This application is being filed as a PCT International Patent Application on August 19, 2019 in the name of COVR Medical, LLC, a U.S. National Corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries and Heather Loree Levy, a U.S. Citizen, and Romeo Catracchia, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No 62/723,857, filed August 28, 2018, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field

Embodiments herein relate to asymmetric reversible medical garments and related methods.

Background

In many cases care providers require close access to a patient in order to diagnose and or treat various conditions. Specifically, when a patient is seeking care, the area of the body affected by a medical condition or disease state must frequently be examined directly by the care provider. As such, the patient must, in some cases, remove articles of clothing so that the care provider has adequate access to the areas of the body as required for proper diagnosis and/or treatment. In some cases, patient gowns, towels, drapes or blankets, can be placed over portions of a patient’s body in a temporary manner so that, in the interest of both patient comfort and modesty, portions of the body are only exposed when they actually need to be exposed.

Summary

Embodiments herein relate to asymmetric reversible medical garments and related methods. In an embodiment, a laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment is included. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a waistband having a first end, where the first end includes a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone. The first connection material zone of the first end is disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a second end, where the second end includes a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone. The first connection material zone of the second end is disposed between the second end and the second connection material zone. The first end and the second end of the waistband are configured to overlap on a lateral side of the asymmetric reversible medical garment, where the first connection material zone of the first end interfaces with the second connection material zone of the second end and the second connection material zone of the first end interfaces with the first connection material zone of the second end to achieve closure of the waistband. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include front panel having a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; and a first tunnel. The waistband can pass through the first tunnel, where the first tunnel includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a back panel having a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; and a leg panel attached the second lateral side of the front panel and the second lateral side of the back panel. The leg panel can define a leg opening, where the leg panel is disposed on a lateral side of the asymmetric reversible medical garment that is opposite that of where the first end and the second end of the waistband are configured to overlap one another. The first lateral side of the front panel can be positioned inward toward a middle of the front panel through movement of a portion of the first tunnel relative to the waistband.

In an embodiment, the waistband can be removably connected to itself along the circumference of the waistband through an overlap of the first end and the second end.

In an embodiment, the waistband can form a discontinuous, broken loop about the top of the medical garment, and it can be selectively separated by separating the first end from the second end to place the waistband in an open position.

In an embodiment, the waistband is continuous on all sides except for the lateral side of the asymmetric reversible medical garment where the first end and the second end overlap.

In an embodiment, the first connection material zone of the first end and the first connection material zone of the second end each include a first connection material.

In an embodiment, the second connection material zone of the first end and the second connection material zone of the second end each include a second connection material. In an embodiment, the first connection material adheres to the second connection material, but the first connection material does not adhere to itself and the second connection material does not adhere to itself.

In an embodiment, the first connection material and the second connection material include complementary reclosable connection materials.

In an embodiment, the first connection material includes a plurality of stiff fibers with a main lengthwise axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the first connection material.

In an embodiment, the plurality of stiff fibers can include a hook disposed on an outside end thereof.

In an embodiment, the second connection material includes a plurality of fibers that are less stiff than the fibers of the first connection material.

In an embodiment, the second connection material includes a plurality of fibers having a lighter Denier than the fibers of the first connection material.

In an embodiment, the fibers of the second connection material include a plurality of loops.

In an embodiment, the second lateral side of the front panel and the second lateral side of the back panel are connected to the first lateral side and second lateral side of the leg panel.

In an embodiment, an elastic material is disposed along the first lateral side of the front panel.

In an embodiment, an elastic material is disposed along the first lateral side of the back panel.

In an embodiment, the first tunnel is connected to the waistband to prevent movement of the first tunnel relative to the waistband at a middle position of the first tunnel but allowing the first lateral side of the first tunnel to slide over the waistband.

In an embodiment, the laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment includes a second tunnel, the waistband passing through the second tunnel, the second tunnel including a first lateral side and a second lateral side.

In an embodiment, the second tunnel can be connected to the waistband to prevent movement of the second tunnel relative to the waistband at a middle position of the second tunnel but allowing the first lateral side of the second tunnel to slide over the waistband.

In an embodiment, the top width of the back panel is larger than the top width of the front panel when the lateral sides of both the back panel and the front panel are positioned in an outward-most configuration.

In an embodiment, the first tunnel is integral with the front panel.

In an embodiment, the second tunnel is integral with the back panel.

In an embodiment, the bottom of the front panel is connected to the bottom of the back panel.

In an embodiment, the bottom of the front panel is integral with the bottom of the back panel.

In an embodiment, the front panel defines a pouch.

In an embodiment, the leg panel defines a tubular lower portion.

In an embodiment, a method of treating a patient is included. The method can include placing a laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment on a patient to be treated. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include: a waistband having a first end, the first end having a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone. The first connection material zone of the first end can be disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can also include a second end, the second end having a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone. The first connection material zone of the second end can be disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The first end and the second end of the waistband are configured to overlap, where the first connection material zone of the first end interfaces with the second connection material zone of the second end and the second connection material zone of the first end interfaces with the first connection material zone of the second end to achieve closure of the waistband. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a front panel including a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; and a first tunnel. The waistband can pass through the first tunnel, where the first tunnel includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a back panel having a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; and a leg panel attached the second lateral side of the front panel and the second lateral side of the back panel. The leg panel can define a leg opening. Sliding a portion of the first tunnel inward over the waistband, can expose an area of the patient’s skin. In an embodiment, a laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment is included. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a waistband having a first end, the first end having a first end connection material zone and a second connection material zone. The first connection material zone of the first end can be disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a second end, the second end having; a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone. The first connection material zone of the second end can be disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The first end and the second end of the waistband are configured to overlap, where the first connection material zone of the first end interfaces with the second connection material zone of the second end and the second connection material zone of the first end interfaces with the first connection material zone of the second end to achieve closure of the waistband. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a front panel including a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; and a first tunnel. The waistband can pass through the first tunnel. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a back panel having a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; and a second tunnel. The waistband can pass through the second tunnel. The laterally asymmetric reversible medical garment can include a leg panel attached the second lateral side of the front panel and the second lateral side of the back panel. The leg panel can define a leg opening. The first lateral side of the front panel can be positioned through movement of a portion of the first tunnel relative to the waistband.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Brief Description of the Figures

Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with the following figures (FIGS.), in which:

FIG. l is a schematic perspective view of a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a medical garment in a reversed configuration in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top plan view of a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view of a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of a portion of a waistband in a reversed configuration in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic top plan view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a patient wearing a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a patient wearing a medical garment in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a patient wearing a medical garment in a reversed configuration in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein.

While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular aspects described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope herein.

Detailed Description

As referenced above, in some cases, patients need to remove articles of clothing so that a care provider has adequate access to the areas of the body as necessary for proper diagnosis and/or treatment. However, this can be a source of anxiety, discomfort, and/or embarrassment for many patients. As such, there is substantial value in only exposing portions of the body that are truly necessary for a given procedure while maintaining coverage of other parts of the body. This is a particular issue when a care provider needs access to the groin region, hip or pelvic region, or the buttocks of a patient.

In many scenarios, a care provider may only need access to one side of the patient, such as one hip, one side of the pelvic region, one side of the buttocks, etc. Thus, one side needs to be more exposed while the other side can remain more completely covered. As such, this allows for the use of laterally asymmetrical garments, with more exposure on one side and more coverage on the other. However, it can be disruptive to a supply chain to manufacture and distribute separate“right side” and“left side” garments. Further, it can be more expensive for a care facility to purchase and stock separate“right side” and“left side” garments.

As such, reversible garments can be ideal because they eliminate the need for separate“right side” and“left side” garments. However, designing a garment that performs adequately when reversed introduces other challenges. While many garments are physically capable of being reversed, most garments are not capable of being reversed and still performing as intended in a reversed configuration. This is particularly true in the context of closure mechanisms, such as for reclosable waistbands. In the context of closure mechanisms, it can be challenging to provide a closure mechanism that is truly reversible in that: 1.) manipulation of the closure mechanism is just as easily accomplished regardless of which reversible orientation the garment is in, and 2.) comfort of the garment wearer is just as good regardless of which reversible orientation the garment is in. With regard to the element of comfort, it has been found that some closure mechanism structures are inherently irritating when pushed directly into the skin, when the garment is in a reversed configuration, versus when they are facing the outside of the garment in the non-reversed configuration. For example, the relatively stiff fibers with hooks that make of one complementary side of a hook and loop type closure mechanism are irritating and uncomfortable when directly pushed into the skin. Thus, to enhance the comfort of the garment wearer, care in design must be taken to ensure that irritating materials are never pushed directly into the wearer’s skin regardless of which reversible configuration the garment takes on and regardless of how the waistband is adjusted to accommodate different sized wearers.

Embodiments herein include laterally asymmetric reversible medical garments that can maximize access for care providers where needed, yet provide significant coverage where access is not needed, while also be reversible and comfortable for the wearer. In particular, embodiments herein include medical garments with waistbands that can be opened or closed on a lateral side with one or more types of connection materials, wherein the connection materials are positioned, whether the garment is in a reversed configuration or not, such that those made from a material that can irritate the patient’s skin are prevented from contacting the patient’s skin thereby preventing irritation of the patient’s skin.

As used herein, the term“medical garment” shall refer to a garment designed to be worn by a patient in conjunction with a medical or surgical procedure to be performed on the patient, or designed to be worn in conjunction with pre- or post- procedural care. Medical garments herein are quite distinct from garments worn normally with other clothing in various respects and therefore present completely different design considerations. For example, medical garments herein allow for easy access to areas of a patient by a care provider and include design features to facilitate that functionality. However, those same features can be undesirable or even detrimental in the context of garments designed for normal everyday wear. For example, the ability of a portion of a garment to slide in along a waistband could lead to uncomfortable bunching in the context of a garment worn under pants or other articles of clothing in the course of a normal day.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view is shown of a medical garment 100 in accordance with various embodiments herein. The medical garment 100 can include a waistband 102, a front panel 104, a back panel 106, and a leg panel 108. The front panel 104 can include a top 110, a bottom 112, a first lateral side 114, and a second lateral side 116. The back panel 106 can include a top 118, a bottom 120, a first lateral side 122, and a second lateral side 124. The leg panel 108 can be attached to the second lateral side 116 of the front panel 104 and the second lateral side 124 of the back panel 106. The leg panel 108 will be discussed more fully below in reference to FIG. 9.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bottom 112 of the front panel 104 is connected to the bottom 120 of the back panel 106. In other

embodiments, the bottom 112 of the front panel 104 is integral with the bottom 120 of the back panel 106. However, in yet other embodiments, the bottom 112 of the front panel 104 is not integral with the bottom 120 of the back panel 106. In some embodiments, an elastic material can be disposed along the first lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 and the first lateral side 122 of the back panel 106. In some embodiments, the front panel 104 defines a pouch.

The medical garment 100 can include a first tunnel 126 at the top 110 of front panel 104, where the first tunnel 126 includes a first lateral side 132 and a second lateral side 134. The waistband 102 can pass through the first lateral side 132 and the second lateral side 134 of the first tunnel 126. In some embodiments, the medical garment 100 can include a second tunnel (not shown) at the top 118 of the back panel 106. Similar to the first tunnel 126, a second tunnel can include a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The waistband 102 can pass through the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the second tunnel, when present. In some embodiments, the front panel 104, the back panel 106, and the leg panel 108 can each be connected directly to the waistband 102.

In some embodiments, the first tunnel 126 is integral with the front panel 104. In other embodiments, the first tunnel is not integral with the front panel 104, but rather is connected to the front panel 104. Likewise, when a second tunnel is present, in some embodiments it can be integral with the back panel 106, while in other embodiments the second tunnel can be connected to the back panel 106.

In some embodiments, medical garment 100 can include a connection point 130 at a middle position of the top 110 of the front panel 104 where waistband 102 can be secured within the first tunnel 126. Connection point 130 can serve to prevent movement of the first tunnel 126 relative to the waistband 102 at a middle position of the first tunnel 126, while also allowing the first lateral side 132 of the first tunnel 126 to slide over the waistband 102. In this manner, connection point 130 can prevent the front panel from becoming totally dislocated with regard to the waistband 102, regardless of how the first lateral side 132 of the first tunnel 126 is moved with respect to the waistband 102. In embodiments where a second tunnel is present in the back of medical garment 100, a second connection point can serve the same function to prevent movement of the second tunnel relative to the waistband 102 at a middle position of the second tunnel, while also allowing the first lateral side of the second tunnel to slide over the waistband 102.

The tunnels of the medical garments described herein can be formed in a number of ways. In some embodiments, a top portion of a front or back panel is looped over and then sewn back onto itself, forming an integral tunnel-like area through which a waistband can pass. However, on other embodiments, a separate piece of material containing a passage or tunnel there through can be sewn onto the front, back, and/or leg panels.

It will be appreciated that the medical garments 100 described herein can include multiple openings. For example, the waistband 102 can form a waist opening 128 bounded around the circumference by waistband 102. A high-waist leg opening 136 can be created by the first lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 and the first lateral side 122 of the back panel 106 and the waistband 102 forming the top of the high-waist leg opening 136. The leg panel 108 attached the second lateral side 116 of the front panel 104 and the second lateral side 124 of the back panel 106 can also define a leg opening 138. The leg panel 108 will be discussed more fully below in reference to FIG. 9.

It will be appreciated that medical garment 100 can include a first surface 140 and a second surface 142. Medical garment 100 can be reversible such that the medical garment 100 can be worn by a patient so that either the patient’s right leg or left leg can pass through high-waist leg opening 136 depending on the chosen configuration. Thus, in some embodiments, the first surface 140 can be worn as the exterior of medical garment 100 while at the same time the second surface 142 can be worn as the interior of medical garment 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first surface 140 can be worn as the interior of medical garment 100, while at the same time the second surface 142 can be worn as the exterior of medical garment 100. By way of example, in FIG. 1 the first surface 140 of medical garment 100 is shown as the exterior of medical garment 100 while at the same time the second surface 142 of medical garment 100 is shown as the interior of medical garment 100.

Likewise, it will be appreciated that the waistband 102 can have a first surface 144 and a second surface 146. In some embodiments, the first surface 144 of waistband 102 can be worn on the exterior of medical garment 100 while at the same time the second surface 146 of waistband 102 can be worn on the interior of medical garment 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first surface 144 of waistband 102 can be worn on the interior of medical garment 100, while at the same time the second surface 146 of waistband 102 can be worn on the exterior of medical garment 100. By way of example, in FIG. 1 the first surface 144 of waistband 102 is shown as the exterior of medical garment 100 while at the same time the second surface 142 of waistband 102 is shown as the interior of medical garment 100.

As discussed herein, medical garment 100 can be reversible. When the medical garment 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is inverted, the first surface 140 of the medical garment 100 and the first surface 144 of the waistband 102 are placed into a position on the interior of medical garment 100, while the second surface 142 of the medical garment 100 and the second surface 146 of the waistband 102 are placed into a position on the exterior of medical garment 100. Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic perspective view is shown of a medical garment 100 in accordance with various embodiments herein, where the medical garment 100 has been inverted or reversed with respect to FIG. 1 and assumes a second configuration or left-hip configuration. It will be appreciated that the same features of medical garment 100 shown in FIG. 2 are numbered identically to the same features shown in FIG. 1.

To secure the waistband 102 of the medical garment 100 around the waist of a patient, the waistband 102 can be removably connected to itself along the

circumference of the waistband 102. For example, referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic perspective view of a portion of a waistband 102 is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein. The waistband 102 can include a first end 302 having a first connection material zone 306 and a second connection material zone 308. Waistband 102 can also include a second end 304 having a first connection material zone 310 and a second connection material zone 312. The first connection material zone 306 of the first end 302 can be disposed between the first end 302 and the second connection material zone 308 of the first end 302. The first connection material zone 310 of the second end 304 can be disposed between the second end 304 and the second connection material zone 312 of the second end 304. In some embodiments, the first connection material zone 306 and second connection material zone 308 of first end 302 can be disposed on the second surface 146 of waistband 102 and the first connection material zone 310 and second connection material zone 312 of second end 304 can be disposed on the first surface 144 of waistband 102. In other embodiments, the first connection material zone 306 and second connection material zone 308 of first end 302 can be disposed on the first surface 144 of waistband 102 and the first connection material zone 310 and second connection material zone 312 of second end 304 can be disposed on the second surface 146 of waistband 102

To secure the waistband 102 around the circumference, in some embodiments, the first connection material zone 306 of the first end 302 can further include a first connection material 314, and the first connection material zone 310 of the second end 304 can include a first connection material 314. It will be appreciated that first connection material 314 (illustrated as a dotted outline) of the first end 302 as shown in FIG. 3 projects into the plane of the page and is disposed on the second surface 146 of waistband 102. The first connection material 314 of the second end 304 can be disposed on the first surface 144 of the waistband 102 projecting out of the plane of the page.

The second connection material zones 308 and 312 can be made from a second connection material 316. In some embodiments, the second connection material 316 is the same material as the waistband 102. In yet other embodiments, the second connection material 316 can be different than the first connection material 314. In some embodiments, the first connection material 314 is hook material, such as that found in reclosable hook-and-loop closures. As used herein, the term“reclosable” shall refer to the ability of a thing to be closed again after opening that thing. In some embodiments, the second connection material 316 is a looped material such as that found in reclosable hook-and-loop closures. Other suitable connection materials will be discussed in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the first connection material 314 of the first end 302 and the first connection material 314 of the second end 304 can be the same. In other embodiments, the first connection material 314 of the first end 302 and the first connection material 314 of the second end 304 can be different. In some

embodiments, the second connection material 316 of the first end 302 and the second connection material 316 of the second end 304 can be the same. In other embodiments, the second connection material 316 of the first end 302 and the second connection material 316 of the second end 304 can be different. In some

embodiments, the entire waistband 102 is made of a second connection material 316 that does not irritate a patient’s skin. In some embodiments, the first connection material 314 and second connection material 316 of either of the first end 302 and second end 304 can be made from a reclosable connection material.

When in a closed position, the first end 302 and the second end 304 can overlap to achieve closure of the waistband 102 through an interface between the first connection material zones 306, 310 and second connection material zones 308, 312. By way of example, a schematic top plan view of a medical garment 100 with a closed waistband 102 is shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with various embodiments herein. It will be appreciated that the first connection material 314 of the first end 302 can interface with the second connection material 316 (not shown) of the second end 304, and the first connection material 314 of the second end 304 can interface with the second connection material 316 (not shown) of the first end 302. The first end 302 and the second end 304 of the waistband are configured to overlap on a lateral side of the asymmetric reversible medical garment 100. The leg panel 108 is disposed on a lateral side of the asymmetric reversible medical garment that is opposite that of where the first end 302 and the second end 304 of the waistband are configured to overlap one another. The waistband 102 forms a discontinuous, broken loop about the top of the medical garment 100, and the waistband 102 can be selectively separated by separating the first end 302 from the second end 304 to place the waistband 102 in an open position. The waistband 102 can be continuous on all sides except for the lateral side of the asymmetric reversible medical garment where the first end 302 and the second end 304 overlap.

During use, a physician, patient, or other medical provider can open the waistband 102 by pulling the first end 302 and second end 304 apart by providing an opposing force on each of the first end 302 and the second end 304. Referring now to FIG. 5 a schematic top plan view of a medical garment 100 with an open waistband 102 is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein.

It will be appreciated that medical garment 100 can be reversed from one orientation to another. Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic top plan view of a portion of a waistband bounded by the box in FIG. 4, is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein. Medical garment 100 as shown in FIG. 6 includes a first surface 102 is on the interior. Reversal of the medical garment 100 in FIG. 6 results in the orientation as shown in FIG. 7 (second configuration or left hip configuration). FIG.

7 includes a schematic top plan view of a portion of a waistband of FIG. 6 that has been inverted or reversed. Medical garment 100 as shown in FIG. 7 includes a first surface 144 of the waistband 102 on the interior and a second surface 146 of the waistband 102 is on the interior.

It will be appreciated that the waistband 102 of medical garment 100 can be adjustable to account for patients of many sizes. By way of example, FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of a waistband in accordance with various embodiments herein. In FIG. 8, waistband 102 is shown where the first end 302 and second end 304 overlap such that first connection material 314 of the first end 302 and first connection material 314 of the second end 304 are connected in the proximal-most position along the second connection material.

The medical garment 100 can include a leg panel that can be worn by a patient on either the right leg or the left leg, depending on which leg/hip/etc. requires medical attention. Referring now to FIG. 9 a schematic view of a medical garment 100 is shown in accordance with various embodiments herein. Medical garment 100 can include a leg panel 108, which includes a first lateral side 902, a second lateral side 904, a top 906, and a bottom 908. The leg panel 108 can be attached to the second lateral side 116 of the front panel 104 at the second lateral side 124 of the back panel 106. The leg panel 108 can also define a leg opening 138. The leg panel 108 can be attached to the waistband 102 at the top 906 of the leg panel 108. The leg panel 108 can define a tubular lower portion.

The leg panel can be integral with either the front panel 104, the back panel 106, or both. Leg panel 108 can be directly attached to the waistband 102. In some embodiments, a third tunnel can be present at the top 906 of the leg panel 108 through which the waistband 102 can pass. The leg panel 108 can be attached to the third tunnel or the third tunnel can be integral to the leg panel 108, as discussed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a schematic view is shown of a patient 1000 wearing a medical garment 100 in accordance with various embodiments herein. FIG. 10 shows the first lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 positioned at an inward-most configuration. It will be appreciated that first lateral side 114 can be positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended, outward-most configuration and a fully

14 contracted, inward-most configuration depending on the access needs of the physician. Similarly, with respect to the back panel 106, the first lateral side 122 (not shown) can be positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended, outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-most configuration. The waistband 102 of FIG. 10 is shown in a closed position. The leg panel 108 is shown as worn on the patient’s left leg.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a schematic view is shown of a patient 1000 wearing medical garment 100 in accordance with various embodiments herein. FIG.

11 shows the first lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 positioned at an outward- most configuration. It will be appreciated that first lateral side 114 can be positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended, outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-most configuration depending on the access needs of the physician. Similarly, with respect to the back panel 106, the first lateral side 122 (not shown) can be positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended, outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-most configuration. The waistband 102 of FIG. 11 is shown in an open position. The leg panel 108 is shown as worn on the patient’s left leg.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a schematic view is shown of a patient 1000 wearing medical garment 100 in a reversed configuration in accordance with various embodiments herein. FIG. 12 shows the first lateral side 114 of the front panel 104 positioned at an outward-most configuration. It will be appreciated that first lateral side 114 can be positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended, outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-most configuration depending on the access needs of the physician. Similarly, with respect to the back panel 106, the first lateral side 122 (not shown) can be positioned in any number of positions between a fully extended, outward-most configuration and a fully contracted, inward-most configuration. The waistband 102 of FIG. 12 is shown in an open position. It will be appreciated that the medical garment 100 has been inverted with respect to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, such that the leg panel 108 is shown as worn on the patient’s right leg.

Methods

The medical garments herein can be used to treat a patient during a medical procedure or during recovery from a medical procedure. In some embodiments, a method of treating a patient is provided. The method can include placing a medical garment on a patient to be treated. The medical garment can include a waistband, the waistband having a first end and a second end. The first end of the waistband can include a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone, where the first connection material zone is disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The second end of the waistband can also include a first connection material zone and a second connection material zone, where the first connection material zone is disposed between the first end and the second connection material zone. The first end and the second end of the waistband can overlap to achieve closure of the waistband and can be separated to achieve opening of the waistband.

The medical garment used in the methods herein can include a front panel having a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; and a first lateral side and a second lateral side. In some embodiments, the medical garment used in the methods herein can further include a first tunnel, the waistband passing through the first tunnel. In some embodiments, the medical garment used in the methods herein can further include a second tunnel, the waistband passing through the second tunnel. In some embodiments, the medical garment used in the methods herein can further include a third tunnel, the waistband passing through the third tunnel. The medical garment used in the methods herein can also include a back panel having a top, the top having a width; a bottom, the bottom having a width; a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The medical garment used in the methods herein can also include a leg panel attached the second lateral side of the front panel and the second lateral side of the back panel, where the leg panel defines a leg opening that can be worn on the patient’s left or right leg, depending on the configuration of the medical garment and the needs of the physician during a medical procedure or recovery from a medical procedure. The method can also include sliding a portion of the first tunnel inward over the waistband exposing an area of the patient’s skin.

Medical Garment Material

Medical garments having a front panel, a back panel, and a leg panel in accordance with various embodiments herein can be formed of various types of materials. The medical garments can be formed from soft, moisture wicking fabrics such as synthetic fibers like polyester, polypropylene, and the like. The fabrics used to create the medical garment can be made from woven or non-woven fibers and/or other materials. In some embodiments the fabric can be knitted, but in other embodiments non-knitted. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be made with an additional piece of liner material sewn into the crotch region. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be made of non-latex materials. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be made of non-metallic materials. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be made of any color material.

In some embodiments, the medical garments can be made as a single use, disposable item. However, in other embodiments, it can be a reusable item. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be packaged in an individually wrapped and sealed package. In some embodiments, the medical garment can be individually packaged and sterilized before use.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the medical garments described herein may be covered with various types of coatings. In some

embodiments the coating may be an antimicrobial coating such as MICROBAN® antimicrobial coatings. In some embodiments, the medical garments embodied herein can be coated with any number of flame retardant materials. In some embodiments, the medical garments embodied herein can be coated with a liquid-repellant material. In some embodiments, the medical garments embodied herein can be coated with a material to reduce possible skin irritation.

Waistband

It will be appreciated that the waistbands in accordance with various embodiments herein can encircle the entire circumference of the medical garment. In some embodiments, the waistband can be associated with but not physically connected to the front or back panels of the medical garment, such that it passes freely through the first and second channels of the front and back panels of the medical garment forming a non-anchored loop. In some embodiments, the waistbands can be connected to the first or second panel of the medical garment with a sewn connection point. In some embodiments, the waistbands can be removably connected to the first and second panel through a snap, button, zipper, hook-and-loop, or touch fastener connection point.

Waistbands in accordance with the medical garments embodied herein can be made of various elastomeric materials. In some embodiments, the waistbands can be made of nylon elastomer, polyester elastomer, spandex, elastomer blends, and the like. In some embodiments, the waistband can include polymeric soft loops on the inside and/or outside surfaces of the waistband. Such polymer soft loops can be, for example, those found in hook-and-loop fasteners. One example of a hook-and-loop fasteners that can be used in various embodiments are commercially available under the VELCRO® brand. However, it should be clarified that VELCRO® products typically include one side which contains the loops and another side that contains the hooks. For purposes herein, it is the portion containing the loops that is usefully applied

While not intending to be bound by theory, it has been found that when elastomeric soft loops are disposed on the outside surface of the waistband, they can provide a moderate resistance against the medical garment material to keep the first and second lateral sides of the first tunnel or second tunnel from freely sliding along the waistband during a procedure. As such, the loops can provide a degree of resistance to portions of the lateral sides sliding along the waistband while still allowing for sliding to occur. In some embodiments, the loops have a length of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the loops stick directly outward from the first and second surfaces of the waistband.

In some embodiments, the waistband can form a discontinuous, broken loop about the top of the medical garment and the waistband can be selectively separated to place the waistband in an open position. The waistband can include one or more first and second connection material zones where the waistband can be removably connected to introduce a gap or otherwise open the waistband. In some embodiments, the first and second connection material zones can further include a first connection material and a second connection material, respectively.

In various embodiments, the first connection material adheres to the second connection material, but the first connection material does not adhere to itself and the second connection material does not adhere to itself. The first connection material and the second connection material can be complementary reclosable connection materials, complementary in that they are designed to interface together and adhere to one another.

At least one of the first and second connection materials can be formed of a non-abrasive, non-irritating material to keep the waistband together and to prevent irritation to a patient’s skin during use, regardless of the reversible state of the medical garment. In various embodiments, the first connection material can include a plurality of stiff fibers with a main lengthwise axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the first connection material (e.g., the fibers can stick out from the plane of the material). In various embodiments, the plurality of stiff fibers can include a hook disposed on an outside end thereof. In contrast, in various embodiments, the second connection material can include a plurality of fibers that are less stiff than the fibers of the first connection material. In various embodiments, the second connection material can include a plurality of fibers having a lighter Denier than the fibers of the first connection material. In various embodiments, the fibers of the second connection material can form a plurality of loops that can interface with the hooks of the first connection material. Materials for the first and second connection materials can include, but are not limited to reclosable connection materials that can be opened and closed freely, such as VELCO®, 3M™ DUAL LOCK™, hook-and-loop closures, hooks, loops, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the waistband, even apart from the first end and the second end can include a plurality of loops. Referring now to FIG. 13, a schematic view is shown of a portion of a waistband 102 in accordance with various

embodiments herein. The waistband 102 can include a plurality of loops 1342 (such as polymeric or other fiber loops). Referring now to FIG. 14, a side cross-sectional schematic view is shown of a portion of a waistband 102 in accordance with various embodiments herein. The waistband 102 can include a core material 1450 (such as an elastic fibrous material) and has a first surface 144 and a second surface 146. The loops 1342 can be disposed on the first surface 144, the second surface 146, or both.

In some embodiments, the loops 1342 disposed on the first surface 144 can be larger than the loops 1342 disposed on the second surface 146. In some embodiments, the loops 1342 disposed on the first surface 144 can be smaller than the loops 1342 disposed on the second surface 146. In other embodiments, the loops 1342 disposed on the first surface 144 can be the same size as the loops 1342 disposed on the second surface 146.

In some embodiments, where loops are on both first surface 144 and the second surface 146 of the waistband, the outer and inner loops can be of the same size or can be of different sizes. In some embodiments, loops on the first surface of the waistband can be smaller than loops on the second surface of the waistband. In other embodiments, loops on the first surface of the waistband can be larger than loops on the second surface of the waistband. In some embodiments, loops can be at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 millimeters in height (e.g., in the direction perpendicular from the inner or outer surface of the waistband). In some embodiments, the loop height can be in a range wherein any of the foregoing can serve as the upper or lower bound of the range, provided that the upper bound is larger than the lower bound.

It will be appreciated that the elastomeric waistbands embodied herein can be designed to have substantial dimensional elasticity. The term dimensional elasticity refers to the degree to which a material can stretch in a particular dimension.

Dimensional elasticity herein can be measured by comparing the size of a waistband when no force is applied to the maximum size (fully expanded configuration) the waistband can assume with force applied, but without causing permanent damage. As such, a waistband that is nominally 30 inches with no force applied, but that can reach a maximum size of 60 inches without sustaining permanent damage when force is applied has 100% dimensional elasticity. In some embodiments, the elastomeric waistbands can be designed to have about 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%,

175%, 200%, 225%, 250%, 275%, or 300% dimensional elasticity. In some embodiments, the elastomeric waistbands herein can have a dimensional elasticity in a range wherein any of the forgoing numbers can serve as the upper or lower bound of the range, provided that the upper bound is larger than the lower bound. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the relatively high dimensional elasticity of waistbands facilitates the use of such garments in surgical contexts where movement of the garment by a care provider is highly desirable. The relatively high dimensional elasticity of waistbands herein makes the medical garments herein substantially different than normal garments. In some embodiments, the dimensional elasticity is from about 75% to about 200%.

It will be appreciated that the waistbands embodied herein can be made of woven or non-woven materials. In some embodiments, the waistband can be made of non-latex materials. In some embodiments, the waistband can be made of non- metallic materials. In some embodiments, the waistband can be made of any color material.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the waistbands described herein may be covered with various types of coatings. In some embodiments the coating may be an antimicrobial coating such as MICROBAN® antimicrobial coatings. In some embodiments, the waistbands embodied herein can be coated with any number of flame retardant materials.

Garment Sizing

It will be appreciated that the medical garments described herein can be made to fit a wide range of body types and sizes. For example, the medical garments described herein can be made to accommodate almost any waist size. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist of less than 24 inches. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist of between 24 inches to 30 inches. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist of between 31 inches to 37 inches. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist of between 38 inches to 44 inches. In some embodiments, the medical garments can be sized to fit individuals having a waist of greater than 44 inches.

It will be appreciated that the medical garments embodied herein can be unisex in nature and designed to fit patients of all ages. The medical garments embodied herein can be designed to provide full coverage to the groin or bikini area of a patient undergoing a procedure, while also providing unrestricted access to a physician performing a procedure on that patient.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term“or” is generally employed in its sense including“and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase“configured” describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration. The phrase "configured" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.

The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices. As such, aspects have been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein.