point of middle portion 106c is preferably from about 3 to about 9 inches, more preferably, from about 5 to about 8 inches. A transverse width (not shown) measured at the shortest point of middle portion 106c is preferably from about 1 to about 8 inches and more preferably about 6 inches. Preferably, baby burp device 100 is an hour-glass shape and therefore, each of front portion 106a and rear portion 106b includes a substantially circular portion. Front portion 106a and rear portion 106b may be the same shape and size, or may be a different shape and size. At the juncture of front portion 106a and rear portion 106b (i.e., middle portion 106c), width 130c is preferably smaller. In other embodiments, transverse width 130a measured at the longest point of front portion 106a, and/or transverse width 130b measured at the longest point of rear portion 106b, is less than about 5 inches or greater than about 20 inches. In yet other embodiments, traverse width 130c is less than about 3 inches or greater than about 9 inches. The foregoing transverse widths, however, may depart from above in certain embodiments.

Baby burp device 100 is preferably of sufficient length to drape over a user's shoulder and stay put in place when baby is placed upon it. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 2, baby burp device 100 is from about 10 inches to about 30 inches in length (measured longitudinally from end 112a of front portion 106a to end 112b of rear portion 106b); more preferably, from about 15 inches to about 22 inches in length (measured longitudinally from end 112a of front portion 106a to end 112b of rear portion 106b), and most preferably, about 20 inches in length (measured longitudinally from end 112a of front portion 106a to end 112b of rear portion 106b). In other embodiments, baby burp device 100 is less than about 10 inches in length or greater than about 30 inches in length. In yet other embodiments, length of baby burp device 100 may depart from the foregoing.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 3, baby burp device 100 is configured to drape over the user's shoulder when deployed. In this regard, preferably, baby burp device 100 has an hour-glass shape. Preferably, front portion 106a drapes over the front (chest area) of user, and rear portion 106b drapes over the rear (back area) of user. Middle portion 106c is disposed between front portion 106a and rear portion 106b. The hour-glass shape allows for better protection of the user's (i.e., mother's) clothing from bodily fluids when burping, feeding, or holding a baby, and allows baby burp device 100 to remain in place. In other embodiments, baby burp device 100 may be configured in any other shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. The intended use of the device of the present invention may dictate its shape and/or position on the body of the user/caregiver. In this regard, it is to be understood that the device of the present invention need not be draped over the user's shoulder when deployed. For example, if intended to be used during breast feeding, it may be draped/attached to a pillow (or any surface that the baby is placed on while breast feeding). If the baby is placed on a pillow while breast feeding, the device may be placed on the pillow, and the baby on top of it, in order to prevent bodily fluids from touching the pillow. Alternatively, the device of the present invention may be at least partially placed, for example, on the chest/belly of the user (i.e., mother) when breast-feeding in order to protect the clothing/skin from bodily fluids. For example, and as best shown in FIG. 4, middle portion of baby burp device 100 may be disposed under a woman's breast or behind the baby's back. Front portion may be disposed (or attached) to the top of woman's arm, while rear portion may be situated under the baby and/or to the side of the baby. In this regard, rear portion may be used to wipe the baby's face, or the like. Accordingly, the use of “front” and “rear” to describe portions of baby burp device 100 are for ease of description only, and are not intended to limit the placement of the device on the user in any way.

Baby burp device 100 may be disposable or “single-use” (“disposable” and “single-use” are interchangeable). As such, baby burp device 100 may be disposed of after a single use. Of course, however, if, after a single use, baby burp device 100 is not soiled, it can be used again (i.e., as a paper towel can be). A single-use baby burp device, however, is not intended to be washed and re-used (i.e., like a paper napkin) In other embodiments, baby burp device 100 is not disposable, and is washable re-usable.

The selection of materials may be dictated by whether baby burp device 100 is disposable or single-use or washable/re-usable.

In embodiments wherein baby burp device 100 is disposable or single-use, baby burp device 100 may be comprised of material that is relatively inexpensive. In some embodiments, at least a portion of top surface 102a and/or top layer 102 is water-proof and/or water-resistant. Any suitable water-proof and/or water-resistant material may be used. In some embodiments, all of top surface 102a and/or top layer 102 is water-proof and/or water-resistant. In some embodiments, at least a portion of top surface 102a of top layer 102 is not water-absorbent, and/or not comprised of fabric. In some embodiments, top layer 102 and/or top surface 102a is not water-proof and/or water-resistant. Exemplary materials for top layer 102 and/or top surface 102a include, but are not limited to, any water-proof and/or water-resistant material, any non-toxic, flexible material, 100% polyester, any non-woven material, non-woven polyester and rayon and/or spunlace, plastic, moisture-proof and/or water-resistant plastic, moisture-proof and/or water-resistant polypropylene, moisture-proof and/or water-resistant polyethylene, polyethylene perforated film, fabric, cotton, combinations thereof, mixtures thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, top layer 102 and/or top surface 102a does not include fabric. In other embodiments, baby burp device 100 is reusable and washable. In these embodiments, top surface 102a may be comprised of fabric. Preferably, top layer 102 has no other layer disposed on top of it.

As shown in FIG. 1 baby burp device 100 may include one or more middle layers 110 (referred to herein singularly and collectively as “110”). Middle layer 110 may or may not be water-proof and/or water-resistant. In some embodiments, middle layer 110 is absorbent. Suitable materials for middle layer 110 include, but or not limited to, polypropylene and wood pulp blend, polypropylene and natural fiber blend wood pulp, bi-component fiber blend, wood pulp, SAP (super absorbent polymer) gel, wood cellulose fibers, non-woven cover encasing viscose fibers, fluff pulp, fabric, cotton, plastic, water-proof and/or water-resistant material, combinations thereof, mixtures thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, middle layer 110 does not include absorbent material and/or fabric. Middle layer 110 may be of any size relative to top layer 102 and/or bottom layer 104. In some embodiments, middle layer 110 is the same shape and size as top layer 102 and/or bottom layer 104. In some embodiments, middle layer 110 is omitted.

Bottom layer 104 includes bottom surface 104a. Bottom layer 104 and/or bottom surface 104a may or may not be water-proof and/or water-resistant. In some embodiments, bottom layer 104 and/or bottom surface 104a is water-proof, and/or at least a portion of bottom layer 104 and/or bottom surface 104a is water-proof and/or water-resistant. Exemplary materials for bottom layer 104/bottom surface 104a include, but are not limited to, plastic, fabric, polyethylene, calcium carbonate, polypropylene, cotton or other absorbent material, resin and ingeo blend, cornstarch, laminating film, any water-proof and/or water-resistant, flexible material, chenille fabric, chenille cord, combinations thereof, mixtures thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the use of chenille in bottom layer 104/bottom surface 104a prevents baby burp device 100 from slipping and/or holds baby burp device 100 in place when deployed on user's shoulder/garment. In some embodiments, bottom layer 104 is omitted.

Baby burp device 100 may include an adhesive layer 108 disposed on bottom layer 104 and/or bottom surface 104a. As used herein, “adhesive” may refer to material that tends to adhere, including a coarse material or rough material that tends to adhere, at least temporarily. Preferably, adhesive layer 108 is disposed substantially in the middle of bottom layer 104 (i.e., of middle portion 106c). Adhesive layer 108 may be any length, width, or configuration; however, is preferred that at least a portion of adhesive layer 108 is disposed on the part of bottom surface 104a at front portion 106a and at least a portion of adhesive layer 108 is disposed on part of bottom surface 104a at rear portion 106b. Preferably, adhesive layer 108 comprises an adhesive and one or more pull-tabs (or “coverings”) such as film agents that cover the pressure sensitive adhesive. Pulling the pull-tab(s) exposes the adhesive. In this manner, the user can pull on the pull-tab, remove the same, and expose the adhesive. Preferably, adhesive is pressure-sensitive adhesive. Exemplary materials for the adhesive include, but are not limited to, pressure sensitive adhesive tape, differential adhesive tape, elastic gum, synthetic resin, hygienic hot melt adhesive or tape, combinations thereof, and the like. Any materials now known or later contemplated that provide removable adhesiveness are suitable. In other embodiments, adhesive layer 108 is omitted.

The layers of baby burp device 100 may be attached to each other by any means known in the art. Exemplary materials to seal or attach the various layers together include, but are not limited, to, ultrasonic bonding, stitch bonding flexible glue, spray adhesive, and the like.

Baby burp device 100 may be attached, for example, on the user's shoulder by removable attachment with adhesive layer 108 (or adhesive). Attaching the baby burp cloth 100 to the shoulder via adhesive layer 108 holds the baby burp device 100 in place and prevents it from moving around the user's shoulder. Preferably, adhesive is a single strip. It is to be understood, however, that adhesive may be comprised of multiple strips, configurations and/or shapes. For example, adhesive may be comprised of a series of adhesive circular adhesive materials. Any shape, type, and/or configuration may be used. Additionally, the shape, type and/or configuration may be dictated by the intended use of baby burp device 100. For example, a baby burp device 100 intended to be used for breast feeding (and therefore, possibly intended to stick to user's skin), baby burp device 100 may have a different adhesive configuration than one intended to be used for burping a baby on a shoulder (and therefore, most likely to make contact with user's clothing rather than skin)

Preferably, the stickiness (or tackiness) of adhesive is sufficient to hold baby burp device 100 in place on, for example, a caregiver's shoulder. It is preferred, however, that the stickiness of adhesive is chosen such that baby burp device 100 is easily removed from the caregiver's shoulder (and it doesn't need to be pulled off with much force). Furthermore, if baby burp device 100 is reusable, the stickiness of adhesive is chosen such that it can peel off of a shoulder, and stick back on the same or a different caregiver's shoulder when baby burp cloth device 100 is used again.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of adhesive layer 108 is not disposed on front portion 106a and/or rear portion 106b (and only disposed on middle portion 106c). In yet other embodiments, adhesive layer 108 is omitted. In yet other embodiments, baby burp device 100 is comprised of more than one adhesive layer 108. In some embodiments, in lieu of adhesive layer 108, or in conjunction with adhesive layer 108, any other means of attachment to the user may be used.

Preferably, a number of disposable baby burp devices 100 are packaged together in a disposable bag, box, or package. In some embodiments, a single baby burp device 100 is packaged within a disposable bag, box, or package.

In one embodiment, a kit is provided. The kit may include one or more baby burp devices 100 and instructions for use. The kit may be packaged in plastic or the like.

The various features of the invention described herein can be implemented in different systems without departing from the invention. It should be noted that the foregoing embodiments are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. The description of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A single-use baby burp device configured to drape over the shoulder of a user comprising:

a. a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion joining the front portion with the rear portion; wherein the front portion drapes over the chest of the user when deployed, the middle portion drapes over the shoulder of the user when deployed, and the rear portion drapes over the back of the user when deployed; wherein each of the front, middle and rear portions comprise i. a top layer having a top surface, wherein the top surface makes contact with a baby when deployed and wherein at least a portion of the top surface is water-proof or water-resistant; and ii. a bottom layer attached to the top layer or a middle layer and having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface makes contact with the user when deployed;

b. an adhesive layer disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of at least one of the front portion, the rear portion, or the middle portion, wherein the adhesive layer makes contact with the user when deployed;

wherein a length of the single-use baby burp device measured from an end of front portion to an end of rear portion is from about 10 inches to about 30 inches.

2. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive that removably adheres to a skin of the user or to a top surface of a garment worn by the user when deployed.

3. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on at least a portion of the middle portion.

4. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on at least a portion of the front portion and at least a portion of the rear portion.

5. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is water-proof.

6. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein the top surface is comprised of plastic.

7. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is a single strip.

8. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein a width measured at a longest point of the front portion and a width measured at a longest point of the rear portion is from about 8 inches to about 12 inches.

9. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein a width measured at a longest point of the middle portion is from about 3 inches to about 9 inches.

10. The single-use baby burp device of claim 1, wherein the middle portion comprises a center and a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side join the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the first side and the second side are symmetrical about the center.

11. A baby burp device configured to drape over the shoulder of a user comprising:

a. a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion joining the front portion with the rear portion; wherein the front portion drapes over the chest of the user when deployed, the middle portion drapes over the shoulder of the user when deployed, and the rear portion drapes over the back of the user when deployed; wherein each of the front, middle and rear portions comprise: i. a top layer having a top surface, wherein the top surface makes contact with a baby when deployed; and ii. a bottom layer attached to the top layer or a middle layer and having a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface makes contact with the user when deployed; wherein at least a portion of top layer or at least a portion of bottom layer is comprised of fabric.

12. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein the baby burp device further comprises an adhesive layer disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of at least one of the front portion, the rear portion, or the middle portion, wherein the adhesive layer makes contact with the user when deployed, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive that removably adheres to a skin of the user or to a top surface of a garment worn by the user.

13. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein a length of the baby burp device measured from a top end of the front portion to a top end of the rear portion is from about 10 inches to about 30 inches.

14. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein the baby burp device further comprises a middle layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the middle layer is attached to at least a portion of the bottom layer.

15. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is water-proof.

16. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein a width measured at a longest point of the front portion and a width measured at a longest point of the rear portion is from about 5 inches to about 20 inches.

17. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein a width measured at a longest point of the middle portion is from about 3 inches to about 9 inches.

18. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein the middle portion comprises a center and a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side and the second side join the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the first side and the second side are symmetrical about the center.

19. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein the baby burp device is capable of being used multiple times.

20. The baby burp device of claim 11, wherein the bottom surface is comprised of chenille.