An infant burping device

Abstract

An infant burping garment comprises a fluid impermeable body 1, said body extending from a central hole 2 to a perimetric edge 3 extending to all sides from the hole. Adjustment means 12 in the form o

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an infant burping device, in particular a device for aiding a parent or carer when burping the infant or baby; more particularly a device for preventing damage to the user’s clothing when burping the infant. Background In many societies across the world there is an increasing tendency to ensure that infants are brought up properly, according to best practice guidelines, There are many potential guidelines to follow, and these include burping the baby. An important part of feeding a baby is burping. Burping helps to get rid of some of the air that babies tend to swallow during feeding. Not being burped often and swallowing too much air can make a baby spit up, or seem cranky or gassy. The key to burping is to support a baby's head and neck, make sure their tummy and back are straight (not curled up), and rub or pat their back. This can of course lead to the baby or infant releasing some fluid onto the person burping their baby. Prior Art US 9 433 243 (BLAKENEY) discloses a baby burping cloth, comprising: a cloth assembly having a front panel and a rear panel attached along their edges to define an inner space, said cloth assembly including a shoulder section, a leg section having leg openings, a first side section, and a second side section; a prosthetic breast within said inner space; a first access opening into said inner space; a front fastening surface in said inner space and accessible by said first access opening; a first fastener attached to said cloth assembly for holding said first side section and said second side section in an overlapping configuration; and, a strap for fastening said baby burping cloth to a user. GB 2012 03 435 (HYMAS) discloses a baby burping aid or garment made from one-piece of material comprises a broad area with a deep cut for, in use, accommodating the neck of a user, and shoulder portions which diverge from either side of the deep cut. In a preferred use the broad area is worn across a user's back with shoulder portions extending forwards over the user's shoulders, such that the aid shields the wearer from regurgitation from a burping baby and the shoulder portions diverge outwardly form one another with the deep cut defining a substantially V-shape and a fastener may attach the enlarged section of one shoulder portion to the other shoulder portion. US 2004 0 088 773 (ANDREWS) discloses a bib for use during burping or breastfeeding a baby comprising: one or more panels of sufficient size to conceal the chest and shoulders of a wearer; a neck opening formed in the upper portion of at least one of the one or more panels; a fastener supported by at least one of the one or more panels for permitting the size of the neck opening to be selectively adjusted about the wearer's neck; and at least one opening formed in the one or more panels, the opening being of suitable size for receiving a portion of a nursing mother's breast. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided an infant burping device comprising a fluid impermeable body, said body extending from a central hole to a perimetric edge extending to all sides from the hole, the perimetric edge defined by more than one radial length from the hole, wherein the hole is for receipt of a user’s head and the perimetric edge comprises a plurality of shoulder extensions, each shoulder extension having two maximal radial lengths. In some embodiments of the device the body comprising a continuous whole, which therefore extends from the hole to the perimetric edge without a break, ensuring that the device may equally effective in covering a user’s clothing or torso from all directions, or in whichever position there is no chance of leakage. In some embodiments of the device the hole comprises an adjustment means, which adjustment means may be envisaged to allow the hole to be adjusted. This may allow for the hole to be opened so as to allow the user to pass their head through it, and closed when the device is in place and / or adjust for different size users. In some embodiments of the device the adjustment means arranged to open or close the diameter of the hole. In some embodiments of the device the adjustment means comprises hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM), for example having a slit that may be opened and closed. In some other embodiments of the device the adjustment means may comprise press studs, buttons or a zipper. In some embodiments of the device the perimetric edge is hexagonal in plan view, providing three shoulder extensions. In some embodiments of the device the perimetric edge is pentagonal in plan view, providing two different shoulder extensions. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a hanging loop, so as to allow the device to be easily hung between usages. The device may be formed from thick cotton, muslin, towelling material, plastic or rubber. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention in use; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the embodiment of the front of the device shown in Figure 1, folded down for transport or storage; Figure 4 shows a plan view of the front of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, flattened for transport or storage; Figure 5 shows a plan view of the rear of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, flattened for transport or storage; Figure 6 shows a plan view of the top of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 opened and flat; and Figure 7 shows a plan view of the top of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 opened and flat. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of an infant burping device 99 generally comprising a fluid impermeable body 1, said body extending from a central hole 2 to a perimetric edge 3 extending to all sides from the hole, the perimetric edge defined by more than one radial length A,B from the hole 2, wherein the hole is for receipt of a user’s head and the perimetric edge comprises a plurality of shoulder extensions 100, each shoulder extension having two maximal radial lengths B, such that the body turns about the head between shoulder extensions. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment, the embodiment comprises a continuous body 1, around a central hole 2. The hole is circular and the body is hexagonal, providing three different shoulder extensions 100 in use, so as to allow a user to twist the device to utilise a different shoulder extension and / or area of the body for the infant on their shoulder. The perimetric edge comprises a sewn hem and the hole further comprises a sewn hem 32 around it. The central hole has an adjustment means 12, provided by a slit extending radially outwards from the hem. The slit allows for a user’s head to be inserted easily into the hole, and comprises a button closure means 13. The perimetric edge further comprises a hanging loop 31, which may be used to hang up the device when it is not in use. The shape of the device means that the six corners 105 may all be individually placed on a shoulder, such that the widest part of the device in use extends from shoulder to shoulder, so as to provide the shoulder extension 100. In this way the device may provide a large space at the top of the user’s shoulder when in use, which narrows depending down the user’s front, where there is less requirement for coverage. Additionally or alternatively the corners’ placement on the shoulders enables the user to easily arrange the device in use, as well as easily twist the device as required, and with full knowledge of the positioning. The body may comprise an upper surface which is waterproofed, or made of waterproof material, and other layers. For example the body may comprise a padded layer, or lower face, to improve comfort for infant or user. It may be envisaged that the body and device in general may comprise a material such as a cotton material. The body further includes an information panel 11, which may be used to provide information, branding and / or define a particular corner of the device to better enable a starting position for example. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

23 12 241. An infant burping device comprising a fluid impermeable body, said body extending from a central hole to a perimetric edge extending to all sides from the hole, the perimetric edge defined by more than one radial length from the hole, wherein the hole is for receipt of a user’s head and the perimetric edge comprises a plurality of shoulder extensions, each shoulder extension having two maximal radial lengths and wherein the body comprises a continuous whole.

2. An infant burping device according to claim 1, wherein the hole comprises an adjustment means.

3. An infant burping device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment means arranged to open or close the diameter of the hole.

4. An infant burping device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment means comprises hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM).

5. An infant burping device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment means comprises press studs.

6. An infant burping device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment means comprises buttons.

7. An infant burping device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment means comprises a zipper.

8. An infant burping device according to any preceding claim, wherein the perimetric edge is hexagonal in plan view.

9. An infant burping device according to any preceding claim, wherein the perimetric edge is pentagonal.

10. An infant burping device according to any preceding claim, comprising a hanging loop.23 12 24

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