Patent Publication Number: US-11382828-B2

Title: Baby burping device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/673,290 filed May 18, 2018 to the above-named inventor, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM 
     Not Applicable 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to device to help “burp” a baby. In one aspect, the device is configured to secure and support the baby within a structure for contact by a mechanical arm to the upper back region of the baby to generally mimic the patting motion of caregiver frequently done after feeding to “burp” the baby. 
     BACKGROUND 
     While undertaking the care of an infant, it is often a common practice for parents to burp the baby after feeding or at a time when the infant appears to be uncomfortable. Generally, this burping is conducted by a caregiver by holding the baby in a prone position by using one hand or arm to support the upper torso region of the infant and using the second hand to gently pat or tap the back of the infant in an attempt to expel trapped air from the gastrointestinal system of the infant. Often when this trapped air is released, the baby makes a “burping” noise and appears to be more comfortable. The process of burping a baby can take several minutes and is often done multiple times a day, which adds to the caregiving burden for an infant. As caregiver&#39;s are often busy there is a need for help in aiding them in the task of burping in an infant in their care. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,071,410 entitled “Baby burp seat” discloses a tripod-like assembly for supporting a saddle for the receipt of an infant that is retained to the saddle with straps and belts. Although this device supports the infant in the prone position, it generally appears to be uncomfortable, wherein the infant is only supported along a portion of their torso with their head and neck not adequately supported. Further, this &#39;410 reference does not include any elements to aid in patting to induce burping and still generally requires the assistance of a care giver. 
     Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,325 entitled “AUTOMATIC BACK PATTER” discloses an automated device that is generally in the form of a back pack that is secured to the torso and aligned with the back of an induvial. The pack includes a power source coupled to a plurality of transmitting arms with connected patting heads configured to provide a percussive force in alternate motion between patting heads to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation of a wearer of the device. 
     Although these devices may be useful for their intended purpose, they lack several useful features specifically adapted for use by an infant and caregiver of an infant. 
     There exists a need within the marketplace for an improved baby burping device generally intended to be used by a caregiver to help burp a baby without the need hold and pat the infant during use. Preferably this device is adjustable, supports an infant along both their front and rear torso and head and neck body regions, is collapsible for easy transport, and includes integrated features to aid in keeping an area the device is used within clean and protected from spit-up or vomit during use of the device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, this disclosure is related to automated baby burping device configured to support an infant during patting by a mechanical arm. 
     In another aspect, this disclosure is related to a hands free baby burping device configured to secure the front and back torso and head and neck regions of an infant to enable repetitive and gentle contact to the back of an infant by a mechanical arm to express trapped air from the retained infant&#39;s gastrointestinal tract. 
     In yet another aspect, this disclosure is related to baby burping device configured for use in the automated patting of an infant retained within the device. The device includes a base portion configured to support the device, a resting portion configured to support a retained infant, and a movable arm configured for movement in a repetitive motion to contact the back of the retained infant in a “patting” motion. Alternately, the device may include a tray portion configured for placement on a surface the device is used upon and aligned with the mouth of the retained infant to collect any expectorant during use. The device is generally provided in a collapsible/foldable assembly for easy storage and transport when not in use. 
     The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view of the back of the device, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the front of the device, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of the side of the device, according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the device, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the device in an expanded position, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the device in the expanded position, according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the device, according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention. 
     As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. 
     Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention. 
     As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
     The disclosure of the present invention is most generally related to a device configured to aid a caregiver in “burping” a retained infant. “Burping” as used herein is generally defined as the process of expelling gas or air trapped within the gastrointestinal tract of an infant through their mouth by patting the back of the infant. Often this burping process and the resultant release of trapped air or gas soothes and comforts the infant. Accordingly, burping is most often conducted after feeding an infant and is undertaken several times a day. The device of the present disclosure is generally configured to perform the burping process on an infant by providing an ergonomic resting surface for retaining the infant during repetitive contact by an automated mechanical arm to expel trapped air. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7  of the baby burping device of the present disclosure generally referred to as device  10 . The device  10  including a base portion  100 , a resting portion  200 , and a movable arm portion  300  configured in a coupling to enable operation of the device  10 . The base portion  100  having a cylindrical shape configured to function as pivot point for the movable receipt of a pair of legs  110 ,  120  and the movable arm portion  300 . The base portion  100  having a first end  101  and a second end  102  opposite the first end  101 , the distance between the first end  101  and the second end  102  defining a width of the base portion  100 . Each of the first end  101  and the second end  102  having a leg  110 ,  120 . Each leg  110 ,  120  movably received on the base  100  and extending angularly outward relative to the width of the base portion  100  and perpendicular to the width of the base portion  100  and culminating in a foot  111 ,  121 . The angular fashion of the outward extension of the legs  110 ,  120  forming the support for the device  10  in use, wherein the legs  110 ,  120  and feet  111 ,  121  provide resting support for the device  10 . Accordingly, the distance of a second width between the opposed feet  111 ,  121  is greater than the distance of the width of the base portion  100 . Each foot  111 ,  121  of the feet providing additional surface area to the end of the legs  110 ,  120  to provide solid support to the device  10 . A bottom surface of each of these feet  111 ,  121  may include a gripping surface to increase the friction between each foot  111 ,  121  and the surface the device  10  is resting upon. Accordingly, this gripping surface may be comprised of, but not limited to, a rubber, a plastic, a silicone, a foam, a combination of these materials, or other similar material. 
     The movable receipt of the legs  110 ,  120  on the base portion  100  configured to pivot about the cylindrical base portion  100  from a collapsed position to active position, wherein the collapsed position enables the device  10  to be generally folded or compressed for storage and the active position enables the device  10  to be supported for use. 
     The base portion  100  further functioning as a housing for a motor (not pictured) internally received within the base portion  100  and operable via a switch  103 . A power source, either providing an alternate current or direct current, is coupled to the motor to provide power to operate the motor. The motor selected to perform a repetitive back and forth motion, to mimic a “patting” motion upon activation by the switch  103 . Accordingly, the motor selected can be of any type configured to facilitate this motion, including, but not limited to, brushed, brushless, direct drive, linear, servo, and stepper motors. 
     The resting portion  200  generally configured to support an infant placed in a prone position during use of the device  10 . The resting portion  200  generally in a fixed coupling with the base portion  100  at a fixed end  201  and extending a length to a free end  202  opposite the fixed end  201 . The resting portion  200  having a planar surface  203  to support the upper torso portion of the infant. Accordingly, the infant when placed within the device will lay on the planar surface in the prone position and generally rest upon and be supported by the planar surface  203 . The planar surface  203  may be constructed of a softened and padded material to provide a comfortable resting surface. The planar surface having a first end  231  adjacent the fixed end  201  and a second end  232  distal the fixed end  201  and generally adjacent the free end  202 , wherein the distance between the first end  231  and second end  232  defines a length of the planar surface  203 . 
     The resting portion  200  including a pair of movable under arm supports  204 . The pair of under arm supports  204  configured for adjustment to accommodate varying sizes and body proportions of an infant received within the device  10 . The pair of under arm supports  204  positioned on opposed sides of the resting portion  200  planar surface  203  at a position generally aligned with the armpit region/area of the retained infant. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each underarm support  204  of the pair of underarm supports  204  is rotationally received on an underside of the planar surface  203 , wherein this rotational receipt enables movement of the underarm supports  204  along the length of the planar surface  203 . 
     The free end  202  of the resting support  200  generally configured to support the head and neck region of the retained infant through a headrest  220 . The headrest  220  generally forming a padded surface to receive the forehead of the retained infant. The headrest  220  spaced apart from the second end  232  of the planar surface  203  to define an opening  221  for the placement of the face of the retained infant. 
     The resting portion  200  as is seen in  FIG. 5-6 , is configured for adjustment wherein it is movable to an extended position along the length to allow the device  10  to fit several lengths and sizes of infants. Accordingly, the resting portion  200  is movable relative to the connection with the base portion  100  at a pair of locations along the length. The first location positioned between the fixed end  201  and the first end  231  of the planar surface  203  and the second location between the second end  232  of the planar surface  203  and the free end  202 , wherein the first end  231  is movable away from the fixed end  201  and the free end  202  is movable away from the planar surface  203  opposite the fixed end  201 . 
     The movable arm portion  300  movably received on the base portion  100  opposite the legs  110 ,  120  with the resting portion  200  positioned on the base portion  100  between the legs  110 ,  120  and the movable arm portion  300 . The movable arm  300  having an outer retaining member  301  and inner arm  302 . The outer retaining member  301  having an attached end  310  and free end  320 . The outer retaining member  301  configured for movement about the central portion  100  and generally capable of moving to a position adjacent to the rear torso or back area of the infant when placed on the planar surface  203  to generally retain the infant in the device  10  and on the planar surface  203 . The outer retaining member  301  is configured for adjustment wherein it is movable to an extended position along a length between the attached end  310  and the free end  320  to allow the device  10  to fit several lengths and sizes of infants. Accordingly, the outer retaining member  301  is movable relative to the connection with the base portion  100  at a location along the length of the outer retaining member  301 . 
     The inner arm  302  of the movable arm portion  300  generally positioned at an interior space of the outer retaining member  301  for alignment with a central area of the upper rear torso or upper back area of the infant, wherein the inner arm  302  is configured to simulate a “burping” action. Accordingly, the inner arm  302  having a first end  320  affixed to the motor and a second end  321  positioned distal the first end, with the distance between the first end  320  and the second end  321  defining a length of the inner arm  302 . The length adjustable wherein it is movable to an extended position between the first end  320  and the second end  321  to allow the device  10  to fit several lengths and sizes of infants and be adjusted to be in proper alignment with the upper rear torso of the infant. Accordingly, the inner arm  302  is extendable relative to the connection with the base portion  100  at a location along the length of the inner arm  302 . 
     Movement of the inner arm  302  pivoting about the base portion  100  in a direction towards the planar surface  203  and away from the planar surface  203  directionally opposite the legs  110 ,  120  in a back and forth motion to simulate “burping”. Accordingly, the switch  103  controls the motor to change the frequency of the movement of the inner arm  302 , wherein it moves in a faster or slower back and forth motion. In use of the device  10 , the user will operate the switch  103  to activate the motor to control movement of the second end  321  to soothe the retained infant. 
     The second end  321  having a bulbous shape  3211  having a padded region aligned with the infant for contact to simulate a human hand, wherein contact with the infant is gentle, but firm. Accordingly, the second end  321  contacts the infant in a repetitive motion in an attempt to expel the trapped air and gas within the gastrointestinal tract of the infant. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the device  10  includes a tray  400  configured to capture expelled fluids, spit-up, or vomit from the retained infant during use. The tray  400  having a size and shape configured for placement between the legs  110 ,  120  and aligned with the opening  221 , wherein the tray  400  is positioned in the preferred position for capturing the expelled fluids. The tray  400  constructed out of a transparent material to allow for the placement of an item  402  under the tray  400 , wherein the item  402  is visible to the retained infant. The item  402  including, but not limited to, a personal electronic device, such as a tablet, a photograph, or other visible medium configured to attract the attention of the infant. To facilitate the placement of the item, the tray includes a leg member  401  to raise the tray  400  above a surface the device  10  is placed upon to allow for placement of the item  402  under the tray  400  for viewing. 
     While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.