U.S. patent application number 13/906516 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for disposable medical gowns.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICP Medical, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company. Invention is credited to Joseph A. Graneto, III.
Application Number | 20130318682 13/906516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668447 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130318682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graneto, III; Joseph A. |
December 5, 2013 |
DISPOSABLE MEDICAL GOWNS
Abstract
A disposable medical gown includes a front portion, at least one
arm portion coupled to and extending from the front portion, at
least one side portion coupled to the front portion, and a
releasably engageable strap coupled to the at least one side
portion. The front portion and the at least one side portion are
configured to define a cavity portion of the disposable medical
gown. The releasably engageable strap is configured to extend about
the at least one side portion and couple to the front portion.
Inventors: |
Graneto, III; Joseph A.;
(Dallas, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICP Medical, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49668447 |
Appl. No.: |
13/906516 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61654856 |
Jun 2, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2400/44 20130101;
A41D 2400/52 20130101; A41D 13/1209 20130101; A41D 13/1236
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/114 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/12 20060101
A41D013/12 |
Claims
1. A disposable medical gown comprising a front portion, at least
one arm portion coupled to and extending from the front portion, at
least one side portion coupled to the front portion, the front
portion and the at least one side portion configured to define a
cavity portion of the disposable medical gown, and a releasably
engageable strap coupled to the disposable medical gown, the
releasably engageable strap configured to extend about the at least
one side portion and couple to a portion of the gown without
tying.
2. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the front portion
includes a first edge and a second edge opposing the first edge,
wherein the at least one arm portion is a first arm portion
extending from the first edge of the front portion, the disposable
medical gown further comprising a second arm portion coupled to and
extending from the second edge of the front portion.
3. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the front portion
includes a first edge and a second edge opposing the first edge,
wherein the at least one side portion is a first side portion
extending from the first edge of the front portion, the disposable
medical gown further comprising a second side portion coupled to
and extending from the second edge of the front portion.
4. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the disposable
medical gown is an over the head disposable medical gown
5. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the disposable
medical gown is a full coverage disposable medical gown.
6. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the disposable
medical gown is a partial coverage disposable medical gown.
7. The disposable medical gown of claim 6 wherein the releasably
engageable strap is releasably coupled to the at least one arm
portion.
8. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the disposable
medical gown includes one or more perforations.
9. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the releasably
engageable strap is detachably coupled to the disposable medical
gown.
10. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the at least one
arm portion includes an elastic strip configured to restrict excess
material of the at least one arm portion.
11. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the at least one
arm portion includes a plurality of openings, each opening
configured to receive one or more fingers of a user of the
disposable medical gown.
12. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the disposable
medical gown includes an impervious pad configured to substantially
protect a user of the disposable medical gown.
13. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 wherein the disposable
medical gown is formed monolithically with the front portion, the
at least one side portion, the at least one arm portion and the
releasably engageable strap.
14. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 further comprising a
first adhesive portion coupled to the releasably engageable strap,
the first adhesive portion configured to couple the releasably
engageable strap to the front portion of the disposable medical
gown.
15. The disposable medical gown of claim 14 wherein the adhesive
portion comprises one of a VELCRO or tape section.
16. The disposable medical gown of claim 1 further comprising a
second adhesive portion coupled to the front portion, the second
adhesive portion configured to secure the disposable medical gown
in a folded position.
17. A method of securing a disposable medical gown on a user, the
disposable medical gown including a front portion having opposing
side edges, two arm portions, two side portions, each arm portion
and each side portion coupled to an opposing side edge of the front
portion, and a releasably engageable strap coupled to the
disposable medical gown, the releasably engageable strap including
an adhesive portion, the method comprising: (a) extending one arm
portion of the two arm portions around the one side portion of the
disposable medical gown, (b) extending another arm portion of the
two arm portions around another one of the two side portions of the
disposable medical gown, (c) extending the releasably engageable
strap coupled to the disposable medical gown about the side
portions, and (d) coupling the releasably engageable strap to the
front portion via the adhesive portion.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein extending the arm portions
around the side portions substantially covers a rear portion of the
user with the side portions.
19. A method of disposing of a disposable medical gown on a user,
the disposable medical gown including a front portion including an
adhesive portion and having opposing side edges, two arm portions,
two side portions, each arm portion and each side portion coupled
to an opposing side edge of the front portion, and a releasably
engageable strap coupled to the disposable medical gown, the method
comprising: (a) applying a force to the disposable medical gown to
tear one or more perforated portions positioned on the disposable
medical gown (b) rolling/folding the disposable medical gown upon
itself, and (c) coupling the adhesive portion of the front portion
to the rolled/folded disposable medical gown to secure the
rolled/folded disposable medical gown.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the adhesive portion is
positioned on an interior side of the front portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/654,856, filed on Jun. 2, 2012, which is
expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference
thereto.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to disposable medical
gowns.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Disposable medical gowns are infection control products
utilized by health care professionals and visitors to control the
spread of infectious germs, viruses, diseases, etc. and/or other
non-desirable communicable conditions.
[0005] When a disposable medical gown is removed from a person, a
strap attached to the gown is untied. This allows germs or viruses
to engage the clothing of the person based on contact between a
person's hand untying the strap and the clothing of the person
wearing the gown. Further, untying the strap may expose the
clothing of the person wearing the gown to stains based on any
medical compounds that are present on the hands, surgical gloves,
etc. of the person untying the strap.
SUMMARY
[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0007] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are generally
directed toward disposable medical gowns. In one example
embodiment, a disposable medical gown includes a front portion, at
least one arm portion coupled to and extending from the front
portion, at least one side portion coupled to the front portion,
and a releasably engageable strap coupled to the disposable medical
gown. The front portion and the at least one side portion are
configured to define a cavity portion of the disposable medical
gown. The releasably engageable strap is configured to extend about
the at least one side portion and couple to the front portion.
[0008] In another example embodiment, a method of securing a
disposable medical gown on a user is disclosed. The disposable
medical gown includes a front portion having opposing side edges,
two arm portions, two side portions, and a releasably engageable
strap coupled to the disposable medical gown. The releasably
engageable strap includes an adhesive portion. Each arm portion and
each side portion are coupled to an opposing side edge of the front
portion. The method includes extending one arm portion of the two
arm portions around the one side portion of the disposable medical
gown, extending another arm portion of the two arm portions around
another one of the two side portions of the disposable medical
gown, extending the releasably engageable strap coupled to the one
side portion about the other side portion, and coupling the
releasably engageable strap to the front portion via the adhesive
portion.
[0009] In yet another example embodiment, a method of disposing of
a disposable medical gown on a user is disclosed. The disposable
medical gown includes a front portion having an adhesive portion
and opposing side edges, two arm portions, two side portions, and a
releasably engageable strap coupled to the disposable medical gown.
Each arm portion and each side portion are coupled to an opposing
side edge of the front portion. The method includes applying a
force to the disposable medical gown to tear one or more perforated
portions positioned on the disposable medical gown, rolling/folding
the disposable medical gown upon itself, and coupling the adhesive
portion of the front portion to the rolled/folded disposable
medical gown to secure the rolled/folded disposable medical
gown.
[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of a disposable medical gown
according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the disposable medical gown of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the disposable medical gown of FIG.
1 on a user.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the disposable medical gown of FIG.
4 having a releasably engageable strap extending about the
user.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of the disposable medical gown of
FIG. 5 having the releasably engageable strap coupled to the
disposable medical gown.
[0018] FIG. 7 is the disposable medical gown of FIG. 1
folded/rolled for disposal.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front view of a disposable medical gown
according to another example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the disposable medical gown of FIG.
8.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG.
9.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the disposable medical gown of
FIG. 8 on a user.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the disposable medical gown of
FIG. 11 having a releasably engageable strap extending about the
user.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front view of the disposable medical gown of
FIG. 12 having the releasably engageable strap coupled to the
disposable medical gown.
[0025] FIG. 14 is the disposable medical gown of FIG. 8
folded/rolled for disposal.
[0026] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0030] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0031] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do
not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the
context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example embodiments.
[0032] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0033] Example embodiments of gowns are provided herein, where the
gowns may be used, for example, in medical settings, etc. And, as
will be apparent, the teachings of the present disclosure can be
implemented in a wide variety of gowns (e.g., disposable gowns,
full coverage gowns, over-the-head gowns, etc.). Further, example
embodiments of the gowns can be worn by users without tying straps,
etc. And still further, example embodiments of the gowns can be
easily disposed following removal from users.
[0034] A disposable medical gown according to one example
embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7
and indicated generally by reference number 100. The disposable
medical gown 100 includes a front portion 102, at least one arm
portion coupled to and extending from the front portion 102, at
least one side portion coupled to the front portion 102, and a
releasably engageable strap 112 coupled to the at least one side
portion. The front portion 102 and the at least one side portion is
configured to define a cavity portion of the disposable medical
gown 100. The releasably engageable strap 112 is configured to
extend about the at least one side portion and couple to the front
portion 102 without tying (e.g., to close the gown 100 without
tying when the gown 100 is worn by a user, etc.). In other example
embodiments, gowns can include straps coupled to portions of the
gowns other than side portions and/or straps configured to couple
to portions of the gowns other than front portions.
[0035] In the examples of FIGS. 1-7, the at least one arm portion
includes two arm portions 108, 110 and the at least one side
portion includes two side portions 104, 106. Each arm portion 108,
110 and each side portion 104, 106 extends from an opposing side
edge of the front portion 102.
[0036] The arm portions 108, 110 (e.g., sleeves, etc.) are
configured to receive a user's arm. Each arm portion 108, 110
includes openings 114a, 114b, 116a, 116b. Each opening is
configured to receive one or more fingers of the user of the
disposable medical gown 100 when worn by the user. For example, the
openings 114a, 114b are configured for one of the user's fingers
(e.g., the user's thumb, etc.) and the openings 116a, 116b are
configured for the user's remaining fingers.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the openings 114a, 116a and the
openings 114b, 116b each define a strap 118a, 118b which engages
each hand of the user in the area between one of the user's fingers
(e.g., the user's thumb, etc.) and the user's remaining fingers
when the gown 100 is worn by the user. The openings 114a, 114b,
116a, 116b and the straps 118a, 118b give the arm portions 108, 110
a glove-like quality and operate to prevent the arm portions 108,
110 from creeping up the arm of the user. Such features not only
operate to make the disposable medical gown 100 more pleasant to
wear, but help reduce the spreading of germs, viruses, and the
like, by providing substantially complete arm coverage.
[0038] The arm portions 108, 110 may further include elastic strips
120, 122 extending along the arm portions 108, 110. The elastic
strips 120, 122 are configured to restrict excess material of the
arm portions 108, 110. The elastic strips 120, 122 may also prevent
the arm portions 108, 110 from creeping up the arm or getting in
the way of the user during use of the disposable medical gown
100.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the elastic strip 120 is positioned
proximate the user's wrist (when the disposable medical gown 100 is
worn) while the elastic strip 122 extends along a length of the arm
portions 108, 110. The elastic strips 120, 122 may be positioned
into the arm portions 108, 110, coupled to the arm portions 108,
110, or otherwise included as part of the gown 100 during
manufacturing or alternatively, after manufacturing. Further the
elastic strips 120, 122 may be positioned into, coupled to, etc.
the arm portions 108, 110 using a heat sealing process, stitching,
adhesive, etc.
[0040] As shown FIG. 1, the front portion 102 and the arm portions
108, 110 may include impervious pads 124, 126 configured to protect
the user from fluids, liquids, etc. that may be present, or may
become present in an infection control environment. The impervious
pads 124, 126 may be any suitable size and attached to the
disposable medical gown 100 in any suitable orientation. Further,
the impervious pads 124, 126 may be attached to the disposable
medical gown 100 in any suitable manner, including heat sealing
processes, stitching, adhesive, etc.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, in the illustrated
embodiment a first end of the releasably engageable strap 112 is
coupled to the side portion 106 (although it could be coupled to,
formed with, etc. other portions of the gown as desired). In some
embodiments (and as further explained below), the first end of the
releasably engageable strap 112 may be detachably coupled to the
side portion 106. The releasably engageable strap 112 may be
coupled (or detachably coupled) to the side portion 106 in any
suitable manner, including by a perforated material, a weak seam, a
heat seal, stitches, an adhesive, a lightweight elastic band,
etc.
[0042] Further, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5,
the releasably engageable strap 112 is releasably coupled to the
arm portion 110. This allows the releasably engageable strap 112 to
have a proximate relationship with the arm portion 110 and in turn
can provide a user greater ease when securing the disposable
medical gown 100 to oneself.
[0043] The releasably engageable strap 112 may be coupled to the
arm portion 110 via a feeble joint. For example, the feeble joint
may include a perforated material, a weak seam, a heat seal,
stitches, an adhesive, a lightweight elastic band, etc. This allows
a user to apply a force to the feeble joint to release the strap
112 from the arm portion 110 when desired to secure the gown 100 on
the user (e.g., releasably couple the strap to the gown without
tying the strap 112 to thereby secure the gown 100 on the user,
etc.).
[0044] In other embodiments, the releasably engageable strap 112 is
not coupled to the arm portion 110. Thus, this allows the
releasably engageable strap 112 to hang from the side portion 106
of the gown 100, or any other desired portion of the gown 100.
[0045] In still other embodiments, the releasably engagement strap
112 may be coupled to other portions of the gown (e.g., a side
portion 104, 106, etc.) via a feeble joint.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the illustrated embodiment the
releasably engageable strap 112 extends about the side portions
104, 106 and couples to the front portion 102 when the gown 100 is
closed and worn by a user. In particular, a second end (opposing
the first end) of the releasably engageable strap 112 is coupled to
the front portion 102 of the gown 100 without tying any portion of
the strap 112. The releasably engageable strap 112 may couple to
the front portion 102 in any suitable manner, including by a heat
seal, an adhesive, a pin (e.g., a safety pin), etc. In the example
embodiment of FIG. 6, the releasably engageable strap 112 is
coupled to the front portion 102 via an adhesive portion 128. The
adhesive portion 128 may include, for example, tape (e.g.,
one-sided tape, two-sided tape, etc.), glue, VELCRO, epoxy resin,
bonding agent, pressure sensitive adhesive, etc.
[0047] The releasably engageable strap 112 may include the adhesive
portion 128. For example, the adhesive portion 128 may be
permanently coupled to the releasably engageable strap 112. In
other embodiments, the adhesive portion 128 may be a
removable/replaceable adhesive that is coupled to the releasably
engageable strap 112. This allows a user to remove the adhesive
portion 128 from the strap 112 and then recouple the adhesive
portion 128 to the strap 112 in any desirable location. As can be
seen, such a fastening system of the strap 112 allows the strap 112
to hold the gown 100 closed around a user and also allows the gown
100 to be worn by various different sizes of users. In other
embodiments, the front portion 102 may include an adhesive section
to which the releasably engageable strap 112 may be coupled or an
adhesive section which works in conjunction with the adhesive
portion 128 of the releasably engageable strap 112. For example,
the adhesive portion 128 may include VELCRO hooks and the front
portion may include a section having VELCRO loops or vice
versa.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6, in the illustrated
embodiment the adhesive portion 128 is coupled to a back (or rear)
portion of the releasably engageable strap 112. Alternatively, the
adhesive portion 128 may be coupled to a front portion of the
releasably engageable strap 112. Further, the adhesive portion 128
may be positioned within the releasably engageable strap 112, thus
exposing the adhesive portion 128 to the back portion and the front
portion of the releasably engageable strap 112. This allows a user
to access the adhesive portion 128 from the back portion or the
front portion of the releasably engageable strap 112.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 the front portion 102
may include an adhesive portion 130 configured to secure the
disposable medical gown 100 in a folded position, rolled up
position, enclosed position, etc. FIG. 7 illustrates the secured
gown 100 in the folded position, rolled up position, enclosed
position. The adhesive potion 130 may include, for example, tape
(e.g., one-sided tape, two-sided tape, etc.) which in certain
embodiments may be similar to diaper tape, glue, epoxy resin,
bonding agent, pressure sensitive adhesive, VELCRO, etc. In other
example embodiments, gowns may include other feature(s) to help
secure the gown in a rolled up position such as, for example, heat
seals, pins (e.g., safety pins), other mechanical fasteners,
etc.
[0050] The adhesive portion 130 may be permanently coupled to the
front portion 103. In other embodiments, the adhesive portion 130
may be a removable/replaceable adhesive that is coupled to the
front portion 102. This allows a user to remove the adhesive from
the front portion 102 and then recouple the adhesive portion 130 to
the front portion 102 in any desirable location.
[0051] The adhesive portion 130 may be coupled to an interior
portion of the front portion 102 or to an exterior portion of the
front portion 102. Further, the adhesive portion 130 may be
positioned within the front portion 102, thus exposing the adhesive
portion 130 to the interior portion and the exterior portion of the
front portion 102. This allows a user to access the adhesive
portion 130 from the interior portion or the exterior portion of
the front portion 102.
[0052] The disposable medical gown 100 may include one or more
perforations located as desired around the gown 100. The
perforations may extend through the material from which the gown is
fabricated. As further explained below, the perforations are useful
in removal of the gown 100.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the arm portions 108, 110 may be
coupled to an upper rear portion 136 via perforations 134 to allow
a user to rip the gown material when removing the gown 100 (e.g.,
and pull the gown forward, etc.). The length of the perforations
134 may extend less or more than about six inches. In another
embodiment, the perforations 134 may extend about three inches in
length. In other embodiments, the perforations 134 may extend any
suitable distance to allow a user to rip the gown material at the
perforations 134 when removing the gown 100. In still other
embodiments, gowns may include fasteners in place of upper rear
portions to form neck openings in the gowns, where the fasters are
configured to break away from the gowns when desired to remove the
gowns from users.
[0054] Further, as shown FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the releasably
engageable strap 112 of the illustrated embodiment may be coupled
to the side portion 106 via perforations 132 to allow a user to rip
the gown material when removing the gown 100. Thus, the releasably
engageable strap 112 may be detachably coupled to the side portion
106. The length of the perforations 132 may extend less or more
than about three inches. In another embodiment, the perforations
132 may extend about 2 inches in length. In other embodiments, the
perforations 132 may extend any suitable distance to allow a user
to rip the gown material at the perforations 132 when removing the
gown 100. Alternatively, the releasably engageable strap 112 may be
detachably coupled to the side portion 106 by a weak seam, a heat
seal, an adhesive, etc.
[0055] The disposable medical gown 100 may be an over the head
disposable medical gown. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the
front portion 102, the upper rear portion 136 and the arm portions
108, 110 define an opening 138 configured to receive a user's head.
The opening 138 may be substantially circular, substantially oval
shaped or any other suitable shape to receive a user's head.
Further, the opening 138 may be entirely enclosed, substantially
enclosed, partially enclosed, etc.
[0056] Further, the illustrated disposable medical gown 100 is a
partial coverage disposable medical gown. That is, when in use, the
gown 100 does not extend entirely around the backside of a user.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the side portions 104, 106 extend
about the backside of the user. However, the side portions 104, 106
do not touch, overlap, etc.
[0057] FIGS. 8-14 illustrate another example embodiment of a
disposable medical gown 200. The disposable medical gown 200
includes a front portion 202, two arm portions 208, 210 coupled to
and extending from the front portion 202, two side portions 204,
206 coupled to the front portion 202, upper rear portions 236a, b,
and a first end of a releasably engageable strap 212 coupled to the
front portion 202 (although it could be coupled to any other
desired portion of the gown 200 within the scope of the present
disclosure). The front portion 202 and the side portions 204, 206
are configured to define a cavity portion of the disposable medical
gown 200 for a user.
[0058] Similar to the disposable medical gown 100, the disposable
medical gown 200 may be an over the head disposable medical gown.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 7-13, the front portion 202, the arm
portions 208, 210, the side portions 204, 206 and the upper rear
portions 236a, b, define an opening 238 configured to receive a
user's head. The opening 238 may be substantially circular,
substantially oval shaped or any other suitable shape to receive a
user's head. Further, the opening 238 may be entirely enclosed,
substantially enclosed, partially enclosed, etc.
[0059] Further, the illustrated disposable medical gown 200 is a
full coverage disposable medical gown. That is, when in use, the
gown 200 extends substantially entirely around the backside of a
user substantially enclosing the cavity portion of the disposable
medical gown 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
side portions 204, 206 may extend substantially entirely about the
backside of the user. Thus, the side portions 204, 206 may touch,
overlap, form a seam, etc. to provide the full coverage for the
user of the gown 200.
[0060] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, an edge
of the side portion 204 and edge of the side portion 206 are
coupled to form a seam 240, thus entirely enclosing the cavity
portion of the disposable medical gown 200 around a user.
Alternatively, the disposable medical gown 200 may extend
substantially entirely around the backside of the user,
substantially around the sides of the user, etc. Further, in other
example embodiments, edges of side portions of gowns may wrap
around and overlap when the gowns are worn by users.
[0061] Further, the illustrated disposable medical gown 200 may
include one or more perforations. The perforations may extend
through the material from which the gown is fabricated. As further
explained below, the perforations are useful in removal of the gown
200. The perforations may be positioned at any suitable location
including, for example, along the seam 240 and between the arm
portions 208, 210, side portions 204, 206 and/or front portion 202,
etc. Alternatively, the disposable medical gown 200 may include any
suitable feature to assist in removal of the gown 200, including a
weak seam, a heat seal, an adhesive, detachable fasteners,
breakaway fasteners, etc.
[0062] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the arm
portions 208, 210 and/or the side portions 204, 206 may be coupled
to the upper rear portions 236a, b via perforations 234 to allow a
user to rip the gown material when removing the gown 200. The
length of the perforations 234 may extend less or more than about
six inches. In another embodiment, the perforations 234 may extend
about three inches in length. In other embodiments, the
perforations 234 may extend any suitable distance to allow a user
to rip the gown material at the perforations 234 when removing the
gown 200.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, the first end of the releasably
engageable strap 212 is coupled to the front portion 202 (although
it could be coupled to another portion of the gown 200 as desired).
In some embodiments, the first end of the releasably engageable
strap 112 may be detachably coupled to the front portion 202. The
releasably engageable strap 212 may be coupled (or detachably
coupled) to the front portion 202 in any suitable manner, including
by a perforated material, a weak seam, a heat seal, stitches, an
adhesive, a lightweight elastic band, etc.
[0064] Further, the releasably engageable strap 212 may be coupled
to the front portion 210 for a desired distance. For example, as
shown in FIG. 8, the releasably engageable strap 212 is coupled to
the front portion 202 from a center of the front portion 202 to an
edge of the front portion 202 (e.g., adjacent to the side portion
206, etc.). This feature causes the releasably engageable strap 212
to maintain a substantially horizontal direction about the front
portion 202. This provides a user greater ease when securing the
disposable medical gown 200 to oneself.
[0065] Alternatively, the releasably engageable strap 212 may be
coupled to the gown 200 at any suitable location, including only at
the center of the front portion 202, only at the edge of the front
portion 202 (e.g., adjacent to the side portion 206), on the side
portions 204, 206, etc.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the releasably engageable strap
212 extends about the side portions 204, 206 and couples, without
tying, to the front portion 202 when used to secure the gown 200
around a user (although the strap 212 may be coupled to another
portion of the gown 200, other than the front portion 202, to
secure the gown 200 around a user as desired). In particular, a
second end (opposing the first end) of the releasably engageable
strap 212 in the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the front
portion 202 without tying the strap 212. The releasably engageable
strap 212 may couple to the front portion 202 in any suitable
manner including by a heat seal, an adhesive, a pin (e.g., a safety
pin), etc. In the example of FIG. 13, the releasably engageable
strap 212 is coupled to the front portion 202 via the adhesive
portion 128 (as previously described).
[0067] Each arm portion 208, 210 (e.g., sleeves) may include the
elastic strip 120, the elastic strip 122, the impervious pad 126,
openings 114a, 114b, 116a, 116b and straps 118a, 118b as described
above with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Further, the front portion 202
may include the impervious pad 124 and the adhesive 130 as
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7. In addition, as shown
in FIG. 14, the adhesive 130 (as described with reference to FIGS.
1-7) may also be employed to secure the gown 200 in the folded
position, rolled up position, enclosed position, etc. upon removal
from a user.
[0068] The disposable medical gowns (e.g., gown 100, 200) described
herein may be secured on a user without the need for tying the
straps (e.g., straps 112, 212, etc.) of the gown. This can make
securing the gowns around the users easier, and can help inhibit
possible contamination of the users and/or gowns when securing
them.
[0069] For example, to wear an example gown (e.g., gown 100, 200,
etc.) of the present disclosure, the user inserts his/her head
within the opening (e.g., the opening 138, 238, etc.) and his/her
arms into the arm portions (e.g., the arm portions 108, 110, 208,
210). The user may utilize the openings (e.g., the openings 114a,
114b, 116a, 116b) of the arm portions by inserting his/her fingers
in the openings if desired.
[0070] Then the user extends one of his/her arms (within the arm
portion) around one of the side portions (e.g., side portions 104,
106, 204, 206) to a rear portion of the gown. The user then may
extend the other of his/her arms (within the arm portion) around
the other one of the side portions to the rear of the gown. This
allows the side portions of the gown to extend about and
substantially cover the rear portion of the user.
[0071] The user then may position the releasably engageable strap
(e.g., the releasably engageable straps 112, 212) about the side
portions of the gown to position the gown around the user.
Depending on the gown design, the first end of the releasably
engageable strap may be coupled to a front portion of the gown, a
side portion of the gown, etc. For example, the user may extend the
releasably engageable strap with one arm to a rear portion of the
gown and then extend the releasably engageable strap with the other
arm to a front portion (e.g., the front portion 102, 202) of the
gown. Thus, in some embodiments, the releasably engageable strap
may extend entirely around the rear portion of the user.
[0072] The user then may couple the second end (opposing the first
end) of the releasably engageable strap to any desired portion of
the gown so that the gown fits comfortably around the user (e.g.,
the front portion of the gown, etc.). Alternatively, and depending
on the user, the second end of the releasably engageable strap may
couple to one of the side portions of the gown, the rear portion of
the gown, etc. (again, depending on the size of the user and so
that the gown comfortably fits around the user).
[0073] The second end of the releasably engageable strap may couple
to the front portion via an adhesive portion (e.g., the adhesive
portion 128) or by any other suitable means (e.g., any of the means
discussed herein, etc.).
[0074] By employing the releasably engageable strap, the user may
secure the gown to oneself with ease, without assistance from other
individuals, without tying the strap, etc. This is essential if the
user has already scrubbed, disinfected, etc. oneself and the gown
is sterile. Accordingly, by securing the gown by oneself, the
spread of germs, bacterial, etc. between the user and the other
individuals is reduced.
[0075] In addition, the disposable medical gowns (e.g., the gowns
100, 200) described herein may be disposed (e.g., removed) from a
user. The user may apply a force to the disposable medical gown to
tear, rip, disengage, etc. one or more portions of the disposable
medical gown. For example, the force may be applied adjacent a
portion of the gown that may include a feeble area. The feeble area
may include one or more perforated portions, a weak seam, a heat
seal, an adhesive, stitches, a lightweight elastic band, etc. By
applying force to the feeble area, the user is able to remove the
gown without forcefully pulling, shaking, etc. the gown. Thus, less
germs, bacterial, etc. are extracted from the gown, and injuries to
users may be avoided.
[0076] After removing the gown, the user then may roll, fold, etc.
the gown upon itself. This ensures germs, bacterial, etc. are
maintained within the rolled, folded, etc. gown.
[0077] The rolled, folded, etc. gown may then be secured in this
position to ensure the germs, the bacterial, etc. are maintained
after the gown is rolled, folded, etc. For example, the gown may be
secured in this position by an adhesive portion (e.g., the adhesive
portion 130) or any other suitable means (e.g., any of the means
discussed herein, etc.). If an adhesive portion is employed, a
two-sided tape may be coupled on one side to the front portion
(e.g., the front portions 102, 202) of the gown prior to removal of
the gown and coupled on another side to the rolled, folded, etc.
gown after removal of the gown. In the example of FIGS. 7 and 14,
the gowns 100, 200, respectively, are rolled, folded, etc. and
secured by the adhesive portion 130.
[0078] By having the gown in the rolled, folded, etc. upon itself
and then secured in this position, the user may dispose of the gown
in a safe manner without the threat of spreading germs, bacterial,
etc. For example, the user may dispose of the gown in a disposable
gown system. The disposable gown system may include a container
having a lid. The user may open the lid and insert the rolled,
folded, etc. gown into the container. After insertion, the
disposable gown system may individually seal each rolled, folded,
etc. gown in a film, bag, etc. to ensure the germs, the bacterial,
etc. are maintained. Alternatively, the disposable gown system may
seal more than one rolled, folded, etc. gown in a film, bag, etc.
to ensure the germs, the bacterial, etc. are maintained.
[0079] The disposable medical gowns (e.g., the gowns 100, 200)
disclosed herein may be folded and placed into a disposable gown
dispensing system. Example configurations and embodiments of gown
folding methods and of disposable gown dispensing systems are
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/660,787 (filed on
Oct. 25, 2012), which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Further, the disposable gown dispensing system may be
attached to a personal protection equipment (PPE) dispenser.
Example configurations and further embodiments of PPE dispensers
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,710 and U.S. Publication
Number 2011/0279001, which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
[0080] Further, the disposable medical gowns disclosed herein may
be made from any suitable thermoplastic polymer, including
polypropylene, polypropylene with a polyethylene coating, etc. In
other embodiments, the disposable medical gowns may utilize
spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) materials.
[0081] Additionally, the disposable medical gowns disclosed herein
may be formed monolithically with a front portion (e.g., the front
portions 102, 202), at least one side portion (e.g., the side
portions 104, 106, 204, 206), at least one arm portion (e.g., the
arm portions 108, 110, 208, 210) and a releasably engageable strap
(e.g., the straps 112, 212). Alternatively, some or all portions
(including the releasably engageable strap) of the disposable
medical gown may be formed individually and coupled together to
form the disposable medical gown. The portions may be coupled
together in any suitable manner, including by a perforated
material, a weak seam, a heat seal, an adhesive, stitches, a
lightweight elastic band, etc.
[0082] In addition, the disposable medical gowns disclosed herein,
including the front portions, the side portions, the arm portions
and the releasably engageable straps, may be any suitable size,
dimension, length, etc.
[0083] Further, the disposable medical gowns disclosed herein may
include the characteristics, features and/or configurations as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,274, which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0084] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
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