Abstract: A garment with restricted internal access has an upper portion adapted to cover an upper body of a wearer and a lower portion adapted to cover a lower body of the wearer. The upper portion and the lower portion of the body are secured together to prevent access between the upper body portion and the lower body portion. The upper portion has a peripheral sidewall with elongate arm accommodating sleeves. A liner lines the upper portion. An internal pocket is formed by circumferentially securing the liner to the peripheral sidewall of the upper portion a spaced interval below the sleeves. The sleeves of the liner are independent of the sleeves of the upper portion. When the wearer withdraws his or her arm from one of the sleeves of the upper portion, the sleeves of the liner continue to engage the arm and the wearer's internal access to the body is restricted to the internal pocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gown having a gown body, an inflatable chamber capable of selectively inflating and deflating carried by the gown body, and a shaping element carried by the gown body. The shaping element is directly responsive to inflation of the inflatable chamber so that the shaping element is moved from an initial arrangement to a subsequent arrangement by inflation of the chamber. Upon subsequent deflation, the shaping member retains its shape. The entire structure is suitable for the self-assisted donning of a surgical gown.

Abstract: A method and guide for instructing a person in swaddling an infant in a blanket is provided. A first illustration for positioning an infant on a blanket is provided. A second illustration for a first fold of the blanket to cover the infant is provided. A third illustration for a second fold of the blanket to cover the infant is provided. A fourth illustration for a third fold of the blanket to cover the infant is provided. The illustrations are attached to a baby good, such as to the blanket.

Abstract: A gown for premature infants and the like. The gown comprises front and back sections which together envelop the entire body and upper arms of an infant when worn. The rear section is a single piece and the front section comprises a pair of complementary portions. The front and rear sections are permanently connected at a perimeter area of permanent connection proximate the armpits, and remaining perimeter areas can be temporarily connected so that the front body portions are selectively and completely severable from the rear section except at the perimeter area of permanent connection. Tie straps are provided for temporarily connecting front body panel portions to one another.

Abstract: A sleeper with an integral sock foot sewn directly to the sleeper instead of a traditional fabric constructed sock. The sock is made of stretchable material and is sized and shaped to contract into a snug and tight manner around the child's foot rather than loosely surrounding the foot, as it is the case with conventional footed sleeper.

Abstract: A one-piece, tank-style bodysuit for infants and toddlers having a body enveloping portion, sleeves, a neck aperture, and a rear tail member securable to the front of the torso enveloping portion by means of a hook and loop fastener, the hook and loop fastener arranged so that the one-piece, tank-style bodysuit can accommodate a growing child for a longer period of time before the necessity of purchasing a larger tank-style bodysuit.

Abstract: A pair of hospital shorts having releasable fasteners such as snaps along the inseam or inner thigh portions of the shorts and along the midline or fly of the shorts. With the fasteners unfastened the shorts are positioned laid out generally flat and approximately centered under the patient. The left and right ends of the shorts are then wrapped over the patient's lower torso, and the inseams and fly may be fastened to provide shorts that do not have to be pulled over the legs of the patient, and that are easily donned or put on the patient with minimal effort. An optional drawstring along an upper edge of the shorts may then be tied, to further secure the shorts about the patient. The fly and/or inseam fasteners may be selectively unfastened to provide access to the user as required, for example by medical personnel.

Abstract: An examination garment to be worn by a patient during a physical examination includes an upper garment and a lower garment. The upper garment includes a first front panel, a second front panel, a rear panel having an opening for examination of a patient's spine, and fasteners for removably connecting various points of the front and rear panels. The lower garment includes a front panel with a movable front center panel and leg members, a rear panel with a movable rear center panel, leg fasteners for removably connecting the leg members, and panel fasteners for removably connecting rear panel and rear center panel.

Abstract: The garment (1) intended for children who are enuretic or are undergoing toilet training, or for incontinent persons, is impermeable but has a permeable internal face (3) coming into contact with the skin. It incorporates sealing devices (4) for preventing the flow of urine outside the garment. The garment can also incorporate pieces of absorbent material (5) disposed on the internal face (3) of the garment (1) close to the sealing devices (4).

Abstract: An infant wrap having a quadrangular, generally bilaterally symmetrical sheet of fabric material, the sheet having a generally rectangular central region for covering the back side of an infant's torso, overlapping upper and lower flaps attached to first and second opposing sides, respectively, of the central region, and overlapping right and left side flaps attached to third and fourth opposing sides, respectively, of the central region, the flaps providing a covering for the front side of an infant's torso, each flap being continuous with the central region.

Abstract: A bathrobe which is made from a non-woven micro fiber fabric, which has a high water absorption capability, a low volume and a weight from 200 to 400 g for a standard user size bathrobe. The non woven fabric has 50% polyester micro fibers and 50% polyamide micro fibers blended as to provide a non-woven construction which can absorb a weight of water up to 400% based on the weight of the bathrobe.

Abstract: A pair of pajama pants with incorporated knee pillows including pajama bottoms comprised of a pair of legs adapted for receiving legs of a person therein. The pair of legs have inner seams and outer seams. A pair of pockets are secured to the inner seams of the pair of legs of the pajama bottoms. The pair of pockets are positioned to be aligned with the knees of the legs of the person. A pair of pillows are dimensioned for being received within the pair of pockets.

Abstract: A disposable gown includes front and rear trunk regions. The front trunk region has a first neckline extending transversely and first armhole lines rectilinearly and obliquely extending downward from lateral ends of the first neckline toward respective armpits. The rear trunk region has a second neckline extending transversely and second armhole lines rectilinearly and obliquely extending downward from lateral ends of the second neckline toward the armpits. A crossing angle &thgr;1 between both first extensions generated when the first armhole lines are extended upward from lateral ends of the first neckline is larger than a crossing angle &thgr;2 between the both second extensions generated when the second armhole lines are extended upward from lateral ends of the second neckline.

Abstract: A clothing combination for keeping a person warm including sleepwear and a blanket-member that can be secured to the pajama. The sleepwear covers the legs, torso and arms of a person, and has fastening means placed across the front and back of the upper torso for fastening the blanket-member to the sleepwear. The blanket-member has a bag-like configuration that is formed from two equal sized portions that are sealed together at all but one edge to create an opening that enables the sleepwear to be placed inside the blanket-member. The blanket-member has fastening-members that are located inside the blanket-member and positioned to align with the fastening-members of the sleepwear when the blanket-member is placed around the sleepwear, such that the blanket may be fastened and thereby secured to the pajama.

Abstract: A baby blanket of two layer construction which is generally rectangular in shape. The two layers are joined by one seam running along the bottom of the bag and a second seam running up the midline on the front of the bag. The midline seam runs from the bottom of the bag to about two-thirds of the distance to the top. The top ⅓ of the midline seam is left open. Means for releasably attaching the two sides of the blanket top are provided on the top of the blanket on each side of the open midline seam. In use, a baby is inserted into the top open end of the blanket. The two sides of the blanket top are then secured about the baby under its arms by the means for releasably attaching the two sides.

Abstract: A garment is provided which restricts unassisted disrobing. The garment preferably facilitates assisted disrobing in a key-less manner and has decorative features which resemble traditional clothing. The garment comprises front and rear panels of clothing material, an opening preferably in the rear panel, an operable closure device, and a cover for an actuator of the operable closure device. The front panel of clothing material is adapted to cover at least a front portion of the wearer's body. The rear panel is adapted to cover at least a rear portion of the wearer's body. The opening facilitates donning of the garment. The operable closure device is located at the opening and is operable to at least partially close the opening to thereby prevent removal of the garment. The operable closure device extends into an inaccessibility zone of the rear panel.

Abstract: An adjustable clothing ensemble for an infant comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. Plural horizontal rows of fasteners are disposed on the top portion. A single horizontal row of fasteners is positioned on the bottom portion such that the length of the ensemble may adjusted as the infant grows.

Abstract: A garment for restraining a toddler from climbing out of a crib has a sack-like body with upper neck and arm openings, the neck opening being temporarily enlargeable to enable the toddler to be put in and taken out. The sack-like body is permanently closed except for the neck and arm openings. A crotch portion may be spaced intermediate an elasticated waist portion and the bottom of the sack-like body which may be made of tightly woven fabric. Leg loops may be provided inside the sack-like body.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: A hospital gown comprises first and second panels which are releasably secured along an edge region of each panel to one another by a plurality of spaced apart tie ups. Each tie up comprises a pair of tie strings on the first panel and a loop on the second panel. The tie members on the first panel are tied to one another through the loop on the second panel which holds the two panels against one another at each of the tie ups.

Abstract: An easily attached and detached patient gown (10) that consists of a back piece (12) and an identical front piece (44). Each of the pieces (12, 44) has attached to its left and right upper sections (16, 18) a left arm section (26) and a right arm section (34). The gown (10) is designed to be placed on a patient by first placing the back piece (12) on a flat surface such as a bed. The patient is then placed upon the back piece (12) and the front piece (44) is placed over the patient and attached to the lower piece (12) by means of complimentary snaps (80). The gown (10) can also be designed to include an implement support pocket (90) that is attached to the inner surface (49) of the front piece (44). Into the pocket (90) is inserted a medical drainage pouch (100). A utility pocket (110) can also be attached to the outer surface (47) of the front piece (44). Into the pocket (110) can be placed various items belonging to the patient.

Abstract: The patient privacy gown, more particularly a patient privacy gown wherein the front has a slit opening beginning below the neckline and terminating above the hemline. The slit opening allows the patient to maintain modesty while allowing the doctor access to the patient's torso.

Abstract: Birthwear is provided comprising a top (shirt) and a bottom (pants) wherein the bottom has a front cloth layer and back cloth layer and an inner (crouch) seam (inseam) having a plurality of releasibly coupled elements (snaps) releasibly attaching the front layer to the back layer. The top also preferably has pockets on the front layer, each containing a hole for insertion of monitoring wires. The top preferably has an upper seam which runs along the shoulder and arms of the garment which has a plurality of coupling elements (snaps) for releasibly coupling the upper end of a front layer of the shirt with a upper end of a back layer of the shirt. The shirt preferably also has a back seam which runs from the neck of the shirt to the waist of the shirt along the center of the back providing the back with two back portions which are releasibly coupled with coupling elements (snaps) for permitting selective access to the back of the wearer.

Abstract: Protective clothing for use in care of elderly and infirm patients. In one embodiment, clothing is provided without any front entry, and with a rear entry slit that has one or more protective flaps which cover and protect a fastener from manipulation by the patient. Preferably, the garment has an elongated zipper running vertically along the center of the rear. The zipper closure is toward the top, ending adjacent the collar of the garment. One or more, and preferably at least three flaps are provided, anchored on one side of the rear of the garment and disposed to fold substantially horizontally across the zipper, and having hooks provided on the flap to releasably fasten to matched loops located in the other side of the rear of the garment. These protective flaps hinder elderly and infirm patients from engaging the zipper slide so as to loosen and ultimately remove the garment. In another embodiment, the substantially vertical rear entry opening is secured with a button/button-hole fastening system.

Abstract: The surgical garment of the present invention is to be worn by a patient. The garment is preferably a three-piece garment and is comprised preferably of polypropylene fabric. The garment pieces are a hood piece to cover a patient's head and neck, a top piece to cover a patient's torso and upper extremities and bottom pieces to cover a patient's lower extremities. The garment assists a patient in maintaining homeostasis or a constant body temperature before, during and after surgery. There is at least one opening within the garment to allow access to a patient for surgical procedures, placement of an intravenous tube into the patient, placement of a monitor sensor upon the patient, administration of a shot to the patient and other necessary medical procedures.

Abstract: Improved processes are provided for treating a porous substrate (especially a fabric) to produce novel internally coated porous materials. During treatment, a curable thixotropic material and one or modifying materials are applied to the porous substrate as an impregnant. The treatment imparts specific properties to the end product material. Selection of the modifier material is based on the particular end use application. Sufficient energy is directed to the impregnant and porous substrate to cause the impregnant to flow into the porous substrate and force the modifier to specific positions within the substrate.

Abstract: A surgical gown in an improved folded arrangement, as well as methods and apparatus for producing same. Like prior art book-folds, the folded arrangement includes left and right hand pockets to facilitate aseptic donning by a medical professional. Unlike prior art book-folds, however the folded arrangement of the invention employs a unique fold sequence particularly amenable to automated processing. Methods of the invention are directed to the specific fold sequences that can be utilized to produce the folded arrangement. Apparatus for producing the folded arrangement includes a number of operative sections functionally arranged in series.

Abstract: A piece of clothing includes an upper envelope portion, two leg portions extending downward from the envelope portion and separated from each other at a crotch, and a flap portion. The flap portion is formed by two elongate cuts each of which extends from the envelope portion into a respective one of the leg portions. The flap portion is engageable with the envelope portion via an engaging device but disengageable therefrom for hinging around the crotch to open the crotch.

Abstract: An infant T-shirt (10) is provided with an improved crotch panel (14) having an absorbent layer (50) and a barrier layer (52) to retain fluids. The absorbent layer (50) may have an upper hydrophobic surface (54) and a lower hydrophilic surface (56). The barrier layer (52) may have a fluid barrier ply (60) and a fabric ply (62) to support the fluid barrier ply (60). The fabric ply (62) may define the outer surface of the crotch panel (14). Alternatively, an extension (80) of the T-shirt material may define that outer surface with the barrier layer (52) overlying the extension (80).

Abstract: A medical tube-retaining garment to deter patients, especially children, from disturbing a surgical wound site on the torso. An inner garment resembling a shirt or undergarment having a split back is affixed to an outer garment made of a wrappable, elastic bandage material. Both the outer and inner garments close over the back by overlapping portions having hook and loop type fasteners, which rear entry design deters the patient or child from detaching the garments. A crotch strap passes from front to back of the outer garment to deter the child from pulling up on the inner garment to reveal the surgery site. Similarly, shoulder straps of the inner garment deter the child from pulling the inner garment down to reveal the site. Secondary hook and eye fasteners prevent separation of the hook and loop fasteners. When the inner and outer garments are secured over the back the child is sufficiently deterred from gaining access to the implanted tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to clothing specifically designed for incapacitated or bedridden patients. The clothing includes trousers, shorts, a shirt and an undergarment each having separable seams allowing the garments to be easily removed from a patient with minimal movement or manipulation of the patient's body. Each garment has an integrated moisture detection means which will emit an audible alarm upon sensing a predetermined amount of moisture. The clothing also has a temperature detecting means, for instantaneously providing the patient's body temperature, removably attached thereto. Preferably, each garment is constructed with a fabric like material that has been pretreated with an antibacterial, an anti-fugal or an antiviral agent in order to minimize bed sores, skin rashes and other skin irritations.

Abstract: A garment designed to help in the physiological and psychological rehabilitation of a hemiplegic patient. Disposed on the shirt sleeves and the pants legs of the garment are graspable elements, such as hoops or handles. Within each of the shirt sleeves and pants legs are reinforced areas that are joined to the graspable elements. The reinforced areas branch out across the material of the shirt sleeve or the pants leg. As a result, when a pulling force is applied to the graspable element, the force is transferred throughout the sleeve or leg by the reinforced areas. This enables a sleeve to be pulled onto an arm or a pants leg to be pulled onto a leg by applying a pulling force to just one position, thereby providing the ability for a person to use a partially disabled arm when dressing. In a preferred embodiment, small weights are positioned within the garment at various points along the sleeves and pants legs.

Abstract: An infant swaddling apparatus is formed of a back panel (16) presenting an upper edge (24), a lower edge (26), and opposed side edges (28, 30) that are tapered toward one another between the upper and lower edges, and a front panel (18) presenting a lower edge (36) and opposed side edges (38, 40) that extend along and are secured to the lower and side edges of the back panel to define a pocket that is closed on the sides and bottom. The front panel (18) also includes an upper edge (42) that is spaced from the upper edge (24) of the back panel (16) in a direction toward the bottom of the pocket, and a hood (32) International Searching Authority secured to the upper edge of the back panel. The length of the pocket is adjustable to accommodate infants of various sizes, and a pair of pieces (46, 48) of hook-and-loop material are provided for this purpose. In addition, other pieces of hook-and-loop material (52, 54) may be provided for closing the pocket around an infant to retain body heat.

Abstract: Clothes such as a bathrobe having superior moisture absorption and thermal insulation and which keeps one's body dry and clean as it absorbs water remaining not only on the upper half but also at the lower half of one's body after bathing or the like and keeps one's body warm, is provided. The bathrobe includes a body part and an attached cloth. The attached cloth is attached to the body part of the bathrobe to cover one's crotch. A band is attached on one end of the attached cloth.

Abstract: This invention relates to clothing that comforts newborns in periods of stress. The clothing holds arms of the newborn close to its body and is easily put on and taken off. The clothing comprises first and second sections fitting on the newborn's torso, side sections fitting over newborns' shoulders and integrating the first and second sections together and wraps extending from the second section. The wraps extend to the first section where they fasten in holding the newborns arms and hands close to its body beneath the first section. The first section, tightly held to the newborns body by the wraps, holds the arms and hands at the chest and abdomen area. The clothing may be worn either with the first section extending from the collar over the front of the newborn or over the back of the newborn.

Abstract: An article of outer wrap clothing for children includes elongated front and rear panels for covering the front and back of the child, the panels being connected together at the top of the clothing to define shoulders. A head opening is formed between the shoulders for receiving the head of a child, and a hood may be provided adjacent the opening for covering the head of the child when the article is worn. A pair of sleeves extend laterally from the shoulders for covering the arms of the child, the sleeves each including a free end remote from the shoulders and an interior pocket for receiving the arms and hands of the child.

Abstract: A garment suited for a young child comprises cuffs which are devoid of any hem at their distal end and which have hidden side seams. A pouch overlays the cuff at the distal end; the pouch is invertible over the cuff end to enclose an appendage such as a hand or foot of the wearer within the cuff. When the pouch is not inverted, the cuff may be turned back to expose the appendage.

Abstract: An article of clothing for the medical or chemical field for protection against liquids and/or micro-organisms comprises at least three layers. The outer layer (1) is formed of a hydrophobic fabric which forms a liquid barrier and a micro-organism barrier. The inner layer (22) comprises at least one carrier material (24) having a net-like, apertured or open mesh structure secured to said outer layer at a non-critical position at which the danger of passage of liquids and/or micro-organisms through the outer layer is low. At least one membrane (26) is secured to the carrier material (24) at the aforementioned critical position at which the danger exists of the passage of liquid and/or micro-organisms through the outer layer.

Abstract: An adjustable garment having a length adjustment feature provided by a pair of drawstrings positioned along either side of the garment, the drawstrings permitting uniform gathering of the garment material along either side of the garment, thereby shortening the length of the garment.

Abstract: A sewing method is provided for the production of garments which include a one-piece seamless body portion, wherein the finished garment will have no seams in the back or the sides. The key step in this method involves positioning a cut fabric element corresponding to the central body portion of the garment, in a face up manner, directly beneath an extension of a base of a sewing machine. Ample space is provided between this extended base of the sewing machine and a substantially horizontal surface on which the fabric element is thus placed. A supply of sliding fastener tape is provided immediately in front of a pair of cooperating needles of the sewing machine. The operator lifts two side edges of the workpiece and feeds them through a conventional edge folding element so that the side edges are folded over as they approach the needles.

Abstract: A child's sleeping garment including an envelope, a pillow detachably associated with upper edges of the envelope, an elongating bag detachably associated with lower edges of the envelope for elongating the length thereof, and two sleeves detachably secured to the envelope, wherein the envelope has a front wall, a rear wall, a neck opening formed at upper edge of the envelope and two arm openings respectively formed on two side edges thereof, the front wall of the envelope being divided into two flaps which are detachably connected by a zipper whereby a child or an infant in the envelope can be kept warm and comfortable without any possibility of strangling himself through his turning movements in sleep, the sleeping garment permitting the child to do free movement of the legs and arms without being entangled and exposed to cold.

Abstract: A jumpsuit with a dropseat panel concealed by a folded pocket panel. When the dropseat is opened, the upper free edge of the pocket has a length selected such that it controls movement of the dropseat panel and its attached waistband, maintaining the waistband in contact with the wearer's body whereby the waistband cannot fall into a toilet.

Abstract: A children's garment comprises a garment body in the form of a sleeper including a chest portion, integral soft shoes and a zipper member extending from a collar of the sleeper to one of the shoes. A moisture absorbent layer with a moisture impervious film coating on an underside overlies at least part of the chest portion. The absorbent layer is substantially coextensive with the impervious film and has a periphery attached to the garment body so that the impervious film and the absorbent layer are essentially permanently integral with the garment body. The zipper member divides each of the chest portion, the moisture impervious film and the absorbent layer into two sections.

Abstract: The versatile child's garment may be used for an infant as a changing blanket and bunting, the garment including a self-storing pacifier and a plurality of outer pockets which can accommodate items necessary to an infant when travelling. As the infant grows into a toddler, the garment becomes a sleeveless beach robe or sleeved bath robe, providing an increased useful life for the garment.

Abstract: A cuff construction having readily accessible coverings for hands, feet and head is provided. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the coverings. The cuff is formed at an opening in a garment, such as a glove, sleeve, neck or leg and included a panel along about one half of the circumference of the opening with the two adjacent edges of the panel secured to the cuff. The panel is switchable between a first open position allowing the head, hand or foot to pass through and a second closed position forming a covering around the appendage. The covering may take the form of a glove or mitten, a sock or shoe, or a ski mask or the like. A pocket for ready storage may also be provided.

Abstract: A garment resembles pajamas and includes a shirt which has openable sleeves and pants which have openable legs. The sleeves and legs are openable for the entire length thereof so some or all of the wearer's limbs and body can be exposed for providing health care to that wearer. The legs and arms can be closed to cover the wearer so the garment can be both aesthetically pleasing, warm and yet still provide access to the patient for the purposes of providing health care.

Abstract: An invalid garment made up of a shirt and trousers. The shirt has a slit down the back from the collar to the tail and a slit down each side from a waistband position to the tail. The trousers have the seat removed from the waistband to the crotch. The waistband can be attached by VELCRO. A slit is formed down the rear of each of the legs of the trousers and VELCRO is provided down the slit so that the trousers can be placed over the patient's lap and the waist band and slit legs can be attached, thereby fitting a patient with a shirt and trousers.

Abstract: A child's convertible pajama leg construction is provided which selectively serves either as a neat anklet hugging sleeve or as a sock-like enclosure for protecting the child's foot. The ankle sleeve is defined by two elongated panels joined along longitudinal seams and being circumferentially stretchable, with one panel having a manipulatable cuff formed thereon and arranged in one position to hug the sleeve and in another position to serve as a closure for the sock. Fastener elements for a hook-and-loop type of fastener assembly are positioned on the panels and the cuff in various locations to enable a preschool child to manipulate the panels and the cuff to expose the child's foot to the atmosphere or to confine the foot into the sock-like enclosure without the assistance of an older person.

Abstract: A garment, such as a child's sleeper, having a body portion made of sheet material, without seams, and provided with a longitudinal opening and closure means therefor, such as a slide fastener. The longitudinal opening is for putting the garment on a child and taking it off.The invention also includes a method and means of making such garment.

Abstract: A garment to be worn by a person with an implanted catheter line. The garment includes a close fitting garment body that is easily donned and includes a pocket on an inside surface thereof adjacent the site of the catheter implant. The pocket stores a portion of the catheter line during normal activities of the person and includes closure means for partially closing the pocket. For certain patients the garment includes double closures that inhibit the wearer from opening the garment once it is donned.