BURPING GARMENT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/640,904 filed May 1, 2024 and entitled BURPING GARMENT, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of protective garments and more specifically relates to a garment for wear during care of a baby, particularly during feeding and burping of a baby.

Feeding is a vital aspect of child development, providing essential nutrients crucial for growth and immunity. Breastfeeding, for example, not only offers tailored nutrition but also fosters a unique bond between mother and child through skin-to-skin contact and the release of bonding hormones like oxytocin. Breastmilk contains antibodies that protect infants from infections and diseases, promoting optimal health outcomes.

Formula feeding provides a practical alternative for mothers who may face challenges with breastfeeding or choose not to breastfeed. Modern formulas are designed to mimic breast milk's composition as closely as possible, ensuring infants receive adequate nutrition.

Burping after feeding is an essential practice to help prevent discomfort and gas buildup in infants. During feeding, babies often swallow air along with milk, leading to potential gas accumulation in their stomachs. Burping helps release this trapped air, reducing the likelihood of discomfort, spit-up, or colic. There are various techniques for burping a baby, including over-the-shoulder burping, sitting upright on the lap, or lying face down across the caregiver's knees.

Breastfeeding garments, such as nursing bras, tops, and dresses, are specially designed to provide convenience, comfort, and discretion to breastfeeding mothers. These garments typically feature discreet flaps or flaps that allow easy breast access for nursing while maintaining modesty and discretion in public settings.

Nursing bras, for instance, often come with clip-down cups or pull-aside panels that enable quick and discreet breastfeeding without the need to remove the entire bra. Nursing tops and dresses may incorporate hidden slits, zippers, or layers that facilitate easy access to the breast for feeding while still maintaining a stylish and flattering appearance. Beyond functionality, breastfeeding garments are crafted from soft, breathable fabrics to ensure comfort for both mother and baby during feeding sessions.

Burping cloths, also known as burp cloths or spit-up cloths, are indispensable accessories for caregivers during feeding sessions, particularly after breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. These cloths are designed to absorb and catch any spit-up, dribbles, or milk that may be regurgitated by the baby during or after feeding. These burping cloths help protect the caregiver's clothing and surfaces from stains and messes while also ensuring the baby remains clean and dry.

Burping cloths are typically made from soft, absorbent materials like cotton or muslin, making them gentle against the baby's delicate skin. They come in various sizes and designs, from small squares to larger rectangles, and may feature colorful prints or patterns. Easily portable and washable, burping cloths are essential items to have on hand for any caregiver tending to a newborn or infant.

When venturing out with a baby, parents often find themselves packing a myriad of essential items to ensure their little one's comfort and well-being throughout the day. Among the essentials are diapers, an absolute necessity to keep the baby clean, dry and comfortable while on the go.

Bottles, whether filled with breast milk or formula, provide nourishment and convenience during feeding times while on the move. A supply of baby wipes offers convenient cleanup for messy situations.

Rattles or small toys help keep the baby entertained and engaged during outings, fostering sensory development and soothing potential fussiness during travel.

Additionally, spare clothes and burping cloths are indispensable for handling unexpected spills or spit-ups. Other essentials may include a pacifier, a changing pad, diaper cream, and a blanket for warmth and comfort.

Current garments, including nursing garments lack adequate storage for holding these baby items leaving caregivers to rely on external bags or pockets for carrying these necessities. While traditional baby bags or backpacks offer ample space for storage, they can be cumbersome to carry, especially for quick errands or short outings and may be difficult to access in certain situations.

Additionally, relying solely on external bags means caregivers must juggle multiple items, leading to potential disorganization or forgetting crucial items when rushing out the door.

Accordingly, a garment that overcomes these and other problems is desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a burping garment that allows for nursing and includes a removable and replaceable burping cloth. In embodiments, the burping garment may be or may include an upper body garment that incorporates a burping cloth, storage portions configured to store items such as diapers, rattles, pacifiers, bottles, etc. Thus, the burping garment of the present disclosure resolves the problems associated with conventional nursing garments discussed above.

In embodiments, a burping garment may include an upper body garment, one or more storage elements, at least one burping cloth fastener and a burping cloth.

In embodiments, the burping garment includes an upper body portion defined by a front portion and a rear portion provided opposite the front portion. Further, the upper body garment may include a torso portion encircling a torso of a wearer and a pair of arm portions extending from the torso portion for encircling arms of the wearer. The torso portion may further include a neck opening for receiving a head and neck of the wearer therethrough.

In embodiments, a rear of the torso portion may be substantially open. In some embodiments, the rear of the torso of the torso portion may include one or more garment fasteners configured to fasten the garment on the wearer.

In embodiments, the garment fastener(s) may include a first hook and loop fastener assembly and a pair of straps. In embodiments, one end of the pair of straps may include a first hook fastener and another end of the pair of straps may include a first loop fastener configured to engage with the first hook fastener and selectively close the garment fastener. In embodiments, fewer or additional straps and hook and loop type fasteners may be used. In embodiments, the garment fastener(s) may include one or more of snaps, buttons, zippers, elastic straps or any other suitable fastener.

In embodiments, the torso portion may include a flap, or flaps, provided on the front of the torso portion, covering a breast area of the wearer. One or more breast area fasteners may be disposed with a respective flap and configured to selectively open and close the respective flap of the torso portion. Opening and closing of the flap, or flaps, may enable the wearer to selectively expose their breast and enable breastfeeding of a baby.

In embodiments, the breast area fastener may include a button. In embodiments, the breast area fastener may include two or more buttons. In embodiments, the breast area fastener may be or included a snap, a zipper, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener or any other suitable fastener suitable to releasably secure the flap in place and allow for selective movement of the flap to expose a user's breast as desired by the user. In embodiments, the breast area fastener must provide

In embodiments, the at least one burping cloth fastener may enable the burping cloth to be fastened to the torso portion. In embodiments, the at least one burping cloth fastener may include a first burping cloth fastener and a second burping cloth fastener configured to attach the burping cloth to the torso portion.

In embodiments, the at least one burping cloth fastener may enable the burping cloth to be fastened to the torso portion. In embodiments, the at least one burping cloth fastener may include a first burping cloth fastener and a second burping cloth fastener configured to attach the burping cloth to the torso portion.

In some examples, the first burping cloth fastener may be located at a left (heart) side of the front of the torso portion and the second burping cloth fastener may be located at the left side of the rear of the torso portion. As such, the burping cloth may be attached over the shoulder of the wearer and secured to the front and the rear of the user.

In some examples, the burping cloth fastener and the burping cloth may include a second hook and loop fastener assembly. For example, the first and second burping cloth fasteners may include a second hook fastener attached to the left side of the front and rear of the torso portion, respectively and the burping cloth may include a second loop fastener attached to a first and second end of a rear side of the burping cloth.

In embodiments, the plurality of storage elements may be disposed at a lower portion of the torso portion, at the front thereof.

In some examples, the first burping cloth fastener may be located at a left (heart) side of the front of the torso portion and the second burping cloth fastener may be located at the left side of the rear of the torso portion. As such, the burping cloth may be attached over the shoulder of the wearer and secured to the front and the rear of the user.

In some examples, the burping cloth fastener may include a second hook and loop fastener assembly. For example, the first and second burping cloth fasteners may include a second hook fastener attached to the left side of the front and rear of the torso portion, respectively and the burping cloth may include a second loop fastener attached to a first and second end of a rear side of the burping cloth.

In another aspect, the plurality of storage elements may be disposed at a lower portion of the torso portion, at the front thereof.

In some examples, the plurality of storage elements may include a plurality of pockets. For instance, the plurality of pockets may include three pockets disposed from the left side to a right side of the front of the torso portion.

In embodiments, the plurality of pockets may be configured to store a plurality of items, such as additional diapers, pacifiers, rattles, bottles, or the like.

In embodiments, the plurality of storage elements may include a clip for holding a pacifier on the torso portion.

In embodiments, the plurality of storage elements may include a pouch located below the plurality of pockets able to be fastened via a pouch fastener. For example, the pouch fastener may include a zipper fastener.

In another aspect, the pouch may be larger than the plurality of pockets. As such, in some embodiments, the pouch may be configured for storing diapers.

In use, the wearer may put the burping garment on by inserting their head through the neck opening of the torso portion, and their arms through the pair of arm portions extending from the torso portion. The wearer may store the plurality of items within the plurality of storage elements and attach the burping cloth to the burping garment via the first and/or second burping cloth fasteners. When needed, the wearer may unfasten the flap via the at least one breast area fastener to breastfeed the baby.

A burping garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an upper body garment; a burping cloth removably connected to the upper body garment; and a pocket formed in the upper garment and configured to store at least one item.

In embodiments, wherein the upper body garment comprises a front portion and a back portion, positioned opposite the front portion.

In embodiments, the burping garment includes a first sleeve configured to receive a first arm of a user and a second sleeve configured to receive a second arm of the used.

In embodiments, the burping garment includes a burping cloth fastener mounted on the front portion of the upper body garment and configured to removably secure the burping cloth to the upper body garment.

In embodiments, the burping cloth fastener is a hook and loop fastener, where the upper body garment includes one of a hook element and a loop element and the burping cloth incudes the other of the hook element and the loop element.

In embodiments, the burping cloth fastener includes a second burping cloth fastener configured to removable secure the burping cloth to the burping garment, the second burping cloth fastener positioned on the rear portion of the upper garment.

In embodiments, the burping cloth fastener includes a bottom portion, wherein the at least one pocket is formed in a bottom of the upper body garment.

In embodiments, the burping garment includes a pocket fastener configured to close the at least one pocket.

In embodiments, the at least one pocket includes a plurality of pockets.

In embodiments, the rear portion of the upper garment is at least partially open.

In embodiments, the burping garment includes a garment fastener configured to secure two portions of the open back portion.

In embodiments, the garment fastener includes a hook and loop fastener.

In embodiments, the rear portion comprises a first portion including a first strap and a second portion including a second strap, wherein the garment fastener secures the first portion to the second portion.

In embodiments, a first hook portion is provided at an end of the first portion and a first loop portion is provided at an end of the second portion.

In embodiments, the front portion include a flap configured to selectively cover and uncover a breast area of the user.

In embodiments, the burping garment includes a breast area fastener configured to selectively secure the flap over the breast area of the user.

In embodiments, the breast area fastener includes at least one button.

In embodiments, the breast area fastener includes a pair of buttons.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 presents a front perspective view of a burping garment according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents a front perspective view of the burping garment illustrating the burping cloth attached to the upper body garment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 presents a rear perspective view of the burping garment illustrating the burping cloth attached to the upper body garment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 presents a front view of the burping garment illustrating the burping cloth attached to the upper body garment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 presents a rear view of the burping garment illustrating the burping cloth attached to the upper body garment, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 presents a front perspective view of the burping garment including a plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of items, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 presents a front perspective view of the burping garment including the plurality of items inserted into the plurality of storage means, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 presents a front perspective view of the burping garment worn by a wearer for use when caring for a baby, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the burping garment showing an open back in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a burping garment 100 (see FIG. 1, for example). The burping garment 100 includes a wearable garment, such as a shirt, for helping a person take care of a baby. In some embodiments, the burping garment 100 may include an open or partially open back portion with a fastener 118 in the back; a plurality of pockets or holders 140a, 140b, 140c on a lower front portion of the burping garment for storing items such as diapers, a pacifier, a rattle and a bottle; and a detachable burp cloth 106 that attaches over one shoulder of the burping garment 100 on a side of the burping garment. In embodiments, the burping cloth 106 may be provided on a left (or heart) side of the burping garment 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the garment 100 illustrating a slit S down the back which may be open or partially open. In embodiments, the sides of the rear 110 on either side of the slit S may be held together by the fastener 118 discussed above. In embodiments, a rear strap RS may be used to join the two sides of the rear 110 together as well. In embodiments, the rear strap RS may also include a fastener 1018 that may be used to secure the rear strap RS. In embodiments, the fastener 1018 may be a hook and loop type fastener, with a hook type fastener 1018a provided on a first end of the rear strap and a loop type fastener 1018b is provided on a second end of the rear side strap RS.

Referring initially to FIG. 1. there is shown a front perspective view of a burping garment 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown here, the burping garment 100 may include an upper body garment element 102.

The upper body garment element 102 may be defined by a front 108 and a rear 110 opposite the front 108 and may include a torso portion 112 for encircling a torso of a wearer 5, and a pair of arm portions 114a, 114b extending to the sides from the torso portion 112 for receiving arms of the wearer 5. Further, the torso portion 112 may include a neck opening 116 configured for receiving a head and neck of the wearer 5 therethrough.

In addition, the torso portion 112 may include a left side portion 130, positioned on a left side of the wearer 5, and a right side portion 142, positioned on a right side of the wearer 5. Particularly, as shown, the left side portion 130 of the torso portion 112 is contemplated to be the heart side of the wearer 5.

Further, in some embodiments, as shown here, the upper body garment 102 may include a lower portion 138 including a plurality of storage elements 104 for storing a plurality of items necessary for the care of a baby or a child. In embodiments, the storage element 104 may be one or more pockets. For example, diapers, pacifiers, rattles and/or bottles may be stored in the storage elements 104.

In some embodiments, the rear 110 of the torso portion 112 may be substantially open. Further, the upper body garment element 102 may be fastened via the garment fastener 118. As shown here in FIG. 1, the garment fastener 118 may, in some embodiments, include a first hook and loop fastener included on a pair of straps 122a, 122b.

As shown in FIG. 1, each strap of the pair of straps 122a, 122b may include a generally linear strip of material with a proximal end attaching the straps to the upper body garment element 102; and distal ends opposite the proximal ends including elements of the garment fastener 118 to attach the straps 122a, 122b together and close the rear portion 110.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, which also illustrates a front perspective view of the burping garment 100, according to one or more embodiments. As referenced here, the garment fastener 118 may include a first hook fastener 123 and a first loop fastener 124. For example, the distal end of strap 122b may include the first hook fastener 123 and the distal end of strap 122a may include a first loop fastener 124 configured to engage with the first hook fastener 123 and selectively close the garment fastener 118 to close the rear portion 110.

It should however be appreciated that the garment fastener 118 is not limited to a hook and loop fastener. For example, the garment fastener 118 may include (but is not limited to) a snap fastener, a button, or the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the burping garment 100. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view and FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the burping garment 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

The burping cloth 106 may include a first end 148 opposite a second end 150. In some embodiments, the burping cloth 106 may include a generally elongated and rectangular configuration. Further, the burping cloth 106 may include a soft absorbent material. In embodiments, the burping cloth 106 may be any desired shape. In embodiments, the burping cloth 106 may be made of any suitable material.

The burping garment 100 may include a burping cloth 106 that attaches to the burping garment 100. In some examples, the burping cloth 106 may include a first burping cloth fastener 128a and a second burping cloth fastener 128b configured to attach the burping cloth 106 to the torso portion 112.

Particularly, the first burping cloth fastener 128a may be configured for connection to the left side portion 130 of the front 108 of the torso portion 112 and the second burping cloth fastener 128b may be located at the left side portion 130 of the rear 110 of the torso portion 112. The burping cloth 106 is attachable over the shoulder of the wearer 5 and secured to the front and the rear of the user 5.

In some embodiments, the first and second burping cloth fasteners 128a, 128b may be hook fasteners. In embodiments, corresponding loop type fasteners 132, 134 may be attached to the left side portion 130 of the front 108 and rear 110 of the torso portion 112, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the fasteners may be located in different and/or multiple areas of the burping garment and/or the burping cloth.

In embodiments, when the burping cloth 106 is placed over the shoulder of the wearer 5, the hook fastener 128a on the burping cloth first end 148 attaches to the loop fastener 132 on the front 108 of the torso portion 112. In embodiments, the second hook fastener 128b on the burping cloth second end 150 attaches to the loop fastener 132 on the rear 110 of the torso portion 112.

It should however be appreciated that the burping cloth fasteners 128a, 128b, 132, 134 are not limited to hook and loop fasteners. For example, a snap fastener, a button, or the like may be used. In embodiments, a burping cloth fastener 1028 may be positioned on a shoulder of the wearer 5, as can be seen in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the burping cloth 106 is releasably attached to the burping cloth fastener 1028. In embodiments, the burping cloth fastener 1028 may be or include a hook and loop type fastener with a hook part provide on a shoulder of the garment 100 and a loop part provide on the burping cloth 106, or vice versa. In embodiment, the fastener 1028 may be provided on either shoulder, or on both shoulders. In embodiments, the fastener 1028 may be used in place of the fastener 128, or in addition the fastener 128.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate perspective views of the burping garment 100 being used to store a plurality of items, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

The plurality of storage elements 104 may be disposed at a lower portion 138 of the torso portion 112, at the front 108 thereof. In embodiments, the plurality of storage elements 104 may include a plurality of pockets 140a, 140b, 140c. For instance, the plurality of pockets 140a, 140h, 140c may include three pockets 140a, 140b, 140c disposed from the left side 130 to a right side 142 of the front 108 of the torso portion 112.

Further, the plurality of storage elements 104 may include a pouch 144 located below the plurality of pockets 140a, 140b, 140c able to be fastened via a pouch fastener. For example, the pouch fastener may include a zipper fastener 146, as shown here.

As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of storage elements 104 may be configured to store a plurality of items necessary for care of the baby, such as (but not limited to) diapers, bottles, rattles and/or pacifiers. In particular, the plurality of pockets 140a, 140b, 140c may be configured to store the bottles, rattles and/or pacifiers. For example, pocket 140a is shown in FIG. 7 storing a pacifier, pocket 140b is shown storing a rattle and 140c is shown storing a bottle.

In some embodiments, a pouch 144 may be larger than the plurality of pockets 140a, 140b, 140c. As such, in some embodiments, the pouch 144 may be configured for storing diapers or any other item. For example, as shown here, the pouch 144 may be sized to store three diapers 5. Further, the pockets 140a, 140b, 140c may also be able to store spare diapers.

In addition, in some embodiments, the plurality of storage elements 104 may include a clip (not illustrated) for holding a pacifier on the torso portion 112. In embodiments, it is contemplated that the diapers may be kept separate from the pacifier.

FIGS. 6-8 show the torso portion 112 of the burping garment 100 including a flap 125 located at the front 108 of the torso portion 112 and configured to selectively cover and uncover a breast area of the wearer 5. At least one breast area fastener 127 may be located at the flap 125 and configured to selectively open and close the flap 125 of the torso portion 112 such that the wearer 5 is able to selectively expose their breast (without taking off the burping garment 100) and enable breastfeeding of a baby.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the at least one breast area fastener 127 may include at least one button. In some examples, the at least one button may include a pair of buttons 127a, 127b. It should however be appreciated that the breast area fastener 127 is not limited to buttons. For example, hook and loop fastener, snap fasteners, or the like may be used.

In use, the wearer 5 may put the burping garment 100 on by inserting their head through the neck opening 116 of the torso portion 112, and their arms through the pair of arms portions 114a, 114b extending from the torso portion 112.

The wearer 5 may store items within the plurality of storage elements 104 and attach the burping cloth 106 to the burping garment 100 via the first and second burping cloth fasteners 128a, 128b. When needed, the wearer 5 may unfasten the flap 125 via the at least one breast area fastener 127 to breastfeed the baby. In embodiments, the flap 125 may be held closed using a zipper rather than the fasteners 128a, 128b. In embodiments, any other suitable fastener may be used to selectively secure the flap 125 to cover and uncover the user's breast.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.