PROTECTIVE GARMENT AND POCKET ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protective garment. The garment includes a body shaped for wear on a body part and a pocket assembly coupled to the body. The pocket assembly includes a first pocket comprising a wall and a pouch at least partially defined by the wall, a second pocket adjacent to the first pocket, the second pocket defining a second pouch separate from the first pouch, and an opening extending through the wall of the first pocket.

Claims

1. A protective garment, the garment comprising: a body shaped for wear on a body part; a pocket assembly coupled to the body, the pocket assembly comprising: a first pocket comprising a wall and a first pouch at least partially defined by the wall; a second pocket adjacent to the first pocket, the second pocket defining a second pouch separate from the first pouch; an opening extending through the wall of the first pocket.

2. The garment of claim 1, comprising a broad patch disposed between the body and the pocket assembly, the first pouch defined by the broad patch and the wall of the first pocket.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the second pocket is defined by a second pocket wall and the broad patch.

4. The garment of claim 1, comprising a holster coupled to the wall of the first pocket.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a width of the first pocket relative to a width of the second pocket is in a range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 6:1.

6. The garment of claim 1, comprising a third pocket adjacent to the first pocket such that the first pocket is disposed between the second pocket and the third pocket.

7. The garment of claim 6, wherein a ratio of a width of the first pocket relative to a width of the third pocket is in a range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 6:1.

8. The garment of claim 6, wherein the third pocket comprises a first pouch and a second pouch isolated from the first pouch.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first pocket comprises a depth approximately equal to a depth of the second pocket.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the body is a surgical gown.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the body is an apron.

12. A disposable protective garment, the garment comprising: a body shaped for wear on a body part; a base coupled to the body; a pocket assembly coupled to the base, the pocket assembly comprising: a first pocket comprising a first wall, a second wall, a first pouch at least partially defined by the first wall and the base, and a second pouch at least partially defined by the first wall and the second wall; a second pocket adjacent to the first pocket, the second pocket defining a pouch separate from the first and second pouches of the first pocket.

13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the first pouch comprises a depth approximately equal to a depth of the second pouch.

14. The garment of claim 12, wherein the second pocket comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and the base defining the pouch of the second pocket, and the inner wall and the outer wall defining a different pouch of the second pocket.

15. The garment of claim 12, comprising an opening extending through the first wall of the first pocket.

16. The garment of claim 15, comprising a second opening extending through the second wall of the first pocket.

17. The garment of claim 12, comprising a holster coupled to an exterior side of the second wall of the first pocket.

18. The garment of claim 12, wherein the first pocket comprises an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a side seam extending between the open end and the closed end, wherein the closed end has a seam with a greater cross-sectional thickness than the side seam.

19. The garment of claim 12, wherein the pocket assembly comprises an open end side, a closed end side opposite the open end side, and first and second sides extending between the open end side and the closed end side, the first side is non-parallel to the second side.

20. A pocket assembly for a protective garment, the pocket assembly comprising: a first pocket comprising a wall and a first pouch at least partially defined by the wall; a second pocket adjacent to the first pocket, the second pocket defining a second pouch separate from the first pouch; an opening extending through the wall of the first pocket; an open end side; a closed end side opposite the open end side; a first side; a second side; wherein the first and second sides extend between the open end side and the closed end side, the first side is non-parallel to the second side.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of a protective garment and pocket assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pocket assembly of the garment of FIG. 1 assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly of FIG. 2;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a front view of another example pocket assembly for a protective garment assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pocket assembly of FIG. 4;

[0042] FIG. 6 is a front view of a different example pocket assembly for a protective garment assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 7 is a front view of yet another example pocket assembly for a protective garment assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and

[0044] FIG. 8 is a front view of another example protective garment and pocket assembly assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure relates to a protective garment with a pocket assembly for easily accessing various tools and items. The protective garment and pocket assembly may be useful for surgical and non-surgical procedures in a healthcare environment, especially in situations when a subject (e.g., a healthcare provider) must wear PPE or other disposable protective clothing over scrubs or clothing. The disclosed garment is equipped with pockets, holes, and/or holsters to hold and provide access to tools used for various procedures. In one example, the disclosed garment and pocket assembly may be useful for interventional radiology suite and cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures, both of which routinely involve guidewires. Additionally, the garment and pocket assembly are useful for accessing various items by the subject (or person wearing the garment) as well as by other individuals that are involved in the procedure.

[0046] In FIG. 1, a protective garment 10 includes a pocket assembly 14 attached to a front portion of the garment 10. The garment includes a body 18 shaped to be worn on a subject's torso. In this example, the body 18 is a surgical gown that may be fastened in the back or slipped over the subject's head. The pocket assembly 14 includes a first, central pocket 22 comprising a wall 26, and an internal pouch at least partially defined by the wall 26. A second pocket 30 is adjacent to the first pocket 22, and defines a pouch that is separate from the pouch of the first pocket 22. The pouch of the second pocket 30 is at least partially defined by a wall 32 of the second pocket 30. Further, the pocket assembly 14 includes an opening 34 extending through the wall 26 of the first pocket 22. This opening 34 is sized, for example, to allow a guidewire, or a plastic cover of a guidewire, to pass through. The pocket assembly 14 includes a base patch 42 that separates the body 18 of the garment 10 from the wall 26 of the first pocket 22 and the wall 32 of the second pocket 22. In some examples, the wall 26 of the first pocket 22 and the wall 32 of the second pocket 30 are the same piece of material, but the pouches are separated by a stitched scam 40.

[0047] The pocket assembly 14 also includes a third pocket 38 adjacently disposed to the first pocket 22 such that the second and third pockets 30, 38 are disposed on either side of the first pocket 22. The first pocket 22 has a width W1 greater than widths W2, W3 of the second and third pockets 30, 38, respectively. A ratio of the width W1 of the first pocket 22 relative to the width W2 of the second pocket 30 is in a range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 6:1, and a ratio of the width W1 of the first pocket 22 relative to the width W3 of the third pocket 38 is in a range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 6:1.

[0048] The pocket assembly 14 (excluding the base patch 42) is defined by first and second parallel sides 16, 20 extending between top and bottom sides 24, 28. In the illustrated example, the pocket assembly 14 is rectangular shaped, however, in other examples, the pocket assembly 14 may be a trapezoid, parallelogram, or another shape.

[0049] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pocket assembly 14 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in more detail. The first pocket 22 includes a multi-layered construction, including a first wall 26 and a second wall 54, to define two separate pouches 58, 62. The first pocket 22 has a closed end 48 and first and second open ends 50, 52. The open ends 50, 52 are configured to widen to receive spools of guidewire, forceps, scissors, or other tools. The base patch 42 and the first wall 26 of the first pocket 22 define the first, inner pouch 58 (i.e., closest to the body of the subject) of the first pocket 22. The second wall 54 and the first wall 26 define the second, outer pouch 62 of the first pocket 22. In other examples, there may be additional inner pouches of the first pocket 22. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the closed end 48 of the first pocket 22 is reinforced with a thicker ply material or an additional layer of material, as will be described further below.

[0050] The second and third pockets 30, 38 also have multi-layered constructions. As shown in FIG. 2, the second pocket 30 includes a first pouch 66, a separate, second pouch 70, a first open end 74, a first closed end 78, a second open end 80, and a second closed end 82. The third pocket 38 is also multi-layered, and has four separate pouches defined by a vertical seam 76, a first open end 84, a first closed end 86, a second open end 88, a second closed end 90, a third open end 92, a third closed end 94, a fourth open end 96, and a fourth closed end 98. Each pouch is an internal volume that extends between an open end and a closed end.

[0051] The open ends 84, 88, 92, 96 of the second and third pockets 30, 38 (i.e., entry points) are horizontal (e.g., the second pocket 30) or angled (e.g., the third pocket 38) to facilitate access and entry into the pockets. The second and third pockets 30, 38 may be used to store instruments such as forceps or scissors, vials, or empty or pre-filled syringes. Under ordinary or post-procedure non-sterile conditions, the side pockets 30, 38 could also be conveniently used to store other objects such as pens, just as the larger central pocket could be used to store a pager, phone, note cards, or even a stethoscope.

[0052] The pocket assembly 14 has multiple openings 34, 36 of different shapes to accommodate multiple spools of wires. For example, if two different guidewires are required for a procedure, one guidewire spool may be disposed in the first pouch 58 of the first pocket with a guidewire threaded through the opening 34 in the first wall, and a second guidewire spool may be disposed in the second pouch 62 of the first pocket 22 with a guidewire threaded through the opening 36 in the second wall 54. The first opening 34 includes a reinforced patch with a round hole, and the second opening 36 includes a reinforced patch with a rectangular hole. In other examples, the holes may be other shapes and configurations to help assist the subject in accessing and threading the wires from the spools disposed in the pouches.

[0053] The pocket assembly 14 also includes first and second holsters 44, 46 attached to the second wall 54 of the first pocket 22. The holsters 44, 46 may be simple loops or a funnel-shape to provide greater stability for their contents.

[0054] Turning to FIG. 3, the closed end 48 of the first pocket 22 is reinforced with a thicker ply of fabric 60, and in some cases, may be reinforced with an additional layer of material. The closed end 48 is therefore thicker than a thickness of the each of the walls 26, 54 of the pocket 22 because the end 48 may be subject to more wear. The closed end 48 is constructed to withstand the weight of various instruments and to avoid punctures or wearing holes in the pockets 22, 30, 38. For example, a pair of forceps, disposed in one of the pouches 58, 62 of the pocket assembly 14 can move around as the subject moves. The reinforced closed end 48 of the pocket 22 minimizes instances of wearing through the closed end 48 and creating a hole in the pocket 22. Additionally, the reinforced closed end 48 may protect the subject and/or patient, from a sharper object piercing through the pocket 22. It will be appreciated that the closed ends 78, 82, 86, 90, 94, 96 of the second and third pockets 30, 38 may also be reinforced in a similar manner.

[0055] A depth D1 of the first pouch 58 is greater than a depth D2 of the second pouch 62 of the first pocket 22. While the first and second pouches 58, 62 terminate at the same closed end 48, the open ends 50, 52 are staggered. Accordingly, in this example, the inner pouch 58 has a deeper (longer) interior space than the outer pouch 62. The depths of the pouches of the second and third pockets 30, 38 are shorter than the depths of the pouches of the first pocket 22. However, in some examples, the depths of the pouches of the second and third pockets 30, 38 may be the same or similar to the depths of the pouches of the first pocket 22.

[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second example pocket assembly 114 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second example pocket assembly 114 includes a first pocket 122, a second pocket 130, a third pocket 138, and multiple openings 134, 136, and holsters 144, 146. Accordingly, the second example pocket assembly 114 is similar to the pocket assembly 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second example pocket assembly 114 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above, with respect to the first example pocket assembly 14, although the reference numbers will be increased by 100. However, the second example pocket assembly 114 differs from the first example pocket assembly 14. Specifically, the second example pocket assembly 114 has a different first pocket arrangement and does not include a base patch. Rather, a material of the body 18 of the garment serves as the base patch of the pocket assembly 114.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first pocket 122 includes a first open end 150, a first closed end 156, a second open end 152, and a second closed end 148. A first, inner pouch 158 is defined between the body 18 of the garment 10 and a first wall 126 of the first pocket 22, and extends between the first open end 150 and the first closed end 156. A second, outer pouch 162 of the first pocket 122 is partially defined by the body 18 of the garment 10, the first wall 126, and a second wall 154, and extends from the second open end 152 to the second closed end 148. So constructed, the inner pouch 158 has a depth D1 that is approximately equal to a depth D2 of the outer pouch 162.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a third example pocket assembly 214 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third example pocket assembly 214 includes a first pocket 222, a second pocket 230, and a third pocket 238, and is therefore similar to the pocket assembly 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the third example pocket assembly 214 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first example pocket assembly 14, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the third example pocket assembly 214 differs from the first example pocket assembly 14 in pouch construction.

[0059] The overall shape of the pocket assembly 214 of FIG. 6 is a trapezoid, with parallel top and bottom sides 224, 228, and with angled first and second sides 216, 220. The angled sides 216, 220 are configured to facilitate access to pouches of the second and third pockets 230, 238, while accommodating various shapes of a person's body. Further, the second and third pockets 230, 238 each have a long pouch and a short pouch. Specifically, the second pocket 230 has a first pouch defined between a first open end 274 and a closed end 282, and a second pouch defined between a second open end 280 and the closed end 282. Similarly, the third pocket 238 has a first pouch defined between a first open end 284 and a closed end 286, and a second pouch defined between a second open end 288 and the closed end 286.

[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth example pocket assembly 314 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fourth example pocket assembly 314 includes a first pocket 322 and a second pocket 330, and therefore is similar to the pocket assembly 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, for case of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the fourth example pocket assembly 314 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first example pocket assembly 14, although the reference numbers will be increased by 300. However, the fourth example pocket assembly 314 differs from the first example pocket assembly 14 by having only a first pocket 322 and a second pocket 330. Similar to the first pocket 22 of the first assembly 14, the first pocket 322 has a first opening 350, a second opening 352, and a closed end 348. The second pocket 330, on the other hand, has only one pouch. Additionally, the pocket assembly 314 has a trapezoidal shape defined by first and second angled sides 316, 320, and parallel top and bottom sides 324, 328.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a second example garment 410 and a fifth example pocket assembly 414 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second example garment 410 is an apron, and the fifth example pocket assembly includes 414 a first pocket 422, a second pocket 430, and a third pocket 438, and is therefore similar to the pocket assembly 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the fifth example pocket assembly 414 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first example pocket assembly 14, although the reference numbers will be increased by 400. Likewise, the same or similar components of the second example garment 410 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first example garment 10, although the reference numbers will be increased by 400. However, the fifth example pocket assembly 414 and the second example garment 410 differ from the first example pocket assembly 14 and first example garment 10, respectively. Specifically, the garment 410 is an apron or jumpsuit, and the pocket assembly 414 is trapezoidal with yet a different pocket arrangement.

[0062] The pocket assemblies 14, 114, 214, 314, 414 of FIGS. 1-8 are examples of different configurations of the first, second, and third pockets. In other examples, a pocket assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure have different constructions depending on the needs of the subject. For example, each assembly may have fewer or more pockets, may have fewer or more openings, and/or fewer or more holsters. In other examples, each pocket may have fewer or more pouches than illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.

[0063] In some examples, the first, central pocket may be single or multi-layered, providing separate pouches.

[0064] In some examples, the second and third pockets may not be separated by the first pocket. Instead, in some examples, the second and third pockets may be adjacent to one another.

[0065] In some examples, the pocket assembly may not include a base patch. In this example, the pouch of the first pocket is defined by the wall of the first pocket and a layer of material of the body of the garment.

[0066] In some examples, the holsters 44, 46 may be single or multi-slotted, given the space that is available on the wide, central pocket 22. In some examples where the first pocket 22 only defines one pouch, the holsters 44, 46 are disposed on, and the openings 34, 36 extend through, the wall 26 of the first pocket 22. In some examples, one or more of the second and third pockets 30, 38 may have openings and/or holsters.

[0067] In some examples, the pocket assembly 14 is integrally formed with the garment during the manufacturing process. However, in other examples, the pocket assembly 14 may be adhesive-backed so that any garment can be outfitted with the pocket assembly 14 by removing a protective sheet covering the adhesive layer, and then attaching the adhesive layer to an outer surface of the garment. In other examples, the pocket assembly 14 may be configured for attachment to a surface of a garment in other suitable permanent or removable methods (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, welded seams, sewn seams, etc.).

[0068] As described herein, the pocket assembly includes a first pocket, that includes a single or multiple pouches, and smaller side pockets on either side of the first pocket. The assembly may be configured differently depending on the case, capability, and preference of the manufacturing facility. The pocket assembly could be directly attached to the garment, or the pocket assembly may include a broader single patch, which is itself attached and fixed to the garment. This may be determined by the technical desirability, efficiency, safety, and preferences of the manufacturing process.

[0069] The depths of the pouches may be shallow such that housing units of guidewires are always visible and accessible. In other examples, the depths of the pouches could be made deeper so that the housing unit coils are allowed to sink deeper into the pouches and prevent rubbing against the continual movement of the user's hands and arms.

[0070] In some examples, the materials of the pockets may include an elastic or stretchy material that would enable the pouches of the pockets to expand to hold certain items, but then collapse to a flat configuration when empty.

[0071] The material for the garment, base patch, and pocket assembly can be non-woven, partially woven, woven, or some type of combination. The material is a fabric, and can be polyester, cotton, polyamide, cellulose, or a blend of multiple fiber types. Examples of the fibers include, for example, natural, polymeric, semi-synthetic, fully synthetic fibers, or combinations of such. In some cases, the material may be natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic, which can be understood to mean a chemically-modified natural material or fiber, e.g., synthetically produced natural fiber-based fibers or textiles. Natural fibers are produced from plants (e.g., cellulosic, or plant-based fibers) or animals, and examples include cotton, kapok, bison, alpaca, sheep, mink, wool (e.g., cashmere, or mohair), rayon, bamboo, banana, orange, vegetable, jute, flax, sisal, acetate (e.g., triacetate), manila, hemp, or silk. In other examples, textile fibers that absorb the liquid 104 may be used. Synthetic and polymeric materials are generally man-made, examples of which include polylactic acid (PLA), aramid, acrylic, anidex, fluorocarbon, lastrile, nylon, olefin, polyester, spandex, polyamides, or combinations thereof. Common types used could include polyesters such as PET, and other synthetic fibers; rayon, nylon, modacrylic, olefin, spandex, fleece, or aramid fibers. The synthetic fibers can also include fibers produced from recycled polymers, e.g., recycled PET.

[0072] In some examples, the garment may be disposable or reusable.

[0073] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular examples of particular disclosures. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate examples can also be implemented in combination in a single example. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single example can also be implemented in multiple examples separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0074] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modules and components in the examples described herein should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0075] Particular examples of the subject matter have been described. Other examples are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.