Advanced Surgical Gown Design for High-Risk Environments
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical gown patent addressed the need for efficient instrument storage and access during surgery. However, the limitations of the original design became apparent in specialized environments where additional security, durability, or adaptability are crucial. The new invention adapts the original design to cater to these specific needs, providing a more comprehensive solution for surgeons and medical professionals operating in challenging environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original surgical gown design, providing a non-obvious solution for specialized environments. The incorporation of tamper-evident seals, water-resistant coatings, pressure-resistant materials, and portable sterilization units constitutes a significant departure from the original patent, demonstrating a clear inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include gowns with adjustable or removable tamper-evident seals, integrated communication systems for real-time feedback during disaster relief operations, or adaptive materials that respond to changes in temperature or humidity. Variations could also include gowns designed for specific medical specialties, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The specialized surgical gowns have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The gowns can be marketed to hospitals, medical research institutions, government agencies, and private companies operating in challenging environments. The potential market includes high-security facilities, temporary or mobile medical facilities, and remote or isolated areas where access to medical care is limited.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A41 | A41D13/0012 |
| A | A41 | A41D13/1209 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical protective clothing design, specifically surgical gown engineering with a focus on instrument storage and ergonomic functionality
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical textile engineer or medical equipment designer with expertise in protective garment design, familiar with surgical workflow requirements and material science principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that extending the source patent's surgical gown design to specialized environments represents predictable variations using known engineering techniques. The fundamental gown structure remains consistent, with added functional modifications that address specific operational contexts. These variations represent standard design adaptations within medical protective equipment engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,002 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical gowns |
| Assignee(s) | Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research |