Gown with sterile back closure

Claim 1

A back opening gown comprising: a body portion having sleeves attached thereto; said body portion having a front portion and a back portion; said back portion having a first panel and a second panel; said front portion and said back portion together defining a neck opening; said first panel having a flap running lengthwise of the gown; a protective belt cover on said front panel and extending around the side of said gown to said second panel; a first belt tie attached at one end to the surface of said flap which is exposed when said flap is folded back over said first panel; a belt of sufficient length to extend through said belt cover and having exposed end portions at both the forward and rearward ends of said belt cover; means for securing the rearward end of said belt and the free end of said first belt tie together; a second belt tie secured at one end to said gown and of sufficient length to secure the free end thereof to the forward exposed end of said belt; said belt, said first belt tie, said second belt tie and said protective belt cover so constructed and arranged that, upon closure of said gown, the previously exposed rearward end of said belt and said first belt tie are completely covered by said protective belt cover or said flap; and said gown adapted to be secured by the wearer in a closed position with a sterile back without assistance.