Surgical cap with pocket

Abstract

The present invention is related to a textile item (T) developed to be placed on the head of the health care providers.The item is made of conventional fabrics but it has specific properties to be used in the hospital setting, outer layer composed of a semipermeable component, inner layer composed of a breathable and antimicrobial component, and preferably an intermediate layer with the function of an antimicrobial barrier.Also, the presence of a pocket (P) simultaneously allows the user to store safely, and temporarily, small personal belongings.So, the present invention belongs to the area of protective clothing for professional use, particularly in the hospital setting.

Description

TECHNICAL DOMAIN[0001]The present invention is related to a textile item (T) developed to be placed on the head of the health care providers.[0002]The surgical cap is made of conventional fabrics but it has specific properties to be used in the hospital setting, it has at least one pocket, allowing the health care provider to simultaneously store personal belongings, such as rings, wrist watch, etc., safely and at close range, that in the setting of asepsis and sterilization would force the user to store it in a locker or other compartment, increasing the chance of losing such items.[0003]Also, the present invention belongs to the area of protective clothing, for professional use, particularly in the hospital setting.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The use of caps and similar devices, as means for personal protection in settings where hygiene is a critical requirement, such as hospital setting particularly in operating rooms, is well established.[0005]As a result of such practice, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]Being developed to be used as a self-protection product, preferably in the context of the medical care, the outer layer of the surgical cap is coated by a material resistant to the water and other liquids, including biological fluids, but being semipermeable it is breathable, and it allows the dissipation of the heat with the environment around. Nonetheless, it prevents the fall and dissemination of hair, sweat or other biological particles form the user to the environment around. The same outer layer also has antimicrobial properties blocking the proliferation of microorganisms that get deposited after each use by the professional.

[0026]The surgical cap of the present invention also includes a sweat retention system, separated from the users' skin, to avoid overheating and maceration of its skin. By using a pocket with micro-perforations, placed on the frontal aspect of the surgical cap, an absorbent material film contained in it will promote the function of absorption and removal the excess of sweat produced and, through the semipermeable coating on the outer layer, the surgical cap will prevent that such excess will pass to the exterior and may fall into the working area, preferably the operating field. It is also in this material of the outer layer that the users' name can be placed through methods of embroidery or others adequate for this purpose.

[0029]Access to the inside of such pocket is easy, but opening it is only possible in an intentional and active manner by the user due to the existence of the counter-resistance mechanism that prevents the accidental opening of the pocket and falling of its content.

[0030]The preferable existence of an intermediate layer made of antimicrobial material has the function of adding an extra barrier to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms from the commensal or nosocomial flora, leading to a more controlled and less contaminated environment.

[0031]The inner layer is breathable, but it has the function of a first barrier against the passage of hair, sweat or other biological particles. The same inner layer has antimicrobial properties that prevent the proliferation of microorganisms that get placed in it after the usage of the surgical cap by the health care professional.

Problems solved by technology

Beside the previously motioned, the use of such protection devices in warm or hot environments becomes, itself, a problem as it increases the sensation of heat the user has while using them.

Considering the above for such products, neither the materials used nor the application of such pockets to the surgical caps is adequate.

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