Medical Access Garment with Extended Two-Way Zippers

Abstract

An adaptive medical access garment comprising a torso portion configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's upper body and two sleeve portions extending from the torso portion. Each sleeve portion includes an extended two-way zipper extending continuously from a distal end of the sleeve to the torso portion, terminating proximate to the wearer's clavicle or chest. The garment is constructed from hypoallergenic, breathable fabric to ensure patient comfort and minimize skin irritation risk. The extended two-way zippers enable medical professionals to access the wearer's arms and upper body without requiring garment removal. The garment may further comprise thumb holes at the sleeve distal ends, pockets for holding medical devices, and side slits on the torso portion for accessing the wearer's sides. The invention encompasses a method for providing the adaptive medical garment.

Description

BACKGROUNDField of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to adaptive garments for medical patients, and more specifically, to a garment designed to provide comfortable and convenient access to a patient's arms and upper body during medical treatments.Description of Prior Art

[0002] Patients undergoing medical treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy often require frequent access to their arms and upper body. This can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for the patient, as it typically requires removing or significantly adjusting their clothing. Existing garments designed for medical patients, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,389 B1, provide openings or zippers to allow access to specific areas of the body. However, these garments do not provide full access to the arms and upper body, particularly the upper chest and clavicle areas, which are often necessary access points for certain medical treatments.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,389 B1 discloses an upper garment for dialysis patients with recloseable openings positioned at specific locations, such as the upper right front quadrant of the garment or along the front vertical centerline. While these openings provide access to certain areas of the body, they do not extend along the full length of the sleeves or to the upper chest and clavicle areas. Additionally, the garment is described as being made of a soft, insulating fabric, but there is no mention of the fabric being hypoallergenic or breathable, which are important considerations for medical patients with sensitive skin or prone to overheating.

[0004] There is a need for a garment that provides a more comprehensive and convenient solution for patients requiring frequent medical access to their arms and upper body. Such a garment should allow for easy access to the entire arm, from wrist to upper arm, as well as the upper chest and clavicle areas, without requiring removal of the garment. The garment should also prioritize patient comfort by using hypoallergenic and breathable fabrics. By addressing these needs, the garment can improve the overall experience and well-being of patients undergoing regular medical treatments.

[0005] The present invention aims to address these limitations by providing a garment with extended two-way zippers along each sleeve, allowing for customizable access to the entire arm and upper body without needing to remove the garment. The garment is also made of hypoallergenic and breathable fabric to ensure patient comfort. These features distinguish the present invention from the prior art and provide a significant improvement in functionality and patient experience.SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0007] The present invention relates to an adaptive medical access garment designed to provide convenient and comfortable access to a patient's arms and upper body during medical treatments. The garment comprises a torso portion configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's upper body and two sleeve portions extending from the torso portion. Each sleeve portion includes an extended two-way zipper that extends continuously from the distal end of the sleeve to the torso portion, terminating near the wearer's clavicle or chest.

[0008] A key feature of the garment is the use of hypoallergenic, breathable fabric, which ensures patient comfort and minimizes the risk of skin irritation. The extended two-way zippers enable medical professionals to access the patient's arms and upper body without requiring removal of the garment, thereby enhancing patient comfort and accessibility during medical procedures.

[0009] The zipper crosses over the arm seam (to the chest) so that the user can access anywhere from the wrist to the shoulder.

[0010] The garment may be in the form of a hoodie, sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt, or wearable blanket. Additional features may include thumb holes at the distal ends of the sleeves to secure the garment in place, pockets for holding medical devices, and side slits on the torso portion for access to the wearer's sides. The zippers may be made of plastic to ensure compatibility with medical imaging equipment and can be operated by the wearer using a single hand

[0011] The invention also encompasses a method for providing an adaptive medical garment that involves constructing the garment with the aforementioned features. The garment is particularly suitable for patients undergoing dialysis, chemotherapy, or post-surgical care.

[0012] In summary, the present invention provides a novel solution for patients requiring frequent medical access to their arms and upper body by offering a garment with extended two-way zippers and hypoallergenic, breathable fabric. This combination of features distinguishes the invention from prior art garments and significantly improves patient comfort and accessibility during medical treatments

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of an adaptive medical access garment in the form of a sweater hoodie according to the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 presents a back view of adaptive medical access garment.

[0017] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of a person wearing adaptive medical access garment with both sleeve portions extended.

[0018] FIG. 4 offers a back view of the person wearing adaptive medical access garment, with both sleeve portions extended.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a flow diagram for the use of adaptive medical access garment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0021] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and / or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.

[0022] Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

[0023] The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the present invention (especially in the context of certain claims) are construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0024] All systems described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0026] The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,”“might”, or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of an adaptive medical access garment 10 in the form of a sweater hoodie according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, garment 10 comprises a torso portion 12 configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's upper body. Two sleeve portions 14, 16 extend from said torso portion 12, each configured to receive an arm of the wearer. Sleeve portion 14 is shown in an extended position to reveal extended two-way zipper 18. Said extended two-way zipper 18 extends continuously from distal end 20 of sleeve portion 14 to near the center of the torso portion 12, terminating at a point 22 proximate to at least one of the wearer's clavicle and chest. Sleeve portion 16 is depicted hanging loosely with its corresponding extended two-way zipper 18 in a closed configuration.

[0028] Distal ends 20 of sleeve portions 14, 16 may further include thumb holes 26 configured to secure said sleeves in place on the wearer's arms. Thumb holes 26 are configured to prevent sleeve portions 14, 16 from riding up the wearer's arms, thereby maintaining the desired positioning of garment 10.

[0029] In one embodiment, torso portion 12 may further comprise pocket 28 configured to hold a medical device, such as an insulin pump or a heart monitor. Pocket 28 provides a convenient storage location for essential medical equipment, thereby keeping it readily accessible while the wearer is donning garment 10.

[0030] FIG. 2 presents a back view of adaptive medical access garment 10. As depicted in FIG. 2, garment 10 appears as a regular hoodie with torso portion 12 covering the wearer's back. Sleeve portions 14, 16 are both shown hanging loosely. The extended two-way zippers 18 are not visible from the back view.

[0031] In another embodiment, garment 10 is comprised of a hypoallergenic, breathable fabric, which may include a blend of cotton and polyester materials. This fabric composition ensures wearer comfort while minimizing potential irritation or allergic reactions.

[0032] According to an embodiment, extended two-way zippers 18 are constructed from a plastic material to enable compatibility with medical imaging equipment. The plastic composition ensures that said zippers 18 will not interfere with x-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging techniques.

[0033] To facilitate additional access points for medical treatment without necessitating removal of garment 10, torso portion 12 may incorporate slits on side regions of the garment. Slits (not shown) are configured to enable medical personnel to access the wearer's sides for procedures such as inserting tubes, attaching monitors, or administering injections.

[0034] Optionally, garment 10 may be color-coded to indicate its size, thereby aiding in rapid identification and selection of the appropriate garment for each wearer. This color-coding system streamlines the process of distributing and donning garment 10 in medical settings.

[0035] In one embodiment, extended two-way zippers 18 are configured to be operable by the wearer using a single hand. As such, this feature allows the wearer to independently adjust or remove garment 10 without assistance, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and ease of use.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of a person wearing adaptive medical access garment 10 with both sleeve portions 14, 16 extended. As illustrated in FIG. 3, extended two-way zippers 18 are clearly visible on both sleeve portions 14, 16, extending from distal ends 20 up to points 22 on torso portion 12.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, a frontal view of a person wearing adaptive medical access garment 10 with both sleeve portions 14, 16 extended is shown. In this view, extended two-way zippers 18 are clearly visible on both sleeve portions 14, 16, extending from distal ends 20 up to points 22 on torso portion 12. The zippers 18 are shown in an unzipped configuration, allowing sleeve portions 14, 16 to be folded back and exposing the wearer's arms. This configuration demonstrates the accessibility features of garment 10, enabling medical personnel to easily access the wearer's arms for procedures such as inserting IV lines, drawing blood, or administering injections without needing to remove the entire garment.

[0038] On the wearer's left arm, a catheter is inserted into the vein. A healthcare professional's hand is holding an IV line, which is being inserted into said catheter. This showcases the practical application of adaptive medical access garment 10 in a clinical setting, demonstrating how the garment facilitates IV line insertion and management without requiring the removal of the entire garment.

[0039] FIG. 4 offers a back view of the person wearing adaptive medical access garment 10, with both sleeve portions 14, 16 extended. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the garment appears with the torso portion 12 covering the wearer's back. The extended two-way zippers 18 are not visible from this angle, as they are disposed on the front side of sleeve portions 14, 16.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a flow diagram for the use of adaptive medical access garment 10. The process begins with the user selecting the appropriate size and style of garment 10, such as a hoodie, sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt, or wearable blanket, and putting it on as they would a regular shirt or sweatshirt, thereby ensuring a comfortable fit (Step 1).

[0041] Before undergoing medical treatment, the user informs the medical staff that they are wearing adaptive medical access garment 10 and identifies the area(s) on their arm or upper body that will need to be accessed during the treatment (Step 2).

[0042] To provide access to the required area, the user or medical staff locates extended two-way zipper 18 on sleeve portion 14 or 16 corresponding to the arm requiring medical access. Said extended two-way zipper 18 is unzipped from distal end 20 of sleeve portion 14 or 16 up to the point needed for treatment, which may extend to torso portion 12 proximate to the upper chest or clavicle area at point 22 (Step 3). Zipper 18 can be further adjusted to create an opening large enough for the medical staff to comfortably access the treatment area.

[0043] During the medical treatment, the medical staff performs the necessary procedures through the opened zipper area (Step 4). If required, the zipper opening can be adjusted to accommodate access to different areas of the arm or upper body.

[0044] Once the treatment is complete, the user or medical staff zips sleeve portion 14 or 16 back up to its original position using extended two-way zipper 18 and adjusts garment 10 for comfort and proper coverage (Step 5).

[0045] For subsequent treatments or if access is needed on the other arm, steps 3-5 can be repeated as necessary (Step 6).

[0046] After the medical treatment or when garment 10 needs cleaning, the user removes it as they would a regular shirt or sweatshirt (Step 7a). According to an embodiment, garment 10 is constructed from a hypoallergenic, breathable fabric, which allows for easy cleaning and maintenance following the care instructions provided with the garment (Step 7b).

[0047] In some embodiments, the adaptive medical access garment 10 may also include additional features, such as pocket 28 positioned on torso portion 12 configured to hold a medical device, fasteners disposed at distal ends 20 of each sleeve portion 14, 16 for adjusting the fit around the wearer's wrist, and visual indicators disposed proximate to extended two-way zippers 18 to guide medical professionals in accessing specific areas of the wearer's arm or upper body.

[0048] The integration of extended two-way zippers 18 in adaptive medical access garment 10 enables easy access to the wearer's arms and upper body for various medical treatments, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or post-surgical care, without requiring removal of the garment.

[0049] The embodiments described herein are given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The respective elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, or the like of the embodiment are not limited to the illustrated examples but may be appropriately changed. Further, the constituents described in the embodiment may be partially replaced or combined together.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0021]The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and / or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the de...

BACKGROUNDField of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to adaptive garments for medical patients, and more specifically, to a garment designed to provide comfortable and convenient access to a patient's arms and upper body during medical treatments.Description of Prior Art

[0002] Patients undergoing medical treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy often require frequent access to their arms and upper body. This can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for the patient, as it typically requires removing or significantly adjusting their clothing. Existing garments designed for medical patients, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,389 B1, provide openings or zippers to allow access to specific areas of the body. However, these garments do not provide full access to the arms and upper body, particularly the upper chest and clavicle areas, which are often necessary access points for certain medical treatments.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,389 B1 discloses an upper garment for dialysis patients with recloseable openings positioned at specific locations, such as the upper right front quadrant of the garment or along the front vertical centerline. While these openings provide access to certain areas of the body, they do not extend along the full length of the sleeves or to the upper chest and clavicle areas. Additionally, the garment is described as being made of a soft, insulating fabric, but there is no mention of the fabric being hypoallergenic or breathable, which are important considerations for medical patients with sensitive skin or prone to overheating.

[0004] There is a need for a garment that provides a more comprehensive and convenient solution for patients requiring frequent medical access to their arms and upper body. Such a garment should allow for easy access to the entire arm, from wrist to upper arm, as well as the upper chest and clavicle areas, without requiring removal of the garment. The garment should also prioritize patient comfort by using hypoallergenic and breathable fabrics. By addressing these needs, the garment can improve the overall experience and well-being of patients undergoing regular medical treatments.

[0005] The present invention aims to address these limitations by providing a garment with extended two-way zippers along each sleeve, allowing for customizable access to the entire arm and upper body without needing to remove the garment. The garment is also made of hypoallergenic and breathable fabric to ensure patient comfort. These features distinguish the present invention from the prior art and provide a significant improvement in functionality and patient experience.SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0007] The present invention relates to an adaptive medical access garment designed to provide convenient and comfortable access to a patient's arms and upper body during medical treatments. The garment comprises a torso portion configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's upper body and two sleeve portions extending from the torso portion. Each sleeve portion includes an extended two-way zipper that extends continuously from the distal end of the sleeve to the torso portion, terminating near the wearer's clavicle or chest.

[0008] A key feature of the garment is the use of hypoallergenic, breathable fabric, which ensures patient comfort and minimizes the risk of skin irritation. The extended two-way zippers enable medical professionals to access the patient's arms and upper body without requiring removal of the garment, thereby enhancing patient comfort and accessibility during medical procedures.

[0009] The zipper crosses over the arm seam (to the chest) so that the user can access anywhere from the wrist to the shoulder.

[0010] The garment may be in the form of a hoodie, sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt, or wearable blanket. Additional features may include thumb holes at the distal ends of the sleeves to secure the garment in place, pockets for holding medical devices, and side slits on the torso portion for access to the wearer's sides. The zippers may be made of plastic to ensure compatibility with medical imaging equipment and can be operated by the wearer using a single hand

[0011] The invention also encompasses a method for providing an adaptive medical garment that involves constructing the garment with the aforementioned features. The garment is particularly suitable for patients undergoing dialysis, chemotherapy, or post-surgical care.

[0012] In summary, the present invention provides a novel solution for patients requiring frequent medical access to their arms and upper body by offering a garment with extended two-way zippers and hypoallergenic, breathable fabric. This combination of features distinguishes the invention from prior art garments and significantly improves patient comfort and accessibility during medical treatments

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of an adaptive medical access garment in the form of a sweater hoodie according to the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 presents a back view of adaptive medical access garment.

[0017] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of a person wearing adaptive medical access garment with both sleeve portions extended.

[0018] FIG. 4 offers a back view of the person wearing adaptive medical access garment, with both sleeve portions extended.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a flow diagram for the use of adaptive medical access garment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0021] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and / or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.

[0022] Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

[0023] The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the present invention (especially in the context of certain claims) are construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0024] All systems described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0026] The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,”“might”, or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of an adaptive medical access garment 10 in the form of a sweater hoodie according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, garment 10 comprises a torso portion 12 configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's upper body. Two sleeve portions 14, 16 extend from said torso portion 12, each configured to receive an arm of the wearer. Sleeve portion 14 is shown in an extended position to reveal extended two-way zipper 18. Said extended two-way zipper 18 extends continuously from distal end 20 of sleeve portion 14 to near the center of the torso portion 12, terminating at a point 22 proximate to at least one of the wearer's clavicle and chest. Sleeve portion 16 is depicted hanging loosely with its corresponding extended two-way zipper 18 in a closed configuration.

[0028] Distal ends 20 of sleeve portions 14, 16 may further include thumb holes 26 configured to secure said sleeves in place on the wearer's arms. Thumb holes 26 are configured to prevent sleeve portions 14, 16 from riding up the wearer's arms, thereby maintaining the desired positioning of garment 10.

[0029] In one embodiment, torso portion 12 may further comprise pocket 28 configured to hold a medical device, such as an insulin pump or a heart monitor. Pocket 28 provides a convenient storage location for essential medical equipment, thereby keeping it readily accessible while the wearer is donning garment 10.

[0030] FIG. 2 presents a back view of adaptive medical access garment 10. As depicted in FIG. 2, garment 10 appears as a regular hoodie with torso portion 12 covering the wearer's back. Sleeve portions 14, 16 are both shown hanging loosely. The extended two-way zippers 18 are not visible from the back view.

[0031] In another embodiment, garment 10 is comprised of a hypoallergenic, breathable fabric, which may include a blend of cotton and polyester materials. This fabric composition ensures wearer comfort while minimizing potential irritation or allergic reactions.

[0032] According to an embodiment, extended two-way zippers 18 are constructed from a plastic material to enable compatibility with medical imaging equipment. The plastic composition ensures that said zippers 18 will not interfere with x-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging techniques.

[0033] To facilitate additional access points for medical treatment without necessitating removal of garment 10, torso portion 12 may incorporate slits on side regions of the garment. Slits (not shown) are configured to enable medical personnel to access the wearer's sides for procedures such as inserting tubes, attaching monitors, or administering injections.

[0034] Optionally, garment 10 may be color-coded to indicate its size, thereby aiding in rapid identification and selection of the appropriate garment for each wearer. This color-coding system streamlines the process of distributing and donning garment 10 in medical settings.

[0035] In one embodiment, extended two-way zippers 18 are configured to be operable by the wearer using a single hand. As such, this feature allows the wearer to independently adjust or remove garment 10 without assistance, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and ease of use.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a frontal view of a person wearing adaptive medical access garment 10 with both sleeve portions 14, 16 extended. As illustrated in FIG. 3, extended two-way zippers 18 are clearly visible on both sleeve portions 14, 16, extending from distal ends 20 up to points 22 on torso portion 12.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, a frontal view of a person wearing adaptive medical access garment 10 with both sleeve portions 14, 16 extended is shown. In this view, extended two-way zippers 18 are clearly visible on both sleeve portions 14, 16, extending from distal ends 20 up to points 22 on torso portion 12. The zippers 18 are shown in an unzipped configuration, allowing sleeve portions 14, 16 to be folded back and exposing the wearer's arms. This configuration demonstrates the accessibility features of garment 10, enabling medical personnel to easily access the wearer's arms for procedures such as inserting IV lines, drawing blood, or administering injections without needing to remove the entire garment.

[0038] On the wearer's left arm, a catheter is inserted into the vein. A healthcare professional's hand is holding an IV line, which is being inserted into said catheter. This showcases the practical application of adaptive medical access garment 10 in a clinical setting, demonstrating how the garment facilitates IV line insertion and management without requiring the removal of the entire garment.

[0039] FIG. 4 offers a back view of the person wearing adaptive medical access garment 10, with both sleeve portions 14, 16 extended. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the garment appears with the torso portion 12 covering the wearer's back. The extended two-way zippers 18 are not visible from this angle, as they are disposed on the front side of sleeve portions 14, 16.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a flow diagram for the use of adaptive medical access garment 10. The process begins with the user selecting the appropriate size and style of garment 10, such as a hoodie, sweatshirt, long sleeve shirt, or wearable blanket, and putting it on as they would a regular shirt or sweatshirt, thereby ensuring a comfortable fit (Step 1).

[0041] Before undergoing medical treatment, the user informs the medical staff that they are wearing adaptive medical access garment 10 and identifies the area(s) on their arm or upper body that will need to be accessed during the treatment (Step 2).

[0042] To provide access to the required area, the user or medical staff locates extended two-way zipper 18 on sleeve portion 14 or 16 corresponding to the arm requiring medical access. Said extended two-way zipper 18 is unzipped from distal end 20 of sleeve portion 14 or 16 up to the point needed for treatment, which may extend to torso portion 12 proximate to the upper chest or clavicle area at point 22 (Step 3). Zipper 18 can be further adjusted to create an opening large enough for the medical staff to comfortably access the treatment area.

[0043] During the medical treatment, the medical staff performs the necessary procedures through the opened zipper area (Step 4). If required, the zipper opening can be adjusted to accommodate access to different areas of the arm or upper body.

[0044] Once the treatment is complete, the user or medical staff zips sleeve portion 14 or 16 back up to its original position using extended two-way zipper 18 and adjusts garment 10 for comfort and proper coverage (Step 5).

[0045] For subsequent treatments or if access is needed on the other arm, steps 3-5 can be repeated as necessary (Step 6).

[0046] After the medical treatment or when garment 10 needs cleaning, the user removes it as they would a regular shirt or sweatshirt (Step 7a). According to an embodiment, garment 10 is constructed from a hypoallergenic, breathable fabric, which allows for easy cleaning and maintenance following the care instructions provided with the garment (Step 7b).

[0047] In some embodiments, the adaptive medical access garment 10 may also include additional features, such as pocket 28 positioned on torso portion 12 configured to hold a medical device, fasteners disposed at distal ends 20 of each sleeve portion 14, 16 for adjusting the fit around the wearer's wrist, and visual indicators disposed proximate to extended two-way zippers 18 to guide medical professionals in accessing specific areas of the wearer's arm or upper body.

[0048] The integration of extended two-way zippers 18 in adaptive medical access garment 10 enables easy access to the wearer's arms and upper body for various medical treatments, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or post-surgical care, without requiring removal of the garment.

[0049] The embodiments described herein are given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The respective elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, or the like of the embodiment are not limited to the illustrated examples but may be appropriately changed. Further, the constituents described in the embodiment may be partially replaced or combined together.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0021]The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and / or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the de...

Claims

1. An adaptive medical access garment comprising:a torso portion configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's upper body, the torso portion including a zipper along a central vertical axis;two sleeve portions extending from the torso portion, each sleeve portion configured to receive an arm of the wearer and comprising an extended two-way zipper, wherein the extended two-way zipper extends continuously from a distal end of the sleeve portion to the torso portion, terminating on the upper chest proximate to the wearer's clavicle, on either side of the central torso zipper; and the garment comprised of a fabric;wherein the two-way zippers extend from the wrist, across the armhole seam where the sleeve joins the torso, and terminate on the upper chest proximate to the wearer's clavicle, enabling targeted access to the forearm, upper arm including the upper biceps, and upper chest for medical treatment without exposing the shoulders;whereby the extended two-way zippers enable access to the wearer's arms and upper body for medical treatment without requiring removal of the garment.

2. (canceled)3. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of: a hoodie, a sweatshirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a wearable blanket.

4. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, polyester, spandex, or blends thereof, and is configured to be breathable and well-tolerated by patients during clinical use.

5. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, further comprising thumb holes at the distal ends of the sleeve portions to secure the sleeves in place on the wearer's arms.

6. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, wherein the extended two-way zippers are made of a plastic material to enable compatibility with medical imaging equipment.

7. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, further comprising a pocket configured to hold a medical device, the pocket positioned on the torso portion.

8. (canceled)9. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is color-coded to indicate size.

10. The adaptive medical access garment of claim 1, wherein the extended two-way zippers are configured to be operable by the wearer using a single hand.

11. A method for providing an adaptive medical garment for enhancing accessibility during medical treatment, the method comprising:providing a garment having a torso portion for covering at least a portion of a wearer's upper body and two sleeve portions extending from the torso portion, wherein each sleeve portion is configured to receive an arm of the wearer and wherein the torso portion contains a zipper down the center;integrating an extended two-way zipper into each sleeve portion of the garment, the extended two-way zipper extending continuously from a distal end of the sleeve portion to the torso portion and terminating proximate to at least one of the wearer's clavicle and chest; andconstructing the garment from a hypoallergenic, breathable fabric;wherein two way-zippers on each arm that extend from the wrist across the armhole seam where the sleeve joins the torso terminate on the upper chest just below the clavicle on both sides adjacent to the zipper down the center of the torso portion to enable targeted access to the forearm, upper arm including upper biceps, and upper chest for treatment without exposing the shoulders;whereby integrating the extended two-way zippers enables access to the wearer's arms and upper body for medical treatment without requiring removal of the garment, thus enhancing patient comfort and accessibility during medical procedures.

12. (canceled)13. The method of claim 11, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of: a hoodie, a sweatshirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a wearable blanket.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the garment further comprises a comprising a pocket configured to hold a medical device, the pocket positioned on the torso portion.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the hypoallergenic, breathable fabric is selected from the group consisting of: cotton, bamboo, and moisture-wicking synthetic materials.

16. (canceled)17. (canceled)18. The method of claim 11, wherein the extended two-way zipper is configured to be operable by the wearer using a single hand.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the garment is configured to be worn by a patient during a medical procedure selected from the group consisting of: dialysis treatment, chemotherapy treatment, and post-surgical care.

20. (canceled)

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