Disposable Isolation Gown And Methods Thereof

Abstract

A disposable isolation gown including a body covering layer comprising a first portion, a second portion, a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The disposable isolation gown includes a head insertion aperture defined by the body covering layer, wherein the head insertion aperture is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and adjacent to the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The disposable isolation gown includes a perforation extending vertically along the second portion of the body covering layer.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/025,715, filed May 15, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This technology generally relates to personal protective equipment and, more particularly, to a disposable isolation gown and the method of manufacturing the disposable isolation gown.

BACKGROUND

Personal protective equipment such as an isolation gown is used as a standard practice among healthcare workers when interacting with patients. Particularly, the purpose of the isolation gown is to prevent blood and other infectious substances from coming in contact with the healthcare workers. Additionally, the isolation gown is also used for protecting the patients from coming in contact with substances that can cause infections. Accordingly, for the isolation gown to be an effective barrier against sources of infectious agents, the gown needs to fully cover a wearer's body. Put it another way, when the isolation gown is worn by the wearer, there is substantial amount of the infectious agents deposited on the isolation gown and therefore removing it carefully is extremely important. As a result, carefully removing the isolation gown is extremely important. Therefore, a full coverage gown that can easily be worn properly by a user and easily taken off by the user is more likely to be worn properly by a user, and protect the user against infection and contamination. As such, there is still a need for a full coverage gown that requires minimal effort to wear properly and remove efficiently.

SUMMARY

A disposable isolation gown including a body covering layer comprising a first portion, a second portion, a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The disposable isolation gown includes a head insertion aperture defined by the body covering layer, wherein the head insertion aperture is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and adjacent to the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The disposable isolation gown includes a perforation extending vertically along the second portion of the body covering layer.

A method for manufacturing a disposable isolation gown includes providing a body covering layer comprising a first portion, a second portion, a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Next, a head insertion aperture defined by the body covering layer is provided, wherein the head insertion aperture is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and adjacent to the first sleeve and the second sleeve. Next, a perforation extending vertically along the second portion of the body covering layer is provided.

This technology has a number of associated advantages including providing disposable isolation gowns that are easily removable. Particularly the disclosed isolation gown includes perforations on the isolation gown that can be torn to remove the isolation gown. By using this technique, the disclosed technology avoids the potential contact of the infectious substance on the skin of the wearer. The disposable isolation gown disclosed herein is useful in the medical field, for sports teams and trainers, hairdressers or similar aestheticians, and other occupations or uses where personal protective equipment is necessary or desired. Additionally, the material used to manufacture the disposable isolation gown is water resistant thereby making the disposable isolation gown safe for the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example of an isolation gown;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a wearer wearing the isolation gown as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the wearer wearing the isolation gown as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the wearer removing the isolation gown as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary table illustrating the result of a water resistance test;

FIGS. 6A-6B are exploded views of the isolation gown of another example;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the isolation gown of another example;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the isolation gown of another example;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the isolation gown of another example;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the isolation gown of another example; and

FIG. 11 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the disposable isolation gown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

Although the terms first and second may be used herein to describe various elements, components, and/or sections, these elements, components, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, or section from another element, component, or section. Terms such as “first” and “second” when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

An example of a disposable isolation gown 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. In particular, the disposable isolation gown 100 includes a body covering layer 101, a head insertion aperture 102, a first sleeve 103, a second sleeve 104, a perforation 105, a first portion 106, and a second portion 107, although the disposable isolation gown can include other types or amounts of components and/or elements. Accordingly, this exemplary technology provides a number of advantages including providing a disposable isolation gown that prevents liquid penetration. The disposable isolation gown is capable of being quickly donned by a consumer or a user such as a patient or medical services provider, and are even more quickly removed. In this example, the disposable isolation gown is made from a liquid penetration resistance material and includes one or more perforations, thereby enabling a user to easily tear the gown at the perforations or other locations when removing the gown.

Now with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the body covering layer 101 of the disposable isolation gown 100 is configured to cover the body of a wearer. The body covering layer 101, in one embodiment, is manufactured from a single, unitary layer of liquid penetration resistance material such as polyethylene, although the body covering layer 101 can be manufactured with other similar material. In this example, the disposable isolation gown 100 is manufactured using the combination of a liquid penetration resistance material and anti-static material to prevent discharge of static electricity. Alternatively in another example, the disposable isolation gown 100 can be manufactured using a bio-degradable polymer, a bio-compostable material, or a polylactic acid (PLA). The liquid penetration resistance material can be a disposable material. In one example, the length of the disposable isolation gown 100 is configured to run from a wearer's shoulder to below their knee, although the disposable isolation gown 100 can be of other lengths with or without perforation to achieve the lengths and sizes.

The disposable isolation gown 100 may be manufactured in various colors. In this example, the liquid penetration resistance material specimen is measured following the procedures in AATCC Test Method 42 Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test. The test starts with cutting the liquid penetration resistance material specimens into 178 mm*330 mm according to the ASTM F2407-06. Further, a blotting patter is cut into 6*9 inches in size. Next, the specimen is placed at forty five degree angle in the test apparatus and blotting paper were placed underneath the specimen. Next, 500+−10 ml of water is poured through the standard nozzle from the fixed height of 80 cm on the surface of the specimen. The tables illustrated in FIG. 5 shows the results of the tests and thereby confirming that the specimen passed the water resistance test.

In this example, the body covering layer 101 defines head insertion aperture 102 through which a user may insert their head when wearing the disposable isolation gown 100. In examples illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the head insertion aperture 102 is disposed between the first portion 106 and the second portion 107, and is surrounded by first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104. The perimeter of the head insertion aperture 102 can take a variety of shapes. By way of an example, the head insertion aperture 102 has an angle-tapered flat contour, with two angular side edges radially interfacing with a flat contour, although the head insertion aperture 102 can be of other shapes or size. In this example, the head insertion aperture 102 can be diameter 12 inches, although the head insertion aperture 102 can be of other dimensions.

The first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 extends outwards from the body covering layer 101. The first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 are configured to receive wearer's arms when the disposable isolation gown 100 is donned. In this example, the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 is attached to the body covering layer 101 using a process of heat sealing, although the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 can be attached to the body covering layer 101 using other techniques.

The perforation 105 in this example extends across the second portion 107, although the perforation 105 can extend across the first portion 106. Alternatively, the disposable isolation gown 100 can include more than one perforations extended along the first portion 106 and the second portion 107. Alternatively, in another example, one or more perforations may exist along the first sleeve 103 and/or the second sleeve 104 in addition to the front portion 106 and the second portion 107 such that the length of the disposable isolation gown 100 and/or the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 can be varied to match the height of the wearer. The perforation 105 in this example can assist the user in removing the disposable isolation gown 100 by providing a score line that can be easily torn. In other words, the perforation 105 is configured to tear when the first portion 106 is pulled away from the wearer as illustrated in FIG. 4. When this occurs, the tearing of the perforation 105 results in a splitting of the second portion 107. A user can therefore easily remove the disposable isolation gown 100 by simply tearing the perforation 105.

Further, the first portion 106 is configured as a frontal body covering portion in that it is configured to cover the frontal portion of some or all of a user's body. The body covering layer 101 further includes a second portion 107 that is configured to cover the rear portion of some or all of the user's body. In this example, the first portion 106 and the second portion 107 has a substantially similar length, although in other examples, the first portion 106 and the second portion 107 can be of varying length.

An alternate example of the disposable isolation gown is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-10. Particularly with reference to FIG. 6A, the second portion 107 of the body covering layer 101 can include a strap 605 disposed on and attached to the second portion 107 approximately at a position that is equal to half of the length of the disposable isolation gown 100, although the strap can be disposed at other positions either on the first portion 106 or the read portion 107. In this example, the strap 605 is coupled to a flexible cincture 612 having a first end 615 and a second end 620 using which the wearer can securely fit the disposable isolation gown 100. Additionally, the exemplary disposable isolation gown 100 illustrated in FIG. 6A includes a perforations 610A-610E on the second portion 107, the first sleeve 103, and the second sleeve 104 that can be used to adjust the length of the disposable isolation gown. By way of example, if the material along the preformation 610E on the body covering layer 101 is removed, the length of the disposable isolation gown 100 decreases. Similarly, if the material along with perforation 610B on first sleeve 103 and perforation 610A on the second sleeve 104 is removed or torn, the length of the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 decreases. FIG. 6A also illustrates the body covering layer 101 including a pattern that assists with comfortable fit of the disposable isolation gown 100.

Alternatively, in another example of the disposable isolation gown 100 illustrated in FIG. 6B, one or more plastic loops 650(1)-650(2) can be attached to either the first portion 103 or the second portion 104 along the sides of the body covering layer 101, although the one or more plastic loops 650(1)-650(2) can be attached at other locations. In this example, the one or more plastic loops 650(1)-650(2) are attached to the body covering layer at location that is half the length of the body covering layer 101, although the one or more plastic loops 650(1)-650(2) can be attached at other locations. While the example illustrated in FIG. 6B includes two plastic loops 650(1)-650(2), other examples of the disposable isolation gown 100 can include more than two plastic loops. In this example, the plastic loops 650(1)-650(2) is configured to receive the flexible cincture 612 with the first end 615 and the second end 620 extending outwards such that a wearer can pull the flexible cincture 612 to adjust the fit of the disposable isolation gown 100.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the first sleeve 103 includes a first aperture 705 and the second sleeve 104 includes a second aperture 710 on disposable isolation gown 100, where the first aperture 705 and the second aperture 710 is formed at one end such that thumb of the wearer can be inserted through the first aperture 705 and the second aperture 710 to assist with putting on the gloves. In this example, the first aperture 705 and the second aperture 710 is formed at the end opposite to the end where the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 is attached to the body covering layer 101. In another example, the disposable isolation gown 100 can more than one aperture that is formed at the end of the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 for insertion of a thumb or finger(s). In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the wearer can insert one thumb within the first aperture 705 and another thumb within the second aperture 710 and tie the first end 615 and the second end 620 of the flexible cincture 612.

Now with reference to FIG. 8, the disposable isolation gown 100 can include an enclosure 820 that is configured to receive and operate a string 825, wherein the enclosure 820 is attached to both the first portion 106 and the second portion 107 of the disposable isolation gown 100. In the example of the disposable isolation gown 100 illustrated in FIG. 8, the string 825 includes a first string end 830 and a second string end 835 that can be used draw the string 825 such that the string 825 that is disposed within the enclosure 820 can be used to adjust the fit of the disposable isolation gown 100. The exemplary disposable isolation gown 100 illustrated in FIG. 8 also includes a taped seam that is disposed near the end of the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104.

Turning now to FIG. 9, an example of the disposable isolation gown 100 includes colored region 905 on the body covering layer 101 which is differently colored when compared to the body covering layer 101. The colored region 905 may just be a small portion as of the body covering layer 101 as illustrated in FIG. 9, or, can constitute a substantial portion of the body covering layer 101 as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this example, the colored region 905 of the disposable isolation gown 100 can be manufactured using a material such as recycled poly for soft or comfort feel to the wearer when compared to the material that is used to manufacture the rest of the body covering layer 101. Additionally, in this example, the disposable isolation gown 100 also includes first shaded region 910 on the first sleeve 103 and a second shaded region 915 on the second sleeve as illustrated in FIG. 9. The first shaded region 910 and the second shaded region 915 are proximity to the first aperture 705 and the second aperture 710 respectively. In this example, similar to the colored region 905, the first shaded region 910 and the second shaded region 915 can be manufactured using different material such as recycled poly for soft or comfort feel to the wearer when compared to the material that is used to manufacture the rest of the body covering layer 101. With reference to FIG. 10, the disposable isolation gown 100 includes an adhesive tape 1005 and a slit 1010 that dissects the first portion 106 and the second portion 107 such that one end of the slit 1010 includes an adhesive tape 1005 to prevent the disposable isolation gown 100 from unintentional or accidental tearing.

A method of manufacturing the disposable isolation gown 100 is illustrated in FIG. 11. In step 1105, the body covering layer 101 including the first portion 106, the second portion 107, the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104 is provided. Next, the head insertion aperture 102 defined by the body covering layer 101 is provided, wherein the head insertion aperture 102 is disposed between the first portion 106 and the second portion 107, and adjacent to the first sleeve 103 and the second sleeve 104. Next, a perforation 105 extending vertically along the second portion 107 of the body covering layer 101 is provided.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

Having thus described the basic concept of the technology, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the technology. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the technology is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A disposable isolation gown comprising:

a body covering layer comprising a first portion, a second portion, a first sleeve and a second sleeve;

a head insertion aperture defined by the body covering layer, wherein the head insertion aperture is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and adjacent to the first sleeve and the second sleeve; and

a perforation extending vertically along the second portion of the body covering layer.

2. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein the body covering layer is a liquid penetration resistance material.

3. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve extend outwardly from the body covering layer.

4. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein the perforation is extended vertically along the first portion of the body covering layer.

5. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 2 wherein the liquid penetration resistance material is a polyethylene material.

6. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprises an aperture at one end, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a thumb of a user.

7. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein a strap is attached to the second portion of the body covering layer, wherein the strap is configured to receive a flexible cincture having two ends.

8. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein a region of the first portion of the body covering layer is manufactured using another liquid penetration resistance material, wherein the another liquid penetration resistance material is different to the liquid penetration resistance material.

9. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein a plurality of plastic loops are disposed on the body covering layer and wherein the plurality of plastic loops are configured to receive a flexible cincture having two ends.

10. The disposable isolation gown as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve includes one or more regions of perforations.

11. A method of manufacturing a disposable isolation gown comprising:

providing a body covering layer comprising a first portion, a second portion, a first sleeve and a second sleeve;

providing a head insertion aperture defined by the body covering layer, wherein the head insertion aperture is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and adjacent to the first sleeve and the second sleeve; and

providing a perforation extending vertically along the second portion of the body covering layer.

12. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the body covering layer is a liquid penetration resistance material.

13. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve extend outwardly from the body covering layer.

14. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the perforation is extended vertically along the first portion of the body covering layer.

15. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the liquid penetration resistance material is a polyethylene material.

16. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprises an aperture at one end, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a thumb of a user.

17. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein a strap is attached to the second portion of the body covering layer, wherein the strap is configured to receive a flexible cincture having two ends.

18. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein a region of the first portion of the body covering layer is manufactured using another liquid penetration resistance material, wherein the another liquid penetration resistance material is different to the liquid penetration resistance material.

19. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein a plurality of plastic loops are disposed on the body covering layer and wherein the plurality of plastic loops are configured to receive a flexible cincture having two ends.

20. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve includes one or more regions of perforations.