Patent Publication Number: US-2020281288-A1

Title: Antimicrobial garment to wear during surgery and as part of a shoulder immobilizer system after surgery

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Patients undergoing surgery can feel like they are inadequately clothed over the breast area of the patient. Surgery can require the removal of typical clothing. In addition, items in the surgical environment are preferably sterile to prevent the transmission of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms to the patient. Therefore, there is a need for a garment that helps patients feel more adequately clothed. In addition, there is a need for this garment to help prevent the transmission of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms to the patient. 
     After surgery, the area of the patient where the surgery occurred should be immobilized to assist in the healing process. Therefore, there is a need for a garment that assists in immobilizing the area of the patient where the surgery occurred. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a garment for a person to wear during surgery comprises: an unapplied position where the garment is not applied to a person; an applied position where the garment is applied to the person; a length sufficiently long for the garment to wrap laterally around a thorax of a person and under arms of the person when the garment takes the applied position; a width sufficiently wide for the garment to cover a breast area of the thorax of the person and at least a portion of an abdomen of the person when the garment takes the applied position; and an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; wherein, the antimicrobial coating includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof. 
     Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is one or more of:       3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion,   3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride;
       loops configured to cooperate with hooks as part of a releasably attachable hook and loop fastening system;   the loops are disposed over the abdomen of the person when the garment takes the applied position;   the loops are disposed to a side of the person when the garment takes the applied position; and   the loops are further disposed over the abdomen of the person when the garment takes the applied position.   
       

     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a shoulder immobilizer system comprises: (A) a garment comprising: an unapplied position where the garment is not applied to a person; an applied position where the garment is applied to the person; a length sufficiently long for the garment to wrap laterally around a thorax of a person and under arms of the person when the garment takes the applied position; a width sufficiently wide for the garment to cover a breast area of the thorax of the person and at least a portion of an abdomen of the person when the garment takes the applied position; loops configured to cooperate with hooks as part of a releasably attachable hook and loop fastening system; and an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; wherein, the antimicrobial coating includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof; and (B) a first strap comprising: an unapplied position where the first strap is not applied to the person; an applied position where the strap is applied to the person; a first side; a second side; a first end, a second end, a middle portion between the first end and the second end, and a length defined as a distance between the first end and the second end; hooks disposed at the first side, at the middle portion; and hooks disposed at the second side at the first end; wherein, in the applied position, the hooks of the first strap disposed at the first side, at the middle portion, are releasably attached to the loops of the garment at the side of the person; wherein, in the applied position, the second end of the first strap is wrapped around an arm of the person; and wherein, in the applied position, the hooks of the first end of the first strap are releasably attached to the loops of the garment at the back of the person, and the first strap compresses the arm of the person toward the side of the person. 
     Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         a second strap comprising: a first side; a second side; a first end and a second end, a middle portion between the first end and the second end, and a length defined as a distance between the first end and the second end; hooks disposed at the first side, at the first end; loops disposed at the second side, at the second end; hooks disposed at the second side, at the middle portion; and an applied position where the second strap is applied to the person; wherein, in the applied position, the second strap is wrapped length-wise around a wrist of the person, and the hooks of the second strap that are disposed at the first end, at the first side, are releasably attached to the loops of the second strap that are disposed at the second end, at the second side; and wherein, in the applied position, the hooks disposed at the second side, at the middle portion, are releasably attached to the loops of the garment at the abdomen of the person;   the first strap further comprising: an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface;   the antimicrobial coating of the first strap includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof;   the first strap further comprises: an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface;   the second strap further comprising: an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface;   the antimicrobial coating of the first strap and the second strap include a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof; and   the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is one or more of:       3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion,   3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride.   

     According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a shoulder immobilizer system comprises: one or more straps; and a garment, worn during a surgical procedure performed on a shoulder of a person, that covers a breast area of the person, and when used in combination with the one or more straps, immobilizes the shoulder of the person; and the garment includes an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; wherein, the antimicrobial coating includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof. 
     Embodiments of the third aspect of the disclosure can include any one or a combination of the following features:
         the garment comprises: a first end and a second end along a length; a first side and a second side; a width that is less than the length; and an applied position where the length of the garment is wrapped around a thorax of a person, and the second side faces the breast area of the person, with the first end releasably attached to the first side;   one of the one or more straps wraps around an arm of the person and restricts movement of the arm by releasably attaching to the garment, and the strap further includes an exterior surface with an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface;   the antimicrobial coating of the strap includes a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof; and   the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is one or more of:       3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion,   3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride.   

     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overhead view of a garment in an unapplied position not applied to a person, illustrating an exterior surface and an antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the garment of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a first end having snaps and a second end having snap receivers to receive the snaps of the first end, in order to apply the garment to a person; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the garment being applied to a person, illustrating the garment being positioned around a thorax of the person and under arms of the person; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the garment of  FIG. 1  in an applied position applied to the person of  FIG. 3 , illustrating the snap receivers having received the snaps and the garment covering a breast area of the person and extending down from the thorax to cover a portion of the abdomen of the person; 
         FIG. 5  is an overhead view of a shoulder immobilizer system that includes the garment of  FIG. 1  and a first strap and a second strap; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first strap of  FIG. 5 , illustrating an exterior surface and the antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the first strap of  FIG. 5  being applied to the person wearing the garment of  FIG. 1 , illustrating hooks of the first strap releasably attached to loops of the garment at a side of the person; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the first strap being applied to the person and continuing a sequence starting with  FIG. 7 , illustrating a second end of the first strap being wrapped around the arm of the person; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the first strap being applied to the person and continuing the sequence of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , illustrating a first end of the first strap being pulled over the arm of the person and rearward over the back of the person, securing the second end in place over the arm, and hooks of the first strap releasably attaching to loops of the garment at the back of the person to place the first strap in an applied position applied to the person; 
         FIG. 10  is an overhead view of the second strap of  FIG. 5 , illustrating an exterior surface and the antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surface, and also illustrating hooks disposed at a middle portion of a second side, as well as hooks disposed at a first end of a first side, and loops disposed at a second end of a second side; 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the second strap of  FIG. 5  being applied to the person already wearing the first strap and the garment, illustrating the second strap being wrapped around a wrist of the person and the hooks of the first side being releasably coupled to the loops of the second side; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the second strap being applied to the person and continuing the sequence starting with  FIG. 11 , illustrating the hooks of the first side releasably coupled to the loops of the second side, and hooks at a middle portion of the second side being releasably attached to loops of the garment disposed near the abdomen of the person; and 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the second strap in an applied position applied to the person, and the shoulder immobilizer system immobilizing the shoulder of the person, and the antimicrobial coating applied to the exterior surfaces of the garment, the first strap, and the second strap to reduce the risk of transmission of microbes and viruses to the person post-surgery. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a garment  10  is illustrated. The garment  10  includes a length  12  that extends from a first end  14  to a second end  16 . The garment  10  further includes a width  18  that is generally orthogonal to the length  12  and extends from a third end  20  to a fourth end  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the width  18  is less than the length  12 , that is, the measurement value for the width  18  is numerally less than the measurement value for the length  12 . However, the width  18  need not be less than the length  12 . The garment  10  further includes a first side  24  and a second side  26  that faces in a general opposite direction than the first side  24 . The garment  10  further includes an exterior surface  28 , which is present on both the first side  24  and the second side  26 . The garment  10  further includes an antimicrobial coating  30  applied to the exterior surface  28 . The antimicrobial coating  30  need not be applied to the entirety of the exterior surface  28  but can be. The garment  10  further includes loops  32 , which as detailed below, as part of a releasably attachable hook and loop fastening system. The loops  32  are disposed at the first side  24  and can be disposed along the second side  26  as well. 
     Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the garment  10  is illustrated being applied to a person  34  in  FIG. 3  and then finally in  FIG. 4  in an applied position  36  where the garment  10  is applied to the person  34 . In contrast, the garment  10  is illustrated in an unapplied position  38 , where the garment  10  is not applied to a person  34 , in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The person  34  has a thorax  40 , an abdomen  41  below the thorax  40 , an arm  42 , a side  44 , a shoulder  46 , a back  47 , a breast area  48  at the thorax  40 , and a wrist  50  at the arm  42 . The length  12  of the garment  10  is sufficiently long for the garment  10  to wrap laterally around the thorax  40  of a person  34  and under the arm  42  of the person  34 , when the garment  10  takes the applied position  36 . To secure the garment  10  in the applied position  36 , the garment  10  can include any type of fastening system. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment  10  includes snaps  52  disposed at the first end  14  and snap receivers  54  disposed at the second end  16 . The garment  10  can be placed with the second side  26  facing the person  34  and the length  12  of the garment  10  laterally across the thorax  40  of the person  34 , then the garment  10  is wrapped around the person  34  until the snap receivers  54  of the second end  16  can releasably receive the snaps  52  of the first end  14 , thus securing and applying the garment  10  to the person  34 . When so snapped, the first end  14  is releasably attached to the first side  24 , because the snap receivers  54  are available to receive at the first side  24 . The width  18  is sufficiently wide for the garment  10  to cover the breast area  48  of the thorax  40  of the person  34 , when the garment  10  is in the applied position  36 , with the second side  26  of the garment  10  facing the breast area  48 . In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the width  18  is sufficiently wide to cover at least a portion of the abdomen  41  of the person  34 , when the garment  10  is in the applied position  36 . In other words, in the applied position  36 , the garment  10  covers the breast area  48  of the person  34  and at least a portion of the abdomen  41  of the person  34 . 
     The garment  10  thus helps the person  34  (the patient) feel more adequately clothed because the garment  10  covers the breast area  48  of the person  34  during surgery. In addition, because the antimicrobial coating  30  is applied to the exterior surface  28  of the garment  10 , the person  34  can wear the garment  10  in the surgical environment during the surgery, such as during surgery on the shoulder  46  of the person  34 . Applying the antimicrobial coating  30  to the exterior surface  28  of the garment  10  imparts antimicrobial properties on the exterior surface  28  and to the garment  10  generally, which prevents or lessens the ability of the exterior surface  28  to harbor harmful microbes, viruses, bacteria, and the like and spread them to the person  34  wearing the garment  10  during surgery. The garment  10  is thus worn during a surgical procedure performed on the shoulder  46  of the person  34 . During the surgical procedure, the garment  10  covers the breast area  48  of the person  34 . 
     For reasons that will become apparent below, the loops  32  of the garment  10  are disposed over the abdomen  41  of the person  34  when the garment  10  is in the applied position  36 . In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the loops  32  are further disposed to the side  44  of the person  34  and to the back  47  of the person  34  when the garment  10  takes the applied position  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, essentially the entirety of the first side  24  of the garment  10  contains the loops  32 . The first side  24  of the garment  10  can be constructed from a looped fabric to provide the loops  32 . 
     Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the garment  10  is a component in a shoulder immobilizer system  56 , which further includes a first strap  58  and optionally a second strap  60 . The first strap  58  includes a first side  62  and a second side  64  facing the general opposite direction as the first side  62 . The first strap  58  further includes a first end  66  and a second end  68 . The first strap  58  has a length  69  defined as the distance between the first end  66  and the second end  68 . The first strap  58  further includes a middle portion  70  between the first end  66  and the second end  68 . The first strap  58  further includes hooks  72 ,  74  that are configured to participate in a hook and loop fastening system. The hooks  72  are disposed at the first side  62 , at the middle portion  70 . In addition, the hooks  74  are disposed at the second side  64 , at the first end  66 . 
     Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 7-9 , the first strap  58  is illustrated transitioning to an applied position  76  ( FIG. 9 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the hooks  72  of the first strap  58  that are disposed at the first side  62 , at the middle portion  70 , are releasably attached to the loops  32  of the garment  10  that are at the side  44  of the person  34 . The length  69  of the first strap  58  is generally to parallel the length  12  of the garment  10 , when the first strap  58  and the garment  10  are in their respective applied positions  76 ,  36 . As illustrated at  FIG. 8 , the second end  68  of the first strap  58  is then wrapped lengthwise around the arm  42  of the person  34  that is closest to the side  44  of the person  34  where hooks  72  of the first strap  58  are releasably attached to the loops  32  of the garment  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the hooks  74  of the first end  66  of the first strap  58  are releasably attached to the loops  32  of the garment  10  at the back  47  of the person  34 . The first end  66  of the first strap  58  is pulled tightly across the back  47  of the person  34  so that the first strap  58  compresses the arm  42  of the person  34  toward, to, and against the side  44  of the person  34 . The first strap  58  is now ( FIG. 9 ) in the applied position  76  where the first strap  58  is applied to the person  34 . The first strap  58  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  in an unapplied position  78  where the first strap  58  is not applied to the person  34 . The first strap  58  is illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8  transitioning from the unapplied position  78  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to the applied position  76  ( FIG. 9 ). In the applied position  76 , the first strap  58  prevents the arm  42  from pivoting about the shoulder  46  laterally, forward, or rearward. Like the garment  10 , the first strap  58  further includes an exterior surface  80 . The antimicrobial coating  30  can be additionally applied to the exterior surface  80  of the first strap  58 . 
     Referring now back to  FIG. 5 , and additionally to  FIGS. 10-12 , the second strap  60  includes a first side  82  and a second side  84  that faces in the general opposite direction as the first side  82 . The second strap  60  further includes a first end  86  and a second end  88 , and a length  90  defined as the distance between the first end  86  and the second end  88 . A middle portion  92  is between the first end  86  and the second end  88 . The second strap  60  further includes hooks  94  disposed at the first side  82 , at the first end  86 . The second strap  60  further includes loops  96  disposed at the second side  84 , at the second end  88 . The second strap  60  further includes hooks  98  disposed at the second side  84 , at the middle portion  92 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the second strap  60  is wrapped length-wise around the wrist  50  of the person  34 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the hooks  94  that are disposed at the first end  86 , at the first side  82 , are then releasably attached to the loops  96  of the second strap  60  that are disposed at the second end  88 , at the second side  84 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the hooks  98  that are then disposed at the second side  84 , at the middle portion  92 , are releasably attached to the loops  32  of the garment  10  at the abdomen  41  of the person  34 . As a consequence, the second strap  60  is in an applied position  100  where the second strap  60  is applied to the person  34 . The second strap  60  is illustrated in an unapplied position  102 , where the second strap  60  is not applied to the person  34 , in  FIGS. 5 and 10 . The second strap  60  is illustrated in the applied position  100  in  FIG. 13 . The second strap  60  is illustrated transitioning from the unapplied position  102  to the applied position  100  in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Like the garment  10  and the first strap  58 , the second strap  60  further includes an exterior surface  104 . The antimicrobial coating  30  is applied to the exterior surface  104 . The second strap  60  further immobilizes the shoulder  46  of the person  34  by preventing rotational movement of the arm  42  about the shoulder  46 . 
     Accordingly, the shoulder immobilizer system  56  includes the garment  10  described above, and one or more straps, such as the first strap  58  and the second strap  60 . The straps  58 ,  60  are able to releasably attach to the garment  10 , allowing the garment  10  and the one or more straps  58 ,  60  to immobilize the shoulder  46  of the person  34 , such as after surgery. The straps  58 ,  60  wrap around the arm  42  of the person  34  that underwent surgery of the shoulder  46  to restrict movement of the arm  42  by releasably attaching to the garment  10 . 
     The antimicrobial coating  30  applied to the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104  of the garment  10 , the first strap  58 , and the second strap  60 , include a silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof. Preferred silane quaternary ammonium ions or salts thereof include
     3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion,   3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The antimicrobial coating  30  imparts antimicrobial properties to the garment  10  and the shoulder immobilizer system  56  generally including the first strap  58  and the second strap  60 . The garment  10 , the first strap  58 , and the second strap  60  thus reduce the likelihood of transmitting microbes to the shoulder  46  where the surgery occurred and thus reduce the risk of infection post-surgery. Because the antimicrobial coating  30  is applied to the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104  of the garment  10 , the first strap  58 , and the second strap  60 , those articles are much less likely to harbor bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could harm the person  34  after surgery.   

     To apply the antimicrobial coating  30  onto the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104 , a solution including the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof is applied to the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104 . In addition to the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof, the solution can further include a solvent. A preferred solvent is isopropyl alcohol. After application of the solution to the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104  the solvent, if utilized, generally evaporates, which leaves the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof applied to the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104 . Again, preferred silane quaternary ammonium ions or salts thereof include
     3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion,   3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium ion, or   3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The solution can be applied to the exterior surfaces  28 ,  80 ,  104  via any application method, including electrostatic spraying, dipping, and coating.   

     The silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof can comprise between 0.1 percent and 10 percent by weight of the solution. More preferably, the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof can comprise between 0.75 percent and 5 percent by weight of the solution. Even more preferably, the silane quaternary ammonium ion or salt thereof can comprise between 1.9 percent and 2.1 percent by weight of the solution. 
     As for the isopropyl alcohol, the isopropyl alcohol can comprise between 30 percent to 90 percent by weight of the solution. More preferably, the isopropyl alcohol can comprise between 55 percent and 65 percent by weight of the solution. An example preferable solution comprises (by weight) 60.0 percent isopropyl alcohol, 2.02 percent 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, and 34.19 percent deionized water. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.