BREASTFEEDING TOWEL

Abstract

A breastfeeding towel is described, having an absorbent cloth and an adjustable shoulder strap that attaches to the absorbent cloth. A privacy shade may be attached to the end of the absorbent cloth that is opposite from the shoulder strap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/492,696, filed on May 1, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding, or nursing, can be a messy activity. Many mothers may experience an excessive leakage of breastmilk while breastfeeding their baby, which can result in spraying, dripping, and leaking breastmilk onto the mother, the mother's clothing, the baby, and the surrounding area. This can happen particularly if the mother is experiencing a strong letdown or an oversupply of breastmilk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of an embodiment of a breastfeeding towel.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the breastfeeding towel of FIG. 1 that has been flipped over about the transverse axis.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of an assembled portion of the breastfeeding towel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the assembled portion of the breastfeeding towel from FIG. 3, but with a portion of the absorbent cloth folded back.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of an assembled version of the breastfeeding towel from FIG. 4, but with the privacy shade shown over the absorbent cloth.

FIGS. 6-9A depict a person using the breastfeeding towel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart that provides one example method of use of the breastfeeding towel of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a networked environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This patent application relates to a towel that can be worn for use in the breastfeeding of infants. The breastfeeding towel is particularly well suited for the challenges of breastfeeding, including breastmilk leakage or spills, especially if the mother is experiencing a strong letdown or an oversupply of breastmilk. However, it is understood that the breastfeeding towel described herein may also be used in bottle feeding infants in a cradled position using either pumped breastmilk or formula. Also, the breastfeeding towel may be used while pumping breastmilk. A privacy shade may be attached to the breastfeeding towel to provide additional privacy while breastfeeding.

The breastfeeding towel allows the mother to have easy access to extra absorbent cloth to wipe away any breastmilk from the infant's face or from the mother. The breastfeeding towel can be conveniently used while burping the infant after feeding to absorb any spit-up, thereby preventing spit-up from dripping onto the back of the mother or her clothing. The breastfeeding towel is left-right symmetrical, which allows it to be worn while breastfeeding infants from either the left or right breast.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of an embodiment of a breastfeeding towel 100, which has three components: an absorbent cloth 103, a shoulder strap 106, and a privacy shade 109. The absorbent cloth 103 in this example is an elongated rectangle that extends along a longitudinal axis. A length of the absorbent cloth 103 along the longitudinal axis may be in a range of 35 inches to 50 inches. A width of the absorbent cloth 103 along a transverse axis may be in a range of 8 inches to 12 inches. The absorbent cloth 103 has a top edge 112, a bottom edge 115, a left edge 118, and a right edge 121.

The absorbent cloth 103 may have front and back sides made of the same material or fabric, or made of different materials or fabric. In various examples, the front and back sides may have different fabric designs or colors. One or both sides may be made of terrycloth or a similar absorbent material. One or both sides may be made of a fabric material selected from a group consisting of: baby flannel, flannel, or cotton.

The absorbent cloth 103 has a plurality of attachment points 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, and 124e. The attachment points 124 are used for attaching the shoulder strap 106 at two points of attachment and the privacy shade 109 at one point of attachment. The attachment points 124 may correspond to snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, rectangular loops and slide adjustment sets, D-rings, rib or slot slide closures, zippers, laces, or other fasteners. It is noted that as shown the absorbent cloth 103 may be left-right symmetrical so that it can be used similarly when feeding from a left breast or from a right breast.

As shown, a single attachment point 124a may be provided proximal to the bottom edge 115 of the absorbent cloth 103, which may be generally in the center of the absorbent cloth 103 along the longitudinal axis. However, in various embodiments, the attachment point 124a may be off-center, and/or multiple attachment points 124a may be provided proximal to the bottom edge 115.

As shown, a plurality of attachment points 124b-124e are provided proximal to the top edge 112 of the absorbent cloth 103. To maintain symmetry, an equal number of attachment points 124 may be provided on the left and right halves of the absorbent cloth 103. An equal number of attachment points 124 may be on different sides of the absorbent cloth 103, or the attachment points 124 may be used from either side.

The narrow shoulder strap 106 has a first end 127 and a second end 130. A single attachment point 133a may be provided at the first end 127, while a plurality of attachment points 133b may be provided at the second end 130. The attachment points 133b may be spaced along a longitudinal axis of the shoulder strap 106. In various examples, the shoulder strap 106 and one or more sides of the absorbent cloth 103 may be constructed of a same fabric material.

The privacy shade 109 has a front edge 136. Proximal to the front edge 136 may be a plurality of attachment points 139. The attachment points 139 may be provided near the corner of the privacy shade 109. Although FIG. 1 depicts attachment points 139 only along the front edge of the privacy shade 109, in other examples, attachment points 139 may be provided along an opposite edge as well. In various examples, the privacy shade 109 and one or more sides of the absorbent cloth 103 may be constructed of a same fabric material. In various examples, the privacy shade 109 is approximately 15 inches wide and 25-30 inches in length.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the breastfeeding towel 100 of FIG. 1 that has been flipped over about the transverse axis, showing the bottom side of the absorbent cloth 103, the shoulder strap 106, and the privacy shade 109. The attachment points 124, 133, and 139 may be present on one or both sides of the absorbent cloth 103, the shoulder strap 106, and the privacy shade 109. Alternatively, rivets may be shown on either side of the absorbent cloth 103, the shoulder strap 106, and the privacy shade 109, where the actual attachment points 124, 133, and 139 are on the opposite side. It is noted that attachment points 124, 133, and 139 may be provided on either side so that the absorbent cloth 103, the shoulder strap 106, and the privacy shade 109 may be used interchangeably via the front side or the back side. In some embodiments, the front and back sides may have different fabric patterns, colors, or designs.

Turning now to FIG. 3, shown is a drawing of an assembled portion 300 of the breastfeeding towel 100 of FIG. 1. The first end 127 of the shoulder strap 106 removably attaches to the absorbent cloth 103 at point 303. For example, a push fastener such as a snap at the attachment point 124a (FIG. 1) on the absorbent cloth 103 may connect with a corresponding fastener at the attachment point 133a (FIG. 1) on the shoulder strap 106. Although point 303 corresponds to the single attachment point 124a on the bottom edge 115 (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103, it is understood that the bottom edge 115 of the absorbent cloth 103 may have multiple attachment points 124.

The second end 130 of the shoulder strap 106 removably attaches to the absorbent cloth 103 at point 306. For example, a push fastener such as a snap at the attachment point 124d (FIG. 1) on the absorbent cloth 103 may connect with a corresponding fastener at one of the attachment points 133b (FIG. 1) on the shoulder strap 106. The particular attachment point 133b may be selected so as to shorten or lengthen the effective length of the shoulder strap 106 and provide a snug yet comfortable fit on the wearer.

Although the example of FIG. 3 shows the shoulder strap 106 being attached at point 306, the shoulder strap 106 may instead be attached at attachment point 124b or 124c on the opposite half of the absorbent cloth 103. This allows for the breastfeeding towel 100 to be used while breastfeeding from the opposite breast. Also, in an alternative configuration, the first end 127 of the shoulder strap 106 may be connected at point 306, while the second end 130 of the shoulder strap 106 may be connected at point 303. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shoulder strap 106 may be permanently attached to the absorbent cloth 103 at point 303.

Moving on to FIG. 4, shown is a drawing of the assembled portion 300 of the breastfeeding towel 100 from FIG. 3, but with a portion 403 of the absorbent cloth 103 folded back. The portion 403 that is folded back may be used as a burp cloth to wipe the face of the infant, or to wipe any other spilled milk that may be on the mother.

Continuing to FIG. 5, shown is a drawing of an assembled version 500 of the breastfeeding towel 100 from FIG. 4, but with the privacy shade 109 shown over the absorbent cloth 103. A corner of the privacy shade 109 attaches to one of the attachment points 124 (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103 at an attachment point 139. Attachment points 139 may be located on either side of the privacy shade 109 and at any corner of the privacy shade 109.

FIGS. 6-9A depict a person 600 using the breastfeeding towel 100. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the person 600. In FIG. 6, the person 600 has attached the shoulder strap 106 to the bottom edge 115 (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103. The person 600 has wrapped the right edge 121 (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103 around her left torso, between her left torso and her left arm. The person 600 is holding the left edge 118 of the absorbent cloth 103 using her left arm.

FIG. 7 shows a right side view of the person 600. The person 600 has draped the absorbent cloth 103 over the shoulder strap 106 and has brought the shoulder strap 106 around her right torso. The person 600 then brings the shoulder strap 106 behind her back and up to attach the shoulder strap 106 to the absorbent cloth 103 at the attachment point 124d (FIG. 1), with the fit of the shoulder strap 106 being adjustable.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the person 600, now with the second end 130 (FIG. 1) of the shoulder strap 106 being attached at the attachment point 124d (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103, so that the shoulder strap 106 goes around the back of the person 600 and connects over her left shoulder to the absorbent cloth 103. Excess cloth 803 is provided for use as a burp cloth, to wipe the infant's face, or to wipe the person 600.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the person 600 actively feeding an infant 903. The infant 903 is covered while feeding through the use of the optional privacy shade 109. The absorbent cloth 103 is available for cradling the infant 903 and to wipe up any messes.

If using a breast pump, the person 600 may remove the shoulder strap 106 and the privacy shade 109 from the absorbent cloth 103 and place the absorbent cloth 103 under the breast (or wherever best for the person 600) to absorb any milk that leaks while breast pumping.

FIG. 9A shows a front view of the person 600, with the absorbent cloth 103 draped over her shoulder for use as a burp cloth. In another example, the person 600 may omit the use of the shoulder strap 106 and retain the other end of the absorbent cloth 103 between her arm and torso, or drape the other end of the absorbent cloth 103 over her other shoulder.

Referring next to FIG. 10, shown is a flowchart that provides one example method 1000 of use of the breastfeeding towel 100 (FIG. 1) according to various embodiments. Beginning with box 1003, a user attaches the first end 127 (FIG. 1) of the shoulder strap 106 (FIG. 1) to the bottom attachment point 124a (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103 (FIG. 1). The attachment of the shoulder strap 106 to the bottom attachment point 124a should be snugly fit to the user's upper rib area and function to absorb and prevent any leaking breastmilk from the breastfeeding infant. In some examples, the shoulder strap 106 may be previously attached, or the shoulder strap 106 may be attached to a top attachment point 124 (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103.

In box 1006, the user places a left edge 118 (FIG. 1) or right edge 121 (FIG. 1) of the absorbent cloth 103 between the upper arm and torso of the user. This allows the absorbent cloth 103 to be held while the shoulder strap 106 is being fitted. In box 1009, the user loops the second end 130 (FIG. 1) of the shoulder strap 106 around the torso of the user. In box 1012, the user attaches the second end 130 of the shoulder strap 106 to the left top attachment point 124b or 124c, or to the right top attachment point 124d or 124e, while adjusting for fit. Particularly, the user may select one of multiple attachment points 133b (FIG. 1) of the shoulder strap 106 in order to lengthen or shorten the shoulder strap 106.

In box 1015, the user may attach the optional privacy shade 109 (FIG. 1) to the absorbent cloth 103 by attaching one of the attachment points 139 (FIG. 1) of the privacy shade 109 to an attachment point on the absorbent cloth 103 that is opposite the edge nearest the shoulder strap 106. In box 1018, the user may drape the opposite edge of the privacy shade 109 over the shoulder other than the one supporting the shoulder strap 106. In other examples, the privacy shade 109 may be attached to the absorbent cloth 103 by way of two to four attachment points.

It is understood that the breastfeeding towel 100 may be used in additional ways other than those described above. For example, the ends of the absorbent cloth 103 may be thrown over the shoulder, and the absorbent cloth 103 may be used as a burp cloth. Also, the absorbent cloth 103 may be used individually, without the shoulder strap 106, by users using their arms to position the absorbent cloth 103 so that they remain dry. Further, users may lay upon the absorbent cloth 103 at nighttime to keep their bed dry.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A breastfeeding towel, comprising:

an absorbent cloth having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge and extending along a longitudinal axis of the absorbent cloth from the left edge to the right edge, the absorbent cloth having a bottom attachment point proximal to the bottom edge of the absorbent cloth at or near a center of the longitudinal axis, the absorbent cloth having a plurality of top attachment points proximal to the top edge of the absorbent cloth, a right top attachment point being on a right half of the longitudinal axis, a left top attachment point being on a left half of the longitudinal axis; and

a shoulder strap having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shoulder strap being removably attached to the bottom attachment point, the second end of the shoulder strap being removably attached to one of the left top attachment point or the right top attachment point.

2. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein a length of the absorbent cloth along the longitudinal axis is in a range of 35 inches to 50 inches.

3. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein a width of the absorbent cloth along a transverse axis is in a range of 8 inches to 12 inches.

4. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the absorbent cloth has a front side and a back side, and a separate right top attachment point and a separate left top attachment point is on each of the front side and the back side.

5. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the absorbent cloth has a front side and a back side, and the front side and the back side have different fabric designs or colors.

6. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the absorbent cloth has a front side and a back side, and at least one of the front side or the back side is made of terrycloth.

7. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, further comprising a privacy shade having a front edge and having a plurality of privacy shade attachment points proximal to the front edge, the privacy shade being removably attached to the absorbent cloth via one of the plurality of privacy shade attachment points and another one of the left top attachment point or the right top attachment point.

8. The breastfeeding towel of claim 7, wherein the privacy shade is rectangular.

9. The breastfeeding towel of claim 7, wherein the privacy shade and at least one side of the absorbent cloth are constructed of a same fabric material.

10. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap and at least one side of the absorbent cloth are constructed of a same fabric material.

11. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the absorbent cloth is constructed from a fabric material selected from a group consisting of: baby flannel, flannel, or cotton.

12. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the first end of the shoulder strap includes a single attachment point, and the second end of the shoulder strap includes a plurality of attachment points spaced along a longitudinal axis of the shoulder strap.

13. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the absorbent cloth is rectangular.

14. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap is removably attached to the breastfeeding towel by snap fasteners.

15. The breastfeeding towel of claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap is removably attached to the breastfeeding towel by hook-and-loop fasteners.

16. A method for using a breastfeeding towel, the breastfeeding towel comprising an absorbent cloth having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge and extending along a longitudinal axis of the absorbent cloth from the left edge to the right edge, the absorbent cloth having a bottom attachment point proximal to the bottom edge of the absorbent cloth at or near a center of the longitudinal axis, the absorbent cloth having a plurality of top attachment points proximal to the top edge of the absorbent cloth, a right top attachment point being on a right half of the longitudinal axis, a left top attachment point being on a left half of the longitudinal axis, the breastfeeding towel further comprising a shoulder strap having a first end and a second end, the method comprising:

attaching the first end of the shoulder strap to the bottom attachment point of the absorbent cloth; and

attaching the second end of the shoulder strap to one of the left top attachment point or the right top attachment point.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

placing the left edge or the right edge of the breastfeeding towel between an arm and a torso of a wearer;

looping the second end of the shoulder strap around the torso and a shoulder of the arm before attaching the second end of the shoulder strap.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising wiping a face of an infant using a portion of the absorbent cloth that is opposite the arm of the wearer.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first end of the shoulder strap includes a single attachment point, and the second end of the shoulder strap includes a plurality of attachment points spaced along a longitudinal axis of the shoulder strap, the method further comprising:

adjusting the breastfeeding towel for fit of the wearer by selecting one of the plurality of attachment points of the second end of the shoulder strap for attachment to the one of the left top attachment point or the right top attachment point.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the breastfeeding towel further comprises a privacy shade having a front edge and having a plurality of privacy shade attachment points proximal to the front edge, the method further comprising:

attaching the privacy shade to the absorbent cloth via one of the plurality of privacy shade attachment points and another one of the left top attachment point or the right top attachment point; and

draping an opposite edge of the privacy shade over another shoulder of the wearer.