Gown with Integrated Mask to Prevent the Spread of Disease While Allowing Access to the Head and Hair

Abstract

A protective garment with an integrated mask or face shield allowing for protection from bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens while allowing access to a wearer's head and hair for medical or grooming activities. The protective garment provides enhanced protection from the transmission of disease while engaging in these activities. The protective garment may include masks for face shields that are replaceable or interchangeable, and also includes a type of face shield or mask that does not require any headband, ties, or other obstructions around the back of the wearer's head.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A protective garment comprising:
 a cape having a collar;   a neck flange in communication with said collar of said cape; and   a facial covering in communication with said neck flange;   wherein said neck flange is disposed between said collar of said cape and said facial covering.   
     
     
         2 . The protective garment of  claim 1 , wherein said facial covering comprises a mask; and
 further comprising an attachment mechanism in communication with said mask, wherein said attachment mechanism is configured to engage a wearer.   
     
     
         3 . The protective garment of  claim 2 , wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of at least one ear loop or at least one tie strap. 
     
     
         4 . The protective garment of  claim 2 , wherein said mask is removably affixed to said neck flange. 
     
     
         5 . The protective garment of  claim 1 , wherein said facial covering comprises a face shield and a headband;
 wherein said headband is in communication with said face shield and configured to engage a wearer.   
     
     
         6 . The protective garment of  claim 5 , wherein said face shield is removably affixed to said neck flange. 
     
     
         7 . The protective garment of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a first side of said face shield and a second side of said face shield, wherein said first side of said face shield is disposed opposite said second side of said face shield;   a first side panel in communication with a first side of said face shield and a second side panel in communication with said second side of said face shield;   a crown in communication with said face shield; and   a rear panel in communication with said headband;   wherein said first side panel, said second side panel, and said neck flange define an opening in said protective garment and said face shield is disposed within said opening.   
     
     
         8 . The protective garment of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a frame comprising a first side, a second side, and a frame slot; and   a first side panel and a second side panel;   wherein said first side panel engages said first side of said frame, said second side panel engages said second side of said frame, said frame is in communication with said neck flange, and said face shield may removably engage said frame through said frame slot.   
     
     
         9 . A protective garment comprising:
 a gown comprising a collar and at least one sleeve;   a neck flange in communication with said collar of said gown; and   a facial covering in communication with said neck flange;   wherein said neck flange is disposed between said collar of said gown and said facial covering.   
     
     
         10 . The protective garment of  claim 9 , wherein said facial covering comprises a mask; and
 further comprising an attachment mechanism in communication with said mask, wherein said attachment mechanism is configured to engage a wearer.   
     
     
         11 . The protective garment of  claim 10 , wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of at least one ear loop or at least one tie strap. 
     
     
         12 . The protective garment of  claim 10 , wherein said mask is removably affixed to said neck flange. 
     
     
         13 . The protective garment of  claim 9 , wherein said facial covering comprises a face shield and a headband;
 wherein said headband is in communication with said face shield and configured to engage a wearer.   
     
     
         14 . The protective garment of  claim 13 , wherein said face shield is removably affixed to said neck flange. 
     
     
         15 . The protective garment of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a first side of said face shield and a second side of said face shield, wherein said first side of said face shield is disposed opposite said second side of said face shield;   a first side panel in communication with a first side of said face shield and a second side panel in communication with said second side of said face shield;   a crown in communication with said face shield; and   a rear panel in communication with said headband;   wherein said first side panel, said second side panel, and said neck flange define an opening in said protective garment and said face shield is disposed within said opening.   
     
     
         16 . The protective garment of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a frame comprising a first side, a second side, and a frame slot; and   a first side panel and a second side panel;   wherein said first side panel engages said first side of said frame, said second side panel engages said second side of said frame, said frame is in communication with said neck flange, and said face shield may removably engage said frame through said frame slot.   
     
     
         17 . A protective garment comprising:
 a body comprising a collar;   a first side panel and a second side panel; and   a face shield comprising a first extension and a second extension;   wherein said first side panel and said second side engage a first side of said face shield and a second side of said face shield, wherein said first side of said face shield is opposed to said second side of said face shield; and   wherein said first extension of said face shield and said second extension of said face shield are configured to extend over and down a wearer's shoulder and between a chair and the wearer's shoulder.   
     
     
         18 . The protective garment of  claim 17 , wherein said body comprises a cape. 
     
     
         19 . The protective garment of  claim 17 , wherein said body comprises a gown, and wherein said gown comprises at least one sleeve. 
     
     
         20 . The protective garment of  claim 17 , wherein said face shield is in removable communication with said protective garment.