Insulated Medical Scrub Garment

Abstract

Disclosed is a medical scrub garment having an interior liner adapted to provide increased warmth and comfort for a user. The scrub garment is one that is provided in long pants, short and long tops and other assorted styles, while the interior of the garment includes a fleece, cotton or woolen material that provides increased warmth, softness and comfort for the user while wearing the garment. The liner allows the user to exit a facility for short periods in colder climate without requiring a jacket that otherwise obstructs movement. The garment itself is disposable, as is the case with cheaper medical scrubs, or alternatively the entire assembly is machine washable and reusable. The fleece liner is further optionally removable and interchangeable with other scrub garments of the type adapted to secure a liner.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/494,215 filed on Jun. 7, 2011, entitled “Seasonal Snug Scrubs.” The patent application identified above is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to medical clothing and uniforms. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a medical scrub uniforms and an improvement thereof, wherein a scrub garment is disclosed having a fleece liner for increased comfort and warmth in colder environments.

Medical scrubs are a temporary, disposable or reusable medical garment adapted to provide a uniform for medical personnel and a readily disposable work garment that can be dirtied and soiled during a work shift without consequence. These garments are generally cotton gowns, or pants and a top that are loosely fitted to a user, whereby the garment is adapted to provide a covering or lining that minimizes locations in which dirt may be transported for sanitation purposes, while further providing a simple garment that can be easily laundered or discarded after use. These garments provide surgeons and medical professionals with a set of replacement clothing or work clothing in clean environments wherein contamination is prohibited and sterilization procedures are in effect.

The structure of modern scrub garments generally consists of a disconnected short-sleeve shirt and pants, wherein the shirt is collarless and cuffed, and the pants are held in place around a wearer's waist via a waist band. The scrub material itself is one of uniform thickness and providing a thin barrier between the user and the environment. This configuration is well suited for providing a physical barrier for dirt and blood while in a medical environment, but provides little in the way of protective clothing in colder climates, wherein the scrubs provide no insulation when transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments wherein temperatures may vary drastically depending on local conditions. In these conditions, it is common for medical personnel to don jackets or cold weather gear when going outdoors. In situations where these individuals are consistently moving outdoors, such as emergency room entrances wherein patient treatment may begin in an ambulance, the use of a bulky jacket can pose several drawbacks to the ability of the user to operate freely and to prevent damage thereto. Warm weather jackets can be bulky, and further are property of the wearer and thus more troublesome when dirtied or exposed to blood. Therefore, it is desired to disclose an improvement to medical scrub uniforms and garments, wherein an interior liner is provided for increased warmth, wherein a user is less inclined to wear larger jackets while working temporarily outdoors or in cold environments.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to medical scrubs and disposable garments. These include patented devices and those disclosed in published patent application publications. These devices relate to cold weather garments and traditional scrub devices that fail to disclose the novel features of the present invention. Those devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure are herein described for the purposes of differentiating and highlighting the novel aspects of the present invention.

Specifically, U.S. Published Patent Application Publication 2006/0143777 to Dennis discloses a medical care professional garment having a liner that provides warmth, durability and decreased transparency of the garment. The lined medical scrub comprises materials such as peach-skin solid material, stretch terry fabric, butter suede solids, cotton velour solids, a polyester blend or a flannel material. The object is to keep the user warmer, to increase the durability of the garment and to increase the transparency of the garment while in use. The Dennis device describes little in the way of the garment structure, but rather discloses embodiments of the scrub having an internal liner. The present invention contemplates a soft, insulating liner that is of minimal thickness to provide increased warmth, a closely-fitted garment and one that further contemplates a removable lining structure that allows users to choose whether to line the scrub or interchange the liner between soiled examples thereof.

Further, U.S. Design Pat. No. D627,137 to Keavey discloses an ornamental design for a lined medical scrub garment having a specific layout and structural arrangement. No indication is given as the type of material and the ability to remove the liner from the scrub garment in the Keavey disclosure. The present invention, while providing a medical garment of similar style, discloses a lined garment for the purposes of providing utility in colder climates, wherein closely-fitted, thermally lined scrubs are desired by medical professionals. The ability to wear a uniform or change from street clothes and operate in multiple environments without requiring a larger, more cumbersome jacket is of primary concern of the present invention. The liner is preferably a polar fleece material, which is soft and insulating, while the outer layer is one of standard scrub garment design. The liner is removable from the scrub outer layer increase the flexibility of the present invention to accommodate the user's preferences and comfort needs.

The present invention provides healthcare workers with a thermally-lined uniform for use in colder climates and for those who frequently leave the climate controlled environment of a hospital or medical facility and work outdoors temporarily. This new garment can be worn by anyone in the medical field that wears scrubs to work and lives in colder climates. Specially, the scrubs of the present invention include an interior lining within the interior surface of the scrub uniform, whereby thermal insulation is provided that does not inhibit motion and provides natural freedom of motion the restriction of thicker, more cumbersome layers. The interior liner is provided within the top and pants portion of the garment, providing increased cushion and a closely-fitted design that is thermally lined. The liner is removable, thereby preserving the liner if the outer scrub garment is soiled during the course of a procedure or emergency situation. This allows the outer shell to be disposable or independently washable, while preserving the interior fleece liner.

In light of the aforementioned prior art devices, it is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing medical scrub uniform devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of medical scrub uniform devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new scrub uniform wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when wearing scrubs in colder climates and operating outdoors temporarily.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved medical scrub device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a medical scrub uniform device that comprises an internal liner structure that is adapted to snugly fit the uniform to a user's body and provide increased comfort and padding.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical scrub uniform device that comprises an internal liner structure that is adapted to thermally insulate the user in the coverage area of the scrub garment, wherein a user is insulated and kept warm during frequent exposures to colder environments.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a medical scrub uniform device that is either machine washable and reusable, or one that is readily disposable after use and initial soiling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical scrub uniform device comprising an internal liner that is removable and interchangeable with garments of similar style and design, allowing the liner to be reused and interchanged or removed as desired by the user.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a medical scrub uniform device that contemplates the use of polar fleece as a thermally insulating material, providing a thermal barrier that is breathable and comfortable to the user's skin.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration, wherein the internal liner is visible and the embodiment of the garment is one of long-sleeves.

FIG. 2 shows a view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a crew neck style scrub having long-sleeves and an internal liner is shown.

FIG. 3 shows a view of a typical scrub pants, wherein the pants further include the internal liner of the scrub top.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the lined medical scrub uniforms. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a scrub garment having an interior liner for comfort and warmth. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a frontal view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a long-sleeved scrub uniform top 11 is provided in a cardigan style with cuffed sleeve endings 16. The scrub uniform of the present invention includes an outer scrub shell comprising of cotton or traditional scrub material, along with an interior liner 12 within the interior of the shell that provides a snug fit and insulating layer against colder exterior temperatures. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is provided a button down, openable-front 13 cardigan scrub top 11 having a collarless neckline 15, long sleeves 14 and cuffed sleeve endings 16. Along the outer shell of the scrub top 11 may be provided a pocket 17 or plurality thereof, along with specific styling or designs that suit the user or an establishment uniform.

The liner of the present invention is one that is preferably a thick, insulating material such as fleece or cotton. The liner thickens the garment to snugly fit against the body of a user, improving fitment and reducing loose portions of the garment that may serve as a hindrance to daily operation. The liner 12 serves as a thermal barrier within the shell, coextensive with the shell and spanning its entire interior surface to insulate a user and prevent exposure to cold temperatures along the coverage area of the garment. The liner is preferably sewn into the scrub shell interior, wherein the entire assembly is machine washable or alternatively disposable after use. In an alternate embodiment, the liner 12 is removable from the scrub shell, whereby it can be removed if desired or interchanged with differently styled or sterile scrub shells. Being removable allows users to enjoy the comforts and thermal insulation when desired, and then remove the liner 12 during hotter months, allowing the shell to be utilized year round. Being interchangeable allows the user to keep the liner 12 even if the outer shell is soiled or dirtied and needing cleaning or disposal, whereby the liner is removed and inserted into a fresh scrub shell for reuse. This eliminates waste and further reduces the need to wash the liner each time the shell requires cleaning or disposal.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the scrub top 11 of the present invention, wherein a crew neck style, long-sleeve top is provided. In this embodiment, the outer shell is one of long-sleeves 14 and a rounded, collarless neck region. Beneath the scrub shell is a liner 12 that comprises a thermally insulating and padded layer between the user's skin and the scrub outer garment shell. It is desired to disclose a medical scrub uniform having a liner, wherein the liner is insulating, comfortable and form-fitting, while the style of the scrub may take several forms. These include long-sleeved, short-sleeved variants, as well as those designs that contemplate different neckline styles, pocket arrangements, cuffs and outer designs or patterns. The goal is provide an insulating and thicker scrub garment that contemplates a fleece liner that is either removable or permanently sewn into the scrub garment.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the corresponding pants scrub garment of the present invention, wherein a traditional scrub pant 18 is provided having the same internal liner 12 of the scrub tops. The scrub pants are similar to standard scrub uniform pants, wherein two leg portions 21 connect to a waist region 19 having a draw string 20 cinching means for accommodating waists of varying diameter. Within the interior of the scrub pants 18 is the insulating liner 12 of the present invention, which is structured in the same fashion as the tops. The liner 12 provides a comfortable internal layer and one that insulates a user's legs from colder air. The liner 12 is removable or permanently positioned within the outer shell of the scrub pants, whereby the liner is washable with the shell or the entire assembly is adapted to be disposable.

In the removable embodiment, the liner is secured within the shell of the scrub top and bottom via a line of connection, whereby secure attachment is achieved by buttons, hook and loop fastening or similar means to secure the assembly together and prevent separation during use. This embodiment allows the liner to be removed and cleaned independently of the shell, or further interchanged between shells or discarded if overly used in favor of a replacement liner. The material of the liner is preferably a polar fleece or cotton material. Polar fleece is one comprising a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, polyester fleece material or similar synthetic fibers. Other embodiments contemplate cotton or cotton blends, or further wool liners. The goal is to provide a thermal barrier for those medical professionals who are exposed to cold temperatures and do not wish to don a larger winter coat during procedures or while exposed. The use of fleece material allows the liner to further be breathable when worn indoors and between periods of exposure to cold air, which is a key feature that is highly desired when working a majority of the time within climate controlled environments between periods of outdoor or cold environment activity.

Many individuals in the medical profession, such as nurses, doctors and physician assistants are required to wear scrubs to work on a daily basis. The traditional scrub uniform is one made from a lightweight material that provides little warmth to the user and is designed to establish a thin boundary between the user and the environment. Most individuals attempt to layer clothing underneath the uniform to stay warm in colder weather or in air-conditioned facilities. Layering clothing can be restrictive and may prevent the individual from bending or responding in an emergency situation. The present invention provides healthcare workers with a thermally-lined scrub uniform for use in colder environments. This uniform option can be worn by anyone in the medical field that regularly wears scrubs to work and frequently finds themselves in cold environments or exposed thereto. The device is an advancement and modification to existing scrubs by providing an interior lining within the interior of the uniform, whereby the liner is thermally insulating, comfortable and breathable. It also allows the individual to move freely without being restricted by layers of clothing. Users will readily appreciate the practicality and simplicity with which the present invention affords. The structure and design of the present garment provides flexibility with regard to its deployment and use, whereby the entire assembly may be readily disposable, the liner may be removable and interchangeable, or further the entire assembly may be readily washable and reusable. It is not desired to limit the present invention to a specific style or design, but rather disclose a new and useful medical garment that increases comfort and warmth without detracting from the user's ability to maneuver and operate in a medical and office environment.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A medical garment, comprising:

an outer shell forming a garment top and comprising an interior liner;

said liner being coextensive within said outer shell interior surface and providing a thermally insulating layer.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein:

said interior liner is removable from said outer shell to allow independent washing of said liner or said shell, interchanging said liner with a new shell, or further interchanging said shell with a new liner.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein said interior liner comprises of a fleece material.

4) The device of claim 1, wherein said garment top further comprises long sleeves.

5) The device of claim 1, wherein said garment top further comprises short sleeves.

6) A medical garment, comprising:

an outer shell forming a garment pants and comprising an interior liner;

said liner being coextensive within said outer shell interior surface and providing a thermally insulating layer.

7) The device of claim 6, wherein:

said interior liner is removable from said outer shell to allow independent washing of said liner or said shell, interchanging said liner with a new shell, or further interchanging said shell with a new liner.

8) The device of claim 6, wherein said interior liner comprises of a fleece material.

9) The device of claim 6, wherein said pants further comprise a draw string waist securement means.