Field of invention

The present invention relates to a garment suitable to be worn by a patient during medical examination and treatment procedures, and in particular, to a medical garment adaptable between a first configuration for pre- and/or post-medical procedure to preserve the modesty of a patient and second configuration to facilitate medical procedures being suitable for use by patients undergoing gynaecological or obstetric examination or procedures.

Background art

Patients undergoing gynaecological or obstetric examination or surgery can frequently find it an embarrassing, demeaning and stressful experience. To prepare for the intimate examination or procedure, patients are usually required to completely remove trousers, underwear and other clothing from their legs, pelvic and inguinal regions. Very occasionally, loose-fitting skirts may be worn, but are required to be lifted significantly to expose the vulva, thus uncovering the patient’s lower legs, thighs and pelvic/groin region. This may create distress for patients who object to gendered clothing or people with cervixes who otherwise identify as male. This exposure may cause the patient to feel uncomfortable, humiliated and self-conscious. The patient may also feel cold. In some cases the patient may have to remove their clothing in a different location to where the examination or procedure is performed. They may then be required to walk or pass through busy hospital corridors when using a single dignity sheet of indiscriminate size that may be inadequate to patient proportions. The dignity sheet requires constant patient attention to limit their risk of exposure. The patient is at risk of a trip hazard if the dignity sheet is entirely or partially dropped. The patient also must retain the hand-held dignity sheet in place whilst elevating themselves significantly onto the examination site. Due to a requirement to hold the dignity sheet in place the patient has limited availability of their hands.

All of these factors contribute to the patient feeling distressed and agitated at the start of the examination or procedure. A distressed patient may be reluctant to allow the gynaecologist, obstetrician or clinician to begin their work, and may also have tightened pelvic floor muscles, making it harder for the medical professional to complete their examination or procedure.

There are a number of medical garments designed for gynaecological or obstetrical use. CN208676407U discloses an examination gown including an outer skirt and attached sanitary pants with a flap which can be opened via a hook & loop fastener to allow access for examination. Although this design limits exposure of intimate areas before and after examination, the patient’s legs are still exposed and they may still feel cold and embarrassed. When opened, the flap exposes a much larger area than may be required for the examination or procedure, which may contribute to patient discomfort. The outer skirt, sanitary pants and flap may also obstruct access, snag instruments or become soiled during the procedure.

CN2715559Y and CN201987665U each disclose a pair of trousers for obstetrics and gynaecology which include an opening in the crotch area. The opening can be covered by a flap which can be fastened using a buckle, zip or similar fastening device. However the opening still exposes a much larger area than may be required for the examination procedure and the flap may snag instruments or become soiled due to the proximity to the examination or treatment area. Furthermore, the patient will likely need assistance to open and close the flap and may therefore feel that they lack control over when the flap will be opened. Likewise a soiled flap, that requires handling by those other than the patient, may lead to further patient embarrassment or discomfort. Patients may also be concerned that the fastening device may fail, and the opening be exposed at an inappropriate time.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a medical garment in the form of trousers for gynaecological or obstetric use having a closable opening which has a size and shape no greater (or not significantly greater) than the size required to safely perform gynaecological or obstetric examinations and procedures. The present invention also seeks to provide a medical garment having an opening that cannot be opened inadvertently (or without the control, knowledge or consent of the patient) and can (in normal use) be opened only when required i.e., immediately before medical examination or procedures.

It is a further specific objective to provide a medical garment adapted to cover the lower half of a patient’s body from the waist down before, during and after medical examination and procedures that may be conveniently interchanged between a first mode (typically used before and after medical examination/procedures) and a second mode (to facilitate medical examination/procedures). It is a further specific objective to provide a garment having an examination window at the gynaecological covering region of the garment (corresponding to a crotch region between the garment legs) that may be reliably and conveniently closed and concealed before and after medical procedures and examination.

The objectives are achieved via a garment having trousers with an examination window at the crotch region that is concealable by at least one flap. In particular, and according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment to be worn by a patient for a medical examination or procedure comprising: trousers having a waistband and first and second trouser legs to cover a patient’s legs, abdomen and buttocks; a slit extending along a crotch of the trousers between the trouser legs, a first end of the slit terminated at an anterior portion of the trousers and a second end of the slit terminated at a posterior portion of the trousers; and at least one flap having an attachment region extending over an upper thigh covering or groin covering region of the first and/or second trouser legs, the flap capable of positioning across an abdominal/pelvic covering region of the trousers to conceal the slit.

Within this specification, reference to the at least one flap being capable of positioning across the abdominal/pelvic covering region of the trousers includes the flap being configured via its shape, dimensions and/or attachment position and configuration to be capable of extending across the pelvic region of a patient from a first side to a second side of the pelvic region.

Preferably, the attachment region extends from a position at or towards the second end of the slit over a lateral part of the abdomen covering region to a hip or waist/flank covering region of the trousers. This advantageously ensures that all or at least a majority of the slit is capable of being covered by the flap. Preferably, the attachment region comprises a seam by which the flap is attached to the trousers. Preferably, the seam comprises a fabric weld, an ultrasonic weld, a heat weld and/or stitching. When the flap is positioned across the abdominal/pelvic covering region of the trousers, the tension created between the flap, attachment region or seam and trousers advantageously creates a pulling effect which biases the slit in a closed position along substantially it’s entire length.

Preferably, the garment comprises a first attachment member provided at or towards a free end of the flap and a second attachment member provided at the trousers. Preferably, the first and second attachment members comprise respective first and second tie cords. Optionally, the first and second attachment members may comprise hook and loop fastenings, hole and button, press-stud, snap fit fastenings, buckle type fastenings, adhesives and the like. Providing fastening members at the hip or waist flank regions to enable the flaps to be rolled, pleated or folded away from the examination opening of the garment is advantageous for a number of reasons including for example: minimising contamination of the examination site from materials, limiting contamination of the examination site from close-contact handling, protecting the intimate area from closure- device injury or inclusion, reducing the risk of acquiring procedure by-products, the visible fastening placement offers patient-assurance, the fastenings optimise patient control as they are within easy reach for patient usage, and the fastenings are accessible readily by medical staff when necessary. A similar advantage of the flap’s ability to be rolled, pleated or folded away from the examination opening, is the tension created around the examination window- allowing the examination window to be opened with less direct touch.

Optionally, the flap and the trousers are non-integrally formed and the flap is attached permanently to the trousers via the attachment region. Optionally, the flap and trousers are integrally formed from the same material where the flap comprises an extension of the garment. Preferably, when the free end of the flap is secured at the hip or waist flank covering region of the trousers, the flap extends diagonally across the abdominal/pelvic covering region. Such an arrangement is advantageous to force the examination window (slit) to close. This is provided specifically as the slit extends generally vertically from the crotch at the anterior covering region of the garment towards the waistband whilst the flap extends diagonally across the slit. For example, the flap may extend from a left upper thigh or groin covering region to a right hip covering or waist flank region. As will be appreciated the alternate right and left configuration is within the scope of the present concept. That is, the general orientation of the flap is transverse (or oblique) relative to an orientation of the slit/examination window.

The crotch may have a width between an end of each trouser leg on an inside thigh region to transversely separate the inside thigh regions from the slit and to define flanks between the slit and each inside thigh portions, with the slit being positioned centrally between the flanks with respect to the width of the crotch. The flanks either side of the slit provide additional material in the crotch region. This further reduces the risk of the slit inadvertently opening prematurely (such as when a patient is walking to or from the examination or procedure room, or as they climb onto or off an examination table). Consequently the patient’s intimate regions are further protected against unnecessary exposure. Preferably the flanks integrally formed within the trousers to blend with the rest of the trousers and avoid a viewer’s attention being drawn unnecessarily to the pelvic/abdomen region.

Preferably, the garment comprises a plurality of flaps and in particular preferably two flaps, each having respective attachment regions extending laterally outward from a position at or towards the second end of the slit and over each respective upper thigh covering or groin covering regions of each respective trouser leg. Preferably, each of the flaps extend diagonally across the pelvic/abdomen covering region of the garment so as to be aligned transverse to the slit at the anterior region as described herein. Preferably, each flap extends oppositely across the pelvic/abdomen covering region of the garment so as to form a crossed dual layer over the pelvic/abdomen covering region. This is effective to pull closed the slit both from the right and left lateral sides of the slit thereby forcing closure of the slit via a reliable and secure mechanism. The present configuration also facilitates medical examination via the slit and flap arrangement to enable full examination of vulva, perineum and other gynaecological organs of a patient without obstruction. Additionally the present garment does not interfere with medical entry/access, provides a discreet opening with neutral, non-suggestive shape, safeguards patient privacy by employing the smallest workable opening and puts a patient at ease to enable the patient to relax pelvic muscles and improve gynaecological access.

Preferably, the garment comprises at least a pair of second attachment members. Preferably, the second attachment members comprise a first tie cord attached or provided at a lateral side (hip flank region) of waistband. Preferably, the second attachment members comprise a second tie cord provided at or on the waistband that extends at least partially around a waistband of the trousers. Preferably a first end of the second tie cord is fixed/anchored at an anterior region of the waistband, and the second tie cord extends around a posterior portion of the waistband from one flank or hip covering region to the alternative flank or hip covering region. Preferably, a free end of the second tie cord is provided at or proximate to a hip covering region of the garment or waistband. Optionally, the second tie cord may be located within a seam or folded region of the waistband so as to be at least partially concealed and to emerge from the fold or seam at one flank side or hip covering region of the garment. The benefit of utilising two separate tie cords provided at the waistband is that in the event of one tie cord failing, the other tie cord remains unaffected.

The dual flap configuration is advantageous for a number of reasons including in particular: provides twice the protection from unintentional exposure, provides an easy-to- use flap fold mechanism to store the flaps away from the medical site (procedure window), provides a simplistic covering that is quick for patients and staff to interchange between modes (1. pre-/post- exam or procedure and 2. during exam or procedure), safeguarding medical staff by eliminating skin-to-skin contact by medical staff with patient intimate areas.

Preferably, the trousers and the at least one flap comprise a laminate non-woven fabric. Preferably, the laminate non-woven fabric is a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) material. Preferably, the laminate non-woven fabric comprises a biodegradable and/or recyclable material. The present fabric is preferably single use and is capable of being cut in case of medical emergency.

Preferably, with the respective free ends of the flaps secured via the first and second attachment members, each flap extends diagonally over the abdomen covering portion and each flap conceals the slit.

Optionally, relative to a total crotch length extending between a front centre point of the waistband and a rear centre point of the waistband, a length of the slit is in a region 25% to 50%, 25% to 45% or 26% to 40% of the total crotch length.

Optionally, relative to a crotch depth defined as a distance between the front ( i.e . anterior) centre point of the waistband and a mid-under crotch point, the slit extends within a lower anterior region of the crotch depth over a distance being 40% to 60% of the total crotch depth. Optionally, relative to a crotch depth defined as a distance between the rear (i.e. posterior) centre point of the waistband and a mid-under crotch point, the slit extends within a lower posterior region of the crotch depth over a distance being 15% to 35% of the total crotch depth.

Optionally, 65% to 80% of the slit extends at the anterior crotch depth and 35% to 20% of the slit extends at the posterior crotch depth.

Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a garment to be worn by a patient for a medical examination or procedure comprising: trousers having a waistband and first and second trouser legs to cover a patient’s legs, abdomen and buttocks; a slit extending along a crotch of the trousers between the trouser legs, a first end of the slit terminated at an anterior portion of the trousers and a second end of the slit terminated at a posterior portion of the trousers; and two or more flaps each capable of extending diagonally across the pelvic/abdomen covering region of the garment so as to be aligned transverse to the slit and to form a crossed dual layer over the pelvic/abdomen covering to conceal the slit. This is effective to pull closed the slit both from the right and left lateral sides of the slit thereby forcing closure of the slit via a reliable and secure mechanism.

Brief description of drawings

A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of medical trousers to be worn by a patient for a medical examination or procedure according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2A is a front view of the garment of figure 1 with the flaps in an open position;

Figure 2B is a front view of a pelvic/abdominal covering region of the garment of figure 1 with the flaps in a closed position; Figure 3 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the garment of figure 1 worn by a patient;

Figure 4 is a further side partial cross-sectional view of the garment of figure 1 worn by a patient;

Figure 5 is a further side partial cross-sectional view of the garment of figure 1 worn by a patient;

Figure 6 is a front view of a pelvic/abdominal covering region of medical trousers to be worn by a patient for a medical examination or procedure according to a second specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention

Referring to figure 1, a garment 10, to be worn by a patient for medical examination or other procedure, comprises generally a pair of trousers having a left leg 11 and right leg 12 and; a pair of flaps 23 a, 23b capable of being releasably tethered to extend diagonally across a pelvic/abdomen region 15 (figure 3) of a patient 30 (figure 3) and an elongate examination window (alternatively termed an opening), in the form of an elongate slit 22 being curved in its lengthwise direction. Slit 22 extends from an anterior of trousers 10 to a posterior along a crotch portion of garment 10 (between legs 11 and 12). As detailed further referring to figure 4, a majority of slit 22 extends at the garment anterior relative to the posterior. Slit 22 extends continuously from a first anterior terminal end 22a to a second posterior terminal end 22b (figure 4) in a direction and alignment extending between the legs from a central front waist position A towards a central-rear waist position B (figure 2A). Garment 10 is configured such that flaps 23a, 23b extend diagonally across abdomen 15 of a patient 30 and in particular an abdomen covering portion 15a of garment 10

Garment 10 is formed exclusively or almost exclusively from a non-woven biodegradable and/or recyclable material. Preferably, garment 10 comprises a laminate fabric structure. An example laminate non-woven fabric suitable for the present garment 10 is a spunbond- meltblown-spunbond (SMS) material. Such fabric is conventional within the medical sector for use as medical garments associated with surgical procedures and examinations. Preferably, the garment trousers and the flaps are formed from the same SMS material. In a preferred embodiment, slit 22 is simply cut into the fabric material. In particular, the region of garment 10 immediately adjacent and surrounding slit 22 is devoid of closure members or other fastenings such as Velcro™ (hook and loop fastenings), zips, buttons, press studs, snap fit fastenings and the like. Such a configuration is advantageous to avoid obscuring and/or restricting full and unobstructed opening of the examination window 22 when worn by a patient in a position where a patient’s legs (within trouser legs 11 and 12) are separated to enable medical examination of or treatments to the gynaecological anatomy.

Each of the flaps 23 a, 23b are permanently attached to the anterior of garment 10 via respective seams 18. In a preferred embodiment, seams 18 are formed from ultra-sonic or heat welding of the SMS material which is advantageous to avoid stitching that may distort or pull the garment 10 during the surgical procedure/examination which may otherwise cause discomfort or restrict access the gynaecological region via the window 22. Each seam 18 extends from a position at or near the posterior terminal end 22b of the slit 22 laterally outward and upward at the garment anterior over an upper thigh covering or groin covering region 17 towards and over a hip or waist flank covering region 16. Each flap 23a, 23b comprises a generally triangular shape profile in which a base region of the triangle is attached to the garment trousers via seam 18 whilst free ends 28 (of flaps 23a, 23b) are securable in releasable fixed position at the respective left- and right-side hip or waist flank covering regions 16. In particular, each flap 23a, 23b via the respective free ends 28 may be secured to the trousers by respective first and second attachment means in which a first attachment member 19 is formed as a short cord or strap extending from free end 28 and a second attachment member 20 is also formed as short cord or strap and attached to a waistband region 34 of garment 10 with straps 19, 20 being securable together via a knot or other releasable fastening. In particular, the free end 28 of the first flap 23a may be secured to the trousers by first and second attachment members 19, 20.

The first attachment member 19 is formed as a short cord or strap extending from the free end 28 of the first flap 23a, and the second attachment member 20 is formed as a cord or strap attached to a waistband region 34 of the garment 10. The free end of the second flap 23b may be secured to the trousers by third and fourth attachment members 39, 40. The third attachment member 39 is formed as a short cord or strap extending from the second flap 23b, and the fourth attachment member 40 is formed as a short cord or strap attached to the waistband region 34 of the garment 10.

Garment 10 comprises a respective annular seam 25 extending circumferentially around each leg 11, 12 at a thigh covering portion 35 of each leg 11, 12. Seam 25 is advantageous to deflect or redirect the attention of a viewer of the garment 10 and minimise any attention drawn to the pelvic/abdomen region of the garment 10 including in particular flaps 23a,

23b and examination window 22.

Referring to figure 2 A, each flap 23a, 23b may be interchanged between a slit closed and concealing configuration (of figure 1) and an open folded configuration (of figure 2A). In the open configuration, a majority of the main body and material of each flap 23a, 23b is folded or pleated to form a roll or pleated fold 24 so as to expose slit 22 and abdomen covering portion 15a of garment 10 (that covers the abdomen 15 of patient 30). In the rolled configuration, each flap 23 a, 23b may be secured in position via coupling of the respective first and second attachment members 19, 20 via knot 21. In this configuration, slit 22 is fully exposed and is not obstructed or in any way concealed by flap 23a, 23b that extends laterally outward and upward from a position at or approaching the posterior terminal end 22b of the slit 22 and the crotch 14.

Referring to figure 2B, each flap (referring to flap 23a as an example) comprises a base edge 26 permanently secured at garment 10 via seam 18. Edge 26 extends from a position at or approaching the posterior terminal end 22b of the slit 22 to the hip or waist flank covering region 16 (in close proximity to waistband 13). Each flap 23a, 23b comprises an upper edge 27 extending from seam 18 to flap free end 28. A corresponding lower edge 29 extends from seam 18 (from a position at or approaching and the posterior terminal end 22b of the slit 22) to the flap free end 28. Such an arrangement is advantageous to close the slit 22 when the flaps extend across the abdomen region and are secured via the various attachment members. Upper and lower edges 27, 29 converge in their respective lengthwise directions from base edge 26 to free end 28 such that a width of each flap 23a, 23b tapers/reduces from seam 18 to free end 28. Advantageously, with each flap 23a, 23b secured at the waistband 13 via attachment members 19, 20, the flaps 23a, 23b function to conceal completely the slit 22. By providing two independently securable flaps 23a, 23b, a patient is provided with reassurance that opening 22 is dual-concealed in which second flap 23b provides a concealing redundancy should attachment of first flap 23 a fail or become loose. Advantageously, the orientation of seam 18 extending laterally outward and upward from a position at or near the posterior terminal end 22b of the slit 22 and the crotch 14 (and over the upper thigh covering or groin covering region 17 of garment 10) to the hip or waist flank covering region 16, provides that each flap 23a, 23b is capable of extending diagonally across abdomen 15 (to be securable at the region of waistband 13). Such a configuration functions to reliably and completely conceal and/or close opening 22. Garment 10 may further comprise an inner layer of material provided at an underside of the pelvic/abdomen covering portion 15a with such a layer being formed from a higher comfort material such as a cotton or the like.

Referring to figure 3, with garment 10 worn by a patient 30, garment 10 is configured to cover waist, abdomen, groin, hip, buttocks, crotch, thigh and the lower leg of a patient’s body. In particular, garment 10 comprises a continuous waistband to extend circumferentially around a patient waist. In a preferred embodiment, the second attachment member 20 is formed as a waistband cord that extends from a position 20c (that is fixed/anchored to the waistband 13 at or towards an anterior central point), around a posterior region of the waistband to the cord free end 20a positioned at the opposing lateral hip or waist flank covering region 16. The fourth attachment member 40 is fixed directly to the waistband 13 at the respective flank/hip region, preferably by an ultrasonic weld or stitch in the flank/hip region of waistband 13. This advantageously allows more specific control over the relaxation of waistband 13 from a single location site and more immediate tension during the fastening process. In particular, by pulling the second attachment member 20 and then engaging and tying with the flap attachment member 19, the waistband may be drawn-in to tighten around the waist if needed. The second attachment member 20 cord or strap may be elasticated but is preferably formed from the same type of SMS material that forms all or the majority of garment 10.

In certain embodiments the waistband me be elasticated independently of the attachment members. As indicated, garment 10 comprises a crotch covering portion 33 extending between an anterior covering portion 31 and a posterior covering portion 32. For the purposes of definitions used herein, garment 10 comprises a mid-under crotch point or region C positioned at a mid-point between the anterior and posterior covering portions 31, 32. The mid-under crotch point C represents the point or region of the crotch furthest from an uppermost region of waistband 13. Referring to figure 5, and for the purposes of definitions used herein, a total crotch length, consistent with conventional garment design and fabrication, extends between points A and B (corresponding to the anterior centre point and posterior centre point respectively of waistband 13, where points A and B are positioned along an uppermost edge of the waistband 13, i.e. an edge furthest from the crotch 14). That is, the full crotch length extends from point A vertically down the abdomen 15 under the crotch 14 and vertically upward over the buttocks to point B. Referring to figure 4, slit 22 extends in the lower region of the crotch length from anterior terminal end 22a at anterior position D to the second terminal end 22b at posterior position E via crotch portion 22c. Specific to the preferred embodiment, relative to a 100% of the crotch length (between points A and B), the slit (examination window or opening) 22 extends in the region 20% to 40% or more preferably 30% to 36% of the total crotch length. Slit 22 extends predominantly at the anterior covering portion 31 relative to the posterior covering portion 32. According to a preferred embodiment, 65% to 80% of slit 22 to extends along the anterior crotch depth between points C and D whilst 20% to 35% of slit 22 extends at the posterior covering portion 32 between points C and E.

The slit 22 extends along a total of between 20% and 35 % of the posterior half of the total crotch length measured between points C and B. The slit 22 extends along a total of between 45% and 55% of the anterior half of the total crotch length measured between points C and A.

Referring to figures 1 to 5, the present garment 10 is advantageous to provide a secure, reliable and convenient to use medical garment that in a first mode is configured to provide concealment, comfort, improved hygiene and security for a patient before, during and after medical examination and procedures whilst in a second mode is configured to enable the unobstructed examination of the gynaecological anatomy while still covering the abdomen and legs of a patient. Such a configuration is provided via the type and configuration of opening 22 and flaps 23a, 23b. In particular, by providing opening 22 in the form of a simple elongate slit, without obstruction from fastenings, seams, stitching or the like, that is concealable easily and reliably by a dual covering flap arrangement, an effective medical garment is provided.

Via the use of a biodegradable and recyclable material composition (optionally formed from spunbond polypropylene), the garment is soft, strong, lightweight, breathable, antistatic and exhibits fluid repellence (blood, water and alcohol). Garment 10 is further effective to provide a particulate and bacterial barrier during and after examination and medical procedures. Preferably, the garment is non-restrictive for leg input and during removal and comprises a straight or loose fit configuration. Optionally, legs 11, 12 may be fixed length or adjustable via seams, perforations or folds to suit specific patient leg lengths. The present garment is advantageous to cover the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and lower leg regions of a patient during medical examination/procedures.

Referring now to Figure 6, an alternative garment 50 according to the present invention is shown. The garment 50 is similar in construction to the garment 10 and has broadly similar features including legs 11, 12, slit 22 and flaps 23a, 23b. Each leg 11, 12 has an inside thigh portion 11a, 12a which extends downwardly from an inside end point 42, 41 of each leg 11, 12. The crotch 14 has a width between the inside end points 42, 41 of the legs 11, 12. The slit 22 is provided approximately centrally within the crotch 14 between the inside end points 42, 41. The crotch 14 therefore includes flanks 14a, 14b either side of the slit 22 which extend between the edges of the slit 43, 44 and the end points 41, 42. This widening and provision of flanks of material in the crotch region reduces the risk of the slit inadvertently opening prematurely when a patient is walking to or from the examination or procedure room, or as they climb onto or off an examination table. This provides extra protection against unwanted and unnecessary exposure. The flanks are formed integrally with the material of the trousers to blend with the rest of the trousers and avoid a viewer’s attention being drawn unnecessarily to a patient’s pelvic/abdomen region.