Protective apparel with improved disposal

Described herein is apparel that protects a wearer from an undesirable agent. The apparel employs a transition portal to assist doffing and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination during doffing. The transition portal attaches to the apparel proximate to one end of an aperture, which provides an exit for the protective apparel. When doffing, the transition portal extends away from the person, who exits the aperture. The transition portal is then pulled over the body along with any attached portions of the protective apparel. This turns the transition portal—and attached parts of the apparel—inside-out. After doffing, most portions of protective apparel are either a) inside-out, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal and/or apparel. As a result, undesirable agents—that were initially on the outside of the apparel—are now inside the inside-out transition portal and apparel. In one embodiment, the transition portal is carried internal to the apparel so that surfaces of the portal are not exposed to the external environment and undesirable agent. After doffing, the transition portal may also be used as a large ‘garbage bag’ into which the apparel is placed for disposal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under U.S.C. §120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/888,442, filed Jul. 9, 2004 and entitled, “PROTECTIVE APPAREL WITH IMPROVED DOFFING”, which is incorporated herein for all purposes and which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/486,154 filed Jul. 10, 2003 and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/535,363 filed Jan. 9, 2004, each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to protective apparel. More particularly, the present invention relates to protective apparel that protects a person from an undesirable agent.

Protective apparel is used in many environments that offer an undesirable agent. Surgeons frequently operate on a patient who carries a communicable disease. Recent worldwide outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have required health care practitioners to interact with patients that are knowingly afflicted. Practitioners in medical environments such as these are prone to contamination from airborne, blood-borne and droplet-transmitted biological agents. Industrial and chemical environments also offer a variety of airborne, liquid and solid hazards.

Many individuals wear protective apparel in defense of an undesirable agent. Full body suits are common, as are open-bottom gowns provide that frontal coverage and include sleeves to protect the wearer's arms. Gloves, such as disposable latex gloves, are regularly worn with the apparel.

When doffing, apparel users are susceptible to cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when a contaminated part of the apparel contacts an unprotected portion of a person's skin or clothes. Sequential removal of separate apparel parts may lead to circumstances that pose cross-contamination risks. For example, doffing gloves commonly leads to removal and handling of a contaminated second glove by a bare hand. Subsequently, the cross-contaminated hand may be inadvertently used to rub an eye, nose or mouth. Cross-contamination during doffing significantly increases practitioner exposure to the undesirable agent.

Based on the foregoing, it should be apparent that alternative protective apparel would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to protective apparel that employs a transition portal to assist doffing and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination during doffing. The transition portal attaches to the apparel proximate to one end of an aperture, which provides an exit for the protective apparel. When doffing, the transition portal extends away from the person, who exits the aperture. The transition portal is then pulled over the body along with any attached portions of the protective apparel. This turns the transition portal—and attached parts of the apparel—inside-out. After doffing, most portions of protective apparel are either a) inside-out, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal and/or apparel. As a result, undesirable agents—that were initially on the outside of the apparel—are now inside the inside-out transition portal and apparel. In one embodiment, the transition portal is carried internal to the apparel so that surfaces of the portal are not exposed to the external environment and undesirable agent.

After doffing, the transition portal may also be used into a large ‘garbage bag’ into which the apparel is placed. Parts within the apparel may be stuffed into the transition portal or inside-out portions of the apparel to assist disposal. After doffing and turning the portal inside-out, outer surfaces of the transition portal are relatively free of any undesirable agents, thereby facilitating handling and disposal of contaminated apparel. The present invention is thus well suited for use with disposable protective apparel that is used once and discarded.

Protective apparel of the present invention finds wide use in shielding a wearer from an undesirable agent. There are numerous applications in which a health-care practitioner or another individual benefits from protective apparel that is used to shield the person from a biological or chemical agent. For example, health care practitioners treating individuals that generate an airborne or droplet-based biological agent, such as a virus associated with a respiratory illness (e.g., the virus believed to be responsible for SARS), may benefit from full coverage protective apparel. Alternatively, surgeons and other surgical staff in an operating room may rely on defense provided by protective apparel described herein against a gaseous or liquid agent.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to apparel for protecting a person from an undesirable agent. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel. The apparel also comprises a first sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person, and a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel further comprises a hood that includes a viewing window configured to rest in front of the person's face when the person wears the apparel. The apparel additionally comprises a transition portal including a flaccid material that defines an aperture. The transition portal is designed or configured to allow the person to doff the apparel without physical contact between the person and a surface of the apparel that was external during usage of the apparel.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to apparel for protecting a person from an undesirable agent. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel, a first sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person, and a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel also comprises a hood that includes a viewing window configured to rest in front of the person's face when the person wears the apparel. The apparel further comprises a transition portal including a flaccid material. The flaccid material defines an aperture sized such that the person may fit through the aperture, defines a proximate aperture end disposed where the transition portal attaches to shroud material included in the body portion, and defines a distal aperture end that extends away from the body portion.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to apparel for protecting a person from an undesirable agent. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel. The apparel also comprises a first sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person. The apparel further comprises a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel additionally comprises a transition portal arranged in a groin area of the body portion and including a flaccid material. The flaccid material defines an aperture sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. The flaccid material also defines a proximate aperture end disposed where the transition portal attaches to shroud material included in the apparel about the entire perimeter of the aperture at the proximate aperture end. The flaccid material also defines a distal aperture end that extends away from the body portion.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to protection apparel. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel. The apparel also comprises a sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person, and a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel further comprises a transition portal including a flaccid material that defines an aperture, a first aperture end and a second aperture end. The first aperture end is disposed at a first end of the transition portal where the transition portal attaches to a portion of shroud material included in the apparel. The transition portal is sized such that it may contain the protection apparel for disposal.

The transition portal may also include a drawstring, disposed perimetrically about the second aperture end, which allows the person to change aperture size for the second aperture end.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of doffing apparel that protects a person from an undesirable agent. The method comprises opening an aperture between an environment internal to the apparel and an environment external to the apparel. The aperture is sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. The method also comprises doffing the apparel through the aperture while minimizing physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to apparel for protecting a person from an undesirable agent. The apparel comprises means for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel. The apparel also comprises means for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person. The apparel further comprises means for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel additionally comprises means for means for releasing a transition portal that was stored internal to the apparel while the person wore the apparel. The aperture is sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. The apparel also comprises means for doffing the apparel through the aperture while minimizing physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to apparel for protecting a person from an undesirable agent. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel. The apparel also comprises a first sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person. The apparel further comprises a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel additionally comprises a transition portal including a flaccid material. The flaccid material defines an aperture sized such that the person may fit through the aperture, defines a proximate aperture end disposed where the transition portal attaches to shroud material included in the apparel, and defines a distal aperture end that extends away from the body portion. The apparel also comprises a compartment sized to store the transition portal while the person wears the apparel. The apparel further comprises an openable flap that covers the compartment when the transition portal is stored.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of disposing of protective apparel. The method comprises releasing a transition portal from a storage compartment included in the apparel. The transition portal includes flaccid material and is sized such that it may contain the protection apparel for disposal. The method also comprises containing one or more portions of the apparel within the transition portal after the apparel is doffed. The method further comprises disposing of the apparel while it is contained in the transition portal.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using apparel that protects a person from an undesirable agent. The method comprises positioning a hood of the apparel such that a portion of a viewing window included in the hood is arranged in front of the person's face when the person wears the apparel. The method also comprises wearing the apparel in an environment that potentially offers the undesirable agent. The method further comprises releasing a transition portal that was stored internal to the apparel while the person wore the apparel. The transition portal comprises flaccid material that defines an aperture. The aperture is sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. The method additionally comprises doffing the apparel through the aperture while minimizing physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of protecting a person from an undesirable agent. The method comprises assembling apparel that includes a body portion for covering at least a portion of the person's torso when the person wears the apparel, a sleeve for receiving a portion of a portion of a right arm of the person, and a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a portion of a left arm of the person. The method also comprises attaching a transition portal to the body portion. The transition portal includes an aperture and is designed or configured to allow the person to doff the apparel without physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to protection apparel. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel. The apparel also comprises a sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person. The apparel further comprises a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel additionally comprises a first identifier that differentiates between inside surfaces of the sleeves and body portion and outside surfaces of the sleeves and body portion. The apparel additionally comprises a transition portal including a flaccid material that defines an aperture. The transition portal is designed or configured to allow the person to doff the apparel without physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to protection apparel. The apparel comprises a body portion for covering at least a portion of a person's torso when the person wears the apparel, a sleeve for receiving a portion of a right arm of the person, and a second sleeve for receiving a portion of a left arm of the person. The apparel also comprises a hood that includes a viewing window configured to rest in front of the person's face when the person wears the apparel. The apparel further comprises a first color disposed on inside surfaces of the body portion and sleeves and a second color disposed on outside surfaces of the body portion and sleeves.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of doffing protective apparel. The method comprises releasing a transition portal that was stored internal to the apparel while the person wore the apparel. The transition portal comprises flaccid material that defines an aperture and the aperture is sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. The method also comprises handling an inside surface of the body portion or one of the sleeves that is marked with a color that differentiates an inside surface of the body portion and sleeves from an outside surface of the body portion and sleeves. The method further comprises doffing the apparel through the aperture while minimizing physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of doffing apparel that protects a person from an undesirable agent. The method comprises releasing a transition portal that was stored internal to the apparel while the person wore the apparel. The transition portal comprises flaccid material that defines an aperture. The aperture is sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. The method also comprises doffing the apparel through the aperture while minimizing physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel.

These and other features of the present invention will be presented in more detail in the following detailed description of the invention and the associated figures.

Before committing to the Detailed Description, it may facilitate understanding to clarify certain words and phrases used in this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Support and definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such support applies to prior, as well as future uses of such words and phrases.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Protective apparel described herein includes a transition portal that facilitates doffing (and donning). The transition portal is particularly advantageous to protect the wearer from undesirable agents—found on outside surfaces of the apparel—that pose a risk of cross-contamination during doffing.

As the term is used herein, ‘proximate’ refers to features or locations that are closer to the torso of the person, while ‘distal’ refers to features or locations that are further from the torso of the person. Thus, ‘distal’ for a sleeve related feature refers to features or locations that are closer to fingertips of the person, while ‘proximate’ refers to features or locations that are closer to shoulders of the person. Similarly, ‘distal’ for the transition portal described below refers to features or locations that extend away from the person's torso, while ‘proximate’ refers to features or locations that are closer to the person's torso.

FIG. 1illustrates an outer front elevation view of protective apparel10in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. While the present invention will now be described as protective apparel useful for shielding a wearer from an undesirable agent, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subsequent description may also illustrate methods and discrete actions for doffing and protecting a person from an undesirable agent.

Apparel10generally refers to a garment assembly for use by a person11. Apparel10comprises multiple components that are attached to form the garment assembly. As shown inFIG. 1, apparel10comprises body portion12, sleeves14, hood20, pant legs26, gloves40and boots60. Apparel10also comprises a headgear assembly (FIGS. 2A and 2B) within hood20, filters30and32, and transition portal (FIGS. 3A-3E). Materials suitable for each component are described below, in addition to description of suitable techniques for attaching the different components. In one embodiment, apparel10resembles a garment assembly or full-body suit that covers the entire body of person12. In this case, apparel10creates an environment internal to apparel10and separates the internal environment from an environment external to apparel10. In another embodiment, apparel10resembles a gown with an open bottom and no pant legs26. The open gown may extend to the person's waist, ankles, or any height therebetween. Filters30and32regulate air and particulate passage through specific portions of apparel10, while a blower neighbors one of the filters to supply fresh air into apparel10for breathing and/or cooling.

Shroud material15provides the main physical barrier between the environment internal to apparel10and the environment external to apparel10. Shroud material15comprises a relatively thin, flaccid or semi-flaccid sheet. Shroud material15is included in most components of apparel10, such as body portion12, sleeves14, pant legs26, boots60, and hood20. In one embodiment, apparel10is designed to loosely fit about person11. In this case, shroud material15loosely fits about person11. In a specific embodiment, apparel10employs a single type of material for shroud material15. In other cases, portions of apparel10may include different types of shroud material. For example, body portion12may include a substantially liquid impervious material while sleeves14include a lighter material that provides lesser protection, while hood comprises a separate material that eases breathing.

In one embodiment to facilitate comfort and thermoregulation for person11, apparel10includes spacers that prevent shroud material15and exterior portions of apparel10from continuous contact with person11. Each spacer is arranged on an inner portion of apparel10and maintains apparel proximate to the spacer distant from person11, thereby preventing continuous contact between the person and portions of the apparel. Multiple spacers may form air channels between the spacers, the person and inner portions of the apparel. The channels permit low resistance airflow within the apparel and over the person's body. Low resistance airflow within the channels permits air to be readily moved through the apparel to cool the person. For example, from 4 to 8 spacers may be disposed perimetrically around the person's waist to keep shroud material15distant from the person's waist for the entire waist circumference, while from 4 to 8 spacers are disposed perimetrically around the person's chest to keep shroud material15distant from the person's chest for the entire chest circumference. Spacers may also be placed on the person's shoulders to form air channels in this region. Further description of spacers and low resistance air flow channels within protective apparel is described in commonly owned patent application entitled “Protective Apparel Spacers”, filed on the same day as the present application, and naming William J. Plut as an inventor, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Body portion12includes shroud material15and covers at least a portion of the person's torso. For the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, body portion12extends perimetrically about the person's torso and downward from the person's shoulders to below the person's groin, thereby shrouding substantially the full torso. In one embodiment, body portion12may extend downward from the shoulders to the waist of person11, or may extend lower than the waist to the knees, the ankles, a point between the thighs and knees, or a point between the knees and ankles. In one embodiment, body portion12includes no seams in the front hemisphere to provide a frontal piece that minimizes risk of penetration from liquid or other undesirable agents at a seam. As mentioned above, apparel10may resemble a gown where body portion12includes an open bottom and apparel10includes no pant legs26.

Hood20substantially covers the wearer's head85and neck; and comprises hood shroud material15and a viewing window24. A lower portion of the hood shroud material15attaches to an upper portion of body portion12at seam21. Viewing window24is configured to rest in front of the person's face when person11wears apparel10. Viewing window24allows person11to see out of hood20. Viewing window24comprises a thin, lightweight and transparent barrier, such as a suitable plastic. In one embodiment, shroud material15included in hood20attaches to viewing window24about the perimeter of viewing window24. Shroud material of hood20and viewing window24may be attached by taping, sewing, or with a suitable adhesive, for example. In one embodiment, shroud material15hangs from headgear assembly80(FIG. 2B) and viewing window24is configured to hang in front of a forward facial section of head85when person11wears apparel10. One or more spacers may be attached to a bottom portion of viewing window24, or to shroud material below viewing window24, to maintain a distance between the bottom portion of viewing window24and person11. Viewing window24may curve about the person's face to increase unobstructed viewing for person11. In one embodiment, window24curves about the person's face and ends in front of the person's ears. In this case, shroud material15included in hood20is provided with slack such that person11may use a stethoscope while wearing apparel10.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a side elevation view of a headgear assembly180disposed within hood20in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Billustrates a top view of headgear assembly180. Headgear assembly180rests upon the head85of person11, lies underneath material of hood20, and maintains shroud material15and viewing window24at a distance from head85. Headgear assembly180includes a head interface182and spacing guards184.

Head interface182comprises a headband186, support187and one or more spacing members188. Headband186circumferentially surrounds head85and fits to prevent rotational motion between assembly180and head85. Headband186includes an adjustable fastener189, usually in the back of headband186, that allows person11to change the circumference of headband86. Fastener189may include a ratcheting fastener, a hook and loop fastener (commonly marketed under the trademark name ‘Velcro’), or dual arms having mating plastic features that snap together and hold the arms together.

Support187attaches to headband186on one side of head85, extends over the top of head85when the person wears headgear180, and attaches to headband186on the other side of head85. Support187provides vertical support to bear the weight of headgear assembly180, shroud material15for hood20, and viewing window24. Support187includes dual arms having mating and adjustable plastic features that allow the person to adjust fit for the top support187. In one embodiment, support187and headband186include a slightly compliant material to minimize any localized forces on head85and/or a soft padding attached to the underside to increase user comfort (such as foam band or cotton). AlthoughFIG. 2Ais illustrated with one support187extending over head85, it is understood that headgear assembly180may include a larger number of supports, such as from 2 to 5. In another embodiment, supports187comprise a continuous net that extends over the entire head85while still allowing for gaseous communication with the top of head85for heat dissipation.

Forward spacing guard184aand rear spacing guard184bdefine the external dimensions of headgear assembly180. Spacing guards184comprise rigid members shaped to contour around the person's head and maintain shroud material15from contacting head85. Spacing guards184thus largely define an amount of space between the inner surface of shroud material15(or viewing window24) and head85for hood20. Spacing guards184attach to shroud material15at one or more places on its perimeter. As shown, male ends of a hook and loop fastener191are disposed in three places on spacing guards184to attach to mating females pieces on shroud material15in hood20(not shown). Spacing guards184thus position and support hood20and bear of the weight of shroud material15and viewing window24. Spacing guards184also define the vertical cross-section shape of hood20(FIG. 2B). In one embodiment, spacing guards184are configured to substantially follow the generally oval contours of the human head. Shroud material15drops down from spacing guards184according to the contour of spacing guards184.

Spacing members188extend down from support187and separate spacing guards184laterally from head interface182. Spacing members188maintain spacing guards184in position relative to head85and thus help establish the amount of space between the inner surface of shroud material15and head85for hood20. Spacing members188each connect a) at their proximate end to head interface182, and b) at their distal end to a portion of spacing guards184. Screws193are used to attach spacing guards184to each spacing member188on either side of the person's head85. As shown, headgear assembly180includes two rigid members188symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of head85. It is understood that a different number of members188may be used.

Since shroud material15is flaccid and drapes from spacing guards184, headgear assembly180is then configured such that shroud material15is spaced above and away from head85to provide room for airflow around head85. Spacing guards184also include a height that extends above head85to allow for space between material15and head85above the top of head85. Thus, neither spacing guards184nor shroud material15supported by spacing guards184continuously contact head85during usage of apparel10. This arrangement permits airflow, breathing circulation and cooling circulation around head85with minor resistance. In one embodiment, headgear assembly180is dimensioned to maintain an average or minimum distance, D, between shroud material15and head85(FIG. 2B). An average or minimum distance from about ½ inch to about 4 inches is suitable in some applications. In another embodiment, headgear assembly80is dimensioned such that the inner surface of shroud material15is, on average or minimum, from about 1 inch to about 2 inches away from head85. In some cases, slack in shroud material15combines with positive pressure from a blower in apparel10to expand slack material15away from head85and thereby create additional space between shroud15and head85. In this case, shroud15may rest even further from head85than provided passively by headgear assembly180. Headgear assembly180preferably comprises lightweight materials so as to minimize encumbrance on person11. For example, rigid members92may comprise a lightweight and stiff plastic. In a specific embodiment, headgear assembly180comprises two Willson V5N series headgear browguards assembled to one V5N series head interface as provided by Bacou Dalloz USA Inc. of Smithfield, R.I.

Returning back toFIG. 1, left and right sleeves14aand14binclude shroud material15and integrally attach to a shoulder portion of body portion12at seams28aand28b, respectively. In another embodiment, the entire front portion of apparel10is constructed from a single piece of material and seams28do not exist between body portion12and sleeves14as shown. Sleeve14areceives a left arm of person11; and left sleeve14breceives a right arm of person11. While sleeves14are illustrated as extending up to the shoulder of person11, it is understood that different designs and assemblies if apparel10will vary the extent of arm coverage provided by each sleeve14. At the least, each sleeve14receives a portion of an arm, such as the forearm to the wrist. Seams28connect the separate pieces of shroud material15included in body portion12and sleeves14; and may include stitching, tape, an ultrasonic seal and/or a heat seal, depending on the materials being connected and a desired level of protection.

Gloves40are worn at the distal end of each arm. In one embodiment, gloves40comprise a gaseous and liquid impermeable material such as polyethylene, latex, rubber, or the like. The person may tape or otherwise temporarily attach gloves40to sleeves14. Attaching gloves40to sleeves14allows person11to remove apparel10as a single unit, as will be described below. In a specific embodiment, apparel10is provided with handwear integrally attached to the distal end of sleeves14that facilitates removal of gloves40worn over the handwear. The handwear is configured such that when a user doffs the handwear and outer glove40, the handwear restrains the outer glove40. Thus, when a user pulls the handwear and outer glove inside-out, the handwear may capture and contain the outer glove, which allows person11to remove apparel10as a single unit.

Left and right pant legs26aand26binclude shroud material15and attach to a lower portion of body portion12at seams36aand36b, respectively. In another embodiment, the entire front portion of apparel10is made from a single piece of material and seams36do not exist between body portion12and pants legs26. As shown inFIG. 1, pant legs26extend from body portion12from the midpoint of the person's thighs. In this case, each pant leg26only receives a portion of each leg from the thigh to the foot. As mentioned above, body portion12may extend down to a different part of person11, such as the waist or the knees, which will determine the length of pant legs26. Extra space within body portion12is used to contain and store a collapsible transition portal100that facilitates donning and doffing of apparel10(FIGS. 3A-3E).

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, pant legs26extend and enclose the feet or shoes of person11. Boots60attach to the distal ends of each pant leg26. Boots60cover at least a portion of the shoes worn by person11and may include an abrasion resistant material on a bottom surface. One or more ties, rubber bands or elastics sewn into shroud material15may be used to secure excess material included in boots60. The excess material assists user entry and exit into and out of boots60. Plastic tape, hook and loop fasteners, male and females snaps, or other detachable binders may also be used other than ties or elastics to secure excess material of boots60.

A filter30is sewn or otherwise suitably attached to shroud material15about a hole in shroud material15at a lower area of body portion12. A blower (not shown) is arranged on the inside of apparel10to neighbor inlet filter30. The blower moves air from the environment external to apparel10into the environment internal to apparel10. Air provided by the blower ventilates the environment internal to apparel10, cools the person wearing apparel10and provides fresh air for breathing. The blower may comprise a fan or other air moving apparatus suitably sized to provide a desired flow rate of air into and/or within apparel10. Generally, the blower capacity should be sufficient to draw air into apparel10, through inlet filter30, and out of apparel10at an air flow rate sufficient for respiration and/or cooling of person11. In one embodiment, an inlet airflow rate from about 5 to about 80 cubic feet per minute (c.f.m.) is suitable. In another embodiment, an inlet airflow rate from about 5 to about 20 c.f.m. is suitable. Larger and smaller airflow rates may be suitable depending on a number of factors, such as the size of apparel10and the number of blowers employed. The blower may comprise any conventional fan mechanism and may be powered by a rechargeable battery. Such devices are commercially available from a wide variety of vendors known to those of skill in the art. In a specific embodiment, the blower comprises a D series fan as provided by Pelonis Technologies Inc. of Malvern Pa. In one embodiment, person11wears a belt under apparel10that supports the blower next to filter30. In another embodiment, mating hook and loop fasteners are used to attach the blower to shroud material15adjacent to filter30during usage.

Inlet filter30intercepts air before flow into apparel10and selectively regulates the passage of air and any particulates in the air, such as any undesirable agents, into apparel10. In one embodiment, inlet filter30comprises a fabric that provides a minimal pressure drop for the blower. The inlet filter30material and type may also be varied according to the undesirable agent(s) to be selectively blocked for apparel10. In another embodiment, inlet filter30comprises a sub-micron filter that has an effective porosity such that particles greater than a micron are not permitted to pass through. A HEPA rated filter may also be employed. Such filters are commercially available from vendors known to those skilled in the art. One suitable provider of bacterial and viral filters is Pall Canada Ltd. of Mississauga, Canada.

As shown inFIG. 1, inlet filter30is disposed in front of apparel10to provide air inlet to the front portion of apparel10. Alternatively, filter30(and the neighboring blower) may be disposed in back of apparel10, on a side of apparel10, or in upper portions of apparel10. In a specific embodiment, filter30is located just below a belt (not shown), which allows person11to constrict the diameter of apparel10about the waist of person11. In another specific embodiment, filter30is located in the upper back region of apparel10to allow inlet air to proceed immediately towards hood20to facilitate breathing. Apparel10may also include multiple inlet filters and blowers, such as a second filter30disposed on the backside of apparel10. In this case, airflow suitable for respiration and cooling may be divided among the multiple inlets.

Air filter32exhausts air from an environment internal to apparel10to an environment external to apparel10. Filter32is attached material about a hole in the shroud material15by sewing, taping, adhesive, etc. As shown inFIG. 1, outlet filter32forms a major portion of the top surface of hood20. In another embodiment, a second filter32forms a large fraction of shroud material15on the backside of hood20. Outlet filters32may also be included in other portions of apparel10, such as the top of the person's shoulders, lower or middle regions of body portion12, in sleeves14and/or in pant legs26.

Inlet filters30and outlet filters32may be arranged to specifically move air along desired paths within apparel10or to draw airflow to a certain area within apparel10. For example, an inlet filter30may be located within or near hood20to immediately provide air to this area, while one or more outlet filters are disposed at the waist of apparel10(e.g., switch the locations of inlet filter30and outlet filter32as shown). This arrangement creates a positive pressure about the head85and respiratory areas for person11and is well-suited for applications that desire positive-pressure respiratory apparel.

Multiple inlet and outlet filters may also be sized and arranged to achieve a desired airflow distribution. In one embodiment, inlet filters30, associated blowers and outlet filters32are arranged such that at least 50 percent of the of inlet air volume fist moves to hood20for breathing. In another embodiment, outlet filters32in a designated portion of apparel10are responsible for at least 50 percent of the of outlet air volume from apparel10and the shroud material15is breathable and passively exhausts the remainder. In another embodiment, outlet filters32are responsible for at least 75 percent of the of outlet air volume from apparel10.

Inlet and outlet filters may also be configured to direct air for cooling of person11. Thus, inlet and outlet filters may located and configured to increase airflow and cooling across the torso, neck and head of person11, which are generally considered priorities for human thermoregulation. For example, air entering an inlet filet30in or near hood20to increase fresh air supply for breathing may subsequently pass along the body of person11for cooling before exhausting from a waist disposed outlet filter32. In one embodiment, outlet filters32comprise the same filter material that is used in inlet filters30. Correspondingly, brief pressure fluctuations, e.g., those resulting from breathing or movement within apparel10, do not result in passage of undesirable agents from an environment external to apparel10through an intended outlet filter32and into the environment internal to apparel10.

While the present invention has primarily referred to inlet filters that prevent undesirable agents from passing into apparel10, it is understood that applications such as clean rooms and surgical rooms require apparel and filters that prevent escape of the undesirable agents. In this case, outlet filters32selectively transmit air and contaminants moving from the environment internal to the apparel to a clean environment outside the apparel, such as filtering out bacteria and microorganisms carried by person11to maintain a sterile zone for surgical applications.

Shroud material15typically comprises one or more relatively thin, flaccid sheets. Shroud material15forms a large portion of apparel10and is included in multiple parts of apparel10such as body portion12, sleeves14, pant legs26, boots60, and hood20. The number of pieces of material15will depend on how apparel10is manufactured and assembled, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, and the present invention is not limited to any particular style, assembly or design of apparel10. Usually, a single type of material is employed for shroud material15, however, it is contemplated that multiple types of shroud material15may be used (e.g., one shroud material15for body portion12and another shroud material15for sleeves14and/or hood20). In one embodiment, shroud material15comprises a breathable and selectively filtering material that prevents transmission of a targeted undesirable agent through shroud material15. In another embodiment, shroud material15comprises a substantially air and/or liquid impermeable material, such as a suitable plastic or non-woven fabric. Shroud material15may also comprise a breathable or breathable and splash resistant material, such as a non-woven fabric. Breathable portions of material15may also operate as a filter for outlet of air from the environment internal to apparel10to the environment external to apparel10. In addition, different materials may be added or combined to shroud material15to increase comfort, protection, strength, appearance or another property of apparel10. For example, plastic materials may be combined with non-woven materials to increase protection. A commercially available material such as one of the Tyvek series as provided by DuPont of Wilmington, Del., is suitable for use in shroud material15. A non-woven such as one of the Spunbond series as provided by Kimberly-Clark Health Care of Roswell, Ga. may also be suitable. In a specific embodiment, one of ProVent 1000, 3000, 7000, 7500 or 10,000 as provided by Kappler of Guntersville, Ala., is suitable for use. Shroud material15may also comprise a material based on polymers and copolymers of vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, ethylene, acrylic acids and esters, methacrylic acids and esters, propylene amines such as polyamides and other polymerizable monomers, cotton and silk, compressed nylon, polyester, and/or spandex (which may be used to increase user comfort and fit).

In general, seams of the present invention (such as seam21between hood20and body portion12) may include sewing, taping, heat sealing, an adhesive and/or solvent or sonic welding. The specific joining technique used will depend on the two materials being joined, cost, manufacturing ease, and the desired joint strength, as one skilled in the art will appreciate. Multiple joining techniques may also be implemented, such as sewing for seal strength and heat-sealing for seal integrity.

In one embodiment, apparel10is airtight except for gaseous communication via inlet filters30and outlet filters32. Apparel10then provides an isolated system in which air from the environment external to apparel10is transmitted into an environment internal to apparel10through inlet filters30and out through filters32. Correspondingly, person11is isolated from the ambient environment except through controlled filtering. Air pressure within apparel10remains balanced based on the pressure drop across outlet filters32and influx pressure provided by the fan or blower. In some cases, apparel10is substantially impermeable to one or more undesirable agents. Impermeable as used herein refers to the quality not permitting passage. Thus, “impermeable to air or liquids” refers to a quality of substantially not permitting passage of air or liquids. “Impermeable to an undesirable agent” refers to substantially not permitting passage of the undesirable agent regardless of whether the agent is a solid particulate, gaseous or liquid substance.

FIGS. 3A-3Eillustrate apparel10and transition portal100in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3Aillustrates transition portal100extended downward from apparel10with its aperture ends102and104relatively closed.FIG. 3Billustrates transition portal100extended downward from apparel10with its aperture ends102and104relatively opened.FIG. 3Cillustrates person11with his legs in the transition portal100in preparation for doffing through an aperture107included in transition portal100.FIG. 3Dillustrates person11grasping a distal portion of transition portal100and lifting the portal100and all attached portions of apparel10upwards and above the person's waist.FIG. 3Eillustrates transition portal100lifted over the person's head.

Initially referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a transition portal100is shown that permits person11to doff apparel10without physical contact between person11and an outside surface of apparel10. For the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A-3E, transition portal100is arranged in a groin area of apparel10.

Transition portal100comprises material that defines an aperture107. Aperture107is sized such that person11can fit through the aperture. In one embodiment, material used in transition portal100is flaccid and conforms to any forces applied thereto. In a specific embodiment, transition portal100comprises a flaccid material arranged in a substantially tubular shape. In this case, aperture107has the about same size from one end of the flaccid tube to the other end. In another embodiment, the material of transition portal100is arranged in a frustoconical shape with the distal end104being larger than the proximate end102. In this case, aperture107enlarges from proximate end102to distal end104and proximate end102is sized such that person11can fit through the aperture107at proximate end102. It is understood that the size of person11may vary. Thus, apparel10may be designed for a number of sizes, such as a small, medium and large sizes, in which apparel10and aperture107are sized to service a range of people sizes. For the embodiment shown inFIG. 3A, a proximate end aperture107is defined by the points of attachment between transition portal100and shroud material in body portion15and legs26. When released from storage and aperture ends102and104are opened, transition portal100resembles a skirt that is attached to a lower groin area of apparel10(FIGS. 3B and 3C). Transition portal100may also comprise a stretchable material, such as spandex, that conforms in size to any forces applied thereto. The stretchable material also permits the size of aperture107to change.

Transition portal100is collapsible. This allows transition portal100to be folded, rolled, scrunched or otherwise minimized in size and stored within a storage compartment106(as shown inFIG. 1) included in apparel10when the transition portal100is not in use, e.g., while person11wears apparel10. Storage compartment106is sized to store transition portal100. In one embodiment, space within apparel10forms storage compartment106. As shown inFIG. 1, storage compartment106comprises space in a groin region of apparel10enclosed by an outer and openable flap108. Storage compartment106may also be included within body portion12or one of sleeves14.

As shown inFIG. 1, flap108arches from an inner surface of one pant26, through the crotch of body portion12and to an inner surface of the other pant26. The inside of flap108defines one side of storage compartment106, which extends below the groin of person11and into each pant leg26. Space within each pant26and space between flap108and the groin of person11thus forms the space for storage compartment106. Transition portal100may then be collapsed and transported within this space, during both packing/storage of apparel10before usage and during usage. In another embodiment, a groin positioned flap108extends from a back side of apparel10, under the groin, and attaches to a front and lower portion of body portion12. Apparel10may alternatively include a pocket for storing transition portal100. The pocket is located proximate to where portal100attaches to apparel10and stores portal100when not in use. For the embodiment shown inFIG. 3A, the pocket may be disposed on one of pant legs26or a groin region of shroud material15, for example. Elastic banding sewn into the pocket may be used to minimize the pocket size.

In one embodiment, an edge of openable flap108comprises a detachable attachment to shroud material15in a groin region of apparel10. The detachable attachment109(FIG. 3A) may comprise a zipper, velcro or tape that permits opening and closing (sealing) of compartment106. For a zipper109, one side of the zipper is sewn into an edge of openable flap108while the other zipper side is sewn into shroud material in body portion12along a mating edge to flap108. Tape109adheres flap108to shroud material15and may include a plastic tape disposed around periphery of flap108, for example. Alternately, mating hook and loop fasteners may be disposed on flap108and shroud material15to detachably fix flap108during usage and close storage compartment106.

In one embodiment, transition portal100comprises a flaccid material that allows the user to compress, scrunch, fold or otherwise minimize the volume of the material in transition portal100. For example, the flaccid material allows a person to roll transition portal100along its tubular axis to decrease the diameter of the material, and then fold or roll the material into storage compartment106. Alternatively, the flaccid material in transition portal100may be rolled normal to its tubular axis to and stored along the length of the arched storage compartment shown inFIG. 1. In general, the material in transition portal100may be collapsed into a volume to fit any shape for storage compartment106. Once transition portal100is within storage compartment106, flap108allows the person11to open and close (and seal in some cases) storage compartment106. This also keeps both inside and outside surfaces of portal100protected from exposure to any undesirable agents during usage of apparel10.

The tubular shape of transition portal100defines ends for aperture107: a proximate aperture end102disposed at a proximate end of the tubular shape and a distal aperture end104disposed at a distal end of the tubular shape. Proximate aperture end102defines where transition portal100opens into apparel10. In one embodiment, transition portal100material around proximate aperture end102is sewn to shroud material15along the edge of aperture end102. As shown inFIG. 1, proximate aperture end102roughly matches the contour of flap108. Transition portal100may attach to shroud material15at any location that allows person11to enter exit out of apparel10using aperture107.

Distal aperture end104is disposed at a distal, or free, end of transition portal100. Distal aperture end104defines the initial exit point for doffing apparel10(FIGS. 3C and 3E), and the initial entry point for donning apparel10through transition portal100(if portal100is also used for donning). Both aperture ends102and104provide an exit (and entrance) for protective apparel10during doffing (and donning). Each aperture end102and104includes a diameter suitable for a person to fit through. As will be described in further detail below, person11doffs apparel10by lifting distal aperture end104from the person's feet, upwards and over their body, and over their head. In one embodiment, the tubular height of transition portal100and distance between ends102and104may vary from about one inch to about four feet, depending for example on the location of attachment to shroud material15. In another specific embodiment, the height of transition portal100ranges from about one foot to about two feet.

In one embodiment, transition portal100is sized such that it may contain apparel10for disposal. As will be described below, portal may be used to contain apparel10after doffing to facilitate discarding of a disposable apparel10. This size of a disposal transition portal100will vary based on the amount, size and types of material in apparel10, as one of skill in the art will appreciate. For example, the presence of a plastic viewing window24that is less compressible will occupy more space upon disposal and may motivate a larger disposal transition portal100. The tubular height of a disposal transition portal100and distance between ends102and104may vary from about one inch to about four feet, depending on the amount of material in apparel10, the location of attachment to shroud material15, and the cross sectional area of portal100that combines with the height to form a total volume for a disposal transition portal100. In another specific embodiment, the height of a disposal transition portal100ranges from about one foot to about three feet.

Each aperture may include a drawstring110that allows person11to control the aperture size of each aperture end. More specifically, drawstring110aallows the user to change the aperture size for proximate aperture end102, while drawstring110ballows the user to change the aperture size for distal aperture end104. In one embodiment, the material in transition portal100is folded back onto itself and sewn, or otherwise attached onto itself, to form a channel that continues circumferentially around each aperture. The drawstring110then passes through the channel, circumferentially around the aperture end, and out of two holes in the channel that are near each other, similar to designs used in many conventional garbage bags. This allows a user to cinch each end closed with the drawstring.FIG. 3Aillustrates apertures102and104substantially relatively closed using drawstrings110.FIG. 3Billustrates apertures102and104relatively opened.

Using drawstring110, each aperture end102and104may be changed in size such that a) person11may fit through each aperture end during doffing (and doffing), and b) such that each end may be substantially closed. Closing each aperture end102and104allows further protection to prevent an undesirable agent from reaching the environment internal to apparel10. Closing each aperture end102and104also allows person11to pack apparel10into transition portal100after donning to facilitate disposal, similar to a garbage bag with drawstrings at both ends.

In operation, transition portal100is typically collapsed and stored while person11wears apparel10. When ready to doff, person11first releases transition portal100from its storage position within storage compartment106(moving from the apparel10shown inFIG. 1to that shown inFIG. 3A). Releasing the detachable attachment109for flap108achieves this. If drawstrings are included and closed, person11may loose the drawstrings for aperture ends102and104(to arrive at the transition portal100shown inFIG. 3B). In one embodiment, portal100and stored within apparel10the apertures107open and the portal100is rolled during storage to seal the aperture. The person may extend distal aperture end104away from protective apparel10. For the embodiment shown, gravity may assist the unrolling and unfolding of transition portal100. At this point, transition portal100resembles a skirt dropping from the central portion of the groin region of person11.

For the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A-3Ewhere apparel10includes pants26, person11doffs apparel10by stepping out of pant legs26and into aperture107of transition portal100.FIG. 3Cillustrates person11with his legs in transition portal100, with his feet55outside the transition portal100. In this case, pant legs26and boots60are limp and lay to the sides of transition portal100. In one embodiment, apparel10is designed to include sufficient space internal to shroud material15to allow person11to lift each leg high enough for insertion into proximate aperture end102. The amount of space required for this will vary with the body of person10and the height of proximate aperture end102. For a groin attached transition portal, proximate aperture end102has a height that equals the bottom surface of the lower surface of body portion12, which as described above may vary from a height at the ankles of person11to the waist of person11. In a specific embodiment, proximate aperture end102has a height to which the person lifts each leg according to the bottom or lowest edge of flap108. As mentioned above, flap108may curve down pants26to a lowest location anywhere between the ankles and knees of pants26. In some cases, flap extends to about the bottom of the calf. Loose fitting shroud material15may be manipulated to alter this height and reduce the height to which the person must lift their leg. More specifically, body portion12may be designed and configured to provide ample space between person11and shroud material15to allow the person to manipulate shroud material during doffing and move apparel10and change the height to which the person lifts each leg. The space within body portion12thus allows person11to lift each leg high enough for insertion within proximate aperture end102.

In another embodiment, apparel10comprises an open bottom gown and no pants26. The gown includes a body portion12that remains open at its bottom end. Typically, the gown bottom extends down (and the open bottom rests below) the person's thighs or below their knees when wearing apparel10. A transition portal100may be attached to an inside surface of bottommost portions of the open gown. For example, a gown body portion12may extend down the torso and open at the person's knees, where the transition portal100is continuous with material in body portion12but folded inwards to rest internal to the gown during usage. When ready to doff, transition portal100is then unfolded or released from its internal storage position. Mating hook and loop fasteners may be used to maintain the internal folded position, for example. The user may detach the portal100and then extend the distal end106away from themselves to arrive at a situation that resemblesFIG. 3C(minus pants26). Alternatively, the bottommost portions of the gown may act as the transition portal. In this case, it is not stored internal to the apparel during usage. A drawstring and handles may also be attached to the bottommost portions of the gown to facilitate sealing and doffing as described below.

To continue doffing, person11grasps a distal portion of transition portal100and pulls transition portal100upwards. Notably, this turns transition portal100inside-out. Since protective apparel10attaches to transition portal100at proximate aperture end102, all portions of protective apparel10eventually are pulled upwards with transition portal100. Pulling transition portal100upwards also converts many portions of apparel10inside-out. For example, pulling transition portal100upwards may pull body portion12, hood20, sleeves14and gloves40(if attached) inside-out. Correspondingly, previously internal portions of apparel10that were not continuously exposed to undesirable agents now become the external surface of apparel10and transition portal100.

Any portions of apparel10not turned inside-out but still attached to apparel10are eventually contained within the inside-out transition portal100and apparel10(FIG. 3E). For example, body portion12, pant legs26and boots60will eventually be contained by the inside-out transition portal100and/or inside-out shroud material15of body portion12.FIG. 3Dillustrates person11lifting transition portal100—and all attached portions of apparel10—upwards and above the person's waist. In this case, pant legs26and boots60are limp and contained within a space125formed in transition portal100as the portal100is lifted upwards.

The person may initially grasp or pinch an outer surface127of transition portal100(an originally outer surface as shown inFIG. 3C) to lift transition portal100and apparel10upwards. At this point, the person may be wearing gloves40that were exposed to the undesirable agent and contact may be limited to outer surfaces of portal100and the contaminated gloves. After the portal has been pulled over the person's head and the transition portal100is inside-out, arms are removed from sleeves14and the person may handle apparel10without physical contact between the person and a surface of apparel10that was external during usage of the apparel.

In another embodiment, transition portal100includes a number of handles115on the initially outside surface of transition portal100. Handles115are large enough to receive a hand (or may be designed for one or more fingers); and allow the user to pull and handle transition portal100with relative ease. Handles115may comprise thin strips of material (such as scraps of shroud material15) sewn to transition portal100near the distal end104. From one to five handles115may be employed. For example, four handles sewn at every 90 degrees allows a person to pull transition portal100from multiple sides and angles. Similarly, three handles sewn at every 120 degrees allows a person to pull transition portal100from multiple sides and angles. In another embodiment, a pull cord attaches to a rear portion of transition portal100. The pull cord allows the user to reach over a shoulder and pull rear portions of transition portal100upwards, depending on where the pull chord attaches to a back portion of transition portal100. The pull chord may also include a forked configuration in which a single chord attaches to a back portion of transition portal100at multiple points, thereby allowing the person to pull multiple locations of the backside of transition portal100with a single hand.

Doffing continues until transition portal100and apparel10is upwardly pulled over the head of person11and hood20fully separates from person11.FIG. 3Eillustrates transition portal100lifted above the person's head and encompassing all of apparel10. Once the person's hands are free from sleeves14and gloves40, he may grasp an inner surface129(an originally inner surface as shown inFIG. 3C, but becomes the outside surface of transition portal100after doffing begins and as shown inFIG. 3D) of transition portal100with a bare hand. Again, the inner surface has not been exposed to any contaminants or undesirable agents.

In one embodiment, all portions of protective apparel10that are continuously attached and either a) inside-out after doffing, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal100and apparel10. This advantageously locates and contains undesirable agents—that were initially on outer surface of apparel10—inside the inside-out transition portal100and apparel10. Since inner surfaces of apparel10were not continuously exposed to undesirable agents, conversion of transition portal100and apparel10to an inside-out state conveniently allows person11to manipulate and handle transition portal100and apparel10(after doffing) using the unexposed inner surfaces of apparel10and transition portal100, thereby minimizing the risk of cross contamination. In this manner, transition portal100is configured to allow a person to doff apparel10without physical contact between the person and a surface of apparel10that was external during usage.

Inside-out doffing of transition portal100thus converts outer surfaces of apparel10, which would have been potentially exposed to any undesirable airborne contaminants, to the inside of the doffed transition portal100and apparel10. Since the hood20and apparel10is substantially sealed except for any filters, doffing in this manner also turns apparel10and transition portal100into a large ‘garbage bag’ whose outer surface is relatively free of any undesirable agents, thereby facilitating disposal of apparel10. In addition, by manually closing aperture end104, person11may also seal apparel10and any undesirable agents within the inside-out apparel10and transition portal100. Person11may close aperture104using drawstring110b, or by scrunching, twisting or tying the material of transition portal100, for example. Person11may also fill or stuff portions of apparel10not currently in transition portal100immediately after doffing into transition portal100; and then close proximate aperture end102using drawstring110b. This converts apparel10into a compact form or garbage bag with ties at both ends to facilitate disposal of apparel10.

Transition portal100thus allows person11to doff apparel10while minimizing physical contact between person11and an outside surface of apparel10. Physical contact between person11and an outside surface of apparel10refers to contact between a surface of apparel10that was external during usage of the apparel and the skin of person11and/or clothes worn by person11. An outside surface of apparel10in this sense may include any surface of apparel10that was exterior while wearing apparel10and potentially exposed to any undesirable agent. In this sense, both inner and outer surfaces of transition portal100are not considered outside surfaces of apparel10since they are both contained within storage compartment106while apparel10is worn and used by person11. In other words, the outer surface of flap108forms an outside surface of apparel10that protects transition portal100from exposure to the ambient environment and potential contamination by an airborne or other undesirable agent. The amount of contact between person11and an outside surface of apparel10, if any, will depend on how the person doffs the apparel. The design and configuration of transition portal100permits a person to doff apparel10without any contact between person11and an outside surface of apparel10. However, it is understood that in some cases there may be limited contact between person11and an outside surface of apparel10such as if a person rushes and does not watch where they put a hand after removing it from sleeve14.

In one embodiment, apparel10includes an identifier that differentiates inner surfaces of apparel10from outer surfaces of apparel10. In this case, inner surfaces refer to surfaces of apparel10that are internal to apparel10during usage while outer surfaces refer to surfaces of apparel10that are outwardly visible and/or potentially exposed to an undesirable agent. In one embodiment, inner surfaces of shroud material15included in sleeves14, pant legs26, transition portal100and body portion12employ an identifier that differentiates these surfaces from outer surfaces of shroud material15in these areas. In a specific embodiment, the identifier is a color solely used on inner surfaces. For example, white may be used on the inner surfaces of sleeves14, pant legs26, transition portal100and body portion12to help the wearer determine which surfaces of apparel10are to be handled after they have removed their hands from sleeves14and gloves40.

Apparel10may also include a second identifier that differentiates outside surfaces of shroud material15from inside surfaces of shroud material15. For example, blue may be used on outside surfaces of shroud material15to help the wearer determine which surfaces of apparel10are to be avoided after they have removed their hands from sleeves14and gloves40.

Thus, apparel10may be doubly marked with one identifier on inside surfaces and a second identifier on outside surfaces. A first color may then be used for all outer surfaces of apparel10while a second color is used for all inner surfaces. This translates into a simple scheme that facilitates doffing and inside-out methods of the present invention, such as ‘white equals clean, blue equals dirty’. Marking apparel10in this manner greatly reduces uncertainty for practitioners doffing and disposing of apparel10since it readily and visibly informs them which surfaces have not been continually exposed during apparel usage and are intended for handling, and which surfaces have been exposed and are to be avoided.

Alternate identifiers used to distinguish inner surfaces from outer surfaces or outer surfaces from inner surfaces may include other colors, different types of materials that differentiate inner and outer surfaces, textures, and patterns for example. For many non-woven materials, a dual color or texture system may be achieved when shroud material15is a composite that comprises multiple layers of materials. For example, fabric/polymer/fabric composite materials may include different color fabrics employed in the composite to differentiate the inner and outer surfaces. In this case, individual layers of different colors may be combined with little added manufacturing cost or complexity. Alternatively, a composite may comprise a polymer/fabric combination where the user knows that the polymer was employed as the outer surface and only fabric is to be handled during doffing.

Although doffing has been described using transition portal100via a user grasping distal portions of transition portal100, such as outer edges of distal aperture end104, doffing using transition portal100may comprise manipulation of any portions of transition portal100that avoids cross contamination. For example, if drawstrings10are loosened by gloves40during doffing, cross contamination via the drawstrings is possible. In this case, the user may subsequently avoid drawstrings10after removing their hands from sleeves14and gloves40. Alternatively, aperture ends102and104may be initially left open such that aperture ends102and104are open during storage in—and release from—storage compartment106, thereby negating any need to touch drawstrings10with gloves40. In this case, flap108may be opened by pulling an external surface of flap108, which allows transition portal100to drop from compartment106(due to gravity and with some user assistance) with apertures102and104already open and ready for doffing.

While the present invention has been primarily described with respect to transition portal100arranged in a groin portion of apparel10, advantages of the present invention described herein may also be achieved by locating transition portal100in other locations of apparel10. For example, proximate aperture end102may attach to a back or front area of body portion12, a neck portion of hood20, for example. Locating transition portal100in an upper portion of apparel10allows gravity to assist doffing. Alternatively, proximate aperture end102and transition portal100may be arranged in the back of body portion12and allow the person to step into and out of apparel10from a back aperture.

Material used in transition portal100may comprise the same or a different material as that used for shroud material15. Materials suitable for use as shroud material15were described above. In another embodiment, material used in transition portal100comprises a stretchable material, such as spandex or a cotton/lycra combination, which permits stretching and facilitates pulling of transition portal100over the person's body. Alternatively, transition portal100may include a material more suitable for disposal, such as a thin plastic used with conventional garbage bags that provides liquid impermeability. Seams used to attach transition portal100to apparel10may include sewing, taping, heat-sealing, adhesive and/or solvent or sonic welding. The specific joining technique used will depend on the two materials being joined, manufacturing ease and the desired joint strength, as one skilled in the art will appreciate. Multiple joining techniques may also be implemented, such as sewing for seal strength and heat-sealing for seal integrity.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to a particular garment assembly as described with respect to apparel10ofFIG. 1, it is understood that transition portal100may be used with any protective apparel and is not limited to the specific design described above. For example, although apparel10has been described with respect to one particular headgear assembly180, a wide variety of apparel that employ more complex headgear designs including fans are common in conventional surgical suits are suitable for use with the present invention. In addition, larger suits such as full protection suits for use in chemical, industrial and radiation protection may also benefit from the present invention. Some of these full-body chemical, industrial and radiation may not include headgear that supports shroud material15and rely on high pressure blowers that inflate the entire suit.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a process flow300for using apparel that protects a person from an undesirable agent in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. While the present invention will now be described as a methods and actions for donning, using and doffing protective apparel, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subsequent description may also illustrate protective apparel that permits the described method and actions.

Process flow300begins by donning protective apparel that protects the person from an undesirable agent (302). Donning the protective apparel using transition portal100is detailed below with respect toFIG. 4B, while suitable protective apparel is described above with respect to FIGS.1and3A-3E.

In another embodiment, apparel10includes a back aperture employed for donning and dedicates the transition portal for doffing. Donning through the back aperture includes opening the back aperture, inserting legs into pants26, inserting arms into sleeves14and a head into hood20. For donning a gown through a back opening, donning may include navigating arms into the sleeves and a head into the hood and/or headgear. Ties or a zipper may be used to close the back aperture when donning is complete. A rope or chord attached to a back zipper allows a user to self-don without requiring assistance from another person to close the back zipper. The user may then further adjust a headgear assembly for fit, comfort and/or positioning of a viewing window relative to the person's face, as well as perform other donning actions for apparel10unrelated to transition portal100as described below for process flow302(e.g., steps322,326,328and332). One advantage of a back aperture is that the protective apparel may be donned quickly in situations that call for rapid response, such as an emergency room. The protective apparel is also highly portable and allows for rapid donning in a variety of locations, such as a remote site traveled to by emergency care workers. The protective apparel is thus suitable for use by healthcare workers in a variety of locations such as spontaneous locations and specialized care units. Apparel10also allows for rapid self-growing in these environments.

Process flow300continues with the person wearing the apparel in an environment that potentially offers an undesirable agent (304). Undesirable agents may include gaseous or liquid agents, biological and/or chemical molecules, microorganisms, airborne contaminants that are in a gaseous, liquid or solid state, and other substances that the person wants minimal or no exposure to. Thus, health-care practitioners working in environments where biological agents are probable may benefit from wearing apparel described herein. Apparel10is well suited to defend against threats related to SARS, ebola, anthrax, flu, and other airborne or droplet based threats. Apparel10is also well suited for use in other environments such as those associated with chemical and industrial environments where user contamination is to be minimized or avoided.

In addition, the present invention also addresses the dual function of preventing transfer of undesirable agents from the person wearing the apparel to environments and persons outside the apparel. In this case, the apparel may include exhaust filters that filter air and particulates passing out from the apparel and is thus well suited for use by nurses and other practitioners in an operating room or surgical environment to prevent passage of undesirable agents from the practitioner to a surgery patient. Apparel10is also well suited for use in low contamination rooms and other places such as “clean rooms”. The latter is common in the semiconductor industry where contamination contributions by occupants are to be avoided.

When finished with the protective apparel, the person then doffs the apparel using an aperture included in transition portal (306). Doffing the protective apparel is further described below with respect toFIG. 4Cand above with respect toFIGS. 3A-3E.

FIG. 4Billustrates a process flow302for donning protective apparel using a transition portal in accordance with one embodiment of the invention (302of process flow300). As the term is used herein, donning refers to dressing or putting on clothing. In the healthcare practice, self-donning protective apparel is commonly referred to as self-growing.

Process flow302begins by preparing the protective apparel for donning (322). For transition portal donning, this may include withdrawing the transition portal100, opening any aperture ends included in the transition portal100that are currently closed or not large enough for donning, and locating the entry of hood20inside body portion12. The user first dons the protective apparel10through the aperture107of transition portal100at distal aperture end104, similar to how they might put on a sweater (324). This may occur while the person stands. Once inside, the person navigates their head into hood20. Once the person can see out from viewing window24, the person may then proceed to place their arms in sleeves14(326).

In one embodiment, apparel10includes handwear attached to the end of each sleeve14that facilitates doffing. In this case, the user extends his arms through sleeves14into the handwear, adjusting for fit as desired. The person may then adjust headgear as desired (328), e.g., to position the viewing window24before donning gloves. Gloves, such as conventional latex disposable gloves, may then be added to each hand. The user may also apply a tape to attach the disposable gloves to sleeves14. Upon removal of apparel10, the gloves are attached to sleeves14via the tape and may be pulled off when the apparel is pulled inside-out.

The user may then further adjust a headgear assembly for fit, comfort and/or positioning of a viewing window relative to the person's face (328). This typically comprises positioning a hood of the apparel such that a portion of a viewing window included in the hood is arranged in front of the person's face when the person wears the apparel. The user also inserts each leg into a pant leg (330). For the groin attached transition portal100described above, the user inserts each leg into a pant leg by lifting a leg out of transition portal100and then inserting a leg, foot first, into a pant leg26(330).

The protective apparel allows the person to store the transition portal100in a designated storage area (332). The user may minimize encumbrance of the transition portal before storage, e.g., folding, rolling, or otherwise reducing and packing the volume of transition portal100to fit in a designated storage area. As described above, body portion12may comprise a gown that extends down to the mid thigh of the person, thereby providing storage space below the groin. In another embodiment, transition portal100may be compressed and rolled along its tubular axis and then placed down one of pant legs26. Alternatively, a pocket may be included on an inner side of one of the pant legs to store the transition portal. Storage also includes closing the storage compartment using an outer flap, if necessary. Pockets and storage spaces may also be closed and sealed using an adhesive tape, a zipper, or the like. In another embodiment, the transition portal is not stored and the person closes an end of the aperture using a drawstring to seal the interior of the apparel from the environment external to the apparel.

Donning process flow302proceeds by securing a blower near filter30and turning on the blower (332), e.g., by attached hook and loop fasteners on a fan to mating fasteners on shroud material15and plugging the fan into a power source such as a rechargeable dc battery. Initially, the rate of air influx through the inlet filters and into the apparel may exceed the rate of air out flux through the outlet filters. As interior pressure increases, the rate of air out flux will increase with increasing interior pressure, while the rate of air influx will decrease as interior pressure increases. Eventually, a relative pressure and airflow balance is achieved.

The user may also adjust apparel10for fit. This may include, for example, securing excess material such as that found at the distal end of pant legs26and boots60with ties or elastic used in these areas (FIG. 1) or tying a waist belt if included. While donning process flow302has been described with respect to an exemplary donning order to facilitate illustration, it is understood that some users may change the order of the individual actions listed above as desired. For example, some users may prefer to insert and turn on the blower before storing the transition portal, while other users may adjust headwear after placing legs in pants, and so on.

FIG. 4Cillustrates a process flow306for doffing protective apparel in accordance with one embodiment of the invention (306of process flow300). As the term is used herein, doffing refers to divesting, undressing or removing clothing. Apparel provided herein employs a transition portal to assist doffing and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination when doffing. The transition portal connects to the apparel proximate to one end of an aperture included in the transition portal. The aperture provides an exit between an environment internal to the apparel and an environment external to the apparel, which may be opened and closed by the wearer.

Process flow306begins by releasing a transition portal from a storage compartment (342). In one embodiment, the transition portal is contained in a storage compartment that includes an outer flap secured by a zipper. To begin doffing, the person unzips the zipper, opens the flap and releases the transition portal, which may include unrolling or unfolding the transition portal. The user may also open an aperture included in the transition portal that is eventually sized such that the person may fit through the aperture. If drawstrings are used to control the aperture size of any part of the aperture, a user loosens each drawstring to open the aperture. In another embodiment, apparel10comprises an open gown and the transition portal is folded up into an inner surface of the gown. In this case, proximate end104of transition portal attaches to the lowest point of the gown and the person releases portal100by unfolding it from its storage position.

Doffing process flow306proceeds by doffing the apparel through the aperture, which may occur without physical contact between the person and an outside surface of the apparel (344). In one embodiment, apparel10comprises pants and the transition portal is stored in a groin area internal to apparel10. When released from storage in a groin area, the transition portal falls from the lowest point of attachment, e.g., about the calves of pants26for apparel10ofFIG. 1. The person then lifts their leg past this lowest point of attachment to step into transition portal100. For a gown apparel10, the person does not need to step out of pant legs26and into the portal, as they are already standing in the portal.

In a specific embodiment, the transition portal is then pulled upwards towards the person's head and over the person's body along with any attached portions of the protective apparel. One or more handles on the transition portal may aid a person in pulling the transition portal upwards. This turns the transition portal—and attached parts of the apparel worn during doffing—inside-out. For example, pant legs, sleeves and the main body of the apparel may be pulled inside-out. The transition portal may be pulled over the person's head to fully escape apparel10. Arms may then be withdrawn from sleeves and gloves, potentially turning these inside out as well. After doffing, all portions of protective apparel are either a) inside-out after doffing, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal and apparel material. As a result, undesirable agents—that were initially on the outside of the apparel—are now inside the transition portal and apparel.

Since apparel10is substantially sealed except for any filters, inside-out doffing turns apparel10and transition portal100into a bag whose outer surface has not been continually exposed to any undesirable agents. The person may also fill (push, stuff, etc.) portions of apparel not currently within transition portal immediately after doffing into the transition portal. For example, since hood20is likely the last portion of apparel10to be removed, person11may stuff hood20into the inside-out transition portal to contain all parts of apparel10in the portal and facilitate disposal of apparel10. Drawstrings at the ends of the transition portal allow the user to enclose all portions of the apparel within the inside-out transition portal100and seal the portal on both ends. Disposal of the apparel may then occur while it is contained entirely in transition portal100.

In one embodiment, apparel10comprises a first identifier or color (e.g., green) disposed on inner surfaces of shroud material15included in body portion12, transition portal100and sleeves14. The first identifier or color differentiates inner surfaces of shroud material15from outer surfaces of the shroud material. Doffing then includes handling inner surfaces of shroud material15that are marked with the first identifier or color—after the person has removed their arms from sleeves14and their hands from gloves40. Apparel10may also comprise a second identifier or color (e.g., red) disposed on outer surfaces of the shroud material15. Doffing according to the present invention then avoids contact between the person and these outer surfaces of the shroud material15after the person has removed their arms from sleeves14and their hands from gloves40. Before the person has removed their arms from sleeves14and their hands from gloves40, however, doffing may use the outer surfaces and keep contaminants on the hands localized to these outer surfaces.

Inside-out doffing as described in process flow306is advantageous since any undesirable agents such as airborne biological agents on the outside of apparel are now contained within inside-out apparel10and transition portal100. By closing any outside transition portal apertures, such as by twisting a free end or using a drawstring, a person may then seal any contaminants within transition portal100. Any contaminants trapped in the transition portal100may then be readily discarded.

Since apparel10is substantially sealed except for any filters, inside-out doffing turns apparel10and transition portal100into a bag whose outer surface has not been continually exposed to any undesirable agents.FIG. 4Dillustrates a process flow308for disposing of protective apparel using a transition portal in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As the term is used herein, disposing refers to discarding or throwing away of apparel. In healthcare applications for example, it is common for equipment to be disposed after a single use.

Process flow308begins with releasing a transition portal from a storage compartment included in the apparel. One embodiment of releasing and using transition portal100for inside-out doffing was described above with respect to342of process flow306. In another disposal embodiment for transition portal100, the apparel is doffed through a back aperture (or otherwise located in apparel10) and a disposal transition portal100is withdrawn from a storage location after the person has escaped the apparel. The person may then contain (fill, push, stuff, etc.) portions of apparel not currently within the transition portal immediately after doffing into the transition portal (364). For example, since hood20is likely the last portion of apparel10to be removed, person11may stuff hood20into the transition portal to contain all parts of apparel10in the portal and facilitate disposal of apparel10. Sleeves14, pants26and body portion15may also be pushed or folded into transition portal100. Drawstrings at the ends of the transition portal allow the user to enclose all portions of the apparel within the disposal transition portal100and close or seal the transition portal on both ends. Disposal of the apparel may then occur while it is contained entirely in the transition portal (366).

In one embodiment, apparel10is disposable. In some cases, all portions of apparel10are disposable except the blower, its associated power source and the headgear assembly. These parts may be separated before disposal. Disposable apparel benefits health care environments and hospitals since practitioners may rid of contaminated materials readily. In addition, disposable apparel offers increased portability to remote environments.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although the present invention has been described with respect to a garment assembly that provides full body coverage, one of skill in the art will appreciate that advantages of the present invention may be realized in a suit that covers less than the entire body. In addition, apparel10may also be reusable. In this case, apparel10may be cleansed of known undesirable agents such as biological agents with a bath in chlorine, for example. Further, for embodiments where the transition portal comprises bottommost portions of a gown, doffing the transition portal may excluse releasing it from a storage compartment or opening the aperture but still comprises pulling the portal upwards towards the person's head and over the person's body. The invention is, therefore, not limited to the specific features and embodiments described herein and claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the scope of the appended claims.