Medical apron

Description

1 / 16 “MEDICAL APRON” FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to medical gowns. More particularly, this invention relates to multi-part medical gowns with a closed back / tube style. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] Medical gowns are commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and other diagnostic facilities. Medical gowns are worn by both patients and healthcare professionals during medical procedures. Medical gowns have a protective function, helping to prevent the transmission of germs and microbes. For example, hospital staff, patients, and visitors may wear isolation garments to avoid exposure to blood, other bodily fluids, and infectious materials, or to protect patients, especially those with weakened immune systems, from infections.

[003] One problem with prior-tech medical gowns is that they are time-consuming to put on and take off. Furthermore, when the gown is sterile, it is difficult to put it on without compromising the gown's external sterility. Removing a medical gown can also be difficult and may compromise its protective function, transmitting germs to the wearer during removal. An improved medical gown would be advantageous. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] The present description refers to a disposable medical apron that can be easily put on and taken off. The disposable medical apron comprises a two-piece construction having an upper section and a lower section glued together to define a multi-layered overlap. The disposable medical apron includes a slit in the back (e.g., defined between the first and second back flaps) that terminates in the multi-layered overlap. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 8 / 47 2 / 16 of which are glued together, an outer layer of which is a cover reinforcement. The cover reinforcement is glued to the overlapping layers and is also used to reinforce the connection between the back and the first and second ties. The disposable medical gown also includes finger slits as opposed to finger holes at the ends of the sleeves. The disposable medical gown is amenable to high-speed construction due to the separate top and bottom sections in combination with the cover reinforcement.

[005] In a particular embodiment, an exemplary medical apron as described herein may include an upper part, a lower part, a first tie, a second tie, and a cover reinforcement. The upper part may include arms and a neck opening. The lower part may include a front lower side, a first back flap, a second back flap, and the first tie formed integrally with the first back flap. The first and second back flaps may extend from opposite edges of the front lower side. The cover reinforcement may be configured to couple, at least partially, the upper and lower parts. The second tie may be coupled between the cover reinforcement and the lower part.

[006] In an exemplary aspect according to the embodiment described above, a front side of the upper part may overlap, at least partially, and may also be coupled to the front lower side of the lower part.

[007] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, the first fastening can be defined by a cut in the first rear flap.

[008] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, the cut in the first back flap can be offset from a lower edge of the bottom part.

[009] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 9 / 47 3 / 16 above, the cut in the first rear flap can be offset from the cover reinforcement.

[010] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, the cut may comprise a crushing cut.

[011] In another exemplary aspect according to the modality described above, the cover reinforcement can be positioned along one rear side of the upper part and the first and second rear flap of the lower part.

[012] In another exemplary aspect according to the embodiment described above, the cover reinforcement can be coupled to a lower edge of the upper part and to the edges of the upper flap of the first and second rear flap of the lower part.

[013] In another example according to the modality described above, the second tie-down can be coupled between the cover reinforcement and the second rear flap. According to this modality, the second tie-down can also be coupled to the lower part near a lower edge of the lower part.

[014] In another exemplary aspect according to the embodiment described above, the upper part may include a weakened part that extends downward from the neck opening along a rear side of the upper part.

[015] In another exemplary aspect according to the embodiment described above, the weakened part may include a V-shaped part extending downwards from the neck opening and a straight part extending downwards from the V-shaped part.

[016] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, the reinforcement of the cover may include a weakened part aligned with the weakened part of the top part.

[017] In another exemplary aspect according to the modality described above, the weakened part can be defined by perforations comprising a plurality of cracks separated by a plurality of material bridges.

[018] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 10 / 47 4 / 16 above, each of the plurality of slits may include a slit length of about 2.28 cm (0.9 inch) and each of the plurality of material bridges may include a bridge length of about 0.5 cm (0.2 inch).

[019] In another exemplary aspect according to the embodiment described above, the upper part may comprise a single piece of material folded in half along an upper fold line to define the arms.

[020] In another exemplary aspect according to the embodiment described above, the arms may include a defined thumb slot along a front side of the upper part, each thumb slot being approximately 7.62 cm (3 inches).

[021] In another embodiment, an exemplary embodiment of a method for donning a medical gown is described herein. The method may comprise (a) separating the lower parts of the first and second ties of the medical gown, the first tie being integrally formed with a first back flap and located centrally along a back side of the medical gown, the second tie being attached to the back side of the medical gown near a first folded edge defined between a front side and the back side of the medical gown; and (b) wrapping the first and second ties around the wearer.

[022] In an illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, step (a) of the method may also include positioning the medical apron on the user so that the medical apron covers at least partially the user.

[023] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, the method may also include tying the first and second ties together along the front of the medical apron.

[024] In another illustrative aspect according to the modality described above, the method may also include inserting the users' thumbs through thumb slots defined along the arms of the medical apron. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 11 / 47 5 / 16

[025] In another example of the modality described above, after step (a), only the upper ends of the first and second ties can be attached to the medical apron. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[026] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a medical apron according to the present description.

[027] Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of the medical apron of Figure 1 according to the present description.

[028] Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the medical apron of Figure 1 with the first and second rear flaps in a raised state, as well as the first and second ties in a raised state according to the present description.

[029] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the medical apron of Figure 1 according to the present description.

[030] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the medical apron of Figure 1 according to the present description.

[031] Figure 6 is a top plan view of an upper part of the medical apron of Figure 1 according to the present description.

[032] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a dashed area 7 in Figure 6 of the upper part of the medical apron of Figure 6 according to the present description.

[033] Figure 8 is a front elevation view of a medical apron cover reinforcement of Figure 2 according to the present description.

[034] Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the dashed area 8A in Figure 8 of the medical apron cover reinforcement of Figure 8 according to the present description.

[035] Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of a lower part of the medical apron of Figure 1 in an unfolded configuration according to the present description. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 12 / 47 6 / 16

[036] Figure 10 is a rear elevation view of the lower part of the medical apron of Figure 9 in a partially folded configuration according to the present description.

[037] Figure 11 is a rear elevation view of the lower part of the medical apron of Figure 9 in a folded configuration according to the present description.

[038] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method for donning the medical apron of Figure 1 in accordance with the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[039] Reference will now be made in detail to the modalities of the present description, one or more drawings of which are presented here. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present description and is not a limitation. Indeed, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the teachings of the present description without departing from the scope of the description. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one modality may be used with another modality to produce yet another modality.

[040] Thus, this description is intended to cover such modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present description are described or are obvious from the following detailed description. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present discussion is only a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present description.

[041] With reference to Figures 1-3, a medical apron 100 is shown. The medical apron 100 may also be described here as a disposable medical apron 100, an isolation apron 100, or an apron 100. The medical apron Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 13 / 47 7 / 16 100 is configured so that it can be easily put on and taken off. The medical apron 100 includes an upper part 110 and a lower part 112. The upper part 110 and the lower part 112 can be separate pieces coupled to each other. In other optional embodiments, the upper part 110 and the lower part 112 can be formed integrally. The upper part 110 can also be described here as an upper piece 110. The lower part 112 can also be described here as a lower piece 112.

[042] As shown in Figure 4, the upper part 110 can overlap the lower part 112 along a front side 102 of the medical apron 100 and can be glued together using an adhesive. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the upper part 110 and the lower part 112 along a back side 104 of the medical apron 100 can be coupled together using a cover reinforcement 120 of the medical apron 100. For example, the cover reinforcement 120 can be coupled to a lower edge 114 of the upper part 110 and the upper edge 172 of the lower part 112 along the back side 104 and corresponding to the first and second back flaps 130, 132. The upper part 110 and the lower part 112 can be separated along the back side 104 of the medical apron 100. In other optional embodiments, the upper part 110 and the lower part 112 can overlap along a back side 104 of the medical apron 100.The cover reinforcement 120 can be glued to each of the upper 110 and lower 112 parts along the back 104 of the medical apron 100 using an adhesive 106. The adhesive can be a hot melt type adhesive or similar adhesive that is operationally configured to be compatible with the automated high-speed construction process of the medical apron 100.

[043] As shown in Figures 2 to 3, the lower part 112 of the medical apron 100 may include a front lower side 128, a first back flap 130 and a second back flap 132 extending from opposite edges of the lower side. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 14 / 47 8 / 16 front 128, as well as a first tie 134 formed integrally as part of the first back flap 130, near the center of the back side 104 of the medical apron 100. The medical apron 100 may further include a second tie 136 attached to the first back flap 130 closer to a left folded edge 131 of the bottom 112 of the medical apron 100 than to a right folded edge 133 of the bottom 112 of the medical apron 100. The left folded edge 131 may also be described herein as a first folded edge 131 or a first edge 131. The right folded edge 133 may also be described herein as a second folded edge 133 or a second edge 133. In certain optional embodiments (not shown), the first tie 134 may be formed integrally as part of the second back flap 132 with the second tie 136 attached. to the second rear flap 132 next to the right folded edge of the bottom 112.

[044] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first back flap 130 and the second back flap 132 can be configured to overlap, independently of the first tie 134 formed integrally. The second tie 136 can be attached to the medical apron 100 using the cover reinforcement 120 and the adhesive by attaching it to the back side 104 of the medical apron 100. The connection of the first and second ties 134, 136 to the back 104 of the medical apron 100 can be reinforced using the cover reinforcement 120.

[045] In certain optional embodiments, the upper part 110 where it overlaps and attaches to the lower part 112 may be wider than the lower part 112. In such embodiments, the cover reinforcement 120 may extend beyond the edges of the lower part 112 and adhesively attach to the upper part 110 (for example, a back side of a front part of the upper part 110 of the medical apron 100). As such, the overlapping multi-layered parts and the spaced parts of the medical apron 100 are concealed and sealed using the reinforcement of Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 15 / 47 9 / 16 coverage 120.

[046] The arms 140 of the medical apron 100 can be formed by coupled seams 142 to join the two layers. The coupled seams 142 can be made using sonic welding, heat welding, adhesive or similar, which is compatible with a high-speed automated construction process of the medical apron 100.

[047] With reference to Figures 6 to 7, detailed views of the upper part 110 of the medical apron 100 are shown. The upper part 110 comprises a single piece of material that is folded along the upper fold line 150 to define the arms 140. The upper part 110 further includes a neck opening 152 defined therein and divided in half by the upper fold line 150. Each of the arms 140 of the upper part 110 may include a thumb slit 154. The thumb slits 154 are beneficial in helping the user's arms remain covered when wearing the apron with gloves. The thumb slits 154 may be approximately 7.62 cm (3 inches). In other optional embodiments, the thumb slits 154 may be larger or smaller than 7.62 cm (3 inches), depending on the size of the medical apron 100 (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.).In certain optional embodiments, the cover reinforcement 120 can be cut from the top 110 during the construction of the medical apron ring 100.

[048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper part 110 of the medical apron 100 may include a weakened part 160 extending downward from the neck opening 152 along the back side 104 of the medical apron 100. The weakened part 160 may extend between the neck opening 152 and an opening between the first and second back flaps 130, 132. As illustrated in Figure 7, the weakened part 160 may include a V-shaped part 162 extending downward from the neck opening 152 and a straight part 164 extending downward from the V-shaped part 162. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 16 / 47 10 / 16

[049] The weakened part 160 can be defined by perforations comprising a plurality of slits 166 separated alternately by a plurality of material bridges 168. As shown in Figure 7, each of the plurality of slits 166 can include a slit length 167 and each of the plurality of material bridges 168 can include a bridge length 169. In an optional embodiment, the slit length 167 of the V-shaped part 162 can be about 2.28 cm (0.9 inch) and the bridge length 169 can be 0.5 cm (0.2 inch). In another optional embodiment, the slit length 167 of the straight part 164 can be about 5.81 cm (2.29 inches) and the bridge length 169 can be 0.5 cm (0.2 inch). In another optional embodiment, the slot length 167 of the weakened part 122 of the cover reinforcement 120 may be about 0.99 cm (0.39 inch) and the bridge length 169 may be 0.30 cm (0.12 inch).In other optional versions, the length of slot 167 and the length of bridge 169 may be different.

[050] Similarly, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 8A, the cover reinforcement 120 includes a weakened portion 122. The weakened portion 122 of the cover reinforcement is configured to align with the straight portion 164 of the weakened portion 160 of the upper portion 110 of the medical apron 100. The weakened portion 122 may be similar to the weakened portion 160. As such, similar features of the weakened portion 122 may be labeled as similar to those of the weakened portion 160.

[051] The weakened parts 160, 122 of the upper part 110 and of the cover reinforcement 120, respectively, allow the medical apron 100 to be taken off (i.e., removed) by pulling the medical apron 100 forward, away from the user's body, so that the medical apron 100 tears along the weakened parts 160, 122.

[052] The weakened parts 160, 122 of the upper part 110 and of the reinforcement of Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 17 / 47 11 / 16 coverage 120, respectively, can be formed as traditional perforations, which are cuts through the material, or some other process of weakening the material.

[053] With reference to Figures 9 to 11, detailed views of the lower part 112 of the medical apron 100 are shown. Figure 9 illustrates an unfolded view of the lower part 112. Figure 10 illustrates a partially folded view of the lower part 112. Figure 11 illustrates a folded view of the lower part 112. The lower part 112 is folded in two locations to form the first and second back flaps 130, 132. As illustrated in Figure 9, the second tie 136 can be cut from the lower part 112 during the construction of the medical apron 100.

[054] The first tie 134 is formed integrally from the bottom 112 by cutting the bottom 112 at specific locations to leave the first tie 134 connected to it. The cut 170 may be a crush cut. For example, the cut 170 that defines the first tie 134 ends before an upper edge 172 of the bottom 112 and is offset from the cover reinforcement 120. The cut 170 that defines the first tie 134 ends yet before a lower edge 174 of the bottom 112. The first tie 134 is coupled to the bottom 112 at the top and bottom to hold it in place while the apron is constructed and folded using the automated high-speed medical apron construction process 100.The first tie 134 is configured to be detached from the lower edge 174 of the medical apron 100 before or after the medical apron 100 is put on, so that the first tie 134 can be used in conjunction with the second tie 136 to tie the worn medical apron 100 around the user's waist.

[055] As shown in Figure 11, the second tie 136 can be attached to the lower part 112 of the medical apron 100 using an adhesive applied to an upper part 180 of the second tie 136, as well as to a lower part. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 18 / 47 12 / 16 182 of the second tie 136. The upper part 180 of the second tie 136 can be attached to the lower part 112 of the medical apron 100 closer to the upper edge 172 than to the lower edge 174. The lower part 182 of the second tie 136 can be attached to the lower part 112 of the medical apron 100 closer to the lower edge 174 than to the upper edge 172 (for example, closer to the lower edge 174). The adhesive applied to the lower part 182 can be weak enough so that the lower part 182 of the second tie 136 can be easily detached from the lower part 112 of the medical apron 100 before or after the medical apron 100 is put on, so that the second tie 136 can be used in conjunction with the first tie 134 to tie the medical apron 100 around the user's waist or torso.

[056] The connections between the first tie 134 and the bottom 112 of the medical apron 100, as well as the connections between the second tie 136 and the bottom 112 of the medical apron 100, are reinforced by the cover reinforcement 120 since the medical apron 100 was constructed using the automated high-speed construction process of the medical apron 100.

[057] The medical apron 100 is operationally configured to be constructed using a high-speed automated process that can construct, fold, and pack the medical apron 100. The various elements of the medical apron 100, namely the separate top 110, the bottom 112, and the cover reinforcement 120, make it particularly suitable for construction using a high-speed automated process. Furthermore, for example, the first tie 134 can be formed integrally from the bottom 112, the second tie 136 can be formed (e.g., cut) from the bottom 112, and both ties 134 and 136 can be coupled at the top and bottom, respectively, to the bottom 112 to help make the medical apron 100 well-suited for construction using a high-speed automated process and folding beforehand. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 19 / 47 13 / 16 of packing.

[058] The automated high-speed process may include constructing each of the upper and lower parts 110, 112 separately. The automated high-speed process may continue by coupling the upper and lower parts 110, 112 together and applying the cover reinforcement 120. The automated high-speed process may further include folding and packaging the complete or assembled medical gown 100 so that its sterility is not compromised.

[059] With reference to Figure 12, a flowchart of a method 200 for donning the medical apron 100 is shown. The medical apron 100 can be configured to be positioned at least partially on a user (not shown). Method 200 may comprise (a) separating 202 the lower parts 210 of the first and second ties 134, 136 of the medical apron 100. The first tie 134 may be formed integrally with a first back flap 130 and located centrally along a back side 104 of the medical apron 100. The second tie 136 may be attached to the back 104 of the medical apron 100 near the first folded edge 131 defined between a front side 102 and the back side 104 of the medical apron 100. Method 200 may further comprise (b) wrapping 204 the first and second ties 134, 136 around the user.

[060] In certain optional embodiments, step (a) of method 200 may further include positioning the medical apron 100 on the user so that the medical apron 100 covers at least partially the user. In other optional embodiments, method 200 may further comprise tying the first and second ties 134, 136 together along the front side 102 of the medical apron 100. In other optional embodiments, method 200 may further comprise inserting the user's thumbs through the thumb slots 154 defined along the arms 140 of the medical apron 100. After step (a), only the upper ends 146, 148 of the first and second ties 134, 136 are attached to the apron. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 20 / 47 14 / 16 doctor 100.

[061] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, several terms have been defined above. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by one skilled in the fields relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer only to a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology is used herein to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but its use does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims. The phrase “in an embodiment,” as used herein, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[062] The conditional language used in this document, such as, but not limited to, “may,” “could,” “for example,” and the like, unless specifically indicated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain modalities include, while other modalities do not include, certain features, elements, and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or states are in any way necessary for one or more modalities or that one or more modalities necessarily include logic to decide, with or without input or request from the author, whether those features, elements, and / or states are included or must be performed in any particular modality.

[063] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without abandoning the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

[064] This written description uses examples to describe the invention and Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 21 / 47 15 / 16 also to allow anyone skilled in the art to practice the invention, including the manufacture and use of any devices or systems and the execution of any methods incorporated. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[065] It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are shown as illustrations and not as limitations of the invention. The main features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[066] All compositions and / or methods described and claimed in this document can be made and / or performed without undue experimentation with respect to the present description. Although the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that variations can be applied to the compositions and / or methods and to the steps or sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutions and modifications evident to those skilled in the art are considered within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

[067] The previous detailed description was provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Thus, although particular embodiments of a Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 22 / 47 16 / 16 new and useful invention, such references are not intended to be interpreted as limitations to the scope of this description, except as set forth in the following claims. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 23 / 47

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Medical apron (100) having a front side and a back side, the medical apron (100) comprising: an upper part (110) including arms (140) and a neck opening (152); a lower part (112) including a lower front side (128) on the front side of the medical apron (100), a first back flap (130) on the back side of the medical apron (100), a second back flap (132) on the back side of the medical apron (100), and a first tie (134) formed integrally with the first back flap (130), the first back flap (130) and the second back flap (132) extending from opposite edges of the lower front side (128);the medical apron (100) CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a cover reinforcement (120) which joins a lower edge of the upper part (110) to an upper edge of the lower part (112) together on the back side of the medical apron (100) and attaches a second tie (136) to the back side of the medical apron (100), wherein the second tie (136) is coupled between the cover reinforcement (120) and the lower part (112).

2. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that: at least one part of the upper part (112) overlaps at least partially and is attached to the lower front side along the front side of the medical apron (100).

3. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first fastening (134) is defined by a cut (170) in the first back flap (130).

4. Medical apron (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the cut (170) in the first back flap (130) is offset from a lower edge (174) of the lower part (112).

5. Medical apron (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the cut (170) in the first back flap (130) is offset from the cover reinforcement (120).

6. Medical apron (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the cut (170) comprises a crushing cut.

7. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the cover reinforcement (120) is positioned through the upper part (110) and the first and second back flaps (130, 132) of the lower part (112) along the back side of the medical apron (100).

8. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the covering reinforcement (120) is attached to the lower edge (114) of the upper part (110) and to the upper edge (172) of the lower part (112) corresponding to the first back flap (130) and the second back flap (132).

9. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that: the second lacing (136) is attached between the cover reinforcement (120) and the first back flap (130); and the second lacing (136) is additionally attached to the lower part near a lower edge (174) of the lower part.

10. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper part (110) includes a weakened part (160) that extends downward from the neck opening (152) at the top (110) along the back side of the medical apron (100).

11. Medical apron (100), according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the weakened part (152) includes a V-shaped part (162) extending downward from the neck opening (152) and Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, page 25 / 47 3 / 3 a straight part (164) extending downward from the V-shaped part (162).

12. Medical apron (100), according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the cover reinforcement (120) includes a weakened part (122) aligned with the weakened part (160) of the upper part.

13. Medical apron (100), according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the weakened part (160) is defined by perforations comprising a plurality of slits (166) separated alternately by a plurality of material bridges (168).

14. Medical apron (100), according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that each of the plurality of slits (166) includes a slit length of about 2.28 cm (0.9 inch); and each of the plurality of material bridges (168) includes a bridge length of about 0.5 cm (0.2 inch).

15. Medical apron (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper part (110) comprises a single piece of material folded in half along an upper fold line to define the arms. Petition 870260057789, dated 06 / 15 / 2026, p. 26 / 47

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