NZ622357B - Surgeon gown with sealed sleeves and methods of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Surgeon gown with sealed sleeves and methods of manufacturing the sameInfo
- Publication number
- NZ622357B NZ622357B NZ622357A NZ62235714A NZ622357B NZ 622357 B NZ622357 B NZ 622357B NZ 622357 A NZ622357 A NZ 622357A NZ 62235714 A NZ62235714 A NZ 62235714A NZ 622357 B NZ622357 B NZ 622357B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- seam
- weave
- layer
- tape
- gown
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 84
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 21
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 229920002456 HOTAIR Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001681 protective Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001717 pathogenic Effects 0.000 description 4
- 244000052769 pathogens Species 0.000 description 4
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000845 anti-microbial Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 201000009910 diseases by infectious agent Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003127 Knee Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000002268 Wool Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004059 degradation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009863 impact test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009940 knitting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004900 laundering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008478 viral entry into host cell Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/008—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting against electric shocks or static electricity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/12—Surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses
- A41D13/1209—Surgeons' gowns or dresses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
- A41D27/24—Hems; Seams
- A41D27/245—Hems; Seams made by welding or gluing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
- A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
- A41D31/26—Electrically protective, e.g. preventing static electricity or electric shock
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/10—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using hot gases (e.g. combustion gases) or flames coming in contact with at least one of the parts to be joined
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
- B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
- B29C65/5007—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the structure of said adhesive tape, threads or the like
- B29C65/5021—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the structure of said adhesive tape, threads or the like being multi-layered
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
- B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
- B29C65/5042—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like covering both elements to be joined
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
- B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
- B29C65/5092—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like characterised by the tape handling mechanisms, e.g. using vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
- B29C65/62—Stitching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/72—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by combined operations or combined techniques, e.g. welding and stitching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
- B29C66/038—Covering the joint by a coating material
- B29C66/0384—Covering the joint by a coating material the coating material being in tape, strip or band form
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/135—Single hemmed joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being hemmed in the joint area
- B29C66/1352—Single hem to hem joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
- B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
- B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/721—Fibre-reinforced materials
- B29C66/7212—Fibre-reinforced materials characterised by the composition of the fibres
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/721—Fibre-reinforced materials
- B29C66/7214—Fibre-reinforced materials characterised by the length of the fibres
- B29C66/72141—Fibres of continuous length
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/729—Textile or other fibrous material made from plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
- B29C66/845—C-clamp type or sewing machine type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2307/00—Use of elements other than metals as reinforcement
- B29K2307/04—Carbon
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/48—Wearing apparel
Abstract
medical gown includes a layer of material (100) with a seam (401) disposed across the layer of material. The material can include a weave of untwisted, continuous filament polyester. The material can also include a carbon filament (109). The seam is sealed by applying a tape (200) across the seam and applying heat to cause the tape to attach (501) to the weave. and applying heat to cause the tape to attach (501) to the weave.
Description
Surgeon Gown with Sealed Sleeves and Methods of Manufacturing the Same
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method for sealing a seam of a medical gown; and a medical
gown. For example, this disclosure relates generally to fabrics, and more particularly to gowns.
Background of the Invention
Medical professionals frequently interact with patients who have communicable diseases. When
treating such patients, the medical professional must take care not become infected or ill due to
the microorganisms or pathogens related to the disease. This is frequently accomplished by
donning a medical gown. These medical gowns are sometimes referred to as an "isolation gown."
One problem associated with prior art medical gowns involves their construction. When multiple
parts of the gown are sewn together, the resulting seam can act as a pathway for pathogens and
other infections substances to pass through the medical gown. Such pathways put the medical
services provider at risk of becoming ill. It would be advantageous to have a gown that
overcomes some of the issues associated with prior art medical gowns.
It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above described
difficulties, or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention, there is provided a method for sealing a seam of a medical
gown, comprising:
constructing the seam by sewing two layers of material together, each layer of material
comprising a weave of untwisted continuous filament polyester and carbon filament;
applying a porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape along the seam; and
providing heat to the porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape, thereby causing the porous
polytetrafluoroethylene tape to adhere to the weave.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a medical gown, comprising:
a layer of material; and
a seam disposed along the layer of material;
the material comprising a weave of untwisted continuous filament polyester and carbon
filament;
the seam sealed by a porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape thermally attached to the
weave.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non-limiting
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates one explanatory woven gown material;
Figure 2 illustrates one explanatory seam sealing material;
Figure 3 illustrates one explanatory seam-sealing device;
Figure 4 illustrates one explanatory method of sealing a seam;
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of one explanatory sealed seam;
Figure 6 illustrates one explanatory gown;
Figure 7 illustrates another explanatory gown; and
Figure 8 illustrates one explanatory method of manufacturing a gown with sealed seams;
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Drawings
Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like
numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural
reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second,
top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another
entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order
between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate
components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a
device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than
figure A.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of constructing a gown or other garment
with sealed seams. The sealing of the seams serves to protect a medical professional or other user
from coming into contact with pathogens and microorganisms carrying communicable diseases.
As medical professionals generally interact with patients with their hands and arms, rather than
other parts of their bodies, the inclusion of sealed sleeves in a medical gown eliminates a large
majority of pathways between the patient and medical professional. This is true even when the
sleeves are sewn or otherwise joined to a body covering portion.
In one embodiment, the method includes constructing a seam by sewing two pieces of material
together. In one embodiment, the material sewn together to form the gown or other garment is
woven. In one embodiment, the material is a weave of untwisted, continuous filament polyester
that also includes a carbon filament. For example, in one embodiment the material is about 99%
woven polyester and about 1% carbon filament. The carbon filament provides a dual function of
both rendering the material less susceptible to discharge and conduction of static electricity, but
also provides a unique bonding element for tape that can be used to seal the seams.
Once the seam is constructed, in one embodiment a sealing tape can be applied across the seam.
In one embodiment, the tape is a porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape. Heat can then be applied to
the sealing tape to cause it to adhere to the woven material and the carbon filament disposed
therein. While sealing tapes have been used in other applications, they generally require a
laminated material that includes an interior membrane. Said differently, with prior art sealing
techniques, the material to be sealed requires an inner layer and an outer layer of fabric that have
disposed therebetween a membrane layer. The inner and outer layers are knit layers so that they
can yield under thermal stimulus to allow the tape to penetrate one of the fabric layers so as to
reach the membrane layer. When heat is applied to the tape, the tape “adheres” to the membrane
layer. Prior art tapes will not adhere to fabric layers. Embodiments of the present invention
eliminate the need for a sandwiched membrane layer by employing woven – rather than knit –
materials that include a carbon filament disposed therein. Advantageously, embodiments of the
disclosure provide a lower cost garment that is easier to manufacture and more comfortable for
the wearer, all while providing the necessary barrier protection levels to keep the medical
personnel using the gown safe from contaminants.
Turning now to illustrated therein is one embodiment of a material 100 suitable for use
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The material 100 is illustratively shown as a
sheet 112. As shown in the illustrative material 100 is a woven material. In one
embodiment, the material 100 comprises a one-ply weave 110. In another embodiment, the
material 100 comprises a two-ply weave. An expanded view of a section 112 of the sheet 112 is
also shown to highlight the woven nature of the material 100.
In one embodiment, the material 100 includes warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts
105,106,107,108. The warps 101,102,103,104 are elements of the weave 110 that run vertically
in the view of while the wefts 105,106,107,108 run horizontally. Note that while the
terms “warps” and “wefts” are used illustratively to describe the weave 110, those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will note that alternate terms, such as “warp
threads,” or “warp yarns” can be substituted for “warps.” Similarly, “weft fill” or “weft threads”
can be substituted for “wefts.”
In one embodiment, the weave 110 of the material 100 is a taffeta weave. A “taffeta” weave is a
style of weave where the threads forming the wefts 105,106,107,108 and warps 101,102,103,104
intertwine alternatively to produce the checkerboard effect shown in section 112. In the
illustrative embodiment of the warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108 are
each substantially parallel to other warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108,
respectively. The warps 101,102,103,104 of this illustrated embodiment are substantially
perpendicular to the wefts 105,106,107,108.
In one or more embodiments, the warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108 each
comprise untwisted, continuous filament polyester. The use of untwisted, continuous filament
polyester in a taffeta weave provides an exceptional barrier layer that is highly-fluid resistant.
Moreover, the use of untwisted, continuous filament polyester as the warps 101,102,103,104 and
wefts 105,106,107,108, when the warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108 are
arranged in a taffeta weave, advantageously offers a high-density construction that resists fluid
penetration while maintaining breathability and comfort. In one embodiment, the weave 110
contains about 8700 filaments per square inch. In one embodiment, the weave 110 of untwisted,
continuous filament polyester warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108 results in a
material 100 that can withstand 75 or more cleaning processings without degradation in its fluid-
resistant characteristics. In one embodiment, the density of warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts
105,106,107,108 results in a 2.2-ounce polyester weave 110. In another embodiment, the density
of warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108 results in a 2.6-ounce polyester weave 110.
In contrast to the weave 110 shown in most prior art gowns with sealed seams use knit
fabrics that sandwich a membrane layer. As is known in the art, knit fabrics are produced on
large knitting machines that “knit” different yarns together. Knit fabrics are generally
manufactured from one continuous thread in contrast to the two threads shown in that
form the warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108, respectively. Disadvantageously,
knit fabrics stretch and offer very poor fluid penetration resistance. This is one of the reasons that
the membrane layer is required. By contrast, the taffeta weave of the material 100 of can
be used to construct lightweight, comfortable gowns or other garments featuring a single-ply,
liquid and pathogen resistant layer. Moreover, the material 100 of does not stretch as do
knitted fabrics.
While untwisted, continuous filament polyester is one material that can be used for the warps
101,102,103,104 and wefts 105,106,107,108, others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment synthetic materials
other than polyester may be utilized where the synthetic material is capable of being configured
into a taffeta weave.
In one embodiment, the material 100 is characterized by a comparatively higher tensile strength
than materials that use non-synthetic materials, such as cotton, wool, silk, or blends, such as
cotton-polyester or other blended materials. The higher tensile strength is due to the use of
untwisted, continuous filament polyester for both the warps 101,102,103,104 and wefts
105,106,107,108. It should be noted that in one embodiment the material 100 is also lighter than
fabrics using natural or blended materials as well. As noted above, the use of untwisted,
contiuous filament polyester also allows the material 100 to be subjected to numerous laundry
cycles without destroying its fluid barrier properties, its brightness, or its color. As will be noted
below, in one or more embodiments the material 100 can be color-coded to indicate size of
gowns made from the material 100. Accordingly, resistance to color change can be an
advantageous property. In one embodiment, the material 100 maintains its fluid barrier properties
through at least 75 institutional laundry cycles and in some instances after at least 125 cycles.
The fact that the material 100 is washable in one embodiment is advantageous. For example,
when used to create garments, the user of the garments may face the choice between disposable
textiles and reusables. This choice can be daunting. However, the reusable nature of the material
100 can advantageously reduce waste. For example, when the material 100 is used to create
surgical gowns, experimental testing has shown that use of the material 100 can result in a waste
reduction from one operating room by an average of 65 percent. This reduction in waste results
in lower disposal costs. In addition, while it may seem as though cleaning reusable textiles would
expend large amounts of energy and water, modern equipment and engineering keep energy use
low and use water efficiently. Finally, the material 100 is also low-linting and comfortable.
In one embodiment, the weave 110 also includes a carbon filament 109,111. The carbon filament
109,111 can be configured as a weft, as a warp, or both. In the illustrative embodiment of
carbon filament 109 is configured as a weft while carbon filament 111 is configured as a warp.
In one embodiment, the material 100 is about 99% untwisted, continuous filament polyester and
about 1% carbon filament by weight. The term “about” is used herein to refer to a specification
inclusive of manufacturing tolerances. For example, if the tolerance was 99% polyester by
weight, with a manufacturing tolerance of plus or minus 2%, both 96.4% and 101.8% would be
“about” 99%.
Turning now to illustrated therein is one embodiment of a tape 200 suitable for sealing
seams in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the
tape 200 comprises a porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape. In one embodiment, the tape 200
comprises an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape. While a porous
polytetrafluoroethylene tape is one example of a tape, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill
having the benefit of this disclosure that other types of sealing tape may be employed as well.
For example, tapes having applied adhesive thereon, or tapes in which an adhesive is applied to a
backing material can alternatively be used.
In the tape 200 includes an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer 201. In one
embodiment, the expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer 201 has pores that are filled with
a cured or partially cured thermosetting adhesive 203 on one side. On the other side 204, the
expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer 201 is essentially full density as a result of
compression of the pores on that side 204. Bonded to cured or partially cured thermosetting
adhesive 203 is a layer of thermoplastic hot melt adhesive 202. One example of tape 200 is
described in US Pat. No. 5,162,149, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Turning now to illustrated therein is one explanatory seam sealing apparatus 300 suitable
for sealing the tape 200 to a seam formed by sewing two layers of material (100) together. The
apparatus 300 is described in further detail in US Pat. No. 6,887,335, which is incorporated
herein by reference. The apparatus 300 can be used to guide a seam having tape 200 disposed
therein so as to thermally cause the tape 200 to the carbon filament (109,111) of the material
(100).
As shown in the apparatus 300 includes a roll 301 of the tape 200 mounted thereon. The
tape 200 is fed into a sealer 302 that includes an upper roller, tape guides, and an actuator. The
sealer 302 can be lowered according to predetermined settings to effect advancement of the tape
200 and material (100) being fed into the sealer 302. A drive mechanism can drive the rollers to
feed the tape 200 and material (100) through the sealer 302.
A hot air gun 303 provides heat to the tape 200 to adhere it to the carbon filament (109,111) of
the material (100) as it passes through the sealer 302. A heated air supply feeds the hot air gun
303, which directs the heated air into the consolidation nip and to the tape 200 on demand. In
effect, the hot air gun 303 blows the hot air along the tape 200 as it passes through the sealer 302
while disposed upon a seam. It should be noted that other embodiments, the hot air gun 303 can
be replaced with a hot roller, which passes over the tape 200 to seal it to the carbon filament
(109,111) of the material (100). In yet another embodiment, the hot air gun 304 can be replaced
with a hot press, which can be applied to the tape 200 to seal it to the carbon filament (109,111)
of the material (100).
Turning now to illustrated therein is a work piece 400 suitable for feeding into the sealer
(302) of the apparatus (300) of As shown in a seam 401 is first constructed by
sewing two layers 402,403 of material 100 together. In the illustrative embodiment of the
seam 401 comprises a double-C interlocking seam. A first C 404 is formed by folding a section
405 of the first layer 402 of material 100 back over itself. At the same time, a second C 406 is
constructed by folding a section 407 of the second layer 403 of material 100 back over on itself.
The two Cs 404,406 are then interlocked as shown in Stitching 408,409 is then applied to
the double-C interlocking seam. The tape 200 is then placed across the seam 401.
Once the seam is created, the tape 200 can be thermally affixed to the carbon filament (109,111)
of the material 100 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a hot air gun 303 blows the hot air
along the tape 200 to seal the tape 200 to the carbon filament (109,111). In another embodiment,
a hot roller 410 passes over the tape 200 to seal it to the carbon filament (109,111) of the
material 100. In yet another embodiment, a hot press 411 can be applied to the tape 200 to seal it
to the carbon filament (109,111) of the material (100).
Turning now to illustrated therein is a sealed seam 500. As shown in the tape 200
has become thermally affixed 501 to at least one carbon filament 109 of the one-ply weave of the
material 100. The tape 200 covers the entirety of the seam 401, thereby creating a liquid and
contaminant impenetrable barrier along the seam 401.
Turning now to illustrated therein is illustrated therein is a protective garment 600,
shown in pattern form, and configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure. For ease of illustration, the illustrative protective garment 600 shown throughout the
views is configured as a medical gown. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the
art having the benefit of this disclosure that the protective garment 600 could be configured in
accordance with the needs of other professions, applications, and requirements. A medical gown
is merely one explanatory embodiment.
A body covering portion 601 is configured to wrap about the torso of a wearer. In one
embodiment, the body covering portion 601 is manufactured from a woven fabric, such as the
material 100 of Where a woven material is used, body covering portion 601 can be
configured for laundering and reuse. One or more antimicrobial layers can be added to further
enhance antimicrobial protection. In one embodiment, the length 613 of the body covering
portion 601 is configured to run from at least a wearer’s shoulder to below their knee.
A first sleeve 602 and a second sleeve 603 extend distally from the body covering portion 601.
The first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 603 are configured to receive wearer's arms when the
protective garment 600 is donned. As will be described below, one or both of the first sleeve 602
and the second sleeve 603 can comprise a sealed seam 500 like the one described above with
reference to
The protective garment 600 may optionally include pockets or other surface features. A front
portion of the body covering portion 601 is configured to be placed against the front of the torso
of a wearer. The body covering portion 601 then wraps around and terminates behind the wearer
in one embodiment.
In one embodiment, the material 100 and its sealed seams 500 can be configured to meet the
PB70 Standard of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). For
example, the material 100 and its sealed seams 500 may have a moisture vapor transmission rate
(MVTR) that allows for comfort during wearing while still meeting the Spray impact test
(AATCC42), Hydrostatic Pressure testing (AATCC127) and Viral Penetration testing (ASTM-
F1671) guidelines. For medical applications the material 100 and sealed seams 500 each have
properties that prevent contaminants from passing through to the care giver. For example the
protective garment 600 can include a layer of the material 100 and a sealed seam 500 that is
sealed by a layer of porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape (200) that is thermally attached to the
weave (110) of the material 100 so as to have vapor and moisture barrier characteristics that may
be required by an applicable AAMI level. This allows the protective garment 600 to perform as
an infection protection measure.
Turning now to a health care services provider 700 is shown wearing one embodiment of
a medical gown 701 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
The illustrative medical gown 701 includes a layer of material 100 that includes a weave (110) of
untwisted continuous filament polyester and carbon filament. One or more seams
702,703,704,705,706,707 are disposed along the medical gown 701. In one embodiment, each
seam 702,703,704,705,706,707 comprises a double-C interlocking seam.
As shown in the exploded view 708 of seam 707, in one embodiment the seam 707 is sealed by a
porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape 200 that is thermally attached to the weave (110) of the
material 100. In one embodiment, the seam 707 is sealed to form a AAMI-PB70 Level-3 seal.
In one or more embodiments, the medical gown 701 is color-coded for size. For example, a ciel
blue gown may be a large, while a white gown is extra large, a green gown is extra-extra large,
and so forth. In another embodiment, the medical gown 701 has a common color across all sizes,
with only the collar and/or cuffs being color coded to indicate size. Other color combinations
will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
Turning now to illustrated therein is one explanatory method 800 for sealing the seam of
a medical gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. At
step 801, a seam is constructed by sewing two layers of material together. In one embodiment,
each layer of material comprises a weave of untwisted continuous filament polyester and carbon
filament. In one embodiment, the seam comprises a double-C interlocking seam, although other
seams will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
At step 802, a layer of tape is applied along the seam. In one embodiment, the tape is a porous
polytetrafluoroethylene tape. At step 803, heat is provided to the tape, thereby causing the tape to
adhere to the weave. In one embodiment, the heat is provided to cause the tape to adhere to a
carbon filament of the weave. The heat can be provided in one of a variety of ways at step 803. In
one embodiment, the provision of heat comprises blowing hot air along the tape. In another
embodiment, the provision of heat comprises passing a hot roller along the tape. In yet another
embodiment, the provision of heat comprises applying a hot press to the tape.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been
described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in
the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and
described, it is clear that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes,
variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.
Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may
cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise,
the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the
exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to
any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission
or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known
matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
Claims (19)
1. A method for sealing a seam of a medical gown, comprising: constructing the seam by sewing two layers of material together, each layer of material comprising a weave of untwisted continuous filament polyester and carbon filament; applying a porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape along the seam; and providing heat to the porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape, thereby causing the porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape to adhere to the weave.
2. The method of claim 1, the weave comprising a taffeta weave.
3. The method of claim 1, the each layer of material comprising about ninety-nine percent of the untwisted continuous filament polyester and about one percent of the carbon filament by weight.
4. The method of claim 1, the each layer of material comprising a one-ply weave.
5. The method of claim 1, the providing the heat comprising blowing hot air along the porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape.
6. The method of claim 1, the providing the heat comprising passing a hot roller along the porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape.
7. The method of claim 1, the providing the heat comprising applying a hot press to the porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape.
8. The method of claim 1, the each layer of material comprising 2.2 ounce polyester.
9. The method of claim 1, the each layer of material comprising 2.6 ounce polyester.
10. The method of claim 1, the providing the heat resulting in an AAMI-PB70 Level-3 seal along the seam.
11. The method of claim 1, the constructing the seam comprising creating a double-C, interlocking seam
12. A medical gown, comprising: a layer of material; and a seam disposed along the layer of material; the material comprising a weave of untwisted continuous filament polyester and carbon filament; the seam sealed by a porous polytetrafluoroethylene tape thermally attached to the weave.
13. The medical gown of claim 12, the weave comprising a taffeta weave.
14. The medical gown of claim 12, the layer of material comprising about ninety-nine percent of the untwisted continuous filament polyester and about one percent of the carbon filament by weight.
15. The medical gown of claim 12, the layer of material comprising a one-ply weave.
16. The medical gown of claim 12, the seam sealed to form a AAMI-PB70 Level-3 seal.
17. The medical gown of claim 12, the seam comprising a double-C, interlocking seam.
18. The medical gown of claim 12, the medical gown comprising a surgical gown.
19. The medical gown of claim 12, the layer of material being color coded to indicate size. 101 102 103 104
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/826,267 | 2013-03-14 | ||
US13/826,267 US10750799B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2013-03-14 | Surgeon gown with sealed sleeves and methods of manufacturing the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ622357A NZ622357A (en) | 2015-07-31 |
NZ622357B true NZ622357B (en) | 2015-11-03 |
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ID=
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