Bath Cover for a Child

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/629,694, filed Apr. 8, 2024, entitled, “Bath Cover for a Child,” which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/579,773, filed Sep. 23, 2019, entitled, “Bath Cover for a Child” (U.S. Pat. No. 11,980,326 issued May 14, 2024), which is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/287,169, filed Oct. 6, 2016, entitled, “Bath Cover for a Child” (U.S. Pat. No. 10,595,681 issued Mar. 24, 2020), which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/774,475, filed on Jul. 6, 2007, now abandoned, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/819,216, having a filing date of Jul. 7, 2006, now expired. The disclosures of all applications listed above are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure relates generally to covers for children, and more particularly to bath covers for children.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for (e.g., bath accessories, etc.) and methods of bathing an infant, toddler, and/or adolescent (collectively referred to for purposes of the present disclosure as a child). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems for and methods of covering a portion of the child to warm, comfort or otherwise shield the child during a bathing process.

The process of bathing a child can be a pleasurable experience for the child due to the warmth and comfort of a well-arranged bath. Unfortunately, the process of bathing a child can also be a time of great anxiety, tension, and/or discomfort for the child. Such discomfort often results when the child is subjected to a sudden change in temperature, such as the temperature difference between the relatively warm bath water and the relatively cool ambient air.

In situations where the entire body of the child is substantially submersed within the bath water (except for the head of the child), the child is unlikely to notice the temperature difference between the bath water and the ambient air until it is time to get out of the bath (at which time the child may be wrapped in a dry towel to comfort the child). However, in situations where a significant portion of the child is exposed to the ambient air during the bath process while another portion is submersed within the bath water, the child is more likely to experience discomfort due to the temperature difference. Such discomfort may cause the child to cry or whine.

While it may be pleasurable for a child to be substantially submersed within a warm bath, such a position may not be reasonably practical for the parent or caretaker giving the child the bath. Parents and caretakers bathing a child often must use one hand to wash and rinse the child and the other hand to control the position of the child. Due to the slippery nature of administering a bath, there exists the potential for an accidental submersion of the head or face of the child. Using less water in the bath tub may reduce the likelihood of an accidental submersion. However, this results in having a substantial portion of the child exposed to ambient air during the bath process.

Various devices and bath tub assemblies have been introduced which are designed specifically to support and comfort a child during the bath process. These devices include pads, adjustable platforms, slings, or hammocks. Each device is configured to prop a child up and protect against accidental submersions of the head or face of the child. Unfortunately, the trade off with these devices and bath tub assemblies is that a portion of the child is exposed to the ambient air during the bathing process. For example, it is not uncommon for a substantial portion of the torso (e.g., chest, abdominal area, etc.) of the child to be exposed to the ambient air during the bathing process.

Thus, there is a need for a bath accessory for and method of covering a portion of a child undergoing a bath process that would otherwise be exposed to the relatively cool ambient air. There is also a need for a bath accessory for and method of covering a portion of a child that is suitable for use with a small child (e.g., infant, toddler, etc.). There is further a need for a bath accessory for and method of covering a portion of a child during a bath process. There is further a need for a bath accessory in the form of a bath cover that can be readily used to cover the child during the bathing process. There is further a need for a bath accessory and/or a bath cover addressing these and/or any other need.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be embodied in a bathing apparatus including a bath tub support and an absorbent fabric for covering a portion of the child while the child is supported by the bath tub support during a bathing process. The absorbent fabric includes an absorbent body portion coupled to the bath tub support. The body portion is configured to be positioned in direct contact with a skin of the child to warm the child while the child is supported by the bath tub support during the bathing process.

The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, a bath accessory for a child. The bath accessory includes a main portion formed of a relatively absorbent and soft material. The main portion is sized to cover a substantial portion of the torso of the child. The main portion defines an aperture (e.g., cutout portion, depression, etc.) configured to substantially conform to and be supported adjacent to the neck of the child. The bath accessory also includes a first support member and a second support member. The first and second support members are supported at the upper end of the main portion and are configured to drape over the shoulders of the child (one support member on each shoulder). The main portion is configured to receive and hold warm water in an attempt to comfort the child.

The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, a bath cover for use on a child during a bathing process. The bath cover includes a main portion formed of a relatively absorbent material and configured to at least partially cover the torso of the child, first and second support members supported at an upper portion of the main portion and configured to drape over the shoulders of the child for securing the bath cover to the child, and a gonadic portion supported at a lower portion of the main portion. The main portion, the first and second support members, and the gonadic portion are integrally formed to provide a one-piece unitary cover. The cover is configured to be placed upon the child during the bathing process to warm the child.

The present disclosure provides, in yet another aspect, a method of comforting a child during a bathing procedure involving a tub. The method includes the steps of dampening an absorbent cloth with water and placing the cloth over the torso of the child while the child is in the tub. The cloth includes a main portion and a support portion. The main portion is sized to substantially cover the torso of the child and includes an upper end having a contoured region configured to be supported adjacent to the neck of the child. The support portion includes a pair of support legs outwardly extending from the upper end, each support leg is configured to be positioned at a respective shoulder of the child. The method further includes the steps of positioning the main portion of the cloth over the torso of the child, positioning the contoured region adjacent to the neck of the child, and positioning each support leg at a respective shoulder of the child. The main portion of the cloth is at least partially maintained over the torso of the child by the pair of support legs interacting with the shoulders of the child.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the Figures, a bath cover and components thereof are shown according to exemplary embodiments. The bath cover (e.g., towel, cloth, drape, etc.), shown as a bath cover, is configured to warm or otherwise comfort a person (e.g., child, etc.) being bathed. Bath coveris formed of a relatively soft and flexible (e.g., conformable, pliable, etc.) material and generally comprises a main body portion and one or more support portions. The main body portion of bath coveris configured to at least partially cover a portion of the person that would otherwise be exposed to ambient air during the bathing process, while the one or more support portions are intended to assist in maintaining and/or securing the main body portion in its desired position on the person. Use of bath coveris intended to eliminate or at least reduce any discomfort (e.g., chill, uneasiness, etc.) that a person may experience when a first portion of the person is submersed in relatively warm water and a second portion of the person is exposed to the relatively cool ambient air (i.e., a typical occurrence when bathing a child).

According to one exemplary embodiment, at least the main body portion of bath coveris formed of a relatively absorbent material. Using a relatively absorbent material allows the main body portion to be saturated or otherwise dampened with water (either from the bath tub or a secondary source) to further assist in warming the person undergoing the bathing process.

Before discussing the details of the bath cover, and specifically bath cover, it should be noted at the outset that references to “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 Figures. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

It should also be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining or combining of two members (e.g., portions, layers, materials, components, etc.) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining or combining may be stationary (e.g., fixed, etc.) in nature and/or moveable (e.g., adjustable, etc.) in nature. Such joining or combining 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 should further be noted that while the exemplary embodiments of the bath cover are described and illustrated herein as a bath towel for covering a portion of the torso of a person while bathing (e.g., the chest, abdominal region, back, sides, etc.), and more particularly, as a bath towel for covering a portion of the torso of a person who is an infant, toddler, child, and/or adolescent (collectively referred to for purposes of the present disclosure as a “child”), the bath cover may also be configured to cover other areas of the child. For example, the bath cover may be configured to at least partially cover the head and/or extremity regions of a child, and/or any other area of the child that may benefit from being covered during the bathing process. Further, the bath cover may also be sized and configured to be used with persons other than children (e.g., adults).

Also, bath covermay be used regardless of the position of the child. For example, the child may be provided in a supine position wherein the child is positioned on his or her back with the legs of the child being straight or bent, a seated position wherein the child is positioned with his or her legs substantially perpendicular to his or her back, and/or a lateral position wherein the child is positioned on one side.

Referring initially to, bath coveris illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring toin particular, bath coveris shown as being draped over a child placed within a water-retaining device (shown as a bath tub). Bath tubis in the form of an elongated-shaped basin dimensioned to receive a child and configured to retain water. Bath tubfacilitates the immersion, bathing, and rinsing of the child while at least a portion of the child remains above the water level and exposed to the ambient air. The child is facing upward with his or her head at one of the tub and his or her feet at an opposite end. It should be noted that bathis shown for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Bath coveris suitable for use with any known or otherwise suitable water-retaining devices for bathing children. For example, bath coveris suitable for use with a water-retaining device configured to receive a sling or hammock which secures or otherwise supports a child during the bathing process.

is a front view showing bath coverin a relatively flattened or extended position. Bath covergenerally comprises a body portion (e.g., base, cover, central region, etc.), shown as a main portionand support portion (e.g., retaining device, etc.), shown as a first support legand a second support leg. Main portionis configured to at least partially cover the torso of a child (i.e., the portion of the child that would otherwise be exposed to the ambient air during the bathing process), while first support legand second support legare intended to assist in maintaining and/or securing main portionin its desired position on the child. First support legand second support legare shown as being integrally formed with main portionto provide a one-piece unitary cover. According to various alternative embodiments, first support legand second support legmay be formed separately from main portionand subsequently coupled thereto via any suitable fastening technique (e.g., stitching, thermal bonding, adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc.).

Main portionis shown as a substantially rectangular member having a first or upper portion, shown as a top region, a second or lower portion, shown as a bottom region, a third or front portion, shown as a front surface, and a fourth or rear portion, shown as a rear surface. Rear surfaceis intended to be placed against the skin of the child with top regionbeing positioned adjacent to (e.g., proximate, near, at, etc.) the neck of a child. Top regionincludes a configuration (e.g., shape, profile, etc.) suitable for allowing bath coverto receive or substantially conform to (e.g., wrap around, etc.) the contours of the neck of the child.

According to an exemplary embodiment, top regionis shown as having a cutout or missing portion (e.g., concave region, curvature, etc.), shown as a depression, that is shaped and dimensioned to substantially conform to the contours of the neck of a child.

Depressionis defined by an edgehaving a curvilinear shape (e.g., arcuate, semi-circular, etc.). The size and shape of depressionmay vary depending on a number of design criteria. For example, depressionmay be sufficiently sized and shaped to receive and/or accommodate a typical neck size range for children of a particular age (e.g., 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, etc.). According to various alternative embodiments, depressionmay be sufficiently sized and shaped to accommodate a wide range of children or a specific type of child. For example, depressionmay be sized and shaped to use with premature babies which are typically smaller than other babies. According to further alternative embodiments, the size and/or shape of depressionmay be adjustable by a user (e.g., may have an elastic edge, may have an adjustable drawstring or strap, may have an adjustable fastener such as hook and loop fasteners sold as VELCRO®, buttons or the like, etc.). According to a still further alternative embodiments, depressionmay have any of a variety of shapes, including shapes having linear portions, non-linear portions, or combinations thereof.

Main portionis generally formed of one or more layers of relatively absorbent materials. The type of material used may vary depending on various design criteria (e.g., softness, durability, absorbency, color, texture, etc.). For example, main portionmay be formed of any suitably absorbent natural fibers or fabrics (e.g., cotton, silk, wool, hemp, etc.) and/or synthetic materials (e.g., acrylics, polyester, microfiber, nylon, rayon, etc.). Main portionmay also be formed of, at least in part, a material configured to absorb heat so that it can stay relatively warm during the entire bathing process. Anyone of the aforementioned materials alone or in a combination of two or more of the materials may be used to form main portion.

According to one exemplary embodiment, main portionis formed of a cotton and/or silk fabric such as chenille, flannel, or terry cloth. It should be noted that the material used to form main portionis not limited to the aforementioned materials, and according to various alternative embodiments may be formed of any known or otherwise suitable material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the material used to form main portionis generally light and flexible to maximize workability for conforming, bending, folding, etc., or otherwise manipulating. The material may be formable (e.g., deformable) or compliant, and/or relatively “stretchable” (e.g., elastic). Preferably, the material provides softness or comfort to the child, and is easily cleaned and/or sanitized (e.g., washable, etc.).

Main portioncan have a wide range of thickness, weights and/or densities depending upon the desired absorbency and/or other design criteria of bath cover. Main portioncan also include materials differing in color, patterns, textures, images, etc. According to the embodiment illustrated in, main portionis formed of a first panel or materialfor defining front surfaceof main portionand a second panel or materialfor defining rear surfaceof main portion. Surrounding a peripheral edge of first materialand second materialis a binding(e.g., edging, etc.). Bindingmay assist in securing first materialrelative to second materialand/or may be provided for aesthetic purposes.

Supported at top regionof main portionare first support legand second support leg. First support legand second support legare configured to assist in securing bath coverin its desired position on the child. Without first support legand second support leg(or an equivalent structure included within the scope of the present application), the parent or caretaker giving the bath would likely have to use one hand to keep the bath towel in place.

First support legand second support legupwardly extend from top regionof main portionand are each defined at a periphery by a curvilinear edge. According to various alternative embodiment, first support legand second support legmay have any of a number of shapes and sizes depending on the various design criteria (e.g., the size of the child, the likely position of the child, etc.).

First support legand second support legmay be formed of the same or of a different material as main portion. According to an exemplary embodiment, first support legand second support legare formed of the same material as main portion. According to various alternative embodiments, first support legand second support legare formed of a slightly heavier or weighted material to assist in maintaining the legs on the shoulders of the child thereby allowing main portionto remain at its desired position. To further assist in maintaining the desired position of bath coveron the child, the rear surfaces of first support legand second support legmay include a friction generating feature (e.g., small rubber projections, varying texture, etc.).

According to the embodiment illustrated, first support legand second support legare configured to extend substantially straight back over the shoulders of the child (i.e., substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of main portion). More specifically, first support legand second support legare shown as extending slightly outward as they extend back over the shoulders of the child. Such a configuration is distinguishable over conventional baby bibs which typically include two extensions that are fastened behind the neck of the child.

Configuring first support legand second support legto rest on the shoulders of the child, without having their free ends coupled to one another, may allow bath coverto be easily applied to and removed from the child. According to various alternative embodiments, the free ends of first support legand second support legmay be coupled to each other or coupled to another structure (e.g., a bath tub, a sling or hammock within a bath tub, etc.) to assist in maintaining bath coverin a desired position on the child.

According to the embodiment illustrated, first support legand second support legare integrally formed with main portionto provide a one-piece unitary cover. According to various alternative embodiments, first support legand second support legmay be formed as separate components and subsequently coupled to main portion. First support legand second support legmay be coupled to main portionby an adhesive (e.g., a heat or pressure sensitive adhesive, etc.), thermal bonding (e.g., sonic welding, etc.), stitching, mechanical fasteners (e.g., clips, grommets, hook and loop fasteners sold as VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, zippers, etc.), or a combination of techniques, or any other known or otherwise suitable technique.

Referring further to, bath coveris further shown as generally comprising a member or portion (e.g., gonadic shield, extension, cover, etc.) intended to cover the gonadic area of the child. Such a portion, shown as a privacy flap, is supported at bottom regionof main portion. According to the embodiment illustrated, privacy flapis integrally formed with main portionto provide a one-piece unitary cover. According to various alternative embodiments, privacy flapmay be formed as a separate component and subsequently coupled to main portionusing techniques similar to those detailed above in relation to the support members.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the function of privacy flapis twofold. First, privacy flapis configured to further warm or otherwise comfort the child during the bath process by at least partially covering the gonadic area of the child (i.e., which may have heightened sensitivity). Second, privacy flapis configured to control the disposition of urine in the event that the child is unable to control urination during the bathing process. Such a feature may be particularly desirable to the person giving the bath since the likelihood of uncontrolled urination by a child is particularly increased when the child is subjected to sudden temperature changes such as when an unclothed child is partially placed within a warm bath. Although privacy flapmay be particularly effective for a male child, privacy flapis also effective for a female child.

The size and shape of privacy flapcan vary depending on various design criteria. According to the embodiment illustrated, privacy flapis a convex portion downwardly extending from bottom regionof main portion. Privacy flapis defined by a peripheral edge having a substantially continuous curvilinear shape. The peripheral edge includes first edgeconfigured to be positioned adjacent to an inner portion of the left leg of the child (e.g., upper left thigh, etc.) and a second edgeconfigured to be positioned adjacent to an inner portion of the right leg of the child (e.g., upper right thigh, etc.). While first edgeand secondare shown as extending in a substantially linear fashion at the locations where privacy flapis likely to contact the legs of the child, according to alternative embodiments, these portions may include additional curved edges to further conform to the contours of the legs of the child.

According to an exemplary embodiment, privacy flapis formed of the same material as main portionand is configured to absorb urine in the event of uncontrolled urination. According to various alternative embodiments, privacy flapmay be formed of or at least include a different material than main portion. For example, it may be desirable to include a relatively non-absorbent material at an outer rear surface (i.e., the surface adjacent to the child) of privacy flapintended to deflect the urine rather than absorb the urine. Such a configuration may prolong the usefulness of bath coverbefore becoming soiled. According to another alternative embodiment, it may be desirable to form privacy flapwith a relatively absorbent material and to include a relatively non-absorbent barrier or membrane between main portionand privacy flap. Such a barrier may inhibit urine captured by privacy flapfrom seeping upward into main portion.

Referring still further to, bath coveris further shown as generally comprising portions intended to cover the sides of the torso of the child. Such portions, shown as a left side extensionand a right side extension, are supported at left and right sides of main portionrespectively. According to the embodiment illustrated, left side extensionand right side extensionare integrally formed with main portionto provide a one-piece unitary cover. According to various alternative embodiments, left side extensionand right side extensionmay be formed as a separate components and subsequently coupled to main portion.

Left side extensionand right side extensionare configured to drape over or wrap around the sides of the child to further warm or otherwise comfort the child during the bath process.

The size and shape of left side extensionand right side extensioncan vary depending on various design criteria. According to the embodiment illustrated, left side extensionand right side extensionare convex portions outwardly extending from left and right sides of main portionrespectfully. Left side extensionis defined by a peripheral edgehaving a slight radius of curvature, while right side extensionis defined by a peripheral edgehaving a similar radius of curvature. According to various alternative embodiments, left side extensionand right side extensionmay have any of a number of suitable sizes and shapes having linear edges, non-linear edges, and/or combinations thereof.

According to an exemplary embodiment, left side extensionand right side extensionare formed of the same material as main portion. According to various alternative embodiments, left side extensionand right side extensionmay be formed of or at least include a different material than main portion. The bath covercan include a narrowed portiondisposed between the pair of side portions (i.e., the left side extensionand the right side extension) and the first and second support portions (i.e., the first support legand the second support leg), in accordance with various embodiments.

As indicated above in various portions of this disclosure, and as shown in embodiment illustrated, main portionis integrally formed with first and second support legs,, privacy flap, and left and right side extensions,to form a unitary one-piece cover. As such each feature is formed of the same material. A single piece of material may be used to create bath cover, but preferably multiple pieces of material are used to create bath cover. The use of multiple pieces may provide increased softness and comfort for the child. If more than one piece of material (e.g., fabric panel, etc.) is utilized to provide for bath towel, the plurality of materials may be coupled to each other using any known or otherwise suitable technique. For example, the materials may be coupled using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, thermal bonding, stitching, etc.

The overall dimensions of bath covercan vary. Bath covercan be sized to substantially cover a specific portion of the body upon which bath towel is placed or otherwise disposed over. According to an exemplary embodiment, bath coveris sized to cover the torso of a child ranging in age from 0 months to 18 months and has an overall length ranging between approximately 10 inches to approximately 24 inches and an overall width ranging between approximately 8 inches to approximately 15 inches. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “torso” is used broadly to refer to not only the front portion of a child, but also a back portion of child. For example,shows bath coverplaced over the back of a child who is in a seated position.

According to various alternative embodiments, bath covermay have a length and/or width sized larger or smaller than the aforementioned ranges. For example, bath covermay be configured to cover a portion of a child other than or in addition to the torso of the child (e.g., the head, extremities, etc.). According to a further example, bath covermay be configured to cover an adolescent or an adult and therefore have an enlarged length and/or width.

Referring to, a bath cover is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. For brevity, the description of the bath cover, shown as a bath towel, will be generally limited to its differences relative to bath coverdescribed above. For convenience, elements of bath towelthat are substantially similar to corresponding elements of bath coverwill be identified by the same reference numerals but preceded by a “1”.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in, bath towelis provided without privacy flapalong bottom regionof main portion. Such a configuration may be particularly applicable for situations in which the child being bath is sitting generally upright in a bath tub and bath towelis applied to the back torso portions of the child to warm or otherwise comfort the child (as shown in). Such a configuration may also be used to cover the chest or abdominal area of the child in the event that the child is laying down. Further, in such an embodiment, the length of main portionmay be extended to cover a lower portion of the child (e.g., legs, etc.).

Referring to, a bath cover is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. For brevity, the description of the bath cover, shown as a bath towel, will be generally limited to its differences relative to bath coverdescribed above. For convenience, elements of bath towelthat are substantially similar to corresponding elements of bath coverwill be identified by the same reference numerals but preceded by a “2”.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in, bath towelfurther includes an auxiliary or supplemental member (e.g., cord, string, leash, etc.), shown as a strap. Straphas a first endcoupled to bath toweland a second endthat is free. First endmay be coupled at any of a variety of locations on bath towel(e.g., main portion, first or second support legs,, etc.). According to the embodiment illustrated, first endis stitched to main portionto fixedly couple strapthereto. According to various alternative embodiments, strapmay be fixedly coupled to main portionusing any of a variety of known or otherwise suitable techniques. According to further alternative embodiments, strapmay be releasably coupled to main portion.