한국과 미국의 의료복 특허 동향 분석

Abstract

This study analyzes medical clothing trends and provides future directions for research. Based on 38 patents in Korea and 221 patents in the USA, the contents of patents were analyzed by year, subject, clothing type, and specific content. The results are as follows. The number of patent applications in Korea and the USA was found to be increasing. The distribution by subject was in the order of patient clothing, medical personnel clothing, and materials for medical clothing. Clothing of various types such as upper garment, bottoms, pajamas, gowns, and jump-suits were observed in patient clothing comparatively. However, gowns occupied a higher portion in medical personnel clothing. Patents in the USA related to patient clothing included patient clothing that provided examination convenience, monitoring patient clothing, patient clothing revising appearance, and patient clothing that assisted in movement. Korean patents related to patient clothing include functional patient clothing, patient clothing providing examination convenience, clothing for Alzheimer patients, and monitoring patient clothing. Many of the patents related to medical personnel clothing were about surgery gowns and mainly concerned with developments related to devices that allows putting on gowns while maintaining a sterile state and functionality to prevent liquid permeation. Regarding materials for medical clothing, there were many applications on breathability and liquid impermeable materials.