Stress Relieving Dental Garment

Abstract

This patent application describes a weighted, easily sanitized, pediatric dental garment that both shields children from biological fluids and helps them remain still during dental procedures. The garment is shaped like a traditional dental apron. Multiple layers comprise the garment; the outermost layers are made from vinyl or some other easily sanitized material. These layers are quilted into a plurality of cells. Each cell holds weighted disks or beads, which simulate a calming embrace. The garment also features a strap, straps, or pockets across the back, which the patient may hold and pull with varying degrees of force during the dental procedure to provide a stress outlet. These features help the patient to remain still and calm during the dental procedure.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A protective apron, comprising
 a front layer and a back layer, wherein the front layer and back layer are notched or scooped at one end,   one or more straps attached at or below a midpoint of the back layer.   
     
     
         2 . The protective apron of  claim 1 , wherein
 two loops for hanging are attached to the top of the garment, one on either side of the notch.   
     
     
         3 . The protective apron of  claim 1 , wherein
 two straps are positioned on the back layer on either side of its horizontal midpoint, at or below its vertical midpoint.   
     
     
         4 . The protective apron of  claim 1 , wherein
 a weighted material is disposed between the front layer and the back layer.   
     
     
         5 . The protective apron of  claim 1 , wherein
 the weighted material comprises a plurality of cells of weighted material distributed substantially throughout the apron.   
     
     
         6 . The protective apron of  claim 1 , wherein
 the front and back layers are antimicrobial.   
     
     
         7 . A protective apron, comprising
 a front layer and a back layer, wherein the front layer and back layer are notched or scooped at one end,   one or more pockets disposed at or below a midpoint of the back layer and   a weighted material disposed between the front layer and the back layer.   
     
     
         8 . The protective apron of  claim 7  wherein
 two loops for hanging are attached to the top of the garment, one on either side of the notch. 
 
     
     
         9 . The protective apron of  claim 7 , wherein
 two or more pockets are positioned on the back layer on either side of its horizontal midpoint, at or below its vertical midpoint.   
     
     
         10 . The protective apron of  claim 7 , wherein
 the weighted material comprises a plurality of cells of weighted material distributed substantially throughout the apron.   
     
     
         11 . The protective apron of  claim 7 , wherein
 the front and back layers are antimicrobial.   
     
     
         12 . A protective apron, comprising
 a front layer and a back layer, wherein the front layer and back layer are notched or scooped at one end,   one or more of a strap or pocket disposed at or below a midpoint of the back layer; and   a weighted material disposed between the front layer and the back layer.   
     
     
         13 . The protective apron of  claim 12 , wherein
 two loops for hanging are attached to the top of the garment, one on either side of the notch.   
     
     
         14 . The protective apron of  claim 12 , wherein
 a combination of two or more straps and/or pockets are positioned on the back layer on either side of its horizontal midpoint, at or below its vertical midpoint.   
     
     
         15 . The protective apron of  claim 12 , wherein
 the weighted material comprises a plurality of cells of weighted material distributed substantially throughout the apron.   
     
     
         16 . The protective apron of  claim 12 , wherein
 the front and back layers are antimicrobial.