GB2621661A

GB2621661A - Healthcare garment

Info

Publication number: GB2621661A
Application number: GB2307048.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Checketts Danielle
Original assignee: Warwick Med Ltd
Current assignee: Warwick Med Ltd
Priority date: 2022-08-15
Filing date: 2023-05-11
Publication date: 2024-02-21
Also published as: GB202307048D0; GB202211924D0

Abstract

A garment 10 for use in healthcare settings having an attachable badge 30, the garment being formed of fabric and having a first arrangement of fastener elements 22a,22b, the badge being of card material and being provided with a second set of fastener elements 44a,44b; the fastener elements being stud fasteners and the badge being removably attachable to the garment. Preferably the badge comprises a surface layer free from visible subcomponents of the fastener elements, and may be formed from a material such as plastic sheet, metal sheet, moulded nylon or silicone. The badge may have a wipe clean surface for labelling, or may be pre printed with a label. The garment is preferably a theatre hat or surgical cap. This allows a badge to be provided for personalisation of the garment, while the garment may be processed centrally, without the badge, for laundering and disinfection.

Description

HEALTHCARE GARMENT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to professional work uniforms for health care workers, in particular, to head coverings such as hats and caps worn in a surgical setting. More specifically, the invention relates to a head covering with a removably attachable and replaceable badge.

BACKGROUND

Professional work clothes worn by surgical staff, known as scrubs, must satisfy several requirements. Typically, they must be suitable for use in surgical operation rooms (also called theatre), must withstand repeated high-temperature washing, fit comfortably while being worn for prolonged periods of time, and should fit wearers of different sizes.

Similar requirements apply to head coverings used in a surgical setting.

There is an increased awareness of issues such as sustainability, infection control, and cultural sensitivity, leading to a need for more versatile garments that are reusable, while still meeting safety standards.

As surgical procedures evolve, procedures may require multiple specialists to be present in a surgical setting. In addition, certain procedures can be carried out in the presence of visitors such as students and/or relatives It is not uncommon for many people, sometimes more than ten, to be present in a theatre during a procedure, who are required to wear protective clothing. When fully "scrubbed-up", most of a wearer's body is covered in protective garments, including the mouth, nose, and head regions, with sometimes only their eyes visible. With many portions of a wearer's face concealed, this can lead to communication problems within the theatre setting. For instance, anecdotal evidence suggests that it is not uncommon for a non-qualified visitor or relative to be asked to perform certain tasks, instead of the appropriate professional.

US2020/0404997A1 discloses a headwear item such as a cap comprising attachment points for attachment of a patch or other accessories for customisation.

US2020/0329799A1 discloses a cap to which one or more items such as an interchangeable logo, design or prop may be attached externally.

US5276985 discloses a plaque attachment for a cap, the plaque being of two-segment form, each segment to be attached to a visor and crown portion of a visored cap, wherein the two segments are connected by a hinge. When the two segments are appropriately attached to the crown portion and to the visor, this allows the plaque to be folded up to thereby attach the visor to the crown portion.

DE10204778A1 discloses a cap comprising an attachment for a rigid advertisement carrier.

CN214127151U discloses a nurse uniform piece provided with an identification card that is to be attached via a transparent sleeve through which the identification card can be displayed Rigid badge attachments in the form of plates or sleeves for an insert have been found to be uncomfortable to a wearer and to interfere with the practical day-to-day handling of a headwear item used in a clinical setting.

The present invention seeks to address at least some of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment for use in care and healthcare settings, the garment comprising an attachable badge, as defined in claim 1, the garment being of fabric material form and provided with a first arrangement of fastener elements, the badge being made from a flexible, wipeable material and being provided with a second arrangement of fastener elements, wherein the fastener elements are constituted by complementary popper button elements, the badge being removably attachable to the garment by engagement of the first arrangement of fastener elements with the second arrangement of fastener elements.

In some embodiments, one or more fastener elements of the first arrangement are mechanically fixed to the garment. The first arrangement of fastener elements may extend through a thickness of the garment or one or more fabric layers thereof. Alternatively, or in addition, the first arrangement of fastener elements may be stitched to the garment.

In some embodiments, one or more fastener elements of the first arrangement comprise at least two subcomponents that engage one or more fabric layers of the garment from two sides thereof, and extend through the thickness of the one or more fabric layers to form a mechanical connection to anchor the one or more fastener elements to the garment.

In some embodiments, one or more subcomponents of the first arrangement are affixed by stitching through one or more fabric layers of the garment.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second arrangements of fastener elements are made of plastic, metal, moulded nylon or silicone, or a combination of two or more such materials.

In some embodiments, one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement of fastener elements are mechanically fixed through a thickness of one or more layers of the flexible material of the badge.

In some embodiments, one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement comprise at least two subcomponents that engage one or more layers of the material of the badge from two sides thereof, and extend through the thickness of the one or more layers to form a mechanical connection to anchor the one or more fastener elements to the badge.

Each fastener element may comprise two (or more) subcomponents that engage one or more layers of a badge, or one or more layers of garment fabric, from two sides, for example from opposite sides, and thereby connect through the thickness of a badge or layer thereof, or through the thickness of a garment fabric or layer thereof, to form a mechanical connection, thus anchoring the fastener element in place on the badge or garment.

In some embodiments, one or more subcomponents of the second arrangement of fastener elements are affixed by adhesive to one or more layers of the material of the badge.

One or more fastener elements may be affixed to the badge using an adhesive. The adhesive may be a binder material fusing the one or more fastener elements to the badge. The faster elements may comprise one or more subcomponents that engage through an opening of the badge, retained by a lip structure, the lip structure providing an adhesive contact surface to affix the fastener elements to the badge.

In some embodiments, the badge comprises a single layer of the material, and one or more fasteners of the second arrangement are fixed through the single layer.

In some embodiments, the badge comprises two or more layer layers, and one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement are fixed through one or more of the layers.

In this manner, the fastener elements may be securely anchored through the thickness of one or more layers, while the badge may comprise one badge surface without components of a fastener element.

In some embodiments, the badge comprises fabric material.

For instance, the fabric material may be a fabric made from synthetic material, such as polymer fibres. An examplary fabric material is polyester or polyethylene (PE) fabric material or polypropylene fabric material. The fabric material may be woven from synthetic fibres. Fabric materials of this type may provide relatively light-weight, thin layers. In this manner, the badge may have a weight, including fastener elements, of no more than 5g, 4g, 3g, 2g, or no more than 1g.

The fabric material may be impregnated or otherwise coated with a wipe-clean coating. For instance, the wipe-clean coating may effectively seal the woven structure of the fabric material, to prevent the absorption of liquids into the fabric. The surface properties of the badge are preferably water repellent, so as to facilitate the removal of liquids, specifically blood, to which it may be exposed in a clinical setting. The surface of the badge may be sealed so as to prevent it from soaking up water and other liquids.

In this manner, the fabric material may be suitable for several hundred disinfection cycles, and/or several hundred machine washing cycles.

It will be appreciated that both faces (front and rear) of the badge are provided with a wipeable surface. One or both surfaces may be provided with a coating or backing layer. For instance, in one embodiment, the badge is made from a synthetic fabric material and one or both sides are provided with a polyurethane surface layer. In one embodiment, only one side is provided with a polyurethane surface layer. The one or both polyurethane layers may be practically unitary with the fabric layer underneath. In this manner, the badge may be both flexible and wipeable, yet sufficiently durable to survive several hundred attachment/detachment cycles.

In some embodiments, one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement are integral with the material of the badge, thereby forming a unitary component comprising integral fastener components.

In some embodiments, the badge is removably attachable to the garment by manual engagement of the first arrangement of fastener elements with the second arrangement of fastener elements.

In some embodiments, the garment comprises a fabric material exhibiting flexibility that requires the fabric material to be held taut to facilitate removal of the badge from the first arrangement of fastener elements.

The first arrangement of fastener elements is located so as to affix the badge on an outward-facing side of the garment.

In some embodiments, the first arrangement of fastener elements comprises at least two fastener elements. In some embodiments, the second arrangement of fastener elements comprises at least two fastener elements. This can help to prevent rotation of the badge in use. The first arrangement and/or the second arrangement may comprise at least three or at least four fastener elements.

In some embodiments, the fastener elements of the first arrangement are arranged in locations complementary to the fastener elements of the second arrangement. In some embodiments, the first and second arrangements of fastener elements are arranged symmetrically relative to an axis of symmetry of the badge. Alternatively, the first and second arrangements of fastener elements may be arranged asymmetrically relative to an axis of symmetry of the badge. This can help to ensure that the badge is being attached in a predefined orientation.

In some embodiments, the badge is made of a thin plastic sheet, thin metal sheet, moulded nylon or silicone, or other suitable material. The badge may measure at least 5cm wide by 3cm high. The badge may be no larger than standard credit card size (approximately 8.5 cm wide by 5.4 cm high, and 0.16 cm thick), however it will be understood that the invention is not necessarily so limited. In some embodiments, the badge may be somewhat larger than standard credit card size, such as approximately 9 cm wide by 6.5 cm high. The badge may have a thickness of no more than 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.3 cm, 0.4 cm, or 0.5 cm. The badge may be of a substantially rectangular, oblong or obround shape. The corners of the badge may be square cut, tapered, or radiused (curved).

The first and second arrangements of fastener elements may be made of plastic, metal, moulded nylon or silicone, or other suitable materials, as well as a combination of two or more such materials. In some embodiments, the second arrangement of fastener elements is integral to the material of the badge. For instance, the badge may be a unitary component comprising integral fastener components, such as protrusions, to provide a stud structure.

The badge may be pre-printed with the appropriate labelling, such as a name of an individual and/or a role. Alternatively, or in addition, the badge may comprise a wipe-clean surface portion suitable for felt-tip labelling. The badge may comprise an indicator of a labelling area. The badge may be pre-printed with identifier terms such as "name" and/or "role", to be filled in by a user using a wipe-clean pen or the like.

In some embodiments, the garment is a head covering for the healthcare or care provider setting. For instance, the garment may be a theatre cap or a surgical cap. In embodiments, the garment comprises a plain (flat) surface area, with the first arrangement of fastener elements located on the plain surface area to allow the badge to be removably affixed to the plain surface area. The plain surface area may be located at a front portion of the theatre cap. Alternatively, or additionally, the plain surface area may be located at a side or a rear portion of the theatre cap.

The first arrangement of fastener elements may be attached at the front of the cap at a sufficient distance from a lower edge of the cap such that when the badge is attached to the cap in use, the badge is located above the wearer's eyes, such as on or above the forehead area. The lower edge of the cap is adjacent to the opening of the cap.

The first arrangement of fastener elements may be located at least 4cm, 5cm, or at least 6cm, from the lower edge of the cap.

The front portion of the cap typically comprises a wider flatter surface compared to the rear portion of the cap. The front, or other, portion of the cap may also comprise embroidery specifying an individual's name and position and/or the name/logo of an institution.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination set out above, or in the following description or drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an outer surface of a prototype theatre cap according to embodiments of the present invention, as viewed from the front; Figure 2 shows a close-up view of an inner surface of the Figure 1 theatre cap; Figure 3 shows a top view of the Figure 1 theatre cap; Figure 4 shows front and rear views of a badge variant; Figure 4A shows a front view of another badge variant; Figure 4B shows a rear view of the Figure 4A badge variant; Figure 5 shows a badge partially attached to a theatre cap; Figure 6 shows a badge partially attached to a theatre cap from a different perspective; Figure 7 shows a theatre cap with attached badge; Figures 8A and 8B show both the same theatre cap with different badges attached thereto; Figures 9 and 10 each show a flexible badge partially attached to a cap; and Figures 11 and 12 each show different views of a flexible badge attached to a cap.

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a reusable theatre cap (here: a bandana-style theatre cap) constituting a garment. The cap 10 as shown herein comprises embroidery 11 specifying an individual's name and position. It will be appreciated that the embroidery 11 is optional and may not be present in all embodiments. While different styles of caps are in common use, many styles are characterised by a tie or elastic at the back, whereby a front portion 12 is characterised by a plain fabric area (the plain fabric also providing an area for optional embroidery), providing, in use, an outer surface 13 just above eye-line. The cap 10 comprises a lower edge 16 below the plain fabric area of the front portion 12. The lower edge 16 may define the edge of the cap 10 when worn, however, in some head garments such as bandanas the lower edge 16 can be folded up or rolled up. It will be appreciated that the embroidery 11 is located sufficiently high on the front portion 12 so as not to be concealed by the lower edge 16, but no higher than necessary to face forward towards a person opposite the wearer. As such, the front portion 12 is above the eyes of the wearer, so that a patient can see the name/position regardless of their body position or posture, for example when they are lying down and looking up at the wearer.

Garments of this type are often reusable garments, thus requiring them to be regularly washed, preferably after every single use, to reduce a risk of cross-contamination. It has been observed that, when provided with embroidered caps, staff often either take personalised embroidered caps home to wash or leave them at the hospital to be laundered centrally (sometimes offsite with garments from other institutions), in which case these can be lost.

Attempts have been made to provide more generic embroidering, for example with the name/logo of a hospital or other relevant institution. However, these do not address the issue of lack of personalisation.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, showing different views of the cap 10, and Figure 4 showing exemplary badges 30, Figure 1 shows the theatre cap 10 comprising a first arrangement of cap fastener elements 20 (here: two cap fastener elements 20a and 20b, fixed to the cap 10, co-operable with a complementary set of badge fastener elements 40 (not shown in Figure 1, see Figure 4) anchored to a badge 30, as described below.

The cap fastener elements 20 are snap fasteners, also known as snap poppers or popper buttons. The fastener elements 20 are mechanically, and for practical purposes, permanently fixed to the cap 10. The fastener elements 20 extend fully through the fabric of the cap 10, as indicated by visible fastener element components 20a, 20b in Figure 1 and inner sides of the fastener element components 24a, 24b in Figure 2. In this embodiment, there are two cap fastener elements 20a, 20b, linearly spaced apart, with the midpoint substantially coinciding with the front centreline of the cap 10 (as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 1). It will be appreciated that the front centre of the cap 10 is typically opposite the rear tie or elastic, and typically characterised by a plain fabric area. The cap fastener elements 20 are spaced On use: vertically) above the lower edge 16 of the cap 10, such that in use a badge 30 affixed to the cap 10 will sit above, or only partially overlap with, the lower edge 16 of the cap 10.

Figure 1 shows the outward-facing side 22a, 22b of the cap fastener elements 20a, 20b, respectively, located on the outer surface 13 of the cap 10, whilst Figure 2 shows the inward-facing sides 24a, 24b, respectively, of the cap fastener elements 20a, 20b, located on an inner surface 14 of the cap 10. Notably, the inward-facing sides 24a, 24b of the cap fastener elements 20 have a substantially flat profile. In this manner, they do not exhibit protrusions or other features that can otherwise press on the wearer's forehead during use. Preferably, the cap fastener elements 20 are located at a sufficient distance from (when worn, above) the lower edge 16 of the cap 10, such as no less than 2 cm, 3 cm, or 4 cm. In this manner, the inward-facing side 24a, 24b of the cap fastener elements 20 is less likely to come into direct contact with a wearer's skin during use, although it will be appreciated the exact location can vary depending on cap style and head size.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the cap 10, partially folded to show the front portion 12.

The embroidery 11 and cap fastener elements 20 are located on the front portion 12 of the cap 10 to sit above a wearer's eyes when the cap is worn. In the present example, the cap 10 is a bandana-style garment comprising two lengths of fabric 18a, 18b constituting ties, and an elastic portion 19. Other caps styles may comprise only an elastic portion 19 or only ties, or other size-adjustment means. Figure 3 illustrates a wider, generally featureless, surface at the front portion 12 of the cap 10, constituting a plain area.

Figure 4 shows three badges 30, i.e., a first badge 30a, a second badge 30b, and a third badge 30c, each of which can be used with a garment of the invention. Two badges 30a, 30b are oriented to show the outward-facing (for example, patient-facing) side 31a, 31b, respectively, and one badge 30c is oriented to show the inward-facing (i.e. garment-facing) side 32. Figures 4A and 4B show the front and rear of a badge 30d that may be used with a garment of the invention. Figure 4A shows the outward-facing (e.g., patient-facing) side 31d. Figure 4B shows the inward-facing (e.g., garment-facing) side 32d.

Each badge 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d is provided with badge fastener elements 40, whereby each badge 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d (collectively referenced as badge 30) can be removably attached to the corresponding cap fastener elements 20 of the cap 10. The badges 30 are made from a solid, flexible material, such as plastic sheet, metal sheet, moulded nylon, silicone, or the like. The badge 30d is made from a polyester fabric material that is surface treated with a polyurethane coating to provide a wipeable surface.

The badges 30 shown in Figure 4 are 5cm wide by 3cm high, and the badge shown in Figures 4A and 4B is 6cm wide by 3cm high, but it will be appreciated that the badge can be made to any other length/height depending on the garment it is to be attached to. It is envisaged that the badge 30 may be around standard credit card size (approximately 8.5cm wide by 5.4cm high, and 0.16cm thick), but preferably it is no more than 9.5 cm, 9.2 cm, 8.9 cm, 8.6 cm, or 8.5 cm wide, no more than 6 cm, 5.8 cm, 5.6 cm, or 5.4 cm high, and no more than 4 mm, 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, or 1.5 mm thick. A substantially rectangular shape is believed to be suitable for attaching to the flatter front portion of a theatre cap. The corners of the badge can be square cut, tapered, or radiused (curved). For instance, as shown in as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the badge 30d is contour cut from a synthetic fabric material and has rounded edges.

The badge 30 comprises an outward-facing surface 31a, 31b which may be pre-printed with an individual's name and position, such is illustrated by the first badge 30a and the badge 30d. The outward-facing surface 31a, 31b, 31d may comprise or be constituted by a blank area, such is illustrated by the second badge 30b. The blank area may be suitable for a temporary visitor such as a relative, student, or other visitors, to write their name and/or role on the badge with a wipe-clean pen, such as a felt-tip pen. In embodiments, the badge 30 may be pre-printed with indicators such as "name" and "role" or 'position" to indicate the purpose of the blank area.

The material is wipeable and suitable for repeated disinfection, so that the badge 30 can be reused, either by the same person or by different users. Both surfaces of the badge are wipeable, e.g. both the outward-facing side 31a, 31b, 31d and the inward facing side 32, 32d are sufficiently smooth or coated so as to be wipeable, to allow them to be cleaned regularly after use in a surgical setting.

The badges 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d (collectively referenced as badge 30) are provided with badge fastener elements 40 constituting a second arrangement of badge fastener elements 40, here: two badge fastener elements 40a, 40b. The two badge fastener elements 40a, 40b are linearly spaced apart, with the fastener elements 40a, 40b being positioned at opposite short ends of their respective badges 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. The distance between the badge fastener elements 40a, 40b, is substantially the same as the distance between cap fastener elements 20a, 20b, to allow the two complementary fastener elements 20a and 40a, and 20b and 40b, to align and connect as described in more detail below. Because the badge 30 is made of a flexible material and the cap is made of a fabric with an inherent level of flexibility, the cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40 do not necessarily need to align perfectly. It has been found that the cap 10 or the badge 30 can be manipulated, for example by bending or rolling the flexible badge material, and/or stretching and twisting the garment fabric material, to bring the cap fastener elements 20 and the badge fastener elements 40 into alignment before applying a mating pressure to pop/fasten the buttons together.

It was a discovery during the development of the prototypes that the fabric material of the cap 10 and the card material or flexible material of the badge 30 do not require exact alignment, due to a degree of flexibility exhibited by the badge material and the cap's fabric material. To provide an illustration, the cap fastener elements 40 of the badge 30 can be spaced a little narrower or wider, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm wider than the cap fastener elements 20 of the cap 10. In that case, despite a degree of misalignment, the badge 30 is able to bend, and/or the fabric material surrounding the cap fastener elements 20 is able to yield or stretch, thereby tilting the cap fastener elements 20, resulting in a tight and secure connection between the complementary cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40. In this manner, the badge 30 is permitted to deform by a small amount, or flex, however this was found in tests not to affect the comfort of the wearer or readability of the badge information. Indeed, due to the relatively low weight, the presence or absence of a badge 30 is practically not noticed by a wearer.

It was an appreciation underlying the present invention that a misalignment can be tolerated without this affecting the utility of a replacement badge 30. For instance, Figure 4B shows flexible areas 33 of a synthetic fabric material badge 30d that has been slightly deformed, without this affecting the utility of the badge 30d for repeated use. As such, different badges can be used with a multi-point popper button connection with fastener elements fixed at locations of the garment's fabric material.

This is believed to be of practical relevance for a few reasons. Firstly, production tolerances can result in variations between caps and badges. Secondly, the caps 10 are intended for repeated sterilisation and washing and may not keep their size during a lifetime of use. As such, the use of popper buttons was found to provide a reliable manner of securely, and removably, attaching a badge, suitable specifically for the healthcare environment in which the garments are regularly washed.

In the embodiments shown, the cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40 are arranged in pairs, one fastener of a pair positioned symmetrically around a centreline. However, in other embodiments, other numbers of fastener elements can be provided, and/or the cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40 can be arranged asymmetrically, such as two fasteners on one side and one fastener on the other side. Additionally, or alternatively, the badge 30 or the cap 10 can have a female-type connection on one side and a male-type connection on the other side This can help to prevent the badge 30 from being accidentally affixed upside-down.

As the cap fastener elements 20a, 20b are spaced apart, and the badge fastener elements 40a, 40b are spaced apart, space remains where there is no physical connection between the badge 30 and the cap 10, between the cap fastener elements 20 and between the badge fastener elements 40, when the badge 30 is attached. The space bridged by the cap material and badge material between the connected cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40, respectively, provides access to the underneath face of the badge to facilitate its handling, i.e. allows a user's finger to slide underneath the badge 30 while it is attached to the cap 10. This facilitates removal of the badge 30 as it allows a user to apply a force from underneath the badge, from between the badge and the cap 10, to prise the badge 30 from the cap 10. Likewise, the fabric material of the cap 10 can be grabbed firmly and can even be twisted or scrunched to assist the detachment of the badge 30.

This, in turn, allows the engagement strength of the poppers to be increased to be tighter than might otherwise be practical. A tighter engagement strength reduces the risk of a user accidentally detaching the badge 30. A further advantage appreciated during the development of the invention was that accidental pulling or yanking of the badge results, at least in part, in a tugging of the cap, which, due to its fabric material and location on a wearer's head exhibits a degree of flexibility, would yield during an attempt to remove a badge from the cap. As such, the badge 30 is easier to remove when the flexible behaviour of the cap's fabric material is inhibited. In practice, this can be achieved by holding the cap tightly, closer to the cap fastener elements 20, and/or if cap material near the cap fastener elements 20 is taut.

The cap and badge fastener elements 20 and 40 are much less easily detached from one another by tugging any portion of the cap, or by pulling the badge 30 only without also holding the cap 10. As such, the prototype badges 30 were not detached without a noticeable pulling force being exerted on the cap 10. This is believed to provide a practical, haptic, level of reassurance that the badge is safely attached to the cap while worn. Conversely, should a badge be removed by accident or otherwise, a wearer would be able to notice a pulling of the cap material for some time before the badge starts to detach, which in turn provides a wearer with a level of reassurance that the badge is still attached even if a pulling on the cap is noticed. In combination with the lightweight nature of the badge, an effect is that a wearer may practically not notice the presence of a badge when attached, but can be expected to notice if the badge is pulled from the garment when worn.

The badge fastener elements 40 are snap fasteners, or snap poppers or popper buttons, which are mechanically fixed, and for practical purposes permanently anchored, to the badge 30. The badge fastener elements 40 extend fully through the thickness of the badge material. The badges 30a and 30b of Figure 4 and the badge 30d of Figure 4A, show a first fastener subcomponent 42a, 42b, which forms the outward-facing side of the fastener 40, and is located on the outward-facing surface 31a, 31b of the badge 30a, 30b. The badge 30c of Figure 4 and the badge 30d illustrated in Figure 48 show a second fastener subcomponent 44a, 44b, which forms the inward-facing side of the fastener 40, and is located on the inward-facing surface 32 of the badge 30c. The first fastener subcomponent 42a, 42b and the second fastener subcomponent 44a, 44b engage the badge 30 from both sides, sandwiching the badge layer material between them.

The cap fastener elements 20 and badge fastener elements 40 shown in Figures 1 to 8 are mechanically attached through the cap 10 and badge 30 by a punching tool. In some embodiments, the fasteners 40 may be formed integrally with the material of the badge 30. One or more fasteners 40 may be unitary with a layer of the badge material. One or more fasteners may be affixed to the badge via adhesive. The fasteners 40 (and fasteners 20) may be made of or comprise plastic, metal, moulded nylon or silicone, or other suitable materials and combinations thereof. The subcomponents of the cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40 may be made of different materials. For example, the outward-facing sides 22a, 22b, 42a, 42b, may be made from a different material than the inward-facing sides 24a, 24b, 44a, 44b.

To ensure a secure mechanical connection of the fastener elements, the popper components comprise two subcomponents 42a, 44a, and 42b, 44b, that engage the opposite faces (outward facing side 31a, 31b and inward facing side 32) of a badge 30 or a layer thereof, and connect through the thickness of the body of the badge 30 or through the thickness of one or more layers thereof, to form a mechanical connection.

The connection can be secured by plastic deformation of one or more of the fastener components engaging the other of the fastener components, such as by crimping or folding. Thereby, the fastener 40 is securely anchored to the badge 30, practically preventing detachment during normal use. To provide an illustrative example, in use, when the badge 30 is removed by pulling or ripping it away from the cap 10, the secure anchoring of the badge fastener elements 40 on the badge 30 prevents the fasteners from detaching from the badge 30, and therefore prevents a component of the badge fastener element 40 remaining attached to the cap 10.

In some embodiments, the badge 30 comprises multiple layers of material and the badge fastener elements 40 may penetrate one or more of these layers, to be securely anchored to at least one layer of the badge The badge 30 may comprise a further material layer, for example a sheet, over the outward-facing surface 31a, 31b to cover the outward-facing side 42a, 42b of the fasteners 40. In this manner, the outer-most surface of the badge 30 may not show a component of a fastener element, for instance, if it is desired to provide a smooth, plain surface, to print/write an individual's name and role.

As best shown in Figure 6, the cap fastener elements 20 are female-type connections comprising a recess 23 (such as a socket or eye), and the badge fastener elements 40 are male-type connections comprising a stud 45 (or button-type feature). In other embodiments, the arrangement may be reversed, or alternatively, the cap and badge can comprise a mixture of male-and female-type fasteners.

It will be appreciated that different popper button configurations may be used with the invention. The sockets may be of ring socket form and/or spring socket form. The studs may be solid or of annular form. Ring socket elements comprise a ring-shaped retention structure such as an annular portion or circularly arranged elements with inherent resilient properties to retain a corresponding stud element. Spring socket elements comprise a separate spring structure such as a C-clip, to resiliently retain the stud element. The stud may comprise an engaging element carried on a stem, the engaging element having a wider cross-section than the stem, such that the wider-cross-section engages with the resilient element of the recess Both the recess element and the stud element may be ring-shaped.

The badge 30 is attachable to the outer surface 13 of the cap 10 by manual engagement of the cap fastener elements 20 with the badge fastener elements 40. In particular, by manual engagement of the outward-facing side 22a, 22b of cap fastener elements 20 with the inward-facing side 44a, 44b of badge fastener elements 40, as shown by the attached configuration 50 in Figures 5 and 6. The cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40 are pushed together to come into full engagement. In some embodiments, one or both of the fastener elements may comprise a resilient element such as a spring or C-clip that requires temporary deformation against the inherent resilient force of the spring element to push the other of the faster element into full engagement. Once in full engagement, the resilient element is unrestricted from relaxing into a rest position in which the resilient element helps to maintain the fastener elements engaged. As can be appreciated, in order to detach the fastener elements, a force is required to overcome the resilient retention force of the resilient element.

Figures 7, 8a and 8b show the badge 30 affixed to the cap 10. Figure 7 shows a cap where the lower edge 16 is folded (or rolled) upwards to partially overlap with the front portion 12 of the cap 10. The badge 30 is pre-printed with the individual's name and role, and when affixed to the outer surface 13 of the front portion 12 of the cap 10, it is located above the lower edge 16 of the cap 10 on or above the wearer's forehead, and therefore in the field of view of a person seeking to make eye-contact with the cap wearer.

Figures 8a and 8b show a different type of theatre cap 10a, 10b with a fixed lower edge 16. The theatre cap 10a, 10b comprises embroidery 11a, 11 b depicting a name and logo, such as a logo of a hospital or other institution. It will be appreciated that the embroidery 11a, 11 b is only exemplary and may be omitted in some embodiments.

The cap fastener elements 20 are located above the lower edge 16 such that when the badge 30 is affixed, it sits below the embroidery 11a, 11 b but above the lower edge 16 of the cap 10a, 10b. As such, the badge 30 does not conceal the embroidery 11a, 11 b on the cap 10a, 10b. Figure 8a shows a badge 30 with a pre-printed name and role, whilst Figure 8b shows a blank badge which has been temporarily labelled with a hand-written designation (e.g., "Visitor").

Figure 9 and 10 show a badge 30d partially attached to a theatre cap 10c. Figure 9 illustrates a practical process of removing a badge by peeling it laterally, i.e., detaching one button after another button. Figure 10 illustrates a practical process of removing a badge by peeling it from the top, i.e., detaching two (here: both) buttons at the same time. An observation made during the development of the invention was that the badges tend to be removed by users in a "peeling" motion, by pulling a peeling edge 35 either laterally (side-to-side) or vertically (top-down) in a direction other than a cap-removal action, e.g. not usually down-up. Badge removal tests were carried out several hundred times using the same test badge to detach and re-attach a badge to a hat.

A concern observed during the development of the invention was that rigid test materials for a badge tended to disintegrate or weaken after a large number of repeated attachment and detachment operations. In particular, different test users tended to remove a badge in different ways during confidential testing. A majority of users (in tests: nine of ten users) tends to peel off a badge from one side, in the manner illustrated in Figure 9. About one out of ten users tends to peel off a badge by pulling centrally, between two buttons, i.e. two buttons simultaneously, in the manner illustrated in Figure 10. Regardless of the manner in which the test badges were removed, it was found that their longevity increases with increased tolerance to repeated back-folding or "peeling" motion, whether laterally or centrally. Embodiments of the badge material are thus non-creasing or at least crease-resistant, to be sufficiently flexible to allow back folding at several locations between the fastener elements at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or over 100 times without breaking.

The badges are sufficiently flexible to allow them to be peeled both vertically and laterally, i.e. the badges are rollable in a first direction and in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, these show a badge 30d attached to a theatre cap 10c. In Figure 11, the badge 30d is peeled vertically, and the fold line 35a extends horizonally along the width of the badge 30d, in a first peel direction. In Figure 12, the badge 30d is peeled laterally, and the fold line 35a extends vertically, along the height of the badge 30d, in a second peel direction that is perpendicular to the first peel direction.

A badge prototype was made from a synthetic fabric material, here polyester fabric, coated with a polyurethane (PU) surface coating, and was contour cut by laser cutting and provided with a test print. The badge prototype was subjected to a peel test to simulate repeated attachment and removal of a badge from a hat. The tests were carried out for three different badge and hat variants, each subjected to 400 attachment and removal cycles, which is believed to correspond to around two to four years of one-day use. After the tests, the badge material, popper anchoring, and popper condition did not change noticeably. As such, the tests were discontinued before material fatigue was noticeable. The badge material showed no visible creases after several hundred attachment-detachment cycles, and was for practical purposes non-creasing.

The thin, light weight, and flexible material badges were found to be suitable for cutting to a desired shape by using relatively economical contour cutting techniques such as laser cutting, By providing the fastener elements directly on the badge material, the badges may be used without a need for a protective sleeve or pocket on the hat. The thin, light-weight character of the prototype badges was found to increase the wearer comfort. In this regard, a surprising finding was that even some light-weight prototype badges, if too rigid, may cause a small but noticeable level of discomfort to a wearer when worn for several hours, as may be the case in a surgical setting. The light-weight, flexible badge versions using woven fabric material were surprisingly combining several advantages including ease of manufacture, printing properties and button assembly, ease of handling and cleaning, and durability for at least 400 attachment/detachment cycles, The badge material can be provided as wipe-clean item, also when provided with a print, to facilitate its regular disinfection if required. Using suitable ink types, such as hydrophobic inks, the printing on the badges remained intact after exposure to several hours of detergent soaking.

An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that different users may be provided with one or more personalised badges. Members of staff may be provided with a pre-printed badge with their name and role, whilst relatives, students, and other visitors, may be provided with a blank badge onto which they can write their own name and role. At the end of a shift or visit, staff can remove their badges 30 by pulling them off to disengage the cap and badge fastener elements 20, 40. This allows the cap 10 to be collected for centralised laundering and disinfection, without the badge 30 attached to it. The badge may be easily disinfected using suitable disinfectants. It can also be appreciated that the badge, due to being made of an easy-to-clean material, may be disinfected and dried immediately and may be put in a suitable place for re-use or safe keeping.

Visitors may return their badges to reception for wipe-cleaning and disinfecting. As such, reusable badges can help to minimise the amount of waste created, whilst also being securely attachable to the cap 10.

A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that whilst the caps can also contain embroidery of an individual's name and role (see, e.g., Figures 1 and 3), they can preferably be left without embroidery or have only generic embroidery such as an institution's name and logo (see, e.g., Figures 5 and 6). This may reduce the logistical effort that would otherwise be required of returning centrally laundered garments back to the correct person, as well as shifting the responsibility for cleaning the garments away from the individual.

It will be appreciated that the cap fastener elements 20 are selected from a robust material such as metal, plastic and the like, and can be selected to have non-magnetic properties, to be chemically inert or to fulfil other requirements. With a choice of materials for the cap fastener elements 20 on the cap 10 that is suitably robust, the cap fastener elements 20 can be laundered at the required high temperatures with minimal risk of being damaged. The cap (or other garments) can also be wrung dry with minimal risk of damaging the cap fastener elements 20. Wringing excess fluid out of the cap helps to reduce the length of time needed for tumble drying, which can help to reduce energy usage and associated costs.

Staff and visitors are normally required to wear a mask in theatre which covers their mouth and nose. These masks are normally held in place by loops of elastic that hook around the wearer's ears. Wearing such masks for prolonged periods of time can be uncomfortable and cause irritation behind the ears. As such, the cap 10 can also comprise buttons at the side, in an ear region, towards a rear portion of the cap 10 onto which the loops of elastic can be hooked instead of the wearer's ears. This can help to make the mask more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time.

The invention has been described using the example of a cap for use in the care and healthcare settings, which is believed to be particularly suited for locating a badge near a wearer's eyes. However, the principle of the invention may also be applied to affix badge elements to other types of garments. Moreover, the cap can be designed such that the first arrangement of fastener elements may be located on a side or rear portion of the cap, instead of or in addition to, the front portion of the cap.

Whilst the principle of the invention has been illustrated using exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited and that the invention may be embodied by other variants defined within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A garment for use in care and healthcare settings, the garment comprising an attachable badge, the garment being of fabric material form and provided with a first arrangement of fastener elements, the badge being made from a flexible, wipeable material and provided with a second arrangement of fastener elements, wherein the fastener elements are constituted by complementary popper button elements, the badge being removably attachable to the garment by engagement of the first arrangement of fastener elements with the second arrangement of fastener elements.
2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein one or more fastener elements of the first arrangement are mechanically fixed to the garment and extend through a thickness of the garment or one or more fabric layers thereof.
3. A garment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more fastener elements of the first arrangement comprise at least two subcomponents that engage one or more fabric layers of the garment from two sides thereof, and extend through the thickness of the one or more fabric layers to form a mechanical connection to anchor the one or more fastener elements to the garment.
4. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more subcomponents of the first arrangement are affixed by stitching through one or more fabric layers of the garment.
5. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second arrangements of fastener elements are made of plastic, metal, moulded nylon or silicone, or a combination of two or more such materials.
6. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement are mechanically fixed through a thickness of one or more layers of the material of the badge.
7. A garment according to claim 6, wherein one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement comprise at least two subcomponents that engage one or more layers of the material of the badge from two sides thereof, and extend through the thickness of the one or more layers to form a mechanical connection to anchor the one or more fastener elements to the badge.
8. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more subcomponents of the second arrangement of fastener elements are affixed by adhesive to one or more layers of flexible material of the badge.
9. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge comprises a single layer of the material, and one or more fasteners of the second arrangement are fixed through the single layer.
10. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge comprises two or more layer layers, and one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement are fixed through one or more of the layers.
11. A garment according to claim 10, wherein the badge comprises a surface layer free from visible subcomponents of a fastener element.
12. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge comprises fabric material.
13. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more fastener elements of the second arrangement are integral with the material of the badge, thereby forming a unitary component comprising integral fastener components.
14. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge is removably attachable to the garment by manual engagement of the first arrangement of fastener elements with the second arrangement of fastener elements.
15. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment comprises a fabric material exhibiting flexibility that requires the fabric material to be held taut to facilitate removal of the badge from the first arrangement of fastener elements.
16. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arrangement comprises at least two fastener elements and the second arrangement comprises at least two fastener elements, the fastener elements of the first arrangement being arranged in locations complementary to the fastener elements of the second arrangement.
17. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arrangement of fastener elements is located so as to allow affixing the badge on an outer surface of the garment.
18. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge is made of thin plastic sheet, thin metal sheet, moulded nylon or silicone.
19. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge, when worn in a reading orientation, has a width of at least 5 cm and a height of at least 3 cm.
20. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge is pre-printed with a label, such as an individual's name and role.
21. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the badge comprises a wipe-clean surface layer suitable for felt-tip labelling.
22. A garment according to claim 20, wherein the badge comprises an indicator of labelling area, and is pre-printed with identifier terms.
23. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment is a head covering such as a theatre hat or surgical cap.
24. A garment according to claim 22, wherein the first arrangement of fastener elements is spaced from a lower edge of the head covering, at least 4 cm, 5 cm, or at least 6 cm above the lower edge of the head covering.
25. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising embroidery specifying at least one of a name, a position of an individual, a name of an institution and a logo of an institution.