Patent Publication Number: US-2023157390-A1

Title: Donning Device for Expedited Donning of Medical Gown

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/697,819, filed on Mar. 17, 2022, and entitled “Medical Gown, Packaging of Same, and Methods for Expedited Donning”, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,559,089, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/548,024, filed on Dec. 10, 2021, and entitled “Medical Gown, Packaging of Same, and Method For Expedited Donning”, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,470,893, which claims the benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/227,440, filed Jul. 30, 2021, and entitled “Donning Station For Personal Protective Equipment,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described examples relate generally to personal protective equipment, methods of donning, and associated systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Medical professionals, including those in research, examination, and treatment may be required, upon entering a given area (laboratory, patient room, examination room, surgery suite, etc.), to protect themselves and/or others located in the same area. In many cases, to protect themselves and others, the medical professionals are required to don personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering those areas. Finding, selecting, and donning PPE may be a slow, time-consuming, difficult, and/or inefficient process requiring the professional to search various locations for the needed item, the proper size, as well as un-package the item, unfurl/spread-out the item, don the item, and/or fasten the item. As such, there is a need for systems and techniques to facilitate PPE donning. 
     SUMMARY 
     Examples of the present invention are directed to medical gowns, packagings of same, and methods for expedited donning and fastening. 
     In one example, a medical gown is disclosed. The medical gown includes a main body having a neck edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The first side edge extends from the neck edge. The second side edge extends from the neck edge, opposite the first side edge. The neck edge defines a neck engagement feature between the first and second side edges. The medical gown further includes a first strap feature coupled with the main body and defining a first loop with the first side edge. The medical gown further includes a second strap feature coupled with the main body and defining a second loop with the second side edge. 
     In another example, the main body may further include a terminal edge extending from the first side edge to the second side edge, opposite the neck edge. Further, the first strap feature may include a first strap forming the first loop. The first strap may have a first strap top end connected to the main body adjacent an intersection of the neck edge and the first side edge. The first strap may further have a first strap bottom end connected to the main body at the first side edge and offset from the neck edge and the terminal edge. The first loop may be configured to extend generally from a backside of a user to a front side of the user, receiving a length of an arm of the user. In some cases, the first strap may include an elastic component configured to permit expansion of the first loop to an expanded state to accommodate a user. In the expanded state of the first loop, the elastic component may exert a return force that causes the first strap to substantially conform to a shape of the user. 
     In another example, the second strap feature may include a second strap first portion having a second strap top end connected to the main body adjacent an intersection of the neck edge and the second side edge. The second strap feature may include a second strap second portion having a second strap bottom end connected to the body at the second side edge and offset from the neck edge and the terminal edge. The second strap first portion and the second strap second portion may be connected with one another to form the second loop with the second strap first portion defining a cross belt, and the second strap second portion defining a lap belt for the user. Further, the second strap feature may include a fastening feature configured to secure the second strap feature relative to the main body. 
     In another example, a plurality of retention features may be configured for hanging the medical gown. The neck feature may be interposed between a first subset of retention features of the plurality of retention features and a second subset of the plurality of retention features. Further, the main body may include a first material portion and a second material portion. In this regard, the first subset of retention features may be coupled with at least one of the main body or the first strap feature. The first subset of retention features may be configured to cause a manipulation the first material portion relative to the second material portion in response to a first input force. Further, the second subset of retention features may be coupled with at least one of the main body or the second strap feature. The second subset of retention features may be configured to cause a manipulation of the second material portion relative to the first material portion in response to a second input force. 
     In another example, the first subset of retention features includes a first side tab extending form the main body and a first strap tab extending from the first strap feature. In response to the first input force at the first strap tab, the first strap tab may be configured to bend the first material portion. The first subset of retention features may include one or more first tabs and the second subset of retention features may include one or more second tabs. Each tab of the one or more first tabs and the one or more second tabs having an aperture extending through the respective tab. 
     In another example, the aperture of each respective tab is configured to receive a manipulation feature of a gown dispensing device. Each respective tab may be formed from a tab body. The tab body may define a peripheral region about the aperture. The peripheral region of each respective tab may be, collectively, configured to support a weight of the medical gown for hanging on the manipulation features. Further, the peripheral region of each respective tab may be, collectively, configured to rupture upon a downward force supplied by a user of the medical gown. 
     In another example, the medical gown may further include a first arm feature and a second arm feature. The first arm feature and the second arm feature may extend from the main body and define respective first and second sleeves for arms of a user. In a first configuration, the first and second arm features may be substantially collapsed, with the first and second sleeves closed. In a second configuration, in response to a burst of air, one or both of the first or second arm features may be substantially unfurled, with the corresponding first or second sleeves open for receipt of the arms of the user. 
     In another example, a packaging assembly of medical gowns is disclosed. The packaging assembly includes a first medical gown. The first medical gown includes a first main body having a first neck edge and a first terminal edge opposite the first neck edge. The packaging assembly further includes a second medical gown. The second medical gown includes a second main body having a second neck edge, a second terminal edge opposite the second neck edge, and a plurality of tabs configured for hanging the second medical gown and disposed along the second neck edge. The packaging assembly further includes an interface between the first terminal edge of the first medical gown and the second neck edge of the second medical gown. The first and second medical gowns may be removably coupled along the interface such that, in a first configuration, the first and second medical gowns are physically connected to one another. The first and second medical gowns may be removably coupled along the interface such that, in a second configuration, the first and second medical gowns are physically separated from one another. 
     In another example, the interface may be defined by a line of perforations extending along the first terminal edge and the second neck edge. For example, the second medical gown may include a plurality of sacrificial connectors extending form the second neck edge and adhered to the first terminal edge. The line of perforations may be defined, collectively, by the sacrificial connectors. 
     In another example, the plurality of tabs may be removably adhered to the first terminal edge and cooperate to define the interface. 
     In another example, the first and second medical gowns may be at least partially folded and arranged in the packaging assembly in one of a roll or a stack. 
     In another example, a method of donning a medical gown is disclosed. The method includes presenting the medical gown suspended from a plurality of retention features disposed along a neck edge of the medical gown. The neck edge is defined by a main body of the medical gown. The method further includes manipulating the main body via the plurality of retention features to partially encompass a torso of a user with the main body and provide access to the user to one or more strap features of the medical gown. 
     In another example, the method may further include causing the medical gown to become unfurled using one or both of a mechanical input force or a fluidic input force. The fluidic input force may be provided by a burst of air delivered by a gown dispensing device. 
     In another example, the plurality of retention features may include a plurality of tabs having an aperture extending therethrough. In this regard, the presenting may further include hanging plurality of tabs on respective ones of a corresponding plurality of manipulation features of a gown dispensing device. 
     In another example, the neck edge includes a neck feature that may be interposed between a first subset of retention features of the plurality of retention features and a second subsets of the plurality of retention features. Further, the main body may include a first material portion and a second material portion. The medical gown may further include a first arm feature and a second arm feature. The first arm feature and the second arm feature may extend from the main body and define respective first and second sleeves for arms of a user. In this regard, the method may further include receiving a first arm of the user in the first sleeve. The method may further include causing the first material portion to wrap partially around the torso using a first subset of the retention features. 
     In another example, the one or more strap features may include a first strap feature coupled with the main body and defining a first loop with a first side edge of the main body. In this regard, the method may further include, subsequent to the receiving of the first arm of the user in the first sleeve, receiving a second arm through the first loop and securing the first material portion relative to the user. 
     In another example, the method may further include receiving a second arm of the user in the second sleeve. The method may further include causing the second material portion to wrap partially around the torso and a section of the first material portion using the second subset of retention features. 
     In another example, the one or more strap features may include a second strap feature coupled with the main body and defining a second loop with a second side edge of the main body. In this regard, the method may further include, subsequent to the receiving of the second arm of the user in the second sleeve, receiving the first arm through the second loop. The method may further include, subsequent to causing the second material portion to wrap partially around the torso, securing the second strap feature to the main body. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and examples described above, further aspects and examples will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  depicts a front view of an example medical gown; 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts a back view of the medical gown of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2    depicts a material pattern for the medical gown of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  3    depicts an exploded view of the medical gown of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  4    depicts the medical gown of  FIG.  1 A  include a plurality of retention features; 
         FIG.  5 A  depicts a top view of the medical gown of  FIG.  4    in a first configuration; 
         FIG.  5 B  depicts a top view of the medical gown of  FIG.  4    in a second configuration; 
         FIG.  6    depicts a stack of medical gowns; 
         FIG.  7 A  depicts an example packaging assembly; 
         FIG.  7 B  depicts another example packaging assembly; 
         FIG.  8 A  depicts an operation of a gown donning system; 
         FIG.  8 B  depicts another operation of the gown donning system of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 C  depicts another operation of the gown donning system of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  9 A  depicts a retention feature of the medical gown of  FIG.  4    engaged with a manipulation feature of a gown dispensing device; 
         FIG.  9 B  depicts detail  9 B- 9 B of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  10 A  depicts an example retention feature; 
         FIG.  10 B  depicts another example retention feature; 
         FIG.  10 C  depicts another example retention feature; 
         FIG.  11    depicts the gown donning system of  FIG.  8 A  including an unfurling feature; 
         FIG.  12    depicts the gown donning system of  FIG.  8 A  including terminal edge tabs; 
         FIG.  12 A  depicts details  12 A- 12 A of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  13 A  depicts a rear view of an operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  13 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  13 A ; 
         FIG.  14 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  14 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  14 A ; 
         FIG.  15 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  15 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  15 A ; 
         FIG.  16 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  16 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  16 A ; 
         FIG.  17 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  17 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  17 A ; 
         FIG.  18 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  18 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  18 A ; 
         FIG.  19 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  19 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  19 A ; 
         FIG.  20 A  depicts a rear view of another operation of donning a medical gown; 
         FIG.  20 B  depicts a top view of the operation of donning a medical gown of  FIG.  20 A ; 
         FIG.  21    depicts a mobile gown donning system; and 
         FIG.  22    depicts a flow diagram of a method of donning the medical gown. 
     
    
    
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and examples described above, further aspects and examples will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to medical gowns, packagings of same, and methods for expedited donning. Broadly, a medical gown may include substantially any gown, apron, smock, sheet, or other item that is used for personal protective equipment (PPE). Conventional PPE may be particularly cumbersome and inefficient to don. For example, conventional PPE may include a central sheet or material layer with free hanging bands of material coming off either side. A medical professional may don conventional PPE by placing the central sheet adjacent their torso and securing the sheet by tying the free hanging bands together. Tying or otherwise securing the bands in this manner may be difficult and time-consuming, and often can only be done with assistance from others. Further, conventional PPE and donning techniques may require substantial interaction with the central sheet and/or other materials by the medical professional and/or assistant(s), which may impact the effectiveness of the PPE in establishing a protective barrier between the professional and given area and/or patient. 
     The medical gowns of the present disclosure, and associated systems and methods, may mitigate such hindrances by providing PPE that may be easier, quicker, and more efficient to don. The medical gown may be used with a gown dispensing device or system that is broadly configured to automate donning of the medical gown. Accordingly, the medical gown may include various features and functions and may be configured to support the automated or substantially automated donning of the medical gown. Without limitation, such features may include those which allow the medical gown to be manipulated by the gown dispensing device in addition to those which allow the medical gown to be secured to a user without assistant of others. 
     It will be appreciated that many constructions of the medical gown are possible and described and contemplated herein. In one example, the medical gown may include a main body including a neck edge, and first and second side edges extending from opposite sides of the neck edge. The main body may define a main protective region of the medical gown that is configured to cover a torso of a user, and may extend to or beyond the user&#39;s knees. At the neck edge, the main body may define a neck feature for receiving a neck of a user, while the first and second side edges may be wrapped around either side of the torso such that the user is substantially wrapped in the main body. 
     The main body may be configured to be wrapped about the torso in a substantially automated process by the gown dispensing device. To facilitate the foregoing, the medical gown may include a plurality of retention features. In some embodiments, the retention features may be disposed along the neck edge. In these embodiments, the plurality of retention features may be configured for hanging or suspending the medical gown from a gown dispensing device. For example, the plurality of retention features may include a plurality of tabs that extend from the neck edge and define an aperture or other feature to facilitate suspending the medical gown from the tab. The plurality of retention features may also be used to bend, fold, or wrap the main body about the torso during donning of the medical gown. For example, and as described herein, the retention features may receive an input force from the gown dispensing device that causes a respective retention feature to move. The respective retention feature may move, and correspondingly pull the main body such that the material of the main body bends or folds or wraps about a user. 
     The medical gown of the present disclosure may be secured to a user substantially without the assistance of others, such as without the assistance of another user tying or otherwise securing the gown for the primary user or wearer of the medical gown. To facilitate the foregoing, the medical gown may include a first strap feature coupled with the main body and defining a first loop with the first side edge. Further, the medical gown may further include a second strap feature coupled with the main body and defining a second loop with the second side edge. One or both of the first and second strap feature may be wrapped or moved about the user during donning such that the user may conveniently manipulate the first and/or second strap features and fasten the medical gown to themselves and/or the main body of the medical gown. 
     To illustrate, during a sample donning operation, a user may insert a first arm (e.g., a left arm) into a first arm feature of the medical gown, which is adjacent the first side edge. Using a first subset of the plurality of retention features, a first material portion of the medical gown and the first strap feature may be partially wrapped about a backside of the user. This operation may bring the first strap feature adjacent to a second arm (e.g., a right arm) of the user, thereby allowing the user to insert the second arm in the first loop that is defined by the first strap feature and the first side edge. The first strap feature may include an elastic component to compress or conform the first strap feature to the user for a snug fit. Next, a user may insert the second arm into the second arm feature of the medical gown, which is adjacent the second side edge. Using a second subset of the plurality of retention features, a second material portion of the medical gown and the second strap features may be partially wrapped about the back of the user. This operation may bring the second strap feature adjacent to the first arm of the user, thereby allowing the user to insert the first arm in the second loop that is defined by the second strap feature and the second side edge. The second strap feature may then present at a front of the user, forming a cross-belt over the front, and permit the user to fasten the second strap feature to the medical gown as appropriate. 
     Turning to the Drawings,  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  depict a medical gown  100 , such as the medical gown discussed generally above and described in greater detail below. The medical gown  100  may broadly include substantially any form of PPE that is configured to form a protective barrier between a wearer of the gown and a given area or patient. Further, the medical gown  100  may be a gown, or apron, smock, sheet or other item of a variety of constructions and purposes that is used in an automated or substantially automated donning process. In this regard, the medical gown  100  may include various features and components to facilitate use of the medical gown  100  with systems, device, assemblies, and so on that are capable of manipulating the medical gown  100  for automated or substantially automated donning. 
     The medical gown  100  may generally include a main body  110 , a first arm feature  126   a , and a second arm feature  126   b . As shown in front view of  FIG.  1 A , the medical gown  100  is presented in a configuration in which the medical gown  100  may be worn, with the main body  110  and arm features  126   a ,  126   b  cooperating to establish a protective barrier along a front side of a prospective wearer. A strap feature  160  is also shown in the front view of  FIG.  1 A . As described in greater detail below, the strap feature  160  may define a lap and/or cross-belt for securing the medical gown  100  at the end of a process for donning the medical gown  100 . As shown in the rear view of  FIG.  1 B , the medical gown  100  is presented in a configuration in which the medical gown  100  may be worn, with the main body  110  and arm features  126   a ,  126   b  cooperating to establish a protective barrier along a rear side of the prospective wearer. The strap feature  160  is shown extending from a portion of the main body  110  and about the first arm feature  126   a  to promote securing of the medical gown. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , example material patterns of the medical gown  100  are shown. For example, the medical gown  100  may be constructed by connecting individual material component to one another, such as connecting individual fabrics, bands, sheets, elastic components and so. The material component may have particular shapes and configurations such that upon assembly, the material components cooperate to form the medical gown  100 . It will be appreciated however, that while various components are described below with reference to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , this is for purposes of illustration. Other constructions and patterns, including medical gowns  100  having more or fewer or differently shaped or configured material components are possible and contemplated herein. 
       FIG.  2    shows the medical gown  100  including the main body  110  and the first arm feature  126   a  and the second arm feature  126   b . With reference to the main body  110 , this component may formed form various materials, including spunbond polypropylene materials, polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene. The main body  110  is shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , as including a neck edge  112 , a first side edge  114 , a second side edge  116 , and a terminal edge  118 . The first side edge  114  may generally extend from the neck edge  112 , with the first side edge  114  and the neck edge  112  forming an intersection  113 . Further, the second side edge  116  may generally extend from the neck edge  112  opposite the first side edge  114 , with the second side edge  116  and the neck edge  112  forming an intersection  117 . Further, the terminal edge  118  may extend between an intersection  115  with the first side edge  114  and an intersection  119  with the second side edge  116 . The main body  110  may therefore have a generally rectangular shape and the intersections  113 ,  115 ,  117 ,  119  may define corners of the generally rectangular shape. In other configurations, different shapes are possible, including irregular shapes and those having more or fewer sides or edges. 
     The main body  110  may include a neck feature  120 . The neck feature  120  may be defined along the neck edge  112 . For example, the neck feature  120  may be defined by a contoured section  122  of the neck edge. The contoured section  122  may have a depth and width in order to partially receive a neck of a wearer of the medical gown  100 . The contoured section  122  may be generally arranged between the first side edge  114  and the second side edge  116 , such as being generally equidistant the edges  114 ,  116 . In other cases, the contoured section  122  may be closer to one of the edges  114 ,  116  based on a particular application, pattern, or construction. 
     Broadly, the main body  110  may include a first material portion  130   a  and a second material portion  130   b . The first and second material portions  130   a ,  130   b  may be defined by generally first and second, left and right, regions or roughly halves of the main body  110 . As described herein below, the medical gown  100  may be further configured to permit manipulation or bending of the first and second material portions  130   a ,  130   b  relative to one another in order to facilitate substantially wrapping the main body  110  about a torso of a wearer. At the first material portion  130   a , the main body  110  may include a first arm cut  132   a . At the second material portion  130   b , the main body  110  may include a second arm cut  132   b . The first and second arm cuts  132   a ,  132   b  may be passages that extend through a complete thickness of the main body  110 . The first and second arm cuts  132   a ,  132   b  may be large enough to receive an arm of the wearer. 
     With further reference to the material pattern of  FIG.  2   , the medical gown  100  is shown with the first arm feature  126   a  including a first arm material  127   a . The first arm material  127   a  may define a first arm hole  128   a . The medical gown  100  is further shown in  FIG.  2    with the second arm feature  126   b  including a second arm material  127   b . The second arm material  127   b  may define a second arm hole  128   b . The medical gown  100  may be coupled such that the first arm material  127   a  may be attached to the main body  110 . The first arm material  127   a  may be attached to the main body  110  and the first arm hole  128   a  and the first arm cut  132   a  may be substantially aligned with one another. The medical gown  100  may further be coupled such that the second arm material  127   b  may be attached to the main body  110 . The second arm material  127   b  may be attached to the main body  110  and the second arm hole  128   b  and the second arm cut  132   b  may be substantially aligned with one another. 
     Turning to  FIG.  3   , the material pattern of the medical gown  100  is shown including various strap features. The strap features may facilitate donning of the medical gown in an automated or substantially automated process. The strap features may also be used to don the medical gown  100  manually. The strap features may further facilitate donning of the medical gown  100  without the assistant of others, such as without the assistance of other personal to tie loose hanging bands of the gown. For purposes of illustration,  FIG.  3    shows a first strap feature  140  and a second strap feature  160 . The first strap feature  140  may be coupleable with the main body  110  and define a first loop  142  with the first side edge  114  ( FIG.  14 A ). The second strap feature  160  may be coupleable with the main body  110  and define a second loop  162  with the second side edge  116  ( FIG.  14 A ). 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the first strap feature  140  is shown as including a first strap  144 . The first strap  144  may include an elongated shape of material and/or combination of materials that extends in a band-like formation from one portion of the medical gown  100  to another. The first strap  144  may include a first strap top end  146  and a first strap bottom end  148 . The ends  146 ,  148  may be terminal ends of the first strap  114  with a run of the first strap  144  extending therebetween. The first strap top end  146  may include or be associated with a connecting region  147 . The first strap bottom end  148  may include or be associated with connecting region  149 . The connecting regions  147 ,  149  may include adhesive and/or have other characteristics to facilitate coupling the first strap feature  140  the main body  110 . In some cases, the medical gown  100  may further include an elastic component  150  disposed along a run of the first strap  144 . The elastic component  150  may be configured to permit expansion of the first loop  142  to accommodate a user. The elastic component  150  may be further configured, in the expanded state, to exert a return force that causes the first strap feature  140  to substantially conform to a shape of the user. 
     The second strap feature  160  is shown in  FIG.  3    as including a second strap  164 . The second strap  164  may include one or more pieces of material that cooperate to define a lap belt and/or cross-belt type shape, such as that shown in the as worn configuration of  FIG.  1 A . To facilitate the foregoing, the second strap  164  may include a second strap first portion  164   a  and a second strap second portion  164   b . The portions  164   a ,  164   b  may include an elongated shape or run of material and/or combination of materials that extends in a band-like formation and that cooperate with one to form the lap belt and/or cross-belt configuration. The second strap first portion  164   a  may include a second strap top end  166  and a cross-belt end  165   a . The ends  166 ,  165   a  may be terminal ends of the second strap first portion  164   a  with a run of the second strap first portion  164   a  extending therebetween. The second strap top end  166  may be associated with a connecting region  167  and the cross-belt end  165   a  may be associated with a connecting region  161   a . The connecting regions  167 ,  161   a  may include adhesive and/or have other characteristics to facilitate coupling the second strap feature  160 . Further, the second strap second portion  164   b  may include a second strap bottom end  168  and a cross-belt end  165   b . The ends  168 ,  165   b  may be terminal ends of the second strap second portion  164   b  with a run of the second strap second portion  164   b  extending therebetween. The second strap bottom end  168  may be associated with a connecting region  169  and the cross-belt end  165   b  may be associated with a connecting region  161   b . The connecting regions  168 ,  161   b  may include adhesive and/or have other characteristics to facilitate coupling the second strap feature  160 . The second strap second portion  164   a  is further shown in  FIG.  3    as including a fastening end  170 . The fastening end  170  may include one or more fastening features  171  to facilitate securing the medical gown  100 , using the second strap feature  160 . As one example, the fastening features  171  may include hook and loop type fasteners in order to removably attach the fastening end  170  to the main body  110 . 
     In one example, the medical gown  100  may be coupled such that the first and second strap features  140 ,  160  are secured to the main body  110 . To illustrate, the main body  110  may include or be associated with a mounting region  131  at the intersection  113 . The connecting region  147  of the first strap feature  140  may be connected, such as being adhered to, the main body  110  at the mounting region  131 . Further, the main body  110  may include or be associated with a mounting region  132 , which may offset from or between the intersections  113 ,  115 . The connecting region  149  of the first strap feature  140  may be connected, such as being adhered to, the main body  110  at the mounting region  132 . 
     With respect to the second strap feature  160 , the second strap feature first portion  164   a  may be connected to the second strap feature second portion  164   b  by connecting, such as adhering, the connecting regions  161   a ,  161   b . The portions  164   a ,  164   b  may be connected with one another such that second strap first portion  164   a  extends from the second strap second portion  164   b  at an angle less than 90 degrees, such as being less than 75 degrees, such as being less than 60 degrees, such as being less than 45 degrees, such that the portions  164   a ,  164   b  form the cross-belt pattern shown in  FIG.  1 A . Further, the main body  110  may include or be associated with a mounting region  133 , which may be at the intersection  117 . The connecting region  167  of the second strap feature  160  may be connected, such as being adhered to, the main body  110  at the mounting region  133 . Further, the main body  110  may include or be associated with a mounting region  134 , which may offset from or between the intersections  117 ,  119 . The connecting region  169  of the second strap feature  160  may be connected, such as being adhered to, the main body  110  at the mounting region  134 . 
     The medical gown  100  may further include various features to facilitate suspending the medical gown  100  and/or manipulating the medical gown  100  during an automated or substantially automated donning operation. For example, and with reference to  FIG.  4   , the medical gown  100  may include a plurality of retention features  180 . The plurality of retention feature  180  may generally be configured for hanging or suspending the medical gown  100 . In this regard, the plurality of retention features  180  may include hooks, tabs, straps, and/or other features or combinations that allow the medical gown  100  to be suspended. Additionally, the plurality of retention features  180  may generally be configured to cause a manipulation of the main body  110  in response to an input force. For example, the plurality of retention features  180  may cause one or both of the first or second material portions  130   a ,  130   b  to bend or flex about a user in response to a force received at one or more of the plurality of retention features  180 . In this regard, the plurality of retention features  180  may be sufficiently robust to cause the material to move without tearing or separating from the material as appropriate. 
     The plurality of retention features  180  may generally be disposed along a neck edge  112  of the main body  110  with the neck feature  120  interposed with the features. For example, and as shown in  FIG.  4   , a first retention features  180   a  and a second retention feature  180   b  may define a first subset of the plurality of retention features  180  and be disposed at a first side of the neck feature  120 . Further, a third retention feature  180   c  and a fourth retention feature  180   d  may define a second subset of the plurality of retention features  180  and be disposed at a second side of the neck feature  120  opposite the first side. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the first retention feature  180   a  may be coupled to and extend from the first strap feature  140 . The second retention feature  180   b  may be coupled to and extend from the main body  110 . The third retention feature  180   c  may be coupled to and extend from the main body  110 . The fourth retention feature  180   d  may be coupled to and extend from the main body second strap feature  160 . 
     In one example, the medical gown  100  may be presented, suspended from the plurality of retention feature  180 , and folded, as shown in  FIG.  4   . The plurality of retention features  180  may be configured to manipulate the main body  110  such that the main body  110  unfolds to facilitates donning. To illustrate,  FIG.  5 A  shows a top view of the suspended medical gown  100  of  FIG.  4   . In the top view shown in  FIG.  5 A , the medical gown  100  appears folded and exhibits a compressed or flattened contour. One or more or all of the plurality of retention features  180  may be used to help unfold the main body  110 . For example, and as shown in  FIG.  5 B , a top view of medical gown  100  is depicted in a partially unfolded configuration. In the partially unfolded configuration, the first subset of the plurality of retention features  180  may cooperate to unfold the main body  110 , for example, by moving the main body  110  and unfolding first and second first side folds  135   a ,  135   b . Further, the second subset of the plurality of retention features  180  may cooperate to unfold the main body  110 , for example, by moving the main body  110  and unfolding first and second side folds  136   a ,  136   b . In some cases, the unfolding may occur in the context of a donning operation in which the plurality of retention features  180  are manipulate in order to wrap the main body  110  about a user, as described herein. 
       FIGS.  9 - 10 C  provide example constructions of the retention features contemplated herein. For purposes of illustration, the second retention features  180   b  is shown and described. It will be appreciated that the following description of the retention feature  180   b  may be applicable to any of the retention features described herein. The second retention feature  180   b  may include a tab that extends from the main body  110  (or the strap feature, in the case of the first or fourth retention features  180   a ,  180   d ). The tab may be a protruding strip of material from the main body  110 . For example, the second retention feature  180   b  may include a tab body  181  that is fixed to the main body  110  at one end. The other opposing end of the tab body  181  may be a free end that is moveable relative to the main body  110 . The tab body  181  may include a peripheral region  182  that extends about an aperture  184  of the tab. A shape of the aperture  184  may be defined by an aperture edge  183 . The aperture  184  may extend through a complete thickness of the tab body  181 . The aperture  184  may be configured to receive a manipulation feature of a gown hanging or gown dispensing device, such as the manipulation feature  822   a  shown in  FIG.  9 B . The peripheral region  182 , in combination with the peripheral regions of the other tabs, may collectively be configured to support a weight of the medical gown  100 . In this regard, the medical gown  100  may be placed on the manipulation feature  822   a  and suspended therefrom, using the plurality of retention features  180 . Notwithstanding the robustness, the peripheral region  182 , may be configured to rupture in response to a sufficient downward force supplied by a user of the medical gown  100 . In this regard, the medical gown  100  may be suspended from a manipulation feature and pulled off of the manipulation feature as needed, this may obviate the need for the user to disengage the retention feature  180   b  from the manipulation feature  822   a  by, for example, sliding or lifting the tab  182  and/or aperture 184 . 
     In other examples, other constructions and geometries are possible. For example,  FIG.  10 A  shows a retention feature  1080   a  formed form a tab body  1081   a  that defines an aperture  1084   a . The retention feature  1080   a  may be substantially analogous to the retention feature  180   b . Notwithstanding, the aperture  1084   a  may be elongated as compared with the aperture  184 . As another example,  FIG.  10 B  shows a retention feature  1080   b  formed form a tab body  1081   b  that defines an aperture  1084   b . The retention feature  1080   b  may be substantially analogous to the retention feature  180   b . Notwithstanding, the aperture  1084   b  may be defined by an elongated slit. For example, the aperture  1084   b  may long and narrow, and include a minimally sized opening. As another example,  FIG.  10 C  shows a retention feature  1080   c  formed form a tab body  1081   c  that defines an aperture  1084   c . The retention feature  1080   c  may be substantially analogous to the retention feature  180   b . Notwithstanding, the aperture  1084   c  may have a different shape, such as a teardrop shape, as compared to the opening shape in  FIG.  9 A . In many embodiments, the shape of the aperture may be configured to engage a shape of a given manipulation feature. 
     The medical gowns of the present disclosure may be arranged in packaging assembly. For example, multiple medical gowns may be packaged together in order to facilitate efficient storage and use of the medical gowns from a common location or structure. With reference to  FIG.  6   , an assembly  600  of medical gowns in shown, schematically. The assembly  600  is shown as a substantially continuous assembly of gown material  604 . The gown material  604  may schematically represent multiple individual medical gowns, such as multiple individual medical gown substantially analogous to the medical gown  100  described herein. The medical gowns may be substantially continuous with respect to having at least some portion of each medical gown contact at least one other, adjacent medical gown. For example, the medical gowns may be arranged in a stack having fold or pleats  608 , as shown in  FIG.  6   , or a roll ( FIG.  8 A ), such that the medical gowns are removably connected to one another, end-to-end, for dispensing in an efficient and centralized manner. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , two examples of connecting medical gowns to one another, such as in a roll or stack, are presented. In  FIG.  7 A , a first medical gown  700   a  and a second medical gown  750   a  are shown. The first and second medical gowns  700   a ,  750   a  may be substantially analogous to the medical gown  100  shown and described above. The first medical gown  700   a  is shown in  FIG.  7 A  as having a first main body  702   a  and a terminal edge  704   a . Along the terminal edge  704   a , the main body  702   a  may define a series of receiving ports  708   a . Further, the second medical gown  750   a  is shown in  FIG.  7 A  as having a second main body  752   a  and a neck edge  754   a . Along the neck edge  754   a , the main body  752   a  may be connected with a plurality of tabs  758   a , such as any of the retention features or tabs described herein. The first and second medical gowns  700   a ,  750   a  may be removably coupled to one another along an interface  730   a . The interface  730   a  may generally extend along and between the terminal edge  704   a  and the neck edge  754   a . The first and second medical gowns  700   a    750   a  may be removably coupled to one another using the plurality of tabs  758   a . For example, each tab of the plurality of tabs  758   a  may be adhered or otherwise connected to corresponding receiving ports of the receiving ports  708   a . This may allow a user to advance medical gowns from a stack or roll by pulling one of the medical gowns. For example, the medical gown may be advanced with respect to a gown dispensing device. The advanced medical gown may then be separated from a bulk of the roll or stack of gowns for use in the dispensing device, as needed. 
     In  FIG.  7 A , the plurality of tabs  758   a  may be used to releasably secure adjacent gown to one another. The tabs  758   a  may further be subsequently used to suspend and manipulate the medical gown  750   a . In the example of  FIG.  7 B , an arrangement is shown in which additional features are used to facilitate the removable coupling of adjacent gowns of the roll or the stack. For example,  FIG.  7 B  shows a first medical gown  700   b  having a main body  702   b  and terminal edge  704   b .  FIG.  7 B  further shows a second medical gown  750   b  having a main body  752   b , a neck edge  754   b , and a plurality of tabs  758   b . The arrangement of  FIG.  7 B  further includes a plurality of sacrificial connectors  760   b . The plurality of sacrificial connectors  760   b  may be generally connected to and formed from the same material as the main body  752   b  of the medical gown  750   b . A line of perforations  732   b  may separate the plurality of sacrificial connectors  760   b  from the main body  752   b . The plurality of sacrificial connectors  760   b  may be connected to, such as being adhered to, the main body  702   b  of the medical gown  700   b  along the terminal edge  704   b , opposite the line of perforations  732   b . The line of perforations  732   b  may extend along the interface  730   b . The line of perforations  732   b  may be sufficiently robust such that the second medical gown  750   b  may pull the first medical gown  700   b  and advance the gown  700   a  in the roll or stack. Additionally, the second medical gown  750   b  may be separated from the first medical gown  700   b  as needed by tearing the sacrificial connectors  760   a  along the interface  730   b.    
     The packaging assembly, including a stack or a roll, of the medical gowns may be used and advanced with respect a gown dispensing device, as shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C . In  FIG.  8 A , a gown dispensing device  800  is shown. One such gown dispensing device is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/227,440, entitled “DONNING STATION FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT,” which is incorporated by reference herein. In  FIG.  8 A , the gown dispensing device  800  is shown loaded with a roll  802  of medical gowns. The roll  802  may include a packaging of multiple medical gowns, arranged end-to-end, as shown in the examples above with respect to  FIGS.  6 - 7 B . The roll  802  may include an axial component  804  about which the medical gowns are arranged. The gown dispensing device  800  may include a support structure  812  and roll mount  814 . The support structure  812  may be used to connect the gown dispensing device  800  to a wall or other structure in order to support a weight of the roll and various mechanism components of the device. The roll mount  814 , in the example of  FIG.  8 A , may include a seat for the axial component  804  of the roll  802 . The axial component  804  may be seated in the roll mount  814  and allow to rotate therein. 
     The gown dispensing device  800  is also shown as including a manipulation assembly  810 . The manipulation assembly  810  may broadly include a collection of components of the gown dispensing device that are configured to facilitate the advancement of a medical gown form the roll  802  and manipulate the medical gown for an automated or substantially automated donning operation, described herein. In the example of  FIG.  8 A , the manipulation assembly  810  is shown including a rolling components  816 . The rolling components  816  may include a pair of rollers through which a medical gown of the roll  802  is received. The rolling components  816  may operate, via an electromechanically assisted operation, to pull a medical gown from the roll  802 . In this regard, and as shown in  FIG.  8 A , the medical gown  100  may be pulled from the roll  802  for suspension and manipulation by the gown dispensing device  800 . 
     In  FIG.  8 B , the medical gown  100  is shown separated from the roll  802  and engagement on one or more manipulation features of the gown dispensing device  800 . In one example, the gown dispensing device  800  may include a first manipulation feature  822   a , a second manipulation feature  822   b , a third manipulation feature  822   c , and a fourth manipulation feature  822   d . The first manipulation feature  822   a  may be movable relative to the support structure  812  via an engagement arm  818   a . The fourth manipulation feature  822   d  may be movably relative to the support structure  812  via an engagement arm  8181   b . The second and the third manipulation features  822   b ,  822   c  may generally be stationary relative to the support structure  812 . In other cases, the second and third manipulation features  822   b ,  822   c  may be movable as well. In  FIG.  8 B , the medical gown  100  is shown separated from the roll  802  and suspended from one or more of the manipulation features  822   a - 822   d  via the plurality of tabs  180 . As described herein, one or more of the manipulation feature  822   a - 822   d  may subsequently operate to manipulation the main body  110  of the medical gown  100  in order to facilitate donning. 
     The medical gown  100  may initially be presented in the folded state in  FIG.  8 B . In  FIG.  8 C , the medical gown  100  is shown unfurled or unfolded, and ready for donning. In the unfurled state, each retention feature of the plurality of retention features  180  is engaged with a respective manipulation feature  822   a - 822   d . In some cases, the material construction of the medical gown may make the medical gown clingy or otherwise difficult to unfurl. In this regard, and as shown in  FIG.  11   , the gown dispensing device  800  may include a first air hose  830   a  with a first air nozzle  832   a , and a second air hose  830   b  with a second air nozzle  832   b . The first and second air hoses  830   a ,  830   b  may be connected to fans, air pumps, an air supply, etc., such as a building&#39;s compressed air supply and/or other source. The hoses  830   a ,  830   b  may be manipulatable in order to direct the nozzles  832   a ,  832   b  toward the main body  110 . On command, a burst of air may be delivered through one or both of the hoses  830   a ,  830   b , which in turn may facilitate separating material layers or portions of main body  110 . 
     In some cases, it may be desirable to secure the terminal edge  118  of the medical gown  100  in the gown dispensing device  800 . Securing the terminal edge  118 , for example, may help anchor the medical gown during unfurling, for example, while receiving the burst of air. Additionally or alternatively, anchoring the terminal edge  118  may help provide additional support or firmness to the medical gown  100  during a donning process, for example, by making the main body  110  taught. In this regard,  FIGS.  12  and  12 A  shows the gown dispensing device  800  including optional bottom anchors  840 . The bottom anchors  840  may include elongated poles with hooks or other features at the end that are adapted to engage the terminal edge  118  of the medical gown  100 . In some cases, as shown in the detail view of  FIG.  12 A , the medical gown  100  may include bottom tabs  190  that may be configured to receive the bottom anchor  840 , and thereby anchoring the medical gown  100  with respect to the gown dispensing device  800 . 
     The gown dispensing device  800  is shown for purposes of illustration as a wall-mounted system. In other examples, a mobile application is contemplated herein. For example, and with reference to  FIG.  21   , a mobile gown dispensing device  2100  is shown. The mobile gown dispensing device  2100  may be substantially analogous to the gown dispensing device  800  described above and include, among other components, a roll of medical gowns  2110 , manipulation assembly  2115 , and medical gown  2120 ; redundant explanation of which is omitted here for clarity. Notwithstanding the foregoing similarities, the mobile gown dispensing device  2100  is shown as including a mobile assembly  2130 , including a support structure  2132 , a base  2134 , and wheels  2136 . The wheels  2136  may be coupled to the base  2134  and permit movement of the base  2134 , as needed. In some cases, the wheels  2136  may be selectively lockable to fix a position of the mobile gown dispensing device  2100  relative to a ground floor. The support structure  2132  may extend from the base  2134  and define a support or mount for the various components and systems described herein, including the roll  2110  and manipulation assembly  2115 . 
     In operation, the medical gown  100  may be used in an automated or substantially automated donning process. For example, the medical gown  100  may be used with the gown dispensing device  800 , or other gown dispensing device, for automatically or substantially automatically donning the medical gown  100  on a user. With reference to the flow diagram of  FIG.  22   , a process  2200  is disclosed directing to donning the medical gown, such as donning the medical gown  100  in an automated or substantially automated process. It will be appreciated, however, that the medical gown  100 , in other examples, may be donned free of assistance of the dispensing device and/or other system. For example, the medical gown  100  may be donned by a wearer separate from, or independent from, an operation of a dispensing device or automated or substantially automated system. With reference to the automated or substantially automated process  2200 , at operation  2204 , the medical gown  100  is presented suspended from a plurality of retention features. Steps for donning the disclosed gown are shown, schematically and step-wise, at  FIGS.  13 A- 20 B . Distances may not be drawn to scale. For example, and with reference to  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , the medical gown  100  is shown suspended from the gown dispensing device  800  and, the plurality of retention features  180  may be engaged with corresponding manipulation features of the manipulation features  822   a - 822   d . The medical gown  100  is shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  suspended from the gown dispensing device  800  and presented at a front side of a user  1302 . For purposes of illustration, the user  1300  is shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  as including a torso  1304 , a first arm  1306  (e.g., a left arm) and a second arm  1308  (e.g., a right arm), at a distance from the gown dispensing device  800 . The distance from user to device may not be to scale. 
     Subsequently or in combination with the operation  2204 , the medical gown  100  may be unfurled, as described herein. The medical gown  100  may be unfurled or unfolded with a burst of air from the air hoses  830   a ,  830   b . Additionally or alternatively, the medical gown  100  may be unfurled manually, such as by a user. Next, at operation  2208 , the first arm  1306  of the user  1302  is received in the first arm feature  126   a  of the medical gown  100 , as shown in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B . For example, the user  1302  may insert the first arm  1306  fully partially within the first arm feature  126   a  such that the first arm  1306  is within the first sleeve  129   a . With the first arm  1306  of the user  1302  within the first arm feature  126   a , at operation  2212 , the first material portion  130   a  of the medical gown  100  may be caused to wrap partially around the torso  1304  of the user  1302  using a first subset of the plurality of retention features  180 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS.  15 A and  15 B , the first manipulation feature  822   a  may operate to move first material portion  130   a  using the first retention feature  180   a . In some cases, the first manipulation feature  822   a  may be engaged with the first retention feature  180   a  and may proceed in an arcuate path about a first side of the user  1302 . The first retention feature  180   a  may be attached to the first strap feature  140 , which is in turn attached to the first material portion  130   a . In this regard, movement of the first manipulation feature  822   a  may cause the first retention feature  180   a , the first strap feature  140 , and the first material portion  130   a  to move, correspondingly, and wrap partially about the torso  1304 . 
     The first manipulation feature  180   a  may continue moving about the torso  1304  until the first strap feature  140  presents at or adjacent to the second arm  1308 . Subsequently, at operation  2216 , and as shown in  FIGS.  16 A and  16 B , the second arm  1308  of the user  1302  is received through the first loop  142  of the first strap feature  140 . The first strap feature  140  may include the elastic component  150 . In this regard, the first strap feature  140  may be flexible and expandable in order to accommodate a shape of the user  1300  and facilitate the receipt of the second arm  1308  into the first loop. Then, when the second arm  1308  is received through the first loop  142 , the elastic component  150  may be allowed to contract and cause the first strap feature  140  to substantially conform to the user  1302 . In other cases, the elastic component  150  may be omitted and/or the first strap feature  140  may be secured via another manner, including uses fasteners of various types. 
     The method of donning may proceed with operation  2220 , and as shown in  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B , in which the second arm  1308  of the user  1302  is received in the second arm feature  126   b  of the medical gown  100 . For example, the user  1302  may insert the second arm  1306  fully or partially within the second arm feature  126   b  such that the second arm  1308  is within the second sleeve  129   b . With the second arm  1308  of the user  1302  within the second arm feature  126   b , at operation  2224 , the second material portion  130   b  of the medical gown  100  may be caused to wrap partially around the torso  1304  of the user  1302  using a second subset of the plurality of retention features  180 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS.  18 A and  18 B , the fourth manipulation feature  822   d  may operate to move the second material portion  130   b  using the fourth retention feature  180   d . In some cases, the fourth manipulation feature  822   b  may be engaged with the fourth retention feature  180   d  and may proceed in an arcuate path about a second side of the user  1302 . The fourth retention feature  180   b  may be attached to the second strap feature  160 , which is in turn attached to the second material portion  130   b . In this regard, movement of the fourth manipulation feature  822   d  may cause the fourth retention feature  180   d , the second strap feature  160 , and the second material portion  130   b  to move, correspondingly, and wrap partially about the torso  1304 . 
     At operation  2228 , the first arm  1306  of the user  1302  is received through the second loop  162  of the medical gown  100 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS.  19 A and  19 B , the fourth manipulation feature  180   d  may continue moving about the torso  1304  until the second strap feature  160  presents at or adjacent to the first arm  1306 . This may allow the user to insert the first arm  1306  into the first loop  142 . With the first arm  1306  in the first loop  142 , the fastening end  170  may present at or near a front side of the user  1302 . The user  1302  may proceed at operation  2232 , and as shown in  FIGS.  20 A and  20 B , to secure the fastening feature  171  of the fastening end  170  to the main body  110  or other portion of the medical gown  100  for a snug fit, as desired. 
     Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.