Gown and Method of Constructing the Same

Abstract

A gown (100) includes a front body covering portion (101), a rear body covering portion (102), a first sleeve (103), and a second sleeve (104). The front body covering portion can be thermally bonded to the rear body covering portion at a first shoulder seam (207) and a second shoulder seam (208). The first sleeve can be thermally bonded to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion along a first continuous sleeve attachment seam (308), while the second sleeve is thermally bonded to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion along a second continuous sleeve attachment seam (408). The first sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion can share a continuous thermally bonded seam (502) extending from a base (503) of the gown to a termination location (504) on the first sleeve.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to gowns, and more particularly to gowns with sleeves.

Background Art

[0002] Gowns are used in many different applications to at least partially cover a wearer. Illustrating by example, in the medical field gowns are commonly used by both patients and by health care providers. Gowns can provide a protective function by helping to prevent the transmission of germs and microbes. Depending upon the material, gowns can further provide a protective function by preventing fluids, waste matter, and pathogens from contacting the skin of the wearer. Additionally, gowns can simply provide a privacy function, thereby helping to preserve patient dignity, by covering the patient's body prior to examination or prior to a medical procedure. Medical applications are merely one application suitable for gowns, as numerous others exist including spas, bathing facilities, dressing rooms, and so forth. It would therefore be advantageous to have an improved gown offering increased durability for such applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates components of an explanatory gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates the application of shoulder seams to components of one explanatory gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates the application of a first continuous sleeve attachment seam to one explanatory gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates the application of a second continuous sleeve attachment seam to one explanatory gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates the application of a continuous thermally bonded seam to one explanatory gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates the application of a second continuous thermally bonded seam to one explanatory gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates seam application to one explanatory gown in accordance with one or more methods of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates a user wearing one explanatory gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, demonstrating the increased strength at the underarm region offered by embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 9 illustrates one explanatory method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

[0014] Embodiments of the disclosure provide an improved gown having increased strength and durability features compared to prior art gowns. Specifically, embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that gowns that terminate at a fixed location along the user's arm can cause the arms of the gown to stretch and pull from the remainder of the gown when the user is in motion. For example, a gown having a sleeve that terminates in a wrist cuff that does not move along the user's arm may stretch and pull the gown when the user moves their arms. Seams along the gown can tear, resulting in an undesired exposure of the wearer's skin or clothing disposed beneath the gown. This is especially true when the gown is made of a fluid resistant material, such as a woven or non-woven textile coated with a film or plastic.

[0015] Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gown having thermally bonded seams where those thermal bonds are applied in accordance with a predefined method that eliminates "double passes" across any particular location of a seam. This "single pass" bonding provides for stronger bonds in areas that may experience stress and tension, such as at the shoulders, in the underarm region, and so forth. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure advantageously locate seams in specific locations to further enhance strength and durability. For example, in one embodiment a sleeve seam is disposed at the bottom of the sleeve--rather than at the top as was done with prior art designs--to provide increased strength and durability in the underarm region. Other benefits and advantages offered by embodiments of the disclosure will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016] In one embodiment, a gown includes a front body covering portion and a rear body covering portion. The gown also includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion are initially coupled together at a first shoulder seam and a second shoulder seam. In one or more embodiments, the first shoulder seam and the second shoulder seam are separated by a neck opening.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first sleeve is then attached to both the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion by a first continuous sleeve attachment seam. The second sleeve is then attached to both the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion by a first continuous sleeve attachment seam.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, this leaves the left and right sides of the front and rear body covering portions, as well as a first edge and a second edge of each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve, unbounded. In one embodiment, a method then applies a continuous thermally bonded seam that begins at the base of the gown and continuously extends up the gown to couple, for example, the right side of the front and rear body portions together. The continuous thermally bonded seam then continues along the right sleeve to couple the first edge of the right sleeve and the second edge of the right sleeve together. Accordingly, the first continuously thermally bonded seam extends from the base of the gown continuously to a termination location along the first sleeve. Experimental testing has confirmed that this provides an improved strength and durability characteristic to the underarm region of the gown, thereby preventing it from tearing when the user raises their arms. The second sleeve can advantageously be attached in the same manner.

[0019] Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein are components of one gown 100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In one or more embodiments, these components include a front body covering portion 101, a rear body covering portion 102, a first sleeve 103, and a second sleeve 104. The components are shown in FIG. 1 as if cut from a template prior to each component being coupled together as a gown 100.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, each of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 is manufactured from a non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric is a disposable material in one or more embodiments. The non-woven fabric optionally includes a water resistant lining that prevents the passage of fluids through one or more of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 in one or more embodiments.

[0021] Illustrating by example, in one or more embodiments each of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 is manufactured from a water-repellent or water-impermeable material and/or is coated with such a water-repellent or water impermeable material to prevent the passage of fluids. For example, the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 can include various woven, non-woven, hydroentangled materials, and/or combinations thereof. The base fabrics 115 used in the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 may include absorbent Airlaid, spunlace, blends of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, urethane, and/or combinations thereof. The front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 may be manufactured using various methods, including a spunbond metblown spundbond (SMS) method, a spunbond metblown metblown spundbond method (SMMS), and a spunbond metblown metblown spundbond method (SMMMS). The base fabrics 115 used for the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 can further be coated with fluid resistant linings 117, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0022] Numerous other fabrics suitable for usage as the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. For example, in another embodiment each of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 is manufactured from polyethylene. In another embodiment, each of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 is manufactured from polypropylene. In yet another embodiment, each of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 is manufactured from a non-woven fabric that is coated with polyethylene, polypropylene, or another fluid resistant coating. In still another embodiment, each of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 is manufactured from Tyvek.Sup..TM.. One or more antimicrobial layers can be added to any of the front body covering portion 101, the rear body covering portion 102, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 to further enhance antimicrobial protection.

[0023] In still other embodiments, the gown 100 can be configured as a reusable gown. For example, the material from which the gown 100 is manufactured could be washable and/or capable of being sterilized so that the gown can be reused. Illustrating by example, in one embodiment, the gown 100 is manufactured from a washable fabric, such as cotton, polyester, or a cotton polyester blend.

[0024] In one embodiment, the length 116 of the gown 100 is configured to run from a wearer's shoulder to below their knee. The length 116 of the gown 100 is configured to run from the wearer's shoulder to a location along their mid-calf. In yet another embodiment, the length 116 of the gown 100 extends from a wearer's shoulder to their feet. Other lengths will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0025] In one embodiment, the gown 100 may optionally include pockets or other surface features, none of which is shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity, but that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The gown 100 may be manufactured in various colors. In one or more embodiments where the gown 100 is used in medical applications, the gown 100 is manufactured from a base fabric 115 that is blue or yellow. Yellow is a color particularly well suited for medical procedures due to its high visibility and easy differentiation from a person's skin.

[0026] The front body covering portion 101 is configured as a frontal body covering portion in that it is configured to cover the frontal portion of some or all of a user's body, or in another embodiment the frontal portion of some or all of a user's torso, when the user is wearing the gown 100. The rear body covering portion 102 is configured to cover at least some of the rear portion of some or all of a user's body, or in another embodiment the rear portion of some or all of a user's torso, when the user is wearing the gown 100.

[0027] In the illustrative example of FIG. 1, the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 have a substantially similar length 116. In other embodiments, the length of the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 will be different. In one embodiment for example, the front body covering portion 101 will be longer than the rear body covering portion 102, thereby covering more of the wearer's body in the front than the rear. In another embodiment, the front body covering portion 101 will be shorter than the rear body covering portion 102, thereby covering less of the wearer's body in the front than in the rear.

[0028] In one embodiment, each of the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 defines a partial head insertion aperture 107,108. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the front body covering portion 101 defines a first partial head insertion aperture 108, while the rear body covering portion defines a second partial head insertion aperture 107. When the front body covering portion 101 is attached to the rear body covering portion 102, the first partial head insertion aperture 108 and the second partial head insertion aperture 107 join to define a neck opening. A user may insert their head through the neck opening when donning the gown.

[0029] The perimeter of the neck opening, i.e., the boundary lines defining the partial head insertion apertures 107,108, can take a variety of shapes. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the second partial head insertion aperture 107 has an angle-tapered flat contour, with two angular side edges radially interfacing with a substantially flat contour. By contrast, the first partial head insertion aperture 108 is round, resembling a partial circle. The first partial head insertion aperture 108 and the first partial head insertion aperture 109 can also have the same shapes. Either can be generally circular, egg-shaped, oval-shaped, pear-shaped, football-shaped, or the like. Still other shapes will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0030] In one embodiment, one or both of the front body covering portion 101 or the rear body covering portion 102 can define an opening 105. In this illustrative embodiment, the rear body covering portion 102 comprises the opening 105, which is configured as a slit with two sides that abut when the opening 105 is closed by touching together. In this illustrative embodiment, the front body covering portion 101 of the gown 100 is configured to be placed against the front of the torso of a wearer. The rear body covering portion 102 then covers the rear of the torso of the wearer and terminates at the opening 105. The opening 105 in this embodiment has a left side and a right side, and is configured as an abutting, but openable, slit that runs most of the length 118 of the rear body covering portion 102, up the back of the gown 100. Said differently, the opening 105 extends from the base 106 of the gown 100 toward, but not to, the neck opening defined by the partial head insertion apertures 107,108. As used herein, a "slit" means "a long, narrow cut or opening," in accordance with the plain, ordinary, English meaning as set forth in the New Oxford American Dictionary. It is not a gaping hole and does not include sides that do not abut when the opening 105 is closed.

[0031] The opening 105 can be used to assist in donning the gown 100. For instance, a user may open the opening 105 and pass their head, shoulders, and/or torso portions through the opening 105 when donning the gown. Said differently, the right side and left side of the opening 105 can be configured to permit the wearer to don the gown 100 by wrapping the right side and left side of the gown 100 about the wearer's torso.

[0032] In one embodiment, when the components of the gown 100 are assembled together as will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2-7, the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 extend distally from the composite body covering portion defined by the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102. The first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 are configured to receive wearer's arms when the gown 100 is donned.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, each of the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 are configured as single, unitary pieces of non-woven fabric that are attached to the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 with one or more seams. Each of the seams will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-7. However, it should be noted that while the seams can be sewn, although other attachment processes can be used as well. Examples of alternative attachment processes include adhesive bonding, mechanical or press-fit bonding, thermal bonding, and so forth. In one or more embodiments described below, thermal bonding is the preferred method of coupling the components of FIG. 1 together. However, it should also be noted that other techniques can be substituted for the thermal bonding without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the first sleeve 103 and second sleeve 104 are illustrated as long sleeves. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of disclosure that embodiments of the invention are not so limited. Gowns in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure may equally be configured with short sleeves or no sleeves has a particular application may warrant.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, each of the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 each define one or more partial arm insertion apertures 109,110,111,112. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the front body covering portion 101 defines a first partial arm insertion aperture 109 and a second partial arm insertion aperture 111. Similarly, the rear body covering portion 102 defines a first partial arm insertion aperture 110 and a second partial arm insertion aperture 112. When the components of the gown 100 are assembled, the first partial arm insertion aperture 109 of the front body covering portion 101 and the first partial arm insertion aperture 110 of the rear body covering portion 102 join to define an arm insertion aperture. Similarly, when the components of the gown 100 are assembled, the second partial arm insertion aperture 111 of the front body covering portion 101 and the second partial arm insertion aperture 112 of the rear body covering portion 102 join to define another arm insertion aperture. As will be shown in the discussion of FIGS. 3-4 below, the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 attach to the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 at the arm insertion aperture and the another arm insertion aperture, respectively.

[0036] In this illustrative embodiment, the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 each terminate at a thumb loop 119,120. In one embodiment, the thumb loop 119,120 comprises a thumb insertion aperture 113,114, through which a wearer's thumb may be inserted when the gown 100 is donned and the wearer's arms are inserted into the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104, respectively. In one embodiment, the thumb loop 119,120 is configured to engage the saddle of a thumb of a wearer. The thumb loops 119,120 permit the heel of a wearer's hand to be exposed when the thumb is inserted into the thumb insertion aperture 113,114.

[0037] The thumb loops 119,120, where included, advantageously provide several functions. One illustrative function is that they keep the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 pulled along the wearer's arms so as to prevent the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 from "riding up" the arms of the wearer. Another illustrative function is that the thumb loops 119,120 prevent twisting of the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 about the wearer's arm. Other advantages will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0038] Instead of thumb loops 119,120, the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 can include other retention devices configured to retain the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 to the arms of a wearer. Illustrating by example, in other embodiments the retention devices can comprise knitted cuffs. In still other embodiments, the retention devices can comprise drawstrings. In yet additional embodiments, the retention devices can comprise elastic gatherings. Other retention devices will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0039] The base 106 of either the front body covering portion 101 or the rear body covering portion 102 can take a variety of shapes. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the base 106 is simply shown as being straight for ease of illustration. However, the base 106 can take other shapes as well. For example, the base 106 can substantially mirror the shape of the perimeter of the partial head insertion apertures 107,108. Other shapes will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0040] Turning now to FIG. 2, in a first step of one or more methods in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the front body covering portion 101 is initially coupled to the rear body covering portion 102 by a thermal bonding device 205 that applies heat to each of the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 by passing 106 across portions of the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102. Said differently, in this illustrative embodiment the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 are coupled together by thermal bonding. However, as noted above, other coupling techniques can be used as well. Illustrating by example, in another embodiment the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 are coupled together by adhesive bonding. In other embodiments, the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 are coupled together by tape. Sonic welding, mechanical bonding, press-fit bonding, or other techniques can be used as well.

[0041] In one embodiment, a first shoulder portion 201 of the front body covering portion 101 is thermally bonded to a first shoulder portion 204 of the rear body covering portion 102 at a first shoulder seam 207. Similarly, in this embodiment, a second shoulder portion 202 of the front body covering portion 101 is coupled to a second shoulder portion 203 of the rear body covering portion 102 by a second shoulder seam 208. The first shoulder seam 207 and the second shoulder seam 208 are made with a single pass 206 of the thermal bonding device 205 in one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the neck opening 209 forms when the first partial head insertion aperture (108) and second partial head insertion aperture (107) are coupled together. In this embodiment, the first shoulder seam 207 and the second shoulder seam 208 are separated by the neck opening 209.

[0042] Once the first shoulder seam 207 and the second shoulder seam 208 are created, the first sleeve (103) and the second sleeve (104) need to be coupled to the body covering portion 210 defined by the coupled front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102. Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, illustrated therein is how this can occur.

[0043] Beginning with FIG. 3, an end 301 of the first sleeve 103 is thermally bonded to the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 at the arm insertion aperture 302 defined by the first partial arm insertion aperture 109 of the front body covering portion 101 and the first partial arm insertion aperture (110) of the rear body covering portion 102. In one or more embodiments, this occurs by passing 303 the thermal bonding device 205 in a continuous motion about the arm insertion aperture 302, beginning at a first edge 304 of the first sleeve 103 and terminating at a second edge 305 of the first sleeve 103, to form a first continuous sleeve attachment seam 308. This first continuous sleeve attachment seam 308 thermally bonds the end 301 of the first sleeve 103 to both the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102, but leaves the first edge 304 and the second edge 305 of the first sleeve 103 unbonded. Similarly, the first continuous sleeve attachment seam 308 leaves the first edge 306 of the front body covering portion 101 below the first sleeve 103 and the second edge 307 of the rear body covering portion 102 below the first sleeve 103 unbonded as well.

[0044] Turning now to FIG. 4, the second sleeve 104 is attached to the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 in a similar manner. In one or more embodiments, an end 401 of the second sleeve 104 is thermally bonded to the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102 at the arm insertion aperture 402 defined by the second partial arm insertion aperture (111) of the front body covering portion 101 and the second partial arm insertion aperture 112 of the rear body covering portion 102. In one or more embodiments, continuous passage 403 the thermal bonding device 205 in a motion about the arm insertion aperture 402, beginning at a first edge 404 of the second sleeve 104 and terminating at a second edge 405 of the second sleeve 104 results in a second continuous sleeve attachment seam 408. This second continuous sleeve attachment seam 408 thermally bonds the end 401 of the second sleeve 104 to both the front body covering portion 101 and the rear body covering portion 102, but leaves the first edge 404 and the second edge 405 of the second sleeve 104 unbonded. Similarly, the second continuous sleeve attachment seam 408 leaves the first edge 406 of the front body covering portion 101 below the second sleeve 104 and the second edge 407 of the rear body covering portion 102 below the second sleeve 104 unbonded as well.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is how the first edge 306 of the front body covering portion 101 below the first sleeve 103 and the second edge 307 of the rear body covering portion 102 below the first sleeve 103 are bonded together, as well as how the first edge 304 and the second edge 305 of the first sleeve 103 are bonded. In one or more embodiments, both are bonded by a singular passage 501 of the thermal bonding device 205 along each of the first edge 306 of the front body covering portion 101 below the first sleeve 103, the second edge 307 of the rear body covering portion 102 below the first sleeve 103, the first edge 304 of the first sleeve 103, and the second edge 305 of the first sleeve 103 to bond them together with a continuous thermally bonded seam 502 extending from a base 503 of the gown 100 to a termination location 504 on the first sleeve 103. As those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate, this results in only one, singular passage 501 of the thermal bonding device 205 upon the underarm junction 505 of the gown 100, thereby providing a more robust, durable, and strong junction than when multiple passes are made across this location. This is especially true when the gown 100 is manufactured from polyethylene-coated SMS.

[0046] It should be noted that the termination location 504 can be at various points along the first sleeve 103. For example, in one embodiment it can be at the end of the first sleeve 103. However, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5, the end of the first sleeve includes contours that do not get sealed. Thus, the termination location 504 can be between the end of the first sleeve 103 and the body covering portion 210 in other embodiments.

[0047] Turning now to FIG. 6, the second sleeve 104 can be applied to the body covering portion 210 in similar manner. To wit, in one or more embodiments each of the second edge 406 of the front body covering portion 101 below the second sleeve 104 and the second edge 407 of the rear body covering portion 102 below the second sleeve 104 are bonded together, as are the first edge 404 and the second edge 405 of the second sleeve 104, are bonded by a singular passage 601 of the thermal bonding device 205 along each of the second edge 406 of the front body covering portion 101 below the second sleeve 104, the second edge 407 of the rear body covering portion 102 below the second sleeve 104, the first edge 404 of the second sleeve 104, and the second edge 405 of the second sleeve 104 are bonded together with another continuous thermally bonded seam 602 extending from the base 503 of the gown 100 to a termination location 604 on the second sleeve 104. As noted above, this results in only one, singular passage 601 of the thermal bonding device 205 upon the underarm junction 605 of the gown 100, thereby providing a more robust, durable, and strong junction than when multiple passes are made across this location.

[0048] The resulting gown 100 is shown in FIG. 7. As shown, the first sleeve 103, the front body covering portion 101, and the rear body covering portion 102 each share a continuous thermally bonded seam 502 extending from the base 503 of the gown 100 to the termination location 504 located along the first sleeve 103. Similarly, the second sleeve 104, the front body covering portion 101, and the rear body covering portion 102 each share another continuous thermally bonded seam 602 extending from the base 503 of the gown 100 to the termination location 604 located along the second sleeve 104.

[0049] In similar fashion, the first sleeve 103, the front body covering portion 101, and the rear body covering portion 102 each share a first continuous sleeve attachment seam 308. Similarly, the second sleeve 104, the front body covering portion 101, and the rear body covering portion 102 each share a second continuous sleeve attachment seam 408. A first shoulder seam 207 and a second shoulder seam 208 join the front body covering portion 101 to the rear body covering portion 102 as well. In one or more embodiments, the first continuous sleeve attachment seam 308 and the second continuous sleeve attachment seam 408 are oriented at an angle 701 of between sixty and one-hundred and twenty degrees relative to the first shoulder seam 207 and second shoulder seam 208, respectively.

[0050] In this illustrative embodiment, the first partial arm insertion aperture 109 of the front body covering portion 101 and the first partial arm insertion aperture (110) of the rear body covering portion 102 are disposed between the continuous thermally bonded seam 502 and the first shoulder seam 207. In effect, this means that the only seam of the first sleeve 103 is disposed on the bottom of the first sleeve 103, rather than on the top as in prior art designs. Additionally, in this embodiment the second partial arm insertion aperture 111 of the front body covering portion 101 and the second partial arm insertion aperture (112) of the rear body covering portion 102 are disposed between the another continuous thermally bonded seam 602 and the first shoulder seam 207. As shown in FIG. 8, this strengthens the underarm regions 801,802 of the gown when a user 800 dons the gown 100 and moves their arms. This is especially true when the user 800 inserts their thumbs 803,804 into the thumb loops 119,120.

[0051] It should be noted that in one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the gown 100 can include one or more tie members. For example, in one embodiment the one or more tie members comprise a first tie member 805 disposed on a first side 807 of the opening 105 and a second tie member 806 disposed on a second side 808 of the opening 105. In one embodiment, the opening 105 is closable, i.e., the first side of the opening 105 and the second side of the opening 105 abut, when the first tie member 805 and the second tie member 806 are tied together about a torso of a wearer, i.e., user 800. In other embodiments, the ties will be omitted.

[0052] In other embodiments, the first tie member 805 and the second tie member 806 can be coupled to the gown 100 at a common location. For example, in another embodiment the first tie member 805 and the second tie member 806 are coupled to the left side of the gown 100 at the continuously thermally bonded seam 502. The first tie member 805 can wrap about the rear body covering portion 102 while the second tie member 806 wraps around the front body covering portion 101, over the other continuously thermally bonded seam 602, and across the rear body covering portion 102.

[0053] In still another embodiment, the first tie member 805 and the second tie member 806 are coupled to the right side of the gown 100 at the continuously thermally bonded seam 602. The second tie member 806 can wrap about the rear body covering portion 102 while the first tie member 805 wraps around the front body covering portion 101, over the continuously thermally bonded seam 502, and across the rear body covering portion 102. In still another embodiment, the first tie member 805 and the second tie member 806 are coupled to the front body covering portion 101, with each tie member wrapping about a respective side of the gown 100 and across the rear body covering portion 102 to close the opening 105 when the first tie member 805 and the second tie member 806 are tied together. Other tie configurations will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is one explanatory method 900 for manufacturing a gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the method steps shown in FIG. 9 are performed in the exact order in which they are displayed, i.e., with step 901 preceding step 902, step 902 preceding step 903, and so forth. In other embodiments, the steps can be performed in other orders as noted above.

[0055] In one embodiment at step 901, the method 900 comprises sealing a front body covering portion and a rear body covering portion with a thermal bond at a first shoulder seam and a second shoulder seam. At step 902, the method 900 includes attaching a first sleeve to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion by applying a first continuous sleeve attachment seam between the first sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion. At step 903, the method 900 includes attaching a second sleeve to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion by applying a second continuous sleeve attachment seam between the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion.

[0056] At step 904, the method 900 includes applying a first continuous thermally bonded seam to both couple the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion together and to couple a first side of the first sleeve to a second side of the first sleeve. At step 905, the method 900 includes applying a second continuous thermally bonding seam to couple the front body covering portion together, as well as to couple another first side of the second sleeve to another second side of the second sleeve.

[0057] At optional step 906, the method 900 can include creating a thumb loop in each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve. At optional step 907, the method 900 can include creating an opening extending from a base of the rear portion toward, but not to, a neck opening disposed between the first shoulder seam and the second shoulder seam. At optional step 908, the method 900 can include attaching a first tie to a first side of the opening. At optional step 909, the method 900 can include attaching a second tie to a second side of the opening. At optional step 910, the method 900 includes manufacturing each of the front body covering portion, the rear body covering portion, the first sleeve, and the second sleeve from polyethylene coated SMS

[0058] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.

Claims

1. A gown, comprising: a front body covering portion; a rear body covering portion; a first sleeve; and a second sleeve; wherein: the front body covering portion is thermally bonded to the rear body covering portion at a first shoulder seam and a second shoulder seam, separated by a neck opening; the first sleeve is thermally bonded to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion along a first continuous sleeve attachment seam; the second sleeve is thermally bonded to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion along a second continuous sleeve attachment seam; and the first sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion share a continuous thermally bonded seam extending from a base of the gown to a termination location on the first sleeve.

2. The gown of claim 1, wherein the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion share a second continuous thermally bonded seam extending from the base of the gown to a second termination location on the second sleeve.

3. The gown of claim 2, wherein the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion each define a first partial arm insertion aperture, further wherein the first partial arm insertion aperture is disposed between the continuous thermally bonded seam and the first shoulder seam.

4. The gown of claim 3, wherein the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion each define a second partial arm insertion aperture, wherein the second partial arm insertion aperture is disposed between the second continuous thermally bonded seam and the second shoulder seam.

5. The gown of claim 3, wherein the first continuous sleeve attachment seam and the second continuous sleeve attachment seam are oriented at an angle of between sixty and one-hundred and twenty degrees relative to the first shoulder seam and the second shoulder seam, respectively.

6. The gown of claim 5, wherein each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve terminate at a thumb loop.

7. The gown of claim 6, wherein each of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion is manufactured from a spunbond-meltblown-meltblown-spunbond (SMMS) material.

8. The gown of claim 6, wherein each of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion is manufactured from a poly-ethylene coated SMMS material

9. The gown of claim 6, wherein each of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion is manufactured from a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) material.

10. The gown of claim 6, wherein each of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion is manufactured from a poly-ethylene coated SMS material.

11. The gown of claim 6, wherein each of the first sleeve, the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion is manufactured from a poly-ethylene coated spunbond material.

12. The gown of claim 6, wherein the rear body covering portion defines an opening extending from the base of the gown toward, but not to, the neck opening.

13. The gown of claim 10, further comprising one or more tie members.

14. A method, comprising: sealing a front body covering portion and a rear body covering portion with a thermal bond at a first shoulder seam and a second shoulder seam; attaching a first sleeve to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion by applying a first continuous sleeve attachment seam between the first sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion; attaching a second sleeve to the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion by applying a second continuous sleeve attachment seam between the second sleeve, the front body covering portion, and the rear body covering portion; and applying a first continuous thermally bonded seam to both: couple the front body covering portion and the rear body covering portion together; and couple a first side of the first sleeve to a second side of the first sleeve.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying a second continuous thermally bonding seam to couple the front body covering portion together, as well as to couple another first side of the second sleeve to another second side of the second sleeve.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising creating a thumb loop in each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising creating an opening extending from a base of the rear body covering portion toward, but not to, a neck opening disposed between the first shoulder seam and the second shoulder seam.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching a first tie to a first side of the opening.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising attaching a second tie to a second side of the opening.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising manufacturing each of the front body covering portion, the rear body covering portion, the first sleeve, and the second sleeve from polyethylene coated SMS.