Baby burp cloth

Abstract

A multiple layer baby burp cloth shaped, arranged, and constructed to drape and fit over, substantially cover, and hold position in relation to an individuals shoulder and the related upper body area, both front and back. The shape is characterized by a central cut out portion arranged to fit into the users neck, and a central extended portion opposite the cut out portion arranged to fit over the users shoulder. The top layer is moisture absorbent and non-irritating to a baby's skin and the bottom layer is a gripping surface which will adhere to the users shoulder.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/899,368 filed Feb. 5, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to protective devices for clothing and more particularly relates to cloths for preventing the soiling of upper body garments by babies during post-feeding burping.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A number of devices arranged to protect the garment of an individual during the activity of feeding and burping a baby exist in the prior art. Several, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,660,226, Quilling et al, and 5,956,762, Adams, are based on a bib configuration wherein the cloth is designed to be secured about the users neck. Others provide the better part of an entire upper body garment and are worn like a shirt. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,960,471, Burton, 6,990,686, Palmer, and 7,207,070, Swarez-Ballesteros are examples of these. A further approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,285,067, David, and 6,986,163, Dugan both showing a wrap-around arrangement in the manner of a sash.

In contrast to the prior art, the present invention utilizes the combination of an ergonomic shape and a traction creating undersurface to cause the cloth to be held in position over the shoulder during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention may be summarized as a baby burp cloth composed of at least two layers of fabric in face to face relationship of a shape adapted to promote the retention of the cloth in a position draped over the upper body and shoulder of the user. Burp cloths are employed to protect the clothing of an individual while burping a baby over the shoulder after feeding. Regurgitation of a certain amount of food, both solid and liquid, usually occurs during this activity which will soil the upper garment of the adult holding the baby. A towel is most often placed over the shoulder to prevent or reduce damage to the shirt or dress of the individual burping the baby.

The present invention provides an improved burp cloth for babies composed of at least two sheets of fabric. The top sheet is of a material which is both non-irritating to a baby's skin and moisture absorbent to trap the regurgitated substance. The bottom sheet is relatively non-moisture absorbing although not necessarily moisture proof and has a rough outer surface which will provide traction for and promote adherence to the adult garment.

Both sheets are of the same shape and the entire cloth has an indented edge more or less in the center and an extension on the opposite edge more or less across from the indentation. The indentation fits into the curve of the neck of the user and the extension covers the shoulder. Cotton fleece is an example of a fabric which can be used for the top sheet as is corduroy for the bottom.

An additional sheet of moisture absorbing fabric positioned between the top and bottom sheets will further provide greater protection. This additional layer may also be composed of cotton fleece. The layers are attached by, for example, sewing along the edge or by other means such as adhesives. The portions of the cloth which extend over the front and back are a matter of choice but will be about equal in most cases.

These and other features and advantages, as well as the detailed structure of the invention will become more evident from the description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawings, which follows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, broken-out view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention consisting of a top or outer layer 10, a bottom layer 12, and optionally a third central layer 14. Sheet or layer 10 is comprised of a soft non-irritating moisture absorbing fabric such as cotton fleece, sheet or layer 12 a relatively course material to provide traction and promote adherence to an upper garment such as a shirt, dress top, or blouse, and optional sheet or layer 14 again, for example, cotton fleece.

Top sheet 12 is the portion of the cloth on which the baby's head is placed and as a moisture absorbing material, acts to hold the regurgitation which most often results from the burping process. The intermediate sheet acts to further enhance this protective feature of the cloth. The bottom sheet 14 is relatively non-moisture absorbing but not necessarily waterproof and functions to provide a rough surface to hold the cloth on the shoulder. Corduroy is a good choice of fabric for this sheet. The fabric sheets or layers are bound together by, for example, stitching 16 about the edge. Adhesive may also be used.

Edge 18 is the edge which is placed to the inside when the sheet is in use and has an indentation 20 more or less in the center of the cloth and is arranged to fit into the curve of the neck. The opposite edge 22 extends outward to cover the shoulder. The overall configuration or plan of the cloth is therefore intended to entirely contact and cover the shoulder while shifting the garment protecting surfaces inward to protect both the front and the back of the upper garment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the invention in position on the shoulder of an individual showing the relationship of the surface of the cloth to the upper body.

As variations in the above-described embodiments will now be obvious to those skilled in the art, the invention is accordingly defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A baby burp cloth for protecting the garment of an individual during a post feeding burping activity on a shoulder arranged to drape over said shoulder to cover a portion of said garmant comprising in combination a composite of:

A. a first sheet composed of a non-skin irritating moisture absorbing fabric having: 1. an edge indentation positioned in the central area of said sheet arranged to fit around the neck of said individual; and 2. an edge extension positioned in the central area of said sheet opposite said indentation arranged to extend over said shoulder of said individual; and

B. a second sheet composed of a relatively non-moisture absorbing fabric and of the same shape as said first sheet and attached to said first sheet in surface to surface relationship, the external surface of said second sheet comprising a gripping surface arranged to contact and adhere to said garment covering said shoulder.

2. The burp cloth of claim 1 wherein said first sheet is comprised of cotton fleece.

3. The burp cloth of claim 1 wherein said second sheet is composed of corduroy.

4. The burp cloth of claim 1 further including a third sheet of moisture absorbing fabric disposed between said first and second sheets and of the same shape as said sheets.

5. The burp cloth of claim 4 wherein said third sheet is composed of cotton fleece.

6. The burp cloth of claim 4 wherein said sheets are attached by stitching about the edges.