Patent Description:
The present invention relates to hospital gowns. Document <CIT> discloses a hospital gown according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The design of hospital gowns has seen very few advances and, in retaining the status quo of gown design, also has retained the less-than-desirable features of hospital gowns, including the open back. The modern hospital gown continues to bear a striking resemblance to its <NUM>th century nightgown counterpart and the original "johnny" gown, which was designed in the <NUM>th century for anesthetized, bedbound patients. Limited data exists to justify this hospital gown design beyond rationales like infection control and emergent access for resuscitation. However, there is a plethora of data suggesting negative physical and emotional effects of current gown designs for patients, nurses and physicians. Additionally, there is are no minimum standards or quality controls for the design of patient apparel.

"Don't let the gown get you down[. ]" was the advice a <NUM>-year-old gentleman with leukemia offered in a study investigating the psychosocial impact of hospital gowns on patients and providers. See <NPL>). In this study, patients were found to be resigned to their "uncomfortable," "expos[ing]," "nightmare-[ish]" "uniform," afraid to even ask to wear more dignified attire for fear of appearing to be difficult to providers and potentially harming the therapeutic relationship. One <NUM>-year-old woman with terminal cancer detailed, "I have my own pajamas at home, but I don't bring them because you can't wear them here. [wearing a gown] is really not fun, but hey, this is what [providers] have to do, so it's what you have to do. " See generally <NPL>"; <NPL>. " See generally, <NPL>); and <NPL>). Research has shown that patients are vulnerable to dehumanization and loss of identity in the hospital, often exacerbated by wearing the standard hospital gown. Case in point, a mixed-methods study by Cogan, Morgan, and Georgiadis revealed that hospital gowns may lead to an increased sense of exposure, discomfort, disempowerment and embarrassment for patients during a period of potential vulnerability while undergoing medical intervention. See <NPL>).

Hospital gowns strip autonomy from individuals seeking medical assistance. The gown has become a linchpin of transition, initiating the dehumanizing progression from "person" to "patient. " One of the main problems with the hospital gown is its exposing nature, often made light of with the joke, "Do you know who invented the hospital gown?. See-more Hiney!" The joke continued in two Super Bowl LIII commercials for a large academic healthcare system and insurance provider in Pennsylvania, depicting a construction worker and businessman clad in hospital gowns, mooning their less-than-pleased co-workers, to inform patients of expanded insurance coverage, i.e. "completely covered. " Hospital gowns are also a source of comedic fodder on sitcoms.

It is common knowledge that hospital gowns are flawed, but very little has been done to change them. Little is known about the origin of hospital gowns. Perhaps the best way to understand the hospital gown over time is to watch depictions of patients in television sitcoms, dramas, and movies, ranging from the days of black-and-white into the modern era and view artistic depictions of hospitals across eras. Case in point, depictions of fourteenth century hospital wards in art show that all patients wore night shirts, under which they also wore some type of underclothing. By the end of the <NUM> and beginning of the <NUM>, pajamas for men became more common as hospital attire. Although it is not known who originally invented the traditional hospital gown, the original gown was designed around a century ago with an open back for use on patients admitted the night prior to surgery, who were sedated prior to transfer to the anesthetic room while half-asleep. In general, the most common reasons that hospitals began to provide, require or offer clothing to patients was to reduce infection and improve hygiene, as clothing can be ruined by leakage of bodily fluids from various examinations, treatments and procedures. Additionally, in certain settings where lifesaving measures require access to the naked body to allow equipment, like a defibrillator, to be connected to the patient, a gown can be removed quickly (theoretically). The simple, open-backed "johnny" gown of the early <NUM>th century became the standard of care with minimal meaningful modifications in the last hundred years. One possible explanation for the persistence of the "johnny" gown is that, in past eras of medicine, patients in gowns were expected to be bedbound for recovery, keeping their bare bottom under wraps, and this norm became the status quo. Today, ambulation is encouraged in patients as part of venous thromboembolism ("VTE") prophylaxis but gown design has fallen behind medical norms.

Modern medicine emphasizes, values and even advertises evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care and high-quality care, yet the hospital gown stands as a stark contrast to this pledge to move forward as beacons of change. Hospital gowns have fallen outside of the scope of evidence-based research. One may ask why the gown remains decades behind modern medicine. It appears that this apathy stems from (<NUM>) accepting medical tradition and choosing to overlook the flaws of the current hospital gown; and (<NUM>) believing that changing the hospital gown would cost money. Still, several institutions have attempted change, including Hackensack University Medical Center partnering with Cynthia Rowley and Nicole Miller (<NUM>), Cleveland Clinic partnering with Diane von Furstenberg (<NUM>) and Henry Ford Health System of Detroit's "Model G" gown (<NUM>). In spite of these efforts to revamp the hospital gown at academic medical centers, change has been neither long-lasting nor widely disseminated. A professor at the North Carolina State University college of textiles reasoned that, "There are number of pressures in the hospital environment that influence what they purchase and when they purchase. Cost management, inventory management, storage space. There's more value coming with the apparel item if it also becomes something that replaces or enhances other equipment that's used in the hospital environment. Like a gown that can also keep an eye on your blood pressure or measure your heart rate. " See <NPL>.

Finally, the current hospital gown can unintentionally put a patient in harms' way, posing a fall-risk for patients with petite frames overwhelmed by the bulk of the gown and also inhibiting fast access to the chest for placement of defibrillation pads in a code. Therefore, a need exists for a hospital gown that satisfies current expectations and standards for patient dignity while accommodating current medical care and hospital environments. The present invention addresses this need among others.

A <CIT> discloses an adjustable front opening hospital gown.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a hospital gown as defined by Claim <NUM>. Further, preferable, features are presented in the dependent claims.

For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings and descriptions illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, from which the invention, various embodiments of its structures, construction and method of operation and many advantages may be understood and appreciated. The accompanying drawings are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention will be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying figures, which form a part of this disclosure. This invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, processes, elements or parameters described and/or shown herein and the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is by way of example only and not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention, which is defined by the claims.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH. The various embodiments of the present invention were informed by research into doctors', nurses' and patients' opinions on hospital gowns that are currently used in medical settings. For this research, thirty participants were selected from patients and providers at an academic medical center and interviewed from December <NUM> to March <NUM>. Participants were at least <NUM>-years-old and fluent English-speakers recruited in person from the hematology-oncology unit if deemed medically stable. Eligible providers with at least one year of experience in their respective roles were recruited. The participants included ten patients (<NUM> women, <NUM> men), ten nurses (<NUM> women, <NUM> man) and ten physicians (<NUM> women, <NUM> men). The data, which is described and relied upon below, is set out in <FIG> and <FIG>. That data can be referenced to support the discussion below and to support the need in this field for new and improved patient clothing.

Patient Themes. The research revealed that patients believed that hospital gowns were designed for provider convenience. Patients expressed resignation at having to wear gowns that are immodest and unenjoyable. Two patients viewed gowns therapeutically, i.e. making the illness-treatment process official. Numerous patients disclosed the negative impact of gowns on their self-esteem, identity and dignity. Donning a gown was a marker of illness, stripping away self-identity and dignity when patients had to hand over their clothing.

Additionally, the research disclosed that gowns were problematic for most patients, who described them as uncomfortable, restricting and difficult to manage independently. Patient participates noted that existing gowns (<NUM>) are restrictive in the neck area; (<NUM>) are difficult to tie by oneself; (<NUM>) are uncomfortable; and (<NUM>) often do not cover most of a patient's body. Existing gowns also proved to be difficult and embarrassing when toileting with, among other things, gowns hanging too low and ties falling into the toilet.

Not all patients found gowns to be problematic. One patient preferred the oversized gown. Another patient preferred the gown for sanitary reasons.

Patients revealed that they had developed strategies for overcoming the various problems with current hospital gowns. Some of these strategies involved methods for navigating the bathroom and keeping their room doors shut unless they were in bed.

Patients expressed individuality by adding leggings or pajama pants to hospital gowns. Some chose to wear their own clothing. The most common strategy was "double-gowning," i.e., having one gown worn forward and one gown worn backward. Double-gowning enabled modesty and helped to improve patients' confidence because the double gown ensured that both the front and the back of a patient's body was concealed. The final patient strategy was acceptance of having to wear a gown.

The patient responses also revealed that patients consistently affirmed the power of color. Patients explained that brighter colors improved their moods and outlook and helped to distract from the health problems that they were facing.

Provider Themes. Nurses and physicians described existing gowns as "drab," "one-size-fits-none," "doll-like," etc. Providers also described gowns as exposing, uncomfortable and inducing vulnerability. In spite of these negative perceptions, providers found utility in gowns, which ensured access and safety (e.g., easily identifying patients in emergencies). However, providers often contradicted these perceptions as interviews progressed, citing inconveniences and extra time that current gowns required because, among other things, some patients do not put existing gowns on correctly. This then makes the patients even more embarrassed and/or the provider embarrassed.

Both physicians and nurses agreed that snaps and ties, meant for quick access, made their job more difficult. Two nurses even noted that the characteristically oversized gowns are a fall-risk. A nurse described witnessing patients with continuous infusions who got MRIs having to drag an extra gown attached to their IV pole until the infusion was complete.

Inpatient attire provoked biases and even judgmental comments from nurses and physicians. A patient in a hospital gown was "sicker," dependent and resigned to the role of a patient by both groups of providers. Nurses also viewed patients in gowns as lacking social support and motivation. Alternatively, a patient in his/her own attire was seen as "healthier", motivated to do well, independent and "getting back to normal".

Physicians and nurses viewed patients in their own attire as not "really need[ing] to be in the hospital," "on their way out the door," and possibly pain-medication seeking. One physician admitted that seeing patients wearing their own attire could cloud thinking by giving him the impression that the patient did not need to be in the hospital.

Providers were acutely aware of the vulnerability patient gowns induced and how the perceived need for access trumped patient-preference. Nurses expressed guilt for giving patients an unattractive garment, saying it felt like taking a piece of a patient's identity away. Nurses developed strategies to cope, including apologizing, presenting the gown, and talking people through the process. Physicians agreed that gowns were a threat to identity and caused a loss of patients' autonomy. In addition, physicians (but not nurses) described a lack of pride, even embarrassment, when recycled and over-worn gowns appeared on their patients.

Like the nurses, physicians also developed ways to cope with the negative emotions associated with seeing and caring for patients in gowns. One strategy was to avoid looking at anything below the patient's face to focus on seeing the person as an individual and not as a patient. Many physicians were delighted to see patients in home-attire, even seeing the attire as an opportunity to build rapport. Physicians were also focused on enhancing patient autonomy, acknowledging that patients feel a loss of control in hospitals, which could be remedied by offering choices in clothing.

Converging Themes. Participants agreed that gowns were uncomfortable, exposing, vulnerability-inducing and visually unappealing; <NUM> of the <NUM> connotations described were attributed as negative. Patients found gowns to be uncomfortable physically and psychologically and felt vulnerable from the lack of modesty and privacy. All participant groups felt that gowns precipitated a loss of dignity, identity and self-esteem. Providers' first impressions of gowns also focused on the negative visual appearance and confirmed patients' distress.

Subsequent Study - Design. An online "Patient Gowns Opinions Survey" was created by adapting several items from the "Questionnaire for Hospital Caregivers" created by Swetambali Jha, MS at the North Carolina State University College of Textiles in <NUM>. Additionally, eleven with Likert scaled items were developed to assess the purpose, function, and comfort of patient gowns in addition to evaluating the impact of gowns on the patient experience and emotional wellbeing. Options for the Likert-scale were: (<NUM>) not at all; (<NUM>) a little bit; (<NUM>) some; (<NUM>) quite a bit; and (<NUM>) always/very much. All participants were shown the <NUM> items with Likert scales. Free-response sections were added to obtain qualitative data in addition to quantitative data. Utilizing a series of checkboxes, all participants were asked to report any styles of patient gowns that they have encountered, any condition of the gown they had encountered, and desired changes to patient gowns. Additionally, participants were asked, "If given the choice, which patient gown would you prefer?" and prompted to view ten options for patient attire with descriptions and rank their top three using a drop-down menu. Images for options <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> were obtained via an Internet search engine using the terms "patient gown," "hospital gown," and "patient attire. " Options <NUM> and <NUM> reflected the U Matter design. The sample size for this study was <NUM> participants.

Subsequent Study - Participants. Participants were provided with a Research Participation Summary and the eligibility criteria of being at least <NUM> years old, fluent in English, and able to consent for themselves for review and asked if they met eligibility and consented to participate. If they selected "no," the survey was automatically terminated. There were <NUM> online survey records initiated during a <NUM>-week period between April <NUM> and May <NUM>, and <NUM> (<NUM>%) were completed. Of the <NUM> participants who completed the survey, <NUM> were female (<NUM>%), <NUM> identified as lay community members (<NUM>%), and <NUM> (<NUM>%) had experience wearing a patient gown in the inpatient and/or outpatient setting. Of the <NUM> (<NUM>%) belonging to the medical community, there were <NUM> physicians, two APPs, ten nurses, <NUM> other healthcare professionals, and <NUM> professional school students enrolled in MD, DO, or PA programs. "Other healthcare professionals" described roles as radiology imaging technologists (<NUM>%), clinical pharmacists, paramedics, child life specialists, sonographers, psychologists, speech language pathologists, and healthcare administrators. The majority of the participant pool completing the survey, i.e. <NUM>%, belonged to the <NUM> to <NUM> years age group, and <NUM>% had at least a bachelor's degree. Data from this study is provided in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, which illustrate data as analyzed by gender, by age and by group (community v. medical) respectively. The two gowns that received the most positive feedback and reviews by the various audiences are the full-length gown <NUM> of the present invention (referred to in the charts/tables as Option <NUM> = U Matter as a gown) and the tunic-length gown <NUM> of the present invention worn with pants <NUM> of the present invention (referred to in the charts/tables as Option <NUM> = U matter as a tunic version with pants.

As shown in <FIG>, Option <NUM> (gown of U Matter) was ranked as the top gown option across all participant responses, followed by Option <NUM> (tunic + pants of U Matter) as second, then a wrap design gown (Option <NUM>) as third overall. For community vs. medical group members (<FIG>=15T), community members again ranked U Matter as a gown 1st overall, followed by the tunic + pants version of U Matter second, followed by option <NUM> (the wrap grown) as third. Medical community members ranked U Matter as a gown 1st overall, followed by the wrap gown (option <NUM>) second, followed by option <NUM> (the U Matter tunic + pants) as third. Across all female participants (<FIG>), option <NUM> (wrap-gown) was the top ranked gown, followed by the U Matter gown (option <NUM>) and U Matter tunic + pants (option <NUM>). Across all male participants (<FIG>), a garment option with a shirt and pants (option <NUM>) was ranked as the top option, followed by the tunic and pants option of U Matter (option <NUM>) and the gown version of U Matter (option <NUM>). Across the <NUM>-<NUM> age group (<FIG>), the top three choices were option <NUM> (wrap gown), option <NUM> ( U Matter gown), and option <NUM> (U Matter tunic + pants). Across the <NUM>-<NUM> age group (<FIG>), the top three choices were option <NUM> ( U Matter gown), option <NUM> (U Matter tunic + pants), and option <NUM> (wrap gown). Across the <NUM>-<NUM> age group (<FIG>), the top three choices were option <NUM> (U Matter gown), option <NUM> (U Matter tunic + pants), and option <NUM> (wrap gown). Across the <NUM>-<NUM> age group (<FIG>), the top three choices were option <NUM> (wrap gown), option <NUM> (a standard V-neck hospital gown), and option <NUM> (U Matter tunic + pants). Across the <NUM>-<NUM> age group (<FIG>), the top three choices were option <NUM> ( U Matter gown), option <NUM> (shirt and pants), and option <NUM> (U Matter tunic + pants). Across the <NUM>+ age group (<FIG>), the top three choices were option <NUM> (U Matter tunic + pants), option <NUM> (wrap gown), and option <NUM> (U Matter gown).

Suggested Improvements. Based upon the initial research, nine physicians and nine nurses preferred patients to wear regular clothing in the hospital, specifically separates with layering. The only physician opting for a gown sought one of "those Nicole Miller gowns". The only nurse preferring the gown cited hygiene, feeling a fresh gown daily motivated patients to care for themselves. Participants agreed that inpatient attire should be "patient-specific, patient-dependent" with the opportunity to wear one's clothing when able. Through interviews and sketching it was determined that the "ideal" hospital attire would be separates with choices of color/pattern, fabric and size. Zippers and Velcro® were proposed as alternative closures.

Research Conclusions. It is well-reported in the literature that patients often lose dignity in hospitals and the traditional patient gown is often a provoking factor. Gowning physically turns a person into "the patient," denigrating identity and agency and forces patients into sameness with a one-size-fits-all gown. In this study, patient-participants described how the dreary, exposing gown negatively impacted their self-esteem, identity and motivation. The demoralizing effect of the patient gown on providers was surprising. Providers acknowledged and expressed frustration about their roles, both passive and active, in initiating the dehumanizing funnel of the hospital with the transformative act of gowning. Nurses apologized for the gown and physicians expressed guilt for making patients wear them.

Recurring participant suggestions for patient gown redesign is shown in the tables shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Among patients interviewed, the top three suggestions for patient gown improvements were: modesty, separates/option for pants, and color. The top three suggestions from nurses were color options, separates/option for pants, and softer fabric. The top three suggestions from physicians were separates/option for pants, color options, and ease of access.

Patients and providers in this study described numerous opportunities for inpatient attire improvement to help bring identity, personality and humanity back into healing to truly provide patient-centered and evidence-based care. One way would be to encourage patients to wear their own clothes in the hospital whenever possible in a "patient-specific, patient-dependent" manner, to quote one internist. Also, providers and patients expressed preferences for separates in their "ideal" hospital attire. Participants' ideal inpatient attire was separates for modesty and added warmth with color options. Choices, through color, fabric or design, could re-build autonomy and be vital to a patient's overall physical and emotional health. Participants acknowledged that patient gowns are a "necessary evil" because there will always be instances in which patients cannot safely wear their own attire or separates, with providers citing the ICU as prime evidence. Still, providers felt that improvements, which would boost both patient and provider morale, were long-overdue.

Notably, there were prominent disconnects between patients' and providers' perceptions. Patients described gowns as the undisputed "normal procedure" and an expectation upon admission. Providers also felt that "policy" prohibited personal attire, but in fact, there was no institutional mandate for patient gowns. Patients, when accepting a gown, were resigned to wearing it and most felt they had no choice. Providers suggested that by wearing the gown, some patients were viewed as being sicker, dependent, "playing into their illness," and not invested in recovery. Providers agreed that if they were a patient, they would prefer to wear their own attire in the hospital, which may be why they viewed patients in clothing as healthier and more motivated. Patients interviewed wanted to wear their own attire in the hospital, but believed they were "not allowed" to do so.

It is time to challenge the status quo of the centuries' old open-backed patient gown in this modern healthcare environment, which is dedicated to preserving patient autonomy, focusing medical care around a patient's unique needs and developing care plans rooted in objective evidence. Current inpatient attire offers a tremendous opportunity for improvement in the healthcare system; even the smallest of changes, like the addition of brighter colors or offering a scrub-pant bottom, could bring hope to patients resigned to their "uniform" by showing that the hospital listened to and cared for them as individuals.

Changes to attire could also serve to humanize and dignify patients in the eyes of providers, who express distress from offering threadbare, cold, drab, naked gowns they abhor to those seeking care. The present invention addresses these long felt patient and provider needs and wants.

Responding to the results of this research, the various embodiments of the present invention hospital gown <NUM> utilize several novel elements and novel combinations of design details including, but not limited to, an optional faux collar <NUM> with an access point for central lines/ports; a petal sleeve <NUM> enabling patient independence in donning/doffing the gown <NUM>; double-backed construction; an optional snap-line down the front <NUM> of the gown <NUM> to improve exam access and minimize exposure; the ability to convert the gown <NUM> from full-length <NUM> to tunic-length <NUM>; a wrap front <NUM>; and a variety of securing options including snaps, ties and Velcro® <NUM>.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention hospital gown <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> (and shown on people in <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>), <FIG> and <FIG>. Once embodiment of the novel hospital gown <NUM>, which will be described in more detail herein, comprises an overlapping, adjustable wrap front <NUM> made of two front panels <NUM> (non-limiting examples of which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Each front panel <NUM> has a fastened side <NUM> and a seamed side <NUM>. Additionally, each front panel <NUM> is sewn at the seamed side <NUM> to an adjacent back panel <NUM> at the back panel's seamed side <NUM> creating a side seam <NUM> and each front panel <NUM> is secured at the fastened side <NUM> to the gown <NUM> using a fastener <NUM>. Each front panel <NUM> also has a bottom front hem <NUM>. This hospital gown <NUM> also has an overlapping back <NUM> made of two back panels <NUM> and an adjustable neckline <NUM>. Each back panel <NUM> has a bottom back hem <NUM>. In most embodiments, the back panels <NUM> and the front panels <NUM> are of similar lengths so that the back hems <NUM> and the front hems <NUM> fall to approximately the same length.

The various embodiments of hospital gowns <NUM> also have a plurality of sets of fasteners <NUM> positioned to make the length of the gown <NUM> adjustable. A first set of fasteners <NUM> is comprised of at least one fastener <NUM> located on each of the two front panels <NUM> near the bottom front hem <NUM> of each of the two front panels <NUM>. A second set of fasteners <NUM> is comprised of at least one corresponding fastener <NUM> located on each of the two front panels <NUM> near a front horizontal midline <NUM> of the gown <NUM>. These two sets of fasteners <NUM> enable the front <NUM> of the gown <NUM> to be shortened from a full length gown <NUM> to something shorter, potentially approximating a shirt-length gown <NUM> or a tunic-length gown <NUM>.

This embodiment of a hospital gown <NUM> also has a third set of fasteners <NUM> comprised of at least one fastener <NUM> located on each of the two back panels <NUM> near the bottom back hem <NUM> of each of the two back panels <NUM>. A fourth set of fasteners <NUM> comprises at least one corresponding fastener <NUM> located on each of the two back panels <NUM> near a back horizontal midline <NUM> of the gown <NUM>. These two sets of fasteners <NUM> enable the back <NUM> of the gown <NUM> to be shortened from a full length gown <NUM> to something shorter, potentially approximating a shirt-length gown <NUM> or a tunic-length gown <NUM>.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention incorporate additional sets of fasteners <NUM> to create numerous different lengths to which the gown <NUM> may be adjusted. For example, a fifth set of fasteners <NUM> can be located on each of the two front panels <NUM> below the front horizontal midline <NUM> of the gown <NUM> to enable the bottom of the gown <NUM> to be shortened to a length in between full- <NUM> and shirt-length <NUM>, such as to a tunic-length <NUM>. Additionally, a sixth set of fasteners <NUM> can be located on each of the two back panels <NUM> below the back horizontal midline <NUM> of the gown <NUM> to accomplish the same thing on the back <NUM> of the gown <NUM>. Any number of sets of fasteners <NUM> can be placed along the front and back of the gown <NUM> to enable the length of the gown <NUM> to be adjusted to any length.

The primary embodiment of a hospital gown <NUM> also has two sleeves <NUM>. In the preferred embodiments, each sleeve <NUM> has a sleeve opening <NUM> that runs the length of the sleeve <NUM>. The preferred embodiments of the gown <NUM> also have at least one fastener <NUM> along the back adjustable neckline <NUM> of the overlapping back <NUM> for adjusting the size of the back adjustable neckline <NUM>. In one embodiment this fastener <NUM> is one or more plastic snaps <NUM>. Various embodiments also have at least one telemetry pocket <NUM> on an upper portion <NUM> of at least one front panel <NUM>.

There are a variety of alternative embodiments of the hospital gown <NUM> that incorporate one or more of a variety of different features. One alternative embodiment of the hospital gown <NUM> also comprises at least one fastener <NUM> located along each sleeve opening <NUM> to hold the sleeve opening <NUM> closed. A hospital gown <NUM> can also have at least one side seam <NUM> having at least one side seam opening <NUM> in the side seam <NUM>. These side seam openings <NUM> allow for the passage of tubes, wires, and other medical equipment through the side of the gown <NUM>.

Any of the embodiments of a hospital gown <NUM> according to the present invention can be used with a pair of hospital pants <NUM> designed according to the present invention. The preferred embodiments of these hospital pants <NUM> have an elasticized open waistband <NUM>, a drawstring <NUM> threaded through the waistband <NUM>, a fastener <NUM> to close the waistband <NUM>, and an overlapping fly <NUM>.

The fasteners <NUM> for the present invention can be any of a wide variety of fasteners <NUM> as described in more detail herein. These fasteners <NUM> may be connected (by being sewn, glued, or adhered in any manner appropriate to the type of fastener <NUM>) directly to the gown <NUM> or they may be connected to a tab <NUM> of material which is also attached to the gown <NUM>. Some examples of fasteners <NUM> for use with the various embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation, ties, Velcro® <NUM>, snaps, hooks and eyes, buttons and button holes, zippers, etc. In choosing appropriate fasteners <NUM> for various parts of the gown <NUM>, consideration should be given to the purpose of the fastener <NUM>, the need for quick medical release of the fasteners <NUM>, the desire for the fasteners <NUM> to not interfere with X-rays or other imaging technologies, the strength, durability, cost, or manufacturing attributes of the fasteners <NUM>, etc. When using snaps in any of the embodiments of the present invention, the ideal style of snap include the attributes of being lead- and/or metal-free and being able to withstand high heat. These attributes will help to eliminate x-ray artifacts, make the snaps more durable and enable the snaps to survive sanitation and washing.

While it is possible to construct the adjacent front and back panels <NUM> from one piece of material to avoid having a seam, most embodiments of the hospital gown <NUM> have the front and back panels <NUM> cut from different pieces of material. Then the seamed side <NUM> of each front panel <NUM> is sewn to an adjacent back panel <NUM> (at the back panel's seamed side <NUM>), which creates a side seam <NUM> (various views of these parts are shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). The sleeves <NUM> of any design can have a sleeve opening <NUM> running the length of each sleeve <NUM>. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve opening <NUM> is towards the top or shoulder side of the sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve opening <NUM> can be closed using plastic snaps <NUM> or Velcro® <NUM> (or another appropriate fastener <NUM> or closing mechanism). Any embodiment can have at least one telemetry pocket <NUM> on at least one of the front panels <NUM> in the area of the patient's chest. The design of the back <NUM> of the gown <NUM>, also shown in <FIG>, is comprised of two overlapping back panels <NUM>, which are secured to the front panels <NUM> at the side seams <NUM>. One embodiment of the present invention has an adjustable neckline <NUM> along the back <NUM> of the gown <NUM>. Plastic snaps <NUM> along the back neckline <NUM> secure the adjustable neckline <NUM> of the gown <NUM> and enable it to be adjusted for comfort and access. The side seams <NUM> of this preferred embodiment may have one or more slits near the patient's midsection for tubing, drains and lines.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a full-length hospital gown <NUM> that can be converted to a tunic-length hospital gown <NUM> (or a shirt-length gown <NUM>). This ability to be converted has several advantages including, but not limited to, the following: allowing the length of the gown <NUM> to be adjusted to accommodate patients of different heights; minimizing tripping hazards caused by gowns <NUM> that are too long; eliminating excess length for gowns <NUM> that are worn over pants <NUM>; and enabling patients to exert control and choices over their hospital clothing. To accomplish this length transition, both the front <NUM> of the gown <NUM> and the back <NUM> of the gown <NUM> are designed with at least four fasteners <NUM> on each side (front <NUM> and back <NUM>). These fasteners <NUM> may be any appropriate mechanism, including but not limited to Velcro® <NUM>, snaps and ties. On each side of the gown <NUM> (front <NUM> and back <NUM>) there are at least two fasteners <NUM> near (ideally, five- to nine-inches from) the bottom hem of the gown <NUM> that correspond to at least two fasteners <NUM> near the waist or horizontal midline <NUM>, <NUM> of the gown <NUM>. More specifically, there is at least one fastener <NUM> located on each of the four panels near the bottom hem of each panel and at least one fastener <NUM> located on each of the four panels near the horizontal midline <NUM>, <NUM> of each panel. The connection or joining of the corresponding at least two fasteners <NUM> near the hem of the gown <NUM> to the at least two fasteners <NUM> near the waist of the gown <NUM> creates and secures a fold in the front <NUM> and/or back panels <NUM> that decreases the length of those panels and coverts the gown <NUM> from a full-length gown <NUM> to a tunic-length gown <NUM>. <FIG> shows the full-length gown <NUM> of <FIG> shortened to a shirt-length gown <NUM> by having secured corresponding fasteners <NUM>.

While it is anticipated that the most common length transition will be from a full-length gown <NUM> to a tunic-length gown <NUM>, it is possible to design the hospital gowns <NUM> of the present invention to be convertible from a variety of longer lengths to a variety of shorter lengths (and to have a single gown <NUM> that can be adjusted to multiple lengths). It is the ability to shorten the gown length and secure the gown <NUM> at that shorter length(s), that is encompassed by the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The original and final lengths are variable. It is conceivable that, in some situations, a medical institution may prefer to have gowns <NUM> that convert from full-length <NUM> to shirt-length <NUM> or from tunic-length <NUM> to shirt-length <NUM>. Similarly, it is possible to design a gown <NUM> according to the present invention to convert to multiple shorter lengths by placing a series of snaps (or other fasteners <NUM>) along the length of each panel so that the lower snaps can be secured to any of the corresponding upper snaps thereby creating even more options for length customizations.

Finally, the various gown <NUM> embodiments of the present invention can be paired with pants <NUM> to increase patients' comfort, modesty and self-esteem (an example of which is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In the preferred embodiment, the pants <NUM> will be pull-on with a drawstring <NUM> and an open elasticized waist secured with Velcro® <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the pants <NUM> may have an open waist secured with a drawstring <NUM>. Additionally, the pants <NUM> of this embodiment will have an overlapping fly <NUM>, which is optionally secured with Velcro® <NUM> or another fastener <NUM>. Alternatively, the waist of the pants <NUM> may be designed to have a pull-on, elastic waistband <NUM> that, optionally, can be combined with a drawstring <NUM>. The pants <NUM> may have optional back pockets <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) for the patient's use and to make the pants <NUM> look more like streetwear and less like institutional clothing.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of the present invention, which shares many of the essential attributes of the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, but which has some alternative design elements that may be desirable options for patients and/or providers. The gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a faux collar <NUM>, which makes the gown <NUM> look more like streetwear than a traditional hospital gown <NUM> and, again, can improve a patients' self-esteem. The faux collar <NUM> of this embodiment lifts up to reveal at least one opening for lines, tubing and/or drains. Additionally, the preferred design of this collar <NUM> is a modest V-neckline <NUM> along the front <NUM> and a relaxed crew neckline <NUM> along the back <NUM> to provide additional comfort and freedom of movement to the patient. The comfort and freedom of movement also are enhanced by the snaps along the back of the collar <NUM>, which can be adjusted to fit various neck circumferences, to accommodate patient preferences and/or to accommodate medical interventions.

For the embodiment of the invention shown in <FIG>, the front <NUM> of the gown <NUM> is one-piece with a front placket having snaps running from the collar <NUM> to at least the midline <NUM> of the patient's chest. The front <NUM> of this embodiment also has at least one telemetry pocket <NUM> located near or over the patient's chest. The design of the telemetry pockets <NUM> in general should minimize accidental exposure of the patient's chests, particularly for female patients, by minimizing or eliminating wide openings that will gape or hang open. As with the embodiment of the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the gown <NUM> of this embodiment has sleeves <NUM> that are open along their length near the top of the sleeve <NUM>. However, for this embodiment of the gown <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the sleeves <NUM> are designed as a petal sleeve <NUM>. In clothing design, a petal sleeve <NUM> is a short sleeve <NUM>, which sleeve <NUM> is sewn into the armhole in such a way that the material may overlap on the arm (illustrated in <FIG>). A petal sleeve <NUM> can be left unsecured where the ends meet near the top of the arm or the ends may be secured to each other using any of a variety of fasteners <NUM> including, but not limited to, snaps or Velcro® <NUM>. The preferred embodiment of the present invention does not use a petal sleeve <NUM>. Instead, the sleeves <NUM> of the preferred embodiment are designed as standard-shaped sleeve <NUM> that has a strip of Velcro® <NUM> (or another fastener <NUM>) securing an open slit that runs the length of the top of the sleeve <NUM>. However, a petal sleeve <NUM> design is a possible alternative design that accomplishes the same goals as the open-top traditional sleeve <NUM> of the preferred embodiment.

Similar to the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the embodiment of the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> has at least one slit or opening <NUM> along at least one side seam <NUM> to accommodate lines, tubes and/or drains. It also has an overlapping back <NUM> designed utilizing two overlapping panels that provide access to the patient's body while providing modesty and coverage of the back of the patient. These overlapping back panels <NUM> can be secured using a variety of mechanisms, including ties at the patient's waist.

As with the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the embodiment of the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> is designed to allow the length of the gown <NUM> to be shortened. However, the gown <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is designed to provide for more than two different lengths, unlike the gown <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> which, as shown, converts from full-length <NUM> to tunic-length <NUM>. The gown <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> demonstrates that by placing fasteners <NUM> in multiple places along the length of the gown <NUM>, in addition to placing them near the hem of the gown <NUM>, the gown can be converted from full-length <NUM> to tunic-length <NUM> or to shirt-length <NUM> (a shorter length is shown on a person in <FIG>). It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the number of fasteners <NUM> and the placement of fasteners <NUM> along the length of the of the front <NUM> and back <NUM> of the gown <NUM> creates a gown <NUM> that can be secured to create an almost infinite number of lengths.

<FIG> also shows another optional design of any of the embodiments of hospital gowns <NUM> of the present invention, namely, pockets <NUM> near the bottom seam of the front of the gown <NUM>. By placing at least one pocket <NUM> near the bottom front seam of the gown <NUM>, the gown <NUM> will have front pocket(s) <NUM> near the patient's waist when the length of the gown <NUM> is shortened. This optional design feature creates a gown <NUM> that feels more like streetwear than hospital wear by giving the patients access to pockets <NUM> that will be useful to them and by creating a stylistic aspect of the shortened gowns <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate various alternative designs for the front <NUM> of a gown <NUM> according to the present invention. The alternative embodiment shown in <FIG> uses fewer snaps than the gown <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, which decreases production costs and x-ray artifacts. <FIG> illustrates the ratios of widths and lengths for the front panels <NUM> of a gown <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention and optional fastener <NUM> placements.

For any and/or all embodiments of the present invention, the various snaps, ties or other fasteners <NUM> can be color coded to better enable patients to understand how to correctly don, adjust and/or secure the gown <NUM>. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a backing under the snaps (or fasteners <NUM>) to better prevent them from tearing through the gown <NUM> material. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that there are a variety of ways to achieve this including, but not limited to, assembling the gown <NUM> so that the gown <NUM> material is sandwiched between a piece of interfacing on the underside of the gown <NUM> material and the snap on the opposite or exterior side of the gown <NUM> material.

The various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a particular fabric or category of fabric. The choice of fabric is determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, cost, comfort, durability, washability, ability to be sterilized, feel, breathability, etc. However, as discussed above, research in this field revealed that both patients and providers prefer bright colors and fun patterns (examples of which are shown in <FIG>) for their positive impact on mood. Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a variety of colors and patterns to take advantage of the positive impact on mood and to better help patients feel like individuals and not patients. While the fiber content of the gowns <NUM> of the present invention may be determined by all of the above-identified factors, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is made of a cotton-polyester blend, which withstands laundering at temperatures as high as <NUM>°F.

While the design of the present invention is compatible with the use of MRIs on patients, the use of a snap line on some embodiments of the present invention creates a significant artifact in x-rays. Thus, the preferred embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG> have a snap-free front-closure with a double-backed rear flap to avoid this x-ray artifact.

To facilitate the mass-production of the present invention, the preferred design pattern utilizes four pieces and a minimal number of snaps (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). The faux collar <NUM> can be eliminated on some embodiments of the present invention if it will be a potential hindrance in certain settings, and the front opening may be adjusted to sit at a level conducive to its intended purpose of port access. Finally, the preferred embodiment of the pant was modified from a closed drawstring-waist <NUM> to an open drawstring-waist <NUM> with Velcro® <NUM> closure to enable ease of donning/doffing and accommodate catheterization.

Claim 1:
A hospital gown (<NUM>) comprising:
a front (<NUM>) having a front midline (<NUM>) and a bottom front hem (<NUM>);
a back (<NUM>) having a back midline (<NUM>) and a bottom back hem (<NUM>);
two sleeves (<NUM>), characterized by:
a first set of fasteners (<NUM>) comprising at least two fasteners (<NUM>) located on the front (<NUM>) near the bottom front hem (<NUM>);
a second set of fasteners (<NUM>) located on the front (<NUM>) above the first set of fasteners (<NUM>) that corresponds to the first set of fasteners (<NUM>) and whereby connecting the first set of fasteners (<NUM>) to the second set of fasteners (<NUM>) raises the bottom front hem (<NUM>) and shortens the front (<NUM>) of the gown (<NUM>);
a third set of fasteners (<NUM>) comprising at least two fasteners (<NUM>) located on the back (<NUM>) near the back bottom hem (<NUM>); and
a fourth set of fasteners (<NUM>) located on the back (<NUM>) above the third set of fasteners (<NUM>) that corresponds to the third set of fasteners (<NUM>) and whereby connecting the third set of fasteners (<NUM>) to the fourth set of fasteners (<NUM>) raises the bottom back hem and shortens the back of the gown.