HOSPITAL GARMENT

Abstract

An improved hospital garment is disclosed for use by a patient. The garment may be a shirt-like portion having a placket to permit the shirt-like portion to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, and defining a neck opening through which the neck of the patient extends when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on the patient. The garment may include sleeves through which the arms of the patient extend when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on the patient. Each sleeve may be defined by a piece of fabric and may have a hook and loop fastener secured thereto. On each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed upon the patient and the patient is upright, overlaps upon and may be secured by the hook and loop fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient. This fastener may be releasable to permit the shirt-like portion to be parted along each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of the patient. It may be shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion from the shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the fastener.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hospital gowns or garments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Because caregivers and medical personnel need to have substantially unencumbered access to areas of the body that have been injured and need to be examined or treated, and because hospital gowns must be easily put on or removed, typical hospital gowns are loose, poorly-fitting garments. Accordingly, hospital gowns are notorious for being unstylish and for providing only a modicum of covering and dignity for patients. Standard gowns also often do not provide easy access to the front or shoulder parts of the body without necessitating undue exposure, since the only opening in such gowns is in the back, and if the gown is reversed, excessive exposure of the front inevitably ensues. For instance, a patient with a wound on his or her shoulder would necessarily have to remove practically the entire gown during examination. In addition, patients are often subjected to unnecessary exertion due to the lack of adaptability of such gowns to various treatments required in nursing. For example, due to the clumsy design and construction of the standard gown, a mother suffering from exhaustion following the birth of a child would be forced into undue exposure of other portions of her body in order to expose her breast while nursing. The present garment now in use requires undue manipulation and exacts a wholly unnecessary toll from such patients. Thus, there exists a need for an alternative to the standard hospital gown that is practical, relatively inexpensive, and overcomes the disadvantages associated with the standard gown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved hospital garment for use by a patient forms one aspect of the invention. This improved garment is of the type comprising a shirt-like portion. This shirt-like portion has a placket to permit said shirt-like portion to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, defines a neck opening through which the neck of said patient extends when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient and includes sleeves through which the arms of said patient extend when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient, each sleeve being defined by a piece of fabric and by a hook and loop fastener secured thereto. The improvement comprises, in each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright, overlapping upon and being secured by the hook and loop fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient, such securement being a releasable securement to permit the shirt-like portion to be parted along said each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of said patient. The improvement also comprises the fabric piece being shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the hook and loop fastener.

Hospital garments for use by a patient form other aspects of the invention.

One garment comprises a shirt and a pair of pants. The shirt has a placket to permit said shirt to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, defines a neck opening through which the neck of said patient extends when said shirt is operatively disposed on said patient and includes sleeves through which the arms of said patient extend when said shirt is operatively disposed on said patient. Each sleeve is defined by a piece of fabric and by a hook and loop fastener secured thereto. In each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright, overlaps upon and is secured by the hook and loop fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient. This securement is releasable to permit the shirt to be parted along said each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of said patient. The fabric piece is shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the hook and loop fastener. The pair of pants includes a pair of pant portions through which the legs of said patient extend when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient and further includes a trunk body.

The trunk body: defines a crotch from which the pant portions extend; when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient, covers the pelvis of said patient and defines a waistline from which the torso of said patient extends; and has a pair of portions which flank and define an overlap placket which extends from the crotch to the waistline. One of the portions is a flap which overlaps the other of said portions when said trunk body is operatively disposed on said patient. The closure is for releasably securing the flap to the other portion to releasably secure said pair of pants in the operative position.

Another garment comprises a pair of pants including a pair of pant portions through which the legs of said patient extend when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient. This garment also comprises a trunk body and a closure. The trunk body: defines a crotch from which the pant portions extend; when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient, covers the pelvis of said patient and defines a waistline from which the torso of said patient extends; and has a pair of portions which flank and define an overlap placket which extends from the crotch to the waistline.

One of the portions is a flap which overlaps the other of said portions when said trunk body is operatively disposed on said patient. The closure is for releasably securing the flap to the other portion to releasably secure said pair of pants in the operative position.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a hospital garment for use by a patient, the garment being of the type comprising a shirt-like portion: having a placket to permit the shirt-like portion to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, defining a neck opening through which the neck of the patient extends when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on the patient; and including sleeves through which the arms of the patient extend when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on the patient, each sleeve being defined by a piece of fabric and by a releasable fastener secured thereto, wherein the improvement comprises, in each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed upon the patient and the patient is upright, overlapping upon and being secured by the releasable fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient, such securement being a releasable securement to permit the shirt-like portion to be parted along the each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of the patient; and being shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion from the shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the releasable fastener.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hospital garment for use by a patient having a body surface, the garment being of the type comprising a shirt-like portion having a neck opening through which the neck of the patient extends when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on the patient; and including sleeves through which the arms of the patient extend when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on the patient; the shirt-like portion having a first panel overlapping a second panel; a first cord member secured proximate an end portion to the second panel at a first surface of the second panel, at a position spaced from an edge of the first panel when the first panel is overlapped with the second panel; a second cord member secured proximate an end portion to the first panel; and the first and second cord members being securable to each other to hold the first and second panels in overlapping relation.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter being briefly described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front layout view of a hospital garment constructed according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear layout view of the structure of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a view of the garment of FIG. 1 operatively disposed upon a patient;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the garment and patient of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the garment and patient of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, with the shirt-like garment parted along one sleeve to the neck;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2, with the pair of pants parted along the overlap placket to the crotch;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2, with the shirt-like portion reversed;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, with the shirt-like garment parted along one sleeve;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 4, with the shirt reversed parted along the vest placket and the pair of pants reversed and parted along the overlap placket to the crotch;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front layout view of the shirt-like portion of the garment of FIG. 1A, parted along one sleeve;

FIG. 11 is a full layout view of the garment of FIG. 10, parted along one sleeve and along the vest placket;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the pants portion of the garment of FIG. 1A, parted along the overlap placket;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a garment constructed according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14A is a front layout view of a hospital garment constructed according to a another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a rear layout view of the structure of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is a view of the garment of FIG. 14A operatively disposed upon a patient;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the garment and patient of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a back view of the garment and patient of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 15, with the shirt-like garment parted along one sleeve to the neck;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 15, with the pair of pants parted along the overlap placket to the crotch;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 15, with the shirt-like portion reversed;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20, with the shirt-like garment parted along one sleeve;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 17, with the shirt reversed parted along the vest placket and the pair of pants reversed and parted along the overlap placket to the crotch;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged front layout view of the shirt-like portion of the garment of FIG. 14A, parted along one sleeve;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the garment of FIG. 23, parted along one sleeve and along the vest placket, with the garment laid out and having its generally outward facing surface, directed upwards;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the pants portion of the garment of FIG. 14A, parted along the overlap placket;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of a garment constructed according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A garment constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in front and rear layout in FIGS. 1A and 1B and is designated by the general reference numeral 20. This preferred garment will be seen to comprise a shirt-like portion 22 and a pair of Capri-style pants 24, and should be understood to be constructed out of relatively fire-retardant, hard-wearing and soft-textured fabric, such as a 35%/65% cotton polyester blend.

The shirt-like portion 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-5, wherein it is shown in use, operatively disposed on an upright female patient.

The shirt-like portion 22 takes the form of a shirt and has a vest portion 26, a pair of top tie closures 28, a pair of ¾ length Raglan sleeves 30 and a telemetry pocket 32, the telemetry pocket 32 being shown in phantom outline in FIG. 2.

The vest portion 26 substantially covers the upper torso of the patient and is provided with a vest placket 34 disposed anteriorly, so as to permit the shirt 22 to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, and with a V-neck opening 35 through which the neck of said patient extends.

The top tie closures 28 are fabric cords secured to the vest portion 26, one each on opposite sides of the vest placket 34, to provide a closure therefor.

As shown on FIG. 4, the arms of the patient extend through the sleeves 30, and each sleeve 30 is defined by a piece of fabric 36 and by a low-lint hook 38 and loop 40 fastener secured thereto. In each sleeve 30, the fabric piece 36 overlaps upon and is secured by the hook 38 and loop 40 fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient. The hook 38 and loop 40 fastening renders the securement releasable, to permit the shirt 22 to be parted along said each sleeve 30 to the neck opening 35 and thereby provide ready access to the upper torso of said patient, as shown in FIG. 5.

The overlapped piece 36A is shaped and dimensioned to substantially overhang the shoulder, so as to be capable of suspending the shirt 22 from said shoulder when the overlapping 36B and overlapped 36A portions are released from one another by the hook 38 and loop 40 fastener and the overlapping portion 36B is removed therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

This self-supporting functionality makes it relatively easy for a patient to re-secure the garment 20 in place after the overlapping 36B and overlapped 36A portions have been released from one another. The overlapped portion 36A of the sleeve 36 need only be slung over the shoulder, whereupon the mass of the overlapped portion 36A supports the shirt-like portion 22 in place. Thereafter, the overlapping portion 36B can be slung over the shoulder, whereupon the hook 38 and loop 40 fasteners come into contact with one another, to secure the garment 20. For patients with normal limb mobility, each sleeve 36 can be re-secured by either arm.

The overlapping portion 36B is similarly shaped and dimensioned, so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion 22 from said shoulder (not shown) when the overlapping 36B and overlapped 36A portions are released from one another by the hook 38 and loop 40 fastener. The self-supporting functionality of both the overlapped 36A and overlapping 36B portions provides advantages in terms of modesty, since, if access to only the upper or rear portion of the torso is required, the sleeve 36 can be disengaged, and the front or back of the garment, as applicable, can be slung over the shoulder to support same in position, without the need for the patient to hold same in place at all times to avoid exposure.

A secondary hook 70 and loop 72 fastener is provided to close the end of the sleeve, as shown in FIG. 8. This minimizes drafts, and adds to the stylishness of the garment.

The telemetry pocket 32 is secured to the shirt-like portion 22 so as to lie interiorly thereof, adjacent the chest of the patient. The telemetry pocket 32 is sized to accommodate conventional patient monitors (not shown) and in the preferred embodiment comprises a rectangular fabric panel sewn along three edges to the vest portion 26.

With reference to FIG. 1A-9, the pair of pants 24 includes a pair of pant portions 42, a trunk body 44 and a closure 46.

In use, the legs of the patient extend one each through the pant portions 42. Slit openings 48 are provided at the hems, to, inter alia, facilitate the passage of bulky items, such as casts or footwear, through the pant portions 42.

The trunk body 44 defines a crotch 50 from which the pant portions 42 extend, covers the pelvis of said patient, defines a waistline 52 from which the torso of said patient extends and has a pair of portions 56, 58 which flank and define a overlap placket 54 which extends from the crotch 50 to the waistline 52, one of the portions 56 being a flap which overlaps the other 58, as best seen in FIG. 12.

The closure 60 releasably secures the flap 56 to the other portion 58 to releasably secure said pair of pants 24, and takes the form of a pair of fabric trunk tie-up cords 60 secured to the trunk body 44 on opposite sides of the overlap placket 54. A rear portion 64 of the waistline is elasticized, to provide a degree of give and comfort in wear. The closure 60 can be released, so as to provide access to the pelvic area of the patient, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 13 and designated as 20′. In this embodiment, the garment 20′ comprises a shirt-like portion in the form of a ¾ length robe 22′. But for its length, robe 22′ is identical to the shirt-like portion 22 of FIG. 1-9, and is numbered commensurately. In view of similar functionality, further description of this garment is not required and is not provided.

Whereas in FIGS. 2-6, the garment 20 is shown in use with the vest placket 34 and overlap placket 54 disposed anteriorly, it should be understood that both the shirt 22 and the pants 24 are reversible, so as to provide greater flexibility to attending caregivers in terms of body access, as shown by FIG. 7, wherein the shirt 22 is shown reversed, and FIG. 9, wherein the shirt 22 and pants 24 are both shown reversed and parted to provide access to the buttocks of the patient. Reversal of the shirt 22 and/or pants 24 does not impact substantially on patient comfort or coverage.

FIGS. 14A-26 illustrate other alternative embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments a “100” numbering scheme is employed to indicate the same features that are illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13. For example in these embodiments, the vest portion is designated 126.

Differences between the previous embodiments of FIGS. 1-13, and the embodiments of FIGS. 14A to 26 are described hereinafter.

In these embodiments of FIGS. 14A-26, sleeves 130 are constructed with the following differences compared to the previous embodiments. As particularly shown in FIG. 18, the hook and loop fasteners 138, 140 are positioned so as to be set back from the neck opening 135, thus providing a gap portion of plain material 139 between the edge 141 of the neck opening 135 and the hook and look fasteners 138, 140. This enhances the comfort of the wearer of the shirt 122.

Also, as shown in particular in FIG. 21, the overlapping portion of the sleeve 136B overlaps the overlapped portion of the sleeve 136A to a greater extent than in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-13. In these embodiments of FIGS. 14A-26, it will be noted that the use of additional hook and loop fasteners 70, 72 which were depicted in FIG. 10 are not required to ensure the overlapping portions 136A, 136B remain overlapped when the shirt-like portion 122 is worn.

With particular reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, the shirt-like portion 122 has a rear body panel 170, a left panel 172 and a right panel 174. In use on a patient, a substantial portion of the right panel 174 is overlapped on top of a substantial portion of left panel 172. The right panel 174 and left panel 172 are held in overlapping relation by joining tie closures 128a and 128b.

One end portion of tie closure 128a (which may in the form of a cord) is attached to overlapped left panel 172 of vest placket 134 at an attachment point 133. In this illustrated embodiment of the invention, this end portion of the tie closure 128a is attached to the overlapped panel 172 of the vest placket 134 on the side surface that is adjacent to the body of the wearer of the shirt-like portion 122. The tie closure 128a has a portion that extends through an opening 127 (which may be configured like a buttonhole) to permit connection with the second tie closure 128b. A cover panel 129 is attached around its periphery to the panel 172 on the side adjacent to the wearer of the shirt 122 so that the portion of the tie closure 128a adjacent the wearer of the shirt is covered by cover panel 129. This enhances the comfort of the wearer of the shirt 122.

Between cover panel 129 and the surface of the vest placket 134 adjacent the wearer's body a passageway is formed and in this passageway, a portion of tie closure 128a is received. The tie closure 128a is not secured within this passageway. In this way, cover panel 129 and the material of the vest placket 134 can be cinched along tie closure 128a, by decreasing the length of the passageway and exposing more of tie closure 128a outside of the passageway. The cover panel 129 has an opening (not shown) enabling tie closure 128A to pass out of the passageway through the opening, and then through opening 127 that passes through panel 172.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the secured end portion of the tie closure 128a can be attached to the side of the overlapped portion of the vest placket 134 on the side opposite to the body of the wearer of the shirt 122. In such an embodiment, the buttonhole 127 will be omitted and may be replaced by a loop or any other method of movable attachment to the overlapped portion of the vest placket 134.

Cover panel 129 can be similarly attached to the overlapped portion of the vest placket 134 on the side opposite to the wearer of the shirt-like portion 122 so that portion of the tie closure 128a is covered.

With reference to FIG. 25, tie closure 160a, 160b may be constructed in a similar manner as tie closure 128a, 128b. In the preferred embodiment, the end portion of the tie closure 160a is attached to the pants 124 at attachment point 163. In this embodiment of the invention, this end portion of the tie closure 160a is attached to the pants 124 on the side adjacent to the wearer of the pants 124. A substantial portion of tie closure 160a may run through a channel formed at the top of the pants 124. This portion of the tie closure 160A extends through buttonhole 162 to permit connection with the second tie closure 160b which also has a substantial portion running through an opposite channel at the top of the pants 124.

The channel for closure 160a may be formed with a cover panel 161 that is attached to the pants 124 on the side adjacent to the wearer of the pants 124 so that the portion of the tie closure 160a adjacent the wearer of the shirt is covered. This enhances the comfort of the wearer of the pants 124. In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the portion of the tie closure 160a can be attached to the pants 124 on the side opposite to the wearer of the pants 124. In such an embodiment, the buttonhole 162 may be replaced by a loop or any other method of movable attachment to the pants 124. Panel 161 can be similarly attached to the pants 124 on the side opposite to the wearer of the pants 124 so that the portion of the tie closure 160a is covered.

With particular reference to FIG. 24, additional tie closure 131a, 131b may be employed to further attach the overlapped and overlapping panels 174, 172 of vest placket 134. Tie closure 131a may have an end portion secured at the surface of panel 174 that is adjacent the body of the wearer and may be affixed proximate an interior edge of telemetry pocket 132. The opposite closure 131b may have its end portion affixed at an outer edge of panel 172. Closure 131, 131b provides for additional flexibility in limiting the exposure of the patient during use of the shirt-like garment 122

Although not shown, it will also be readily understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the garment of the present invention can be worn by male patients as well as females.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the present invention provides a relatively stylish garment well-adapted to safeguard the modesty of patients, while allowing great flexibility in terms of convenient caregiver access. The cut of the garment renders same well-suited to institutional deployment, since each garment can accommodate a wide range of patient sizes, which is advantageous in terms of cost. The garment also facilitates self-dressing and self-bathing, and accommodates telemetry equipment.

While but several embodiments of the present invention have been herein shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in size and shape of parts may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

For example, full-length versions of the pants may be employed, but Capri-style pants are presently preferred, since this style tends to accommodate a relatively wider range of patient sizes.

As well, whereas ¾ length Raglan sleeves are provided, other lengths and sleeve styles can be used, although it should be understood that in the case of sleeve styles that are not commonly understood as extending to the neckline, the “sleeve” portion of such garments will, for the purpose of the claims herein, be understood as including that part of the garment that extends over the shoulder to the neckline.

Further, telemetry pockets can be omitted, or placed in other locations on the garment.

As well, neckline styles other than V-necks can also be utilized. Additionally, whereas fabric cords are used for the tie-ups, other tie-ups, such as belts, snaps, hook and loop fasteners and buttons could be employed. Where hook and loop fasteners are used, other releasable connectors such as hooks, snaps, buttons, magnets, clasps, ties, and buckles could be employed.

Moreover, whereas the hook portion of the hook and loop fasteners is shown secured to the overlapping portion of the sleeve, the hook portion could equally be disposed on the overlapped portion, with the loop portion being disposed on the overlapping portion.

As well, whereas both the overlapped and overlapping portions of the sleeves are described to be of sufficient weight and dimension to suspend the garment partially in place when the hook and loop fastener is released, this need not be the case. The garment could, for example, be constructed so that only the overlapped portion was capable of so suspending the garment.

Yet further, full-length, rather than ¾ length robes could be utilized.

Furthermore, where releasable attachments are described, permanent methods of attachment may be used in other embodiments of the invention. For example, in circumstances where only access to the upper arm of the patient is required, the releasable hook and loop fasteners on the sleeves may be replaced by stitching while still allowing the sleeves to be somewhat opened when required.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims appended hereto, purposively construed.

Claims

1. An improved hospital garment for use by a patient, said garment being of the type comprising a shirt-like portion: having a placket to permit said shirt-like portion to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, defining a neck opening through which the neck of said patient extends when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient; and including sleeves through which the arms of said patient extend when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient, each sleeve being defined by a piece of fabric and by a hook and loop fastener secured thereto, wherein the improvement comprises, in each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright,

overlapping upon and being secured by the hook and loop fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient, such securement being a releasable securement to permit the shirt-like portion to be parted along said each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of said patient; and

being shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the hook and loop fastener.

2. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein, in each sleeve, the fabric piece is shaped and dimensioned such that, when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright, the overlapping part substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the hook and loop fastener.

3. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein the shirt-like portion has Raglan sleeves.

4. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein the shirt-like portion is a three-quarter length robe.

5. A hospital garment according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of tie-ups secured to the shirt-like portion on opposite sides of the placket for closure thereof.

6. A hospital garment according to claim 1, further comprising a telemetry pocket secured to the shirt-like portion so as to lie interiorly thereof, adjacent the chest of the patient, when the shirt-like portion is in its operative disposition with the placket disposed anteriorly.

7. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein the shirt-like portion is a shirt.

8. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein the shirt-like garment is adapted to be worn by the patient with the placket disposed anteriorly.

9. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein the shirt-like garment is adapted to be worn by the patient with the placket disposed posteriorly.

10. A hospital garment according to claim 1, wherein the shirt-like garment is adapted to be worn by the patient with the placket disposed either anteriorly or posteriorly.

11. A hospital garment for use by a patient, said garment comprising a pair of pants including:

a pair of pant portions through which the legs of said patient extend when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient;

a trunk body: defining a crotch from which the pant portions extend;

which, when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient, covers the pelvis of said patient and defines a waistline from which the torso of said patient extends; and having a pair of portions which flank and define a overlap placket which extends from the crotch to the waistline, one of said portions being a flap which overlaps the other of said portions when said trunk body is operatively disposed on said patient; and

a closure for releasably securing the flap to the other portion to releasably secure said pair of pants in the operative position.

12. A hospital garment according to claim 11, wherein the pair of pants is adapted to be worn by the patient with the overlap placket disposed anteriorly.

13. A hospital garment according to claim 11, wherein the pair of pants is adapted to be worn by the patient with the overlap placket disposed posteriorly.

14. A hospital garment according to claim 11, wherein the pair of pants is adapted to be worn by the patient with the overlap placket disposed either anteriorly or posteriorly.

15. A hospital garment according to claim 11, further comprising a pair of tie-ups secured to the trunk body on opposite sides of the overlap placket for closure thereof.

16. A hospital garment for use by a patient, said garment comprising:

a shirt having a vest placket to permit said shirt to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, defining a neck opening through which the neck of said patient extends when said shirt is operatively disposed on said patient; including sleeves through which the arms of said patient extend when said shirt is operatively disposed on said patient, each sleeve being defined by a piece of fabric and by a hook and loop fastener secured thereto,

wherein, in each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright, overlaps upon and is secured by the hook and loop fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient, such securement being releasable to permit the shirt to be parted along said each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of said patient; and is shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the hook and loop fastener; and

a pair of pants including a pair of pant portions through which the legs of said patient extend when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient; a trunk body: defining a crotch from which the pant portions extend;

which, when said pair of pants is operatively disposed on said patient, covers the pelvis of said patient and defines a waistline from which the torso of said patient extends; and having a pair of portions which flank and define a overlap placket which extends from the crotch to the waistline, one of said portions being a flap which overlaps the other of said portions when said trunk body is operatively disposed on said patient; and a closure for releasably securing the flap to the other portion to releasably secure said pair of pants in the operative position.

17. A hospital garment according to claim 16, wherein, in each sleeve, the fabric piece is shaped and dimensioned such that, when the shirt is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright, the overlapping part substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the hook and loop fastener.

18. A hospital garment according to claim 16, wherein the shirt is adapted to be worn by the patient with the vest placket disposed either anteriorly or posteriorly and wherein the pair of pants is adapted to be worn by the patient with the overlap placket disposed either anteriorly or posteriorly.

19. A hospital garment according to claim 16, further comprising a pair of trunk tie-ups secured to the trunk body on opposite sides of the overlap placket for closure thereof.

20. A hospital garment according to claim 16, further comprising a pair of top tie-ups secured to the shirt on opposite sides of the vest placket for closure thereof.

21. A hospital garment for use by a patient, said garment being of the type comprising a shirt-like portion: having a placket to permit said shirt-like portion to be donned and doffed in the manner of a robe, defining a neck opening through which the neck of said patient extends when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient; and including sleeves through which the arms of said patient extend when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient, each sleeve being defined by a piece of fabric and by a releasable fastener secured thereto, wherein the improvement comprises, in each sleeve, the fabric piece, when the shirt-like portion is operatively disposed upon said patient and the patient is upright,

overlapping upon and being secured by the releasable fastener to itself upon the shoulder of the patient, such securement being a releasable securement to permit the shirt-like portion to be parted along said each sleeve to the neck opening to provide ready access to the upper torso of said patient; and

being shaped and dimensioned such that the overlapped part of the fabric piece substantially overhangs the shoulder so as to be capable of suspending the shirt-like portion from said shoulder when the overlapping and overlapped portions are released from one another by the releasable fastener.

22. A hospital garment for use by a patient having a body surface, said garment being of the type comprising a shirt-like portion having a neck opening through which the neck of said patient extends when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient; and including sleeves through which the arms of said patient extend when said shirt-like portion is operatively disposed on said patient;

said shirt-like portion having a first panel overlapping a second panel;

a first cord member secured proximate an end portion to said second panel at a first surface of said second panel, at a position spaced from an edge of said first panel when said first panel is overlapped with said second panel;

a second cord member secured proximate an end portion to said first panel; and

said first and second cord members being securable to each other to hold said first and second panels in overlapping relation.

23. A hospital garment as claimed in claim 22 wherein a variable length portion of said first cord member is held in a passageway having a length, and said passageway being defined between a portion of said first surface of said second panel and a cover panel secured to said first surface of said second panel, with an end portion of said first cord member extending out of said passageway to be securable to said second cord member, said length of said passageway being adapted to be shortened when said cover panel and said second panel are cinched up on said cord member to vary said length.

24. A hospital garment as claimed in claim 23 further wherein said first surface of said second panel is facing said body surface of said patient, and wherein said second panel has an opening through which said first cord member passes from said first surface of said second panel to a second opposite surface for connection to said second cord member.