Abstract: A protective garment having an expandable material incorporated therein is provided. The expandable material may be formed of a nonwoven fabric having a first fabric surface and a second fabric surface which is opposite the first fabric surface. A section of the fabric defines at least one region gathered into a plurality of successive pleats. Each pleat is made of an overlap in the fabric such that a portion of the first fabric surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the first fabric surface. A secondary panel for straddling a pleat may be provided. The secondary panel may be attached to the fabric by attachment points that are adapted to retain the pleat in a folded state until application of a tensile force directed along the fabric length causes the secondary panel to separate which would enable the pleat to unfold.

Abstract: A protective garment having plastically bendable shaping members affixed to the base fabric of the garment to facilitate shortening or lengthening of the garment by selective manipulation or bending of the shaping member or members. Such a garment is adjustable by the wearer and allows a single size garment to accommodate various wearer shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A protective garment having an expandable material incorporated therein is provided. The expandable material may be formed of a nonwoven fabric having a first fabric surface and a second fabric surface which is opposite the first fabric surface. A section of the fabric defines at least one region gathered into a plurality of successive pleats. Each pleat is made of an overlap in the fabric such that a portion of the first fabric surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the first fabric surface. These two adjacent surfaces are affixed to one another. The entire region is selectively extensible by application of a tensile force to the region which causes the two surfaces to at least partially detach thus enabling the pleat to at least partially unfold.

Abstract: A protective garment having an expandable material incorporated therein is provided. The expandable material may be formed of a nonwoven fabric having a first fabric surface and a second fabric surface which is opposite the first fabric surface. A section of the fabric defines at least one region gathered into a plurality of successive pleats. Each pleat is made of an overlap in the fabric such that a portion of the first fabric surface is disposed adjacent to another portion of the first fabric surface. A secondary panel for straddling a pleat may be provided. The secondary panel may be attached to the fabric by attachment points that are adapted to retain the pleat in a folded state until application of a tensile force directed along the fabric length causes the secondary panel to separate which would enable the pleat to unfold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven gown made of a gown body terminating in two edges at a back of the gown. The gown contains a closure member that extends around the gown body and terminates at each edge. Manipulation of the closure member moves at least one of the edges toward the other thereby closing the back of the gown. A fastener located along at least a portion of at least one of the edges may be provided. Some suitable fasteners include tape, hook and loop type fasteners, and/or snaps. Such a gown enables a wearer to close and secure the gown by himself while keeping his hands sterile.

Abstract: A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. A circumferentially extending band is disposed on the sleeves at a distance from the end of the sleeve or cuff. The band has a raised profile such that an end of a glove pulled over the band is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the band and down the sleeve. The band may be formed of a low-tack surface modifier. The sleeve may also include a coating or application of a surface modifier, such as a low-tack adhesive, applied to the region between the band and cuff or sleeve end.