Abstract: The versatile patient gown of the present invention provides access to the entire torso, front or back without removing the gown by opening the releasable butterfly sleeve closures and cotton ties. The gown has multiple uses as a regular patient gown, a surgical gown; it can be used in intensive care by opening a sleeve for I.V.'s, etc.; for critical care using a telemeter unit placeable in a front pocket which has a buttonhole to pass the lead into the body; for radiology by using exclusively VELCRO closures and cotton ties; for mammography and for neonatal care by exposing the breast or chest without removing the entire gown.

Abstract: A liquid proof seam construction is provided. A double needle flat-felled seam is constructed having a melt adhesive polymer film disposed within the seam. The seam is then passed through a hot air/pressure device which melts the film and compresses the seam. This forms a liquid, e.g. waterproof, bond between adjacent layers of material and also fills up any area around the stitching formed by needle holes.