SELF-DONNING SURGICAL GOWN

Abstract

A self-donning surgical gown that can be secured in place on a user by the user without the assistance of another person is disclosed. The self-donning gown includes a neck fastening assembly, a back closure assembly, and/or a front tie assembly to facilitate self-donning by the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/911,952 filed on Dec. 4, 2013, the respective disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to surgical gowns. More particularly, the disclosure relates to self-donning surgical gowns and to methods using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Surgical gowns are used in operating rooms and other environments to prevent or mitigate contamination between patients and care providers, such as physicians, nurses, and technicians. The gowns are typically single-use or disposable gowns that are worn over other clothing to prevent transmission of fluids between the patient and caregivers.

A typical gown includes a body portion having an opening in the back defined by two edges that run along a length of the body portion (e.g., from a neck area to a bottom of the body portion), two sleeves, and one or more sets of ties attached to the body portion that are used to secure the gown around a torso of a caregiver. It also includes multiple sets of ties to secure the garment, some of which are fastened with the assistance of another person, who may or may not be sterile, and at least one set of ties that the gown wearer secures to the gown. For example, a gown can include a first set of ties on an interior surface of the gown, near the edges and proximate the rear neck opening of the gown to secure the gown around the wearer's neck; a second set of ties, at least one of which is on an interior surface of the gown and both of which are near the rear opening, that secure the gown on the back of the wearer; and a third set of ties that are initially on an outer surface of the front of the gown. The first and second set of ties, in which each set includes at least one tie attached to an interior surface of the gown (which may not be sterile), are typically secured by a person other than the gown wearer. The third set of ties, attached to the outer surface of the gown, is typically secured by the gown wearer.

There are several situations in which a caregiver must enter a clean environment, such as an operating room, and securely fasten a gown around his/her body prior to entering the room, which requires the assistance of a second person. For example, a surgical technician that sets up the operating room usually arrives 30 minutes to one hour before the start of the operation. He or she may find it difficult to locate the assistance required to secure a surgical gown.

Accordingly, improved surgical gowns that are relatively easy to secure and that can be secured by a user without the assistance of another person are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to surgical gowns and to their use. The surgical gowns described herein are particularly well suited for applications in which a care provider or wearer (hereafter, “user”) of the gown desires to secure the gown without the assistance of another person. While the ways in which the various embodiments of the disclosure address the drawbacks of the prior art are discussed in greater detail below, in general, exemplary gowns in accordance with various embodiments of the invention include one or more fastening assemblies that allow the gown user to secure the gown without the assistance of another person. Exemplary gowns can be self secured in a sterile environment.

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, a self-donning surgical gown includes a gown body having an opening in the back that has two portions that are fastened differently: a neck opening and a back opening, each defined by a first back edge and a second back edge. There is a neck fastening assembly proximate the neck opening. The neck fastening assembly is configured to retain a portion of the gown proximate a neck of a user and can be engaged such that the gown can be secured around a neck without the assistance of another person. In accordance with various aspects of these embodiments, the neck fastening assembly includes a deformable element. The deformable element can be resiliently deformable, such that it is pulled open and then returns to an original closed state after being opened, or can be non-resiliently deformable, such that the element is pushed from an open position to a closed position and remains in the closed position until being removed.

The deformable element can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, or combinations thereof. And the deformable element can be two-dimensional or three dimensional. As used with respect to this element, “two dimensional” means that the element is essentially flat or positioned generally in two places. “Three dimensional” means that the element has one or more rises, and is positioned in three places, particularly to lift up the neck section of the gown to form a raised collar, which better seals the user's skin against contamination.

Further, the deformable element can be encased inside the gown body or can reside underneath the gown, in either case to potentially provide a desired shape to the gown. In accordance with various aspects of these embodiments, the self-donning gown also includes a back closure assembly and/or a front-tie assembly.

In accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, a self-donning surgical gown includes a gown body having a neck opening and a back opening defined by the first back edge and the second back edge, the gown body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a back closure assembly comprising at least one handle coupled to the interior surface and a retaining device, wherein at least a portion of the retaining device is coupled to the exterior surface. The back closure assembly allows a user to secure the back of the gown (e.g., at a location between the neck opening and the bottom of the gown), without the assistance of another person, such as by using a sterile closing mechanism and a catch on the sterile straps to hold them together when pressed by the closing mechanism.

The closing device can be formed of any suitable material, such as sterile foam or plastic, and is grasped by the user and used to press together the straps until the catch holds the straps together. The at least one closing device can be attached to the first surface using, for example, an adhesive, welding, or stitching, or can be supplied separately. The closing mechanism can include, for example, a hook and loop device (such as VELCRO), a clasp, a buckle, a snap or the like.

A front tie assembly including a first strap attached to the outer surface, a second strap attached to the center surface, and an adhesive element (or other suitable attachment element, such as a hook and loop fastener) coupled to at least one of the first or second straps. The gown can also include a coupling member that is initially coupled to the first strap or the second strap to hold the strap in position prior to use. The coupling element for the front tie assembly includes the adhesive element. During a gowning procedure, after a user places the gown over his or her torso, the adhesive element can be attached to a surface, such as a wall or a table, to hold one strap in place, while a user turns around (such as by turning in 360°), thereby wrapping the strap around at least a portion of the gown on a user, and then taking the end of the first strap and tying it or otherwise securing it to the second strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a self-donning gown, including a neck assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a neck assembly in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a deformable element in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates another deformable element in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 5(a)-5(d) illustrate a three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6(a)-6(b) illustrate another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7(a)-7(b) illustrate another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a neck assembly in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 9(a)-9(b) illustrate another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a neck assembly in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 11(a)-11(b) illustrate another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 12(a)-12(b) illustrate another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 14(a)-14(c) illustrate another three-dimensional neck assembly in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a self-donning gown including at least one handle attached to a surface of the gown in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a gown including a back closure device in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a gown including a front tie assembly in accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a coupling member in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a coupling member including an adhesive element in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 20-27 illustrate portions of a back closure device in accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the figures are not necessarily 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 illustrated embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention provided below is intended for purposes of illustration only; the following description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Moreover, the recitation of multiple embodiments having stated features is not intended to exclude other embodiments having additional features or other embodiments incorporating different combinations of the stated features.

The present disclosure describes self-donning surgical gowns that can be secured about a user without the assistance of another person. Although the gowns are referred to herein as surgical gowns, the gowns are not limited to such applications. The gowns described herein could be used for other applications.

As set forth in more detail below, exemplary gowns described herein include one or more assemblies that facilitate self-gowning and that can also facilitate retention of the gown to the user in desired places, such as around the neck and in the back.

FIG. 1 illustrates a self-donning surgical gown 100 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Gown 100 includes a gown body 102, sleeves 104, 106, a neck opening 108, a back opening (not illustrated in FIG. 1), and a neck fastening assembly 110. Gown 100 can also suitably include front tie assembly 112 and/or a back closure assembly (not illustrated in FIG. 1, but illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16).

Gown 100 can be formed of any suitable material, such as paper, cloth, synthetic fabric, or any materials typically used to form surgical gowns. By way of example, body 102 and sleeves 104, 106 can be made of non-woven materials, such as spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS), spun-melt-melt-spun (SMMS), spun-melt-melt-melt-spunpolyester (SMMMS), nonwoven polypropylene, polyester, or a polyester and carbon, or woven materials, such as treated cotton. Sleeves 104, 106 are attached to body 102 at a first end of the respective sleeves and, in the illustrated example, include cuffs 114, 116 at the respective second end of each sleeve. Cuffs 114, 116 can be formed of any suitable material, such as the gown material and may include elastic.

Exemplary neck fastening assemblies 110 include a deformable element 118. Deformable element 118 can be comprised of any suitable material that allows deformable element 118 to be pulled open and then rebound back into position. This allows a wearer to insert his or her neck through neck opening 108 when element 118 is pulled open and then gown 100 is secured around the wearer's neck when element 118 rebound back. By way of examples, deformable element 118 can be formed of metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, or any combination thereof.

As stated above and is described in more detail below, in connection with various examples of neck fastening assembly 110, deformable element 118 can be formed of resiliently deformable material, such that, for example, deformable element 118 can be opened to receive a neck and then either rebound to or be pushed into its original or its substantially original shape. Alternatively, deformable element 118 can be formed of material that is in the open position to start and then moved (such as by pushing it) into the closed position.

At least a portion of neck assembly 110 (e.g., at least a portion of deformable element 118) can be encased within at least a portion of body 102 of gown 100 near the neck opening 108 or attached to gown 102 near the neck opening 108. For example, some or all of deformable element 118 can be encased in body 102 of gown 100 proximate neck opening 108. Alternatively, neck assembly 110 may be placed underneath gown 100, such that the assembly resides between the user and the gown, or otherwise attached to gown 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a neck assembly 200, including a deformable element 202 that is originally substantially flat (or two dimensional, as used herein) in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. In the illustrated example, deformable element 202 is oval or substantially oval and includes an opening 204 at one end. As used herein, “substantially” includes exactly or substantially close to the subject matter to which it refers. Deformable element 202 can be formed of any suitable material, such as the materials described above in connection with deformable element 118. By way of specific example, deformable element may be formed of a cardboard, such as corrugated cardboard, having a thickness of about 1/16″ to about ¼″ or about ⅛″.

In use, deformable element 202 is pulled open (or deformed) to allow a user to insert his or her neck through opening 204 and into region 206. Once neck assembly 200 is about a user's neck, deformable element 202 can be returned to essentially its original position thereby securing the gown about the user's neck.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary neck assembly 300, including a deformable element 302. Deformable element 302 can be formed of any of the materials described herein in connection with various exemplary deformable elements, such as plastic. By way of example, deformable element 302 can be comprised of PVC, polyethylene or polypropylene having a thickness or a diameter of about 1/16″ to about ¼″ or about ⅛.″ In the illustrated example, deformable element 302 includes teeth 304, which can be used to facilitate easily shaping of deformable element 302 into a desired shape and/or to facilitate retaining of a gown (e.g., gown 100) in a desired location about a user's neck.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another exemplary neck assembly 400, including a deformable element 402 and an adjustment mechanism 404. By way of example, deformable element 402 includes a first section 406 and a second section 408 formed of metal (e.g., stainless steel), having an exemplary thickness of about 1/32″ to about ¼″ or about ⅛″ and adjustment mechanism 404 (e.g., preferably also formed of stainless steel) is coupled to first section 406 and second section 408, so as to allow a size and/or shape of neck assembly 400 to be adjusted. Although one preferred material is stainless steel, deformable element 402 can be formed of any suitable material, such as materials described herein or other metals, plastics, materials or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 5(a)-5(d) illustrate another exemplary neck assembly 500 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Neck assembly 500 includes deformable element 502 and braces 504, 506 and can be formed from two-dimensional material that is transformed into a three-dimensional assembly. A three-dimensional assembly may be desirable to maintain the gown in a desired position, such as providing for a high collar to cover a user's neck. Three-dimensional neck assemblies can be shipped in two-dimensional configurations to reduce shipping costs and then moved into a three-dimensional configuration during use.

In the illustrated example, deformable element 502 and braces 504, 506 are formed of the same material, including any of the materials previously described herein. For example, deformable element 502 and braces 504, 506 can be formed of cardboard, metal, plastic, any combination thereof or any other suitable material.

Illustrated neck assembly 500 includes a first portion 508 and a second portion 510. An angle θ between first portion 508 and second portion 510 can range from about 45° to about 145° , about 75° to about 135° , about 80° to about 120°, or be about 90°. Further, first portion 508 and/or second portion 510 can include a recess to receive a portion of brace 504 or 506. A recess 512 can be entirely through a width of a portion, such as portion 510, as illustrated in FIG. 5(b), or a recess 514 can be through a portion of the width of a portion (e.g., portion 508), as illustrated in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(c).

FIGS. 6(a)-6(b) illustrate another neck assembly 600 in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the invention. Assembly 600 includes deformable element 602, which can be formed of any suitable material, such as the exemplary materials described herein in connection with various other deformable elements. By way of example, deformable element 602 is formed of a paper having a thickness of about ⅛″ to about ½″ or about ¼″. In the illustrated case, deformable element 602 includes an opening 604 to receive a user's neck and braces 604, 606 that can be formed from cut-out regions 608, 610. Braces 604, 606 can be inserted into recesses 612, 614 to form three-dimensional neck assembly 600 from a single piece of material, which may be the same as or similar to any material described herein in connection with deformable elements. The angle θ can be the same as or similar to the angle described above in connection with FIGS. 5(a)-5(d).

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate another neck assembly 700 in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Assembly 700 includes a deformable element 702 and a base 704. In the illustrated example, assembly 700 includes a region 706 that is large enough to receive a user's head. Deformable element 700 can be formed of any suitable material, such as the materials described above in connection with deformable element 600.

Exemplary assembly 700 includes one or more structures 708 that can be formed from deformable element 702 material by cutting through deformable element 702 material and folding the material to form structure 708. Further, deformable element 702 can be folded along lines 710, 712 to provide a desired shape to deformable element 702. Additionally or alternatively, neck assembly 700 can include folds 714, 716 in base 704 to provide additional support.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary neck assembly 800 in accordance with yet additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Neck assembly 800 is similar to neck assembly 700, except neck assembly 800 includes additional material 802 attached to deformable element 702. Additional material 802 can include non-slip material, such as a rubber or rubber-line material, a textured material, or the like, and may be attached to deformable element 702 using an adhesive or by inserting into a slot formed within deformable element 702 material.

FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate another neck assembly 900 in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Neck assembly 900 includes a deformable element 902, having an opening 904 therein to allow a neck of a user to be received within an opening 906. Neck assembly 900 also includes structures 908, 910 to facilitate keeping a gown a desired distance from the user and can facilitate holding the gown in place. Structures 908, 910 can be formed by forming slots 912, 914 in deformable element 902 and then folding a portion of deformable element 902. Deformable element 902 can be formed of any suitable material, such as materials described above in connection with deformable elements 600-800.

FIG. 10 illustrates another neck assembly 1000, which includes deformable element 1002. In the illustrated example, deformable element 1002 is formed of a non-resiliently deformable material, such as metal or plastic. Neck assembly 1000 includes a front section 1004 that goes over the front of a user and a back portion 1006 that includes first section 1008, second section 1010, and an optional opening 1012 there between. A user can place the entire neck assembly over the user's head or use opening 1012 to facilitate placement of neck assembly around the user's neck.

FIG. 11 illustrates another neck assembly 1100, including deformable element 1102 (e.g., substantially oval), having an opening 1104. In the illustrated example, deformable element 1102 or at least a portion thereof includes more than one layer (e.g., layers 1106, 1108) and optionally includes clamps 1110-1116 or the like to retain desired positions between layers 1106 and 1108 to obtain a desired shape of neck assembly 1100. Alternatively, adhesive material can be used to retain layers 1106 and 1108 in desired locations. Deformable element 1102 can be formed of any suitable material, such as the materials described herein in connection with other deformable elements.

FIGS. 12(a), 12(b), and 13 illustrate additional exemplary neck assemblies 1200, 1300 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Neck assembly 1200 includes a deformable element 1202 that can be formed of any suitable material, such as those mentioned herein in connection with other deformable elements. For example, plastic, paper, cardboard, or rubber. In the illustrated example, deformable element 1202 is substantially circular and includes slats 1204 that are formed partially through a depth of deformable element 1202. Slats 1204 can allow non-resilient deformation of deformable element 1202, such that deformable element 1202 retains a desired shape after deformation. Deformable element 1202 can also optionally include an opening 1206 to facilitate placement of neck assembly proximate a neck of a user.

Neck assembly 1300 is similar to neck assembly 1200 and includes deformable element 1202, having an optional opening 1206 therein, except, neck assembly 1300 includes additional tabs 1302, 1304. Tabs 1302, 1304 can be integral with deformable element 1202—i.e., formed of the same material, or can be attached to deformable element 1202, using, for example, plastic welding, stitching, or an adhesive. In the latter case, tabs 1302, 1304 can be formed of different material than the material used to form deformable element 1202. In either case, tabs 1302, 1304 can be formed of any of the materials described herein in connection with deformable elements.

FIGS. 14(a)-14(c) illustrate another exemplary neck assembly 1400, including a deformable element 1402 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Similar to deformable element 1202, deformable element 1402 includes slats 1404 that are formed partially through a depth of deformable element 1402. Slats 1404 can be used to allow a user to select where to bend deformable element 1402 to obtain a desired shape of neck assembly 1400, as illustrated in FIG. 14(c).

Deformable element 1402 includes a first (e.g., substantially circular) section 1406 and a second section 1408. First section 1406 includes an opening that expands as deformable element 1402 is bent along one or more slats 1404. Second section 1408 can be configured to facilitate desired placement of the gown on the user.

Turning now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a gown 1500, including a gown body 1502 and back closure assembly, including at least one handle 1504 and a retaining device 1602, is illustrated. Gown 1500 can also include sleeves 1608, 1610, and cuffs 1506, as described above in connection with FIG. 1. Gown 1500 is configured to allow a user to close a back of gown 1500, having a first back edge 1604 and a second back edge 1606, without the assistance of another person.

Handle 1504 can be formed of any suitable material, which may preferably be sterile or sterilizable. By way of examples, handle 1504 includes foam or plastic material. The shape of handle 1504 can vary according to application. By way of examples, handle 1504 is shaped as cylinder, frustum, a prism, a pyramid, a cone, a cube, or the like.

In the illustrated example, at least one handle 1504 is attached to an outer (or first) surface. Handle 1504 can be attached using, for example, a suitable adhesive, by welding, or the like. By way of particular example, gown 1500 includes two handles 1504, such that a user can push portions of retaining device 1602 together using two hands. Alternatively, each handle 1504 is a separate piece and not part of gown 100.

FIGS. 20-27 illustrate handles 2002, 2004 in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Handles 2002, 2004 can be formed of any of the materials described herein, such as plastic, foam, or the like, and are preferably sterile or sterilizable. In the illustrated example, handles 2002, 2004 are substantially elongated and have a curvature as illustrated. Handles 2002, 2004 can attached to a gown 2102, using any suitable technique, such as welding, stitching, or using an adhesive.

Handles 2002, 2004 can be attached to gown 2102 at pivot point 2104, 2204. This allows a user to manipulate a handle position and use the handles for leverage to push portions of gown 2102 to a desired location—e.g., to close the back of the gown.

With reference to FIG. 16, at least a portion of retaining device 1602 is attached to an interior or second surface of gown body. In accordance with various aspects of the illustrated example, retaining device 1602 includes a first section 1612 and a second section 1614; first section 1612 and second section 1614 can be fixed together by the user. Either or both of sections 1612, 1614 can be attached to the second (interior) surface as illustrated, or one of sections 1612, 1614 can be attached to the exterior surface. By way of examples, retaining device 1602 can include a clasp, a buckle, or a hook and loop device.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, a self-donning gown, having a front tie assembly, including a first strap 1702, a second strap 1704, and an adhesive element 1902, is illustrated. As used herein, “adhesive element” means any fastener that can be attached to a surface external to the gown, and may be a magnet or other device or material, although an adhesive is most preferred. Similar to gown 100 and gown 1500, gown 1700 includes an opening in the back (not illustrated) that includes a first back edge and a second back edge, as shown in FIG. 16. In the illustrated example, gown 1700 includes a coupling member 1802 that initially couples first strap 1702 and second strap 1704. In the illustrated example, strap 1702 is coupled to a front section of gown 1700 on a first (outer surface) and strap 1704 is coupled to the first surface near the open edge of gown 1700—e.g., near the back edge of the opposite side of the gown. That is, if strap 1702 is on a front left side of gown 1700, then strap 1704 is on the back right side of gown 1700.

During self-donning of gown 1700, straps 1702 and 1704 are initially coupled together at a front portion of gown 1700. A user then attaches adhesive element to a surface, such as a table, bench, wall, or the like (e.g., by removing a protective tape), and a user spins around 360° to cause strap 1704 to be proximate strap 1702 (e.g., near the left front side in the illustrated example) to enable the user to tie straps 1702, 1704 together.

The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments and examples. It should be appreciated that the particular embodiments shown and described herein are illustrative of the preferred embodiments of the invention and its best mode, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. It will be recognized that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as expressed in the following claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A self-donning surgical gown comprising:

a gown body having a neck opening and a back opening defined by a first back edge and a second back edge; and

a neck opening fastening assembly proximate the neck opening, the neck opening fastening assembly comprising a deformable element that holds the gown around a user's neck.

2. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is resiliently deformable.

3. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is non-resiliently deformable.

4. The self-donning gown of claim 1, wherein the neck opening fastening assembly has a first position where it is open and a user's neck can be positioned in the gown and a second position where it closes about the user's neck.

5. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is at least partially encased by at least a portion of the gown body.

6. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, wherein the deformable element comprises an opening and wherein the opening is enlarged to receive a user's neck and thereafter reduced to retain a portion of the surgical gown proximate the neck.

7. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, wherein the deformable element has an upright collar portion that fits around at least part of a user's neck.

8. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 6, wherein the deformable element has a flat position and a raised position, and is moved into the raised position when the gown is in use.

9. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, further comprising a back-closure assembly.

10. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 1, further comprising a front-tie assembly.

11. A self-donning surgical gown comprising:

a gown body having a neck opening and a back opening defined by a first back edge and a second back edge, the gown body having a first surface and a second surface; and

a back closure assembly comprising at least a first strap adjacent the first back edge and a second strap adjacent the second back edge.

12. The self-donning gown of claim 11 that further includes a handle coupled to the first surface and a retaining device, wherein at least a portion of the retaining device is coupled to the second surface.

13. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 11 wherein the first strap has a closure device and the second strap has a closure device, so when the closure devices of each strap meet they fasten the straps together.

14. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 11, wherein the back closure assembly further comprises a plurality of sterile handles.

15. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 14, wherein at least one sterile handle is attached to the first surface.

16. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 15, wherein at least one handle comprises one or more of the group consisting of sterile foam, cardboard, plastic and paper.

17. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 12, wherein the retaining device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: a hook and loop device, an adhesive and a magnet.

18. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 11, further comprising a neck fastening assembly.

19. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 11, further comprising a front-tie assembly.

20. The self-donning surgical gown of claim 11, wherein the first strap and second strap are each attached to the first surface.