US20220295915A1

US20220295915A1 - Burp Cloth

Info

Publication number: US20220295915A1
Application number: US17/233,491
Authority: US
Inventors: Colleen Mearn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2021-04-18
Publication date: 2022-09-22

Abstract

A burp cloth with a connection mechanism to removably attach multiple burp cloths together is implemented. The burp cloth may have a front-side cloth and a rear-side cloth, and in between the two cloths are magnets. The magnets are sealed and secured in place via stitching that encircles the magnets. The stitching extends from the front-side cloth to the rear-side cloth to create a sealed pocket between the cloths. The front- and rear-side cloths are attached via a trim that surrounds each cloth's perimeter. Opposing sides of the trim are stitched to a respective front- or rear-side cloth to form the components into a single burp cloth unit. Multiple burp cloths can be uniformly arranged and removably engaged with each other via the magnets, thereby enabling a user to quickly and easily remove a dirtied burp cloth to expose a clean burp cloth for use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Utility Continuation-In-Part (CIP) Patent Application claims the benefit of and priority to Design patent application Ser. No. 29/774,693 filed Mar. 18, 2021, entitled “Burp Cloth,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Newborn babies are known to occasionally spit up their milk, formula, or foods shortly after ingestion. Babies may ingest some air while drinking, which can cause discomfort. Parents will attempt to burp their baby to relieve the discomfort, which results in the spit-up. A burp cloth is typically placed on a parent's shoulder to catch the spit-up. Often, the parent is inconvenienced to retrieve another burp cloth when the prior cloth is dirtied.

SUMMARY

A burp cloth with a connection mechanism to removably attach multiple burp cloths together is implemented. The burp cloth may have a front-side cloth and a rear-side cloth, and in between the two cloths are magnets. The magnets are sealed and secured in place via stitching that encircles the magnets. The stitching extends from the front-side cloth to the rear-side cloth to, essentially, create a sealed pocket in between the cloths. The front- and rear-side cloths are attached via a trim that surrounds each cloth's perimeter. Each cloth is substantially the same size and shape so that the trim can appropriately wrap around each cloth. Opposing sides of the trim are stitched to a respective front- or rear-side cloth to form the components into a single burp cloth unit.
The trim also serves to maintain the magnets inside the burp cloth should the magnet pockets ever come undone and the magnets escape their enclosure. The magnets will be trapped inside the front- and rear-side cloths and the trim, and the parent can throw away the burp cloth before any additional wear and tear results.
The magnets' polarity orientation within the burp cloth may be consistent; that is, each magnets' north and south poles face in the same direction. When a secondary burp cloth is positioned adjacent to the primary burp cloth, the magnets will engage and establish a connection through the cloths. Multiple burp cloths, such as three, five, or ten burp cloths, can be overlaid and connect. The burp cloths will stay substantially uniform on top of each other because of the various magnets' connections. While magnets are discussed as the connection mechanism herein, other forms of connections among burp cloths are also possible, such as hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) positioned on each side of the burp cloths, press-fit buttons positioned on each side of the burp cloths, among other connection mechanisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show illustrative representations of a burp cloth's front- and rear-side cloths;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative diagram of magnets' arrangement within the burp cloth;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative diagram of a trim surrounding and enclosing the front- and rear-side cloths;

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative representation of multiple burp cloths overlaid and leveraging a magnetic connection among each other;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative representation in which respective burp cloth magnets can engage with each other;

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative representation in which a burp cloth can be removed after capturing spit-up; and

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative representation of an alternative connection mechanism for the burp cloth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show illustrative representations of a burp cloth 110, in which the burp cloth includes a front-side cloth 105 and a rear-side cloth 205. The front- and rear-side cloths may be substantially the same size and shape. As discussed in greater detail below, the burp cloth includes magnets 125 enclosed between the front- and rear-side cloths. The magnets are secured in place by stitching 130 that surrounds the respective magnets and extends from the front-side cloth to the rear-side cloth.
The magnets 125 are shown shaded in grey to illustrate their locations and represent that the magnets are not viewable externally; rather, the magnets are positioned between the front- and rear side cloths 105, 205. A slight protrusion, however, may be viewable externally on one or both of the burp cloth's sides. While two circular magnets are shown throughout the drawings, other magnet implementations are also possible. For example, a single magnet that extends horizontally can be utilized, or a single magnet that is centered can be used. Other magnet shapes are also possible, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc.
The front- and rear- side cloths 105, 205 are combined and secured together using a trim 120, which surrounds a perimeter of the respective cloths. Opposing sides of the trim may stitch to the respective front- and rear-side cloths. The attachment of the trim transforms the components and layers of the burp cloth 110 into a single unit.
FIG. 3 shows an illustrative interior arrangement of the burp cloth 110 in the area shown in section 305. The diagram in FIG. 3 is not drawn to scale but is used for clarity in portraying the components' arrangement relative to each other. The magnets 125 are positioned between the front-side cloth 105 and the rear-side cloth 205. Stitching 130 extends from the front-side cloth to the rear-side cloth so that the magnets are secured and sealed inside the created pocket. The trim 120 also provides a backup seal to the magnets so that the magnets are still secure inside the burp cloth if the stitching 130 comes undone over time.
When multiple burp cloths 110 are overlaid, each burp cloth's magnets 125 can connect to create a uniform set of burp cloth layers. While stitching 130 is described herein, other methods and forms to secure the magnets in place are possible. For example, an adhesive may be used to stick the magnets to one or both interior layers of the cloths. Alternatively, a distinct pocket attached to one of the burp cloths' interior layers may be implemented. The pocket may be a distinct layer and component attached to one of the front- or rear-side cloths, which also includes stitching on all sides to seal the magnet in place.
FIG. 4 shows an illustrative representation in which the trim 120 attaches to the front-side cloth 105 and rear-side cloth 205. The trim encircles and stitches to respective and distinct sides of the front- and rear side cloths, as representatively illustrated by stitches 410. The stitches 410 shown in FIG. 4 are for exemplary purposes to show their placement but would not be in place until the trim is engaged with the respective cloths. The burp cloth 110 becomes a single unit of components once the trim encloses and stitches to the cloths, as representatively shown by numeral 405.
FIG. 5 shows an illustrative representation in which multiple burp cloths 110 are overlaid with each other. Each burp cloth can maintain a uniform and consistent layering by the magnetic connections 505, thereby creating an aesthetically appealing look and maintaining easy storage and use. For example, a parent may put the layered burp cloths on their shoulder while burping their baby. Once the baby spits up on the top, or primary, burp cloth, the parent can quickly and easily remove the top burp cloth layer by pulling and disengaging the magnet connection from the subsequent, or secondary, burp cloth. The removed primary burp cloth can be placed into the hamper while the remaining burp cloths are intact. The remaining burp cloths can collectively be put down for subsequent use.
FIG. 6 shows an illustrative representation in which multiple burp cloths 110 are overlaid. Magnets 125 on opposing burp cloths are arranged and oriented so that the magnets can engage with each other. Magnets in burp cloths may be consistently arranged so that one side is north pole facing and the other side is south pole facing. This enables two distinct burp cloths to establish a magnetic connection with each other. That is, each burp cloth can face the same direction so that the north poles are, for example, facing up and the south poles are facing down, or vice versa. The unique design further enables a user to quickly identify which way to orient the burp cloth.
FIG. 7 shows an illustrative representation in which the top layer burp cloth 110 has spit-up 705. This top layer can be easily removed, as shown by the lifting and peeling away of the top layer. The second layer can be the next burp cloth for future use, which can also be removed when spit-up is deposited on that layer, which would expose a third burp cloth for use.
FIG. 8 shows an illustrative representation in which alternative connection mechanisms among burp cloths 110 can be implemented. A hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro®) fastener 805 can be secured, such as using adhesive or stitching, to each respective side of the burp cloth. In this example, the fasteners are vertically arranged about a longitudinal length of the burp cloth. Respective hook-and-loop fasteners will align among the burp cloths to maintain a removable connection. Hook-and-loop fasteners may be used to provide a slightly greater connection among the burp cloths relative to the magnets. Other alternative connection mechanisms 810 may include, for example, press-fit buttons or horizontally arranged hook-and-look fasteners that are likewise on (using stitching or adhesive) distinct sides of the burp cloths, as representatively shown in FIG. 8.
A horizontally arranged hook-and-loop fastener may provide sufficient strength to connect two burp cloths while providing an easier pull and release direction to disengage a top-layer burp cloth. The fastener may be horizontal to a longitudinal length of the burp cloth, that is, parallel to the burp cloth's width. Since the burp cloth may be lying over the parent or guardian's shoulder, the wing portions of the uniquely designed burp cloth can be folded over toward the center portion. The adult can easily pull the whole folded-over burp cloth from the center connection portion and away from their head and body.
Various exemplary embodiments of a burp cloth are disclosed herein. One exemplary embodiment includes a primary burp cloth, comprising: a front-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side; a rear-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side, wherein the interior sides of the front- and rear-side cloths are adjacent to each other; a trim that extends laterally from the front-side cloth's exterior side to the rear-side cloth's exterior side, in which the trim is attached to both exterior sides to connect the front- and rear-side cloths' together and create the primary burp cloth as a single component; and one or more magnets positioned and sealed between the respective interior sides of the front-side cloth and the rear-side cloth and the trim surrounding the front- and rear-side cloths.
A further example includes stitching that extends from the front-side cloth to the rear-side cloth, in which the stitching encases and prevents movement of a magnet of the one or more magnets. As another example, at least two magnets are encased by separate stitching on the burp cloth, and wherein a polarity of each magnet is consistently faced toward the front-side cloth or the rear-side cloth. In another example, the trim is attached to the front-side cloth and the rear-side cloth with stitching. A further example comprises a backup burp cloth comprised a same as the primary burp cloth, wherein the backup and primary burp cloths connect to each other using their respective one or more magnets.
Another exemplary embodiment includes burp cloths, comprising: a set of burp cloths, in which each burp cloth is comprised of: a front-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side; and a rear-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side, wherein the interior sides of the front- and rear-side cloths are adjacent to each other; a trim that extends laterally from the front-side cloth's exterior side to the rear-side cloth's exterior side, in which the trim is attached to both exterior sides to connect the front- and rear-side cloths' together and create the primary burp cloth as a single component; and a connecting mechanism that facilitates a removable connection between two distinct burp cloths.
As another example, the connecting mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastener positioned on the front- and rear-side cloths. In that example, wherein the hook-and-loop fasteners on the front- and rear-side cloths are arranged horizontally relative to a length of the burp cloths. As another example, the connecting mechanism is a magnet positioned inside a pocket between the interior sides of the front- and rear-side cloths. In another example, the connecting mechanism is positioned on one or more of the front-side cloth, rear-side cloth, or the trim. In another example, the connection mechanism for each burp cloth includes a button on the front-side cloth and a receptacle on the rear-side cloth.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A primary burp cloth, comprising:

a front-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side;

a rear-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side, wherein the interior sides of the front- and rear-side cloths are adjacent to each other;

a trim that extends laterally from the front-side cloth's exterior side to the rear-side cloth's exterior side, in which the trim is attached to both exterior sides to connect the front- and rear-side cloths' together and create the primary burp cloth as a single component; and

one or more magnets positioned and sealed between the respective interior sides of the front-side cloth and the rear-side cloth and the trim surrounding the front- and rear-side cloths.

2. The primary burp cloth of claim 1, further comprising stitching that extends from the front-side cloth to the rear-side cloth, in which the stitching encases and prevents movement of a magnet of the one or more magnets.

3. The primary burp cloth of claim 2, wherein at least two magnets are encased by separate stitching on the burp cloth, and wherein a polarity of each magnet is consistently faced toward the front-side cloth or the rear-side cloth.

4. The primary burp cloth of claim 1, wherein the trim is attached to the front-side cloth and the rear-side cloth with stitching.

5. The primary burp cloth of claim 1, further comprising a backup burp cloth comprised a same as the primary burp cloth, wherein the backup and primary burp cloths connect to each other using their respective one or more magnets.

6. Burp cloths, comprising:

a set of burp cloths, in which each burp cloth is comprised of:

a front-side cloth having an exterior side and an interior side; and

a connecting mechanism that facilitates a removable connection between two distinct burp cloths.

7. The burp cloths of claim 6, wherein the connecting mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastener positioned on the front- and rear-side cloths.

8. The burp cloth of claim 7, wherein the hook-and-loop fasteners on the front-and rear-side cloths are arranged horizontally relative to a length of the burp cloths.

9. The burp cloths of claim 6, wherein the connecting mechanism is a magnet positioned inside a pocket between the interior sides of the front- and rear-side cloths.

10. The burp cloths of claim 6, wherein the connecting mechanism is positioned on one or more of the front-side cloth, rear-side cloth, or the trim.

11. The burp cloth of claim 6, wherein the connection mechanism for each burp cloth includes a button on the front-side cloth and a receptacle on the rear-side cloth.