PORTABLE BURP CLOTH POUCH

Abstract

The portable burp cloth pouch comprises first and second panels, and a neck band. Each panel is elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides and two short sides. The first end of the neck band is fixedly connected to one of long sides of the first panel. The portable burp cloth further comprises a pair of mated connectors to removably connect the second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth, and a pocket on the back side of at least one of the panels for storing the first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch. Preferably, each side of the panel is contoured.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/522,179, filed on Aug. 10, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention relates to burp cloth, and more particularly to a burp cloth which converts into a portable burp cloth pouch.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Presently available burp cloths are typically a small towel or made of one panel of material that drapes over only one shoulder, such as one disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. D465,901. The typical burp cloth must be moved from one shoulder to another when burping an infant to accommodate the movement of the infant. It is sometimes difficult to move the burp cloth to the other shoulder before the infant, thereby potentially ruining the caregivers clothing. Also, the size of the nursing bib of U.S. Design Pat. No. D465,901 makes it difficult to move from shoulder to shoulder.

Two panel burp cloth as disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D611,682 and D303,995, are two rectangular or square shaped cloths connected at one corner. They cover the front part of the shoulder, but do not provide any or sufficient coverage of the back portion of the shoulder where infants typically spit up.

None of the available burp clothes can be wrapped or rolled into a portable or traveling pouch that can be easily tucked into a user's pocket, e.g., a jacket pocket, or tossed into a bag, e.g., a tote bag, hand bag, etc. This provides the added benefit of storing the stained or dirtied burp cloth conveniently without ruining other items in the bag.

Further none of the available burp cloths are adjustable to accommodate the different torso widths and/or lengths of the different caregivers, such the father, mother, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, etc.) that will typically burp the same infant. Also, panels of the burp cloth are not detachable or interchangeable to change the color/style of the burp cloth or to change a dirtied panel with a clean panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to provide a burp cloth which can be rolled, folded or stuffed into a pouch or bag when it is not in use so it can be conveniently carried or stored. The pouch can be unwrapped or rolled out to provide a two panel burp cloth.

It is another object of the claimed invention to provide the portable burp cloth pouch as aforesaid with detachable or interchangeable panels. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the burp cloth comprises two panels detachably connected to each other by a neck band. The user can adjust the size of the neck opening by attaching the two panels closer to each other to provide a smaller neck opening or further apart to provide a larger neck opening. It is appreciated that the neck band can also be used to accommodate the different torso width of the different caregivers.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the portable burp cloth pouch comprises first and second panels, and a neck band. Each panel is elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides and two short sides. The neck band has first and second ends to removably connect the first and second panels. The first end of the neck band is fixedly connected to the one of long sides of the first panel. The portable burp cloth further comprises a pair of mated connectors to removably connect the second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth, and a pocket on the back side of at least one of the panels for storing the first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch. Preferably, each side of the panel is contoured. That is, each panel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the neck band of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch removably connects to the portable burp cloth pouch to form a handle.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch comprises a neck cut out at one of its long sides and the neck band connects to the long side of each panel with the neck cut out.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the pair of mated connectors of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is one of the following: snaps, fasteners, buttons, hooks, or hook and loop strip.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the pair of mated connectors of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is a hook and loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck band to the second panel. One of the hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the second end of the neck band and other hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the back side of the second panel. The other hook or loop strip on the back side of the second panel is longer than the hook or loop strip on the neck band to adjust size of a neck opening to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the pair of mated connectors of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is a hook and loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck band to the second panel. One of hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the second end of the neck band and other hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the back side of the second panel. The other hook or loop strip on the back side of the second panel is longer than the hook or loop strip on the neck band to adjust size of a front portion of the burp cloth to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch comprises multi-layers with at least one layer of sturdy leak proof material. Preferably, each panel of the burp cloth comprises a first layer of fabric and a second layer of polyurethane laminate.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch is a colored panel or contains logos, patterns or designs.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the pocket of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch can be used to store one or more items, such as a pacifier.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the portable burp cloth pouch comprises first and second panels, and a neck band. Each panel is elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides and two short sides. The neck band has first and second ends to removably connect the first and second panels. The portable burp cloth pouch further comprises first and second pairs of mated connectors. The first pair of mated connectors to removably connect the first end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the first panel. The second pair of mated connectors to removably connect a second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth. A pocket on the back side of one of the panels stores the first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch. Preferably, each side of the panel is contoured. That is, each panel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid neck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors at the first end. The size of the neck opening can be adjusted to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users. The connector on the first panel can be mated to a connector on the first end of the neck band closer to a middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or to a connector on the first end of the neck band farther from the middle of the neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid neck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors at the second end. The size of the neck opening can be by mating the connector on the second panel to a connector on the second end of the neck band closer to the middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or to a connector on the second end of the neck band farther from the middle of the neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with the adjustable neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, each panel of the aforesaid portable burp cloth pouch comprises a plurality of mated connectors. The size of the front portion of the burp cloth can be adjusted to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users. The connectors on the first and second ends of the neck band can be respectively mated to connectors on the first and second panels closer to the front end of the panels to decrease the front end portion of the burp cloth, or respectively mated to connectors on the first and second panels closer to the back end of the panels to increase the front end portion of the burp cloth, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the claimed invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the claimed invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numbers refer to like elements:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the portable burp cloth pouch in a closed or stored position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the open or rolled out portable burp cloth pouch with two interchangeable panels and a neck band in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3A is a cut-out view of the interchangeable panel comprising three layers in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3B is a cut-out view of the interchangeable panel comprising two layers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3C is a cut-out view of the interchangeable panel comprising five layers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the opened or rolled out portable burp cloth pouch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 5 is front perspective view of the portable burp cloth pouch in an open or rolled out position as worn by a user in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the opened or rolled out portable burp cloth pouch as worn by a user in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention as worn by a user; and

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the opened or rolled out burp cloth as worn by a user in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIGS. 2-6, there are illustrated the portable burp cloth pouch 100 in the rolled out, open or use state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. The burp cloth 100 comprises two interchangeable panels 1000 and a neck band 2000 to removably attach the two panels 1000. The shape of the two interchangeable panels 1000 can be an elongated oblong or elongated rectangle with two elongated or long sides, which can be contoured, and two short sides. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 2, each interchangeable panel 1000 can be an elongated rectangle with contoured sides and a neck cut out 1100 on one of the long sides, thereby allowing the burp cloth 100 to be laid naturally on the caregiver naturally like a shirt.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the portable burp cloth 100 is made of sturdy material. Preferably, the interchangeable panels 1000 are constructed of multi-layers of material. As exemplary shown in FIG. 3A, the interchangeable panel 1000 can be constructed of three layers of material: a first layer 1110 made of fabric, a second layer 1120 made of vinyl or polyurethane laminate (or “PUL”) and a third layer 1130 made of fabric. The second layer 1120 is sandwiched between the first and third layers 1110, 1130. The second layer 1120 of vinyl or PUL provides a leak proof protection to the user of the claimed burp cloth 100.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 3B, the interchangeable panel 1000 can be constructed of two layers: the first layer 1110 made of fabric and the second layer 1120 made of PUL, batting or vinyl. Preferably, the back side of the first layer 1110 can be lined with PUL to provide a leak proof interchangeable panel 1000. Alternatively, the interchangeable panel 1000 can be made one layer of sturdy leak proof material, such as PUL or vinyl.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 3C, the interchangeable panel 1000 can be constructed of five layers: the first and third layers 1110, 1130 made of fabric; fourth and fifth layers 1140, 1150 made of batting; and second layer 1120 made of PUL or vinyl. The second layer 1120 is sandwiched between the fourth and fifth layers 1140, 1150. The second, fourth and fifth layers 1120, 1140, 1150 is between the first and third layers 1110, 1130.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the edges of each panel 1000 can be sewn to provide added strength thereby minimizing any potential ripping of the seam.

Turning now to FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, there is illustrated a portable burp cloth pouch or bag 100 in a closed or non-use state. The interchangeable panels 1000 can be rolled, folded or stuffed into a pocket 1600 on the back side of one of the interchangeable panels 1000 to form a portable burp cloth pouch or bag 100. That is, the pocket 1600 serves as a bag or pouch to store the burp cloth 100 when not in use or to store dirtied burp cloth 100 so that it does not ruin or dirty other items in the diaper bag. It is appreciated that the pocket 1600 can be used store other items, such as pacifier, when the portable burp cloth pouch is in use or in open state. Preferably, the neck band 2000 attaches to the portable burp cloth pouch 100 to create a handle. For example, in the three or five layer version of the interchangeable panel 1000, the pocket 1600 will be on the third layer 1130, and in the two-layer version of the interchangeable panel 1000, the pocket 1600 will be on the second layer 1120. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention, the pocket 1600 can be made of the same material as the first layer 1110. It is appreciated that the portable burp cloth pouch 100 in the non-use state can be used as a small pillow.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, one end 2100 of the neck band 2000 removably connects one of the long or elongated side 1200 of the first interchangeable panel 1000 and the other end 2100 of the neck band 2000 removably connects to one of the long or elongated side 1200 of the second interchangeable panel 1000. The assembled burp cloth 100 can be worn by the user as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The user can adjust the size of the front portion 1300 or the size of the neck band 2000 to provide a comfortable fit. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the mated connectors 3000 removably connect the neck band 2000 to the interchangeable panels 1000. At each end 2100 of the neck band 2000, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 4, there are multiple connectors thereby enabling the user to adjust the length of the neck band 2000 or the size of the neck opening. Although, only two connectors 3000 are shown in FIG. 4, it is appreciated that any number of connectors 3000 can be provided at each neck end 2100. For example, the inner connectors 3000 of the neck band 2000 can be mated with the connectors 3000 on the interchangeable panels 1000 to shorten the neck band 2000 or the outer connectors 3000 of the neck band 2000 can be mated with the connectors 3000 on the interchangeable panels 1000 to increase the length of the neck band 2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the connectors 3000 of the neck band 2000 and the interchangeable panels 1000 can be snaps, buttons, hooks, Velcro® strips (preferably a Velcro® hook and loop pad/strip 3000), connectors and the like.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 2, one end 2100 of the neck band 2000 can be fixedly or non-removably attached to one of the interchangeable panels 1000, preferably to the long side with the neck cut out 1100. That is, for example, one end 2100 of the neck band 2000 can be stitched to the long side of one of the interchangeable panels 1000. The other end 2100 of the neck 2000 band comprises a Velcro® hook and loop strip/pad 3000 which mates with the Velcro® hook and loop strip/pad 3000 on the second interchangeable panel 1000 to form the claimed burp cloth 100 with interchangeable panels 1000. It is appreciated that the hook and loop strip/pad 3000 on the second interchangeable panel 1000 is longer than the one on the neck band 2000 to allow the user to adjust the size of the neck opening. Alternatively, the hook and loop strip/pad on the neck band 2000 is longer than the one on the second interchangeable panel to allow the user to adjust the size of the neck opening.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of connectors 3000 can be provided along the edge of one of the long side 1200 of each interchangeable panel 1000 to mate with the connectors 3000 of the neck band 2000. The length of the front portion 1300 of the interchangeable panels 1000 draping over the user's front shoulder can be adjusted to accommodate the torso length of the user by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with a different connector 3000 of the interchangeable panel 1000. For example, the front portion 1300 of the interchangeable panel 1000 can be decreased by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with a connector 3000 that is closer to the front end 1400 of the interchangeable panel 1000. That is, the front portion 1300 can be decreased slightly by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with the next connector 3000 towards the front end 1400 or with the connector 3000 closest to the front end 1400 to minimize the size of the front portion 1300. Similarly, the front portion 1300 can be increased by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with a connector 3000 that is closer to the back end 1500 of the interchangeable panel 1000. That is, the front portion 1300 can be increased slightly by mating the connector 3000 of the neck band 2000 with the next connector 3000 towards the back end 1500 or with the connector 3000 closest to the back end 1500 to maximize the size of the front portion 1300. This advantageously permits the claimed burp cloth 100 to accommodate various torso lengths of the users and/or to accommodate the users' preferences in terms of their coverage preference (e.g., less front portion 1300 to provide greater coverage for their back).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the interchangeable panels 1000 are reversible such that when one or both of the interchangeable panels 1000 gets dirtied (specifically the first layer 1110 of the interchangeable panels 1000 used to burp the infant), the interchangeable panels 1000 can be reversed such that the second layer 1200 or the third layer 1130 (depending on the number of layers utilized in the claimed burp cloth 100) can be used to burp the infant. Alternatively, the dirtied panel 1000 can be replaced with a new or cleaned interchangeable panel 1000. It is appreciated that the interchangeable panels 1000 can be replaced to change the look and style of the burp cloth 100, such as to better match the user's outfit. It is contemplated that the claimed interchangeable panels 1000 will be available in multiple colors, logos, patterns and designs to suit the individual user's taste and preference.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the interchangeable panels 1000 can be used as a changing pad. Two interchangeable panels can be removably attached to each other without the neck band 2000 to provide a larger changing pad.

The invention, having been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable burp cloth pouch, comprising:

first and second panels, each panel being elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides and two short sides;

a neck band having first and second ends to removably connect the first and second panels, the first end of the neck band being fixedly connected to the one of long sides of the first panel;

a pair of mated connectors to removably connect the second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth; and

a pocket on a back side of at least one of the panels for storing the first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch.

2. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein the neck band removably connects to the portable burp cloth pouch to form a handle.

3. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein said each panel comprises a neck cut out at one of its long sides and wherein the neck band connects to the long side of each panel with the neck cut out.

4. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein the pair of mated connectors is one of the following: snaps, fasteners, buttons, hooks, or hook and loop strip.

5. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein the pair of mated connectors is a hook and loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck band to the second panel; wherein one of the hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the second end of the neck band and other hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the back side of the second panel; and wherein the other hook or loop strip on the back side of the second panel is longer than the hook or loop strip on the neck band to adjust size of a neck opening to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.

6. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein the pair of mated connectors is a hook and loop strip to removably connect the second end of the neck band to the second panel; wherein one of hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the second end of the neck band and other hook or loop strip is fixedly attached to the back side of the second panel; and wherein the other hook or loop strip on the back side of the second panel is longer than the hook or loop strip on the neck band to adjust size of a front portion of the burp cloth to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.

7. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 1, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises multi-layers with at least one layer of sturdy leak proof material.

8. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 7, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises a first layer of fabric and a second layer of polyurethane laminate.

9. The portable burp cloth of claim 1, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.

10. The portable burp cloth of claim 1, wherein each panel is a colored panel or contains logos, patterns or designs.

11. The portable burp cloth of claim 1, wherein the pocket on the back side of said at least one of the panels is operable to store one or more items.

12. A portable burp cloth pouch, comprising:

first and second panels, each panel being elongated rectangular in shape with two long sides and two short sides;

a neck band having first and second ends to removably connect the first and second panels;

a first pair of mated connectors to removably connect the first end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the first panel;

a second pair of mated connectors to removably connect the second end of the neck band to one of the long sides of the second panel to form a burp cloth; and

a pocket on a back side of one of the panels for storing the first and second panels of the burp cloth to convert the burp cloth into a portable burp cloth pouch.

13. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein said each panel comprises a neck cut out at one of its long sides and wherein the neck band connects to the long side of each panel with the neck cut out.

14. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein the pair of mated connectors is one of the following: snaps, fasteners, buttons, hooks, or hook and loop strip.

15. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein the first end of the neck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors; and wherein a size of a neck opening is adjustable to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users by mating the connector on the first panel to a connector on the first end of the neck band closer to a middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or to a connector on the first end of the neck band farther from the middle of the neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with an adjustable neck opening.

16. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 15, wherein the second end of the neck band comprises a plurality of mated connectors; and wherein the size of a neck opening is adjusted by mating the connector on the second panel to a connector on the second end of the neck band closer to the middle of the neck band to shorten the neck opening or to a connector on the second end of the neck band farther from the middle of the neck band to widen the neck opening, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with the adjustable neck opening.

17. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein each panel comprises a plurality of mated connectors; and wherein a size of a front portion of the burp cloth is adjustable to accommodate varying bodily dimensions of different users by mating the connectors on the first and second ends of the neck band respectively to connectors on the first and second panels closer to a front end of the panels to decrease the front end portion of the burp cloth, or respectively to connectors on the first and second panels closer to a back end of the panels to increase the front end portion of the burp cloth, thereby providing the portable burp cloth pouch with adjustable panels.

18. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 12, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises multi-layers with at least one layer of sturdy leak proof material.

19. The portable burp cloth pouch of claim 18, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises a first layer of fabric and a second layer of polyurethane laminate.

20. The portable burp cloth of claim 12, wherein said each panel of the burp cloth comprises contoured sides.