PROTECTIVE GARMENTS WITH INCONSPICUOUS PROTECTIVE FEATURES

Abstract

A protective garment includes a garment body having an appearance of a conventional garment, and an inner pocket supported on an inner surface of the garment in a position to receive padding for protecting a body part. Each inner pocket has an open end for insertion and removal of a pad. An anchor point supporting the inner pocket on the inner surface is aligned with a visible anchor point on an outer surface of the garment body, to aid in disguising the presence of the inner pocket(s) and padding. Impact-protective pads are dimensioned to fit within the pockets. In this manner, a person other than the wearer is unlikely to be alerted that the wearer is wearing impact-protective clothing. A protective face shield and face mask impact-resistant bodies and padding are also provided that have appearances that are conventional or inconspicuous to provide inconspicuous impact protection to a wearer.

Claims

1. A protective garment comprising: a garment body constructed to have an appearance of a conventional garment, said garment body having a first anchor point visible on an outer surface of said garment body, said garment body having an inner surface; at least one inner pocket having an open end, said at least one inner pocket being positioned to receive protective padding for protecting a body part, said at least one inner pocket being at least partially supported on said inner surface at a second anchor point aligned with said first anchor point.

2. The protective garment of claim 1, further comprising: at least one protective pad constructed of an impact-resistant material, said at least one protective pad being dimensioned to fit said at least one inner pocket.

3. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said first anchor point comprises at least one of stitching and a fastener.

4. The protective garment of claim 3, wherein said second anchor point comprises said at least one of said stitching and said fastener.

5. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein garment is configured as one of a scrub top, pants, a tunic and a protective gown.

6. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said first anchor point is entirely coextensive with said second anchor point.

7. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said first anchor point is entirely coextensive with said second anchor point.

8. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein a common row of stitching forms both said first anchor point and said second anchor point.

9. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said at least one protective pad is formed of a rigid material.

10. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said at least one protective pad is formed of a soft padding material.

11. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said at least one protective pad is formed of a foam material.

12. The protective garment of claim 10, wherein said at least one protective pad is formed of a honeycomb foam material.

13. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said at least one inner pocket is disposed to overly at least one of a wearer's upper arm, lower arm, chest, and torso.

14. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein said protective garment comprises a plurality of protective pads and a plurality of inner pockets.

15. The protective garment of claim 14, wherein a set of more than one protective pad is dimensioned to be received in a single pocket.

16. The protective garment of claim 15, wherein pads of the set of more than one protective pad have different densities.

17. The protective garment of claim 14, wherein no pocket of the plurality of inner pockets is disposed to overly a joint of a wearer.

18. A protective face shield garment comprising: a headgear configured to encircle a wearer's head, said headgear being constructure of rigid material; at least one strap connected to the headgear and dimensioned to engage the head to support the headgear on the head, said at least one strap being constructed of rigid material; a face shield body suspended from the headgear in a position to cover the wearer's face when the headgear and said at least one strap are supported on the head, the face shield body being constructed of transparent rigid material; a first foam padding member supported on the headgear in position to abut the head; and a second foam padding member supported on said at least one strap in position to abut the head.

19. The protective face shield garment of claim 18, wherein said first foam padding member and said second foam padding member are constructed of padding having a density for protecting the head against physical impacts from a human attacker.

20. A protective face mask garment comprising: a face mask body having a three-dimensional shape contoured to conform to a wearer's face and head, said face mask body being constructed of transparent rigid material, the face mask body defining openings positioned to register with eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth of the face; at least one head strap connected to the face mask body and dimensioned to engage the head to support the face mask body on the head and over the face; and foam padding member supported on an inner surface of the face mask body in a position to abut the head.

21. The protective face mask garment of claim 20, wherein said at least one head strap is constructed of a resilient material and is dimensioned to fit over a head of the wearer to support the face mask on the wearer's head in a position with the face mask body positioned over a face of the head.

22. The protective face mask garment of claim 20, wherein said foam padding is dense and thick enough to protect the head and face against physical impacts from a human attacker.

23. The protective face mask garment of claim 20, wherein said foam padding comprises: a first foam padding member extending around a periphery of the face mask body; and a plurality of second foam padding members positioned to extend around openings in the face mask body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] An understanding of the following description will be facilitated by reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a functional protective garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a front view of the outside of the protective garment;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the outside of the protective garment of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of the outside of the protective garment of FIG. 1, showing padding hidden in internal pockets of the protective garment;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of the inside of the protective garment of FIG. 1, shown inside-out relative to FIG. 1 to show exemplary internal pockets for protective pads with illustrative clarity;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the protective garment of FIG. 1, shown inside-out relative to FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary set of protective pads suitable for placement in the internal pockets shown in FIG. 4;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view of another protective garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely, a tunic, showing a front view of the outside of the protective garment;

[0021] FIGS. 8 and 9 are front and rear views, respectively, of yet another protective garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely, a gown;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a front view of the outside of the protective garment of FIGS. 8 and 9, showing padding hidden in internal pockets of the protective garment;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the outside of the protective garment of FIGS. 8 and 9, showing padding hidden in internal pockets of the protective garment;

[0024] FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are front, left-side and top views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a functional protective garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely, a protective face shield; and

[0025] FIGS. 15 and 16 are front and rear views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a functional protective garment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely, a protective face mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention provides a functional protective garment that is structured somewhat like conventional garments and is suitable for use in substitution for a comparable conventional garment/uniform. The protective garment is functional in that it is configured to be rigid and/or have padding for absorbing/dissipating a sufficient amount of impact force/energy likely to be exerted by a human attacker in the event of an attack to prevent bodily injury to the wearer of the protective garment. When configured for use for medical professionals, the garments may be configured as scrubs-type garments. Accordingly, the garment may have any conventional overall configuration as a shirt/top, pants, tunic, gown, etc., and is preferably constructed of conventional materials, using conventional designs and stitching, fastener, etc. techniques, so that the garment provides adequate infection prevention to medical professionals, and is readily cleanable like a conventional medical professional garment using similar cleaning techniques, etc., or is otherwise adapted for its intended environment of use, so that the functional protective garment is suitable for use in substitution for a comparable conventional garment. More particularly, the garment should have an outward appearance that is entirely conventional, or largely conventional such that the protective features are generally inconspicuous to the observer (such as a patient) such that its protective padding and intended purpose as protective gear is not readily discernible to the casual observer, because such protective features are totally or largely hidden from view by people other than the wearer of the protective garment. FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary functional protective garment 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the nature of a scrubs top/shirt-type garment.

[0027] As will be appreciated from FIG. 1, the garment 100 has a conventional, or largely conventional (e.g., conventional except for one or more additional seams/rows of stitching/fasteners) outer appearance. Accordingly, any protective padding is internal to the garment, and it is not readily apparent that the garment includes impact-protective padding, such as dense (e.g., closed-cell) foam and/or other rigid members. Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention, the functional protective garment is configured to protect medical professionals/educators/others from physical injuries that may be inflicted by a patient/student/other person. Further, the functional protective garment is configured to also be inconspicuous and not off-putting to a patient/student/other, in that it appears, from casual inspection representative of a typical patient/student and medical/educational professional interaction, to be a conventional garment, and to have a conventional outer surface 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the garment is unlikely to intimidate, disturb or provoke the patient/student, etc., escalate a potentially violent situation, or incite violent behavior. Rather, the functional protective garment is prepared for violence/impact, and provides protection if and when needed.

[0028] Accordingly, although not readily apparent to a patient/casual observer, the functional protective garment includes impact-protective pads. The pads are positioned/positionable and supported/supportable within the internal pockets of the garment. The pads may be rigid but are preferably made of flexible/soft padding material that can flex/bend with the wearer's needs. In some embodiments, the anchor points (e.g., stitching and/or fasteners) and seams for the pockets created to house the pad are strategically placed to align with the garment's traditional seams and stitching that typically result during the construction of the garment, to disguise the seams of the internal padding pockets with the seams and top stitching so that it is not apparent from a casual observer/patient that the garment contains internal pockets or padding and/or that it is not a typical scrub/other-type garment. The stitching/seams may be disguised by hiding them from view (e.g., behind another layer of fabric, e.g., within/behind material of a pocket, or by using a single run of stitching to stitch together multiple layers, e.g., the garment front, an outside pocket and an internal pocket, or by overlapping multiple rungs of stitchinge.g., a first run of stitching to stitch together a garment front and an outside pocket, and a second run of stitching to stitch together the garment front and an inside pocket may be positioned to overlap with/overlie the first run of stitching. In embodiments in which the anchor points for the internal pockets are entirely aligned with the anchor points/stitching/fasteners with the conventional garment, the garment may have an entirely conventional appearance. In embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1., in which the anchor points for the internal pockets are primarily or largely (but not entirely) aligned with the anchor points/stitching/fasteners with the conventional garment, the garment may have a largely conventional appearance. Thus, in either case, incorporating the protective pads and associate pockets into the design of the protective garments is done such that they are not readily discernible from the outside to prevent any sense of intimidation, aggression, or alarm on the part of the patient/student, etc., Accordingly, the garments look like typical garments, such as medical professional uniforms such as scrubs and lab coats.

[0029] More particularly, the functional protective garment 100 is designed with internal pockets 40 supported on the inside surface 30 of the garment 100, such that the pockets 40, and at least most stitching/fasteners associated with the pockets 40, are not visible on the outside surface 20, as will be appreciated from FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5. In part, this involves arranging anchor points 42 and/or stitches 44 for supporting the internal pockets 40 to align with structures, such as external pockets 22 and/or associated anchor points 24 and/or stitching 26, supporting the external pockets or other portions of the garment, and/or positioning them to be unobtrusive/not readily discernible to a casual observer viewing the outer surface 20, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. For example, anchor points 44 for anchoring the internal pockets 40 may be fully-aligned, or partially-aligned, with stitching 26 visible on the outer surface 20 of the garment 100. In some instances, stitching/anchoring for the internal pockets 40 may be overlie/be fully-aligned with a relevant portion of stitching 26 visible on the outer surface 20 of the garment, but may extend further beyond the stitching/anchoring required for a conventional pocket or seam/stitching.

[0030] The pockets 40 are positioned to be aligned, when the garment is worn in the intended fashion, with portions of the anatomy that are the typical areas of injury and the body parts most vulnerable to injury, such that protective pads may be positioned in the inner pockets to overlie and protect body parts, as desired. By way of example, pockets may be positioned to protect areas of likely points of impact in a combative face-to-face confrontatione.g., the chest, stomach/abdomen, arms, groin, etc. Accordingly, for example, the pockets (and therefore padding inserts) may be positioned to reside over the chest, abdomen, head, arms, and groin/pelvic portions of the body of the wearer. In certain areas, the pockets may be arranged to overlie muscles or other structures, but not to overly joints, so as not to unduly restrict movement, e.g., in the case of elbows, knees, etc. In other embodiments, the pockets may overlie muscles or other structures, as well as joints, e.g., the spine, and/or elbows, knees, etc.

[0031] The pockets 40 have at least one open edge 42 to provide the wearer with the ability to easily add or remove a corresponding protective pad 50 by inserting a suitably sized/shaped pad 50 of protective material into the pocket 40 via the open edge 42, based on the current need and/or preference of the wearer.

[0032] The pads 50 of protective material may be rigid but are preferably constructed of a relatively soft material, such as light-weight, medium-weight, or heavy-weight (e.g., varying densities) of foam, to provide adequate cushioning and shock absorption against a physical blow, while also being soft enough to not cause serious injury to the patient inflicting the physical blow. In this manner, the functional protective garment is uniquely designed for the medical, educational and other environments, helping to reduce the risk of injury to not only the wearer, but also the aggressor. An exemplary set of pads 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f, 50g (collectively, 50) for placement in the pockets 40 of the garment 100 of FIGS. 1-5 is shown in FIG. 6.

[0033] It should be noted that the functional protective garment can have any suitable configuration in accordance with the present invention, and that the pockets 40 and pads 50 can be provided on the interior surface 30 of both the front and the back of such garments, as desired, as will be appreciated from FIGS. 1-5 and by those or ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] Further, the pockets 40 may have any suitable size and shape, and the pads 50 may have any corresponding size and shape to fit within corresponding/intended pockets 40. In certain embodiments, pockets 40 may be of a uniform size and shape to allow pads of different densities to be used in them interchangeably. In such an embodiment, multiple pads of different densities may be provided for each respective pocket so that a user may select a pad of a desired density for insertion into a particular pocket 40.

[0035] Alternatively, pockets 40 may be of non-uniform size and/or shape, so that only certain pads will fit in certain pockets 40. In such an embodiment, pads may be provided such that only pads of a certain density fit a certain pocket, to encourage a wearer to use only pads of a certain density in certain pockets 40. For example, a protective pad 50 of a moderate-weight density might be configured to fit only in a pocket 40 on in chest area to protect the chest and/or breasts and/or in a pocket 40 in an upper arm area (such as biceps/triceps) of the wearer. For example, a chest/breast pad 50c, 50d could be rectangular in shape and placed over of the pectoralis muscle with a second piece placed below the nipple, under the breast to protect the underside of the chest/breast in separate pockets. By way of additional example, a protective pad 50 of a light-weight density (similar to a scuba/neoprene foam textile) could be sized and shaped to fit only in a pocket on the upper arm or forearm area, to protect the wearer from impacts or scratches to the arms. Such a pad could be rectangular in shape and cover from the elbow joint to the wrist but not overlie the elbow to cause restricting movement of the elbow joint. By way of further example, a protective pad 50 of a heavy-weight density plus a light-weight density could be combined and layered in the same pocket to add extra protection to the stomach and groin area from kicks and punches when deemed necessary by the wearer (e.g., for interaction with a patient known to be very aggressive/violent).

[0036] In certain embodiments each pad 50 is constructed of honeycomb foam material. Pads made of such material may be advantages in that they may be combined to protect the stomach and groin but not restrict movement. Such honey-comb type padding is commercially available and outside the scope of the present invention, and thus is not discussed in greater detail herein. The honey-comb-type padding is characterized by regions of thick foam padding 52 separated by connecting regions 54 of thinner material (not foam) to provide a high degree of flexibility to a continuous textile/foam padding, as shown in FIG. 5. The honeycomb foam material may be advantageous in allowing for thicker padding to be used (and thus more protection for the user) without restricting movement, due to the relative inflexibility of the thick portions, and the relative flexibility of the thinner/no foam portions. More particularly, the thin no foam regions 54 between the thick foam regions 52 provide for flexibility and easy movement, while the thicker (honeycomb-shaped) foam pieces provide the impact protection.

[0037] The pocket sizes may vary to correspond to both the garment size (e.g., small, medium, large) and the coordinating area of the body it is protecting. For example, pocket sizes on the sleeves may be smaller than pocket sizes on the abdomen area. The shape of the pockets also relates to the area of the body it will protect. Pocket shapes to protect the arms will be longer and narrower than the pocket protecting the abdomen (a more square/circular shape). Interchangeable and/or supplemental pads with multiple (e.g., three) levels of density can be provided and inserted into the pockets alone or in combination to provide a desired level of padding, for some or all pocket shapes/sizes. The varying levels of density will can be combined/layered into the same pocket to add additional protection to the user.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a front view of another protective garment 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the protective garment 100 is configured as a tunic, such as may be worn by a nurse in a hospital or medical/clinical environment. FIG. 7 shows a front view of the outside surface 20 of the protective garment 100. This garment 100 has protective features and structures that are generally similar to those of the garment of FIGS. 1-5, and includes inner pockets 40 with open tops 42 for receiving pads 50. Here, the anchor points/stitching for the internal pockets 40 are less aligned (relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5) with the stitching, etc. already visible on the outer surface 20 for pockets/features, etc. visible on the outer surface 20, and thus the stitching/seams are not entirely aligned with stitching/seams that would otherwise be present, and thus the garment is largely conventional in structure but includes added seams/stitching on its outer surface 20. In this example, pockets 40 and pads 50 are shown that do not overlie the elbow joint, so as to avoid inhibiting pivoting of the joint, and associated bunching of the pads within the garment over the joint that might be visible to a casual observer and that might reveal that the garment is impact-protective.

[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 are front and rear views, respectively, of yet another protective garment 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the protective garment 100 is configured as a protective gown, such as may be worn by a surgeon/doctor/nurse in a hospital or medical/clinical environment. Such protective gowns often consistent of a collar, sleeves, and an apron-like drape (that might have ties for fastening the gown) so that they are easy to don/doff quickly and easily as an added layer of protective clothing to guard against exposure to infectious diseases, etc. FIGS. 8 and 9 show front and rear views, respectively, of the outside surface 20 of the protective garment 100. This garment 100 has protective features and structures that are generally similar to those of the garment of FIGS. 1-5, and includes inner pockets 40 with open tops 42 for receiving pads 50, as will be best appreciated from FIGS. 10 and 11. Here, the anchor points/stitching for the internal pockets 40 are more aligned (relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10) with the stitching, etc. already visible on the outer surface 20 for pockets/features, etc. visible on the outer surface 20, but the stitching/seams are not entirely aligned with stitching/seams that would otherwise be present, and thus the garment is largely conventional in structure but includes added seams/stitching on its outer surface 20. In this example, pockets 40 and pads 50 are shown that do not overlie the elbow joint, so as to avoid inhibiting pivoting of the joint, and associated bunching of the pads within the garment over the joint that might be visible to a casual observer and that might reveal that the garment is impact-protective.

[0040] It should be noted that the protective pads may be placed in, and be removed from, the inner pocket(s) of the garment as desired. Accordingly, for example, the garment may be used, for example, with pads to provide ready impact protection, or may be worn without pads in substitution for everyday workwear gear for ongoing convenience and comfort, so that there is no need to remove or change out of garments to be free from the protective padding. Further, the protective pads can be removed to allow for cleaning of the pads, or substitution of pads of a certain density for pads of a different density, etc.

[0041] FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are front, left-side and top views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a functional protective garment in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely, a protective face shield 200. In this embodiment, the protective garment is protective gear in the nature of face shield gear that has an appearance very similar to medical professional PPE face shields. As well known in the art, such face shield generally include headgear 210 including bands and/or straps 220 dimensioned to engage a head of the wearer to support the face shield on the head, and a face shield body 230 suspended from the headgear 210 in a position to over the eyes/nose/mouth/face. Because conventional PPE face shields are used to guard against splashes/sprays/aerosols, they include very thin, very flexible, very flimsy face shield bodies, as their purpose is not structural for guarding against physical impacts, but rather to catch/block droplets/fluid sprays. Similarly, the bands/straps of the conventional PPE face shields are not provided as impact-resistant/structural members, but rather are typically highly flexible and sometimes made of supple fabrics, merely sufficient to support the very lightweight protective face shield 200 on the head, but insufficient to protect against physical impact from a human attacker. In accordance with the present invention, the protective face shield 200 of the present invention has an overall structure and appearance similar to conventional PPE face shields (so as not to alert the patient that the protective face shield 200 is indeed impact-protective gear), but in contrast to conventional PPE face shields, the protective face shield 200 is designed to be impact-protective, and there includes has stronger/more rigid materials (intended to deflect impacts, etc.) and additional protective padding positioned to prevent harm to the wearer in the event of an impact on the face shield gear. More particularly, in the example of FIGS. 12-14, the headgear 210 and bands/straps 220 are constructed of rigid plastic materials to be impact resistant. Further, foam padding members 240, 250 dense enough to protect the wearer against physical impacts from a human attacker, and more than is sufficient for mere comfort of the wearer as is the case with any conventional PPE face shield, are provided on the bands/straps 220 and headgear 210, respectively, as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Similarly, the rigid face shield body 230 in accordance with the present invention appears to have a structure that is conventional or similar to that of a conventional flexible face shield body. Accordingly, like a conventional face shield device, the exemplary face shield body 230 is made of clear plastic and has adjustable straps attached to the shield that surround the head and go over the crown of the head, to support the face shield on a wearer's head. However, the exemplary protective face shield 200 includes a rigid face shield body 230 made of a rigid plastic material, and is provided to be thick and rigid enough to provide ample protection against physical impacts from a human attacker.

[0042] Accordingly, unlike a conventional PPE face shield device, the exemplary impact-protective face shield device in accordance with the present invention has a face shield that is constructed of a stronger/more rigid/more durable clear material, sufficient to provide impact resistance and/or protection from injury in the result of an impact on the shield. In contrast, traditional healthcare face shields are very thin, not rigid but rather flexible/flimsy, for the purpose of protecting the wearer not against impact, but rather against splashes, sprays, and splatter of bodily fluids and any bacteria/pathogens, etc. contained therein. This face shield device is different from traditional SWAT/law enforcement shields because it is only a shield (does not have a helmet aspect) and it is not designed to intimidate or be overly noticeable like the law enforcement helmets. Further, the exemplary face shield device has added protective foam to prevent harm to the wearer.

[0043] Accordingly, the exemplary face shield device is a strong/rigid plastic device that can withstand a punch or hit from a human and protect the wearer, yet it appears to be a conventional (flimsy) PPE-type face shield device. The exemplary face shield device covers the face completely from ear to ear, ending below the chin. Protective foam is placed along the areas of the shield that touch the face, such as the forehead and sides of face/ear area.

[0044] FIGS. 15 and 16 are front and rear views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a functional protective garment in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely, a protective face mask 250. In this embodiment, the protective garment is protective gear in the nature of face mask body 290 that has a three-dimensional shape contoured to conform to a human face and head, e.g., with forehead, cheek, nose, mouth, and ear portions, etc. In this manner, the face mask 250 is unobtrusive, and is unlikely to make patients/persons uncomfortable or alert them to the fact that the wearer is wearing impact-protective gear. Rather, the face mask 250 has a minimalistic natural appearance.

[0045] The face mask body 290 is constructed of a clear and rigid plastic material, so as to provide impact protection against a human attacker. The face mask 250 includes a head strap 260, e.g., of elastic/resilient fabric/material, dimensioned to fit over a head of the wearer to support the face mask 250 on the wearer's head in a position with the face mask body 290 over the face. The face mask body 290 defines openings positioned to register with the eyes 270a, ears 270b, nose 270c, and mouth 270d of the wearer, so that the wearer can see, hear and breathe through the openings 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d. In addition, the face mask body 290 is provided with thick, dense padding 280. The padding 280 is preferably provided around a periphery of the face mask body 290 and around one or more openings 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d of the face mask. The thick padding 280 causes the face mask body 290 to be spaced from skin, and serves to absorb impact forces and prevent the face mask body 290 from contacting and/or damaging the skin of the face/head in the event of a forcible impact during an attack. Accordingly, the foam padding 280 is dense and thick enough to protect the wearer against physical impacts from a human attacker, and more so than is sufficient for mere comfort of the wearer.

[0046] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a functional protective garment in accordance with the present invention is light-weight and comfortable, allowing the user to wear it for long periods of time (e.g., typical medical professional shift time is about 12 hours), while also provide protection against injuries from workplace violence. Additionally, garments configured for use in the medical/healthcare setting readily allow for easy cleaning in a conventional manner to meet all medical environment infection prevention protocols.

[0047] It should be appreciated that in addition to the various medical professionals that may benefit from the functional protective garment described herein, others may also benefit from use of such a garment, including home healthcare professionals (e.g., against dog bites when providing at-home care) and ambulatory staff. Additionally, such a functional protective garment may also be used with by other professionals outside the medical/healthcare field, for example, by dog trainers, undercover law enforcement agents, government officials, schoolteachers, etc. that have a need or desire for less-conspicuous padding. In those instances, the garment may have overall structures similarly to a conventional garment in a corresponding field, to have a conventional outer appearance.

[0048] While there have been described herein the principles of the invention, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims, to cover all modifications of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.