Abstract:
The disclosed principles provide a multiple layered cloth with absorbent layers and moisture barrier layers attached together. With multiple layers attached as disclosed herein, a parent can burp a baby on the cloth several times with just one burp cloth. The layers that are moisture barriers prevent any liquid from seeping through the cloth and onto the parent&#39;s skin or clothing. In one embodiment, a cloth may comprise a first portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent portion of the first portion. Such a cloth may also include a second portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent portion of the second portion. At least one edge of the first portion is attached to a corresponding edge of the second portion such that the moisture barrier layer of the first portion faces the absorbent layer of the second portion, and wherein the first portion.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to burp cloths, and more specifically to multiple layer burp cloths for use by infants/babies, as well as other uses. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    After an infant/baby has finished feeding, a parent or caretaker will burp the infant/baby to get rid of the air that was swallowed during the feeding process. Since some spittle or milk or another liquid may come out of the baby&#39;s mouth during burping, a parent or caretaker will often have a burp cloth available to catch the liquid. 
         [0003]    Structurally, the burp cloths are typically comprised of a material that can absorb the regurgitated liquid. Cotton, terry cloth, or cotton blends are common materials used in burp cloths. The tactility and thickness of the material will vary depending on the manufacturer. Once the baby has regurgitated some spittle or milk, the parent or caretaker may need to replace the burp cloth with another clean, sanitary burp cloth and therefore must have several burp cloths available. Furthermore, most burp cloths are usually comprised of a single layer of material. When the baby is burped the spittle or milk, depending on the amount, could seep through the burp cloth and onto the parent/caretaker&#39;s skin or garment. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a burp cloth which can be used more than once. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Rather than using single use burp cloth, the principles of the present disclosure allow the use of just one burp cloth that has multiple layers with some layers that are moisture resistant being attached together, one or more (or none) of which may be removed depending on the method of attachment. With multiple layers, the parent can burp the baby several times with just one burp cloth, as opposed to having several burp cloths; plus the layers which are moisture resistant prevent any liquid from seeping through the burp cloth and onto the parent&#39;s skin or clothing. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, a multiple layered cloth is provided, which may comprise a first portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent portion of the first portion. Such a cloth may also include a second portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent portion of the second portion. In such embodiments, at least one edge of the first portion is attached to a corresponding edge of the second portion such that the moisture barrier layer of the first portion faces the absorbent layer of the second portion, and wherein the first portion. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a multiple layered cloth is disclosed which may comprise a first portion having a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer coextensive with the first absorbent layer, and further having a moisture barrier layer located between, coextensive with, and adjacent to the first and second absorbent layers. Such a cloth may also comprise a second portion having a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer coextensive with the first absorbent layer, and further having a moisture barrier layer located between, coextensive with, and adjacent to the first and second absorbent layers. In such embodiments, at least one edge of the first portion is attached to a corresponding edge of the second portion. 
         [0007]    In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multiple layered cloth is disclosed. Such a method may comprise providing a first portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent layer, and providing a second portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent layer of the second portion. Such a method may then provide for facing the moisture barrier layer of the first portion against the absorbent layer of the second portion. Such methods may also then provide for attaching at least one edge of the first portion to a corresponding edge of the second portion. 
         [0008]    In sum, a multiple layered, moisture resistant burp cloth as disclosed herein is more flexible than a traditional burp cloth, and far more convenient than carrying multiple distinct burp cloths in preparation for all potential circumstances. Moreover, parents no longer need to buy several burp cloths, and can instead just buy one of the disclosed multiple layered, moisture resistant burp cloths, which can be used several times to burp the baby. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a burp cloth according to the disclosed principles, which is comprised of six layers, each with substantially the same lengths and widths; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate the six layers of the burp cloth illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which are attached along three and/or four edges to form a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2   c  illustrates a side view of the layers of the burp cloth illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a burp cloth according to the disclosed principles, which is comprised of four layers, each with substantially the same lengths and widths; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate the four layers of the burp cloth illustrated in  FIG. 3 , which are attached along one set of edges of the layers to form a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4   c  illustrates a side view of the layers of the burp cloth illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a burp cloth according to the disclosed principles, which is comprised of six layers, each with substantially the same lengths and widths; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate the six layers of the burp cloth illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which are attached along three and/or four edges to form a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6   c  illustrates a side view of the layers of the burp cloth illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment for a burp cloth  100  constructed according to the disclosed principles. Illustrated items of the burp cloth  100  in  FIG. 1  include, in this embodiment, six different layers, one over another: 
         [0019]    Layer  110   
         [0020]    Layer  120   
         [0021]    Layer  130   
         [0022]    Layer  140   
         [0023]    Layer  150   
         [0024]    Layer  160   
         [0000]    Burp cloth  100  is comprised of layers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 , and  160  each of which have substantially the same dimensions along their widths and lengths, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In addition, in this embodiment, layer  110  has four sides ( 110   a,    110   b,    110   c  and  110   d ), layer  120  has four sides ( 120   a,    120   b,    120   c  and  120   d ), layer  130  has four sides ( 130   a,    130   b,    130   c  and  130   d ), layer  140  has four sides ( 140   a,    140   b,    140   c  and  140   d ), layer  150  has four sides ( 150   a,    150   b,    150   c  and  150   d ), and layer  160  has four sides ( 160   a,    160   b,    160   c  and  160   d ). Each of the layers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160  having four sides is merely illustrative, and thus layers have any number of sides, or no sides per se, such as with round- or elliptical-shaped burp cloths, are also envisioned and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate the individual layers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , 150 , and  160 , and the exemplary area of attachment. The “X” in the figures represents the area(s) of attachment.  FIG. 2   a  shows the areas of attachment substantially along the entire edges, while  FIG. 2   b  shows the areas of attachment only partially along the edges. In this embodiment, edges  110   a,    120   a,    130   a,    140   a,    150   a,    160   a  are attached together, and edges  110   b,    120   b,    130   b,    140   b,    150   b,    160   b  are attached together. Also, edges  110   c,    120   c,    130   c,    140   c,    150   c,    160   c  are attached together, edges  110   d,    120   d,  and  130   d  are attached together, and edges  140   d,    150   d,  and  160   d  are attached together. Attaching the layers as described above creates a pocket. 
         [0026]    Layers  110 ,  130 ,  140  and  160  may be comprised of an absorbent material such as cotton, while layers  120  and  150  may be comprised of a moisture barrier comprising a resistant material such as Gore Tex®, vinyl, polyurethane laminate (PUL), or other moisture resistant material, even including spray-on materials. As used herein, the term “moisture barrier” means a material or materials that is/are moisture resistant, moisture wicking, or moisture blocking, depending on the specific material employed for the moisture barrier. What is important is that the moisture barrier does not allow moisture from the spittle/spit-up to penetrate through the moisture barrier. 
         [0027]    Layer  120  acts as a moisture barrier between layers  110  and  130  while layer  150  acts as a moisture barrier between layers  140  and  160 . As such, if a baby regurgitated on layer  110  while layer  160  was against the parent&#39;s skin or clothing, the liquid would be substantially absorbed by layer  110  and blocked by moisture barrier layer  120 . The parent could then turn the burp cloth inside out, via the pocket, such that layers  130  and  140  are the outermost layers as shown in  FIG. 2   c . Thus, a burp cloth constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles does not provide for simply flipping over the outer soiled layer as seen in conventional burp cloths, since that flipped outer layer could still be soaked through and thus moisture exposed on both surfaces of the soiled layer. In stark contrast, a burp cloth as disclosed herein provides not only a new, clean surface on which to lay a baby&#39;s face, it actually provides an entirely different piece of material for that clean, new surface. 
         [0028]    The burp cloth can be used multiple times instead of once, as with a traditional burp cloth. The baby could then be burped on layer  130 , while layer  140  is against the parent&#39;s skin or clothing. If the baby only burped one time on the burp cloth, the parent could still turn the burp cloth inside out and stow it in a purse or diaper bag, thereby preventing the liquid on the burp cloth from contacting another object in the purse or diaper bag, which is a more sanitary method of stowing a soiled burp cloth. A traditional, soiled burp cloth would need to be placed in a plastic bag or some other moisture resistant vessel to prevent the contents of the burp cloth from contacting another object. This disclosed burp cloth is self-contained and need not be placed in a plastic bag or some other moisture resistant vessel after it has been soiled. 
         [0029]    The method of attachment could be, but is not limited to, stitching, zippers, snaps, Velcro®, loops of material, buttons, or ties. The method of attachment along edges  110   a,    120   a,    130   a,    140   a,    150   a,  and  160   a  may, but need not be, the same method of attachment used to attach edges  110   b,    120   b,    130   b,    140   b,    150   b,  and  160   c.    
         [0030]    In embodiments in which buttons are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  160  top side: buttons along the attachment edges  160   a,    160   b,  and  160   c.  The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  and the button of layer  160  and be visible on the top side of layer  110 .   Layer  160  top side: buttons along the attachment edge  160   d.  The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  140  and  150  and the button of layer  160  and be visible on the top side of layer  140 .   Layer  130  top side: buttons along the attachment edge  130   d.  The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  110  and  120  and the button of layer  130  and be visible on the top side of layer  110 .       
 
         [0034]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, buttons would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with buttons may be more expensive to manufacture and may require more dexterity than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0035]    In embodiments in which hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  110  top side: hook-and-loop material may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  110   a,    110   b,    110   c,  and  110   d.      Layer  110  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  110   a,    110   b,    110   c,  and  110   d.      Layer  120  top and bottom sides: hook-and-loop material on edges  120   a,    120   b,    120   c , and  120   d.      Layer  130  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  130   a,    130   b,    130   c,  and  130   d.      Layer  130  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  130   a,    130   b,  and  130   c.  No attachment is on  130   d.      Layer  140  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  140   a,    140   b,  and  140   c.  No attachment is on  140   d.      Layer  140  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  140   a,    140   b,    140   c,  and  140   d.      Layer  150  top and bottom sides: hook-and-loop material on edges  150   a,    150   b,    150   c,  and  150   d.      Layer  160  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  160   a,    160   b,    160   c,  and  160   d.      Layer  110  bottom side: hook-and-loop material may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  160   a,    160   b,    160   c,  and  160   d.          
 
         [0046]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, Velcro would allow the parent to remove individual layers, if soiled. A burp cloth with Velcro may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment. Plus, Velcro may tend to stick to other areas of the burp cloth, which may not be desirable, and thus the desires of a disclosed burp cloth having Velcro would be at the discretion of each user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0047]    In embodiments in which zippers are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       A single zipper connecting all six layers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160  together along attachment edges  110   a,    110   b,    110   c,    120   a,    120   b,    120   c,    130   a,    130   b,    130   c,    140   a,    140   b,    140   c,    150   a,    150   b,    150   c,    160   a,    160   b,  and  160   c;      A single zipper connecting layers  110 ,  120 , and  130  together along attachment edges  110   d,    120   d,    130   d  and;   A single zipper connecting layers  140 ,  150 , and  160  together along attachment edges  140   d,    150   d,  and  160   d.          
 
         [0051]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, zippers may allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with zippers may be more expensive to manufacture and may require more dexterity than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0052]    In embodiments in which stitching is used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layers  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160  are stitched together along attachment edges  110   a,    110   b,    110   c,    120   a,    120   b,    120   c,    130   a,    130   b,    130   c,    140   a,    140   b,    140   c,    150   a,    150   b,    150   c,    160   a,    160   b,  and  160   c;      Layers  110 ,  120 , and  130  are stitched together along attachment edges  110   d,    120   d,  and  130   d.      Layers  140 ,  150 , and  160  are stitched together along attachment edges  140   d,    150   d,  and  160   d.          
 
         [0056]    Stitching would not allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled yet the burp cloth could still be turned inside out, however the structural strength of the burp cloth would be high. Also, a burp cloth with stitching may be the least expensive method of manufacturing and require less dexterity than some other method of attachment. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0057]    In embodiments in which snaps are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1  (where each snap has a male and female part), each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  110  top side: male or female snaps may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  110   a,    110   b,    110   c,  and  110   d.      Layer  110  bottom side: male snaps on edges  110   a,    110   b,    110   c,  and  110   d.      Layer  120  top and bottom sides: female snaps on edges  120   a,    120   b,    120   c,  and  120   d.      Layer  130  top side: male snaps on edges  130   a,    130   b,    130   c,  and  130   d.      Layer  130  bottom side: female snaps on edges  130   a,    130   b,  and  130   c.  No attachment is on  130   d.      Layer  140  top side: male snaps on edges  140   a,    140   b,  and  140   c.  No attachment is on  140   d.      Layer  140  bottom side: female snaps on edges  140   a,    140   b,    140   c,  and  140   d.      Layer  150  top and bottom sides: male on edges  150   a,    150   b,    150   c,  and  150   d.      Layer  160  top side: female on edges  160   a,    160   b,    160   c,  and  160   d.      Layer  110  bottom side: male or female snaps may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  160   a,    160   b,    160   c,  and  160   d.          
 
         [0068]    Snaps would allow the parent to remove individual layers instead of turning the burp cloth inside out if soiled. A burp cloth with snaps may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0069]    In embodiments in which loops of material are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  110   a,    120   a,    130   a,    140   a,    150   a,  and  160   a.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  110   b,    120   b,    130   b,    140   b,    150   b,  and  160   b.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  110   c,    120   c,    130   c,    140   c,    150   c,  and  160   c.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  110   d,    120   d,  and  130   d.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  140   d,    150   d,  and  160   d.          
 
         [0075]    Loops of material would allow the parent to remove individual layers instead of turning the burp cloth inside out if soiled. Since the loops of material are not permanently attached to any layer, they could get lost thereby preventing a means of securing all of the layers of the burp cloth, however the versatility of cloth loops may outweigh this possibility depending on the desires of the user. A burp cloth with loops of material may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0076]    In embodiments in which ties are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Ties are sewn along the attachment edges of  160   a,    160   b,    160   c,  and  160   d.      Ties are sewn along attachment edge  130   d.      Ties along  160   a  are inserted into the incisions made along  110   a,    120   a,    130   a,    140   a,  and  150   a  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  160   b  are inserted into the incisions made along  110   b,    120   b,    130   b,    140   b,  and  150   b  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  160   c  are inserted into the incisions made along  110   c,    120   c,    130   c,    140   c,  and  150   c  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  160   d  are inserted into the incisions made along  140   d  and  150   d  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  130   d  are inserted into the incisions made along  110   d  and  120   d  and used to secure the layers together.       
 
         [0084]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, ties would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with ties may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0085]    Burp cloth  100 , although illustrated with six layers, is preferably comprised of at least four or more layers in order to create a pocket with at least two burping surfaces and a moisture resistant barrier between the parent&#39;s skin/clothing and the outer surface of the burp cloth. More layers (absorbent and moisture resistant) could be added, which would increase the number of burping surfaces. For aesthetic purposes, one may want to use more than four layers so that the absorbent layers appear on the outside of the burp cloth even when the cloth is turned inside out. With a four layer cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles, one of the moisture resistant layers will be exposed, which may not be desirable by the designer or manufacturer. 
         [0086]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment for a burp cloth  200  constructed according to the disclosed principles. Illustrated items of the burp cloth  200  in  FIG. 3  include, in this embodiment, four different layer layers one over another: 
         [0087]    Layer  210   
         [0088]    Layer  220   
         [0089]    Layer  230   
         [0090]    Layer  240   
         [0000]    Burp cloth  200  is comprised of layers  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  each of which have substantially the same dimensions along their widths lengths, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In addition, in this embodiment, layer  210  has four edges or sides ( 210   a,    210   b,    210   c  and  210   d ), layer  220  has four sides ( 220   a,    220   b,    220   c  and  220   d ), layer  230  has four sides ( 230   a,    230   b,    230   c  and  230   d ), and layer  240  has four sides ( 240   a,    240   b,    240   c  and  240   d ). Each of the layers  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  having four edges or sides is merely illustrative, and thus layers have any number of sides, or no sides per se, such as with round- or elliptical-shaped burp cloths, are also envisioned and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate the individual layers  210 ,  220 ,  230 , and  240  and the exemplary area(s) of attachment along one edge. The “X” represents the area of attachment. Edges or sides  210   c,    220   c,    230   c,  and  240   c  are attached together. Alternatively, edges  210   b,    220   b,    230   b,  and  240   b  could be attached together or edges  210   a,    220   a,    230   a,  and  240   a  could be attached together or edges  210   d,    220   d,    230   d,  and  240   d  could be attached together. Attaching the layers, and edges of layers, as described above allows the parent/caretaker to fold over the layers of the burp cloth much like the pages of a book. Layers  210  and  230  may be comprised of an absorbent material such as cotton while  220  and  240  may be comprised of a moisture resistant material such as Gore Tex or other examples as described above. Layer  220  acts as a moisture barrier between layers  210  and  230 , while layer  240  acts as a moisture barrier between layers  230  and the parent&#39;s skin or clothing. If the baby regurgitated on layer  210  while layer  240  was against the parent&#39;s skin or clothing, the liquid would be substantially absorbed by layer  210  and blocked by moisture resistant layer  220 . The parent could then turn layers  210  and  220  of the burp cloth inside such that layers  230  and  240  are the uppermost layers as shown in  FIG. 4   c . The burp cloth can be used multiple times instead of once like a traditional burp cloth. The baby could then be burped on layer  230  while layer  220  is against the parent&#39;s skin or clothing. If the baby only burped one time on the burp cloth, the parent could still turn layers  210  and  220  and stow it in a purse or diaper bag thereby preventing the liquid on the burp cloth from contacting another object in the purse or diaper bag which is a more sanitary method of stowing the burp cloth. A traditional, soiled burp cloth would need to be placed in a plastic bag or some other moisture resistant vessel to prevent the contents of the burp cloth from contacting another object. This disclosed burp cloth is self-contained and need not be placed in a plastic bag or some other moisture resistant vessel after it has been soiled. 
         [0092]    The method of attachment could be but is not limited to stitching, zippers, snaps, Velcro®, loops of material, buttons, or ties. 
         [0093]    In embodiments in which buttons are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  240  top side: buttons along the attachment edges  240   a,    240   b,  and  240   c.  The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  210 ,  220 ,  230  and the button of layer  240  and be visible on the top side of layer  210 .
 
In addition to turning the layers like pages in a book, buttons would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with buttons may be more expensive to manufacture and may require more dexterity than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0095]    In embodiments in which hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  210  top side: hook-and-loop material may be included for aesthetics only, though not required.   Layer  210  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  210   c.      Layer  220  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  220   c.      Layer  220  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  220   c.      Layer  230  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  230   c.      Layer  230  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  230   c.      Layer  240  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  230   c.      Layer  240  bottom side: hook-and-loop material may be included for aesthetics only, though not required.
 
In addition to turning the layers like pages in a book, Velcro would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with Velcro may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment. Plus, Velcro may tend to stick to other areas of the burp cloth which are not desirable, however the versatility of such a burp cloth may outweigh this possibility depending on the desire of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0104]    In embodiments in which zippers are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       A single zipper connecting all six Layers  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  together along attachment edges  210   c,    220   c,    230   c,  and  240   c ; or   A zipper connect layers  210  and  220  along edges  210   c  and  220   c  and a zipper connecting layers  220  and  230  along edges  220   c  and  230   c  and a zipper connecting layers  230  and  240  along edges  230   c  and  240   c.  
 
In addition to turning the layers like pages in a book, zippers may allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled depending on the number and type of zipper used. A burp cloth with zippers may be more expensive to manufacture and may require more dexterity than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0107]    In embodiments in which stitching is used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layers  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  are stitched together along attachment edges  210   c,    220   c,    230   c,  and  240   c.  
 
Stitching would not allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled yet the layers could be turned like pages in a book. A burp cloth with stitching may be least expensive method of manufacturing and require less dexterity than some other method of attachment. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0109]    In embodiments in which snaps are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3  (where each snap has a male and female part), each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  210  top side: male or female snaps may be included for aesthetics only, though not required.   Layer  210  bottom side: male snaps on edges  210   c.      Layer  220  top side: female snaps on edges  220   c.      Layer  220  bottom side: male snaps on edges  220   c.      Layer  230  top side: female snaps on edges  230   c.      Layer  230  bottom side: male snaps on edges  230   c.      Layer  240  top side: female snaps on edges  240   c.      Layer  240  top side: male or female snaps may be included for aesthetics only, though not required.
 
In addition to turning the layers like pages in a book, snaps would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with snaps may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0118]    In embodiments in which loops of material are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  210   c,    220   c,    230   c,  and  240   c.  
 
In addition to turning the layers like pages in a book, loops of material would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. Since the loops of material are not permanently attached to any layer, they could get lost thereby preventing a means of securing all of the layers of the burp cloth. A burp cloth with loops of material may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0120]    In embodiments in which ties are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Ties are sewn along the attachment edges of  240   c.      Ties along edge  240   c  are inserted into the incisions made along edges  210   c,    220   c,  and  230   c  used to secure the layers together.
 
In addition to turning the layers like pages in a book, ties would allow the parent to remove individual layers instead if soiled. A burp cloth with ties may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles.
       
 
         [0123]    Burp cloth  200 , although illustrated with four layers, may preferably be comprised of at least four or more layers with alternating absorbent and moisture resistant layers so that the baby is in contact with an absorbent layer and another absorbent layer is next to the parent&#39;s skin or clothing. 
         [0124]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment for a burp cloth  300  constructed according to the disclosed principles. Illustrated items of the burp cloth  300  in  FIG. 5  include, in this embodiment, six different layers one over another: 
         [0125]    Layer  310   
         [0126]    Layer  320   
         [0127]    Layer  330   
         [0128]    Layer  340   
         [0129]    Layer  350   
         [0130]    Layer  360   
         [0000]    Burp cloth  300  is comprised of layers  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 , and  360  each of which have substantially the same dimensions along their widths and lengths, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In addition, in this embodiment, layer  310  has four sides ( 310   a,    310   b,    310   c  and  310   d ), layer  320  has four sides ( 320   a,    320   b,    320   c  and  320   d ), layer  330  has four sides ( 330   a,    330   b,    330   c  and  330   d ), layer  340  has four sides ( 340   a,    340   b,    340   c  and  340   d ), layer  350  has four sides ( 350   a,    350   b,    350   c  and  350   d ), and layer  360  has four sides ( 360   a,    360   b,    360   c  and  360   d ). Each of the layers  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360  having four sides is merely illustrative, and thus layers have any number of sides, or no sides per se, such as with round- or elliptical-shaped burp cloths, are also envisioned and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0131]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate the individual layers  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 , and  360 , and the exemplary area of attachment. The “X” in the figures represents the area(s) of attachment.  FIG. 6   a  shows the areas of attachment substantially along the entire edges, while  FIG. 6   b  shows the areas of attachment only partially along the edges. In this embodiment, edges  310   a,    320   a,    330   a,    340   a,    350   a,    360   a  are attached together, edges  310   b,    320   b,    330   b  are attached together, and edges  340   b,    350   b,  and  360   b  are attached together. Also, edges  310   c,    320   c,    330   c,    340   c,    350   c,    360   c  are attached together, edges  310   d,    320   d,  and  330   d  are attached together, and edges  340   d,    350   d,  and  360   d  are attached together. Attaching the layers as described above creates a tube. 
         [0132]    Layers  310 ,  330 ,  340  and  360  may be comprised of an absorbent material such as cotton, while layers  320  and  350  may be comprised of a moisture barrier comprising a resistant material such as Gore Tex®, vinyl, polyurethane laminate (PUL), or other moisture resistant material, even including spray-on materials. As used herein, the term “moisture barrier” means a material or materials that is/are moisture resistant, moisture wicking, or moisture blocking, depending on the specific material employed for the moisture barrier. What is important is that the moisture barrier does not allow moisture from the spittle/spit-up to penetrate through the moisture barrier. 
         [0133]    Layer  320  acts as a moisture barrier between layers  310  and  330  while layer  350  acts as a moisture barrier between layers  340  and  360 . As such, if a baby regurgitated on layer  310  while layer  360  was against the parent&#39;s skin or clothing, the liquid would be substantially absorbed by layer  310  and blocked by moisture barrier layer  320 . The parent could then turn the burp cloth inside out, via the tube, such that layers  330  and  340  are the outermost layers as shown in  FIG. 6   c . Thus, a burp cloth constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles does not provide for simply flipping over the outer soiled layer as seen in conventional burp cloths, since that flipped outer layer could still be soaked through and thus moisture exposed on both surfaces of the soiled layer. In stark contrast, a burp cloth as disclosed herein provides not only a new, clean surface on which to lay a baby&#39;s face, it actually provides an entirely different piece of material for that clean, new surface. 
         [0134]    The method of attachment could be, but is not limited to, stitching, zippers, snaps, Velcro®, loops of material, buttons, or ties. The method of attachment along edges  310   a,    320   a,    330   a,    340   a,    350   a,  and  360   a  may, but need not be, the same method of attachment used to attach edges  310   b,    320   b,    330   b,    340   b,    350   b,  and  360   c.    
         [0135]    In embodiments in which buttons are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  360  top side: buttons along the attachment edges  360   a  and  360   c.  The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 , and  350  and the button of layer  360  and be visible on the top side of layer  310 .   Layer  360  top side: buttons along the attachment edges  360   b  and  360   d.  The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  340  and  350  and the button of layer  360  and be visible on the top side of layer  340 .   Layer  330  top side: buttons along the attachment edges  330   b  and  330   d . The buttons may be inserted through the button hole of layer  310  and  320  and the button of layer  330  and be visible on the top side of layer  310 .       
 
         [0139]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, buttons would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with buttons may be more expensive to manufacture and may require more dexterity than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0140]    In embodiments in which hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  310  top side: hook-and-loop material may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  310   a,    310   b,    310   c,  and  310   d.      Layer  310  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  310   a,    310   b,    310   c,  and  310   d.      Layer  320  top and bottom sides: hook-and-loop material on edges  320   a,    320   b,    320   c,  and  320   d.      Layer  330  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  330   a,    330   b,    330   c,  and  330   d.      Layer  330  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  330   a  and  330   c.  No attachments are on  330   b  and  330   d.      Layer  340  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  340   a,    340   b,  and  340   c.  No attachments are on  340   b  and  340   d.      Layer  340  bottom side: hook-and-loop material on edges  340   a,    340   b,    340   c,  and  340   d.      Layer  350  top and bottom sides: hook-and-loop material on edges  350   a,    350   b,    350   c,  and  350   d.      Layer  360  top side: hook-and-loop material on edges  360   a,    360   b,    360   c,  and  360   d.      Layer  310  bottom side: hook-and-loop material may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  360   a,    360   b,    360   c,  and  360   d.          
 
         [0151]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, Velcro would allow the parent to remove individual layers, if soiled. A burp cloth with Velcro may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment. Plus, Velcro may tend to stick to other areas of the burp cloth, which may not be desirable, and thus the desires of a disclosed burp cloth having Velcro would be at the discretion of each user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0152]    In embodiments in which zippers are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       A single zipper connecting all six layers  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360  together along attachment edges  310   a,    310   c,    320   a,    320   c,    330   a,    330   c,    340   a,    340   c,    350   a,    350   c,    360   a,  and  360   c;      A single zipper connecting layers  310 ,  320 , and  330  together along attachment edges  310   b,    320   b,  and  330   b;      A single zipper connecting layers  310 ,  320 , and  330  together along attachment edges  340   b,    350   b,  and  360   b;      A single zipper connecting layers  310 ,  320 , and  330  together along attachment edges  310   d,    320   d,    330   d  and;   A single zipper connecting layers  340 ,  350 , and  360  together along attachment edges  340   d,    350   d,  and  360   d.          
 
         [0158]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, zippers may allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with zippers may be more expensive to manufacture and may require more dexterity than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0159]    In embodiments in which stitching is used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layers  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360  are stitched together along attachment edges  310   a,    310   c,    320   a,    320   c,    330   a,    330   c,    340   a,    340   c,    350   a,    350   c,    360   a,  and  360   c;      Layers  310 ,  320 , and  330  are stitched together along attachment edges  310   b,    320   b,  and  330   b;      Layers  340 ,  350 , and  360  are stitched together along attachment edges  340   b,    350   b,  and  360   b;      Layers  310 ,  320 , and  330  are stitched together along attachment edges  310   d,    320   d,  and  330   d  and;   Layers  340 ,  350 , and  360  are stitched together along attachment edges  340   d,    350   d,  and  360   d.          
 
         [0165]    Stitching would not allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled yet the burp cloth could still be turned inside out, however the structural strength of the burp cloth would be high. Also, a burp cloth with stitching may be the least expensive method of manufacturing and require less dexterity than some other method of attachment. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0166]    In embodiments in which snaps are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5  (where each snap has a male and female part), each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Layer  310  top side: male or female snaps may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  310   a,    310   b,    310   c,  and  310   d.      Layer  310  bottom side: male snaps on edges  310   a,    310   b,    310   c,  and  310   d.      Layer  320  top and bottom sides: female snaps on edges  320   a,    320   b,    320   c,  and  320   d.      Layer  330  top side: male snaps on edges  330   a,    330   b,    330   c,  and  330   d.      Layer  330  bottom side: female snaps on edges  330   a  and  330   c.  No attachments are on  330   b  and  330   d.      Layer  340  top side: male snaps on edges  340   a  and  340   c.  No attachments are on  340   b  and  340   d.      Layer  340  bottom side: female snaps on edges  340   a,    340   b,    340   c,  and  340   d.      Layer  350  top and bottom sides: male on edges  350   a,    350   b,    350   c,  and  350   d.      Layer  360  top side: female on edges  360   a,    360   b,    360   c,  and  360   d.      Layer  310  bottom side: male or female snaps may be included for aesthetics only, though not required on edges  360   a,    360   b,    360   c,  and  360   d.          
 
         [0177]    Snaps would allow the parent to remove individual layers instead of turning the burp cloth inside out if soiled. A burp cloth with snaps may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0178]    In embodiments in which loops of material are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  310   a,    320   a,    330   a,    340   a,    350   a,  and  360   a.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  310   b,    320   b,  and  330   b.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  340   b,    350   b,  and  360   b.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  310   c,    320   c,    330   c,    340   c,    350   c,  and  360   c.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  310   d,    320   d,  and  330   d.      Loops of material are inserted into the incisions made along  340   d,    350   d,  and  360   d.          
 
         [0185]    Loops of material would allow the parent to remove individual layers instead of turning the burp cloth inside out if soiled. Since the loops of material are not permanently attached to any layer, they could get lost thereby preventing a means of securing all of the layers of the burp cloth, however the versatility of cloth loops may outweigh this possibility depending on the desires of the user. A burp cloth with loops of material may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0186]    In embodiments in which ties are used to fasten the layers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each of the layers may be comprised as follows:
       Ties are sewn along the attachment edges of  360   a,    360   b,    360   c,  and  360   d.      Ties are sewn along attachment edge  330   b  and  330   d.      Ties along  360   a  are inserted into the incisions made along  310   a,    320   a,    330   a,    340   a,  and  350   a  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  360   b  are inserted into the incisions made along  340   b  and  350   b  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  330   b  are inserted into the incisions made along  310   b  and  320   b  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  360   c  are inserted into the incisions made along  310   c,    320   c,    330   c,    340   c,  and  350   c  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  360   d  are inserted into the incisions made along  340   d  and  350   d  and used to secure the layers together.   Ties along  330   d  are inserted into the incisions made along  310   d  and  320   d  and used to secure the layers together.       
 
         [0195]    In addition to turning the burp cloth inside out, ties would allow the parent to remove individual layers if soiled. A burp cloth with ties may be more expensive to manufacture than some other method of attachment, however its versatility may outweigh its cost depending on the desires of the user. Of course, the above description of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  is illustrative only, and variations to the above-described approach may also be included in a burp cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles. 
         [0196]    Burp cloth  300 , although illustrated with six layers, is preferably comprised of at least four or more layers in order to create a tube with at least two burping surfaces and a moisture resistant barrier between the parent&#39;s skin/clothing and the outer surface of the burp cloth. More layers (absorbent and moisture resistant) could be added, which would increase the number of burping surfaces. For aesthetic purposes, one may want to use more than four layers so that the absorbent layers appear on the outside of the burp cloth even when the cloth is turned inside out. With a four layer cloth constructed according to the disclosed principles, one of the moisture resistant layers will be exposed, which may not be desirable by the designer or manufacturer. 
         [0197]    The physical dimensions of the layers and method of attachment are for illustrative purposes only. The embodiments in this application illustrate 4-sided polygon layers. One may also choose to use other multi-sided polygon, elliptical, or circular layers. The method of attaching the layers and area(s) of attachment can be determined by the designer or manufacturer. The side and or sides for attaching the layers can also be determined by the designer or manufacturer. Although the present disclosure has shown four layers or six layers in present illustrations, the burp cloth could preferably be comprised of at least four or more layers. The material, dimensions, spacing, and properties of the means of attachments (e.g. wood buttons, plastic buttons, metal buttons, plastic zipper, metal zipper, hook-and-loop, loop length, loop material, thread, stitch type, stitch count) can be determined by the designer or manufacturer. The absorbency and moisture resistance of the moisture barrier material may vary and can be determined by the designer or manufacturer. 
         [0198]    Each layer of burp cloth  100 ,  200 , and  300  may be comprised of different materials or thicknesses. Burp cloth  100 ,  200 , and  300  may have absorbent layers comprised of various thicknesses of terry cloth or have some absorbent layers made of terry cloth and other absorbent layers made of bamboo or cotton chenille. Of course, other types of absorbent material(s) may also be employed. Burp cloth  100 ,  200 , and  300  may have moisture barrier layers comprised of various thicknesses of Gore-Tex (2 ply or 3 ply) or have some moisture resistant layers made of Gore Tex and other moisture resistant layers made of nylon or other materials, such as those discussed above. The manufacturer may alternatively want to apply a moisture resistant substance, such as a silicone spray to one side of the absorbent material thereby eliminating the need for an individual moisture barrier layer. 
         [0199]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,099, David claims a protective garment that fits over the shoulder of the wearer and is secured to the wearer by ties or Velcro, and is comprised of multiple layers for the shoulder of the wearer. David&#39;s garment must be worn on the shoulder, while the disclosed burp cloth does not need to be worn by the wearer. Instead, a user can drape the burp cloth over his or her shoulder when burping a baby. He or she may also choose to have the baby sitting on his or her lap when burping, and simply wipe the baby&#39;s mouth with the burp cloth once some spittle or milk appears. Furthermore, David&#39;s garment only has one moisture resistant layer. Thus, once the baby has regurgitated some liquid, David&#39;s garment would be soiled and require cleaning. The disclosed burp cloth can have many moisture barrier layers, and can be used more than one time to burp the baby before being washed, as described above. 
         [0200]    In U.S. Pat. No. 2,727,239, Simon claims a protective bib comprised of three rectangular layers with the outer layers being moisture absorbent and the inner layer moisture impervious. In stark contrast, the disclosed burp cloth can be made of any number of sides, or no sides per se, such as with round- or elliptical-shaped and requires at least four layers. Simon&#39;s protective bib is attached on all sides with binding tape. The disclosed burp cloth does not need to be attached on all sides and can be attached with several methods of attachment. Simon&#39;s bib is only comprised of two absorbent surfaces. If the baby soiled absorbent surface  14  and the bib were reversed such that absorbent surface  12  is the outermost layer, then the baby&#39;s clothes would be soiled by surface  14 . The disclosed burp cloth not only protects the baby&#39;s clothes but also protects the parent&#39;s clothes and skin. 
         [0201]    In U.S. Pat. No. 2,635,243, Eskey claims a reversible bib comprised of two layers with one layer comprised of absorbent material and one layer comprised of non-absorbent material. With Eskey&#39;s bib, the absorbent layer or the non-absorbent layer could be the outermost layer. If the baby soiled the absorbent layer, Eskey states the absorbent can be reversed with the soiled surface facing the body of the wearer (i.e., a baby) which means the baby&#39;s clothes will also be soiled by the contents of the soiled absorbent layer. Furthermore, Eskey allows the non-absorbent layer to the outer surface. If the baby spills or regurgitates his/her food, the non-absorbent layer will simply not absorb the contents and will result in the baby&#39;s clothes, the parent&#39;s clothes, or another surface such as the floor or high chair tray being soiled. The presently disclosed bib is designed to absorb the regurgitated contents of the baby and protect the baby&#39;s clothes, the parent&#39;s clothes and skin, and another surface from being soiled. With multiple layers of absorbent and moisture barrier materials, a soiled surface is never in contact with the baby&#39;s clothes and skin, or the parent&#39;s clothes and skin, because the moisture barrier prevents the contents of the soiled absorbent layer from seeping through to the baby&#39;s or the parent&#39;s clothes and skin. Also, the presently disclosed burp cloth can be made of any number of sides, or no sides per se such as with round- or elliptical-shaped and requires at least four layers. 
         [0202]    While various embodiments of the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example, although certain materials are mentioned by example, other materials may also be used. Persons of ordinary skill in this art may implement the disclosed principles by varying one or more of the characteristics of the disclosed principles described above, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages. 
         [0203]    Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” such claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.